On Saturday, John Dee’s restored 1964 EH Holden shone on display in the Octagon beside multiple other Holdens belonging to car enthusiasts from around Otago.
The display was set up to celebrate the Holden Enthusiasts Car Club of Otago’s 35th anniversary.
Club life member Mike Dee spent three years repairing and refurbishing his father John’s Holden.
"Dad’s has this for about 20-odd years now, but years and years ago Mum got sick so his life focus changed ... he dragged it around with him everywhere then moved up to Kurow and it was just sitting in the garage."
Mr Dee and a friend from the car club decided to repair it for John.
"What was meant to take a couple of years took three years," Mr Dee said.
But he was able to return it to his father warranted, registered and road-worthy.
"That’s where all my money’s gone ... so I blame him."
John, 83, was still driving his car between Kurow and Oamaru regularly.
"That’s what a car is for — it’ll stay in better condition that way than just sitting in a garage.
"He loves it," Mr Dee said.
The display in the Octagon was the first part of a day of celebration.
After showing off their wheels, the club met for a lunch with some of their founding members attending as guests of honour.
They also did a "shed tour" and visited Dunedin residents storing some "cool cars" at their properties.
