The HCVA podcast

Heritage Matters #19 - James Elliott (Octane) 12.06.2026 1h 29m

In this episode we chat to James Elliott, Editor in Chief of Octane Magazine. James discusses his journey into the world of automotive journalism, his reasons for supporting the HCVA, his interesting personal car history and much more. He also has some fantastic answers to our usual budget car questions. Thanks to The Surprise Chelsea for kindly hosting us for the recording. As always this episode was hosted by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely.

Heritage Matters #18 - Graham Payne - British Motor Heritage 13.05.2026 55m

In this episode we chat with Graham Payne, Managing Director of British Motor Heritage.We find out more about Graham's career across the automotive parts supply industry from an early age and hear the fascinating story of how BMH saved genuine manufacturer tooling from scrappage and still use it to this day. At the end Paddy gets to meet some of Graham's current apprentices, Kieron and Matt. We hear about their journey through the Heritage Skills Academy and how they are getting on in their roles at BMH.As always this episode was hosted by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely.

Heritage Matters #17 - Michael Quinn 30.03.2026 1h 15m

In this episode, we sit down with Jaguar specialist and racer Michael Quinn. Michael is a man with Jaguar quite literally in his blood as the grandson of the marque’s founder, Sir William Lyons.He began his career at the renowned RA Creamer in Kensington, a main dealer and service centre famed for supplying and maintaining Jaguars for the Royal Family. Joining straight from college, he spent 30 years with the company, rising from mechanic to Managing Director. Following its closure in 2016, Michael went on to establish his own specialist business, Quinn Lyons Ltd.We chat about his fascinating career, early memories with his grandfather and much more. As always this episode was hosted by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely.

Heritage Matters #16 - William Heynes 13.02.2026 1h 22m

In this episode, we delve into the world of Jaguar with William Heynes, founder of William Heynes Ltd, a specialist in the restoration and maintenance of the earliest and most original Jaguar E-Type models.Jaguar heritage runs deep in William’s story. He is the grandson of Bill Heynes, Jaguar’s legendary Chief Engineer and Technical Director, who developed the iconic XK engine, encouraged Sir William Lyons to take the marque to Le Mans, and played a pivotal role in shaping some of the most important models in Jaguar’s history.William reflects on the formative experiences that shaped his career, including his apprenticeship with fellow HCVA trade member RS Panels, and how those early years laid the groundwork for his approach to authenticity and craftsmanship.We also discuss the realities of building a specialist restoration business from the ground up, transforming a bare industrial unit and a team of two into a thriving company.Towards the end we also speak to Joe, William’s apprentice, who shares his own journey into the trade and offers insight into the next generation of classic car craftsmanship.As always, the episode is hosted by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely.

Heritage Matters #15 - John Mayhead 08.01.2026 1h 24m

For the first podcast of 2026 we speak to John Mayhead of Hagerty. John is a motoring writer and all round classic car value expert, he edits the Hagerty price guide which tracks the market value of thousands of classic cars. We hear his thoughts on current market trends, his views for the future of the industry, his recent car adventures and much more. We also discuss his latest book 'Goldie' which follows the fascinating story of Alfred Goldie Gardner, the most prolific speed-record driver ever. As always this episode is presented by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely.

Heritage Matters #14 - Concours of Elegance Special 13.12.2025 28m

For this special episode, Paddy ventures out of the studio to the prestigious Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace to chat to some familiar faces including entrants, exhibitors and organisers. Guests include Ben Swann, Georgina Wood, Guy Loveridge, Mark Gordon, Michael Ballard and Vanessa & Flavien Marçais.This episode is presented by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely and the National Motor Museum.

Heritage Matters #13 - Dean Allsop (Clayton Classics) 13.11.2025 1h 3m

In this episode we speak to Dean Allsop, Director at Clayton Classics. We chat about the interesting history of the Clayton business and name, how they find the right staff and work with apprentices, removing barriers to the use of classic cars and much more. We also hear about Dean's personal car history and his answers to the usual fun dream car budget questions. As always this episode is hosted by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely.

Heritage Matters #12 - Guy Loveridge 24.10.2025 1h 9m

In this episode we speak to the wonderful Guy Loveridge. Guy keeps himself extremely busy across all areas of the historic vehicle industry as a motoring author, broadcaster, actor, commentator, historian, racing driver and more! He has also recently joined the National Motor Museum as their Heritage Consultant.We chat about his amazing introduction to the world of classic cars, his time in the RAF and his entry to the fascinating world of motoring writing.As always this episode is hosted by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely.

Heritage Matters #11 - Julian Barratt 19.09.2025 57m

In this episode we talk to Julian Barratt, CEO of SNG Group. We welcome Julian re-joining the HCVA Board after a period focusing on his business integration.We have a great chat about the story behind SNG Group, what Julian's day to day routine looks like, his car history and more! This episode is presented by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely.To find out more about the HCVA or to become a member see the link below:https://www.hcva.co.uk/3/join-the-hcva

Heritage Matters #10 - Mike Brewer 20.04.2025 1h 35m

Episode 10 is our Easter special so we've lined up none other than Mike Brewer to sit down and chat to us. Mike tells the fascinating story of how he started out in car sales and how this led to him hitting the big screens. We also cover some of his exciting current and upcoming projects as well as hearing his great answers to the budget car questions!This episode is presented by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely. To find out more about the HCVA or become a member see the website below:https://www.hcva.co.uk/3/join-the-hcva

