Post by canuck on Jun 10, 2017 13:40:40 GMT
So chaps unlike many of you on this board I need to tuck my cars away during the winter months. Copious quantities of snow, road salt and often -30C temperatures is not conducive to enjoyable Riley driving.
A couple of weekends ago I got my Riley out of storage for the 2017 season. I am fortunate to have a sister-in-law with a large garage where I can store my cars.
Well as expected a turn of the key, a few clicks of the fuel pump, choke on a tad, a push of the starter button and George started right up, no hesitation. Always a joy!
While driving back home, (90 mile drive) I was thinking about just how dependable this little car has been. In 2009 I found George 2000kms from home and he had been stored/put away for more than 25 years, and had covered +110K miles in his life. I dragged him half way across this country, re commissioned him, no major rebuild and that is it. He is rough around the edges but presentable.
For 7 driving seasons, and more than 25K miles this car has never let me down. I use the car daily from May to October, never fails to start. I drive it in city traffic, (not so fun) highway driving and secondary roads. I have no hesitation to drive him anywhere. I have done +700 mile road trips in a day, (Canada is a large country) to meet up with other Riley. I have a roof rack that I carry lumber on and have carried asphalt shingles in the boot.
The point of this ramble is this little old fashioned car is remarkably versatile, dependable and a joy to drive.
How about you do you coddle or abuse your little rocket?
Bruce