Back on the road after test pass

A year passes quickly and it certainly did for the Mentor, whose test came around much more quickly than The Special’s HQ (and diaries) suggested.

Back it was to Carmarthen’s Oklahoma Motors for a light service and a test and, as we expected, it passed with ease. Oklahoma’s man-on-the-spanners Richard Jenkins advised having a couple of tyres replaced and noted a slightly worn passenger side link arm, which was ordered (and delivered) in a matter of days.

A couple of days later the Mentor was at Llanelli’s Welsh Dragon Tyres for a fresh set of treads: we went for Avons as Firestones are no longer available in the 165/85×14 size we wanted.

And a week after those Avons were put to the test as the Mentor covered just under 500 miles – well, 495 miles if you really want to know – in a trip that took us both North and East.

First stop, Llandudno’s North Wales Jags to see what’s happening with The Special’s 2002 Jaguar X-type 2.1. It was dry-stored from early 2016 until recently, but when it was put away it had covered 265,000 miles and was still on the original shock absorbers, clutch and exhaust system. We’ll tell the whole story of this old warrior when it returns in a matter of weeks. While having a quick stroll around the seaside town we delightedly came across an early Daimler V8 250 too.

After Llandudno, it was onto the Friday commuting time A55 to Runcorn for Manor Park Auctions’ sale the following day and no, we didn’t buy anything, although a couple of later S-types took our fancy, as did a patinated Citroen Dyane.

Having resisted prising open The Special’s wallet it was off to catch up with mate of The Special, Special K for a trip over the moors to Buxton for a catch-up and a cuppa. The foul weather didn’t catch out the Avons, which offer great grip, a good ride and very little noise. Highly recommended they are.

After Buxton, home: Down from the Peak District to Special HQ was accomplished in just over four hours and the next day the Mentor’s reward was a full valet inside and out – plus adding one of our ‘Scrap the Scrappage Scheme’ decals in the rear window. Our trip out saw the threat of any scrappage grant, whether national or regional, as something to be resisted at all costs.

But even if such misguided programmes are introduced neither the Mentor or the soon-to-be-back X-type 2.1 will be falling victims to it.