Paddy in gear with superb vintage collection
And then the phone call home: “Riona — you’ll love this.”
Thankfully his wife of 50 years shares his passion for all things motors. Not that she has much choice. Their house is a virtual museum, boasting a range of cars and bikes that would adorn any collection.
As we walk through the main garage, we pass a 1977 Morgan 44. On the stand, there’s a beautifully restored Moto Guzzi and a sky blue vintage Victoria which he gave to his wife for their 50th wedding anniversary. And that’s just the start.
Out the back, the serious fun begins. A 1937 Singer Lams gleams in the early morning sunlight.
“We had some very happy times in that. I brought it back one time to where it came from in Edinburgh. Late one evening, the landlady came to the door and said ‘there’s a policeman here to see you’.
“Jesus Christ,” I said, “what did I do now?”
He said: “I believe you’re the owner of the Singer.” “I am,” I said. “Jesus,” he said, “I’ve been looking for one of those for years and low and behold I saw that. Do you mind if we have a chat?”
“We had a chat all right, including half a bottle of whiskey. But there was no point in making me an offer cause the car was going nowhere,” said Paddy.
Originally for Kerry, Paddy has been living in Cork for years. He dabbled a bit in cars when he was younger, but as he says himself, his dad put him right. He started again seriously about 30 years ago, his engineering business giving him the skills and wherewithal to indulge his passion.
“I’m a bit of a fiddler,” he says pointing to a 1935 BSA. “I bought that from the well-known Corkman James O’Flynn, who owned that bike for an awful long time. It was in derelict condition when I bought it.”
Next to that is the 1929 Harley. “I got that from a plumber in the UK. The poor chap who had it only had one leg, so the pedals were all arseways when I got it. I had to figure out what was what because I got it all in boxes.”
Next a 1301cc Henderson — only one of its kind in the country. Then a 1931 Bruff Superior: “Bought that in a auction in the UK, it was in a dismantled state in a garage for 40 years. I discovered to my great pleasure that every number on the bike is matching, that’s what makes it so unique and valuable.”
Each one beautifully restored. But as interesting as the bikes, are the stories behind them. The tale of discovery, the time, the effort and challenge of putting them back as they once were.
The Vincent Comet — bought again at an auction. His “oldest baby” — a 1918 Model H Triumph, bought in bits from a friend of his.
A 1931 Velocette racing bike that he’s never ridden. A 1931 Rudge, bought from a man in Connemara. A 1931 Indian 101 Scout — one of which featured in the movie The Fastest Indian.
And the last one, a 1937 Triumph — “Tiger 80 they call them. Original Cork bike again. I have the original tax book and papers for it,” says Paddy.
Across from the impressive collection of bikes, and almost out of place a 1910 Whyte.
“The Whyte was one of the very first petrol engine cars — they were all steam driven up to 1909. This one is originally from Cleveland, Ohio.
“I should never go into a auction. I went in with no intention of buying anything and saw that car and said ‘isn’t it gorgeous’. I never did a thing to it — bar the odd adjustment to the brakes and it still starts nearly always first time.”
With that he’s off, anxious to make the most of the sunshine to get the best pictures. “We’ll take the Morgan up the road for a drive and you can get a few action shots,” he says jumping in.
Half an hour later, with the photographer satisfied, he’s keen to hit the road. “I bought that off a couple in Scotland. They said they were getting too old for it. They were in their 60s. I’m 76 and to be honest, you can never get too old for a car like that,” he says hoping back in, before roaring off into the distance.
