	Gregor's Diamond Underdogs

A Dream Come True- Sandra's Spitfire Story

It is always said that everyone hopes that his or her own dreams will come true. I have been extremely fortunate in that mine has. What has this to do with classic cars one asks? Everything!

In 1979 I was lucky enough to tour South Africa in a Triumph Spitfire. She was white. She had a black soft-top. Her owner was gorgeous. The month passed in a dream-like haze and I suddenly found myself in the very real position of having to say goodbye to her. Yes, women are sentimental.

In 1983 a rust coloured chassis was delivered to a friend's house. It was his son Alex's sixteenth birthday present - the family has a tradition of giving one another pieces of rust! This, however, was no ordinary chassis - this was a Mark III Spitfire, 1296cc originally built in 1970. Alex was so excited: this was to be his major project for the next two or three years - Alex always was optimistic.

In 1991 Alex graduated from Edinburgh University and instead of entering the real world he decided to work on restoring his Spitfire. Every nut and bolt was sand blasted. He travelled to Sheffield for new seats. He primed and sprayed her himself. Such a restoration project requires money - a thing which most students do not have. I financed him and in return he gave her to me.

Although originally maroon, she is now white. She has a black soft top. She has overdrive. This time her owner may not be gorgeous but her restorer is my hero!

Yes, in the world of classic cars, dreams can come true!