At DRIVESHARE, we love sharing the unique stories behind the classic cars on our platform. This week, we talk to Kris Smith about his effortlessly cool 1986 Austin Montego, for hire in Leeds, UK and listed on BookAclassic.
Kris’s vehicle has a fascinating story behind it and has even starred in film and TV. Read on to find out more...
Can you tell us about the history of your 1986 Austin Montego?
The car was first sold by Wadham Stringer in Taunton in 1986. It spent most of its life in the South West, and I am told that for a period of 20 years, it was stored in a shipping container. Only one owner had the car, and it was just used for daily trips to the local shop, which accounts for the low mileage.
How did you come to own it?
I bought the car in London during the Covid lockdown and drove it back to Yorkshire in one go. That journey was the most the car had driven in over 10 years combined!
What makes your Austin Montego special?
My father hired an Austin Montego for a family holiday when I was a child. I always remember how nice and comfortable the car was as a passenger and when I saw this for sale, I had to have it. The car brings back great memories for me but also to a lot of other people who see the car.
What kind of work has your car been involved in?
The car has been used for film and TV work, featuring in Channel 4’s ‘Ricky, Sue and a Tale or Two’, and has just come back from a photoshoot for the latest album of the band ‘Divorce’, and will also feature in their music video (pictured below).
Can you share a memorable experience with your car on set?
The car has recently featured in the forthcoming film ‘Giant’ and was on location with none other than Pierce Brosnan! He was playing the role of Brendan Ingle, Prince Nazeem’s trainer (pictured below). Another highlight was being on the Brookside set with Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston.
What can people expect when they book your Austin Montego?
It's one of the finest examples of a classic 1980's Austin Montego in the UK. I say it's like driving your dad's car: a classic retro 1980's car... a time machine! Jump in and be transported straight back to 1986. The original interior and even smells like the 1980's, and included are 'Now That's What I Call Music' cassettes from 1986 to really take you back in time.
Thanks Kris for sharing your story... your Austin Montego is a real star, and its retro look means that it's in demand for all the coolest video and TV shoots.
For more details, check out Kris’s listing here on BookAclassic, and to list your own cool classic, head to DRIVESHARE in the US and BookAclassic in the UK and Europe.
