Enthusiast Essentials: next-level paint protection from Ceramic Pro

13 September, 2016

When you’re after paint protection, a wax coating is usually the common solution. Unfortunately that wax coating could end up being a false economy, as within weeks, and sometimes even days in harsher climates, the wax coating wears off, leaving you with unprotected paint without you even knowing.

Finding a long-lasting alternative is easy; Ceramic Pro is a nano-ceramic coating that doesn’t wear off, wash away, or break down over time. According to the Ceramic Pro team, it can’t even be removed with chemicals — think of it as a glass- or diamond-coat for your paint job. 

One of the best parts of waxing your car is the gloss, and watching the water bead off it. With the added protection of Ceramic Pro, you not only get an extremely high-gloss shine, the coating is extremely hydrophobic. The glass-like appearance, water-beading capabilities, and protection will last a lifetime too — if it’s properly maintained. 

Do it once, do it right comes to mind when you’re working with Ceramic Pro, as you will never have to wax your car again — simply have the protection completed and you’re good to go. If you thought Ceramic Pro was only for paint, think again. Ceramic Pro have a coating for your wheels, calipers, plastic surfaces, glass, leather, and more. 

Want to know more about Ceramic Pro? Visit ceramic-pro.co.nz or call 0800 20 20 25.

A diamond in the rough

Two years ago, Lew finished a thorough restoration and the impressive ute has taken on a new life and colour. Lew plays down the amount of effort required but, despite his protestations, I suspect he put a lot of time into the project. A few unwanted tenants were evicted along the way.
“It didn’t take me long. There had been mice living in the firewall, which had caused a bit of damage. It apparently broke down and was pushed into a shed. It was 20 years to the day when I pulled it out and it sat in my other shed for 3 years before I started on it. That’s why it’s in such good order — it’s been kept in a shed for so long and still is.”

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.”