Taxi Driver Online

New role for Norwich classic car



It might be nearly 60 years old, but Bob Pike's classic car has passed the test for getting a private hire licence with flying colours.

When Mr Pike, from Drayton, was made redundant through ill health from his job, he decided that his unique Triumph Renown coud be a way of earning some money.

The quirky 1951 car, which has been reconstructed using a variety of recycled car parts and even features an old telephone, has now been given the go-ahead so Mr Pike can hire it out for proms and special events.

The 53-year-old, who had to leave his warehouse job after he had four stomach hernias and was not able to lift any more, said: “I can do weddings and funerals, but to do things like prom night and special events I need the licence.

“It's not original, even though it looks like a classic car. It's got a modern Ford engine, which is quite powerful, and the interior has been put together from all sorts of cars.

“It's a real mixture and I've even put in one of the old telephones with a round dial.

“Everyone always asks me if it works, and I just tell them I can't use it because it hasn't got hands-free.”

Mr Pike, who is a member of Norfolk Street Cruisers, won a top 10 award from the National Street Road Association on the car's first ever trip out after restoration.

It was restored with the help of his friend Mark Stacey, of the Power and Performance garage at Honingham.

Mr Pike, who says the Triumph's three-litre engine often surprises other motorists when pulling away from standind still at traffic lights, said: “I love the old hot rods as you never see any the same - they are all different.”

Mr Pike, who lives in Magnay Road with his wife Kim, had to get special approval from Broadland District Council to allow him to licence it as a private hire vehicle, as it is older than five years old.

He said the final hurdle would be investigating how much the special insurance would cost.

Anyone interesting in hiring the Triumph Renown can contact Mr Pike on 01603 408021.

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/eveningnews24/

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

I'd just love to know how much the PH insurance will Cost....

At least he is doing it the legal way.

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IDFIMH

My limo renewal is £2,000.

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Grandad,

Yes its old...but its more of a Hot rod conversion, I wonder if this will open the door to others that might have a sooped up boy racer golden oldie...

I could well understand if the car was was in its its original manufacturers condition with the original engine...a true old lady of the road.

if it was white he coulda done just weddings and bypassed the PH plate