Thoughts of the day...

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Darren C

A2OC Donor
After flirting with selling up several times since the onset of COVID, mostly due to the lack of use of my A2 (not a daily driver, no car shows/social scene), it not being dry stored and looking sorry for itself 9 times out of 10, and the typical ongoing servicing and tax costs when balanced against the increased cost of living, those thoughts are now in the past after a fantastic Easter weekend 'A2'ing'. A2 detailing, social action and a trip to Staines to see clan @Kleynie in action with @Special edition reminded me once again just how fantastic these cars are and what a great community of people they attract.

There aren't many cars that combine first class innovative engineering, quirky design, intricate packaging, quality and robustness and really do tug at the heart, almost becoming a family member (as bizarre as the latter sounds).

It is a pleasure to be part of this awesome club and the broader A2 community. It is also fantastic to see the growth of new members finding the A2 for the first time or fulfilling a longer term objective to become an owner. With the likes of @timmus, @A2Steve and @Clackers (not an exhaustive list) providing services that help to keep our cars mobile and morally upgraded, the future remains bright for our cars and the community.

My new favourite snaps of my A2 from the weekend.

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It’s been a hard couple of years mate, I’d worried that the A2 scene was dying off, but I think this year is starting to show that it’s very much alive and kicking.

I’m glad you’ve decided to stick with it.

Neither of our main family cars are A2’s anymore and I could have moved my business onto far more lucrative makes and models, but I really do love being part of this community so will be around for as long as I can. I think my knees will give up before my desire for A2’s does 😊
 
Reciprocated mate, what you do is vital, ethical breaking to keep our fleet of A2s alive and well. It is an invaluable member service that helps reduce the cost of repairs and enhancements, and is green too, thanks to recycling of components and not merely disposal when other parts reach end of life.

Huge gratitude for the time you invest (often late into the night and early in the morning) and the pricing and carrier charges which are always fair and don’t reflect greed or your time and effort in all cases either. Selfless acts to be applauded.

Thank you for sticking with us too, and not just for the service, the Edwards family are lovely people and very much part of the larger A2 family.

A2Steve said:
It’s been a hard couple of years mate, I’d worried that the A2 scene was dying off, but I think this year is starting to show that it’s very much alive and kicking.

I’m glad you’ve decided to stick with it.

Neither of our main family cars are A2’s anymore and I could have moved my business onto far more lucrative makes and models, but I really do love being part of this community so will be around for as long as I can. I think my knees will give up before my desire for A2’s does
😊
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A2 ownership is possibly now the hardest it has been. Let me explain a little. Yes these little aluminium cars are great, we treat them like they are our flesh and blood. Many have been truly been brought back from beyond the grave at considerable time and cost that will never be recouped.

Covid 19 has killed far too many people, but has also killed off a large part of the supply chain. Some companies either no longer make anything for the A2 or have reduced production to very low numbers. Yes parts are still available and where possible I will use genuine parts removed by our own breakers for two reasons. One the part is going to fit and work and two although not very cost effective ( profitable ) to them they are a more reliable source of parts.

All the A2s are now "pensioners" of the car world and regardless of if they do become a classic or not I honestly fear they will be legislated off the roads before time. The councils around the country are jumping on the "eco" band waggon and either want to charge a fortune to drive there or ban some cars already. This makes our cars very risky. We could end up with cars that become only scrap value as they are outlawed. Yes some models with better emission standards will be the last to go but fuel type availability and the governments hell bent on us driving electrics will stop these cars also.

Sorry to sound so pessimistic but better to have a bit of a heads up for what is probably in store for our A2s future. Electric conversion may be the only way we see A2s on the road in the not too distant future. Lets hope this technology drops significantly in price and companies start to produce kits to allow owners to convert their cars and then have a special test to ensure they are compliant, safe and useable.

Take care and enjoy your cars while you can.
 
You know my thought Darren -- an awesome example of an A2. The last few years have been awful for us all health wise and socialising with others. With that in mind I can understand when you have said about selling your car--but hopefully we can all start living a better life (yes still plenty of covid about-having just had it)
As you know I have also spoken about selling our last A2-the white TDI sport but its still sits outside and still bring such a pleasurable drive and looks just so damn cool (in my eyes at least)
It will be great to get together with the old and new members at some point this year-- great to see your fine a2 in the pics again mate
 
Thanks mate. 🙏🏻 I hope you hold on to yours too. Be great to see you and Yvonne at a social, it has been far, far too long buddy.

a2sumo said:
You know my thought Darren -- an awesome example of an A2. The last few years have been awful for us all health wise and socialising with others. With that in mind I can understand when you have said about selling your car--but hopefully we can all start living a better life (yes still plenty of covid about-having just had it)
As you know I have also spoken about selling our last A2-the white TDI sport but its still sits outside and still bring such a pleasurable drive and looks just so damn cool (in my eyes at least)
It will be great to get together with the old and new members at some point this year-- great to see your fine a2 in the pics again mate
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