About HubNut

HubNut (previously ClassicHub) is the home of motoring writer Ian Seabrook, though the focus these days is on his videos. Videos often of dreadful cars.

Having written, edited and produced photographs for classic car magazines for over a decade, Ian now dedicates his time to his fleet of shambolic motor vehicles and the HubNut YouTube Channel.

Checking Elly over after a very hard climb in Switzerland.

Checking Elly over after a very hard climb in Switzerland back in 2010. When he still had hair.

Ian owns a 1986 Citroën 2CV called Elly and other cars come and go on a regular basis. He has previously owned cars including a 1955 Austin A90 Westminster, a 1967 Bond Equipe GT4s with a Vitesse engine that he saved from the scrappage scheme (which cost him a lot of money), a 1970 Rover 3500 P6B in gorgeous Tobacco Leaf, a 1975 Reliant Scimitar, loads of Citroën BXs, a Citroën H van that he drove to Sweden and then sold because his hearing had been ruined, a poo brown Vanden Plas Princess of the Allegro shape that he failed to make roadworthy (more due to his life being too busy at the time rather than any failing of this clearly brilliant car) and an Alfa Romeo 164 V6 that still makes him teary when he recalls the wondrous exhaust note. Ahhhhh…

You are most welcome to leave a comment below.

 

250 thoughts on “About HubNut”

      • Hey Ian, you may remember me from 2CV and friends. I have been asking about our old Dolly in Plumbs and Custard, the reg is E703HES and it doesn’t have a sorn but the MOT and Tax hasn’t been updated in seven years. If you live in Birmingham then I was wondering if you had seen it around anywhere? In a garage maybe or just sitting somewhere. If you see it or hear anything of it then please do tell me as it means the world to me and I plan to buy it back some day.

      • Hi Ian, ok fair enough, if you ever do see it, please let me know, you can either contact me by this website or on 2CV and Friends. Thank you.

      • Hi lan
        Really like your vids, l have a mk1 skoda superb 1.9 diesel which is very good a citroen c5 exclusive 09 plate and a mk4 mondeo, if you would like a test drive in any of them please call me as the other half is going on about selling two of them.
        Thought it would be a good idea for one of your vids if the viewers could choose which one.
        Look forward to your reply.
        All the best Darren
        Phone number 07912290266

      • Hi Ian, watched your video on the Peugeot 305 GTX estate a while ago & thought it sounded an interesting car. In June a friend told me it was for sale so I went for a look, & ended up buying it. Managed to fix a few of the things mentioned in the the video & now enjoy driving it around Bristol & South Gloucester.
        Your videos are great so please keep up the good work. They do give a good idea what a vehicle is like to drive.

    • Hi Ian, I just wanted to say I hope you have a fantastic time in New Zealand and that you are happy in your personal life there. I don’t need or expect a reply, I just feel sorry for you (not meant to be patronizing) as divorce no matter how amicable is painful, been there myself. You are a great guy, hugely intelligent and wholly decent. I hope you find permanent happiness.

  2. Hi Ian, Just came across your interesting blog after searching for Daihatsu Sirion info on the larger net – in particular to do with dodgy fuel filler pipes.

    To cut to the chase my parents in their late 60s early 70s have had their T reg Sirion 3 cylinder auto for over 10 years now and love it to bits. Sadly having spent a few quid on welding at the last MOT they’ve been advised the fuel filler pipe’s on its way out too.

    They’re loathed to get rid of it as it owes them nothing and suits their needs perfectly. But with Daihatsu pulling out of the UK the nearest sourceable pipe is coming in at £150 plus vat (ouch)!

    Then I read your comments re PANDA motors and it seemed interesting to say the least.

    Funny thing is, my ma and pa will be near Swansea in the near future for a weeks holiday, so I wondered if you could elaborate on what happened with you e.g. did you just ring and ask for parts or was it the service department you spoke with?
    Did they seem to know about a pre-existing issue (I can’t find a recall note on the VOSA website to this effect).
    Did you get a name for the person you dealt with etc etc?

    Any info will be greatly received before I give them a bell as who knows, they might be able to help my mom and dad too (even if it were just shaving a few quid off the part price).

    Thanks in advance and keep up the good work – I think I’ll be visiting your blog regularly as we seem to share a passion for bangers :o)

    All the best

    Geoff

    • Hi Geoff. I just spoke to the folk in the parts department, though it’s worth asking if they can replace it under Recall. I just asked for a quote for a new pipe but they found the recall notice. Sad to say that rot finally got the better of mine – rear arches, sills and chassis rails at the rear.

      • Hi Ian, thanks for the speedy reply. I’ll give them a call later then and say a friend had a similar issue and they got it fixed under recall :o)

        I bet you were sad to see her go! My mom and dad keep drip feeding money on theirs, but I think when it gets to the £500 mark, it will be farewell. Sad, as it’s only done 60k and it being a merc engine and all that, it should do double that at least.

        I’ll let you know how I get on.

        Cheers

        Geoff

  3. Hi Ian, further to our Sirion chat above, just to let you know my mom and dad got their fuel filler pipe changed for free under the recall you mentioned!
    Many thanks for your info re this as if it weren’t for you and the helpful folk at Panda motors, they’d be in the region of £300 plus vat out of pocket by now and that’s a lot of money to them (and most people I’d suspect).

    Power of the post eh?!

    One final thing, if you’re flogging the Rover and you’ve got new Uniroyal Rainsport’s on there – given the amount of cars you appear to get through, I’d think about taking them off and replacing them with some bargain basement one’s. I’m on my second set of RS2s having had my Mk 1 Leon FR tdi from new and having tried all the premium brands I can tell you they are far and away, the best combo of grip and wear when considering the predominantly damp weather we endure here in the UK. Incredible tyres.

    I could waffle on about them for half an hour but will spare you the pain!

    Many thanks again

    Geoff

    • I paid £1700 and sold it for about the same I think. That was a few years ago – values have risen a bit since then annoyingly, but they’re still great value. SE6 is a bit cheaper.

    • Hi Ian just watched your video all about the Vauxhall Victor fe and must say you gave fair comment on the vehicle but I wondered if you could do a blog on the more up graded model the Vauxhall VX 2300 fe which was more technically advanced than previous model it’s a shame as this car always seems to get left out and tarred with the Victor fe and it rust problem and dated looks as this model was more than just a revamped front grill as Vauxhall took the time and ironed out all of its previous issues.you could test the VX 490 fe or the VX 2300 GLS just an option.cheers Billy

  7. Finally a place that reviews the cack cars we have either owned or secretly want. I love this type of journalistic approach to the dull and ugly ducklings of the automotive mediocre. Long may it cntinue 😁👌

  10. Hi Ian, I discovered Hubnut about two months and I love it! My particular fetish is old cars so what you do is right up my street. I found you because I saw a picture of an Invacar on eBay and did a Google search to see what had happened to them and Voila! there you were…keep up the good work and I look forward to twk making it to the open road!

