11-Car Collection - My Life's Journey

During the twelve years I lived in Sydney, I went through six cars, a stark contrast to the three cars I've owned in the subsequent thirty-five plus years. My automotive journey in Australia began with a diverse and colourful array of vehicles, each marking a distinct chapter in my life.

My first treasure was an old Volkswagen Beetle, which I purchased while living on Chalmers Street in Belmore. This car was a source of many adventures, despite the fact that I didn't yet have an Australian driver's license. At the time, the car was insured under someone else's name, reflecting the more relaxed regulations of that era. I kept renewing my learner's permit until one day, the police insisted I take the driving test as they wouldn't issue me another permit. Back then, it was the police who conducted the license tests, and I passed on my first attempt.

With my new driver's license in hand, I visited a car yard where my neighbour, Carol, worked. There, I purchased my first official car, a Mitsubishi Lancer Coupe, one of the best cars I've ever owned. It was stylish and practical, perfect for a single bloke like me. I held onto the Lancer until 1984, after which I embarked on a bit of a car-buying spree.

The next vehicle I acquired was on a whimsical trip through Kings Cross with my friend Deza. We spotted a magnificent Lotus look-alike with a unique feature: the roof would rise to allow entry. On a spur-of-the-moment decision, I returned the next day and bought it. This car was a real head-turner, capturing everyone's attention as it cruised through the streets of Sydney.

Unfortunately, this Lotus kit car proved to be the most impractical vehicle I ever owned. It was so low to the ground that I had to exit the car to get a ticket at parking stations, hoping the boom gate would remain open long enough for me to get back in and lower the roof. When it rained, opening the roof to exit meant getting drenched. Despite its striking appearance, it wasn’t suitable for me, especially with my dog in tow.

Deza had an FJ Holden ute, and soon after, I traded the Lotus for an Alfa Romeo 1970 sedan. Regrettably, I don't have a photo of this car because I didn't keep it for long either. As our family grew and we got Sheelah, our second Great Dane, the Alfa lacked the space needed for two large dogs.

In search of a more practical vehicle, I found myself at the Magic Mile of Motors in Parramatta. There, I discovered my next car: a yellow Ford Station Wagon. This car was spacious enough for both dogs and more, and it took us on many memorable weekend camping trips. I even drove it to Melbourne to stay with Deza's mum while Sheelah was in heat for the first time.

The final car I purchased in Sydney was a Toyota Land Cruiser four-wheel drive. This robust vehicle was destined to take me on my next journey in life. Before leaving Sydney, I also acquired a camper van for the long trip ahead, with my two Great Danes in tow. You'll see more photos of this car on my "Journey to North Queensland" page, marking the beginning of a new adventure.