Welcome to the VINTTRO Member Interview!

It’s another Member Spotlight, where we celebrate the incredible community we protect by sharing the extraordinary journeys of the drivers behind the wheel.

To kick off part four of our series, we’re thrilled to introduce a standout young entrepreneur with a deep passion for motorsport.

Dive into our exclusive interview to get to know the man behind the machine.

Tell us a bit about yourself, starting with your name:

James Barron

Where are you based and what does a typical day look like for you?

Ipswich, Suffolk. Traveling location to location to install various security products such as Trackers, Immobilisers and Dashcams.

The First Pay check: What was your very first job, and how did your career path evolve into what you do today?

I was weekend Valeter at BMW with James Lambert from WheelHouse. I guess being around the new model BMW’s at the time definitely pushed me towards a career in the Motor Trade.

What was the “spark” that led you into your current industry?

COVID gave me the opportunity to get into some much cleaner and methodical work compared to what I was previously doing.

Company Info. What is the company name you work for now, and what position do you hold?

I am the Director and owner of JB Autowerx

What services do they provide, and what is the website address?

Autowerx. – We supply and fit premium vehicle security products and accessories. Our expert services include Thatcham and insurance-approved trackers, Ghost immobilisers, dashcams, Apple CarPlay upgrades, reverse cameras, and parking sensors.

The Automotive Obsession

What age were you when you first realised you’re a petrolhead?

As young as I can remember, if it had wheels I was interested!

What was the first car you ever owned, and how much did you pay for it?

1998 VW Polo and I paid £900 for it.

What cars do you currently own (including your daily driver)?

Fiat Abarth 595, Renault Clio Sport 172, Classic Mini, BMW E30 (currently going through a V8 swap), VW Amarok (Daily Driver) Kawasaki ZX6R, 1980s Husqvarna CR250

Which car do you most regret selling or losing?

MK3 Gof GTi 16v.

If money and garage space were no object, what is your ultimate “dream” car and why?

Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, raw sound and just a mechanical car compared to the newer cars.

Describe your ideal Sunday morning drive, where are you going, and what’s playing on the radio?

For me, nothing beats the B Roads up the Suffolk coast, no music just engine noise.

Manual or Automatic?

Either, a good Automatic is a fun drive.

Electric cars – Yes or No? (Give reason)

No, but I do get the appeal of them at the moment, cheaper running costs compared to a combustion engine, but I don’t think they are here to stay. Just a stopgap until something else comes along. Hydrogen, maybe?

Hard Roof or Convertible or both?

Hard Roof.

Track Day or Weekend Cruise?

Track day every time.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to buy their first classic/performance car?

Do your research and make sure everything checks out. Look for a reputable garage or servicing provider. For me, the main giveaway is tyre choice, if a car has cheap tyres, it’s a sign it probably hasn’t been looked after as well as it could have been.

Finally, Beyond the Car Obsession

When you aren’t behind the wheel or under a hood, how do you spend your time? (Hobbies, other interest’s etc).

It’s got to be motorsport. Having been involved with teams for the last 10 years, from club-level racing like the Fiesta Junior Championship all the way up to the BTCC, it’s always been my main passion.

Thank you, James, and to all our community members and policyholders, if you require any services from James, please contact Autowerx. on 07740 192947.

Would you like to feature?

Want to be featured next? If you enjoyed James’s story and want to take part in the VINTTRO Member Spotlight series, drop us an email at info@vinttro.co.uk and we’ll get right back to you.

It’s a common scenario. You’ve worked incredibly hard to build a successful business, and you decide to reward yourself with a high-performance sports car or a high-end luxury SUV. When it comes time to insure it, your accountant or broker suggests a seemingly brilliant shortcut: “Just throw it on the company fleet policy. It’s cheaper, writeable as a business expense, and saves you the hassle of a personal policy.”

On paper, this sounds like a no-brainer. But in reality, it is a ticking financial time bomb.

Adding high-performance, high-value personal assets to a standard commercial fleet policy works perfectly, right up until you have an incident. When a claim is filed, the cosy assumptions of fleet convenience quickly unravel, leaving business owners facing the possibility of rejected claims, personal liability, and massive tax headaches.

Here is why mixing your personal pride and joy with your commercial fleet is a massive risk, and why a private, specialist policy is always the smarter move.

The Illusion of “Any Driver” Fleet Coverage

The primary appeal of a commercial fleet policy is its flexibility. Many fleet policies are written on an “Any Driver over 25” or “Any Driver with Company Permission” basis. It feels incredibly convenient. You assume that if you, your spouse, or even a colleague takes your Porsche, Ferrari, or Bentley for a spin, they are automatically covered.

But fleet insurance is designed for business utility vehicles, vans, everyday saloon cars, and light commercial trucks. Insurers price these policies based on predictable, commercial risks. When you introduce a high-performance supercar into that pool, you drastically alter the risk profile.

What happens after an incident?

If you or an employee has an accident in that luxury car, the insurer will investigate the claim, probably through their complex handling team. The first thing they will look at is material disclosure and usage:

• Who actually owns the car? If the vehicle is registered in your personal name but insured under the limited company’s fleet policy without explicit disclosure of the ownership structure, the insurer may declare the policy void due to a lack of “insurable interest.”
• What was the journey’s purpose? If the crash occurred on a weekend trip, a family holiday, or a late-night social drive, the insurer can argue the vehicle was not being used for its stated commercial purpose.
• Where is it kept? Fleet policies assume company vehicles are kept in secure commercial yards or at designated employee residences. If your luxury car is parked in your suburban garage every night, a discrepancy in “overnight garaging” disclosures can invalidate a theft or damage claim.

If any of these details don’t align perfectly as declared, the insurer has the legal right to void the claim entirely, leaving you to personally foot a repair or replacement bill that could easily reach six figures.

