I also remember being at the Eastway traffic lights back in 1977, sat on a bench with a bag of chips. I saw one of the Morris Marina TCs - the one with the MGB engine in them pull up next to one of the then new, Saab Turbos. For some reason the Marina TC driver put his foot down when the lights went green, but the Saab driver was having non of that and kicked in the Turbo-charger. With a high pitched whistle sound the Saab had reached the Alma Road woods as the Marina TC passed me. The driver looked properly pissed off, but to be honest I don't know what made him take on the Saab in the first place.
This started my long love affair with Saab's and I am now the proud owner of one. As for Marina's there are still one or two around, but I dont know how long they will last because the Top Gear guys keep dropping caravans on them.