CHAMPAGNE AND CL ASSIC CAMPER –
a winning Kombi-nation!
An entrepreneur with lots of drive is a fitting description of Eleanor Whitehead. Respected in equestrian circles for her bespoke saddle fitting service, her latest enterprise, and romantic it is too, is set to pop. She spoke to ANGELA KEMP. There are four loves in Eleanor Whitehead’s life: Colin, Dave, Jolene and her horse Chip (although not necessarily in that order).
“It was a bit of a sketchy business to buy the truck and get it into the country. It took a lot of research, trust and luck and we’ve only just got Jolene on the road in NZ.
The Patumahoe local is a selfconfessed classic car fanatic and explains that Colin (integral to her upcoming venture) is a 1977 VW Westfalia Kombi, Jolene is a 1982 GMC square body pick up and Dave is her partner and owner of a classic 1974 f100 truck.
“My justification for purchasing her, was that I’d always wanted a Chevy and it’s something which will hopefully appreciate rather than depreciate in value.”
Eleanor launched her Equi-Fit business six years ago after becoming one of the first qualified saddle-fitters in the country.
“My first car was a 1979 Leyland Mini Clubman which my parents very kindly bought for me. Right from the first time I got in that car, I loved the smell of the old vinyl seats and the fact that it had a history I was going to add to. That car saw me in more trouble than I care to remember.
She does saddle fitting for both horse and rider based out of an equestrian facility at the family home in Patumahoe. Her sister Julia is a qualified veterinary and human physiotherapist. “I’m now lucky enough to own two classic vehicles,” says Eleanor. “I turned 40 last year and as part of the mid-life crisis went on the hunt to replace my saddle fitting ute with a classic American truck from the USA.
10 | south | june 2020
Classic cars have been in Eleanor’s life ever since she learned to drive.
“I’ve always loved classic vehicles, my first memory of riding in something really special was when my best friend’s Dad took us to our 7th form ball in his gold ’66 notchback Mustang. I’ve never forgotten that car, and nearly had the chance to buy one just like it before I bought the Kombi.”
Eleanor met her partner Dave at a car show where he’d taken his F100. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say the truck was part of the appeal! Now, we often go to car shows all over the North Island and would love to take a trip to the US to experience all there is on offer over there especially with truck shows such as SEMA.” While she still loves horses and saddle fitting, Eleanor says she is ready to add another feather to her cap and take on a new challenge which combines her love of classic cars with a penchant for hospitality. “It’s four years since I bought Colin, sight unseen from Invercargill, and I took the following year restoring him from scratch,” she says. “I’ve travelled all over the North Island ever since he was finished but always had the intention of starting a business with him. Now I’m ready to launch the Champers Camper serving champagne, beer and platters at weddings as a welcome for the guests on arrival at the reception or ceremony.
“I love to make people smile and I think the Champers Camper will provide a special something to people’s big day. “He puts a smile on my face every time I drive him and he can’t help but attract happy faces everywhere he goes.” There’s no doubt Colin is the cream of campers with his elegant cream and beige livery, personalised number plate and retro surfboard on the roof rack. But as Eleanor points out, Colin needs to start earning his keep. She will also provide a proposal package with Colin for the true romantics out there. “I’ll set him up at Karioitahi Beach with a bottle of bubbly and some beers in the chilly bin plus a gourmet grazing platter for two – perfect for a sunset proposal! “The reason I came up with both ideas for Colin is I always thought it would be something I’d love so surely there must be like-minded people out there who would love it too.” www.southmagazine.co.nz
