HARDIE MEMORIES

I am an old retired fart but spent many years working at the Hardie-Ferodo group in a variety of roles and actually had my honeymoon at the big event at Bathurst, which has been a constant source of amusement and discussion for “she who must be obeyed”.

There were a number of events that I remember with a sense of humility and laughter that occurred over the years, starting with a test driver engaging reverse and backing over the fifth wheel on the old test track at Pitt Town (now a housing estate).

I recall one of our executive company cars, a Ford Landau, was left unattended and engaged reverse and backed itself into a large retaining wall. Yes the selector lever on the column simply dropped into reverse from park and the large barge took off. The boss was not happy! That happened at the H-F factory and test workshop at Smithfield.

I have had a variety of cars over the, including a Messerschmitt, Goggomobil (300cc of dynamite), Beetle, Skyline and a selection of Holdens, Fords and even a Chrysler that did not have the word Valiant any where on the vehicle. Owned a Singer Gazelle, Peugeot 403B, FJ Holden (my first car), Mazdas, etc... and recently slobbered over a distant relative’s fully imported Corvette...ooh the muscle! The cockpit is smaller than the Mini Minor, but the grunt makes up for the lack of legroom.

I have also been a bikie of sorts and have owned a few machines but love the Honda. Had a Jawa, Bridgestone, Vespa, Lambretta, couple of Hondas and even rode the very first honda CB750-Four brought out to run in the Castrol 6-Hour production race at Amaroo Park.

That was a lucky break as my work mate was a factory rider entered in the event and in those days it felt like boarding a Mini Minor and chucking a wheelie.

But what probably caps it all off is I do recall a Bathurst drive round the track in our advertising manager’s red Charger, wherein I stood up through the sunroof and gave the traditional two finger salute to the gathered crowd at the top of the hill. That was met with a barrage of empty tinnies which bounced off his much loved unmarked beast.

He was quite hostile and never offered to drive me around the track again – spoil sport!

Graeme Reid

ED: That Bathurst incident cracked us up, Graeme. Thanks so much for sharing a few stories.