Drivesouth (Enlarge photo)

10/06/2008 09:23. Third-generation motor body builder Rod Tempero has branched out on his own, opening a workshop in a converted poultry shed.

Mr Tempero (47) cleaned out the shed, just south of Oamaru, during the Christmas holidays and has just completed his first car in it - a replica 1952 Maserati A6GCS coupe.

The car, which is destined for a private Maserati museum in Auckland, was "fantastic" to drive, he said.

The Tempero Coach and Motor Company was established by Alan Tempero in 1946.

His son Errol took over in 1970, and he was joined by his son, Rod, in 1977.

Errol Tempero sold the business in 2002 and Rod Tempero continued to work there until earlier this year.

Yesterday, Mr Tempero said he would be both building and... // Drivesouth