Burlington Dairy, June 2006.
Thurs.01.06.06. A few days earlier I had been on the phone to John of Life’s Motors with regard to some tasty but essential parts. I recalled the first visit when the discovery of his small office/stockroom/used parts stash was a delightful revelation, that encouragingly promised access to beautifully crafted parts. The purpose of today’s trip was to collect these components, increase the photo library but also, ‘pick’ John’s brain. The latest shopping list included a chrome bonnet strip for £38.56, 2x brass bonnet ends £10.40, 2x rubber plinths £12.00, 2x reflector plinths £5.90, 2x side rubber gaskets for the screen brackets £11.00, a ‘T’ bar to support the spare wheel £18.50, a spacer to hold the spare wheel £7.50, The history of Morgan book £5.95 and finally 2x aero screens (used) £50.00. John, true to character, was again extremely helpful offering his vast informed experience and advice. Although these components appear to be expensive they are necessary to ensure that the car has the ‘look’ of a proper vehicle, not a mere kit car.
The quality, in particular, of the machined items, is top draw’, usually formed from high-grade stainless steel, polished alloy or chrome on brass. There can be no substitute for this level of engineered goods. I have spent £180.00, without any misgivings, in the knowledge that this particular attention to detail will accordingly be recognised yet understated yet will unquestionably ‘embellish’ the whole image of the Burlington. We thanked John for his assistance; he thanked us for spending money, we both parted happy. “You know he’s a bullshitter, he’s pocketing the ‘Jack Dash’, he’s a typical smiling conman, the trade is awash with them, mark my words he’s no different from the rest” commented sceptical, unconvinced Chris. I replied, not totally agreeing, tentatively offered, “I suppose 40 years in the job, man and boy, dealing with genuine, ultra straight people on a daily basis, you could say that he is emblematic of the seedy, fraudulent world that a Morgan dealership would spawn, worst of all he’ll know absolutely fuck all about the Marque”.
Later in the Oak a plot was hatched between Danny, Katie and Chris with Captain Salty being the principal target. The day before, Chris had bought a white Reliant Robin from Alan at ‘Suttons’ for £200.00. Their intention was to leave the vehicle outside ‘Salty Towers’, the Lairds mansion, with the company logo ‘TWC’ proudly emblazoned on the side panels. Philip is such a pompous bugger the very thought he could ever be associated with this unexceptional ‘national treasure’, commonly purchased by low incomed, flat capped pensioners he would find toe curling. The hole in the ground could not be dug large enough to accommodate his embarrassment. To be present at Philip’s reaction when he first clocks the 3 wheeled, plastic joke would be priceless.
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