By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse

A specialist car restorer from Bradford is combining traditional skills with years of experience to breathe new life into a range of vintage and modern vehicles.

AS Pickering Ltd started out as a family business in 1949 before being taken over by one of its longest serving employees, Terry Brown, 40 years later.

Today, Terry’s son David heads up the interiors business restoring and fitting seats, trim panels, cabriolet hoods, headlining, tonneau covers and carpets.

Their handcrafted skills have transformed not just classic motors – they’ve worked on planes, helicopters, motorhomes and even restored dentist chairs!

I’d heard great things about the business so I was keen to find out more about their work first hand from David.

Visiting their workshop I was met by shelves stacked high with rolls of leather and cloth trim, mohair roof fabric and wool carpets. 

A lot of the stock is UK sourced but they also carry materials from a host of European suppliers and the US.

In another part of the workshop David’s assistant Martin is using an industrial sewing machine to double stitch some leather seating.

What’s clear is the great pride the two of them show in their craft and their attention to detail.

David said: “We always strive for perfection and many of our jobs demand a problem-solving approach.

“As a business we get most of our work through ‘word of mouth’, such as approaches from garages, owners clubs and individual restorers.

“At the end of the day we want the customer to enjoy the best restoration possible and one that matches their specific needs.”

Over the last couple of years, David and Martin have helped breathe new life into old MGs, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Mercedes, Ford, Rolls Royce models and more.

Their restorations have also featured on TV shows such as For the Love of Cars and Men and Motors.

In contrast to body and engine restoration specialists, David says they often don’t get to see a complete car. Their task is to restore the cabin of the car and sometimes they are just sent car seats or a hood frame to work on.

They are also happy working on smaller jobs such as repairing fabric tears or fitting a back window in a soft top roof.

One of Pickering’s recent interior restorations has been to a 1930s MG NA Magnette. 

The car is owned by an enthusiast from the south of England and the works included handcrafting and fitting new seating, interior door panels and wheel arches using MG’s original Apple Green leather trim. This involved carefully making patterns out of PVC to recreate the trim.

David and Martin have also rebuilt the car’s metal roof frame and fitted a fastening hood in a mohair fabric, as well as making side curtains. In addition, a hand-stitched hood bag has been added to replicate the MG’s original spec.

David said: “Over 200 hours work has gone into restoring the car’s interior, right down to fitting wool floor carpets, to the delight of its owner.”

Looking around the workshop there’s more exciting projects in the pipeline as I’m shown an early MG T-Type, a 1956 Ford Zephyr Convertible, Bentley R-Type, a split-screen VW camper and the restored shell of a rare Mercedes-Benz Ponton.

It’s been a wonderful visit and a revealing insight into how great craftsmen from Yorkshire are making motoring memories.

To find out more about the business or discuss your own restoration project contact David Brown on 01274 724000 or visit: www.aspickering.co.uk

1st APRIL 2023, HELMSLEY, NORTH YORKSHIRE YO62 5EB

Lombard Rally Festivals tap into the growing interest in historic rally cars that are often now unable to be rallied competitively. They are too valuable to be rallied, fall outside current regulations in the UK or their owners do not want to damage them due to difficulties in obtaining replacement parts.

The venues may have been used in the past but could not be used competitively now. The courses are set up in the style of a period rally stage and the drivers demonstrate the cars under controlled conditions. Events are not timed or driven competitively. The drivers are always happy to drive the cars enthusiastically, giving a great spectacle on the day. The events recall a period when the Lombard RAC Rally was the largest attended sporting event in the UK. More people came out to watch over its November weekend than watched every football league match added together during the season.

Look out for cars from the 1960s such as Minis, Ford Anglias and Cortinas, Hillman Imps, from the 1970s such as Ford Escorts, Vauxhall Chevettes, Hillman Avengers, Triumph TR7V8s, from the 1980s such Rover SD1, Talbot Sunbeams, Opel Mantas, before moving to the Group B era of Audi Quattros and MG Metro 6R4, and more.

We are delighted to bring a selection of suitable cars to a mixed surface stage
running through the Estate, with a large, dedicated spectator area in front of the House. Entered through Helmsley, spectator tickets are now on sale. During the day the fantastic selection of historic rally cars taking part will be based next to the spectator area, allowing access to the cars and drivers.

