Yesterday, I posted the first part of my email interview with Carol Kittson, a native of Kokomo, Indiana, who now lives in Junction City, Oregon and who spends a good part of her time restoring cars, like the Surrey pictured above, as well as Morris Minor vehicles.

In the flurry of emails back and forth, Carol, who retired on February 2, 2007 and who will turn 65 in August, told me that she had her very first Morris approximately 3 to 5 years after she graduated from Kokomo High, in 1961: 

…then one day I went home and I asked my Mom where my car was, (it was broke down at the time) and she said she had sold it to my uncle for $50.00.  Needless to say I, never saw either 3 again and I have loved these cars ever since.

Carol also revealed that yes she also has names for her cars, as well:

The green one I named Morris, he is the oldest and he needs the most work.  It is slowly coming along.  The convertible I named Morrissa.  The white car I named Morry, Jr.

Below is Part II of the interview:

What activities/fun things have you participated in since becoming a member?

Not much.  All of the meetings are always a distance away, and these cars are not built for a freeway.

What would you say are the benefits of being a member of a club, organization or online group?

You get the advantage of all of the knowledge of the guys that have been working on these cars for years and know just about everything about them.  So combined, it’s like a Morris Minor manual.

Did you learn anything about cars after joining that you did not know prior to joining?  If yes, what did you learn?

Yes, I have learned some things, like where to buy parts for a decent price.  Some of them even have parts to sell and you can get what you need.

Would you say women are perceived to be serious contenders in the world of automotive  enterprise (racing, restoring, mechanical, design, etc.), or would you say women are perceived as having a long way to go before being taken seriously in the world of automotive industry?

Well, I think some of the people do not take the women seriously but like I said earlier, some of them are jerks.   

Are you involved in automotive collecting, racing, restoring or something different?  If something different, please explain.

I’m involved in restoring my cars.  They may not be factory, but most of the parts are for the cars that I have. 

If you could have one career in the automotive industry (assuming this is not your current profession) what would it be and why?

Well, I’m retired and that’s why I can spend so much time on my cars.  I’ve had one of my cars for 40 years and it needs the most work as it has just sat and rusted away.  It’s getting better now though, so I’m not looking to go back to work.  

- I would like to personally thank Carol for allowing me to publish her photos along with this interview on Cars for Girls, and for taking the time to answer my questions.  One day, I hope to meet Carol in person – I’m sure we’d have a lot to talk about!

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