CRUISING down Sunnybrae Road with the windows down in his 1934 Dodge DU takes Colin Thompson back to what motoring was like in his younger years.
Mr Thompson has only had the vehicle for around a month, recently purchasing it from his friend Bill Hastings.
In one of his first outings on public roads, Mr Thompson participated in this year’s Limestone Coast Toy Run.
“I usually participate in the event but usually on a motorbike,” he said
“It is physically easier to drive a car and I am always sore and stiff after riding my motorcycle.
“I did mull over the idea because driving in traffic while I had only had it for a week as one needs to adjust to driving an old car first.”
Previously owning a Toyota Crown, Mr Thompson said he preferred the Dodge given its age.
“The crown never felt special when I drove it, it was just like a modern car,” he said.
“This car is 40 years older, so you feel as though you are actually having the experience of driving an older car.
“Like Mark de Nys said to me recently, it suited my character more than the crown.”
Mr Thompson said people were often in a rush when driving on the main roads.
“Being a life member of the Mount Gambier Veteran & Vintage Car Club, more and more people are using modern cars because of the traffic,” he said.
“Cruising home the other day from the airfield at 43mph down Sunnybrae Road with the windows down was absolutely lovely.
“It is just very pleasant to drive and it really does take you back what it was like.”
The car runs a side valve six-cylinder engine producing 25.35 horsepower.
The vehicle’s compression ration is 5.6 to 1 and its piston displace is 217.8 cubic inch.
Mr Thompson said the vehicle was restored by previous owner, and good friend, Bill Hastings.
“He restored it in 1990 and its first major run was in the Bay to Birdwood in 1992,” he said.
“He did a wedding in 2012, but that was the last time it ever came out and it just sat in the shed since.”
Mr Thompson said he enjoyed driving the vehicle because it was surprisingly light to drive due and had narrow tires and a large steering wheel.
“Its style is typical of the 30s, but they were stylish for its time,” he said.
“It was in the 30s when cars became more stylish and less box-like looking.
“Its ‘suicide doors’ allow for easier access for me as they open up far enough to let me slip in to the driving seat.”
With a double clutch, Mr Thompson said he had to learn to drive again when first getting behind the wheel of the vehicle.
“The cash gear box takes a little bit of getting used to,” he said.
“A lot of the time you often do not have to change gear, and can go around the corner in top gear because it has excellent pulling power.
“It would cruise at 50mph all day, but I am in no hurry.”
Fitted with four-wheel hydraulic breaks, Mr Thompson said was a bit of “old-fashioned fun” when driving the vehicle.
“It is a late model colour which suits that period of time,” he said.
“The indicators are on the dash which you have to worry about and remember to turn off afterward.”
Mr Thompson said his friend Mr Hastings would be happy to see the car on the roads again.
“We are going to use it as a family car so it will be out and around,” he said.
“My grandchildren all love him, we call the car old Bill.”
