Faithful Ford

Hoping that it may be of some value to those shopping for good used cars, I can report that the Ford Sierra EFi 4 x 4 has now completed more than 76,800 miles with an almost unbelievable reliability record, as have all the Fords of this kind which I have used — from the torque-endowed V6 (a vintage-car owner, not as it happened wearing tweed and leather patches, told me you need bags of torque, which is not usually what I am told when I start to bang on about cars) to the present twin-cam eight-valve 2-litre H-registration one. The latter has only been off the road for repair once, and that only after I had been informed at 72,000 miles that it required a new steering-rack. I had noticed an infinitesimal degree of free play in the still very taut and accurate action. The garage had ordered a new rack and this was then fitted at a cost with VAT of £497.97. This included disconnecting the alarm system, as I had an idea it was intending at some inconvenient time to go off inadvertently. After the steering wear had been attended to I did not notice much difference in handling but it was worth it from the safety aspect.

Next came the 78,000-mile service, done somewhat early (see above). It was routine stuff apart from a new halogen headlamp bulb; the cost with MoT certificate, came to £96.92 with VAT. I have no idea what the Sierra is worth now but it could be an excellent purchase still. Washed, it looks very new, rust patches have just begun to appear, but only where I have carelessly caused dents or damage to the paintwork. and overall paintwork and alloy trims are excellent So that’s it until the next 10,000 miles. WB

society girls in a number of MGs. which took place in the summer of 1931 It was unpopular with the Brooklands authorities, who judged it dangerous as the girls, unaccustomed to driving on the Track, took to the open spaces of Brooklands. The first BARC Ladies’ Race was held in 1908 and by the 1920s they had become an accepted part of the Brooklands scene. So I am surprised to learn that at the Museum on November 2 the Dame, some girls and MGs will re-enact that notorious Cartland frolic. Another piece of Brooklands Museum news is that it is hoping to get £10 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund in order to build another hangar to accommodate its aircraft exhibits, and a visitor centre, situated close to the original Clubhouse in the Paddock. The Clubhouse itself, the Test Hill and the sweep of the home banking are about all that is left to recall what the Track used to look like; the proposed hangar would alter that and block out the view of the banking from the Clubhouse. The plan seems also to conflict with the Brooklands Society’s desire to maintain and restore Brooklands as it was, from both the motor-racing and aviation aspects. W