  11. Hi Ian, i’m ex britpat now living in iowa, usa, loveing your vids, i’m now 51 and up untill i left the uk in 2000 i haden’t seen an inverlidity car on the road since i was 15 or 16 i think, so to see you driving little tuc is a blast from the past to me and i’m sure it is to other old farts like me, keep up the exelent work and i’ll be ordering some of your window stickers very shortly, keep us informed if you do any other merch, what i’d love to see is t-shirts with you hub nut logo on the breast and a large print of tuc on the back with tuck’s name either below or above and the same thing with elly, just an idea for you, cheers Ian looking forward to the next video

    • Hi Ian, loving all the youtube especially Elly. My first was a 2cv6 special and I am considering getting a project.
      Re the 652 upgrade I also see burton do a Powetube for the 2cv. Similar in principle to the 650 9/1 comp ratio Ami? with air from fan into the air filter intake.

      Something for a future vlog. Or maybe a homemade version it’s just a pipe….

  12. hi Ian. Sent you a few dollars to help out with Tuk. Love your videos and comments! I really like the cars that are different. Look forward to seeing more. Ray from Canada.

  13. Hi Ian,
    I’m the owner of a Barkas B1000 pick up. You commented on it in your NEC restoration show video. As your thinking of buying an unusual vehicle on your trip to Bulgaria why not consider a Barkas they’re easy to work on and spares are readily available and quite cheap. I think they are a good investment at the moment and a quarter of the price of the similar (but ugly VW vans) (imho). Also you could load it up with stuff to bring back.
    Just a thought, we need more Barkii here.
    Best regards,
    David

    • Hi David
      A very good shout. I’m very keen on the Barkas. Alas, I’ve opted for something with a delicious, Communist flavour, but an abundance of strokes. That said, I’m very keen (at the moment!) to repeat the trip. Let’s see how this first one goes…
      Ian

    • The last Barkas vans, as well as the last Trabants, were built with small Volkswagen water-cooled 4 cylinder 4-stroke engines. I think, they were 1000 cc editions. If I’m not mistaken, this basic engine block was produced to up to 1600 ccs for other Volkswagen, Skoda and SEAT models

  14. Loving all the content on YouTube ,retro Japanese on pocketmagazine and mg enthusiast also practical classic as you can see. I’m addict of cars but just ordered hubnut sticker in wife’s name and not mine oops😀🎩

  16. all things Hubnut champion the unloved motors of the past and feed my latent thirst for things like a base model Peugeot 205 test or how (not) to get home in your motorised £4 lottery win in one go. All in all what’s not to like?

  17. Squealing Variator Pulley on TWC.
    Hi Ian,
    try sending these guys an email in New Zealand, they are the suppliers of these drives for many modern applications and will certainly be able to help you. info@cvt.co.nz They are specialists in this field!!

  18. I’m loving your youtube channel Ian which steered me here, fantastic stuff. I was considering one of your Hubnut window stickers but figured it was tempting fate, I drive a 1961 austin gipsy, a model notorious for it’s nearside wheels trying to overtake the rest of the car. A triumph of underengineering !
    Great to see you hurtling along in that Invacar as well, I suspect my destiny lies on three wheels.

  20. Ian I think men of a certain age do not suit long hair and I think it is time for you to have a short haircut and shave, I am sure your wife will help you with some hair clippers.
    In fact if you put us up for a few nights I could bring my own hair cutting gear and cut your hair for you.
    It would make an excellent video !

  21. Just started watching your Youtube channel and have quickly become addicted. the fascination with all things unremarkable has recently hit me after turning 50 last year. My nostalgia gene must have been activated.

  22. HI Ian, only found your site a week ago and am already addicted to it. I loved the Dacia road trip.
    Keep up the good work.
    Ps my son in laws dumped an old vw tdi passat on my drive, 99k mot till Feb looks right up your street.
    Geoff

  24. Hi Ian, I have just discovered Hub Nut on YouTube and have enjoyed everyone I have watched. Love older cars especially the more unusual ones. I have a couple of older cars a 1972 Rover P6 3500 in tobacco leaf and a 1996 BMW Z3. Keep up the good work work mate

  25. Hi Ian, recently stumbled across your YouTube channel and have found your videos engaging, entertaining and informative. I wonder if you would consider trying out a smaller Lexus like a first generation IS200, or what about a Mercedes W201 or W124? I am intrigued by a very spartan spec W201 190D I saw, minimal electronics, no ECU, manual windows, no a/c or sunroof. It also had a dark red interior, kind of naff but very unique…

    Keep up the good work!

  26. Hello Ian, a HubNut sticker has mysteriously appeared on the rear window of my latest acquisition, a 2002 PT Cruiser. I hope it fits the criteria for admission to the HubNut family. It only has 88K miles on the clock and I paid $500 for it after the previous owner gave up on it. The timing belt snapped and totally trashed the engine. After a new engine was installed it started overheating in traffic and that’s how I found it. I have checked it out and all it needs is a new radiator fan, so it will be a cheap fix. It has more bells and whistles than a Mississippi River steamboat including A/C, sunroof, rear wiper, 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction control, and the list goes on. Thus the concern about exclusion from the family. These cars are considered rubbish over here but I like them. A 2005 model was my dad’s last car. He died in 2007 and I was his caregiver at the last, spent quite a bit of time in his, and learned to appreciate the model. Now I can get cracking on the other half of my fleet, a 1997 Ford Ranger pickup with a very tired 2.3L 4 cylinder that I plan to replace with a Dodge slant six. Not all Americans prefer large cars. Aside from a brief flirtation with a Dodge Van and a regretfully short dalliance with a Datsun B210, all my daily drivers from 1981 to 2012 have been various Ford Escorts. I would be driving one yet but good ones are scarce as hen’s teeth. My last Escort was replaced by the Ranger. I have 2 new belts for TWC and I will also be sending lubricant that will free up your sticky pulleys. It is intended for locks but I know for a fact that it works a treat on variable pulleys without sliming the belts. I used it on the variable pulley of my John Deere lawnmower 3 years ago and it is still working fine. I’m sorry to make you wait on the belts but I am a pensioner and after I paid off the PT Cruiser there wasn’t enough money left for daily needs AND shipping to Wales. They will go out shortly after payday (3rd) and please accept them as a small token of the appreciation I have for your YouTube efforts. You have no idea how much joy a new HubNut notification brings to this old man. Please keep them coming….

