Click on an article below (or scroll down) to sample articles from "THE BLURB"
THE CO-PREZ SEZ Jan/98 version. By F. Kuzyk
3RD BRITISH CAR TOY RUN By member S. Claus
WHY A MORGAN? By Don Queen. Courtesy of VARA
CLASSICS AGAINST CANCER By F. Kuzyk
HOLIDAY PROSE (NEW!) By MSCCC Member Bob Wright
Updated February 5, 1998
Our January 1998 BLURB Cover!
Happy New Year! We'd like to welcome the new members that have joined recently: Bruce Weisse, Michigan; David & Paula Farmer, Ontario; Bruce McMackon, Ontario; Glen & Evelyn Nigh, Ontario; Doug Skoog & Lil Neuman, Manitoba; John & Sharon Roden, Ontario (rejoining us after a sabatical). Welcome to the fold (or "rumble")!
Just a reminder that dues for 98 are due for some folks. Some members are paid for 1998 & beyond, so you may wish to enquire with Jenny if you are unsure of your status. A reminder also that your dues include your whole household, and we encourage the participation of everyone - especially the "young ones". They are the future of this hobby!
Jimmy & Susan Lomax called to wish everyone a great 98. They collected the toys donated at Mapleview Mall over the holidays & were pleased to report that they received 4 van loads of goodies from the Mall & Sears! The "spin-offs" from the British Car Toy Run just keeps growing! With regards to the 4th British Car Toy Run, The Toronto Area Rover Club is pleased to have Rover as the "Featured Marque" for the event, in this anniversary year of the Land Rover. Santa will be riding in a machine that can handle any terrain or road condition!
The MSCCC CHRISTMAS PARTY at the Balfours was a splendid evening of ambiance & aplomb! The dusting of snow provided the proper Christmas feeling! Once again, revellers enjoyed a sumptous spread (I loved the meatballs & turkey) and the hospitality of the Balfours "Pub". White glove service was the order of the day, as this year Russ & Sylvia hired a lovely barmaid & the ladies present served trays of appetizers! The Sands are a hearty lot, as to everyone's delight - they attended in their Morgan on this snowy, cold evening! Bravo! Scrapers & snow brushes were seconded from the "winter beaters" to help prep them for the journey home. A cable TV segment on this year's Toy Run was also viewed. Russ & Sylvia were presented with a plaqued photo of themselves & their Morgan from the Toy Run, which appeared in the Hamilton Spectator newspaper. Our congenial hosts also received a PRESIDENT'S AWARD, as our "Most Christmassy Couple". We thank them again for a most smashing finale to 1997!
After perusing the most recent editions of "Miscellany", I'm pleased to report that our club is finally listed as the "Morgan Sports Car Club of Canada" in its affiliate list. Some things are worth the wait! It seems fewer folk are clinging to our passe moniker, the Toronto Morgan Owners Group.
Speaking of Morgan publications, Vern Dale-Jonson was featured in the Australian Club's December newsletter. Vern submitted a letter on his Canadian & French exploits as well as some photos. Nice to see "Down Under"!
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
The big news in the Morgan world is the upcoming MOA events. Yes, Morgans Over America returns! First is a MOA 98 Reunion in Monterey, California on August 13-16. All MOA 90 & MOA 95 (Western Adventure) participants are welcome to attend. The contact on this side of the Atlantic is Steve Roake in San Francisco (415) 864-2260, fax: (415) 864-2336.
Here's the bigger news: MOA III will take place in 2000. European Morganeers will ship their cars this time to New Orleans. North Americans will join them in the backroads tour up the continent, ending in Nova Scotia. All are welcome! We have offered our services in this adventure (as has a contact with a Nova Scotia British car club) & will keep you posted as details develop. We expect that there will be members that will join this "Maritime Adventure"!
