Watch: Turning classic cars into guitars - Shrewsbury musician makes creations from hubcaps

Mike Evans, 27, is currently studying a foundation degree in electrical engineering at Shrewsbury College.

But alongside his busy life at college and part-time job, he makes and sells the unique guitars.

And he doesn't use any old hubcaps, but parts from old classic cars like Morris Minors.

What started as a hobby has become a money spinner, with orders worldwide.

Many musicians have become aware of the use of hubcaps for guitars through the music of American blues singer Seasick Steve and want to have a go themselves.

"I've always loved music, in particular the blues, and I previously studied music at college," Mr Evans said.

"I was aware that home-made instruments were quite popular, so in early 2014 I decided to try my hand at making my own custom built slide guitar using old Morris Minor hubcaps.

"I wanted to take the guitars one step further and build from scratch some good quality necks. With help from my uncle, who is a carpenter, and my dad, who owns a lot of the tools required, I slowly learned the skills it took to build quality instruments."

Mike produces a wide collection of slide guitars using various hubcap brands like Morris, Riley and Wolseley.

Friends and family members were so impressed with both the look and raw tone of his prototypes, he soon started receiving orders from all over the world.

"I've sold around 50 guitars in the last year or so, and currently have more guitars on order."

Mike has sold guitars to customers as far away as America and Australia.

"My philosophy is to combine the rustic feel reflected in the retro hubcaps used for the body and raw tone of the guitar, with a sleek and polished finish that adds a touch of class," said Mike.

"Although I really enjoy building the guitars - and can now make one in three to four hours, I hope to keep this as a hobby rather than a full-time career. I really enjoy the technical work, which is why I decided to return to college to do a Higher Education course.

"The foundation degree has given me the chance to build on my knowledge and I've pick up a lot of new skills."

Electrical engineering tutor, John Watts, said: "He has a very impressive natural talent. His hubcap guitars are brilliant.

"The nature of this foundation degree is that students are given more freedom and more challenges, so the current project Mike is working on, gives him the perfect opportunity to work on something which he really enjoys."

• For more information about Mike’s hubcap guitars, you can visit his Hubcap Slide Guitars website at hubcapslideguitars.wordpress.com