The HCVA podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.