Classic emails, letters, tweets, posts & threads
‘The most practical classic ever!’
My classic car ownership started nearly 20 years ago when I bought a 1963 Mini. Over the years I've owned a 1973 MG Midget and a 1980 MGB GT but I have just bought what I believe to be the most practical classic ever – a 1988 VW Polo CL (otherwise known as the ‘breadvan’).
My Polo has done less than 20,000 miles and is in excellent condition. In my view, the Polo was better than BL's offering at the time. The Metro was not a bad car, but not in the same class as the Polo in my view.
All three of my kids had Polos at the time they passed their driving tests, and it was then that I found out just how excellent they were (the Polos, not the kids). However, before my latest purchase, my son reminded me how bad VW brakes were on this generation of Volkswagen, and I got the same message from a mate. How right they were!
I am amazed that the Polo passed its MOT a couple of months ago. My ’63 Mini was much better at stopping, and that had drums all round, whereas the Polo has front discs. Which leads me to a question – does anyone have any suggestions for improving braking, without radical alterations to the system? Would upgrading the front pads, or pads and discs, make a significant difference? All suggestions welcome.
CHARITY THANKS
PC has helped and inspired me over the years. I was especially struck by the recent Rover V8 donation, with the funds going to PCUK. This is very close to my heart, as I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer earlier this year, have had chemo over the spring and summer, and in all likelihood will look forward to more next year. Joy!
Happy cruising
Just read John Simister’s article on the PT Cruiser (PC, January 2024). I think it is a classic bit of design. I've owned a 2003 Classic Electric for nine years, one of only 200 made and possibly the only one left on the road. The only time it let me down was when the clutch master decided to leak. A sod to change!
Quick posts
M25. From Dartford where it’s always terrible, to the other end at Heathrow. It’s a magnet for terrible driving where everyone just sticks to the two outside lanes. No lane discipline at all. I wouldn’t mind if the traffic looked like this though!
The single carriageway sections of the A1 between Alnwick and Dunbar. Dual this road NOW!
My road, full of potholes!
The M8, where you join and leave on the right. What’s all that all about?
A580 East Lancashire Road between Liverpool and Manchester. It's the traffic lights that do it for me.
The M6 around Birmingham. Concrete nightmare!
M62. Carrying more traffic than it was designed for, especially lorries. Poor standards of driving, weather of
