Our History

John Rae, the passionate founder and Event Director of Americarna, has always had a deep love for cars.

His fascination with American vehicles began, like many other Kiwis, through the captivating world of movies such as “Bullet,” “Vanishing,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” and the iconic “American Graffiti.” These films ignited his imagination and sparked his interest in classic American cars.

 JR’s attraction to classic American cars led him on a remarkable journey. His first American vehicle was a mid-80s Chevy Blazer 2wd, which served the purpose of towing his race car trailer and even became a daily driver for his wife, Diane. They acquired this special vehicle around 1990, marking the beginning of their American car ownership.

 Over the years, JR has owned numerous American cars and trucks, each one carrying its own unique charm and character. While some of these vehicles have been sold to new owners, he currently possesses eight remarkable American cars, each cherished for its individuality and timeless design.

 The idea to bring his passion for American car culture to the community of Taranaki emerged during an incredibly popular event where JR and Diane participated with her beloved ’55 Chevy Belair. At the time, JR held the position of Chairman of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce and envisioned organising an event exclusively dedicated to American vehicles in Taranaki. The region’s geographical layout perfectly lent itself to hosting such an event.

 To turn his vision into reality, JR reached out to key figures for support. He recalls reaching out to the then Mayor of New Plymouth, Peter Tennant, and the CEO of Venture Taranaki, Stuart Trundle, emphasising his idea and the need for backing from both of them and the Chamber. Inspired by his enthusiasm and commitment, the event soon came into existence, thanks to the creative input of Noddy Watts, who coined the name “Americarna.”

 Running the event through the Chamber for two years, John eventually purchased it from them, transforming it into a private entity. Since then, he has been the driving force behind Americarna, ensuring its continued success and growth. To generate the necessary funding for the public component of the event, including road closures, John established The Taranaki Vehicle Events Trust (TVET). It is worth mentioning that several dedicated volunteers, who have been involved since the inception of Americarna, continue to support the event today.

 JR’s relentless dedication and unwavering passion for American cars have not only shaped his own life but also left an indelible mark on the community of Taranaki through Americarna. This extraordinary event celebrates the beauty, heritage, and culture of American vehicles, captivating enthusiasts and locals alike. With JR at the helm, Americarna continues to thrive as a testament to his love for American car culture and his commitment to sharing that passion with others.