Builder, restorer, buyer
1965 FORD MUSTANG
‘During lockdown I bought another classic to join the Ford Cortina MkI, which
I restored over a three-year period, and the Dax AC Cobra replica that I bought and built 15 years ago. I’ve always admired Mustangs and hoped to be able to have one of my own one day. I just love the shape and the legendary burble you get from that fivelitre V8 engine. ‘I was easily convinced to buy this one, having looked at several others whose condition hadn’t been up to this standard. Also, this was a local car owned by a fellow classic car collector and enthusiast. The spec and colour of this one are perfect, and it’s reassuring to have the previous owner’s history. ‘I hope to be able to enjoy driving and attending many classic car shows. Providing coronavirus restrictions, are lifted I would hope to go out most weekends. I regularly attend shows and cars meets, although I’ve only been able to attend two events so far this year!’
’Too much time on my hands resulted in hours scouring CCW’s classifieds’
1969 AUSTIN-HEALEY SPRITE MkIII
‘As a youth in the late 1970s I drove cheap British sports cars – a 1962 Austin-Healey Sprite MkII in white, then a blue 1967 Triumph Spitfire MkII, followed by a red 1965 MG Midget MkIII. These were cheap and easy to work on for a financially-challenged teenager, but most importantly great fun. The love of convertibles has never left me – my current Sunday special is a 2007 Jaguar XKR.
‘However, lockdown forced the closure of my Household Goods Auction business. This has led to too much time on my hands, boredom and yet another mid-life crisis, resulting in many hours scouring CCW’s classifieds and various online sites.
‘Prior to March 2020, I had two motorcycles and two cars. Now I have the same, plus three more bikes. Then I bought a beautiful white MkII Sprite, which stopped charging on the first trip out to show my wife how fantastic a classic car outing could be, and was towed home in the dark by a mate. Not to be put off, I thought I needed something more durable and bought a lovely blue Sprite MkII ( left) similar to my old Midget.
‘The only thing missing from my fleet now is a Spitfire MkII, which are becoming rare. I bid for one a month ago, but wasn’t brave enough to make that final bid. I’ve been kicking myself ever since.
‘So now with my uncut hair blowing in the autumn wind, I feel 19 again. Some may say I look ridiculous, but I don’t care. All I need is an eight-track player and a Slade Alive! cassette tape…’