Wheels & Deals with Sam Grange-Bailey

PODCAST · leisure

Wheels & Deals with Sam Grange-Bailey

Wheels & Deals is a UK classic car podcast hosted by Sam Grange-Bailey, The Old Car Lady. A classic car dealer and car dealer's daughter who grew up in the Manchester motor trade.Sam doesn't present classic cars. She's traded them her whole life. She grew up through the golden era of the British motor trade. The 1960s, '70s, '80s and early '90s. When deals were done on a handshake, the cars had genuine personality, and the dealers who sold them were larger-than-life characters. This podcast preserves those stories before they're lost.Each episode brings honest, unfiltered conversations with the people who lived it: dealers, auctioneers, journalists, mechanics, and collectors. Expect tales of dodgy deals, auction house drama, barn finds, family businesses, cars that got away, and the ones that probably should have.If you've ever wondered what it was really like inside a British car dealership before the internet changed everything

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    Max | E Types, Silver Shadows & the Queen of the hard shoulders with The Tyre Kickers (Part 2)

    The Old Car Lady is back with Max from The Tyre Kickers for Part 2. This time it’s about the cars they love now: E types, XJS, Silver Shadows and a Porsche 928 that kept catching the eye.They go through the quick fire round, get deep on E types and XJS’s, debate original paint versus respray, and end with Sam’s dad’s 1984 stock book, with the day to day trade deals like a Merc 280 SE bought for £2,375 and sold for £2,800. Two Porsche 928s in the corner. And a spin in the Mercedes SL R107 to finish.Featured StoriesHow The Tyre Kickers Was Born: Max and Matt have known each other 30 years from Radio One Newsbeat. During Covid they were on Autotrader six hours a day. Matt said why not make a podcast. Episode 53 was recorded the week of this conversation.The Silver Shadow Research Period: A year and a half of research, club membership and chassis number study. He very nearly bought one the week before recording. Sam is entirely encouraging this.The Quick Fire Round: Cash or banking? Auction or private sale? Original paint or respray? Manual or auto? Barn find or concours? Short answers, strong opinions.Dad’s Stock Book: January 1984. A 280 SE bought for £2,375, sold for £2,800. Cars that would be collectible today changing hands at prices that seem impossible now. Every registration number still traceable and Sam I’d planning a YouTube series around it.Antiques on Wheels: Online banks wouldn’t take car traders so Sam opened one as an antique dealer. Technically accurate. Old stuff, easy to move. She stands by it.What You’ll LearnWhy the series two E type 4.2 manual is the one to drive. Why a fresh respray on a classic is always a risk. How the CAP and Glasses Guides worked against each other but well together. Why building a history file from scratch can sometimes be as satisfying as inheriting one. And why the RREC build sheet is worth every penny.Key QuestionsIs original paint always worth more than a respray? Max and Sam both say yes, partly for the story and partly because a fresh respray hides as much as it reveals. You never quite know what it will look like in six months and it’s only original once!Should you buy from a dealer or a private seller? Both come down firmly on the side of dealers and auction houses. The biggest crooks Max has bought from were private sellers. At least with a dealer there is a process and proper mediation if something goes wrong.Is a car that’s been raced or modified still worth having? Max wants factory spec. Sam allows for safety upgrades where the case is clear. Both agree the story of the car is what you are really buying.A Nod ToThe Tyre Kickers podcast with Max and Matt on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all platforms. Find them at @thetyrekickersuk. The RREC, whose original build sheets are available for a small fee and are absolutely worth it. And Sam’s dad’s stock book and book collection which is going to be a YouTube series.Vintage and Classic Car Competitions: use code SAM15 for 15% off. Dodo Juice: use code SAM10 for 10% off.📧 [email protected]💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎦 TikTok, Facebook and YouTube: The Old Car Lady👍 The Old Car Lady Classic Car Community on Facebook🔔 Subscribe to our YouTube channel @TheoldcarladyThis has been a Worth A Listen Production.

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    Max | SD1s, E Types & Growing Up on the Forecourt with The Tyre Kickers (Part 1)

    The Old Car Lady is joined by Max, co-host of The Tyre Kickers, for the first of two conversations built around a shared childhood. Both grew up as car dealers’ kids: SD1s borrowed off the forecourt for family holidays, E types coming through by the hundred, and dads who were never really off duty. This is Part 1.They cover the golden era of the trade: part exchanges valued at nine years old, the Sunday phone rota, the mortgage run to Glasgow and back, and every trick that kept a 70s and 80s forecourt moving. Max brought photographs, pinned on Sam’s Instagram and Facebook.Featured StoriesTwo Dealers’ Kids on the Same Forecourt: Max’s dad spent 25 years at an Austin main dealer before going it alone from home, supplying smaller dealers trade to trade with cars that had to move fast before the book knocked money off them. Sam’s world was the same. A conversation that starts with instant recognition and never runs dry.Valuing Part Exchanges at Nine Years Old: Max would be sent round the back of the porter cabin to crawl over the stock while his dad smoked and chatted. No book, just brochure knowledge, rust points and instinct. He’d come back with a number and his dad would say 500 quid. It was 500 quid.SD1s, E Types and Rubber Bumper MGBs: SD1s borrowed off the lot with 50 miles, returned two weeks later with 2,500 and sand in the boot. His dad had hundreds of E types coming through at the time. They were cheap. Nobody knew then.The Sunday Phone Rota: Friday adverts, one home phone number and a family rota to cover the weekend in their best telephone voice. Teenagers blocking the line. Customers trying to get through. Considerable Sunday tension.The Mortgage Run to Glasgow: One week the mortgage was due on Friday and the money wasn’t there. Max’s dad drove to Glasgow with a car, did a deal and came back. His mum went south to Frank Dale, did another deal there. They got back to the house just in time to go to the bank the next morning.What You’ll LearnWhy trade to trade was a cleaner business than dealing with the public. How a nine-year-old learned to value a car by spec and rust points alone. What the glasses guide was for and how dealers played it against each other. Why an SD1 with 50 miles was the perfect family holiday car. Why there were always queues for SD1s in the 70s even when people said British cars weren’t selling. And what the Zabar sticker, the National Trust sticker and the Right Reverend log book entry all had in common.A Nod ToThe Tyre Kickers podcast with Max and Matt, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all platforms. 55,000 downloads, Independent Podcast Awards finalist. Find them at @thetyrekickersuk. Part 2 next week.Vintage and Classic Car Competitions: use code SAM15 for 15% off. Dodo Juice: use code SAM10 for 10% off.📧 [email protected]💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎦 TikTok, Facebook and YouTube: The Old Car Lady👍 The Old Car Lady Classic Car Community on Facebook🔔 Subscribe to our YouTube channel @TheoldcarladyThis has been a Worth A Listen Production.

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    Becca Treston | Daily Drivers, Accidental Owners & Why the Future of Classic Cars Needs All of Us

    The Old Car Lady is joined by Becca Treston, host of the Passenger Seat Podcast, young members coordinator for the Morris Minor Owners Club and a key figure in the Women Driver Social Club.Becca daily drives Peggy, her 1968 Morris Minor, and has covered 45,000 miles in six years. This episode looks at the future of classic cars through the people coming into the scene today.From accidental owners who inherit a car and don’t know where to start, to young drivers facing rising insurance costs, this conversation explores the real barriers to entry and what needs to change to keep the hobby alive.Featured Stories Meet Peggy: a 1968 Morris Minor, fully restored and driven daily, with 45,000 miles in six years. The Accidental Owner: inheriting a car and not knowing where to begin, and how community changes that. The Insurance Wall: why under 25s face some of the biggest barriers to classic car ownership.What You’ll Learn Why daily driving a classic car can keep it in better condition. Why 45,000 miles on a well-maintained Morris Minor can be less risky than low mileage neglect. How young members groups support new drivers and why the 25–35 age group is key to the future of the scene. Why rising insurance costs are a major barrier for younger owners. What the Women Driver Social Club actually does and why it matters beyond the people in it.A Nod To Passenger Seat Podcast, Morris Minor Owners Club Young Members (MMOCYM), Women Driver Social Club, Evoke ClassicsFor 15% off all competitons at Vintage & Classic Competitions use SAM15https://competitions.vintageandclassiccarhire.com/—————————————————————-For 10% off Dodo Juice car care products use SAM10www.dodojuice.net📧 [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎦 TikTok, Facebook and YouTube: The Old Car Lady 👍 The Old Car Lady Classic Car Community on Facebook 🔔 Subscribe to our YouTube channel @TheoldcarladyThis has been a Worth A Listen Production.

