Meet Allen Patch – Member of The UK Cougar Club
03 March 2025
- What was your first experience with classic cars?
When I was younger, I’d often go to car rallies with my dad and got hooked then. I was into the XR Fords, in particular Sierra’s and heavily involved XR Owners Club in recent years.
- What inspired you to become a classic car owner?
The appreciation they get and the communities/clubs that support them. They really are a hive of information.
- Tell us about your classic car?
My current is a Ford Cougar2. It’s a facelift version of the 1998 Cougar, released in late 2000. I’d had one as a daily for 3.5 years in 2010 and enjoyed it so much, I instantly regretted selling it. When it was time to hand back the XR4i I was using, I went with a friend to buy one and got hooked again. I looked around and this car, which I’d known about for a while, became available. Because it’s a unique model (a non-UK market colour) combination, I fancied it. I couldn’t be doing with the parts prices of Sierra’s (RS and XR), so this was the choice. They’re a nice all-round car and don’t cost the earth to run or repair. My favourite feature is either the colour or the wheel – they really make the car.
- Do you have any other cars in your collection?
Just my daily, a late Jaguar X-Type estate auto, my wife’s trusty Fiesta Ghia TDCI (cheap running costs). I was lucky enough to use a friends Sierra XR4i for a few years until 2023 which was nostalgic.
- Was your car restored when you bought it, or did you do the restoration yourself?
Previous restoration work had been carried out, but it wasn’t great. The main restoration work recently was completed by SM Classics of Doncaster, who are very well known. Other than that, it’s mainly replacing with New Old Stock parts via eBay, the car club or Rock Auto in the USA.
- Are there any modifications or upgrades you’ve made to your classic car?
The only modification I’ve done is fit Ford Mondeo ST200 wheels, but refurbished in the finish of the cancelled Cougar ST200 (anthracite with polished faces).
7.How often do you drive your classic car?
At the moment, not often, but weekly when I can (father to 8-month-old twins).
- What’s it like driving your classic car compared to modern vehicles? It’s a compromise.
I feel more connected to the road than with a more modern sports car/coupe.
- What’s your most memorable road trip or event?
In this car, just Goodwood last year with the family, but previously in my last Cougar I did South of France/Nice/Monaco and back – that was great.
- Do you know the history of your car? Any notable stories?
Yes, I knew of the car from before I bought it (via the UK Cougar Club) and have traced back to the first owner, so that’s handy. It’s an odd build but in short it was a cancelled Australian market order, and by the time it arrived at Cologne, they didn’t know what to do with it, so it sat stored and unused until late summer 2002. It came into the club in 2016 and passed through several hands there before it came to me.
- Are you a part of a classic car club?
Yes, the forum-based UK Cougar Club. They’re not on social media, just the good old forums where’s there’s a wealth of historical info there too.
- What are events do you like to attend with your classic car?
Classic Ford Show is a must. Goodwood when possible. I’d like to do more but I work shifts so it’s not always possible
- Do you plan on adding any more cars to your collection or new restoration projects?
I wish I could say yes, but the Jaguar will have to be replaced next – although I quite like the late facelift ones a lot so I could simply replace it with another lower mileage example! They tick the box for my needs as a family man. If they were good enough for HM Queen Elizabeth II, then they’ll do for me (she had at least 3).
- What are your future plans with your classic car?
It’s going in for some Dinitrol underside treatment soon and then get a few niggles done like replacing a leaking air con compressor and fitting an original accessories option rear parking sensor kit.