Special 300th feature

We celebrate our 300th issue with a special feature focusing on the people behind the specialists who support us.

This is the 300th issue of Classics Monthly magazine. For helping us to reach this milestone we have to thank you the readers, and also the specialists who advertise in our pages. Since we are privileged to feature several of your cars each issue, we thought it might make a nice twist here to showcase some of the people behind those companies who help keep our classics on the road. It turns out they are invariably enthusiasts at heart, just like the rest of us! 1

What was the first car that you ever owned? The first car I owned was my grandad’s Ford Cortina Crusader 1.6, fondly known as Brutus the Destroyer. Grandad had owned the Cortina from new and I restored the car after inheriting it at the age of 16. I fitted new wings, did a lot of welding and even resprayed the front end myself. The car was very reliable, taking my friends and I to Newquay twice and ferrying us all over the place. She’s still registered with the DVLA, but not had an MoT since 2000 so if anyone knows the location of YFR 488Y, I would be interested in getting her back!

2

What classic car(s) do you currently own?

Technically I don’t own my daily driver Triumph 2.5PI estate, Big Red, as she is my company car. I also have an MG TF160 (a modern classic), but I’m not sure I can write down the names I have called her recently as she snapped her cam belt on my birthday this year! I will be fixing her in due course, so hopefully she will be ready for the MG and Triumph Spares Day (COVID allowing) in February.

3

What would be your dream classic?

I have always dreamed of having a Lamborghini Miura, ever since I got a 1970s Matchbox model of one at the age of three. Alternatively, I wouldn’t say no to an E-type series 1.5 4.2 in semi-race spec and painted Old English White.

4

Which car do you most regret selling?

My Porsche 924. It was a horrible colour (hell bronze) with an even worse brown and tan interior and the carpets had faded from tan to a horrible swampy green colour, but I kind of loved it! I also really miss my Spitfire which I absolutely loved. Sadly she went when we had our first daughter, but I know where she is so hopefully I will get her back one day.