Teen keen on classics

Oliver Irving has only just got his driver’s licence and it’s the classics he loves.

Oliver Irving’s world is full of classics – classic cars that is.

The year 12 student at Timaru Boys’ High School got his learner licence last month, just after turning 16, and already owns a handful of classic vehicles.

‘‘I have been a member of the South Canterbury Vintage Car Club since I was 12 but have been going on their car runs since I was a baby, as my parents and my older brother are also in the club.

‘‘I am also on the committee of the club.’’

Oliver mows lawns, does odd jobs and sells car parts to fund his passion for restoring classics.

His restoration projects include a 1965 Riley Elf, 1984 Mitsubishi Sigma and a 1988 Ford Falcon XF. ‘‘I have more cars but they are not club eligible, they are a 1995 Ford Falcon and a 2009 Ford Falcon FG .

‘‘The Riley was my first car. I got it cheap, I can’t remember exactly how much, but it was a must-have at the time.’’

Oliver said he was always on the lookout for a bargain.

‘‘I’m currently working on my getting my Falcon XF back on the road. I bought it in January 2018 for $200 ... but it needs a lot of work to get it roadworthy.

‘‘The Sigma, I bought that in August last year for $200 as well.’’

Oliver said it was his intention to keep the cars ‘‘as original as possible’’.

‘‘I have grown up around cars, especially my mum and dad’s 1928 Ford Model A.

‘‘I have always been interested in the older cars and don’t have a lot of time for new cars.

‘‘I have worked hard doing odd jobs, selling parts and mowing lawns to earn the money I have used to buy the cars I wanted,’’ he said.