A lunchtime ride in a Jaguar stylist\u2019s Corvette left Matt Oliver with an itch that he\u2019s been waiting to scratch for more than 30 years. Today, we facilitate a drive<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-byline” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Open Sans|600|||||||” text_font_size=”12px” text_line_height=”1.3em” text_orientation=”center” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Words RUSS SMITH<\/strong> All the readers who come along to our dream-drive dates clearly have at least a splash of petrol circulating through their system. However, today\u2019s lucky gent, Warwickshire-based Matt Oliver, is running a higher octane than most. He\u2019s spent his life in the motor industry, working in Body Development for the likes of Jaguar on the XJ-S and Land Rover on the MkI four-door and L322 Range Rovers. He was also engineering lead on Dyson\u2019s electric car project, canned because of concerns over its commercial viability.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Matt tells me, \u2018My grandfather, John R Oliver \u2013 who I sadly never knew \u2013 was Works Manager at Alvis in the Twenties. He drove Alvis\u2019s number two competition car at Brooklands a few times, including in a race where some upstart called Malcolm Campbell came third. I think he may have gone on to do other things.\u2019 <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Further proof of Matt\u2019s blood\/octane ratio is in what lives back home in his garage: a 1970 Dodge Challenger 440 muscle car. And it\u2019s another iconic piece of Americana he\u2019s here to try out today.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] I\u2019ve long been a sucker for remote-controlled garage doors. Probably because it reminds me of launch time in Thunderbirds, which I was obsessed with as a kid. We\u2019re at the home of Derek Hillman, who thumbs his plipper as we approach the double-width door of his garage, as it lifts theatrically to reveal today\u2019s toy \u2013 a 1971 Corvette, complete with T-top and 5.7-litre V8. Derek bought this rare Nevada Silver example two years ago, \u2018It was imported from a guy in Texas with the help of Jeff Shadbolt at Classic & American Rod Shop, which is based just up the road, near Brentwood. It was something to play with for my retirement. I\u2019ve wanted a chrome-bumper Corvette ever since I was a kid.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/01\/Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_11-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_1%911%93″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”12px” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] ‘The shape of the doors is so nice, whether you see them open or closed. I like their clever push-down latches too’<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Matt\u2019s own Corvette connection came a little later in life, and as with today\u2019s trip it can be blamed on a magazine. He says, \u2018The reason the Corvette is on my list goes back to the Eighties when I worked at Jaguar. Chief Stylist Geoff Lawson used to use our department as a shortcut to his office and one day spotted a muscle car magazine on my desk. I\u2019d got into muscle cars at a late Seventies Custom Car Show at the NEC. I have two memories of it \u2013 Sultans of Swing playing on the tannoy and a Plum Crazy 1970 Challenger called the Artful Dodger with white interior and purple top hats embroidered into seat backs. I\u2019d never seen such a low, wide and flat car before and that sent me to the bookshops.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-quote-bold” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” text_font_size=”20px” text_orientation=”center” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] \u2018Jaguar stylist Geoff Lawson took me for a spin in his. I was left shaken but I\u2019ve wanted to drive one ever since\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] \u2018Anyway, Lawson came over, had a chat, then offered to take me out for a blast in his Corvette one lunchtime. So that was who owned the one I\u2019d seen in the work car park. It was a red 1970 example with a 454ci big-block V8. A few of us once walked through the car park with Jaguar boss Sir John Egan and he remarked, \u201cLook at that bloody thing.\u201d He obviously didn\u2019t know it was Lawson\u2019s \u2013 they didn\u2019t have named parking spaces at that time.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/01\/Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_141-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_14%911%93″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”12px” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] Matt\u2019s downsizing for the day \u2013 the 5.7-litre Corvette V8 is 1.5 litres down on his Challenger<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] \u2018Anyway, Lawson did take me for that spin and it was the most frightening experience \u2013 I think he was showing off a bit. It certainly went. At one point he shouted, \u201cEgan would go nuts if he knew this was mine!\u201d I was left a little shaken, but not so much that it put me off. I\u2019ve wanted to drive one myself ever since.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Derek fires up the Corvette and brings it out into the daylight. Matt is already grinning widely at the sound of the V8 rumble. \u2018It\u2019s louder than I expected, is that a standard exhaust system?\u2019 Derek confirms that it is. Matt is still smiling. \u2018They made no attempt to downplay it at all. I don\u2019t think the big block version was any louder. I don\u2019t remember seeing them with twin rectangular exhaust tips like that before.\u2019 It turns out these were introduced for the 1971 model but only lasted until 1973.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] \u2018I love this car\u2019s colour combo \u2013 it knocks me out. One of the nicest I\u2019ve seen, especially that interior in cranberry \u2013 I think that\u2019s what you\u2019d call it.