The organisers hope to add displays of other interesting vehicles in the spectator area. Food vendors will also be available all day, with the first cars running at 10.00a.m. The drivers are always approachable and ready to talk about their cars; particularly the older ones who have stories of finishing rallies in cars that they have literally dragged to the finish line, winning or losing – as the saying goes ‘the older we get, the faster we were’!

For more information, please contact tim@lombardrallybath.co.uk

Last week I posted a story about Jim Clark opening the Shipley Bowl which was owned by Peter Procter. Since then I have received a few request for more information about Peter and his race and rally career.

I was fortunate to meet Peter briefly at the Autosport show. In his late eighties he was as sharp as a pin and nattily dressed in a striped blazer. Peter still lives in Skipton and can be seen cycling around the local area at the age of 93.

Peter started out on two wheels as a successful professional cyclist winning in the UK and Europe. He became disillusioned with UK cycling after the British Olympic Committee failed to select him to represent Great Britain at the Olympics. Peter dropped out of professional cycling to concentrate on his building company in Bradford and started out in motorsport in 1956.

Peter describes himself as a retired builder from Bradford, but he is so much more than that.  Peter was a driving force behind the introduction of flameproof overalls in motor sport.

At 36 Peter was one of the UK’s top racing drivers, a friend and competitor to the sports greats such as Jackie Stewart,  Graham Hill and  Jim Clark.

His racing pedigree included eight Monte Carlo rallies, four Le Mans 24-hour races, The RAC, Tulip and Coupe Des Alpes rallies, Formula Junior racing with Ken Tyrrell and many Formula Two races with Lotus.

But a crash at Goodwood in a Broadspeed Anglia left him with burns to 65 per cent of his skin surface and finished his racing career. Goodwood was a prestigious circuit in those days and also in the race were Jim Clark and Jack Brabham.

Peter described what happened

“I was on the first lap and there was a big bunch of us, as we went round a corner, I got hit hard from the back. The impact burst the petrol tank and the car flew into the air and somersaulted several times. Thankfully, I suffered no broken bones and managed to get myself out but it took 28 seconds.”

He put his racing career behind him and concentrated on his building company.  At the same time he underwent many years of surgery to re-build his face and body. He was treated by Sir Archibald McIndoe who pioneered experimental plastic surgery on airmen disfigured by burns in World War Two.

After the accident he was determined that other racing drivers shouldn’t suffer the same way and campaigned for improvements in safety, especially in relation to fire. Despite a great deal of surgery he was not a pretty sight and was incredibly brave to appear in motorsport publications in the hopes that other racing drivers could be spared similar injuries?

In this ad, he is describing new fireproof racing suits and equipment. He explains that racing regulations were, at that time, very lax indeed. Here is an edited version of the ad’s copy:

‘My name is Peter Procter. I’d like to tell you about a new flameproof material for racing drivers’. He then describes the product and ends ‘One final thing. You might find it distasteful that I should appear in this ad. My reason is this. Drivers don’t have to wear fireproof clothing in this country; you may race in a t-shirt if you want to. I think it should be mandatory to wear properly designed protective clothing.

Peter has returned to driving a few times, including racing his original Sunbeam Tiger at the Le Mans Historic in 2002, and is still involved in motorsport as a member of the British Racing Drivers Club.

In his nine year career he achieved phenomenal success, and like many driver of the day he drove in many different formulae including single seaters, saloon cars and rally cars. Who knows what success he might have continued to have if his career had not been cut short by this terrible accident.

