Roving pair reunited at last

IF cars could speak, this 1959 Rover P4 100 would have a plethora of adventures to share around a camp fire.

In 1959, Betty Staniland (nee Tapson) of Kloof was in her 20s and made the bold decision to pack up and move to England for good.

Her family, which owned the Hawthorne Hotel in Durban, were quite wealthy and her loving parents said that if she stayed, they would purchase her a brand new car.

With this promise, she promptly took a walk down Smith Street in Durban and walked into the most expensive car dealership. In those days this was not Mercedes Bens or Jaguar, but Rover.

“In the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s Rovers were the cars for the elite. The Queen had one, Margaret Thatcher had a fleet and so did Princess Grace of Monaco. These were expensive cars,” said engineer and car enthusiast, John Booth.

Betty walked around the store, pointed at the P4 100 and asked the salesman if she could have it.

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The salesman thought she was joking around and was in two minds about kicking her out of the store until she declared she would pay for it, cash.

The following year she was married and the 1959 Rover P4 100 became her wedding car. Her parents shipped it overseas where her and her husband used it to tour through Europe while staying in luxurious hotels.

It has made its way across Europe including Venice, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and France.

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The car was then shipped back to Durban after its European adventures.

The little engine that could have done approximately 55 000 miles or 88 000km since it left the showroom floor all those years ago is arguably better travelled then many Durbanites.

Betty, now 87, took wonderful care of the car and only parted ways with it a few years ago. She sold it to a man in Howick and it was later snapped up by John Booth.

“At the time I did not know of the car’s history. I did it up and contacted Betty and took it for her to see. She was overwhelmed and just hugged the car for a good few minutes,” said an elated John.

“Cars had meaning back then. Today you can never determine wealth by what car a person drives. Back then it was different and a real status symbol,” he said.

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