Waihi Warm Up rock 'n rollers are ready to party for Beach Hop

Deane Copley and Jodi Gibson are ready for Waihi's Warm Up Party before heading on to the Beach Hop. Photo Rebecca Mauger.

Deane Copley is one of hundreds of car enthusiasts from all the region joining Waihi's Warm Up Party before heading on to the Beach Hop.

When Deane Copley gets behind the wheel of his 1962 Mark II Zephyr, he becomes 19 again.

"That's the best thing about it. It takes me back in time," the classic car enthusiast says.

Deane has been cruising in his Zephyr since he was a teenager in Rotorua — it's the only car he has ever owned.

He is one of the many classic car and hot rod owners registered to show of his wheels at the Go Waihi Warm Up Party as well as Whangamatā's Repco Beach Hop.

He has attended the Beach Hop, and the younger Waihi Warm Up Party event for about a decade.

"There's just something about it. I love it, the atmosphere, the people, hanging out with other like-minded car enthusiasts," he says.

Deane has owned motorcycles throughout his life but the Zephyr has been his first and only car.

The Zephyr had a previous life as a "start car" at Rotorua Speedway. The Zephyr was rebuilt in the early 1970s. Deane hasn't done a thing to the car, which is why it holds many memories for him.

He does plan to eventually fit power steering, however.

Deane Copley is the proud owner of a 1962 Mark II Zephyr and caravan of the same year. Photo by Rebecca Mauger.

The solid plasterer — who works all over the country — has only owned work vehicles. People have suggested he get a runaround car, but that's a "no". The Zephyr is part of him.

Deane recalls the good old rock 'n roll days of the Beach Hop.

"Those were the days when you'd be doing a lap of the town and anyone would jump in," he says.

He registers his car for both events so he can go on cruises with the other classic cars and hot rods.

This year friend and fellow petrolhead Jodi Gibson is joining him — she's new to the Bay of Plenty and has been looking forward to Beach Hop for months. The two will be attending in full rock and roll attire.

Jodi's first car was a 1960 Ford Prefect and she has a mechanical background.

"I am always the one sweating under a car bonnet. I've never had the fun side of it," she says. "So I can't wait."

Deane has recently added to his four-wheel family with the 1962 Glen Roy caravan.

He spied it in a paddock in the South Island and knew it would go perfect with the Zephyr.

He's spent many nights in the retro caravan with friends who camp with him under the awning.

The classic car and caravan also star in coffee table book Classic Cars and Caravan Combos Downunder by Don and Marilyn Jessen.