Coyote's Classic Cars
I first saw an Austin Healey BN1 in 1953. Salivated like a dog wishing for bacon. I’d recently graduated from high school and could not afford a Healey. I’d been into hot rods and drag racing my ’34 Ford five window coupe. The lines of that BN1 changed my mind about what an automobile should look like. Hooked.
After college, I drove a delivery truck to earn enough to go to grad school. During a route, as I passed La Jolla British Cars, a white roadster on the showroom floor—parked between two Jags—sent me back for a closer look. It was an Old English White 1958 MGA. Not a Healey, but I had enough bucks in the bank. Drove it home that afternoon. I didn’t go to grad school that year.
Dad took one look. “What’s that?”
“A MGA.”
He scratched his head and frowned. “It only has two seats.”
“Pretty nice, huh?”
“You’re nuts.” he said. “You could-a bought a Chevy.” End of conversation.
I sold the MGA in ‘61 to pay off college expenses. Mistake. However, I did have a job and bought a '61 3000 Mk II BN7 two-seater the next year—same OEW with a red interior. Sold it in 1965. It was a fine driver with the sound you all know and love. Bought and sold my next set of wheels—a '66 MGB—in just a two years. Okay, but not what I wanted.
November 29, 2001, I bought a beautiful Iris Blue ’60 MGA. Won’t part with it. Kept looking ‘cause I swore I’d find a BN1—and did—May 21, 2003. Had an excellent frame and body even though there was some engine work to do. Did it. I've installed a Denis Welch aluminum head, and a Smitty 5 speed modification. The project included a Mike Lempert 3:54 ring and pinion into a 3000 rear end. I made a new fiberglass transmission tunnel and insulated the entire firewall and floors. I've installed an alternator, a Pretronix ignition, and changed from positive to negative ground. All positive changes.
HEALY RENDEZVOUS 2009
There must be a gene in my DNA that insists I make the necessary plans, pack necessary stuff, get in my fifty-five year old Austin Healey and drive hundreds of miles at night to attend an annual Rendezvous. I did it again this year. Universe willing, I’ll probably do it again next year. I’m not complaining. I’m confessing a pleasure not achieved by just going to club meetings, most car shows or rallies. I’m addicted to driving adventures.
I know that some of you understand; that you share the same addiction. It’s not so bad. At rendezvous, we get to see friends that we haven’t seen for a year, or longer, and to make friends that become friends for life. We do all the rest of the things people enjoy – talk – tell stories – share pleasures and losses – eat, drink and be merry. We brag, exaggerate (not lie) and revel in our enjoyment of driving Austin Healeys – and drive them, we do. This year was no exception.
This isn’t going to be a travel log – you don’t need to know where I stopped for gas or grub, or where I rested for thirty minutes after driving five hours in the dark. 9:00AM, tired but satisfied, I arrived at my destination, Rendezvous 2009, Jackson Rancheria Resort, high in the rolling oak studded sun-kissed golden hills of California. The heart of gold rush country.
The Golden Gate Austin Healey Club, our host, did a winning job of planning and putting on one of the “funnest” rendezvous, ever. We had it all: the casino – camaraderie – wine tasting – drives and tours through some of California’s most historic small towns, their names, covered with the sweat and dust of those who built them – Jackson – Columbia – Sutter Creek – Angel’s Camp, and that spectacular car show at Ironstone Winery in Murphy, California. Someone else can fill you in on tech sessions, awards dinner, and other daily events, but it’s car show images that linger behind my eyelids. If memory serves, there were about 70 Healeys and about twice than many folks. The weather was kind to our bones, the air and water clean, and roads seemed designed for our cars. How could we not enjoy ourselves? I’m still smiling.
Words can’t put you in the seat of a Healey, or take you down those roads, through those curves, can’t put the melodic sounds of a Healey exhaust, or the song of tires kissing blacktop in your ears. Words can’t take the place of the taste of your favorite foods or satisfy your thirst. Words don’t take the place of smiles and knowing glances when you and friends share libations and a meal. You gotta be there. I was.
My drive back was as spectacular as any drive could be, returning home on Highway 1 down the Pacific coast from Marin County, over the Golden Gate Bridge, cobalt waters to my right and California foothills and mountains to my left – a drive that remains a state of mind. If you haven’t driven the Pacific coast between Santa Monica and Oregon, well, words won’t do. Make plans - get in your Healey - and see for yourself why I’m in love with driving adventures like these.
Okay, folks - see you somewhere on the roads of life.
And before you leave the site check-out the new MGA Gallery 3!
If readers want complete Rendezvous 2009 details, click The Golden Gate Healey Club link: www.goldengatehealeys.com. Once at the home page, click "Newsletter" and go to the July issue.
NOTE: There are four new Power Point Shows in the Events section - photos of Healeys and people who attended Conclave 2008. Because I couldn't be everywhere at once, I missed taking photos of everyone. Have a look. You and your Healey might be in one or more of the shows. Let me know if you'd like to have a large .jpg (free) of your picture if you see one. Hope there is at least one of you there.
Now, on to new events, new adventures and new journeys.
David Coyote
Austin Healey Club of San Diego
Austin Healey Club of America
San Diego MG Club
NAMGAR
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