From classic cars to European road trips, Andrew Mindenhall shares the motoring memories and machines behind his lifelong passion.
Andrew Mindenhall’s lifelong fascination with cars goes far beyond horsepower and performance. The 56-year-old has been captivated by automotive design since childhood, with a love for everything from quirky 1920s cycle cars to modern-day machines.
His passion extends beyond motoring too. Andrew also has a keen interest in architecture, interiors, gardens and property, with an eye for exceptional design in all its forms.
Andrew shares the stories behind his eclectic car collection, memorable road trips and what continues to fuel his enthusiasm for cars.
Childhood car crush?
Anything with four wheels. If it had to be one car it would be the Jaguar E-Type, which I always loved and why I have one now.
What’s in the garage now?
An eclectic collection…
1930 Austin Seven Hartwell racing car
1931 Austin Seven trials car
1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 roadster
2022 Jaguar F-Type convertible
2004 Land Rover Defender 110
2015 Land Rover Defender 90 soft top
2015 Range Rover Vogue
2007 Aston Martin Vantage
2018 Mercedes X-Class (for transporting the dogs)
1970 Massey Ferguson tractor
2022 Mutt motorcycle
I’m also currently building a ‘1920s’ car which has a Rolls-Royce chassis, a Meteor 27-litre V12 tank engine and a period Bentley body.
The older I get, the more I love older cars.
If you could own any car?
There are two cars I’d currently love to own: an original 1920s Bentley Blower and a 1960s Lamborghini Miura.
Tracks of your tyres?
Depends on the journey and the car. Sometimes, in the older cars, no music at all… roof down, connected to the outside and the sound of the engine.
When I have music on it tends to be a combination of classical and more contemporary. At the moment it’s everything from Puccini to Gerry Rafferty to Paul Weller.
What has been your favourite road trip in your motor?
Always the most recent trip!
I’ve just returned from an amazing 2,600-mile round trip from North Yorkshire to Monaco in the Jaguar E-Type to watch the Historic Grand Prix. Along the way, we took in some great roads including the Route Napoléon.
What made it great is that we were eight friends and family in four old Jaguars.
Dream road trip?
I’m currently planning the next European road trip, which will include Austria, Switzerland and Italy.
The absolute dream trip would be doing the Peking to Paris in that 1920s Bentley.
Memorable car moments?
There have been plenty. From the fun of the recent two-week road trip to Monaco and back to hill climbing in the 1930 Austin Hartwell.
Another highlight was the Goodwood Revival track day my cousin and partner hosted to celebrate their 60th birthdays last year.
What’s in the glove box?
The absolute minimum. The manual that came with the car!
How clean is your car?
Very. Inside and out.
