First we hear about David Broadley’s yellow RHD Barchetta, now, incredibly, coming along like number 2 buses is another story of a RHD Barchetta! This one is even further from Europe being tucked away in New Zealand. Many thanks to new member Doug Cleverly for contributing this article and pictures of his enviable collection of Italian cars.
Martin Garrad
How does a Barchetta make it to New Zealand?
Well as far as I am aware this wonderful little car was not sold anywhere below the equator, let alone on the other side of the planet, here in New Zealand!
So how did it get here?
The story starts with a hunt for my son’s first car. I have been a Lancia-Fiat person since my first Fulvia in 1986, which I still own to this day. My son has an interest in the same line so now he’s “coming of age” it has come to what car should I sort for him – the answer was Italian.
My first love being Lancia I set about finding a good little cheapie for Max, my son. I bought a lovely Lancia Y10 out of the UK, no rust and only 18,000 miles on it. I shipped it to NZ expecting the worst but was delighted when it turned up – spectacular little car and we started to ready it for use.
The “brakes” came on in the form of the cries of No Airbags from my wife – I’ve never owned a car with airbags so missed this one completely.
Strapping a pillow to the steering wheel did not win the day so sadly we had to sell the only Y10 in the country (but to a local enthusiast). The garage became a barren place whilst we worked out what next.
A great friend of mine is a Fiat nut and has been plugging the marque for decades (he had a 128SL – I had my Fulvia) and he suggested the Barchetta – the hunt was on.
I looked for a long while and finally a lovely black one that was RHD appeared on the Barchetta UK website. Nice guy selling the car and the deal was done.
Three months later and the little Barchetta arrived here in sunny New Zealand and we are going about getting the car sorted for use. The car came with a number of spares to help with road-readiness, all of which are all now installed. Henk from Barchetta Parts has also been really helpful getting me a range of spares, including new floors and a hardtop!
It lives here with several other Italian friends to keep it company.
Doug Cleverly
I just adore that convertible Aurelia.
Well the Aurelia is temporarily (I hope) lost at sea, New Zealand is I think the least favoured port on the planet for a ship to call into since the world went mad (after all how much lamb does the world need, right). So this German car is now 12 weeks into its 5 week voyage…
I echo Martin’s verdict on your Aurelia, very sought after cars with a lovely V6 engine . Trying to work out the differences with the spider and convertible versions . The windscreen is the obvious difference. Hope you enjoy both the cars ,certainly will get plenty of attention in NZ .
Hi!
There’s another Barchetta in New Zealand! I bought mine new in 2004 and couldn’t bear to leave it behind when I emigrated to Wellington in 2011 – so I brought it with me!
By the way – I was a member of the UK Owners Club. My UK registration plate was KS04 THU.
Cheers,
Stewart
Hello Stewart, Good gracious two Barchettas in New Zealand. Not much chance of colliding with the other one! I cannot find any trace of you or your car on our register now. Would you like me to put you in touch with Doug Cleverly?