Tim inspects a rare pair of old Fords used regularly in promotional work for a major NZ trucking firm
Symons Transport is one of New Zealand’s major trucking firms, mostly involved in the carting of liquids. The fluids held in the rear of a Symons tanker range from products and by-products of the milk industry to sweet-tasting chardonnay wine.
The gleaming, white-liveried trucks from Oakura, with their white on red scripted lettering, drive out from their home base, nestled under the Kaitake ranges, on regular round-the-clock liquid delivery operations.
Other specialist jobs undertaken by Symons have included its rigs being used to transport A1GP cars when the international circus hits Taupo each year. In 2008 the Symons truck involved with A1GP was New Zealand’s only big conventional V8 Scania, a flagship for the company. Although the big Swedish V8 Scania doubles as a good promotional vehicle, behind the scenes at Symons ranch depot sit two classic vintage delivery vehicles which have the job of promoting Symons Transport at parades, vehicle shows and wine festivals.
Promotional classics
The oldest of the two Symons promotional classics is a 1921 Ford Model T delivery van, complete with a curved wooden cab.
Years ago when Symons Ltd was deeply involved in the deer industry, company founder Graham Symons swapped three deer hinds (all in fawn to an English-bred stag) for an old Model T in need of restoration. The company set about restoring the historic old Ford model and putting it to use in various parades. I first chanced upon the Model T at Ray Rook’s Okato country garage, when I was putting together a classic car article on his old green Ford Bonus work truck.
When I arrived at the garage Ray was giving the old T its regular service, and I became intrigued to discover a trucking company operating a Model T alongside more modern Scanias.
The history of Model T Fords has been thoroughly written-up over the years, especially considering that in many quarters the Model T is seen as the greatest car of the 20th century and the pioneering vehicle of the industrialised motor industry. In short, the first Model T rolled off the production line on September 27, 1908, built by Henry Ford’s ever growing company based at Piquette, Detroit, US.
Originating from the state of Michigan, the Model T Ford put middle America on wheels and, as Ford expanded, it could be said to have put the world on wheels, symbolising the age of the affordable motor vehicle for the common man.
Ford tanker
Despite the illustrious history of the Model T Ford, it was never a speedster in standard road trim, and although it was an eye-catcher at parades, Symons Ltd was looking for another member of the Ford family, slightly more modern, to further promote the trucking company’s wide range of applications.
The Model T is still a six-volt vehicle with manual crank start if necessary, and the Symons company needed something which could stretch its legs a little more on promotional work further afield. As tankers are a major part of the company’s daily haulage chores, the idea came about to create a mini-tanker based on an old Ford Model A truck.
The ubiquitous Model A which directly followed the Model T off the Ford lines way back in late 1927 has always had a popular following in New Zealand, as vintage car rallies testify, but a tanker version would be something special. As chance would have it, the old Tasman hotel near the sea-front in New Plymouth was being refurbished and turned into apartments.
One of the old corrosion-resistant stainless steel beer vats from the hotel’s cellars was converted to a mini-tank for the rear of a Model A Ford to be pressed into Symons duty.
The Model A has the advantage of a larger cab and the ability to cruise at a higher speed over longer distances in a shorter time than the Model T, making it ideal for out-of-town promotional work. Steel spoked rims are also more suited to modern back country road drives than the wooden rims of the venerable T. Hence the trusty Model A is sometimes seen well south of Oakura at work in Marlborough and around Blenheim, doing promotional work within the wine industry.
Wine trail
The Symons’ Model A also appeared at New Plymouth’s Americarna Festival, catching people’s attention alongside both hot rods and classic cars. Powered by Ford’s 3.3-litre straight four, the Model A Ford cruises quite well even in modern 21st century traffic. The Model A Chardonnay mini-tanker has proved a real hit and, along with the historic Model T, completes a great classic promo-duo for the Symons company.
If you are raising your glass or sensitising your nose to a good bouquet on the wine trails this year, or are out and about at various parades, keep a look out for the old red and white liveried Fords as they perform their promotional duties.
Two of Henry’s most famous old Ford models are still quietly earning their keep — and if you get caught behind the Symons’ Model A on the wine trails just be aware of the haulage sign on the rear; three metres to pass!
Words & Photos: Tim Chadwick
