In the time I’ve owned my Plymouth, I’ve had the good fortune to connect with many other car lovers with similar vehicles. Kolin is one such person. Cruising to shows in convoy, learning about each other’s cars, sharing tips etc. These are things that make our hobby great. Thanks, Kolin for sharing a little about you and your car. 

Classic Car Quiz #6

◾️Name of owner

Kolin Prins 

◾️Car make and model

1957 Plymouth Belvedere 2 door hardtop

◾️When did you get the car/how long have you had it? 

I bought the car locally in Melbourne after selling my daily car of 11 years. That was 1998 and was moving house at the time so was put into storage for a short period.

◾️Why do you love your car?

I love it because it was such an oddball car at the time. They have certainly gained in popularity since. This one was a parts car for another coupe and had had a hard life. Off the road since the late 70s, it was in poor repair and needed everything. But back then I did shift work and this was a way to keep myself occupied because no one was around! 

◾️Does the car have a name and why?

I have resisted the urge to name my cars in general; don’t know why!

◾️What restoration/modifications have been performed on the car? 

It’s basically been restored to stock which sounds easy but is a power window, power steer , power brake, power seat car. Luckily most things are rebuildable and that’s half the fun. The usual rust removal and paintwork/ upholstery/wiring etc were required. Paint was done outside but scheduled for a redo after over 20 years of service. It’s nice to have in “driver quality “ which means I can get more use out of it without the worry. I’ve added 4 bbl carb and intake and dual exhaust and made the hangers and flanges myself!

◾️How often do you drive your car? 

Usage varies as the car is sometimes in storage but when the weather is good, I’m out in it, even if only locally. It’s done a 650km trip to Albury on a 40 deg day and rarely lets me down!

◾️Have you always been into cars, and if so what other cars have you had? 

My earliest memories involve cars and fixing them, especially painting them. Dad taught me how to identify all the different ones, which in hindsight was unusual because he wasn’t a car guy. He gave me his FB sedan when I was 14 and I practiced on that. Most of my friends are car people and I guess would be the most endearing aspect of the hobby !

◾️What was your first car? 

 First car I ever bought was at 18 and an LJ coupe which promptly became an XU 1 clone.