Drew Richards, from the island state of Tasmania, off the south-east coast of mainland Australia, wanted a Mk.II Cortina. A clean Mk.II, not just any Mk.II. Unfortunately the small population of Tasmania didn't offer many options. Thumbing through 'Unique Cars' trader magazine one day, Drew saw the car he wanted, an original condition automatic Diamond White 1970 Mk.II 440 with only 30,000 miles on it - but it was across the Tasman, in Victoria. No problem, he just went over and got it. Here it is, about to leave Port Melbourne and board the 'Spirit of Tasmania'.

There's been a few modifications. Drew couldn't help but put some 5 slotter mags and 185-65 tyres on it (something to do with how he drives, I believe), as well as a sports steering wheel, a "pathetically cheap stereo", and a CB radio (the Internet of the '70s - ed.). It's back on its standard wheels at the moment because his friendly suspension specialists opted not to give the car a wheel alignment after fitting new ball joints: "... scrubbed both front tyres out, 250 down the drain". The new ball-joints were required after a "20mph accident into a curb :)". It may yet return to standard form permanently, as Drew's realised how original the car is and that it may have some show potential. It's the best he's seen around Tassie at least.

Want to plead with Drew to keep his car standard? Want to offer a few driving tips? Want to make crappy jokes about Tasmanians having two heads? Don't bother. Anyone else can get in touch with him at lumix@bigpond.com. You may catch him eating his dinner off the air cleaner you see above...