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    Tim Grigsby | Veteran Cars, Classic Raffles & a Life Lived at Full Throttle

    Use code SAM15 for 15% off your chance to win a classic car with Vintage and Classic Car Competitions: https://competitions.vintageandclassiccarhire.com/Sam Grange-Bailey (The Old Car Lady) sits down with Tim Grigsby of Vintage and Classic Car Competitions for a conversation that goes well beyond the prize draw business. Tim grew up surrounded by veteran cars and larger-than-life characters, raced everything from karts to single seaters, and has built one of the longest-running classic car raffle businesses in the UK.They get into the real story behind classic car prize draws, why five years in has been the hardest thing Tim has ever done, and why integrity is the only thing that keeps it working. There is also a 1904 Cadillac, a brake rod welded in a French barn, a Ferrari 308 with 26,000 miles he cannot bring himself to drive, and a mum who swapped a Morris Eight for a Rolls Royce 20hp and has never looked back.Featured StoriesBorn Into It: Tim’s dad wrote the technical bible on pre-war Rolls Royce engines. His mum was a BBC makeup girl who may or may not have written off Jim Clark’s car near Tower Bridge. Tim never really stood a chance.The Brighton Run and the Cars That Should Be Driven: Tim has been doing the London to Brighton since 1971, when he was six, in his dad’s 1904 Cadillac. He still does it today in Annabel, the same car. His view on veteran cars sitting in bank vaults is not a diplomatic one.The Raffle Business: What It Actually Takes: Tim was one of the first to run classic car prize draws and is honest it has been the hardest business he has ever built. Facebook spend alone ran to £750,000 this year. The margins are not what people with calculators think they are.The Roadside Repair That Lasted 10 Years: On a rally in France, Tim fixed a broken brake rod in a stranger’s barn using a welder and some thread. A decade later he spotted the same car on the Brighton run. The repair was still there.A Fleet Worth Talking About: A 1904 Cadillac. A 1914 Sunbeam. A 1923 Rolls Royce 20hp called Daphne. A 69 Morgan Four Four that one lady drove as her only car for 50 years. A Ferrari 308 GTS with 26,000 miles. And a 1977 Lola that takes Copse flat out.What You’ll LearnWhy running a classic car prize draw is nothing like it looks from the outside. How the British sports car market differs from the supercar lottery crowd. Why paying proper money always gets you the repeat call. What it costs to race a gearbox kart when you are built like a rugby player. And why smart motorways are, in Tim’s words, extremely stupid.Key QuestionsIs the classic car prize draw model as easy as it looks? Tim is emphatic that it is not. Five years in, three world-class businesses behind him, and this has been the hardest. The people getting rich are mostly Mark Zuckerberg.Who actually wins these cars? Tim’s database is built on proper enthusiasts, not lottery hopefuls. A woman with a blown-up VW Polo bought one ticket and won an MGB. Those are the stories that keep him going.Should classic cars be used or preserved? Tim’s answer is unambiguous. He has driven his 1914 Sunbeam all over Europe and thinks cars sitting in bank vaults are a waste of what they are.A Nod ToVintage and Classic Car Competitions, Tim’s prize draw business. Search online and on social media. Use code SAM15 for 15% off your chance to win a classic car. Links in the show notes or follow this link:https://competitions.vintageandclassiccarhire.com/Tim is racing his 1977 Lola at the Oulton Park Gold Cup this year and Sam will be there for a pit lane visit and Part 2. Watch this space.📧 [email protected]💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎦 TikTok, Facebook and YouTube: The Old Car Lady👍 The

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    Tim Ashworth | Minis, Metros & the Lost Art of Loving Your Car

    Sam Grange Bailey (The Old Car Lady) sits down with Tim Ashworth of Stockley Classics for a proper trip down memory lane and an honest look at where the classic car market stands today. Tim is a Mini and Metro specialist with decades in the trade, and he doesn’t hold back.They cover growing up with cars in the 70s, building a top five iconic cars of the decade, why colour and trim levels defined you socially in ways that just don’t exist anymore, and why the generation that leases their car on a monthly payment may never fall in love with it the way we did. Plus Tim gives his straight-talking take on the state of the classic car market and what he’s got on the forecourt right now.Featured StoriesMinis, Metros and the Family Car Route: Tim’s mum ran Minis through the 60s and 70s. His dad did a full engine change on the driveway the night before Monday morning work. A conversation about the cars families actually drove and what keeping them going really looked like.The Lost Art of Loving Your Car: When you saved up for your first car to the penny you looked after it, washed it and made it yours. Sam and Tim on why leasing and monthly payments have quietly killed that attachment.Top Five Cars of the 70s: The VW Golf. The Rover SD1. The Citroen CX. The BMW E21. The Range Rover. Sam and Tim build their list, defend every entry and argue about the ones that didn’t make it.Colour, Trim and the Peacocking Rep: Pageant Blue. Citron Yellow. Russet Brown. Your trim level told people exactly where you stood. Tim and Sam on why 70s colour and spec still matter enormously when you’re buying and selling.The Market Right Now: Too many cars, too few buyers, and some prices that still need to come down. Tim is straight about the challenges but genuinely optimistic, especially about the sub-£20k end of the market and the club scene that underpins it.What You’ll LearnWhy Mini restorations now cost £20-25k and why that maths rarely works as a business. How to know when to stop spending on a project car and why ‘used and improved’ often sells better than a full restoration. Why 70s cars are far more colour and trim sensitive than their modern counterparts. What makes the classic car club scene the market’s biggest long-term asset. Why the Ford Street Ka is worth putting on your radar right now. And why the generation that financed their cars on monthly payments may never develop the same emotional relationship with them that we did.Key QuestionsIs the classic car restoration business a viable one? Tim’s view is clear. If you’re spending £20k to get £20k back, you’ve wasted your time. The maths only works if you’re doing it for love or if you know exactly when to stop.Has the next generation lost its connection to cars? Both Tim and Sam think so and worry about what that means for the classic car market in 20 years. The buyers who’ll hanker after a 90s hot hatch when they’re 50 may be fewer than the trade hopes.What does the classic car market actually need right now? Tim’s answer is realistic pricing, credible ethical trading, and a recognition that the accessible end of the market, fuelled by the club scene, is where the real resilience lives.A Nod ToStockley Classics. Tim’s dealership specialising in Minis, Metros, and accessible British classics. Find him at stockleyclassics.com. If this conversation has got you thinking, go have a look at what he’s got.📧 [email protected]💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎦 TikTok, Facebook and YouTube: The Old Car Lady👍 The Old Car Lady Classic Car Community on Facebook🔔 Subscribe to our YouTube channel @TheoldcarladyThis has been a Worth A Listen Production.

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    James Harding (Chops Garage) | The VAT Raffle Loophole, The Cars That Made Us & More (Pt 2)

    Join Sam Grange Bailey (The Old Car Lady) for Part 2 of her conversation with James Harding from Chop's Garage. If Part 1 was about how James got into the trade, this one is about what it's actually like to live in it.James explains why he puts his full margin on show, what he paid, what he spent on prep, what's left in his pocket, and why that transparency has made him more trusted, not less. They get into consumer law, warranty claims on cars with 30,000 post-sale miles on them, and why the next generation of classic car buyers might be the trade's biggest headache yet.He also lifts the lid on car raffles: no VAT, no Consumer Rights Act liability, and the potential to make four times the retail margin. He's raised over £30k for charity doing it. He thinks the window is closing.Plus a proper nostalgia detour via Talbot Samba’s, bump starts, and the lost art of caring about your key ring.Featured StoriesThe Transparent Dealer: James tells customers exactly what he paid, what prep cost and what he's pocketed. Some dealers hate it. His subscribers love it.Consumer Law and the Classic Car Problem: A six-month implied warranty on a 40-year-old car is a recipe for misery. Sam and James ask whether the next generation of buyers will ever get why the rules need to be different.The Raffle Loophole: No VAT, no Consumer Rights Act, four times the retail margin. James has raised over £30k for charity doing it and he's pretty sure it won't last.First Cars and the Bump Start: A Talbot Samba’s with a brick for a handbrake. A Midget nursed along with a plank and a mallet. Two people who learned to drive in cars that genuinely hurt when they went wrong.Mileage, Markets and the E-Type Question: James would put his money in a V10 BMW M5. Sam wonders who's queuing up for a £500k Cosworth when the people who wanted them are done with them.What You'll LearnWhy showing your margins online can make customers trust you more, not less. How VAT on the gross works and why it still shocks people. Why a six-month consumer rights claim on a classic car is a completely different beast to the same claim on a nearly new hatchback. How car raffles work, why they're currently tax and liability free, and why that's probably on borrowed time. Why a motorway-mile 120,000-miler might be in better shape than a Devon-lanes 60,000-miler. And why the classic car market's generational problem is more urgent than most people in the trade want to admit.Key QuestionsDoes showing your margins actually help you sell cars? James says yes, unequivocally. Subscribers who've watched him buy, prep and price a car come back and buy it precisely because they trust him.Should a classic car buyer expect the same rights as someone buying a new TV? Legally they have them. In practice both Sam and James think applying modern consumer expectations to a 40-year-old car is a disaster for everyone.Is the car raffle model sustainable? James doubts it. Right now it's VAT-free and exempt from the Consumer Rights Act because it's legally a gift. He thinks that won't last, but for now the numbers are compelling.A Nod ToChop's Garage on YouTube, where James documents the full reality of life as a car dealer. CG Car Sales, James's retail forecourt in Devon. Next week Tim Ashworth from Stockley Classics joins Sam to talk Metros and the state of the classic trade.📧 [email protected] 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook and YouTube: The Old Car Lady 👍 The Old Car Lady Classic Car Community on Facebook🔔 Subscribe to our YouTube channel @Theoldcarlady This has been a Worth A Listen Production.

