Cars from the 70's

Me and my most excellent friend were talking this evening about cars that our parents owned when we were growing up in the 70's.

The list of lost names and consequently I suppose, companies that produced these beauties and beasts, was long, hilarious and kind of sad.

Regardless of which country or manufacturer they came from ( and neither of us are expert in this way, by any stretch), we quickly came up with names like the Sunbeam Rapier, Morris Minor, Wolseley Mini (this was not a name as such I don't think, but my Mum had this weird little mini van type thing!), Hillman Imp and Avenger, Austin Maxi, early Ford Escort's.

And then there were the more glamourous ones younger uncles had, like Mustang's and Stag's, and all other manner of manly sounding business.

It cannot be denied, that as much as cars are apparently safer, and definitely plusher, they just don't sound so goddam sexy!

I love my little car; functional, first and foremost, fun in it's own little nippy way, and kind of cute to look at, it's called a SMART. Good on the ear and the 'rep' for these modern, functional times. But sexy? I guess sexy and smart, but not HOT sounding! Not like 'Rapier'. No siree!

The love of my mum's life drove a Sunbeam Rapier, and she still feels it fitted his bill! Sexy sounding cars, for normal men. Men with famillies. Lovely jubbly!

Focus? Passat?Mondeo? Golf!!??? P-lease!!

And what about the little disaster's from way back when a luxury was 'go faster' stripes and/or gloves?

The Hillman Imp!

Engine at the back and smaller than my SMART!

We were travelling in one, with said love of Mum's life, and the car over-heated (Circa 1974/5?).

He being a big hero, God rest him, decided to take the cap off the radiator, and was instantly sprayed with boiling hot water! He had the presence of mind to turn his back on the spray, but still got a backful of blisters for his troubles. And all with 3 children crushed into the tiny space in the back of the thing! No seat-belts! No need! This was the 70's. We were invincible.

Anyway, he died at aged 27 from Leukaemia, before they'd had a chance to build a real life. I think he'd of been a good sort to have around.

But I digress...

He had a sexy assed car for most of their time together!

These cars were probably a load of pooh, in and on every level, except where it mattered most; to give a sassy little boost to the fellows driving them and the girlies that place their memories and growths and experiences on the passenger seat of them!

The boosted engines and kits the boys have these days are just too planned and desperate.

You got what you got back then.

And it worked. It fitted.

It was worthy of talking about tonight with my buddy.