I had a 1956 Ford Prefect 100E, which was a brilliant little car. Bought it for £8, waste deep in grass and with a new clutch but the gearbox not connected (failed DIY project). It sat in my garage for two years before I got round to putting it together. It always started a dream (just as well as that model didn't have a starting handle), but I had to replace the wiper drive with a salvaged mini unit.
I had a mate who was an expert sheet metal worker, and over the years he repaired the odd rough bit. I hand painted it with brushing enamel, the kind they used to paint buses and trucks.
Eventually a Bedford lorry made a right turn directly into my path, and that was that. Sold on the number plate, and it was last seen on a purple Porsche.
The photograph shows it after painting. Note the parking lamp (no roadside parking without lights back then), and the rear window demister panel. Yes, we "experienced drivers" had it tough!
There is also a shot of my modded engine bay, complete with screen jet reservoir!