      • Sadly it’s not all skittles and beer with the PT. The underhood is so tight that you have to remove the intake manifold to change the spark plugs, and they’re in the middle of the head. Ditto for an injector problem. Anything else needs to come out the bottom and a cam belt is an absolute nightmare.Aside from that, they are good cars that are comfortable, fun to drive, and at a steady 70MPH will return 29-30 MPG (US gallon)….

  27. Hi Ian, started watching your videos about six months ago and contInueo do so; very entertainning.
    Have you ever tested a Lomax 223? I owned a racing green one year’s ago which had a custom exhaust and a fancy induction filter; sounded more like an AC Cobra than a two cylinder boxer engine.
    Also a fan of the Volvo 700 series, had two of those; the GL models in the past, would like to own a 740 turbo saloon if I could find one that is. Due to past line of work which involved using own car I had to switch to more economical stuff, I currently own a 2002 Suzuki Ignis 1.3. Quite good but not quite Volvo.

    • Thanks Anthony. Have never driven a Lomax, have never even been in one, though Mrs HubNut has. She once disappeared at a 2CV event in a friend’s Lomax. I think she quite enjoyed it…

  28. Love the videos Ian. Clearly you enjoy what you do. Good stuff. Makes me feel good about driving my 2003 Ford utility here in Australia.

    I guess you are not into promoting other peoples product but I would like to ask what mobile phone/camera you use. The resolution is superb. Just the camera specs. and year would be nice to know. Thank you and keep up the good work. Murray.

      • Thanks for the reply Ian. Oppo? Never heard of them. I would suggest they are not available down here. Does a wonderful job though. I forgot to ask whether you use a gimble or just have a steady hand. Thanks again and, now that I am a subscriber, I look forward to many more pleasure filled hours watching your videos. Cheers.

      • Oppo is a Chinese brand. I’m not sure I would buy another to be honest. I have a DJI Mobile 2 gimbal, which makes a huge difference : when I can use it.

  29. Ian,

    I have spotted a typo’ in the above passage:- (more due to his life being to busy at the time rather than any failing of this clearly brilliant car) your life might be TOO busy, but it is never to busy! You can’t rely on a spell-checker to spot these sort of errors. You need a proofreader.

    George

  31. Thank you for the tantalizing glimpse of, “Project Reliant Fox” An underrated vehicle in my book and no doubt will be a very handy addition to your fleet once road worthy. Do I take it from the first video that you have shelved going down the electric route? To be fair I don’t blame you, though it would make it a rather interesting road test once done!

  32. Hi Ian, have you ever taken Elly up the Hardknott Pass, if so how was it?
    Also do you have a rough idea or preference as to the whereabouts for the Hubnut meet next year?

    • Hi Anthony. Yes, Elly has been up Hardknott Pass. The only problem was dithering tourists! No idea what is going on with the HubNut meet yet. I’ve not had chance to think about it.

  33. Hello Ian,
    Firstly a belated Merry Christmas and an early Happy New year to yourself, Mrs HubNut and of course George!!
    I have been quietly following you on you tube for some time now and am always very keen to watch your videos when they come out, yours is one of the few notifications that i have ‘switched on’ on you tube, don’t like my phone going of all the time. I would just like to say each and every one of them is informative, straight to the point, witty and most of all entertaining, i don’t think there is a boring one out there. Sadly i no longer own crap cars as i am starting my own driving school in the new year and my pupils probably wouldn’t enjoy learning to drive in a non power steering Rover 100, mind you it might make them think a bit more about things!!! So i have had to steal my wife’s Seat Mii from her to use as a learner car, she gets the Ford S-Max, not to shabby! We do however own a 17 year old E46 325I convertible which isn’t crap, but it is quite challenging sometimes, i could tell a few stories about that one!!
    So keep buying the crap cars, i wonder what 2019’s shopping list will have on it??, i wait with bated breath!!!
    All the very best for 2019
    Noel

  35. Hi Ian, I was just wondering if you have seen the original top gear review of the Skoda Favorit driving around the Welsh countryside from 1987 l think, which I stubbled accross on YouTube last night.
    Keep up the good work, glad to see you got the odometer working !
    P.s Thanks for my lovely Hub Nut hat which has kept me warm whilst tinkering with my fleet over the Christmas holiday.

    • I certainly have. I’m always trying to channel my inner Goffey! Haven’t yet worked out exactly where he was – further north I think. Glad you’re enjoying your hat! They are indeed nice and toasty.

  36. Hi Ian my name is Harry and I have been a fan of your channel for coming up to 5 years,I can not wait for you to get the reliant fox on the road

  37. Love your video’s, found your site in January, like the Ellie videos . I have a my design 2cv trike. Built in 97 still going strong. Videos on YouTube search for Neil Curson. Keep your videos coming, thanks.

  38. Just saw your vid on the 323f. Have one myself (1.8l) in Oz.

    Some suggestions on issues/fixes just in case you’d like them:
    – Firstly, there’s a great and enthusiastic website in the UK for these- check out club323f.com.
    There are (I think three versions of that one, Series 1, 2 and 3. I think series 2 & 3 are “post-Ford” (1996-1998, i.e. after the Ford takeover of Mazda) and although look similar, have differing parts from series 1 (1994-1995) such as headlamps, mirrors, ECU, etc.
    – rear window washer bottle is located in right rear boot area. Sometimes takes a while for the fluid to get up from there.

    Common failures:
    – rust in the wheel arches and sills, inner ones especially. Apparently this is the big killer in the UK. MOT death a distinct possibility apparently. Get in and look soon to see whether it’s worthwhile.
    – frozen rear drums (rust again)
    – broken induction hose (which you’ve already discovered)
    – electric window runners- window won’t seal, sticks out.
    – electric aerial. Usually the plastic feeder strip breaks internally. Mazda parts may no longer be available. A close replacement is available in Oz for a very moderate price, model dependent.
    – rattly wing mirrors (also discovered). Sometimes it’s just a tighten up on the screws on the bottom, but sometimes their washers are perished, or…it’s just loose. Try a piece of cardboard jammed in to tighten it.
    – distributor can be a bit weak sometimes.
    – steering wheel plastic can separate from the metal skeleton, causing the rim to squirm in your hands. Injection repair glue available.
    – Blue plastic fades to horrid aqua and the metallic clear-over-bases delaminate.
    – can need gear linkages done
    – fuel economy not great (hence the performance) nor drone on highway from high revs.
    – That’s pretty much it- nothing major like dropping an engine or gearbox, electrical woes rare. They’re quite robust and I’ve seen them advertised- running- over 400000km in Oz.

