First Line, first-class support

The Special’s not a great fan of the term ‘modern classic’, preferring ‘neo-classic’ instead. And at Special HQ there’s a firm belief that however you refer to these cars – say, roughly from 1990 to 2005 – make great usable, useful and affordable transport. And you don’t have to be a neo-classic lover to own one either.

But if you do, it’s highly likely you’ll be supporting the independent aftermarket.

For those who might not know the independent aftermarket are those garages and the motor factors who supply them with the replacement parts, oils and the like that are fitted to your car. And if we’re mentioning the garage and motor factor parts of the aftermarket supply chain, we need to mention the brands that supply them. You’re probably aware of some of them.

Anyway, lesson over.

One of the key players in the UK independent aftermarket is First Line and its Borg and Beck brand. And The Special was pleased to see First Line has supplied more than 50 high-quality parts for an entrant in Scotland’s Two Ball 700 Mile Rally, which is raising money for the Leicestershire-based Bodie Hodges Foundation. It supports families of bereaved children.

The Two Ball Rally, running at the end of September, covers 700 miles: entrants have to enter a car costing no more than £789. And that means the team First Line is supporting, Scottish Bangor Challenge, got a bit of bargain with their ’03-plate Honda Accord VII Tourer, which was bought for £675.

Martin ‘Minty’ Thompson from the Scottish Bangor Challenge team says “Even after being in the business as a mechanic for 30 years, I couldn’t believe the sheer amount of parts Borg & Beck provide for this car. First Line’s support is amazing, and we’d like to extend our full appreciation.”

The Special’s keen to know how the team and its trusty Honda fares but in the meantime we’re wishing them the very best of luck.