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This is not a drill! SIVANZ goes to bat for all car enthusiasts

26 February, 2019

 


 

Simply because it’s too important not to be talking about, here’s a reminder from Andrew at Special Interest Vehicle Association of New Zealand (SIVANZ) about the impending fate of all combustion-engined vehicles — let the message spread throughout the internet and get behind the cause of ensuring what we all love stays around for years to come

In some way, shape or form, Special Interest Vehicle owners are going to be affected by a growing emphasis on climate change and the reduction of emissions. The New Zealand Productivity Commission has recently completed a hefty 503 page draft report to government on the Low Emissions economy that, while a positive step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, could very much affect the way we enjoy cars in the very near future.

The Transport section (Chapter 11 — Transport) is a scary proposition that looks like a standard economic catch-all theory which doesn’t take into account special interest vehicles (the fossil-fuelled kind). The concern is how our SIV fleet may be compared against the rest of the ageing fossil-fuelled fleet and then compared against the emissions of the EV technology — could we be phased out in the name of environmental friendliness or simply legislated off the road as collateral damage in achieving a political end (2030 Paris Accord goal). Andrew Ferrier-Kerr from the Special Interest Vehicle Association of New Zealand (SIVANZ) tells us that, of the 268 submissions made to the Productivity Commission’s draft report, only two represented the special interest vehicle fraternity.

The SIVANZ submission raises critical questions around the consideration of our existing fossil-fuelled vehicles that have yet to be answered. See sivanz.co.nz for the submission and other information. The Productivity Commission report is final and with politicians for analysis and for them to determine what solutions will provide best fit for the future. The issue for owners is that the SIV fleet is not mentioned specifically which should raise concerns in the minds of every SIV owner.

SIV owners need to have a voice and whatever action is required to be heard, it has to be taken now to ensure special interest vehicles are considered now rather than when it’s written into law and too late.

For more detail on the subject, visit the SIVANZ website here.

Taipan – surpassing interest

“It’s merely a passing interest,” insists Selby — despite owning three variants of the classic VW Beetle, including an unusual VW van that was sold as a body kit for a Subaru. In his defence he points to a 1961 Ford Thunderbird, a car that he converted to right-hand drive. However, on the VW side of the ledger, since he opened Allison Autos in Whanganui 27 years ago, Selby has built 15 VW-powered Formula First cars, followed by a beach buggy, restored a derelict Karmann Ghia, and hot-rodded a common or garden Beetle into something that has to be seen to be believed. As speed is not something generally associated with classic VWs, though, Selby is still waiting for this particular modification to catch on amongst the hot rod faithful.

Travelling companion

It’s easy to see why the Morris Minor Traveller was one of the best-loved variants of the Morris Minor. Introduced in 1953, it was equipped with the same independent torsion bar front suspension, drum brakes, and rack and pinion steering as its saloon sibling but, with their foldable rear seat increasing versatility, many Travellers were used as trade vehicles, says Derek Goddard. Derek and Gail Goddard, the owners of this superbly restored example, have run Morris Minors since before they were married in 1974.
“Our honeymoon vehicle was a blue Morris Minor van — it was a rust bucket,” says Derek.