Cruising the Rarotonga loop road in one of the only classic cars on the island could soon be a reality for a keen Cook Islands petrol head.

Classic car enthusiast Dennis Hogan is selling his 1998 Ford Falcon Tickford XR6 EL – which still boasts all its original parts, down to the paintwork – after taking care of it for 22 years.

The 74-year-old, who owns Sunhaven Beach Bungalows, said his age influenced his decision to sell.

“I’m getting on, and perhaps it’s time for someone younger to have fun in it and enjoy it,” Hogan said.

“If I can’t sell it, I’ll keep it. Maybe I’ll get buried in it.

“I’ve been a petrol head all my life. Once it’s in your blood, it stays there.”

A motor mechanic by trade, Hogan began his career serving an apprenticeship at a BMC dealership in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1966.

“People would bring in their cars, and I would fall in love with it and wish I could own one like that.”

He opened a used car sales yard in 1976, dealing cars for about 10 years.

“I used to buy these oddball classic cars that other car dealers didn’t really want, and I just kept swapping one car for another and driving them,” he said.

“I have no idea how many classic cars I’ve owned.”

Hogan began racing a Falcon GT in classic car circuits around the North Island in the late 70s and 80s, and served as president for the New Zealand Falcon GT Club in 1985 and 1986.

His vehicle earned second place in the club category at the annual Ellerslie Car Show and Concours d’Elegance in the mid-80s.

Hogan left his car racing life behind when he decided to move to Rarotonga with wife Patti in 1991, opening a petrol station complex in her home village of Arorangi.

He had to sell his two classic cars, including a 1969 GTHO, before the shift.

Hogan poured the next 11 years into building up the couple’s businesses, opening the Sunhaven Beach Bungalows in 2000 and selling the petrol station complex later that year.

A life-long Ford V8 enthusiast, it was not until 2002 that Hogan got another chance to own the brand.

One of the Bergman brothers was selling two versions of the Ford Falcon Tickford, imported into the Cook Islands from New Zealand.

“I grabbed it,” Hogan said.

“It was closest I could get to the one I raced.”

The vehicle had 42,000 kilometres on its odometer at the time – Hogan adding just 20,000km to the mileage during the 22 years he owned it.

“It spends most of its time in the garage,” he said.

“I bring it out when it needs a warrant and registration, take it once round the island and put it in the shed until the next warrant.

“My wife loves going for a Sunday drive in it. I don’t think she’s ever driven it, I don’t think I let her.”

Hogan’s favourite features of the vehicle were its “sporty” appearance, lowered and firm suspension, and “high performance” engine.

“I like the way it drives. You feel like you’re driving something special,” he said.

“There’s just a handful of classic cars on the island.”

Hogan said because of the vehicle’s rarity on Rarotonga, he was unsure of its value.

Those interested in making a genuine offer on the vehicle can phone Hogan at 28465 or 54404.