The Hidden Risks of Fleet Coverage for High-End Cars

Standard commercial fleet policies are simply not built to handle the unique realities of owning a luxury or performance vehicle. When you put a supercar on a fleet, you lose critical protections that private owners take for granted:

1. Lack of “Agreed Value”

If a company van is declared BER (beyond economical to repair), the insurer pays out “Market Value” essentially what a van of that age is worth on the open market. This is how fleet policies resolve total losses.

However, high-performance cars don’t follow normal depreciation curves. Optional extras, custom paint, limited edition packages, or collector status can dramatically affect value. On a fleet policy, you will struggle to get an Agreed Value clause. If your car is written off, the insurer’s standard valuation could fall tens of thousands of pounds short of what the car is actually worth

2. No Choice of Repairer

If you damage a carbon-fiber panel on a modern supercar, you cannot send it to a standard, insurance-approved body shop. It requires specialised, manufacturer-approved technicians who understand the specific structural calibration of that vehicle.

Many commercial fleet policies reserve the right to choose the repairer to keep claims costs low. Forcing a luxury vehicle into a high-volume commercial repair shop is a recipe for a poor quality repair, diminished resale value, and voided manufacturer warranties. It’s an absolute must, that niche cars maintain their DNA!

3. The Company Tax Trap

Putting a personal luxury car on a business policy signals to tax authorities that the car is a company asset. This triggers hefty Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax implications for personal use, which can quickly wipe out any minor savings you made on the insurance premium. It’s always worth checking this out with your company accountant.

Why a Private Specialist Policy is the Better Option

If you own a luxury or performance vehicle, the only way to truly protect your investment (and your peace of mind) is to insure it via a private, specialist high-net-worth (HNW) policy.

Feature	Commercial Fleet Policy	Private Specialist HNW Policy
Valuation	Market Value (often undervalued for rare/spec’d cars)	Agreed Value (you get exactly what the car is worth)
Repair Choice	Insurer’s approved commercial network	Your choice of repairer (manufacturer-authorised)
Usage Cover	Strictly business (social use is highly scrutinised)	Fully covered for social, domestic, pleasure, and business
No Claims Discount	Earned by the company, not you	Personal NCD protected and grown
Courtesy Car	Standard hatchback or small van	Like-for-like vehicle replacement

Specialist private insurers and brokers understand that a high-performance vehicle is an asset, not just a tool to get from A to B. They design policies around the assumption that the vehicle will be driven for pleasure, stored securely and maintained to the absolute highest standards.

The Bottom Line

Putting your luxury car on your business fleet is a classic example of being penny-wise and pound-foolish. It might save you a bit of administrative hassle and a few pounds upfront, but it exposes you to catastrophic financial risk if you ever need to make a claim.

Furthermore, a single high-value claim on a luxury or performance vehicle will absolutely cripple your business’s entire fleet premium. By dragging down your commercial policy’s claims history, you risk driving up the cost of insuring your everyday work vehicles and making it incredibly challenging to find an alternative insurer willing to take on your fleet in the future.

Keep your business insurance for the tools that run your company, and give your pride and joy the dedicated, private protection it deserves.

If you would like to know more about how we can help with your fleet or specialist car insurance, call us on 0333 4042 007 or email us at insurance@vinttro.co.uk and we’ll be in touch.

There is an unmatched thrill that comes with turning off the public highway, driving through the gates of a racing circuit, and seeing the open tarmac waiting for you.

Track days aren’t about taking home a trophy or aggressive racing manoeuvres. They are about exploring and understanding you car’s potential, sharpening your driving skills, and sharing an unforgettable experience with a community of like-minded petrolheads. Best of all, they take place in a controlled, non-competitive environment where safety and fun are the only priorities.

But before you drop the clutch, ensuring your pride and joy is properly protected is essential. That’s where specialist insurance comes in.

Different Cars, Different Flavours of Fun

Track Days: What You Need to Know

One of the best things about a non-competitive track day is the sheer diversity of machinery in the paddock. You don’t need a dedicated race car to have an incredible time. Every type of vehicle offers a unique driving dynamic:

• The Modern Hot Hatch: Nimble, forgiving, and incredibly fast through the corners. Cars like the Civic Type R or Golf GTI allow you to hunt down much more expensive machinery by maintaining momentum through technical sectors.
• The Purebred Sports Car: Lightweight, rear-wheel-drive heroes like the Mazda MX-5, Porsche Cayman, or Caterham. These cars are schoolteachers on wheels, giving you pure mechanical feedback and teaching you the nuances of weight transfer and throttle control.
• The Cherished Classic or Retro Build: Taking a classic MG, air-cooled 911, or a modified retro build on track isn’t about setting lap records. It’s about the sensory explosion, the smell of unburnt fuel, the mechanical symphony of carburettors, and the joy of keeping a vintage machine perfectly balanced on the line.

Three Non-Competitive Circuits to Master (Without the Nürburgring Stress)

When you’re looking to enjoy the flow of track driving without the intimidating, unforgiving barriers of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the UK boasts some of the finest asphalt in the world.

Through specialist policies like those arranged by VINTTRO Cover, you can secure protection to unleash your car up to three times a year at iconic circuits like the three listed below. You also have the flexibility to purchase coverage for additional track days at an extra premium.

1. Brands Hatch (Indy Circuit) – The Natural Amphitheatre

Located in Kent, Brands Hatch is steeped in motorsport history. The Indy configuration is short, sharp, and spectacularly rewarding.

• The Experience: Dropping down the dramatic, plunging hill of Paddock Hill Bend requires a leap of faith, followed immediately by the tight, technical Druids hairpin. Because the circuit sits in a natural bowl, it offers incredible visibility and a theatre-like atmosphere. Brands Hatch is the perfect place to learn how your car handles sudden elevation changes.

