KARMANN GHIA
This wind-cheating coupe is 60 years young, thanks to four decades in the hands of Michael, its diligent architect owner.
The main reasons you bought this car? The overall design made a big impression on me when I was young. After a friend bought a rusty purple example, I took the plunge and bought a rusty blue one. It was enjoyable enough to have me searching for a much better example. This car emerged for sale in the North Island town of Katikati. When did you...
This wind-cheating coupe is 60 years young, thanks to four decades in the hands of Michael, its diligent architect owner.
FORD MUSTANG FASTBACK
After eight years in his hands, Ray from Lower Hutt remains smitten with his Screaming Yellow steed.
The main reasons you bought this car? This car had already had a lot of work done to it and personally, I feel it’s the last of the good shape for classic Mustangs. When did you buy it? In 2011, on eBay, sight-unseen. How do you rate the overall condition? It’s now very good. I’ve had a lot more work done on it in...
After eight years in his hands, Ray from Lower Hutt remains smitten with his Screaming Yellow steed.
DATSUN 120Y COUPE
After a happy honeymoon, Datsun owner Brett is still taken with his 120Y. But he wants a second carb under the hood.
The main reasons you bought this car? I simply wanted something old-school and original that was very tidy. I tend to go through cars regularly, usually keeping them for 12 to 18 months. When did you buy it? Early 2018. How do you rate the overall condition, out of 10? It’s right up there in my eyes, so I’d...
After a happy honeymoon, Datsun owner Brett is still taken with his 120Y. But he wants a second carb under the hood.
PORSCHE 911T
Dave’s narrow-bodied 911T gives him an authentic 911 experience and the power to embarrass modern sportscars.
What was the 911T like when you first saw it? It was a restoration contender that I bought from Europacific’s yard in Pirongia. The previous owner had been out one morning with a half-flat rear tyre and put the car into a bank. It's an ex-California left-hooker for the authentic 911 experience. I value that because it feels a lot more...
Dave’s narrow-bodied 911T gives him an authentic 911 experience and the power to embarrass modern sportscars.
AUSTIN A30
Pat and Will Neal’s ‘baby Austin’ is unusual for the integrity of its little shell and an original colour scheme.
Anything unusual about this car’s history, Will? The first owner, for several decades, was a chap who had an Austin dealership up North. It was clearly well looked after, always garaged, and remained a one-owner car up until the early 2000s. It was originally painted black, and we understand the black A30s came with red wheels. The...
Pat and Will Neal’s ‘baby Austin’ is unusual for the integrity of its little shell and an original colour scheme.
BMW 635 CSi HIGHLINE
Adrian is entering his third decade with a last-of-the-line 6-series that benefits from classy Highline treatment.
The main reasons you bought this car? My father used to take me to the motor racing when I was a youngster, and these were the cars that dominated the touring car scene in New Zealand and all over the world in the mid-1980s. The sight and sound of them racing through the streets of Wellington at the Nissan Mobil 500 made a lasting impression...
Adrian is entering his third decade with a last-of-the-line 6-series that benefits from classy Highline treatment.
TRIUMPH SPITFIRE Mk3
Chris Stiebel went all out on a rubber-to-roof restoration of a tired Spitfire. Soon it will partner a rejuvenated TR6.
The main reasons you bought this car? I was looking for a project. Although in quite a sorry state, it was complete in most respects and it seemed like an easy fix when viewed online. I purchased it with a Warrant of Fitness obtained two months previously. Little did I realise that it had fibreglass over the floors, on both sides. When...
Chris Stiebel went all out on a rubber-to-roof restoration of a tired Spitfire. Soon it will partner a rejuvenated TR6.
HOLDEN EK SPECIAL
Merv’s love of early Holdens was influenced as much by his son as it was by motoring memories from his youth.
The main reasons you bought this car? It’s in exceptional condition for an unrestored survivor and has a very good history. Remarkably, it’s just ticked over 50,000 miles. And it’s a practical classic, too; the EK Standard was a popular taxi in Auckland back in the day. When did you buy it? Around 2005, from the then-president of...
Merv’s love of early Holdens was influenced as much by his son as it was by motoring memories from his youth.
HILLMAN MINX
Will Neal’s 1960 Hillman Minx Convertible is a rare find. It’s the only one in Kawakawa Bay and possibly the whole of NZ.
