2012-02-16

TE AWAMUTU’S MONTHLY MOTORING FEATURE, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012

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ON SHOW: Colin Pinkerton and his topless 1957 Ford Thunderbird in a shady spot at last year’s Stragglers Rod and Custom Club’s Charity Kustom and Classic Car Display.

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ast time Colin Pinkerton’s 1957 Ford Thunderbird got a mention in the Te Awamutu Courier was when most of it had been destroyed by a workshop fire at Pirongia. The heart-breaking fire destroyed everything except the chassis and body which was in the paint shop. But everything else, about 80% of the car, was history. Mr Pinkerton bought the car in Arrowtown nine years ago. It had been in New Zealand for about 10

years before that. It was the model he wanted and he found it the old fashioned way — through an ad in Classic Car magazine. The car was cream and in excellent condition, but Mr Pinkerton decided a freshen up would be good, and he always wanted a red Thunderbird, so had it stripped at Pirongia by Kevin Gawne. It was while the rest was in Fleet Image for painting that the fire broke out. Mr Pinkerton says what followed was a difficult process where he and his

insurance company were at odds. But he wanted to rebuild the car, and that is what happened. Mr Pinkerton says Mr Gawne and Fleet Image were great. He says Mr Gawne was very patient as time-aftertime things that were out of his control went wrong. But 11 months after the fire the Thunderbird hit the road again for a Te Awamutu Motor Vehicle Group club run, and then a few weeks later was on show at the Stragglers Custom Club’s annual Charity

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Kustom and Classic Car Display and Family Fun Day at Lake Te Ko Utu Domain in Cambridge. Mr Pinkerton is pleased with the decision to go ahead with the original plan to go red. The car has a number of the options that make it more desirable than most, including the removable hard top, complete with ‘American Graffiti’ porthole windows, and optional soft top. It runs a manual three speed gearbox with overdrive, so is a top of the line transmission for its day. It is also a heavy duty box, linked apparently to being used as a pace car, although Mr Pinkerton can’t trace enough of the car’s history to confirm that. The engine is a 312ci V8. being a sports model it doesn’t have any of the fancy electrics, but that is fine with the owner. He says it is made to handle better, and that is a plus. Mr Pinkerton has added the stunning wire wheels and white wall radials and says it is better than ever on the road.And it is certainly a head-turner — but most of all it is fun to drive and show.

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TE AWAMUTU COURIER, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2012 15

Ford Focus 2011 NZ Car of the Year he new generation Ford Focus has been judged New Zealand’s Car of the Year by the country’s leading motoring writers and commentators. Launched here in the third quarter of 2011, the new model is the third generation of the Focus, and the first to scoop New Zealand’s highest new car automotive honour. In reaching their decision to award the latest Focus the country’s Car of the Year accolade, members of the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild assessed a number of variants in the range, which includes 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol variants as well as a fuel-efficient 2.0-litre turbo-diesel version. In addition to performance and handling, the facets under consideration included suitability for the task for which the Focus is designed, safety accoutrements, economy, visual appeal, value for money, ease of operation and its level of home comforts and quality of finish. ‘‘Previous iterations of the Focus have also been highly regarded, particularly in the area of driver appeal, but in its latest guise the Focus pushes its segment forward in crucial areas such as powertrain efficiency, packaging, quality and equipment — all without compromising that fun factor for which it has become known,’’ said Guild president David Linklater. ‘‘The level of chassis sophistication engineered into the new Focus is remarkable. New-generation direct-injection engines and Ford’s PowerShift dual-clutch transmission bring strong performance and outstanding economy. The petrol versions achieve an excellent 6.4 litres per

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100km. The diesel is capable of 5.3 litres per 100km — incredible fuel economy for such a spacious, stylish family car. ‘‘A particular appeal of the latest Focus is its excellence in a range of motoring environments; whether it is urban or highway motoring, or covering ground over the country’s secondary roads, the latest Focus is always impressive.’’ ‘‘This is a point that the NZ Car of the Year is uniquely able to take account of, because it embodies the opinions of professionals in their field from across the country, each of whom has assessed the car on roads in their own region. The car that comes out winner must excel from many different perspectives, and in a range of Kiwi-specific conditions.’’ ‘‘This year’s win for Focus is also a tribute to the quality of Ford’s model range, said Mr Linklater. ‘‘Three out of the last four New Zealand

the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Audi A7, BMW X3, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Optima, Kia Rio, Peugeot 508, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris, Volvo S60 and Volkswagen Passat Recent past winners of the title, which is now in its 24th year, have been the BMW 5-series (2010), Ford Fiesta (2009), Ford Falcon (2008), Mazda 2 (2007) and Porsche Cayman (2006). In recognition of the Focus’s title win, Ford New Zealand will be awarded the Peter Greenslade Trophy, named after the now deceased motoring editor of The Press in Christchurch, who was one of the instigators of the Car of the Year award.

