Page 146 - IT'S A RUM LIFE BOOK TWO "BOSTON 1960 TO 1970"

CHAPTER 18

THE FIRST MG

Travelling the roads of South Lincolnshire for Firestone
and even a bit further South on a regular basis had distinct
advantages apart from earning one’s living. A large part of my
job was maintaining good relationships with garages of all
sizes and in many cases helping them promote the sale of tyres
from their own premises. I was always keen to spot a bargain
of any sort and as motor cars were and still are one of my main
passions, unusual cars always attracted my eye.
The very first MG was located at an MG specialist just
outside Bourne in the South of the County. It was a shabby
dark blue TA model of 1936 vintage very much in need of care
and attention. The year then was 1967; pre war MG cars were
not that common but had yet to begin their astronomical rise
in value.
It was all there minus a hood and the engine ran fine, but
the car had no test and was to be sold as seen. It cost just £45.
Incredible to think isn’t it!
My weekly wage then was about £28 plus six monthly
bonuses depending on sales targets achieved, plus expense
account and free car with petrol; extremely good for the time.
I was ecstatic and couldn’t wait to get home and share the
good news with Ruth. Fortunately, the car was sufficiently
attractive to excite her too and we discussed the various
options of getting the car home to our newish estate house at
No 45 Woodside. Peter, Ruth’s boss on the orthopaedic ward at
the local hospital was always willing to assist with something
unusual and quickly offered to help with the “recovery”.
We journeyed together in the Firestone 105E Anglia that I
had adapted to tow by fixing a rather ugly “U” bracket on the
rear bumper. This was reinforced by a thick strip of steel along
the inside of the steel bumper and had already served us well

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