Below is a photo taken a few years ago of the south-facing wall of the first Ford assembly plant in New Zealand. This plant was unique in the world, as the building and operation were owned not by Ford, but by an outside agent.
The building still exists in downtown Wellington - right in the heart of the city - in Courtenay Place. From the front - the north facing aspect - the building is unrecognisable from the original. You can see how it looks today at http://www.allteams.co.nz/entitypages/article/largegalleryarticle.aspx?pid=320802&aid=100040
That website is the one Roger Gardner has set up to promote the 'Motor Pioneers' trip with the Model T Ford Club of NZ, through the North Island of New Zealand, departing this Saturday (NZ time).
The funny thing about the way the first Ford assembly plant sits in Wellington is that the front aspect of the building (as shown below) faces south. In the northern hemisphere, that makes sense, as it would capture the sun. However, I understand that Ford of Canada would not listen to reason when the kiwis tried to tell them that it was facing back to front and, for the southern hemisphere, it really ought to be turned around by 180 degrees!
However, I guess if the kiwis had been listened to, the masonry Ford logo would have disappeared in the modernisation of the front! But it is still there for all to see today at the back of the building (although it is well hidden by other buildings).
This image will be used in my own book on the subject. It is copyright protected (especially important now that the masonry has been painted over) but very relevant to the discussion on the event website (see link above).
For those kiwis who will be attending the start of the event at Capital City Ford this Saturday, why not take a moment to pay homage to this wonderful piece of history just down the road? It's now painted a different colour, but still visible.
John Stokes
New Zealand
Thanks John,
when did they paint it over ? It still looks like your photo above on Google Earth though not as clear. The photo van did not appreciate the significance of the building and did not drive around to the other side of the tree.{grin}
Wow John,
that's an interesting post. Can you tell us what number Courtenay Place it is so I can check it out next time we are in Wellington ? What about anything of the location of the Timaru building ?
Regards,
Bede
John - do you think they can find this one in Wellington too?
Gavin - it was painted over about 18 months, maybe 2 years ago.
Bede - it is located at 89 Courtenay Place, just along from Taranaki St on the southern aside of Courtenay Pl (the side further away from the harbour). CMC only have space on the first floor these days although, at end of the arcade leading to the lift is the 1903 Model A "garage" - the display case for the CMC-owned Fordmobile (when it is in Welly, that is).
The Timaru plant was demolished to make way for the Farmers car park, sadly.
The building in Fox St, Parnell (Auckland) still exists - I've looked for it but haven't found it but, just a week or so ago, I met someone who lives beside (and she said it's really easy to find, which didn't help me at all!!!).
Alex - I am ashamed to say that I simply do not know that building. I want to say Wakefield Street, as there was a Ford garage there. But I've not seen it! Please, tell us more!!!
Thanks John for the Wellington info. I've walked through the Farmers carpark in Timaru many, many times.
Night night.
Bede.
Hi John
Ebor Street Wellington
Cheers
Thanks Alex - I will go lurking! John
John, it looks as if the building has been demolished to make way for apartments but the facade (including the Ford Script) has been retained.
Thank you Alex. I went lurking, and found it on my way home tonight. There's three of the facades. I'll go back when I have more time to have a closer look, and taken more photos. What a discovery!