A Stamford man, Peter Jibb, who has been navigating the roads in a classic Austin A35 for nearly five decades, shares his journey with the cherished vehicle that he believes has been slowed down due to a neighbour’s interference. The car has clocked over 60,000 family miles, and despite its decreased pace, Mr Jibb’s affection for it remains undeterred.
In 1979, Jibb saw the potential in the Austin A35 being sold by a colleague and decided to rescue it from decay. Fast forward 50 years, and Jibb still finds himself ensnared by the charm of his classic car, claiming he’d be ‘a bit lost without it.’ His love for automobiles began in his adolescent years, and by the time he acquired the Austin, he had enough experience to start the renovation journey.
Despite the car not being in a dire state, Jibb decided to give it a new lease of life, adding new wings and subsequently selling the old ones, which were still in decent condition. His passion for the car kept him busy and away from the mundane routine of watching television.
Being a part of the owners’ club introduced him to a community of like-minded individuals, transforming his hobby into a shared pleasure. His diligent work on the car has been applauded at several rallies and shows, earning him numerous accolades.
However, a decade ago, the car’s original engine gave up, a fault Jibb attributes to his neighbour, who complained about the car’s fumes while he was changing the antifreeze. In an attempt to be a good neighbour, he switched the car off prematurely, causing the head gasket to blow due to trapped air.
Despite the setback, Jibb continues his love affair with classic automobiles, recently completing an extensive restoration on a rare Austin A35 pickup. He remains an active member of the owners’ club and enjoys the interest his vintage vehicles garner from the public.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk.
