Motors & Me: Denis Cronin, retired mechanic
I have a family car, but my favourite is the 1904 Minerva.
Even though it was only bare bones when I first came across it, I knew I had to have it. It turned up in Glanmire, Co Cork where it was due to have some work done on it, even though it was originally from Skibbereen.
I was working on it for 20 years, not so much working on the car but trying to source parts for it.
It’s only a 5hp engine, which means the car is only suitable on flat roads. Given that it’s completely open and has no covering, I can only drive it on fine days. On the flat, she’s capable of 25mph and I’d normally only take her on short runs.
I’m a retired mechanic so I’ve always had an interest in cars. I’ve never been interested in sports or the GAA, cars have been my thing.
My first car was a Ford Anglia.
After the Anglia, a Fiat 500 and then a VW Beetle. They were cars I could generally afford.
I’ve been lucky enough to own a few vintage cars which I’ve held on to. As well as the Minerva, I have a 1932 Austin 7 Model RN and a 1926 Austin 7.
Dream car is a bigger Minerva. A four cylinder from 1910 or 1912. Those models used a sleeve valve engine which was very smooth and quiet. You be able to drive that anywhere.
Favourite passenger would be my wife Maura.
I won’t talk about them! Only joking, there’s no-one in particular. I’m generally easy going like that.
In the Minerva there’s no point having music, you wouldn’t hear a thing. In any other car, I’d like music, but I’d generally listen to what’s on the radio.
