bd 19/10/12

The Bay’s largest circulating, most read newspaper.

Pa ge

3

63,430 copies

ng Raci

e ah

! ad

LIFTOUT

Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

European star reborn Skoda Superb TDI 125 Wagon

See page 4

Page 2

Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

Living the dream I was casually asked on Monday afternoon whether I’d be able to take a 1996 Porsche 993 for a spin.

Bookings and enquiries contact Caro Leuschke 027 578 0035 email: caro@thesun.co.nz For editorial and news tips email: ben@thesun.co.nz

Weekend Sun Friday 19 OctoberThe 2012

Sure, I said. It’s not like I had anything better to do. Nor, in retrospect, have I ever done many things greater.

As a sports rather than a car enthusiast, I’d always wondered about the appeal the cars hold for so many in the driving world. How people buy them and join clubs with others who own them. How they get jackets for that same club so people know they’re a part of it, even when they’re apart from it.

So it was with great surprise that I melted on the spot at Stadium Cars on the corner of Cameron Rd and 8th Ave when presented with the 993 in arena red.

It looked like a million dollars –just 5% of the asking price – and sounded like a race car.

The grey leather interior hugged me like a long lost friend. The CD player was turned up, then down, as the prat coming through the speakers was no match for the rolling

sounds of idling fury emanating from the 3.6L VarioRam engine capable of producing 285BHP. It sat low, with the iconic bulges covering the two front wheels visible from the privileged position in the driver’s seat.

I had only an hour with the last in a proud line of air-cooled Porsches. It wasn’t nearly long enough. Knowing that, I did what any self-respecting young man would do and decided to show the car off as much as possible.

The fiancé needed a ride home to the back of Welcome Bay, so I obliged, leaving me with only about 40 minutes left.

Some quick snaps at the bottom of 13th Ave left me 20 minutes. Back I headed towards 8th Ave, but for some reason the 993 wouldn’t take the requisite right from 11th Ave to Cameron Rd. Instead, it went straight, took the off-ramp on Waihi Rd and headed down Takitimu

Bay Driver

Drive for one last shot at glory.

Suffice to say, it was glorious, and I added the odd kilometre to the 130,000 put on the clock by the Porsche enthusiast who last owned it.

Thoughts turned to how long it would take for the cops to catch me if I stole the car and kept heading towards the Mount and down the North Island’s east coast; speed sensitive rear spoiler thrust skyward in a fit of triumph. I figured it to be fast enough for any chases to be called off for safety reasons, but then reality sunk in.

The dealer knew who I was and where I worked. And my chop shop guy is doing a four year bit down south for, well, chopping up cars. Plus, it’s not as if 993s with brand new tyres and more besides dot the highways and side streets of this narrow land.

I took it back. That was the worst part.

By Ben Guild

phone 07 578 0030 fax 07 571 1116 email ads@thesun.co.nz No.1 The Strand, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 www.sunlive.co.nz

The 1996 Porsche 993.

The Weekend Sun By Hamish Carter

Bay Driver Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

Page 3

Racing ahead with Mini MX

Riders from the Tauranga Motorcycle Club competed at the recent Mini Motocross Nationals in Upper Hutt. Photo supplied.

Tauranga’s top young motocross riders are hoping to go one better this weekend after racing competitively at the nationals.

Tauranga Motorcycle Club spokeswoman Nicki Blake says the six young riders who raced at the KTM TSS Red Baron NZ Mini Motocross Nationals in Upper Hutt (October 6-7) all raced well considering it was the first time most had competed at the nationals.

Most of the riders are competing in Taupo at the Huka Honda Labour Weekend Extravaganza this Saturday.

“I think nerves affected most of our kids on the first day as they were all riding at their first national event except for Jacob Hunt.”

Nicki says both Tyler Wiremu, 6, and Jacob, 9, had the potential to be higher up the points tables but had been penalised by bad falls.

