The end of an era has come. I feel like part of my life left me last night. John came last night and picked up the Sunbeam. He shared with me the very first picture he took of the car when he bought it and put it on his trailer. I snagged a few pictures of putting it on the trailer again. Hopefully for the last time.
When he got to my house yesterday I was just finishing washing it. He was pretty much speechless. Just kept walking around the car. We then talked for a little while about everything, then finally suggested we go for a ride. I thought he would head to the passenger side, but he went straight for the drivers seat. He and I rode around for a little while. I could tell he was a bit nervous and having difficulty getting a feel for it. Reminded me of my first several drives. We got back to my house and his son took my spot and off they went. I started cleaning up my garage a bit as I waited for their return. A little while later I heard a very loud engine sound just outside my neighborhood. I smiled a little. A few seconds later they pulled back up to the house with big smiles on their faces.
We really had no idea what to expect of the finished product as we built it. We figured it would be fast and scary. Turns out it is VERY tame and predicable. It will live a very happy and comfortable life at 1/2 to 3/4 throttle being a total cruiser. Then it has this little dark side to it where it turns into a different car. Being the first car at a stop light is a hoot. Full throttle will produce a two wheel burn out that sends the car straight down the line with almost no fish tale at all. The shift to second gear will continue the burn out, but that wants to bring out the rear end. I suppose more driver experience will keep that under control. It's the same way turning a corner from a stop light. At first I could light them up and turn the corner which would bring the rear end out wide and scare me. Over time I was able to get better control of it and have a pretty nice burn out that stayed in my lane.
Over all I put 135 miles on the car before giving it to John. I learned I could never own a car like that. I need to stick to old beater Jeeps. I'd kill myself.
We loaded up the car, strapped it down, and went to dinner. He then drove off into the sunset- or thunderstorm. (me shedding a single tear)
BUT, while at dinner he dropped the next bombshell on me. He pitched his next project to me. At first I was like no way. Can't be done (at least by me). Now it is growing on me and I think I want to take it on. It is right up my alley, as it will be a very unique build. Again, it's a car I know nothing about, but worse (or better) it's a drive train none of us know anything about (I think). He eased my biggest concerns when he told me the paint and body work is done, and the interior will be totally stock replacement parts from an online store, nothing custom. Just a quiet sleeper that sure to drive me bananas.
Till the next thread......
