Col Pearse from Forbes was inspired by the Ford Capri convertible from the day he first rode in one.
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"That was about 1990 and the local funeral director here in Forbes had just bought one brand new," Col said.
"He took me for a spin in it and I fell in love with it straight away."
It took almost 20 years for the desire to own one to come to reality, but Col now has three of the Ford Capris plus a Mazda MX5 convertible to quench his thirst for an open top sportscar.
The Ford Capri was produced and released by Ford Australia from 1989-1994 as an entry level convertible.
It runs a front wheel drive 1.6 litre power plant with the mechanicals based on the Mazda 323/Ford Laser of the era with some of the later models being tricked up with a turbo charger on the little 4 cylinder.
Col bought his first Capri in about 2007 from a member of the Parkes Antique Motor Club.
That was the silver car which is a 5 speed manual 1990 model.
When I asked Col why he then ended up with three Ford Capris he said because they handled so well.
"I got in touch with Denis Westall, a car dealer in Sydney who ironically had sold the silver car to the chap in Parkes" Col said.
"He sold me the red 1992 Capri and the MX5 in 2008 and then the white 1990 Capri which is an automatic in 2010."
The Mazda MX5 has got some credibility too. It's a Japanese built rear wheel drive sportscar produced from 1989 until the present day.
Col's is a 3rd generation model and with well over 1 million cars having been built as of 2016 it is said to be the world's best selling 2 seat convertible sportscar in history.
"The MX5 has certainly got the power in the legs with a turbo-charged 2.0 litre engine but the Capri's just handle so beautifully on the road" said Col, "which is why I couldn't resist going back for more."
Having said that, Col reckons he's had his fun now with the Capri's and is considering selling them to fund another project.
"I like to get another old 1960's car again" said Col " having previously owned an HR Holden."
Col is a member of the Parkes based Central West Car Club.
The club has regular meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at the Parkes Leagues Club.
You can find out more at www.centralwestcarclub.com or on their Facebook page.
The Central West Car Club was formed in 1954 following a meeting of people from all walks of life who shared a common interest in racing high powered vehicles.
