The Library Muse
I don’t know about you, but I’m getting pretty feed up with all the political ads on TV and radio. Nothing but innuendos, half-truths and lies. From both parties. Seems like they been going on for a year already and we still have a month to go before the November election. Just remember that a politician’s job is to get elected (repeatedly) and anything else is $econdary. They will lie out of both sides of their mouths and kiss a baby at the same time. And when not kissing a baby they’re stealing his lolly-pop. A politician is akin to a long-horn steer, a point here and there but a lot of bull in between.
OK, off my soap box. But what this brings up is the fact the club election process will be starting this month. Fortunately, we don’t have the aforementioned problems. No back stabbing or personal attacks. Four positions to be elected, then the various staff positions for 2019 will need to be filled. Some folks are willing to stay on, but some wish to “retire,” at least temporarily. Both Deb and I have sat up at the front table and found the experience rewarding, especially when I could con Mr. Bill into buying a round. If you would like to be a little more involved with the club, think about running for one of the offices or volunteering for a staff position. Isn’t about time to dip your oar in the water and help row the boat?
~~ Bill Mennell
DID - U - KNOW
by Facia Nearside
After WWII Detroit was generally considered the center of the automotive universe, European manufacturers were struggling to get back in the game, and most things imported from Japan were the butt of a joke, especially vehicles. Few people took notice of the first offerings from that pacific island nation such as the Datsun Fairlady 1600, or in 1963 Honda’s first car, the S500.
Against that backdrop, Yamaha (who did work for many Japanese companies) proposed a radical new design to modernize the Fairlady, but Datsun rejected it. Toyota however took notice, viewing it as a way to shake off their stodgy conservative image. Designer Satoru Nozaki unashamedly took inspiration from the Jaguar E-Type and in 1967 the Toyota 2000GT made its debut. Only 351 examples of the 137 mph two-seater were built, all hard top.
| |
Production model — only 351 were built.
|
|
2000GT used in the James Bond film, You Only Live Twice
|
|
As luck would have it James Bond was also in Japan in 1967 filming “You Only Live Twice”. Her Majesty’s Agent of course needed the latest, greatest, sexiest ride available and the Toyota’s 2000GT was the perfect choice… well almost. Two cars were purchased, one for filming and one for promotional purposes, before it was realized that 6’2” Sean Connery did not fit in the car. No reason to let a minor issue like that cramp the style of the world’s most famous spy, the top was simple cut off both cars making them open two seaters.
In 1967 the Toyota 2000GT sold for about $6,800 in the United States, making it more expensive than most Jaguars and Porsches of that time. For years the car languished in the doldrums of obscurity. Not so today! The rarity of this first true Japanese super car has been recognized, and values are now north of one million dollars.
Reprinted from British Boots & Bonnets Chronicle — September 2018 issue.
|
|
|
October 2018
