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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:




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Lancia Stratos – building a winner

12 March, 2025

On his own, and later with his wife Suzie, Craig Tickle has built and raced many rally cars. Starting in 1988, Craig went half shares in a Mk1 Escort and took it rallying. Apart from a few years in the US studying how to be a nuclear engineer, he has always had a rally car in the garage. When he is not playing with cars, he works as an engineer for his design consulting company.
Naturally, anybody interested in rallying has heard of the Lancia Stratos, the poster child and winner of the World Rally circuit in 1974, ’75, and ’76. Just as the Lamborghini Countach rebranded the world of supercars, so, too, did the Lancia Stratos when it came to getting down and dirty in the rally world.

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

5 March, 2025

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.