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1 November, 2015

This month’s special Targa edition (New Zealand Classic Car Issue No. 299) is packed full of great cars, and includes the comprehensive Official Targa New Zealand Programme complete with maps, full driver profiles, and car directory.

Read all about a freshly prepared Porsche 911. When the owner of this Porsche decided upon a fresh new look for the 2015 Targa New Zealand event, he drew inspiration from the International Race of Champions (IROC) Porsche 911 raced by Denny Hulme in 1973.

We also take a look at three modern day GTs taking part in this year’s Targa Tour event — a BMW M3, Nissan GT-R, and a Mercedes-Benz C63 coupé.

If Targa competition isn’t your cup of tea, then flick through and read all about a very special, beautifully restored Citroën H van. This van is a popular sight on Auckland’s waterfront as it serves up the best organic coffee in town by the roadside.

As always, there’s lots of current news items, as well as our usual Trade Professionals, Motorsport Flashback, and Behind the Garage Door projects to read about, plus much more.   

You don’t even need to venture to your local supermarket or bookshop to pick up a copy — just grab a print copy or a digital copy of Issue No. 299 below.


1985 Citröen 2CV6 Charleston

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.

Get together for Murray Charles

Motorsport enthusiast, Murray Charles (84) passed away earlier this year. Murray’s friend, Danny Robins, contacted New Zealand Classic Car magazine to advise that a memorial get-together has been arranged in Martinborough for 28 November.
“Andrew Shackelton was a close friend and neighbour of Murray. Andrew has arranged an informal memorial for any old chums or colleagues who might wish to get together and
reminisce about the days of New Zealand racing,” Danny said. Murray did drive and was, by all accounts, a competent racer himself.
“He is probably better known for his engineering and mechanical expertise, particularly his contribution as a car mechanic to the golden years of Graham McRae’s Tasman successes.”
Murray provided a photograph of a copy of an Australian motor racing magazine from 1971 showing Murray alongside Graham’s famous car, as well as an informal snap of a younger,
pensive Murray with Kerry Grant at Levin.
The get together will be on the 28th of November, 1600hrs (4.00 pm) onwards at 28 Daniel Street, Martinborough.”