A big part of New Zealand’s Americarna is the cruises that occur each day of the three-day event. The first day's cruise leads to Opunake Beach, where over 600 cars participate, creating a spectacular display. Enthusiastic spectators of all ages line the route, eager to witness the stunning parade of American vehicles.
During the cruise, Fletch engages in a conversation with renowned San Francisco Hot Rod builder Roy Brizo, who is attending the event for the first time. Brizo expresses his admiration for the quality of car builds in New Zealand, noting the difference in resources. In the USA, builders can source parts almost instantly, whereas in New Zealand, enthusiasts must often start from scratch, crafting and improvising with available machinery and materials. He praises the impressive ingenuity and skill displayed by Kiwi builders.
As the journey unfolds, Fletch speaks with Susie, the proud owner of the cover car for Americarna 2025, a stunning 1956 2-door Cadillac. Honoured to be showcased on the cover, Susie shares her deep affection for her Cadillac, which she has owned for eight years. She affectionately refers to it as her “limo on wheels” and describes it as a reliable companion. Fletch notes that this model marked the beginning of the fin era and highlights its modest yet impressive features.
On the second day, the cruise heads to Inglewood, culminating in a vibrant park-up in the city centre. A cherished tradition of Americarna is the stopover at selected nursing homes, where participants share their passion for cars with the residents. This personal engagement brings immense joy to the nursing home patrons and has become a beloved aspect of the event each year.
At the Inglewood park-up, Fletch chats with various participants, including Charlie and Michelle, who are familiar faces at Americarna with their iconic Smokey and the Bandit Kenworth Truck, complemented perfectly by their Pontiac Trans-Am replica car.
Next, he encounters Graham, who proudly showcases his 1966 Dodge Hemi Coronet 500 in original condition, complete with matching numbers. This vehicle features a 4-speed 426 Mopar Hemi engine with the hi-trim option exclusive to the 500 models. Fletch also meets Darren, who presents his Model A Ford ‘30 cab on a ‘32 chassis, showcasing the original-style skinny cross-ply tyres.
The Americarna event features an incredible array of vehicles encompassing every era, from classic cars to modern American muscle. The event wouldn’t be complete without the Acceleration display, a loud and energetic demonstration of raw power that allows participants to let off some steam and show off their muscle cars.
More from Americarna in the next episode.
