Paul Doherty

A couple of years ago, I was driving an old - but well- maintained - classic car along a dark, unlit country lane when I needed to dip my headlamps. I pressed the foot-operated dipswitch and the headlamps promptly went completely out. This left me in pitch darkness, but, fortunately, the road was straight so I was able to stop without incident. Had there been a sharp bend or another reason to make a quick change of direction, it could have been very unpleasant indeed.

Epic restoration 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia SS. The roof had been walked on and half its rear wings were gone. Craig Jones hadn’t intended to buy an Alfa Romeo Giulia SS, but when he happened across this looking sad on a trailer, resistance was futile. Words MIKE RENAUT. Photography MATT RICHARDSON.

The Collector - I just don’t like small cars. Marcus Dean’s passion for XL-sized classics started with fine establishment names like Rolls-Royce and Bentley, but when his attention crossed the Atlantic, his collection blossomed. Words: NIGEL BOOTHMAN Photography: LAURENS PARS.

1959 Bentley Continental S1 epic restoration – the owner wanted a nine-month deadline. The car however had other ideas. I sought it might be possible – if we were lucky. It took one Bentley specialist six years just to buy this car - then he was asked to do a total restoration in only nine months. Words: Nigel Boothman Photography: Laurens Parsons.