At 15 years of age, Luke Magill is probably one of the youngest members of the Parkes based Central West Car Club, and there's certainly no lack of enthusiasm when it comes to his passion for cars.
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That said, Luke freely admits that there was a time there when "I wouldn't have known a Rodeo from a Ford Falcon," which makes for an interesting story about his first car.
"It's a 1961 EK Holden ute," Luke said, "and it's been mine for about four years now."
His dad had bought it about 1997 with thoughts of modifying it with a big V8 but as many such plans go, other projects got in the way and the EK was shelved.
Luke told me that it was about 2015 when he spotted the ute tucked away in one of the sheds on the farm and thought it'd be pretty cool to get going again.
With the help of his dad, it's taken about three years on and off and it's now back on the road again.
"Originally the ute belonged to Broderick's Machinery in Parkes," Luke said, "and what we initially thought would be an easy project to get running, turned into a big learning experience for me.
"We've done brakes and bushes, suspension and carby, clutch and gearbox; but for now I'm happy to keep it looking as it is - a barn find."
The engine in the EK is the original 138 cubic inch six cylinder with a single carburetor and a three speed column shift manual transmission.
"We put some spats over the rear wheels and we've had the upholstery re-done in the original colours," said Luke.
Still in Year 10 at high school and needing another year to get a licence, Luke has been relying on his dad Alan and brother Jesse to do the driving.
That hasn't stopped the car from getting out and about though.
It's been on display at the annual show and shine the last two years and is regularly in attendance at the monthly Friday night street meets in Parkes.
It's safe to say that since bringing the EK back to life, Luke has been mad on cars ever since and he tells me he likes anything up until the 1990s.
If you've got a similar passion, you can find out more about the CWCC at www.centralwestcarclub.com or visit our Facebook page.
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The Central West Car Club was formed in 1954 following a meeting of people from all walks of life who shared a common interest in racing high powered vehicles.
Meetings held first Wednesday of the month at the Leagues Club at 7.30pm.
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