As many readers already know, sourcing and restoring an ex-police car is a significant undertaking, from the challenges of locating the correct items of equipment to actually finding an authentic vehicle.
40-odd years ago, a holiday in Spain represented a prime opportunity for the British motor enthusiast to experience vehicles that he or she was unlikely to encounter at home.
In 1957 a new Zündapp Janus 750 offered the discerning motorist a technical specification that included rack & pinion steering, four-speed transmission, front Macpherson struts and a 12-volt electrical system.
In 1964 the average motoring enthusiast would have been forgiven for overlooking the news that the Daihatsu Compagno was soon to be officially available in the UK. This was, after all, the year of the Sunbeam Tiger, the 4.2-litre Jaguars E-Type and Mk. X, the Austin 1800, the Vanden Plas Princess 4-Litre R and the Humber Imperial.
Do you remember - The Bedford Chevanne? To learn that only six examples of the Bedford Chevanne remain on the road is almost as much as shock as realising Alexei Sayle is now 68 years old.
Over the past few months, I have taken the opportunity to re-visit certain television shows of the past. Here are my observations on the thrill a minute series that was The New Avengers.
In the 1960s the British Motor Corporation was renowned – or notorious, depending on your point of view – for its “badge-engineering”. This would occasionally result in some very short-lived modes, such as the Morris 1800 Mk. I, which debuted in 1966 and lasted only until the launch of the Mk. II “Landcrab” in 1968.
It would be fair to say that Sean is a long-term Cortina devotee – ‘I’ve had loads back in the day. In recent years I had a Concours 1600E Mk. II and I sild a lovely P reg 2000E last year, so this Ghia replaced it. I must always have a Cortina in my life - it’s like putting on an old slipper!’
Forty-five years ago, I regarded the FE-Series Ventora as one of the most handsome cars you were likely to encounter in the not very mean streets of Fareham. The vaguely Pontiac-style lines, the quad headlamps, the vinyl roof and the sound of that 3.3-litre straight-six engine denoted a car of modest but genuine distinction.
When you see a 1958 Bedford CA “Aristocrat”, you instantly know you are in the presence of a vehicle of distinction. There is the timber framing on the bodywork, the wonderfully over-the-top bonnet mascot and the opening Perspex rear windows.