    The harder you drive it, the more it likes it. Good luck, there’s a good chance it’ll grow on you.

  39. Hi Ian
    Watched your video about Ely.
    I had all those problems till I switched to a Harley Davidson coil.This needs to be fixed with he cable ties if metal straps are used current can add across.
    Ecas and 2cv city stock them.
    I think the normal 2cv coil is prone to overheating and cutting out.
    derek.amey @outlook.com

  40. Hi Ian

    Keep up your good work. I am a religious viewer of your videos. I have just acquired a Nissan Cherry that I will be bringing to various shows and hopefully your next meeting.

    All the best

    George

  41. We have a 51 plate sub 80k Honda HRV 4wd cvt and 55 plate 52k PT Cruiser 2.4 auto.
    I wonder if you’d be interested in featuring them. Northampton

  42. Hi Ian , stumbled across your channel about a year ago by accident. Must say I love your videos. Your passion for all things motoring is really great. I drive and I’m not sure you’d approve a civic Type R FN2 56 plate. Will you be doing any shows or events any time soon.
    All the best and keep up the good work.

  44. Love the YouTube Channel So intresting. Got though most of the Videos and picked up quite a few Bits I never knew before. Keep up the amazing videos.

  45. Hi Ian, thank you for such an array of videos of charmingly lustreless cars. I particularly liked your timeline videos of the cars of your past, feeling an eerie sense of familiarity with the lineup. Most of my friends, hankering after or owning Corsas, Foci and the like couldn’t quite grasp my dizzied thrill at a part-chopped Fiat SuperStrada that the local Austin-Rover garage were desperate to be shut of, much less did they approve of my brass neck in beating the price down from £110 to £100 (I know, I really did pay that much) on account of there not being very much petrol in it.

    Anyway I wanted to drop you a line to say another thanks: on account of your videos with Elly, I learned about Jonathan and Peak 2CV. Hadn’t known there was a specialist in the East Midlands lately. When you visit him on your road trip to the North, he takes a doorless and bonnetless 1987 Dolly for a spin up the track and back, on its first run out for a while. As you probably know he later finished that car; it was sold to a delightful lady in Yorkshire. For various reasons and clearly with regret she had to move it on; by a quirk of timing I had emailed Jonathan the day before who linked me up with her, and five days later we acquired D965 PRJ. She is my fourth 2CV (the last being several years ago) and we are thrilled to bits to be back in the air cooled Citroen world. Also I have to say I have rarely met any mechanic more amiable and keen to help than Jonathan: had a very informative morning up in Wirksworth with him last week as he sorted a few relatively minor bits and pieces out for me (well, for Sue). Hoping very much to learn more along the way, having now recalled what an ideal car the 2CV is for the fairly hapless non-mechanic (me!) to really have a chance of getting stuck in with. Thanks again and all the best to you!

      • Hi Ian,
        Great channel on YouTube I’ve really been enjoying it, I’d like to see a Rover 75 get the Hubnut treatment and a Peugeot 1007 deserves a review, it’s a quirky little thing sliding doors and all, it’s totally unloved.

      • Thanks for the reply, yes 75 and 1007 are newer, have you ever driven a Toyota Century with the V12 or any Mitsuoka? I’d like to try an old Mitsuoka, Japanese eccentricity at its best.

  46. Hi lan
    Really like your vids, l have a mk1 skoda superb 1.9 diesel which is very good a citroen c5 exclusive 09 plate and a mk4 mondeo, if you would like a test drive in any of them please call me as the other half is going on about selling two of them.
    Thought it would be a good idea for one of your vids if the viewers could choose which one.
    Look forward to your reply.
    All the best Darren
    Phone number 07912290266

  48. Hi, Ian.
    I just wanted to say how thrilled I was yesterday (20th) to open a birthday gift from my wife and find a 2CV hoodie and a George “T” shirt! Fantastic quality and fit. I wore Hub Nut George with pride, but this damn hot weather means that I have yet to wear the hoodie. Keep up the good work (loved the bus vid by the way). Thanks to your review my wife and I will soon be staying in the same cottage you did in Coniston so there will be another car parked in the car park sporting a HubNut sticker. Great quality merchandise. Well worth the money.
    Kind Regards
    Pete & Julie.

  49. Excellent videos, Ian. Most entertaining. It is quite interesting to see road tests on a few old cars that I have actually owned myself, the Montego, BX, Rover 600 etc. Keep up the good work. Your current garage has me trawling the web searching for an 800. An 825 Sterling Coupe would do just fine, thank you very much. Mmmmm…Piped leather seats.

  51. As a lifelong champion for the automotive ‘unappreciated/ignored/mis-understood/underdog’ that were often better choices than the obvious, I really enjoy all your videos.
    Guilty car crushes of the past include chariots you’re v. familiar with, the Reliant Fox and one I managed to convince my Dad to buy new in 1993 – a red Favorit 1.3LX Estate.
    Although I’ve chosen to own various ‘uncool’ cars in the past, including various BL, Lada, FIAT, Talbot, Daihatsu e.t.c., none of our current fleet of 3 are cheap or rough enough to fit the HubNut credo – but all power to you and your style of presenting.
    I can even forgive you choosing a new Matiz years ago over the clearly superior L7 series Daihatsu Cuore and your baffling preference to 2CV over Renault 4 🙂 – as obviously both your positive and negative views about most vehicles, (especially SUV’s, those cars with iffy mods and many mediocre old Fords) are spot-on…

    • Although the Daihatsu is superior to the Matiz in terms of quality and engineering, Daihatsu’s typically hard suspension can be difficult to live with. Because the 901 and especially 601 Daihatsu MOVE models sit high on a narrow track, it would be dangerous for these vehicles to have been produced with soft suspensions. Perhaps some sort of air bellows or Citroenesque hydro-pneumatic modifications could be the answer to this annoying trait on an otherwise dependable vehicle

      • The suspension on my 2003 L701 Cuore was better than expected for a Japanese K-Class. Having a low build, (in context) and it sitting on effectively a cropped M100 Sirion chassis, (even sharing the same wheelbase) no doubt helped.
        As my local motorfactors listed gas-filled rear dampers at reasonable cost, I tried swapping these with the original pair – only to find the Daihatsu ones were also gas-filled and the new ones were gave a firmer/less comfortable ride. Happily, (and somewhat surprisingly) the motorfactors refunded my return after I’d swapped them back a week later, (I’d honestly explained the situation to them.)

  52. If you fancy a day out in Staffordshire, The Lupin Farm Classic Car Show
    18th August 2019 is quite a good little show. Last time I went there was quite a gathering of interesting stuff from pretty much every decade of the motor car. It isn’t all pristine classics. Basically anything goes. There is usually everything from Austin A40s to Zils

    Elly or TWC would fit right in.

