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The National Pukekohe Swap Meet held every year near Auckland is New Zealand's biggest parts event and one which I have attended since 1984.
It was however the 1992 meet that changed my car preference forever. Wandering the rows of cars and parts that beautiful summer's day, I noticed a smart 1953 Cadillac, complete with For Sale board. One circuit of the car and I was smitten, in spite of it showing some recent rear damage. The owner however, seemed reluctant to sell and showed disinterest when questioned on pricing and details. I walked further on through the car and parts but I was hooked!
I had never owned a Cadillac but had always admired their quality. The following Monday night, after arranging an extension to my mortgage, I called the Caddy's owner to see if it was still available. Once again I got the impression that he didn't really want to sell and I couldn't pin him down on a price. It transpired that he was a little short of cash for his business and that was his only motivation for the sale! I gave him the ultimatum - "call me in an hour or forget it!" He called 45 minutes later and we agreed on a price, subject to a test drive. I arrived at his home (120 miles away) around midnight, and by 1.00 am I was the excited owner of a three-owner 44,000 mile Series 62 Coupe de Ville. The following Saturday I returned to collect the car and the large load of spares included in the deal. Oh, what a feeling driving home - the further I went, the better it got!
The car had been sold new in California with every factory option except for air conditioning. It came with power steering, power windows, (hydraulic, not electric), power seat, power antenna, Autronic eye (automatic headlamp dipper), signal-seeking radio, fog lamps, and wire wheels (although not fitted at the time, they did come with the spare parts).
In 1984, the '53 was shipped to New Zealand in rust free condition, but in need of restoration. She was restored to a high standard and driven for some years to many events. She is basically unmodified, with the original V8 engine and four-speed autmatic transmission. Since purchasing her, I have repaired some accident panel damage and redone the chrome etc. as required. Recently I have refitted the original wire wheels (reconditioned with stainless steel spokes) and as part of the continuing modification of the fuel system (due to unleaded) have fitted an electric fuel pump. I have travelled over 10,000 miles up and down the country and she is (almost) totally reliable. |
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