Chevy Bel Air owner grieving over crushed classic car

The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air was damaged in a crash on Green Lane West in Epsom, Auckland. Photo / Tim McCready

The owner of a classic American car badly damaged in a crash is today "grieving" over damage to the vintage ride that's been in the family for more than 25 years.

The car - a 1955 Bel Air estimated to be worth about $100,000 - was involved in a collision with an Audi SUV at around 3pm outside the ASB Showgrounds on Sunday in Epsom's Green Lane West, in Auckland.

Today, speaking to the Herald from his home in Cambridge the owner Daryl, 53, said he was devastated over what had happened.

The Cambridge man said visibility had been poor at the time of the accident which happened as they were leaving the grounds to head home.

"The weather conditions were very poor, it was just the result of an accident, that everybody is guilty of at some stage."

Daryl said there were four members of his family in the classic at the time of the accident - which he said happened at low speed.

Nevertheless he was devastated at what had happened.

"Obviously, devastated for the person in the other car. I just wanted to make sure everybody is okay. Thankfully everybody is okay."

He said the only injury to his family, was someone with a cut knee. He had also heard from the woman in the other car and understood she was unharmed.

However, his car, which he estimated was worth around $100,000, was not in such good shape.

Images of the car at the crash site show it hitched to a tow truck with a crushed front.

Daryl said the car was insured and he expected the company would sort the repairs.

The car enthusiast bought the car 34 years ago, when he was just 19.

"In them days, there weren't many American vehicles around, it's a nice Chevy car. I always liked them."

When he first bought the vintage ride it was a "totally unrestored wreck".

Daryl had spent "countless" hours over the years to get it fully restored and road fit. He took it out on its first spin more than 20 years later in 2008.

However, as much as road fit as his "pride and joy" was, it was not one he paraded around daily and instead saved it for special family occasions and events.

Daryl said people loved the nostalgic memories the car inspired.

"A lot of people enjoy the car, it brings back memories of when their father owned a car, a lot of old ladies and old men remember the vehicles themselves."

He said his car was a rarity amongst vehicles: "They aren't making them any more".