You are not logged in

Petrol Head's views - September 2005

I had a very enjoyable day out this month. A visit to the Hunstanton Kite Festival which also featured a very impressive display of assorted classic cars. As always at these events, a mixed bag ranging from run of the mill everyday favourites to the more up market and prestigious marques from days past.

Anyway, I met a man who had taken along his pride and joy and was there showing it off and chatting to fellow owners and anyone who showed an interest.

The car itself looked very smart in it's cherry red paintwork, and had obviously been the subject of much restoration and hard work. Whilst not worth fortunes, not that monetary values should ever really come into it, this car was obviously the source of great enjoyment to the owner and his family, and upon chatting to him, it was soon apparent that I had met a true enthusiast. Not just a guy who used the car for the odd cruise out on a summer Sunday, but this chap actually went on holiday in his old motor......all the way to Slovakia!

Yes, if you haven't already guessed, I am talking about a Skoda.

I have always believed as classic car owners we are indeed fortunate to be custodians of such wonderful (or not so wonderful) old cars that are all a part of our motoring history, no matter how rare, how smart or in whatever their condition. Many not only provide us with hours of fun, frustration or hopefully a sense of pride, but to actually trek all those miles to tour a foreign country in an old car and to experience the enjoyment given to the locals when they see one of the cars that originated from their country all those years ago, well I reckon that must be really special.

So, to that gent with his nice Skoda Octavia......well done that man!

A grand day out - old cars, ice cream, fish and chips on the sea front and a paddle in the sea. It doesn't get much better.

Petrol prices have hit what must be an all time high for most of us. Still, who are we to complain?

This government always hits the motorist, and the oil companies are only to quick to jump in and up their prices at the slightest opportunity.

The Kent Act Now this is disturbing stuff that could possibly have an effect on many classic car owners.

Introduced by Kent County Council as a way of regulating the sale of second-hand goods, this piece of legislation requires traders to register with their local authorities and asks them to keep records in respect of financial transactions.

Supposedly designed to cut down on the sale of stolen property being sold at autojumbles and other public events, this could pave the way for other local authorities to jump on the bandwagon, and I'm told that our wondrous government are already preparing the ground for a national version of the act!

Imagine how this could affect us all if autojumbles become a thing of the past.

Apparently the autojumbling movement is already feeling the effects.

Basically, the bureaucrats won't be happy until they have forced us all off the road one way or another!

Petrol Head

If you wish to make contact with Petrol Head regarding this article then visit the contact us page and we will forward your messages on.

The views represented here are those of 'Petrol Head' and do not necessarily reflect those of Classic Car Times.