AFTER the old Ford Anglia I reported seeing recently, I spotted an even older vehicle, a pre-registration letter Ford Classic in St Helens Road.

What a car -- and what memories come bubbling back to the surface.

A smaller version of the big, ugly Yankie jobs, we hired one around 1961-2 for our annual wakes week tour of Devon and Cornwall.

They had only just come out the previous week and the car attracted loads of attention. Everywhere we parked crowds massed around it to examine it and its interior.

We were really chuffed -- and pretended it was the family car, as you do, of course. However we were probably rumbled while parked in Polperro, when someone asked how long it was, and one of our party off the top of their head said 23ft. I cringed and shrank away.

Well everyone makes mistakes, it was only about 10ft too long.

But the car was a real swanker at the time, and the old girl still obviously attracts attention.

The only trouble with it I remember was the horn was so weak it sounded like it had been honked over a hill.

I really admire anyone able to renovate and keep old vehicles in pristine condition. Unfortunately I haven't a clue what goes on under the bonnet or I'd love to own a vintage motor.