Classic Car Rally: Grant Openshaw Mk 1 Consul Cortina

“It’s the ultimate Cortina.”

That’s how Grant Openshaw described his car at the Beverley Classic Car Rally last week.

Grant, 69, from Thorngumbald, has owned his Mk 1 Consul Cortina 1964 for 44 years, maintaining it and ensuring it is in tip-top condition.

Like everyone at the Rally, Grant was only too pleased to show anyone who expressed an interest around his pride and joy and explain how he had rebuilt it panel by panel and bit by bit to get it to the standard it is in today.

But behind his love affair with his car there lies a slightly sad tale, and one which puts owning a classic car into a bit of perspective.

Grant told HU17.net: “My wife Pauline used to say to me I would sell her before I sold the car.

“But she passed away, and now I would sell it immediately just to get her back.”