Tomorrow is America's Independence Day. Motors celebrates the exuberant mobility of life in America - and considers the differences between motoring on both sides of the atlantic. In an ocean of chrome, Oonagh Charleton meets an Irish car fan passionate for US autos
From sea to shining sea of metal. It's not every day that you slide into the driving seat of a 1966 Ford Mustang surrounded by three grinning mechanics, a 1956 Cadillac, a Chrysler Imperial, a 1953 Chevy Convertible and a 1962 Ford Zephyr among other things.
I have always driven a Ford Capri, the European version of the Mustang and, while I love the shape, the faults, the rust and the pride, the smell of vinyl, the heavy steering and the power bulge, I get a little silent perched in its straight-six godfather.
However, Brendan Brady, a co-founder of the American Automobile Association of Ireland (AAAI), soon whips me back to reality and his driveway full of blinding chrome American classics. Brady helped to set up the AAAI with Donald Keogh and four others, a little over two years ago - it now has close to 100 members and is rapidly growing into one of our biggest classic car clubs.
"There are no real requirements in joining," he says. "The funny thing about American cars is that they are so cheap to buy. Insurance can be as much as €8 a week or two pints."
From a strong mechanical background, Brendan and his brother run a successful wheel and tyre business, through which club members can also avail of advice and parts. "I'm passionate about the club," he admits. "My father was a great mechanic and we were brought up with American cars. Even if there was no food on the table, there was always an engine."
Semi-affiliated to Britain's 5,000-strong AAA, Brendan has dozens of contacts who help with parts and source particular cars.
The AAAI really took off last year with the introduction of more affordable classic insurance. People began to revisit old dreams of owning a Corvette, Chevrolet, GTO or even a Firebird.
"We can steer people towards genuine dealers here and in England, put them in contact with the right person." He advises those who want to buy a car to contact the club and thoroughly research the vehicle: "Keep in mind no matter how good it is, there will always be something a little wrong with it. You always have to expect that. You can buy an American vehicle for €2,000, running, and insure it for €325. If you are in any way able to do anything mechanical yourself, you have a vehicle that will run very cheap."
What about modern muscle cars? Not at all, says Brady - "You can have as much fun in cars like these as you would in something for €100,000. Also if it breaks down, it's not going to cost you a fortune to repair."
The three classics on his driveway are examples of this ethos. They are also overwhelming to look at. The 1955, 3.5-litre V8 Chevy Bel-Air is his everyday motor with an interior saloon like a sophisticated 1950s diner. Plush wall-to-wall carpeting exudes luxury with an enormous steering wheel providing focus in a roomy and sofa-esque front seat.
The 1959 six-cylinder 4-litre Chevrolet Pickup sports an original engine - it's also a three-speed manual. With acres of space in the rear, the pickup could easily fit 10 lumberjacks, their chainsaws and a few crates of whiskey, still leaving room for the odd South Carolina hitch-hiker.
Brendan Brady refuses to say which is his favourite, but the 1937 Packard Limousine really makes him smile. It's this 19-foot creation, with its straight-eight, 4.7-litre engine that grabs the attention of many a passer-by: "When I'm driving the Packard, I just go back in time. It really drives so smoothly, you don't feel like you're in an old car."
One thing that really dazzles, aside from the sun-glinted chrome, is the immaculate paintwork and careful restoration of these cars. Brady, who not only rebuilds engines and deals with all the mechanics, strips, prepares the bodywork and paints all his classics to an exceptional level of sophistication. "We do all the paintwork ourselves. The preparation though can take months." He loves the utter flamboyance of the original colours of these classics: "The colours on these cars are fantastic. You won't see these colours anywhere in Europe. At any major shows, people just stand back in amazement. It's really art."
He is full of advice for current and future members. "Any money spent in the club goes back into it." He also makes the point that many clubs have failed with members trying to profit out of other members through the sale of parts or indeed vehicles. "Anyone who does that will be automatically put out. We are very emphatic on that."
Brady hopes to organise a group to compete in shows in Northern Ireland and Britain. A bond has already been forged between the AAAI and the Northern Ireland Club when they met two weeks ago. "Eventually, we hope to have at least four or five major cruises like the Chelsea club in London."
At least 40 AAAI members and Brendan Brady himself are turning out for the 4th of July festival in DúLaoghaire tomorrow. Cars to expect include Cadillacs, Mustangs, and Chevys as well as his own collection of gems.
"It's a good club," he avers, "but I think it could be tighter and that's what we are working towards. A club that is not just for people on a committee - everyone in the club should be brought into it."
His son David, a hardworking member, is invaluable in the administrative work - and he has a vast working knowledge of cars.
If money or circumstance were no object, what would Brendan's favourite classic be? He hardly pauses before announcing the Shelby Mustang. "Not that they were the safest car in the world, but that they were so powerful. Most American cars were great in straight lines, but once you went to turn them. . .
"If I had to drive a modern car, I'd probably go for the new Mustang. The new Thunderbird is nice - they've gone very retro style now."
Safety is a concern of Brady's and the AAAI: "Once a car is over 30-years-old, you don't need an NCT, but we strongly recommend you get a garage or mechanic to look it over. I emphasise this all the time to members, because if you go on the road with a two-ton vehicle and the brakes go! Safety in the club is a big factor, and we try to keep things sensible."
Being heavily involved with American classics, Brady is often contacted by film companies. He believes that there are excellent film companies in Ireland but is wary about the respect shown to cars during shoots. "I drove Liam Neeson around in Michael Collins. It was a fantastic experience, but it was very hard on the car. They really just want you to go as fast as you can."
• Membership of the AAAI costs €25 a year - and you don't have to own a car to join.
www.geocities.com/aaairl