"A bit of a mash-up"

I was called to a breakdown at a farm in in Hertfordshire for what turned out to be a 1960s Land Rover. I took a look and found the condenser had broken.

On older vehicles like that a condenser is an important part of the ignition system. The Landy just wouldn't start without it.

I didn't really have a suitable replacement part to hand, so I had to improvise.

At first I tried using some tin foil and silicone repair tape. But when that didn't work I was left looking for more creative options - especially as the next garage was a good 12 miles away.

As we were on a farm, there were a lot of vegetables around. So I thought I'd try wiring up a potato with a couple of screws to act as a condenser.

Amazingly, it started instantly, so I got back in my van and followed the Member to the garage. He said the vehicle had never driven so well!

All in all definitely one of the most random repairs I've done. You might say it was a bit of a mash-up!

Mario Papademetriou, AA Patrol