SORN problems of my own making

I am a bit of a prat. I have a 1972 MG midget 1275, the car has not run for 15 years. I moved house 10 years ago and with all the activity I did not regester it at our new address. I therefor do not have...

I have an old vehicle with a V5 which has been stored for 30 years. It has no SORN. Can I now get one without penalty?

I have have an old vehicle which I have stored for 30 years. I do have a V5 for it but no SORN. I have been abroad for many years and was not aware that I need to have one. Can I now obtain a SORN without...

Should I sell to a restorer/

I have inherited a 1966 Fiat 600. It is in resonable condition but has not run for 10 years and needs serious work to restore it to its former glory. A local classic car restorer has offered me £800 but...

Am I mad to consider a Lotus Esprit?

Having owned several Lotus Elans in the 1970s and 1980s I am aware that they are 'Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious', but am nevertheless tempted at the thought of owning an Esprit. Am I barking mad? What...

Why are low-profile tyres so common on modern cars?

Telegraph Motoring recently carried photographs of two high performance cars: the Jaguar E-Type and the De Tomaso Mangusta. Both clearly show sensibly-sized wheels with hefty tyres to absorb the shocks...

Running issues with my 1988 VW Scirocco

I have an 88 Scirocco. When I go to pull away and the engine stutters and nearly cuts out. Starts fine, ticks over fine, revs fine when stationary. Stick it in gear lift the clutch it stutters with no...

Is an older Land Rover a sensible buy?

I would like to buy a battered (but mechanically sound and roadworthy) old-style Land Rover for jaunts round the country lanes of the Gower peninsula. My impression is that Land Rovers are expensive to...

Classic Insurance for Young drivers

I own a Triumph Stag. I want a classic car policy for the agreed valuation etc. I would like my 17 year old son to be able to drive it on his provisional licence initially (as both our modern cars are...

Problems to look for in a 2002 XK8 convertible?

Dear Honest John, I have the opportunity to purchase a fine example of a very low mileage 2002 Jaguar XK8 convertible which has had one private owner from new. It is in excellent condition and has been...

Is my Mercedes a classic?

I'm the first owner of my car, registered in 1991 (J Reg) with 207,000 miles on clock. Recently MOT'd, but needs some work, particularly on part corroded sub-frame. If my car would be of interest to enthusiasts,...