  53. I’ve spent a couple of weeks working my way through a load of your videos and also those of Jay Leno’s Garage.

    I guess he’s at the top of the market (car wise) and you’re at the bottom but I enjoy both of you equally. Great to see petrolhead passion!

    Keep up the good work!

  54. 1997 Saab ng900 ( executive sports cabriolet) or the ‘goose’ as my other half calls it 900 se ( remove spaces) . Doesn’t lock, can’t remove key for fear of immobiliser never being able to be disarmed. Has pobbibly the worst windscreen wiper pattern; never parks in the same place twice. But don’t care. It’s taught me how to do oily bits and is gloriously average . I love it. You are welcome to drive it

      • Thank you for your polite reply. I’m just satisfied the cars had the adjective ‘ace’ attached to it.
        You are unlike the manager of a nameless supermarket, who believed that the car had been abandoned ( admittedly my arrive rather than park neatly style- may have contributed). Probably could do with a wash to be fair. Anyway, said manager drives a Massive Porsche 4×4 which says it all. You wouldn’t have a Ferrari estate – or maybe you should? Right I’m off to collect my Renault Twizzy . What could go wrong ?Renault and electrics, perfect match. Thanks Hubnut ( and George)

  55. It is a joy to watch your channel, Ian. I’ve always had a fondness for the unloved cars that are generally derided by the British public and your encyclopedic knowledge of these unfashionable survivors of our motoring past just adds to the viewing enjoyment. In fact, your videos have inspired me to save a 2000 Australian spec Hyundai Grandeur from general abandonment and I’m now using it as a daily driver. I guess someone clearly must have once regarded it highly enough to pay the import costs from down-under… Keep up the good work and hopefully I’ll make it to an event or HubNut social one day!

  56. hi Ian, missed your event in the lakes but if you are ever in Lancashire I’ll meet you to show you the amazing collection of an eccentric in Scarisbrick near southport. In the meantime i’ll get some pics to forward – best email address please? thanks roger Blaxall, Ormskirk m 07543 955 841

  57. Loved the Centenary video. You managed to really capture the fun and excitement. We also had a great weekend, and can relive the dry and wet moments from your film. We were so busy talking to Citroen lovers in the Cathedral that we didn’t even see you walk by. See you at the next rally.

  58. Hi Ian

    Absolutely love the videos. I know you’re not adding to the list of cars to drive but if a poverty spec mk 5 cortina is of interest it’d be a pleasure!

  59. Hi Ian,

    Love Hubnut…..such a refreshing change from the silliness of most modern “motoring” stuff……I am 66 this year, and was talking to my brother who reminded me of the many times we used to attend a local motor auction having the day off school whilst poorly (AHEM)…..and getting paid a fiver to drive the cars through ….. we would now and again buy a post office Morris Minor van for £10/12 and sell it in the local paper…..You could buy 1100’s for £20/40, Mk 2 Jags rusty but running with MOT’s for £100 all day long !…. and oddments like an Alvis grey lady I bought for £28 !!…..It was true HEAVEN in those days, and if we only knew then what we know now !!!……Keep up the good work !!! Cheers, Rob.

  60. Hi Ian, Love your you find videos. I see you are going to Croatia in your 2 cv. I drive to Opatia (Croatia was then Yugoslavia then) in a second hand Vauxhall Viva SL90 registration LOU 633D in 1972. I used to service the car myself and other than service I changed the clutch before the trip. I took my Mother with me and we took the Dover to Calais hovercraft. I took currency in French Francs, D.Mks, Aust. Schs, Hugo Dinar and Petrol Coupons. First hotel Reims France, then Karlsrue, Germany, then Bruck, Austria. After the Brick stay we drive over the Grossglockner(Boy there were some scary drops) and on to Opatija. We stayed about ten days and came back stopping at Lake Garda, Italy, Basle, Switzerland, Reims, France and then Hovercraft from Calais to Dover. The car ran absolutely perfect and used no oil, water or any fluids. Best,

  61. Hi Ian,
    Just love your videos, the most sensible, normal, and entertaining on YouTube. No infantile stupidity, and, in the cae of your road tests, so unbiased, real and NOT anti British. (Mentioning no names of other idiots)
    Your 2CV Croatia Trip was excellent, and what a fantastic effort, on the part of Elly. I just couldn’t wait for each new episode.
    I’ve just been catching up, as I’d not tackled the Fox saga before, and you have been setting the tappet clearances. It reminded of something you might like to bear in mind, in the case af any crap engines you work on. Many years ago, my Dad had a Simca something-or-other (might have been a 1500 or 1501) and the tappets were very noisy, so we decided to adjust them, but, sticking a feeler gauge in, they measured correctly. HOWEVER, somehow, we discovered that the tappets were so worn, that one face was convex and the other was concave, so the actual clearance was far greater than what we we seeing with a feeler gauge, which was only able to measure the gap between the high spots of the concave/convex combination. The only successful way to set them, was by using a dial indicator, with its probe resting on the rocker, immediately above the tappet. Sorry that this is a bit extended, but I thought you might find it useful, if ever you’re convinced that you’ve set tappets accurately with a feeler gauge but they’re still making a racket!
    If ever you get the opportunity, I would love to see a Real Road Test of a Renault Dauphine (I had one), and a Hillman Imp (I always WISHED I had one). Happily, I DID own a Dyane, back in the late 70s.
    Keep up the GREAT work, all the best,
    Roger.

  62. Hi Ian
    Loved the Invacar and the Fox, I had a Regal and a Robin in my motorcycle days and nearly bought a Bond Buggy wish I had! Enjoying the drive testing of bygone cars, currently driving a 1996 Vauxhall Tigra Mk1 , great fun! It’s just clocked up 90,00 miles and looks great! Keep up the great work! Regards Andy

    • The Invacar had a simpler version of D.A.F./Volvo’s variomatic. This was great for level roads. However, for hill-climbing, an override would be needed, in order to counteract the centrifugal weights of which control the ratio drum’s pitch. D.A.F. achieved this, through vaccuum-assisted pitch-varying. A simpler way to assist with counteraction would be to manually contol pitch for hill-climbing, through mounting a lever with a connecting mechanism. Unfortunately though, this would likely taint the vehicle’s historical value and may even draw negative attention at M.O.T. evaluation. Oh well.
      I fell asleep, during the latest video of which the rear brakes were getting serviced (no fault of the interesting and well-done video presentation) and wanted to throw in my comment. However, Youtube had arbitrarilly logged me out, simultaneous to Google doing like. Since I have misplaced my password, I’m instead commenting here

  63. Hi Ian, I think you may be coming to New Zealand some time this year? You have probably got a very full itinerary, but if you happen to be passing through Picton (the gateway to the South Island) you are most welcome to drop by for a cup of tea! We own some very average cars any one of which you are welcome to test drive! You are also welcome to spend the night in our 1971 Oxford caravan (it possibly has one of the best views from a caravan in the world)!! Let me know by email if you would be interested. It would be great to see you. Cheers, Stan

  65. Hi Ian

    Thank you so much for your videos; I loved the Wolseley wedge one but they are all great. I owned a Alfa 164 25 years ago. In 64,000 miles it needed a new steering rack, master cylinder and gearbox rebuild, but I still loved it because of the sound it made (when working) and the beautiful chrome air intake manifolds. Keep it up!

