Category: Africa

Yes, it is true, Bridget has a new set of clothes. Following her visit to the little red car factory and museum in Maranello she has been pestering me for a 'nice red outfit'. I have to say I think it suits her and clearly so do some of her fans. I have already received a letter from a young lady in Germany. I can't make out her signature but I think it is Michelle Shoemaker, back in history her family were probably all cobblers! Anyway she says she is currently working out her notice from her present employer and asked if she could drive my car next year? Of course I shall have to refuse her request as Bridget will be otherwise disposed. The new floor pan has been fitted and so all I have to do now is re-assemble everything with as few parts left over as possible. I am hoping she will be ready by Christmas and...

All the examinations and problem diagnostics are over; it is time to rebuild Bridget in preparation for next year’s run. The experts have identified the damaged box structure of Bridget’s chassis, the distorted floor pan, and the damaged passenger seating anchor points. I now need to strip her down to the bare shell for the experts to repair and repaint. There is the usual gallery of pictures available of the progress made, stage by stage. There have been some surprises already and I am making some small changes to Bridget’s mechanics as I go along. These are mainly replacement of parts that are showing signs of ware, but also upgrading her timing chain to a duplex one. The surprises so far; when unbolting the engine mountings, one was found to have sheared off! So for the past six thousand miles she has only had one supporting mounting, which may have been the reason for the judder every time she pulled away. The second...

Bridget arrived safely into Southampton on the 21st March and Alan and I fetched her back to Abingdon. She started first time which after three months without running was very good. She appeared to drive well for the sixty mile journey. I had arranged to take her first to Frontline Developments in Steventon to establish whether or not her body had been twisted when she was dropped. If so then the most probable remedy would be a new body shell. Alan noticed when following us back from the docks that she was 'crabbing', confirming what Bruce, in South Africa, told me. I wasn't hopeful. However, like a fretting father, I was worrying unnecessarily. Frontline pronounced that Bridget was one of the straighest Midgets they have checked for a long time. Her 'castor angle' is rather flat!! The castor angle is the angle, measured in degrees, formed between the axis of the kingpin and the perpendicular to the ground, looking at the vehicle...