The generosity of strangers

 

 

Our final day in Lima was filled with interesting visits organised by Ariosto who has, with the founders of Premium Brands here in Lima, made our stay so rewarding. It is so often the case when driving these old cars that one experiences extraordinary genorosity and Peru is no exception.

 

Firstly by providing the necessary garage facilities and mechanical expertise to service and repair the cars over the first two days. The teams knowledge of the Rolls (Chris), expertise in vintage cars and ‘bush fixes” (David and Mr Glew) and local mechanics and welding have resulted in all the cars being tip top and ready for departure. The welding of Nigel’s broken aluminium break shoes was done superbly and way beyond what any of the team thought possible.

 

 

 

On Friday morning Ariosto took us to the motor museum of Jorge Nicolini who happens to be married to his cousin. Jorge has been collecting cars all his life and has a sizeable collection, the vast majority of which are ‘barn finds’ from across Peru. There is everything from the ex- President of Peru’s official car to huge 1950 and 60’s American Packards, Cadillacs, Dodge’s and Mustangs. There are little micro cars and magnificent Roll’s and everything in between. Jorge is clearly an enthusiast sine in his restoration shed he has at least another 40 cars in various states of restoration where his team does everything from the mechanical work, the bodywork and even the chrome. The vats for the chroming do seem to be short of health and safety measures but hey who’s inspecting? Jorge could not have been more welcoming and we returned back to our hotel for a rest.

 

 

 

At 15:00 we fired up the cars, filled them with fuel for the morning and drove to the Premium Brands head office and the Aston Martin Lima showroom to meet the founders Glenn and Diago. We discussed the cars, we sampled their cheeses (Red Leicester, Stilton and Lincolnshire Poacher all took me straight home!) and their excellent hams and salamis and then we strolled around their fantastic wine cellar, where we were tempted by their Nebuchadnezzar of La Chappelle but worried about where we would be able to store it!. David worked hard on persuading Glenn to buy a 6.5 ltr or 8 ltr Bentley but without success despite taking him for a spin through the streets of Lima in a Lagonda.