Chris Rea, in the late 1960's sold his decrepit old Austin 1100 to Eric Clapton, who wanted it to use around London, as he wouldn't be bothered about it getting a few dings and knocks when used in the city, however it was such an unreliable rust bucket, that it was difficult to start, would stall at junctions, and had numerous knocking noises and rattles, one day after a long recording session the car just wouldn't start so Eric got a huge branch from a tree at the roadside and battered the poor car in a fit of rage, this was spotted by John Cleese, who later remembering the incident, put it in an episode of Fawlty Towers, not only that, but Eric wrote a song about his experience of running a British built car, it had the lyrics
Leyland, you've got me on my knees
Leyland, I'm begging, damn thing please
Leyland, damn thing won't you start
I tried to get you repaired
When your old man had let you go
Like a fool, I fell in love with you
Turned my whole world upside down
Luckily he was persuaded to change the lyrics and make out it was about him and Patti Boyd, and was a spectacular hit from his much loved album "Layla & Other Love Songs" so at least the £25 Chris got for the car was an inspiration for two popular 70's pieces of entertainment.