2. Donnington Park – The Flowing Masterpiece

Set in Leicestershire, Donington is universally loved by drivers for its sweeping, majestic rhythm.

• The Experience: The stand-out section here is the legendary Craner Curves, a fast, downhill left-right sweep that tests your smoothness and nerve. It flows beautifully into the Old Hairpin, making it an excellent circuit for understanding high-speed stability and aerodynamic balance. It feels grand, expansive, and deeply satisfying.

3. Snetterton (300 Circuit) – The Technical Challenge

In Norfolk, Snetterton offers a brilliant mix of long, fast straights and intricate, technical infield sections.

• The Experience: The 300 configuration features heavy braking zones like Riches and the tight hairpin at Agostini. This makes it an exceptional track for mastering your braking points, learning how to trail-brake into a corner, and safely testing your car’s straight-line acceleration without public road speed limits.

Looking for more? While these three tracks offer the perfect foundation for UK circuit driving, VINTTRO Cover allows you to add iconic venues like Silverstone or Goodwood Motor Circuit to your policy at extra cost, tailoring your protection to your dream track day calendar.

Peace of Mind with VINTTRO Cover

Taking your car onto a circuit can feel daunting if you’re worrying about the “what ifs.” Standard road policies strictly exclude track use, meaning any mishap on circuit could leave you with a devastating bill.

VINTTRO Cover is built by automotive enthusiasts, for automotive enthusiasts. They understand that a track day isn’t a race, it’s an extension of your driving lifestyle. By securing specialist track day protection as a top-up or integrated feature of your niche vehicle policy, you get:

• Accidental Damage Protection: Coverage for your car’s bodywork and mechanical components if you have an unexpected alignment with a barrier or another vehicle.
• Modifications Accounted For: Whether your car is a factory-spec classic or a heavily modified hot hatch with upgraded suspension and brakes, VINTTRO Cover will make sure your vehicle modification are listed accurately .
• Stress-Free Exclusions: Explicit coverage for approved, fully marshalled, non-competitive club and track day events, ensuring you can focus entirely on your apexes rather than your finances.

Track days are about the smile on your face when you finally nail that tricky apex, the chat over a cold drink in the paddock between sessions, and driving home with a deeper bond with your machine. Pack your helmet, check your tyre pressures, and get out there!

VINTTRO Cover is a trading style of Sona Insurance Solutions Ltd. VINTTRO Limited is an Appointed Representative of Sona Insurance Solutions Limited who is authorised and regulated by the FCA under reference number 927990.

Welcome to the VINTTRO Member Interview!

Our Member Spotlight is how we celebrate the incredible community we protect, focusing on the extraordinary journeys of the people behind the wheel.

To kick off part three of our series, we’re thrilled to introduce a truly standout person. An absolutely fascinating character with an incredible business journey, we know you’re going to love his story.

Read on as we sit down for an exclusive interview to get to know the man behind the machine.

Tell us a bit about yourself, starting with your name:

Gordon Ranson

Where are you based and what does a typical day look like for you?

I live in Ipswich, Suffolk and I’m semi-retired, so my days are usually all about cars and my wife.”

The First Pay check: What was your very first job, and how did your career path evolve into what you do today?

My very first job was a paper round, but my first real job was as an apprentice electrician, earning just £5 a week. Later, I worked in the drinks industry before finally moving into classic car restoration, all thanks to my lifelong love for them.

What was the “spark” that led you into your current industry?

After a chance conversation with a classic car restorer, who asked why I didn’t turn my love for classic cars into a business, the rest was history.

Company Info. What is the company name you work for now, and what position do you hold?

I am the founder (since 2004) and director of Bridge Classic Cars

What services do they provide, and what is the website address?

We restore and maintain classic cars. www.bridgeclassiccars.co.uk

The Automotive Obsession

What age were you when you first realised you’re a petrolhead?

Ever since I was five or so, I used to look out for the registration plate changes and played with toy cars and lorries before anything else.

What was the first car you ever owned, and how much did you pay for it?

Ford Anglia 105E and I paid £35 for it.

What cars do you currently own (including your daily driver)?

Range Rover, Triumph TR6, Rover P6 but they are constantly changing.

Which car do you most regret selling or losing?

Mercedes 230SL Benson and Hedges show winner.

If money and garage space were no object, what is your ultimate “dream” car and why?

My personal passion lies with Rolls-Royce and Bentley. I’ve owned several over the years, with the Rolls-Royce Wraith being a particular favourite.

Describe your ideal Sunday morning drive, where are you going, and what’s playing on the radio?

For me, nothing beats country roads and no radio. A V8 or a straight-six, that’s the only music you need.

Manual or Automatic?

Both

Electric cars – Yes or No? (Give reason)

A definite no. They have all the style of a Lego brick, you can’t tell one from another.

Hard Roof or Convertible or both?

Both

Track Day or Weekend Cruise?

Weekend and weekday cruise every time.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to buy their first classic/performance car?

Buy the best you can afford and don’t restore cars.

Finally, Beyond the Car Obsession

When you aren’t behind the wheel or under a hood, how do you spend your time? (Hobbies, other interest’s etc).

Enjoying the garden, holidays but there isn’t much after cars.

Thank you Gordon! we hope this interview inspires others to take part.

Would you like to feature?

If you have enjoyed reading about Gordon, why not take part in the VINTTRO Member spotlight interview series yourself? … please email us at info@vinttro.co.uk and we’ll be in touch.

As part of our continued commitment to enhancing our Private Client proposition, we are thrilled to announce that VINTTRO Cover has expanded its specialist insurance services to cover professional footballers and rugby players.

In partnership with ERS, the UK’s leading specialist motor insurer, we are making it easier than ever for you to place these complex, high-profile risks with total confidence.

Deep Expertise You Can Rely On

Securing the right motor insurance for professional athletes requires an insurer who understands the unique lifestyle, asset values, and media exposure that come with the territory.

