When Betty and I first attempted to contact Miata owners to start a new club, we were sent a list from MCA.  Among the names was a member from our home town of Brentwood, and we were excited to hear from him.  As with most of you, we sent him a card, inviting him to join us and this was his reply……  It reminds us just how things can change in the twinkle of an eye……  Your Editor, Bob


Hi there,
Got your card in the mail today. Sorry to say that you are just over six years too late.

I had '92 A package born to me in late '91. Not second hand. I rubbed it every day. It never spent the night outside.

August 14, 1994 on the way to work, I had both windows down and the rear window unzipped. It was warm already. I was going down Fairview Ave. at about 7:30 am doing about 50 mph in moderate traffic. (Not at all like Fairview at 7:30 am now).

Traffic on the other side of the road slowed for some reason, known only to them. A complete idiot driving on a suspended license for a drunk driving offense ( his third) and with no insurance, rear ended a '69 El Camino. The El Camino was propelled across to my side of the road. In an instant he was into the left side of the Miata. In the next instant his huge chrome bumper ripped down the side of my car sinking ever deeper.  As I passed and he kept advancing, this blow on the side at 50 mph not only tore most of the side of the car open, but it also had the affect of pushing the car. In effect it set me sideways. I traveled about 75 feet and came to a sudden stop against a telephone pole. The pole hit on the passenger side near the front of the door.

The short story that I tell people is that one day on the way to work,  I went to the hospital to get stitched up and the Miata went to heaven.

I've attached a picture of the car after it had been towed to the wrecking yard. This is for adult viewing only and then not if you are queasy.

Go out to the garage and hug your Miata now! Life is so very unpredictable. 'TJ'

T. J. Houchins
Brentwood