Spin to Turn

January 1975. Over a foot of snow had fallen overnight and was still coming down in fat, wet flakes.

Only streetlights illuminated the unplowed streets, and I was an expert at driving my tiny convertible MG in the snow.

I wanted a sports car and purchased it despite its rust and faults. It required manual installation of the hard top; the side and back windows were hardened, yellow plastic, and impossible to see out of. Dual carbs were great for driving, but only a very skilled mechanic could tune them. When changing lanes, I signaled, prayed, and slowly veered over, hoping those behind me saw my intention.

Living in the northwest ‘burbs of Chicago, a low-to-the-ground tiny car isn’t the best in heavy, deep snow. The street to my son’s daycare had a ninety-degree angle, then turned back to straight. The winter storm’s heavy snow blanket fought the MG. Deep drifting snow gripped the undercarriage, pulling the vehicle out of the previous vehicle’s tire tracks that helped with traction.

I knew from experience how to make that angle: gun the engine, head straight for the pole where the street turned the ninety-degree angle, then spin the wheel to the left. I deliberately spun the MG to turn.

The snow fought me, but I knew exactly when to crank the wheel back, correcting our the vehicle’s direction. A challenge!

Turning onto the street, I accelerated, aiming for my angle target. My small son beside me was safely deposited at his daycare.