PRESENTED in a condition that would rival the day it came out of the factory, this Windsor Blue 1977 HZ Kingswood SL has been respected by its two registered owners.
For a 42-year-old car, owners Trudi and Kevin Derbyshire can not believe the vehicle has clocked-up an unbelievably low 41,000km.
The eight cylinder, 253L petrol, T-bar automatic vehicle fell into the hands of the couple around five months ago after a nationwide search by Mr Derbyshire.
“I was so tired and fed up travelling to look at the overpriced heaps of junk owners were trying to oversell,” he said.
“I took the chance and decided to advertise locally and this one turned up in Allendale East.
“Besides the wheels, it is as I bought it with the previous owner leaving the vehicle in his shed for around 10 years.”
Mr Derbyshire said he loved the Kingswood’s “old-school” and “cool” reputation.
“You can just wind the window down, put the arm down the window and put it in drive,” he said.
“The feel of the old V8 underneath the foot are not like the new ones.
“When you sit back and cruise you can feel the power underneath you.”
From Bacchus Marsh originally, Mr Derbyshire said the car had stayed within the South East region ever since.
“It has not traveled far yet but it did attend the Naracoorte swap meet recently with its original wheels and hub caps,” the classic car enthusiast said.
“We plan to keep this car as is and not modify it in anyway.
“We have another car which is low, loud and modified so we want to keep this one as original as possible.”
Mr Derbyshire said it was difficult to find a classic car in “mint condition” like the Kingswood.
“It has inspection stickers across the back seat when it came out of the GM-Holden Elizabeth facility.
“People often let me know how nice the vehicle is, how they wish they had one and how we got the vehicle for a bargain.
“I think people reminisce down memory lane when they see a car like this.”
With the South East Street Machine 41st Show n Shine coming up on October 5, Mr Derbyshire said he was out gathering event sponsorship recently and the car has attracted plenty of attention.
“While at OG Roberts and Co the team told me they could not believe it when they saw the vehicle,” he said.
“They all came out to have a look and took some photos for their social media.
“I think a lot of people are amazed by the condition the vehicle is in and how low the kilometres are.”
Mr Derbyshire said while he liked the original vehicle, he enjoyed making modifications to cars.
“I do not have it in me to do something to this one though,” he said.
“If it was not in the condition it was in then I probably would.
“The chamois-coloured interior is still in great condition and it still even has a standard radio fitted.”
Although the couple have two Holden vehicles, Mr Derbyshire said they both were “car people” and appreciate all models.
“When I was younger, I worked at a few wreckers in the South East and Adelaide and they were al Holden-based.
“I cut my teeth on them and I guess they are just what I know.
“In the end, it is whatever shape and style which gets our attention.”