1998 will also see a group of cars from the UK doing a tour from Halifax to Florida, in late September. They will be passing through Quebec and Ontario, crossing the border at Niagara Falls. We'll keep you posted on this one, as well. We may be able to cheer them on their way!
KRUZ Radio DJs are repeating their Valentine's Day 50s & 60s benefit dance for the Milton Hospital. February 14, 8PM onwards at the Optimist Centre in Milton. Great people & a great cause. Contact Lynn if you are interested and we can reserve a club table. Tickets are $25 a couple. Or call (905) 842-9781. Anyone still have their bobby sox? May 7-10 is the Carlisle Import Kit/Replicar Nationals at the Carlisle Pennsylvania Fairgrounds. Besides the cheap parts for sale, there will be other diversions, such as: show field (non-competitive), seminars, an autocross, seminars, car balancing on a beam, cruise thru the country-side, etc. The give-away car this year is a 1969 Austin-Healey Sprite MK IV (must be present to win). Details: (717) 243-7855.
May 18-24 marks the 2nd British Car Week. The idea of internet enthusiasts, they welcome all British Car owners to drive, display, & use their cars during this week. We can only create interest in our activities by showing/racing/driving our cars. So, try & get them out of the garage this year and use them as they were meant to be!
August will see the return of the Sands' world famous MSCCC PIG-OUT! This is always a treat & the GoMoG Morgan group has expressed interest in attending. Rather than sending general invitations to other clubs this year, it is thought that non-member guests will be invited on an individual basis. Those that are keen on interaction, attend the Toy Run, that sort of thing.
DRB Motors Inc (Canada's largest supplier of transportation books) has a new address: 16 Elrose Ave in Toronto. They also have a new Winter catalogue available! Call (800) 665-BOOK. Speaking of books, there's a couple of new Morgan titles available. "Morgans to 1997 - A Collectors Guide" by Roger Bell. Motor Racing Publication, England, 1997, hardbound. ISBN # 1-899870-20-2. Also, "The Best of British in Old Photographs - Morgan", by Ken Hill. Sutton Publishing, England, 1997, softbound. ISBN # 0-7509-1368-1. I'm sure that jenny Beer at DRB can get these for you.
Peter Morgan was presented with a "Lifetime Achievement Award" recently by the UK magazine AUTOCAR, for his contribution to the British Motor Industry. An AUTOCAR news release states: "After buying out his four elder sisters, Peter took control [of the company] in the early 1960s, just as demand around the world slumped. It seemed that nobody wanted Morgans, not even the +4+ coupe, introduced because Peter thought the roadster's styling was too dated in 1963. I really had to scratch around to keep it going', he told AUTOCAR a few years ago. We kept the old models in production only because I didn't have the guts to delete them'. By the end of the decade demand for the cars had picked up. Morgan had learned to give the customers exactly what they wanted: nostalgic sports cars with old world charm. You can still phone the Morgan Motor Company and ask to talk to the man whose name is on the door. Try that at Ford or Porsche." -Congratulations Peter! Thanks again for your support of the Toy Run!
In an article from the Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter of Oct 31, Charles Morgan was quoted as saying that he was "slightly ashamed" of the fact that Morgan made more cars in 1920 than it makes now. "We do want to grow. And to grow we know we have to change", he said. He also said that one of the key elements in the company's strategy was to maintain its independence, which it managed to do for 87 years , despite temptations to merge or sell. In a London Times article of Sept 28, it was revealed that Morgan wants to increase production to 500 cars in 1998. The goal being the eventual reduction of the waiting list to two years. This will probably take 5 years to accomplish. The article also says "If anyone else builds a car of this kind we call it retro-style. But Morgan has never stopped doing it this way and does not intend to...."
