Hispano tribute

I was immediately taken back to the mid-’70s by the Hispano-suiza H6B (C&SC, September). I had just completed volume three of On Four Wheels, to which my mother kindly treated me every week. When she presented me with the second issue of volume four, wow! On the first page, the banner read ‘On appointment to the King of Spain’, with a photo of a radiator, two huge Marchal headlights with integral sidelights, and that most glorious of car mascots, the stork.

At the time, I was employed in a toolmaking company in Yate, with two young children, a mortgage and a Tartan Red 1967 Mini. The sight of that motif and the article on the history of Marc Birkigt’s company and products held me entranced. Knowing full well that my limited income would prevent me from ever actually owing such a car, I came up with the idea of doing the next best thing by making my interpretation of the mascot.

My then employer was shown the book and I had his permission to save some scrap aluminium and use the vertical milling machine in my lunchtimes. After a couple of weeks, I had produced two examples in the rough, then finally completed one – the other awaits my attention! The finished example proudly adorns my lounge.

I subsequently trained as a draughtsman, on a drawing board – “What’s that?” say the youngsters – and went on to work in various drawing offices around the city, then finally for many years at Airbus. I retired at 68, but am still working part-time at the age of 71.

And the cars? I own a 1964 Mini Cooper, a ’65 Austin-healey 3000 BJ8 and a ’68 Triumph TR5. I have been very fortunate over the years, and enjoy the company of fellow petrolheads at club noggins and classic gatherings.

Great magazine, by the way, which I look forward to every month – as much as I did O4W back in the ’70s.

Derek Roberts

Bristol