Career Highlights: Peter Procter

1965
Ford Lotus Cortina- ETCC Zolder- 2^nd Place
Ford Lotus Cortina- ETCC Zandvoort- 3^rd Place

1964
Ford Lotus Cortina- Brands Hatch 6 Hours- 1^st Place
Lotus Elan- Brands Hatch Grand Prix Sports Car Support Race- 1^st in Class 5^th Overall 
Sunbeam Rapier- Monte Carlo Rally- 15^th Overall 3^rd in Class
Ford Mustang- Tour de France- 1^st in Touring Category
Lotus 32- F2 Berlin Grand Prix- 2^nd Place
Lotus 32- F2 Vienna Grand Prix – 2^nd Place

1963
Cooper MkIII FJ- Roskilde Ring – 3^rd Place
Cooper MkIII FJ- Monaco- 4^th Place
Morris Mini Cooper- ETCC Zolder- 2^nd Place

1962
Cooper MkIII FJ- Dunboyne Formula Junior- 1^st Place
Sunbeam Alpine- Le Mans 24 Hours- 15^th Overall 3^rd in Class
Sunbeam Alpine- Sebring 12 Hours- 15^th Overall 3^rd in Class
Sunbeam Rapier- Monte Carlo- 4^th Overall 2^nd in Class

1961
Sunbeam Alpine- Le Mans 24 Hours- 16^th Overall 2^nd in Class, 1^st Place Index of Thermal Efficiency
Sunbeam Alpine- Sebring 12 Hours- 17^th Overall 3^rd in Class
Sunbeam Rapier- Alpine Rally- 2^nd Place
Sunbeam Rapier- Acropolis Rally- 5^th Overall 2^nd in class
Sunbeam Rapier- Monte Carlo Rally- 12^th Overall 1^st in Class
Lotus 18 FJ- British Empire Trophy- 3^rd Place
Lotus 18 FJ- Rufforth- 1^st Place
Lotus 18 FJ- Charterhall- 1^st Place
Lotus 18 FJ- Linton on Ouse- 1^st Place
Lotus 18 FJ- Aintree- 1^st Place
Alexis FJ- Aintree- 1^st Place
Alexis FJ- Rufforth- 1^st Place

1960
Lotus 18 FJ- Mallory Park Formula Junior- 1^st Place
Lotus 18- Rufforth F.J. Race- 1^st Place
Sunbeam Rapier- Acropolis Rally- 3^rd Overall 1^st in Class
Sunbeam Rapier- Alpine Rally- 5^th Overall 1^st in Class

1959
Sunbeam Rapier- Tulip Rally- 13^th Overall 3^rd in Class
Cooper Mk X- Mallory Park 500 Race- 1^st Place

1958
Ford Zodiac- Tulip Rally- 17^th Overall 3^rd in Class
Cooper Mk X- Mallory Park 500 race-1^st Place
Cooper Mk X- Sherburn 500 race- 1^st Place    
Cooper Mk X- Barbon Hill Climb- F.T.D.

1957
Cooper Mk X- Mallory Park 500 Race- 1^st Place
Cooper Mk X- Oulton Park Gold Cup- 5^th Place
Cooper Mk X- Charterhall 500 race- 1^st Place

1956
Cooper Mk X- Mallory Park 500 Final- 1^st Place

By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse

A 50-year-old Vauxhall Victor FE with just 86 miles on the clock is the latest attraction at a Derbyshire motor attraction.

Staff at the Great British Car Journey Museum said the rarely used car came to light following the death of its original owner, a Mr P Milner. He’d bought it new from the Mercury Garage in Ilkeston in the early seventies.

Decades on, the car was found locked away in a dusty garage with its moss green body work oiled and its seats covered in polythene to preserve it.

Bizarrely, the Victor was found with some spare parts, a dozen fuel cans and a 1974 Haynes manual all left in the car’s boot.

The museum bought the Vauxhall last year from a collector. He had bought it from the executors of the late owner’s estate. 

Museum staff say they are baffled as to why the car has barely seen the light of day and have used Facebook to try to find out more.

The Victor FE range was launched in 1972 and was the last Vauxhall to be designed independently of Opel. They included the Victor 1800 and 2300 saloons and estates and the 3300cc Ventura-badged version.

Production ended in 1975 to make way for Vauxhall’s VX Series.

Richard Usher from the museum said: “We would love to know more about this car’s story and why it was never used.

“If the name ‘Milner’ or the car details ring any bells, please get in touch with us.”

To view the car pop along to the Great British Car Journey Museum in Ambergate. The attraction features over 130 British classic cars or take a ride back in time by clicking https://greatbritishcarjourney.com

Iconic British actor, Sir Michael Caine CBE’s, first ever car, a 1968 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Drophead Coupe with a fascinating history, is being offered for sale at auction on 15 March at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford.

