Another mystery car
Discussion
FWIW, I feel that that whole story could be true. This saga is like Madeline McCann- everything plausible has been ruled out, so the truth must be something extraordinary. Everything AlfG says could be just the way it went down. If the internet sleuths and the windscreen/wheelbase measures and the paint police were so great and accurate then they would have been be able to explain it, not just pick holes in other theories.
However, if I was a betting man, I would go for "someone has had several years to concoct all that".
However, if I was a betting man, I would go for "someone has had several years to concoct all that".
This is a car that Alf was interested in, had a ride in and also mentioned and described to his son so much and in such detail that the son thought that this car, being discussed on an internet forum, may be the one he was told about.
So he was directed to the thread and replied. Once. Giving us the name of the guy who built it, no less. But it’s not his real name, it’s a nickname. I’m thinking it’s just too good to be true in my book.
So he was directed to the thread and replied. Once. Giving us the name of the guy who built it, no less. But it’s not his real name, it’s a nickname. I’m thinking it’s just too good to be true in my book.
fouronthefloor said:
Call me cynical but I somehow get the feeling we're being primed. I wouldn't be surprised if this mystery car appeared from some lock-up down Bournemouth way, having been 'hastily' assembled during the lockdown period and in 'pristine' condition, but sadly with no interior.
I have the feeling that Alf is a well-known motoring writer who is interested in historic Specials and likes a good wind-up. I wonder if he has RAF 33 on retention?In my experience, people fall into one of two categories. Those who, when they find themselves in a position to help, will be only too pleased to do so. And then there are those who, for whatever reason, don't.
The former applies to the vast majority of people - well over 99% I would say. Unfortunately, the internet does tend rather to bring out the latter.
Of course we're all hoping that Alf is the former, and that those details in the story that don't appear to add-up are due to misunderstandings and understandably hazy memories of events from around 60 years ago.
If that is the case, then I am certain Alf will be back in-touch and eager to celebrate the achievements of his friend.
Perhaps he would be kind enough to fill-in a few more details such as where the Bowers worked as aircraft fabricators, or the address of the smallholding where the car was built. After all, this was a location he must have visited often.
If we have the address, then there will be various sources of information that can be followed to locate surviving relatives. This can all be done via private messaging, rather than publishing the address onlline.
Look forward to hearing from you again Alf.
The former applies to the vast majority of people - well over 99% I would say. Unfortunately, the internet does tend rather to bring out the latter.
Of course we're all hoping that Alf is the former, and that those details in the story that don't appear to add-up are due to misunderstandings and understandably hazy memories of events from around 60 years ago.
If that is the case, then I am certain Alf will be back in-touch and eager to celebrate the achievements of his friend.
Perhaps he would be kind enough to fill-in a few more details such as where the Bowers worked as aircraft fabricators, or the address of the smallholding where the car was built. After all, this was a location he must have visited often.
If we have the address, then there will be various sources of information that can be followed to locate surviving relatives. This can all be done via private messaging, rather than publishing the address onlline.
Look forward to hearing from you again Alf.
TonyRPH said:
If 'Alf' was 20 in 1962 he would be about 80 now.
His post is also remarkably well formatted for someone of his age who doesn't usually post on the internet.
My experience of 80 year olds is that they are rather better than their younger counterparts at composition, structure and formatting, and especially paragraphs!His post is also remarkably well formatted for someone of his age who doesn't usually post on the internet.
Johnnytheboy said:
I've no doubt repeatedly being accused of lying will have Alf rushing back to furnish PH with more detail. 
Yes, I'm sure he would be happy to set the record straight and help us find out more.We all want this to be genuine, but we need a little more detail so that we can take things forward.
Edited by borrani72 on Wednesday 23 June 09:19
Interestingly, the other long running mystery car thread has suddenly had a newly minted poster stating they know all the secrets and a just credible explanation....
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
borrani72 said:
Yes, I'm sure he would be happy to set the record straight and help us find out more.
We all want this to be genuine, but we need a little more detail so that we can take things forward.
Well said borrani, lets hope Alf reads the whole thread and is aware of all the work and and genuine curiosity this intriguing mystery car has created, if Alf is genuine, then it sounds from his comments its likely that amazingly the car still exists .We all want this to be genuine, but we need a little more detail so that we can take things forward.
Edited by borrani72 on Wednesday 23 June 09:19
Leithen said:
TonyRPH said:
If 'Alf' was 20 in 1962 he would be about 80 now.
His post is also remarkably well formatted for someone of his age who doesn't usually post on the internet.
My experience of 80 year olds is that they are rather better than their younger counterparts at composition, structure and formatting, and especially paragraphs!His post is also remarkably well formatted for someone of his age who doesn't usually post on the internet.
Maybe Alf is willing to meet up with someone from the forum and have a chat, they can take along some of the info stored in the pages he’s not seen which might job his memory a bit more.
Also, does he know how it came to be in a book about buses? What might “Clive” been doing in that part of London on that day? Did “Clive” ever mention it or was he aware?.
ETA, if his son is on here, who is he and why has he not said anything yet?.
Also, does he know how it came to be in a book about buses? What might “Clive” been doing in that part of London on that day? Did “Clive” ever mention it or was he aware?.
ETA, if his son is on here, who is he and why has he not said anything yet?.
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