Well the day arrived that I had being aiming for, my first trip in the teardrop to a British car show.
Took Friday off work, left home about 8am. It was school holidays so traffic was light. It was my first time towing with my weekend car, a 1970 Ford Escort. Only has a 1600cc engine, but with a few power upgrades I was sure it could do it. Well maybe. I had replaced the water pump, radiator, and thermostat so wasn't worried about overheating. But my gearbox repair was starting to wear, a bit of a rumble and a few noises that shouldn't be there.
All was OK, pulled over after 30 40 minutes to check everything. All in one piece. While I was stopped, a van pulled over and a young guy called me my name. Seems he has being following my build online. Had a chat then he said to follow him back to his parents house up the road to view some cars they had. Walked into an amazing garage. His dad was an aircraft engineer, but restores cars for a living. He was building a Pits Special plane, rebuilding a Ferrari, plus had this amazing 1930 Riley with a 6 litre Tiger moth aero engine. watched it on youtube doing a hill climb. Stunning workmanship.
I carried on with no problems to the first part of the car show which was a meet up at the town of Thames. An old gold mining town from yesterday. Weather got worst with wind and rain. Had a great late breakfast at a cafe, then went to the local pub to watch a band and wait for some friends to turn up.
Got to Whangamata beach around 2pm. Lots of cars parked up at the park. About 600 cars for this show. If you like classic American cars, check out "The beach hop" held every year at this beach. It is a huge event with over 100,000 people moving into a town with a regular population of 5000.
Usually bigger surf here, it is one of the best surf beaches in New Zealand.
Spotted this teardrop outside the event. Looked old, belonged to a jazz singer.
Stayed at the local motorcamp, nothing flash, but close to the beach. If only it was summer and not spring. Guess who was camped next door, Sheddie, with his Ford Consul Capri.
My mate Jackson was in his early 1980s Ford Transit camper, running a Buick V6, another couple with a 2000 Ford Transit camper, Sheddie with his Ford Consul Capri, and me with my Escort.
Overall, a great weekend. The teardrop was warm and dry. Made it back to Auckland , just. The gearbox was screaming in 3rd gear. Got home and there was a major power cut so hit the garage and took out the gearbox and fitted a new one before my torch want flat. Will continue to fit out the galley area ready for the next adventure.
Cheers
