Modern Garage in Far East

[BeachBoy]

Is it the 2.3L supercharged Engine?

 

[abstamaria]

Yes, BeachBoy, the supercharged 2.3 liter motor. It's quite a docile car, actually.

 

[dubber]

A hard-top convertible is definitely useful!

 

[slickgt1]

Re: Mg tc

I took our 1948 MG TC to the local “cars and coffee,” some 20 kilometers South of where we live. It was still cool early in the morning, with 22C on the thermometer, but summer is definitely here. The sun’s position has shifted, and by midmorning one can feel its harsher, more direct rays. The driveway grass has become dry, so we have to turn on the sprinklers now. They are programmed to go on at 4AM every other day.

I drove the TC with the windscreen and top down of course. Seeing it after I opened the garage door, I just had to take out my phone and take a photo.

I've always been meaning to ask. What kind of grass is that. My grass doesn't seem to look nearly as nice and I have way less brick. My lanscaper keeps telling me it is because I have a lot of brick and concrete, and it makes the grass overheat. Your looks perfect, just like everything else it seems. Ty in advance.

 

[abstamaria]

That's a grass local to the islands, slickgt1, the cheapest variety in fact. It is hardy and tolerates some shade (we have a tree limb over part of the driveway). It is the height of summer here, with Easter weekend historically being the hottest days. So the grass on the driveway is suffering much, too, and you can see scrubbed areas in the photo, where tires pass.

We have a sprinkler going on automatically at 5AM three days a week. I should probably increase the duration a bit now.

We have Bermuda grass on the lawns; they seem to be doing better. They don't have to put up with cars passing on them.

Good luck,

Andy

 

[slickgt1]

That's a grass local to the islands, slickgt1, the cheapest variety in fact. It is hardy and tolerates some shade (we have a tree limb over part of the driveway). It is the height of summer here, with Easter weekend historically being the hottest days. So the grass on the driveway is suffering much, too, and you can see scrubbed areas in the photo, where tires pass.

We have a sprinkler going on automatically at 5AM three days a week. I should probably increase the duration a bit now.

We have Bermuda grass on the lawns; they seem to be doing better. They don't have to put up with cars passing on them.

Good luck,

Andy

Yea I have a feeling my landscaper is jerking me around. Every week few weeks he throws some ****, charges me $50, it grows for two weeks, and them looks like **** again. First he tells me I over-water it. Then I have too much concrete around it. I need to take this into my own hands I think. Thanks Andy.

 

[abstamaria]

Changing chapters

I probably already shared this photograph, but a friend just saw it and commented, “that was the best chapter.” He was referring to the story a garage tells because of the cars that are in it, and I suppose he is right. When I took that photo many years ago, I was not as old and wanted “pure” cars. Oh to have the Lotus 23 back with me again!

 

[Geek]

That photo is worthy of something like a giclee printing so we can hang it in our garages

 

[abstamaria]

Thanks, Edward. I like it a lot, too. It represents a good chapter, as my friend said.

 

[abstamaria]

Wall Art

I have a good friend who some 20 years ago made a Lotus Seven replica from scratch. Before he fabricated the frame, he made a wooden mock-up. I was visiting the other day and noted that it was still hanging on a high wall of his home. I thought you might enjoy the photo.

 

[ODIS]

Always a pleasure to read your thread. It seems your new vocation of retirement suits you very well.

Happy to read you are doing well and having a great time.

Best,

Ody.

 

[abstamaria]

Thanks, Ody. I try not to go to office more than three times a week, so it has been quite enjoyable. I have so many projects! I enjoy reading about your projects; they always give me ideas.

Best personal regards,

Andy

 

[abstamaria]

Chaise

On a rainy day like today, one just sits and enjoys the garage.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Re: Chaise

On a rainy day like today, one just sits and enjoys the garage.

As one does, enjoy.

 

[abstamaria]

Indeed, 1/2 Cup. Many thanks.

