Dating: Put Into Perspective By An Old British Roadster...

"J. Drew Silvers" (drewcoustic)
02/06/2014 at 11:03 • Filed to: Dating, Car Culture

When I was twenty-three years old and in my first "stable" career I set out to buy my first luxury car. What happened to the car I was driving prior to that point can be read !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! in the somewhat infamous Explorer lawsuit article I put out about a month ago.

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The car I had set my mind on as my first big car purchase was a six-speed Infiniti G35 sedan and I spent months tracking down and test driving them to find my ideal car. While cruising Craigslist during this time, I kept running across an ad for a car I wasn't initially interested in, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to see it. This car was nowhere near the cost of the G35, nor was it even in the same class or produced within the same decade. My curiosity became so strong that I gave the owner a call and set out to meet him at his house. The next day, I spent the down payment money for my Infiniti on this:

My 1979 MGB, the night I brought it home.

Why?

Because I am apparently an idiot - or that's what everyone in my automotive circle told me.

As soon as I started driving that car around, people began paying more attention to me and those who weren't well versed in car culture often asked what sort of car it was. The attention from the car community mostly concerned people saying how they are garbage, leak oil, rust like a tin can, are unreliable, and have a tendency to spontaneously catch fire.

Wiring?

Oh yeah, Lucas wiring...

Lots of it...

Also, in complete honesty and full disclosure, the car did catch fire randomly... Three separate and unrelated times...

Just look at it though.

When everything was working properly and I wasn't having to take bits of the poor girl apart to maintain her, she was a stunning little nugget of machinery.

The thing is, people often asked me back then and still do to this day if I would recommend they purchase one of these British-Leyland beauties and I have come up with what I feel is an accurate representation of how a person can come to a solid answer.

Dating.

Everyone knows or has known someone who has a dating life which makes you ask yourself certain questions about their decision making abilities. Most of these friends are great people who have their lives together overall, but miss the mark when choosing their mates and you just don't understand it. I have seen really intelligent friends date men and women which I could tell were a bad match upon even our initial encounter. My brain hurts when I see one of my peers who is on a good track and solid direction start taking interest in someone who is a woman/manchild, on a separate level of motivation in life, carries excessive baggage, or simply gives you and the rest of your peers a bad vibe.

I think we are are all guilty of everything I mentioned above at some point, myself included. A few years ago, I dated a woman for some months who couldn't hold down a job, talked as if she had ambition but didn't, and stayed stoned fairly often around me even though I won't touch the stuff.

See?

The writing was on the wall with that one and I still fell into the trap. What does this have to do with owning an old, British car?

I'll explain.

Most people like to get in a car, turn the key, and know that the majority of the time it will start right away and all you have to do is take it in for an oil change every now and then. Your daily life works much more easily and everything stays on schedule just as it should, but you won't get this with an old British car because they can be temperamental and moody.

-Just like most people would rather date someone dependable who isn't always late, too drunk, or otherwise too unstable to see on a regular basis.

Most people would rather use their enclosed garage as the area they walk through when getting into or leaving their car and that is the end of it. These same people probably don't own a set of Feeler Gauges or know how to adjust a mechanical valve train. Old British cars require tools and are not for you.

-Just like most people would rather be comfortable in the environment they share with someone and not have it be a constant battle of having to continually tweak their relationship to make it work properly.

Most people aren't really into the person they are dating calling them things like "flavor of the week", "Mr. Right Now", "My bitch", or insert anything else fairly offensive whether said in public or private (these people are absolute scum, by the way). Old British cars make very strange, often aggravating, and ever-changing noises, and as such are not for you.

-Just like most people would rather be called by their name and not subjected to things which make them cringe or feel as if they have done something improperly to deserve it.

Unlike the world was a few decades ago, most people don't like smoking of any variety because of the odor and health hazards. Old British cars smell, they just do, and if you don't like strange smells, they are not for you.

-Just like most people have an issue with kissing an ashtray and not wanting their partner's residual smoke to stick in the fabric of their clothes.

Some people have fond memories of a person they knew from years before and this sometimes skews their perception of what sort of person they are looking at and forming a relationship with in the present. If you romanticize expectations of someone being ideal for you because of who you knew in the past, old British cars are not for you.

-Just like we sometimes place someone's personality at a particular place in time and always think of them that way, even if they are nothing like their former self, old British print ads make cars look exciting and unique; but this comes at a price of either getting familiar with how to fix their constant little issues and sometimes driving yourself crazy. This usually results in pawning the responsibility of the required operations upon someone else.

Does this make sense now, or have I reached too far outward with my comparisons?

The thing is, I loved my little MGB which I took a chance with and purchased on a whim. I also knew going into this experience that there were many horror stories floating around from people who had made the same decision as me in the past. Often times, going into a situation where you know drama exists and having some sort of amazingly romanticized expectation of the results can put us at a loss for our original intentions.

