Owner Q& A Ben Courage

What facilities do you have at home?

“A big stone building I use as a workshop, with a comprehensive collection of tools, plus a chain hoist from a roof beam, hydraulic engine lift and a hydraulic press for fitting bearings. I also have gas and electric welding kit.”

What’s the best change you’ve made to the car?

“I’ve made various minor improvements including modern seals in the water pump, improved HT plug connectors, flashing indicators instead of semaphores and windscreen washers.”

Best aspect of owning the car?

“It shows such technical superiority to any other family saloon of its era and many up to twenty years later. A five-seater saloon with all independent suspension, powerful hydraulic brakes with steel lined ribbed alloy drums and an OHC cross-flow engine. It is still an absolute pleasure to drive.”

Any downside to owning the car?

“Various special tools are required in particular to undo the numerous castellated ring nuts of various sizes used in the design of the sliding pillar front suspension and the rear diff unit. Few mechanics are familiar with the cars and therefore qualified to work on them.”

Do you prefer a car to be shiny or would you be happy driving a classic with patina long-term?

“I definitely prefer patina to shine!”