Story by Rhylea Thompson

While some may see retirement as a time to slow down, Myles Allan’s need for speed – and in style – has only accelerated.

The Seasons Living resident has always had a passion for classic cars, with Myles owning hundreds of vintage vehicles in his lifetime.

His large collection has included everything from a red 1971 Ford Mustang convertible and an incredibly rare 1950 XK120 Jaguar, to the 1971 Black Cadillac Eldorado which featured in the Matrix Reloaded film.

RETRO REVIVAL: Car enthusiast Myles with his partner and fellow Seasons resident Carol, gearing up for a drive in one of his treasured classic cars. Picture: Contributed

While the retiree finds plenty of joy in driving each model, he also loves restoring and rehoming them.

“I have always been fascinated with vintage cars because I love the way they are built,” he said.

“Unlike the cars you get today, which all look the same but have a different badge, the classic models are completely unique.

“The old cars are also built better… they are made out of steel and come with a nice chrome bumper bar – there’s no plastic.”

BLUE STEEL: Owning hundreds of different vehicles in his lifetime, Seasons resident Myles, pictured with partner Carol, has always had a passion for classic cars. Picture: Contributed

Purchasing his first car at the age of 17, Myles chose a 25-horsepower, boxed-oil car, which he walked 20km to collect.

A longstanding member of the Southwest Brisbane Motoring Club, Myles’ life was turned upside down in late 2021, when he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

The rare autoimmune condition, which affects around one to two people out of 100,000 each year, causes severe muscle weakness, numbness and paralysis.

After collapsing at the local shops, Myles was rushed to hospital where he spent six months in Intensive Care and was told he would never walk or drive again.

FUELED BY CLASSICS: After being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome and being told he may never drive again, it was Myles’ drive for fast, vintage cars that assisted him in his recovery. Myles’ health has improved significantly since moving into Seasons and he now regularly goes for drives with partner Carol. Picture: Contributed

Refusing to let the condition take away his greatest passion, Myles continued attending car runs as a passenger and staying connected with the motoring community he loved.

Since moving into a Seasons community, where he met his partner and fellow resident Carol, Myles has made a remarkable recovery.

Driving and thriving, the retiree is now happily back behind the wheel and never takes the opportunity to hop on the road for granted.

Whether they are cruising around Logan City, exploring the Sunshine State or trekking across the country, the couple are often spotted enjoying the open road.

CRUISIN’ COUPLE: Meeting and forming a connection at their Seasons Living community in Waterford West, retirees Myles and Carol are living life to the fullest. Picture: Contributed

“Driving along the highway with Carol is the best feeling in the world,” Myles said.

“When we drive the Mustang with the roof down, we get waves and toots, but I especially love it when a bikie pulls up beside us and gives us a thumbs up.”