Introducing our November Bright Young Spark – Oliver Cliff!

Introducing our November Bright Young Spark – Oliver Cliff. Still at school and besotted with classics. In lockdown at the age of 15 Oliver was bought a ‘1967 Triumph Herald estate’, with the vision of this being his first car. Now 17, after many hours of tinkering Oliver is learning to drive in this exact car. Our friends at Practical Classics magazine caught up with Oliver to find out more about his obsession with classics…

Earliest classic memory?

Visiting my dad’s 1963 Mini in a lock-up with my brother. I have always loved tinkering with things and built a race BMX with my dad. I first started working with him on the Mini at home. We got it running then stripped it down to a bare shell and put it on a spit we made from timber and scaffold poles.

What keeps you motivated?

I love being around classics: the sounds, smells and seeing them at shows or on the track. With my Herald, and involvement with Club Triumph, I have been able to volunteer at Goodwood and GRRC meets. This is my motivation for wanting to make a career out of working in the classic car resto FIELD.

So what about the Herald?

My parents bought this 1967 Triumph Herald estate when I was 15 with the intention of it being my first car. I could often be found tinkering with it during lockdown. Now that I am 17, I am learning to drive in it. In fact, I had my first lesson at 12:01am on the day of my 17th with dad in the Herald.

What have you done to it?

Rebuilt the howling dynamo and sticky control box, upgraded the front disc brakes, callipers and alloy hubs, rebuilt the twin SU carburettors, fuel pump and rerouted dodgy fuel pipes, removed the gearbox to replace the clutch and release bearing. Stripped and rebuilt the gearbox and rewired the o/d. There were holes in the front footwell, which helped me learn to fabricate repair patches and to MIG weld which as you probably know requires patience, a steady hand, and a good grinder!

Amazing, what next?

I'm gathering parts to build a fast road engine. I would love to turn my hobby in to a career. I would love to have my own business restoring classics but need to finish my A-levels before applying for suitable apprenticeships.

Champagne moment?

Auto-solo at Goodwood in the Herald with my brother driving (I was too young). There was a mix of all sorts of cars, so we were not the slowest! We managed to snap an engine mounting. So MIG welder out plus replace oil seals, timing chain and sprockets which had started to wear. Bonus!

Inspiring our Young People

The Bright Young Sparks initiative aims to support young people who are striving to join the classic car world - whether that’s by working in it or simply enjoying it as a hobby.

In the run up to the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show in March 2023, we’ll be celebrating and sharing the stories of six ‘Bright Young Sparks’ - as nominated by you!

So, what do they win? Each of our final six will win: £250 to go towards tools or classic kit. Two tickets to the PC Resto Show in March 2023 and a feature in the Lancaster newsletter and in PC. They will also be in with a chance of winning a 'Classic Car Industry Taster’ trip, including work experience with classic car mechanics, specialists and celebrities!

Our ‘Bright Young Sparks’ are all nominated by you! You can find out more about the initiative and how to nominate here.