Princess Anne presents award to Rickmansworth man, 95

Malcolm Stern was named the National Transport Trust President’s Award at the annual ceremony in Henley-on-Thames yesterday (September 17) for the restoration of a 1930 K74 Talbot Darracq Coupe which belonged to his father, Alec Stern, during his childhood.

Upon being named the winner, the 95-year-old’s message was: “Never let advancing age deter you from engaging in ambitious new projects.”

Malcolm Stern with the restored 1930s coupe. (Image: Samantha McGarry)His daughter Samantha McGarry said her father was “honoured” by the award, adding: “He put a lot of hard work and love into that car - it’s a family heirloom - and he was thrilled that his joy and work was acknowledged.”

Malcolm was born in May 1929 and now lives in Rickmansworth with his wife of 60 years, Sharon. 

He was presented the award by National Transport Trust Princess Anne. (Image: Samantha McGarry) The grandfather to eight, and great-grandfather to one, worked with his father at his garage business near Waterloo Station in London, before buying an office equipment company which he grew to a successful business over several decades.

His father bought the Talbot Darracq in 1935 and Malcolm had fond memories of picnics and family outings in the car during his childhood, before it was later sold.

Malcolm's father during his childhood. (Image: Samantha McGarry) After retirement, he became interested in 3D printing in his late 80s and reproduced vases, copies of famous statues and even a model of his own house with the technology.

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But when he researched the 1930s coupe during the pandemic to create a miniature model, he found the very same car by chance on the Bonhams auction website for £6,900.

Malcolm lives in Rickmansworth with wife of 60 years Sharon. (Image: Samantha McGarry) Despite its extremely dilapidated condition, Malcolm bought the family car back in September 2020 and spent the next three and a half years renovating its bodywork in his garage.

After hiring a restoration company to restore the engine, transmission and front axles, the car was MOT inspected in October 2023 and passed as roadworthy.

Malcolm laughing with The Princess Royal at the awards ceremony. (Image: Samantha McGarry) At the ceremony yesterday, the 95-year-old was pictured laughing as he was presented the award by Princess Anne, who is a patron of the National Transport Trust.

“Princess Anne was lovely,” added Samantha. “She was very relaxed and had a nice chat with each of the award winners, it was a really special day.”