Page 18 - Beep Beep March 23

BEHIND THE WHEEL
This month our intrepid ‘driver’ Noel St John-Wood is relishing the pleasure of driving a fine antique. The 1924 Vauxhall (Drainpipe Special) owned by Richard and Anne Harris.
I was offered a drive in Richard and Anne’s 1924 Vauxhall at the Cooroy Cruize-in – I just couldn’t say no!
While I had driven a couple of cars from that era before, the Vauxhall is quite an intimidating vehicle to operate. Richard took me for a short drive west from Cooroy along the narrow winding roads at a speed he obviously found exhilarating and fun judging by the smile on his face which you will note in the accompanying photo. On the other hand, I was feeling a little nervous as I imagined this 2-tonne ex racer slipping off the road and ploughing through country, finally stopping somewhere the other side of Kenilworth.
We stopped by the roadside and Richard let me slip behind the wheel of this all metal mechanical behemoth. A few operating tips and I am feeling privileged to be driving this rare vehicle just shy of 100 years old.
Photo from Myra Doyle
Photos from Noel St John-Wood
Photos from Noel St John-Wood
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