98 Years Old and Still Going Strong

By Tom Mack

Wondering how long you'll be able to keep driving? When is the right time to hang up your car keys? Well, here's one heartwarming recent example of how you can manage to stay behind the wheel if your enthusiasm, health, physical and cognitive abilities are still up to par. One of Britain's leading classic car insurance brokers has presented a special gift to one of its oldest customers.

Footman James presented 98-year-old Ron Easton with a set of Bentley calf leather driving gloves to celebrate his lengthy driving career.

Ron, who lives in South Devon, has been insured by the firm for the past 17 years: he is the proud owner of two sports cars, his original 1981 MGB GT and a 2004 MGF he uses for daily driving. In his earlier years, Ron owned a race-bred TVR that he eventually sold to a long-term friend and fellow race fan in Australia.

Photo: Newspress
Veteran driver and long-time MG enthusiast Ron Easton, right, has been insured by Martyn Raybould's firm for the past 17 years. 

He first learned to drive as a taxi driver before the Second World War and – when the government commandeered taxis for the war effort – Ron was offered a driving job and chose the Artillery Engineers transporting heavy guns and other warfare materials; at the end of the war, Ron set up a car hire business which he ran until his retirement.

Five years ago – at the sprightly age of 93 – Ron took a 'Driving Longer for Safer' test which he passed with flying colours. A jubilant Ron then wrote to his insurance company for offering him continued coverage. He said: "I am completely satisfied."

A company spokesman said; "We are absolutely delighted that Ron can continue driving his classics. We are keen to promote the older driver keeping their classic cars and driving them wherever possible and Ron is an excellent example of this.

"Older drivers can continue to drive well into their 80s and 90s but it's obviously important for them to regularly assess their driving and make adjustments as necessary. Driving is a complicated task, requiring continuous concentration  and good health. We are delighted that, at such a ripe old age, Ron can still enjoy driving."