My grandfather had a friend who had one of these.



It didn't work anymore but it was fun to see.

Perhaps it was one of these models instead. Much cooler than a Mini...

cosmictanya wrote:

I've always loved these. I had an introverted and rather genteel piano playing neighbour who had a green one, the canopy part was green and white striped. As children we used to get her to drive us about in it, which she happily did. A lift to the park with a picnic on a sunny day, a trip down Regent Street to see the Christmas lights.

I think the menopause must've changed her significantly because I ended up having a screaming row with her as a teenager, when she falsely accused me of setting fire to her front door. That's the first time I went to a solicitor - an old guy who, for free, sent her a formal warning letter on my behalf. Carlton someone. I liked his logo.



I still can't see one without hearing Allo Allo style music and thinking of that vicious cow.

Me and my dad once had a test drive in a yellow and black Citroen 2CV Dolly - I remember the doors didn't slam, but instead you gently pulled/pushed the door shut then twisted the mechanism to fasten it manually. It had the aforementioned canvas opening roof - which was mouldy on the inside. Everything felt so flimsy, the seats were pretty much just padded benches, and it was incredibly slow, but they were just so special and quirky and they had a very unique engine sound. They certainly don't make cars like this anymore!

That's right - they were very uncomfortable, rickety things. They look great but they don't feel safe. They felt quite high up which never helps you to feel centred. I wonder how many people misjudged their speed and tipped over on corners.

On engine sounds, the old Routemasters had a very pleasing noise. The sound of a Saturday afternoon. I liked the left side front seat overlooking the engine, or the banquette next to the little window on the same side as the back platform - which offered the exciting opportunity to pull the wire for the bell. Public transport is so dull these days.

I think I only ever got to go on a Routemaster once, when I was about 6 on my first trip to London. I remember going past the Tower of London on it but all the windows were steamed up!

The most apt description I've seen is 'musical'. There was a musical quality about the noise.

My much missed gold car also had a distinctive sound. A ticking sound as it gathered speed from being stopped.

I just remembered, when I was queuing at the chemists on Kilburn High Road this afternoon a DeLorian trundled by.



I've actually never seen one driving about in London before.

It did cause some discreet mask-clad murmuring.

I'm sure I've seen a DeLorian somewhere, but it might have been at a car show or museum rather than actually driving past.

The one I saw wasn't nearly as pristine as the one pictured above.

It looked all dusty, scuffed and a bit dented.

In truth, I think that's what they generally look like in real life.

I think I always get them mixed up with a Lotus Esprit.

Of the type that James Bond had.

DeLoreans are always that brushed metally silver colour.

Until this morning, I had forgotten the presence of one of these in my life...



In the case of the one I'm now reliving, with purple fur seat covers. Most particularly, I had forgotten the experience of being dropped off by it, outside Chanel on Old Bond Street, while it played Meatloaf and in goodbye, blasted it's horn which started a tuneful trumpet medley.

Mk1 trumps it...

I think all versions of it are horrible.

Well, I like the Mk1, but not the Mk2.

Anyway, how about two of the most beautiful cars are made?

The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia

It's alright for a BMW. I don't really approve of the brand or its fans. The VW is great.