America
belated birthday wishes
July 4, 2026
bring out your old Mustang
‘76 was as good a year as any
give it a foam and a rinse
get back the shine best you can
roads may be cracked, shoulders soft
but the makers knew their stuff and the engine runs fine
just be sure to check the fluids
transmission and oil
good chance they need a change
top up the coolants too
gotta avoid overheating
keys should be in your pocket
if not, you’ll find them in a drawer in the kitchen
watch for your fellows on the road—
except for Canadians, and a few others
they’ll be driving the same make and model you are
so if you have engine trouble or a flat
somebody’ll be around who knows what to do
you can try to be that person yourself
oh and put the top down why don’t you—
there’s nothing like the sun, and a bit of wind in your hair
when out on the open road
Thanks, Man. I wish we were better friends, like in the old days.
Oh, the joys of old cars.
Last year $1600 to replace half the hydraulics so I could actually use my SL 500 as a convertible
This year, the other side went out but the repair cost is up to 1800 now - always used parts from overseas because you can’t get them anymore
So I figured I’d bite the bullet, but then it wouldn’t start - towed the beauty in - $1800 estimate and that’s only if nothing else is wrong other than the ignition coil blah blah blah because you have to take out the whole dash - to replace the $70 part
So now we’re up to $3600. Less than I spent last year - and the year before that - year after year, but the true joy is that for every dollar you spend on a clasaic car you get a magnificent rate of return on your investment of zero
But at least it’s not a Ford