Thank you all,

As ever a wonderful plethora of responses showing the wide variety of styles and preferences to owning and using these unique vehicles. The advice is well received, but i have made up my mind on which way to go.

My late father has owned the +8 I've inherited for nearly a quarter of a century. Tonight I unpacked the meticulously stored hood from the loft and realised it has laid in state for nearly 23 years without a day of use. Like tucking in a sleeping child i reverently rapped it back up and resolved that there it should remain for another few decades!

My West Bromwich Albion beannie should sort out the comfort issues through the Winter months.