It would be hard to argue that Des Cornwall isn't an engine man, with 14 cars to his name.
Des has a varied collection of cars, from Jaguars, to Buicks, to an Austin Page.
Last year marked the 50th year Des has been a member of the Taranaki Vintage Car Club and he received a
badge at last weekend's annual Maunga Moana rally. Des joined the club in September of 1961 and has been a
member ever since. He owned three vintage cars when the club was established in October including his 1924
Buick, which he still owns.
``I've always been interested in cars. Nowadays, I almost enjoy restoring them more than taking them out for
drives,'' he says.
He is a a bit of a handy-man, restoring most of his cars from rust to beauty.
Des says the people is what keeps him involved with the club.
``I was recently in Wanganui and I met a young boy. I used to go on rallys with his great grandfather when I
started,'' he says.
``It's the friendships you make and the people you meet. You could have a high court judge with a car and you start talking, you get to know that person and you find out your supposed to be saying, `yes sir, no sir'. We are all there for the same reason, it doesn't matter about who you are.''
There is only one car that Des owns that is older than him and he says he takes special care of that one.
Des says there are a lot of cars in Stratford that could be in the vintage club so join now.
Des honoured for 50 year membership
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