Star Garage

***In August 2019, Jim passed away. The Star Garage is closed for now.* **

In 2006 motor enthusiast Jim Baird bought a triple banger stucco showroom on Patea's main street, and renamed it the Star Garage. If his intention was to become a Star in Patea, he is succeeding. The old building which had retailed petrol and then groceries in it's time, now houses memories, automotive memories, as well as Jim, his faithful dog Ted and their homebrew kit.

Jim scours New Zealand's swapmeets and auctions, returning with vehicle restoration projects, (currently numbering 25) which keep him busy year in and out. Ambitious as he is meticulous, Jim specialises in vehicles which were on our roads before the 'Japanese age' and those uncommon even 'back in the day'.

Visitors are fascinated by a shell-encrusted depression era Austin which once starred in the Billy T James Movie 'Came a Hot Friday.' But Jim's personal passion project at present is the 1917 Buick Coupe he bought from a vintage car association, that has been front and centre of the workshop since he arrived. Now coloured mustard and virtually ready for the road, he promises to take her out and about to share with the world.

Those who want to share in the Star Garage experience are welcome to make a donation at the door, which Jim and Ted only recently learned to lock when they take a walk, after an attempt on the donation box. Mother nature also had a crack at them in 2013 when a massive storm blew the entire roof from the 1920s building, including Jim and Ted's flat out the back.

But these events don't seem to count as setbacks for the Star Garage, where the garage, Ted, the vehicles, and Jim himself seem to be in a cheery, playful and neverending competition for the most colourful and interesting.

***In August 2019, Jim passed away. The Star Garage is closed for now.* **