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Friday, January 17, 2014

Dream Car to Feature At Mangatainoka Motors

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When Deon Mckay drives his 1968 Chevrolet Impala to this month’s Mangatainoka Motors at Tui HQ, few people will know he is living out his childhood dream.

As youngster growing up in the Wairarapa, Deon says he was always captivated by a left hand drive Impala he had seen in town. Yet in 2001 and in a strange twist of fate, Deon bought the very car he had always admired before spending four years completely rebuilding it from the chasse up.

“I’ve always loved old cars and couldn’t believe it when I had a chance to buy that same very Impala that hooked me in as a kid,” says the car enthusiast. “It’s taken me four years to rebuild it, but the hard work was worth it. It’s fantastic to drive.”

Deon, a panel beater by trade who now works for Braiden International Ltd a company that makes vehicle adaptions for people with disabilities, put in a new floor, sourced parts from America and Australia and had the Impala repainted in original teal blue. Now the chrome is gleaming and motor humming, Deon says he loves nothing better than taking long drives in the car with his wife Selena, also a car enthusiast and his friends including members of the Wellington Chevrolet Club.

“The camaraderie amongst us car enthusiasts is just fantastic and that’s one of the main reasons we go to Mangatainoka Motors each year – to catch up with old friends, share stories from the road and have a great day out.”

Deon has previously attended Mangatainoka Motors in a Chevrolet pick-up truck winning the top prize in his category. But this year he will return in the Impala.

Tui HQ manager Jenny Holmes says the popular family-friendly event to be held on Sunday, January 26th is expected to attract over 400 vintage, classic and hot rod cars from all over the North Island. Motorcycles are also welcome for the second year running and any profits made will be donated to the Starship Foundation.

Mangatainoka Motors begins at 11am and will feature an old-fashioned show & shine for cars and motorcycles with prizes being awarded to the best in each of the different categories. In addition there will be live entertainment and food options available through local community groups and Tui HQ Café. There will also be free Tui Brewery Tours (11am – 2pm) while the Tui HQ Café, museum and shop will be open all day.

The details:
What: Mangatainoka Motors
When: Sunday, January 26th 2014
Where: Tui HQ, Tui Brewery, Mangatainoka
Time: 11am – 2pm
Prize giving: 2pm
Cost: $20 entry per car/ motorcycle (includes donation to the Starship Foundation.

ENDS

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