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    NEC Classic Car & Restoration Show | Predictions, Jensen Healeys & the SD1 That Stops Traffic

    Sam heads to the NEC in Birmingham for the Classic Car & Restoration Show, joining forces with Richy Barnett — Market Editor at Classic Car Weekly — to walk the Iconic Auctioneers sale floor and put their money where their mouths are on six cars that caught their eye. From a rare lilac Morris Minor Million to a first-gen Firebird and a gorgeously sinister Daimler Sovereign, they predict the hammer prices — then go back to find out how close they got. Along the way, Sam catches up with Frank from Pegasus Classics, who's fitting a Rover V8 into a Jensen Healey live on the show stand, and bumps into returning podcast guest Anthony Kersley for a passionate case in favour of the criminally underrated Rover SD1.FEATURED The Morris Minor 1 Million — One of only around 100 made to mark the millionth Morris Minor — lilac, white leather, and deeply specialist. Sam wins her bet when it sells for £12,600.The '69 Pontiac Firebird — A first-generation Pontiac with a full photographic restoration file on a known shunt. Big V8 energy, but it narrowly misses its guide at £19,125.The Daimler Sovereign 4.2 — A Juniper Green Series II coupé dripping in atmosphere — but a tough market means it comes in under estimate at £17,437.Frank's Jensen Healey Restomod — Frank from Pegasus Classics built his Jensen Healey from two wrecks and found a Rover V8 on a sheep farm for £350. He's fitting the cylinder head live at the show — but wisely trailering it home.Anthony Kersley on the Rover SD1 — Returning guest and Channel 4 Handcuffed star Anthony Kersley makes the passionate case that the Rover SD1 is a world-beater undone by industrial politics — and still extraordinary value today.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy the Morris Minor 1 Million is a deeply specialist buy — and who's actually likely to be biddingHow declared saleroom notices work and why auction house transparency protects everyoneWhy the Rover SD1 is one of Britain's most underrated classics — and exactly what to look for when buying oneHow to build a Jensen Healey restomod on a genuine shoestring (£350 Rover V8 optional but recommended)Why the classic car demographic shift is quietly changing which cars are considered cool againThere is no such thing as a cheap Rolls-Royce — but an SZ Series Spirit at £10–15k might be the last great bargain in prestige classicsKEY QUESTIONSCan you predict auction hammer prices with any real accuracy?Sometimes — Sam and Richie get a few right and call a few badly wrong. The market for specialist cars like the Morris Minor 1 Million is particularly hard to read because buyer pools are small, emotionally driven, and often invisible until the gavel falls.Should a saleroom notice put you off bidding?Not necessarily — but it will move the price. Transparency at auction is a positive for everyone. A declared fault protects both buyer and seller from post-sale disputes, as seen with both the Hillman Hunter Restomod and the Lancia Beta Montecarlo Spider, both of which stalled under estimate because of declared gearbox issues.Is the Rover SD1 finally having its moment?Anthony Kersley thinks it absolutely should be. The very best examples are touching £35k but cost £50–70k to restore properly — and most serious owners simply won't sell. A presentable driver can still be found for around £15k, representing genuine value for a car that was genuinely ahead of its time.A NOD TORichie Barnett — Market Editor, Classic Car WeeklyFrank, Pegasus Classics — Jensen Owners Club stand, NECAnthony Kersley — Auto Couture / star of Channel 4 Handcuffed (Episode 1 available now; Part 2 coming soon)Iconic Auctioneers — Classic car auction at the NECThe NEC Classic Car & Restora

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    James Harding (Chops Garage) | From Suits to Spanners & Selling £4k Forecourt Cars (Part 1)

    Join Sam Grange Bailey (The Old Car Lady) for Part 1 of her conversation with James Harding from Chops Garage, a modern car dealer with a classic car soul. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who's ever dreamed of jacking in the corporate 9-to-5 to follow their passion. James tells the story of how, at 38, he walked away from a career as a national sales manager to start fixing and selling Fiat 500s from a rented garage bay.James gives a brutally honest insight into the realities of being a modern car dealer, from the public's "Del Boy" perception to the nightmare of consumer law. He explains why he'd rather sell a simple £4,000 Hyundai i10 than a complex modern car with a razor-thin margin and huge potential repair bills. It's a fascinating look at the pressures and pitfalls of the modern motor trade.Featured StoriesThe Corporate Burnout - How zoning out in board meetings thinking about welding an MGB made him realise he had to quit his sales manager job.The Leap of Faith - With a £12k payout and his wife's encouragement, he swapped his suit for a boiler suit and started his own car business.The Fiat 500 Years - Started by buying crash-damaged Fiat 500s from Copart and doing them up himself.The Silver Shadow Saga - Recounts the story of selling a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow to a buyer who spent an entire day inspecting it in a boiler suit, only to then demand an independent inspection.What You'll LearnHow a childhood memory of a Citroën CX 25 GTI in France sparked a lifelong obsession with cars.Why he believes the public's perception of car dealers is completely at odds with the reality of consumer law.How the VAT margin scheme can leave dealers with a huge tax bill even if they make no real profit on a car.Why he refuses to do distance sales after getting badly burned.Why he thinks simpler, older-tech modern cars (like the Hyundai i10) are a safer bet for dealers than complex, feature-laden new models.Key QuestionsIs it possible to make a living selling cheap cars?James argues that while the margins are smaller, the risk is far lower. He focuses on simple cars that are built like older models (cable clutch, timing chain) which are cheap and easy to fix, avoiding the huge repair bills associated with modern complex cars.How has consumer law affected the motor trade?James and Sam discuss how the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which applies the same rules to a 60-year-old classic as a new TV, puts immense pressure on dealers. The 30-day right to reject and the assumption of a fault being present at the point of sale for up to six months makes selling used cars, especially older ones, a minefield.A Nod toChops Garage on YouTube - Where James documents his life as a car dealer.Mad Mike from Wales - A classic car dealer who pre-filters customers by telling them his cars were "shit when they were new".Get in touch📧 [email protected]💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady#ChopsGarage #CarDealer #MotorTrade #ConsumerLaw #ClassicCars #ModernClassics #TheOldCarLady #WheelsAndDeals #CarSalesProduced By Worth A Listen Productions

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    Anthony Kearsley | Bill Gates' Audi, £50k Rolls-Royce Cushions & a Taxi for the Lama!

    Join Sam Grange Bailey (The Old Car Lady) for her conversation with Anthony Kearsley, a well-known classic car collector, star of Channel 4's 'Handcuffed', and owner of Auto Couture. This episode charts Anthony's incredible journey from selling Austin Maestros in the Lake District to dealing with the rich and famous at Jack Barclay in London.Anthony shares hilarious and often unbelievable stories from his early days, including blowing up a customer's Metro, accidentally selling a Fiat X1/9 to a 17-year-old with no finance checks, and getting sacked for being "no good" at the job. We hear how his grandmother saved the day, landing him a new job at a BMW dealership and setting him on a path that would eventually lead to Seattle, where he famously sold Bill Gates an Audi instead of a Porsche 911! Featured StoriesThe Austin Maestro Launch - Started his career on the launch night of the Maestro in 1983.The Blown-Up Metro - Mistook a customer's car for a demonstrator and thrashed it to Preston and back, blowing the engine.The £3.5m Handshake - Shook on a deal to buy a Honda dealership for £3.5m with only £100k in the bank.The £50k Rolls-Royce Cushions - A famous client complained her new Rolls-Royce Seraph seats were too hard. After two attempts and £50,000 spent on softer stuffing, Anthony finally told her what "hard" really was.What You'll LearnHow a childhood spent selling imaginary cars in his uncle's Citroën dealership set the stage for a life in the motor trade.Why having assets doesn't mean you have cash.What it was like working in the US motor trade in the 90s (pure Pendle system).How he turned down the Starbucks franchise for the UK in 1989.Why he was ostracised by colleagues when he joined the Rolls-Royce division.Key QuestionsWhat was it like selling cars in the 1980s? It was a different world. Strict sales territories meant you couldn't sell to someone outside your area without permission. Cars were going up in value, and the launch of a new model like the Austin Maestro was a huge event. There was a real ceremony to the August 1st registration change.Who were some of your most memorable customers at Jack Barclay? Shirley Bassey, Cilla Black (hard work!), Princess Margaret (horrendous), the Dalai Lama (who asked for a taxi), and Julio Iglesias. Anthony learned that with very powerful people, you must stand up to them and not be starstruck.A Nod toPilkington's of Bolton - His family's BL, Peugeot & Citroën dealership.Rayrigg Motors - His first job selling Austin Rover.Bateman BMW Windermere - His second job, where he fell in love with BMWs.Jack Barclay, London - Where his Rolls-Royce & Bentley career took off.Auto Couture - His current business: autocouture.co.uk.Get in Touch📧 [email protected]💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady#AnthonyKearsley #AutoCouture #JackBarclay #RollsRoyce #Bentley #ClassicCars #CarStories #TheOldCarLady #WheelsAndDeals #MotorTradeProduced By Worth A Listen Productions

  10. 24

    Simon Hope | The £10m RNLI Ferrari Story, Hope Classics & Historic Racing (Part 2)