Sometimes we end up buying the problems which were created by others whether it be the manufacturer (family), wear and tear (past relationships), or the roads traveled (personal experiences). Everything we do is somewhat of a calculated risk and if you ever have to question whether or not you should take the plunge into anything at any level of commitment, it is probably best to limit your personal involvement in said situation.

Are we still talking about cars? Sort of, because you can apply my idea either way. Just know that if you go into something having to ask too many questions about the situation, are afraid to show your experience to your immediate circle, or are wondering if your perceptions are skewed by your own mind, take a step back and look in as an outsider before making a decision.

Sometimes situations serve their purpose, but be mindful that attachment also usually requires letting go at some point.

I sold my MGB in 2010.

If I ever have another one, it will be exactly what I want and something I will never willingly let go.

I feel the same way about women.

Grace and Peace,

-Drew

DISCUSSION (28)

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > J. Drew Silvers
02/06/2014 at 11:13

As someone in a love/hate relationship with an old german sedan -

Kinja'd!!!

Racescort666 > J. Drew Silvers
02/06/2014 at 11:16

Oddly, I feel the same way about oddball project cars as well as relationships. It's the "well, I may as well try it out" sort of attitude. Great learning experience if nothing else.

JasonStern911 > J. Drew Silvers
02/06/2014 at 11:45

my Grandpa tried to restore a Triumph Spitfire once as a partial trade for a boat he sold. Of all of the things I remember from that swap, my favorite was a quote from my dad. "One year, the Isle of LeMans gave away a Triumph Spitfire to the winner of the race. Do you know what they gave the person who came in last place? Two Triumph Spitfires."

Beautiful cars, and there really isn't anything wrong with them that cannot be fixed with a low horsepower engine swap (22RE? 4AGE?)...

J. Drew Silvers > JasonStern911
02/06/2014 at 12:58

Yep. Agreed. A wiring harness swap does wonders as well. The engine in mine was solid and never gave me an issue itself. The problems were with everything bolted or wired to the block, and you can only push those so far anyway.

stuttgartobsessed > J. Drew Silvers
02/06/2014 at 15:41

This is fantastic. A very accurate description of my relationship with my Alfa Spider, which I should be seeing again today or tomorrow after two months of separation! When its working I'm in love and want to do nothing but drive it. When it wont start I'll settle with sitting in it or looking at it. Which is great unless I have to be somewhere. Like work. If I actually were dating, which I'm not, I'd be way more focused on my one true love: The Alfa.

J. Drew Silvers > stuttgartobsessed
02/06/2014 at 16:14

Mmm. Alfa. That's on my list of "will own" cars. Any Alfa.

stuttgartobsessed > J. Drew Silvers
02/06/2014 at 16:47

As it should be! I just recommend having at least one other car as well. Because something is bound to break when you need to be somewhere... but they are a blast.

J. Drew Silvers > stuttgartobsessed
02/06/2014 at 16:54

Right on level with my MGB. During that time I had a daily driver and a motorcycle. Yet I drove the MG mostly, even in the snow.

stuttgartobsessed > J. Drew Silvers
02/06/2014 at 17:02

All I have is the Alfa... thinking about getting a DD soon. But I'd still drive it mostly and I really want to drive it in the snow just as a "Fuck You" to all the rational people but I don't wanna get all that salt on the chassis and have the car rust away under me. Also, it doesn't really snow here.

J. Drew Silvers > stuttgartobsessed
02/06/2014 at 17:05

I live a little north of Atlanta, so it only snows once every few years (like two weeks ago), but when it snowed about 3" in 2010, the little booger did incredibly well. We don't salt here anyway. Gravel and sand.

stuttgartobsessed > J. Drew Silvers
02/06/2014 at 17:09

Thats nice. I'm by Seattle so when it does snow everyone stops thinking and runs around screaming and then the roads get sprayed with Mag Chloride even though it only snowed 1/4 in and is going to melt by noon and then not snow for another month. And when it does "snow" a month later you can barely tell because all it is is little flurries of hard rain. However if the snow does stick around for more than 1/2 day everything turns to death ice. And then morons in a Prius with bald summer tires will run into you because why wouldn't they and then your sports car is ruined.

J. Drew Silvers > stuttgartobsessed
02/06/2014 at 17:47

That's funny. Two of my friends moved down here from Bellevue recently and we were talking about pretty much the same thing when they stopped by my shop today.

JasonStern911 > J. Drew Silvers
02/06/2014 at 23:32

Makes sense. One thing that still scares me about working on an older car like a Porsche 914 is the fact that the wiring harnesses are now 40 years old and thus incredibly brittle. And if one little wire breaks, well, that's a huge project to track down and pain to replace.

J. Drew Silvers > JasonStern911
02/06/2014 at 23:51

That's the problem I had. Dry-rotted wire casings. Lucas wiring isn't known for quality or durability in any light, but if the loom has been taken off the harness in most places, run or be prepared to rebuild/replace. Otherwise tracking down shorts and ground straps will keep you awake at night. But that car wasn't my daily, so it could be down for days until properly fixed.

