2024 Americarna New Zealand - Part 1: Classic Restos - Series 55
Americarna 2024, in its 16th year, is an event celebrating American Car Culture. It welcomes all things American or American-themed, from classic and vintage to modern pickups, hot rods, and motorcycles such as Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycles.
The event occurs across several locations, starting from New Plymouth and travelling to Opunake Beach, Waitara, Inglewood, Stratford, and Hawera over the first three days. Fletch catches up with some spectacular vehicles and their passionate owners during the cruise. Before they even hit the road, a stunning 1958 Buick Caballero Estate Wagon restoration is unveiled. David, the owner, tells how the car was out of Arizona in the USA. While it was a complete vehicle, it was in very poor condition with almost no interior to speak of. Today, it is in showroom condition, is a magnificent restoration, and is a highlight on Day 1.
At their first stop at Opunake Beach, Fletch seeks another classic, a 1965 Thunderbird. Owner Dave says it is a beautiful super cruiser with a 390 V8 Big Block, one of the best cruisers going around.
With over 800 vehicles participating in Americarna this year, picking just one or two vehicles to feature is difficult. But Fletch is always up for a challenge, and Blair's 1954 Buick caught his attention. It’s a rare model with original paint and chrome work, and the interior is in excellent condition. Only the nailhead 265 V8 engine has been fully rebuilt.
The event continues with more beautiful cars, Graham with his 1934 Ford Cruiser, Steve with the Americarna 2024 Poster car, a 1954 F100, and Linda with her 1962 Galaxy Sunliner. Linda saw the car at an Americarna event some years back and left her business card on the windscreen, inquiring if it was for sale. As luck would have it, the owner contacted Linda, and the sale was completed.
The Inglewood Thursday night park draws thousands of people to revel in the range of vehicles and the vibrant atmosphere.
The cruise moves onto Stratford, where Fletch sees another iconic US car, a 1970 Plymouth Superbird Replica, which is a real eye-catcher. The last stop for day 3 is Hawera, where some participants participate in a high-octane acceleration and precision braking display.
Finally, there is the final evening cruise to the New Plymouth CBD and the Saturday Park Up, which will be featured in Part 2 of the Classic Restos trip to Americarna 2024.