    Join Sam Grange Bailey (The Old Car Lady) for Part 2 of her conversation with Simon Hope, co-founder of H&H Classic Auctions. This episode centres on one of the most interesting stories in recent classic car auction history: the sale of Richard Colton's Ferrari 250 GT SWB and 275 GTB with proceeds to the RNLI, raising £10 million in a single sale for the charity. Simon also shares his thoughts on auction transparency, how to buy at auction like a dealer, and his exciting new venture Hope Classics.Simon explains how he won the Ferrari pitch against Bonhams, why he waived his commission, and how the sale transformed the Ferrari short wheelbase market overnight. We also discuss historic racing, why the people you race with matter more than the car, and how to get into single seater racing without getting a bum steer.Featured StoriesThe RNLI Ferrari Sale - Ferrari 250 GT SWB sold for £6.6m, 275 GTB for £1.9m, nearly £10m to the RNLILotus 49 at Buxton - Valued at £250k when rivals said £50-100k, sold for £367,000The Man Who Bought Blind - NCA dealer who stood with his back to the car and bid with one handThe Jacket That Lost the Job - Simon wore a flamboyant striped jacket to a pitch and lost the consignmentWhat You'll LearnHow Simon pitched against Bonhams and won the RNLI Ferrari consignmentWhy he waived commission on £10m worth of carsHow the Ferrari SWB sale changed the market overnight for comparable carsWhy auction records are useful but dangerous if used as the only referenceHow to buy at auction with three prices in mindWhy a car's file and history can be 50% of its valueHow to get into historic racing without being taken advantage ofWhat Hope Classics offers and how Simon can help buyers and sellersKey QuestionsHow do you value a classic car for auction?History and file are as important as the car itself. Sam works with three prices: the best she can get with the wind behind him, what she'd be happy with, and the minimum she needs to get out. Always factor in buyer's premium before bidding. Never rely solely on auction records as a price guide because condition, color, and provenance can swing values dramatically.What is Hope Classics?Simon's new venture at hopeclassics.co.uk offers free advice on which auction house to use for your particular car. He can also help buyers find specific cars, especially rare single seaters and historic race cars. His time is chargeable for more detailed consultancy, but the initial guidance is free.What's the secret to getting into historic racing?Choose the people you race with carefully. The team looking after your car should be the best available regardless of whether you like them. But the people you spend the day with, share the dinners and drinks with, and experience the whole event with, they need to be the right fit. Networking into the right circles first is essential.A Nod toRichard Colton - Owner of the RNLI Ferrari collectionRNLI - Received nearly £10m, the largest single donation in their historyDK Engineering - Sold a comparable Ferrari the same day the Colton car hammeredAdam Singer - Bought the Bentley 3-litre at Buxton, did the Peking to Paris with SimonHope Classics - hopeclassics.co.ukGet in Touch📧 [email protected]💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady#SimonHope #HHClassics #Ferrari250GT #RNLI #HopeClassics #HistoricRacing #ClassicCarAuctions #PekingToParis #Lotus49 #TheOldCarLady #ClassicCarMarketProduced By Worth A Listen Productions

  11. 23

    Simon Hope | 40 Years of Auctioneering, Setting Up H&H & The £6.6m Ferrari (Part 1)

    Join Sam Grange Bailey (The Old Car Lady) for Part 1 of an in-depth conversation with Simon Hope, one of the Hs behind H&H Classic Auctions. With over 40 years in the auction world, Simon shares stories from his auctioneering career that started in the late 1980s, including setting up H&H with Mark Hamilton in 1993 and hammering a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB for £6.6 million in 2015 (still a world record for a steel short wheelbase).This episode explores how Simon went from buying antiques at 12 years old to running one of the UK's most respected classic car auction houses. We discuss consumer protection laws for classic cars, MOT exemptions, auction fees, and why you want an ascending or descending market but never a plateau. Simon explains why dealers are essential to auction houses, the importance of lot order, and his philosophy: "People buy from people."What You'll LearnHow Simon started auctioneering at 12 buying antique job lotsWhy he walked into car auctions after running salvage auctionsSetting up Hampsons first classic car auction in November 1989The 1989 market crash and Japanese buyers committing harikariWhy H&H started with flat buyer and seller fees (revolutionary at the time)Finding Buxton Pavilion Gardens for £800 for four daysWhy auction houses prefer ascending or descending markets, never plateausThe importance of 80% sell-through rates vs industry standard 40%Why consumer protection laws don't work for 60-year-old classicsShould classic cars have mandatory safety checks?Key QuestionsShould classic cars be exempt from MOTs?Simon believes most classic car owners are responsible and check their cars regularly. The people who'd abuse the system aren't following the law anyway. Sam MOTs her Rolls-Royce Silver Shadows every 2-3 years for structural integrity checks because her kids ride in them, but it doesn't need to be an official MOT certificate.Do consumer protection laws work for classic cars?"Total bloody nonsense & bollocks." Treating a 60-year-old Cadillac the same as a Currys fridge freezer doesn't work. The laws protect buyers from bad sellers, but bad sellers will be bad anyway. Good sellers get caught in the crossfire. Classic cars need ring-fenced consumer protection that protects both buyer and seller.Why do auction houses prefer moving markets?"Earn on the turn." Whether prices go up or down, auctions facilitate transactions. If a car's worth £20k, you can't get £22k plus premium if five dealers have one at £20k. Descending markets bring more cars (people offloading) but lower commissions. Ascending markets are numerically better, but both work better than stagnationA Nod toH&H Classic Auctions National Car Auctions  Get in Touch📧 [email protected]💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady#SimonHope #HHClassics #ClassicCarAuctions #Ferrari250GT #AuctioneeringStories #BuxtonPavilion #MarkHamilton #ClassicCarMarket #ConsumerLaw #MOTExemption #TheOldCarLady #40YearsAuctioneeringProduced By Worth A Listen Productions

  12. 22

    Auction Special | Manor Park Classics | What Sold, What Didn't & Why!

    Join Sam Grange Bailey (The Old Car Lady) for a special auction episode recorded on Friday 13th February 2026, predicting results for Manor Park Classics' sale the following day. Sam goes through her shortlist from a dealer's perspective, estimating hammer prices, then reveals actual results with insights from Jim Gregory (Sales Director at Manor Park Classics) and Richy Barnett (Markets Editor for Classic Car Weekly).This episode explores where the classic car market is heading in 2026. From a £5,750 Rover P6 V8 to a £10,350 Jaguar XJS that smashed estimates, Sam analyses what sold, what didn't, and why. We discuss the death of E-Type values, the rise of modern classics (1980s-2000s), and whether XK8s will leapfrog XJS as the affordable Jaguar.Featured Cars & ResultsRover P6 3500 V8 (1972) - Mexico brown, single family ownership, sold £5,750Triumph TR7 Drophead (1981) - 30k miles, hammered £6,400TVR S2 (1989) - British Racing Green, sold £6,900Bentley Arnage Red Label (2000) - 146k miles, £31k service history, bargain at £8,280Jaguar XJS 4.0 (1995) - Guided £5.5-6.5k, smashed estimate at £10,350Mercedes 560 SEC (1989) - Sold £20,460BMW 328i Sport (1998) - Sold £7,590Alfa Romeo 156 - Sold £8,500, having a momentWhat You'll LearnWhy service history matters with higher mileage cars and why high mileage cars can be a better bet than low mileage.How to spot auction bargains (Bentley Arnage at £8,280)Why E-Types have fallen and won't bounce backThe sweet spot: £7-25k for monthly sales, £50-100k strugglingWhy 1980s-2000s modern classics are the hot decadeHow finance deals put exotic cars everywhereWhy leggy but maintained cars beat garage queensThe importance of MOTs even on exempt carsKey QuestionsWhat's hot and what's not in 2026?Hot: Modern classics (1980s-2000s BMWs, Japanese cars), Porsche Boxsters/Caymans, XJS straight-sixes, TR7s, Alfa 156s. Not: Pre-war to 1950s British cars, E-Types fallen and won't recover, £50-100k cars struggling. The market shifted from cash buyers to finance deals making exotics accessible to everyone.Are XJS values finally rising?Yes! The £10,350 XJS (guided £5.5-6.5k) proves the market is waking up. Jim Gregory and Richie Barnett agree they're having a moment. Question: will XK8s leapfrog them as the affordable Jaguar, or will XJS become the E-Type successor?What makes a good auction buy?Single-family ownership, full service history, current MOT (even if exempt), regular use, original spec, right colors. Avoid: cars needing recommissioning, anecdotal mileage, wrong colors (beige Mercedes 190E didn't sell despite being perfect), high estimates leaving no trade margin.A Nod toManor Park Classics Runcorn Cheshire Jim Gregory and Richy Barnett.Get in Touch📧 [email protected]💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady#AuctionSpecial #ManorParkClassics #ClassicCarAuction #JaguarXJS #BentleyArnage #RoverP6 #TriumphTR7 #Mercedes560SEC #ClassicCarMarket #2026Market #ModernClassics #TheOldCarLadyProduced By Worth A Listen Productions

  13. 21

    Martin Buckley | Teenage Author, Facel Vega & Why a Brochure Might Be the Wiser Choice

