Jeremy Cordeaux’s ‘Workshop’

E, F & GT Register meeting on the 16th February, 2023 at Jeremy Cordeaux’s ‘Workshop’.

As one traversed along the brick-paved driveway entrance at Jeremy Cordeaux’s home, there was just a hint of the magic awaiting with the ferns and trees creating a slightly darkened arbour. A minute later, the cave entrance was revealed and the first few steps inside left one wondering what to look at first.

There were E-Types, Ferraris, MGs, a Volvo, Rolls Royce’s, a Mustang, A Thunderbird, an Alfa and a Morris Minor. Looking beyond cars however revealed another world. One was in awe of a lifetime of collections – books, artwork, antiquities, carvings, model aircraft and posters just to name a few. This eclectic display was superbly arranged with a variety of objects to entertain for hours if not days and enhanced by discreet lighting.

It was such an inviting atmosphere and it would be easy to start the day off with a coffee and a book, occasionally looking up to admire a particular car then moving through chapters until nightfall. Shortly after all members were present, the business of the register was dealt with and Suzanne handed over to Jeremy for a briefing on the various cars.

Jeremy described how as an office boy at the start of his career, he was inspired by the car’s media personalities drove and remembered seeing Digby Wolfe driving a white E-Type, a moment that was to be inspirational. John Laws also drove a red E-Type.

Eventually Jeremy drove his Volvo to Adelaide and became extremely busy with his work in radio with no time to start a collection.

That was to change as the years went by and like all car collections, there are stories to be told.

The white Series III E-Type was once owned by Dolly Parton who bought the car new and retained it for 10 or so years. It has since had a ground-up restoration and steering conversion. Jeremy mentioned that initially, he was nervous of V12s.

His Rolls Royce Corniche just so happened to be the last ever made. FiftySix were to be manufactured but the number stopped at 45.

Jeremy also told members that some of his purchases were on impulse. A few heads could be seen downward looking in complete understanding.

Cars Jeremy would have liked to own but have alluded him to date are a Morgan and an Austin Healey.

The night ended with a supper brought by members. Thanks to Jeremy for his generosity, eloquent and amusing description of his collection and opening up his garage for a truly memorable night.

By: Peter Thomas