Car of the Year winners have come from the Ford stable, with victories for the Fiesta and Falcon in 2009 and 2008 respectively.’’ The Focus was one of twelve finalists for this New Zealand Car of the Year award, which is open to new passenger car models launched in New Zealand during the 12 months prior to November 1, 2011. The others, in alphabetical order, were

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Step back in time att Pointon’s Garage collecttion of cars, garage equipment, motoring memorabilia and a display of period costumes. Mrrs Pointon explained how the couplee started with a couple of cars and a few bits and pieces which they would w display to people who wanteed to see them. Gra adually the collection grew and more m room became necessary — hen nce the pre-fab. Then as they started to get more into the vintage car scene, P started to collect the Mrs Pointon period d clothing so they could dress for thee occasions.

oadtrips have become one of our favourite short breaks for me and my wife Robyn. The aim over the past few years has been to use a few days here-andthere to try and see some of the country we don’t normally visit. So it was in January that we wanted to go to Wellington to see current Te Papa exhibitions and enjoy the city for a couple of days, but with six days off we decided to go down via Wanganui and back via Masterton and Napier. Having no set plans about where to stay, or what to do, is part of the fun. While in Masterton I was impressed Robyn found and suggested a trip to Pointon’s Garage — a private motoring and period museum just two minutes out of town. What a treat — just us and owner Gaye Pointon and a private tour, that’s how they do it. Unfortunately Francis Pointon who operated the garage as a business was crook and couldn’t open some of the special sheds usually not made available to the public, but that’s a good reason to go back. The main shed is actually an old military pre-fab that has been shifted on and set up with the

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(ABOVE LEFT) 1935 Vauxhall 14HP — the first of this type of model that was a huge success in New Zealand. With its knee action suspension, four speed gearbox and 1700cc OHV engine it was comfortable, economical and performed well. The car was sold new in Masterton and bought as an abandoned car by the Pointons in 1979. It has been restored and back on the road for 30 years.

(TOP RIGHT) VINTAGE Wairarapa AA Service vehicle — a 1930 Morris Cowley. TC160212DB04B

(FAR RIGHT) PERIOD costume display of clothing used to complement the vehicles. TC160212DB04C

(RIGHT) RARE 1923 Citroe¨n 5CV Torpedo, an 856cc, three speed example which was used until 1960 and is believed to be the oldest Citroe¨n in New Zealand.

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■ For a good description of what goes on check www.pointoncollection.co.nz

AIGHT inside the entrance (left) is this stunning Ford V8 STRA stained glass window (right) that was commissioned by Masterton’s Fagan Motors in 1930 and removed when they ed premises in the 1960s. shifte

(LEFT) 1929 Essex Super Six Coupe.


She started to display that as well, saying it gave some of the female visitors something to look at. Mrs Pointon changes the costume display regularly so repeat visitors have new things to look at. Similarly with the garage, as well as the couple’s own vehicles, client cars and loan vehicles will sometimes feature so it is never the same twice.


It’s official — SUV the Kiwi vehicle of choice

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ocal new car buyers are opting for Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in increasing numbers to the point that they now represent the largest segment in the market. Figures released recently by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) show that with sales of 18,684 units in 2011, SUVs now enjoy a 29% share of the market — up from 16,326 units and 26% share in 2010. Overall that represents a 14% increase in sales in a market that was only up by 3% last year. The result is that models such as the Toyota Highlander, Holden Captiva, Ford Territory, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Santa Fe, amongst others, all experienced good volume growth in 2011. As it has for some time now, the majority of the growth in SUV sales has come at the expense of the traditional large car segment, which at just 9%, is now the smallest in the market. Interestingly, in 2006 SUVs and large cars together made up 38% of all passenger car sales, the same proportion as they did last year, only now in significantly different ratios. Since 2006 large cars have fallen from 17% of the

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and are up from 17% to 19% of the market in 2011. Sales of small (typically less than 1.5 litres) cars, those most associated with fuel efficiency, continues to decline however, and this segment, the market’s second biggest, now accounts for 27% of the market compared to 29% in 2009. Mr Stronach adds ‘‘What we are seeing is not unique to New Zealand. Many overseas markets are experiencing similar changes. Lifestyle demands and the perceived advantages of SUVs means that they will continue to dominate markets for the foreseeable future. The effect of this on other classes of vehicle will vary, but at this stage, it provides a very uncertain future for the traditional large car that’s been part of the local lifestyle for so long.’’

