So, exactly which race cars are deemed 'Hotrods'?

[ERC]

Always good to chat Dale!

Just to put a slightly different spin on this, one of the issues we have faced over the years is that unlike most HMC cars, where spares for the popular ones seem to be sourced from Australia or the USA, or Escorts and MGs from the UK, spares for some makes and models are now virtually impossible to source - particularly so for low volume cars and older cars.

It is extremely easy to state "as it was so it will be" until you try and track down a replacement item either at a reasonable price or within a reasonable time frame.

Without pushing the self interest barrow here, but just to give two prize examples that I have mentioned before.

1) T & C rules "Original window winding mechanism must be retained." OK so please tell me where I get from one for the Marcos as it apparently has a heavily modified wiper motor from a Jaguar - no idea what model. Mine is totally stuffed and the local auto electrician can't fix it. More to the point, why does it matter?

2) Original exterior trim and bumpers of original material. Who stocks items for 60 year old cars, or do we run with the bent, twisted and rusty ones that came with the car? Why does it matter whether or not they are fibreglass. It is hardly going to turn the car into a fire breathing monster!

It is the pettiness of some of the rules that get many people off side. T & C needs enough latitude to make running all cars a practical proposition and it does go part way along that path.

There are some people who think that refitting the headlining and rear seats to a car with a cage is also a practical proposition. There are also officials (not within the sport I might add) who have demanded that I do NOT put in a headlining!

The mission statement of both organisations is to encourage and to participate.

Building or running a car that is not the norm is my personal choice because I am just not interested in having a car the same as everyone else's. I love it that Francois and Johann are out with their rare Renault Gordinis, Rod Hemmings TVR and the other less common cars, as it is a much tougher route, particularly after an incident, mechanical or bodywork.

That is why the special saloons, sports sedans OSCA cars, call them what you like are so popular. Many of us drive classics for the same reasons and there are many purists who also own a car that isn't pure, but they enjoy those cars for what they are - ENJOYABLE!

We are still waiting for additions to the list of cars not deemed acceptable at a classic meeting. I didn't expect the response to be this slow. Good interesting discussion, even though we are regularly going over old ground, but I need guidance as to exactly which cars are upsetting the critics. So far, from our own series, we still only have YB Escorts nominated.