‘From loaning to owning’… A heartening story, thanks to the Classic Car Loan Project.
The excellent, highly respected Classic Car Loan Project (CCLP) exists to introduce young newcomers to the world of classic car motoring, and to encourage them in this by loaning a vehicle to them for a year, as an extended driving experience.
Here’s the happy true story of how the scheme has changed the automotive life of one participant…
(All words and photographs from the Classic Car Loan Project).
The CCLP tells us:
Background: Sara-Jane Jordan had the use of a 1929 Ford Model A Phaeton in CCLP during 2018 – 2019. …and fell in love with the A and old time motoring. She has now firmly joined the classic car scene by buying a 1930 Ford Model A Phaeton as the car to stay with. Her story follows…
My Model A Journey
“On the 12 November 2017 I was lucky enough to meet Bob Wilkinson and Peter Garrett at the NEC. I was attending the classic car show and happened to come across a stand with Peter’s Model A Ford carrying a sign that said ‘have me free for a year’. That got me interested and asked the guys how that was possible. They informed me that they were trying to introduce younger enthusiasts into the classic car scene. I wanted to get into vintage motoring but was thinking along the lines of an Austin Seven. We had a good chat and Bob advised he would see what he could do as he was at the show trying to get some more vehicles to include in the Classic Car Loan Project (CCLP). To my surprise I got a call from Bob saying he had not been able to secure an Austin Seven but would I like the Model A Ford for the next year from April?
I then had a very exciting day at The British Motor Museum at Gaydon to be handed over the vehicle.
You get to do a session on the training track to get used to the vehicle. To be honest I did struggle at first with the double de-clutching. After about an hour or of practice. I had to do my first drive back to Shirley (Birmingham). It was an interesting first drive and due to the central accelerator position… I did once accelerate rather than brake … all ok but an experience I never want to repeat.
I then spent the year enjoying driving to various events at weekends. I did have a few technical issues and did get recovered by the AA on one occasion (ignition coil). The AA patrol had been told he was picking up a Ford Granada and was very surprised to see the Model A on the roadside. Even breaking down was a nice experience as everyone stops and offers to help, unlike when driving a modern vehicle.
I enjoyed driving the open top Ford so much I wanted to get my own vehicle but at the time I could not afford to purchase a Model A. Every show we went to I was looking at the vehicles to see what to buy.
I decided to look at, and bought, a 1930s Morris Minor. The car had good bodywork but the previous owner had not managed to complete the mechanical work. The car came delivered on a trailer as unable to drive on the road at the time.
Then with lots of help I started repairing the vehicle. This work was on going while I was still lucky enough to be driving the Model A on local runs and to shows (including the Old Ford Rally). I then had to hand the Model A on to the next recipient.
I then spent time driving and enjoying the Morris but I was keen to get myself back into a Model A. I started looking and a few cars came up but they seemed to be all over the country. I had then gone to Brooklands and was told that there was a Model A for sale locally. I visited the owner, saw the vehicle, looking immaculate, and knew it was the car I wanted to have… bought it on the spot.
I had the vehicle a month and decided to go to the Old Ford Rally at Gaydon as I knew Bob and Peter would be there and wanted to surprise them with my new car. It was great driving her there and to see everyone and to show of my new vehicle. I still cannot believe she is mine. I am looking forward to lots of events and making people smile as they see you drive past.
Thanks to the Classic Car Loan Project, and all concerned, for giving me this opportunity!”
Sara-Jane Jordan. July 2022.
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To find out more about the Classic Car Loan Project, please go to:
http://classiccarloanproject.co.uk/
Kim adds: “At Wheels-Alive we have been supportive of the CCLP from the outset.
It is clear that there can be no long-term future for the classic car scene unless young people become interested in preserving and driving the older vehicles. Bob Wilkinson’s brilliant scheme helps by introducing young newcomers to classic cars and enabling the use of a classic for 12 months, in each case with suitable back-up/support in place.
Sara-Jane’s story underlines just how effective the scheme can be, and what great outcomes can be achieved.
Well done to Bob and everyone involved.”