Every classic vehicle carries the traces of people who once sat in these vehicles. Their memories, adventures and ambitions are logged by the milage dial in the vehicle. The garage doors open each weekend to look and reminisce on how much money and work hours were used to own the vehicle, the late-night drives spent going from town to town, the laughs and the music they listened to on road trips through the cities and countryside. These memories are engraved within the foundation of classics brought to Morris Leslie Auctions.
At our previous auction, Andrea and Andy Clark explored Errol Airfield at our Classic Car Auction Event in late May. Following Andy’s health issues a few years back, the family decided to embrace a “life is too short” philosophy. As Andy entered his 60th year, he wanted to return to something he had always enjoyed – restoring Classic Cars.
Ushered by their son, who pointed out a lonely 1971 Land Rover Series IIA, the family set their eyes on the rugged off-roader. The classic, having arrived at Morris Leslie Auctions following the passing of its previous owner, showed a full life lived and required plenty of work.
Andrea and Andy saw potential in the non-running Series IIA. Having previously restored a Series II Land Rover in their younger years, the family understood the challenges and satisfaction that come with bringing a once-loved vehicle back to life.
During the auction, Director of Morris Leslie Auctions and Auctioneer, Gregor Leslie, jokingly described the Land Rover as “potentially concourse”, drawing plenty of laughter from those watching. These words turned into a challenge for the Clark family as they decided to make this car one for the concourse.
Once handed the keys, Andrea and Andy decided to set themselves an ambitious target and submit the historic off-roader for the Castle Fraser Bon Accord Steam & Vintage Fair which started just 34 days after the auction.
Long nights with the entire Clark family getting involved allowed them to push on as the date for the Fair grew closer. An issue with the clutch forced them to pull the engine out a week before the event, and a total brake failure on the day of travel caused a slight delay as they waited for new parts to arrive.
Refusing to miss the deadline, the family rolled into Castle Fraser at 11:55pm on the Friday night, with the Series IIA, now affectionally known as “Jost”, making its public appearance on the concourse, celebrating both Father’s Day and Andy’s birthday with plenty of cake.
Jost’s transformation is a reminder that classic cars are much more than empty relics of a bygone era. They all tell stories of previous owners through the scratches, dents and even cassettes still left in the player long after the keys exchange hands. These stories don’t exactly end, they continue through people like Andrea and Andy who care and preserve these special vehicles.
The team at Morris Leslie Auctions commend the incredible efforts made by the Clark family as they all came together to restore a historical vehicle purchased at our Auction Hall.
If you have bought or sold a classic with us and have a story to tell, get in touch with us for a chance to have your memories shared on our website. Email mohammed.usman@morrisleslie.co.uk to share your story.