ME AND MY MOTOR-DARREN MCCAULEY

Name: Darren McCauley

Address: Drung

Car: 1991 Ford Sierra Sapphire GLX 1.8

Darren is in the middle of a mechanics course at Magee in Derry. He has always had a keen interest in machinery and was guided by his grandfather from a very early age. He used this knowledge to fully restore a 1974 Ford 4000 tractor last year that had been lying in a field for years until he salvaged it. He has now completed his latest project, his Ford Sierra GLX.


How long have you had the car?
I have had the car since September of last year. Before that I had Ford Fiestas

What condition was the car in when you got it?
The bodywork and interior were in excellent condition. It was a one owner car from new and had been well looked after cosmetically

What work did you do to the car?
I did a complete overhaul of the engine and fitted a new original carburettor. I have used genuine parts to keep the originality of the car intact (apart from the boot spoiler and RS wheels!) The paint was very dull too as red oxidises in the sunlight so this also needed work.

How long did it take you to complete the work?
I lost track! I worked mainly evenings and weekends until it was finished.

Is it reliable?
Yes. I travel to Galway in it every week with no problems at all. If it wasn’t reliable I would probably enjoy fixing it anyway!

Best thing about the car?
The Ford Badge! Ford cars are the main vehicles for our family. My grandparents started the trend and my parents, sister and I have all followed suit with models like the Focus and Granada.

Any plans to change?
Reluctantly yes. I would like to work on another project. (An R.S. Cosworth.)

If you were the Minister for Finance what would you do to help motorists?
Cheaper insurance and improve the condition of the roads.

What would you really like to be driving around in?
A Scania Centurion 143 Topline 500 truck! I would be following in the family haulage tradition. My grandfathers (John McCauley and Billy McDaid) were hauliers and so is my father Billy.

PS

HAPPY 19TH BIRTHDAY DARREN!

Motoring.