Classic car mechanic – Fear and loathing

‘In the corner of the workshop, Olli Ragbin sits watching events unfold before him’

Time marches on and we all get older and (hopefully?) a little wiser. In my youth I used to love a rollercoaster but in recent years they’ve taken an early bath as I’ve grown much more sensitive to heights. I don’t like being more than 4 foot off the ground. Watching mountaineering documentaries (which for some reason I find relaxing) my stomach is flipping.

It is for this reason I can confidently predict that I will never voluntarily leap out of a plane.

I had a long discussion on the subject with Eric this week. Back in the day the gaffer was a military man and leaping out of planes was not an option, it was an instruction. On his first ever jump, the supervising Seargent would dispatch 3 at a time and then watch through binoculars for the safe deployment of his boys chutes. 2 of the 3 troops immediately preceding Eric’s first ever jump deployed quickly. The third didn’t. Serg kept looking, his hand on Eric’s chest whilst in the holding position in the line. ‘Come on, come on’ he muttered to himself…. Eric could see nothing was happening as squaddie 3 hurtled earthbound. After what felt like an eternity, the white secondary chute could be seen, nano-seconds later Eric was shoved into the fresh air with nothing more than a salutary ‘What are you waiting for’ yelled at the back of his fast-fast disappearing head.

How often do any of us put ourselves (as adults) outside of our comfortable zone?

This week young Izzi did exactly that and followed Eric’s footsteps and leapt out of a plane. Ingrid was there to provide gentle encouragement by crying and wailing in the hour-long drive to the airfield. Undeterred, Izzi got into a plane (the sort of plane I wouldn’t even get into, let alone leap out of) and swiftly ascended to 15,000 feet.

Youth… the brazen ‘have a go at anything’ attitude. An oft criticised segment of our society, however caps should be tugged and a gently nod of the head to those who grab life by the lapels and have a go. Well done Izzi. Braver than I, certainly.

The 120mph selfie. Madness

On the car side of things, this week I’ve been scouring the classifieds slowly building up my imaginary garage with imaginary classics I’d imagine I’d like to own, so for this week’s picture run-down, a little bit of an insight into one part of my imagination is mixed in with CCM snaps. (The other part of my imagination is mainly focussed on cold lager and crisps and is particularly active as the weather warms).

Jake is happy with his first win of the season in the Friday morning CCM hide-and-seek comp. A bit obvious but we'll let you have that one

I wish Eric would stop sending me pics of things I don't recognise (pinches bridge of nose betwixt thumb and forefinger). Here we see wires....wires going int a model 'SF4 type' box. This is important, as you'll all appreciate. Our unwitting customer had fitted an 'SF5 type' box. We see this all the time

'Hiding in an MG.... next week I expect to see a little more imagination.... capeesh?'. Go steady on him Duncan, it was his first go

Will Shrimp eye Justin ever tire of the mini? No... no he will not.... another week...another show....more minis

Fantasy garage entrant number 1. Yes, I'll look ridiculous driving this. Yes, Mrs Olli will likely start sentences with friends with a sigh and a 'you'll never guess what he's bought now?'... and yes, I'll bloody love it

This, dear friends, is from an e-Type Jag door handle and yes, tis broken. But we fixed it. It's what we do

This is how Americans do Classics. Wider than Texas, longer than Arizona, 6 brake lights on each side. 'Outta my way' shouteth yank iron (An Oldsmobile Cutlass I think?)

This is how the British do classics. More memorable than Norwich, faster, more exciting than Woking and named after a fire breathing mythical creature.....Behold the Chimera and shudder all thee who fall under its gaze.... 'Scratch that' said the marketing bod at Hillman. 'Let's call it the Imp'. Typical