As classic car owners, we are probably all used to the simple act of kindness from fellow owners that has helped us out over the years: a straightforward push to the side of the road when things have gone awry, some help with the diagnosis, a lift to a local garage or petrol station, or even just a bit of like-minded company until a recovery truck arrives.
Now and again however, people go above and beyond the call of duty and exceed all expectations. This happened to me when I announced my intention to make a 'flying visit' to Blackpool to collect the freshly painted Scimitar (except the engine bay, which I am keen to black myself).
Out of the blue, I received a message from a fellow owner in Lancashire who announced that himself and a couple of other chaps would be taking the day off work and pitching up to help me carry out the essential parts of the re-fit so I could hit the M6 at a reasonable hour for a Friday afternoon.
My initial reaction was one of "don’t worry – thanks, but it will be fine". After all, the ONLY things I had to do before loading up the trailer were to fit the windscreen, slot in the rear windows and bolt the doors in place. Simple. I thought it would be rather nice to have a bit of company and support in addition to those in the paint shop though, and so didn’t refuse their kind offer.
And I'm glad I didn’t. As it turned out, I underestimated the 'simple' jobs and have no qualms in admitting that until the gents from the South Lakes’ Noggineers arrived, I was faffing like a South African choosing from a Biltong menu.