The main reasons you bought this car? I knew the long-term owner wanted to sell it and he was concerned that it should go to a good home where it would continue to be used but cherished. And it’s a rare model now – I don’t yet know of others in New Zealand. Also, I once owned a Singer Gazelle and enjoyed that for a few years...
Will Neal’s 1960 Hillman Minx Convertible is a rare find. It’s the only one in Kawakawa Bay and possibly the whole of NZ.
BMW E30 318i/2
A true survivor, John’s totally original E30 is in time-warp condition. The two-door body and manual gearbox add extra appeal.
What made you buy this particular car? Aside from my admiration for E30s in general, I actually bought the vehicle as a first car for my son who has learnt to drive in a manual. My thinking was along the lines of it being easy to drive, low on horsepower and appealing to own. However once in my possession, I realised the timewarp condition...
A true survivor, John’s totally original E30 is in time-warp condition. The two-door body and manual gearbox add extra appeal.
LANCIA FULVIA RALLYE
Rachael Robinson likes her cars compact, sporty and elegant. No wonder this Kiwi-new Fulvia Rallye is her type of classic.
What led you to buy a Lancia? I was looking for a replacement classic for my Fiat. I got a book from the library called ‘Lancia Sporting Coupes’ and everything I read just made sense around their history, and how boutique Lancia was in regard to manufacturing and quality finish. And then there was the surprising performance of the...
Rachael Robinson likes her cars compact, sporty and elegant. No wonder this Kiwi-new Fulvia Rallye is her type of classic.
COLT GALANT GTO
Jeff Tobin’s dyna-wedged Galant GTO reconnects him with a much admired car from his youth.
The main reasons you bought this car? I owned a 1973 GTO back in 1982. It was a great car that I sold the following year to raise most of the deposit on a house. I thought it would be nice to get another one eventually and located this car in 2016. It’s a spitting image of my old one and had been a Christchurch car all its life until I...
Jeff Tobin’s dyna-wedged Galant GTO reconnects him with a much admired car from his youth.
PORSCHE 356B T6
Angus Cooper's 356 coupe-convertible is a brilliantly conceived outlaw that drives as well as it looks.
The main reasons you commissioned this car? I had previously had two 356s and always wanted to do one that was a little different, and also one in which the roof can be removed (it has a factory steel hardtop). How long did the project take and when was it completed?The total project was 2.5 years and it was completed in October 2017 by...
Angus Cooper's 356 coupe-convertible is a brilliantly conceived outlaw that drives as well as it looks.
FORD XA GS FAIRMONT
Garyth Arago-Kemp now has a fourth car in his classic Ford fleet. This Wild Violet GS Coupe might just be the pick of the bunch.
The main reasons you bought this car? Good XA GS Hardtops are rare. The key things with this one were previous long-term ownership of 38 years and the fact that it’s pretty much an original car. When did you buy it? In June of 2020, after the Covid-19 lockdown, when we were lucky to be able to move around the country more freely....
Garyth Arago-Kemp now has a fourth car in his classic Ford fleet. This Wild Violet GS Coupe might just be the pick of the bunch.
RENAULT R8 GORDINI
Francois Cronje’s R8 Gordini still punches well above its weight 27 years after its proud owner restored it.
What made you want this car? In 1969 and 1970, when the Gordinis became masters of the track and I was finishing school in South Africa, the Gordini had underdog appeal – a small car beating much larger cars in national competition. Then there was the Renault side of the equation. As a boy, my father was a Chevrolet man and I inherited...
Francois Cronje’s R8 Gordini still punches well above its weight 27 years after its proud owner restored it.
PORSCHE 356B
Concours-winning 356 has effectively undergone two restorations this century thanks to fastidious owner, Wayne Marmont.
The main reasons you bought this car? I had a friend who owned one. I did the research and quickly learned the 356 models were very sought after within an active club. When did you buy it? November 2015. Anything unusual about your car’s history? After a long restoration (two years, three months) in Melbourne, it...
Concours-winning 356 has effectively undergone two restorations this century thanks to fastidious owner, Wayne Marmont.
MERCEDES 280SE
Rare manual gearbox is a welcome point of engagement for this long-striding cruiser with its rasping straight-six.
Manual transmission and factory sunroof might just make this Merc W108 saloon unique in New Zealand. Until the owner of seven years drove it home from Napier, with a paltry 60,000 miles on the clock, the car had spent almost all its life in dry-weather climates and had only previously changed hands twice. It was first registered in the South Island...
