BASiS
Classic Automotive Restoration Supplies
BASiS has new ownership from June 2023 to the family of Phil and Erin Prior. New premises were set up in West Auckland, not far from where the business was originally started. The business has been moved in entirety to Auckland, with the Renwick shop now closed.
BASiS remains a family business with Phil and Erin's two daughters assisting where they can to run the business.
Phil has a lifetime interest in classic cars with his first car being an Austin A30 followed by several vehicles including a Commer camper, Triumph 2500 and a Sunbeam Talbot before finding a passion for early 50s British cars, especially Jowett. Erin's first car was a bright yellow Morris1300 which is remembered fondly. Phil is now a committee member of the Jowett Car Club after falling for a dark red Jupiter at a car show a few years ago. 2 Jupiters are now in ground up restoration with Phil's lifelong best friend Gavin. A member of VVCC for a number of years, Phil tries to attend various events when he can.
A 1951 Jowett Javelin 'Monty' is now in regular use as part of BASiS after competing in VCC South Island Targa event in October 2022. A Bedford CF Camper may also be seen at the business or at future Swap Meets.
What We Do
We consider ourselves a Classic Car Restoration Supply business. We assist the restoration and upkeep of thousands of important cars from our past by supplying new parts and components to those passionate people who bring them back to life and keep them on our roads.
We primarily support vehicles sold in NZ before 1990. Basically anything with a carburetor. However we can often assist with boot and door seals for modern cars. We also supply solutions for caravans, trucks, hotrods and American cars and occasional motorbike, train, crane, plane, tractor or pram.
We supply new parts, accessories, rubber seals and trim to fit Austin A30 Austin A35, Austin A40, Austin A50, Austin A60 , Austin A90, Austin A110, Austin Healey Sprite, Austin Healey 100/4, Austin Healey 3000, Bedford, Bentley, Bond, Bradford, Ford 8 & 10, Ford Anglia, Ford Prefect, Ford Cortina, Ford Escort, Ford Falcon, Ford Zephyr, Holden, MG, Morris 8, Morris Minor, Morris 1000, Morris Oxford, Morris Commercial, Vauxhall 12, Vauxhall Wyvern, Vauxhall Velox, Vauxhall Viva, Wolseley and many more vehicles, still to be listed.
HISTORY
BASiS was the brainchild and business of Anthony and Robyn van de Water. Lifetime classic car enthusiasts, Anthony and Robyn owned many cars from Minis to Healy's. Back in the eighties they could see a need for someone to locate, import and distribute the many bits and pieces needed to maintain and restore the wonderful classic vehicles throughout New Zealand.
So Robyn and Anthony started up a part-time business doing just that, initially from home in Whenuapai, just out of Auckland, where Anthony was a photographer with the Royal New Zealand Air Force. In 1993 they moved to Renwick, a small town in Marlborough and established BASIS NEW ZEALAND in an old building, once a Petrol Station and garage at 31 High Street. They built a thriving mail order business shipping parts all over New Zealand and beyond, while serving their local community.