For many motorists, acquiring a first vehicle marks a significant milestone, creating cherished memories that accumulate alongside the miles travelled. However, one Scottish woman has elevated this sentiment to extraordinary heights by reacquiring the exact model of classic car she owned nearly five decades ago, sourcing it from the opposite side of the globe.
A Long-Standing Regret Leads to a Global Quest
Cathleen Hourie, now aged 72, originally received her first Austin 3-Litre as a gift from a former boyfriend during the late 1970s, under the arrangement that she would chauffeur him after he lost his driving licence. Reflecting on that period, Mrs Hourie remarked, 'It seemed like a good idea at the time.' She eventually parted with the vehicle, a decision she has lamented ever since, noting, 'I got over the boyfriend - but I never got over the car.'
Despite later owning other Austin 3-Litres, the retired hairdresser from Orkney persistently yearned for that initial model. Her determination culminated last summer when she discovered an identical car advertised online, only to realise it was located in New Zealand.
An Unlikely Partnership Forged Across Oceans
Undeterred by the vast distance, Mrs Hourie contacted the seller, Hans Compter, upon noticing that the four-figure sale price included shipping to the Netherlands. 'He became enthusiastic about getting it here [to me in Orkney],' she explained. Mr Compter, who is in his mid-80s and operates from bases in both New Zealand and the Netherlands, secured the deal last year and embarked on a complex logistical mission.
He meticulously packed the classic vehicle into a container, transported it to his European homeland, performed necessary repairs, and then loaded it onto his customised 1970 Opel Blitz truck, which serves as a car transporter. The journey continued with a sea voyage to Newcastle, followed by a drive northward to Orkney.
Perilous Journey and Heartwarming Delivery
Mr Compter's dedication nearly faltered at the notoriously steep Berriedale Braes in Caithness, where he inadvertently parked in a soft escape bed designed for vehicles with brake failures, becoming stuck for approximately an hour before being rescued. Mrs Hourie had offered to meet him in Aberdeen, but he insisted on delivering the car personally to her doorstep.
'Having now met Hans, I’m not in the least bit surprised,' she said, praising his commitment. 'He has a great affinity for the cars that he has collected. He likes to know where they’re going, and why people want them.'
Emotional Reunion and Future Plans
Upon finally seeing the Austin 3-Litre, Mrs Hourie described it as 'quite a moment,' adding, 'It’s just such a fun thing to think that it’s come that distance. It’s in really good condition, and I’m chuffed to pieces.' She awarded Mr Compter a customer service rating of 'absolutely five stars - maybe even six.'
In a gesture of gratitude, Mrs Hourie and her farmer husband, John, hosted Mr Compter at their home for several nights, offering him a tour of Orkney. 'I really enjoyed the couple of days he spent here with us, and we’ll keep in touch,' she noted.
The Rarity and Legacy of the Austin 3-Litre
Austin produced fewer than 10,000 units of the 3-Litre model between 1967 and 1971 at its Cowley factory, with estimates suggesting only around 30 remain operational today. Historically, police forces utilised fleets for motorway patrols, while some were converted into ambulances, hearses, and limousines. Mr Compter expressed confidence in the vehicle's longevity, stating, 'I don’t see why you couldn’t use it for the next 50 years easily.'
Mrs Hourie elaborated on her affection for the classic car, saying, 'I like the style of it, and it’s a pleasure to drive. You have to drive a classic car with a smile on your face. Everyone waves to you, everyone looks at it and asks you about it.' She plans to use it primarily as a 'Sunday car' and is considering exhibiting it at a classic car show in Shetland this summer.
