Source: Taranaki Daily News. Reproduced by permission
Deena Coster05:10, Jan 17 2022
Lloyd Gleeson’s teenage wish came true when he sat behind the wheel of his beloved vintage car for the first time at the age of 60.
He first saw a photograph of the 1967 Alpine A110 Berlinette as a teenager and vowed one day he would buy one.
“On my 60th birthday, I was still saying it,” the New Plymouth man said.
But instead of sitting on his hands, he put his effort into tracking one down, eventually buying one of 400 assembled in Mexico, for a fraction of the price it cost to buy from its native France, where he said the car is considered “a national treasure”.
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It had now been in his possession for 17 years, but the first time he drove the car was still etched in his memory.
“It was everything I dreamed it would be. It was a magic car to drive.”
Gleeson’s Alpine is one of 475 vintage vehicles taking part in this week’s Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring Vintage Car Rally.
The impressive collection, and their owners, rolled into New Plymouth’s TSB Stadium on Sunday afternoon ahead of the official opening ceremony to jump-start the event, which runs until January 21.
The oldest car taking part was manufactured in 1906, with the most recent model dating back to 1990.
Activities are planned throughout the week, including a big street party in Inglewood on Thursday.
Taranaki Vintage Car Club chairman Colin Johnston said the festival is usually held every five years, but its future was in doubt as the membership was getting older, and it was hard to attract younger people into the fold.
But given the situation with Covid-19, he was “really chuffed” with the turnout.
Festival programme at a glance:
Monday: Tour of Tikorangi, including travelling over the historic Bertrand Rd suspension bridge, before returning to New Plymouth.
Tuesday: Competition day for those wanting to take part, where vehicles from different classes take on routes and go up against others for the best time.
Wednesday: A trip down State Highway 45 to Opunake, before heading back to New Plymouth.
Thursday: Participants depart for central Taranaki, visiting Stratford, and Whangamomona if they choose, before ending up in Inglewood for the street party from 4-8pm.
Friday: The car rally heads to Hāwera, before coming back to New Plymouth for the festival finale.