    Join Sam Grange Bailey (The Old Car Lady) for a conversation with Martin Buckley, motoring journalist and classic car author whose first book was published when he was just 19. Martin has written over 20 car books including the acclaimed Facel Vega volume, and his passion stems from his parents' collection of rusty BMWs, Lancias, and Jaguars.This episode explores how car books shaped Martin's career. From his first books about BMW E9s to writing the Facel Vega history (dealing with sniffy French owners' clubs), Martin shares stories about swapping price tags in Manchester bookshops and why sometimes it's better to have the brochure than the car. We discuss Italian design versus German engineering, why the BMW CS is the perfect shape, and why exotic cars are everywhere now.Featured BooksBMW The Bavarian Motor Works by Michael Frostick - Martin's first proper car bookThe MG File - Martin's first published book at age 19Facel Vega (Palawan Press) - Martin's masterpiece, £750 when publishedBritish Leyland The Truth About the Cars by Jeff Daniels (1980) - Brilliant BL decline accountJaguar by Paul Skilleter - Where Martin learned Jaguar historyThe Controversial Corvair - Ralph Nader's "unsafe at any speed" storyWhat You'll LearnHow Martin published his first book at 19 years oldWhy BMW E9 CS is the perfect shape - part Italian, part German, masculine and feminineThe story behind the Facel Vega book and hostile French owners' clubsWhy Italian designers beat German ones (they made suits of armour first)How Martin's parents' rusty exotic cars shaped his careerWhy it's better to have the brochure than the car sometimesWhy exotic cars are everywhere now (finance deals, not cash buyers)Key QuestionsShould an author's opinion come through in car books?Yes - readers want new information, not regurgitated facts. The best books interview people who were actually there. Martin wants books with soul, like Jeff Daniels' British Leyland book capturing the tumbleweed moment when they unveiled the Austin 3-litre disaster.Why are Italian designers better than Germans?Italians were good at making suits of armour and bashing metal over stumps for centuries. They have design houses like Bertone and Pininfarina. Germans prioritise practicality over beauty. Even pretty Mercedes were designed by Italians. The BMW E9 CS was probably designed by Gandini - too good to be German.Did your parents' cars shape your career?Absolutely. Martin's dad bought rusty exotic cars for £1,500 in the 1970s - BMW 2800 CS, Lancia Flavia, Jaguar S-Type, Fiat 130. They were symbols of a way out, cars that shouldn't have been on their road. Martin says "I wanted to get in these cars and fuck off."A Nod toPalawan Press - Published Facel Vega bookSt John Square Manchester - Where Martin swapped price tagsChaters Bookshop Manchester - Specialist car book shopJeff Daniels - Autocar journalist, British Leyland book authorPaul Skilleter - Started Practical ClassicsGet in Touch📧 [email protected]💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady#MartinBuckley #CarBooks #FacelVega #BMWE9 #PalavanPress #ItalianDesign #ClassicCarAuthor #MotoringJournalist #BritishLeyland #TheOldCarLady #RustyExoticCarsProduced By Worth A Listen Productions

  14. 20

    Richie Barnett | Car Books, Italian Styling, American Engines, Gangsters and Showbiz

    Join Sam Grange Bailey (The Old Car Lady) for a conversation with Richy Barnett, classic car enthusiast, book collector, and Markets Editor for Classic Car Weekly. Richy’s career started at Chaters Car Bookshop, and he now curates what must be one of the most impressive car book collections in the country with a whole room fitted with bespoke bookcases.This episode explores the golden age of car books when they were treasured birthday presents and the only way to learn about exotic cars. We discuss rare editions, 1960s car book illustrations, and whether we're the last generation to value physical books. From Ian Rimmer's Rolls-Royce Experimental Cars masterpiece to Simon Kidston's limited-edition Lamborghini Miura book (now worth £3,500), Richy shares his favourites and explains why Italian styling with American engines creates the perfect car.Featured BooksRolls-Royce and Bentley Experimental Cars by Ian Rimmer (1986) - Masterpiece with beautiful writingThe Complete Book of Lamborghini by Pete Lyons - Bought from Chaters in 1989 for £17.20Lamborghini Miura by Simon Kidston - Limited edition, one per chassis number, now £3,500A-Z of British Coachbuilders 1919-1960 - Gurney Nutting specialityFacel Vega by Martin Buckley (Palawan Press) - £750 when publishedWhat You'll LearnWhy 1960s car books featured beautiful illustrations instead of photographsHow the likes of Chaters Car Bookshop shaped a generation of enthusiastsWhy Italian styling with American engines creates the perfect hybrid (AC 428)The DNA of Audi from Auto Union and Nazi connections to modern carsWhy physical books are more trustworthy than Google for researchHow Simon Kidston's Miura book went from cover price to £3,500Key QuestionsAre we the last generation to value car books?Richie believes younger enthusiasts will still seek out books, but the ritual of saving pocket money and treasuring them as birthday presents is probably gone. Quality publishers like Palawan Press prove demand exists for beautifully researched car books.What makes a great car book?The best books tell stories about people behind the cars. Quality writing, beautiful illustrations, thoughtful typeface design, and proper binding all matter. Books like Ian Rimmer's Rolls-Royce experimental cars are written "with soul and love" not just facts.Why are some car books worth thousands?Limited editions like Simon Kidston's Miura book or Martin Buckley's Facel Vega become collectible because they're beautifully produced and cover desirable subjects. The right book on the right subject always finds buyers.A Nod toChaters Car Bookshop - Where Richy’s career started Classic Car Weekly - Richy’s Markets Editor Palawan Press - High-quality motoring book publishers Simon Kidston - Limited-edition Miura book author Ian Rimmer - Rolls-Royce experimental cars author Martin Buckley - Facel Vega book authorGet in Touch📧 [email protected]💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady#RichieBarnett #ClassicCarBooks #ChatersBookshop #ClassicCarWeekly #CarBookCollector #AC428 #FacelVega #LamborghiniMiura #RollsRoyceExperimental #PalavanPress #SimonKidston #MartinBuckley #TheOldCarLady #MotoringSBooks #CarBookIllustrations #booktok #classiccarsProduced By Worth A Listen Productions

  15. 19

    Albert Walsh | 55 Years in Prestige Cars, Racing E-Types & The Motor Trade Prostitute

    Join Sam Grange-Bailey (The Old Car Lady) for a conversation with Albert Walsh, a veteran of the motor trade with over 55 years' experience. Albert is a well-respected member of Porsche Club GB, regularly consulted for pre-purchase inspections, and a consultant for Manor Park Classics Auctions.This episode takes you through Albert's journey from driving at 13 in his dad's garage to working for the northwest's most prestigious dealers including Ian Anthony's Porsche Centre, Mercedes-Benz, Bauer Millet, and Bentley Ribble Valley. Albert shares stories about the glory days when customers paid in briefcases full of cash and Friday lunchtimes meant racing E-Types down the East Lancs Road.From his first car (a sit-up-and-beg Ford Pop) to his beloved 1986 Porsche 911 Super Sport Targa, Albert's collection includes British, French, and German classics. We discuss dodgy dealers, celebrity car deals gone wrong (including David Beckham's TVR Cerbera), and why the 1980s were the heyday of the independent motor trade.Featured Cars1968 Volkswagen Beetle 1500 - Albert's first legal car, written off on Cross Ply’s in the snow1986 Porsche 911 Super Sport Targa - Bought for £11,750 in 2000, sold for £16,0002CV - Red one-owner example bought from Ian Anthony's for £1,200Mercedes-Benz W124 estate in Red - Albert's favourite Mercedes, "the fire engine"Citroën SM - Fastest front-wheel-drive production car of its timeLotus Elise - Albert's speciality, ran his own Lotus repair businessWhat You'll LearnWhy the 1980s were the heyday of the independent motor tradeHow Ian Anthony's operated waiting lists over a year for new PorschesThe truth about pre-purchase inspections and spotting cut-and-shut carsWhy customers who "need to check with the wife" never come backHow Martin Inghams’s Autotrader adverts became legendaryThe art of "borrowing" stock cars for classic car showsKey QuestionsWhat makes a good pre-purchase inspection?Albert uses paint depth gauges, axle stands, and decades of experience to spot welded repairs and hidden damage. The best dealers have nothing to hide. Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it usually is.Who were the big characters in the northwest motor trade?Martin Ingram  (legendary adverts), Lawrence Millet (gentleman dealer), Ian of Ian Anthony's fame  (forward-thinking Porsche dealer), Len Taylor (threw rude customers out), and mechanics like Albert's dad who could diagnose faults by ear alone.What was the worst car you've inspected?A Porsche Boxster that had been cut-and-shut with welded inner wings, a 997 with piston slap the dealer claimed was "just a lazy tappet," and cars with missing spare wheels and keys the owners swore were "in the garage somewhere."A Nod toIan Anthony's Porsche Centre - Premier Porsche and BMW dealer Mercedes-Benz - Where Albert learned the W124 inside out.  Bauer Millets - Lawrence Millet and Chris Bauer's exotic dealership. Bentley Ribble Valley - John Ashworth's Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Lotus dealership - his son Stephen Ashworth is the founder and Chairman of Manor Park Classics. Kinsey Jones - Top Lotus dealer in Europe. Martin Ingram - Independent dealer with legendary Autotrader adverts. Porsche  Club GB - Albert served as Register Director and Chairman of Motorsport.Get in Touch📧 [email protected]💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady #MotorTradeStories #PorscheClubGB #EnsorMercedes #BaronMillet #MartinHam #ClassicCarInspections #Porsche911 #LotusElise #MercedesW124 #CitroenSM #2CV #1980sMotorTrade #NorthwestDealers #TheOldCarLady #ClassicCarDealerProduced By Worth A Listen Production

