John Cross's Web Page (now includes the full story!)
John Cross's car at the 1995 Kent regions Hop rally:- a 1961 4-door saloon.
Don't ya just love those cute little eyelids on the car?
Ownership
John bought the car in 1985 and knows its history before then. It was originally bought from Jackson Motors in Herne Bay (no longer there sadly). Before the garage closed, John dropped by and enquired about a copy of the original bill of sale, unfortunately, Mrs Jackson had cleared out all the old paperwork after her husband died.
It was first owned by a vicar who kept it garaged (when not being driven) for 12 years. He died and it went to a parishioner, who died and the car was bought by another Herne Bay parishioner for his wife to drive. The car was sold because the lady was not using it. When John went to see the car, it was being kept under a car port.
Condition
In 15 years of ownership, John has only carried out light restoration to the car, which still has most of it's original paint work - now starting to "bloom". Due, no doubt, to John's expert maintenance the car has never failed an MOT and it has never been welded! The car has no additional rust protection- John will not drive it in the rain or on salty roads!
Modifications
The cross-ply tyres were replaced with radials, wheels are standard. The timing chain was replaced with one from a Marina, including a special tensioner called a "slipper" which is spring loaded.
Maintenance
The car has only covered 29,000 miles from new (at time of writing Jan 2000) and has its original engine (948cc, 34bhp "A" series) and gearbox. It was parked next to a bungalow whilst the exterior walls were being painted, and John had to T-cut to remove the measles complexion! Due to a small accident, the N/S wing was replaced by Jackson motors, this is the only new panel the car has received in its 39 years!
Modern History
The car is known by his current family as "Willie". He still has his original number plate- even though John was asked if he would sell the number. Willie has won prizes!
Gillingham Borough council car show:- 2nd in class.
The "Cobweb":- 2nd in class.
He is always garaged and never sees rain- so long may Willie continue to be a prize winner!