“Tyler could definitely have been in the top three as he recently placed second in the Canterbury Champs.”

Tyler, who was riding in the Boyles Kawasaki 50cc 4-7 years intro MX class, “had a couple

of big falls in his first race, but picked himself up and came back strong to win race two”. He finished fifth overall in a field of 15 riders.

Jacob rode in the Wellington Pipelines 9-11 years 65cc MX class - the fastest and most serious mini racing class. On Saturday he qualified 15th fastest, but a bad fall and some unlucky starts saw him finish 22nd overall in the field of 42.

Brothers Sam, 8, and Wade, 7, Meredith both rode in the highly competitive Maidstone Yamaha 50cc 6-8 years MX class in a field of 25. Sam rode consistently all weekend, managing to hold off his main North Island rivals, but could not keep ahead of the top southern riders. Mum Nicki says Sam was disappointed to miss making the top three finishing in fifth place overall - while younger brother Wade finished in 17th place.

Kristian Crane, 8, rode in the Motomart 6-8 year intro trail class – finishing seventh overall in a field of 11 riders in what Nicki says was a “fantastic effort” after falling off his bike multiple times. Shelby Catley, 10, the only Tauranga girl competing – finished sixth out of 15 in the Motomart 7-11 years trail class.

TONY HAMMOND MOTORS HOME OF QUALITY MOTORING

For just $44,990* you could be driving a new Falcon XR6, complete with 6-speed transmission, 17” alloys and sports body kit. You wouldn’t want to miss out on that. Visit your Ford Dealer today.

*Price shown excludes on road costs. Offer available until March 31, 2011.

ford.co.nz

Page 4

Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

Weekend Sun Friday 19 OctoberThe 2012

Bay Driver

Czech mate

Marxist, beatnik or pauper -when I was growing up all Skoda drivers fell into one of these categories. That was the standing joke anyway.

This week I discovered the joke was now on me.

Invited to review the latest Skoda, I couldn’t shake the distant memory of my high school friend’s uncle – an artist who trundled around in his well-loved Czech car.

It sported a few bruises and was involved in many of his fascinating stories. Uncle Joe fitted all three of the stereotypes.

We all knew the Skoda was streets ahead of its Eastern Bloc competitor the Lada, but that was not saying much. It was only the recent TV commercials that made me aware how far ahead they have since gone.

Arriving at Farmer Motor Group, Blair updated me on the Skoda story, informing me the car brand – which traces its history back to manufacturing bikes in 1894 – is now owned by Volkswagen.

The German auto giant, which also owns Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche and Lamborghini, has transformed the badge into a car that’s quite something.

Blair introduces me to the Skoda Superb TDI 125 Wagon.

There is no denying its good looks from the outside with its cappuccino beige paintwork – but take a closer look and the spaciousness surprises, with extra leg room

in the back seats and a roomy boot (663 litre luggage capacity – expanding to 1865 litres with the seats folded down).

“The Skoda motto is ‘simply clever’ and that’s what you get,” says Blair – pointing out how the rear areas are cleverly designed to offer ample space. He then picks up a small LED torch that clips into the side of the boot to offer light on a dark night.

“There are all these smart little details.”

With a name like Superb you are opening the door for plenty of criticism. Skoda has put a big target on its back saying ‘criticise me if you can’.

So I set out on mission to do just that.

Where are the cracks? Let’s look at the seats – how comfortable can they be? They are just right – with the leather upholstery adding that extra element of luxury. It’s a diesel so that has got to be a problem?

Sorry – it packs plenty of power in its 1968cc TDI Diesel engine.

Put the foot down on the open road and the car surges effortlessly ahead.

Compared to its sister model the TDI 103 – which is also powered by a 1968cc diesel engine – the 125 packs a lot more punch at 125kW compared to the slower 103kW, enabling it to hit 100kmh in 8.9 seconds ahead of the 103’s 10.3 seconds.