  16. 18

    Martin Buckley | Oldsmobile Toronados, NSU Ro80s & His Modified Rolls-Royce

    Join Sam Grange-Bailey (The Old Car Lady) as she takes an exclusive tour of Martin Buckley's personal classic car collection. Martin is a leading motoring journalist, monthly contributor to Classic and Sports Car Magazine, and author of over 20 books.His classic car collection spans the 1950s-70s, including a rare 1971 Oldsmobile Toronado (America's first mass-produced front-wheel-drive car), a 1971 Renault 16 TS (the first true hatchback), an NSU Ro80 with revolutionary semi-automatic gearbox, and a one-of-a-kind 1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II extensively modified with a Spirit four-speed gearbox (£20,000 conversion), Land Rover Discovery disc brakes, and electronic ignition.Originally owned by R100 airship engineer Denton Burney, Martin's modified Rolls-Royce demonstrates how thoughtful classic car modifications enhance usability without destroying authenticity. We also discuss his 1956 Riley Pathfinder (nicknamed the "ditch finder"), Range Rover, and exotic Lancia Flaminia.Featured Cars1971 Oldsmobile Toronado - First mass-produced front-wheel-drive American car. Martin's childhood dream, imported from Finland. £20-25k1960 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II (Modified) - Spirit gearbox, Discovery brakes, electronic ignition. Owned by R100 airship engineer Denton Burney. Martin's favourite.1971 Renault 16 TS - First true hatchback. "Almost as good a ride as a Citroën DS."1972 NSU Ro80 - Advanced semi-automatic gearbox. "Something magical about it."1956 Riley Pathfinder - "Ditch finder" nicknamed from it’s wonky wooden chassis jigs.Lancia Flaminia - Italian exotic with aluminium V6 and transaxle. What You'll LearnWhy the Oldsmobile Toronado revolutionised American engineeringHow a Spirit gearbox conversion transforms a Rolls-Royce (£20,000 costWhen classic car modifications improve usability without destroying valueWhy American classic cars are more practical than their reputationMartin's philosophy: "Just use them, don't abuse them"The R100 airship engineering connection to Rolls-Royce ownershipHow Discovery disc brakes upgrade classic Rolls-Royce stopping powerKey QuestionsCan you modify a classic Rolls-Royce?Martin's Cloud proves thoughtful modifications enhance usability. Spirit gearbox, Discovery brakes, and electronic ignition make it genuinely usable. Keep original parts for reversal.Should classics have modern upgrades?Martin advocates modifications that improve reliability - electronic ignition, disc brakes, modern gearboxes - without altering character. "Just use them, don't abuse them."Are American classics practical in the UK?"More usable than people think. Never feel that big when driving. The faster you go, the steadier it feels." Left-hand drive: "Use mirrors, kerb on one side, white lines on the other."A Nod toDenton Burney - R100 airship engineer, Burney Streamline creatorClassic and Sports Car MagazineManor Park ClassicsGet in Touch📧 [email protected]💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady#MartinBuckley #ClassicCarCollection #OldsmobileToronado #RollsRoyceCloud #NSURo80 #Renault16 #RileyPathfinder #LanciaFlaminia #ModifiedClassics #TheOldCarLady #ClassicCars #ClassicCarRestoration #SpiritGearbox #DentonBurney #BritishClassicCars #AmericanClassicCars #ClassicCarInvestmentProduced By Worth A Listen Productions

  17. 17

    Listener Special | Radiator Eggs, Mazda Appeal & My Number Plate Book

    This week on Wheels & Deals, it's a listener special! I'm sharing some of the fantastic stories and comments you've sent in, answering your questions, and even launching a special appeal to track down the history of a very rare car.We drive into the "dark arts" of the motor trade, explaining exactly why a dealer in the 70's might put sawdust in a gearbox or an egg in a radiator. We also share memories of the short-lived self-serve petrol pumps that took £5 notes, and the ingenious ways people found to get free fuel.I'm launching a worldwide appeal to help a listener in Mexico, Angel Rivera, uncover the history of his very rare 1960 Mazda R360 Kei car. We have the chassis number and a few clues, but we need your help to piece together its story. And finally, we discuss the future of the motor trade and whether the classic car world is the last bastion of the "good old days."Pitstops:• Can you really fix a noisy gearbox with sawdust?• Did you ever scam a self-serve petrol pump in the 70's?• Is it sacrilege to put modern upgrades like electronic ignition on a classic car?• A special appeal to help find the history of a rare Mazda R360 Kei car (Chassis/Engine: 70776).• What does the future hold for the independent car dealer?• Do TV appearances give classic cars like the Jaguar XJS a boost in the market?A Nod to:• Jason Hall• Mike Smith• Martin Buckley• Angel Rivera• And all the listeners who sent in messages and comments!If we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

  18. 16

    Richie Barnett | 2025 Market Review, E-Type Declines & The £382k Ford

    This week on Wheels & Deals, I'm joined by Richie Barnett, Markets Editor for Classic Car Weekly, for a look back at the classic car market in 2025. We discuss the standout cars of the year, the surprising market trends, and what we can expect to see in 2026.We start with the incredible story of a 1933 Mercedes 380 Kompressor garage find that sold for £262,200, and debate whether it was a bargain. We also look at the sale of an ultra-rare 1990 Ford RS200 S for a staggering £382,500, and discuss why some cars continue to defy market trends.Pitstops: • The decline of Jaguar E-Type values and whether they've had their day. • The great debate: will the Jaguar XJS ever have its moment in the sun? • Are Jaguar XK8s a better buy than E-Types or XJSs for a trip to the South of France? • The rise of usable and practical 90s classics like the Golf GTI and Peugeot 205 GTI. • Are big-engined mainstream cars from the 90s the next big thing in the classic car world?A Nod to: • Classic Car Weekly • Manor Park Classics • Iconic AuctioneersIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!What are your predictions for the classic car market in 2026? Are there any cars you think are poised for a comeback, or any that you think will continue to decline? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

  19. 15

    Mike Smith | Racing Minis, Dealing BMWs & 007 Bond Insider

    This week on Wheels & Deals, I'm joined by the legendary Mike Smith, from managing and driving cars for the Bond films to co-authoring the official Bond car book, Mike is a true Aston Martin aficionado who was even approached to present Top Gear. But his story starts long before Hollywood, with a childhood obsession that saw him racing stock cars at just 10 years old and throwing rubber plants across showrooms by 17.Pitstops:• Racing stock car Minis at 10 years old and nearly winning his first final before the petrol tank gave out• Playing "Herbie" and spotting red, white, and blue Minis inspired by The Italian Job on family drives• Getting secretly trained as a general manager at 16 while racing Audi Quattros • How he took a rubber plant as a deposit on a car deal (and why he felt entitled to hurl it across the showroom)• From BMW dealer to Bond insider: how knowing obscure car specs got him onto 007 film setsA Nod to:• The Saint's Volvo P1800 (and later Aston Martin)• Corgi Toys with working steering wheels• The Italian Job• Ralph Renton's Renault dealership• Manchester City FC• Lionel Smith's dealership• Roger Moore, George Lazenby, and the Bond legacyIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

  20. 14

    Christmas Special | Martin Buckley & the Range Rover [RAY 606W] Mystery

    This week on Wheels & Deals, for our Christmas special, I’m joined by Martin Buckley from his Classic Car Barn to talk about one very special vehicle, a Range Rover with the registration RAY 606W, was it associated with Charles and Diana?? Martin also shares the fascinating story behind a photograph of a BMC Pininfarina 1800, a car that went on to influence both the Lancia Gamma and the Citroën CX. We then delve into the dramatic history of the 1955 Le Mans disaster, including a personal connection to one of the drivers, Lance Macklin, through his wife Sheila.Pitstops: • The story of how a one-off BMC prototype influenced the design of two of the most iconic European saloons of the 70s. • The tragic tale of the 1955 Le Mans disaster and the surprising connections to Winston Churchill’s private secretary. • A look at some of the other incredible cars in Martin’s collection, including a Maserati Ghibli and a Monteverdi 375/4. • The story of how Martin acquired his three-door Range Rover for just £6,000 and its potential connection to the royal family. • A discussion on the timeless appeal of the classic Range Rover and its classless image.A Nod to: • BMC (British Motor Corporation) If we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

  21. 13

    Dan O'Grady | Australian Adventures, Cars, Swimming Pools and Chopper flyovers.

