Fletch is in New Zealand for Americarna 2019 - a celebration of all things American when it comes to motoring. The event started some 13 years ago with the goal of having an All American event in New Zealand, for both old or new cars, trucks and motorcycles but they had to be American and free for Taranaki locals and overseas visitors to attend.
Fletch joins the first-day cruise to catch up with participants and get the inside story on their car and its history. Colin, a regular visitor to Americarna is first up, with a heavily customised 1951 Chevrolet Truck. He admits that the only part of the '51 truck that remains is the shape.
While not a lot of motorcycles are in attendance, NZ local JB with his 2013 Harley-Davidson Softail has been a regular at Americana over the years and loves the whole American influence of the event and puts out a call for more motorcyclists to join in the future.
Fletch meets Ray, a 1967 Mustang Fastback owner, while the car is very familiar to us all, that's not what's interesting. Ray has had the Mustang from new, since being imported to New Zealand in 1967. But again that's still not the most interesting point. Ray is a young 94 years of age, turning 95 later this year and the oldest entrant at this years Americana. Well done Ray!
It wouldn't be an American car show without a 'Woody Wagon', well Fletch finds one, Craig's 1965 Ford Mercury Colony Park 9 seater Wagon, packed with features back in 1965, in pretty much original condition.
As we wind up day one of Americarna 2019, Fletch looks out for something that is 'Weird and Wonderful' and finds Derrick with his 1940 Packard Hearse in pretty much original condition.
