"In 1953, when I was 22-years-old, I bought a 1938 Packard right-hand drive former staff car from the manager at Tallent Engineering in Newton Aycliffe. It was re-registered in 1950 and was serviced by Harold Taylors garage in Aycliffe.

One night at about 11.30pm, when the main road ran through Durham City centre, at the very narrow point, the offside rear brake drum snapped off from the hub. I ran down a steep gradient into Dunn’s hat shop doorway. There was no damage to the shop door.

The police sent for the fire brigade and a recovery truck – an ex Army one with a wind up crane on the back.

I kept the Packard in a locked garage until 1967 when I relocated to West Sherburn.

For the last six years I have driven a Peugeot 1.6 litre diesel Partner Teepee. I find it very economical."

  • If you have a photo of your first car and want to take part in the feature, email matt.westcott@nne.co.uk or call 01325-505064.