Max Hemingway, 51, of Bradford Road, Wrenthorpe, was a part-time chauffeur before he decided to quit his job as a business manager for West Yorkshire Police to run his own business two years ago.

He wanted a Beauford, a new car based on a 1930s design, for his fleet, but there was a two-year waiting list.

So instead, he bought a kit to build one himself, and has since spent many hours working on the long-body vehicle in his garage.

Now the four-door car is on the road, and is in great demand after bookings were taken from wedding couples even before it was finished.

He thanked his wife, Beverly, 51, and son Blake, 17, for their support and patience. He said friend Stuart Dando had spent many hours helping him build the vehicle.

Mr Hemingway said: “I wouldn’t like to count the number of hours I have spent on this. It has taken over my life, but it is very rewarding to see it finished.”