Classic car mechanic’s weekly motoring – Progress

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

We’ve lived through incredible technological transformation in our lifetimes. I remember as a young child in the 70’s gawping in utter amazement at ‘Pong’, the ‘TV Game’ that my Mum and Dad’s friend bought round one day. From that second forth I was hooked. Playing an actual game….? on the telly… ? where you control the telly..?! It was like magic.

Not long after, my parents decided to invest in a home computer. These things had been around for only a couple of years and in 1981, they plumped for a mail order delivery of a Sinclair ZX81. Again, like magic, it hooked up to the TV. I quickly grasped some of the very basics of BASIC (the programming language for the home enthusiast) and before you knew it, I could print a scrolling word on the TV, to infinity and beyond.

Then I got bored. The thing ran out of memory very quickly indeed.

The ZX81 came with 1KB of memory as standard. To give this some perspective, the average digital photo (compressed into a JPEG format) would need around 5000 ZX81s to display it. I’ve just had a peek at my phone and I can see that I’ve now around 2,000 photos on there (must do some tidying). Things have most certainly moved on.

It’s so easy to get used to the world as it slowly evolves around us all. But just take a moment to consider 2 elements from technology;

1. Computer processing speed – this is c.1,230 times faster than in 1981. If my walking speed had improved by the same factor I’d be strolling along at 4,305mph

2. Computer memory – this is between 8-16 million times bigger than back then

Not only that, but as Moore’s law suggests, things are going to keep on improving and our current processing speed will be double what it is in 2 years.

Technology of course has seeped into the world of cars and motorcycles. The primary drive remains the combustion engine (although we are all too aware of developments here) but the supporting systems and manufacturing processes have long been getting better and better, more refined and complicated.

The impact has been cars that are also better and better (measurably) with each generation. Safer, faster, but also, bigger, more costly to repair. And here’s the thing. When McLaren released their first truly modern production car (F1 aside), the MP4-12C, it was measurable superior in every single dimension compared to its natural competition, the Ferrari 458 Italia. But….but…. it was too good. Too perfect. Road-testers of the time bemoaned the lack of engagement and in particular, the sound of the engine. That’s why today, the McLaren is about half the cost of the Ferrari.

I drive around in a modern Audi, which is to all intents and purposes, perfect. But what I’m really excited about is the classic Jag that Eric, myself and another chum bought at auction.

It’s 37 years old, it does likely 15mpg, it’s left fuel tank leaks which means it does 0mpg whilst just standing still, the radio doesn’t work, there’s a coupla grands worth of jobs needed….but…..but…. it’s a 60’s design refreshed by Pininfarina and it looks sensational. It rides beautifully. It was big at the time, but it looks just perfect today. Sure, it needs love and care to bring it back to its best and it’s waaaaaaay less than perfect in every conceivable way, but….. I just love it. And the journey to bring it back to its best is going to be an enjoyable one. Our newest tech, Jim, has already been on to the petrol tank issue, and the remaining jobs will be scheduled shortly. The Jag won’t be going anywhere at 4,305mph any day soon, but its life is in safe hands with the techs, who’ll be giving it love shortly.

The future is great, but let’s not lose sight of some of the glorious past.

And so, onto the workshop photos from this last week or so…

It takes a hulluva paint job to distract from the pink trousers.......

Elementary my dear Shrimp Eye.....

We've always been big fans of Bristols. This one is fitted with the rare factory option of 'Retractible near-side wheel'....Sam has retracted her near-side foot to help with photo composition and framing

I literally have no idea...... (does this alien look bored to you?)

Near side wheel now extended for landing. Ahhh, the lovely Jag in the background. Ingrid won't take any photos of it directly lest it encourageth Eric and thoust to buy more auction nik-nakery... as if we would....

The alien's looking lively, but the wizard is struggling with his hem line.... at least no one is armed

The beast is back! Eric has renewed the MOT on our shared 2-wheeled monster of madness. You've got to love Japanese engineering. Dry stored for nearly 6 months, no battery charger. Starts immediately on first press.... ready to frighten at will

Spoke too soon. Never ask chef for more salt in the soup. The alien's temerity was ultimately its undoing

This shade of green suits the Austin Healey perfectly. The car is smiling. As is Lewis

White suits the P6 perfectly - as does red, the Jag (sorry Ingrid...didn't notice it loitering there in the background)

Another weekend, another show for Shrimp Eye Justin. MKII Cortina in red simply delicious

Try wheeling this bad-boy round the local multi-story....

Blending in...

Ingrid had a quiet word with the chef and now has a new friend. They've been inseparable since..

Eric in print at last, along with a nice CCM article.

That kinda rounds things up for this week. It's mid-April and I'm hopeful it will stop raining in the next month or so. In the meantime however, get out and about in those classics, there's a lot to be said for the joy of analogue motoring.