  66. Hi Ian. Thanks for all the entertainment. I’m looking for a car to pull a caravan (I’m funding the car and caravan purchases by selling my BBR-turbo’ed MX5!). I’m looking at buying a Citroen (simply because it couldn’t be further removed from my MX5 and a change is a s good as a rest). Could you recommend a model to me please? I’ve looked at BXs, CXs, Xantias and Xsaras. I rather fancy the hydroneumatic suspension for comfort, so that’s putting me off the more recent ones. Please advise. Thanks. Tom.

  67. Hi Ian, enjoyed your video on the Toyota Tercel, it brought back memories of when my dad had a gold coloured one on an ’87 D plate, I remember the small side pockets behind the rear seats whitch I would use for toy storage also the rough hard wearing seat material which I found quite uncomfortable as a child. Eventually the head gasket failed in ’94 but what a great car, awesome purchase Ian, well done.

  68. Hi Ian
    Love the channel, great to see all of those cars I grew up with and drove as old bangers in the 80’s, Viva’s, Marina’s, Cortina’s and all of your odds.
    One thing that gets me though. On April 13TH you said a Rover 75 (MG ZT) was “to modern” for a test. I get that, its no VX2300 or Cortina mk3.
    But it is a lot more interesting and important than a “Mondeo in a in a Frock” as it was the last car designed and built by the long line of companies that ended up being MG Rover.
    Ok I might, just might be slightly biased as I’ve got one of the later Ztt’s. But I can say although its very similar to the X-type it’s defiantly superior in so many respects.

  69. Thought I recognised the scenery on the Jag X-type test. Its all around Branston, literally down the road from where I work. Nice to here a generally positive take o the X-type. As I suspected, taken in isolation, they don’t seem to be a bad car. I gather rust can be a problem, though.

  70. Hi Ian, thanks for all the fantastic videos you put together on YouTube, of all the unusual and interesting and not so common cars you find. Love watching all the vids you do. Not long ago, my Mitsubishi Warrior decided it was time for a new engine and at 100k miles, it broke it’s crank to bits. I needed a temporary car while I fixed the Mitsubishi. After not having much luck in searching for cheap wheels, I found your vids one night on YouTube, the one with your Rover 45. I had a Rover 220 coupe turbo tomcat at a teenager when the insurance cost more than the car… After seeing your 45, I happened to find a very tidy one owner low mile example with a cabbaged gearbox for the price of 280 beans. I bought it, changed the box and to be honest it’s been and still is being a great car. Even now I have a new engine in the Mitsubishi, I actually prefer driving my older Rover 45. If I hadn’t of spotted your video on your 45, I would of never of looked for one so thanks for the idea 🙂 Maybe hope to bump into you at a car meet somewhere? Your welcome to come and have a look at my 45 🙂 It’s a high spec model. Full leather. Would look great with the Hubnut stickers 🙂 Basically I discovered through your Rover video that I can have a pleasant driving car with nice luxury for very little money. Thanks for the videos, hope your enjoying New Zealand. Take care Ian and enjoy your passion for cars 🙂

  72. Just subscribed to Hub Nut and am spending some quality time isolating and learning about cars that will hardly ever appear on Top Gear (sometimes unkindly in jest) but fascinate me all the same. Surely it’s about cars that you can relate to rather than exotica that on the whole bore the pants off me.
    I’m an Mx5 mk1 fanatic and own two of the marque which are a very early 90 1.6 car and a later 1.8 of 97 vintage. The drive soooo differently but in a good way!
    Anyway, just thought I’d give you the thumbs up and I have just time to watch the Talbot Solara video that caught my eye earlier today before my partner stops yacking on the phone!
    My old Dad after a number of company cars in the 70/80s said that the Chrysler Alpine was the worst car he had ever had to drive. At one point, I thought he was going to get arrested after yet another breakdown in our local Rootes dealership.
    Keep up the good work and stay safe. 👍

  74. This may or may not be of interest to you but there is a chap selling a 1994 Holden Commodore VR estate on Facebook……In Rugely, Staffordshire.! I have no Idea if the price is good or not but I thought you may find it interesting. Or have you spent all your money on the GS?

      • I am currently hunting for a good Omega estate but when I saw this,I was kind of tempted to go and have a look for myself. It’s a little bit different. The mileage is a bit scary at 219000km, though, or is that just me being a typical Brit and balking at anything with more than 100000 miles on it?. It’s the 3.8ltr v6 with a 3 speed plus over drive auto’ box. Wasn’t this the same engine that you tested recently in a ute? I will go back through your back catalogue and find out.

  75. Hello Ian, being a lifelong runner of marginal cars until they dissolve under my feet and a big Hubnut fan I find myself in a very strange position. I have run a 1992 Mercedes 190 1.8 manual base spec manual everything, with 310000miles under it’s belt for 3 years now (not sure if it qualifies as a Hubnut car) It’s been a great car sure she’s needed the odd fettle but nothing major. I do however need a car a little more practical, a small estate or hatchback with fold down seats, that kind of thing.

    My ideal would be something around 15yrs old so worth nothing ( 100 to £500 ideally ) but not too rotten or grotty and cheap to run and this is where my problems begin and it’s all down to the government, Road tax!!!! The number of cars I spot which fit into my list of requirements but cost upwards of £200, £260 in many cases a year to tax, that’s a £1000 over 4yrs!!! Even some small economical cars can cost £160. I’ve looked for cars over 40yrs old ( zero tax ) but again the prices are skyrocketing in that sector and there is only so much time I want to spend with the grinder, mig welder and socket set!

    Sure in the £500 to £800 price range there are some very cheap to run vehicles inc tax eg. Suzuki alto, chevvy matiz 0.8, c1,107,Aygo’s,Daihatsu Charade etc but non of them really have any real charm?

    I was wondering what your thoughts are about this, the crux being spend £400 on a cheap car but then £260 on tax, factor in average mpg and you may have just bought a £800 citroen C1 as in year 2 you’ll be quids in with no hassels.

