GPA 4897

[KiwiGPA]

GPA 4897 is located in Auckland New Zealand. It was brought into NZ as one of a pair fully dismantled and in need of restoration in late 70s. My Dad restored ours ealy 80s and we have enjoyed it ever since although we have never swum it due to lack of seals and absence of bilge pump. These issues are able to be overcome and is on the agenda but due to the fact that we have other restoration projects on the go we just havent got around to it and enjoy the GPA on hard ground only. We have been recently privileged to swim Mitch Groves GPA in Australia at Corrowa and it has certainly shifted up the "To Do" list. Any advice and information would be appreciated.I look forward to being part of your forum. Cheers Johnny Hildreth

[Mithril]

Welcome Aboard Johnny.

Can you post some pictures of her ?

[fordgpa]

here you are

[Ian Grieve]

Fellas

Johnny is a great young enthusiast and a keen young guy.

Congratulation Johnny, good to see your GPA.

Ian

[cjcs]

Hi Johnny
Is your GPA one of the pair that bought from Australia in the late 70's from Maitland? I was speaking with a local bloke yesterday who sent two gpa's to NZ.
Would be nice to know a bit of it's history.
Regards Rick

[KiwiGPA]

Hi Rick, sorry for the slow reply. Ive been trying to find out where the GPAs originated. They were shipped from Newcastle in mid 70's so I presume they are the same ones you are referring to. My Dad thought that there were actually 3 GPAs but they only brought the 2 back. The were dismantled and all the parts put in the bottom hull then the other hull was inverted and welded on top to keep the parts in. Pretty crude but thats how it was done back then. I would love any info you could supply. We have no photos of them either in Aussie or back here before the restoration. Cheers Johnny

[KiwiGPA]

Here is a little more info for anyone interested. GPA 4897 had ARN# 126345 and was 1 of the first 6 GPAs to arrive in Victoria, Australia, immediately prior to 15th April 1943. It was disposed of in Oct or Nov 1946 probably from Bandiana. Info. courtesy of Ian Grieve. GPA 4897 had US# 706986. I have no of its history after 1946 til late 1970s.

[cjcs]

Hi Johnny
I spoke to Cliff Yesterday,and he confirmed that he did sell two gpa:s to your dad in 1974 or1975.He has no photos of the GPAS from that time,but recalled the time with enthusiasm,
He was happy to hear that its still being cared for.If he can recall any more information about their past,I will pass it on to you.If you are over this way.drop in and you can chat with him.
Regards Rick

[KiwiGPA]

Hi Rick, thanks. I am on the trail of a photo or 2 that were taken around that time by a friend of Dads. If we locate them I will pass them on. If Im in your neck of the woods I would love to say hello. Thanks for the interest. Cheers Johnny