At each stop a conversation similar to this occurred: "Yes it is an MGA. It is a '57. We are going to the Oregon Coast, later changed to we have been to the Oregon Coast and are returning to Lincoln, Nebraska. Yes, they are great cars. A number of people did sell theirs, and we almost sold this one when the kids were smaller, but luckily we did hold on to it. No, we have not had any major problems. Yes we do drive them frequently. I don't know, what leftover parts do you have, and how much do you want for them?"

While on the trip we learned a few lessons. Spare fuel filters are a good idea. A spare generator might be OK as well, as are spare ignition parts. Take an extra coil THAT HAS BEEN TESTED before you leave. Do not leave the extra distributor cap on the workbench.

The mountains are more spectacular when they are viewed from an open car. The coastal highway is best viewed from an open car. The people in the western half of the United States are still friendly and trusting, almost beyond belief. It is good, occasionally, to ride with someone else in their car and for their partner to ride with your partner in your car; cabin fever can occur in an open MG after 1500 miles. Unless the difficulty is really major, Red Green is right. You can fix most anything with a little wire and the handy man's friend-duct tape!

The voyage, on the whole, was good. All involved would travel together again, although we did need a break between excursions. In fact we may endeavor to trek together again next summer. Talk is of going east. We may well be dining on crab cakes in Maryland next summer.

A week after our return the club had scheduled a show at the Strategic Air Command Museum that was followed by a short tour to an ice cream parlour in Springfield, NE. A combination of terrible heat and humidity, uncooperative schedules and LBCs in need of repair conspired to keep the attendance low, but those able to attend reported extreme enjoyment. Thanks again, Jerry and Nancy Needham, for organizing the event.

In early August, some of our number drove west on a tour with the Motor Patrol. Save for some rain at the beginning, a traditional part of the Motor Patrol's August activity, the weather was beautiful. The voyagers breakfasted at the Kochs in Milford and then drove to Cozad, where they established a "home base". From there they drove to North Platte, where they toured the Bailey Yard (rail yard of the Union Pacific), and Buffalo Bill Cody's Scouts Rest Ranch and Museum. Additionally, there were tours along the south side of the Platte River. We are told that the excursion maintained the tradition of 20 miles per gallon and 50 miles per meal, all of which were reported to be quite good.

Labor Day weekend means the Kansas City All British, and a good party at the Marriott. The drive down was memorable for the very heavy rains. We, who drive LBCs, expect a bit of moisture when we drive, but many of us were enduring demonstrations of Bernoulli's principle not previously experienced by man.

Shaw's Garage | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |Archives
©1999 FWAHC & MLCDesign/TechnoMOM