WITH the same number plate as his father’s original UC Torana, this 1978 Atlanta Blue model holds a special place in Jake Young’s heart.
The vehicle was purchased over two years ago when Jake was only 14.
Jake found the vehicle when browsing for a steering wheel for another UC Torana he owned.
“Originally an older man in Melbourne had this one and two others,” he said.
“He spent six years building one out of the three, but he passed away before he was even able to drive it.
“In his will, he left it to the Victorian Torana Club and they sold it to a member who moved to Dartmoor.”
Prior to this purchase, Jake and his father Jeremy were restoring a red UC Torana, the same model and colour as the car his father had when he was 16.
“It was cheaper to buy this one already done, then to build another one,” Jake said.
“The previous owner from Dartmoor was too scared to drive it because of all the kangaroos and sold it to us.”
Jeremy said the person who bought his old red UC was still driving around today.
“The idea was we would buy the same car I had but we kept this one because it was better,” Jeremy said.
“I was actually going to keep this one, because he did not want it and wanted to keep the red one.
“He got there and saw it and immediately changed his mind.”
Jeremy said almost everything on the car was original, including the Buckskin-colour interior.
“The number plate is the same one I had one my first Torana at his age,” he said.
“As you can see, we are into cars so I am in a way passing down the family history.
“I grew up with old cars and I worked from home for a while and worked on bikes in the back shed so Jake also grew up around them.”
Jake said the vehicle’s condition made owning it enjoyable.
“You do not see many clean ones like this anymore,” Jake said.
“Most of them are full of rust or bog.
“I have driven it a couple of times, but at the moment it really just sits at home until I get my full license.”
Jake plans on arranging a car club registration which will allow him to drive the vehicle for 90 days of the year.
“All my friends like it and even want to drive it too.
“I do not plan on ever getting rid of it.”
