My first car recollection is being whisked down to Clacton, must have been three or four years old. Chauffeured by a distant relative. We didn't own a car ourselves and all our journeys were by bus or train, so this was very exciting. I can't tell you what the car that I made my first, remembered, journey in was but I know it was black, had a V bonnet with engine covers that hinged upwards - possibly an Austin 8?
My Grandfather had a Herald. He did ALL the work on that car himself and I spent whole summer holidays in awe whilst he pottered, swore and coaxed the engine to run smoothly, spending most of his time with the distributor and emery cloth to hand.
Our first family transport was a Mini. URE 307 C. Green, two doors - which were opened with string - tilt front seats that were not located in any fashion when down. My brother and I used to spend the hours being driven to North Wales kneeling on the back seat, looking out of the rear window and driving my mother mad playing with the hinge out rear windows - seatbelts / child-seats / radio / air-bags / anti-lock brakes NONE, just basic transport.
The Mini and all cars of that ilk and era were accessible. Teenagers could work on the things, discover how they functioned and, through trial and error, get to grips with spanners and oil to make them go, and stop!
The Mini had sensors. A speedometer and, more importantly, a temperature gauge.
Motoring today is far more comfortable. Safer. Insulated.
Technology, regulations and necessity ensure a better world for all, I'm sure, but I miss "the old days".
My daughter will want a car next year. I'll ensure it is the safest, most reliable, vehicle we can afford. It will have airbags and safety cells, crumple zones and will be fantastically economical. She'll be taught to check fluids, tyres and her mirror - told to keep the MP3 player off as she negotiates town traffic and to concentrate at all times. The car will tell her if it's running out of fuel or if one of the light-bulbs has failed. It won't let her drive without a fastened seatbelt. I know I'll be happier in the knowledge that she will be driving a computer controlled box, but I'd always opt for the carburettor and distributor controlled ignition for me - given the choice. It doesn't always work but it's more fun!
