James is not a mechanic by trade, but through buying various naff cars has picked things up by dabbling. James works in the IT industry, but has fairly good problem solving skills and the patience of a saint – perfect when working with old, rusty, cheap cars. James got heavily involved in diesel engines, and diesel tuning when he got bitten by the bug with his first car, a fiesta TDCi. It was from there he started the Turbo Diesel Owners Club (www.TDOCUK.com) and the rest, they say, is history. James is currently working on building a track prepared Peugeot 306 1.9 Diesel Turbo track car... watch this space.

The Peugeot 306 started life as a relatively high spec “Dturbo” model, running the 1.9 litre indirect injection XUD turbo engine making 92hp. Looking at its history, it spent many years being a reliable run around for someone before being bought by a boy racer and modified, horrifically – with lexus lights and straight through exhaust. As well as this, when James bought the car it came complete with plenty of go faster bits strapped to it.... and more speakers than a concert arena. Much of this was quickly sold off, interior stripped and lightening work carried out. With the money regained from selling half of Halfords, it also received some trick suspension and full track preparation. The totally bone stock engine received a big turbo, big fuel pump, ported and polished head and currently makes a healthy 182hp and 280lb/ft of torque. James is convinced this engine won’t last long, so is in the midst of building a low compression, bulletproof lump so he can use it on track in anger.