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Taking delivery of the restored 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL he won in the 2006
James Boag’s Premium ‘Win a Classic Mercedes Roadster’ competition posed several
unexpected problems for 45 year-old Australia Post driver Grant Wonnocott of Emu
Plains.
For a start, he’s been a committed American and Australian car enthusiast for
some time, with four ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s classics already insured with Shannons.
So it’s going be a major jolt to his image being seen swanning around Western
Sydney in a bright red German Mercedes-Benz convertible.
Then there’s parking space. While he’s got a large garage, it’s currently
occupied by his 1966 Chevrolet Impala 4-door hardtop, his1966 Ford Fairmont XR
and a brace of Chevrolet Corvettes – a 1970 Stingray Coupe and a 1986
Convertible.
That’s in addition to his ‘daily drivers’, a 2001 Monaro and a new Holden
Statesman.
But despite these issues, Grant Wonnocott is determined to embrace his James
Boag's prize for several good reasons.
For a start, it came ready to enjoy with a 12 months comprehensive insurance
policy, compliments of Shannons.
Then there’s the way he won the prize. After holidaying in Tasmania earlier
this year, Grant and his girlfriend Roslyn visited the James Boag's Brewery in
Launceston, during which they acquired a taste for James Boag’s Premium and
James Boag’s Premier Light respectively.
So when they got back to Sydney, Grant went to his local bottle shop to buy a
carton of each, telling the woman at the register: “When I win the Merc, I’ll
take you for a ride in it”. So he‘s now got that promise to keep.
“I’ve never been down this road before,” he confessed, pointing proudly at
his new German garage companion during its handover at Shannons St.Leonards
showroom. “It’s a total change of culture for me, but you never know, I might
just enjoy it . . ..”
“Besides, red’s my colour!” he joked, pointing at his ‘company vehicle’, an
Australia Post van.
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