Greetings from a very wet New Zealand - with the promise of a week more before the sun might rescue us again.
I guess it's a wet winter then.
Anyway - tonight we called in to our local supermarket, and I let Sue out in the constant rain, then drove around until I was able to back into a park near the door.
I saw a late model diesel Fiat aiming to park next to me, and hoped that the driver would have sufficient skills to avoid scraping alongside in the hideous visibility.
He managed to do so, then from the corner of my eye I saw a hand waving from his drivers window. I looked and the guy was obviously wanting to speak to me.
I wound the window down.
"That looks good" he said - meaning the red estate I was driving. "Did you do it?"
"Yes".
"Is it a 1700?"
First time anyone has ever shown their knowledge of a Mk3 Marina.!
"Well it was - but it's a 2 litre now."
"Same block?"
"Yes - I used Princess 2 litre crank and pistons in it."
"So it just strokes it?"
This guy was really getting my attention now.
"Yup."
"I own an MGBGT race car, and we use a 1950cc version of the 1800."
"Yes - I have a 1905cc version of the 1800 block using Mk3 Zephyr pistons."
"Oh - right. It looks good on the minilites."
I refrained from telling him they are Superlites - he was close enough.
He made a few other comments about having rallied Mk2 Escorts and stuff, then we got onto the subject of turretting rear shocks, and the remaining Marina rally coupe that is still in NZ.
Sue returned and we prepared to leave. "I shall talk to you again.." I said.
He smiled and backed out.
We drove away with me grinning all over the place.
First time anyone has ever known the Mk3 was a 1700. I have no idea who the chap was - but I hope I meet him again.
Made my whole day, and brightened up the crap weather.
We Marina owners are easy to please...
Go well you lot.
Kilroy
