CHRIS LAING
1
What was the first car that you ever owned?
My first car was either a Triumph Herald 13/60 or an Innocenti Cooper – I can’t honestly remember which came first, but I was about 12 year old at the time! I bought the Herald for £30 to help restore my dad’s Triumph Vitesse (which I am sorry to say never happened), but I was given the Mini and I used to drive it round a field my parents had. Eventually I gave the Cooper to a friend who specialises in Minis, and he is restoring it on the condition that I have first refusal to buy it back.
2
What classic car(s) do you currently own?
I currently own a Land Rover Defender 110, and also a silver 1985 MG Montego Turbo. After searching through thousands of pictures (my wife loves taking pictures!), it turns out that the only photograph I have of the MG Montego is one taken after someone pulled out in front of me from a side turning, resulting in a 10mph crunch. But trawling through all those old pictures did remind me of the lovely blue Mini that I restored. I did everything on that car myself, including building the engine which was a highly modified 998cc and as fast as my mate's 1340cc.
3
What would be your dream classic?
My dream car has to be a Lamborghini Countach 5000S. When I was 10 years old, we were going on holiday in a 1982 Ford
Cortina Crusader Estate when the front wheel bearing exploded. The car was taken to a garage, and whilst we were there, the owner of the garage turned up in his 5000S, all in white and with an incredible engine note. I was allowed to sit in the driver's seat. The mechanic lent in and started the car, and I was asked to rev the engine. I could barely get it off a tickover as I was so overwhelmed and frightened of the beast, so the owner sat next to me on the door sill and revved it to the red line a number of times whilst the mechanic was checking it over. Being 10 years old, this was amazing to me and something I will never forget.
4
Which car do you most regret selling?
The car I most regret selling has to be the Ford Fiesta XR2 Mk2 – it was like a little go-kart and so much fun to drive.