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The Mini – Widow (Spinster) Report
by Allison Yates
When I first met Dave Perkins he mumbled something about doing up a Mini. I thought “boys will have their toys.” Well 16 years later and he still has his toys!!! In fact, I’ve seen 17 Minis in all states of repair and literally thousands of ‘bits’ of Minis scattered in his ‘work-shop’ under the house.
There’s been many a day at the wreckers looking for that illusive part (for it has to be original) and many nights under the house watching the most complicated jig-saw being put together.
Dave is what I call a perfectionist and does all the repairs and rebuilds himself. Thus you can imagine the hours he puts in. For those of you who have seen his latest conquered challenge, the Prospect Ivory 1971 MK2 Cooper S, you’ll understand where I am coming from.
Unfortunately for me, my line of work means irregular hours and days off. Fortunately for Dave he’s always been able to find ‘something’ to do. Many Saturdays mornings have passed looking through the paper and then racing to have first choice of any Cooper S that was advertised. I remember he bought a MK1 in 1984 for $200. The previous owner couldn’t work out what was wrong with it. Dave just fitted a new starter solenoid and drove it home.
There has been times when we have been going somewhere special, or on a long journey and I have thought why can’t he be into BMW’s instead? When he has turned up in a trusty Mini and I have tried not to crease my dress or touch the rag on the floor smeared in oil and grease that holds another precious part of a Mini. It goes without saying that us ladies must be careful not to slam the door, or carry any mud or grass in on our shoes.
I can’t deny there has been times I have felt upset, angry, annoyed – even second place to Dave’s devotion to Minis, but there has been far more happy memories, shared excitement and proud moments to out way any others.
For those wondering if Dave will restore another Cooper s,- he says “he has no plans”. Take it from me, that translates to – “given the right challenge – the questions not if but when.”
As for me, I only wish I had taken more notice of his mumblings………..
Allison.
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