NEW YEAR, NEW PROJECT

Restoring cars is not something to be undertaken lightly, but it is one of the most rewarding and satisfying things that any petrolhead can do. Nothing beats lying on a cold floor in a dark workshop looking up at a rusty floorpan and cranking up the welder – or maybe that’s just me!

This month, we’re looking at six of the best project cars around right now, from the Morris Minor and the Mini, to the Triumph TR5 and the Ford Anglia 105E (and no, before you ask, mine’s not finished yet). All the cars we’ve featured on page 39 are affordable projects and have great support from an army of brilliant and knowledgeable specialists that keep our hobby healthy.

And as always, our technical section aims to help you keep your classic on the road, which is why we’re looking at stripping down, assessing and rebuilding drum brakes this issue. If you’re after a tale of heroism and inspiration, then make sure you check out this month’s Reader’s Ride. Here you’ll meet Pete Cole, the owner of an honest and unpretentious 1962 Jaguar Mk2 3.4-litre that’s used every day. Or you could flip to Staff Cars and have a good giggle as, once again, my good intentions get me and the ‘Amazon’ into trouble.

Sadly, this is my last edition of Classic Car Mart. After nearly four-and-a-half-years, I’ve decided that it’s time for someone else to get behind the steering wheel and live la vida loca. The last 56 issues have been a roller-coaster ride – I’ve had a great time, and judging from all your emails and letters, so have you.

Don’t worry though, you’ll be in safe hands. From next issue, former Classic Car World editor Paul Wager will be in the driver’s seat – and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best. Special thanks must go to contributor Paul Guinness and art editor Mark Hyde for all their hard work. But the biggest debt of gratitude is owed to you, the reader, without whom none of this would’ve been possible.

Enjoy the issue.

For all this and much more see the March 2011 issue of Classic Car Mart.