29th Kumeu Classic Car & Hot Rod Festival Part 2: Classic Restos - Series 51
Fletch continues his journey around the vast Kumeu event. There is 'The Vaporiser, ' a loud 600 hp Jet Car that draws a large crowd, and a Military Re-enactment of a WW2 Motor Pool Camp that serviced and repaired vehicles during the action. The display features a Dodge ambulance from Belgium and Studebaker Australian Army truck that both saw action during WW2.
It's the Show Sheds that Fletch enjoys, featuring some of New Zealand's finest Hot Rods, Classic Cars and Custom Cars. Fletch catches up with Trevor; the last time at Kumeu, they featured his 'Brown Bomber, ' a 51 Studebaker, well he is back with another '51 Studebaker, this time in a beautiful Starlight Teal. Another vehicle transformed and built from the ground up. Trevor tells how he 'murdered a good car' to create this beautiful custom car. It's in absolute Concours condition with incredible attention to detail.
Next is quite unusual, boat builder Paul and partner Roseanne with a prototype 'SteamPunk' vehicle from the 1890s. It's like something out of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The motivation came from the movie 'The Nevers'; once Paul saw the film, he just had to make a replica. He had never built a car before, and with no plans or dimensions to go by, they went by pure instinct and built a replica to their specs. The build quality is spectacular.
Chris's 427 cubic inch 1964 Ford Thunderbolt 2-door road race is based on the Ford Fairlane 500. The restoration was completed 18 months ago after being in storage for twenty years. It has already competed in three race meetings, so it was restored not just for show but for historic racing events across New Zealand.
Bill has plenty to smile about after winning the 'People Choice Award' and the 'Best Chev Award' with his 1934 3-Window Coupe in Chev Candy Apple Red, the reward for a long 15-year restoration.
Finally, there is Shane, with his 1936 Ford Pickup Truck, a complete rebuild project that took 2 1/2 years and is magnificently presented inside and out.
