As I have mentioned in a previous column or perhaps more, I have been looking for an MGB. I had two when I was a young fellow.

When I started looking about nine months ago, there was only one in Saskatchewan listed on Kijiji. I spoke with the owner, procrastinated and it was sold. I thought I had purchased one in Toronto last fall, but the owner decided to wait until spring to sell it. Then, COVID-19 struck.

This column isn’t about the ones that got away, but about my dealing with an owner, or alleged owner, of one in the Ottawa area.

I told him I was interested in knowing more about his 1976 MGB which was listed at $6,500. From my relentless/obsessive search for a car, it seemed about $1,000 underpriced. I asked if I could give him a call to talk about the car.

“Sure. But here’s the thing,” he texted. “I must be a little behind the times. I listed probably below average price. I’ve had overwhelming replies. I’ve relisted at $14,000.”

That seemed odd, so I politely told him I would look elsewhere. Then came another message. “Oh wait . . . I think we have a deal. Send me $7,500 in cash in an envelope and I’ll drive it out to you . . gladly. Never been to Saskatchewan. Would be an awesome trip.”

I told the seller I was looking at other cars and would get back to him if I was interested.

He replied, and I can’t use his exact words, but will give you a flavour. “Oh, hi. Get a (bleeping) real job. And quit preying on people. (Bleeping) loser.”

That was a bit harsh. I bought a car last month. It’s a 1974 MGB and I bought it from a person in Calgary.

The purchasing process was unlike any I have had. I spoke with the seller by email, texting and on the phone. He sent me numerous photos and, one night, he walked me around the car using Facetime. The car has a few options you likely can’t get these days. There is a cassette player, which must have been cool in 1974. It has three wiper blades on a little window. It has a choke.

The car is fun to drive, even though I forgot that it wouldn’t have power steering. I forgot you feel every bump and I forgot how low they are to the ground.

I forgot how much I love these little cars.

-Cam Hutchinson