World’s Greatest Hot Rod Coincidence

Yesterday, we were doing our thing in the Speed Shop…selling parts, helping customers and checking inventory…an average day at Honest Charley. Then, a couple of guests came through the door and they talked real funny, so we had to figure out where they came from. As it turns out, they’re from New Zealand, and they’ve spent the last few months touring the United States in an awesome 1959 Pontiac Bonneville! So, then, after they went on their way, a super cool ’40 Ford coupe rolls up, and two more hot rodders from New Zealand get out! Can you believe that? Two totally separate couples from New Zealand, who are touring the United States in an old car. That is the definition of cool.

So, let’s take a look at the two couples and take a quick look at their journeys here in the ‘States. First was Chris and Christine Mazany from Silverdale, New Zealand. Chris owns and operates Blackjack’s Speed Shop, which does everything from parts sales to turn-key hot rods and customs. They started the United States journey a couple months ago on the West Coast, then flew up to Alaska to hang out up there for a while. When they came back, the ’59 Pontiac Bonneville awaited them. So they decided to make a quick trip over to Maine, then down the Eastern coast, circling back up the Gulf coast. Then, a few days on the Gulf Coast, up to Memphis, then to Bristol to catch the NASCAR night race, and then down to Chattanooga, Tennessee to visit us! Wow, what a trip! Chris said that the Bonneville’s odometer (for this trip) reached 16,000 miles when they rolled into Chattanooga!

Now, for the second couple from New Zealand, who arrived in a green ’40 Ford coupe. Their names are Daryl and Brenda Gates–Daryl is the President of the New Zealand Hot Rod Association, so he’s certainly a tried and true hot rodder. Their journey is very well-documented, and you can see it all by following this link: http://daryandbrendausaeurope.blogspot.com. Their time in the United States will ultimately be a six-month trip, and they have gone all around our great country, finding car shows and drag races along the way. It looks like an incredible trip, judging by all of the photos on their blog website. Their car is a 1940 Ford Deluxe coupe, powered by an H&H-prepped 270ci Ford Flathead. The car has a weathered paint job and sits just right over a set of 15-inch steelies. Take a look!