Since I was very small I have always liked classic cars, a thing that seems to have been passed along to me by my Father despite not really knowing him. When I was a toddler he got in to the local paper by making a stretched Jag car, it was beautiful, I was tiny but I remember this car. Outside it still looked like the normal Jaguar mark 10, but with 6 not 4 doors, inside its was pimped a bit. There was a mixture of faux fur in a black and white Dalmatian style, and crushed red velvet. I’d do anything to own that car, sadly I think he sold it in the years I did not know him. I’ve searched, well more like scoured the internet, but I can not find a photo. The photo is missing from my photo/memory box and I spent over an hour searching through it to no avail. If you lived in the Richmond, Teddington, Twickenham area of greater London you might remember seeing this beast hogging 2 spaces in the car parks in the ’80s?
It’s no surprise I’ve liked cars ever since is it? The cars I would like are a classic (non BMW) Mini cooper, or a McLaren F1 road car, or a Jaguar XJS. I never really saw myself buying a “sensible” car, but when I picked out Custard it was the most sensible choice ever. OK, well not the colour perhaps! Given the height of my Father I have the same problem he has, I’m just too tall!! I don’t fit in most of the seats in buses, or trains, sports stadiums and most women’s clothing. *Frowny face*
When I went car shopping in my early 30’s to buy my first car, I didn’t choose by looks or cars I loved, oh no. I had to try them on. I went round the local second hand car dealerships and asked them to get the keys to all “Mumsey type little cars because I don’t fit in most little cars” – They looked at me like I was insane, but obliged. Of course when they saw me flat rejecting cars I couldn’t fit these legs into they stopped laughing and realised I was serious. Fiesta’s and Corsa’s are a total no-no for me.
What I came away with was Custard, a reliable Peugeot 307 (with the adjustable steering wheel height meaning I can make it fit me), and it is almost as old as my eldest son. It’s retro, I’ll give it that, but is it a classic? Sadly I think not.
Blokey was asked what car he would choose if he could have any classic or retro car, he said a Mark 2 Ford Fiesta with what he calls “pepper pot” wheels. Shudder!
I’m not sure I would want a modern Jag, but there is definitely something super attractive about the curvey nature of classic Jaguars, looking all sexy-James-Bond-ish. Or an Aston Martin, or a Bentley, or an Alfie Spider, or even a Bristol. Seriously, a FIESTA MK2? Why would you choose that. Cringe!
If you are lucky enough to be young (or young at heart) and have a proper classic car, pop over to Footman James who are experts in insuring such beautiful things.
Classic car insurance UK* by Footman James.
Footman James say :
As lovers of classic cars, we enjoy links with many enthusiasts and their clubs, such as the Morris Minor Owners Club and the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, directly engaging with them by sponsoring shows and offering specialist rates for club members. To see the full list of clubs and associations that we work with, please visit our Clubs section.
With a proven passion for classic cars, you can be confident that by arranging your insurance through Footman James, your classic car, whether it is a Volkswagen Beetle, MG MGB or a Morris Minor, will be covered.
Footman James has also recently launched the Young Enthusiast Policy which means that young drivers who had previously struggled to obtain insurance for their classic car are now able to do so, subject to a range of qualifying criteria. To get a quote call us on 0843 357 1974, or alternatively click here to view the qualifying criteria.
I like that bit about “young enthusiasts” as it means if I win a cash prize and get a classic motor, I know where to go for insurance. But for now I am just dreaming!
Which are your favourite classic cars?
Links marked * are sponsored or affiliate.