Rare manual gearbox is a welcome point of engagement for this long-striding cruiser with its rasping straight-six.
FORD ESCORT 1300L
Stephen Nightingale quickly formed a connection with a Tropicana Green Mk1 that will serve as his daughter’s daily-driver.
How did you acquire this car? It ended up being given to me by a mate I’d done quite a few jobs for. After driving it back from the South Island, he thought its days were numbered. When I first saw it, I lifted up the hood and, sure enough, it was dripping oil everywhere. I cleaned the motor up and it turned out that an $8 part stopped the...
Stephen Nightingale quickly formed a connection with a Tropicana Green Mk1 that will serve as his daughter’s daily-driver.
MERCEDES 220S CABRIOLET
Since arriving in NZ in the late 1980s, Ken’s rare cabrio has been a celebrated sight on the classic Merc landscape.
Car production is very much a numbers game, and precise figures can be frustratingly elusive for models built many decades ago. For example, there’s been plenty of conjecture over 220S Cabriolet production in the 1950s. We do know that of all six-cylinder Pontons produced, just three per cent were the cabriolets and two per cent coupes. And...
Since arriving in NZ in the late 1980s, Ken’s rare cabrio has been a celebrated sight on the classic Merc landscape.
BMW 325i CONVERTIBLE
Richard Binns first drove an E30 BMW back in 1987. Now he drives a much-admired 325i convertible from the same year.
When did you buy this car and why? I bought it in March 2011. My friend Anthony had a Zinnobar Red E30 convertible and when I saw it, I thought it was such a cool car that I wanted one. It brought back a lot of memories from my late teens. Anything unusual about its history?Nothing much, it was supplied new by Team McMillan in Newmarket,...
Richard Binns first drove an E30 BMW back in 1987. Now he drives a much-admired 325i convertible from the same year.
HOLDEN HEROES
Stepping out of a convoy of high-riding new Holdens, we celebrate some of the mainstay saloons from the ’60s and ’70s.
Over the decades, most Holdens have been workmanlike, many have become much-loved members of the family, and some have been genuinely special cars. After returning from Holden New Zealand’s 65th anniversary bash in the Chatham Islands, we didn’t have to look far to find cars from each camp, including three 1970s saloons that have seen...
Stepping out of a convoy of high-riding new Holdens, we celebrate some of the mainstay saloons from the ’60s and ’70s.
SUBARU SVX
GT car comfort, concept car looks, characterful performance, Subaru reliability ... no wonder Steve loves driving his SVX.
The main reasons you bought this car? Loved the prototype at the Auckland Motor Show in 1989, although the wide-bodied version never made it into production. Initially they were all made 4WD but 200 were also 4WS. In Japan they are called Subaru Alcyone. There were just over 14,000 LH drive and 7,000 RH drives and Subaru lost an average of...
GT car comfort, concept car looks, characterful performance, Subaru reliability ... no wonder Steve loves driving his SVX.
TRIUMPH TR6
Serial Triumph owner Steve has found an ideal dance partner in his well-sorted TR6 convertible.
The main reasons you bought this car? I’ve liked Triumphs from my teenage years, and my mother had a Triumph 2000. Later a flatmate had a TR6 and I had the pleasure of riding in it a couple of times. Going forward I wanted one myself but wasn’t in a position to own one until recently. How long have you owned it? Six...
Serial Triumph owner Steve has found an ideal dance partner in his well-sorted TR6 convertible.
LANCIA BETA COUPE 2000 ie
Matt Bouzaid’s Lancia Coupe exudes Eighties Italian chic. It performs very well as an occasional driver, too.
What made you buy the Lancia? About three years ago I was looking for a manual car in which to teach my son how to drive. I wanted something quite reliable and when I was doing searches for manual cars, which were becoming quite rare, this car popped up in Cambridge. I’ve always loved the look of the Lancia coupes from this era. They...
Matt Bouzaid’s Lancia Coupe exudes Eighties Italian chic. It performs very well as an occasional driver, too.
TOYOTA 86 RC
Paul Price picked up a factory-tuned Toyota 86 and took it to the next level. He hasn’t stopped smiling since.
