Ashleys 0800 TOW TAXI

24/08/2026

Good evening

24/08/2026

If you’ve seen an Ashley’s truck around Christchurch or North Canterbury, there’s a fair chance there’s been a classic on the back — sometimes worth considerably more than the truck carrying it.

For more than 35 years, we’ve built a reputation for being fastidious, careful and not taking shortcuts. That matters when a car represents years of work, serious money, or family history.

Which is why this review from Paul at Classic Garage NZ meant a lot, especially because it was for moving his own dad’s pride and joy:

“Amazing service… a very safe and reliable way of transporting our Classic Cars around Canterbury… very happy.” https://maps.app.goo.gl/hqKSjoEGs5wgtDGy6

From million-dollar Bugattis to elderly Corollas barely worth more than the fuel in the tank, they all get the same treatment. The value of the car doesn’t change the standard of care.

Ashley’s Tow Taxi — we take care of everything.

And check out the Classic Garage YouTube channel, but be prepared to spend a lot of time there. https://www.youtube.com/

21/08/2026

If keeping your pride and joy looking good is important (of course it is!) but if time is short (same), why not use Mr Frenchy’s Auto Detailing to keep her shiny, that way you have more time to drive your car. And you can consider it a public service, if your car looks it's best, people will enjoy looking at it more which means you're making others happy.

🚨 A NEW CHAPTER FOR MR FRENCHYS AUTO DETAILING 🚨

After years of offering the same packages and pricing, I’ve decided it’s finally time for a BIG refresh! 🔥

I’m excited to introduce my brand-new detailing packages, pricing and the way I offer my services.

I’ve completely reworked my packages to make them clearer, more flexible and better suited to what your vehicle actually needs — whether you’re after a regular maintenance clean or a full transformation. 🚗✨

Introducing:

🚗 CRUISE
⭐ ELITE
👑 SIGNATURE

Plus my new RESET → RESTORE → REVIVE services, giving you more options to focus specifically on your interior or exterior.

I’ve also introduced regular maintenance options for those wanting to keep their vehicle looking its best all year round, rather than waiting until it needs another major clean.

And of course, everything is still carried out mobile, so I come to you! 🚗✨

I’ve put a lot of thought into this new range and I’m really excited to finally bring it to you.

New packages & pricing are officially LIVE! 🎉

📩 Bookings are now open.
Send me a message to find out which package is best suited to your vehicle or to secure your next booking.🧼

Thank you to everyone who has supported Mr Frenchys Auto Detailing over the years — especially those of you who continue to come back and trust me with your vehicles.

Here’s to the next chapter! 🍻🚗

21/08/2026

A particularly stunning Mk2 Jag from our good friends at Waimak Classic Cars, 3.8, and with overdrive and triple carbs.

Amazing. Inspector Morse would love this one.

13/08/2026

We don’t just move cars.

We're also pretty good at transporting diggers, tractors, scissor lifts, machinery, equipment and even lounge suites because sometimes there are easier ways to spend your day than mucking around with a trailer, ramps and a collection of tie-downs that never seem to be the right length.

No hunting around for a big enough trailer.
No worrying about the weight.
No reversing the trailer six times while someone stands behind you giving increasingly unhelpful hand signals.
No discovering that the brake lights don't work no matter how many times you unplug and plug the cable.

If it fits safely on the truck and is within our weight limits (up to 3500kg), odds are good we can move it.

So next time you need a digger, tractor, scissor lift, bulldozer, Bren Gun Carrier or even a lounge suite shifted, you can muck around with a trailer if you really want to, or you can just call us. One call and we'll take care of everything.

10/08/2026

More good advice from Girls 'N' Gasoline

Monday's Tip with Mel 🔧

The tip this week is when checking your engine oil - Which we are all doing right 😉
When you check the dipstick, make sure to examine both sides. Sometimes, the dipstick can drag along the tube, which can lead to a hard-to-read or inaccurate reading. To ensure you get the correct measurement, always check both sides of the dipstick.

10/08/2026

Sometimes you get a job you know you’ll never forget.

On Saturday we were entrusted with transporting a 1931 Derby — a rare French-built car with front-wheel drive and independent suspension - pretty trick technology for 1931!

Only 200 were ever built, and this one is believed to be the only right-hand-drive example still in existence, which makes it seriously rare, but that’s only part of what made the job so special...

It’s the story of the woman it was built for: Gwenda Hawkes.

Born into an aristocratic English family, Gwenda served as an ambulance driver during WW1 on the Russian Front and was awarded the Cross of St George. After the war, she took up racing cars and motorcycles, and set several land speed records along the way. It's really worth reading her history, she was an amazing woman and her exploits off the track are just as interesting - check them out here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwenda_Hawkes
https://www.tbauto.org/post/gwenda-stewart-hawkes-ambulance-driver-to-speed-queen

This Derby was built specially for her in 1931.

On Saturday we collected it from it's previous owner and back into the ownership of the New Zealand branch of Gwenda's family.

So this wasn’t really just another vintage car on the back of an Ashley's truck. It was a piece of motoring history, heading into the next chapter of a story that began nearly a century ago.

It was an absolute honour to be part of that journey, and to meet the family of such an amazing lady.

We take care of everything — including, occasionally, a little bit of history.

06/08/2026

Useful advice

There are several dos and don'ts to making sure you safely defrost the glass, and get to work or school on time. We also share the fastest way to defog your windscreen once in the car.

28/07/2026

More useful info from Mel at Girls 'N' Gasoline

Monday's Tip with Mel 🔧

That blue/green, powdery build-up around the battery terminal is battery corrosion.

Battery corrosion can cause poor electrical connections, making it harder for your car to start and, in some cases, leading to electrical issues.

If you notice corrosion:
✔️ Clean the battery terminals.
✔️ Check that the terminals are tight.
✔️ Inspect the battery for any signs of damage or leaks.
Check out CRC Industries battery maintenance and protector if you notice this issue.