\u2019 GM actually just called it \u2018red\u2019 which, given the usual American trait for overselling things, feels like a missed opportunity. I prefer Matt\u2019s guess. He adds, \u2018I\u2019m not usually a fan of luggage racks, but that suits the car\u2019s shape too.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/01\/Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_211.jpg” title_text=”Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_21%911%93″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”12px” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] As a development engineer, Matt particularly appreciates the shape and style of the Corvette\u2019s seats<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] The time has come to put this car\u2019s rumble to some good use, for which the first step is to get Matt into the driver\u2019s seat. This proves to not be quite as easy as it might have been as the first owner didn\u2019t stump up the extra $84.30 for a tilt-and-telescopic steering column. In a world of growing waistlines, that looks like even more of a bargain price today. Derek\u2019s tip is to put your backside on the seat first, then swing your legs under the wheel, one at a time. \u2018That\u2019s how I get into my Challenger,\u2019 says Matt. But despite that practice it still proves quite a squeeze to access the \u2019Vette, even with the seat slid back as far as it will go. Matt holds his hands in a comfortable driving position \u2013 about four inches behind of where the wheel sits \u2013 and raises an eyebrow. I get his point.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Usually I would be sliding into the seat next to Matt to capture his impressions first-hand, but social distancing sensibilities mean he\u2019s flying solo today. He slips the shifter into Drive and heads off. <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] I catch up with him at our first pre-arranged stop. Matt isn\u2019t looking as excited as I\u2019d hoped at this point. \u2018First impressions are that it has a hard ride compared to my Challenger. It\u2019s noisier too, and that Dodge is not a quiet car. The wheel is too close to my chest \u2013 it does need that tilt-and-tele option. If I were to own one of these it would have to come with that.\u2019 It\u2019s not all negatives, though. \u2018The power steering has plenty of feel \u2013 not woolly like it can be. It\u2019s the really thin rim I don\u2019t like. It\u2019s painfully so, about half-an-inch thick, but that\u2019s how they were then. I\u2019ve fitted an aftermarket one to my Dodge. There\u2019s a great view out between the pronounced creases above the Vette\u2019s wheelarches though, I do love that.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/01\/Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_471.jpg” title_text=”Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_47%911%93″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”12px” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] Matt demonstrates where he thinks the wheel should be, and not in his lap<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] At first we\u2019d left the roof panels in place, under threatening skies and pessimistic BBC weather predictions. But after Matt\u2019s initial run we feel brave enough to remove them \u2013 and discover they take up most of the decent luggage space behind the seats. You access it from behind the seats too because there\u2019s no bootlid on these cars. Matt immediately looks happier. \u2018It\u2019s better with the roof off; it feels like it was meant to be an open car. There\u2019s noise and wind buffeting you, but in a good way. I feel less hemmed in too. I would like to have dropped the rear glass out as well, just to see what that felt like. There\u2019s no \u2018air scarf\u2019 hot air blowing out of these seats like on a modern convertible!\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-quote-bold” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” text_font_size=”20px” text_orientation=”center” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] \u2018It\u2019s better with the roof off; it feels like it was meant to be an open car\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Another run puts Matt in a more positive frame of mind. \u2018As my confidence grows and I\u2019m picking up speed the ride doesn\u2019t feel so firm. There\u2019s certainly plenty of go when you want it, and there are no quirks to make allowances for like you get with a lot of older cars. The brakes are decent too, with good feel and a nice weight to the pedal. They are better than those in my Challenger, but they ought to be because it\u2019s an all-disc set-up. I see the fuel gauge has already dropped noticeably, but I\u2019m more than used to that. The Corvette is definitely growing on me, but so far I still prefer my Challenger. I\u2019m trying not to keep mentioning that but it\u2019s hard not to make comparisons when they\u2019re both American and from the same era.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/01\/Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_411-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_41%911%93″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”12px” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] Unfortunately for Matt the first owner of this \u2019Vette didn\u2019t spec the tilt\/tele column. It became standard-fit in later years<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] \u2018I am impressed with the interior, but then I always have been with Chevrolets, which always seem that little bit above other American manufacturers. It\u2019s the style, and the seats are better than you find in most muscle cars. Also there\u2019s not a bit in the cabin that you look at and think, oh that\u2019s come out of a whatever. It all looks personal to the Corvette, tailor-made rather than borrowed. I also like that it has a proper handbrake rather than the usual American push-pedal emergency brake.