WELCOME TO THE WORKSHOP
Where the team prepare fully for the holiday season
Never underestimate the power of heritage. In uncertain times it anchors our sense of place and identity. Motoring heritage in particular allows us to examine advances in engineering and the evolution of design; no other 20th century consumable holds up a mirror to social history in quite the same way. The story of the car is fascinating and inspiring so it is no surprise that Vauxhall calls on its fantastic heritage collection so often and to such great effect.
This year sees the 60th anniversary of the Victor and the 80th of the revolutionary 10hp model, both design and engineering landmarks. Rolling them out, with 15 other cars of note from Vauxhall’s illustrious past, to frame the launch their latest offering, was a smart move by the company.
When viewed against the backdrop of the PSA takeover, the highlighting of heritage makes political sense. If the French company needed a dynamic reminder of the depth and importance of the Griffin badge, it just got it. The line up of 17 landmark motors next to the Grandland X at Bicester Heritage had a profound subtext.
The Ford Heritage collection at Dagenham is another manufacturer-owned grouping. With over 120 cars under one roof its existance is down to a small band of heroes. So I would like to pay a personal tribute to Heritage Specialist Colin Gray who passed away recently. Part of the reason that collection is in such fine condition is through Colin’s extraordinary work. Rest in peace, sir.