• A Proven Track Record: ERS has been a trusted provider of cover for professional footballers since 2016, building an unrivalled depth of market expertise.
• Strengthened Specialist Team: ERS has significantly expanded their dedicated underwriting team, ensuring a consistent, knowledgeable, and reliable solution tailored specifically to elite sports professionals.

What This Means For You

Through this partnership, VINTTRO Cover is giving you the tools to say “yes” to more clients, backed by a product designed for the unique demands of the modern game.

• Greater Flexibility: Enhanced appetite and flexible underwriting across diverse footballer and rugby profiles, from emerging talent to established international stars.
• Broader Acceptance: A streamlined process to help you comfortably place high-net-worth (HNW) sports clients.
• Uncompromised Quality: Continued, seamless access to the bespoke, high-quality Private Client care and comprehensive cover that VINTTRO Cover is known for.

Core Risk Criteria & Appetite

This elite cover is designed to accommodate premium vehicles, multi-car portfolios, and complex risk profiles. See below the appetite guide by ERS.

21 -24	Age	21+
21 -24	Residency	12+ months unless prior residency (for 12+ months) in EEA country as well as US / Canada / Aus / NZ / HK
21 -24	Licence Length	12+ months in any of the above countries
21 -24	Driving Experience	12+ months in any of the above countries
21 -24	Previous Driving Experience	Prior vehicles with similar performance (vehicle type, BHP, acceleration, driving style)
21 -24	Vehicle Type	New purchase – max £150k Owned 12+ months – max £350k Collections 3+ with vehicle over £350k – consider on request
25 – 27	Residency	12+ months unless prior residency (for 12+ months) in EEA country as well as US / Canada / Aus / NZ / HK
25 – 27	Licence Length	12+ months in any of the above countries
25 – 27	Driving Experience	12+ months in any of the above countries
25 – 27	Previous Driving Experience	Prior vehicles with similar performance (vehicle type, BHP, acceleration, driving style)
25 – 27	Vehicle Value	New purchase – max £250k Owned 12+ months – No maximum restriction but subject to standard UW consideration
28+	Licence Length	Subject to standard UW consideration
28+	Driving Experience	Subject to standard UW consideration
28+	Previous Driving Experience	Subject to standard UW consideration
Renewals	ERs will honour claim free renewals that fall outside this footprint. All renewals are subject to our agreed renewal strategy

Our dedicated Private Client team is on hand to review your professional footballer risks immediately. Contact your VINTTRO Cover representative today by calling 0333 4042 007, or click this link to submit a Quote Request and our team will be in touch.

VINTTRO Cover is a trading style of Sona Insurance Solutions Ltd. VINTTRO Limited is an Appointed Representative of Sona Insurance Solutions Limited who is authorised and regulated by the FCA under reference number 927990.

To any true automotive enthusiast, a car is infinitely more than just a means of getting from A to B; it is a statement, a passion, and a source of pride. But it begs an interesting question for the community: how many drivers actively match their personal fashion to the machine they are piloting? The connection between cars and fashion is undeniable in this context.

For automotive subcultures like the VINTTRO community, appreciation spans everything from curated classics and retro icons to modern-day performance supercars. For many, the experience of owning or driving these special machines naturally extends into “dressing for the car.” The right attire doesn’t just complement the vehicle, it elevates the entire driving experience.

As we explore the relationship between cars and fashion, it becomes clear that style plays a significant role in how we perceive our vehicles.

The Italian Sophistication: Sleek and Tailored in Cars and Fashion

Take the undeniable allure of classic Italian sports cars, such as the Alfa Romeo Spider. These machines demand a style that matches their sharp lines and Mediterranean elegance.

The ideal uniform here is effortlessly sophisticated: a white tailored shirt or a crisp white t shirt, designer jeans or chinos, and classic loafer-style shoes. The look is perfectly finished with a pair of vintage sunglasses, like Ray-Ban Classic Signets, and perhaps a dark blue fitted blazer neatly folded on the passenger seat. It’s a style that feels on top of the world without being obnoxious, a seamless extension of Italian automotive art.

British Heritage: The Art of “Wafting”

At the other end of the spectrum lies the quintessential English luxury of a classic Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow or the dream of an Aston Martin DB5. Driving these vehicles isn’t about speed; it’s about “wafting” with immense pride.

An iconic front grille requires an equally iconic wardrobe. This is where British heritage styling comes alive:

• A classic blue checkered shirt paired with a textured tweed waistcoat.
• Traditional leather brogues on the pedals.
• A bold Stetson or a classic newsboy cap, nodding to the English rugged look, as seen on actor Jason Momoa below

It’s an aesthetic look that oozes timeless class and respects the heavy heritage of British engineering.

The 1980s Retro Casuals: Nostalgia on Wheels

Then there is the gritty, high-energy world of retro hot hatches, like the legendary original Escort Mk2 RS Mexico. Getting behind the wheel of a “Dagenham dustbin” instantly transports a driver back to the casual subcultures of the 1980s, where fashion and car culture were fiercely intertwined.

The attire of that era is unmistakable and highly specific:

• The Lower Half: Farah trousers (in beige, black, or blue) held up by a soul belt, finished with lavish Diadora Gold or Nike Wimbledon trainers.
• The Upper Half: An Ellesse or Lacoste T-shirt, proudly topped with a Fila or Sergio Tacchini tracksuit top.
• The Night Shift: Swapping the trackie for a sharp leather and suede jacket sourced straight from the markets of Petticoat Lane in London or Romford.

Slapping a Duran Duran cassette into an Pioneer radio cassette player while wearing a retro Tacchini top isn’t just driving, it’s a time capsule experience.

