BARNEY classic car restoration firm Carrosserie is bidding farewell to a “celebrity car” that enjoyed a makeover at its workshop.
The 1978 VW Beetle arrived at the company’s Harmire Enterprise Park workshop this summer after filming of Sulphur and White, which tells the story of mountaineer David Tait’s life.
Carrosserie’s new owner Neil Atkinson said: “In the film the car was driven by Joanne Tait, played by Anna Friel. It was strapped up with cameras and equipment, and I think it had a rough time during filming in South Africa.
“It came to us to have the paintwork freshened up, a new vinyl hood custom made and a few bits of mechanical and suspension work done to it. Now it is ready to face a new life pottering around sunny Portugal.”
In real life, the vehicle belongs to the film subject, Mr Tait, who is now an ambassador for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), and who was abused during his time in South Africa. Sulphur and White tells how professional success masked a series of traumatic secrets in his life.
Mr Atkinson said: “David has climbed Everest an incredible five times in the last ten years and raised over £1million for the NSPCC. Every stream of the film raises money for the NSPCC.”
The car is due to be returned to him in the coming weeks.
Mr Atkinson described buying Carrosserie in March as a homecoming as he grew up in the town.
His father, Frank Atkinson, was director of The Bowes Museum before leaving to start the Beamish Museum, in Stanley.
Mr Atkinson, who lives near Prudhoe, sold the human resources and employment business he founded to fund the purchase of Carrosserie.
He said: “I love cars so it was a great opportunity.
“I have been playing around with cars on the side through all the businesses I have run.”
He was also involved in club racing with a Fiesta XR 2 as well as RGB racing which involves kit cars powered by motorcycle engines
For more information about the work done to the car search for The Carrosserie Company on Facebook and for more information about the film Sulphur and White, visit davidtait.com.
