[qwerty49]

Then had a 53 MGTD.  I misplaced my keys once and actually started the car with a screwdriver.  One time I forgot to shut the hood tightly and was reminded of that when it flipped up and banged into my windshield at 65mph on the Bayshore.  That was a lot of fun -- not!

I'll have to file away the trick about using a screwdriver instead of a key for my 48 MGTC. Turning the key simply turns on the electrical system (if the battery's not dead, if so, there's always the push start option), after which you have to engage the starter, so I just leave the key in my car all the time, because almost nobody under 80 these days would know about using a starter.

Back in the day I had way more tolerance for high-maintenance cars. My main wheels became a 78 Alfa Spyder. Low-slung and cornered like a cat, what a joy it was on Hiway 1 and going up La Honda and Woodside to Skyline Blvd. But I left at least 2 oil pans on the hills of SF.

Then I got married, had a kid and became a suburban van guy, sigh.

I now have a Toyota and a Scion, both old enough to vote.

[qwerty49]

Then had a 53 MGTD.  I misplaced my keys once and actually started the car with a screwdriver.  One time I forgot to shut the hood tightly and was reminded of that when it flipped up and banged into my windshield at 65mph on the Bayshore.  That was a lot of fun -- not!

I'll have to file away the trick about using a screwdriver instead of a key for my 48 MGTC. Turning the key simply turns on the electrical system (if the battery's not dead, if so, there's always the push start option), after which you have to engage the starter, so I just leave the key in my car all the time, because almost nobody under 80 these days would know about using a starter.

Back in the day I had way more tolerance for high-maintenance cars. My main wheels became a 78 Alfa Spyder. Low-slung and cornered like a cat, what a joy it was on Hiway 1 and going up La Honda and Woodside to Skyline Blvd. But I left at least 2 oil pans on the hills of SF.

Then I got married, had a kid and became a suburban van guy, sigh.

I now have a Toyota and a Scion, both old enough to vote.