1929 Chevrolet International

1929 Chevrolet International 4-Door Sedan

by George and Fiona Holliday

New Members, George and Fiona Holliday, were more than happy to do a little write-up about their 1929 Chevrolet International.

We acquired this vehicle in September 2020 from Auckland, via Trademe, without even seeing her live. The first glimpse of the real thing was when a large car transporter arrived outside our house with several modern cars on board and our 1929 Chevrolet International looking a little weathered, forlorn, and lost. She had a flat battery, so we had to push her up our drive and into our garage for a good check over. She was dirty from the shipping from Auckland, her engine was covered in oil

from a leaking rocker box cover gasket, she was a real disappointment after her previous owner had called her mint both in the Trademe add and verbally over the phone. So after a few days of checking her over and making a to-do list, we got down to making her grand again as she well deserved. I started with a thorough clean and valet, she came up well, and I could see that the body and underside were really sound and in great condition (the dirt/grime and oil was only superficial). Next, after a good degreasing, came the new engine gaskets with an oil change and cleaning of spark plugs and checking fan belt, and greasing the water pump bearing. The updraft carburetor needed stripping and new parts fitted, and all water/oil leaks were checked and fixed (all new parts were sourced from the good old USA). A good clean again (to get rid of oily rags marks and fingerprints), and she started

after a couple of turnovers, she now idles and sounds sweet as. Fiona cleaned the interior from floor to headliner and all in between, so she now looks as regal and fine as she did 92 years ago. Now for car details and facts. She is an original 1929 Chevrolet Interna-

tional AC fitted with a six-cylinder 3200cc straight-six 194cubic inch engine giving 50hp. She was imported from Canada (original RH drive) and first registered in New Zealand on the 20th January 1930. AI6619 is the original plate issued by the NZ transport agency. She has the original Fisher coach body in blue/black on 20” wire wheels with 4.75” whitewall tyres. She has kerb weight of 2694 lbs, length of 154” and width of 68.3”, fuel tank is 11 US gallons (41.7 litres). She has only travelled 37,000 miles in her 92 years of life. We understand from the previous owner that he had the car for ten years, and before him, there were two other owners, the original importer and another, so we are the fourth owner in 92 years, or should I say, caretaker.

She now looks the part and is cleaned/polished, and the engine checked after every trip out. She has had two professional valuations in the last ten years, one in 2011 and the latest in 2020, both of which are quite surprisingly high for an old

gal of 92! Great news, she has just sailed through her 1st WOF under our ownership, and a D.A.M. mechanic says she is a really sound car both mechanically and structurally, so we are happy and relieved owners now.

We also have a classic 1989 Mazda Miata MX5, which is in stark contrast to the Chevy, but both are fun in their own sweet ways. George and Fiona Holliday.