NZV8 Concept Corner: ’33 Coupe

15 February, 2015

 

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Every month we ask the cover car owner for the concept they’d most like to build, or see built

You’ve seen what Warren Black can do with a Holden Monaro in the current issue of NZV8 (Issue No. 118), but what if Warren turned his attention to a hot rod?

“I’ve always liked ’33 coupes, so I wouldn’t mind building one. I’m toying with the idea of putting a different motor into the Monaro, so I’d drop the existing motor from it into one of those. I would stretch the front end by around eight inches just to give a bit more room, and to give it a bit of a custom look. I’d also widen the guards, more so at the back, to run the same size wheels as I’ve got on the Monaro.

“With those wheels the diff would be pretty narrow but it would give the car a killer look. Of course, it’d need to be on airbags, and sitting as low as possible too, which might get interesting with the guards, but it’s worth a shot.

“While I usually like black cars, I’m thinking maybe a midnight blue — real dark, so it’s almost black but not quite. I’d keep the chrome grille, and so on, but shave the handles and smooth it out a bit.

“It’d just be a streeter, but you’ve got to race everything at least once,” Warren laughs.

“Interior wise, the car would run bucket seats up front, and I’d go with the same style of door trims as on the Monaro.”

We’ve seen that Warren isn’t one to do things by halves, so if he ever turns this concept into reality, we’re sure it’ll be even better than it sounds — now that’ll take some doing!

NZ Classic Car magazine, July August 2025 issue 400, on sale now

Good for the soul, a dose of Hemi Orange – Chrysler’s champion Charger
The Australian-developed Chrysler Charger was a game changer for the company in 1971, as it faced a faltering start introducing its new VH range. The stylish big coupe signalled a massive change of direction and emphasis for Chrysler.
Auckland racing driver Rod Coppins raced successfully in Australia and New Zealand. Rod found success behind the wheel of a couple of Chargers, and it is a special E49 R/T in the custody of Mike Todd for some years, that is our feature car.
A full restoration of this car has been completed at Auto Restorations (AR) in Christchurch. We recently sampled the car, ready to be shipped back to Mike and spoke to AR’s Harry Dawber, leading the team who completed the superb restoration of this rare piece of NZ motor racing history.
I mentioned that Chrysler Chargers were never built to this standard as we walked around the gleaming Charger in its Hemi Orange colour scheme.
“We took a lot of time getting those shut lines exactly right. It’s been a great car to work on, and the paint and trim have been very well done by the team here.”

Britannia rules the roads – Royal Tour Cars – part 2

Royal rollers and fancy Fords
Ford Zodiacs had transported the Queen Mother during her tour in 1958 but five years on, their glitz had perhaps faded a bit too much for an actual monarch. As there was no longer a convertible version of Britain’s Zephyr or Zodiac on offer, Ford looked to their American arm for a replacement, finding it in the huge Ford Galaxie. The Public Service Garage purchased the car at around £3000 for royal tour work and VIP transport.