The trouble with living in a country of 4million people miles from anywhere

[RichardinNZ]

...is that when you decide it's time to own Bug again, this is all that there is available in the whole of the country...(which is about the same size as the UK).

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/CategoryAttributeSearchResults.aspx?search=1&mcat=0001-0268-&sidebar=1&5=&14=Volkswagen&15=&18=0&18=0&24=0&24=1970&searchRegion=100&sidebarSearch_keypresses=0&sidebarSearch_suggested=0

(TradeMe is the New Zealand equivalent of ebay and is the only place that older cars are advertised).

 I live in Auckland and its a 1 1/2 hour flight or a 16+ hour, 1000km ( 600mile) drive and a ferry crossing to Christchurch where many of the best cars seem to be.

The other problem is that hotVWs magazine costs NZ$20 in the shops (thats about US$16) per issue; time to make that phone call for a subscription direct from the US.

However, I'm patient and happy to wait for the right car to come along.

Richard

[RichardinNZ]

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[jonathan]

Looks beautiful!
Theres some pretty sweet looking bugs for sale on that website.
I would think the parts availability and prices aren't ideal over there either.Good luck finding a car.

[Lids]

Looking at the picture, I don't see any roads only water, sure you want a car? LOL

Have you thought about getting a complete one from Australia?  I have no idea about shipping and duty, but it might actually be easier.  I know we have a few members from down under that might help out.

[Dave Galassi]

Richard, what are you looking for? 
I spent some time in New Zealand recently and saw some interesting VW's.  There is a shop in Christchurch that still services some air cooled cars, and a few years ago had an early single carb variant that would have been a great project car.  They would be a great place to ask.  Even closer to you, though, would be a ghia I saw in a barn about two hours south of Auckland.   
In Palmerston North, I met a guy who sells parts for old Fords (50's to 70's British stuff) who would also be a good person to have keep an eye out for you.  He is very sharp and knows a lot of car people in the area.  If you have an interest in chasing these leads, I'll pm you the info.

Dave

[RichardinNZ]

Hi Dave
I've been a bit of a type 3 person; I owned my '63 1500S Notch (with factory optional single carb setup!) for 7 years but sold it when we emigrated and previously had both a square and fastback.  I'm happy with a good solid bug; '59 to '67 ideally or an early type 3.  I'd also consider a good '68 to '70 if it came up at the right price; trouble is that there seem to be a lot of people who think their car is worth more than the market will support.

I think the specialist in Christchurch is the Metric Nut; is that who you saw?  I'm getting down there quite regularly at the moment so will try to get along to see them.

The details of the other people would be good; thanks.

Thanks for your help.

[RichardinNZ]

...sorted...collect this weekend...http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=390840653

It'll be a few months before i get wheels and longer for an engine...but at least the journey has started!

Richard

[Diederick/DVK]

lovely car, congrats!!

[jamiep_jamiep]

Love late fifties bugs! And to be driving one in Auckland... very nice! We visited for a coulpe of months a few years ago, fantastic country. 

[danny gabbard]

Congrats on your new car, And I'm jealous of where ya live ! I have a old work mate that has a shop in auckland , GMT metalworks great fabricator if ya ever need one!

[RichardinNZ]

Picked it up Frdiay night and it drove home in the drizzle for an hour and a half, but it drove well. 

Will keep it stock for a bit but hope to add dropped spindles soon (adjusters would need to be signed off at a special testing station).  Also going to look into importing some BBT Sprintstars or 356 wheels; anyone know which offset I'll need forthe sprintstars (are some bus 'sizes'?)??
Also, need to fit a new rear window rubber as the one on these doesn't fit at the corners; which are the best fitting rubbers out there (with trim)? 

Will post some more pics when the weather improves (currently mid winter and pretty wet).

Many thanks

Richard

[Rennsurfer]

Cool car, Richard. Congrats!

[fredy66]

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what to swap 

[Rick Meredith]

Looks like a great start... can't wait to see what you do with it.