For young Yash Patel, it is classic cars which drives his passion for vehicles.

At a time when the Subaru WRX STIs, Mazda RX8s and other latest sports cars appeal to the younger generation, Mr Patel has owned three classic cars.

“My first car was an Austin Mini Cooper. My second was a Holden HG and the one that I currently have is an Holden HQ GTS,” he said.

“The passion for old car begun when I used to go to my mechanic’s garage and he had an old car which was a Mini Cooper and from there I started loving old cars.”

It’s a wonder Mr Patel’s Holden HQ GTS which goes by the registration, AD835, won the Best Golden Oldie Award at the Penrite Car Show held at past month organised by the Fiji Car Club.

“It’s an old vehicle but it’s still in mint condition because of the care I give to it and that’s the key idea when owning an old car,” Mr Patel said.

“The unique thing about my ride is the age and the looks compared to latest cars secondly the ride, there is a different feeling!

“I was really great full that I won the best classic car award in the car show and I would like to thank the sponsor Penrite for such a wonderful event.

“My message to other drivers and motor enthusiast is to keep up the good work that they are doing with their cars.”

Plans for upgrades

Mr Patel is planning some more upgrades to his vehicle as well.

“What I’m planning to do is to install a V8 engine because I love the thrill of the V8 engine power,” he said.

“So far for the parts, my two brothers from overseas help me as there are many parts available in Australia and New Zealand.”

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