In my last Prez Sez, I commented on Model Ts & the changing interest in cars with each new generation. Co-incidently, others were thinking the same thoughts later, on the internet British car mailing lists. Others talked about the Model Ts & malaise among their Healey, MG, & other British clubs. It was generally agreed that "kids" do relate to cars of their age group. MGTs & other such cars may continue to decline in future interest. In some quarters the British car hobby may not be dead, or tired, it's just evolving. It was also believed that small is beautiful. Small groups of like minded individuals will continue to serve their members & promote the interest. In the case of Morgans, it is apparent that the cars appeal to folks 45 & older. No sense fighting it. Leave the Buick Grand Nationals, etc to the "kids" & introduce someone with middle age madness to a true sports car! Oh, and the odd kid or two just might like one too, eventually!
Hey, wanna save some gas money while driving your car? Forget the "snake oils" (like Slick 50), simply use some energy conserving oil in your crankcase! Look for the GF-2 rating on the litre! We can expect to see California type emission blend gasoline in Canada in the future, so you'll need every bit of an edge for more power & distance!
Health & Prosperity to everyone in 1998! -Fred Kuzyk
3RD BRITISH CAR TOY RUN. By S. Claus. Special to THE BLURB
What do you get when 145 cars gather at 3 different locations, and people dress themselves & their vehicles in a festive manner, and Santa Claus rides in a Jaguar? You get a lot of donations for the Christmas charity "Operation Santa Claus" and this must be the British Car Toy Run! Now everyone knows that Santa lives at the North Pole. What you might not realize is that for the last few years, he's been leaving the sleigh & coming south in September to ride in a British classic to help his elves help others.
This is the 3rd British Car Toy Run, which took place on September 28, 1997 with glorious non-North Pole like weather (in the high 70's). The Toy Run is a roving car show, a show for DRIVERS. All the participants & spectators are encouraged to bring toys & other donations for Jimmy Lomax's charity, which, since 1958 has been helping people of all ages to have a merrier Christmas. Jimmy has received many recognitions for his years of voluntary dedication, one of which is the Order Of Canada. Inspired by the toy runs done by motorcyclists, the Morgan Sports Car Club of Canada began hosting this event in 1995. As Jimmy Lomax says, "the Toy Run is more upscale' than the biker runs", as one would expect with the marques present: Rolls, Jaguar, Marcos, Aston-Martin, Bentley, Morgan, Lotus, Austin Healey, MG, Triumph, etc. In the past, guests have included Bugatti & MG kit cars. This year, we were pleased to have 18 Miatas attend from the very enthusiastic Trillium Miata Club who fielded some very elaborate Christmas displays.
The Run begins with the cars assembling at the Starting Location. This time the start was the picturesque Halton Region Museum, at the foot of the Glen Eden Ski Area, in Milton. Here the cars are registered, with the goody bags, dash plaques, & instructions received. There are no fees, as the organizers believe the charity should receive the maximum benefit, while participants receive good value & a good time. Expenses are offset by donations from sponsors, clubs, & individuals, and by a 50/50 draw. Donated food & beverages were sold by Museum volunteers - all the proceeds benefiting the Museum & Operation Santa Claus.
At 1PM, Santa boarded his Jaguar (Santa always rides in a car from the year's Featured Marque) and the police-escorted convoy departed for the hour-long scenic tour. Joining the entourage were 2 radio station vans & a tow truck (just in case)! Thankfully, none of the 140+ cars required this free service! Despite the record number of cars, the parade moved smoothly through the hilly, winding roads, and through the intersections & traffic lights - thanks to the 5 cruisers of the Halton Regional Police, the written directions, and signs at the turns. Arriving at the Mapleview Centre mall in Burlington, the assemblage was ushered into our parking area. Here the cars were judged while participants handed-in their donations to Jimmy & Susan Lomax. Folks decorated their cars to the tunes of "British Invasion" music & Christmas Carols, provided by the DJ. On-site displays & a vendor (who donated a portion of his sales to the charity), were also present. Local media photographed & videotaped the spectacle, while enthusiast Mike Richards, videotaped the procession enroute.
