A Beginner's Guide to Classic Cars with Lawrence Todd - 3rd May 2025
What will you learn?
The day is structured into 6 sections designed to improve your understanding, skills & practical experience of the following:
- Chassis
- Suspension
- Wheels, Steering & Brakes
- Engine
- Transmission & Drive Chain
- Electricals
It will be engaging & interactive day where you will be part of a small group. There will be hands-on practical activities throughout the day - it shouldn't be too greasy BUT if you would like to, you can bring any overalls or a spare pair of clothes for you to change into (changing rooms on site).
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is designed for complete beginers - people with little to ZERO knowledge of classic cars. I have worked with my sister (who knows very little about classic cars) to create this workshop so it is truly designed around a zero to beginner level of knowledge in mind.
It doesn’t matter if you do OR don’t know what ANY of the above words (chassis, suspension...etc) mean. This workshop will help you to:
- Gain a better understanding of classic car construction & components.
- Learn about the different variations you can find on classic cars.
- Understand the problems you might experience with these components.
- Learn how to provide basic maintenance on a classic car.
You will NOT be a "qualified mechanic" by the end of this day-long workshop but you will leave with more insight into the workings & condition of classic cars such that you feel more confident to complete basic maintenance yourself.
Why am I doing this?
-
Accessibility
The road to classic car ownership isn't easy but I want to make it easier. I wouldn't have known where to start without my dad teaching me what to look out for & how to carry out basic maintenance. I've gone on to learn a lot more but even with that initial knowledge, I have saved myself (& my friends) thousands of pounds in unnecessary garage fees - I want to help others do the same by sharing my knowledge.
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Community
There is an growing community of classic car enthusiasts (myself included) but there are times when in this digital age it feels like we're less connected than ever before.... I want to improve that connection by bringing people who share the same passions & interests, physically together in these small group workshops. I've grown an amazing online community with Trouble's social media but it's time to bring that community closer together!
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Mindset
There are so many ways that Trouble has helped me with my troubles... I am a huge believer that we need hobbies, especially those that give us a reason to connect with others in our lives. I hope that these workshops might act as a starting point for you to embrace this hobby - whether you just want to feel more informed about classic cars to build your confidence or feel better positioned to a purchase your own classic car.
Important Details
Date: 3rd May 2025
Location: Barnsgrove (White Ln, Basingstoke RG29 1GF)
Time: 10am - 5pm (option to stay for drinks afterwards)
Price: £150
Whats included?
- Lunch
- Tea & Coffee
- Printed Workshop Guide
- Changing rooms/toilet facilities
- FREE parking
Limited Spaces: This is a small group workshop with 15 participants.
Special Guests: You will spend the day in the company of a Series One Landrover & weather dependent there will be other Classic Car(s) to help you learn - they won't disappoint (did someone hear an e-type)?!
Terms: Please note tickets are NOT refundable but you can transfer your ticket to another person OR a future workshop date (subject to availability). Please contact me hello@thestoryoftrouble.co.uk if you have any questions.
A little bit about me.
My love for classic cars started early—I grew up watching my dad work on them, fascinated by the way he could bring old machines back to life. That passion led me to start tinkering with my own car, which quickly turned into a "perfection" obsession.
I went on to study Mechanical Engineering at Exeter University which led me to eventually designing some of the world’s most iconic gearboxes BUT despite working at the cutting edge of automotive engineering, I had a desire to work for myself.
A proverbial rollercoster later - trying to work for myself on tech platforms and some other businesses - I stumbled across my lost passion...cars, specifically restoring them.
There was one car in particular which stole my attention - A project car I that had bought with my sister 5 years earlier that had sat silent in the garage ever since picking her up. She was a car so far gone a leading expert said she would never see the road again. I was determined to prove otherwise & Trouble's journey began....
I've documented & shared this journey on social media (@thestoryoftrouble) accidentally becoming a "classic car influencer" in the process. My classic car has helped me in more ways than one and now I want to help others the same way!