Our visit to Jonathan Wood’s premises at Little Sampford was enjoyed by twenty-eight members.
On arrival, Jonathan’s wife, and apprentice Finlay, provided us with tea and coffee and, after a brief introduction, Jonathan took us around the cars in his workshop.
Jonathan specialises in the restoration and maintenance of vintage and classic cars and on display was a 1914 Silver Ghost imported into the U.S.A., and bodied by Brewster, which was undergoing a bottom-up refurb.
There was also a 1914 TT Sunbeam, which was an Isle of Man winner, and its sister car, which was also present, held the land speed record in Australia in 1920. A 1896 Raynaud was being prepared for the London to Brighton Run. On the ramp was a 1928 racing Lancia that competed in the Mille Melia in its day.
Jonathan gave a full explanation of the history of each of the cars and the restoration work that his firm were undertaking on the cars and we also had a look round at the fully equipped workshop of lathes, milling and drilling machines.
For a fascinating insight into the cars under restoration, and for sale, see www.jonathan-wood.co.uk.
Jonathan, his wife and Finlay are thanked for providing us with a most interesting visit, after which we adjourned to the Spotted Dog at Barnston for an excellent lunch and it was well into mid-afternoon by the time we said our goodbyes.