At 4:30, participants re-located to the 3rd & final location, a nearby hall, for the "Pre-Christmas Awards Party". Chili, buns, coffee, & desserts were provided at no charge, in keeping with the event's theme. Awards & door prizes were presented & one lucky person received $363 in the 50/50 draw! The awards have a Christmas theme, not surprizingly, and they are only as serious as the people doing the judging! The Featured Marque chosen becomes a yearly trophy. Thus Jaguar now joins Morgan & Triumph with a trophy each year. The Featured Marque for '98 is up for grabs, but we understand a couple of marques are celebrating anniversaries!
Santa's Favourite Jaguar: Chris Phillip's '53 XK120. Santa's Favourite Triumph: Frank Manning's '63 TR4. Santa's Favourite Morgan: Ted Zurbrigg's '56 +4. Most Christmassy Car: Rick & Elaine LaPrairie's '90 Mazda Miata. Most Christmases Past (oldest car): M. Aveline's '51 English Ford Prefect. Furthest From The North Pole (long distance): Bob Yule's '62 Healey (from Monkton, Ontario -- the Land Rover from New York didn't make it this time!). Santa's Choice: James Lomax's (not of the charity) '66 Healey. Judge's Choice: Ron McLeod's '70 Marcos. Most Christmassy Folk: The Meyer Family, who have supported the event since the inception -- parking cars, handing out flyers, obtaining a donation from their British Sportscar Club, etc. Jimmy Lomax's Favourite: Frank Manning's '63 TR4.
Jimmy Lomax also presented a plaque to the organizers, Fred & Lynn Kuzyk, and one to Mapleview Centre for their years of support. Jimmy's is an all volunteer organization & even the plaques that he presents are paid for by himself, rather than using funds that are to go to the needy. Although all the totals are not in, Jimmy received cheques from the Morgan & Toronto Triumph Clubs. Hundreds of dollars in cash were also received, as well as 2 vans full of toys! One of the gratifying aspects of this event is the spin-offs that result from the publicity. Others have been inspired to hold their own events or promotions for Operation Santa Claus. Mapleview Centre will again be collecting toys from the public in December. Earlier this year, Sears Canada at Mapleview presented the Lomax's with a cheque. Last year, local funeral workers collected toys for Jimmy at their annual Christmas party. As their contribution to the Toy Run, Sir Winston's pub, a Toy Run contributor, will once again hold a Christmas tree raffle to aid Operation Santa Claus, and there are others.
The world lost two champions of charity this year: Princess Diana & Mother Theresa. Someone has said that the best manner to honour them is to carry on their good works. 1998 marks the 40th anniversary of Operation Santa Claus. The Christmas Spirit is alive & well. British car enthusiasts in "The Great White North" invite you to "Think Santa on the last Sunday of September" for the 4th British Car Toy Run!
by Don Queen
Why a Morgan? It's a question that can be answered by an authoritative journal, Road and Track: "Barring a catastrophe, the Morgan will continue as man's last link with that great and glorious time when people were more interested in sporting qualities than in keeping dry and warm."
That R&T quote is dated July, 1963, and the Morgan Super Sport discussed in the road test is still produced today with the same sliding pillar suspension.
The history of the Morgan dates back to 1910, when an English gentleman named H.F.S. Morgan built a three-wheeled motorcar for his own use. This creation was noteworthy for many things, not the least of which was a novel front suspension with stub axle sliding on vertical posts. So pleased was the gentleman that he bestowed his own name upon the car and promptly formed a manufacturing company to produce additional examples. It is a measure of Morgan's satisfaction that the three-wheeler in various derivations remained the company's stock in trade for the following 26 years. At various times during that period, to indulge the whims of the spoiled masses, such frills as electric lighting, front wheel brakes, and a reversing gear were added, but the basic vehicle was unchanged.
In 1935, it was noted that the four-wheeled chassis was coming into vogue and the following year, a new model was brought out as a companion piece to the Edwardian tricycle. With typical restraint, the new car was designated a 4/4, an oblique way of indicating its number of wheels and cylinders. A wheel may have been added, but nothing of the original character was lost.
