For those of you with dirty minds, you're going to be disappointed! In this instance, "adult toys" refers to classic cars and motorcycles!
The previous post outlined the circumstances of my mountain bike accident and surgery to repair a broken femur. A number of people were involved with my rescue, several of whom I hadn't previously met. I was able to track them down, thank them personally and give them each a gift for Christmas. As with any small community, (population ~1600), news spreads fast so I've had to endure plenty of mickey-taking since the accident every time we go into the village. Jennie has received nothing but commiserations for putting up with me but I have a plan in place to show appreciation for her not stabbing me to death during rehab.
Rehab has gone well but it's been painful and slow. Use of crutches stopped a couple of weeks ago and exercises including pedalling a static bike continue to build leg strength and flexibility. It will be a while yet before I'm back on the mountain bike, even simple road riding. Confidence has taken a bit of a knock as the time draws closer but we'll get there. I'm also somewhat anaemic from the surgery but iron-rich food should help in that respect.
Sincerest thanks for your notes of support, comments on the last blog post and also Facebook. It genuinely means a lot when you're fighting what feels like an uphill battle in terms of recuperation.
The opportunity to do anything interesting has been a bit limited. Driving our modern vehicles has been ok but actually getting into our MGB GT has been impossible until recently. Even now, some minor contortions are required. It so happened that the Coromandel Classic Car Club held its annual car show last weekend for bikes and cars of all shapes and sizes so it was into the MG to see what was on display. Perfect weather, good food, a ukulele band and line dancing demonstrations to complete the country atmosphere; plus a stunning array of vehicles. Here are some of the photos I took, with some narrative where appropriate.
If I remember correctly, the registration sticker said a 1934 F series Morgan 3 wheeler. It's powered by a side valve Ford engine of either 8 or 10 hp. The vehicle on the background is a 1933 Essex Terraplane.
A modern "classic" this time - a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. It clearly has a European design influence compared with earlier Thunderbirds but in my humble opinion, looks a bit bland. Apparently had a reputation for transferring road vibrations throughout the car.
The rear end of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird, complete with streamlined headrests. All the excesses we've come to expect from a convertible of that era.
The next 3 photos are of my favourite car at the show, despite all the wonderful exotic hardware on display. It's a 1950's Borgward Isabella manufactured in Germany. One of our UK neighbours had one for years. What makes it my favourite is that it's a genuine recent barn find from the Auckland region. The paint is original but time and UV has reduced it to an odd brown-pink colour. There's the slightest dusting of rust in a few places but no serious rusting or rot at all. I hope that it's left "as-is" because that's what attracts attention.
This is a 1942 Chevrolet Fleetline with an in-line 6 cylinder motor. Production was deferred in 1942 because of WW2.
The BMW Owner's Club brought 15 classic BMW's along. They were from the days when you could actually tell them apart and they still look great.
This 1955 Cadillac looks like something out of Toy Story! The finish was nigh-on perfect.
A motorcycle for a change. A Czechoslovakian Jawa CZ owned by a local resident. Pretty sure that it's a 175cc twin from the late 50's or early 60's. I was given one and got it going but never registered it for road use.
A couple of British 650's. This particular BSA Lightning was from the early 70's when the British motorcycle industry was in decline. Designed with American market styling, it was a decent bike but didn't have the good looks of the earlier A65 Lightning and sales were poor. The Triumph Bonneville was what captured the public imagination in the early days and held a number of world land speed records (hence the name). This model is probably from 1965.
A V8-powered hot rod which started off as a Ford Prefect with an 1172cc side valve engine!
A modern "classic" - a 1990 Nissan (C33?) Laurel. It looks to be drift car inspired with lots of goodies under the bonnet including a big turbo. Compliments to the person who engineered it and it was so clean that you could conduct surgery in the engine bay.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Hello! I love to hear your feedback as it often leads to other things. However, if your comments are blatant advertising, then they won't get published.