Share

Slow lane? Bah! Ron, 98, going strong

accreditation
<b>NO SIGN OF SLOWING DOWN:</b> Ron Easton, 98, (right) with Footman James’ business development executive Martyn Raybould after being presented with his special driving gloves. <i>Image: Newspress</i>
<b>NO SIGN OF SLOWING DOWN:</b> Ron Easton, 98, (right) with Footman James’ business development executive Martyn Raybould after being presented with his special driving gloves. <i>Image: Newspress</i>
Footman James
LONDON, England - Who says you have to slow down as you age? A British driver proves that not only can one stay in the fast lane but also do so behind the wheel of classic sport cars... despite being two years shy of 100 years old.

Ron Easton (98, for the mathematically challenged) continues to drive his 1981 MGB GT occasionally but his 2004 MGF daily with no sign of slowing down.

He lives in Devon, south-western England and in his earlier days owned a race-bred TVR in his which he eventually sold to a long-term friend and fellow race fan in Australia.

WARTIME TAXI DRIVER

Easton was born in March 1916 and is one of the original members of the South Hams Motor Club, which will celebrate its half-century in 2015.

He learned to drive as a taxi driver before the Second World War. When the British government commandeered taxis for the war effort he was offered a driving job and chose the Artillery Engineers, transporting heavy guns and other war materiel.

At the end of the war he set-up a car-rental business which he ran until his retirement. In 2009, at the age of 93, Easton took a “Driving Longer for Safer” test which he passed with flying colours.

Now UK classic car insurance brokerFootman James, has thanked Easton for  being a client for 17 years and presented him with a pair of calf-leather driving gloves.

BE ASSESSED FOR SAFETY

Andy Talbot, Footman James’ trading director, said: “We are delighted that Ron can continue driving his classics. We are keen to help older drivers to keep their classic cars and drive them wherever possible - Ron is an excellent example of this.

“People can continue to drive well into their 80's and 90's but it’s obviously important for them to regularly assess their driving and make adjustments as necessary. Driving is a complicated task, requiring continuous concentration and good health."

Are you an older driver on South African roads? Do you have a relative who continues to drive despite their relatively 'old age'? Email us and we'll publish their stories. Don't forget to include pictures at the wheel.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE