Classic car mechanic’s weekly motoring – Going, going, gone

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

Trouble’s brewing. This week I found out that there was an unauthorised, unapproved, and therefore a completely immoral visit to the Silverstone Auctions at the NEC in Birmingham. How so? Well, in short, I wasn’t invited, therefore it was illegal.

Now I know exactly why this event was kept on the QT. I believe it all relates to trust.

If I were allowed anywhere within the same postcode as Eric, let alone the auction room, then as sure as eggs-is-eggs (where available), one of us is going to talk the other one into buying something unnecessary, for too much money, with absolutely zero approval from the various budget holders. The worst case (and most likely) scenario would be the pair of us outbidding each other over some 2-wheeled basket case from back in the day. Doesn’t bear thinking about.

Anyway, this scenario was completely avoided by keeping us separate, and so with the situation appropriately de-risked, Eric and Ingrid headed to the NEC in the Rangey to see what was what.

This week, let’s zero-in on a particular type of classic. My go-to favourite car body shape. The coupé. Structurally more rigid than the four-door and certainly more beautiful. Having been through the results post-event, I can see that there were some belters there.

We’ll mix in a couple of shots from the workshop to boot.

So, what did I miss?

This is literally perfect. Gen 1 Rangey, large glass area, pram wheels, high-profile tyres and Olive Green paint. Coupé. Love it

I do love a Bentley. This one is a 2004 and so one of the earliest models. 7,000 miles though. Absolutely immaculate. Hammer price mid-£40k's (plus the evil of commission and VAT). Where's my paddle?

A rare-as-hens-teeth special HS-X edition of the Chevette. This is a good looking car and the black paint with red accents nails the look

Aston V8. Nuff said. Although this one didn't sell. Interestingly, there were a greater-than-normal volume of lots that didn't hit their markers. The market does appear to be softening. Bargain time maybe?

Ignore for the moment if you will the colour ('barely flushed toilet' I believe). The P1800 Volvo. I think The Saint in his early incarnation (Roger Moore) used to rock around in a white one prior to being replaced by a later version (Ogilvy/XJS)

Dear Lord, the achingly beautiful Ferrari 550. Rosso with Crema and Bordeaux interior. Perfect from every angle

Ingrid in a pukka Mini Cooper. I have no idea if this was purchased or whether she just hopped in for a drive. Either way, she looks very happy. I suspect that whoever was responsible for mirror design just nipped to Halfords at lunchtime

What in the Sam Hill..??!? Why is there a truck in the CCM workshop? Back at the driver's home questions are being asked about the recent spate of tea mug disappearances

Eric has to sleep on the roof on account of his snoring. The ground tent has a barbecue and a jacuzzi. Apparently there is a wire attached to the top tent running into the bottom tent. In the morning when Ingrid fancies a cuppa she yanks on the wire, the top-tent pitches 45 degrees to the right and Eric rolls out. It's easier than either shouting at him for 20 mins or dropping hints by doing impressions of a boiling kettle. You learn these little tricks after a few years of marriage

The wet weather is here. Christmas is on the way. The prospect of visiting the shops horrifies us all. Eyes down and wait for spring. That's what I'm doing anyway.

Go steady out there and remember, never take the top tent.

Olli