Tuned: Rhys Chester loves the early Model C Fords and Anglias.
GREG WANE
Mt Duneed’s Rhys Chester, 19, is passionate about cars and restoring them.
But, unlike other young guys his age, his fancy isn’t the latest SS Commodore or XR Falcon.
In fact, Rhys is keen on Fords and Anglias built between 1930 and 1950.
“Although I don’t like all the Ford types in the eith to 10-horsepower series, I do like the little Anglia, the Harry Potter-type that featured in the movie.”
According to Rhys, restoring old cars is in his blood.
“My grandfather was into them, my father and my mother, we’re all into car restoration.”
The family has about 16 cars, mostly Fords and Anglias, tucked away inside a shed in various stages of restoration.
Rhys’s mother, Janie, says many are only a few panels, one is a rolling chassis and a couple are “almost complete”.
Rhys has been home-schooled and due to a medical condition he’s unable to get a car licence, she says.
But that hasn’t stopped him pursuing his passion for restorating old cars.
Rhys is a member of Western District Historical Vehicle Club in Geelong and as well as the Melbourne-based Ford Owners and Restorers Club of Victoria.
It was through the Melbourne group and on the advice of one of his mentors in the club that he came across the rare 1935 Model C Ford he calls “See C”.
“My mum drives me to meetings and car shows and sometimes we take the car on a trailer,” Rhys says.
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