0 tanding out in a crowd is not an unpleasant
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feeling when you have something unique and, perhaps, envied to offer. Such a day was recently enjoyed by retired bank worker Tony Roodhouse of Guildford, Sun-ey, when he entered the annual Austin Seven Owners Club Autumn Amble from Reading to Bognor Regis.
Out of 127 vehicles entered, Tony's was the only lorry, a 1925 Austin 12/4 heavy pickup. It started life as a grocer's delivery van in Lampeter, Wales, before being sold on after 22 years' service in 1947 to a neighbouring farmer who converted it into a truck. Remarkably, the vehicle continued to work in all seasons for a further quarter century before retiring in 1972.
It has sinc.e been mechanically overhauled although the battered, paint-peeling, bodywork has been left as it is. "It's part of the vehicle's history," says Tony, who has no plans fora respray. I think I'm with him there. Why shouldn't a veteran CV took its age, as long as it runs? It's the same with people. After all, dignified forces sweetheart Vera Lynn doesn't want to be mistaken for raunchy sex-kitten kylie Minogue. does she? (Are you awe about this? 1-3d).