“PHOENIX” CAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27505, 27 September 1950, Page 6

“PHOENIX” CAR

Example Of Dominion Craftsmanship COPIED FROM PHOTOGRAPHS . Just over two years ago, a large car owned by Mr Kevin Dun was almost completely destroyed by fire in a Dunedin garage. At first glance, it appeared to be close to a total loss, but three or four casual snapshots, the owner’s retentive memory, and the enthusiasm of four men in a Christchurch coachwork plant have resulted in the car being placed back on the road during the past week in “better than new’’ condition. The car was imported by Mr Dun from Britain shortly before the war. It was a fine example of British luxury coachwork on an American Hudson chassis, lengthened and lowered to meet the designer’s specifications. When the wreckage of the car was inspected after the body had been destroyed by fire two years ago, it was found that the chassis had not been warped by the heat. The engine had survived undamaged because of a metal bulkhead between it and the body, while the gearbox had been out for reapairs at the time. Mr Dun determined to see whether the car could be rebuilt and he persuaded a Christchurch firm of body-builders to do the work. To the four men on the staff particularly concerned, it presented something of a challenge as it was the first time they had attempted the building of, in effect, an entire car—not to mention an opportunity to give a car a luxurious “finish” comparable with its original condition. It was not possible to get the rebuilding under way until early this year. All the men had to go on m the reconstruction of the body were three or four old snapshots of the car, while the interior finish had to be detailed by Mr Dun from memory. The British firm which built the car originally has now gone out of existence, so no plans could be obtained. Despite the fact that some of the parts had to be sought overseas or improvised, the work was completed and the car today is a masterly example of coach-building craftsmanship.

In some respects, Mr Dun considers that the job which has been done in Christchurch is superior to the original British body. In addition, there are some innovations, such as a fixed perspex sunroof with a sliding interior cover to replace the old open sunroof. Fine wooden panelling has replaced veneer for the dashboard, while the durability of the exterior finish has been ensured by no less than 20 coats of paint. It is a “ phoenix ”of which the builders may well be proud.