About

Hi there, my name is Ian and I’d like to introduce myself to anyone who follows Car O’ Clock. I’m not one to talk about myself, but needs must etc., etc. Here’s a brief intro. to me:

It’s all my Father’s fault 

 Born in London many moons ago (sob), born to a car enthusiast father who led me astray from an early age. As long as I could remember he was dabbling with some kind of car meddling, motorsport, car club events road cars and, luckily for me, a regular purchaser of car magazines. 

Motorsport (from age 15)

 When in my teens, we competed in National Sporting Trials events and with him as the driver and me the passenger, we won the National 750cc class twice over. 

My Turn

I learned to drive in a Lotus Seven-like sports car built by my father and at age 17 became the second car-crazy driver in the family (poor Mum). From that moment cars have been a major part of my life and, even when I’m involved with other activities, I just seem to fall over interesting cars, car people and car-related events wherever I go. My honeymoon, my work and holidays – whatever it is, I bump into cars at every turn.

London

I grew up in South London until the family moved to Surrey. My working life had been mainly spent/misspent as a Copywriter in the Advertising Industry. After my learning period, I began to earn more and, as ever, spent most of my hard-earned salary on cars of every persuasion.

Sydney

The week before I moved to Sydney in 1982, I owned 5 cars and sold the last one on the evening before I took off. (so long Citroen DS23 Pallas). One, my beloved Lancia Stratos, was left for my Father to take care of until I returned ( I expected it to be a 2-year sojourn). Well, here I am, in 2018 and I forgot to return. In that time, I have experienced hundreds of car-related adventures that I’d like to share with anyone who’s interested. Curiously, even though my memory is sometimes a bit dodgy, I seem to have an almost total recall if a car is involved in some way. What’s more, every story is true even if I sometimes have to pinch myself – did that really happen to me? I can assure you it did. Welcome along for a fun ride on Car O’Clock. Feel free to comment, and not to judge me too harshly. Thank you.   Ian, Wentworth Falls, November 2018