Brierley Hill car firm comes to the rescue for singer Chris Rea

The famous festive singer needed a rare car part for his prized original Fiat Abarth 595, and luckily Eurolec Components Ltd off Moor Street were able to tick this off his Christmas list.

They were contacted by Middle Barton Garage in Oxfordshire, who are restoration specialists of classic Fiat models, and were approached by the singer-songwriter to help restore his original motor.

However, one final part was required to complete the work, an original Fiat lever type, pull start, starter motor.

After searching across the UK the Black Country firm was able to source two broken ones, and their classic re-manufacturing department set about a full restoration and successfully got one starter motor to 'back to new' condition.

In response to the good news, Chris reportedly, in a suitably festive style, said: "Thank you so much, looks like we will be driving home for Christmas!"

Managing director of Eurolec Components Ltd and its brand Powerlite, Michael Hadley, said: "I didn't believe it at first but then they sent me the testimony from Chris Rea.

"Those working on it in the factory didn't know who it was for either, and at the moment I told them I swear the song 'Driving Home For Christmas' came on the radio."

The early Fiat Abarth models are extremely rare and sought after, having been made famous in the 50s, 60s and 70s by Carlo Abarth and his tuning, engineering and racing business. Rea is said to be a passionate collector and aficionado of Italian automobiles.

Powerlite is the brand name for the range of performance rotating electrics for classic, competition and kit cars manufactured by Eurolec Components.

It is a family business with over 40 years of auto-electrical experience.

Their sales and marketing manager, Rob Manger, added: "It tells the rest of the UK and the world that the West Midlands – more specifically the Black Country – still has the skills and know-how to excel in an industry that was synonymous with this part of the country when this fabulous car was built."

Charts

As well as being known for his catchy seasonal tune, Chris Rea is perhaps best known for his 1978 hit song Fool (If You Think It's All Over).

He was born in Middlesbrough to an Italian father and Irish mother.

Driving Home for Christmas was released in 1986, but only reached number 53 in the UK Charts.

However, it returned to the charts in 2007, reaching 33, and then rose to 29 in 2015. His albums include the critically acclaimed 'The Road to Hell'.