Price $15,000| Location: Auckland

Contact Marian on (09) 524-4968

Or email calimex@clear.net.nz

Just a quick note to say how it might be an idea to do an article on Japanese classics. This segment is gaining traction quickly and I have met A LOT of people in my travels who are interested in these cars.

Makes a nice change from boring old brits and large American fodder. I have a few lying around that would make an excellent comparison.I also have a friend with some beautiful Italian cars hidden away as well. Onehunga hides some real gems you know.

Great Mag, keep it up….

Roger Harper

I do recall the colour of the Falcons was called broadmeadows green! Before your readers rave on to you about what a bloody good car the XK was, I can recall some of the problems it had before it was even shipped out to the Dealer Body. for example the clutch assy.had to be replaced by the hundreds in our garage. This is a snap shot of my first couple of days of XK production.

Some facts I gathered from the Ford Retired Employees Association re Falcon; the Falcon is Australia’s longest running car model with almost 3.5 million produced since the first XK rolled off the production line on June 28,1960. The XK was produced from 1960-1962. The next major update was the XR Falcon; it is notable for being the first Falcon GT.Next was the XA in 1972. The XD became squared shape, the trend then. The EA Falcon led Ford into the 90’s, followed by the AU which was more rounded as we headed into the new century. Since the launch of the first Falcon XK, Ford has produced 27 different models of the Falcon in Australia.

CHRIS BROWN

I was amused to read the brief article on the ongoing popularity of MG Rover models in Britain. Why is this a surprise? Rover had a generally very proud history of manufacturing quality cars (mostly!) for 100 years, a few dog models excluded, mostly in the 90’s. Yes, there were quality problems with the SD1, but look at those built outside one short period in Britain and you’ll find many happy owners.

The ‘MG Rover’ era is a fascinating story. The Rover 75 and MG ZT series are high quality cars with a very strong following. The various attempts at sabotage by BMW management, the ‘old hat’ tag put on them by Clarkson (who secretly loved the MGZT) and of course the later inept management of the “Phoenix Four”, coupled with some downright sculduggery, has not removed the fact that these are attractive, well designed, well built and character filled cars. Twenty-seven international awards can’t be wrong. There are four vibrant owners clubs in the UK with thousands of members there and many overseas members, including me.

The 75 and ZT have never been the slow or boring machines that Clarkson intimated. I currently own two, a V6 and V8, and both are an absolute joy to drive. Of course the rare Rover 75 4.6 litre V8 is my favourite – loads of quirky character – not found in the run of mill modern car, not to mention a surplus of grunt. Although there are few 75’s or ZT’s on NZ roads, don’t expect them to vanish in a hurry.

Roger Smith

History

Waimate has a proud history with motor racing on the streets with the inaugural ‘Waimate 50’ first held in 1959 (when Bruce McLaren won) through to 1966. Racing “around the houses” ceased with the opening of Levels Raceway in Timaru but returned to the town on 14 February 1981. In 1991 the street race was brought back to life again and was a great success with crowds in excess of 15,000 attending. The event was then run every two years until 1999 when unfortunately the rules changed and the costs escalated to a point where again the ‘Waimate 50′ had to go onto recession.

A small steering group was formed and struck upon an initiative that will again put Waimate on the map for hosting this significant historical event.

A motorshow, carnival of motorsport atmosphere, great names entered. The Waimate 50 group are very excited about the event they are running over Labour Weekend this year. The first event on Saturday 23rd October is a 4km hillclimb to the iconic Whitehorse monument, situated just 3.5km from the town centre. Fantastic entries already: From the US is Rod Millen in his classic Mazda RX7 4WD, Keith & Mary Callinan and John Spencer from Australia. Also great entry support from NZ – Derek Ayson, 2 x Otago Classic Rally winner, Richard Kelsey, Jeff Judd and Ashton Wood both in BDA Escorts. There will be a purpose built spectator area (large marquee, food stalls, etc.) with road access to this area. Gold coin entry to spectate all day.

Sunday comprises of a 5.6km rallysprint and the street sprint around the houses using a majority of the old Waimate 50 course. The cars competing in the rallysprint can also compete in the street sprint. Cars will be run in a sprint format, with 2 cars on the course at a time. Classic bikes will have 2 races. All servicing will be in the town centre, with the motorshow and displays. Again the town event will be a gold coin entry.

We also have a website that provides further detail about the event – please visit www.waimate50.co.nz.

If you need any further information please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Deborah Kibble – On behalf of Waimate 50 Motorsport Inc.

It was brought into Australia as new and came to New Zealand in 2004. Hand built aluminium body, this DB6 MK2 is totally original in every detail and has not be modified, all numbers match.

Some Specifications: DB6 MK2 (1969 with original factory webasto roof, original factory power steering, flared arches, original leather trim, original factory wider wire wheels, electric windows, original factory armstrong selectaride suspension, triple SUs as per MK2 spec). RHD from new, factory 5 speed ZF manual gearbox Extensively restored by previous Australian owner of 25 years. It has done 106,000.00 miles.

Price: 230,000.00 | Location: Christchurch

Contact William on 03 326 5116

or 027 288 7909

or email william@architetto.co.nz

The car was professionally painted with House of Kolor Brandywine Kandy with platinum flake and finished with many coats of clear. The factory alloy wheels are in mint condition. New tyres were fitted in 2007. A new CD stereo with AM/FM radio was fitted in 2007. The original factory-fitted Philips radio cassette player has been kept. The interior of the car is in excellent condition and belies the age of the car. The leather trim is impressive, and the carpet is like new. A momo steering wheel is fitted, however an original INTERCEPTOR factory steering wheel goes with the car. Under the bonnet everything appears stock standard.

This car is always kept covered in my garage. It has not been wet since it was repainted in 2007. Hand built in England, this is a very desirable luxury motor car. This car is the “J” version of the series III. The “J” version was the most luxurious Interceptor built (see Wikipedia). Currently reading 32400km.

Price $48,000 | Location: Upper Hutt, Wellington

Contact Murray on 04 9717849

or

021 1691345

or email: muzzy@paradise.net.nz

Well maintained and roadworthy. Registered and current WOF. Often rallied 1980s/90s. Fabric, upholstery, tyres, etc in excellent condition. Genuine enquiries only.

Price: $29,000 o.n.o. |  Location: Wellington

Contact Geoff on

(04) 5684489

or

leave message Mobile: (0061)415388488 (Aust. for SMS contact)

or

Email: geoffmurphy@gmail.com

The engine is a 2.6 litre turbo that was rebuilt by RPM race engines in Tennessee. It has done approx 10000 miles since. The bottom end was fully balanced, the head ported and the flywheel lightened on a CNC machine by Yates. The turbo was rebuilt approx 500 miles ago and is attached to a 2.5″ exhaust with a custom made centre muffler and Supertrapp rear muffler. It has a 5 speed and a fully independent LSD. The brake rotors have also only done about 1000 miles. The car was re-painted with Urethane paint in Kalapana black with a violet pearl.

Interior is full leather and has the factory mats, electric seatbelts, mirrors and electric locks.

There are approx only 7 of these cars in NZ so this is a rare opportunity to buy something different.

Price: $12500 ono | Location: Wellington

Contact Gavin on (04) 4770880

or 027-246-8948

or gavin.bateman@clear.net.nz