New Plymouth NZ - Classic Car Collection - Classic Restos - Series 37

Fletch returns to New Plymouth in New Zealand to meet with an avid classic car collector with a slightly different perspective from some other motoring enthusiasts.

 

Bryce Barnett had a love of classic cars from an early age but drove an Austin Cambridge he purchased for $100 and drove for 12 years while his friends bought and sold all sorts of cars like an E49 Charger, Ford Falcon GT-HO, Ford Escort. At the time Bryce was committed to acquiring a property portfolio first.

 

Today having invested in property over many years he has returned to his early interest in cars and began the acquisition of a collection of classic cars the envy of many. Bryce openly admits to having no mechanical knowledge or ability or indeed interest in the workings of the cars he collects, it's the art of the designs that give him the greatest pleasure,  being able to sit in them and drive these vehicles he considers great works of art.

 

The collection is vast and includes a 1967 Cadillac, the very first of his collection, a 1970 Plymouth Superbird that even in his own words breaks his rule of art, but is so ugly that it's beautiful. A 1969 Mach 1 Mustang that he considers is a must have in any collection, a 1955 Buick Century that is a special year to Bryce and the best car of that period. Finally, a beautifully presented 1937 Cord that he purchased in New York and believes was years ahead of its time in terms of design - pure art. These are only a few of the vast collection that he intends to expand.

 

The collection is pure art as the owner would describe it, ground-up restorations of every vehicle in impeccable condition.  Bryce's definition of classic cars is looking through a different set of eyes but one we can all appreciate.