My interest in classic cars has a long history. I got my start on the repair and restoration of classic English engineering working with my Dad on the restoration and maintenance of a 1939 de Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth airplane. My Dad learned to fly in one of these canvas and wood biplanes in the Second World War. He also introduced me to a love of vintage cars. He would talk about pre-war MG’s, Riley’s and Austin’s he admired in Jamaica as a young man. He also loved the looks of the US built Auburn Speedster and the European Bugatti.
However, what left a big impression on me was the Rolls Royce – which my Dad said was the finest car in the world and had a sealed engine you never had to worry about. I will never forget a trip we took to Los Angeles to visit various airfields and fliers – and a visit to the Movieland Museum in Orange County. Here I saw a real Rolls Royce up close! My Dad took a picture of me by the car – which I have always treasured. Of course, I never thought I might ever own such a car!
When I was 16 I got my first car – a 1958 MGA coupe, took autoshop to help keep it on the road, and started on a path of buying and restoring English cars. MG’s, Triumphs, Austin Healeys. I mixed in a few German ones here and there also. This was for necessity as well as fun as I did not have much money to throw at these things to purchase and maintain them. Aside from a hiatus in graduate school and during my early career in Canada and the UK I have kept at it ever since. Working on my cars, working on other people’s British cars from time to time and still mixing in a few non-British cars – my wife’s Alfa Romeo Spider being one in particular.
In recent years my main focus has been Jaguar and Rolls-Royce/Bentley cars. I judge early post-war Rolls-Royces and Bentleys at the RROC Annual Meets. I have extended my interest back in time to Pre-War Rolls-Royce automobiles also. I finally got hold of a MG TD, a car my Dad absolutely loved but never owned. For shear fun per-pound you cannot beat it. My interests have also expanded to the history of the 1920’s to 1970’s cars and the times they reflect. As much of my time during my ‘day job’ is spent researching and writing it seems natural to write a bit from time to time on cars, share my knowledge on repairs and restoration, share a bit on their history, share a bit on events I enjoy, and share a bit of the fun and allure of these old relics of the 20th century. I also look forward to hearing from you on your experiences!
Glen MacDonald – Publisher
The Motorphile 