Tom Ditchfield

Panelbeating in Wanganui is not just a business but a true passion for Tom, the owner of Tom Ditchfield Panelbeaters. Since his early days Tom has had a fascination with motor vehicles and and a deep appreciation for their power and beauty.

It seemed natural to chase a career, and ultimately a business, in collision repair work and auto restoration. This love of motor vehicles extends to supporting local motorsport drivers with their race car bodywork.

Tom began his career in January 1977 with 7 years at Jellymans followed by 16 years at Larsen Panelbeaters. He bought Terry Murdochs business in 2003 to create Tom Ditchfield Panelbeaters and still enjoys working on the floor today.

As word spread of Tom’s quality of work and customer service, the client base grew and Tom moved the business to the current Hatrick Street site in 2009, taking on more staff and developing the restoration side of the business.

Craig Bagley

Craig started in the trade in late ‘77 and has always had an interest in vehicles. Repairing a large list of peronals vehicles, with one of his Escorts, now owned by legend Kenny Smith and looking just as good as when Craig sold it. Craig is now restoring twin shock trial bikes.

Brett Saunders

Brett joined the team in Oct ‘16 with experience at various panel shops in Auckland. His time with Alpine Restoration gave Brett the skills to “make” any panel required from scratch, a big asset in the restoration business. In his spare time Brett is devoted to repairing “Betty”, a ‘54 Chev.