DUNCAN BLAKLEY
> AUCKLAND, NZ
AUSSIE cars getting love overseas is always a humbling sight, and our friends over the ditch in NZ are hiding some really neat examples. We had a chat to Duncan Blakley about his super-nice ’65 XP Falcon coupe, the culmination of years of tinkering with toys.
What first got you into cars?
My older siblings and my dad were a big influence. There weren’t too many options in the 70s and 80s of getting around Auckland, which meant Dad was always fixing things in the shed or driveway. Motor mowers, bicycles, cars, motorbikes; you name it, he’d fixed it with my older brother Cliff, so I just learnt from them. From there, I trained as a fitter and turner and have pretty much fixed things since.
What’s the story with your Falcon coupe?
I have done most of the work; I have had the car for over 28 years, so I’ve always been meddling with it. The rebuild was made possible with a bit of money, a great team of panel-beaters, painters and upholsterers. It was actually a big challenge. I was glad I had the support of my wife Jillian and family, particularly my son Ben, who was a great motivator.
What cars have you owned over the years?
I’ve had a wide variety, but this XP is my only V8. I’ve had Cortina MKIMKVS, Escorts, Fiats, a fully rebuilt
’66 VW (which had a top speed of only about 80mph but could near-wheelstand in first!) HR and EH Holdens, VK Commodores and so on. It was hard holding on to the Falcon over the years, but I’m glad I did.
Have you always been a Ford man?
Yes; I loved the Holdens though, and like I said, I’ve had quite a few. But my Cortinas, Escorts and Falcons were easy to fix, and all ’round met the demand of the times.
What’s the classic car scene like in New Zealand?
It’s brilliant; I was part of the crew that set up the Classic Car & Hot Rod Festival in Kumeu, Auckland. It’s a fantastic event that’s been going for over 20 years now.
Any future projects in the works?
I couldn’t put that into words, because my wife would probably have something to say about it! The Falcon has tied me up for years waiting to be finished, so I would really like something that my family could also get in and enjoy with me; a four-door sedan or something like that. My son Ben seems keen on a rat rod though, so who knows?
How do you earn a crust?
I’m a mechanical development engineer, and the managing director for a mob called Imagin Plastics in Auckland. We specialise in 3D-printing filaments, plastic welding rods and a whole bunch of plastic stuff. A bit ironic given most of my cars have been chrome-bumpered!
I have had the XP for over 28 years, so I’ve always been meddling with it. The rebuild was actually a big challenge