Classic car mechanic’s weekly motoring – 'Get me a cushion Jeeves'

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

Why are we attracted to classics, or indeed cars in general? My theory is that there is something in the way that we are wired that connects art, design and engineering together in a unique way to suggest that, well, something mechanical has soul.

The best cars have it, the average cars don’t and thus are merely transport.

Since we are talking about inanimate objects, proposing that cars have soul is clearly a far-fetched statement. Maybe though, think of it this way. The best examples of this 3-way pull between art, design and engineering somehow allow us to project a little of our soul onto the car, and so invisibly connect them to us in a way that reveals a little something of who we are as individuals.

Not such a ridiculous proposition after all perhaps, and the bond that this tie makes is difficult one to break. Ever sell a beloved car or motorcycle and then instantly regret it? It's because you are letting go of a little of yourself in the transaction.

Those soul-affected in this way are a broad and diverse group. From teenagers who lust after the latest turbo’d inline 4 from Japan to those who completely revel in the beauty, simplicity and purity of design that Issogonis bought into being with the Mini.

This week we mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. In these times of gender complexity, I wonder if she would have identified as ‘car nut’.

Maybe.

When you look at the back-catalogue of car photos which include her Maj, you can see the enthusiast shining right out back atcha…. She loved her motors and so what better way to reflect on the truly incredible individual she was, than to do so through the motoring lens we all share.

For this week only, let’s have a quick scan of HRH snaps with some of her best motors, before next week we resume workshop normality and get back to the gang.

Now as you know, I have a particular soft-spot for a Jag XJ. I've never seen a convertible four-door before. You can just imagine the scuttle-shake this thing would be capable of. Still, can you think of a better car within which to stand up and wave at the you adoring people?

HRH's love affair with Jags continued. In this case a Daimler variant. Apparently she used to nip out and about Windsor in this V8 beauty. It was sold in 2013 for £45k to a mere member of the public (the great unwashed). Can't help think of that as a bit of a bargain

Not only did they share an air of calm and quiet majesty, but Eric and the Queen seem also to have shared a car history which includes the lovely Rover P5.... the V8 natch... You can see this very car at the Motor Museum, Gaydon

A lifetime of loving the Landie. Again, another open-topped spesh for HRH. Philip momentarily distracted when he thinks he's spotted Eminem in the crowd

Jack Straw in the background demonstrates how he pours lemon tea whilst Gordon Brown shows QE the new (at the time) Rangie. When Eric bought his it was on a wet Wednesday round the back of Lidl... same car, marginally different purchasing experience. Just look at the smile on the face of our Sovereign. We can all recognise that as a bad case of the 'I wants'... ..

Roller's Phantom IV. Owned by the Queen since 1950. Anything new by Rolls would be just vulgar. This on the other hand, with HRH's own mascot in place of the Spirit of Ecstasy' exudes the kinda class we can only but dream of. Imagine having a Rolls with you own flag perched up top... bonkers

The queen was many things, a true motorist at heart was but one. I love this photo of her driving the family about. I don't think additional comments are needed. A picture paints a thousand words.....

We will all remember the Queen in our own way. The one quote of hers I keep hearing is ‘grief is the price you pay for love’. And with that, HRH drops the mic and exits stage left, leaving an indelible mark on millions. What in incredible human being.

Olli