I've been fortunate to enjoy regular contact with Eric, whom most of you know as the nice American chap who comes to meetings usually armed with a crate of Mtn Dew* or some similar American drink. He's also Ariadne's current owner and reguarly calls to update me on what's happening and how things are going.
Contact usually tends to follow a similar format, which is one of pleasantries, followed by the odd question regarding Ariadne (or VR-4s in general) and general enthusiasm on Eric's part, usually in the form of announcing that he's just bought something else for her, or that he's been demonstrating her performance to other, unsuspecting motorists. It's quite nice actually and reaffirms that I sold her to someone who cares as much as he enthusiastic about her, and because of that I overlook his slightly less diligent approach to car cleanliness...
Anyhow.. One day last summer Eric called as usual, and during the call he mentioned that he was on the lookout for some replacement seats. Like many cars, the Leather in Ariadne has some wear on the side bolster where one keeps getting in and out...
"In fact I just missed out on a set that Peter Thomson had for sale..."
"Ah yeah, I saw those. Well, I don't know of any others for sale at the moment Eric, but I'll keep my eyes peeled. They often appear on Ebay for very little cash..."
And that my friends, is where the story of Hermes begins - And where, unbeknown to us, it was just about to end with a clunk and a bang...
* = Not tried Mtn Dew? Think lemonade with a dash of lime, then add about 800 bags of sugar and a good dollop of caffeine. It jacks you up good.