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Ever imagined touring the leafy lanes or sandy roads of North Norfolk via a truly special mode of transport that has you feeling like a member of the Gentry from days gone by? Imagine no longer - North Norfolk-based Country Lane Classics offer self-drive classic cars to make days out in the country that bit more memorable.
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Country Lane Classics is the brainchild of Andrew Curtis and Tim Travers, both self-confessed classic car enthusiasts. Andrew was born into the motor trade (his Grandfather, Harry Horace Curtis was chauffer to the local estate in the early 1900’s). Tim bought his first MG in 1981 and was advised that the best garage to take it to was H Curtis & Son in Overstrand. So began a long friendship and many fun-filled years of motorcar appreciation.
We recently had the pleasure of taking a rather fabulous burgundy 1968 Daimler 2.5-V8 4-door saloon for the day (a quite-steep-for-the-time £1786 when launched in 1962, trivia fans). They say the devil is in the detail and I certainly agree that it is the unique features of such classics that in part make the experience of driving in them so incomparable - from the reassuringly solid ‘clunk’ when you pull the door shut, to the split-bench front seat (evocative of the cars you see in old American movies, even though, of course, this car is quite British) and the musky aroma of aged leather and wood. The windscreen is surprisingly close compared to today’s vehicles, the wing mirrors are tiny little circular things and power steering and electric windows would only spoil the charm of this executive classic.
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The key (which looks more like the key to a tool box than to a car) is placed into its mid-dash receiver, we push a button and the Daimler kicks into life, the surprisingly quiet engine purring like a kitten. With that, we are off.
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The day is crisp and bright (albeit a bit windy) - perfect for exploring North Norfolk. And explore we do, taking unfamiliar roads and winding lanes up to Holt and through to Wiveton, where we enjoy a large, long lunch at The Wiveton Bell. Afterwards we cross to East Rudham and environs.
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The car is very responsive and comfortable (the suspension actually felt better than the usual EnjoyNorthNorfolk-mobile!) and affords approving looks from pedestrians and fellow road users. It was supplied with a folder of useful information, including suggested routes and places of interest, recommended driving techniques and, crucially, details of the RAC cover (just in case)! It was good to see nice extra touches like umbrellas on the back seat and Country Lane Classics can arrange delivery and collection (subject to location) and a picnic hamper full of local goodies.
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After returning the car and taking up once more in our comparatively mediocre ride, we were in agreement that one would be hard-pushed to find a better way to spend a bright, spring day. Even if the ‘motoring’ aspect of classic motoring doesn’t immediately appeal, surely the feeling of playing ‘Lady Penelope’ for the day must carry some charm (you can even go a step further and hire a uniformed chauffer to drive you through another arm of Andrew and Tim’s venture - ‘Elegant Arrivals’)?
The Country Lane Classics fleet is expanding this year, so whether it’s a 1934 Austin 10/4 or a Jaguar E Type that takes your fancy, and with a daily hire rate of around £120, why not add some nostalgic style to your picnic, day out or romantic escape? In the words of the inimitable Mr Toad of ‘Wind In The Willows’ fame - “Poop Poop!”
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Country Lane Classics.
RGC Classic Cars Ltd, 10 Cromer Road,
Overstrand, Norfolk, NR27 0NX.
Tel: 01263 761549.
e: info@rgcclassiccars.co.uk
|Holders of an EnjoyMent Privilege Card qualify for ten per cent off the cost of car hire with Country Lane Classics |
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