There used to be a roof rack in every garage. It was pulled out and fitted for the annual trip to the coast, and carried everything you needed to take to the caravan at Great Yarmouth. Overloaded with flimsy cases, and poorly covered with a sheet of gossamer thin polythene, they provided the soundtrack to the British summer as the wind rattled and rasped through them the length and breadth of the country.

   The rest of the year, they lay in wait to maim in a darkened corner of the garage, by either slicing your shin or falling on your head from a hiding place in the rafters. No surprise that most went in the skip at the first opportunity.

   But now, maybe down to the rarity value, they’re cool. And loathe as I am to admit it, they actually look pretty cool on the right car. The VW boys have their preferred type, but for the BMC cognoscenti, everyone’s looking for those reminiscent of the type used by the Works Team’s support barges. Just like this one, in fact.

   Tim at Minimail noticed the interest in the originals, and thought it’d be a good idea to get some new ones made up. So he did. Construction is just per the original as well - steel with steel clamping arms and rubber feet. No flapping and rattling here. It was designed for Minimail’s customers ie Mini owners so takes its dimensions from the originals but as you can see from the pics, it looks just right perched on the roof of the Crab and would no doubt look as well on many Sixties cars.

   You can yours by calling Minimail on 01989 720111, or by visiting www.minimail.co.uk, and parting with £121.61. Absolute bargain, and saves you having to run the gauntlet of trying to extract one from the deepest recesses of an elderly relative’s garage…