Published on 12, July, 2020
Are there any classic car fans here?
I've always loved the classics. Both my dad and grandfather loved them so I think I must take after them. Growing up I remember them both having a lot of different classic cars, one of the highlights was my Grandad's MK2 Ford Granada 2.8 Ghia X, in stunning gold. He still had it when I was 8 but sold it on ebay when he gave up driving.
I've been a hobbiest classic car restorer for several years and am looking in to setting up my own workshop with my wife, who though doesn't really like cars she puts up with my constant chit chat about them! She's good like that!
Do you have a favourite classic?
I think one of my favourites has to be Vauxhall Royale coupe. I thought these were absolutely gorgeous cars inside and out.
What wasn't to like?
But I'm a fan of them all to be honest. I love the old Triumphs,Vauxhalls, Jaguars and BMWs. Currently restoring a Vauxhall Chevette and in the process of getting my grandfather's old Senator back on the road.
Still some ways to go with the Senator I fear...
A question to anyone with the knowledge: runner boards on old cars- what was the purpose? Was it to avoid stepping out into muddy terrain as roads were more rural? Or is that just All Creatures Grunt and Smell that has me thinking that?
Early cars had a body which was narrower than the wheels, the body was often built by a coach builder, the body on the Rolls Royce above wouldn’t have been built RR, they built the chassis and running gear. The wheel arches being wider than the body just had a running board to join them together. Early cars had a brass petrol can on the running board as petroleum was purchased from a hardware store, the boards also helped with the height of the car body being on top of a high chassis, it helped as a step and pavements were often nonexistent.
High profile cars could have security standing on them, the mob also used them as an easy way do a drive past shooting. Remember the Wacky Races Shard, the “ ant hill mob”, often stood on the running boards!