Welcome to new member Peter Kidd and his partner Catherine and their dog Henry. Pete's a regular on thursday nights at the Waikanae Pub and enjoyed the comraderie so much he decided to join the Club.
Pete is a long time rodder who has been involved with cars as far back as anyone can remember. He was a foundation member of the Early American Car Club when it started in 1973.
He currently owns three cars - two 1936 Coupes and a 1955 Mercury Montclair Sun Valley. He recently sold a yellow 1953 Mercury Monterey.
These photos are of the three window Deluxe Coupe just after it arrived in the country Dec 2011 from Nevada. Pete's done a heap of work to it since then. The hot rod side panels have gone and cosmetic work to the grill makes it a much classier car now.
289, C4, 465 Holley, Edelbrock Ali heads, Thunderbird diff (soon to go in favour of a Mustang high ratio diff)
Rumble seat. Cool pinstriping courtesy of Mark McGlue.
All new gauges. The billet style upholstery is being changed out in favour of a resto type scheme - much classier. Check out the burgundy piping for a hint of what's to come.
New shocks, Falcon disc brakes up front, Mustang booster & master cylinder. Note there are 5 bars on the hood side panel instead of the original 3. Cool custom trick.
Pete says the car is everything he wants it be. He's not show rodder and just wants a nice comfortable cruising car.
1955 Mercury Montclair Sun Valley and the old 1953 Mercury Monterey Sport Coupe (since sold). Pete's owned the Montclair for 5/6 years. He brought in from Glacier, Seattle.
The Montclair Sun Valley is a very rare car. It featured a Plexiglas "bubble" over the front half of the roof section. While futuristic cars were often featured with clear glass tops in the 1950s, consumers rejected the tinted glass roof Sun Valleys (only 1,500 were produced in 1955) because of the heat buildup in the interior of the vehicles. Following lower sales of the Sun Valley for 1956, the version was discontinued for 1957.
292 cu in Thunderbird & Auto. Powersteer, power brakes, power seats and fully manual windows. Pete's dropped the car 2" in the front.
The original '36. 1936 Deluxe 5W Coupe. This car was made up from two cars. The first one NZ assembled was bought in 1969, the car has been on the road since 1976.
21 Stud 69A side valve V8, 239 cu in producing 100hp. 3 speed floor change with a 3.54 ratio diff.
Original Vineyard Green colour.
Sweet sounding V8!
Genuine 1936 Banjo steering wheel and radio.
Pete & Catherine's garden art. The headlight lights up at night.
The article beautifully captures the excitement and camaraderie that comes with joining a club like this. It's wonderful to witness the support and encouragement given to Peter as he embarks on his journey with the club. The detailed description of his car and the personal touch in sharing his background adds a personal touch that makes the reading experience even more engaging.
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