CLASSIC CAR CRISIS

A younger Derek Bennett with his then, brand new, 1968 Triumph Spitfire.

Back in 1968, in the days when I was still footloose and fancy free, I ordered a brand new Triumph Spitfire from Hewitt's in Walsall. Sadly, both Hewitt's and my Spitfire are long since gone, all that is left are fond memories of my younger days when I gadded aroud Walsall and beyond in my little sports car, which these these days, if it has not long ago been sent to the scrap yard, would be regarded as a classic car and well worth looking after.

Those who are fortunate enough to own a classic car, and those who run businesses and work in the industry that supply parts for classic car enthuisiasts, have something to really worry about now the nuttters in the EU have begun to turn their unwanted attention in their direction.

This has prompted Mike Nattrass, the West Midlands UKIP MEP, to get involved. In a recent press release the UK Independence Party Transport spokesman Mike Nattrass has blasted Brussels bureaucrats who are maneuvering to bring in draconian rules which could see many modified and classic cars disappear from British roads.

The West Midlands MEP, who is a member of the EU’s Transport and Tourism Committee, fears EU moves to overhaul MOT rules could have dire consequences for the automotive industry and classic car enthusiasts.

Interfering Eurocrats are attempting to push through radical changes to MOT rules across Europe which would make modified vehicles illegal.

The EU is proposing major changes on how the roadworthiness of vehicles is assessed. This latest Brussels drive could see many cars automatically failing their MOT test for having minor modifications such as updated brake lights and different windscreen wipers.

Bodies such as the Federation of British Historic Vehicles Clubs (FBHVC) and the Association of Car Enthusiasts have attacked the proposals which they say could cost jobs and hit motorists in the pocket.

Commenting on the proposals, UKIP Transport spokesman Mike Nattrass, who owns a 1956 Sunbeam Talbot, said: “These plans would lead to major changes to MOT rules in Britain and across Europe.

“The envisaged changes to the road licensing system would have massive implications for all motorists and the car industry as a whole.

“Under the plans, a vehicle would automatically fail its MOT test if its ‘technical specifications’ was found to differ from the technical specification it had when it rolled off the production line.

“The FBHVC is right to say these plans are pie-in-the-sky as modifications to vehicles, particularly older ones, are common.

“These plans are attack on motorists, classic car enthusiasts and the car industry. I will raise this issue in the European Parliament and fight to put this latest EU drive in reverse,” he added.