When Harry Met Peggy
The Perils of Restoring a Classic Austin 1100
Published on 7. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
978-1-83705-053-6 (ISBN)
Description
'Told with charm and humour. Anyone who has ever fought with a project in a shed will recognise this tale of wonder and woe!' - Danny Hopkins, editor of Practical Classics magazine
Harry's life had been stuck in neutral until he discovered Peggy lying in a field. It then promptly went into reverse. Is Peggy the romantic interest of this story or two tons of automotive scrap metal?
Harry's subsequent restoration project takes us on a journey through a life that has more bumps than the A12 and a cast of eccentric characters who are caught up in the joy of attempting the impossible, just for the sheer love of it.
This is the story of one man's attempt to restore an Austin 1100. Along the way it also becomes the story of one man's attempt to restore himself; and as anyone who's ever tried their hand at restoration knows, you can't rebuild something without taking it apart first.
When Harry Met Peggy is for anyone who wants to follow their dream but has forgotten to take out breakdown insurance for it.
Harry's life had been stuck in neutral until he discovered Peggy lying in a field. It then promptly went into reverse. Is Peggy the romantic interest of this story or two tons of automotive scrap metal?
Harry's subsequent restoration project takes us on a journey through a life that has more bumps than the A12 and a cast of eccentric characters who are caught up in the joy of attempting the impossible, just for the sheer love of it.
This is the story of one man's attempt to restore an Austin 1100. Along the way it also becomes the story of one man's attempt to restore himself; and as anyone who's ever tried their hand at restoration knows, you can't rebuild something without taking it apart first.
When Harry Met Peggy is for anyone who wants to follow their dream but has forgotten to take out breakdown insurance for it.
Reviews / Votes
'Told with charm and humour. Anyone who has ever fought with a project in a shed will recognise this tale of wonder and woe!' -- Danny Hopkins, editor of <i>Practical Classics</i> magazineMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Stroud
United Kingdom
Illustrations
24 Line drawings, black and white; 14 Illustrations, color; 18 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 215 mm
Width: 139 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
238 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83705-053-6 (9781837050536)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
05/2026
The History Press Ltd
€13.99
Available for download
Person
HARRY TAYLOR has been a regular and popular contributor to a classic car magazine for some years. He's also a song writer and musician, who plays in the band 'Last Man Standing' (recently featured on Deal Radio in Kent). While working as a social housing project manager, he's spent a lifetime maintaining classic cars for himself and friends. This was his first full restoration project and he's lived the entire story from discovery to completion, as much as such a restoration can ever be fully completed.