TIGHT SQUEEZE: A New Plymouth man tried to make a quick escape from car repossessors outside The Ugly Duck yesterday but ended up in further trouble when he damaged three vehicles, above, and the Ford Falcon he was driving.

Feathers flew outside New Plymouth's Ugly Duck restaurant and bar yesterday afternoon when attempts to repossess a car turned nasty.

A 57-year-old man, who is alleged to owe about $14,000 on a Ford Falcon, saw red when the car-yard owner spotted him at the bar and called the repossession company and police.

When the man headed to the car park, used-car dealer Darryl MacDonald partially blocked off the entrance and demanded his car back.

"I said to him it's all over but he said, no it ain't, and jumped in to the car and locked the door," Mr MacDonald said.

By this time the repossession agent had arrived and completely blocked off the entrance with his vehicle.

"The driver went full noise into both the cars. I didn't think he would do that, I couldn't believe what I was seeing," Mr MacDonald said.

All three cars were badly damaged but the destruction didn't stop there.

The impact of the crash drove one of the cars into a parked Jaguar which owner Colin Rump says will cost thousands to fix.

"It's pretty disappointing really, especially as I wasn't even here to see the guy that did it."

Mr Rump's "baby" had been entrusted to his wife and stepdaughter, who were in the bar when the crash occurred.

"It's the last time they will be getting the car to go shopping," he said.

"We didn't have a clue what was going on and then the police came in and asked who owned the Jaguar outside," said Mr Rump's step-daughter, Amy Harris.

"Ironically enough I had asked Mum earlier today if the Jag had ever had any panel beating done on it. It will be well due for some now," she said.

Total damage from the incident is expected to top $35,000.

"The Ford will cost close to $15,000, the ute $9000, the Suzuki $9000 and I'm guessing the Jag would be close to $2000," Mr MacDonald said.

New Plymouth Constable Lee Rose said the man who drove into the cars was arrested and faced charges of wilful damage and careless driving.

"He also had a small knife on him when we arrested him so he will be looking at a knife possession charge too."

He has been released on bail and will appear in the New Plymouth District Court on February 24.