ME AND MY CAR

Callan Hyde’s Triumph 2000 was in such a state of disrepair when he saved it from a derelict garage even the dipstick had rotted off. Here, he tells Charlotte Vowden what it was like to return it to the road.  In its heyday the Triumph 2000 estate was heralded as...

Inspired by watching his grandfather restore barn find lorries in Burma , taking care of motor cars helps Nathan (Naing Oo) take care of his mental health. Ahead of the 90th birthday of his Austin Seven, he tells Charlotte Vowden how his pre-war vehicle has become an essential companion through...

In ten years of driving, 29-year-old Luke Shipp has averaged two cars a year, so what makes his tiny Honda Acty truck a keeper? He tells Charlotte Vowden. Lacking in luxury fixtures and fittings, the Honda Acty is a tiny truck that was produced by the Japanese automaker between 1977...

René-Renault is perfect for carrying precious cargo, says antique hunter Peter Bullen. Here, he talks to Charlotte Vowden about searching for treasures in the south-east of France. The Renault 4, pronounced "Quatrelle" in French, was the world’s first mass-produced hatchback. Designed for urban and rural buyers alike, it was the...

Breaking the mould: it might be built for off-roading but Jim Ley doesn’t limit his Baja Bug to adventures off the beaten path. Here, he tells Charlotte Vowden how he’s crafted his Baja Bug into a reliable daily with serious road presence. Born in the USA, the Baja (pronounced ‘ba-ha’)...

She’s got that loving feeling! As a nod to its interesting history, owner number twelve Amy Kitching has named her Mercedes-Benz 190E after a character in the eighties blockbuster Top Gun. Here, she tells Charlotte Vowden why she’s besotted and reveals what’s required to pilot, push, repair and improve...

Wheeler Dealers inspired William Magrath’s love of cars but owning one of the best roadsters ever built has made him realise he’ll never make it as a hot-shot salesman. Here, he tells Charlotte Vowden why it’s a perky little runaround worth holding on to. With pop-up headlamps capable of warming...

An impulse buy at the age of 16, Patrice Garrett’s first car experience wasn’t as straightforward as just jump in and drive. Here, she details the highs and lows of ownership and tells Charlotte Vowden why she wouldn’t change a thing – even when the Mk2 Polo is getting up...

Even when it’s falling apart Lewis Warren’s bargain Renault 5 helps him see the sunny side of life. Here, he tells Charlotte Vowden how his humble hatchback has become an ambassador for driving change in the dialogue surrounding mental health and shares advice on what people can do if they’re struggling. Popular in...

After its winter hibernation for restoration, Georgina Wooten’s favourite pet Fiat Panda is hitting the road in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. Here, she tells Charlotte Vowden why she’s chosen this car to raise awareness of a cause that’s close to her heart Fiat is famous for its small cars...