NZ Hot Rod October 2022

Rocky Roads NOPE, it’s not a taste of sweet candy, but there is good news that billions are earmarked for repairing the nation’s potholes. This may seem trivial if you live in an area serviced by smooth motorways, but let me assure you that once out on country roads, it’s a disaster and a significant safety issue. This is not only my perception or anecdotal research because the highly respected NZ Automobile Association has come out swinging and said on the AM breakfast show that Kiwis want to vent their frustration about the poor state of New Zealand’s roads, and research their members showed the quality of the roads is the number one concern. Some are even claiming compensation for damage to their vehicles caused by potholes. You don’t have to…

The Good Old Days READING the mag today, the article on Malcolm Wilson. The receipt he got for the boat anchor was signed by Peter Leversedge. Pete is still racing his V8 special in classics now, but he raced on the speedway dirt tracks for an eternity. I currently own his RV sprint car from ‘85-‘86, and at the last vintage race meeting, I told him: today is the day! So we bolted him in for a few refresher laps! He loved it. From Greg Lewis, Christchurch, Flashback thanks GOOD MORNING, This is just a followup email to say thanks for taking my order for a couple of copies of your September issue featuring my Dad, Malcolm Wilson. It was a really great read, and we are so appreciative of Adrian’s hard work! I…

Old Kiwi Coupe THIS old-time hot rod ’34 coupe body surfaced on Trade Me recently. John Me Kim owned Susy Q back in the ‘60s and recalls. “She had rod brakes and was powered by C59A flathead V8 motor bored to 301 cu inch. It had twin carbs on a Shuter manifold with the generator offset on a Lake bracket. No fan with a truck radiator. The two holes in the boot were for Vanguard taillights. The top speed in the Flying Mile was 120mph. She was sold as body and chassis only, and all the running gear went into my ‘27 AR Roadster pickup”. Greg Hiddleston has purchased the coupe. Send in your stories and news! Email to: editor@nzhotrodmag.co.nz Flashback ALLAN Porter’s 1969 photo of the driver’s briefing published in our Flashback article in…

Brought to you by For all GM restoration supplies. Fun Futura THIS ’67 Falcon Futura Sports Coupe just arrived in NZ. It’s complied, LVY’d & registered. Looks great, runs & drives great. Under the hood is a 200ci six-cylinder with Pertronix electronic ignition, auto transmission and disc brakes. The closest thing you will get to a 2-door XR that never was. Excellent body that had one repaint back in 2004. Clearwater Aqua with Wimbledon White roof, as per the data plate. Excellent black bucket seat interior. Cigarette lighter that’s never been used. Near new wheels & tyres. Clean, clean cruiser that’s ready for immediate delivery. $46,900 drive away. Call Bryce Williams at Westcoast Classic Imports, 07 552 5501 or 021 527 644 Great Jimmy JUST arrived in NZ is this one owner ’78 GMC Sierra C15…

IT WAS Neil Young who sang numbers add up to nothing”, which came to mind when I was looking for a title for a story on Graham Freeman’s outrageous collection of New Zealand number plates last year. It was eventually titled Your Number’s Up and featured in our June ‘21 mag. And while we’re on numbers, Graham Freeman had wanted a ‘34 Ford Cabriolet since 1974, when he was a member of Rod Benders Club and drove a ‘34 Sedan. Fie finally got a Cabriolet during a trip to California in 1984, with help from friend Elmer Swift. A total of 563,921 Fords were produced in 1934, of which only 15,100 were Cabriolets. Graham’s one was drivable when purchased, but once home, he went through the basic mechanicals and brakes just to…

SUNDAY 14th August was a great day for the Zone 2 Memorial Run - a hot rod ANZAC Day. With great weather, the event was well supported, with a diverse range of cars meeting in South Auckland for an hour-long run concluding at Ardmore. The Warbirds Association, to be precise, where a plane ride was auctioned off during the ceremonies and roll call of passed on Zone 2 NZHRA members. Hosted by Manukau Rod & Custom Club, Southside Streeters and South City Cruisers, the annual Memorial Run was welcomed this year after a couple of year hiatus thanks to Covid.…