[john.wigley]

I don't understand why 7 series cars are in the Doldrums at present but applaud both 'Prufrock''s and 'Laid Scooby''s efforts in reviving interest in the marque. I - for one - would happily support a 7 series gathering, just as I supported the 3 series one in my 745, when I was made to feel very welcome.

We have attended the 'National' or 'BKV' most years since the late '80s. We have always been asked on arrival if we were showing our car, but have always declined, as our cars are very much working vehicles.

Now, I am aware of 'Laird Scooby''s take on 'show' cars and accept that he has a point, but my 745 would have been an embarrassment! It lived outside, wasn't washed as often as it should have been, and functioned as a 'carry-all' as Volvo intended. A 'show' car it most assuredly was not!

We did join the 'line-up' as invited a year or two ago, but did not enter the 'BKV'. Perhaps ours was the lone 745 that '57RKL' recalls? Maybe as time goes on these fine cars will achieve the recognition that they clearly merit, although earlier series - notably 1s and 2s - definitely seemed to 'come of age' sooner. I think the only scruffy car that would not be out of place in the show ring for some strange reason is an Amazon Estate!

Hopefully, we too will be at Hatton again this year, this time in our V70 - which we will most definitely not be showing!

Regards, John.