Bennett family’s 1955 Chevrolet restored, preserving rich history

Wayne and Phyllis Bennett at the start of the serious work to get the one-family-owner 1955 Chevrolet restored.

Wayne and Phyllis Bennett are the proud owners of a beautifully restored 1955 Chevrolet, a car with a rich family history.

Originally purchased by Phyllis’ father, the late Stan Bryan of Arohena, the car was bought with overseas funds from selling his wool on the international market.

This right-hand-drive Chevrolet was manufactured by General Motors in Canada.

New right-hand-drive 1955 Chevrolet was purchased in a grey/green colour.

At the time, the General Motors Canada manager was in the American office when New Zealand placed their order.

The Americans had just transitioned to the first of the left-hand-drive Bel Air models so the Canadian manager agreed to produce the right-hand-drive 1955 models for the New Zealand market.

The Bennetts’ Chevrolet is a 1955 sedan with the Blue Flame six-cylinder motor, purchased through Ebbett Motors Te Awamutu.

Straight six Chevrolet Blue Flame motor is reunited with the car.

The car has stayed in the family for almost seven decades, with various family members owning it before Wayne and Phyllis acquired it in 1985.

Restoring the Chevrolet has been a lengthy project, with the Bennetts striving to keep it as close to the original as possible.

By 1985 the 1955 Chevrolet had been painted black.

1955 Chevrolet restored to her former glory, but in shiny red rather than drab grey/green.

The restoration included an engine rebuild, panel work, and a fresh coat of paint, ensuring that this family heirloom remains a treasured piece of their history.

The car holds many cherished memories, including being a wedding car in the 1950s and 1960s.

It also served practical purposes, such as transporting pet lambs to pet day at Arohena School during the same era.

Stan often drove home from hunting trips with a deer in the boot, proudly bringing back numerous stag heads and antlers from National Park.

Correct: A right-hand-drive Chevrolet.

The Bennetts extend their appreciation and thanks to Kevin and Graham at Alexandra Autobody Pirongia, senior technician Les Craig at Pirongia Action Automotive Ltd, and Winton at Waipā Auto Refinishing and Restoration Ltd, along with others who have helped along the journey.

Their son, Michael, is keen to continue looking after the family classic car for future generations.

Father and son bonding time: Wayne and Michael Bennett working on the body of the '55 Chev in 1992.