Despite it being 8 to 10 degrees cooler than it was this time last week and snow being forecast, I am delighted to declare that Winter is now officially over for us!
It's the 1st of April, in our house that means one thing ... the SD1 is back on the road!
We left home at lunch time, full of excitement to go collect her. Upon arrival at my father-in-laws my husband wasted no time before firing her up. He moved her out of the garage, gave her a wash to remove the sawdust and wood preservative that had been splashed over her. He then gave her a quick check over, put up the tax disc - now she was ready for the journey home.
My husband hopped into the driver's seat with a huge smile on his face, ready for the trip home. He led the way, with me taking up the rear in our Rover 75. Following behind gave me the opportunity to check out the brake lights, the indicators, suspension and exhaust fumes. I have to say that she was running a bit rich - strong fumes and smoke on acceleration, although the fumes did reduce over the course of the trip home. The trip home went with incident, but I did wish that I was in the passenger seat.
When we arrived home, I really wanted a run in her, so much so that I insisted that we go for a short run. We headed for the local supermarket for a few essentials, not the most exciting outing, but enough to satisfy my desire to be chauffeur driven in her again.
I loved the feel and smell of the old leather and the purr of the engine and we both loved the admiring looks that she got as we cruised by. However, I did spot a few minor imperfections in the interior that will have to be touched up or changed before the first show.
When we arrived home I headed indoors and left my husband outdoors. He appeared inside about 15 minutes later and when I asked him what he'd been up to he replied "I've just refitted the tow bar" (it had been removed before the car went into storage to ensure that it and my father-in-laws Rover 600 both fitted into the garage). He just couldn't wait to get tinkering with the "Old Girl"
Over the next few weeks she will be receiving a bit of tender loving care, which she truly deserves after having spent the winter sitting alone in a cold and drafty garage. My husband will be giving her a service and a tune up and possibly fitting electronic ignition. He will also be touching up a few minor things and washing and polishing her inside and out in readiness for the first show of the season.
Over the next few weeks she will be receiving a bit of tender loving care, which she truly deserves after having spent the winter sitting alone in a cold and drafty garage. My husband will be giving her a service and a tune up and possibly fitting electronic ignition. He will also be touching up a few minor things and washing and polishing her inside and out in readiness for the first show of the season.
The first show that we are planning on taking her to is on the 22nd of April at Sprucefield, however if I get my way and the weather picks up we'll be out on a few short runs before that.
We have been eagerly awaiting this moment since Friday when we re-taxed her and now we can finally say the "Old Girl" is out of winter hibernation!
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