Bangernomics
The Tomkins Skoda gets a fright, but Matt saves the day…
We revisit cars from Bangernomics past: Skoda Felicia, Toyota Avensis and Renault Espace.
My brother, PC’S Matt Tomkins, rescued this Felicia from being scrapped two years ago this month and, so, I thought it was time for an update. I’m now a final year veterinary student at The Royal Veterinary College, London, and the Skoda has been vital in taking the strain off my beloved Morris Minor Traveller on placements across the country.
It’s been to the Isle of Wight, Dorset and South Devon several times without missing a beat and has been a vital tool for following the vets’ Nissan Hilux trucks down country lanes, on and off farm and stable yards and commuting to small animal placements in all weathers.
All good, but the Skoda failed its MOT on welding and a dragging brake in December 2020 and, having been presented with a quote for £650 just to get it through its annual test, with the promise that rear dampers and likely more welding for next year’s test would require a further pricy spend, I had to carefully question the car’s fate.
‘Don’t be so bloody daft’ came the response from Matt. Clive’s on his way with a trailer, I’ll get it sorted.’ Three of the four jacking points had been bent in the past, which had allowed moisture to sit behind the thick factory rust-proofing. A few hours with the MIG welder later and Matt had them solid again. ‘The rest of the car is rock solid’ he reported, before another few hours of fettling saw both rear wheel cylinders and rear dampers replaced. The joy of a car that was once street furniture, but has now disappeared, is that parts supply outstrips demand hugely. Euro Car Parts supplied the wheel cylinders at just £3.60 each and a pair of rear dampers for £18. Bargain! With a service while it was on the ramp in the PC workshop and a fresh MOT later, I’m delighted to be back behind the wheel of my little modern classic.