Good work Dr S, - I could hear the strains of Land Of Hope & Glory while reading that, and a tear worked it's way down my cheek.

I still think you're better off on the mtb though, with a couple of black bags, rabbit traps and rough cider.

H

I've been reading this with eyebrows a bit higher than they should be really.

I've never really got the Landy thing, I mean I can see the classic lines, the history, character, and all that, but it's just the thought of driving them! I used to drive one as part of my job in the mid/late seventies, almost only off road, and it was from dawn to dusk, and it's left an indelible memory, not to mention unusual lumps.

I'm not sure where to start, but the noise is as good as anywhere. The gearbox sounded like a 2cwt mosquito banking in heavy air preparing for a straffing run, while our fillings were vibrating the engine banged, thumped and roared and was prone to some sort of mechanical Tourettes that had us reaching for earplugs or machetes, depending on what we'd been drinking the night before. If the driver even appeared to look like he was considering changing to low ratio, any passengers on board would immediately bail out, showing no regard to current speed, terrain or personal safety. One mechanical problem that was common, and easily capable of breaking thumbs, was that with no warning the steering wheel would develop the shakes of such violence and frequency that you had to let go of it for fear of injury. The Steering Tremors we called it, and weekly visits to Charlie the mechanic never ever fixed it properly.

And there was the floor (probably easily fixed I know), but going through water at any speed sent columns of water spurting up through rivet holes and then up your trouser legs, nostrils and anything else, - a bit like those pavement fountains you see in town centres these days. Windscreen wipers and washers were useless (although I can appreciate the charm here...). One of the worst driving experiences I've ever had was driving one of these bastards up the M20/M26, I would have gladly sold my soul to get out of it if I could have. I don't seem to remember any seat adjustment at all either, so whether the driver was a midget or a naturally talented basketball protege, they had to make do.

Ok, it was a while ago, and there was no such thing as classic status, maybe I'd experience something different if I was to give one a go now, but I can't help thinking if one pulled up outside for me, it would be a Pavlovs Dogs scenario and apart from the barking and whimpering I'd be having a go at climbing out the toilet window sharpish.

C'mon now GF, you can't stereotype a whole nation like that! I mean, that Ritre Hayworth was gorgeous.

H

Well, to be honest that's life, we inevitably move on from the intimate early days. A once charming and open smile becomes a snarling grimace.

And that bottomless black void begins to tug at your very soul. We're all shuffling to that precipitous edge above the blackest pit of hopelessness.

Merry Christmas

H

I think I'm correct in saying that I've never had a Kiwis undercarriage in my garage.

I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not.

H

Oldtimer, it's about time you slung yer 'ook and f*cked right off out of it.
It's posts like these that make my blood boil and my piles change colour (although I'll admit this is difficult to confirm). Do you take us all for complete morons, f*ckwits and Estate Agents?

Jesus H #@**^* ~~@b'## %$**s*@ Christ!

RIP Janice.

I never met her, but she was an integral part of the whole experience for our bunch. My first visit to LM was 1986, and when RLM apeared on the scene it was a revelation. Those early years were the golden years of RLM I reckon, and I still associate RLM with her voice, always cheery and positive. We used to have a great laugh trying to spot her in the old pits from our seats on the concrete ledge above the cars. You'll be missed Janice.

He did very well in the Tour De France in the early 40s.

Then his crack team went from Time Trials to War Trials, and it all fell apart. Those b*stards were all on drugs too if you ask me.

H

Can we hear a bit more about the drunken sailors?

H

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj_F9yRpx_M

I know, it's cruel to laugh...

H

RIP Deb.

I'm so very sorry to hear that Ian. She was a good 'un, and I'll raise a glass to her tonight.
My thoughts will be with you. Take care of yourself, and when it gets tough, remember and celebrate the good times.

H

Ian, my thoughts are with you and Deb, nothing can make these times easy, but I wish you strength.

Cor Blimey Mr T, it's not been a smooth ride! Pass on my best wishes to Deb, and I hope she's feeling better soon.
H

Hi Toby,

I've stayed in the Hotel du Commerce many times, it's directly opposite the main train station, so easy enough to find. There's onsite parking for about 4 or 5 cars, and a multi storey about 200m away. The tram system runs outside the station so it's handy to jump on if you want to take a tram ride to the circuit. It's cheap and cheerful.

H