WITH a mixture of Ford, Holden and Mazda components, this 1960 FB Holden Campervan is one of a kind.
Named Igor – because it is “big and ugly” – owners Roger and Lesley Johnston first saw the vehicle advertised in a 1989 Unique Cars magazine from a loaned box of books from a friend.
“We spotted the campervan, but it was just a dream as we were not in the position to buy it,” Ms Johnston said.
“We eventually sent a letter to the listed address without a name and we got a response.
“Out of the blue the phone rang and the owner was prepared to sell it.”
Mr Johnston said when he first saw the advertisement he initially wondered if they would have trouble registering it.
“You never know how these things are made and we thought maybe it had a tray top utility underneath it and we were able to use it that way,” he said.
“The seats are out of a Mazda, it has an EH steering column, the back half is from a Ford transit van, it is fitted with a Holden 179 red motor and runs a Toyota five-speed manual transmission.
“It is quite the mixture and fortunately even though it went into Victoria, the South Australian plates were never changed.”
Ms Johnston said the keys were handed over to them on June 2, 2001 after driving to Castlemaine for an inspection.
“We looked it over and it was more than we could ever believe,” she said.
“The original owner was a retired engineer so he knew what he was doing.
“We do have the caravan but when we are finished restoring it we will take it on some trips and have a bit of fun.”
Ms Johnston said the vehicle made an appearance at an all Holden day many years ago.
“We traveled over to Melbourne on a 40 degree day with the windows down,” she said.
“It weighs nearly two tonne and it was the only car that did not run hot.
“We ended up winning second in our respective category which was the cherry on top.”
Ms Johnston said they are currently in middle of “cleaning it up” with a few minor adjustments.
“It has been a big process and a race against time,” she said.
“Once you start the process, there is always delays.”
Igor was on display at Valley Lakes precinct’s Freemans Landing Saturday in celebration of the Holdens of Age Club’s 20th birthday.
From 10am, members of the public were invited to attend and view the car display and meet Holden books author and special guest Ben Loffler.
