![]() ![]() The car was said to be going to sell for NZ$2,400. The Gibbs brothers brought in Sir Laurence Hartnett, who was considered the father of the Australian car industry, to promote the car at an official announcement on 17 September 1967. The prototype is still in existence and owned by Alan Gibbs. In the publicity documents the company said that it was going to produce a four-door version, as well as planning to make a station wagon, commercial van, and a light truck. ![]() Alterations were made to its trim and the car was re-badged by the Gibbs brothers prior to its unveiling. It had an expected top speed of 90 mph (140 km/h). The car arrived in New Zealand in the winter of 1967.Īs the Anziel Nova, the two-door car was to be powered by a 1498cc pre-crossflow Ford Kent engine with a 4-speed gearbox. Given the probable higher import duties on non-United Kingdom sourced vehicles it is more likely that it was a Reliant FW5. Whether it was an FW5 or an A1 that the Gibbs brothers obtained as their prototype is unknown, as either source could have been used. On 16 December 1966, Otosan had begun production of the FW5, naming it the Anadol A1. This car was deemed suitable to meet the Gibbs' requirements. Reliant considered the model suitable for construction in less developed countries because of the ease of manufacture. It was designed by Tom Karen of Ogle Design. The FW5 was aimed at relatively low production numbers without the need for expensive plant and tooling. Īt the time Reliant was developing the FW5, a mid-range family saloon, for Otosan of Turkey. This was to maximise the quantity of local product in the manufacture. Because of its use of fibreglass bodywork Reliant Motor Co of England was approached for a suitable design. The Gibbs brothers also needed an import licence for the assembly plant, parts, and materials. ![]() The project commenced in Autumn 1966 when Alan moved to Auckland to join with his brother Ian, owner of Anziel Limited, in the venture. This experience gave him a good understanding of the problems a start-up venture would face. However, he initially worked for the Government's Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet on the Import Licensing schedule. In 1965 Alan Gibbs, then an economist, had returned from England with the idea of creating a New Zealand made car. ![]()
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