Tony Matthews has been in the motor trade for a long time and he's been interested in cars since the early 50s.

He has his own garage and he's a man with two special ladies in his life - his wife Shirley and his much loved Austin Healey 3000, which is know affectionately as The Old Girl.

It was 35 years ago that he spotted and instantly fell in love with the Mk1 model which was best described as blue... and derelict.

Despite all advice to the contrary, he was determined to buy the car and began to set about raising the necessary £200, which back in 1971, represented a considerable amount of money.

After a long period of intensive restoration, during which Mr Matthews gave up all his spare time and had to dig even deeper into his already depleted savings, the car emerged to greet the world, re-sprayed in the archetypal Healey 3000 colour of Colorado red.

Mr Matthews' interest in classic cars has continued to grow and although today he owns an impressive collection, it's The Old Girl which is his favourite and shares his affections with his long-suffering wife.

Once restored, he successfully entered the model in many classic car shows and was delighted when, in 1976, his car was featured in that year's Classic Cars magazine calendar.

Over the next few years, as his collection of classic cars continued to grow, he and his wife shared many adventures with The Old Girl, including the occasion when the vehicle was swamped with admirers when they arrived at a hotel in France which, unknown to them, was hosting a convention for the owners of Volvo cars.

At their home is a purpose- built "garage" which is more akin to a motor museum.

The place is a shrine for car enthusiasts, housing among other gems, a Ferrari 308GTB, an ex-police-owned Triumph TR3A, a 3-litre MGC GT, an Audi Quattro and of course, the first classic car Mr Matthews ever bought, his precious Austin Healey 3000 who's engine has the aggressive growl which shows just why this particular model has earned the reputation of being the last of the true British muscle cars.

Mr Matthews father took him to see is first motor race at Silverstone in 1952 and he has fond memories of Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb during the mid-50s.

In 1959, he started working for the Charles Clark Austin dealership in Wolverhampton. In 1964 he formed Team Charles Clark with two of his colleagues.

Mr Matthews' interest in cars goes well beyond selling them from the forecourt of his garage in Worcester, and the restoration of old models.

He also takes an active part in the goings-on at Shelsley Walsh. For several years he has acted as the club steward and at many events, he has watched with pride as the president of the Midland Automobile Club has driven his Old Girl up the famed racing track to open the venue for competition.

Mr Matthews is also clerk of the course at the Curborough sprint venue near Lichfield, Staffordshire, and for the 42 years he has organised the Graham Hill Trophy Sprint meeting there.