By Derek Schlennstedt
You always remember it, your first car, whether you bought it, inherited it, or took over the car payments from your older brother, no matter how you define it, there’s always a story and there’s always fond memories.
For Adam Versteege, his rare XY Ford Falcon was all of this, a capsule of memories, filled with experiences and adventures formed over 20 years.
But, while Adam was overseas on a business trip, his pride and joy was stolen from his father’s property in Monbulk.
“Me and my dad bought it from a 76 year-old, 20 years ago in Pascoe Vale,” Adam said.
“I was 17 at the time, and it was my first car and I’ve owned it ever since then; I drove it as a daily driver for three to four years.”
“I remember going and looking at the car with my dad; it was beautiful, completely original.”
Since buying it, Adam has kept it in mint condition, only slightly modifying parts.
It’s because of this that he is concerned that whoever stole it may only be using it for parts.
“The car itself is completely original, original engine, original chassis; there’s been absolutely no modifications.”
“My concern is that it has been stripped, and may never be seen again, which would be very sad,” he said.
Despite fetching large amounts of money when sold, for Adams the XY Falcon’s sentimental value far outweighs the monetary value.
Adam used the car for his wedding and was planning of having it as a family heirloom eventually passing it onto his 22-month-old son.
“The wedding was a lot of fun,” he said.
“All my friends were there, and we all grew up in the era of wanting these classic cars, so when we brought the car out it was a massive talking point … it was like a time capsule – we all reminisced about the times we’d had driving and doing roadtrips.”
“I would have liked to have passed it onto my son.”
It is believed the XY Ford Falcon was taken from the Monbulk property between 27 April and 2 May, and anyone with information is urged to contact Mooroolbark police 24/7 on 9725 9999 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
