Driver Jennifer Armstrong, and husband Bill with 93-year-old Rhona Fraser and her brand new Mustang. PHOTO/ALEYNA MARTINEZ
ALEYNA MARTINEZ
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Ninety-three-year-old Rhona Fraser had her licence taken off her four years ago but that has not stopped her buying a brand new kona blue Ford Mustang which arrived at Fagan Motors in Masterton just before the covid-19 lockdown began.
Finally, on Thursday, Fraser and long-time friend and driver Jennifer Armstrong drove the high-performance vehicle with a 2.3 litre turbo engine off the lot and home to Palliser House in Greytown where she lives.
She’d really wanted a purple one but “it’s the closest we could get”, salesman Nick McGruddy said.
Fraser said she wanted the $65,000 vehicle “because I’ve been a horse rider all my life – it appeals to me”.
After getting in the car for the first time she quipped to McGruddy, “It looks like a plane in here” as he showed her how to use the GPS system.
Armstrong chimed in to say Fraser used to fly planes for enjoyment. In fact, Fraser was the first woman to fly solo from the Wellington Aero Club.
“I’m a bit scared of it at the moment but I’m sure I’ll get used to it” Armstrong said, with regard to the Mustang.
“We go over the hill a bit to visit friends and relatives there, and over the other coast as well.”
Armstrong said she takes Fraser out at least two to three times a week.
“She does go out a lot when she’s able and the only thing that stopped her was the lockdown.” Armstrong said.
Good on you Rhona, this woman was such an inspiration to me. A real kiwi legend still living the dream with her mustang.