Classic car mechanic’s weekly motoring – Nice Rolls

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

Ingrid is on a mission to enhance our Social Media presence. You may have noticed an upping of the comms on the digital front as Instagram and even TikTok get used to highlight the day-in-the-life story and comings and goings here at CCM towers.

Last week Ingrid was pondering the move toward video, an area in which she has already dipped a toe with a couple of tech pieces to camera and the workshop time-lapse and now, she is thinking about doing some more formal film work.

'How about I do a piece with you and Eric on the Silver Shadow you've just bought' she said to me last week.

This is not a good idea. Not a good idea at all. I know exactly where this is going and I'm starting to panic.

The Rolls is a magnificent car. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Yes, it needs some fettling, which Lewis is now front and centre on (prior to his 'down-tools' to go on honeymoon that is…..shocking behaviour). Whilst it is a bit of a complicated beast, and yes the hydraulic brakes are a little tricky (i.e. expensive) and yes, the suspension needs checking out (also expensive) and yes, there is some paintwork (you've guessed it….), it was at one time the best car you could buy. Literally the best car in the world.

Technology moves at a frightening pace. You don't really notice it until all of a sudden, the world around you has changed. Remember the pre-iPhone days? Well, in a way, the same is true for the car world. A Roller from the 70's is a completely different proposition from one of today, or is it? Yes, it's objectively a very different car, hugely impacted by electronic and software developments as well as 50 years of improvements in power and damping. On the other hand, relative to its peer group, it still occupies a similar slot.

The fact that it is dated technology and isn't currently valued that highly (other than by me it seems) doesn't mean that it has nothing to give. As a form of pleasurable motoring, wafting down the road with a 6ltr+ engine whispering away, cocooned in Connolly leather, surely this is what's at the heart of classic motoring. Saving and restoring something beautiful to give many years of joy. I'm sure many of our customer can empathise with that.

Anyway, just in case I get cornered next week, I'm getting my defence in early. I've also briefed the techs not to post any 'bad news' stories about 'what's been uncovered' whilst we are in the recommissioning mode. Not that anyone has been listening as the group chat seems to be getting hit with pictures of brake pads which should have been changed a decade ago and oily things weeping (which I assume they shouldn't) and every time I turn up at the workshop, someone tuts in my general direction, usually accompanied by a slow head shake.

The immediate panic is on hold though as Ingrid is recovering from the Covids (nasty business that), but I sense the interrogation is in the post.

Just remember, buying a Rolls is always a good thing, despite what you may hear on the telly (or in the workshop).

Some more positive news this week, Ingrid has today passed her Mod 1 bike test!! Woop woop. After an unbelievable run of 'interesting' circumstances, Ingrid has stuck to her guns and doggedly grabbed the test by the neck and only gone and passed it. Huge congrats and another step toward two-wheeled freedom.

Other movements this week, Eric is having a crack at flying an aircraft tomorrow (pics to follow) and Lewis will be back from Honeymoon to find a Roller still stubbornly parked on his ramp, whilst I ferret down the back of the couch in search of 'fix it' funds.

Right, some pictures .!

Stay safe people, it appears to be still summer… which can only be a good thing.

Olli

Justin has been back to the shows again. This stunning early Rangey coupé.... love it

American Iron is not quite my thing, but I have to say, this looks stunning. Not sure I'd be parking that at Saindbury's any day soon mind....

Well I suppose you've got to park your Fiesta somewhere......

Izzi is having a new home built for her right next to the office. Her sprawling parts empire is growing. Might need a lick of paint..... maybe a pic or 2.... do you really need all those power tools?

A terrific shot from Lewis' honeymoon. Wow....I for one can't wait till he's back ;-)

Ahhh, and here's the happy couple... young love eh....

Nout wrong with that brake pad son.....(ahem)

A very shiny bit of an under-appreciated classic....

This turned up in the office this week. Apparently it's a 'laser head massager'. (It can also beat eggs and dig small holes in potting compost)

I've been having a play with generative AI this week. Type in what you want to see, the thing goes and has a go. The robots are coming folks... beware the zombie apocalypse.... at least they've got an arty side so we should be ok