VINTAGE car enthusiast Rodger Harrison has recently taken a very special delivery.
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The Port Macquarie resident added to his enviable collection in December last year with a 1980 Doval Shadow ‘B’ roadster.
The classic American automobile is one of only 20 ever made.
It is also the only one in Australia, and possibly the Southern Hemisphere.
International owners include celebrity and American talk show host Jay Leno.
The car caught Harrison’s attention when he was browsing online.
“I happened upon it on the website of an American collector,” he said.
“It struck me because it’s very rare – it’s safe to say most people wouldn’t know what they’re looking at when they see it.”
The car was first developed in 1978 by designer Don Hart and financier Alan Hager.
Its visage is dominated by the charging thrust of a Ford V8 engine.
Its chassis is a combination of the Mercury Marquis and the Ford LTD, while the MG Midget was utilised to provide the cockpit, windshield and doors of the vehicle.
However, the most important aspect of its design is safety.
It features 16 gauge aluminium body and fenders, and the doors are reinforced with steel beams.
Harrison and the American collector he purchased the car from share an appreciation for pieces that are truly unique.
“We both tend to believe that cars are a form of art.
“I’m not a person who buys them just to own them.”
“I consider myself a custodian of the cars for life.”
On the weekend he was able to share his new vehicle with other enthusiasts from across the country.
Rodger and his wife Sally journeyed down to Hawks Nest to compete in this year’s MotorFest.
The couple represented the Port Macquarie Antique and Classic Car Club in a field of 274 entries, and were awarded the top prize of car of the year.“It’s a great honour to win,” he said.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to win the prize before, but not for quite a few years.
“My interest is a little bit different to most other collectors.”
“I’ve become what’s called a neo-classical collector.”
“It involves pieces that have classic, older styling alongside newer workings.”
“But the important thing is that nearly all of them are hand built, and entirely authentic.”
