When I bought the old Jag five years ago, air-conditioning meant windows down and drive as fast as you can. On especially hot days it helped to wolf down a posh choc ice (Magnum) before setting off.
I wisely had the A/C fixed and chilled air of sorts now emits from the system. But it’s a 30-year-old design and in these June temperatures we seem to be operating at its limits.
I don’t remember the famed heatwave of 1976 the media and slightly older folk bang on about whenever it gets warm. But I can recall later childhood summers and the cars we had back then. Cortinas, Marinas, Itals. Air conditioning? Don’t be silly. Vinyl seats? Yes, if you were unlucky. Like my best mate, whose Dad had an Austin Maxi. Your sweaty legs really would stick to the maroon bench-seat. Nearly 50 years later I can still feel the sensation of peeling myself off it.
Didn’t seem as hot back then. Or maybe we didn’t care. It was the summer holidays and we just wanted to play outside. If it was a real scorcher the paddling pool and sprinkler would be out. We’d plead with Mum for 20p on hearing the Ice Cream Van coming down our cul-de-sac playing Greensleeves. I don’t think she liked that tune. ‘No.. you can have a home-made iced lolly from the freezer.’
Can’t get a Magnum for 20p these days. Best not tell Mum.
Andrew Greenhalgh 