By Marc McGowan
BERWICK fitter and turner Ron King may be living in the 21st century, but his fourwheeled desires reside firmly in 50s fever.
His latest dip into 50s territory is his 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air twodoor hardtop, which has taken pride of place in his garage for the last eight years.
“I’ve just always liked 57 Chevs. I’ve been into cars most of my life,” Mr King, 42, said.
After an initial investment of $17,000 at a Cranbourne car yard, he readily admits he has “spent too much” on its restoration and modification, but after a long wait he gets a huge thrill out of taking it on the road.
“It’s only been on the road for a month and a half. It was going to be a twoyear rebuild but it got a bit out of control,” Mr King said.
“It’s one of those projects I shouldn’t have started. The car evolved from a quick rebuild to a fullon rebuild!”
He has also doneup a 1954 Holden FJ ute, but was forced to move it on in the name of family, but circumstances have changed since then.
“This is a keeper, this one. Now I’m a bit more financial, I can build this and do something else,” Mr King said.
His tinkering ways also aid another cause – mateship – and so long as his wife continues to approve, he will continue to pump out cars.
“She’s still living here, so I assume she doesn’t mind!” Mr King said.
“There are a few guys I know that have a few cars and we have a bit of a chinwag with a few beers.”
Despite beaming with pride at his mechanical masterpieces, the 20year local resident claims it is not about attracting onlookers on the bitumen.
“I don’t do it for that. I just get pure enjoyment out of the fact I’ve built it from nothing,” Mr King said.
“I’ve done the engineering things myself and I just had it painted and trimmed by someone else.”
>>> Have you got a gem in your garage? It can be a shiny new machine or a muchloved classic. Get your car into Me and My Car by phoning 5945 0666 or by contacting the Gazette at editorstarnewsgroup.com.au on email.
