Bridgman Street Panelbeaters and Spray Painters managing director Brent Johnston said the South Dunedin landmark was "well overdue" for a spruce-up.
It was last cleaned in 2002.
The built-up dirt had been "bugging" him for a while, so two workers went up and cleaned it. One of them decided to wear Christmas garb, he said.
The car has graced the pole since 1956.