Andy

 

[dubber]

Andy, i was just looking at a house listed near me which has a familiar chair

 

[abstamaria]

They look identical, Dubber!

Best,

Andy

 

[Woogeroo]

Re: Mg tc

I took our 1948 MG TC.

I drove the TC with the windscreen and top down of course. Seeing it after I opened the garage door, I just had to take out my phone and take a photo.

not my usual cup of tea, but that is a gorgeous automobile.



-W

 

[Clemson13]

I am new to this forum, and yours is the first long build and garage journey I have read in its entirety. How could I stop reading? Every post has relevancy. All I can say is, Wow.

Your evolving collection of cars brought a smile to my face every time that you posted new pictures. The dino is my favorite car in the collection. It's lines are perfection.

Your entire house is spectacular. I am looking to buy a new house in the next year and now I have a new style to consider. In general, I never feel like a house is my home, just a place to sleep and put my things. The style you have presented in the pictures makes me think of a home. Just looking at the pictures brings feelings of peace and serenity. The minimalist lifestyle you have achieved is admirable.

I myself like to keep things hidden away and not collect clutter. Books are an exception. Every book should have a home. It seems that you have similar feelings, your library looks like a very enjoyable space. Plenty of reading material.

Please continue to update your thread. The stories of you and your friends throughout your time in the sports car world are wonderful. Your stories are the type one could sit and listen to for hours. I can only hope to gain some of the experiences and connections that you have through the car world.

Hope you are in good health and enjoying your automotive works of art.

Best regards,

Bob

 

[abstamaria]

It's an old car, Woogeroo, really a pre-war design. I read that tastes for these old designs are fading quickly, the market being affected by things as fundamental as death. The general rule seems to be that one enthuses over the cars that were desirable when one was young, a teenager. Enthusiasts who fall in that category for the TC are getting fewer.

The cars I love are really 1960s cars, so the 1948 MG TC is before my time. But I so enjoy its directness, honesty, and simplicity - such a breather from modern cars. It is so involving to drive, even if if its top speed is so low - it is like a spunky little terrier. I figure it will be the last car I will sell; its speed will match mine.

I am happy you like it.

Best,

Andy

 

[abstamaria]

Bob, many thanks. As you progress through Garage Journal, I am sure will find so many interesting garages and so many approaches to our hobby.

Yes, the Dino is special in that it is so beautiful. It was state-of-the-art then, too, with its mid-engine layout, DOHC engine, and so on, all in a small, exquisite package. It is jewel-like. It is a delight to drive, too. I am happy I have it. I bought it before the market took off; I was lucky.

I am glad you like the house and the design ethic. I recommend a minimalist design, highly, but understand it will require a lifestyle change as well and therefore isn’t for everyone. Our very bare home has been calming for us and also those who visit, so I am happy it may influence what you do for your home.

I am also happy you enjoyed the thread. The downside of a minimalist garage is that once it’s done, it’s done. Anything added may detract, so there is very little to add now. But I will update it once in a while.

Good luck with the new house; I trust you will spend much effort in planning your garage as well. There are so many excellent examples here on Garage Journal.

Many thanks again, and kind regards,

Andy

 

[abstamaria]

Simplifying

Such a mess in the studio, formerly the workshop! When I retired from my firm, I brought home boxes of files accumulated over almost 40 years. I thought now I would make a final effort to thin them and decide which things I must finally throw away. It is not an easy job; even if many papers probably will never be relevant to me again, they have been with me for so many years. My dog Sundance keeps me company.

 

[abstamaria]

Study for Garage

Going through my files, I came across this study I made many years ago for the garage renovation. I thought of a tall ceiling for the work area, which is at the far end of the garage, for a full-size lift and also more light. I would also have a 2nd floor for car books and the little car memorabilia I keep. I eventually decided that the windows might let in too much radiant heat and that I didn't need more space. It looks good, I think though; if I renovated again, I might reconsider.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Re: Chaise

On a rainy day like today, one just sits and enjoys the garage.

