Ford's Model A a real stayer

Some of the many Model A vehicles on display on Marine Parade at the weekend.

Dozens of Ford Model A cars, trucks and vans have headed home to garages throughout New Zealand after an Easter convention in Hawke's Bay.

Despite the ever-nearing centenary of the motoring icon the numbers seem to be increasing.

The 13th biennial national convention, which was officially opened by enthusiast, 1928 Roadster owner and Napier Mayor Bill Dalton, attracted 145 of the vehicles, from the less than five million that were produced from 1927 to 1931, superseding Ford's first big hit, the Model T.

Hosted by the Hawke's Bay Model A club, it attracted 10 more than when the convention was last held in Hawke's Bay 12 years ago, said secretary Carolyn Anderson, who with husband Roger owns "about five" Model As and ran a business dealing in parts for the cars.

The oldest of the Model As will have been on the road for 90 years by the end of 2018.

The fleet, with some enthusiasts from Canada and Australia in vehicles borrowed while in New Zealand, was seen on roads on Friday and Saturday, some having travelled through the Thursday storm.

Cyclone Cook had some impact, with a power cut curtailing an opening-night gathering in Napier and a slip causing a detour drive after a route to the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony closed.