Life on Neptune

It

wasn’t just lead that some lucky motorists received from petrol companies when they filled up their cars in the 1960s. Long before any of us had heard the expression ‘pointof-sale material’, Neptune was extolling the virtues of Superlube oil by handing out collectible autograph cards. Featuring Neptune Racing’s trio of tin-top stars – Norm Beechey, Peter Manton and Jim McKeown – the cards were the first word in promotional material half a century ago. AMC advertising guru Cameron Davis dug up these cool cards as part of his father Bob Davis’s collection of memorabilia. Pretty cool, huh? How does it go? Given the car has had a full restoration it drives better than a new car of the day (it has modern day replacement suspension components, shocks and tyres) but not as good as a modern day muscle car. But then I wanted to experience the feel of a real 1970s muscle car and it’s great to drive. I don’t think however I could push it down Conrod at close to 130mph. Those drivers were something special. Anything you would like to add? This restoration has been a labour of love. As I wrote in issue #42’s “Thefts rebirths and rip offs” I just wanted to get my dad’s car back. I knew the odds of doing this were very slim so I have the next best thing. The car is better than a new car that would have driven off the showroom floor in 1972. Its first outing in February 2015 was the all-Aussie day at Lakeside and I was so chuffed to win the best restored award. That and hearing people comment on how good the car looks makes all the blood, sweat and tears worthwhile.