American Muscle & Modern Supercars: Finding the Uniform

Every automotive genre has its unwritten dress code. For the raw, unadulterated rumble of American muscle, like a ’65 Mustang or an AC Cobra, the uniform is universally understood: worn-out Levi’s, rugged ankle boots, a plain white T-shirt, and a dusted-off leather motorcycle jacket. It’s effortless, rebellious, and timeless.

Yet, some cars still stump the style critics. What exactly does one wear in a modern hyper-car like a McLaren? High-tech track gear? Minimalist streetwear? It’s a tough puzzle to solve, though, arguably, figuring out the fashion is half the fun of ownership. After all, when it comes to matching style with horsepower, leaving the garage unprepared is simply not an option.

Over to You

Does the wardrobe change depending on the keys in hand? What is the go-to driving uniform?

Few things beat the romance of a cross-continental road trip. Setting off from the UK, navigating the Eurotunnel or a ferry, and heading down sun-drenched coastal routes visiting many great places is pure bliss.

Doing it in a two seater convertible makes it unforgettable and with the current market values, you can enjoy a road trip in a sports car for less than £5,000.

With five grand in your pocket, the UK used car market offers an incredible selection of European-capable drop-tops and coupés. However, a road trip demands a very specific mix of reliability, luggage space, and driving dynamics. Let’s break down seven fantastic budget contenders to see which one deserves the keys to your European adventure.

The Contenders at a Glance

Car	Best For	Road Trip Superpower	The Achille’s Heel
Mazda MX-5 (NC)	Worry-free mechanicals	Unmatched reliability and cheap parts	Cabin noise on long motorway stints
BMW Z3	Classic 90s nostalgia	Retro charm and characterful engines	Scuttle shake and dated interior
BMW Z4 (E85)	The driving purist	Stellar chassis and smooth straight-sixes	Stiff ride on run-flat tyres
Porsche Boxster (986)	Unmatched handling balance	Dual boots (front and rear storage)	Terrifying potential engine bills
Audi TT (Mk2)	All-weather high-speed cruising	Premium cabin and massive boot space	Lacks the raw feel of a true sports car
Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171)	Hardtop grand touring	Quiet cabin and Vario-roof security	Complex roof mechanism if it breaks
Alfa Romeo Spider (916)	Pure Italian drama	Gorgeous styling and Busso V6 soundtrack	FWD dynamics and typical Italian quirks

1. Mazda MX-5 (Mk3 / NC)

If your absolute priority is making it back to the UK without ever seeing the inside of a European flatbed recovery truck, buy an MX-5.

Your £5,000 budget lands you squarely in a well-maintained third-generation (NC) model. It is more spacious and structurally stiffer than its predecessors, making it much better suited for long miles.

• The Drive: Go for the 2.0-litre engine with the limited-slip differential (LSD). It’s punchy enough for alpine switchbacks and beautifully balanced.
• Road Trip Reality: The boot is a decent shape but tight. Motorway refinement isn’t its strong suit; if you plan on long hours on the French Autoroutes, look for the PRHT (Power Retractable Hard Top) version for extra insulation.

Watch out for: Rust in the rear arches and sills, and blocked drainage holes that can flood the cabin.

2. BMW Z3

The Z3 serves up pure 1990s nostalgia. With its long bonnet, short rear deck, and muscular rear arches, it feels like a proper old-school roadster.

At this budget, skip the sluggish 1.9-litre four-cylinder and hold out for a 2.2i or 2.8-litre straight-six.

• The Drive: It uses an older semi-trailing arm rear suspension setup (borrowed from the E30 3 Series), meaning it feels a bit old-fashioned and lively in the wet, but highly characterful.
• Road Trip Reality: The straight-six engine makes an incredible soundtrack through mountain tunnels. The interior is cramped by modern standards, and the plastic rear window can cloud up, but it has a wonderful mechanical honesty.

Watch out for: Rear subframe welds splitting under power, and water leaks through the soft top.

3. BMW Z4 (Mk1 / E85)

If you want a sharper, more modern BMW experience, the first-generation Z4 is arguably the sweet spot of this entire list.

Chris Bangle’s flame-surfaced design has aged magnificently. For £5,000, you can pick up a very clean 2.5i or 3.0i straight-six with a 6-speed manual box.

• The Drive: It is a phenomenal driver’s car. The seating position sits almost directly over the rear axle, giving you a fantastic sense of what the chassis is doing.
• Road Trip Reality: The boot is surprisingly large for a roadster, easily swallowing two weekend bags. It cruises effortlessly at 70 mph, though the ride can be harsh if it’s still riding on original-style run-flat tyres. Swapping to standard rubber transforms the comfort.

Watch out for: The roof motor. It sits in a drainage channel that easily blocks, causing the motor to sit in water and burn out. Check that the roof operates quickly and smoothly.

4. Porsche Boxster (Mk1 / 986)

If you want to pull up to the casino in Monaco looking like you spent five times what you actually did, the first-generation Porsche Boxster is the ultimate budget flex.

For £5,000, you are looking at the original ‘986’ generation, typically a well-kept 2.5-litre or a mid-life 2.7-litre flat-six. While people might dismiss it as the “cheap Porsche,” make no mistake: underneath the skin, it shares its front architecture, suspension layout, and engine DNA with the legendary 911 of the same era.

• The Drive: Absolute perfection. Because the flat-six engine sits right in the middle of the car (behind your shoulders but ahead of the rear wheels), the balance is sublime. The steering is hypnotic, and the howl of the naturally aspirated flat-six echoing off the walls of a French gorge is worth the entry price alone.
• Road Trip Reality: The mid-engine layout makes the Boxster a secret packaging masterpiece. Because the engine is buried deep in the middle, you get two boots, a deep “frunk” (front trunk) for two carry-on suitcases and a shallow rear boot for loose bags or coats. The downside? If something goes wrong mechanically, parts carry a “Porsche tax,” and accessing the engine requires pulling up the soft-top roof structure.

