OK, I may be incredibly dense here, but could someone explain the "Dick Turpin" joke to me?

Thanks!

Dick Turpin was a higway man who 'held up' (ie robbed) stage coaches.

The car is called Dick Turpin because is 'holds up' (ie slows down) traffic.

I think, but it's been a while since I read it.

Thanks...just didn't know who Dick Turpin was. Thanks.

Aaaah, finally an explanation! This was the one reference in the book that I just never got and it drove me crazy. Thanks!

I hope I'm able to get my copy of Good Omens signed along with Coraline at the Union Square signing...I just have to decide if I want to bring the first copy I owned and have reread countless times, or if I should bring the crisp new UK version I bought a few months ago in Scotland. The first has sentimental value, but the second is in better condition (and it has all the British spelling).

Get the new one signed. I'ld have the some quandry with my Neverwhere book, Its a complete mess. But I think I'ld bring a new copy to a signing.

Neil is quite fond of putting 'english' jokes in his books, an di know for one that it must be frustrating to read if you're not english, or even an english seaker... now i'm prob going to regret doing this, but I'll gladly volunteer for any english explanations as have got myself quite a few good books on english stuff and also a native *L*
(not meaning to step on any 'better experts' out there - just trying to help people's life be a bit smoother ! *grin*)

Thank you for the offer, Cresent. Luckily, Dick Turpin is the only joke I didn't get--I think. Of course, I couldn't quite visualize everything when reading it for the first time since I'd never been in England, but I've since visited now have a better understanding of the book's atmosphere.

The Lady Door: I solved my dilemma by bringing both copies. I had him sign the newer UK copy on the title page and had him sign my old American copy on a particular page containing what I find to be the most entertaining conversations of the book (Crowley and Aziraphel's drunken conversation).