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] We take a break and consider what it is that makes Corvettes so attractive in the first place. Matt is now getting his development engineer head on. \u2018I\u2019ve always loved the \u201cdogbone\u201d shape of these bodies, and the eggbox side vents are nice. They only used those for a couple of years. That\u2019s the sexiest windscreen too, with that tiny wraparound curve and taper to it. Cars of this era always look best without over-riders, and preferably with wafer thin chrome bumpers like this one wears. It\u2019s good the way that flows into the chrome number plate surround; I like that, and the silver on black plates suit it too. Better than the usual imitation American plates people fit. The Ferrari-style rear lights are a neat touch as well.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/01\/Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_681.jpg” title_text=”Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_68%911%93″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”12px” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] Our reader thinks this Corvette\u2019s rear-deck luggage rack adds to its visual appeal<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] \u2018It gets a 9.9 out of ten from me for style. The only bit I don\u2019t like about the styling is the egg-crate grilles under the bumper at the front. I bet if you laid them on a bench they\u2019d match the grille size of the wing \u2018vents\u2019 but those are nicely raked into a rhombus shape. At the front, being plain head-on, they look uninventive \u2013 especially considering some of the other svelte touches all round the car. Looks like they gave the front grilles little thought.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] A longer drive, taking in some wider bits of A-road, finally brings us back to base and close to the end of playtime. We\u2019re keen for a nose under the bonnet and lift the forward-hinged lid, which is heavier than you might imagine a glassfibre panel to be. Matt leans in and notes, \u2018The engine is smaller than I expected, but the air-conditioning compressor is enormous.\u2019 I have to agree that the large flat-black cylinder, belt-driven and dominating the passenger side bank of cylinders, does nothing for the underbonnet aesthetics. <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/01\/Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_61-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_6%911%93″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Then Matt spots something, or rather doesn\u2019t. \u2018Where are the wipers, under a panel?\u2019 Indeed. Owner Derek steps forward to demonstrate the Corvette\u2019s party piece. At the flick of a switch part of the panel below the windscreen pops forward and overlaps the section ahead of it, using the same vacuum system that raises the headlamps. Then the wipers are free to sweep glass. Matt is impressed. \u2018I almost want the car just for that, what a clever system.\u2019 I\u2019m thinking about Thunderbirds again.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Thanks for that, it was greatly appreciated. Despite what I said earlier the Corvette has grown on me the more I\u2019ve driven it. The suspension, which I was bothered about at first, seems to get softer the quicker the car goes. In fact everything about the Vette feels better and starts to make sense at speed.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/01\/Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_71-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_7%911%93″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-caption” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”12px” custom_margin=”-15px||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] Despite the \u2018Ferrari-style\u2019 taillights, the Corvette couldn\u2019t replace the Challenger in Matt\u2019s garage… but it could play sidekick<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] I know what you\u2019re going to ask and yes, I could see myself owning one of these, but only if I had the room and funds to make that happen. But I couldn\u2019t get rid of my Challenger to make way for it. However nice the Corvette is, it isn\u2019t quite that good.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-h4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_4_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”16px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] Engine:<\/strong> 5733cc V8, ohv, Rochester 4MV four-barrel carburettor Aston Martin V8 Vantage<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Be-spoilered late Seventies version with blocked grille and Cibie spots. Boyhood dream car, or at least it looked like it.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Range Rover CSK<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Limited edition black two-door with 3.9 V8. Never drove one while at JLR but always wanted to.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Jaguar E-type S3 Roadster<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018A chap down the road had one during my youth and it seemed incredible. Is it as good as it looks?\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Jensen Interceptor<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018The best of all worlds: Italian styling, British interior, American V8 engine.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] AC Cobra<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Again, is this car as good as it looks\u2026 or perhaps even better? I\u2019d love to find out.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Triumph Stag<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Loved the T-bar and cars with aftermarket burr walnut dash. I\u2019ve wanted to own one for ages.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Lotus Carlton<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Outrageous super-saloon that Jasper Carrott made fun of on stage. Little did we know he actually owned one.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Chevrolet Corvette C3<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Jaguar\u2019s Chief Stylist Geoff Lawson took me for a scary spin in his one lunchtime in the Eighties.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Jaguar XJ-S V12<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Drove a lot of them at work and it\u2019s the car that started it all for me. I want that low-flying aircraft feel one more time.