Watch out for: The infamous IMS (Intermediate Shaft) bearing. If this component fails, it completely destroys the engine. Look for a car that has already had an upgraded aftermarket bearing fitted, or factor in the cost. Also check for leaking Rear Main Seals (RMS) and cracked coolant

5. Audi TT (Mk2)

The Mk2 Audi TT is less of a purebred sports car and more of a scaled-down Grand Tourer.

Built with a clever aluminum-steel spaceframe, it is far sharper to drive than the original Mk1. Five grand will easily get you a clean 2.0 TFSI petrol model or a Quattro variant.

• The Drive: It is front-wheel drive (or front-biased Quattro), so it won’t give you the tail-sliding antics of the BMWs or Porsche. Instead, it offers incredible grip, safety, and cross-country pace, regardless of whether you encounter a sudden alpine downpour.
• Road Trip Reality: If you buy the Coupé, the rear seats fold flat to create a truly massive estate-like luggage area. The cabin is an beautiful place to sit for 8 hours straight, featuring top-tier materials and great sound isolation.

Watch out for: PCV valve issues on the TFSI engines, oil consumption, and ensuring the DSG automatic gearbox (if optioned) has been serviced every 40,000 miles.

6. Mercedes-Benz SLK (Mk2 / R171)

Want to cross continents in total silence but still enjoy the sun when you arrive? The second-generation SLK is your tool.

Borrowing its nose styling from the legendary SLR McLaren, the R171 generation brought a much-needed injection of style. A budget of £5k buys an excellent SLK 200 Kompressor (supercharged 1.8L) or even an early 3.5-litre SLK 350 V6.

• The Drive: It is set up for comfort and stability rather than ultimate B-road agility. It corners flatly, but the steering is heavier and less communicative than the Z4.
• Road Trip Reality: The folding metal “Vario-roof” gives you a proper coupé experience on the motorway, isolating you from wind noise. Many models come with “Airscarf” vents in the headrest that blow warm air around your neck, allowing you to drop the roof even in chilly mountain air. Note that when the roof is down, boot space shrinks dramatically.

Watch out for: Balance shaft gear wear on early M272 V6 engines (check the engine number history) and slow-operating or leaking roof hydraulics.

7. Alfa Romeo Spider (916)

This choice is entirely for the heart, not the head. The “916” generation Alfa Spider, designed by Pininfarina, looks like absolutely nothing else on the road.

Finding a good one under £5,000 takes patience, but they are out there, usually with the 2.0-litre Twin Spark engine. (The legendary Busso V6 versions have skyrocketed past this budget).

• The Drive: It is front-wheel drive, but Alfa engineered it with a brilliant multi-link rear suspension that makes it surprisingly agile and rewarding to hustle through corners.
• Road Trip Reality: Park this outside a café in a Tuscan piazza, and you will look like a movie star. The interior feels distinctively Italian, though the driving position is notoriously quirky (long arms, short legs). Reliability requires a proactive maintenance mindset, so bring a basic toolkit and some spare fluid just in case.

Watch out for: Cam belt failures (must be changed every 3 years or 36,000 miles on the Twin Spark) and suspension bush wear that ruins the handling.

The Road Trip Verdict

If your dream trip involves driving hard on technical mountain passes, buy the BMW Z4. If you want that exotic, mid-engine handling balance and badge prestige, brave the running costs of the Porsche Boxster. If you want a luxurious, effortless cruiser with space for wine cases on the way back, buy the Audi TT. And if you want zero mechanical anxiety, stick a roof rack on the Mazda MX-5.

What car would you choose out of the seven above? ..  or have we missed out a two seater bargain sports car? … let us know your thoughts.

For all your classic and retro car insurance – Click Here

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) has made history by defeating a massive £4 million fraudulent injury claim, the largest ever rejected under the Untraced Drivers’ Agreement 2017.

Following the court’s ruling, the MIB is now moving to recover nearly £190,000 in interim payments that were deceptively obtained by the claimant.

The Incident and the Escalation

The case began after a motorcyclist suffered genuine injuries on Crockford Road West in Grimstead. The rider crashed after swerving to avoid a Mercedes that had veered into his path. His initial injuries were severe, including:

• A fractured pelvis and ribs
• A displaced shoulder
• A lumbar disc injury

While the claimant initially returned to light duties after five and a half months, the financial scope of the claim soon skyrocketed. Alleging long-term disability, severe psychiatric harm, and extensive daily care and housing needs, the total valuation of the claim was pushed to over £3 million (excluding interest and damages for pain and suffering).

The Deception vs. The Reality

What the Claimant Alleged	What Investigators Actually Found
Unable to work or perform basic domestic tasks.	Launched a secret vehicle recovery business in June 2019.
Severe physical limitations; unable to walk more than 50 meters.	Filmed single-handedly pushing a customer’s car onto a recovery truck.
Inability to use his injured arm.	Caught using the supposedly damaged arm to attach tow ropes and work on vehicles.
Suffering from severe PTSD and unable to go shopping.	Spotted driving for prolonged periods and managing a business.

The claimant painted a bleak picture for medical experts, spinning a narrative of profound disability. However, an extensive investigation by the MIB, utilising physical surveillance and social media analysis, blew the case wide open. Furthermore, investigators discovered a brazen pattern: social media images of new, sign-written vehicles for his business frequently appeared right after he received interim compensation pay-outs. It is believed the £190,000 he fraudulently secured was used directly to fund his new company.

The Verdict: No Mercy for Fraud

Because the Untraced Drivers’ Agreement requires the MIB to mirror court standards, the case was evaluated under Section 57 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015. This law allows courts to dismiss personal injury claims in their entirety if the claimant is found to be fundamentally dishonest, provided it doesn’t cause substantial injustice.

As a result of the overwhelming evidence, the multi-million-pound claim was thrown out completely. The MIB is now aggressively pursuing the return of every penny paid out in interim funds.

