THE years and decades melted away when 101-year-old Maisie Evans of Ulladulla last week when she managed to get behind the wheel of a 1929 Chevrolet.
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The vintage car was owned by Nick Powell of Protune Ulladulla, and was almost identical to the 1928 Chevrolet in which Maisie learnt to drive as a 17-year-old.
A family friend taught Maisie to drive because “my father was a terrible driver,” she recalled.
But even with a patient teacher, “The potholes in the roads around Peakhurst were terrible,” Maisie said.
The vintage Chevrolet was spotted by Maisie’s assistant from IRT, Debbie Maher, who quickly arranged for the centenarian to be taken on a drive around town.
But as Mr Powell left the wheel to run a few tests, Maisie slid into the driver’s seat – starting the engine and changing gears at Mr Powell’s request, and amazing everyone by clearly recalling how the gears and clutch worked.
“She slipped into it like a glove,” Mr Powell said later.
IRT In-Home Care Manager for Shoalhaven South, Debbie Turnbull, was not surprised by Maisie’s recollection of the car in which she learnt to drive in 1929.
“She’s just amazing,” Ms Turnbull said.
“She still plays the organ at church, and she has a full social calendar.”
