Motors & Me - Donie Harrington

Donie Harrington and his 1960 Rover 100 which he bought in Blarney, County Cork. The car was in good condition when he bought it a few years ago.

What are you currently driving?

I’m currently driving the Rover 100 which I bought in Blarney a couple of years ago. She was in good condition when I bought it.

Love at first sight, or just a means to get from A to B?

I’m involved with a few friends who are interested in vintage cars and I’ve always been saying that I would buy a car if one came my way. I saw this one in the pink pages, so the following day, myself and a friend of mine went to have a look at it and we thought it was nice.

She’s a big car. So we came away home and I wasn’t long back, and I was humming and hawing and talking to my wife about it and she said to me “can’t you buy it if you want it” and so I phoned yer man back. He said ‘make me an offer’ so I did and we did a deal there and then.

What’s under the bonnet?

Donie’s Rover is in pristine condition. He says it is a totally reliable car and he would be happy to bring it anywhere

The engine is a straight-six - don’t ask me about the CCs - I have the paperwork here somewhere. It’s the original engine from 1960.

Petrol head or Sunday driver?

I wouldn’t describe myself as a car enthusiast. I don’t have a huge interest in vintage cars, but I’ve been around cars all my life. The lads are in vintage runs on Sundays, so I go to those.

What was your first car?

Donie Harrington’s Rover 100 gets regular outings at vintage events regularly held on Sundays around various parts of County Cork

The first car I had was a 1962 Ford Anglia.

What else do/did you own?

After the Anglia, I had a Ford Cortina, then a Morris Minor - you name it, I probably had it at some stage. I can’t pick a favourite, but I’m still driving a Ford today - a Mondeo.

Dream drive in dream location?

I already have my dream car - it’s out there in the shed - the Rover. I could take it anywhere, I could trust it to bring it anywhere.

Passenger you’d most like on a long journey?

I suppose it would be my wife, she doesn’t have any real interest in cars, but she comes along with me.

Passenger you’d least like?

I’m not normally fussy, but I have no time for back seat drivers.

What’s on your playlist?

I have the radio on and listen to my local station here in Bandon. It plays all the music I like when I’m out for a Sunday drive.