The Stragglers Club is a gang of 'car mad' guys who get together regularly to celebrate everything related to cars and mechanical things. I invited the guys to enjoy a private tour through Matamata Panelworks to see all our current restoration projects. Mark Joblin, Stragglers Club President, sent me his account of their visit from their latest newsletter to club members.

I thought you might enjoy reading it.

Cheers,

Malcolm (Sanks) Sankey.

Hi Gang,

We enjoyed a great run last weekend despite the very wet weather first thing on Sunday morning. We hooked up with the group from Hamilton that goes to Archie's breakfast at the Karapiro Roadhouse.

Once we got there a bunch from Te Awamutu R & C also turned up plus a few that had even come on down from Auckland.

After a while, we carried on over to Matamata where Malcolm, one of the two directors of Matamata Panelworks met us and opened up their workshops for us.

We were given a great tour through the premises and had a real good look at the work that was in progress. There were some really interesting cars there - not all were the Mustangs that MPW have become best known for, there were also Mopars, Falcon s, Chevs and an HK Monaro.

The standard of workmanship just had to be seen to be believed. There was one car, a black XA Falcon H/top that must havre owed the owner plenty given the scale of the work that had been carried out. This ranged from a custom built HUGE horsepower engine, fully plumbed in fire extinguisher, fuel cell, Race brakes, on board cameras, state of the art alarms and remote systems shut down, carbon fibre spoilers & bumpers, Ovalled exhaust systems, and, what was in effect, a race-strength roll 'cage' installed horizontally under the floor. Incredible!

After something like an hour & a half there, we drifted off, some to make their way back to home whilst a bunch of others headed off to lunch at the Okoroire pub. What a great run and thanks to Phil Norquay for getting it under way.

Malcolm did make the point that, although their workmanship is second-to-none, there is a misconception that their prices are beyond the scope of the 'average' guy. Nothing could be further from the truth according to Malcolm and they welcome the chance to quote on work with the promise that customers will probably be pleasantly surprised at how reasonable their charges can be.

Take care out there,

Mark Joblin,

President
Stragglers Rod & Kustom Inc.

We love restoring classic Ford Mustangs here at Matamata Panelworks. We specialize in it … it is our passion … and we take pride that no-one in the world does it better.

When we take on a restoration: our sole aim is to restore that car to absolutely ‘mint’ condition. We want the final effect on our client to be as if they have gone back in time and are seeing ‘their baby’ brand new in the showroom for the first time.

To give you an accurate idea of what we do: here is a current restoration we are doing for a client called Mike Pierce. Mike owns a 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback that needed a LOT of restoration to bring it up to the standard I described above.

Each restoration project takes time, tons of hard work and – dare I say – loving to bring it back to the ‘mint’ condition we want to achieve. Each one is different. Each starts from a different place and often requires innovative and creative solutions to various challenges in the process. A lot of thought and planning goes into each project and we often have to ‘re-create’ ‘original’ parts completely from scratch. We will do whatever we need to achieve our goal.

Mike’s Mustang has already under-gone quite a few steps in the restoration process and the end is in sight. Here’s where we are at the moment …

We have already added a nice 3 link rear suspension and Roush engine with RRS front suspension – as well as fill leather interiors. Mmmmm … it is looking good.

We are really looking forward to seeing Mike’s reaction to the final ‘reveal’. That is the best day of any restoration we do: blowing the client away with results beyond their expectations.

I have to admit that is getter harder to do now that more and more people are becoming familiar with the high quality of work we produce … but, hey, we are always up for the challenge. This work is what we live for.

Malcolm (Sanks) Sankey

One of the joys of working with classic cars is the friendships that develop with clients and the pleasure you can bring by exceeding expectations. There is not much we won’t do ( car-wise ) to make sure our customers drive away happy.

For example: we recently imported a ’73 Cobra Jet Mustang to New Zealand for a client. That’s it. No painting. No Panelwork. Our client, Ian, wanted a Cobra – he just gave us the specifications - and we did the rest. We sourced the vehicle, handled the negotiations and paperwork and arranged for shipment. No problem and just part of the service.

We found a beauty too - a near mint ’73 Cobra Jet Mustang in fantastic condition – what we call a “nice driver”. Ian’s got years of “nice driving” ahead without a thing that really needs doing to her. I know you want to see some pics:

Congrats to Ian – enjoy, Mate.

