Some car parts you just can't replace

IF you or I lost a car component, we'd simply pop down to Partco or Halfords and order another. But what if your car's more than 70 years old and one of just a few left in the world?

That's the conumdrum one classic car owner in West Lancashire is facing, and he's called for help in finding a petrol tank cap - because it's unlikely he'll ever come across another one like it.

Geoff Murray said that his 1936 Hillman Hawk is one of only seven known to exist worldwide and he lost its petrol cap after pulling in for fuel in Lathom.

Geoff, of Brooklands Grove, Lathom, said:

“With modern cars, the filler cap's usually fixed to the car so you can't leave it by mistake, but with older cars you often have to take them off to fill up. I left it by the petrol pump and drove off.”

“I went back and it wasn't there, so someone may have just picked it up. It's useless to anyone else but for me me it's virtually impossible to replace.”

Mr Murray's Hillman was one of just 300 made by the British company in 1936, and his Open Tourer version is the only one known to exist. He bought the car in August last year and finished off a restoration which its previous owner had begun more than 20 years earlier.

The cap was left at the BP petrol station, on Briars Lane in Lathom, shortly after the car had passed its MOT on Friday, April 1.

The car was still a star attraction at the Riverside Steam Rally, held in Holmeswood last weekend, where many West Lancashire residents visiting the show saw the 75-year-old car.

The classic chrome cap has been replaced with a plastic one, hopefully as a temporary measure. He is appealing for anyone who may have picked up the original cap to get in touch via The Champion.

Let us know by calling 01704 392400 or by sending an email to david.simister@champnews.com