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The Clockwork Riley

A true story: THE INNOCENCE OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION

I recently had a young 20ish.female reporter from a local paper come to my property to do an article on the rare birth of my twin donkeys. Walking past my workshop she noticed through the workshop window my 1909 Riley motorcar, and asked if she could have a look at it and possibly do an article on it as well. I agreed and took her into the workshop and proceeded to answer questions as to its history and restoration etc. After a while she pointed to the crank handle at the front of the car and asked "what was that for". My reply was, "that you started the motor by winding it around."

After a silent thoughtful pause she replied "O, I see, but how far can you go before you have to get out and wind it up again "I kid you not. Following an explanation, one very embarrassed reporter left. The story on the donkeys appeared, but so far nothing about the "Wind up veteran Riley motorcar."
(photo and text Ivan D. Taylor)

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Comments

#4 2013-01-31 00:22

I would have played along, just for a bit of fun. You could have also said that the floor boards are removable so your legs and feet can be used to help push the car up steep hills too. This is where they got the idea for Fred Flintstone.

#3 2013-01-28 16:41

I have found that if you explain something in terms that someone can comprehend, there is no reason the young lady should have left embarrassed. Further more did you offer to teach her how to start the motorcar or perhaps offer a ride? I think you may have missed an easy chance to connect with a potential enthusiast. I have asked several naïve questions in my time and only felt embarrassed when someone gave me a simple explanation because they thought I was “clueless”. So says one from the younger generation.

+1 #2 2013-01-27 18:05

True story, in the same vein as that of the starting handle. A neighbour asked me for help with his car. A dash light indicated low coolant level. He had topped it up but the light remained on. However, the windscreen wash, which had not been working, now worked well!

+1 #1 2013-01-27 05:53

Love the story. But really it highlights the need for we enthusists to ensure that as much information about our motoring heritage is passed onto the younger generations.
Remember your knowledge dies with you unless you have relayed it to others.
So says an 80 year old.

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