Catriona's Jaguar & Kevin's EH's: Classic Restos - Series 46

Fletch meets one of his all-time favourite TV Presenters, Catriona Rowntree, at her Merino sheep and grain property in regional Victoria. Catriona of Getaway fame is a very well-rounded traveller with a mountain of experience and a car girl. Originally from the city and now married to a farmer, she has adopted farm life well but has kept the family 1965 Jaguar. Originally her great uncle Cam's car and then her fathers. Catriona says the family comes from a long line of car lovers that went to cars shows and auctions, "we always had an appreciation of cars with character". When her father was diagnosed with cancer, Catriona and her father took the project together to restore the Jaguar with new paintwork and mechanicals, including power steering. When it came to the interior, they kept it original; even the sheepskin covers were her Uncle Cam's. Catriona father passed away while they were still restoring the car and says, "the car is part of the family, and now when I drive, it's like a big hug from my father". 

In Geelong, Victoria, Fletch catches up with Kevin, the owner of not one but two EH Holdens. Both restored and in beautiful condition, each with their own unique story. Kevin's 1963 EH Holden Special Sedan was acquired from a deceased estate and discovered in a garage where it had been for 26 years. Soon after, he realised that he didn't have the time or money to restore the EH and sold the car - with one crucial provision, if the new owner were ever to sell the car, he would offer him a 'first buy-back' option. Two years later, the EH owner contacted Kevin to see if he wanted to take up the 'first buy-back' option and this time around, Kevin was better placed to undertake the project. As luck would have it, he found a local panel beater looking for a restoration project for his young apprentice spray painter, along with a good mechanic and auto electrician. The car has come up a treat; Kevin says the EH is essential for his mental health and stress management; it's his out and takes him to a different place; the EH is his pride and joy. 

Another EH, this time a ute Kevin affectionately calls 'Marg'. Like the other EH, it spent 20 years idle in the Quiksilver Surf Shop showroom on the Gold Coast. When he got the vehicle down from the Gold Coast, it wasn't in great condition with rust through the floor, sills and spring hangers. Finding someone to do the panel work at the right price is always tricky, but again, a local panel beater helped Kevin and took on the EH ute as a retirement project with outstanding results. Like all good things, it takes time, and the restoration is now complete retaining the Quiksilver Surf Shop livery.