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Lassie: Our Vintage Treasure on Wheels
This remarkable vehicle, fondly known as "Lassie," was first purchased in 1930 by the Evans family of Motueka. Later, the cadillac was sold to Burt Hickmott of Riwaka, where it served as the first school bus for Brooklyn and Riwaka during the 1940s and 1950s. In the early 1990s, the vehicle was entrusted to the Motueka District Museum to be preserved as a cherished piece of local history for the people of Motueka and surrounding districts.
After its last servicing in 1999, Lassie faced mechanical issues and was placed in storage for a decade. In 2009, the Museum Trust Board made the decision to restore the vehicle to working order. The first step was transporting Lassie back home. With help from Motueka Hire, who kindly loaned a trailer for the job, the 2+ ton vehicle was carefully brought back to the Museum. By that time, her paint was peeling, the drawbar was bent, and the tires were bald—but Lassie’s spirit endured.
The restoration included reupholstering the interior and giving her a fresh coat of exterior paint. Otherwise, her original features remain in great condition.
Lassie’s first official outing after her revival was as part of the vintage and veteran car display at the opening of the Mapua Bypass. Since then, she has become a beloved presence at community events, including the A & P shows, Motueka's Starlight Christmas Parade, the Hickmott family reunion, and countless weddings.
"LASSIE" 1929 CADILLAC LA SALLE 340 V8
Specifications
Original Dealer: Perfection Motors Ltd. Nelson
First registered : 7th May 1930 Original Plate No. 95687 Price: £1,300.
She came with a pipe lighter & blotter bearing the La Salle crest
Fuel: Petrol 91 Octane 12-14 Miles to the gallon
Engine: 340 V8 5500cc 5.5 liter
Main Colour: Cadillac green
No. of Passengers: 7
Engine Number: 607283 Chassis Number 67044.
Job No. 0262 Body No. 910
Built by Fisher Body Corp. Detroit, Michigan, USA.