As I write this, we are staring down the deep barrel into winter, day light saving has passed and I’m reflecting on how good the summer car season has been. It seemed like it was never going to end and we had a very busy summer going to any events all over the North Island – it’s been FUN.
First up was the Glovers Real Estate Hot Rods in Titirangi Show hosted by Mid West Street Rods. This event was a charity fund raiser for young Stella Orpwood of Christchurch who was born with an immune deficiency. Further information about her is here: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-stella-orpwoods-battle-with-rare-immune
The following week was business as usual at GMS Hot Rods. One of the many projects on the go is Brian & Elizabeth's first hot rod project, a 1932 Ford hiboy five window coupe. The car has been a long time dream for the owners who have zero'ed in on a USA Brizio Street Rods style for the car which GMS Hot Rods will finish to a turn key stage. The chassis was been readied for the body to arrive the Tuesday before we headed away to the Beach Hop via Gisborne in a decent road trip in all types of weather.
Next up was the annual Repco Beach Hop in Whangamata – Australasia’s largest hot rod and rock and roll festival which starts on the Wednesday and concludes on the Sunday. We pointed the nose of the GMS roadster south and headed to Gisborne on Tuesday beforehand to farewell the tragic loss of a widely respected and super talented hot rodder Wayne “Bear” Holmberg. Then on the Thursday we drove north to Whangamata. This is an event which always delivers no matter the weather which was a case of all seasons in one day to torrential down pours! But everyone had a good time.
The following weekend was the annual Nostalgia Drags and Club Champs drag racing weekend at Meremere Dragway hosted by Bay Rodders from Tauranga. The weekend is a true trip back in time with nostalgia drag cars, hot rods and custom cars racing. We raced Tania’s mild custom 1936 Ford coupe for the first time and had a blast. Next up in the Franklin region however is the annual Steel & Wheels Festival Sunday 12th May in Waiuku from 10am to 2pm. The event celebrates all things automotive with entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Visit www.waiukutown.co.nz for further information.