Driving historic vehicles - a womans view
Driving an old vehicle, from a woman’s perspective.
It was after a Bay to Birdwood when I needed to dr
ive “Ugly” home from Adelaide. Kip had taken the Harley to be serviced and needed to bring it home. I wasn’t allowed to ride that so Ugly was my lot.
This is ‘Ugly ‘ … a 1937 REO Speed Delivery utility
I hadn’t gone very far when I noticed a car keeping pace with me in the next lane, on Pt Wakefield Road north of Grand Junction intersection. I thought it would pass me, but it didn’t. It was as if trying to attract my attention, so I finally looked at it. Occupied by two women, they waved, tooted and smiled at me before moving on. Ummmm, Kip never got this response when he drove! (you hope - ed)
Not far along from there I was stopped at another intersection and a bloke in a truck pulled up alongside. Smiles, waves and a whistle came from him. Again something Kip didn’t get.
I should have counted the waves I received on that trip home. Toots, flashing lights (or did they really think I was going fast and wanted to warn me of a speed trap ahead?) and kids peering through rear windows, while Dad was keeping an eye on me in the rear view mirror. I wonder if sometimes people might think I am an old lady (my hair is very blonde now) and have had this vehicle from new. I hope not, Ugly is 71 and I am pushing for 60.
One thing I admit to and that is I take crash gearboxes literally. Recently when Kip was driving the T6 following me he noticed that I can go around corners fairly fast. Well, it’s either that or stop completely and start again in first or the sound is awful!! (Not to mention the embarrassment!) Later I found out when I was riding with him in the T6, that she can go around corners fairly fast too!
My Dad cut his teeth on crash gearboxes and I really enjoyed watching him nurse Ugly around corners. Not a noise as he changed down. It was beautiful. I have always been “sound observant” when driving. I listen for any unusual noises and like to get them checked out in case there is damage on the way. I am very fortunate that I have never had a flat tyre because I haven’t had any lessons on how to change it on that vehicle. When there have been problems Kip has been driving.
With no electronic media I often sing along the way. I’m very careful to keep my eye on the rear view to make sure I’m not holding up traffic. It’s not too hard to pull over for a tick and I don’t always have to change gears. Sometimes I would like the comfort of air conditioning, the convenience of central locking and the ease of power steering. And you blokes thought all we women cared about in a vehicle was; 1. That it goes and 2. The colour - didn’t you?
It can be challenging but fun driving old vehicles and it’s mainly the attention and response you attract from other members of the public when you do it. So come on girls, give it a go!
Lynne Newbold
