Tell us about Flick, your 1962 fire engine red Morris Minor ute?
I am a volunteer firefighter of 24 years and part of my role is doing fire education in primary and preschools in Taranaki and this is where I became known as Fireman Trev. After several years of doing this job, I decided I would like to take it to another level and build my own little fire truck. My wife Colleen and I purchased a 1962 Morris Minor ute from Auckland. We then set about modifying what was then a blue ute into what is now shiny red Flick. Many local businesses in Stratford assisted in this process.
Why a Morris Minor?
The reasons we chose a Morris Minor were its size and economy. It handles like any Morris Minor, which is a far cry from today’s modern vehicles. And people relate well to Morris Minors.
How does Flick fit your personality?
Flick and Fireman Trev are known through Taranaki, so I guess we are made for each other. Children are delighted when I arrive at their school and I get their utmost attention.
How often do you clean Flick?
Flick lives under a cover in the barn and only goes out polished.
Who else drives Flick?
The only other person to drive Flick on a regular basis is good friend and mechanic Nigel Old, from Stratford Automotive.
What do you always keep in Flick?
I keep lollies and stickers for the children in Flick. And, of course, a fire extinguisher.
What else do you have in your garage?
In my garage we have a 2014 GT Mustang, bright red of course, I call it fire engine red but it is officially race red. In 2014 we had built a TrailLite motorhome in which we have spent more than 600 nights, a 2008 Mazda 6 LTD Hatch and a few other toys.
First car you owned?
A 1964 Mark 1 Cortina. It was a good car at the time.
Your dream car?
I love our Mustang. It’s the only V8 I’ve owned. It’s a neat car.
Who taught you to drive?
Being a dairy farmer’s son and driving all manner of vehicles from the age of 10, I pretty much taught myself to drive,
Any tips for young drivers?
Young drivers need to enjoy their driving but remember they are in charge of a lethal weapon.
Do you prefer manual or automatic?
I love driving anything but I do find automatics easy to drive.
Most memorable road trip in this vehicle?
The most memorable trip in Flick was in 2016 when Taranaki had the Ranfurly Shield and we took it through Eastern Taranaki and every school pupil got to see and touch it.
If you could take a road trip anywhere in the world with any celebrity?
Any road trip would be great as long as it ended in Nashville. I love country music. I would take my wife but we’d also take Dolly Parton so she could sing on the way. And the car we’d take would be our Mustang.
Do you have a favourite car scene from a movie?
I did enjoy the scene from the movie The Hunt for the Wilderpeople and the police car arriving at his new home.
Do you enjoy driving or would you rather be a passenger?
I love driving. But I am happy to be passenger with a good driver.
And what do you listen to when you’re driving?
I love the music of Johnny Cash, Charlie Pride and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Do you judge people by what they drive?
I don’t judge people by what they drive, but by the condition of their car.
What irritates you most about other drivers?
I can’t stand drivers who have a blatant disregard for road rules. People who talk on their cellphones while they’re driving, drivers who cross on yellow lines.
If Santa had to swap his sleigh for a car what do you reckon he would drive?
This is so close to my heart. I’ve done the Santa Claus thing for 26 years at local playcentres and schools. And as a firefighter, I think a fire truck would be a good back-up for his sleigh. Donna McIntyre