MEET & GREET

How long have you been in business? I formed Seals + Direct Ltd in 1998, after gaining 15 years’ experience in the rubber industry and seeing a gap in the market for a firm to supply restorers with just enough seal to do their job. We were one of the first to sell rubber seals on the internet. We specialise in replacement seals and trims for old cars and other industries.

What is your specialism? As well as supplying trims, we are able to make new extrusion tools and replicate existing seals if they are no longer available.

What’s the most valuable car you’ve worked on? We supply seals to so many restorers it’s hard to say which cars they are fitted to, but the one that springs to mind is an Invicta S-type (above).

What’s the best classic you’ve owned? A TVR Chimaera, and a Triumph TR6.

What’s your daily driver? A Tesla Model X. I know it’s electric, but you have to move with the times. A lot of classics are now being converted to electric power, some even using Tesla motors and batteries.

What’s your dream classic? A Triumph TR5, which I think is one of the bestlooking TRS. One day I will find one at the right price and condition, and buy it.

What’s your favourite classic event? The Goodwood Revival. The whole setting just takes you back in time, the cars are fantastic, the racing is so competitive and nearly everyone dresses up.

How’s business? We’re busy helping restorers solve their sealing problems, but we are noticing that some rebuilds are being put on hold due to high interest rates and the rising cost of living.

What’s the best way for classic owners to protect their investment? Keep them watertight by replacing the seals on their windows and doors. Any water ingress into a car can cause condensation, and things then start to go mouldy and deteriorate very quickly.