Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Ray White]

https://www.mathewsons.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-672---1936-morris/?lot=58513&so=0&st=&sto=0&au=125&ef=&et=&ic=False&sd=0&mc=2&pp=96&pn=1&g=1

As youngsters, my brother and I were passengers in the back of a Series 1 Morris 8 for many, many hours as our parents scoured the country for a suitable garage business with accommodation.

The saloon was a definite step up in terms of comfort over the Morris 8 tourer that our Dad had bought as a compromise over the tiny MG M type Midget that had become impractical with a growing family.

Nostalgia is a driving force when it comes to many people's choice of classic car but as the generation which grew up in the 1950s and 60s pass on, I wonder who will buy this type of car if nostalgia is no longer a factor?

As it happened we never did have to move away from Woking, as a large, rambling old house with an outbuilding perfect for motor repairs came our way. (I actually found it advertised in the Exchange and Mart!). Dad was able to establish a garage business and tap into the huge James Walker workforce for motor repairs; while Mum was in her element decorating the lovely old house.

The Series 1 Morris 8 was replaced by a Series E which proved to be another good family car... but not one with quite the same endearing charm and nostalgic memories of the earlier model.

.

[ukdave2002]

[Rick]

I think a lot of people just need exposing to cars that perhaps pre-date them, I hear a lot that nostalgia is what fuels people's old-car buying habits but I think that's overdone as a reason. Yes it plays a part in some buying decisions, but there are other reasons to buy an old car - styling, character, build quality, driving experience, history etc etc. Nostalgia is one reason sure, but not the only one by a long way. I'd buy that Morris for the reasons I list, nothing to do with nostalgia.

It's down to those of us who own older cars to use them, take them to shows, engage with members of the public who visit the shows, offer rides in them etc. Getting people hooked is the key to maintaining interest in these older gems IMO.

RJ
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Rick - Admin
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[Ray White]

[Rick]

[Ray White]

[alastairq]

I have often been ''accused '' of being ''anti-technology!''

Keeping a 25 year old, modern, running and performing its intended function has shown me some of the advantages of 'technology! For example, silly little plastic 'sensors' have replaced stuff like, the skills one needed to acquire, to sort out twin SUs? [As an example]

But I think the trend for modern cars to be 'unrepairable,' except by a main dealer, might lead to a ot of folk still needing wheels, to steer themselves away from technology....Especially when they see how 'mendable' it can be?

I don't think classic car shows are the way forwards in generating interest amongst the less well aged population.

But I do think, more 'daily' usage of our old motors will bring a more 'everyday' profile to those motors.

Getting other folk sued to seeing them in more normal circumstances?

Maybe not so shinily polished, either?

I do think the downturn in continual interest started when folk simply polished their motors, painted them up like supermodels, and locked them away in garages except fo the odd sunny Sunday?
They would become mere 'toys,'...or the pleasures of 'rich' folk?

Instead of older, but still viable, everyday transport.

The VSCC motor sporting events seem to back this up....where all generations can see even ancient cars battling away on the race tracks....without the slightest nod to avoiding 'abuse!'

So ,what makes using old cars for their intended purpose so unpopular?
Is it 'modern traffic conditions?'

This, I believe, is solely down to 'driver limitations' rather than those of the vehicle itself.

It's the 'drivers' who are worried by the effects of modern traffic.....not the vehicles.


As a limited income pensioneer who drives...one way to make driving a lot less costly is to drive within the [UK] law....that way one doesn;t pick up fines, etc..and consequent increased insurance costs..etc.

I don't get where I wish to go [or, where I think I was going?] any less tardily...just because I happen to be driving a 75 year old car!


50-60 mph today is a lot slower than 50-60mph was back in the 70's!

Honest!
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Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
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Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.

[Ray White]

[alastairq]

[Ray White]

[mikeC]

[Ray White]

Going back twenty years or so, I thought the young lad next door would go on to be involved in the hobby. He seemed very interested in my Austin Swallow and - according to his Dad - wouldn't stop talking about it!

Unfortunately, as he grew older he lost interest and got into noisy motorbikes. He has now grown up and left home. I seldom see him these days... but I know he is not a fettler.

[norustplease]

I edit Floating Power, the magazine for the Traction Owners Club, and one of our members has donated a Traction to The Royal Worcester Grammar School, which the students (boys and girls) are restoring as a technology project. Various other members have donated parts and the students are being assisted by nearby Morgan Motors with aspects of the restoration, and also by a couple of other specialists who are providing refurbished components.
The stiudents are very enthusiastic, especially when our President took his Big 6 over to see them and gave them a bit of inspiration.
More of this might help get a few more youngsters into ownership eventually, and equally important, give them a taste for entering the restoration industry when they are choosing a career.
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1953 Citroen Traction
1964 Volvo PV544
1973 VW Beetle 1303L
Boring Suzuki SX Hybrid

[ukdave2002]