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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:




Grab a print copy of the mag now!

A tradesman’s estate — the Cortina GT Estate

22 April, 2026

The owner of our featured car, Rod Peat, used to rally a Cortina GT back when the words ‘rally’ and ‘trial’ were interchangeable. In times after that he could also be seen beside Mal Clark in various Targa NZ rallies, getting the famous Rover V8 or Lotus Cortina in spirited fashion around and over the various special stages that make up those events. After children, houses, and career, Rod decided it was time to own a GT again.
A search on the various systems available turned up a car Rod and probably most of us didn’t even know existed: a genuine Ford factory Cortina Estate GT.

For the love of cars

20 April, 2026

Passion, Pride & Joy:
A new chapter for New Zealand’s classic car custodians
In the world of classic and collector cars, continuity matters. Not just of ownership or
provenance, but of care shaped by skilled hands, patience, and deep respect for the machines themselves.
Since 1973, Auto Restorations has existed for this purpose: to ensure these cars live
on, not as relics, but as working expressions of design and engineering. Over more than five decades, we have restored and returned countless vehicles to the road and racetrack, and in recent years expanded our service offering to keep them
performing at their best.
Today, we are proud to introduce the next step in that journey: This is not a reinvention, but a natural evolution. A name that reflects the full scope of what we now offer, while staying true to the standards and values that have always defined us.