The Morgan 4/4, like the earlier tricycle, was quite light and a most effective instrument for sporting events. No discussion of the Morgan would be complete without touching on its illustrious racing history and the now infamous and unavailable Christopher Lawrence. This young racing driver had been competing on a shoestring for eight years and decided to have one more fling _ if successful, he would go on, but if he failed, he would give up racing forever. He put all of his savings together with those of his fiancee, Jennifer, and bought a 1956 Morgan Plus 4.
After a year of frustration, in 1959, Lawrence entered all twenty-two races for the Freddie Dixon Trophy and, unbelievably, won twenty-one of them, coming in third in the remaining one. Lawrence built on his string of successes, eventually making an impression on Peter Morgan, descendent of company founder H.F.S. (another descendent runs the company today). He saw that it was not only Lawrence's ability to drive the car well, but his ability to get extra performance by skillful tuning. In 1960, a deal was struck between Lawrence and Morgan and a new model, named Plus Four Super Sport, was born.
Lawrence raced the new model at Nurburgring and not only won, but broke the Porsche-held two liter lap record by seven seconds and so staggered the organizers that he was presented with a special award. Soon after the Nurburgring event, Lawrence went to Le Mans, but was refused permission to compete. The scrutineers decided his Morgan must be a 1939 car that had been resprayed and fitted with disc brakes, therefore being incapable of the 24 hour endurance race. The Morgan did go on to get its name in the record books by winning the two liter GT class in the 1962 Le Mans, co-driven by Richard Sheppard-Barron and Chris Lawrence.
In London last December, I managed to motor out to Malvern Link, to that funny little brick building on Pickersleigh Road, the ancestral home of the Morgan. Pickersleigh Road! What else could they call it? They certainly couldn't build an anachronism like a Morgan at a Twentieth Century address.
The Morgan factory is an unconnected series of workshops. Their arcane method of scheduling seems designed to maintain their status as the only car manufacturer who makes only three cars a week and is four years behind. The chassis-erecting shop proudly displayed ten chassis lined up on the floor and no signs of any progress being made. A friendly-looking chap informed me that it was "tea time."
I wandered around the premises, marveling at the women bent over World War II sewing machines, the veteran employees using hand snips to cut sheet metal, and finally, the definitive Morgan department _ the sawmill. The mill manufactures not only the wooden subframe, but also the door frames, floorboards, and the protector boards under the gas tank. The half-century old machinery is still going strong, with no plans for replacement. The most serious problem they face is ruining blades on shrapnel lodged in the ash during the war.
The TR4 powerplant in the Morgan Plus 4 is commonly demeaned as a glorified tractor engine. In reality, early Triumph engine technology was also utilized by the Ferguson Tractor Company, although there is no similarity beyond the basic early block. The TR4 engine sound is distinct in the Morgan because the narrow bonnet (hood for you Yanks) dictates that no air cleaners can be used, so the throaty exhaust roar mixes with the twin carb hiss for a pulse-quickening snarl that screams Morgan!
So, why a Morgan? Well, like many of life's mysteries, it can only be answered by experience _ the experience of aiming the long, louvered prow of your Morgan down a winding country road. Contrary to popular belief, the Morgan is a marvelous, forgiving car to drive, the combination of stiff suspension and flexible chassis allow it to cling tenaciously to the track _ hence the nickname "flexible flyer." The Morgan telegraphs its intention to an experienced driver, allowing ample time to anticipate. In racing trim and driven at speed, the car is designed to slide. You don't carve around a corner as much as fling the rear end out and straighten out the turn. You feel every pebble on the road through the steering wheel and your foot seems to operate directly on the engine; you can see the front fenders pounding.
