The classics you love, drive and restore
‘It’s been in the family for 50 years’
This car was born on July 5, 1924, so its 100th birthday will be coming up soon.My father, whose car it was, left us instructions for the party. The details will be a big surprise, but it will involve a large bottle of champagne…
The bodywork is by Park Ward, from their workshop in New Bond Street. It started off life as a ‘boat tail’ and was then converted to a Tourer. The red label on the front denotes the ‘Speed’ engine, with twin SU carburettors, twin magnetos and two banks of spark plugs, four on each side. It's had a de-compression plate fitted – it makes it slightly slower, but gives engine longevity.
The first owner worked for Bentley in the Cricklewood factory, so I expect it was very well looked after. I’ve had it for about 20 years now. The black flaking paint was replaced with British Racing Green when it appeared in Goodbye MrChips, afilm that was quite famous at the time it was made.
Bits and pieces have been attended to as we go along, but very little has been changed and it’s all very original. The upholstery was getting very tatty, so it's been restored in a sympathetic way. More recently, the magnetos have had new armatures fitted and the shock absorbers have been refurbished. The engine’s oily rather than sparkling – this car gets used rather than being left in a showroom, so it’s got a nice patina. I could drive along listening to the sound of that exhaust pipe all day long – if only I could afford the petrol!
‘It was restored by an ex-MG Rover dealership’
Having bought and enjoyed many Rovers in my time, from the 400 series through to the later MG Rover range, my tourer has outshone them all.
I’ve owned the car from nearly new; I was captivated on the forecourt by the beautiful Copperleaf coachwork, rich sandstone leather interior and the fact she had all the toys.
Throughout the years the 75 has never let me down. The fact is, she has wanted for nothing and been serviced properly by me. It’s been superb, but during a wash I noticed at rather scabby patch on the rear end of the sill and upon poking it – as you do – discovered it was serious.
Having taken it to my local Ex-MG Rover dealership they investigated and established the rust encroachment was far worse than I’d expected, and on both sills, too. It was decision time...
Having weighed it up, the 2.0. CDTi engine (138,000 miles) never fails to give me at least 47mpg, the car is comfortable and has sentimental attachment (my late wife loved driving it), and I know the car inside out.
The decision was made. Drakes Ltd of Shiptonthorpe restored the tourer as necessa
