Masterton 'dream car' torched

Andrew Gray, 20, of Masterton in his burned-out 1976 Chrysler Valiant Ranger. Photo / Lynda Feringa

An apprentice mechanic whose dream car was torched in Masterton on Saturday has been swamped with offers of parts from all around the country.

Andrew Gray was woken by police early on Saturday with news his prized 1976 Chrysler Valiant Ranger had been deliberately set on fire. It had been in the carpark of Tranzit Coachlines, where Mr Gray works.

Masterton police Senior Sergeant Warwick Burr said the police and fire service were called to a burning car about 4.30am.

Mr Burr said a chain securing entry to the carpark had been cut, but the gate deadlock had held and the arsonist may instead have scaled a fence to get in.

Mr Gray bought the car a few months ago for about $2000 from Te Awamutu after finding it online, having wanted one since he was 14 years old.

He said he had been in Masterton only since November.

"So I can't see how the arson could be personal."

Despite being gutted at the damage, Mr Gray was glad the fire was largely confined to the vehicle's interior. It was damage that, with help, he would be able to repair.

"The police officer said it was completely destroyed, and I was expecting just to be selling it for scrap," Mr Gray said.

"The fire service must have got to it amazingly quickly and I'm hugely grateful to them for saving the rest of my car."

Mr Gray also expressed his gratitude for the support offered by Chrysler owners around New Zealand.

Since he posted news of the arson in an online forum, he had been inundated with offers of support.

"I've just got a couple of small things left to get," Mr Gray said.

"People were saying, 'I've got a spare steering wheel', or 'I've got another dashboard' or 'another front seat'."

Unfortunately, he still thought it would take months to repair the damage.