And so it would be no surprise to anyone to learn that his first job also involved cars.

After sitting for the Leaving Certificate he immediately started work at The British Motor Corporation of Australia (BMC) in Zetland NSW as an advertising cadet in 1957.

BMC sent him to a private college to study advertising and marketing from which he received a Diploma.

His duties involved assisting in the preparation of newspaper advertisements, show stands, plant tours, brochure production and photography.

At the age of just 17, Laurie had the responsibility of conducting many plant tours for groups and dignitaries.

The BMC Plant on 57 acres was “considered the most modern automotive manufacturing plant in the Southern Hemisphere”.

“I was extremely proud of it and to be part of it, “ he said.

While his main hours were 9am to 5pm, Laurie said it was not an uncommon occurrence for him to be burning the midnight oil.

“It was not unusual to work well beyond to even midnight in the preparation of Motor Show Stands and Stands at Royal Easter Show etc. Overtime was not paid.”

There was nothing Laurie didn’t enjoy about his job.

“My job was creative, I met an enormous number of people and I was responsible for all Motor Show exhibitions from age of 19 years.

“This required flying to all major cities and staying in the best hotels. It was a marvelous experience for a young fellow and prepared me well for my starting my own motor dealerships in the late 1960s. It also gave me the entry into motor sport which I enjoyed enormously from 1961 to 1968.”