Practically Classics Forum

Danny Hopkins. PC reader since I was a teenager. Bought first classic at 17. Restored first classic at 27. Started on PC over ten years ago. Not been without a classic all my driving life.

Morrisman - your point is?

And Lisa says she will be taking a more active role in the workshop this summer...

I've tried to bite my tongue on this one (metaphorically of course) but I can't any longer.

I think the point of PC is that the staffers admit they don't know everything. Nobody is good at every task in this life, and that applies to restoring a car as well. But the staffers have a go at everything, which encourages others (me) to do so. It's real world, the mistakes, the blood, the sweat, all in print.

I have a mate who has "restored" two e-Types to concourse-winning condition. His part in these restorations has chiefly consisted of buying parts from catalogues, arranging transport from workshop to workshop and swiping a credit card. That's what I see in most of the other magazines, and that's exactly why I don't buy them. I'm a hands-on kind of guy.

As for PC staff moving onwards and upwards, I say why not? Most people want to do that in their career, it's natural. It doesn't mean they are selling their soul or something.

I should sell my soul (or simply get a job in Tesco) as i'd be able to pay the rent each month then (unlike at the moment). Rant over...

I think he is a ringer as all he has done is moan and slag the mag off, cant see if he has no intention of buying it why come on here.

John Simpson, Chief Mechanic for PC, been in the motor trade for over 40 years, owned my Alpine since 1981, been a PC reader since issue 2, chairman and founder of Boston Classic Car Club, been organising classic car events since 1985, out at shows most weekends to meet fellow classic car nuts, am I not a true enthusiast?


John Simpson

One of the nice things about the mag at the moment is DH's Interceptor saga. It's so obvious that he's done what all of us do from time to time and bought them "by accident". Then thought, oooh, f**k upon getting them home and realising what he's done. Very entertaining and very "real world" ... I love it.

Apologies to Danny if this isn't how it was ...

Grease Monkey wrote:John Simpson, Chief Mechanic for PC, been in the motor trade for over 40 years, owned my Alpine since 1981, been a PC reader since issue 2, chairman and founder of Boston Classic Car Club, been organising classic car events since 1985, out at shows most weekends to meet fellow classic car nuts, am I not a true enthusiast?

Hmm, without issue 1 in your collection I'm not sure about that.

Grease Monkey wrote:John Simpson, Chief Mechanic for PC, been in the motor trade for over 40 years, owned my Alpine since 1981, been a PC reader since issue 2, chairman and founder of Boston Classic Car Club, been organising classic car events since 1985, out at shows most weekends to meet fellow classic car nuts, am I not a true enthusiast?


John Simpson

Got my vote John, plus willing to talk to anybody about cars even me at shows.

I enjoy our chats thanks.

Grease Monkey wrote:John Simpson, Chief Mechanic for PC, been in the motor trade for over 40 years, owned my Alpine since 1981, been a PC reader since issue 2, chairman and founder of Boston Classic Car Club, been organising classic car events since 1985, out at shows most weekends to meet fellow classic car nuts, am I not a true enthusiast?


John Simpson

Well, we didn't like to say, but...