American Car Club of WA president Peter Jingryd with some of his pride and joy; a 1951 Chrysler Imperial coupe (left) and a 1940 Ford coupe.
Camera IconAmerican Car Club of WA president Peter Jingryd with some of his pride and joy; a 1951 Chrysler Imperial coupe (left) and a 1940 Ford coupe. Credit: Michael Wilson /The West Australian

Perth petrol head Peter Jingryd's love of American cars takes him from the Alps to Leno

Keren BellosStirling Times

FROM cruising the Alps in a Caddy to converting a fire station’s truck, 62-year-old self-confessed petrol head Peter Jingryd says it is his cars that keep him feeling young.

The American Car Club of WA president has even thrice set foot inside US comedian Jay Leno’s “Big Dog Garage” in California, getting an up-close look at the famous vehicle collection reportedly worth almost A$75 million that’s off limits to the public.

On his latest visit three years ago, he went to see his panel beater mate Per Blixt’s restoration of a 1958 Chrysler 300D — and caught the former talk show host being towed back to the fully-staffed workshop in a broken down steam car.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“Jay had gone to buy burgers for Per and the boys and while we were standing there, here comes Jay getting towed and not looking happy,” Mr Jingryd said.

“He had about 100 cars and 200 motorbikes, everything from a 1930 Packard to a Volvo that ex Secretary of State Colin Powel used to own.

“Jay collects whatever he likes. He’s a really nice guy.”

Self-confessed petrol head Peter Jingryd has led the American Car Club of WA for five years.
Camera IconSelf-confessed petrol head Peter Jingryd has led the American Car Club of WA for five years. Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian

Mr Jingryd’s fascination with American cars dates back to his teenage years in Sweden, when its economy was in full swing, old rides were cheap and US popular culture greatly influenced the younger generation.

At the age of 20 and before parts could be snapped up online, he found a 1954 Cadillac Fleetwood with front-end damage abandoned in a barn.

Swept up in his home country’s American car craze — take the long-running Power Big Meet classic car show in Lidkoping that began in 1978, for example — he spent three years on its restoration.

He and his girlfriend, who later became his wife, then drove the sedan across Europe, a couple of “frozen Swedes” venturing through Denmark, Germany, Austria to Italy for a summer holiday.

“It was quite funny, the two of us in a 6m-long Caddy and the Italians in small Fiats,” Mr Jingryd said.

“We also went to the Cadillac castle in France and bought some Cadillac wine.

“The car did not miss a beat but we always had spare parts and a big tool box.”

Mr Jingryd’s first car in Sweden, a 1954 Cadillac Fleetwood that he restored, drove across Europe during summer holidays and sold in 1989 before emigrating to Australia. He’s still in contact with the new owner, who he says takes really good care of “her”.
Camera IconMr Jingryd’s first car in Sweden, a 1954 Cadillac Fleetwood that he restored, drove across Europe during summer holidays and sold in 1989 before emigrating to Australia. He’s still in contact with the new owner, who he says takes really good care of “her”. Credit: Supplied

His collection grew to five classics, including a former fire department’s 1955 Ford F250 panel van, where he removed the water tank and added side pipes, porthole windows, sunroof, beds and a kitchen.

Before emigrating to Australia in 1989, Mr Jingryd parted with all his pride and joy, planning to buy more here.

Now, a six-car garage in Perth’s northern suburbs plus a factory unit provide plenty of space to store and work on a collection of nine vehicles, which includes a 1966 Buick LeSabre convertible best for cruising the coast with the top down and The Beach Boys’ tunes blaring.

There’s also a head-turning, black-and-gold 1933 Ford Roadster, 1951 Chrysler Imperial coupe previously owned by a former Midland Brick director that is his only right-hand drive conversion as well as a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado he uses to travel to the business he co-owns, Advance Formwork.

Some of the American Car Club of WA’s members recently met at Hillarys then cruised to Leapfrogs restaurant in the Wanneroo Botanic Gardens.
Camera IconSome of the American Car Club of WA’s members recently met at Hillarys then cruised to Leapfrogs restaurant in the Wanneroo Botanic Gardens. Credit: Supplied

“My favourite is the last one I’ve done up,” Mr Jingryd said.

“I don’t know how many cars is enough and I don’t even want to think about how much I’ve spent but in the end, I have mates in the hobby and we help each other to try to keep costs down.”

For the past five years, he has served as president of the American Car Club of WA, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year and has 75 members who enjoy monthly meet-ups and car runs involving up to 120 vehicles.

“Anyone with a passion for American cars is welcome and we have lots of knowledge to share,” he said.