I would have never guessed that when the car was finally ready to drive it would coincide with the outbreak of an infectious disease pandemic.  I’m in Seattle where the streets are normally clogged with traffic.  It’s been liberating to cruise unimpeded by the usual congestion that plagues these streets, at the same time, it’s strange not having a destination other than the grocery store.  

 

It took me 10 years to bring this build together.   There are several reasons why it took that long, but my lack of funds, knowledge and ability were the primary causes.  When research and learning was complete for one aspect, I bought parts, stockpiled them and moved on to the next part of the build.  I continued this process until one day I found myself sitting on a mountain of parts and a vision of what I wanted the car to become.  It was time to seek out the local professionals who could help me turn this vision into reality. 

Fortunately, Seattle is awash with 2002 enthusiasts and there are more than a few shops that work on these cars, but one shop carters almost exclusively to the 2002. 

 

This is it: 

 

This nondescript industrial building in the shadow of the West Seattle bridge houses Midnight Motorsport.  Patrick O’Neil is the proprietor and he and his staff are an awesome resource for the 02 community in the Pacific Northwest.  My 02 turned out better than I expected because of Patrick’s skill, and his patience and ability to explain the big picture and the smallest details. Anyone who has worked bringing a 02 back to its glory knows that your dream may not be realistic or practical. Patrick can translate your dream and at the same time keep you grounded.  He knew what I wanted to accomplish and made it happen without taking me into the weeds.  

 

The motor was rebuilt at this place: 

 

Autosport Seattle is a well-respected machine shop for everything Euro, but they work on anything.  Back in the day their shop was in the south Lake Union district, now, south Lake Union is full of techies and nary a wino is to be found, not unlike gentrification that took place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn NYC.  Autosport relocated to Ballard, an area with one of the last vestiges of industrial shop space in the city (who knows for how long).  John, Brad and Terry are great guys who will chew the fat anytime you pop in.  I had my long block in their shop for three years before I finally figured out what I wanted to do. 

 

Here are photos of the car as it is now.  There are still things I want to do to it but those will have to wait until my pecuniary situation improves.  

Alongside my Uncle's 1960 190 SL