THE proof of David Pink’s passion for one model of car is easily identified by the block of land next to his home that was purchased to store his beloved vehicles.
The Laverton resident’s affiliation with Studebaker vehicles has spanned across four decades, even “infecting” his son Michael who is also enthralled with the car.
The father and son own 12 Studebakers – seven of which are restored and three that are currently under restoration.
The cars are housed inside two garages that were built on the vacant block next door that was purchased especially for the vehicles. “I wanted something different so I bought a Studebaker 40 years ago and I’ve been collecting them ever since,” Mr Pink said.
The father and son team collect and restore the vehicles together and are affiliated with a host of motoring clubs.
Mr Pink was the president of the Studebaker Car Club for 12 years and was succeeded by son Michael who holds the top title at the Australia-wide club.
Locally they have started a club called Car-Toque as part of the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed Motoring Group that meets on the first Sunday of every month to socialise and share stories about the vehicles.
“It’s starting to get pretty popular – we generally have 50 cars come and go,” Mr Pink said. “It’s a great social atmosphere, it’s very casual – everyone’s friendly and it’s just a really good day.”
“We’ve had an early 1906 Cadillac drop in and we have the latest model Chevy, Corvettes – anything and everything drops in.”
The first Studebaker Mr Pink owned was a 1964 ex-police car which was the fastest cars on the road at the time.
He has also owned a 1913 Studebaker limousine, the only one if its kind in the world.
Apart from collecting and restoring the classic vehicles, Mr Pink said his son enjoyed them for the ride.
“I enjoy driving them more than restoring them.”
“We’re in several clubs and we’ve got one of them out nearly every weekend.”
