It’s easy these days to get caught up in modern advancements regarding vehicles, no matter what year your car was made. If your pursuit is that last mile per hour, fraction of a second lower trap time and extra smidge of power, this is probably a just cause. If the car is a classic that you can use for pleasure cruises however, the pursuit of modern technology may or may not be the right move. These are the thoughts that flooded my mind at the same time I took in old-car sensory overload, from the passenger seat. The car was definitely a work in progress, the soft top whistled like it was fox calling the exact sports car it was on. The car would pulsate and surge as it moved forward, a result of the British-made inline six not having warmed up yet. The triple carburetors having a manual choke didn’t help any either.
The smell of gasoline was unavoidable and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. As far as safety is concerned, a collision with another vehicle could easily result in both the driver’s and my own life being forfeit. The worn but still beautiful British sports car was made in 1962 and this particular one did not even have seat belts to strap you into the weathered black leather bucket seats. Did that matter to me? Hard to say, I was having way too much fun enjoying the car and talking to the elderly veteran who has owned this Series 1 E Type ragtop for over forty years. Finding out that he had traded a ’32 full-fender Ford for it because the original owner didn’t enjoy it, baffled me. I can’t imagine how much regret that guy must have if he is still alive today.
This E Type was a 20 footer, up close you quickly notice the cracked and faded gold paint, as well as the tattered fabric covering the convertible roof frame. Every touch of the car was as if it was made of glass. It’s not every day you get to ride in and inspect a six-figure classic. Getting to lift the massive yet ridiculously light weight one piece bonnet to see the work of art beneath it was something special. Learning about some of the modifications required to run the engine on unleaded was a story in itself. It’s amazing that Jaguar used the XK6 engine from 1949 to 1992, in various displacements.
The whole experience reminded me that sometimes the imperfections and inefficiencies are what makes the car so special. It gives it character and a soul. The lithe automobile seduces you like a chloroform soaked rag with the aroma of petrol and the wind whispers sweet nothings in your ear while you listen to the boisterous roar of the engine going bbbbbrrraaaahhhh-rrrhhhiiinn-bbbrraaahh! Sometimes the crude old-school way, is the most romantic way. Like an old world war two fighter playing with the clouds, free of all worry or care in the world. For a short moment in time, I was blissfully intoxicated by an old and classy British lady. One moment that I shall never forget.
The few pics I do have, are on my phone and I didn't ask if I can share them so out of respect for the owner I won't be.
