Gaydon Heritage Centre ‘Classic Virgins Experience Day’ receives the thumbs up from those new to classic cars

The first Classic Virgins Experience Day, an initiative organised and held at the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon and in association with Warwickshire-based The Tool Connection (home of Laser Tools, Gunson and Kamasa), was judged to be a great success by all who attended.

Hosted by Bob Wilkinson, a seasoned veteran himself of the Ford Y & C Model Register, the September 28 event drew together experts from the classic car world to explain and share their passion with the 17 classic car ‘newbies’, each one of them new to the classic car hobby, and keen to learn more.

Bob Wilkinson started the day with a gentle introduction to the benefits of classic car ownership and the importance of joining the appropriate classic car club. Practical workshop sessions followed, with Roger Hanslip (Morris Minor up on vehicle hoist) explaining about servicing procedures, Geoff Dee on carburettors and fuel pumps and Bob Wilkinson’s maintenance tips for classic ignition systems. Tools and equipment provided by the Heritage Centre and The Tool Connection.

The classic car movement is all about the driving however and the ‘classic virgins’ were treated to the delights of no less that 14 different classic cars, ranging from an MGTF to a Ford Escort Mexico, all owned by club enthusiasts, and driven through the Warwickshire countryside for a rendezvous at The Tool Connection headquarters in Southam.

A tour of the company’s impressive Tech Centre and showroom followed with demonstrations of the famous Gunson Colortune and Eezibleed range of tools, eminently suitable for classic car maintenance, and advice from The Tool Connection’s technical author, Keith Anderson, on how to put together a good quality and comprehensive tool kit without breaking the bank.

The Heritage Centre intends to host further Classic Virgins Experience Days and for those new to the classic car world (younger enthusiasts are actively encouraged), and thinking of dipping their toe in the water, the day offers an informal and interesting way of gaining knowledge and boosting their enthusiasm