|
|
|
|
     |
 |
|
|
Trekka - Artefact of the Month; September 2007
The Trekka is the only vehicle designed and built in New Zealand. Trekkas were produced at Motor Industries’ assembly plant in Otahuhu using parts from the Skoda Octavia Combi, imported from communist Czechoslovakia. They have steel bodies and canvas or fibreglass canopies. The idea behind the Trekka was to produce in New Zealand an affordable vehicle as a response to the highly regulated import policies pursued by New Zealand Governments since the early 1950's which made new cars scarce and expensive.
The secret of the Trekka's brief success was that a high proportion of its content was produced here in New Zealand while the Skoda kit was bought at bargain prices from Czechoslovakia. This made the Trekka one of the cheapest vehicles available in New Zealand. For several years the Trekka was a steady seller in this country, in Australia and Indonesia, but the relaxation of import restrictions from 1970 saw it swept aside by more attractive, mainly Japanese, vans and utilities.
MOTAT’s restored Trekka is one of two pre-production models dating from 1965. This hand-built vehicle closely resembles the eventual production model. However it has features such as a US Jeep-style fold-down split windscreen, and smaller cab area as well as a different treatment of the headlights. This vehicle was originally used as a test to gain feedback for the eventual design.
MOTAT’s Trekka before and after restoration - MOTAT collection
Trekka Terrific!
Back to Artefact of the Month Page
|
|
For
more information, including current events and exhibitions, call the MOTAT
Info line 0800 MOTAT NZ (0800 668286)! |
|