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market, while SUVs have grown from 21%. Commenting, MTA marketing and communications general manager Ian Stronach said ‘‘This shift in buyer preference is quite intriguing, especially at a time of rising fuel costs and an increasing focus on environmental issues. More buyers than ever obviously feel that SUVs represent a better option in this regard, but SUVs generally are at the heavier end of the scale, and are not usually renowned for their fuel economy.’’ The shift in the performance of the major segments of the passenger vehicle market, gives further rise to the suggestion that a range of factors, both rational and emotional are now involved in the buying process. Not surprisingly, light cars (typically 1.6 — 2.0 litres) continue to find favour

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Mazda BT-50 going like hotcakes

Space available at NZ’s heavy equipment hub xhibition sites are now available at the Transport and Heavy Equipment Expo (THE Expo) held at Mystery Creek Events Centre March 7-9 next year. The industry event, held every four years, is the only event in New Zealand where heavy equipment enthusiasts can network, purchase equipment and check out new developments in the industry, all at the one location. THE Expo is a snapshot of the transport, heavy equipment, freight, forestry, construction and associated trades, paving the way forward in the sector. By securing space at THE Expo, businesses have the opportunity to connect with an average of 14,500 trucking devotees. THE Expo Prospectus is available online at www.theexpo.co.nz, with site applications closing on March 1 this year.

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BY DEAN TAYLOR

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Tougher restricted test better for road safety pcoming changes to the restricted licence test will lead to better trained and safer young drivers, says the AA. The restricted licence test will become tougher and longer from this month, and the new test routes will involve more challenging environments, requiring learners to prove their skills in heavier traffic and on multi-lane roads. This will mean there will be a reduction in the number of locations providing the restricted test but road safety will benefit by having all drivers assessed against a consistent national standard. The AA will also partner with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to provide a community programme to assist disadvantaged drivers around the country to prepare for the new restricted test. ‘‘These changes are going to require learner drivers and their families to put in more time and effort to achieve a restricted licence but it will help our young drivers gain the skills they need to become safe drivers,’’ says AA motoring affairs manager Mike Noon. ‘‘We have been doing our young people no favours by letting them start driving on their own after only a small amount of supervised practice.’’ The new test has been designed to require 120 hours of supervised practice to pass it, which is the internationally recommended amount of time before learners are allowed to drive solo. New Zealand learners are currently estimated to do no more than 50 hours of supervised practice.

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stability control (DSC), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (EBA) and hill descent control (HDC). Then there’s hill launch assist which makes it easier to move off if you’re parked on an upward slope. It keeps the brakes applied for about

two seconds after you take your foot off the brake pedal. And given the ability of the ute to carry hefty loads as well as tow them, there are two other actions that can kick in. Load adaptive control senses the weight and position of cargo and controls the reaction of the

ABS, traction and stability controls to maintain the best possible control of the vehicle. The other is trailer sway assist which recognises when the trailer you’re towing is starting to sway and automatically varies the left and right wheel speeds

in response. The BT-50 has been awarded five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) safety rating, scoring 15.72 out of 16 points in the offset crash test and a perfect 16 out of 16 in the side impact test.

* M-Deals valid for sales concluded between 1 January – 31 March 2012. Promotion pricing includes GST and excludes on road costs (ORC). mazdacare Genuine Servicing only available on passenger vehicles and valid for 3 years or 100,000km (whichever comes first), together with a 3 year, unlimited kilometre warranty and Mazda On Call Roadside Assistance cover. Excludes all other offers and not applicable for fleet purchases. See Wilksbrooke Motors today!

www.wilksbrooke.co.nz GRANT WILKS Mob (027) 4 948 672 [email protected]

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t was way back at National Fieldays last year that we first got a look at Mazda’s new BT-50 — then nature conspired to prevent the supply of the highly anticipated ute. With production back on stream to, albeit not at full capacity at this stage, customers are lapping up the new model as they become available. So it was good to be able to finally have a drive of the new BT-50 Double Cab 4WD Limited at Wilksbrooke Motors before it too was delivered to its new owner. The BT-50 is Mazda’s biggest ute and comes with a five cylinder 3.2litre turbo diesel and six speed automatic, with tiptronic type option, delivering 147kW of power and heaps of torque — 470Nm from 1750-2500rpm. The four wheel drive system has high and low ratio, and a 2WD option for road use. 4WD High can be selected on the fly. Inside the BT-50 shares the creature comforts of the Mazda family — in this model leather seats, high end sound and Bluetooth options, twin zone climate control and cruise control — with voice activation technology and steering wheel controls. Keeping the ute on the straight and narrow is a gaggle of safety features. The line-up includes dynamic


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