A Tywyn man has been reunited with the classic car he once owned on his 100th birthday.

Vic Gamble, who recently appeared in a TV show about elderly drivers, was delighted to see his old car which has been restored.

Vic featured in the series 100 Year Old Drivers with the Ford Consul he had owned for almost 60 years.

Since the making of the programme, Vic parted with the car as he no longer felt confident driving it. It had fallen into disrepair.

The car was purchased at auction by John Ball, of Wincanton in Somerset, who is a car enthusiast.

Mr Ball decided to write to the DVLA to ask for information about the car and its history, and that’s how Vic and John made contact and became friends.

On Vic’s 100th birthday he was so happy to be reunited with the vehicle he cherished and used for romantic trips out with his late wife Elma.

He was treated to a ride out around the town in “the old girl” and said it brought back so many memories.

Vic, who used to live in Ffordd Dyfrig before moving to the Llys Cadfan care home in the town, said: “The trouble you people have gone to, I really do appreciate it. It’s wonderful, absolutely wonderful. The car looks beautiful. John’s done an amazing job.”

Vic’s friend, Alwyn Jones, who helped with the birthday surprise, said: “I would like to thank John Ball for his hard work in restoring the Consul and agreeing to bring it to Wales with the help of Ben Hudson for this special occasion.

“Thanks also to Andrew Tutt, a long-time friend of Vic’s, who drove his black Consul up from Hereford to celebrate the occasion.

“Finally, I’d like to thank the management, Katey and Helen, and all staff in helping and contributing in making this such a wonderful day.”

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