First Line prepares for demand surge in classic car components

As the classic car season gains momentum, First Line Ltd. is preparing for a surge in demand across its Borg & Beck classic product range, urging motor factors and workshops to ensure they’re stocked and ready for what’s expected to be a particularly busy summer of servicing and restoration.

With thousands of heritage vehicles set to return to the roads, the market for OE-quality, precision-engineered components is heating up. First Line, through the Borg & Beck brand, remains firmly positioned as the trade’s first choice for reliable classic parts that maintain both authenticity and performance.

Kelvin Olds, Product Director at First Line Ltd., explains: “Summer always brings a spike in demand for classic vehicle maintenance. Workshops need trusted components that install without issue, and motor factors need to know those parts are available when required. That’s exactly what Borg & Beck delivers, heritage fitment backed by modern engineering, with coverage across more than 65 product ranges.”

Borg & Beck has been synonymous with quality since 1903, supporting generations of technicians with components that meet or exceed OE specifications.

From clutches and braking systems to suspension, filtration and cooling, Borg & Beck’s classic range is designed to preserve the legacy of the UK’s most iconic marques, including Jaguar, Triumph, Austin-Healey, Lotus, and Land Rover, as well as emerging modern day classics such as the BMW E30 and Mazda MX-5.

Unlike some generic replacements, Borg & Beck parts are engineered for real-world use. Clutch kits, in particular, benefit from the expertise of First Line’s in-house technical clutch centre, where clutches are tested to rigorous OE standards, even for vehicles no longer in production.

Furthermore, it's increasingly common for drivers to keep the clutch pedal depressed while stationary, rather than shifting into neutral and engaging the handbrake.

However, this habit can accelerate wear on carbon bearings, leading to rapid failure. On the other hand, ball race bearings are engineered to remain in constant contact and rotate with the clutch.

This design significantly reduces the likelihood of failure, even if the driver keeps their foot on the pedal continuously. Modern-day clutches are equipped with ball race bearings, providing a more durable solution for prolonged use.

Carbon bearings were designed to withstand short amounts of contact with the cover release plate, typical of the contact found whilst changing gear. If the car is regularly driven, it’s best to upgrade to a ball race bearing.

For this reason, Borg and Beck offers classic clutch kits with the more robust ball race bearing for Jaguar’s classic E-TYPE, Mk II and XK models 1950-1970 (HK5229HD), for MGB and MGB GT 1962-69 (HK9679), MGC 1967-69 (HK9636HD), Austin Healey 3000, Jaguar E-TYPE, Mk II, Mk X, S-Type and XK (HK9702HD), as well as the kits with the original carbon bearing. This gives drivers and technicians peace of mind that their classic car is being fitted with heritage parts that will last even in today’s demanding driving conditions.