Mechanical Sympathy – Understanding Our Classics

Mechanical sympathy. It’s a phrase I find myself using rather regularly. Whether reminding myself when attempting to coax the old Volvo to behave or trying to persuade a particularly stubborn nut to break free, or as advice to others with respect to how they should treat their various cars and bikes, it’s something I carry with me at all times. But what exactly is it, and why should we as classic vehicle owners be mindful of such things?

Coined by the great Jackie Stewart who said: “You don’t have to be an engineer to be a racing driver, but you do have to have mechanical sympathy”, it’s a term that we all need to apply when driving or working on our beloved classics as a way to fully understand them in order to protect them from any hamfistedness, whether that be from reckless piloting or going full send with the tools.

It’s a sentiment that’s shared by another racing legend, too: Derek Bell. When talking to us at Le Mans before heading out in our Bentley for the Benjafield’s Racing Club centenary celebrations last year he said: “Don’t stress the car. If you’re stressing the car, you’re stressing you. The most important thing is not to overdrive it, the whole thing about it is driving smoothly”, and that perfectly encapsulates what we’re talking about here. Derek Bell and Jackie Stewart may have both been referring to racing at the time but the same applies to all aspects of motoring, especially when it comes to vehicles with a few more years under their respective cambelts.

Older cars and bikes, as we all know, can be way more temperamental and far less forgiving than modern fare, generally speaking. Modern vehicles are made from modern materials, subjected to modern testing methods and expected to last. From fully rust-protected bodies and better insulated electricals to the very latest engine tech and lubrication, new cars and bikes don’t need to be treated with kid gloves. That can’t be said of a lot of classic and vintage vehicles, as we’re sure you’ll agree as you’re knowingly recounting the various foibles of your very own elderly statesman currently sitting outside the window or tucked away in the garage…

Mechanical sympathy is understanding this capriciousness and applying it to how we treat our classics – adjusting the way we use them, how we drive them, how we fix them and maintain them. Driving a modern hatchback (pick any major manufacturer, it doesn’t matter) requires no real thought or understanding of how it’s put together. You get in, you drive it, you get to where you need to go. It’s pretty mindless for the most part and we take it for granted. Driving a classic, on the other hand, is an entirely different kettle of fish and one that demands a bit more application of the old brain power.

Obviously it varies depending on the age and type of classic in question but a deeper knowledge of, and indeed feel for the vehicle you’re in control of is required. Maybe the gears don’t all have synchromesh so you have to double de-clutch and rev-match to action smooth changes. Perhaps there’s no power steering so you have to think a little bit more about where and how to park. The engine may need more time to warm up on a cold winter’s morning so a certain mindfulness is required before giving it the full beans. Anyway, you get the idea, and one of the best ways to get better acquainted with your classic in order to successfully implement this mindset is by getting involved. And by that we mean breaking out the tools and having a go.

Knowing how your classic car or bike is put together not only deepens your understanding of the thing, as well as your empathy towards it, but also improves both your physical and emotional connection to it. Get to know which parts need to be replaced and where the fluids are leaking from. Find out which fixings are on their way out what its strengths and weaknesses are. Learn how the actuator on the turbo works and how the coolant system functions. Having a good look round and figuring this stuff out will do wonders for the relationship you have with your classic and will allow you to implement the correct amount of mechanical sympathy, allowing you to continue to enjoy it for years to come.

To paraphrase Jackie, you don’t have to be an engineer to be a classic car owner, but you do have to have mechanical sympathy, so maybe begin by having a browse of our How To series and perhaps have a go at changing the oil and filter. It’s an easy job and your car will thank you for it.

Patience is key but that’s not to say you shouldn’t give your pride and joy a bit of a thrashing every now and again – there’s definitely a time and a place for a good old Italian tune-up – but knowing when and how much to push it is valuable knowledge and that’s where mechanical sympathy comes in.

It doesn’t just apply to the automotive realm though. Mechanical sympathy can be applied to all aspects of life. Understanding how your body works, as well as its limitations, will produce better results in the gym for instance. A deeper knowledge of computer hardware will help you to write better code. The list goes on, so get out there and drive, fix, tinker, make mistakes and carry on, but do it all with a little mechanical sympathy. You’ll be glad you did.