Offering everything you’d expect and more for a high standard car, the Superb’s

large LCD screen in the centre of the dashboard helps you easily navigate the array of options on the control centre – including navigation maps with GPS, a built-in Bluetooth hands-free system for the phone and music.

Safety is a top priority in the family wagon, with airbags installed to protect all passengers and a reminder to check around the car when you engage reverse,

SPECS

25

DI 1 T b r e p u S Skoda D Diesel FW I e: 2.0L TD Engine typ on) irect Injecti D d e g r a h (Turboc 0km my: 6.1/10 Fuel econo /km): 159 2 emissions (g Co 00 (special) ,9 3 5 $ : e ic r P

with the car highlighting areas on the screen that it senses – to remind you that you are close to an object.

The latest Skoda Superb offers a good range in both the wagon and sedan with models starting at the TSI 118 with its 1800cc petrol engine, going up to the 2000cc diesel engine TDI 103 model – and TDI 125 models. The top of the range is the V6 4x4 with its 3600cc petrol engine.

For all its high-end specifications the Superb offers a lot of European car for its price.

Forget about Skoda’s former austere design and communist connections – the latest models offer a range of cars anybody will be proud to drive – capitalist, unionist, environmentalist, bohemian, bureaucrat or bum.

Farmer Motor Group has shaved at least $6000 off all the Superb range in an October special – offering even better buying – bringing the TDI 125 wagon down to $53,900 (RRP $62,000) and the sedan to $49,900 (from $59,500).

By Hamish Carter

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

BUY A NEW SWIFT & BUY A NEW DRIVE AWAYSWIFT WITH& DRIVE AWAY WITH FREE DIAMONDS! FREE DIAMONDS!

CELEBRATING 7 YEARS AS N CELEBRATING 7 YEARS AS N

Z’S FAVOUR

Z’S FAVOUR

ITE SUPERMINI

ITE SUPERMINI

IT’S SWIFT’S SWIFT’SDIAMOND DIAMONDCELEBRATION CELEBRATION IT’S

Buy a new Suzuki Swift this September and you’ll drive away in style with

Buy a new Suzuki Swift this September and you’ll drive away in style with fabulousdiamond diamondjewellery jewellery valued at $2,500.

Choose the entire fabulous valued at $2,500.

Choose fromfrom the entire SwiftSwift rangeincluding includingour ourspecial special Celebration Gold Swift. us today test drive. range Celebration Gold Swift.

SeeSee us today for afor testa drive.

Offer erisisavailable availableononthe the first 300 new Swifts purchased registered participating Off first 300 new Swifts purchased and and registered from from participating SuzukiSuzuki dealersdealers between1-30 1-30September September 2012.

Demonstrator vehicles do qualify. not qualify.

A certifi cate of valuation between 2012.

Demonstrator vehicles do not A certifi cate of valuation for thefor the jewellerywill willbebesupplied. supplied. is not redeemable for cash is non-transferable.

Not available in jewellery OffOff er er is not redeemable for cash and and is non-transferable.

Not available in conjunctionwith withany anyother other promotion fleet purchases. conjunction promotion or flor eet purchases.

The Suzuki Real Value price includes 12 months registration, warrant of fitness, 3 year/100,000km warranty, 5 year Suzuki roadside assistance and a full tank of fuel. WWW.SUZUKI.CO.NZ The Suzuki Real Value price includes 12 months registration, warrant of fitness, 3 year/100,000km warranty, 5 year Suzuki roadside assistance and a full tank of fuel. WWW.SUZUKI.CO.NZ

TMC

TAURANGA MOTOR COMPANY

Cnr. Cameron Cameron Road Road&&3rd 3rdAve AveTauranga Tauranga Cnr.

Ph. 07 07 578 578 1378 1378www.tmccars.co.nz www.tmccars.co.nz

Friday 19 October 2012

Page 5

Page 6

Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

T TH HE E C CA AR R SS AYS AYS T TH HE E P PR R II C CE E

YO YO U U ’’ V VE E M MA AD DE E II T. T. SS AYS AYS ,, W W II SS E E LY. LY.

