October 2017

I love late summer. Some of my lot up here start muttering “winter’s coming” when we open up after the August Bank Holiday, but as far as I’m concerned if the sun’s out in September and there’s warmth in the air, it’s still summer. Then again I always was an optimist. I run an independent garage don’t I? While the weather still holds, it’s nice to be able to spread out, working outside where possible. It was on one of these warm afternoons last week that my attention was drawn upwards by the sound of an aeroplane. I watched it for a few seconds before I realised it was a Spitfire, doing barrel rolls over the very edge of town. It was a marvellous sight. The plane, and the bittersweet nature of late September sun made me think about zenith, and endings. As old as the Spitfire is, you could argue that it still represents the zenith of technology for an aeroplane of that type. They pretty much went to jets after that. Now, I am sure some (other) know-it-all will chime in and say “what about the P51 Mustang?” and I will reply, with a smile, “what’s Ford got to do with it?” Seriously though, it’s my column and I’m the one making a point. Anyway, the aircraft that were used after the Spitfire were essentially a completely different breed, and the whole approach to aeroplanes changed after that. Practical option It made me think about the rise of alternative drivetrains. For about a century, the internal combustion engine was the only real game in town. Whether it was petrol or diesel, efficient or wildly wasteful, the principle was the same. Now electric vehicles are a practical option for some, and hybrids are a common sight. We even get them in here. Will we see a day where we see the ultimate in internal combustion? By ultimate, I mean best, but last, with everything that follows being a case of servicing the past? I don’t know, as I said I run a garage. What I do know is that it’s something we as an industry need to keep an eye on. The UK now has a plan to end new conventional drivetrain car sales by 2040. Now, as much as I appreciate the hard work put in by our current government, I don’t think they will still be in office in 23 years. What we do need to do is take seriously the rise of new technologies, and for those who still want to be in business in 2040 this is a serious issue. As for me, I expect to be long- retired by then. But whoever takes on the Parkit mantle will need zeal to deal with this. I know this industry can adapt to any circumstances. We handled all sorts of vehicular nonsense put out by the manufacturers over the years. If they can give us engines that don’t spurt out muck, we can learn to fix them. Chocks away chaps! ZEAL FOR A ZENITH 66 AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2017 TEABREAK: MEMOIRS OF A MOTOR MECHANIC www.aftermarketonline.net