Jeff Floyd is known to many Phillip Islanders for his walking and cycling guides, which give an insight into the best tracks and trails around the island.
Given this hobby, it’s not surprising few residents know he’s also a keen classic car enthusiast.
On the back of his guidebooks, Jeff seems to have caught the transport bug, now starting a classic car club for Phillip Islanders, with a Facebook page launched this month and open to locals who own a vintage vehicle.
“It was while I was walking around the island I kept seeing classic cars and so I thought I’d put it out there to see if anyone was keen to get together, have a social chat and do some runs,” Jeff says.
Thinking he’d get maybe a dozen or so, he was surprised that within a couple of weeks there are more than 100 members who have joined Phillip Island Classic Car Owners, and still more coming on board.
“I even had one guy from the US wanting to join, but I’ve made it so it’s more for the island.”
Last weekend the classic car club got together for their first drive, a casual run meeting in Cowes and driving out to the Nobbies.
Member cars are eclectic: muscle cars, Jaguars, Mustang, Toyota Supra, Torana, Citroen 2CV, Comaro, early Holdens and Ford GTs.
“There is debate about what is a classic car, but generally before 1915 is veteran, 1915-1930 is vintage and 1930 to 1990 is classic.”
Jeff says members come from all age groups and there are women enthusiasts as well.
“What surprised me is you don’t see this many that often. Every so often they pop up somewhere, especially during events at the circuit, but every day you don’t see them, but they’re there.
“People who have large collections don’t shout about it for security reasons, and being on the island they’re kept in sheds to avoid the salt.”
Collection
Jeff’s first classic car was bought out of necessity when he was a university student in the 1970s and he could only afford a Standard Ten.
“I bought it because I was broke, but it started my love of classics.”
He has since owned – and sold – Jags, Triumph, Toyota MR2, a Stag, with a bent for UK sports cars.
Earlier this year he purchased his latest love: a 1959 Austin Healey convertible.
“It was made in Britain but was exported to California in 1959 and about eight years ago a guy in South Australia bought it and converted it to right hand drive, taking four years to restore it.
“I grew up in an era when cars had leather seats and you had the wind in your hair. I like the simplicity of UK sports cars, very basic and beautiful.”
Jeff has dabbled in restoration – “never a full nut and bolt overhaul” – but basic mechanical work, not daring to try upholstery.
The Austin Healey can travel at 100 miles per hour but “I stick to the speed limits”, taking the car for day drives around the coast and also joining other car club events.
“There’s a lot of aggression on Australian roads, but driving this car you get a lot of interest, a smile and a wave.
“My last car was a Triumph and one day I parked it at the Nobbies and two Japanese tourists asked if they could have their photo taken in the car, but then there was a queue of tourists wanting to do the same and I was there for half an hour.
“I love chatting to people about it. The social engagement is all part of the fun.”