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Books can be dangerous

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drooartz

drooartz

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I got a little book this weekend -- "The Red Car" by Don Stanford. Read most of it last night. It's about a boy and his MG TC. Now, keep in mind that I have a thing for RHD cars, and thing the TC is one of the prettiest cars ever made.

I woke up this morning wondering what I could sell to raise money to buy a TC. Do I really need that kidney? I've got 2 lungs... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif
 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DREW!!

I read that book as a kid back in '61. Got me permanently hooked on LBC's.

I bought it in a book sale at my school (Scholastic Book Services?), and read it several times. Lost it long ago, but decided a few years ago to look for a copy. Got one just like the one I lost from ebay, and have read it a couple of times since.

For another fun read, see if you can locate any of the "Black Tiger" books. Read those as a kid, too, and recently found another copy of the first book. Much like The Red Car , it's about a rear-engine 12 cylinder sports car. Came out a bit later than Stanford's book, I think.

Mickey
 
I've been looking for a copy of this but can't seem to find one.
 
Wow that was quick!
 
I'll have to look for those Black Tiger books -- I'm a sucker for any sort of good car book.
 
I've never read that book! Gotta do it...been meaning to do it for years....
 
The Red Car is a must-read for any MG enthusiast. Countless people have either bought, or wanted to buy a TC because of it. The story is a wonderful read for children or adults and gives a good feeling of the spirit of the era.

By the way, I'm always looking for different Red Car book covers. If anyone has one that they don't see in this gallery, please scan it and send it over! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif

https://www.mgnuts.com/artwork/coverart

PS... you should have read that book BEFORE GoF West came to your town! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif
 
Steve_S said:
PS... you should have read that book BEFORE GoF West came to your town! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif
Click to expand...

I was already a big TC fan before the book, it's more of a well-written reminder. The book really captures the passion someone can have for a car.

My only regret from GoF West is that I didn't have more time to oogle the cars while y'all were in town. Someday, also, I need to sit in a TC and see if my fat feet would fit -- can't be much pedal space down there.
 
There isn't a lot of pedal space but as you read in the book, there is surprising leg room for the passenger. I wish you had mentioned this while we were in town. I would have been happy to let you climb around in the car.
 
Didn't think of it then, sometimes I'm not too bright. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

I have driven a TF (LHD) briefly -- would it be similar?
 
Tight fit on the ol' feet in a TF. ya wanna have some narrow shoes. MGAs not a lot better, but some.
We had a TF at the vintage shop I was at. I had a bit of seat time in it, and I'm 6'1" with size 12 feet. I had to have sneakers on to drive it. my work boots did NOT fit.
Otherwise it was a fun car, and I still want it.
I've never read "The Red Car". sounds good. Actually, sounds like a good christmas idea!
"The Last Open Road" series captures the spirit of the soprtscar scene in the early 50s very well. I'd reccomend it to any LBC nut.
 
Banjo said:
"The Last Open Road" series captures the spirit of the soprtscar scene in the early 50s very well. I'd reccomend it to any LBC nut.
Click to expand...

I'll have to look that one up as well. Always looking for a good read.

Banjo, we're about the same size (I'm 6'1", size 13 wide feet). TF I drove was a *very* tight fit! When it comes down to it, I'm really quite happy with my Bugeye. Much more foot room (surprisingly) -- I can drive in my hiking boots, though I'd do better with some smaller shoes.

Came home today from work and opened up the garage, to be greeted with the usual sight of the Tunebug. Reminds me how much I like that little car... maybe it really is my version of the Red Car. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif
 
Drew,

Sounds like a great book.Was this one of those that
most of us read back in grade/junior high school? I used to
read every one of those that I could get my hands on.
There was also another one about a high school librarian/teacher who bought a Red Alfa.I can't remember the title.

- Doug
 
Happy Birthday,

5th grade - Right hand wall as you entered. I didn't read much of anything until the Librarian introduced me to The Red Car, Hardy Boys, and Popular Mechanics.
 
Had to chime in with a /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/banana.gif /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/banana.gif <span style='font-family: Impact'><span style="color: #FF0000">H</span><span style="color: #FFFF00">A</span><span style="color: #000099">P</span><span style="color: #009900">P</span><span style="color: #993399">Y</span> <span style="color: #FFCC00">B</span><span style="color: #66FFFF">I</span><span style="color: #000099">R</span><span style="color: #FF0000">T</span><span style="color: #FF6600">H</span><span style="color: #33CC00">D</span><span style="color: #FFFF00">A</span><span style="color: #CC66CC">Y</span> /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/banana.gif /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/banana.gif Drew</span>...did you get anything cool? (like new car parts?)
 
No new car parts, but a few good car books, and a nice new case for my upright bass.

Doug, you've probably nailed it. It's not one I read when I was a wee lad, but I certainly would have enjoyed it. Certainly worth a read.
 
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