Full Breakdown
A Journey to Deliver a Classic Car: Cathleen Hourie's Austin 3-Litre
3/11/2026, 8:02:38 AM
The Epic Delivery of a Classic Car
Cathleen Hourie, a classic car enthusiast from Orkney, Scotland, has long desired an Austin 3-Litre, a model she was introduced to by her first boyfriend. Last summer, she discovered a 1970 model for sale online, only to find it was located in New Zealand. The seller, Hans Compter, an 86-year-old Dutchman, took it upon himself to deliver the vehicle personally, embarking on an extensive journey that spanned continents.
Hans Compter, who splits his time between New Zealand and the Netherlands, had amassed a collection of classic cars in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Upon receiving Cathleen's inquiry about the Austin on his website, PreWarCar, he promptly arranged for the car to be shipped to Rotterdam. Following repairs in his workshop, he loaded the vehicle onto his vintage 1970 Opel Blitz truck, which had been converted into a car transporter.
The Journey to Orkney
Hans's journey to deliver the Austin was not without challenges. After arriving in Newcastle, England, he underestimated the distance to Orkney, believing it would only take a day to drive the approximately 400 miles to the ferry port at Scrabster. Instead, the trip took two days. Along the way, he encountered a significant obstacle at the notorious Berriedale Braes in Caithness, where his truck became stuck in a soft escape bed designed for vehicles with brake failures. With a queue of up to 20 vehicles behind him, Hans was uncertain of his ability to extricate the truck until a passing driver came to his aid.
Cathleen's Joy and the Car's Legacy
Upon receiving the Austin, Cathleen expressed her delight, stating, "I've been grinning since Hans arrived." She paid a four-figure sum for the car, which is one of fewer than 10,000 ever made, with only around 30 still on the road today. Cathleen noted the car's excellent condition, stating, "It's 55 years old and it is in much better condition than I hoped. It's just lovely. I'm really pleased with it."
Hans, reflecting on the car's future, remarked, "I don't see why you couldn't use it for the next 50 years easily," suggesting that Cathleen could enjoy many more years of motoring pleasure with her newly acquired classic vehicle.
Official Statements & Responses
Cathleen Hourie highlighted the emotional connection she has with the Austin 3-Litre, stating, "I got over the boyfriend but I never got over the car." Hans Compter, who described himself as a "car idiot," emphasized the joy of restoring classic vehicles and the satisfaction of delivering the Austin to Cathleen.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I want to thank the driver who saw me and came back to pull me out. I thought the Opel might have been damaged but she's fine.” — Hans Compter, Seller
- “It's 55 years old and it is in much better condition than I hoped.” — Cathleen Hourie, Buyer
This remarkable journey not only reunited Cathleen with a cherished piece of her past but also showcased the lengths to which enthusiasts will go to preserve automotive history.