The main reasons you bought this car? Many years ago, I purchased plans from the UK to build my unique sports car. It didn’t eventuate, because I took up rallying instead. This custom 86RC, however, fulfils all those creative desires, and more besides. It’s one of those cars that you don’t just get in, but “put on”...
Paul Price picked up a factory-tuned Toyota 86 and took it to the next level. He hasn’t stopped smiling since.
SKYLINE R34 GT-R
Anthony’s GT-R was once the flagship of Nissan performance. Will it be recognisable when he’s finished tuning it?
What were the main reasons you bought this car? The R34 has been a dream car for as long as I can remember. I would have liked a Spec’d model but I’m happy with what I got for the money. When did you buy it? August 2016. A friend who imported cars and parts from Japan had contacts look at one or two cars that popped up...
Anthony’s GT-R was once the flagship of Nissan performance. Will it be recognisable when he’s finished tuning it?
MUSTANG FASTBACK
Well-known in classic car circles, this sought-after 1966 Fastback has excellent history and is a multiple concours winner.
Produced in May 1966, this superb Fastback showed a genuine low mileage (61,000m) prior to a comprehensive multi-year restoration. The body was stripped back to bare metal and the transmission, driveline, brakes and suspension were fully rebuilt. Rest assured, it drives precisely as it should.The two-tone upholstery and extensive chromework...
Well-known in classic car circles, this sought-after 1966 Fastback has excellent history and is a multiple concours winner.
CADILLAC COUPE de VILLE
Graeme’s restored Series 62 Caddy is a gob-smacking showpiece of extravagant post-war design.
The main reasons you and Gwen bought this car? We simply loved the look and it had undergone a complete, body-off restoration. When did you buy it? Winter of 2013. But we had seen it at Americana in 2009, and spotted it pulling a crowd in New Plymouth. That was the first time the car had been on show since its restoration. We then saw it...
Graeme’s restored Series 62 Caddy is a gob-smacking showpiece of extravagant post-war design.
MATRA JET 6
An exquisite example of 60s French engineering. A Le Mans class win underlines serious sporting credentials.
Jacques, what were the main reasons you bought this car? First, shared enthusiasm with my dad for restoring the car as a project. (My father has considerable expertise as Gordini engine builder). Secondly, the absolute rarity of the car: it’s number 139 of 222 Jet 6 models built, and 70 are still in existence. And also the motorsport...
An exquisite example of 60s French engineering. A Le Mans class win underlines serious sporting credentials.
MORRIS MINOR 1000
Central Aucklander Bernard reflects on 20 good years with a tough Morrie Thou that proved its mettle in middle age.
What were your first impressions of the car 20 years ago? I’m not sure that I had a love affair with old cars but I just saw it and thought it was fantastic, a beautiful little thing. I thought if I was going to have an old car, it might as well be one that I love. How did you find it? I taught at Manurewa High School and the...
Central Aucklander Bernard reflects on 20 good years with a tough Morrie Thou that proved its mettle in middle age.
PORSCHE 911 C4 GTS
Iconic rear-engined sportscar represents decades of hard graft and helped owner Greg celebrate a major milestone.
The main reasons you bought this car? I’ve worked my butt off for over 25 years and have had some very tough times in my life. I wanted to buy myself a 50th birthday present that reflected my achievement. The 911 heritage played a big part for me. I am drawn to the passion of Porsche to engineer and design a powerful and elegant...
Iconic rear-engined sportscar represents decades of hard graft and helped owner Greg celebrate a major milestone.
MERCEDES 280SLC
Scott’s four-seater SLC is from a time when entry-level Mercs had a straight-six and manual ’box.
The main reasons you bought a manual SLC?I already had a 280SE saloon with a four-speed manual and still enjoyed driving that after 20 years of ownership. And I have a deep appreciation of the quality engineering behind each model. When did you buy it?I first saw this car advertised in 2011, a year before I bought it, and subsequently saw it...
Scott’s four-seater SLC is from a time when entry-level Mercs had a straight-six and manual ’box.
SHELBY SUPER SNAKE
This 750-horsepower convertible was carefully customised in Melbourne for proud Tauranga owner, Sharlene.
So, what exactly is this car? It’s an NZ-new Mustang convertible that has been completely rebuilt as a 50th Anniversary Shelby Super Snake. That makes it unique in New Zealand. The Whipple supercharger kit boosts the V8 to 750 horsepower and many of the body components are Shelby-specific. The wheels are polished 20-inch Vision Super...
