The myriad pieces that littered the lawn are being lovingly rebuilt into a historic vehicle which has been painstakingly returned to its former glory.

The aim is to get it ready for the Warrnambool and District Historical Vehicle Club display at Lake Pertobe on January 13. 

Mr Begelhole’s latest project has been to restore a 1927 Willys-Overland Whippet, which he bought in 1967 from its original owner.

“The lady I bought it from got it as a 21st birthday present,” he said. “I put it on the road in 1972 and continued to drive it until 1996, when the motor got a bit tired. 

“Then it just went to the ‘gunna’  corner until a few weeks ago.” 

He said with a new lick of paint, upholstery and a partial engine rebuild, the car would be back on the road early in the new year. 

Mr Begelhole said the car was one of the original vehicles in the club when it formed 40 years ago. 

“There are only three or four still around now,” he said. 

“We have a huge mix of cars in the club now. A lot of the younger members are restoring cars from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. They were the cars their parents drove and what they grew up with. 

“That’s what we find with the display, so many people come along and reminisce about the cars they remember.”

Mr Begelhole said the club expected more than 100 cars at the display, which will be held at Lake Pertobe between 10am and 4pm on January 13.