I FIRST met Trev Halstead in the late sixties when he lived in Dunedin. In those days, most rodders’ cars were normally Fords or Chevs, and the Mopars were almost classed as oddballs. Then along came Trev, and his interest lay deeply with Studebakers. In those days, I don't think many people took him too seriously, as he was undoubtedly in the minority, but over the years, things certainly changed.
Having always had a bit of a zany sense of humour, at an early Tornados Rod Run, around 1979, I cut out a giant cardboard propeller and attached it to a certain flamed 1951 Studebaker Champion, as these were affectionately known as “bombers”. I just made it look more realistic! But, thinking back, I am unsure if he saw the funny side of it as intended.
Ironically this first build was a 1951 Studebaker Champion and was featured in NZ Hot Rod magazine's November 1979 issue. It was also a pinup feature which
