A good Samaritan mechanic from Victoria has driven a vintage car nearly 1500km to return it to its elderly owner on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. As well as finding a new friend, 94-year-old port Lincoln car enthusiast Doug Marchant has also been reunited with his previously stolen Mercedes.
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00:00Doug Marchant's beloved 1977 Mercedes-Benz was stolen from his Port Lincoln home in June.
00:09The car he bought to replace it broke down just a short way into the journey from Victoria.
00:14It wasn't really top condition, although it looks good, mechanically there's a few faults.
00:23Mechanic Mel Tahiri responded to Mr Marchant's roadside assistance call.
00:27How are you?
00:30She fixed the car in her own time and drove more than 16 hours to deliver it to her new friend.
00:36He was so happy when we got his car going the first time, but then when it broke down again he was so upset.
00:42So I was like, I've got to help Doug.
00:44The pair bonded over their love of engines and cars.
00:47He's always under the car or over the bonnet and stuff. Very fit.
00:54And he's been a mechanic for 80 years, so that's really impressive.
00:57While his replacement car was being repaired, his stolen cream Mercedes was found.
01:02They blew a tyre and they obviously couldn't get any further.
01:07Did I think I'd get it back? Never.
01:09I'm very grateful with all the people that helped me and been concerned for me for losing my beautiful old car.
01:18A beautiful old car and a beautiful new friendship.
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