Nice LC4. Is it Cassina?

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[abstamaria]

Yes, from Cassina (New York, I recall), Rodratfinks, but bought a long time ago.

You must be an Ed Roth fan.

Best,

Andy

 

[RickP]

Re: Study for Garage

Going through my files, I came across this study I made many years ago for the garage renovation. I thought of a tall ceiling for the work area, which is at the far end of the garage, for a full-size lift and also more light. I would also have a 2nd floor for car books and the little car memorabilia I keep. I eventually decided that the windows might let in too much radiant heat and that I didn't need more space. It looks good, I think though; if I renovated again, I might reconsider.

That design study looks good - maybe next year's project?

I couldn't tell from the picture how you did the study - was it Photoshop?

 

[abstamaria]

Thanks, Rick. Something really simple - I just used Paint (I don't know if that drawing program is still available) on a digital photograph.

I am very tempted to construct that.

Regards,

Andy

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Yes, from Cassina (New York, I recall), Rodratfinks, but bought a long time ago.

You must be an Ed Roth fan.

Best,

Andy

Yes. Two of my worlds just collided. I'm a long time fan of Ed Roth (by extension of my love for hot rodding), as well as modern design. But wait, there's more. I also like European and Asian vehicles.

I would love to own an LC4. They're so comfortable.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[RickP]

Thanks, Rick. Something really simple - I just used Paint (I don't know if that drawing program is still available) on a digital photograph.

I am very tempted to construct that.

Regards,

Andy

Wow, I'm impressed! I've used Paint before, and those are some very impressive results with that program. It looks incredibly realistic and lifelike.

That would be a great project for you - especially now that you have a little more time on your hands.

 

[biscuit141]

Re: Simplifying

Such a mess in the studio, formerly the workshop! When I retired from my firm, I brought home boxes of files accumulated over almost 40 years. I thought now I would make a final effort to thin them and decide which things I must finally throw away. It is not an easy job; even if many papers probably will never be relevant to me again, they have been with me for so many years. My dog Sundance keeps me company.

You may have said and I missed it, but what kind of work did you do before you retired? Garage continues to amaze, great work.

 

[abstamaria]

My work was principally with projects, biscuit141, such as large industrial plants and, later, power stations, and on acquisitions. A lot of paper and long hours!

Best,

Andy

 

[abstamaria]

not so neat.

Going through old files, I found this photo, taken circa 1990s, of my garage in a previous home.

That's Bert, who at the time the photo was taken had been part of the family staff for many years. He was a great help in the shop but has since retired. I helped him buy a fruit-tree farm in his province, where he still lives.

The old garage was not too spacious, particularly with two projects going on at the same time (note the Elan chassis in the background). It helped that Lotuses are small cars. The photo shows how cluttered my garage can be.

Best to all,

Andres

 

[OscarTango]

Must be "part of the family", right?

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

 

[abstamaria]

Yes, Oscar, he is very much part of the family.

Andres

 

[Clemson13]

How are you enjoying the new Ferrari?

 

[Clemson13]

When your thread popped up again, I just had to go look at the car art in you garage again :laughing:

 

[abstamaria]

Hello, Clemson13. I am enjoying the Italia quite a lot. It is a very different experience from the old cars I tend to have. It is of course very much faster, but more than that the controls, the way the car reacts, almost everything about it is different. It is digital versus analog. It is refreshing and interesting to switch back and forth from the old cars.

I thought I should get a new Ferrari before I am unable to drive. I figured that may be the last new sports car I would buy, but the new Miata (MX5) is very interesting. I am glad you enjoyed the garage.

Andy

 

[abstamaria]

New Car

This morning I picked up a new Mazda MX5. What a treat it is to drive - a back-to-first-principles, small, light sports car, as basic and as analog as cars can be these days.

 

[RickP]

Nice! Are you planning to use the Mazda for your daily driver and save the other cars for nice days or special occasions?

 

[dubber]

Very cool. I've read some great reviews on them and i've been curious.