Was I ahead of my time?

[Robert Engleheart]

Friend in high school had a Morris Minor sedan that he put a built 1275 cc in, quick little rascal.
My camping rig was a ‘53 Ford 3/4 ton with a home built plywood camper, about 24” taller than cab, shelves, lights and padded floor with I/O carpet. Took that all over Oregon on USFS and BLM roads, 2WD but with aggressive pizza cutter tires and low gearing it handled those roads very well.

 

[Robert Engleheart]

In the late 70's I did a bit of traveling. I had graduated from college and worked in retail management. Then went to another job where I got laid off. I interviewed at the Lazy B and was to start working in 3 months. While collecting unemployment I got in my Datsun 2000 and headed East. Only took what would fit in the trunk and on rear luggage rack. Spent 2 months on the backroads of America. Amazing the great people one meets when you take time and smell the hay fields.

I wanted a 2000 so bad, they just ran away from the competition and dead nuts reliable as well. I had a 1966 1600 but those 2000 were special. When I first retired in 2012 I went looking for one, nice, no need ones were going for $15-20K at the time, $25-40+ now. I found a Miata that better fit my needs with more power and modern safety equipment as well. Still like them.

 

[cchinook45]

Guy, as the owner of 2 Morris Minors, 2 Hillman Minx's and an Austin Healey 3000 I have had my share of Lucas electrics. Visiting a friend on a foggy night in Playa del Rey his MG was misfiring in the dampness. We opening the hood and witnessed a light show with dozens of microscopic lightning strikes bathing the interior in blue light. How the hell did the Brits develop something as good as the Supermarine Spitfire?

Good question ! The heaters do not work very well also. In a cold wet country. That Healy 3000 MK 3 was pretty fast.