Ford in New Zealand - Driving Ahead
This is the only book ever published on the history of the Ford Motor Company in New Zealand.
The book begins with the arrival of the very first Ford in
New Zealand, in 1904. It discusses the Model T Ford era in depth, then the Model A Ford, the V8 and, in the early 1930s, the advent of the British Ford.
It was not until 1936 that the Ford Motor Company was founded in this country, and established its own assembly operation. Why they came here, and the extent of their operation, is described in this book, supported with a huge variety of illustrations and tables. Ford became the most popular marque in the New Zealand market and names such as Zephyr, Cortina and Falcon were part of our social fabric.
At it's peak, there were 86 Ford dealerships in New Zealand, and two assembly operations - Seaview in Wellington and, from 1974, Wiri in Auckland. Ford's relationship with Mazda is also examined - did you know that New Zealand was just one of two joint Ford and Mazda assembly operations in the world, building top quality Ford and Mazda products?
The author took 16 years to complete this book and that effort is evident from the thorough research involved to produce this historically accurate and interesting social history of the Ford marque in New Zealand. Indeed, as well as discussing the various Ford models, Driving Ahead considers all the influences, in plain English. from government regulations to the excitement of motor sport. What was “No Remittance”? Why did we need overseas funds to buy a car – or a truck – or a tractor? Why did New Zealand switched allegiance from the big American V8s to British cars? And then to the Japanese?
These questions are all answered in logical sequence as the story of Ford - and all of the New Zealand motor industry - unfolds. That makes this book essential reading for anyone interested in the once-vibrant motor industry, and in New Zealand history.
Read the Reviews
“…an excellent example of what a marque history should be: thoroughly researched, well written and with a great range of illustrations. You don’t need to be a Ford fan to get a great deal of pleasure from this book; it will be a great read for anyone with an interest in motoring in New Zealand.”
Beaded Wheels magazine, NZ - Feb/Mar 2021
“My copy of John Stokes’ Ford In New Zealand arrived this weekend and I am so very impressed. Although I am only on Chapter 3, I can already tell that this is an exceptionally well researched and well written book. John provides so much social, political and economic context, as well as product details. John is also a very good writer who never gets bogged down by the great amount of information that he is providing. The look is also first rate. The book is lavishly illustrated from a variety of sources. Also, a lot of interesting side bars and first-person accounts.”
Michael MacSems The Geography of Ford - Washington State, USA, May 2022
“The history of Ford in New Zealand was a fascinating read, extensive and well researched. It was the second in the series and I would have liked to read the first one. I liked the personal aspects….
“The book was beautifully put together, a real tribute to the author and publisher. Ford should be very happy.”
Brian Cutting review for Auckland City Libraries, June 2022
“…this heavyweight 380-page book maintains the outstanding quality (of the first book) and it would be hard to think of any aspect of Ford’s local history that isn’t included. A must-have for Ford enthusiasts.”
Classic Driver magazine, Jan-Feb 2021