‘They don’t cost as much as French cars to fix!’
Triumph Herald, GT6 and Spitfire Didier Escartin, France
You had a recent surprise with your cars, didn’t you?
'I recently picked up a copy of
PC at Dublin Airport and to my shock, I saw a photograph of a group of cars – two of which belong to me! I couldn’t believe my eyes. It turns out the picture had been taken at a PC photoshoot many years ago, in 2004 - long before I bought them. I didn’t know my cars had been featured in the magazine, so I got in touch to ask for a copy of the picture.'
We were happy to oblige!
'Indeed, it was a pleasure to receive the photo of the cars. They are very special to me and make up my fleet of three classics – the Herald, GT6 and Spitfire. I have a history with British vehicles and have become an avid reader of PC. Clearly the writers share my passion and it was a pleasure to meet some of them at the Beaulieu Autojumble last year. It’s always a good event for me, as I can always find parts for my Triumphs!'
Why Triumph?
'I bought my first car at the age of 16 – a Spitfire, which I rescued from a scrapyard. Life took over and I eventually sold it, but in 2008 I was at a classic car show in the south of France with my wife and fell in love with a Spitfire there. My wife liked it too, so we bought one from an enthusiast in Toulouse. The car was not very reliable and leaked badly, so I sold it after a year. In 2010, I found a more water-tight Triumph – a GT6 MKIII, which I bought in the UK. I love the sound of that straight-six. It’s a real man’s car.'
Your wife isn’t keen?
'She likes the GT6, but prefers to have the wind in her hair! I bought the Herald 13/60, also from a guy in England, in 2013. It’s comfortable and quite luxurious with leather seats. It’s roomy and we can take friends and family on trips with us. It isn’t a well-known car in France either, so it turns heads. Some people think it’s American because of the fins.'
Did it need much work?
'Luckily, it had been restored well. I maintain all my cars myself and although I don’t do paint, I have a MIG welder and do all the mechanical work. I have an engine crane, an engine stand and all the tools I need to look after them. And many friends and contacts for spare parts! I’m currently working on both the GT6 and Spitfire – I’ve spent almost 600 hours on the latter so far!'
Any plans to buy more cars?
'No. These three are perfect for me. The shared parts make them easy to maintain and restore – and they don’t cost as much as French cars to fix! A dream car is one you can use every day. The best car in the world is one that can be fixed easily and cheaply and enjoyed all the time. My Triumphs are my dream cars.'