News

A labour of love: The nine-year journey to restore a 1936 Daimler

Published

4 years ago

September 6, 2021

FOR most people, owning a classic car is about nostalgia—a connection to a bygone era of motoring excellence. But for owner Harvey Bruce Henricksen, the 1936 Daimler is more than just a vintage automobile. It is the culmination of a near-decade-long struggle, a painstaking restoration project that began with little more than a rusting shell and a dream.

A Passion for British Engineering

***Passion for old cars: Hotelier Bruce Henricksen***

British motoring history is steeped in craftsmanship, luxury, and innovation. From the earliest models of Rolls-Royce to the sleek Jaguars of the 1960s, the UK has been home to some of the most iconic vehicles ever built. Daimler, founded in 1896, was one of Britain’s most prestigious manufacturers, often supplying vehicles to royalty and dignitaries. By the time the Daimler rolled off the production line in 1936, it was a symbol of pre-war British engineering—graceful yet powerful, designed to turn heads wherever it went.

Unfortunately, like many classic cars, time was not kind to this particular Daimler. When Harvey first acquired the remains of JK 7092, it was barely recognisable as the elegant machine it had once been.

A Nine-Year Odyssey

In 2015, Harvey made the bold decision to take on the challenge of restoring the Daimler. Unlike most restorations, where enthusiasts start with a largely intact vehicle, he was working with little more than a corroded frame, a seized-up engine, and missing bodywork.

“It was in such poor condition that most people would have walked away,” Harvey admitted. “There were times I thought I’d bitten off more than I could chew.”

Over the course of nine gruelling years, he poured his own time and finances into breathing life back into the vintage car. Every part had to be meticulously sourced, refabricated, or custom-built from scratch. The engine was completely rebuilt, requiring parts that were no longer in production. The chassis had to be reinforced, the interior painstakingly restored to match its original grandeur.

Brotherly Support

While Harvey financed the project in its entirety, he was not alone in the journey. His brother, Hugo, lent his skills and support, helping with the heavy lifting, welding, and reassembly of the car.

“There were nights when we were up until 3:00am, covered in oil and wondering what the hell we were doing,” Hugo laughed. “But when you see the final result, you realise it was all worth it.”

The restoration became more than just a mechanical challenge—it was a bonding experience, a shared passion that deepened their relationship.

The Triumph of Persistence

After nearly a decade of setbacks, sleepless nights, and financial strain, the Daimler is finally complete. The car now stands as a testament to British engineering, restored with painstaking attention to detail and a deep respect for its heritage.

“It’s been a labour of love,” Harvey said proudly. “Some people spend years building a house—this car was my house. It’s a part of me.”

A Legacy Preserved

Restoring a Daimler of this calibre is no small feat. Many classic vehicles disappear into obscurity, forgotten in barns or scrapped when restoration becomes too costly. But Bruce refused to let that fate befall the car.

Now, as the engine purrs to life, the years of struggle fade into the background, replaced by the satisfaction of bringing a British icon back to the road. For Harvey and Hugo, the Daimler isn’t just a car—it’s a symbol of perseverance, craftsmanship, and an unwavering belief in the beauty of a bygone era.

And as the fantastic motor glides down the road once more, it carries with it a story of determination, brotherhood, and an unbreakable connection to the golden age of British motoring.

Crime

Man charged with strangulation and assault offences after October incident

Published

9 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

A MAN recorded in court as having no fixed abode has appeared before magistrates charged with intentional strangulation and two further assault offences.

Michael Sudbury, 50, whose address was not read out in court, but in Herald records is Glan Hafan, Llangwm, appeared before the bench facing multiple charges.

The charges relate to an incident on 22 October 2025 and include:

Intentional strangulation, contrary to section 75A of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Common assault
Assault by beating

No further details of the alleged incident were opened in court, and no plea was entered at this stage.

Sudbury was remanded on conditional bail, with the case listed to return to magistrates later this month.

Crime

Haverfordwest man sent to Crown Court on multiple serious charges

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded in custody

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been sent to Swansea Crown Court to stand trial on a series of A 49-year-old Haverfordwest resident has been committed to Swansea Crown Court to face trial on multiple serious charges deemed too grave for magistrates to handle.

David Guy, of Market Street, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates facing a series of allegations stemming from a single case. The charges, which were not detailed in open court, include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
A second count of assault
Criminal damage
An additional allegation of interpersonal violence
A public order offence

Magistrates declined jurisdiction, determining that the matters exceeded their sentencing powers, and sent the case in its entirety to Swansea Crown Court.

Guy was remanded in custody pending his next appearance. The court register notes: “Sent to Crown Court for trial in custody – next hearing at Swansea Crown Court.”

A date for the initial Crown Court hearing will be set administratively. Guy will remain in custody until then.

The Pembrokeshire Herald will provide further updates as the case progresses in the Crown Court.

Crime

Castlemartin man back before magistrates over multiple alleged assaults

Published

10 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Court Reporter

Defendant remanded on conditional bail ahead of further hearing

A CASTLEMARTIN man has appeared repeatedly before magistrates this month over a string A 40-year-old man from Castlemartin has made repeated appearances before magistrates this month in connection with a series of serious alleged offences, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), intentional non-fatal strangulation, common assault, and criminal damage.

Anthony Alcock, of Pwll Street, Castlemartin, is facing six linked charges stemming from incidents said to have occurred earlier this year. These appear to relate to the same complainant in what is understood to be a single ongoing domestic abuse prosecution.

During recent administrative hearings at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, Alcock did not enter pleas while matters of bail and case management were addressed.

Charges Include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH)
Intentional non-fatal strangulation
Common assault on a woman
Criminal damage in a domestic context
Additional assault allegations involving the same complainant
Breach of bail conditions

Alcock was initially granted conditional bail but was subsequently brought before the court on two occasions for alleged breaches. On those instances, magistrates remanded him in custody ahead of further hearings. He was later re-granted conditional bail, subject to strict conditions such as no contact with the complainant and exclusion from specified locations.

Magistrates have now declined jurisdiction, ruling that the case—particularly the more serious charges involving non-fatal strangulation—is too grave for summary trial. It has been committed to Swansea Crown Court for plea, trial, or sentencing.

No detailed evidence has been presented in open court at this preliminary stage. Alcock remains on conditional bail pending his next appearance at the Crown Court.