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Ford Escort RS2000 Custom<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Still have brochure from the 1978 British Motor Show. Probably disappointing, but I\u2019d like to find out.\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-h4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_4_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”16px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”] Hot Euro metal makes way for Yank muscle<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/01\/Matt-Oliver001.jpg” title_text=”Matt Oliver001″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] FORD ESCORT MKII 1600 HARRIER<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Followed a MkI 1300 (my first car) and MkII 1600 Sport. I was edging ever closer to the Venetian Red RS2000 dream that I never quite reached. This was basically the 1600 Sport with RS seats, wheels and ducktail spoiler\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/01\/Matt-Oliver002.jpg” title_text=”Matt Oliver002″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI 1800 CAMPAIGN<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018New wave of German engineering made the RS2000 look old and tired. XR3i? No, I\u2019ll stick with Wolfsburg. One of the last thousand MkIs, I do wish I\u2019d hung onto it\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/01\/Matt-Oliver003.jpg” title_text=”Matt Oliver003″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GT 1800 SPECIAL<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018One of 100 promo cars by GTI Engineering at Silverstone to tempt GTI man into a saloon. With outrageously low-profile tyres and red badges, it worked on me!\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] FORD SIERRA XR4X4<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Tempted back to Ford by ABS, four-wheel drive and aircon \u2013 and the sweet V6 exhaust note. Probably the first car I\u2019d owned that I could honestly say was nice to drive\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/01\/Matt_Oliver_004_Challenger1.jpg” title_text=”Matt_Oliver_004_Challenger%911%93″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] DODGE CHALLENGER 440<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018A 1970 tribute car, restored in its original Sublime green. I imported it from Ohio in 2012 and have spent much time since with Jim\u2019s Autos of Kidderminster getting it to run right. Last job is to swap out the high-stall torque converter for something better-suited to UK A-roads. That change might even bump the single-figure mpg into two digits!\u2019<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u2018I\u2019ve always loved the dogbone shape\u2019A lunchtime ride in a Jaguar stylist\u2019s Corvette left Matt Oliver with an itch that he\u2019s been waiting to scratch for more than 30 years. Today, we facilitate a driveWords RUSS SMITHPhotography ROB COOPERAll the readers who come along to our dream-drive dates clearly have at least a splash of […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":1417,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1401","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature"],"acf":[],"modified_by":"kschwarz","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/classic-cars\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1401","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/classic-cars\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/classic-cars\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/classic-cars\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/classic-cars\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1401"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/classic-cars\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1401\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1699,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/classic-cars\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1401\/revisions\/1699"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/classic-cars\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1417"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/classic-cars\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1401"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/classic-cars\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1401"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/classic-cars\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1401"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Photography ROB COOPER<\/strong><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2026\/01\/Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_1_21-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Chevrolet_Corvette_Essex_2020_Rob_Cooper_COM_1_2%911%93″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”has-dropcap” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]1971 Chevrolet Corvette C3<\/em><\/h4>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Power and torque:<\/strong> (SAE net) 210bhp @ 4400rpm; 300lb ft @ 2800rpm
Transmission:<\/strong> Three-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Steering:<\/strong> Recirculating ball, power-assisted
Suspension:<\/strong> Front: independent by double wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar; Rear: independent by three trailing links, transverse leaf spring and telescopic dampers
Brakes:<\/strong> Discs front and rear, servo-assisted
Weight:<\/strong> 1490kg (3285lb)
Performance:<\/strong> 0-60mph: 7.5sec. Top speed: 124mph
Fuel consumption:<\/strong> 14mpg
Cost new:<\/strong> $5259 (\u00a31878)
Classic Cars<\/em> Price Guide:<\/strong> \u00a313,000-\u00a330,000<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-h4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_4_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”16px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]MATT\u2019S DREAM DRIVE LIST<\/h4>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
MATT OLIVER\u2019S MOTORING CV<\/h4>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]