Weekend Sun Friday 19 OctoberThe 2012

Bay Driver

Like a three-piece suit you can go hiking in.

Chrysler is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC

The 2012 Chrysler 300 is a magnificent example of Chrysler is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC unwavering American determination.

Chrysler is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Chrysler isis aa registered registered trademark trademark of of Chrysler Chrysler Group Group LLC LLC

Chrysler is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC

· 210kwThe 3.6ltr V6 Pentastar 176kwcent 3.0ltr V6 CRD 300 is aormagnifi example The2012 2012Chrysler Chrysler 300 is a magnifi cent aofexample of Chrysler is colour registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC determination. · Overunwavering 65 safety American and security features including unwavering American determination.

The 2012 Chrysler 300 is a magnificent example of reverse camera Chrysler is a registered trademarkThe of Chrysler2012 Group LLC Chrysler 300V6isPentastar a magnifi cent example · 210kw 3.6ltr or 176kw 3.0ltr V6 CRD of unwavering American · 8.4" full colour touch screen and connectivity system · Over 65 3.6ltr safety and security features colour ·American 210kw V6 Pentastar orincluding 176kw 3.0ltr V6 CRD The 2012 Chrysler 300determination. is a magnificent example ofunwavering determination.

Chrysler is a registered trademark of Chrysler LLC The· 2012 Chrysler 300 is a quality magnifi centGroupexample of camera World class craftsmanship, and design · reverse Over 65 safety and security features including colour good anywhere in the new Legacy 3.6X unwavering American · 8.4" full colour touch screen and connectivity system · 210kw 3.6ltr V6 Pentastar or 176kw 3.0ltr V6 CRD The 2012 Chrysler 300determination. is a magnifi cent example of· unwavering Look good good anywhere anywhere in the the new newLook Legacy 3.6X American Look good anywhere in the new Legacy 3.6X Look in Legacy 3.6X legacy 3.6X reverse cameradetermination.

210kw 3.6ltr V6 Pentastar or 176kw 3.0ltr V6 CRD · World class craftsmanship, quality and design sedan Auto at $67,990 , featuring: $$ ·· Over safety security including colour $ Look good anywhere in the new Legacy 3.6X sedan Auto at $67,990, featuring: sedan Auto , featuring: unwavering American determination. · 8.4" full colour touch screen and connectivity system sedan Auto at 67,990 , featuring: Call us 210kw65 3.6ltr V6and Pentastar orfeatures 176kwThe 3.0ltr V6 CRD · Over 65 safety and security features including colour 2012 Chrysler 300 is a magnifi cent example of From RRP + ORC. for a · 210kw 3.6ltr Pentastar or 176kw 3.0ltr V6 CRD $ • All Wheel Drive • 200mm Ground Clearancetoday $V6class ·From World craftsmanship, quality and design test drive sedan Auto at 67,990 , featuring: • All Wheel Drive • 200mm Ground Clearance RRP + ORC. · reverse Over 65camera safety and security featuresunwavering including colour • All Wheel Drive • 200mm Ground Clearance reverse camera • All Wheel Drive • 200mm Ground Clearance American determination.

