The Trekka had Skoda running gear from memory, we rolled one with a full 44 gallon drum of diesel lying down in the back of it.
westshor,
Nov 3, 2:47pm
From Philip Coyles book-50 Years of VW in NZ.-- The Terra is a VW based vehocle that was built between 1967 and 1975. These vehicles sold well, as there was ademand for a small ute by contractors, farmers & hunters that was not met by mainstream vehicle manufacturers. The company produced approx 450 of them. The vehicle was based around an unmodified Beetle floorplan, they came with a number of different engine variations including a Renault, Ford Transit, and air-cooled VW motor. Most were 2 seaters, but there was a 4 seat option.In 1968 the Terra sold for approx $1500. Soren Thomasen worked for Terra Sales during the 70s and recalls there were 6 fulltime staff at the company-3 mechanics, one working on framework, a panel-beater & a painter.
katyj2,
Nov 4, 9:36am
Thanks westshor! i will try and see if any info comes up with a search for TERRA SALES as often companies can have one name and then be "trading as" another. will see if name Thomas Sorenson comes up with anything also.
whqqsh,
Nov 4, 2:39pm
Ive twice been past the place where Ive seen it before (as well as on the way home today) & no luck, but much like some of my old cars they dont get used everyday. Ill keep looking
moosie_21,
Nov 4, 4:51pm
Good luck with that. If you come across any info linking them to Napier just remember I work at Hawkes Bay Museum and Gallery, so could track some stuff down for you (inbetween my very hectic schedule!).
katyj2,
Nov 5, 10:53am
Thanks whqqsh,hopefully the one you have seen is a TERRA because there are a few little utilities of that era that look very similar! Is the spare wheel carried at front! stopped making them in 1975 so someone out there must have some memories. tried the rotorua library archive but no return on search for TERRA. Thanks to all who have added a little more to piecing the picture together Still need more though!
bizsafe,
Nov 5, 5:30pm
! check for Soren Thomasen in all electoral rolls near RotaVegas at that time may get a start on the name. then check all current rolls. etc! long job.! check National library or local library (Rotorua) for old phone books. May have staff names listed for your Morris Motors, then follow the one that looks most uncommon (will have less duplicate listing in todays phone books) ! long job again.
katyj2,
Nov 6, 1:29pm
Thanks bizsafe, yeh got the name a bit muddled up there so apologies to mr Thomasen if you're out there! Not a bad idea though! logically there must be someone around Rotorua who knows something about Terra Sales or Morris Turner motors.
katyj2,
Nov 8, 4:55pm
thanks to all who posted info on the little TERRA utilility! at least now there are a couple of pieces of the TERRA jigsaw in place . Still not a lot of the picture though. Does anyone know of MORRIS TURNER and morris turner motors or SOREN THOMASEN of TERRA SALES. maybe someone from ROTORUA will remember them or where the PREMISES WAS LOCATED! Rotorua area between 67 and 75!
katyj2,
Nov 11, 9:38am
Thanks moosie, if the museum has any archives that you could check that would be great! I'm going to check the local newspaper archives for Rotorua maybe they ran a story on this unique local car maker at some time! still amazed at how tough finding stuff about the TERRA is proving to be. any owners out there who know something about it's history!
katyj2,
Mar 31, 4:40pm
Thenks westshor,I wiill see if my local library has the book maybe there are some other details in there that will give me more clues to track down. If the owner of the orange TERRA is out there. Maybe you know something of it's history! Still desperately seeking the owner of this unique kiwi enterprise who made the cool little TERRA ute!
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