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Weekly Motor Fix: 1949 Humber Super Snipe ambulance

2 August, 2016

 

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“This truly unique and original Humber Super Snipe ambulance is believed to be one of two left in the world”

Owner Trevor Ward first spotted this ambulance in a gully when he was on a train trip south. On his return journey he spotted the ambo again, and made note of where it would be. He tracked this unique vehicle down to a farm owned by local horse trainers, the Cody brothers. Trevor began the negotiation (which wasn’t easy, due to the Cody brothers’ desire to keep the ambo for training the horses) and finally ended up owning the car. This was 1987, and following a bit of work to get her up to scratch, the Humber was back on the road again after its stint in the equine arena.

Trevor’s fondness for the humble Humber Super Snipe began when he would buy them for $50 and compete in demolition derbies, but this ambulance version was to be used for slightly more salubrious purposes. Over the decades, Trevor has worked on bringing the Humber back to as close to original condition as can be. He managed to track down one of the drivers of the ambulance from its days at the Waipara Hospital Board, Bob Evans. Bob had taken the flashing light and ambulance sign with him as a memento when the van was retired, so thankfully Trevor was able to buy these pieces back from Bob and has them fitted, along with gurneys and sheets.

The ambulance was built by Reevely Ellis and Collingwood Coachbuilders in the heart of Auckland city. According to Trevor, just 22 of these ambulances were made, and this example is just one of two remaining (the other is in Scotland).

The Humber certainly hasn’t been a garage queen under Trevor’s stewardship. It has been on regular drives around New Zealand, including the British Link three times, and most recently joined the Dunedin Vintage Car Club for a rally around the South Island a couple of years back.

Unfortunately, ill health has forced Trevor to part ways with the Humber, so if you’re interested in picking up this piece of Kiwi history, email [email protected] and we’ll pass your details on.

The Pininfarina 230 SL

14 May, 2026

It’s October 1964, and imagine you’re an automotive journalist covering that year’s Paris Auto Show (Mondial de l’Automobile). As you approach the Pininfarina booth, you come across a car that looks a bit like the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL introduced the previous year at the Geneva Auto Show, a car then arriving at Mercedes-Benz dealerships around the world.
But looking closely, its styling and proportions seem to be a bit different. And it has a fixed roof, unlike the Pagoda-style greenhouse of the removable hardtop seen on the production 230 SL. While today, the styling of the W113, under the supervision of Head of Styling Friedrich Geiger, with lead designers Paul Bracq and Bela Barenyi, is considered a mid-century modern masterpiece, acceptance in-period was not universal. Some critics called out the concave design of its removable roof, which ultimately gave the car its “Pagoda” nickname.

Ford Falcon display: Bill Richardson Transport World

14 May, 2026

Ford Falcon enthusiasts from around Southland have made their pride and joy, Australian Ford Falcons, available for the extensive display now on at Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill.
Avid local Ford Falcon GT collectors, Roger and Diane Whyte have made a number of their cars available for display, while a
real rarity is Robin MacDonald’s factory original 1971 Ford Falcon Phase II GTHO.
From the very first to the very last Ford Falcon, this is a great opportunity to view these Australian icons under one roof.
The exhibition is on until early June. Don’t miss it!