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Beerbowser: the ultimate in man-cave companions

25 August, 2016

When you’re out in the man cave, tunes cranking, spanners spinning, working on something that’ll no doubt be finished when it’s finished, sometimes you’re after some company — company that fits into the metalwork-orientated, petrolhead wonderland that is your shed, garage, or workshop. The only complementary item that suits such an environment is a Beerbowser. That’s right, it’s a brew-pumping ’50s–’60s petrol bowser capable of storing your yeast-produced liquid refreshments for whenever they’re required. 

Handcrafted using quality materials right here in New Zealand, Beerbowsers are the ultimate old-school-looking bowsers, yet pack a modern punch. With the ability to add a Bluetooth sound system and USB-charging capabilities, you can refill your favourite vessel with the bowser to your favourite anthem, and keep those power-hungry devices on charge. 

Based on Haier fridges, you need not worry about your 30-, 40-, or 50-litre keg turning warm due to mechanical error, either. Beerbowsers are built to order, which means that whatever is your favourite brand or style, it can be made to suit. 

There’s only one serious issue now though — we’re all going to need bigger sheds for our Beerbowser collections! They also have the added bonus of being able to slot into your original fridge spot in the kitchen with ease.

If you’re interested in checking out the entire Beerbowser range, or are wanting to get in touch with the talented team behind these creations, head to beerbowser.co.nz. 

Disclaimer: Beerbowser does not promote our products by brand. All Beerbowsers displayed have been custom made by customer request and are not marketed specifically by brand. The images are only examples.  © 2016 |  Beerbowser NZ  |  All rights reserved 

“Gotcha!’’ The continuing tale of a Nissan/Datsun tragic – part two

8 May, 2026

In 1996, I was on a mission to buy a suitable pavement scorcher and visited the now-defunct Manukau City Car Fair. Unbelievably, among the sea of four-door utilitarian Japanese compacts was the absolute jewel in the crown, my automobile wet dream — a 1985 two-door R30 RS Nissan Skyline FJ20 Turbo five-speed manual in nice condition. The owner wanted $10,000 — a great deal.
But what did I do? I bailed out, paralysed by indecision. The money would have been a stretch, but it was the worst automotive choice I ever made. Instead, I went for a rusty Toyota Sprinter 8 Valve Twin Cam Coupé, which was pretty terminal from the get-go. I know. We’ve all done it, but there was really no excuse for passing up the Skyline, and I was haunted by that for years.

Last Tango in the Fast Lane

30 April, 2026

In the mid ’80s, I locked into a serious Nissan/Datsun performance obsession. It could have kicked off with my ’82 Datsun Sunny, though this would have been a bit of a stretch of the imagination, given its normally aspirated 1.2-litre motor — not the sort of thing to unleash radical road warrior dreams. But it did plant a seed, and it was a sweet little machine and surprisingly quick, in contrast to all the diabolical English offerings I had endured.
I was living in South Auckland at the time and was an unrepentant petrolhead. Motor racing was my drug of choice, and I followed the scene slavishly. Saloon car racing, with the arrival of the international Group A formula, was having a serious renaissance here and in Australia and Europe. There was suddenly an exotic air in local racing that had been absent for 15 years.
I was transfixed by this new frontier of motor racing that had hit our tracks in 1985–87 and the new array of machinery on display. In 1986, the Nissan Skyline RS DR30 made a blinding impression on me. The Australian Fred Gibson-run, Peter Jackson-sponsored team of George Fury and Glenn Seton were the fastest crew of the 1986 Australian Touring Car Championship. But Kiwi legend Robbie Francevic snuck through to win the Aussie Championship in his Volvo 240T after a strong start and consistent finishes.