AS a youngster, Philip Beale dreamed of a garage housing his dream car, a Jensen Interceptor Mark II.
Little did he imagine that his boyhood wish would come true – almost – 50 years later.
Aged 13, Phil wrote about “My Dream Home” for the Adver.
As well as five bedrooms, a Cotswold stone exterior and a 100 metre indoor swimming pool, the former St Joseph’s pupil wanted a house that could satisfy his passion for cars.
“There would be a garage outside to hold three cars, including my Jensen Interceptor Mark II,” Phil wrote. “I think I would be the most envied person in the world with this house.”
Clipped from the paper, the article lay gathering dust – until Phil’s wife, Pam, stumbled across it ahead of her husband’s 60th birthday celebrations.
Inspired, Pam decided to mark motorhead Phil’s landmark birthday with a special surprise.
Pam, 51, said: “I thought, wouldn’t it be good if I could find a Jensen again.”
She approached the Jensen owners club, who put her in touch with Bromsgrove-based car owner Steve Johnson.
Steve’s stunning deep purple sports car arrived at the couple’s Lichfield home part way through a family party to celebrate Phil’s 60th birthday.
“Phil had no idea of what was going to happen,” said Pam.
Dad-of-two Phil, who grew up in Walcot before moving to London for university, said: “The doorbell rang. I opened the door and there was this bloke there. I was looking at his face, thinking ‘Am I supposed to know you?’”
The man was Steve and on the drive was his vintage Jensen Interceptor Mark II – insured for £130,000.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said car fan Phil. “There are so few of these cars in the UK anymore.
“We spent a good amount of time on the drive, just looking at it. It’s got this amazing sexy shape that I have always loved, even when I was 13.
“That particular car came out a year before I wrote my Advertiser article. I always thought it had a very futuristic shape. No one else was making cars like it.
Lucky Phil, who himself splashed out on a Porsche convertible, wasn’t able to get behind the wheel – but Steve did take him on a tour of Lichfield in the car.
He said: “It was a blast. I absolutely loved it.”
Phil, who retired from working as a management consultant earlier this year, plans to spend his retirement driving, will turn 60 on Tuesday.
“I’m ok about it,” he said. “For me it’s just a number.”
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