‘A 205 CJ makes for a great daily driver. Fun and practical’
I replaced the water pump as well and discovered a leak, with residue that showed it had been ongoing for a long, long time. The cambelt itself looked stretched, marked and cracked, it was ready to go at any time. Everything was brittle, seized or broken... Worth doing.
Back together I set off on various runs to the corners of the country through appalling weather but in complete confidence. The 306 performed faultlessly despite its quirks (sometimes the radio doesn’t work unless you open and close the tailgate!). I just put that down to gallic charm. The only major issue to result from the trip was a more vocal exhaust note, the result of a hole and the complete absence of baffles on the inside of the rear silencer. New items fitted (middle and rear sections cost under £100) and I was on my way without having to apologise to my neighbours.
Time to focus on CJ
Having a pair of anniversary Peugeots on the drive for the first couple of months of 2023 has been a real treat. They were both built in an era when handling was important, and Peugeot were masters at producing the driver-focussed fun consumers wanted. Classics in waiting? They are there already. I know this because whenever I go out in either car I am invariably stopped and treated to a tale or two from people who had them, or whose parents did.
Right now, particularly with the 306, there are still bargains to be had out there but my advice is don’t hang around, good ones are being snapped up.
My 306 was snapped up by one Paul Guinness, whose name many of you will recognise from other publications. I'm really pleased it will live on in another journalist's hands. These cars need shouting about and the run-of-the-mill SW is a worthy candidate for careful preservation. In ten years time we will be glad we did.
The money will go straight into the 205 and also into the other projects that need investment. First up the Frontera that, being manufactured in December 2003, is in its 20th year. It will be making a few appearances this year, so it was due for some attention. A new exhaust mount, brake service and battery were required and, once accomplished, the last passenger car ever built at Vauxhall's Luton plant was ready for MOT.
The Frontera will be needed for towing duties, too. I have a new project that needs taking to the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show where we will try to revive it in three days. Barn Find to Concours? It can be done. More in the next issue.
■ danny.hopkins@practicalclassics.co.uk