TIBOR’S COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS

BMW 2000Ti

‘The most treasured vehicle in my collection is the BMW 2000ti. It’s a low mileage example, which I bought instead of the BMW 2002 I had been chasing. Prices of those had become too much. The 2000ti is quick, loves to be revved and great on the motorway. It was my first classic so I will never sell this car. If I had to get rid of all my cars except one, this is the one I would keep. It’s my baby!’

Volkswagen Beetle

‘When I was a child, I really liked the Beetle. I think children find the styling very appealing, so maybe it isn’t so surprising. It is a great shape and these cars still attract my attention. I have a 1955 model, which needs some restoration work. I like the purity of the original models such as this one.’

Rover P6

‘The P6 is a real dream car for me – an icon of motoring and although I like all Rovers, it’s the P6 I am drawn to the most. I rode in one as a child and they have so much charm. I own eight different models, in various states including a crash damaged estate version! From the four-cylinder model to the V8, it’s a brilliant design, lightweight, safe and with some very understated British craftsmanship. With the disc brakes, it’s great through the mountain passes, too!

I discovered another P6 Estate in Germany. On the day I brought it home to Switzerland, somebody decided they would try to steal it, so I improved my security at home!’

Renault 17

‘I bought it cheap after finding it in a garage, gathering dust. They only made 1100 of these removable hardtop models, so it’s very rare indeed. The lady owner didn’t know the top came off until I pointed it out – she cried as she’d had it for years, but didn’t know she could have spent years driving with the wind in her hair!’

Ford Escort

‘Three Ford Escort MKIIS came to me a while ago, but two were rotten. I therefore made one good one, using parts from the others. It has the 115bhp Pinto engine, so it’s great fun in the mountains. It is a little tail happy though – the back end does try to overtake the front car a lot, so you have to drive it with caution.’

B17 Bomber

‘I have aeroplane parts too, as I’m an aircraft enthusiast. I was hiking in the mountains and found parts from a B17 bomber, which crashed in 1943. There are also parts from a Dornier 217, which I found while walking in

France. I doubt people will buy them so maybe I should open a museum!’

ABOVE Rare 1969 Capri 1300 one of the first.

BELOW Commer caused stir in Paris.

Tibor built his own workshop, where he maintains his own cars and helps friends.

Common parts mean ‘B’s and ‘C’s are a firm favourite.

One of Tibor’s beloved P6s next to another super-rare Simca.