By CASEY NEILL
DANDENONG man Eddie Dobbs’ passion for cars has shaped his life in more ways than one.
The motor mechanic runs JD Motors in Dandenong North alongside his wife Margaret.
“She invited me on our first date to a motor race meeting at Calder (Raceway),” he said.
“I’ve just loved cars since before I could walk or talk.
“I used to ride from Jordanville, where I used to live, on my pushbike out to Fishermans Bend to watch drag racing.”
His 1956 FE Holden has taken him to race tracks around the country and will be on display at the Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills All Holden Car Show on 12 April.
“The car was originally built up by Graham Blanchard at Blanchard Motors in Springvale,” Mr Dobbs said.
He’s been its proud owner since 1984.
“We’re kind of the custodians because it’s a part of Australian motor racing history and it should be preserved,” he said.
“But it’s a race car and I think it should be out there racing.
“The people, wherever it goes, just love it because very few people race early Holdens.”
Mr Dobbs has competed in support races for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Adelaide and Melbourne, at Eastern Creek in New South Wales and in Tasmania and Queensland.
“We’ve even been to Western Australia once,” he said.
“The club there had some sponsorship money, and they paid to transport the car over there.”
This is the first time he’s entered it in a show.
“There’s rarely this style of race car. It has the original style engine and gear box. It has drum brakes, three on the tree…” he said.
Mr Dobbs has attended the event as a spectator.
“It’s an impressive day,” he said.
