Alfa back to new

BY: DANIEL MARKHAM

Car-crazy George Way rescued his pride and joy from the wrecking yard 18 years ago.

His 1959 Alfa Romeo is now good as new and will be on show with a host of other vintage vehicles during the NZ Classic Car Show at Ellerslie Racecourse on February 14.

"I like old Alfas and it came on the market quite cheap," George says. "It was over in Hollywood and was a bit of a wreck. I managed to get it on to a container and bring it home to New Zealand."

The Titirangi resident quickly realised what he had let himself in for when he laid eyes on the bright red sports car.

"There was an awful lot wrong with it," he says. "It was quite shabby and needed a lot of work."

George set about restoring his new project to its former glory but progress was slow.

"It's just one of those things that you have to do one bolt at a time. But you do something every day and, before you know it, it's done."

The 72-year-old says his car is the oldest of its kind in the North Island.

"There's a few more in Auckland but they're all later models. The only other one is in Queenstown."

Other rarities on display at the show will range from proud Porsches to dashing Daimlers. Early or rare Japanese models are even included.

The awards are so hotly-contested that some owners spend thousands of dollars - up to $1 million in some cases - on restoration work.

George has not spent anywhere near that amount but has put in plenty of hours.

"Most people would probably say I've spent too long on it but it's my hobby and it keeps me out of the way."

His knowledge comes from a long spell with Air New Zealand as an aircraft mechanic.

The grandfather of six
also makes wooden toys, some of which he donates to children at Starship hospital.

He is also a member of
the Titirangi-based Happy Wanderers walking group.

The Western Leader has three double passes to the NZ Classic Car Show to give away. Send name and daytime contact details on the back of an envelope to Classic Car Competition, Western Leader, PO Box 21167, Henderson. Entries close 5pm, February 11.

- © Fairfax NZ News