The specialist: Classic Assessments

By Ryan Standen

| 23 Dec 2023

Classic & Sports Car – The specialist: Classic Assessments

“Hear that ticking? That is the tappet on the third cylinder,” says Brian Page, poring over the engine bay.

“It needs adjusting. And it’s got a modified camshaft.”

Brian is at Silverstone circuit to inspect a 1957 Triumph TR3A for a potential buyer before it crosses the block with Iconic Auctioneers.

His company, Classic Assessments, is a one-man band that in 2023 marks 30 years in business.

Brian discovers this Triumph TR3A has a reconditioned steering rack (left); feeling for old repairs

In that time Brian has probed around 5500 different vehicles, including more than 600 Jaguar E-types, 400 MGBs and 300 Triumph TR6s.

He travels the UK and further afield to inspect classic cars for clients, and each time he scours the exterior and interior to provide a detailed report on the vehicle’s condition.

“I’m not a mechanic,” he says. “I’m an assessor. There’s a difference.”

The seller has rebuilt a number of classic cars, but doesn’t like driving them

“When I look at an engine, I see an exploded diagram and can isolate each part,” continues Brian. “I’ve always had that ability, but across 30 years it has been refined.”

“Generally, if I’m inspecting a vehicle, I like to be able to use a lift. If not, I normally bring jacks and axle stands.

“I didn’t do that today because I know that TR3As are particularly low so it’s hard to get a jack underneath them. That’s why we crawled about on the floor.”

Brian’s handwritten notes are turned into a detailed report for the customer

A typical inspection will last between two and three hours, during which time Brian will minutely scrutinise the subject car’s body panels, paintwork, interior, engine, brakes, suspension, chassis, paperwork and more.

“I look to see if the car has been painted or rustproofed, then I try to see through that,” he explains.

“When I’m satisfied that the vehicle is safe, I’ll take it for a test drive.

“It’s not about zooming off down the road at 90mph; it’s about driving it on a mixture of road surfaces and performing slow manoeuvres.”

Lifting the bonnet reveals this Triumph TR3A was originally left-hand drive – the clues are on the bulkhead and the chassis number

Brian has looked at some ropey classic cars in his time, but admits that this restored Triumph is a fairly straightforward job.

“It’s better than some professional restorations I’ve seen,” he says.

“The paintwork is lovely. It could do with a bit more polish, but the standard of the finish is really excellent.

“It goes far better than the original car – and it stops far better, too.”

Simple jobs include checking the Triumph’s fluids and carbs (above), and listening to the engine idling

Brian was a founding member of Southend and District Classic Car Club and South Eastern Vintage & Classic Vehicle Club.

After leaving the RAF, and following a stint as a transport manager, he picked up the odd inspection job from friends and colleagues.

As word spread, business grew and Brian completed a BTEC in automotive engineering and started Classic Assessments in 1993.

Feeling for ‘mayonnaise’ under the oil-filler cap

“I could work for an auction house, but I like my independence. I can be honest with people,” he says.

“Sometimes I find myself in a field looking at an old bus that’s up to its axles in mud and think, ‘What am I doing?’,” confesses Brian.

“This year I valued my first tank, a Chieftain from the late 1960s. I’d never looked at one before, but what I don’t know I’ll find out.”

Brian spots the uprated Koni dampers on this Triumph TR3A

“For me, it’s all about eyes, ears, touch and sometimes even smell,” he continues.

“For example, on a Rover P5B you can sniff the fluid in the torque converter. When it overheats, it smells like a cat’s pee.”

After three decades in the trade, Brian has some tips for classic car buyers.

“Don’t set your heart on a Ferrari if you’ve only got MG money,” he says. “You’re better off buying a good MG than a tacky old Ferrari.”

A car park is Brian’s preferred option for a test drive; he checks the brakes with an emergency stop

“Then, do your homework,” he adds. “Check out how much it’s going to cost to run, and whether parts are available. Is it easy to work on, or do you need a specialist to repair it?

“Good club support is also invaluable, especially if it is your first classic car.

“The other key thing is to know your limitations; if you don’t know how to do something, find someone who does. Preferably someone like me, obviously!”

Images: John Bradshaw