Paul's Page

Cars I have owned between 1968 and 2007

PERSONAL

1 1965 Opel Kadett Beige NP HUGE DOG!
2 1967 Austin 1100 White NP
3 1969 Peugeot 204 White TPH 1234 21st Birthday present
4 1969 Triumph 1500 Burgundy TPH 1234 DOG
5 1969 VW Beetle 1500 Pale Green TPH 1234 Sold to go over to UK
6 1962 Bedford Dormobile Blue Broke a ring between London and Dover, but still made it to Paris thanks to Wynns friction proofing…
7 1973 Ford Cortina 1600 Gunston Orange TPH Jan-74
8 1974 VW 1600 Fun Bug Yellow TJ 57492… Continue

I grew up on the Copperbelt in Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) where the
Austins and Wolseleys were kings of the road! Ours were built from CKD
packages in Umtali, Southern Rhodesia (Mutari, Zimbabwe) and I think had
slightly different spec to the British ones...they all had leather and
Wooden dashboards for example.

We tended to buy new cars every September, as we were paid massive bonuses
depending on the price of copper that particular year. In 1963, for example,
we were able to get an Austin A 1… Continue

26 JANUARY 1967

I may not know a Spark-plug from a Piston
I may not know what makes a bearing ball
A Bugatti or a Lotus
A fog-light out of focus,
Or a chocked up carb that makes my Mini crawl.

I’m a total ignoramus when I’m thinking
Of anything that makes an engine go.
I leave it to my Men
Who always have the gen
And worry when I change from Top to Low.

But when it comes to Men, I sure can pick ‘em.
From Dad to Noel and then to you, My Son.
And, I hope, amidst the chatter
There lies hidden so… Continue

In October1968 I bought a beautiful 1965 Austin 1100 with 35000 miles on the clock, whilst attempting to write end of year exams at Natal University. Buying a new car and writing exams do not actually mix…but that’s another story!

I couldn’t wait to hop into my new baby and go home to Phalaborwa and show my parents how good I was at choosing a car for myself. The day after the exams ended, I loaded the Austin up, and along with a mate of mine, Mike Schwartz, headed north at a steady 65 mph.

Al… Continue

THE ODYSSEY OF JUDY A WELL LOVED GTi FRIEND

The story of JUDY begins on 14 November 1983 when JDY 902 T first rolled out of Lindsay Saker’s Highlands North in all her pristine beauty, having cost an incredible R 11 000 after discount. All went well; as she was lovingly fitted with an electric sunroof, sound system and burglar alarm. Her left hand seat was graced by many a beautiful young lady during the next 13 months and 26 000 kilometres, and life was good.

One wet (and best forgotten) night… Continue