Phoenix Car Club

Phoenix Car Club

Costa Blanca (South) & Vega Baja

Ode to Olive

Ode to Olive

Eric Clarke

Olive not just any old van!
Olive was born on the 30.12.78 and her birth was registered in Vigo on 18.1.79 making her a true lady of Spain.
Olive has survived the long hot summers and cold winter nights for over 36 years and has really become part of the history of Spain.
I will let her tell you her own story in her words.

My English is still not good, please excuse any mistakes.
My first parents Juan and Maria lived in a large olive farm, near Alcoy, and I was always treated with great love and respect I think almost as much as the cart and mule that I replaced.
At harvest I was in great demand carrying huge baskets that were full to the brim with the olives knocked down with long bamboo poles and collected in the large nets spread below the trees.
I was always well looked after with fresh oil and cleaned so much that I still have my original paint though bearing many scratches.
As the years passed I was used less and less and my owner then 81 couldn’t see to renew his licence, so I was put up for adoption.
Tears were shed by Juan as my new owner collected me, but all went well. The long drive to me new home gave me my first view of the sea and I was treated to a full check and fitted with new boots, before getting my new Certificate of roadworthiness. My wings were even given new paint, very smart.
My new owner, I soon discovered belonged to a local Classic Car club and I was amazed to learn I was entitled to be a member. (One of the few benefits of old age).
I still have my uses carting garden rubbish and collecting building materials, but my high days are always out with my fellow classic cars on parade for all to see.
So many of my compatriots have ended up as rusting scrap heaps, but that is not for me, people wave and cheer as I drive by and in times gone by, work, fiestas, family holidays , and friends, all in the past, but remembered still.
Who could not forget the sound of my engine unique, not big, but reliable and economical to run, which gave many the opportunity to buy their first vehicle and along with the Seat 600 will always be part of the long story of the Spanish people.

( Named Olive from all the olives found inside her by the new owner! Unfortunately none edible!)