Good as New

You may have already noticed this 1939 Ford Deluxe Fordor Sedan is factory-built, right-hand drive. Those interested in RHD American cars will realise it likely originated in one of several places: South Africa, Australia, the UK or, as in this case, Canada. “This Ford was made for export in Windsor, Ontario, Canada,” explains owner Ian Gutteridge, “then despatched to New Zealand as CKD (Completely Knocked Down) form to avoid high import tax. It was then assembled at the Ford plant in Seaview, Wellington, and sold through a dealer in Cheviot on the South Island.” Sadly, details of the car’s original owners aren’t recorded. “We do know the car passed into the hands of a Mr Dyll Pell some time before 1962. Mr Pell originated from England, lived in Titirangi near Auckland and had a team racing Lola-Chevrolets all over the world.

“Mr Pell returned to England in 1992,” continues Ian, “bringing