Trekka’s Legacy Revived: New Zealand’s Icon Gains Czech Fame

Aotearoa New Zealand’s historical Trekka vehicle is experiencing a resurgence of interest in the Czech Republic, where its connection to the renowned carmaker Škoda is being celebrated. Originally manufactured between 1966 and 1972, over 2,500 units of the Trekka were produced, making it a unique chapter in automotive history. Škoda, now one of Europe’s top-selling car manufacturers, is contemplating a commemoration of the Trekka’s 60th anniversary this year, which could involve showcasing a small fleet of Kiwi-built vehicles among Czech car enthusiasts.

The Trekka’s revival is symbolic of a collaboration that once bridged the gap between two nations divided by the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. Martin Starek, a notable Czech enthusiast, recalls his early fascination with the Trekka dating back to the 1970s. At just 10 years old, he wrote to Otahuhu-based Motor Holdings seeking information about the vehicle. “I collected stickers and brochures about cars,” Starek shared, reflecting on how that initial correspondence ignited his passion for the Trekka.

Starek eventually purchased his own Trekka in 2014, and it now resides in his museum of utility vehicles and machinery, located southwest of Prague. The museum features a restored Trekka that was once stored in a barn in Horowhenua, New Zealand, a project facilitated by journalist Todd Niall, who has chronicled the Trekka’s history since producing a radio documentary in 2001.

Historical Significance of the Trekka

The Trekka’s story is deeply rooted in the economic landscape of post-World War II New Zealand, where government regulations heavily controlled imports. As part of an innovative solution, Škoda parts were utilized to create a locally-built vehicle. Phil Andrews, a Škoda importer, facilitated this arrangement, pitching it as a way to provide affordable vehicles while maintaining a high level of local production. This led to the Trekka boasting an impressive 70 percent local content, which not only generated jobs but also reduced reliance on foreign reserves.

For Škoda, this partnership marked a significant step towards global engagement. The company’s history intertwined with the Trekka was later revived in the mid-2010s due to familial connections at the Škoda museum. Michal Velebny, head of the museum’s restoration workshop, has personal ties to the Trekka’s development. His grandfather, Josef, was instrumental in its design during a visit to New Zealand. “He met the designer [George Taylor] and they got together and designed Trekka as we know it today,” Velebny explained.

Modern Appreciation and Cultural Impact

As the Trekka gains recognition in contemporary Czech culture, it has also been featured in Škoda’s marketing efforts. The company, which entered the SUV market with its Kodiaq model in 2018, has leveraged the Trekka’s unique story to enhance its brand narrative. A meticulously restored Trekka, once owned by a local enthusiast in New Zealand, has been showcased in promotional materials and garnered attention through various media outlets.

Local connections to the Trekka story continue to emerge. Josef Kaplan, whose father was a technical representative for Škoda in New Zealand during the late 1960s and early 1970s, shared his fond memories of visiting the Trekka factory. “I remember quite a lot, going to the factory and the building of the Trekka,” Kaplan remarked, highlighting the enduring legacy of this vehicle.

In Aotearoa, the Trekka remains a cherished part of automotive culture, with several dozen units still in circulation, either legally on the road or undergoing restoration. The Museum of Transport and Technology in Auckland houses a pre-production prototype, while the national museum, Te Papa, features a Trekka in an artistic installation. This enduring interest across both New Zealand and the Czech Republic illustrates how a vehicle can transcend its utilitarian origins to become a symbol of international cooperation and nostalgia.

The Trekka’s story continues to evolve, as it fosters connections between cultures and generations, bridging a historical divide with every mile traveled.