Classics & Collectables in Muswellbrook, NSW: Classic Restos - Series 44
Fletch travels to Muswellbrook located in the Hunter Valley in search of more classics and collectables. The first stop is with long-time collector Ian, a member of the Upper Hunter Motoring Association (UHMA) who has quite a collection. That he and his wife have put together from their travels to motoring events, shows and club runs over the last 20-30 years. Amidst all these collectables are a couple of classic cars. Ian an retired motor mechanic has put all his skills to work on his current collection which includes, a restored and modified 1945 Ford Coupe, an FC Holden Ute currently in the process of a rebuild and an FX Holden Sedan. Unlike the others, the FX is in original condition inside and out, with just 57,000 miles and as Ian puts it is 'too good to play with'.
Further down the road is Tony Mctaggart from First National Real Estate, an institution in Muswellbrook, a family business that has endured for over 101 years. Tony shows off his very rare 1934 Rover Doctors' Coupe, that was unique to Australia, arriving knocked down and assembled in SA -featuring a spritely 1500c four-cylinder engine with overhead cam and just 60,000 miles on the clock, having been in a showroom before purchase for 30 years. One additional feature is an economy mode, called 'freewheeling' or as Fletch calls it 'Angel gear'.
Deanne Douglas from the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) extolls the virtues of the local UHMA members, who have over the last ten years contributed over $200,000 to the PCYC 'Licence to Drive' Program in Muswellbrook. The program offers the young people of the region, two free driving lessons and a mentor to assist in getting the hours up for their licences, a great initiative in itself.
Some of the members of the UHMA came out to show off some of their vehicles. Col with his 67 Lancia Series 1 in Rally trim and Steve with his original HQ Holden GTS Monaro that he acquired from his father and then sold, only to purchase many years later, never to part with again. Wayne, Secretary of the club with a beautifully restored 62 Ford Anglia 105E sporting a 997cc engine. He admits to owning the same model when he was 17 years old and says the Anglia was very popular at the time and featured in races, hill climbs and rallies. Ian who featured earlier in his man cave of classics & collectibles brings out yet another car that he built some 20 years ago, based on a 1950 Dodge now heavily modified in both engine and bodywork, the list of appointments is quite staggering.
It's quite amazing what you can find out in regional Australia, classic cars and collectables everywhere.
Comments
PonyRider
Blinkie I enjoyed that video, thanks for the head's up.
The Lincoln and '63 T-Bird were stunning, and how about that Falcon Squire at the end, it is the best I have seen.
So nice to see the love he put into the truck, a good timber tray-top and immaculate inside the cabin.
Cheers Bro !
Blinkie1
They certainly were top rides Pony and new you would enjoy!
PonyRider
Hey thanks Blinkie ~~ Hope you are happy and well mate.
I will check out that video now ! 😉
Blinkie1
Yeah mate I is all good and what's more got a top report fro Doctor this week, first god can't remember.
PonyRider
Wow, the '35 Ford Coupe blew me away, a brilliant red colour,
and as is typical Hot Rod tradition a Chevvy donk and Trans.
The yellow Pick-Up with the LS is just stunning too.
I liked that Ian's real reason for Chev power was "Looks and Reliability" 😎 (that is cool) To top it off, Ian's 1950 Dodge "Sled" showed how versatile the man is.
Love these country mechanics eh Fletch ?
Great episode buddy.
Blinkie1
Hey Pony hope you all good mate. There's been some beauts in Fletch's recent trips around aye. Speaking of which you seen this video as yet: Ford Car & Truck Collector Brian Tomkins: Classic Restos - Series 44, if not scroll down and enjoy mate.
Cheers
Blinke1
Fletch
Thank you Blinkie. I always loved getting into & around the country areas. This goes back to my repping days in the 1980’s. I use to enjoy travelling and setting up territories for new accounts. Guess this is similar, but now it’s the challenge of finding these marvellous people. Thanks again mate, you never miss a beat here !! Cheers Fletch 😎
Blinkie1
Your very welcome as per Fletch. Like me use to enjoy traveling but with poor health and eye sight though health steady at this stage ad been for most of the year thankfully now come to rely on the net and the odd show but close by for the most part.
You know Fletch whether one travels New Zealand or Aussie there is always plenty a classic ride to see somewhere or show on to enjoy.
Thanks mate and take care.
Ray )Blinkie1)
Blinkie1
You certainly getting about given the second wave in parts of your country Fletch. Certainly some beaut rides featured in part one. Ian with the man cave certainly has some pretty awesome rides and what a character Ian is. That Dodge looked the part and stood out with that bright mauve color aye.
That Rover was a sweet looking ride and pretty much and unrestored one at that. The free wheel was something Rover used for many years too.
Thanks for sharing and hey stay safe & well Fletch.
Cheers
Blomkie1