16 June, 2014
The Lotus Driver Day was held last week at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, and even though the weather was a little patchy, the day was enjoyed by all involved.
With the track open for the entire day there was plenty of time to get everyone around the track to show off the impressive skills and features of the Lotus models.
Coverage of the driver day is in the upcoming issue of NZ Classic Car, Issue No. 283.
Honda’s game-changing EB1 Civic
Japanese cars, and Hondas in particular, were about to flourish in New Zealand. This was the crux of the conversation I was having with Russell Moller, sitting in his Greenlane, Auckland, motor dealership early in 1973. Russell was particularly excited about the new Civic EB1 small car that had been unveiled in Japan the previous year.
I was about to leave on an extended stay in Britain. When I returned more than two years later, it was apparent Russell had called it right. Norton and Russell Moller had gained the licence to import fully built up Hondas, and formed Honda Pacific. A few highly prized Civics arrived before the New Zealand Motor Corporation (NZMC) assumed the franchise from the Moller Group. The corporation’s plans included building the EB1 at NZMC’s plant at Petone, near Wellington, and the first CKD (completely knocked down) Civic, a bright yellow example, rolled off the local assembly line in March 1976.
Kerry describes it as ‘a very simple car to do’. The suspension can be set to the required ride height. It is essential to weigh each corner to avoid too much weight difference from side to side. The four-speed gearbox was re-built. They are prone to getting a little water in them if not serviced correctly. Water etches into the bearings. The main shaft was also replaced.
But as it was a reasonably high mileage car, Kerry expected a few mechanical issues.
“The lady I bought it off owned it from 900km after it had been sold new to a gentleman in Palmerston North. He found he couldn’t fit into it. This woman in Hamilton bought it and she had run it to a total of 101,000kms. It was brand new in 1985 so it’s done quite a few kilometres for a little car.”
Not surprisingly, these little cars grow on their owners and the previous lady owner is now interested in buying it back.