  76. Regarding your latest video on a 1999 Daihatsu L701 – so now it’s obvious why I claimed in my previous post here that the ‘Cuore’ as we got it in the UK was a superior new choice to a Matiz… 🙂

    I bought my own 3-door ‘EL’ trim Cuore new in 2003, one of the last with improved seats, a rev counter, rear wiper, (which I converted to intermittent) ‘crystal’ rear lights and added VVT on the 989cc ‘EJ Series’ 12V 3-pot engine – which hilariously kicked-in at 5200 RPM like a tiny turbo boost.
    Only ‘power’ mods I gave mine were a K&N and a stainless mild-sport exhaust, which fractionally improved the already good low-down torque, (for a 1.0 litre) and eliminated the standard slight ‘whooshing’ sound at higher cruising speeds. Trying different oils didn’t reduce the transmission whine by very much though…

    You mentioned that you couldn’t imagine having more fun driving a similar-sized car – I understand the sentiment, but should mention that the 5-speed FIAT Panda I had new in 1990 was even more satisfying/fun to drive than the later Cuore – having superb feeling in it’s steering and unservoed brakes, combined with well-weighted pedals and progressive/very safe handling. It’s 999cc FIRE engine was not as advanced of course, but was torquey and easily modded upto 60 BHP or so – and just like the Cuore, grip levels were suitably improved by better tyres than the mediocre ones fitted at the factory.

    Thanks for the memory, love all your content and it’s great that your style and levels of accuracy, (not easy, I appreciate) is still a cut above others doing similar videos.

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  78. Hi Ian,
    Love your videos and like you I am a huge Citroen fan. One of my favourite videos you have done and enjoyed was the Austin Metro 1.3L. I forgotten how much I loved the Metro. keep up the good work

  79. Hi Ian. Just Benn watching progress on Rita. Just a thought regarding your ABS woes. I had a similar issue with my own 75 Tourer. All four ABS sensors were changed twice, in an effort to fix the issue. It actually turned out that it was a faulty wheel bearing. There was the minutest of play but it was enough the take the magnetic ring distance just out of spec, even though the bearing seemed ok.

  80. So Mr. Hubnut has bought £190 worth of 2006 Daihatsu Charade, (Cuore/Mira.) Like most Daihatsu’s, it’s was a better-than-average choice in context when new – as the inevitable comparisons with Myrtle Matiz will doubtless reveal.

    When these were launched in 2003 I was curious enough to try one at the nearest dealer – only to find they had partly ‘ruined it’ by making it less stable and less fun to drive than the previous L701 ‘Cuore’ it was replacing.
    Main culprits were feel-free electric power steering compared to the previous hydraulic set-up, higher centre of gravity, overly-tall gearing and no doubt lighter but 1/2″ thinner wheels than the 4.5″ ones specified before. So this new ‘Charade’ made me go and seek-out one of the last 3-door L701 Cuores and I had no regrets in 10 years of ownership.

    Although not exactly the same 989cc engine, my late Cuore did have the VVT on the exhaust cams that acted like a tiny turbo boost at 5200 RPM – that engine and the way the car handled made it a joy among other ‘city’ cars of the times. An aftermarket mid-sport exhaust improved the already strong, (in context) low-mid range torque and sounded suitably a bit dirty 🙂

      • Is it worth a drive out to see it? If nothing else, it will be an excuse to take Rita out for a relaxing cruise. Incidentally, I highly recommend on those synergy tuning box gadgets for Rita. It certainly made a difference to both my 75s.

      • Fair point. I’ve been there, done that. It’s a pity you don’t have any acquaintances over in that neck of the woods who could nip over and give it the once over, prior to you making the journey.
        Sorting this out would make a pretty interesting little series, though. It’s a shame that import costs make bringing Australian cars over here such a problem. I for one, would love a six cylinder Marina!

  84. Hi Ian. It occurred to me that with your writing background, knowledge, experience and the obviously huge collection of photographs that you now possess, surely a book is now on the cards? It would be nice to have a book about the ordinary, everyday, Hubnut type of cars rather than the usual exotic and rare stuff. A sort of motoring Encyclopedia Hubnutica, if you will. I’d buy a copy.

  85. The Perodua’s 847 cc engine is identical to that of the Daihatsu MOVE 601 and the Cuore 501(?). I presently drive the 1997 MOVE version with the automatic gearbox. Therefore, if you need a reference for the alternator belt or most every other part, depending on if yours is carbureted or injected, simply researching Daihatsu catalogs should satisfy any spares demands. In fact, suspension and brake bits should also interchange

  86. Unless the Daihatsu Charade has suffered abuse or has high milage, it shouldn’t be in need of an entire engine rebuild. Typical for this series engine is the varnishing of pistons and rings, due to not abiding by maintenance intervals of which include oil changes. Since the Japanese tend to practice religious maintenance on their vehicles, Daihatsu couldn’t predict that their pistons and rigs could collect varnish, until their vehicles were exported overseas. Added to disciplined Japanese vehicle ownership, their M.O.T.s are the strictest on the planet. Because of this, their vehicles spend an average of only 2 years registered.
    Servicing the pistons and rings can be done within the vehicle. Removing the head and oil pan is sufficient. There are two issues to be aware of, though. The first one is to pay extreme attention to the disassembly of the timing chain, since it’s connected to a valve timing advance mechanism. The second issue involves the connecting rod studs. I’ve read in a forum that these should be renewed, because they are of the stretch type. These should be interchangable with all of those of this serie’s engine which were also installed in the smallest Toyotas, Citroens and Peugeots. I’ve replaced the connecting rod bearings in my own Daihatsu which has the previous engine design using the single overhead camshaft. Nothing in the factory manual made mention of replacing the connecting rod studs. Therefore, what I have read on that German forum may be myth. I recommend thorough research, in order to confirm.
    I’d also consult these people: https://www.daihatsu-drivers.uk/

    • Cheers but this is the older EJ-VE engine, so while it has variable valve timing, it uses a timing belt. It has an MOT now so we have time to plan an eventual engine rebuild. The car has covered over 130,000 miles.

  88. After watching a great many of your videos I began to think i may have met you briefly at least once. Then of course, i could be mistaken. So, could we have met at the Le Mans Classic at some point? I seem to recall you with a very early Citroën.
    Paul.