Heritage Matters #9 - Mission Motorsport 11.04.2025 1h 15m

In this episode we're talking to James Cameron, founder of Mission Motorsport. Mission Motorsport is a fantastic charity that seeks to help those affected by military operations by involvement in motorsport and new career opportunities in the automotive industry. We chat to James about his background, his reasons for starting the charity and hear some of the incredible things that they get up to. We also get the chance to talk to Andy Fisher, about his experience with Mission Motorsport. Andy spent 22 years serving the British Army and now works as a classic vehicle upholsterer.As always this episode is presented by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely. If you'd like to become an HCVA member or simply find out more information please see our website below:https://www.hcva.co.uk/3/join-the-hcva

Heritage Matters #8 - Gregg May (Autohistoric) 28.03.2025 41m

In this episode we speak to Gregg May of Autohistoric. Gregg is one of the HCVA's earliest supporters, he has had a diverse career in the historic vehicle industry and now runs his own business with a focus on veteran and vintage vehicles. We chat about how is passion for classic cars started, how Autohistoric came about and delve into what is currently making up his personal garage. As always this episode is presented by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely.

Heritage Matters #7 - Georgina Wood 07.03.2025 57m

For our 7th podcast episode we speak with the fantastic Georgina Wood of P&A Wood, a well established Rolls Royce and Bentley specialist. We recorded it at their jaw dropping Essex facility and were truly blown away by the team and their attention to detail. We chat with Georgina about all things Rolls Royce and Bentley with a focus on women in the sector and the importance of apprenticeships, with a hearty contribution from one of their recently qualified apprentices, Max. As always this episode is presented by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely.

Heritage Matters #6 - Richard Hammond 23.12.2024 52m

In this episode we're excited to welcome Richard Hammond as a special guest! We talk about how he started his presenting career, the story of his Top Gear interview and advice for young people starting out in the industry. Bringing it back to modern day we also discuss his experiences now running a restoration business (The Smallest Cog) and hear about why he is so positive for the future of the classic vehicle industry. The Heritage Matters Podcast is hosted by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely and brought to you by the HCVA, a not for profit organisation dedicated to preserving the future of historic vehicles and the vast industries supporting them. Whether you are working in the industry or simply an enthusiast, you can sign up for a tailored membership plan here to play your part in the future of historic vehicles.

Heritage Matters #5 - The Heritage Skills Academy 13.12.2024 59m

In this episode we chat with the Heritage Skills Academy, one of our fantastic affiliate members. In the first section we speak to founders John and Janice Pitchforth about the importance of passing skills to the next generation. We then speak to three of their amazing apprentices to hear first hand how the Heritage Skills Academy is helping them enter and establish themselves in the classic vehicle industry! The Hereitage Matters Podcast is hosted by Paddy Coppinger in comnjuction with TORQUEfreely and brought to you by the HCVA, a not for profit organisation focused on preserving the future of historic vehicles and the vast industries supporting them. Whether you are working in the industry or simply an enthusiast, you can sign up for a tailored membership plan here to play your part in the future of historic vehicles.

Heritage Matters #4 part 2 - Richard West 25.10.2024 54m

In part two of our chat with Richard West we bring the conversation back to modern day. We discuss his current work with the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, his views on current industry affairs and hear some of the most creative answers to our budget car questions! If you have not yet listened to part one then we'd suggest you listen to this first, Richard goes into detail about his fascinating motorsport career.

Heritage Matters #4 - Richard West 11.10.2024 43m

In this episode we chat to Richard West, Richard has had an extremely interesting motorsport career and now heads up the events committee of the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club. Richard is full of fascinating stories, in this episode we focus on his motorsport days covering the World Rally Championship, Formula One and World Sportscar Championship throughout the 80s and 90s. He has been lucky enough to work with some of the greatest drivers of all time including Lauda, Prost, Senna and Schumacher.

Heritage Matters #3 - Harry Whale 28.06.2024 1h

We chat with Harry Whale of Iconic Auctioneers and Motorsport Showroom about all things classic cars, historic motorsport and auctions, including what it was like to sell Princess Diana's world record Ford Escort!

Heritage Matters #2 - StarterMotor 26.04.2024 47m

For the second podcast episode we talk to StarterMotor about all things young people! For any of you that aren’t already familiar with them, StarterMotor is an excellent charity dedicated to putting young people behind the wheel of classic cars. We chat to Chief Executive Dave Withers about the reasons behind the creation of the charity and why they play such an important role for the future of the industry. We also speak to James Mabley, one of the original StarterMotor Ambassadors, to find out about some of the incredible experiences that he has taken part in with the charity. The Heritage Matters podcast is hosted by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely and brought to you by the HCVA, a not for profit organisation focused on preserving the future of historic vehicles and the vast industries supporting them. Whether you are working in the industry or simply an enthusiast, you can sign up for a tailored membership plan here to play your part in the future of historic vehicles.

Heritage Matters #1 - Guy Lachlan 28.03.2024 1h 2m

For the first episode we have a sit down with our Executive Director Guy Lachlan. We cover a range of interesting topics including his vast knowledge on sustainable fuels, his unique first car and his experience racing a 1914 Hall Scott Fafnir (10L aero engine) at Goodwood in his first ever competitive car race! The Heritage Matters podcast is hosted by Paddy Coppinger in conjunction with TORQUEfreely and brought to you by the HCVA, a not for profit organisation focused on preserving the future of historic vehicles and the vast industries supporting them. We currently operate in four key areas: - Environment and sustainability - Education and skills - Regulation and policy - Community Whether you are working in the industry or simply an enthusiast, you can sign up for a tailored membership plan here to play your part in the future of this important industry.