    This week on Wheels & Deals, I’m joined by Dan O'Grady, a very special guest all the way from Australia, who shares some incredible stories about his family’s adventures in the car trade. From his father’s early days as a young entrepreneur in Adelaide, painting Matchbox cars and selling them at school, to his audacious trips to the UK in the 70s to buy and export classic British luxury cars back to Australia, this is a tale of incredible deals, high-stakes risks, and a passion for cars that spans generations.Pitstops: • The story of how he, with a bit of skill and a lot of nerve, built a successful car import/export business in the 70s. • The genius of the classic car leasing scheme launched in the 80s, and the tax loophole that made it all possible. • The challenges of running a classic car warranty business • His earliest memories of cars, playing with Matchbox toys on the carpet and learning the art of the car dealership from his dad.A Nod to: • The Sunday Times • Key GarageIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to subscribe, like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

  22. 12

    Barry Moran | E-Type Crashes, £500 Racing Cars & Bernard Manning

    This week on Wheels & Deals, I’m joined by a man who has been a huge part of my family’s life in the motor trade, the one and only Barry Moran. Barry’s story is a fantastic journey through the golden era of British motoring, from working on aircraft to becoming one of the go-to guys for American muscle and classic British sports cars in the North West and a great friend of Bernard Manning.Pitstops: • The story of a 1962 Le Mans lightweight E-Type, bought for £15,000 and sold for a £5,000 profit – a car that’s now worth millions! • Racing a full-house Boss Mustang with a 427 Holman and Moody engine, and the constant battle to keep it on the road. • How a £500 E-Type, bought from a scrapyard, became a successful racing car in the hands of Malcolm Hamilton. • The truth about the disastrous GM diesel engines of the 70s and the graveyard of broken V8s in Fort Lauderdale. • The story of Barry’s dad swapping a brand new MG for an Oldsmobile, and how that sparked a family love affair with American cars.A Nod to: • De Tomaso • Val Martin (Stadium Garage, Ashton) • Malcolm Hamilton • Upper Yard Spares (Leeds) • Holman and MoodyIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!!

  23. 11

    The Brown Car Guy | MGB GTs, Skid Control & Everything You Need, Nothing You Don't

    This week on Wheels & Deals, I’m thrilled to be joined by the one and only Brown Car Guy, Shahzad Sheikh! After a chance meeting at the NEC Classic Motor Show (thanks to our mutual friend Peter Cavallo), we jumped online to talk about the show, the state of the classic car market, and the fascinating shifts we’re seeing in the hobby.Shahzad and I discuss the changing buying patterns, with more enthusiasts doing their research at the show and their buying in the weeks that follow. We also explore the most significant trend in the classic car world: the arrival of a new, younger generation of owners who love the visceral experience of driving a classic but don’t necessarily want to get their hands dirty fixing it.Pitstops: • The story of Shahzad’s friend who just bought a 1972 MGB GT for a bargain £5,000. • Our great debate on the Porsche 928 – is it an undervalued GT hero or a potential maintenance money pit? • Why modern classics from the 80s and 90s, like the BMW E30, are the perfect gateway for new classic car enthusiasts. • The lost art of pre-journey checks – do you still check your oil and tyres before a long trip? • How learning to get a car into a skid is the best way to learn how to get out of one.A Nod to: • The Brown Car Guy (Shahzad Sheikh) • The Classic Motor Show, Birmingham • Peter Cavallo (Classic American Sales) • Iconic AuctioneersIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

  24. 10

    NEC Classic Motor Show Special | Lamborghini Espadas, Defender Campers & Pink Floyd

    This week on Wheels & Deals, it was a family affair as I dragged my long-suffering cameraman and son, James, along for a grand day out at the Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham. We bumped into some familiar faces, kicked some tyres, and got our predictions spectacularly wrong at the auction!Pitstops:I grabbed a chat with Max and Matt from the Tyre Kickers podcast to get their take on Harry Metcalfe’s Lamborghini Espada.Simon from the Lot 76 YouTube channel joins me to dissect the auction's biggest hits and misses.The incredible story of Harry Metcalfe’s modified Jaguar XJC and the jaw-dropping price it fetched.A seriously impressive Defender camper conversion that had us both rethinking our holiday plans.A heartwarming moment as a 1961 VW camper van goes under the hammer for charity.The great debate: is the Mercedes 190SL a beautiful classic or just a pretty face with a disappointing drive?A Nod to: • The Classic Motor Show, Birmingham • The Tyre Kickers Podcast • Lot 76 YouTube Channel • Fraser Pemberton • Richie Barnett • The Brown Car GuyIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554. Share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

  25. 9

    Auction Special | Ford Scorpio Fails, Toyota Pickups & Getting the Train Home 😔

    This week on Wheels & Deals, I'm joined by motoring journalist Richie Barnett for another auction special. We headed to the Classic Motor Show in Birmingham to check out the Iconic Auctioneers sale, make our predictions, and see how spectacularly wrong we could be!Pitstops: • The surprising flop of a low-mileage 1996 Ford Scorpio Ultima • A rare 1987 Fiat Uno Turbo i.e. that didn't quite hit its estimate • Two Toyota Hilux pickups - one a worker, one a showpiece • A beautiful 1965 Volvo Amazon Estate by Ruddspeed • The enduring appeal of the Porsche 928 S manual • A super-low mileage 1990 Mercedes W124 260E • The rise of the Mark 3 Golf GTI as a future classicA Nod to: • Iconic Auctioneers • The Classic Motor Show, Birmingham If we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554, share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

  26. 8

    Martin Buckley & Richie Barnett | Motoring Journalism, Classic Cars & Pussy Galore

    This week on Wheels & Deals, it's two for the price of one as I'm joined by legendary motoring journalists Martin Buckley and Richie Barnett. After their own brilliant episodes, I thought it would be fun to get them together to discuss the motor trade, motoring, and the world of motoring journalism, past and present.We explore how they both got their start in the industry, Richie working at Chater's Motoring Bookshop before landing a job at Auto Classic, and Martin writing an article on a Lancia Flavia coupe on spec and getting it published in Classic & Sports Car. They share their thoughts on whether they'd get into the industry today, the characters they've met along the way!Pitstops: • The changing face of motoring journalism and the decline of print media • The importance of genuine enthusiasm and knowledge over formal training • The story of Nubar Gulbenkian, "Mr 10%", and his incredible custom-built cars • How cars are a great leveller, bringing together barrow boys and aristocracy • The eccentric characters of the motor trade and why they make the best stories • The future of motoring journalism aA Nod to: Classic & Sports Car magazine: www.classicandsportscar.comAuto Classic magazineChater's Motoring Bookshop: www.chaters.co.ukNubar GulbenkianMagneto: www.magnetomagazine.comThe Road Rat: www.theroadrat.comIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554. Share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

  27. 7

    Martin Buckley | A Car Dealer Cleverly Disguised As a Journalist

    This week on Wheels & Deals, I'm joined by Martin Buckley, leading motoring journalist, senior contributor for Classic & Sports Car, and author of over 20 books about classic cars. My dad always described him as "a car dealer cleverly disguised as a journalist" - a description Martin happily accepts!Martin shares how his father Ken sparked his passion with incredible cars when they weren't classics, just "old cars" - including an Aston Martin DB2 bought for £300 and sold for £360. But it was a BMW 2800 CS that truly ignited Martin's automotive obsession at age 12-13, describing it as "like a spaceship" with its electric windows and stunning looks. From writing his first article about BMW CS cars on the day of Live Aid to becoming one of Britain's most respected motoring journalists, Martin's journey is fascinating.Pitstops: • Ken Buckley's eclectic car collection including Austin Atlantics and Rover P6Bs • The NSU Sports Prinz that the postman fell through the floor of • Why BMW CS cars rusted worse than any British or Italian car • Martin's teenage Jaguar 3.8 manual overdrive and the inevitable crash • From car cleaner to motoring journalist without formal training • The birth of classic car magazines and when "old cars" became "classics" • Martin's unfulfilled dream of designing the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow replacementA Nod to: • Classic & Sports Car magazine • Car magazine • Motor Sport magazineIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554, share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

  28. 6

    Auction Special | H&H Classics Preview, Price Predictions & Epic Fails

    This week on Wheels & Deals, I'm joined by Jason from Bramhall Classics for a special auction episode. We headed to H&H Classics at Buxton Pavilion Gardens for their preview day to have a proper look at some cars that had caught our eye -  we make our price predictions, and see how close we got when the hammer fell.From an exceptional 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Park Ward limousine that Jason described as "the straightest 25/30 I've ever seen" to a 1970 Chevrolet Corvette convertible we were hoping to buy as a joint venture, we discuss what makes a car worth bidding on and what sends us running for the hills. Plus, we had an epic fail with a Formula Libre racing car that we both got spectacularly wrong! Find out how badly wrong we got our predictions and which cars surprised us on the day.Pitstops: • The declining Alvis TE21 market reality • Why we ran from a 1972 Crayford Cortina convertible • The ultimate Marmite car - 1971 Toyota Crown • BMW 2002 - the perfect usable classic • A 1929 Dodge Six project that tempted us • Volvo P1800ES  A Nod to: • H&H Classics • Buxton Pavilion Gardens • Bramhall Classics • Park Ward coachbuilders • Crayford conversionsIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at: 📸 Instagram: @the_old_car_lady 🎬 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady 💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 Share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don't forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

