On September 4th 1957, Ford Motor Company unveiled the Edsel, the first new automobile brand produced by one of the Big 3 car companies since 1938. Although many called it the “Ford Edsel,” Edsel was in fact a division all of its own, like Lincoln or Mercury. A national network of 1,300 independent Edsel dealers offered 4 models for sale. The smaller Pacers and Rangers and the larger Citations and Corsairs.
The Edsel was an over-hyped, over-sized, over-designed failure. Others think the car was simply a victim of bad timing. When Ford conceived the idea for the new brand, the economy was booming, and the public was buying enormous gas-guzzlers as fast as they could be produced. When the Edsel hit showrooms, however, the economic outlook had moved in a negative direction, and the public was looking for smaller, more efficient cars instead.
When the public visited Edsel dealers, they found a car that had a distinctive look, but not necessarily in a good way. Critics panned many of the Edsel's design elements, and drivers struggled with engineering features like push buttons on the steering wheel to shift gears. Also, the (in) famous hood ornament had a tendency to fly off and hit the windshield. Edsel's most memorable design feature was its trademark "horse collar" grille, which was distinct from that of other cars of the period. According to a popular joke at the time, Edsels "resembled an Oldsmobile sucking a lemon.
Even though Edsel's shared basic technology with other Ford cars of the era, a number of issues caused reliability problems, mostly with the 1958 models Reports of mechanical flaws with the cars surfaced, due primarily to lack of quality control and confusion of parts with other Ford models. Ford never dedicated a stand-alone factory solely to Edsel model production. The 1958 Edsel's were assembled in both Mercury and Ford factories. The longer-wheelbase models, Citation and Corsair, were produced alongside the Mercury products. The shorter-wheelbase models, Pacer and Ranger, were produced alongside Ford products.
In its first year, Edsel sold just 64,000 cars and lost $250 million ($2.5 billion today). After the 1960 model year, the company folded.
Sunday 26th October
At the Tui Brewery on the last Sunday of each month we invite cars and motorbike owners to bring their ride to participate in one of our Mangatainoka Motors Show and Shine.
TWO WHEEL DAY
09.00am – Gates open for motorcycles
10.00am – Gates open for public
10.45am – All competing motorcycles to be parked
11.00am – Registrations close
11.00am – 12.00pm Judging will take place
12.30pm – Prize giving
Immediately after prize giving photos will be taken under the iconic Tui Tower.
FEATURING Have-a-go Steering an Engine Trailer Rides Steam Sports Live Displays Vintage Vehicles and Machinery Food and Beverages Raffles—Guided Tours
At the Gate (CASH ONLY) $10 00 Single $30 00 per Car (max 5 people)
$5 00 Steer an engine Under 5’s FREE
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
The Steam Traction Society—or email—steamtractionsoc@gmail.com—for more details
31st July 2025
WoF and CoF frequency change
Following public consultation, the Minister of Transport has amended the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 to reduce the frequency of Warrant of Fitness (WoF) checks on light vintage and veteran vehicles and Certificate of Fitness (CoF) checks on privately owned heavy motorhomes from every 6 months to every 12 months.
The changes will take effect from 1st September 2025. Timings for WoFs and CoFs issued before 1st September 2025 won’t change.
Timings for eligible vehicles will auto update in the Vehicle Inspection and Certification (VIC) system and LANDATA.
To roll-out the changes, we'll create new inspection groups. These will be in VIC and LANDATA ahead of 1st September. We'll be in touch with more information about the groups soon.
Eligible vehicles
• A private heavy motorhome is a vehicle with a gross mass of more than 3,500 kg, not registered to a commercial entity, and not used for hire or reward. It's primarily used as a mobile dwelling and must include at least one sleeping berth along with other living facilities.
• Light vintage motor vehicles have a gross laden weight of 3,500kg or less, were manufactured on or after 1 January 1919, and are at least 40 years old on the date of being registered, reregistered, or licensed.
• Light veteran motor vehicles have a gross laden weight of 3,500kg or less, and were manufactured before 1st January 1919.
• Evidence suggests these types of vehicles are involved in fewer serious crashes including those involving vehicle faults when compared to newer light vehicles. The Government is committed to a smarter, more targeted approach to road safety one that focuses on real risk. These changes are a step in that direction.
Feedback received during consultation
We consulted the public and industry about the proposed changes earlier this year and received over 13,000 submissions. Submitters showed strong support for moving to 12-month checks 98% supported the WoF change and 89% supported the CoF change.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Central Hawkes Bay Branch oftheVCC—Directory 2025/2026
