It was like a 1950s and 60s photograph when four Vauxhall Veloxs were parked side-by-side on a property on Old Monteagle Road for a local couple’s wedding.
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It was also a sight that marked the end of nearly 12 years of hard work Darral Dawe, formerly of Young, spent restoring the vintage cars for his four sons.
The 80-year-old, who now lives in Brisbane, returned to his hometown recently to attend the wedding of his youngest son Ian Dawe and Bridgett Richens.
And front and centre during the special occasion were the cars that once upon a time, according to Darral, were all in a very sad state.
Since retiring and with nothing to do, Darral - who had always had an interest in cars - began collecting and restoring the old machines.
But his collection got so out of hand, he decided to give one each to his sons.
A 1957 Vauxhall Velox green utility - purchased in Brisbane - went to Darral’s eldest son Greg, while a 1961 Vauxhall Velox blue and white sedan - a gift from former Young dentist Peter Smith - was given to second son Craig.
Darral bought a 1954 Vauxhall Velox creamy-yellow utility from John Robinson of the property “Ten Mile” in Monteagle which went to his third son Wayne Dawe, and a 1951 Vauxhall Velox cream sedan from Tresilian & Dunn’s diesel mechanic Ted Ford for the groom.
All four cars were restored in Brisbane and brought down at various stages over the last decade.
“They were all thrilled (to get a car),” Darral said.
“I didn’t know which one to give to which son so I wrote them down on a piece of paper and they drew it out of a hat.
“It was magic, it brought back a lot of memories,” the former Monteagle farmer said after seeing the cars together for the wedding.
Darral’s son Greg recalled 50 years ago driving past one of the old cars in a paddock every day and how surreal the moment was when he was with his father the day he bought it, towing it home for him.
“That’s where it started,” he laughed.
Three out of Darral’s four sons are members of Boorowa and Young heritage car clubs, some of whom have also tried their hands at restoration.
Darral’s restoration days are far from over, however, having completely rebuilt a 1968 J1 Bedford he bought on Ebay.
He’s also in the final stages of finishing a 1948 Bedford utility.
“My wife wants that one, don’t know what she’s going to do with it,” he laughed.