This 750-horsepower convertible was carefully customised in Melbourne for proud Tauranga owner, Sharlene.
ALPINA B3 BITURBO
BMW enthusiast and serial 3-series owner Peter couldn’t resist the charms of this Alpina-tuned saloon. Could you?
The main reasons you bought this car? The sense of luxury and comfort with huge performance, plus I prefer its appearance over the BMW M4. It was a rare opportunity – the car was new in New Zealand but part of a small, cancelled order for another RHD market.I had previously visited the Alpina factory in Buchloe, Germany and observed the...
BMW enthusiast and serial 3-series owner Peter couldn’t resist the charms of this Alpina-tuned saloon. Could you?
FIAT COUPE 16v
Eye-catching Italian has been easy to live with and easy on the pockets. It continues to delight architect, Adam.
The main reasons you bought this car? The striking originality of the design, which I loved when I first saw pictures and thankfully looked equally good in the flesh. It remained true to the Chris Bangle concept car. How many examples did you look at before buying this one?I had admired dozens on the road but only contemplated buying a...
Eye-catching Italian has been easy to live with and easy on the pockets. It continues to delight architect, Adam.
MERCEDES E63 RENNTECH
The car before you was a stock E63 when Aucklander Matt bought it and drove straight to a custom tuner.
To help deploy the power from heavily reworked turbo boost, Matt opted for an aftermarket Weistec limited slip differential and also fitted Weistec air filters and spark plugs to an engine that had barely covered 10,000km. A Renntech exhaust replaced the factory system and front and rear Renntech spoilers were fitted. Lightweight 20-inch HRE alloys...
The car before you was a stock E63 when Aucklander Matt bought it and drove straight to a custom tuner.
SUNBEAM IMP SPORT
Brian has celebrated half a century of fun with the pint-sized daily driver he bought new in England.
What drove you to buy this particular car? I saw the show model of the Imp Sport in this particular colour at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1966. I had already driven a tuned Imp and knew they were nippy cars. I stayed in the UK long enough to own and use a couple of new cars that could be exported to NZ without paying either UK VAT or NZ...
Brian has celebrated half a century of fun with the pint-sized daily driver he bought new in England.
ALFA ROMEO 4C
Diminutive Italian marks a convincing return to Alfa’s racy roots, and prompts spontaneous weekend purchase.
Dave, what were the main reasons you bought this car? To stop myself buying a Ferrari, basically. And because the Alfa attraction started in the late-80s (when I bought a Sprint QV). I had gone to view a Ferrari 348 but the dealership was closed so I ended up driving the 4C instead. I always thought they were too expensive for what they were...
Diminutive Italian marks a convincing return to Alfa’s racy roots, and prompts spontaneous weekend purchase.
MERCEDES-BENZ 600SEC
The 600SEC badge is a rare designation for a modern Mercedes as it was only applied to flagship RHD coupes in 1993.
It’s no great beauty but there’s a welcome simplicity to the C140 shape, with no flame surfacing to break up the flanks or unnecessary details to distract the eye. Leave that to the elegant pillarless side glass and the chromed V12 badges on the leading edge of this car’s rear pillars. Inside, it’s all polished wood,...
The 600SEC badge is a rare designation for a modern Mercedes as it was only applied to flagship RHD coupes in 1993.
SHELBY MUSTANG GT-C
Paul from Mosgiel was a long way from home when he stumbled across an opportunity that was too good to ignore.
The main reasons you bought this car? I’ve been into cars all my life but could never afford American muscle cars and ended up with the staple British stuff that was always underpowered. But three years ago, while visiting my daughter in Whakatane, I spotted this car in the showroom at the local Ford dealer and realised this was my...
Paul from Mosgiel was a long way from home when he stumbled across an opportunity that was too good to ignore.
CAR STUFF
Chris Anderson shares keepsakes and collectables from a pre-electric era.
1. 1960s Jaguar E-Type glass paperweight with quality interior detail. 2. Porsche 911 brochure, colour charts and tourist delivery price list for all 1975 Model Year cars. 3. Souvenir coffee mug from Monaco depicting map of Grand Prix circuit. 4. Alfa Romeo Giulia GTV 2000 and Spider combined brochure, from 1972. 5. Set of four pairs...
Chris Anderson shares keepsakes and collectables from a pre-electric era.
