Classic car mechanic’s weekly motoring – Classic life

‘In the corner of the workshop, Olli Ragbin ponders the motoring world’

Driving classics is part joy, part smugness & part fear.

The joy bit is easy. A classic is a hook to the past, to rose-tinted times via the analogue skill of physically piloting a machine down country lanes. Technology brings automation but risks stripping involvement. Things get measurable better, but not necessarily more enjoyable.

When driving or riding a classic, owners often find themselves consciously aware of just how much they stand out compared to the generic traffic. You’ve chosen a different path. You’ve seen the light. You pat yourself on the back for being an individual of taste and discernment. You give a smile and shake of the head as the shoals of Golfs & Polos, the flocks of Fiestas & the whoop of Kia Picantos drift mindlessly by.  ‘What are they thinking…blending in with everyone else.. look at me and my individuality’…or maybe it's that your average classic driver is seeking attention and that rolling around in a 40 year-old car is nothing but a cry for help.

....and talking of desperate attention seeking cries for help, I took the Silver Shadow on its first long road trip to Bristol last weekend. I’d already requested that we have him in for a thorough check-over prior to departure and both Justin and Kaspars (and even Eric) spent time fixing some of the little niggles that a 54 year-old is bound to have.

I picked up Desmond (if you see the reg, you’ll know why he was thus named) and did the obvious thing first. I brimmed the tank…. and bought a packed of crisps……and a Yorkie. Right, that’s me set. And off we go.

The journey was fabulous. It’s such an incredible driving experience floating down the road in such sumptuous Connelly-clad luxuriant surroundings. The wing mirrors (which are at the far end of the bonnet) are next to useless, so any overtaking needs to be planned in advance and checks over shoulder mandatory before you plot a hazy course to the next lane.

Everything went smoothly, but then panic and fear set in with less than a mile to the final destination. A flash from one of the two dreaded brake waring dash lights. The Silver Shadow has a ridiculously complicated braking/hydraulic system which needs to be kept in good condition, regular use helps.

If one lights goes, you’re generally ok as it has dual circuits for braking which balances out the load in case of any failure. If two lights come on, it’s toast and the RAC trip of shame.

Major Olli was straight back on to ground control with a panic normally reserved for spiders, but Eric was able to sooth the situation with calm words of wisdom, delivered with a wearily raised eyebrow no doubt.

I’m not used to classics yet…. But I’m getting there.

It’s the Festival of Speed next weekend and if the weather is OK, I’ll be taking the boys in the Roller. Another check over this week just to triple-double check the brakes, and off we go.

The boys and gals at CCM are now at peak busyness as many classics are getting themselves back on the road. There’s been some absolute crackers in the workshop, so let’s have a look at a few pics.

Enjoy the summer sun folks, and get out there on the road with your factor 50 smug look and enjoy it all.

Olli

Yup, gotta get used to this with a 54 year old 6.2litre lump.... 14mpg on the Bristol Run... gulp

Keithy baby about to lift an engine out with his bare hands.... as always, old Skool Sambas on display

It's not possible to overstate how much I love this..... beautiful cognac interior....wow.... simply stunning

Super-low mileage Corniche and completely original to boot. Just getting it back on the road following its purchase by a new owner & friend of CCM

Justin pointing at something...

This blue beauty belongs on the French Riviera

Another contender for 'the clean enough to eat your dinner of it....' award

If this was my job to do, within 10 minutes that wiring loom would be in a bin which I would have doused in petrol & set fire to before going home to stand in a corner gently weeping. Shrimp eye Justin on the other hand is just getting on with it and a lovely Porsche 928 will soon be sparking up and driving off

Summertime blooms

This sounds as good as it looks

This interior is fabulous. Beautiful woodwork, immaculate leather, understated navy colour scheme. Lovely combo

Eric beams as Desmond idles quietly. We've both fallen for this car. 'Sense of occasion' doesn't come close...

Work progresses with the XJ series III project. We've finally got the hang of veneering (famous last words).... more to follow

Jim is about to climb into the boot via the wheel arch. He's like an octopus, no space too small

Our 'Spares Store' supremo Izzi with proud parents. She's off rocking it in the US at the moment, leaving behind a dog who loves everyone except me. Eric mistakenly took a double-dose of his cod liver oil this morning... not quite the party drug, but it does get him geed-up somewhat