Austin Cambridge, love at first sight

While driving by the home of a widow, the beauty of a 1958 Austin Cambridge parked under a mango tree caught the eyes of Christopher Johnson. This caused him to stop and make an enquiry about the beautiful black classic car.

"I fell in love with the car," said Johnson. "I used to picture myself driving the car, so, in my mind, I already owned it."

After his initial offer was turned down, for nights, Johnson went to bed thinking about all the changes he could make to the car if only he could get it.

Day by day, he would stop at the house just to take a glance at the then desire of his heart, until, one day, the owner relented to his offer, and the car was finally his.

"Though I was persistent to get the car, I knew I came on the scene too soon. Her husband had recently passed and she told me she wanted to get rid of the car. However, it was just too soon as she was still attached to it," explained Johnson.

After eight years with his Austin Cambridge, Johnson said each day, he looks at the car and feels pleased at the restoration job he did to get the it road-ready.

"I have a love for antiques, on a whole, and I think it has a lot to do with spending a lot of time with my grandparents while growing up. For sure, having a classic is a dream come true."

"I remember driving one day and a guy literally blocked the road with his X6 just to ask me if that was an Austin Cambridge, and where I got it.

"He said he hadn't seen one in years and couldn't believe it. He couldn't stop looking back as he drove off."

What Johnson likes most about the car is the position of the gear lever, which is not in the centre panel, but on the steering column. When people think of an Austin Cambridge, they think of the old, fish tail, taxi-looking one, but Johnson is always quick to point out that this one is an older model.