Kumeu Classic Cars & Hot Rod Festival Part 2: Classic Restos -Series 57
Fletch enters the main Show Shed, eager to explore some of the finest classic cars in New Zealand. Mothers High-Performance Car Care has a long association with Kumeu, and this year, they introduced the 'Shine Award' with permission from SEMA in the USA. They have selected three vehicles from 2024 that display ‘Perfection in Every Detail’ for their notable attention to detail and outstanding presentation. These remarkable vehicles include a classic Porsche 356, a Rotary Mazda, and a Hot Rod.
The theme for 2025 in the main shed is 'Family', highlighting the connections and shared passions across generations. Participants illustrate the role of family involvement, showcasing father-son and father-daughter collaborations that keep their automotive enthusiasm alive. Fletch engages in conversations with several participants who embody this legacy.
First, he meets Ian, who proudly presents his 1968 Plymouth GTX. This fully custom, ground-up build is inspired by Ian's favourite car movie, 'Vanishing Point.' Today, it is a V10 Viper muscle car that pays homage to the origins of the Plymouth GTX and, as Ian describes it, a piece of 'Auto Art'. In 2019, the project received the highest accolade when legendary car designer and builder Chip Foose of Overhaulin' fame endorsed it.
Another standout is a 1971 Chev Truck built by Kruzin Kustoms. Dylan shares the story behind the vehicle. It was the second project for a customer named Todd, who wanted something lower and faster than his first build—the original brief called for a low and fast California mini truck custom. However, as the design evolved, it transformed into a super low truck that is both cool and understated, successfully retaining the essence of the classic while integrating modern elements. The finished vehicle showcases the incredible skills of the Kustom Kustoms NZ team.
Next, Fletch learns about Lyndal’s 1930 A Model Hot Rod, another remarkable creation from Kruzin Kustoms. This car holds significant sentimental value, as it was owned by her father and gifted to her as a birthday present. From a young age, Lyndal had always adored the red A Model, which her father had built for her without her knowledge.
A great family story with our next hot rod, another Kruzin Kustoms build, is Lyndal's 1930 A Model. It was owned by her father and gifted to her as a birthday present. From a very young age, Lyndall tells how she has always loved the red A Model the most, and her father had it built unknowingly for her. This year at Kumeu, she presented the 1930 A Model as a tribute to her father, honouring his legacy and making him proud. Lyndal's father’s car is also featured alongside a stunning 1959 Chevrolet Apache truck.
The Williams family is present in full force, showcasing four cars owned by different family members, demonstrating their deep-rooted love for GM vehicles. The beautifully presented lineup includes a 1956 Chevrolet 4-door, a 1963 Chevrolet 2-door Impala, a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air 2-door Post, and a 1933 Ford Roadster, all embodying the family's automotive passion.