Having been treated to an extensive restoration by the current owner, Caine’s former car is now refinished in its original colour of Black. One of just 506 Silver Shadow Two-Door Drophead Coupes that were hand built by Rolls-Royce’s in-house coachbuilder Mulliner Park Ward from 1967 – 1971, the car is estimated at between £100,000 – £150,000 in the auction hosted by H&H Classics.

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In 1968, Caine wandered into the renowned Jack Barclay showroom on Berkeley Square, with a handwritten shopping list which read, “milk, bread, newspaper, cigarettes, Rolls-Royce.” Unkempt and unshaven, Caine was ushered off the premises, so he journeyed to Mayfair’s other Rolls-Royce dealership, H.A. Fox on Dover Street, where he found the Silver Shadow which had been taken into stock after the playwright and screenwriter, Terence Rattigan, cancelled his order for it.

Having bought the car, despite not having his own driving licence, the actor found it was much cheaper to employ a chauffeur than pay the premium his insurers quoted should he decide to go down the ‘L-plate’ route. The 35-year-old actor subsequently took great pleasure in being driven past the offending Jack Barclay salesman in his new car and flicking him a V-sign!

Less than two years later, the Silver Shadow was acquired by John Leonard Ernest Leach (Jack Leach), owner of the Gasworks restaurant in Fulham, which became a notorious hotspot for the rich and famous. A familiar sight on the Fulham and Kings roads for decades afterwards, Leach continued to own the car for the next 43-years until his death in 2013.

The classic, collector and performance car auction takes place at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford on the 15 March, with viewing available on Tuesday 14 March. Bidding can be done in person, online or via telephone. For further information about the sale or the car, visit www.handh.co.uk.

One of the joys of Facebook and Wikipedia is that you can find out about things that you didn’t know that you needed to know. I have shared a few of these stories on Classic Yorkshire where relevant. To date my favourite was the wealthy playboy from Milnsbridge who became the first and only person to race the 24 hours of Le Mans for 24 hours.

Recently I came across a picture of Jim Clark at Shipley Bowl which was posted on Facebook. At the time I lived in Shipley and the idea that one of the world’s greatest racing drivers had visited Shipley was mind boggling.

Of course there is a perfectly logical explanation and it says a lot about motorsport in the 1960’s. In 1965 Jim Clark, who would become a two time world Formula One Champion in 1965 and winner of the Indianapolis 500, came to Shipley to open the Shipley Bowl. This was not just another paid gig for Jim, but a favour for a friend.

Above: Jim Clark and Peter Procter in 1965.

Many of you will know of Peter Procter, the champion cyclist turned racing and rally driver. When the British team failed to select him for the Olympics he concentrated on his building company whilst developing a successful racing and rallying career. Peter was later badly burned in an accident at Goodwood and became an active campaigner for the introduction of fireproof overalls in racing.

Peter not only built Shipley Bowl but owned it too. He invited his friend and racing colleague, Jim Clark to perform the opening ceremony. It is hard to imagine Lewis Hamilton taking a day out to open a local bowling alley.

By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse

I’ll admit it, I have something of a soft spot for Rovers. I run a now rare four-door 2005-plate 45 and previously owned an earlier 45 five-door model and a 216.

So I was interested to read about a coupe version of its ‘big brother’, the 75, which was planned to mark the car makers centenary in 2004, but never went into production.

The Rover Coupe was based on the facelift 75 saloon – arguably the best car in Rover’s history – and was intended as a motoring lifeline for MG Rover as they negotiated their ‘future’ with Chinese buyers.

Rover’s design director, Peter Stevens, and his team rose to the brief of creating a two-door concept model with a stunning roof line and frameless windows. Inside the interior would capture Rover’s stylish tradition with the concept car fitted with Yew wood trim and Tan leather upholstery.

It was a level of comfort and refinement that reflected its Britishness and the specification of models before it, from the P5 and P6 to the SDI hatchback.

Sadly, the 75 concept never made production as Rover folded, but it did inspire some great customised models.

In 2018, retired builder Gerry Lloyd from Wales, painstakingly built a V6 coupe based on the bones of an MG ZT 190 and using BMW 3 and 4 series parts. Gerry’s attention to detail was impressive, complete with red leather interior trim, courtesy of BMW.