Book a well-deserved test drive today at chrysler.co.nz • Satelite Navigation • Rear Reversing Camera · 210kw 3.6ltr V6 Pentastar or 176kw 3.0ltr V6 CRD· Over 65Book safety and security features including colour · 8.4" full colour • Satelite Navigation • Rear Reversing Camera Satelite Navigation Rear Reversing Camera •• Rear Reversing Camera atouch well-deserved testand drive today at chrysler.co.nz All WheelNavigation Drive • 200mm Ground Clearance reverse cameratouch screen and connectivity system· 8.4" full colour screen connectivity system ••• Satelite • DVD McIntosh audio system • Leather upholstery • DVD McIntosh audio system • Leather upholstery · Over 65 safety and security features colour reverse camera DVD McIntosh McIntosh audio•system system Leather upholstery •• DVD audio •• Leather ·· 8.4" World craftsmanship, and design Satelite Navigation Rear Reversing Camera ·including 210kw 3.6ltr Pentastar or $ 176kw 3.0ltrquality V6 CRD From RRP ORC. • upholstery EyeSight Preventative Safety Techonologies fullclass colour touch screen quality and connectivity system·V6 World class craftsmanship, and+ design • EyeSight Preventative Safety Techonologies • EyeSight Preventative Safety Techonologies • EyeSight Preventative Safety Techonologies DVD McIntosh audio system • Leather upholstery reverse camera · 8.4" full colour touch screen and connectivity system • New Model • 3.6 Litre 6 cylinder · Over 65 safety and security including colour Call us Bookfeatures a well-deserved test drive today at chrysler.co.nz · World class craftsmanship, quality and design • New Model • 3.6 Boxer Litre 6engine cylinder Boxer engine New Model Model 3.6 Litre Litre cylinder Boxer engine engine •• New •• 3.6 66 cylinder Boxer EyeSight Preventative Safety Techonologies today for a Chrysler Chrysler isis aa registered registered trademark trademark of of Chrysler Chrysler Group Group LLC LLC

legacy 3.6X

57,990 57,990 57,990

57,990 57,990

57,990

$ Eyesight available in legacy 3.6 X sedan, Gt spec.B Premium drive3.6 reverse camera $ Eyesight available test in legacy X sedan, Gt spec.B Premium •Eyesight Newavailable Modelininlegacy •legacy 3.63.6 Litre 6 cylinder From RRP + ORC. Eyesight available 3.6 sedan, Gtspec.B spec.BBoxer Premiumengine XX sedan, Gt Premium and outback 3.6r Premium.

From RRP + ORC. and outback 3.6r Premium. andoutback outback3.6r 3.6rPremium.

Premium. and · World $ class craftsmanship, quality and design · 8.4" full colour touch screen and connectivity system Eyesight available in legacy 3.6 X sedan, Gt spec.B Premium Book at chrysler.co.nzBook a well-deserved test drive today at chrysler.co.nz and outback 3.6r Premium.

Froma well-deserved test drive RRPtoday + ORC. $ quality and design · World class C H RYS L ER 3 0 0. D R I V EN BY THE D R I Vcraftsmanship, EFrom N. RRP + ORC.

H E RE 3N0 and 0 R IH VE N. C ·H 8.4" R Y Sfull L E colour R 30C 0touch . RDYRS Lscreen IV B .YDconnectivity T ENDBRY I TVHsystem EEND. R I ·V EWorld class craftsmanship, quality and design

57,990 57,990

57,990

$

Out there. And back. And back.

Out there.

Book a well-deserved test drive today at chrysler.co.nz

RRP + ORC. Book a well-deserved test drive today at chrysler.co.nz $ From RRP + ORC. Book a well-deserved test drive today at chrysler.co.nz From

D E DCR RHII V V E SN NL.. E R 3 0 0 . D R I V E N B Y T H E D R I V E N .

RY Book a well-deserved test drive today at chrysler.co.nz DRIVEN.

Out there. And back

Chrysler is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC

H RYS L ER 3 0 0. D R I V EN BY T H E D R I V EN .

IVEN. 3 0 0. D R I V EN BY T H E D R I V EN .

Chrysler is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC

The 2012 Chrysler 300 is a magnificent example of The 2012 Chrysler 300 is a magnificent example of unwavering American determination. unwavering American determination. · 210kw 3.6ltr V6 Pentastar or 176kw 3.0ltr V6 CRD · 210kw 3.6ltr V6 Pentastar or 176kw 3.0ltr V6 CRD · Over 65 safety and security features including colour · Over 65 safety and security features including colour reverse camera reverse camera · 8.4" full colour touch screen and connectivity system · 8.4" full colour touch screen and connectivity system · World class craftsmanship, quality and design · World class craftsmanship, quality and design

57,990 57,990

$outback 2.5i

outback 2.5i

From $ From

RRP + ORC. RRP + ORC.

