Cofton Hackett care home resident reunited with first ever car

Sixty-nine years ago, David Harrison’s father bought him a 1935 Austin 10 which the then 17-year-old affectionately named Peggotty.

It was his first ever car and remained in his possession for decades until he moved into Cofton Park Manor Care Home in Cofton Hackett, on the Birmingham-Worcestershire border.

Mr Harrison, now 86, always spoke of wanting to restore his treasured vehicle, his partner Netta Darke said, but he never got around to it.

Now restored by new owner Brian Artus, Mr Harrison’s family organised for David to be reunited with Peggotty as a surprise at the care home on Saturday.

Ms Darke said she came up with the idea after she picked up a leaflet for the care home’s open day and saw that it mentioned classic cars.

“David has always talked so much about Peggotty… it was only about seven or eight years ago when it became clear that he was never going to restore it,” she added.

Ms Darke said she then got in touch with Mr Artus through family members and he bought the Austin 10 before spending the next five years restoring her to her former glory.

Before the car was revealed, Ms Darke said the surprise would be a “thrill” for her partner and she predicted there would be tears.

“I know there will be tears – tears of happiness, tears of memory, tears that we all shed at times when we look back on the lives we have led,” she added.

The car was parked outside the care home while staff members and family accompanied Mr Harrison as he was brought out in a wheelchair.

Upon seeing the car, Mr Harrison said it looked to be “doing rather well” before adding: “I think it’s wonderful.”

Asked what the car was like to drive, he said it was “great fun” but “pretty bumpy” and he would love the chance to drive Peggotty one more time.