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It’s frightening how quickly time passes. The fact that my car receives so much attention whenever i take it out these days is testament to that fact and it makes you realise how few Montego’s and Maestros’ are left on our roads and how old they now are. It seems like only yesterday that the Russ Swift advert was being shown on the telly and that Montego’s/Maestros were an everyday sight on our roads.
I recently thought i had a problem with a swarm of bees buzzing around the guttering to the house. It turned out they were bumble bees and i was advised that it wasn't an issue they appeared to be lost as they had been busy around a few houses in the area. Just as that problem seemed to have resolved itself as the expert advised it would a few weeks later i then discovered not one but two wasps nest in my garage which required attention.
The environmental health man called to deal with the issue. As he walked up my drive he saw my car parked outside and all he could say was “Bl***y H*ll man youv'e got a classic car,Bl***y H*ll man you’ve got a classic car”. I replied it wasn't a classic car when i bought it. He said “ I’m sorry to swear but Bl***y H**l you lucky man you’ve got a classic car. It appears he was into classic cars as well. We had a really good chat about cars past and present the NEC classic car show that he had visited. He was very enthusiastic. He dealt with the wasps and we chatted a little more and then asked if he could take some pictures which he did. He commented on how good it was to meet me and how he had enjoyed seeing my car and chatting. He was a nice guy and i thought his comments about the car were pleasing. At least the interesting chat helped ease some of the pain caused by the expense of dealing with the wasps.
At the end of that week i then took my car down to Hampshire/Dorset for 2 weeks and as usual it performed faultlessly. It was good to allow it to stretch its legs and I love driving it. It’s now just moved over to 68,000 miles. I drove the full distance in torrential rain and despite the fact the car was not looking at its best due to the weather it still got lots of interesting looks. Even when parked up at our destination I could still see people walking past, stopping and having a good look at the car. At least for the fortnight we had excellent weather and the car could be properly appreciated in all its splendour.
On the journey home it was rain virtually all the way but the interest didn’t stop coming particularly from White van man and passengers. On the M3 we had our picture taken several times and one guy couldn’t take his eyes of the car. A little further up the road at Bicester services again we got even more attention and this continued as we made our way up North. On stopping to refuel one guy said “how have you managed to keep it on the road” I told him it’s not too bad for a 27 year old car is it. I told him I had owned it for over 24 years and that it was all original and never restored. He said “you have done well. I remember what Montego’s were like they used to rust terribly” I agreed with him. His parting comment was “you have done well to keep it like that and on the road”.
No sooner had we rejoined the road and a few miles later there was a lot of honking of horn and thumbs up from both driver and passenger of a BMW. Moral of the tale not all BMW drivers can be bad if they can appreciate our cars.
I think the time is now coming where our cars are now being recognised even if it’s only down to age and scarcity then it can’t be bad. I also think that slowly the classic car movement are taking notice. I still meet people who have fond memories of their Montego’s /Maestros and who love to tell you their tales. Our cars are now becoming vehicles which are not for the shy or those who want to go unnoticed. Its always nice to see your car being recognised for what it is.
I recently thought i had a problem with a swarm of bees buzzing around the guttering to the house. It turned out they were bumble bees and i was advised that it wasn't an issue they appeared to be lost as they had been busy around a few houses in the area. Just as that problem seemed to have resolved itself as the expert advised it would a few weeks later i then discovered not one but two wasps nest in my garage which required attention.
The environmental health man called to deal with the issue. As he walked up my drive he saw my car parked outside and all he could say was “Bl***y H*ll man youv'e got a classic car,Bl***y H*ll man you’ve got a classic car”. I replied it wasn't a classic car when i bought it. He said “ I’m sorry to swear but Bl***y H**l you lucky man you’ve got a classic car. It appears he was into classic cars as well. We had a really good chat about cars past and present the NEC classic car show that he had visited. He was very enthusiastic. He dealt with the wasps and we chatted a little more and then asked if he could take some pictures which he did. He commented on how good it was to meet me and how he had enjoyed seeing my car and chatting. He was a nice guy and i thought his comments about the car were pleasing. At least the interesting chat helped ease some of the pain caused by the expense of dealing with the wasps.
At the end of that week i then took my car down to Hampshire/Dorset for 2 weeks and as usual it performed faultlessly. It was good to allow it to stretch its legs and I love driving it. It’s now just moved over to 68,000 miles. I drove the full distance in torrential rain and despite the fact the car was not looking at its best due to the weather it still got lots of interesting looks. Even when parked up at our destination I could still see people walking past, stopping and having a good look at the car. At least for the fortnight we had excellent weather and the car could be properly appreciated in all its splendour.
On the journey home it was rain virtually all the way but the interest didn’t stop coming particularly from White van man and passengers. On the M3 we had our picture taken several times and one guy couldn’t take his eyes of the car. A little further up the road at Bicester services again we got even more attention and this continued as we made our way up North. On stopping to refuel one guy said “how have you managed to keep it on the road” I told him it’s not too bad for a 27 year old car is it. I told him I had owned it for over 24 years and that it was all original and never restored. He said “you have done well. I remember what Montego’s were like they used to rust terribly” I agreed with him. His parting comment was “you have done well to keep it like that and on the road”.
No sooner had we rejoined the road and a few miles later there was a lot of honking of horn and thumbs up from both driver and passenger of a BMW. Moral of the tale not all BMW drivers can be bad if they can appreciate our cars.
I think the time is now coming where our cars are now being recognised even if it’s only down to age and scarcity then it can’t be bad. I also think that slowly the classic car movement are taking notice. I still meet people who have fond memories of their Montego’s /Maestros and who love to tell you their tales. Our cars are now becoming vehicles which are not for the shy or those who want to go unnoticed. Its always nice to see your car being recognised for what it is.
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