So, if you are looking to find or import a classic or your own particular “dream” vehicle but are finding the process a bit daunting – give us a call – we’d be glad to help.

Cheers,

Malcolm (Sanks) Sankey.

Our website www.panelworks.co.nz has had a huge makeover… just like one of our cars, in fact.

Besides a cool new look you can see a lot more pics and examples of our work. Cool classic cars being restored with tender loving care in little ol’ Matamata – right here in New Zealand. Hey, we have been told so many times that the work we do here is “world class” that we just humbly have to agree. Making our clients happy is our number one priority and they seem to be loving what we do.

Being based in small town New Zealand is great for us. Less distractions, you could say. But more time to concentrate on doing what we do do well. Proportionately, our little town of Matamata is over supplied with car buffs and classic car aficionados and we love the place and the people here.

You should have seen the amount of local support we got for our recent Open Day 2010. ( Pics from the day should be up on the new website soon )

Being “world-class” in New Zealand these days is no detriment to success – judging by the amount of work we are getting both onshore and offshore. If you want to follow what we are currently working on we often put up “work-in-progress” pics of our latest or most interesting jobs. Check-out the “Restorations” tab on the website main menu. You’ll see current ongoing restorations – as well as previous ones - by Matamata Panelworks.

In future we will post updates so you can actually "follow" restorations in progress. We guarantee the highest quality auto restoration that you have or will ever see.

Cheers, Malcolm (Sanks) Sankey

It was a lovely and sunny day and great to see a lot more Matamata “locals” here this year.

The Matamata Primary School did a great job of organizing the “Gold Coin Donation”, “Silent Bid”, the raffle, and also selling food and drink. In the end they raised between $2,500 and $3,000 towards new computers. Well done, Matamata primary - that’s a fantastic job.

And what about the controversial unveiling of the mighty “Folden”?

Again, we are still here! That’s always a bonus. The “Folden” was definitely a huge draw card for lots of folks. One of the first questions people asked us when they turned up was “where is the Folden hiding?”. The unveiling went without too much agro… either people were in ‘total shock’ at seeing such a hideous piece of blasphemy OR they loved it. I personally think they loved it. Actually, my partner Ian ( Kenny ) Kenyon are so proud of her/it we are planning on making a whole production line of them. Just kidding. Put those rocks down.

Speaking of rocks… the rockheads from ‘The Rock FM’ rocked up for a couple of hours covering the whole “Folden” thing and handed out a ton of freebie ‘give-aways’. I think they were hoping for a smidgen of violence or protest action to boost their ratings but Todd from NZV8 Magazine seemed to have such a soothing influence on all the gathered car fanatics that all remained calm.

For those who need to know: we had 80 entries in the colouring comp - including some adults! Congrats to Patrick O’Reilly who was the boys winner and Ayshia Rollinson who blitzed the other girls. Kris from ‘Auto One’ managed to stay inside the lines long enough to crush the other 3 crazy adult colouring contestants.

If you haven’t been to one our ‘Matamata Panelworks Open Days’ you are missing out on a day of food, fun and hanging out with other car fanatics. Oh and did I mention cars? Lots and lots of amazing cars. Enough to make any one with a slight interest in cars dribble from both sides of the mouth.

If you missed out this year, don’t despair. Hey, we do it every year on the last Sunday in March. So, stick it on your calendar and we’ll see you next year.

If you have been following the “Great Folden Controversy” on The Rock FM with Rob and Jono you know the moment of final unveiling is near!

Get on down to Matamata this Sunday 21st March between 10am and 4pm and be among the first in New Zealand to behold the mighty new “Folden”. This crazy hybrid, with the Ford front and Holden arse, is sure to raise eyebrows – if not tempers - amongst the fans in either camp.

I won’t deny the reports of a “large animal picture” or a “bogan mermaid” at this stage. The mystery just adds to the fun of the final “reveal”. I personally prefer the idea of a combined “horse/Lion” design but it ain’t my choice in the end so you guys will just have to wait and see.

So check it out this Sunday 21st march when we unveil the “Folden” for the VERY FIRST time at the annual “Matamata Panelworks Open Day”. We are located at 23A Waihou Street in Matamata:

There is also gonna be a ton of stuff happening: more amazing cars than you can shake a stick at, plus car clubs, car suppliers, sizzling sausages, as well as prizes, giveaways and some “loons” from The Rock FM. Plus, the massive “world Premier” unveiling of the unique and brand new “Folden”.

