VINTAGE REPORT

My VCC activity this month has been focused on accomplishing the completion of my Commercial Tudor Delivery. I have owned the Tudor since 1980 and started the restoration not long after. The car was stripped completely with all parts undergoing repair or replacement. Most of the replacement parts have been sourced from Early Ford Parts in Christchurch with the interior trim coming from USA. The engine was started last month after resting for 39 years and a complete rebuild. At this stage the car is a runner with the interior still to complete. I hope to obtain a WOF soon, before completing the interior. I am thankful for the help I have received from the members of the Model A Club Canterbury branch and for their assistance on the restoration journey.

I was unaware that the car had been a delivery until while carrying out repairs to the rear woodwork; I discovered that there had been rebates in the door jams for hinges and catches. The research that followed concluded that the Colonial Motor Company in Timaru had carried out the conversion to a delivery; and the first owner was the “Department of Labour” in Timaru. It was first registered to the Government on 21 Dec 1931 and was sold into private ownership in 1949. Since then it has had 6 owners all in the Christchurch area.