Here’s a breakdown of the key data from the text, categorized for clarity:
1. About Peter O’Toole & His Work:
* Stunt Work & Film Involvement: Peter O’Toole is involved in providing vehicles and props for film and TV productions, especially those related to world War II. He got into stunt work later in life through a friend.
* Recent Project: He supplied 23 vehicles for a recent film set in England and the US, requiring him to source a lot of American vehicles (cars, Jeeps, etc.) on short notice (four weeks before filming).
* Sourcing Challenges: Finding American cars from the 1940s with left-hand drives was particularly challenging. He sourced vehicles from Cork, West Cork, Wexford, and Northern Ireland, with help from locals like John O’Leary from Carrigaline.
* Meeting a Hero: He met Damian Lewis (from Band of Brothers) on set and was impressed by his kindness.
2. O’Toole’s Collection:
* What He Collects: Vintage military vehicles – Willys Jeeps, Dodge Command Cars, BSA M20 motorcycles (and more). He also has uniforms and weapons.
* Originality: Most are original, but he has some replicas for use in stunts and to avoid damaging the originals.
* Sourcing: He’s been collecting since the late 1980s, sourcing vehicles from Germany, Holland, and Belgium.
* Value Increase: The value of these vehicles dramatically increased after the release of Saving Private Ryan in 1998. Vehicles that once cost a few thousand Irish pounds now cost around €30,000.
* No Plans to Sell: He doesn’t want to sell his collection,preferring to see the vehicles used and enjoyed at shows. He hopes to leave it to someone who will continue to use them.
3. O’Toole’s Passion & Influences:
* Boyhood Dream: Owning vintage military vehicles was a lifelong dream.
* Influences: Steve McQueen and the Great Escape, and Commando comics.
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