All funds raised during the day will go to the local Matamata Primary School.

This is your chance to join a very exclusive club of car fanatics who will actually get “up close and personal” with the “Folden” - before it passes into legend.

Come along and be a part of “history” together.

And, so far, we’re still here! The angry mobs from the Ford and Holden villages haven’t managed to storm Matamata Panelworks “castle” yet!

Does that make Ian Kenyon the equivalent of Dr. Frankenstein? He has been “operating” on ( in the view of some ) the “monster Folden” down in the Panelworks laboratory and giving ��life” to something than may offend both God and man. We are just waiting for the lightning to strike!

OK, I am hamming it up a bit.

But, the “Folden” is all GO... we are cracking through the building process. Yep, it’s nearly finished. It's half Ford Mustang and half HQ Holden ... it's grey with a double orange racing stripe and Foose Coronet mags ... and it's powered by a 302ci Ford engine… Ian has merged the two halves with some his typical brilliant panel work “magic” and she has received her sexy spray paint job in our “Paintworks”.

Whoa, suddenly, I seem to be referring to the “Folden” as a “she” instead of an “it”. As an unashamed, long-time Ford man - that’s a bit scary. Does it mean I am being seduced to the “Folden”s dangerous charms? I’m not sure I should admit this: but the more I see of her… I mean “it”… the hotter the “Folden” is looking to me.

Decide for yourself this Sunday 21st march when we unveil the “Folden” for the VERY FIRST time at the annual “Matamata Panelworks Open Day”. It is your chance to join a very exclusive club of car fanatics who will actually get “up close and personal” with the “Folden” before it passes into legend. You can even get your photo taken cuddling up to the sexy beast.

Come along and be a part of “history” together.

It’s a scary thing. Robert and Jono from “The rock FM” have been talking on air about getting “death threats” from outraged Ford and/ or Holden fanatics!

Hi, it’s Malcolm Sankey here at Matamata Panelworks. My partner and friend, Ian Kenyon, seems to be spending a helluva lot more time in the toilet these days and when he comes out he seems a touch “edgier” than usual. Either he’s taking the threats seriously or hiding a serious case of the trots.

What IS this “Folden” controversy all about you ask?

Well, you must have been locked in the boot of your car for the last few weeks, mate, but here’s the recap: it all started with those two crazy loons, Robert and Jono at “The rock FM”, coming up with the mad idea to “reconcile” the long time feuding Ford and Holden fans by building a half Ford and half Holden and calling it the “Folden”! Did I say “reconcile”? Provoke, stir, aggravate and ignite might be more appropriate verbs.

Just the idea provoked a mighty war of words. But when they managed to rope in “Big Ben Pies” to sponsor the project, Todd from NZV8 Magazine as project coordinator and finally coaxed myself and Ian “on air” into agreeing to build the mythical beast – that’s when the “bleep” finally hit the “bleep”!

To be fair, the project does have its supporters who are keen to see how this “horrible apparition” will actually turn out. Will it be a thing of beauty or a travesty?

Listeners of “The Rock” have been voting to choose the various Ford and Holden parts that Ian and I have to miraculously “join” together. They chose an HQ Holden to be the rear end to the already chosen 69 Ford Mustang front end. The new “Folden” will be powered by a 302 Ford engine with a Ford automatic gearbox linked to the Holden rear axle.

If Matamata Panelworks isn’t suddenly blown “sky high” by enraged Ford or Holden “terrorists” I’ll tell you more about how we are progressing in my next post.

GENERAL FOLDEN COMMENTS

Dan Campbell
Still maybe fatten that Holden ass out a bit. Might look a bit limp with the mighty Mustang front and a tapered filthy Holden on the back. Spoiler it up....

Kev 
Definitely chunk up the rear end a bit with a spoiler or something... Engine has to be a 351 clevo!!!!

Matt Railey

You should still be hung by your nuts for doing this, and covered in ants Bees and honey. and take a picture for the decal on the scoop

Tasha

to all the people that think the car should have not been made and dont like the idea GET A LIFE its a blooddy cool idea its somthing that hasnt been done b4 i know of people cutting 2 differnt types of holden and putting them togeather and i NO that works! so why cant they put a ford and holden togeather their aint no law against it. i cant wait to see the finished folden.

COMMENTS ON THE FOLDEN COLOUR

Tony
candy apple red with a light gold base for paint

Marcus

flag the paintjob - lets wrap it and get real clever - im your guy for this. 

