In the cool, mist-covered hills of Mandeville, history is all around and sometimes, it rolls down the street on wooden-spoke wheels. While most people are looking toward the latest electric models or high-tech SUVs, Victor Dixon is focused on a machine that first tasted the road when George V was King.
Watch my full video of this 1926 Chevy
Sitting in his garage is a 1926 Chevrolet, a mechanical marvel that has defied a century of tropical humidity and changing roads. It is a vehicle that demands respect, not for its speed, but for its sheer persistence.
Turning a Childhood Dream into Victours
For Victor, these cars were never just old metal. They were memories in motion.
“When I was a young boy, I enjoyed seeing older cars on the road and I always said that when I get older, I would love to keep these cars on the road,” Victor recalls. That childhood ambition eventually evolved into Victours Classic Cars, a name that cleverly blends his own identity with the tours he provides.
What started as a favor for friends—driving them to their weddings in his personal classic—quickly revealed a massive demand. People marvelled at these rides and felt as though they were transported to another era. Recognising that his passion had commercial legs, Victor transitioned from a hobbyist to a business owner, proving that in Jamaica, niche tourism and specialised services can thrive when fueled by genuine love for the craft.
100 Years of Originality
The big question everyone asks when they see the boxy silhouette of the Chevy is: Can this thing actually drive? To prove it, Victor moved the vehicle out of the shade and into the light for a full examination. Under the hood lies a 2100cc engine that remains remarkably untouched by modern hands.
“I believe this is the oldest running car in Jamaica, it’s now 100 years old and I haven’t seen any vehicle older than it that is still running,” Victor says with a quiet pride.
The engine bay is a sea of copper and brass, particularly the gas lines, which gleam under the Jamaican sun. While it won’t win any drag races, the car possesses immense torque, designed for a time when roads were more suggestion than reality. Victor is adamant about preservation: “I try to keep the engine as original as possible, so I have done no engine modifications on it, so the engine is all original.”
Wood, Vinyl, and Termites
Owning a century-old car in a Caribbean climate presents hurdles that most mechanics wouldn’t even recognise. For starters, the Chevy features a wooden frame—a common construction method in the 1920s that creates a unique set of “biological” problems today.
“The problem I am having with the roof right now is that there are termite holes because they get through the vinyl and start living under there,” Victor explains.
Then there is the human element. Finding a mechanic in 2026 who understands the nuances of a 1926 carburetor is nearly impossible. Victor notes that “the hardest part so far, is to find someone locally who knows how to work on the car.” Consequently, he has become a deeply hands-on owner, involving himself in every nut and bolt to ensure the car receives the specialised care it needs. This included a full body respray three years ago to keep the exterior looking as sharp as the day it left the factory.
From Music Videos to Gatsby Parties
While the Chevy is the crown jewel, Victours boasts a fleet that includes a 1951 MG TD, a 1971 Morgan, and a 1931 Ford Model T. These cars have become celebrities in their own right, appearing in music videos for some of Jamaica’s biggest stars, including:
- Ding Dong: “Cha Cha Bwoy”
- Govanna: “Likkle bit a money”
- Spice: “Rolling”
- Yaksta: “Living it up!”
- Konshens and Tarrus Riley: “Good girls gone bad”
Beyond the screen, the 1926 Chevy is a staple for corporate events and weddings. Victor mentions that “Gatsby-themed” Christmas parties are particularly popular, where the car provides the perfect backdrop for 1920s nostalgia.
If you are interested in renting one of Dixon’s vehicles or learning more about his business, you can contact him on Instagram: @victoursjamaica , email: victoursjamaica@gmail.com or call 876-838-TOUR.
Watch the latest Kareem’s Quest Podcast videos on YouTube, click the link below
