Classic car mechanic – Only forward

‘In the corner of the workshop, Olli Ragbin sits watching events unfold before him’

We are living at the apex of technology development. Never has human-kind been so advanced in its practical application of pure engineering thought. It’s a curious thing, but the same could have been said for any random day in 1984 too. As technology marches forward only, every day is a boundary-breaking step into the future. Nothing gets un-invented. The only time this will not be the case is if a week next Wednesday an ‘Isle of Sheppy’ sized meteor parks itself off the coast of new Mexico. Then, all bets are off and it’s back to the caves for the lot of us…well, those of us who have survived the frenetic scramble for the last of the pot noodles that is.

EVs are the motoring expression of technological advancement and they’re a coming. Whilst they will be measurably better than combustion-engined propulsion in almost every way, will they bring more driving pleasure?

At CCM we are keeping a weathered eye on the future whilst curating the past. There are sceptics amongst us that think the old ways are the best ways. Are 3-pedals and multiple petrol-fired pistons the apex of motoring enjoyment? Oh yes…..that’s what we’d bet on.

You can get nostalgic about the past, but we see it here every day. Each car is a reflection of a point in time. A design style. The decade from which it was penned to life and captured in form clearly identifiable.

A brilliant example this week has been the Lancia Montecarlo we’ve had in for care and attention. A mid-70s to early 80s Pininfarina design effort. They’ve managed to create the perfect cross between a Lotus Esprit and a shark-nosed E24 6 series BMW (with a hint of boxy Escort van for good measure).

Whilst excited about the very latest automotive technology, it’s an absolute pleasure to be working with cars which were their equivalent back in the day.

Right, I’m off to stock up on pot noodles before going for a blast in my own version of the past. Before that, the weekly selection of snaps from a busy workshop. Let's look at that Lancia...!

This is a stock pic of the Montecarlo. Only the Italians could get away with that name. If this were 1970’s British Leyland it would have been the BL Nuneaton. Not quite the same really…

Engine at the back. Sweet.

Will ‘I-aint’ leans into the Lancia for a fettle. Lovely shade of bluish-purple. Not sure it’s original…. But as it’s the 70’s could very well be

Eric couldn’t find his walking stick anywhere and Shrimp eye Justin has a new bonnet prop for the Sprite

‘Man eaten by hoover whilst fixing car’

Lord above, someone has let the gaffer loose in the workshop. 3 of us independently checked in with Siobhan to ask if Eric had forgotten to take his pills that day. On the plus side, a lucky Carlton owner left with the best polished tyre he’s likely ever had

And so another week draws to a close. If you’re looking for help, advice, servicing needs or just a chat, get in touch, we’re here to help keep the past's future alive and driving.

From the gang at CCM, Eric, Siobhan, Tasha, Dr Ray, Shrimp-eye Justin, Young Chris, Izzi, Ingrid, Alfie and Will (I aint), have a great week.

Ollie