By CATHY ARONSON
Centenarian Elva Shepherd and Bubba, her 1957 Austin 35, have been around the clock but they still like to keep moving - just not too fast.
Mrs Shepherd became the oldest known driver in New Zealand when she turned 100 yesterday after re-passing her driver's licence last month.
She takes her baby-blue car to go shopping in Huntly and travel the countryside to sketch for her oil and watercolour paintings.
Mrs Shepherd says she has always enjoyed driving, still has all her senses and likes to be driven only on long distances.
"I find driving very stimulating, but people drive too fast nowadays and have spoiled the pleasure of motoring.
"I like speed, but only if it's appropriate to the car or occasion."
Mrs Shepherd bought the classic Austin new for £634 ($1268). Since then it has lasted across some rugged terrain throughout New Zealand as she has followed her passion for painting, cars and travel.
It has been around the clock and is now on 16,993 miles (27,347km).
"I've had no good reason to part with it. I like my car and if I have anything good I like to keep it."
Mrs Shepherd started driving at age 15 in Papakura and has never had a crash. She got her driver's licence when she was 27.
Her closest scrape was a hair-raising adventure she had in the early 1990s in Titirangi. The hydraulic brakes in Bubba went at the top of a corkscrew hill and she just had enough time to cut the gears to second and kept the car on the round until she made it to the bottom.
She has checked her brake fluid regularly since.
The car has had just two repaints and a small piece of rust removed since she got it.
As a member of the Waikato and Auckland Austin clubs, Mrs Shepherd has often driven in rallies and convoys.
Many of her Austin pals turned up in convoy for her birthday party at her retirement home in Te Kauwhata yesterday.
About 150 people attended.
But Mrs Shepherd, a former music teacher, did not just sit back for it. She entertained her guests by performing her favourite songs on the piano, including Oh What a Beautiful Morning.
Aparangi residential care unit manager Stephanie Gofton says the song summed up Mrs Shepherd's approach to life, as staff, neighbours and friends find her a fun, energetic and positive go-getter.
"Life is for living and accomplishing.
"She is so busy gardening, playing the piano, driving and painting that she doesn't have time for TV, let alone dying."
Mrs Shepherd still lives in an independent flat and cares for herself, including her own cooking and washing.
Ms Gofton says the centenarian does daily exercises with the therapists and plans to get up the front with the therapists to motivate other, more reluctant, residents.
But exercise is not Mrs Shepherd's only key to a happy, healthy and long life.
"I had very good parents who taught me a good way of living.
"I read the Bible continuously and have great happiness knowing that God has a plan for all mankind. What I believe in has given me peace of mind and I know the mind affects the body."
Slow and steady wins the earthly race
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.