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Brian’s love for a classic

Stunning: Rochester’s Brian Love with his pride and joy, a 1912 Overland Roadster. Photos: Michael Lloyd Photo by Michael Lloyd

An early-model Overland Roadster from 1912 was displayed at the 2023 Elmore Field Days alongside the many farm products on show.

For current owner Brian Love of Rochester, the Roadster represents a lifelong affair with classic motor vehicles.

“It’s quite a reliable car. We did it up to the best of our abilities and it doesn’t give us much trouble,” Mr Love said.

“I’ve owned this vehicle for 26 years now.”

The car is more than a century old and still runs like it just rolled off the production line yesterday.

With many people looking for a new car, Mr Love has some advice for those needing a motor.

Jealous: Brian Love's early classic 1912 Overland Roadster. Photo by Michael Lloyd

“If you’re interested in cars, get an old one. It is good fun — you can join a club and you’ll have lots of company and it fills your day once you retire,” he said.

For Mr Love, older cars miss something that new vehicles offer too much: comfort.

“While the car can have no heater or windscreen wipers, you are at the mercy of the outdoor elements,” he said.

“So when it’s cold outside, you’re cold. When it’s hot outside, you’re hot.”

However, the Roadster is surprisingly low-maintenance.

“It gets an oil change once a year every time we go away on a rally,” Mr Love said.

Pristine presentation: Brian Love's 1912 Roadster on display at the 2023 Elmore Field Days. Photo by Michael Lloyd

“I used to work on trucks and cars when I was younger, so I know spare parts. And I’ve owned several vehicles throughout the years.

“I have about 20 cars and only one got damaged due to the floods.”