The simple things.....

[chrisfell]

I haven't taken my E out for a simple joy ride for some while - all trips out have had a purpose even if that purpose has been to have fun somewhere. Today's purpose was my regular fortnightly volunteer session as a gardener at a nearby National Trust House (Stourhead). As I was leaving a family wandered over to ask if they could look at the car as their little boy (I'd guess aged 7 or 8) *really* likes E-Types.

'Would you like to sit in the driver's seat?'

Cue one very happy little boy.

[Series1 Stu]

You've captured the essence of classic ownership right there.

That little boy will never forget what you did for him.

I think you've just confirmed a future classic car enthusiast, nice work.

[Mark Gordon]

I was at a cars & coffee that same day when a young father with two girls and a boy stopped by and spent more than a glancing time looking at my car. I put the boy (about 5 yrs) in the driver's seat and he had a big grin on his face as he grabbed the wheel and put his hand on the shift lever. The middle daughter (about 7 yrs) was next and she looked like a princess in her royal coach headed to the ball. (She also was wearing a funny t-shirt with the lettering: "I'm not bossy, I'm just practicing my leadership skills.") Don't know why, but the older daughter (maybe 9 or 10) declined her turn. I'm guessing that she thought that she was too big for such play time. I've often offered spectators at C&C's or judged shows the opportunity to sit in the driver's seat and have their pictures taken. I get real satisfaction seeing the inevitable smile spread across their faces.

[rswaffie]

I also always try and accommodate the younger generation’s enthusiasm by letting them sit in the car or beep the horn. Some don’t know what it is, but just like the colour or the ‘sparkly wheels’.
However, as a salutary tale….My friend’s neighbour took his Ferrari to a local classic car show last year and had it parked up for the best part of five hours. Lots of interest and was entered in for judging etc. it was parked on a bit of a slope but that didn’t seem to be a problem. Lots of kids wanting to sit in it etc and the owner was more than happy to oblige. One lad got in and asked how loud it was so the owner fired it up and showed the lad where the accelerator was. “Give it a prod” he said. Lad duly slams it to the floor and holds it there. Massive bang, debris through the engine cover, crowd scatter. Replacement engine required. Maybe combination of slope impacting oil delivery and Ferraris needing gentle warm-up before thrashing?

[chrisfell]

Mine never ever gets started just to let someone hear what a bag of nails it really is! (Ignoring the plume of blue haze that inevitably follows a cold start.)