  29. 5

    Fraser Pemberton | Over-List Turbos, Hot Rods & “Borrowed” Jags

    This week on Wheels & Deals, I'm joined by Fraser Pemberton from Kell Green Classics, Knutsford. Whilst I grew up with a dad who was a prolific buyer & seller, Fraser was surrounded by a constant stream of incredible metal throughout the 70s and 80s.We reminisce about some legendary dealers like Ron Stratton, a man known for his flash showrooms and fiery temper. From buying a Model T hot rod at the Tatton Park car show to keep a young Fraser out of trouble, to the teenage antics of "borrowing" his stepmum's Honda CRX, this episode is a fantastic look at life on the other side of the trade.Pitstops:• Growing up surrounded by Porsches, Ferraris, and Rolls-Royces• The world of “over-list” cars — and how Fraser’s dad had a new Porsche 930 Turbo every six months• Teenage tales of “borrowing” a Jaguar XJS and a Honda CRX (and getting busted by his uncle)• How the rowdy owner-operator dealers of the past have been replaced by today’s corporate showrooms• Fraser’s own car history — from a Mini Clubman and a Suzuki Jeep to his early days buying and selling VW Beetles• Fraser’s Porsche 928 love affair• Hero to zero: why early Ferraris disappointed, but a 512 TR impressed  Zero to hero: how a Porsche Cayenne surprised him — and why TVRs aren’t as scary as expectedA Nod to:• Ron Stratton• Culver’s of Manchester• Tatton Park Car Shows• Basil Burton (Roscoe Roundabout)• Kell Green Classics, KnutsfordIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_old_car_lady/🎥 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don’t forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

  30. 4

    Dealer's Wives | Horse Thieves, Smugglers & My Mum

    This week on Wheels & Deals, I’m joined by a very special guest Pat Grange - My Mum! She was the woman behind the man, the dealer's wife who saw it all. From a respectable job in a bank to being told she was dating a "horse thief," her life was turned upside down by the charismatic car dealer Ian Grange.We drive back to the hilarious and sometimes hair-raising stories of their life together. We talk about the glamour of driving Facel Vegas and the grit of having to clean 40 cars on a Saturday morning. From disastrous first dates in leaky Corvettes to crashing a Bentley Continental on Christmas Eve, my mum shares what it was really like to be married to the motor trade. It was a world of mink coats and midnight deliveries, where cash flow was king and you never knew what the next day would bring.Pitstops:From banking to Bentley Continentals: Mum’s journey into the motor trade.The infamous Christmas Eve incident involving a Bentley, a brand-new garage door, and half a bottle of whiskey.The art of the deal: How a crashed Bentley was legally transformed into a Rolls-Royce Cloud III Continental Chinese Eye.The reality behind the glamour: Juggling cash flow, raising kids, and driving across the country to make mortgage payments.A dealer's wife's duties: The endless cycle of cleaning cars with T-Cut, doing the books, and being on call 24/7.Star-studded Christmas parties with Matt Monro, Bernard Manning, and scandalous strippers.Celebrity cars and dodgy deals: Stories of Rod Stewart’s Lamborghini Miura, King Hussein of Jordan’s bulletproof Lincoln, and questionable bodywork repairs.A Nod to:Frank Dale & StepsonsRed Line Autos (Cheadle)The Piccadilly Hotel & The Midland Hotel (Manchester)If we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/the_old_car_lady/🎥 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don’t forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

  31. 3

    Jason Hall | Quickfire & Retro Round 🏁

    Join us for a quickfire round with Jason Hall, driving into everything from cash trades and manual gearboxes to those infamous ‘walks of shame’ to the petrol station. This episode is packed with memories, all served up with plenty of laughs.Pitstops :How Glenmarch helps get the true auction prices on classic cars.Fond memories of manual gearboxes and  classic modifications.Locked fuel caps, wire coat hangers for aerials, and those trusty carrier bag seat covers.Stranded on the hard shoulder? Jason’s ultimate dream car…..A Nod ToBramhall Classics and the classic car trade heritageResources like Glenmarch for real-world car price dataIf we missed anyone or anything, please reach out at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_old_car_lady/🎥 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don’t forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

  32. 2

    Jason Hall | Minis to Lambos | Dodgy Deals & Pee in the Petrol?

    This week on Wheels & Deals, I’m joined by Jason Hall from Bramhall Classics, who’s got tales to tell from the gritty heart of the motor trade. From scrapping around in a ’66 Mini with a push-button starter, to working in grease-soaked garages Jason spills the beans on dodgy deals, and the outright sabotage (pee in petrol tank?) in the motor trade.Get ready for a proper ride, packed with laughs, legends, and classic car stories that only Wheels & Deals can deliver.PitstopsJason’s first drive into the car world, starting at 13 with a mini 850.Life in the Bramhall Village garages, spattered with grease, no health and safety, but full of banter.Trade culture shifting from shiny suits to branded fleeces.Classic trade revenge stories, like the infamous ‘grass carpet.The ‘never meet your heroes’ moment is a Ferrari 400i. Warranty claims going sideways, speedometer meltdowns, and mad last-minute fixes.Why Jason loves driving the old way, proper clutches, gear shifts, and real road feel that modern tech just can’t match.Classic Minis, Daimlers, Citroëns, Aston Martins, Porsches, Lambos, Ferraris, Rolls, Bentleys, Multiple Mercedes models, and more.A Nod ToBramhall Classics (Jason’s business)Ian Roberts,  Jason’s trusted business partnerClassic garages and petrol stations in Bramhall including the infamous prepaid pumpRed Lion Autos and B&E Sales for their friendly approachesValued trade haunts and auction houses like Hargoods (Cheadle)The colourful characters and legends that enlivened the tradePublications and resources like Glasses’ Guide for car valuationsIf we’ve missed anyone mentioned in the show, please drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_old_car_lady/🎥 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don’t forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

  33. 1

    Richie Barnett |Triumph 2.5, Hot Wheels & Diabolical Liberties

    This week on Wheels & Deals, I’m delighted to be joined by motoring journalist Richie Barnett as we take a trip back through the motor trade's glory days. Together, we share stories, characters, and the quirky businesses that made this period so special.We explore everything from family Triumph estates and childhood Matchbox cars, to bustling local dealers and trade-only auction houses that still echo in the memories of those who lived it. We share some proper classic tales about legendary dealers and the old-school bits and bobs we used to use to break into cars!Pitstops:• Richie's journey into the car world from his childhood memories to the beginnings of his passion. • Life in Brentford's motor trade scene, the role of the Society of Motor Manufacturers, and the hustle around Eaton High Street's Ford dealership. • Local motoring landmarks such as Cha and Scott Motoring Bookshop (Isleworth, now RS in Hook, Hampshire) and Hargoods auction house (Cheadle).• The traders who made the scene memorable, John Ao, aka The Mad Dane in Staines, and American car importer Will Phillips.• The transformation from print ads in Exchange and Mart or AutoTrader magazines to the digital age of car marketplaces.• A fun quick-fire look at vintage car accessories and restoration attempts.A Nod to:Society of Motor ManufacturersBeechams Company CarsCha and Scott Motoring Bookshop (Isleworth/Hook) — chaters.co.ukFord Dealership in Eaton High StreetHargoods Auction House (Cheadle)John Ao, The Mad Dane (Staines)American Car Importers of old like Ian Grange & Wilf PhillipsExchange and MartAutoTraderAuto Classic and Car Accessory Trader magazinesIf we've mentioned you but missed you here, drop me a line at [email protected] Along for the Ride with Me at:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_old_car_lady/🎥 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don’t forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

  34. 0

    Sam Grange Bailey | Chancy Deals, Mercedes Gullwings & Hard Graft

    This week, your host Sam Grange Bailey kicks off the Wheels & Deals Podcast with a personal journey back to the wild and wonderful Manchester Motor Trade of the 1970s and 80s. As a classic car dealer and a car dealer’s daughter, Sam shares what it was like growing up in a world of huge characters, chancy deals, and some of the most desirable cars ever made.From a childhood spent around high-end motors in Handforth to a stint in Miami, this episode sets the stage for a series dedicated to preserving the fabulous, and sometimes grubby, memories of a golden era. Sam explains why these stories are worth saving and invites you to join her in celebrating the cars, the characters, and the deals that we may never see again.Pitstops:Sam’s introduction to the car world, growing up as the daughter of legendary Manchester dealer, Ian Grange.A glimpse into the 70s and 80s motor trade, where "hard graft and a bit of nous" could get you a long way.The story of how her dad started from a humble pitch in Ancoats and the family’s move to the US to escape 83% tax rates.The realization that going to school in classic Ferraris and Mercedes Gullwings wasn’t exactly a normal 1975 experience.The mission of the podcast: to collect and record the memories of the motor trade before they are lost forever.An open invitation for listeners to share their own stories, memories, and questions.Stick with us for road trips, behind-the-scenes moments, and the cars that make your heart race.📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_old_car_lady/🎥 TikTok, Facebook & YouTube: The Old Car Lady💬 WhatsApp: 07405 813554 — share your memories, stories, thoughts, and questions with us by sending a message or voice note.Don’t forget to like, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts!

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Wheels & Deals is a UK classic car podcast hosted by Sam Grange-Bailey, The Old Car Lady. A classic car dealer and car dealer's daughter who grew up in the Manchester motor trade.Sam doesn't present classic cars. She's traded them her whole life. She grew up through the golden era of the British motor trade. The 1960s, '70s, '80s and early '90s. When deals were done on a handshake, the cars had genuine personality, and the dealers who sold them were larger-than-life characters. This podcast preserves those stories before they're lost.Each episode brings honest, unfiltered conversations with the people who lived it: dealers, auctioneers, journalists, mechanics, and collectors. Expect tales of dodgy deals, auction house drama, barn finds, family businesses, cars that got away, and the ones that probably should have.If you've ever wondered what it was really like inside a British car dealership before the internet changed everything

HOSTED BY

The Old Car Lady

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