Aaron Morey

For a real touch of class, the paint colour "Porirua Pearl"

LOGO COMMENTS

Brent Lynn 

i have an idea for the logo.. the front half of the logo should be the holden lion like painted on the v8 supercars, and the rear half should be the body of a mustang logo

Chris Brown

put a picture of a fetus on it, any holden mixed with a ford is bound to be an abortion!

Maria Hatton

Should be a lion in the dust of a galloping mustang

Rogga 

I would like to see a Lion tearing apart a Falcon in it's fired by flames on their mane & tail & try to disguise the abbortion where a muscle ford meets a nanna's holden

Campbell Lawrence

wat about a pirahnah and a goldfish, the pirahnah 4 the mustang cos its got sum killer instinct and the goldfish cos we wont remember the ass end of this thing in three seconds the toe

Andrew 

The artwork for the Folden should be a Gryphon. A "gryphon" is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. As you know Ford FPV uses the image of the falcon which is pretty similar to an eagle and Holdens Lion... Pretty obvious really.....

Check out the all new soon to be revealed FOLDEN at Matamata Panelworks Open Day 21st March 2010

INVITES: OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS
TIME: 10.00AM ONWARDS
VENUE: 23A WAIHOU ST, MATAMATA

Matamata Panelworks (2000) Ltd and Matamata Paintworks Ltd once again will be having our annual open day. We would like to invite you to join our business to catch up and discuss new and up and coming ventures.

NZV8 Magazine and The Rock radio station will be on site throughout the day with giveaways and a special project vehicle on display.

Whether it's restoring your pride and joy Mustang back to its original state just for the hell of it or repairing the other half’s shopping basket after a day at the supermarket. So if you’re looking for quality insurance approved panel and paint restoration service look no further. We are certified repairers for all the major insurance companies. Here are some more pictures of the detail and effort that goes into repairing even the smallest of jobs.

Check out the whole restoration job here

It's business as usual at Matamata Panelworks and the year has started with a hiss and a roar. We have a huge amount of Insurance work in at the moment but we are never to busy to take on some more. So if your ride took on a bump or a bruise or even worse, just give us a call and we will put it right, back to new. Just like this...

Check out the whole story here

On behalf of the team here at Matamata Panelworks, we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Malcolm and Ian

This week at panelworks the XM Ford Falcon is looking grate you can see all job photos go to under restorations and current work.

Look who just got a new MUSTANG! Congratulations to Tony and Fay Epps on their sharp looking 66 GT NOTCHBACK!

This car was restored by Matamata Panelworks.

have you checked out the Folden yet awsome car www.panelworks.co.nz

We got an XC Falcon Cobra coupe, just come in for restoration.  I believe that it is 1 of only 400 that was ever made.

The latest Mustang under restoration at Panelworks 1972 HO Shelby

We had a 1967 GT 500 Shelby, a 1967 GT 350 Shelby and a 1967 GT 500E Eleanor at Panelworks the other day and here is a photo of all three of these in a row. Which you are unlikely to see again.

We had the Taranaki Mustang convention in New Plymouth that
seven of our cars from Matamata Panel Works went down to. Came home with 3 first places, 2 seconds and one third. here is a photo of Mr Grant Bradley with his GT 500 Shelby that got first place.

We have also just finished that GT 500 Shelby which was out just prior to the convention.

We have also got the Eleanor getting pretty much close to being finished.

A fantastic convention was had by all and a huge thanks to all our clients that attended.

Dreaming of a "turn-back-the-clock" Extreme Makeover?

Well, wake-up and phone us... we'll make your dreams come true.

Panelworks has restored everything from classic Mustangs, like the gorgeous purple '69 model above
that you are currently dribbling over*, to every shape of car, van or truck capable of being driven
on the road.

* As a wise man once said, "Some cars are better than sex!" But if you own a car like this you'll
never lack a "co-driver". Wink, wink."

The Best Guarantee you will ever read...

We have restored vehicles from barely one or two original parts - but even if we are "just" removing the odd "ding" from your beloved chariot we promise to do the job so well you will never be able to tell where it was. READ our Unique Guarantee here.

Bump, Clang, Prang or Classic Restoration?

Car been in a smash? We guarantee to restore your car so close to showroom perfection that you can win awards* with it! That's exactly what happened to one of our recent clients.
READ his story here.

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