Whilst in West Yorkshire, Retro Sports Cars, developed an MG Coupe using a wide arch MG X-Power body kit.

These are just two vision of what might have been in the final months of MG Rover!

A couple of years ago I paid a visit to BMH to collect a bodyshell for a Mini and we were treated to a tour of the works. I was impressed with the quality of the manufacturing process and of course many of the machines are from the original factories. This ensures that that they fully match the quality and specification of the original items. The latest additions to the company’s ever-expanding inventory are replacement leaf springs for a range of MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey models.

The springs are exclusively manufactured in conjunction with GB Springs Ltd, a UK-based business with full access to the original specifications. They are batch tested to ensure the required standards are maintained, and carry the BMH logo as confirmation of the quality and level of fit.

The extensive stock of springs covers most versions of the following models:

• MGB
• MGC
• MG Midget/ Austin-Healey Sprite
• MG TA, TB, TC, TD and TF
• Triumph TR2-4A
• Triumph Spitfire/GT6
• Austin-Healey 3000

Further details can be found in the latest BMH parts catalogue – https://www.bmh-ltd.com/about-us/brochures/ – and orders should be placed via any of the company’s nationwide list of Approved Specialists (see https://www.bmh-ltd.com/approved-specialists/united-kingdom/ for details).

Mattel is commemorating the 70^th Anniversary of the Matchbox® brand and seven decades of die-cast adventures. To celebrate, the brand is introducing a line of special limited-edition vehicles, paying tribute to Matchbox’s highly detailed and realistic vehicles that have inspired generations of kids.

The celebratory line will include special 70^th anniversary die-cast vehicles with special platinum details. These selections are a combination of collector favourites and iconic vehicles spanning seven decades and regions around the world.

Individual 70^th anniversary die-cast vehicles will be rolling out throughout the year. The limited-edition line is just the first of many ways Matchbox will be celebrating with more announcements to come in July 2023.

The Mattel brand will celebrate its history while also looking toward the future by continuing its commitment to sustainability in the die-cast category. To support this commitment, a portion of the new 70^th anniversary die-cast collection will be made from recycled zinc. 

Additionally, Matchbox is committed to integrating more electric vehicles and eco-friendly themes into products with a vision to make all toys and packaging from 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials by 2030. Embracing sustainable production processes and more will help the brand inspire the next generation of kids and collectors to do their part.

Matchbox toys will be available in 2023 at Tesco, Sainsburys, B&M Bargain, Morrisons, The Entertainer and Toymaster stores. With RRP starting from £2.30 for a single die-cast vehicle.

Conceived in 1953 by English engineer Jack Odell, a vehicle mechanic for the British Army in World War II, Matchbox reinvented the toy vehicle category with a revolutionary scale, affordable price, and mass availability for consumers.

For more information on the Matchbox 70^th Anniversary, visit: https://shop.mattel.com/pages/matchbox-70th-anniversary

By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse

Once the butt of many a car joke, the Russian-made Lada is on course to become a rare collectible.

First built in 1970, the boxy looking Lada was made by the state-owned AvtoVAZ with technical support coming from Fiat. 

It’s success was phenomenal with over 20 million cars sold around the world with sizeable sales to Europe, Canada and South America. 

Among its early successes was the VAZ-2101, a more rugged version of a Fiat 124 saloon, if a bit dull on the eye! By the late 70s the four-wheel drive Niva was proving a hit to be followed by the popular Riva four and five-door range.

The Riva would have success in Group B rallying with the Lada VFTS model, based on the Lada 2105. This real-wheel Riva variant was built in Lithuania and pioneered by the rally driver, Stasys Brundza.

Between 1977 and 1997, 300,000 Ladas were snapped up in the UK, attracted by the cars durability and low sales price.

Here in Yorkshire, an import business in Carnaby on the East coast would play a key role in UK sales, developing a mini assembly line to convert imported Ladas into approved UK spec motors.

But, by the 90s tighter emissions standards would hit the car makers sales beyond Russia and end the company’s interest in selling into the UK market.

