Revving-up Retirement:

For 81-year-old Pegasus Homes’ resident, Jim Finch, renovating and restoring Austin-Healey’s has been a life-long passion. Having purchased his first Austin Healey almost 50 years ago, the hobby has become an important way for Jim to maintain social connections and stay active in retirement.

The start of a classic journey

Initially inspired by a family member's classic car, Jim decided to purchase his first Austin-Healey in 1975 when living in Essex, embarking on a restoration project that would become a life-long passion.

With the help of his uncle, a mechanic by trade, Jim learned the fundamental skills required to restore a car from start to finish. With the basics mastered, he began renovating his own classic cars, enjoying it every step of the way. 

Over the years, Jim has restored five Austin-Healey’s, with each passion project taking between three and six years, including maintenance and upkeep. The process involves disassembling the car, searching for the right parts that fit and function properly, and ultimately rebuilding the vehicle to bring it back to life. 

Jim says: “Finding the right parts for older models with rare components can be especially challenging and requires a thorough search. It's a great way to keep my mind active, and I really enjoy the hunt.”

Though the restoration process is slow, it has always been deeply rewarding for Jim. He adds, “I enjoy every stage of the restoration lifecycle —from dismantling and rebuilding to testing. Seeing the transformation from start to finish is an incredible sense of achievement, and I still own the very first Austin-Healey I restored!”

Driving connection in later life

Aside from personal enjoyment, the social aspect of renovating Austin-Healey’s and connecting with fellow enthusiasts has been particularly valuable for Jim, especially in later life.

Becoming a member of The Austin-Healey Club in 1975—a UK-wide organisation with over 1,600 members— Jim now serves as the chairman of the Hampshire branch, where members gather for various social events.

He says: “Belonging to a club and coming together with like-minded individuals, all working on similar cars, and sharing feedback and advice on things we’re all passionate about, is deeply enriching and has been a great way to grow my social circle.”

“As the car restoration itself becomes harder to maintain at my age, the fact that my hobby still allows me to engage in social activities and get outside of the house has been a great benefit. The club regularly meets for lunch and enjoys planned drive routes together on the way.”

Jim's first-ever renovation project, a 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 MK3 Phase 2, has also provided a great opportunity for him to connect with the residents of his Pegasus Homes community in Winchester. Parked in the dedicated car park at Winchester Holts, Jim has shared his passion not only with his wife, Janice, but also with the local residents and curious onlookers, sparking engaging conversations with everyone around him.

Jim moved into Winchester Holts in October 2023, purchasing a two-bedroom apartment for himself and Janice. The couple decided it was time to downsize from a nearby three-bedroom house with a large plot of land, choosing Pegasus Homes for its excellent shared spaces and strong community feel, with beautifully landscaped gardens perfect for summer relaxation and an inviting 'snug' area that provides a cozy atmosphere for movie nights. Another key reason was the ability to have safe parking for his car in the exclusive car park, providing him with the reassurance of being able to conveniently and securely lock up and leave as needed.

Supporting vitality and learning 

Pursuing car renovation as a hobby has also brought notable mental benefits and cognitive stimulation, including helping Jim adapt to new technologies to keep up with the activity remotely. Jim explains: “A large part of the club is managed electronically, therefore learning how to use a laptop for internet meetings and accessing information online has been essential for me. Keeping up with my hobby has meant I am always learning new things and that my brain remains actively engaged.”

Pegasus Homes’ latest data shows that 57% of people over 55 cite mental stimulation and well-being as key benefits of pursuing hobbies in later life. This benefit is even more pronounced for those over 60, with 60% stating that hobbies are more advantageous for mental well-being than for physical health.

Summarising the benefits of his hobby, Jim says: “Everything involved—whether it’s understanding cars, identifying different parts, reading magazines, or even learning to use a laptop—keeps my mind sharp and my brain constantly engaged. What I love most about renovating cars is how it challenges you to use your creativity to transform anything into something remarkable!”

Winchester Holts offers a stunning collection of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments available exclusively for those aged 60 and over.

Situated within walking distance of the historic centre of this ancient cathedral city – England’s original capital – this welcoming community of stylish later living homes enjoys views over gorgeous grounds and mature trees with New Forest and South Downs Way right on your doorstep. 

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