Drive or restore

I bought mine to be a driver. Unfortunately, in the 2-1/2 years I've had it, it's been on the "injured/disabled" roster most of the time, due to incorrect/inadequate mechanical repairs when it was restored by the previous owner 20 years ago. The body work was immaculate, but the mechanicals were not so good. Hopefully here in the next couple of months I can get it back on the road and start driving it again. Even at that I've been able to put a couple thousand miles on it since I've had it, which is twice what it had in the previous 20 years.
 
I much prefer the driving to the showing. I like them to look original but enjoy doing a few modifications to make them more reliable and safer. We organize some longer tours to the various MAFCA meets and have driven cars thousands of miles. So I vote for driving!
 
I wanted the best of both worlds, so I took the time to find a Model A that was very nicely restored...not a show car, but close. I also have no interest in showing it, but I did want a very nice, correct driver that I did not have to continually work on.
It is a very nice car, with a beautiful paint job and new interior, but I am not afraid to drive it often, in traffic, on tours on the freeway, and to local stores. I had an unrestored Model A coupe in the early 1960's and wanted a nice, like new Model A....but one to enjoy, not leave in the garage. People ask all the time, "aren't you afraid to drive it in traffic and park in parking lots"...and I say no, I am just careful, and I really enjoy driving it.
 
Every day you spend restoring it is another day you can't drive it. But also keep in mind that restored high point cars can still be driven dispite what you might read here.
 
I too had a 50 Buick before my Model A. An original '20 footer' car with some dings & fading in spots and that's what everyone liked about it. So I just kept it that way for 7 years doing general maintenance. It was a virtual furnace in the summer until I removed the vent deflectors. Sold it as I've always wanted an early 30's car & can have only one at a time. I think the little flaws gives it character. If it's a honey to drive then just enjoy it. It looks way better than most A's do in period photos anyway!
 
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