Today, there are less than 200 Lada cars on our roads with another 600 registered as ‘off the road’.

It’s another story in Russia, where 21% of all cars sold are Lada.

Sadly for the Soviet car maker, recent economic sanctions imposed by the US and Europe has hit production of its cars. It’s also seen Renault, which had a 68% stake in Lada, sell up for just one rouble!

But with the eyes of the world on Russia right now, you do wonder if Ladas time has come as a classic collectible? 

For their part, comparison site, motorway.co.uk, say nostalgia for Lada cars and their scarcity is expected to drive up second hand prices.

DATES: 18^th – 20^th July 2023

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF LE MANS

Yorkshire Elegance was, in my view, one of Yorkshires best events of 2022. At last we had a show that brought together the best prestige cars in a beautiful setting. This year’s event has grown and has attracted some rare and exotic vehicles and well known guests. We are also delighted that readers of Classic Yorkshire can take advantage of a discount code to save 10% off the ticket prices.

Special Cars on show:

The first Works Bentley ever to compete at Le Mans in 1925

The first “AC” Cobra – the AC Race Support Car at Le Mans 1963 (Team Manager – Sir Stirling Moss)

Special Guest:

ANDY WALLACE, Le Mans winner in 1988 with Jaguar. A total of 21 starts at Le Mans & 3 times Daytona 24 hr winner.

NICK MASON legendary drummer with Pink Floyd will be joining us with his 250GTO (subject to not clashing with a few gigs): A total of 5 starts at Le Mans

Full details for the 2023 Edition of YORKSHIRE ELEGANCE are attached. Tickets/Packages are now available to purchase online, please visit:

https://thefastlaneclub.com/yorkshire-elegance

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT – please use SPECIAL10 to get 10% discount, valid until end of April.

1998 Subaru Impreza S5 WRC – ‘P2 WRC’ started its racing at the 1997 Rally Monte Carlo driven by Colin McRae.

This spectacular car registration number ‘P2 WRC’ was originally mounted to Chassis 3 and started life as a works Subaru entry in the 1997 Monte Carlo Rally to be driven by the late, great Colin McRae alongside his co-driver Nicky Grist. Sadly, Colin had an accident at the event resulting in a DNF. ‘P2 WRC’ was then mated to Prodrive Chassis 21 and was subsequently privately campaigned in Europe during the 1998 to 2000 seasons with a number of wins including the Hungarian Championship in 1998 and 1999.

Ownership then moved from continental Europe to the UK with Mark Slater and Steven Fleck during 2001 and 2002 for a few events prior to seeing competition in 2003 with Noel Redmond. The car’s current owner bought ‘P2 WRC’ in 2004 and has owned it ever since using it as intended competing in a number of rallies during 2005,’06 and’07 with some excellent results against newer machinery.

It then enjoyed a quieter life, safely stored until 2015 when the decision was made to bring it out of retirement and use it for shows and events with the owner’s son doing most of the driving. Highlights of more recent outings include a 1st overall at the 2016 and 2017 Wethersfield Stages Rally and its most recent public appearance was at Race Retro in 2020. Full details of the illustrious career of P2 WRC can be found here: https://www.ewrc-results.com/carinfo/22-subaru-impreza-wrc-97-98/?spz=1150.

Autosportif, rebuilt the engine and gearbox only a few hundred miles ago. The car was professionally converted to right-hand drive by Stan Harper in order to better handle the Irish stages prior to our vendor’s long-term ownership. For the past seven years, the car has been prepared by run by Edward at EJM Preparations.

‘P2 WRC’ is a real car. It’s been used as originally intended and some of the results achieved in recent years against modern machinery really show how well ahead of the times these special cars really were. This also represents a rare opportunity to either leave the car as it is, and carry on using it on events and shows, or, with a little time and effort, convert it back to its original specification as a showpiece of a significant period in motorsport, having been originally driven by one of the most respected drivers in motorsport.

P2 WRC is a well-known 2-door Subaru WRC car and very desirable in its own right. It has certainly lived a busy and fascinating life and in our opinion is all the better for it. It’s been well cared-for in private ownership for almost 20 years and combined with its links to the great Colin McRae, this really is a very rare opportunity to continue the fascinating story of P2 WRC.