Book a well-deserved test drive today at chrysler.co.nz Book a well-deserved test drive today at chrysler.co.nz

2.5ifeaturing: Subaru Outback 2.5i SLtoutback at $49,990 outback 2.5i

Subaru Outback 2.5i SLt• Improved at $49,990 featuring: Subaru Outback 2.5iQuad SLtCam at $Engine 49,990 featuring: fuel economy 8 l/100km • New Generation

C H RYS L ER 3 0 0. D R I V EN BY T H E D R I V EN .

C H RYS L ER 3 0 0. D R I V EN BY T H E D R I V EN .

Priced from

• • • •

• Transmission Improved fuel economy l/100kmDrive • New Generation Quad Cam Engine • 2 Generation Subaru Lineartronic • All8 Wheel Improved fuel economy 8 l/100km • New Generation Quad Cam Engine • reversing 2nd Generation Subaru Lineartronic Transmission • All Wheel Drive The all new Dodge Journey. The 7-seater with style. • 213mm Ground clearance • rear camera nd • 213mm Ground clearance • rear reversing camera *2 Generation Subaru Lineartronic Transmission • All Wheel Drive 3.0R • Bluetooth connectivity • Boxer• engine Bluetooth connectivity • Boxer engine Call us RRp 213mm Ground clearance • rear reversing camera today for a test drive 3.0R Bluetooth connectivity • Boxer engine

$39,990 *+ ORC.

nd

The Dodge Journey has put an end to the seven-seat, family stereotype. From the designer interior, more powerful 3.6 Litre V6 Pentastar engine to the multi function touchscreen entertainment system it’s a whole new adventure in style. Test drive a Dodge Journey today, call 0800 NZ DODGE, text DODGE to 244* or visit dodge.co.nz

* texts cost 24 cents

Subaru Outback 2.5i SLt at $49 3.0R

R/T Model pictured

116 Hewletts Road, 116 Hewletts 116 Road, Hewletts Road, OPEN: Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.30pmTauranga City Mt Maunganui, Mt Maunganui, Tauranga City Mt Maunganui, Tauranga City Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm Tel: 07 578 6017 Tel: 07 578 6017 Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz www.farmerautovillage.co.nz 116 Hewlettswww.farmerautovillage.co.nz Road, us Mount Maunganui.

Follow on Facebook Follow us on Follow Facebook us on Facebook

Tel: 07 578 6017

Call us today for a test drive

www.farmerautovillage.co.nz

• • • •

Visit us.

Improved fuel economy 8 l/100km • New 2nd Generation Subaru Lineartronic Transmi 213mm Ground clearance • rear reversin SOLD connectivity • Boxer engine Bluetooth

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

Page 7

$75

NZ NEW

NZ NEW

7 SEATER

NZ NEW

NZ NEW

NZ NEW

LOW KMS

NZ NEW

NZ NEW

LEATHER

NZ NEW

NZ NEW

NZ NEW

NZ NEW

NZ NEW

HOT PRICE

NZ NEW

NZ NEW

NZ NEW

per week

CHOICE OF 3

WINNER

Visit us.

Visit us.

