By far the most interesting car I have ever owned is a Lomax, from early 2002 to early 2003. I'll try to explain a few of its attractions to me, and why I can imagine owning another (eventually!).

Have a look at the photos. Three wheels, no roof, no windscreens (front, side or back), 600cc air cooled engine, tiny steering wheel, limited boot space and only two seats. But the fact is, as often than not two seats is one too many. Goggles or sunglasses make thoroughly effective windscreens. A waterproof coat allows only limited dribbles of cold water down the neck. Three wheels still allow a car to stay upright with no effort at all. A 600cc engine allows speeds right up to the legal limit (but not beyond on motorways).

The Lomax was cheap to buy and run. Fifty miles per gallon. Half price road tax. No depreciation. Minuscule servicing costs. It was effective at getting me around. It was totally non threatening – road rage is tricky when you drive with a grin and everyone seeing you grins back. Traffic jams became social occasions, with everyone else winding down windows and commenting whatever the weather. The feel of wind in the face, and really appreciating speed. Even (perhaps especially) the joy of discomfort when driving (with goggles and Balaclava) through rain, snow and hail. I appreciated the Lomax more than any other car I’ve used, but it had to go. A sad day, but I had my reasons.

Firstly, it was an old car. Built a decade ago around the chassis and engine of a much older Citroen 2CV, rebuilt just a few years ago. My main use was tootling to and from work, nineteen miles thrashing along the A66 with my foot on the floor, and I simply felt that year round use of such an old car that had to go every morning was a little risky. It needed regular if untaxing maintenance unlike a modern car (such as a few grease gun squirts every six hundred miles), and every now and again silly problems occurred with electrics and engine. It never let me down, it was fun and effective transport, but I feared I was abusing the service it was giving.

I may well keep looking at 2CV based three wheelers, but next time I’ll look for something newer and better built, or build one myself. I have no regrets about my year of ownership, though, and trust it’ll continue to perform for its new owner and I’ll see it driving around Newbiggin for years to come.