GREG MACLEMAN

CAR OF THE YEAR I was fortunate enough to spend a day with So-cal Speed Shop’s Belly Tank Lakester (right) at the Petersen Museum, and I was captivated by both the endeavour of the young men who built it on a shoestring, and the quality and attention to detail of owner Bruce Meyer’s exacting restoration of this Bonneville legend. Chatting with Alex Xydias was the icing on the cake (Nov).

BEST DRIVE Dream drives were thin on the ground, but my trip through Palm Springs in Chris Menrad’s Lincoln Continental (Jun) was one to remember. I fell in love with the car and the setting, wafting along palm-lined avenues in a crown jewel from the height of US car design. It was wonderful to live the American Dream, even if only for an afternoon.

BEST EVENT Internet-phobia set in fairly early for me after a wave of Zoom catch-ups and quizzes, so virtual events just aren’t my thing. Fortunately the odd live event did take place, and the best I attended was held at Bicester Heritage to celebrate 100 years of Alvis (Nov): just the tonic.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION After last year’s resolution to take more road trips, followed shortly thereafter by the cancellation of an epic three-week tour of Spain with my wife, Laura, I’m concerned about tempting fate. So I’d like to commit to having the Triumph’s cabin as clear of clutter as possible. It’s a small step, but it’s amazing how a clean and tidy interior can add to your enjoyment of a classic.