Lesson 93 Getting ready for the Old Crocks Race
Gretel is always surprised when she sees an old car in England-which is quite often. She is impressed by the way the English seem to love old things and take care of them. Last week the Clarks were invited to a friend's house and Gretel went with them. Mr Clark's friend, Jack Hume, has a very old and very valuable veteran car. It's a 6 h.p. 1903 De Dion-Bouton. Jack spends a lot of time looking after it."He's more interested in that old car than he is in me," his wife complains.
Jack is very proud of his veteran car and always shows it to visitors. "It has to be kept in its own garage," Jack explained. "I take it out quite often, but it has to be driven very carefully. If it gets wet, it has to be cleaned and polished immediately. That takes a few hours. I'm getting the car ready for the London to Brighton race now." Jack saw that Gretel hadn't understood, so he explained. "This race is held once a year. It's often referred to as the 'Old Crocks Race'. It's for old cars like mine. My wife and I always find it an exciting race."
"Speak for youself," Mrs Hume said."It's very uncomfortable and we usually get soaking wet. Geve me my Mini any day!" |