  89. Have you been a bit harsh with your verdict on the now departed Primera? The 2.0 engine was never the one liked by the motor trade. The 1600 was the one to seek. But Nissan knew the market perceptions so in in 1999 introduced low end torque 1600 and 1800 petrol engines. As for seat comfort, I found the 1998 1600 GX seats fine for hours of long distances. There is lumbar adjustment and seat height setting. Perhaps yours were an earlier type? Is the car any good in the real world? Here look at the reviews on Honest John. For years there was no car to match the Primeras’ rating! I rate the Primera and vote with my wallet. I have been driving them for the last 20+ years and there are two parked on my drive as I type this to you! Keep up the brilliant work

  90. Hi Mr. Hubnut. My girlfriend currently drives a 2005 Vauxhall Astra that’s looking a bit sheddy now. She doesn’t want a more modern car but what we have to call a ‘modern classic. Anyway, I think she should have one of the very first of the ‘new’ Mini Coopers (possibly an S if the budget allows) but she wants a Honda Civic Type R EP3. I know you’re not a relationship counsellor or that these cars aren’t your cup of tea, but which do you think is best? Cheers.

  91. Have you ever had a go in a Superb estate? I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on one. In other news, come Christmas time, will you be dropping hints to Miss Hubnut regarding Tamiyas 2CV Charleston RC model? 🙂 It wouldn’t take too much to build an RC Elly!

  92. Hi Ian just watched your scrapyard wander vlog and heard you say you would like to review a ssangyong rodius. We have a 2013 plate ( just before change over to the latest shape. 2 ltr engine ) Were in Chorley Lancashire if this is any good for you drop me a mail.
    Best Regards Simon and Alison

  93. Hi Ian, I have just over the past month started watching your videos on TV (YouTube). They are excellent. They are preferable to the usual rubbish that is on evening tv. I am an Australian (Melbourne) but lived in the UK for 38 years. I partially enjoyed your videos on Ballarat and the Mornington Peninsula. My favourite wreck of a car (and my first car) is the VW Beatle (poor mans Porsche). Today I go for comfort and the Australians love of V8’s so it is a Merc 63s (going to church car) and I am awaiting arrival of my shopping car (Jeep Grand Cherokee S-Limited 5.7lL V8.) I will await my annual return trip to the UK to pick up some goodies from your shop.
    Keep up the good work. You definite have a talent as an in front of camera presenter. Regards Stuart

    • Thank you! We can deliver to Australia if you can’t find space in your suitcase. I very much did enjoy my trip to Australia. Glad it ended when it did mind you!

  94. Somewhat late to the party (newbie at ep. 1000!), but what a delight your channel is! Jalopy magazine for the 21st century…..

    Here’s to the next 1000!

  95. Hello Ian. I have a car you might like to try, but I’m not on Twitter or Facebook. How best could I drop you a line with my details?
    Best wishes,
    Tim Waters

  96. hi Ian! Great channel! Have you ever tested an Umm? I remember these from the back pages of my car mags in the 90s and always wondered how good/bad they are

  97. Hello Ian,

    Love your site and videos(they’re also a sort of learning material for me).

    in fact, they(and my job of restoring 2CVs, have given me the desire to buy one of my own for restoring, and never letting it go(and that after less than 6 months of working with them)

    it’ll either replace my 1999 Seat Inca(1M+ km and counting), or they’ll have to learn to live together.

    Keep up the quality content!

    Gotta say, while i’m gravitating more towards the Charleston. Elly has made a Dolly look appealing too

  99. Hi Ian, don’t know if you will see this. I have a solution for repairing your Berlingo. I have a Peugeot Partner 2.0 HDI. It’s been laid up since start of the lockdown. But it had a refurbed rear beam 800kg with all new drums, brakes, wheel bearings and brake pipes. Also all new front suspension with new shocks, springs, brake calipers etc.
    I am in Fife, Scotland. Pain, I know😁
    You can have the van for free if you can get someone to collect it.
    Cheers

    Kevin

    • Hi Kevin. That’s very kind, but I suspect by the time we get it to Wales, the price won’t be far off what the parts will cost. It’s a fair old trek! I would have thought it might do ok on the open market the way Berlingo/Partner prices have gone lately? Cheers.

      • Hey there, I’ve just purchased a 1993 Renault traffic t1100d camper I think that’s the number lol, quirky little thing, got any hints and tips about them. many thanks, Dave.

  100. Dear Ian/Mr. Hubnut,
    A request, as much as the technical aspects of 2cv’ing and other dreadful motorcars tickles my fancy, what id really like to see on your channel, is 2 things;

    1. how exactly does an average person in the UK drink tea? Brands, process and what goes with it. Not the “fancy” way, but average persons way.

    2. Id really like to see a 2cv picnic, using the famous picnic chair feature. How does that work? What about a table? Do the rear seats also come out? Where does the picnic basket go? Can one cook tea on the 12 volt power outlet? Does the cars roof double as picnic blanket? All important questions that MUST be resolved to ensure the continued stability of the universe.
    It would been fun to see some sort of “reenactment” on using some of the 2cv’s unique features. I bet you could cook up some foil covered roast beef on the exhaust manifold. The possibilities seem endless!

    • The rear seat of a 2CV is held in by a couple of latches. Some years ago we attended an open air concert near Swindon, arrived in plenty of time and put our (approved style) tartan rug on the grass. Everybody else seemed to have picnic tables and chairs, so we soon had no view. A short walk back to the car park to my wife’s 2CV, unlatch the back seat, tuck it under my arm for the walk back, problem solved.
      Her current car is a Fiat Panda 1.1, pale yellow of course.

  101. Only just discovered your YouTube channel mate – probably the best I’ve ever found. Brilliant stuff mate, really enjoying it. Massively appreciated!

  102. Love your channel! I’ve been avidly watching all video’s always eager to view, the latest upload. As of late it is awfully quiet. I sure hope everything is OK with you!

  104. Ian, when I was young the most comfortable cars would have been the Citroen DS, the Jaguar XJ6 and the Rover P6. Have there been any comparably comfortable cars in, sa, the last 20 years?

    • When I was young, I sat in a customer’s Jaguar that had unusually comfortable seating, perfect for anybody suffering back pain. It felt so good that I didn’t wish to exit the vehicle any time soon. On the contrary, the seats in my Renault 5 were somewhat slouchy, not doing my back much good, causing me to wonder about French work ethics, if the majority of them never suffered back pain while sitting in their own cars

  105. Keep with the Charade. They are amazing bits of packaging. A real TARDIS.

    We have an identical blue one from 2003. Was originally bought for very little as the children’s learn to drive car but we kept it as a run around. New CV joints and front shocks/mounts plus normal consumables is all it has needed in over 10 years and 70,000 miles.

    cheap tax, insurance and 50+ mpg plus air con in the summer.

    what’s not to like?

    There’s nicer motoring to be had for sure but as cost effective A to B transport it is hard to beat.

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