NZ Classic Car

New Zealand’s longest running classic car magazine – celebrated its 300th edition in January 2016, an amazing achievement for a publication which began as a simple idea to put local classic car owners in touch with event organisers, car clubs and trade professionals. NZ Classic Car has been a vital part of the local motoring scene for more than 25 years and features unique and extensive classic motoring coverage. NZCC’s enthusiastic and passionate writers cover the length and breadth of the country ensuring extensive classic motoring coverage. Our coverage of New Zealand’s motoring heritage remains unrivalled, especially in the field of motorsport history, plus we include stunning photography, authoritative features and event reports from throughout the country.

NZ Classic Car

ARYBURN DELIVERS, HEALTH AND SAFETY-COMMON SENSE?

ARYBURN DELIVERS! • A group of classic car enthusiasts, inspired by notable overseas events, put in place a plan celebrating our motoring heritage like no other. The inaugural Ayrburn Classic, Festival of Motoring 2025, held in the historic Ayrburn Precinct at Arrowtown, near Queenstown, has potential as a world-class attraction.

AYRBURN, JEWEL OF THE SOUTH

YOU CAN’T BEAT THE FEELING • Who would have thought it would become such a worldwide motorsport star when Ford introduced the humble Escort in 1967? Its popularity, particularly in Mark 1 form, is now iconic status. Aaron talks with the owner of a very special Escort finished in tribute also, to the owner’s father.

THE ROAD TO NAPIER

MECHANICAL ADVENTURES OF AN OLD-SCHOOL YOUNGBLOOD • Steve Philp talks to Pablo Rabe about his restoration business, passion for old cars and an exciting automotive side hustle, Destination Rally.

THE FAMILY WORKHORSE • The Commodore burst onto the market with the VB model in 1978. Despite its smaller size, Australians took to it in their droves and five models later in 1986, the VL was launched at a crucial time for the Australian company. Facing development, and stringent emission challenges, the VL was a stopgap financial answer to the company’s immediate problems. Josh Kelly recounts the history of a family survivor of one of these tough ‘Aussies’.

HIS AND HERS THUNDERBIRDS • Ford’s Thunderbird design strategy delivered precisely what the American market wanted in 1954, a classy two-door coupe with all the expected creature comforts in a luxury personal car

Congratulations to the winners of our Christmas issue prize promotion

ASIAN SORTE

PETER BRUIN Quiet Achiever • Peter Bruin was a motor racing talent who impressed Bob Hulme from the first time he met Peter at the Auckland Car Club. (We continue Bob’s account of his time spent in Peter Bruin’s company along with a final update from the car’s new owner, Ashley Walter and how he came to own the Bruin Targa Fiat-Ed)

A Dream Trip EUROPE BY PORSCHE IN 2010 • Mal McKee recounts an epic trip through Europe starting with Italian sky-diving championships, a journey made in a Porsche 930, his dream car of 30 years! He also met some memorable characters along the way.

ZETINI HAAST A CAR THAT MISSED ITS MARQUE • Patrick investigates the story behind the Zetini-Haast. With its attractive Italian Barchetta lines, it was a promising sports car in 2015. However, the project’s cost was its downfall, a sad result for a project that promised so much.

WARRANTS OF FITNESS…AGAIN!

NZ TR REGISTER CELEBRATES 50 YEARS • TR Register owners gathered in Auckland on February 28, to celebrate the popular British sporting marque’s long history.

WHANGANUI TOY SPECTACULAR 2025

IN A GALAXIE FAR, FAR AWAY • A raft of new technologies emanating from the Second World War, introduced a fascination with space, speed and flight. The US homeland, immune from the ravages of war, became an...