116 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga City Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz

Follow us on Facebook

LOW KMS

Page 8

Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

Weekend Sun Friday 19 OctoberThe 2012

22 10 12

Bay Driver

O F F E R E NODFSF E R E N D S

22 10 12

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver Friday 19 October 2012

The X240 4WD

w w w. g r e a t w a l l a u t o . c o . n z DEALER DETAILS

Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

Page 9

Page 10

Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENT FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENT Centred Centred

MARQUE OF EXCELLENCE MARQUE OF EXCELLENCE

Left Align Left Align

MARQUE OF EXCELLENCE MARQUE OF EXCELLENCE

MARQUE OF EXCELLENCE MARQUE OF EXCELLENCE

Right Align

The 2012 Weekend Sun Friday 19 October

Bay Driver

The Weekend Sun

Bay Driver Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

Page 11

Driving automotive industry ahead From joining the army when he left school – to avoid following his friends to university – Sean Squires’ career in mechanics has gone full circle.

Sean completed apprenticeships in light then heavy automotive during six and a half years mainly stationed at Waiouru while toiling away with cars on the side. Today – after a wide range of roles and businesses in the industry – he is leading a new generation as Bay of Plenty Polytechnic’s group automotive leader.

Sean, who has just become Tauranga MTA branch president, bought his first car – a Fiat 132 – off a mate at Waiouru. While he has long since lost any photos of it, or his other early cars, he remembers being drawn to it for its “high specs” including four wheel disc brakes, twin overhead cam and twin webber carburettors.

“It was a ‘72 model and I bought it in 1988 – so it was already quite old when I got it but it was still a real goer.”

About three years later he swapped it for a ‘73 VH Valiant Regal, which he loved for its room and power. He has lots of memories of

fun trips with mates.

“Waiouru is central to lots of places, we’d go all over”.

From a car which only needed an occasional oil change, he went on to a VH Valiant regal hardtop, which despite needing lots of work was his favourite car and a “real head turner”.

“It was rusty as hell and needed a lot of work,” recalls Sean, who spent about 18 months working on the vehicle.

It was a precursor for a job he later held in London restoring and servicing classic American cars. He often also drove the cars, ranging from New York cabs to classic Cadillacs and Mustangs, to photo shoots around the UK. A highlight of the job was having a driving role in movie ‘Eyes Wide Shut’.

Sean would take the winters off and head to North America, where he would combine snowboarding holidays with jobs ranging from tree planting, repairing Alaskan logger’s chainsaws to fixing engines in yachts and powerboats in San Francisco.

“It was fantastic, I never got bored.”

Returning to New Zealand, he worked in Auckland for 18 months, before heading to Queenstown where he restored and modified a WWII six-wheel amphibious landing craft ‘DUKW’ a friend had imported from Canada

to offer lake and land tours. The extensive project had included modifying it from right to left-hand drive, from petrol to diesel and ensuring the vehicle met the stringent bus and boat transport requirements.

“It was a great project and I really enjoyed the challenge,” says Sean, who set up his own business looking after restored cars in Queenstown after the two-year amphibious job was completed.

“There are a lot of old restored cars stored in sheds around Queenstown that would only come out once or twice a year, so that kept me busy servicing them.”

Since selling the business he has returned north, taking up his role overseeing the polytechnic’s automotive training programme two years ago. Sean says after 22 years in the industry he is passionate about fostering the next generation of automotive technicians who will be an asset to the industry.

“We really pride ourselves on producing professional young men and woman, who are highly skilled in and passionate about what they do. It’s the future of the industry.”

By Hamish Carter

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic automotive group leader Sean Squires is passionate about spreading his love for cars to next generation technicians.

Automotive Trade Directory

PANEL & PAINT REPAIRS

The Professional Touch

Page 12

Friday 19 October 2012

Friday 19 October 2012

The 2012 Weekend Sun Friday 19 October

AWESOME $ 15,990

Bay Driver

SAVE$$ $ 13,291

SAVE$$ $ 14,990

SAVE$$ $ 15,500

Appraised Used Vehicles

AWESOME $ 14,990

AWESOME $ 17,990

AWESOME $ 20,990

SAVE$$ $ 16,990

AWESOME $ 16,990

AWESOME $ 14,990

AWESOME $ 14,990

SAVE$$ $ 7,990

SAVE$$ $ 10,990

SAVE$$ $ 9,990