I vary rarely ever had enough money to buy a new car other than twice. First time I had won money on the Pools remember them.

I thought that I had won a Fiver. Ann phoned me at work and said your checks come. I was working in Pilgrim St. 1967. Maybe October?
I think it was a Friday and arrived home had tea and said we can go out and have a meal up in Newcastle!

Ann then showed me the check it was £1,650 Or thereabouts. A year and a half’s salary.

I spent a little on repairs to my Morris Minor and then found that it was rotting away.

So in the January of 1968 bought a new Vauxhall Viva and got discount through Dad and Reyrolle’s, only vague memories of that.

Bought my first Vauxhall Cavalier Sri a C reg new in Knaresborough so that would be 1985 or 86.

All my other cars bought through pals that worked in the car trade letting the first owners take the money hit.

The last Vectra was ex Vauxhall company car with 4,500 miles then my current Sorento had 14,450 miles.

I probably could have bought new cars but why waste money when I wanted new dive gear and would I want to put soaking wet diving gear into my car, I don’t think so.

Anyway because of diving and caravans buying used enabled me to buy more top end cars.

Of course I have always been a sort of make do and mend especially with cars and at one time had my own car business for about 9 months.

Allan C.