There's Something About Mary

1990 Mazda Miata

 Back in January of 2013, Jim purchased a 1990 Mazda Miata.

Almost one month to the day, Jim was in an accident and the insurance company totaled it.

You would think that would be the end of the story, but it wasn't.  We decided to rebuild.  She wasn't unsalvageable, it was just that it would cost more to fix her than she was actually worth.

Darby loves this car

You may have noticed I started referring to the car as her.  Yep, we named her Mary.  Hence the title.

So we repaired the damage and learned a lot along the way.

We spent many a weekend not only driving with the top down, but doing things on the car.  Be it just checking her fluids or repainting her.

She was repainted numerous times.  She was white and then gray.  Then white and black.  And finally tan and black.  Each time we painted her it was an experience.

She's had a few engine swaps.  One out of need and another just for more power.

I learned about brake jobs, sway bars, oil and other fluid changes and tires.

It became a project car.

And Darby loved going for rides in her.  What dog wouldn't want to go for a ride in a convertible?

We also learned the joys of Auto Cross.  Jim was able to participate in two Auto Crosses while we were in Norfolk.  Each time they were held on Little Creek Base and each time it was a day of fun.

You can tell they were different times because the car is a different color in each one.

One of my favorite memories is going to see Christmas lights in this car with the top down.  Best view of the lights ever!

She made the cross country trip from Virginia to California.  Two adults in a car with no A/C, power steering, cruise control, radio and only a driver's side airbag.  What fun!  And we went the scenic way!

She stayed in California in storage until we moved there.  Almost 7 months.  Of course that's when all the lovely weather arrived that was perfect for driving with the top down.

She became Jim's daily driver because the weather in California was perfect for it.

However, she wasn't as comfortable to us as she used to be.  Age does that to a body.  We would both be tired after a day out in her.  And Jim's Fitbit registered more steps than he actually took with her.  LOL

Fortunately, one of our friends is on the west coast and was happy to use her for auto crossing.

Sad to see her go, but glad she's still going to be driving and not parted out.

Farewell Mary!