Frank Sharp, BVAC Member

How long have you been involved with the BVAC and what is your role within the organisation?

About 15 years a member. Previously a Committee member and responsible for Club entries to the Thirlestane Show.

When did your love of cars originate and why?   

At Boarding School. Even at the age of 10 years I used to get delivered to the school copies of Autocar and The Eagle. I would find my letters to the Editor published quite often but they never realised that I was under 15 years old! I even had a Vauxhall VX4/90 brought to the school by a salesman in Reading thinking that I was a potential customer.

What was the first car that you ever owned?

A Jowett Javelin

What is the favourite car that you have ever owned and why?

A company car Ford Capri 2.8. Apart from the fact that it went like the wind, it seemed to be car in the 1980’s that everyone else fancied. In short – a great ego trip.

What is the best road trip that you have ever taken and why?

Driving from Calais to St Tropez in the 1970’s.  The roads were a dream to drive on with almost no traffic and great places to stay on the way.

What vintage car or classic car do you currently own?

1966 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8.  The “Big Healey”

Originally a car exported to Texas, USA, the Healey was brought back to the UK, completely rebuilt and converted to RH drive. I have owned the car since 2006 since when it has participated in many BVAC events and has won many first prizes at shows across Scotland.

1965 Jaguar Mark II 3.8 Litre

Originally exported to South Africa as a CKD (Complete Knock Down) to avoid punitive import taxes, the car spent much of its life in the Johannesburg area. Exported to Cyprus in the late 1990’s and then repatriated to the UK. Much of the provenance of the car is known including details of its first owner who recalled “in 1966 I remember driving the car at over 100 mph with no problems between Cape Town and Vryheid” – a journey of between 13 and 14 hours! The car has been completely rebuilt including, in 2018, the engine and gearbox.

What modern car do you currently drive?  

Jaguar XJR Portfolio 2007

One of only 100 cars of this specification released by Jaguar for sale into Europe, this is a rare and unusual sports saloon. With a 400 bhp, V8, supercharged 4.2 litre engine, the performance is quite exciting!

Have you ever owned a Mini and if so what Mk and year was it?   

A good friend of mine got a new one for his 17th birthday in 1963 and I couldn’t believe how well it held the road compared to anything then available. I subsequently owned a Mini pickup in the late 1960’s.

Do you have a secret or surprising skill and what is it?   

Not that I would admit to because then it wouldn’t be a secret.

What car would you love to own or drive?  

Probably a 1930 Blower Bentley 4.5 litre.

Italian Job or Bourne Identity – which do you like the best?   

Bourne Identity because it’s a better film.