Stand back a moment and look at its stance, high wheels, forthright fenders _ genuine fenders as they were meant to be. As you get in the Morgan _ opening the door from the inside _ listen to the pneumatic cushion sigh as you settle down in the cockpit and stretch to reach the pedals. Fire up the TR4 engine, depress the rock-hard clutch, crunch the old Jag gearbox, and you're off. The oversized chest-high wooden steering wheel enhances the feeling of true vintage motoring. Perhaps that is part of the mystique _ that brass goggled, white scarfed, PreWar feeling when motoring was an adventure.
The car is quite simply the pinnacle of British engineering -- a pinnacle reached in 1935 -- that rare combination of a packing crate and tractor engine - the Morgan.
From the VARA home page. http://www.directnet.com/
CLASSICS AGAINST CANCER . By Fred Kuzyk ,with inspiration from: Dr F. Art Sharpenwessel
Still "One of the most under-rated shows"
That's how "Old Autos" described the show in their article last year. With it's 10th anniversary edition show on Father's Day this year, it may still be "under-rated" but not under-valued. During those 10 years, they've managed to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society since the inception. This year, over $28,000 was raised from the 400 or so car owners & many spectators. The 50/50 draw also yielded some lucky soul $4800!
This was the inaugural year for the "British Car Class". Many British cars were there to support the new class. How many? I'm uncertain, but there seemed to be far more than the 30 last year that established the class. The Rolls club had a nice display, including Bentleys, of course. I remember a very nice 1950 Riley, a Marcos, Mike Potter's Lotus 7, Triumph's (including Wayne McGill's Herald), Jensen, nice Jags, Healeys, and lots of MGs (Martin Brassard & Wally Holmes of the Toronto Club said hello). Morgans were also evident: Ghizlanzonis (photo car in "Old Autos"), Shiers, Vern Dale-Johnson, Kuzyks, Davis's, Audrey & Reg Beer (in Rolls), & Scott Barrie (Morgan owner for 24 years & member of many years ago. Peter & Margot Heyerhoff came although their car being less than 20 years old, had to leave it in general parking. Perhaps we can get that rule relaxed for all the enthusiasts! Member & founder of the show, Neil Young, was there with his Caterham, as always (a veteran of the Pelee expedition & 1st Under Gate Gathering). Member Oliver Dawson & family came by to partake of the spectacle! Of course the Morganeers had their traditional picnic with plenty of applomb! A number of the crew chose not to have their cars judged, but rather came for the ambiance.
For those unfamiliar with the event, it is a family oriented day in the pleasant Cedarvale Park in Georgetown. A souvenir photo is taken of each vehicle upon entry, which is mailed later. The show has awards in each class & is open to: antiques, classics, rods, trucks, production, & hand-crafted vehicles - of 20 years of age. A breakfast is served for participants & entertainment takes place throughout the day. This included music acts, a juggler, & REMAX hot air balloon rides (until it got too windy). OLD AUTOS & CHUM were there. There was lots for the kids: like clowns, colouring contests, face painting, remote control car racing, the Georgetown fire trucks, and playing in the Credit River! Under a large tent is a display of special cars, the likes of Pierce Arrow, and in other years: Auburn, Duesenberg, Buggatti, etc. Some may remember Martin Beer's trike there, a couple years back.
This time, a convoy of Mazda Miatas from the Trillium Miata Club joined the festivities. Although inelligible to show, this active & generous club attended en masse, made a donation to the Cancer Society & did a parade lap around the field. Some may remember that their club dominated the Club Sprints at Christie, the final year! After staging a very profitable Miata gathering last year, they have decided to give those profits to charity! They have accepted an invitation to attend our 3rd British Car Toy Run as our Guest Marque this year. I missed breakfast & our "photo op" this year, as I decided to volunteer & help park cars. Ray Shier also performed this task, while Vern was busy behind a camera, snapping the official photos (as he's done for many years). Both Ray & Vern have been active at this show for quite some time. Ray can remember when his car was the only British car present. I must say that the volunteers are treated well - a golf cart delivered pop, chips & snacks to you, & thanks were received from the organizers.
