Owner Darren Galloway and his son James arrived in an eye-catching, roof box-equipped example of the first water-cooled Porsche 911, which has been owned for seven years. January’s Coffee & Chrome was also a chance to catch up over a coffee and meet new people in what is normally the quietest period in the show calendar. Footman James caught up with several owners on the day and found out what makes their classic so special to them. Here’s a small selection of who we spoke to… Gary Parsons - 1978 Austin Mini Clubman Estate Darren said: “Being an earlier 996, it has a dual row IMS bearing, making it an easier example to own. That allows me to concentrate on enjoying the car properly as was originally intended. I’ve taken the car on several long trips to the Alps, down to Monaco and around Scotland.” Two more attendees flying the British flag were owner Paul Medhurst and grandson Byron, who arrived in a spotless example of one of the last Triumph TR7 convertibles built - owned for the last 17 years.

The eagle-eyed among you may have already noticed a similarity in owner David Large’s name and that of the pre-war car he arrived in, which he has owned for two years.Gary is a fan of all Minis, but he has a particular interest in saving the less common variants. Included in his collection are examples of the short-lived Wolseley Hornet and Riley Elf - models that were Mini-based but with an extended boot lid, which added 8.5-inches to their overall length. Paul & Harry Willetts - 1993 Nissan 300ZX Turbo Paul added a stainless-steel exhaust and TR7 alloy wheels to replace the original steel items and visits up to 13 events a year with the Triumph TR Register. Paul has no complaints about the running costs and reliability. Despite the TR7 usually being garaged over the winter, the pair made a special exception to bring it out for our Coffee & Chrome meet – thank you Paul and Byron!

The problem with the machine is that it was leaking water and after a week after repair it was leaking again. Needless to say the Some one is looking at an electrical problem. Personally I would get a meter out and see what was going on. He's replaced one part and is looking at replacing another. I suggest he baked the board the parts are on. The machine may have had a steam or water leak. Electronic problems seem to be fairly rare in them. Engineers just replace stuff and from reports just in case sometimes, more than what actually probably needs replacing. Makes sense as it may take less time. More bunce too for what appears to be a separate company.I had an out of warrantee repair on my BE. Unusual grinder problem so new one fitted. Fault probably down to me. It wasn't long out. I suspect they have a fairy godmother attitude at times but wouldn't bank on it happening all of the time. The man I talked to at Sage did say things had changed there but didn't elaborate. He implied improved, maybe why they repaired it. Paul said: “I use the car on nice days and for car shows. The car is all original, apart from the fitment of newer 350Z wheels. That has enabled me to keep the original and now rare-to-source alloy wheels in excellent condition. In return for keeping on top of the maintenance, I get to run a classic that’s been cheap to own for many years." I bought it in fairly good condition, or so I thought,” Gary told us. “ But I discovered it was suffering from rot in the usual areas that affect Minis. I have it the way I want it now and can’t see myself parting with it yet; how often do you see Clubman Estates?” David appreciates all eras of classics and besides his cherished pre-war Delage he also owns an AC Cobra 289 replica and a ‘90s Porsche 968, which have both attended previous Coffee & Chrome meets. Darren & James Galloway - 1999 Porsche 911 (996) Carrera 4 Despite being 95 years old, David isn’t afraid to use the car as it was originally intended. He added: “Despite its age, my Delage doesn’t drive that differently to a modern car. I drive it an average of 1,500 miles per year and I’ve even driven it to the Isle of White with the Delage Register. I believe that all cars should be driven as they were originally intended and mine will cruise comfortably at 50 mph all day long.”