Today i went and visited the real 'Pops'. His name is Bill, for future reference.
He was so happy that I had returned with his beloved Mini. We chatted for about an hour. This is what I learnt today:
Pops original rego was AIB-***. This I already knew, but what I didn't know is that Bill and his family named the Mini after these plates. They called him 'Aib', pronounced 'Abe'.
Bill and his wife bought Aib new in Jan 1971. Pretty soon after, Bill got a company car. He worked for BHP. Aib was driven by his wife to the local shops and back on weekends. 500m per trip tops. Most of the time Aib sat around and was never driven.
Eventually Bill's daughter started driving Aib to school (Meriden, Nth Strathfield I think). When she left school Aib was given to Bill's son, who didn't really drive, but prefered public transport. Aib sat in their garage for ages.....so long in fact that Bill had a carport installed, so his new(er) car had something to park under.
Aib's rego ran out in 2000...the plates were turned in to the RTA....and he sat collecting dust 'till I arrived
.
Bill is so happy that Aib (now Pops) is in good hands. I was so overwhelmed by the old diggers warm heart, that there is NO WAY I can sell Pops now.......I feel compelled to keep Pops and respect him for the very genuine car that he is!
Bill has invited me back next weekend. I am looking forward to it!
The van is looking great parked behind 'bromley'!
How rude that a young wipper snapper comes along after 30 years and renames him Pops 