PENSIONER Derek Wright started to get used to the motoring jokes 30 years ago . . . when he bought the first of his 19 Skodas.

Derek, 76, started a love affair with Eastern Bloc engineering with his first Czech model back in 1963 and has just taken delivery of his latest.

The retired male nurse, from Woodhead, near Glossop, first bought an Estelle for '620 and he hasn't looked back since, owning 19, one after the other.

Derek, who changes his car every two years, has just treated himself to a new Skoda Fabia Elegance costing '10,000 - rather more than he paid for the Estelle.

He said: "I first bought a Skoda because it cost '620 and the cheapest Mini was '800, so it made sense. They were cheap, basic, simply put together, economical and easy to repair.

"Not only that, they have great heaters meant for the Russian winter.

"Despite the jokes I have put up with - and there were a lot - I have never had any trouble with any of them and have never been tempted buy anything else.

"When people make jokes, I just think about the money I have saved over the years and spent on holidays abroad.

Convertible

"I have owned lots of different models, though, and I even paid to have one changed into a convertible. But it wasn't worth it - it was cold and wet and it was a real bother putting the roof up and down."

Derek makes sure his cars are regularly serviced. He looks after them so well there are waiting lists of people waiting to buy his trade-in.

He was even given a free radio and a service by his dealer once for converting several of his friends to the Skoda cause.

The much-maligned cars, written off as "skips with wheels" for many years, have never given Derek any trouble.

He has driven to his house in Corfu in one and travelled around Greece and Italy on many occasions.

He said: "They were always great cars, though there was a noticeable improvement when VW got involved in 1990. That was a big turning point and look at them now.

"Who's laughing now? They are regarded as amongst the best cars in the world.

"They have totally changed since I started driving them. They are completely different cars - much more refined than they were.

"I have watched them evolve and they have done me proud, I will be sticking with them for a long time to come."

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