Some of us stayed to see the award presentations. Neil Young presented the Best In Show to the owner of a nice 1970 Torino. This prooves that you don't need to have a rare car or a '30s classic to garner the top spot! In the new British Class, 1st & 3rd went to Jaguars, while Vern's Morgan 4 seater garnered 2nd! It was satisfying to see Vern recognized here. A testament to his own efforts, as well as those of Reg Beer Coachbuilders!
Neil Young is pleased at the way the show has developed over these 10 years. However, he had originally envisioned a show that was along the lines of the Pebble Beach Concours. I believe that a less serious, fun, family day in a country setting - for a great cause - is not bad either! I'd like to thank the owners & clubs that attended. Some enthusiasts balk at the $25 registration (which is tax deductible). Many groups have lost members to cancer. A Past President of the British Sportscar Club, Bob Guenther, lost his wife Carol, to the disease while he was President. Jimmy & Susan Lomax (the people behind "Operation Santa Claus") lost their only son, Ryan, to the dreaded disease when he was only 14. Our own Club's enthusiastic Editor, Doug Price, succumbed tragically. And recently, Anne de Fort-Menares, someone who had a lot more living to do. You might think of other examples. Perhaps a friend or neighbour. Attendance at this show is not only a tribute to such missed people, but also an aid to the living. A small price to pay and great value, really.
HOLIDAY PROSE By Bob Wright
T'was the night before christmas when all through the town
Not a creature was stirring as they lay on their down.
The wives were all dreamin' of turkeys and such.
What they'd bought husbands, why car parts...and how much!
The children were nestled all snug in the rack,
Dreamin of the big guy, his red suit and sack.
They wanted some candy, some toys and some books.
And daddy to stop driving with goggles...what looks!
My toys were tucked away in the garage below
all polished and covered up for the spring and some show.
I'd tucked away Moggie, the Matchless ol' trike
And his cousin the G80, a '46 bike.
The others were happy as they too could rest
While that nasty old Lucas continued to infest.
The hoods were all up, the bonnets all down,
The heaters, what heaters, they're british you clown!
And I in my skivvies, the wife in her flannel,
fighting over the remote, the popcorn and the channel.
When out on the yard there arose such a rumble,
I threw back the covers, tripped on the cat and did stumble!
I ran to the window and threw open the shutter,
Looked out to see...My heart all a flutter.
The moon all aglow gave a shimmering light,
To this special festive evening, my favorite night.
I looked out to see an old triumph, the stag,
A Daimler, a Mini, a Bond...it did lag!
A Jag and an MG were lined side by side.
and there was a Rover and Humber with pride.
I couldn't believe what I saw row by row,
More british iron than anyone could possibly tow!
There were Sunbeams and Daimlers and Austins with spats,
And XK's with ornaments on the bonnet, yes cats!
I looked and I looked for my eyes were so wide,
I couldn't believe this great sight just outside.
I grabbed the old bathrobe I got the other year
and ran to the front yard letting out a great cheer.
For there at the end of this long line of chrome
was a man we call Santa in front of my home.
He sat proudly in a Morgan, the model you see
I can't tell you as it was a mystery to me.
Debate if you like whether Plus four or trike
or a plus eight or 4/4 if that's what you like
It matters so little as the best part you see
was that he too liked British and Lucas, like me!
He winked and he twirled around in the seat,
grabbed some parcels and tossed them to land at my feet.
I knew in an instant what I wished for I got.
For only an exhaust could look like this lot.
Then some also came for my wife, children and pets
I'll see in the morning what everyone gets.
I turned to thank him but my words were in vain
as hundreds of britcars went skyward in strain.
As he flew out of sight, I watched the chrome all a glow
And heard that expression that most of us know.
I hope you enjoyed this and I got it all right,
"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night"
Bob Wright and family
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