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Concept Corner: Aero Challenger

14 May, 2015

 

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“Every month we ask the NZV8 cover car over for the concept they’d most like to build, or see built ”

On the cover of NZV8 Issue No. 121, you’ll have seen the Hemi–powered Cuda that Bic Anderson built, so imagine what ideas would lurk in his mind if reality didn’t matter. 

“OK, since concept is the theme here, I’ve got an idea of what might have happened in 1972,” says Bic Anderson.  

“USAC, a US motorsport governing body, was worried about the fuel crisis, and, as such, decided to create a race series where the Big Three manufacturers (General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler) were tasked with designing high-efficiency cars to race in a state-versus-state race series. Each car would be driven by a professional driver, and would run its state colours and have corporate sponsors. They would be rated on their maximum speed, economy, lap time, and drivability.

“Chrysler decided to use its factory-supported race teams to do its R&D work. Petty Enterprises, Dan Gurney’s company, and Juan Nelson (whose son now runs Nelson Racing Engines) combined to come up with the fastest fuel-efficient race car they could. They chose a ’72 Dodge Challenger as the basis, as it best represented a scaled-down version of its larger B-body cousin — the Superbird. Petty Enterprises transferred all of its wind tunnel info — learned from the low-drag, high-downforce Superbird — over to the Challenger, with proportional nose and rear-wing dimensions.

“Juan Nelson built a twin-turboed 340ci small block using Hilborn’s latest mechanical fuel injection system. The system used a newly developed injector with superior atomization for increased power, economy, and drivability at part throttle.

“Dan Gurney oversaw the build at his premises in California, where, amongst other things, he installed the latest six-speed gearbox from Jerico, along with the latest low run-out wheels from Aero, with the latest Z-rated tyres from Goodyear.

“Obviously, the first car that rolled out of Gurney’s shop was painted in a combination of blues, to represent the Petty and Gurney traditional blue liveries.

“Now that’s an alternative reality I’d like to live in!” says Bic.

Fraser Cars – low flying into the fourth decade

10 July, 2026

With almost three and a half decades under its belt, Fraser Cars is one of New Zealand’s longest-surviving car manufacturers. The company first opened its doors for business in 1988, during the boom time for kit manufacturers. During the ’80s, around 40 different companies were building kits and turnkey cars for this niche market. Of those, only Fraser and Almac Cars (established 1981) are still in business today.
Most of the new kit car companies were killed off in the cradle by the threat of new legislation that never eventuated and definitively by the sudden availability of high-performance Japanese cars when the floodgates to second-hand imports were opened. The now long-retired founder of the company, Neil Fraser, first came across Lotus Seven replicas while racing Lotus Cortinas in the early ’80s. He regularly found himself racing against a little Caterham, a Lotus Seven–styled car built in England. He was very impressed by its simplicity and handling. In 1986 Fraser built his own Lotus Seven–type car, using the knowledge he had gained from several close looks at the Caterham.

2027 Star Insure Calendar Competition Terms and Conditions

2 July, 2026

2027 Star Insure Calendar Competition
We’ve partnered up with Star Insure in search for 13 outstanding classic cars to feature across the 2027 Star Insure Calendar and the December issue of NZ Classic Car Magazine. One standout entry wins the ultimate honour: cover placement on both the calendar and the magazine, with the remaining 12 featured across the monthly pages.
Email your photo to [email protected] and include your full name, postal address, phone number and vehicle details (year, make and model). Entries close Friday, 31 July 2026. *T’s & C’s apply.
Read more to find out the full details >>