Keeping the ‘old’ spirit alive

You may or may not already have had correspondence on the article on John Abbott’s Escort, however, as a ‘ historian’ and motor sport fan from way back, I feel that there is need for correction with reference to John Warden. Firstly, he was a Kiwi who, with Rod Coppins, was in business in Gisborne when, while on a motor racing trip to Australia, he was fatally injured at Catalina Park in Blue Mountains, NSW.

Secondly, his name was John Ward, and at that time I knew his parents, who lived in Waihi. I did a history on this car many years ago for John Abbott, as over the years I have built up a database for both New Zealand and Australia of every result of any motor sport event (apart from speedway, drags or non–motorsport New Zealand events) starting from the early 1900s to 1990. I have a website, cabbagetreecornermedia.com, and am on Facebook as well, so have a look, as I have heaps pics on Levin as I used to live there. Incidentally, I was involved in helping start Mini7 in New Zealand back in late ’60s, and built the Rod Coppins replica Zephyr Corvette, along with a few other cars. I am now retired in Brisbane, but still have a passion for keeping the old spirit alive by doing my database. I am not looking for any praise, but wish to see the record straight re. John, as I was a great fan. Keep up the good work. John Climo, Brisbane Many thanks for the correction, John. Love the website … keep up the great work. AFW