Backyard Ford Legend Eric Worner: Classic Restos - Series 41

This weeks episode Fletch reveals the life story of Ford backyard legend Eric Worner. A man with a passion for Ford side-valve V8's. Inside Eric's beloved shed he built in 1968, he has rebuilt many engines, gearboxes, carby's and brakes. You name it.
He claims the shed is what every man needs, especially when you get to Eric's age. He says "it keeps your mind ticking over". He started his apprenticeship back in 1940 at the Bowral Ford Dealership, which might account for his passion for all things Ford. Eric suggests that today's youth could benefit from having a shed or somewhere to pursue an interest. It doesn't need to be cars; it could be woodworking or spray painting. Just an interest that occupies them and gives them a purpose, it's worked for Eric why not a whole new generation.
Eric's life has focused on rebuilding and customising engines, and he has some simple tips on how to get the best out of an engine rebuild.
We recount his working life, leaving the Ford dealership at the end of his five-year apprenticeship and working with his father driving trucks. Fords, of course, a 1952 side-valve Tipper followed by a 1960 Ford side-valve Tipper, where his mechanical nouse came into play in getting the most out of these trucks. As he put it "we drove the hype out of them, treated like race cars". Back then the Ford side-valve V8 engines were great workhorses and were used everywhere in trucks, army tanks, boats and stationary equipment. You now understand why he's such a side-valve V8 expert.
Cars have always been part of Eric's life, from his first car a Ford Consul followed by a 105 Anglia and a host of Ford models after that. Including his current daily drive a 3 litre V6 Ford Capri. He mentions a couple of unique cars a 1939 Ford Coupe and a Ford Special So-Cal racecar.
Erics says even today after a rebuild when you first start it up again "there is nothing like it". Now, that's a real passion.

[@bazzag7614]

Great story, glad to see someone keeping those flatheads ticking over, much respect!

[@mouldymomo8013]

Wow. What a legend this old bloke is. Great story, love the Capri. Keep on trucking.

[@kathrynworner9696]

This old guy reminds me of Burt Munroe from the world’s fastest Indian. What an Aussie legend!

[@brentjones9961]

What a Gem of a Gentleman

[@TheAjs71]

Thanks for taking the time to record this lovely Man's story Fletch!

[@owenmathews8806]

God I wish this gent lived in my street, I'd be over his shed all the time, and i'd drag him over to mine to help me, as long as he liked Valiants:)
Top story, loved it!

[@dannyud]

It's really sad that people like Eric are far and few between, these days. They just don't make people or cars the way they used to.
Eric is a national treasure, he should be the Australian of the year, sorry Fletch you just don't cut the mustard. That doesn't mean you're not a legend in your own right though :-)

[@dougscustomcargarage3434]

What a great life story
I love Capri's

[@boldorboy08]

Great episode mate. What a character.

[@markgardiner1613]

Love the Capri!

[@chrissmith9854]

What a great bloke, I bet he wished he kept a few of them, he has and still is living the Aussie dream..

[@Wooley689]

Highly enjoyable to watch. Luv the Capri, they are forgotten in the USA, brother had one years ago, fun little car with a sun top in British racing Green.

[@peterhess6039]

Great Story

[@nevstoy48]

What a nice bloke

[@robelliott1971]

Good on ya old mate!

[@trevordavey5196]

Nice stroy, nice bloke. I owed a red V6 3000 GT Capri and yes, a "rippa" car

[@hifives2]

Cant put a price on that Capri and to think i sold my own for $1800 back in 1985