Classic car mechanic’s weekly motoring – Electric meter

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

In the papers today is an article about the upcoming ban on the combustion engine. In 2030 all new cars are planned to be electric. It sounds a long way off, but the implications are that in the next 8 years the UK has to build (from literally nothing) a full EV charging system.

Many homeowners, particularly in urban areas, may not have a practical way to charge their new cars. For the millions of folk who park their car on the street, home charging is likely an impossibility at worst, and a significant trip-hazard at best as extension leads snake out from letterboxes.

Live in a flat and want a car? Unless there’s a way to put electricity in a bucket and then top up the motor in the morning, then I can’t quite see how it’s going to work.

Perhaps a fully integrated infrastructure with street-side charging is the answer that’s coming down the wires. But all that in 8 years?

One thing of which I am certain of though is the ongoing and continued demand for classic cars powered by combustion engines.

In the workshop move-around on Friday am this week, a selection of cars was started up at the beginning of the trading day so that the workshop schedule could start on-time. The sound of nominally silenced sports cars bursting into life is a reminder that motoring (cars and bikes) has liquid fuel at the heart of the experience. Yes, EV power will get you there quicker, but for richness of experience, EV is even more efficient in cutting down the absolute joy and sensation.

Who knows, CCM may start to deal with EVs at some point in the future. We’ll be likely driven by demand. Our hearts will always, always be with petrol though as the engine is the mechanical beating heart of the car.

And so, to this week’s mechanical marvels.

Sensational Spitfire in Gulf colours. Guaranteed head-turner

I think I'm right in saying that the owner made the hardtop himself. I'll no doubt be quickly corrected if I've got that wrong. Either way, this is a beautifully proportioned look

Our long-term Spitfire resto nears completion. I spent a good 20 minutes wandering around and drinking in the details. Stunning

On Eric's desk we have 5 phones and a stapler. He's contactable at all times of day and night and can also keep paperwork tidy. That's an RAF background for you

A very tidy Anglia. Didn't Harry Potter have one of these?

A very nice Austin Healey with stunning paint

This is how Eric dresses for breakfast. Years in the armed forces teaches you discipline. If you can't be punctual and sharply dressed for the most important meal of the day, then what's the point...?

Eric's new 'plant-based diet' has consequences. Sam and Duncan smile politely whilst Eric looks (rightly) sheepish

Eric, I know this is neither the time nor the place, but I think we should make our one of these, look like this.... I'm just going to leave that there to sink in....

The clocks have gone back and an additional hour has magically appeared. Enjoy the extra hour of rain and we'll see you all soon.

Olli