Despite his day job at the wheel of Advance Publishing, the outfit behind both NZ Rodder and Petrolhead magazines, Alistair Davidson doesn’t subscribe to the practice of featuring his own vehicle.  Well, we weren’t too happy about that.  So we figured we’d plaster a video feature all over the internet to make up for it.

1962 FORD THUNDERBIRD Hardtop

Engine: 390 FE big-block, bored out 30 thou, balanced. Mild comp cam, adjustable rockers. Stock four-barrel intake, Holley 600 vac sec carb, FPA headers, twin 2-1/2″ exhaust to a single Dual-in, dual-out Flowmaster muffler ex a late model Pontiac Firebird. Trans: Stock Cruise-O-Matic three-speed auto. Stock nine-inch diff.

Chassis: Ridetech Shockwaves up front, Air Over Leaf rear, modified to fit by Diffs R Us. Rear control arms by Diffs R Us. Two Viair compressors, 5 gallon tank, SMC 1/2″ valves, SMC water traps, installed by owner.

Brakes: Stock drums, factory power assist.

Body: shaved side trim, door handles, badges, mirror and trunk lock. Bodywork by Kiwi Beat and owner. Paint prep by owner. Two-pack Lechler epoxy body and Roth Flake over Spies Hecker Subaru green roof by Cascade Autofinish.

Wheels and tyres: 15″ steel falcon rims. Coker American Classic wide whites, 205/50×15. ’53 Oldsmobile caps, with bullets spun by Phil Hutty.

Interior: Stock, with retrimmed seats and carpet done in the US. Factory air and tilt away steering column.Custom Autosound stereo install with iPod plugged in. Two crappy speakers in dash panel.