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Published on January 16, 2008

Her habit of collecting antiques that she inherited from her father inspired Rung Chaiyawut to acquire a classic Austin car. "My family's business is engaged in agricultural exports, and our base is in Chiang Mai province. My interest in antique collecting has been instilled in me ever since I was young, because it's my father's hobby. One day after I took over the business from him, I got the idea to own a classic car, and that's why I have the Austin, produced in 1937," she said.

Rung said she came by the car by chance.

"I bought the car from a government official in a remote area," she said. "At that time, I was buying agricultural products from him.

"I saw the car parked at his cattle ranch. It was covered by rice straw, and I could see only its two headlights. He told me he parked the car at the ranch so it could be a 'friend to the cows'. Its former owner was a noble in the area of the old Lanna Kingdom. I did not hesitate to take it."

The Austin could not function at first, she said.

"Its original engine had already broken down - a four-cylinder 700cc engine," Rung said. "Once my dad saw the car, he was shocked, because he hadn't thought I'd start off as an antique collector by buying an old car. I had no knowledge of car engines before, but I bought the Austin because its price tag was very cheap, and I was keen on possessing it. I began seeking information on whether spare parts were still available. I took three years to complete the restoration."

She replaced the original engine with a Japanese one, since she could not buy parts from the Austin manufacturer.

"I like its beautiful shape, which attracts me like magic," she said. "The most impressive feature is that its headlights flash in time to its turn-signal lights. I was surprised how people in the past could think of this and cannot imagine why brand-new models have not copied this idea.

"I'm also impressed that this first antique I collected has since risen a lot in value."

Thanadol Rila

The Nation

Ultimate in Luxury

The Luxury LS 460 is a wonderfully comfaortable car fitted with all mod cons, althoough not necessarily the most fun vehicle to drive.