Capone – Roger Holmes

I first saw the Chevy on the side of Ponsonby Road. I rode past it most days on my way to work at the original STOLEN offices. Jamie and I had always planned on getting an American pickup truck that would be used for running the rum.

Chevrolet trucks have starred in many great films, from James Bond’s From Russia With Love to a more recent role in Twilight. We saw several nice Chevrolet pickup trucks in Los Angeles on the way to Jamaica and couldn’t decide the year of manufacture we liked best. The 50s models are well known for their exaggerated curves, the 60s ones are crisper, with straighter lines, more business like. We felt the ‘68 model was a bit more down-to-earth which fitted with us and STOLEN Rum. Plus, it had come straight out of the Arizona desert so it was in mint condition and free of rust.

If you have ever driven a classic car or truck, you’ll know it doesn’t take long before a smug smile erupts and you’re thrown back to the time the car was made. It’s an exhilarating feeling, one I’ve never experienced with modern cars — it really does feel like you’re running through a sprinkler in your granddad’s front yard on a hot summer’s day.

We named him Capone.

Our first major road trip was to Wellington where we planned to introduce him to the Capital. We got as far as the Desert Road before things went wrong. Capone coughed and spluttered before stopping altogether. My father, Mark, offered to give Capone a home on the farm for the winter, so he was towed to his workshop. A complete engine rebuild was required. Dad, along with the help of a few locals, spent the best part of four months replacing various parts on our beloved Chevy while we eagerly waited his return.

Now the engine room was back in working order, it seemed only fair to follow through with the exterior. We dug into our pockets and painted him STOLEN Red. He wasn’t complete without new interiors, so the original bench seat was covered in retro red and beige vinyl and finished off with new sign writing.

A triumphant return. Welcome home Capone.

Words by Roger Holmes