History
It is human nature to attach sentimentality to one’s possessions and in many ways these items come to define who we are and what we value in life. My first car; a 1971 Datsun 1200 Coupe, has come to represent a significant aspect of my life; my past, my present and my future.
With assistance from my father, I bought my first car – fondly known as ‘The Datto’, when I was 16. At the time, this car represented my parents’ trust in me and their acknowledgment of my maturity, but for me it signified freedom and independence. From the time I purchased my Datsun, every birthday, Christmas, and period of part-time employment, saw new additions to my car; a new stereo I installed with my Uncle Jeff, an exhaust system I fitted with my Uncle Derek, interior carpeting, a custom plate number from my parents, racing seats I accidentally bought on Ebay, a steering wheel, and so on. My Datsun grew with me and saw many intimate and special moments with friends and family that I recall nostalgically even now. I associate my Datsun with my transition into adulthood and my senior years of schooling. Weekends were spent driving with friends at all hours of the day or night as we embraced our new lease on life. After Year Twelve I moved to Adelaide and left my Datsun in the Riverland and one sad holiday period I returned home to find she had stopped running.
From 2008 until the start of 2016, my Datsun patiently awaited her revival in my parents’ shed. With a house being built, and my wedding approaching, I realised this year would be the year to spend the money necessary for her restoration. Conveniently, a Facebook friend promoted the opening of their new business specialising in vehicle restoration and I took it as a sign to start the project. I made a phone call to Riverland Enhanced Vehicles and their enthusiasm for the project matched mine – it was clear that they were the right people for the job. They promptly collected my Datsun and her resurrection to the roads of the Riverland commenced.
After almost a decade I finally got to experience the sound and feel of my old friend once again. With a new pearl white look, new rims, and a fully rebuilt motor, my Datsun is a car to impress and a car I’ll forever be proud of. It may be a concept difficult for many people to relate to, but there is a certain connection between car and owner. I believe it’s a connection based on nostalgia, excitement and, above all, pride. A lot of time, money and attention has been put into my Datsun, and I know, even as I age, when I drive her, I’ll be transported – away from the problems and complexities of life, to just enjoy the ride.
Whilst cars are a material object, and can be taken away, the personal connections I have with mine cannot be stolen, corroded or defected. The memories and experiences I have of my early days of independence and freedom and the pride I have in my Datsun, are possessions that enable me to identify where I have come from, where I am now, and where I am going. To another person my Datsun might be meaningless and unimportant; it might just be a car, but to me it is so much more.
