Day off in Canterbury.

[LANNY]

Great car and great pictures, Nelson.  I've downloaded them for possible future use in the Plymouth Bulletin, if that's OK with you.  Please contact me directly at for further communication on this matter.  Thanks for posting them.  LANNY KNUTSON, editor

[Nelson]

Thanks for the kind words about the car.  ( And from Ed with regard to my driver !   ;)  )

Yes, Ed it is right hand drive, but that's just one of the subtle differences that you might notice compared to its US based cousins.  Apparently there were only 80 right hand drive convertibles made on the Plymouth line in '37.
Ten of them are reputed to have come to New Zealand, and I know of 5 that have survived.  ( 3 on the road, and two undrgoing current restoration.)  It would seem that the New Zealand ones were all produced very near the begining of the production run, as of the five I know of, all have 1/4 vent windows rather than full side windows with external visors.

These cars were originally imported in a 'knocked down' state by 'Todd Motors', the New Zealand represntatives for Chrysler corporation.  The cars were then re-assembled in NZ using local labour and a few NZ sourced parts, so that the 'local content' could count towards tax credits for the importer.
You could still buy a Dodge, Desoto, Plymouth or Chrysler here in 1937, but in fact they were all P3 & P4 Plymouths, pretty much just re-badged according to the size and flexibility of your wallet.

All of the convertibles that have survived here, were badged Chrysler and it would seem they all came with overdrive units.

I first saw one laid up in my Uncles shed waiting an engine rebuild when I was 7 years old, and admired it until I was 16.  It was another 15 years before I finally saw another, which I bought on the spot, and then spent the next 10 years restoring.  My Uncle has recently started the rebuild of his, and with a bit of luck we will, in the not too distant future get the opportunity to rally the two of them together.
In the meantime, there are plenty of places to explore on our own or in a group with the local Vintage Car club.

Cheers, Nelson.

[Ed_Ungerman]

Nelson, Thanks for posting the pictures. I really like the color. Nothing like a picture of a beautiful car with a beautiful driver (1st pic). But, there is something wrong. The steering wheel is on the wrong side.  :D :D :D :D ;)

[Bob]

Nelson,

Thanks for posting more photos

Like I mentioned earlier, always good to see other Plymouths out being driven

Thanks again,
Bob

[Nelson]

Last two, then its another week of work again....
One on the road, and then cominig home again. (taken from the cheap seats)

Cheers, Nelson.

[Nelson]

Too good a day not to go out again... 

[notdavidspade]

Looking good... I really like those green cars!

[Jim Yergin]

Nelson,
Beautiful pictures and a beautiful car. Thanks for sharing.
Jim Yergin

[Bob]

Nelson,

Thanks for sharing your photos.  Some beautiful scenery, not to mention great looking Plymouth.

Keep posting photos of your adventures, I always enjoy seeing other old Plymouths on the road as they were meant to be.

No sunshine here this morning, lots of heavy fog in the Catskill Mountains of New Yorik

Thanks again,
Bob

[Nelson]

Canterbury, is a region in the centre of the South Island of New Zealand.
Today was Canterbury anniversary day, an annual holiday? A perfect day for a bit of cruise in our '37, and given I've just replaced the head gasket and its running like a charm, hard to find a reason not to enjoy our long flat rural roads.

Took a couple of photos to show you what we are forced to put up with down under...? Note the crowded roads and barren gardens. ;D

Cheers, Nelson.