NZ Hot Rod September 2022

SNANZ Says THIS month I received a thoughtprovoking opinion piece from Andrew Ferrier-Kerr at SIVANZ, and I think it’s worth sharing on this Podium. So, without further ado, here’s Andrew. The comment made by one of your readers mentioned in your August editorial absolutely nailed it when they said, paraphrased, that club executives are unlikely to want to take on club financial or personal risk by hosting events on the back of the April changes to the Incorporated Societies rules. That comment was made in your editorial on the back of the Craig Stare opinion piece in the July issue of NZHRM about the demise of large shows and or national rod runs. Your comment about perhaps keeping events “cheap, simple and quick….” may indeed be an attractive option for organisers. There is…

Deuce Fordors ABOUT 40 years ago (pre COVID and certification days), I built a ‘32 sedan which was featured in NZHRM September ’85 issue. It was built from bits acquired at the time, some from cars featured in your recent Deuce Fordors Part 1 article. The body came from A1 Dawson’s sedan when he replaced it with a roadster body, the chassis from the Ronnie Jones car which had been dumped in a gully in Hamilton. The body was so rusty that by the time I got to it, it was easily removed with an axe. The headlights and grille came from a rough 2 door sedan in Tauranga. Tupperware fenders and some bits from my coupe, motor and trans from Paton and Black speed shop in Khyber Pass. Holden front and…

Outta Gas! AUBZ Sutherland loves our magazine and thought we might get a kick out of his latest project. He built this little Zinger because the irony is just too funny. It’s an old Jerry Can powered by a 500-watt, 24-volt electric motor. Zaps come from two 12-volt eScooter batteries. Aubz says, “It’s good for a laugh and goes pretty good for its size.” We love both the irony and innovation. Send in your stories and news! Email to: editor@nzhotrodmag.co.nz Ex-Pat Kiwi FLYING Kiwi motorcyclist Phil Garrett will be attempting to run 200 mph on a South Canterbury closed road in 2023 on his purpose-built (for Bonneville) Kawasaki. Phil’s previous attempt in 2021 ended with cooked pistons due to fuel starvation; a problem solved with fuel injection replacing the carbs. Back in 2005, Phil and…

BACK in 1973, a significant milestone was reached when Champion Dragway opened at Meremere. In 2023, New Zealand’s first official purpose-built quarter-mile drag strip celebrates its 50th anniversary. The anniversary of what is now NAPA Auto Parts Dragway celebrates how the Pukekohe Hot Rod Club constructed the facility and continues to maintain it to the present day. The 50th-anniversary milestone also celebrates the racers, the spectators, track workers/volunteers, and the sponsors who have helped make NAPA Auto Parts Dragway the best place to race in New Zealand. The NAPA Auto Parts Dragway 50th Anniversary will be held over the weekend of April 14th, 15th & 16th, 2023 and everyone is invited. Friday night, tilings kick off with an open night at the Pukekohe Hot Rod club rooms for all to participate casually…

Brought to you by For all GM restoration supplies. What A Honey WESTCOAST Classic Imports just landed this real-deal 48,000 mile ’66 Falcon Futura from Washington state. It was purchased from a gentleman who bought a house from a deceased estate, and the car came with it. It exudes coolness and runs and drives great, while the interior is totally original. This gem is already complied, registered, polished, plates on and ready for the road. Big Block Caprice WEST Coast Classics recently landed this ’65 Impala Caprice. It has a factory matching numbers 396ci, correct TH400, plus power steering and power brakes. This car had sat a very long time, and its 396 big block needed some love. Has been rebuilt by the best in the business with no shortcuts taken. Full spec sheet available.…

GUS FORSYTH has always been interested in cars and has owned Fairlanes and Customlines in days gone by but confesses to liking all brands, makes and models. His journey with this 1934 Chevrolet coupe started with a fluke 28 years ago, way back in 1994. One day he was driving through the Wellington suburb of JoÚsonville when he spotted the coupe resting in a garage below road level, down a bank and beside an old house overgrown with weeds and trees. Gus had never seen it before as the doors to the garage had always been shut, but on this particular day, they were open, and he could see the old car, and that’s what stopped him. He ventured down, spoke to the elderly (hermit) owner, and asked if it…