REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

Spring is just around the corner and in my neck of the woods it’s rained enough (Manchester – who’d have thought it?!) to wash away all the salt. Time to get the cars out, do a bit of fettling and hit the road! We’re also hearing on the grapevine that as a result of government announcements about ‘opening up’ that we may well have some shows to enjoy. The Pre-’50 American Auto Club has confirmed that (subject to the data) its event, the Rally of the Giants, will be going ahead at Blenheim Palace on Sunday, July 11 and our very own Stars & Stripes show, held at Tatton Park in Cheshire, is scheduled to take place a week before, over the weekend of July 3 and 4.

Not such good news is that the Government has announced that E10 fuel will be sold as standard unleaded from September. This fuel contains 10% ethanol and will supposedly cut 750,000 tons of CO2 emissions; however it is unsuitable for most cars built before 1999, i.e. most classic American vehicles. The good news however is that there is still petrol available without ethanol (Esso’s Supreme Plus) although it is the costlier premium brand. Other good news? Sterling has risen significantly against the dollar and is currently running at a three-year high – that’s great news for classic American folk as it means cars and parts from the States will be cheaper, as will holidays… and hopefully fuel. Amen to that!