We visit one of South Africa’s most meticulous Ford collections in the coastal town of Hermanus…
“My dad was a petrolhead and I got my love of cars from him,” recalls Overstrand-based collector Calvin Hutton. “One of my earliest memories was his 1965 Ford Cortina Stationwagon. I remember when I was a boy, he bought a 1934 Ford V8 Tourer from someone in Port Shepstone. We towed it back home and got it running. My dad really loved his old cars; he was a motor mechanic and I did my apprenticeship with him. My son is now assisting me with the business and also enjoys the classics.
“The first car I owned was a Datsun. When I finished my national service, I decided I wanted a Datsun SSS or a Ford Capri, especially the latter as my dad had one. I found a Capri but it was an automatic. Then I located a 1972 Datsun 1800 Coupé, which I bought in 1977.”
Looking at these perfect examples of Ford’s history in front of us, the car that would become the start of Calvin’s collection is a 1972 Capri V6. “I’ve had this one for 37 years. I went overseas in the early ‘80s. On my return, I saw this example. I had to borrow R1 000 to buy it for R4 000.”
Calvin has had plenty of Fords over the years, including a special Escort RS2000. “It was my mom’s but she didn’t like it. I took it over from her and, like a fool, I traded it in and purchased a Cortina bakkie.”
The first vehicle Calvin restored was a 1964 Cortina Mk1 GT in 1995. He admits he made a few upgrades by lowering it a little and giving the engine a bit more power. Another restoration project was a 1965 Cortina GT.
“Everybody recognises these vehicles by their dashboards and peace-sign-shaped taillamps; they say it has one of the prettiest facias ever. This has been restored to its original condition. Fortunately, sourcing parts is not that difficult as many were sold in South Africa.”
Parked to our left are two Escorts: a black and a bright yellow example. “I pestered the local owner for a long time before he sold one to me in 2008, while the black one I found on Gumtree in 2016. Luckily I managed to quickly head off to Wolseley to purchase it.”
As with many of the cars in this collection, Calvin is only the second owner of this black Escort. “The car was running but the engine was tired. There was some significant body damage, so I decided to strip and restore it. However, there was no rust except for in the boot arches.”
Calvin opened the bonnets of both and the clean engine bays were testament of their full restoration. “I do the stripping and assembly myself, but the bodywork and upholstery are done by specialists. These Escorts have their original upholstery except for the carpets. I also tackle the engines but send them away to be balanced.”
The 1985 Cortina 3000 4×4 Muscle in the corner is unlike any other Cortina bakkie I’ve seen. “There were around 350 locally made and sold officially through Ford. It was fitted with a Jeep’s suspension, differentials and transfer case,” adds Calvin.
When I ask him about future projects, he chuckles and admits there are a few he is itching to finish. “I have a 1970 Lotus Cortina Mk2 that I’m busy restoring. Apparently, there are only around five in SA. I’m now at the stage where the engine is ready to be installed.”
A nostalgic restoration project is a 1952 Citroën Traction Avant. “My dad gave me this car when I was 12. I used to play around in it and strip parts of it.”
Make no mistake, Calvin also appreciates modern cars. A couple of years ago, he added a Fiesta ST200 to the collection and, rightly so, as it’s as fun to drive as any classic Ford.
The collector
Calvin Hutton (62) learnt to maintain and work on cars from a young age. Today, his business – Adventure Centre – services all types of vehicles. The expertise will be passed on to the third generation when his son takes over.
