As Anthony (‘Tony’) Gibson and his family celebrated 60 years of his father’s company in September 2024, he reflected on the role a humble pickup truck played in its history. 

Words Lucinda Diack   Photos Kelly Shakespeare

Tony Gibson’s love for vehicles is evident from the outset – with a purpose-built 90 sqm insulated garage beautifully incorporated at the back of his Mid Canterbury property. While a vintage tractor sets the scene, it is only once the doors are opened that you can truly appreciate his fascination, and his ability to see the beauty that lies beneath. As the doors reveal a 1924 Chrysler (a 30-year restoration project so far), a ’66 Triumph motorbike, a 1931 Buick Roadster, two vintage trikes (his latest project for twin granddaughters) and a workshop of dreams; it is the immaculate 1936 Plymouth pickup truck that draws the eye.

Produced by Chrysler, it is believed only six Plymouth pickup trucks arrived in New Zealand from Detroit, America ‘as a stopgap due to a shortage of Dodge and Fargo trucks for export’, explains Tony. ‘They were generally known as a 1937 model although the ’37 model has a few subtle changes, such as safety switches which curve with the dashboard, a bigger swage on the bottom of the mudguards and a lock for the spare wheel housing.’

The vehicles arrived in the country as a chassis with windshield cowl, running boards, mudguards and a left-hand guard-mounted spare wheel. The petrol tank was tucked under the seat. In the case of this beauty, the body was built by Christchurch’s Johnson & Smith, before being put up for sale. It is believed the first owner was a woman located in West Melton, Canterbury in 1936, before it was purchased in 1940 by India Tyre Services (Motorways), having done 10,000 miles.

It was allocated to tractor tyre serviceman Laurie Gibson as his work vehicle. ‘I often get stopped by retired farmers who recall a truck just like this coming on farm,’ smiles Tony. ‘They get a real kick when they discover it is the same one.’

When Laurie retired in 1965 he made the decision to purchase the truck from Motorways for 36 pounds. While Laurie had already built a reputation around North Canterbury as the driver of this magnificent truck, this was elevated when for the first few years of his retirement he utilised her on his chicken farm – travelling into Christchurch every Friday to deliver eggs. Tony recalls with laughter the regular sight of his tall, broad uncle sitting behind the steering wheel with his two aunts squished in alongside – the truck’s narrow bench seat at full capacity.

For Tony, Laurie’s trips to visit were always a highlight with the chance to stand on the running board and be taken for a ride.
This long-standing connection with the vehicle saw Tony gifted the truck in 1974, after she had spent several years tucked under a hedge on Laurie’s farm. ‘Laurie had updated to a Vanguard station wagon in 1968 and the Plymouth had laid dormant since. When he told me he was going to take her to the dump, I took her home.’

Coupled with the wear and tear of life as a Motorways vehicle, the truck was in bad shape. However, Tony, supported by his father, Laurie’s brother, Marcus Hampton (‘Bill’) Gibson, was undeterred. 

Made as a town-delivery truck, with a small bored motor of three and one-eighths and a low-speed differential, Tony and Bill set to work. ‘We replaced the running boards, put on a new deck and back guards; rotten wood was replaced in the cab and floor, and new brakes installed.’

Finally she was repainted and sign-written – M H Gibson Ltd, Registered Master Plumbers & Drainlayers.

Tony recalls that he ‘learnt to fusion and weld on this car. Dad was my best friend, so having this project to work on together was really special. Our next project was his 1931 Buick Roadster and as they say, you work on one car, you end up with more!’

It was no easy feat restoring the pickup truck as close as possible to what she once was, with parts sourced from wrecking yards, swap meets and even made by Tony himself, a task that ‘comes out of necessity’.

‘She had done 390,000 miles,’ smiles Tony, ‘320,000 on a reconditioned motor, plus 10,000 hours on a spark plug pump for blowing up tractor tyres. Now, the clock is showing 485,900 miles and she is still going strong.’

A regular at rallies around the country and still used at times by Tony as part of the family plumbing business that he took over from his beloved dad, one would suspect she still has plenty more miles left in her.