25 May 2015

New Zealand Retro: the ute

From Afternoons, 1:20 pm on 25 May 2015

The Retro this week delves into the world of the ute, in particular the classic Australian made Holdens and Ford Falcons of the 1960s and '70s.

These were vehicles tailor made for tradespeople and farmers, and as one of our guests discusses, they were “masculine” cars which announced to the world that a teenager had become a man.

Simon Mercep also talk to the owner of a Chrysler Valiant ute, and to a long time surfie who explains that while the utes were useful, it was covered vehicles like the Sandman which meant you could take your surfboard and your mattress to the beach for an overnight stay.

Guiding us through the history and cultural significance of the ute is motoring writer Peter Gill.

Gallery

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