Trekka Number 2

Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) has done one of the most comprehensive Trekka restorations, on one of two pre-production models.

The hand built vehicle was produced in 1965, closely resembling the eventual production model. However it had features such as a US Jeep-style fold-down split windscreen, and smaller cab area. It also had a different treatment of the headlights.

This vehicle was used to gain feedback and experience, including long weekend surfing trip by a teenage Peter Turner, son of Motor Holdings head, Noel Turner – which it is fair to say found out a few weaknesses!

Phil Andrews, whose Palmerston North company Motor Lines first developed the Trekka concept, owned for a while the other, earlier pre-production model which had features such as cutaway doors. It has been lost without trace.