From vintage icons to modern classic cars: Yorkshire garage specialises in classic & collectable vehicles

Owning and driving a classic car is more than just another mode of transport. They are each a unique piece of stylish design and ‘raw’ driving experience – connecting driver to vehicle and to the golden age of automotive history in a way no modern car does.

Paul Campbell, founder and owner of Manor Classic Cars, near York, knows the joy of these magnificent machines better than most. He caught the bug working at renowned classic car magazine Octane in London in the early 2000s, before helping to set up and run a classic car auction company in the south of England. By then his head was truly turned by the classics of the 50s and 60s – icons like E-Type Jaguars, MGBs, Triumphs, BMWs, Mercedes, Lotus and ‘heavy metal’ pre-war beauties like Sunbeams and Bentleys.

Falling in love with cars was the first step - falling in love with a Yorkshire lass sealed the deal. Love and marriage brought him up north to start Manor Classic Cars – he jokingly refers to himself as a ‘used car dealer’ but there’s nothing of the Arthur Daley in Paul. Far from it. His interests, knowledge, and stock span around a century of motoring history. Contacts with garages, mechanics, spray shops and bespoke specialists mean every car which goes through the dealership is thoroughly checked, and can be overhauled and brought up to tip top condition. His ideal forecourt star is the ‘gold standard’ vehicle –one-owner, full service history cars with a written pedigree to match their looks.

From collectable vintage models like ‘Glorious Gloria’ a gleaming vintage Triumph from 1934 which recently sold for close to £30,000, to a one-lady owned 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster in rare Crayon paint colour for £29,990 on the forecourt, and the vintage and classic car market offers something for everyone. And with each decade that passes, a new ‘classic’ is born.

That GTi boy-racer car you loved back in the day – it’s what today’s petrol heads lust after in the ‘classics’ market today. And we’re set to be looking East to the future, as late 20th century Japanese cars are poking their bonnets into the market.

Cars with personality

“I sell a lot of cars to Yorkshire folk who have made their living here and want to spend their money in the county,” says Paul, whose enthusiasm and dedication to helping customers find just the right car for them, shines through.

“We live in a beautiful county, and it can be the perfect place for taking out a classic car, which are always better for being used regularly.”

Whether that’s rocking up in the local town in a drop-head Porsche Boxster, Sunday runs down country lanes in a ‘50s Series II Land Rover or enjoying a jaunt to the seaside in style in a Mark II Jaguar, a classic car means a car with personality.

“People love to see them, they are characterful,” says Paul. “There is nothing better for giving a journey a sense of occasion.”

Leisure-time luxuries

It’s Covid lockdowns and changing working habits and patterns which have led to a mini-surge in interest, demand and supply of classic cars.

Paul explained the pandemic made many families realise they didn’t need two cars every day – but a second car that was different, more fun, more of a hobby, was possible. When this was coupled with the rise of home working and a cost of living squeeze which left people thinking carefully about indulgent purchases. The potential resale value of these cars is another plus for owning one. Expecting value for money is a given in Yorkshire, so a car which could potentially give you back as much, if not more, than you paid for it, is certainly part of the lure for some.

“I often buy back cars which I’ve sold, when the owner wants to get something else or fancies a change, and I love that” says Paul. “You don’t get that with new cars. You might get a reasonable family saloon and it has a price tag of £30k – which depreciates immediately. Most people just pay a lump sum and it’s just another hefty monthly bill.

“A classic car gives you a sense of pride and ownership – you have to take care of it, and maintain it, so it’s a commitment – but when you do, you have all sorts of rewards.”

When your chrome is gleaming, the walnut dashboard shines and your leather bench-seats are buffed to perfection it’s time to pull the throttle is out and get the engine purring – but expect stars, smiles and strangers sparking conversations all along the journey.

Hitting the marque!

Finding the right car for you is Paul’s strength. Some clients are knowledgeable enthusiasts, collectors, self-confessed petrol-heads or are regulars at classic rallies and classic car clubs. Paul’s contacts mean he’s in pole position to help anyone find their dream car. And with prices ranging from £10,000 to over £100,000 his clientele is as varied as the makes and models he deals in.

Newcomers to the trade welcome Pauls’ guidance – he knows people sell, and buy, with their hearts as well as their heads, and he’s adept in ensuring a car is right for the client’s lifestyle.

Spring and summer are the key months for buying, and using, a vintage or classic, and the website will be updated on a regular basis with new cars coming in.

“We urge people to have a look not just at what’s on the website, but to get in touch or come and see us. We’ll get them a cuppa and we’ll sit down and have a chat about what might work best for them and help refine their options

“You have to be pragmatic, we want people not just to own the cars but to use them. The cars I have are cars I would happily sell to my neighbour or use myself,” he says.

Keeping things moving

Paul sometimes buys cars outright to sell, and others are listed on a sale or return basis. All are rigorously tested and any maintenance or repairs is done. There’s an inspection ramp at the forecourt so people can check out the cars themselves or bring in their own expert and all cars are sold with a warranty – quite the commitment on something 50+ years old!

“We are blessed in this county that there are lots of cottage industries who can help maintain these classics. I put more stock in the history of a car than in any scratches on the paintwork.

“These cars were built by engineers, they have quality and flair and, with care, were made to last.”

Get yourself a classic

Check out the cars on the website here and get in touch with Paul to discuss buying, or selling, a vintage, collectable or classic car.