Search
Close this search box.

Kiwis love Aston Martin

16 June, 2014

 

Kiwis love Aston Martin more than any other country does anywhere else in the world.

Global Sales Director for Aston Martin, Christian Marti, announced at the Australasia Dealer Conference, held in the Barossa Valley, South Australia, that Aston Martin in New Zealand had the highest market share in the world (luxury segment) in 2013.

Aston Martin/Independent Prestige General Manager, Greg Brinck, was there to accept the accolade.

“We had a fantastic 2013, particularly with the new Vanquish, so we were confident that we’d be ‘up there’ internationally, based on the New Zealand market share stats that we had received. It is particularly fitting that we achieved the number one spot in the centenary celebration year for Aston Martin.

“The celebration events that we shared with our customers and owners during the last year, again emphasized to us the real passion held here in New Zealand for Aston Martin sports cars. The future certainly looks bright with a strong model range and all-new dedicated dealership, in the not too distant future.”

There seems to be plenty to look forward to from Aston Martin in New Zealand, so let’s see what the rest of 2014 has to offer.

Taipan – surpassing interest

“It’s merely a passing interest,” insists Selby — despite owning three variants of the classic VW Beetle, including an unusual VW van that was sold as a body kit for a Subaru. In his defence he points to a 1961 Ford Thunderbird, a car that he converted to right-hand drive. However, on the VW side of the ledger, since he opened Allison Autos in Whanganui 27 years ago, Selby has built 15 VW-powered Formula First cars, followed by a beach buggy, restored a derelict Karmann Ghia, and hot-rodded a common or garden Beetle into something that has to be seen to be believed. As speed is not something generally associated with classic VWs, though, Selby is still waiting for this particular modification to catch on amongst the hot rod faithful.

Travelling companion

It’s easy to see why the Morris Minor Traveller was one of the best-loved variants of the Morris Minor. Introduced in 1953, it was equipped with the same independent torsion bar front suspension, drum brakes, and rack and pinion steering as its saloon sibling but, with their foldable rear seat increasing versatility, many Travellers were used as trade vehicles, says Derek Goddard. Derek and Gail Goddard, the owners of this superbly restored example, have run Morris Minors since before they were married in 1974.
“Our honeymoon vehicle was a blue Morris Minor van — it was a rust bucket,” says Derek.