An Ode to My Father’s MG TC
The year was 1946. I hear the country was in a fix.
I beamed with pride as my final part, was put in place and gave me heart.
My engine purred, my lights they beamed, my beautiful curves – they shone and gleamed.
Before I found an owner though, I was packed away and on a ship, you know.
For several months it seemed to me, in the dark and damp of the cavity,
I swayed and rocked in storms on sea, alone and frightened of what may be.
But as it happened, the ship came to, and the sun shone again on my Clipper Blue.
Then GI Bill climbed in my seat and once again I felt complete.
My steering wheel he held so gently, he guided me round the bends so intently,
Loving the wind in his hair as he sped, toward the truck, a mile ahead,
No one could have known that this was his last
day on earth, they lost him so fast.
There were dents in my bonnet and scratches on metal,
My sides, they had crumpled, like creases in petals
So off to a garage I went to be mended
But no one could pay for the costs that transcended.
So in a shed I stayed for some years, until someone saw me and thought I appeared
To be an investment and worth some money – they smiled so much you’d think it was funny.
I was taken up north, to a market, they said. Well, low and behold, I was sold to Fred.
But a lady, she drove me for miles and back to, well I declare, a racing track
Where I met lots of friends and won some prizes. How I loved this new life and all its surprises.
It went on like this for a very long time, but old age reached that girl whilst I was still in my prime.
Again I was shut away from the world. My sky-like hue, it faded and blurred.
I longed to feel the curve of the road, hear the birds, see the light and carry a load.
Then came Mr Chilton and he was a saviour. He towed me to freedom and did me the favour
Of restoring my paint, my engine and seats. And once again, we’re off round the streets.
My life’s come again and I’m so happy to be the pride of a household and loved. You see,
It’s all that one needs to be happy, not sad – the kindness of others I have and I’m glad.
Oh! Back on a vessel now, a ship so mighty. Its sixty five years since I saw Old Blighty.
Well Brooklands, no less, is a few miles away. How amazing is that, I have to say.
They said I couldn’t make that hill, but where there’s a way, there’s a driving will.
And, then, oh the crowds! And then, oh the lights! Has fame found us at last on this summer night?
I travel around a stadium so large. There is music and dancing, and athletes who march.
2012 is the year, there are rings up in lights. The Olympics they say, oh my, what a sight.
The life I have led is so full and so lucky, for a little MG with an owner so plucky.
And now have reached the age of 70-ish, still winning rosettes for Pride of Ownership.
I sleep warm at night in my garage so snug, all wrapped up like a bug in a rug.