"That guy's father-in-law had had it for 37 years and wasn't sure who the original owner was. But then I opened up the service book and there's Dad's name and his address: 24 Tawa St, Wanganui.
"The old man had a heater fitted because it didn't come with one, so I thought this had to be Mum and Dad's and sure enough it was," he said.
The last owner was reluctant to sell, saying he wanted to make sure it went to the right owner.
"I said, 'I'm the right owner. It was my mum and dad's car!'," Mr Newman said.
The Bel Air was off the General Motors assembly line in Canada, so was right-hand drive.
"Dad hated the small English stuff and always liked American cars. He had a 1958 Chev but sold that and bought a Holden. He hated the Holden. Then he heard about this car and that was it," Mr Newman said.
He said the Bel Air was in original condition except for the seat covers and carpet, which needed replacing.
"It's still got the original gearbox, engine and wheels. It's been maintained rather than restored," he said.
Mr Newman said the vehicle usually stayed with his son, who was a mechanic and kept it in tip-top order.
