Mudgee Car & Truck Classics - Classic Restos - Series 51
Fletch is in Mudgee at the property of Terry, a former Truck Driver now retired, doing what enthusiasts do, enjoying his collections of cars and trucks. Fletch is always impressed when the number of sheds outnumbers the house, and it is in Terry’s first shed he reveals a 1950/52 Riley, a completely 100% original car. The confusion about the year of the Riley stems back to when he was trying to access parts, and when quoting the vehicle serial and VINs, he was told that despite being registered as 1952, it was a 1950 model. The Riley has a 2.5-litre engine and 4-speed gearbox, overhead cams and twin SU carbies. Terry purchased the car with a significant water leak in the engine that now requires a major overhaul, but Terry says he is up to the challenge and “doesn’t let anything beat him” when it comes to car restoration.
The next reveal in another shed is a 1936 Maple Leaf Truck that has been a magnificent 5-year restoration by Terry. The Maple Leaf is a 2.5-tonne truck with a Chevy 6 engine with 4 -speed gearbox. Neither powerful nor fast, the Maple Leaf, with a top speed of 37mph, is just a pure workhorse of the time. There‘s also an interesting aside about how Terry purchased the truck. Fletch says these trucks never looked this good, even when they were new. Terry’s restoration has taken it to the next level. Just outstanding.
Another great love of Terry’s is Holdens. One, in particular, is a 1964 EH Holden Sedan acquired from a gentleman who cannot drive anymore due to his age. The car had been hidden in a garage for some time and in relatively good order, not requiring mechanical attention. The EH has a distinctive style that appeals to Terry, and he thinks the EH was one of the best cars Holden ever built. To complement the 1964 EH Sedan, he has rebuilt a 1961 caravan in matching colour livery as a mobile coffee shop and used by his club, the Mudgegong Valley Pioneer Vehicle Club, at events & shows.
Terry is a real motoring enthusiast and very proud of his cars and the work that he has put into them.
