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
AYRBURN CLASSIC 2026
BMW’S FLAGSHIP TECHNO SHOWCASE THE SUPERMODEL. ELEGANCE. ENGINEERED • BMW’s 840 Ci flagship coupe provides superb comfort and equipment packaged in a stylish body, with grand touring performance and surprisingly competent handling for its size. Captivated by its charm, Miranda adopts a stylish mode for a drive of one of these rare and appealing Bavarian classics
ALMAC CARS The second chapter 40 years of production takes on a new persona! • Cobra replicas have been made at Almac’s Upper Hutt factory for 40 years. Newly owned by Matamata Panelworks, a fresh era in custom sports car manufacturing is about to begin
THE FIRST CHAPTER
THE LONG ROAD Part 1 • Back in the 1950s, Jaguar’s Mark I and II models graced our race circuits in plentiful numbers. The attractive sports saloons performed well, and the distinctive howl of their amazing twin-cam six-cylinder engine often headed the pack home
The great debate DODGE DAYTONA COMMODORE SS • Debated since 1957, when Don ‘Big Daddy’ Garlits lit up the strip in his 392ci Hemi-powered ’27 Ford
SAINTLY INTERVENTION HALO RESTORED, A RARE SWEDE SURVIVES • A chance encounter provides a rare Jensen-built Volvo P1800, a long-time family favourite. Patrick explores the popular Swede’s mystique
THE LAST REAL ROVER A great driver’s car let down by poor quality control • Martin and Louise Derrington’s Rover SD1 Vanden Plas was built during the period of contentious British Leyland management and a less-than-favourable industrial climate, yet, despite these challenges, it was well regarded by many as a very capable design. In the Derringtons’ case, it is a very special car
CRUISIN’ IN THE GAL • Alan McHattie loved big American cars with a big, lazy V8, and he searched far and wide for the right car until, right there in his Central Otago hometown, he stumbled across an original big Ford at a local garage
A CATHOLIC TASTE FOR AUTOMOBILES The pope’s eclectic fleet • Excited to be in Italy and looking forward to serving as a judge for the inaugural Anantara Concorso Roma – and no less to staying at the impeccable Hotel Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Roma – James’ excitement is quashed by phone call that changes his plans
HOT MUSTARD • Kiwis have a strong affinity for the Chrysler Charger, and from an Australian perspective, Phillip Rizzo found his dream Charger and restored it to make up for the memory of when, as a youngster, his father’s pride-and-joy Charger was stolen from their home
FOR THE LOVE OF NEW ZEALAND • Mike Schwen, born and raised in Germany, has led an interesting if somewhat eclectic life. However, it was not until he journeyed to New Zealand on a holiday with a friend that he found a place where he felt he truly belonged
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BMW E30 A highly successful package • Tracing the history of a BMW model that really cemented the brand in New Zealand. But, Donn wonders, where have they all...