MOTORING NEWS - When Ben van Rooyen first laid eyes on a 1934 Chevrolet Master, he knew he would transform the vehicle back to its full glory after it was parked in a shed for 20 years. 

Van Rooyen hails from Brakpan, near Johannesburg and restored the vehicle to such a pristine condition that it was used in a six-part US miniseries on the life of Nelson Mandela. 

Van Rooyen said the Chevrolet caught the attention of US filmmakers shooting the miniseries in Johannesburg."The ca-meramen filmed me driving the car up and down the streets of Johannesburg. A lot of love, pride and time went into restoring this Chev," said Van Rooyen. 

Built at the Port Elizabeth plant 82 years ago, the Chevrolet was still in its original condition. Van Rooyen started by stripping the engine and everything else off the entire car. A bonus was that the vehicle was rust free, due to the climate in Brakpan.

"I had to order pistons and valves online from America, because you no longer get them in South Africa." On the inside the car has a new roof and roof linings. The upholstery was also completely redone.  

Van Rooyen kept the co-lour of the car the same, except for changing the mud guards to maroon because he felt it enhanced the look. "For a car that is more than 80 years old it not only looks good but it drives smoothly." 

Van Rooyen displays the vehicle once a month at motor shows hosted by his motoring club, Just Wheels, in Brakpan.