Svend > J. Drew Silvers
02/12/2014 at 15:21

So true. Older cars, British or otherwise, need care and attention. They've been around a long time and came from an era very different to now and what people expect or perceive of a car. Through different owners they evolve sometimes good and sometimes bad and its a bit of a lottery even with research into its history can throw up a few surprises. If you want to get from A to B with the least fuss, get a modern eco box but if you want to be more involved with the inner woekings of the car on a weekly or even daily basis and can handle the odd banged head, grazed nuckle and calloused hands then a classic car is for you. They take on a more than just a car role after a while and become intergrated into the family like a pet or a new born child.

One day you'll find that car again and your heart will once again rule over your head. Thanks for looking after her and I hope the new caretaker is looking after her just as well for the next person.

J. Drew Silvers > Svend
02/12/2014 at 17:18

Thanks for the comment. I sold it to a guy who retired because of cancer and wanted something to tinker with since he wasn't working anymore. About a year ago, I saw someone else driving it around, so I assume he either passed away or gave up on it. I probably won't ever know for sure, but I hope he enjoyed it, whatever the circumstance.

Svend > J. Drew Silvers
02/12/2014 at 17:46

The guy you sold it to I hope is still kicking about somewhere, just on a new project but if he has left this mortal coil I hope he's happier for having the company of the MG before he passed and thank you for allowing him that.

Paullubbock > J. Drew Silvers
02/13/2014 at 10:06

I notice yours has the LE wheels, not stock on a non LE. I have an 80 LE, I bought that is pretty clean and oddly, doesn't leak, doesn't smell and when it rains the wipers work and I don't get wet inside. All things I was told would be an issue. Maybe I'm just lucky that way but it is temperamental.

aw_man > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
02/13/2014 at 10:10

Oh yes. Sold mine years ago, but damn I know THAT feels.

J. Drew Silvers > Paullubbock
02/13/2014 at 10:26

Yeah, I don't think they were originals either; most likely reproduction. The guy I bought it from restored BL cars and mine was his knock around car. The engine had been replaced as well at some point.

Josh Roesler > J. Drew Silvers
02/13/2014 at 10:26

I completely understand everything in your article. I'm 21 and my parents let me by my '79 MGB when I was 17(not the smartest decision I have ever made). It was a great deal and a heck of a lot cheaper than anything else I was looking at though. Since then I have done all of the work myself and it has been my favorite thing to drive ever since. My only regret will be when/if the time comes to sell it and pass it on to another unknowing car lover. Thank you for this awesome article!

J. Drew Silvers > Josh Roesler
02/13/2014 at 10:28

Thanks! Hang onto it for a while if you've put that much into it. If you sell your first car you may always want it back. Well, since it is something you've invested so much into.

Dormobile > J. Drew Silvers
02/13/2014 at 10:55

After I had lived with mine for a few years, I finally figured out if I followed the recommended maintenance in the manual to a T, it was absolutely reliable. Maintenance intensive, requiring the better part of a Saturday once every 3 months, but reliable. I still can't believe when I drove from Virginia to Arizona to start a new job I could fit all my belongings inside it. Being 22 and broke helps.

MINI STIG > J. Drew Silvers
02/13/2014 at 11:22

Any old car is a commitment. An old British car is just a bigger one. My wife and I still have very fond memories of her 73 MGB. Sure we yelled at it from time to time and a couple of times it tried to leave her stranded but it always needed just a simple quick fix so it could be driven back home for a proper repair. We later sold it out of need not desire and never fell out of love with it. I see it tooling around once in a while and get upset that the person we sold it to is not caring for it like we did and I have to remind myself that it is not our car anymore.

Computerbudda > J. Drew Silvers
02/13/2014 at 11:28

In college I had an MGA (which I wish I had today) and not learning my lesson, later bought a 73 MGB (chrome bumpers). Swear to god, opening line in manual, "every morning walk around the car and note any oil puddles". Good advice. Nothing ever rusts in the engine compartment because it's always well oiled. Car almost always started in the garage, often not on the return trip. sigh

Josh Roesler > J. Drew Silvers
02/13/2014 at 12:16

Thanks for the advice, and I don't think that it will be going anytime soon. There's just something about replacing a belt on the shoulder of a busy highway because your air pump seized up that just makes you love the car more. As you described the looks and questions you once got, I just sat and nodded my head in agreement. As I said before, probably one of the worst decisions I've ever made (especially for a first car), but the happiest I have ever been. Thanks again!

DIYautoFTW > J. Drew Silvers
02/14/2014 at 12:10

As an ex-owner of a 69' Midget I agree with all of your points. Just starting it or driving to the store involves some drama. Wondering if its steam or smoke coming from under the hood or just reflections in the glass. Thinking about if you'd be able to walk or catch a ride home from your destination in case the car temporarily turns on you. But when everything is working, there is no other feeling.

J. Drew Silvers > DIYautoFTW
02/14/2014 at 12:35

Bingo, my friend. Haha