EXPLORE BRITAIN & EUROPE IN YOUR CLASSIC

Fancy taking your classic on an adventure? Here’s how to do it

There’s not a lot in life that’s better than taking your classic on a good road on a clear day, but let’s imagine that instead of a quick blat down your favourite country road, you’re on holiday in the Scottish Highlands, the tree-lined avenues of the South of France or on the autobahns of Germany.

Touring long distances is eminently doable in most classics, but there are checklists to be ticked, and preparations to be made if you’re to ensure your holiday remains just that.

Travelling in an organised tour provides both security (many have recovery vehicles on hand to help you) and camaraderie, while travelling on your own offers greater freedom. Either way, there’s no better time to embark on such a journey than now – arrangements for Britons driving in the EU beyond 1 January 2021 are still uncertain, but in the current transition period there’s no change in circumstances, making a trip across the channel (or the Irish Sea) as easy as it has ever been.

1 LEARN THE LAWS OF THE LAND

Did you know Scotland’s alcohol limit for driving is almost half of that of the UK’s? That it’s illegal to drive in flip-flops in Spain? Or that you have to buy a permit to drive on Swiss motorways? Read up online, or find an up-to-date book on the regulations of the country (or countries) you are driving in well in advance.

2 BOOK YOUR CROSSING EARLY

If you’re crossing the Channel or the Irish Sea, book early to get the best deal and the time you want. The Eurotunnel is faster at crossing the channel than any boat, but ferries are often cheaper and can be quicker overall if you live closer to Hull or Southampton than Dover – or if your destination is Scandinavia or the Iberian peninsula, which you can get to directly.

3 SERVICE YOUR CAR

It can be easy to creep up on a service interval when you’re doing big trip, so it’s worth checking if your car is anywhere near needing an oil change or similar – doing it early is better than late. You should also sort any problems you’ve been putting off before you go, whether it’s a tendency to overheat in traffic, or a clunking suspension arm.

4 BRING SPARE PARTS

As well as a basic tool kit, it’s worth bringing some parts. This is obviously harder in smaller cars, but small bits that are likely to break are top of the list, such as drive belts and ignition components. Remember that many bits easy to find in Britain are much harder to find abroad, so if there’s a component you know your car likes to lunch, bring it – even if you can’t fit it yourself.

5 JUMP PACK, HIGHVIS, JERRY CANS…

A jump pack, or at least jump leads, are essential, while a full jerry can will get you out of a tight spot in unfamiliar areas – just be mindful that ferry operators have differing rules on carrying fuel. Highvis vests for all occupants and a warning triangle are mandatory in France, while it’s also useful to write down some basic mph/kph conversions if your car doesn’t have a dual reading speedometer – the rough conversion factor is 1:1.6. You’ll also need to get some headlamp beam deflectors when driving on the right.

6 ORGANISE BREAKDOWN COVER

Single trip cover is available for those who don’t have EU cover included in their standard breakdown policy, but you can also buy it for UK trips if you don’t have breakdown cover at all, or want a short-term upgrade on your existing policy. Those with cars that non-specialists will struggle to deal with should be sure to buy cover that includes a ‘take me home’ option, or you’ll just be dumped at the nearest mechanic.

7 GET PAPERWORK IN ORDER

Your driver’s licence is the only form of licence you need for now, but you should also bring your passport, a print out of your motor insurance certificate (check it includes EU cover) and your V5 registration document. A ‘green card’ from your insurer is also advisable, as it will make any interactions with foreign police easier and faster. Get a GB sticker if you don’t have a ‘flag’ number plate.

8 SECURE YOUR CLASSIC CAR

Your beloved classic is likely going to be parked in less secure places than where it is normally kept, so consider upgrading its security. A steering wheel lock is a good start, while removal of a single ignition component, such as the rotor arm or the ignition coil’s HT lead, will deter the casual thief. More valuable classics should really be protected by a tracker – which cost less than you may think and can be controlled by a mobile.

9 PREPARE FOR EMISSION ZONES

Europe has a staggeringly confusing patchwork of emission zones and while most are centred on city centres, France has much larger zones that are activated when air pollution is particularly high. Check online before you set out.

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