“This result sends a clear warning that prolonged and calculated dishonesty will not be tolerated.”

Paul Baxter, Partner and Deputy Business Unit Director at Keoghs

The MIB has hailed the decision as a landmark victory, reinforcing its commitment to robustly challenging suspicious claims to protect public funds and safeguard genuine victims of uninsured or untraced drivers.

Why This Victory Matters to VINTTRO Policyholders

At VINTTRO Cover, we are always pleased to see fraudulent activity exposed and brought to justice, not because we celebrate dishonesty, but because we know exactly who pays the price when fraud succeeds: our policyholders. Insurance fraud is never a victimless crime; every inflated or fabricated claim creates a ripple effect that directly drives up premium costs for honest drivers. By celebrating landmark victories like the MIB’s defeat of this £4 million claim, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting our community. Rest assured, VINTTRO will continue to stand firmly behind robust investigative and legal measures, ensuring that fraud is ruthlessly weeded out so that we can help our insurer panel keep their policies fair, affordable and secure.

VINTTRO Cover is a trading style of Sona Insurance Solutions Ltd. VINTTRO Limited is an Appointed Representative of Sona Insurance Solutions Limited who is authorised and regulated by the FCA under reference number 927990.

Recently, we wrote a blog about how we insured a car collection that included the iconic DeLorean. While we are completely used to dealing with rare and unique vehicles, we just couldn’t help ourselves from writing another post after we insured another true screen icon and incredible recreation of the General Lee, so here goes ….

We’ve all done some late-night browsing on eBay. Maybe you’re bored, maybe you’ve had one too many drinks, or maybe in David’s case both.

Back in 2012, that late-night scroll led to a £2,400 bid on a classic Dodge Charger sitting in a muddy field in Norfolk. It seemed like a laugh at the time. But when a hi-ab lorry finally dropped it off, the reality of the situation set in.

“I thought, ‘OMG, what have I done?’ It was as rotten as an apple.” David’s mates turned up, took one look at the rusted shell, and literally cried with laughter. “That will never get done in a hundred years,” they scoffed.

They underestimated David’s determination. He knew it would be a brutally long, incredibly expensive mountain to climb. He just didn’t know it would take nearly 15 years, a global village of Mopar fanatics, and a race against a wedding day to finally hear that engine roar.

The 14-Year Road Trip

Restoring a car in this condition isn’t just about turning wrenches; it’s about sourcing parts that haven’t been manufactured in decades. The project bounced around from place to place, slowly making minor progress, but it needed a catalyst.

Enter the first hero of our story: Greg McNair.

Greg became a crucial part of David’s life, sourcing massive parts from across the globe and arranging complicated shipping logistics. Without Greg’s expertise and tireless work, the project would have stalled permanently. But as life got busy and Greg had to step away, the car returned home, still unfinished, but getting closer.

David wanted it done. He needed the finish line. So, he threw a Hail Mary pass onto Facebook, listing everything left to do. That’s when Andy from A-TM Engineering reached out. Their specialty? Pure, unadulterated Mopar’s.

The Race to the Altar (2024)

The Charger moved to A-TM Engineering, and the clock started ticking loudly. David and his partner, Sonia, were getting married in 2024, and there was only one acceptable wedding car for the big day.

Andy and the team at A-TM pulled off the impossible. Within two years, they took a decade-and-a-half of fragmented progress and crossed the finish line just days before the wedding.

THE RESTORATION BY THE NUMBERS:

• Timeline: ~14-15 Years

• Purchase Price: £2,400

• Total Build Cost: Over £100,000

• Current Status: Perfect

Who’s Laughing Now?

The reaction to the finished General Lee was nothing short of a media frenzy. It didn’t just turn heads on the street; it made national newspapers both in the UK and abroad. BBC Radio Suffolk even showed up early one morning post-wedding to interview the couple and capture the rumble of the V8.

As for those mates who laughed at the rusted shell in 2012? They’re in absolute shock.

It was a gruelling, £100k+ journey, but it brought incredible new friends into David’s life, a viral wedding day, and the ultimate bragging rights.

A massive thank you to Greg, Andy, and everyone at A-TM Engineering. You didn’t just build a car; you built a legend.

How did the General Lee Impact your childhood memories?

Were you a fan of The Dukes of Hazzard growing up? What are your favourite memories of watching the General Lee fly across your TV screen?

Or was there another classic series or movie that featured your absolute favourite cars? Whether you were a Knight Rider fan, a Back to the Future buff, or obsessed with the A-Team van, we want to hear about it.

Your Restoration

Have you painstakingly restored a iconic car, and would you like to feature here? If so, please send an email to info@vinttro.co.uk and we’ll be in touch.

Welcome to the VINTTRO Member Interview!

At VINTTRO, our community is built on more than just high-octane fuel and polished chrome, it’s built on people. Our members are a unique breed: a vibrant mix of passionate enthusiasts and visionary business people who apply the same drive to their professional lives as they do to their garages.

The Member Spotlight is our way of celebrating the incredible community we protect, focusing on the extraordinary journeys of the people behind the wheel.

To kick off part two of the series, we’re excited to introduce a standout member and policyholder. Quite simply, he is an absolute fascinating character and a incredible person, we’re sure you’ll going to love this! In this interview, we get to know him better.

Tell us a bit about yourself, starting with your name:

Greg McNair.

Where are you based and what does a typical day look like for you?

I’m based in Bury St Edmunds, in Suffolk.

A typical day for me starts at 7 a.m. when I jump into my recovery truck to help drivers and the police after a breakdown or an accident. But the truth is, there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ day in recovery, you never know what you’re driving into

The First Pay check: What was your very first job, and how did your career path evolve into what you do today?

My first job started in 1993 as a trainee air compressor engineer, and my first wage was a grand total of £80 a week.

