There’s a knack to getting in and out of these magnificent low-slung beasts and I did warn my little girl not to choose a wedding dress that’s either too flouncy or too tight. An even greater concern was: would I be able extricate myself after delivering her to the church? At her age I was able to leap over the high sill with great alacrity. Thirty years on and I fear the vicar may be called upon for assistance.
Anyone who loves beautiful cars and who hasn’t driven an E-Type has missed out on a real treat. You can buy a reasonable fixed-head coupe these days for under £30,000 but a concours, low-mileage convertible could set you back £150k or more. That’s 50% more than a brand-new, top-of-the-range Porsche 911!
If the budget can’t run to that eye-watering sum, you can still enjoy the unique thrill of E-Type motoring by renting one. In fact, I can’t think of a better way to explore the glorious Yorkshire and Durham Dales than by booking a two-night classic car break at either Headlam Hall in Teesdale, or its sister hotel The Rose and Crown in nearby Romaldkirk, where they offer a full day’s use of a gleaming dark blue V12 Coupé.
Or, if you prefer to go topless, choose the red Mercedes 380SL convertible.
Guests receive a 60-mile scenic driving route with information on recommended attractions and suggested spots to enjoy the picnic lunch provided.
More wind-in-hair touring is promised at Combe House, in Devon, where a retro-style Morgan sports car or the eccentric-looking Morgan three-wheeler are available.
The Land Rover is very different form of British classic and at Colwall Park Hotel in Worcestershire you can push one – and yourself – to the limit on a special weekend break.
Guests on the two-night Land Rover Experience weekend spend a full day negotiating a specially-managed 30-mile trail with steep muddy hills and tracks, demanding obstacles and deep water within the beautiful Eastnor Castle estate. The location provides the added bonus of spectacular views as far as the Black Mountains and a strong likelihood of spotting wildlife including buzzards, red kite and Muntjac deer.
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