WHILE it is no showroom head-turner, this 1962 Hillman Husky Panel van still gets plenty of looks according to owner Dave Veles.
Mr Veles said the Hillman was originally manufactured by the Rootes Group before Chrysler took over.
“It is an English car, but I am not sure whether they were built here, were imported, or were a knockdown when it comes here in pieces and is assembled after,” he said.
“Chrysler bought out Hillman somewhere in the late 1960s so this car was pre-Chrysler.”
Mr Veles said the car’s bodywork was original with its engine slightly modified.
“At the moment, it is fitted with a five-speed transmission out of a Toyota Tarago and a larger engine,” he said.
Purchased off a friend around 18 months ago, Mr Veles said the previous owner had moved and could not take the car with him.
“He had it for around 25 years and it was his daily driver for a while,” he said.
“It gets a lot of looks and you can take it into town, see people looking at it and thinking what the hell is it.
“For some reason they smile.”
Mr Veles said it sat on the road well and could keep up with traffic.
“It scoots along quite nicely,” he said.
“They are not a car you see everyday and I like it because it is just different.
“It is in need of a restoration, although I have not had any problems with it.”
Mr Veles said the vehicle was in serious need of a panel and paint job.
“It is something I would definitely like to do and I would like to keep it the same colour as is,” he said.
“It has traveled just around town and across the district to Port MacDonnell.
“My ute broke down, so I have used the Hillman and it has never failed so it is a great backup vehicle.”
Mr Veles said a broken back window added character.
“The previous owner was mowing his lawn and a rock nipped it,” he said.
“It does not effect the running of it, but I can quite easily get another piece of glass cut for it.
“It is not the prettiest or the fastest, but it will tow.”
Mr Veles said he was not too fused on the car being not completely original as it was never going to be worth a million dollars.
“It has done trips up to Queensland and all over the place just not in my time,” he said.