What was the “spark” that led you into your current industry?

As for how it evolved into where we are today? That’s a bit War and Peace. In short, that job was followed by a few years in America working as a church organ builder and restorer, an American muscle car importer (and later restorer), a Monster Truck driver, and now, a recovery truck driver.

The spark that led me to what I’m doing today came out of pure curiosity. I’d done general haulage and been that truck driver who was away all week. I wanted some of my time back, and I wanted to do something a bit different.

Company Info. What is the company name you work for now, and what position do you hold?

Today, I work for Manchetts Rescue & Recovery as a recovery operator, and I’m proud to say I’ve been there for nine and a half years now.

What services do they provide, and what is the website address?

Manchetts provides a service that means we can recover pretty much any kind of vehicle from any situation. We have a lot of specialist equipment that allows us to lift and remove vehicles from tight spaces, greatly reducing the risk of damage to some pretty big off-road equipment, including cranes. On an almost daily basis, we recover everything from motorcycles and the smallest city cars all the way up to fully loaded trucks and trailers.

Find out more: www.manchetts.co.uk

The Automotive Obsession

What age were you when you first realised you’re a petrolhead?

I first realised I was a die-hard car guy when I was about 12 or 13. My uncle had a 1970 bullnose Pontiac Trans Am with a 455-cubic-inch big-block V8 (7.5 litres for those who don’t measure engine sizes the American way) and a 4-speed manual transmission. The noise it made and the raw acceleration just completely got me. After going out in that car, I was hooked. I knew right then that a classic American muscle car was the route I needed to take as soon as I could.

What was the first car you ever owned, and how much did you pay for it?

Oh dear god, must you ask about my first car?! It was a 1989 Skoda Estelle LSE. I’m still trying to shake that off, even though it was many years ago, i can’t even remember what I paid for it!

What cars do you currently own (including your daily driver)?

My current collection consists of:

2001 Vauxhall Omega CDX 2.6 24v (part-owner)

1984 Mercedes-Benz SEC

1995 Mercedes-Benz W124 E220 Coupe (my daily driver)

2001 Land Rover Discovery 4.0 V8 Adventurer

2001 BMW E39 M5

2004 Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG Kompressor

2006 Mercedes-Benz S600 L

Which car do you most regret selling or losing?

The car I most regret letting go, after 20 years of ownership, was my 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda.

If money and garage space were no object, what is your ultimate “dream” car and why?

My ultimate dream car is a bright yellow 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda. They aren’t widely known to the general public because, unlike the Dodge Charger in The Dukes of Hazzard, they weren’t really featured in mainstream media. But back in the ’70s, they were feared and respected, the undisputed kings of the 1/4 mile and the red-light-to-red-light race. They were the car everyone in the scene wanted. (Don Johnson did actually drive a convertible version around San Francisco in his ’90s TV show Nash Bridges!) Production numbers were extremely low in 1971, so any hardtop will easily command six figures today, while the convertibles fetch millions.

Describe your ideal Sunday morning drive, where are you going, and what’s playing on the radio?

My ideal Sunday drive involves heading straight to the coast. The sun will be out, and I’ll be looking forward to a walk on the beach and a nice pub lunch. On the stereo, it’ll be either classical music or country music, depending on what I’m driving. Yes, I know, opposite ends of the spectrum! But it chills me out and just puts me right in my zone.

Manual or Automatic?

Although all but one of my current cars are automatics, I’m definitely a manual guy at heart. My Plymouth ‘Cuda was a 4-speed manual, and obviously, my E39 M5 is a 6-speed manual (as they all were). That thing is absolutely epic to drive and incredibly engaging because of it.

Electric cars – Yes or No? (Give reason)

Electric cars are not for me. However, I highly encourage everyone else to buy them, because as a recovery driver, I need the income to keep my own classics on the road!

Hard Roof or Convertible or both?

I’m not a hater of convertibles, and I’ve owned a couple, but they don’t overly excite me. Some of the ’80s and ’90s American cars I’ve owned had T-tops, which is a cool compromise, but I’m just as happy in a hardtop with the A/C blasting as I am being blown away with the roof down.

Track Day or Weekend Cruise?

I am definitely a weekend cruiser and European road tripper over a track day enthusiast. I’ve done a couple of track days, but as a past collector of American muscle, I can safely say corners aren’t really their strong point. I’m much more competent in a straight line than I am managing lots of bends!

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to buy their first classic/performance car?

The advice I’d give anyone looking for their first classic or performance car is to really think about what you want to do with it. If you just want to go to local shows and hang out with friends, that’s great. But that requires a very different kind of car than if you want to be like me, doing a few thousand miles a year touring Europe. A ’68 to ’70 Dodge Charger with a 7.2-litre V8 will be an absolute show queen and command the exact same attention as a high-end Italian exotic, but it is definitely not the best tool for a 2,500-mile road trip down to the South of France!

Finally, Beyond the Car Obsession

When you aren’t behind the wheel or under a hood, how do you spend your time? (Hobbies, other interest’s etc).

When I’m not working or playing with cars, my true first love is astronomy. I’ve been looking up at the stars since I was old enough to lift my head, so almost my entire life. I’ve formally studied astronomy and take great pleasure in talking about it. I love being able to explain a bit about what goes on up in space, how it affects us, how it shapes other planets, and ultimately, how we were all made. It’s a fascinating subject and something I am incredibly passionate about.

I have a collection of different telescopes, and that is ultimately what I use my Land Rover for. On a clear night, I can throw one or two telescopes in the back, drive up to the top of a friend’s field, and just look up, completely losing myself in the wonders of the universe.

Thank you Greg! we hope this interview inspires others to take part.

Would you like to feature?

If you have enjoyed reading about Greg, why not take part in the VINTTRO Member spotlight interview series yourself? … please email us at info@vinttro.co.uk and we’ll be in touch.