Flashback to the ’50s — the story behind the Ford Mercury

16 September, 2016

Americans of the ’50s era apparently liked their cars like their women — curvy and voluptuous. The new Mercury did not disappoint. Record sales were the reward for the new model, and buyers flocked to be seen driving it.

The new Mercury sported enough chrome to sink a ship, and the well-proven side-valve V8 had been uprated a little in power.

The appointments inside were just that, appointments. Again weight and bulk appear to be well down the priority list. The suicide rear doors provided easy access to spacious and comfortable back seats that came complete with armrests built into the sides. Think of an American doctor’s or lawyer’s waiting room of the era.

Check out our full story in the October issue of New Zealand Classic Car — grab your copy now:


This could be good news for restoring cars and bikes – but we must be quick!

Our parliament is currently considering a member’s Bill, drawn by ballot, called the ‘Right to Repair’ Bill.
It’s due to go a Select Committee for consideration, and we can make submissions ie say what we think of it, before 3 April this year. It’s important because it will make spare parts and information for doing repairs far more readily available and this should slow the rate at which appliances, toys and so on get sent to landfill.

1959 Sunbeam Alpine: A road trip with Lady P

The romance of the road
The South Island begins to reveal its unbelievable beauty and clarity of light as we weave and bend past mountain peaks, blue flowing rivers, and bright green forests. Today, while the cutlery wheel continues to chime, there are no morbid rattles, and we are still alive. The road moves beneath us and I start to really understand what a road trip is all about: the warm analogue hum of the engine, the sensory overload of wind and sun, the dreamy pageant of shapes and colour that glides by like a movie set, not a cloud in the sky.