WELLINGTON Point’s Alex Connors first got into old cars because he couldn’t afford a new one.
His particular passion is for Morris Minors was fostered more than 50 years ago when he first met his wife, Val.
“At the time, I was into Holdens and Fords, but Val loved Morris Minors and that ended the Holden and Ford story,” 79-year-old Alex said.
Alex’s most recent restoration is a blue 1955 Morris Minor custom ute, which has taken four years to build and been on the road for just a few weeks.
Its first showing was at the Ormiston State School, one of about 70 British cars on display in the Brisbane Southside Morris Minor car show.
Alex has made the car a tribute to his late wife and former club president of 16 years, with the number plate 01VAL.
“This is a custom motor car. That means the tray is different and it’s different under the bonnet. There’s no wiring,” Alex said.
His next restoration project is a classic 1969 Riley Elf.
In recent years, he sold a standard 1954, 1963 and 1955 ute and 1958 two-door sedan.
“I like old cars, because they are simple and fixable on the side of the road. Late model cars require a tow truck,” he said.
“I remember picking up 1950 Morris Minor Low Lite at Inverell and feeling pretty good when I passed someone broken down on the highway,” he said.
“It must have been karma because the quantum radiator hose broke at Tenterfield. I just wrapped some tape around it and it got me to Brisbane.”
