By now I should have had the high-tech fix for this aversion to rain fitted by local dealer, W Grose, who recently carried out the 10,000-mile service. A simple blanking plate that fits under half of the driver's side engine cover grille and stops rainwater from playing havoc with the electrics is winging its way to the Northampton dealer as I write. Hopefully it'll be the end of the Vauxhall's annoying coughing and spluttering.

The last month or so has been a scary insight into the world of classic car ownership and I've had enough of thinking it's likely to stop every time the heavens open. Bloody hell it's quick though...