NZV8 Issue No. 121 races into stores

6 May, 2015

We knew that last month’s ‘10th Birthday’ issue would be a hard act to follow, but we’re pretty sure Issue No. 121 is right up there — and it’s available in stores now.

Gracing the cover is a circuit car like no other — designed to be cool first, and fast second. The 465ci Ray Barton Hemi that Keith Sinclair fitted to his ’70 Cuda ensured that that goal was achieved with ease, especially when combined with the iconic ‘Hot Wheels’ livery from the AAR cars of the period.

We know circuit racing isn’t everyone’s thing though, and we’ve made sure to pack the issue with just as much straight-line horsepower as always. Helping out with that task is a methanol-drinking big block Chev–powered Ford Capri.

Bridging the gap between straight-line power and handling prowess is a ’66 Chevelle that we’ve been trying to get into print for a few years now — the owner is always busy making it better. Finally, he relented, and we’re sure you’ll agree that it’s been well worth the wait.

Another car that we’ve had our eyes on for some time is the supercharged Commodore VN SS of Taupo’s Paul Topless. There’s not that many highly modified VNs out there, but that may all change after people see Paul’s one!

And, if hot rods are more your thing, you may enjoy finding out about the build of this gorgeous ’37 Ford coupe, which now packs a supercharged LS punch under the hood.

On the event front, this issue is packed with coverage from the recent APT Nostalgia Drags, the always impressive Hot Rod Blowout, NZDRA Drag Racing Nationals, as well as a vintage speedway day out.

On the tech front, we delve deep into the world of camshafts to find out what all the tech speak really means, as well as find out how ‘true fire’ flames are created.

NZV8 Issue No. 121 is on sale now for just $9.99 in store, or you can grab a digital copy online here for just $6.99.

Lancia Stratos – building a winner

On his own, and later with his wife Suzie, Craig Tickle has built and raced many rally cars. Starting in 1988, Craig went half shares in a Mk1 Escort and took it rallying. Apart from a few years in the US studying how to be a nuclear engineer, he has always had a rally car in the garage. When he is not playing with cars, he works as an engineer for his design consulting company.
Naturally, anybody interested in rallying has heard of the Lancia Stratos, the poster child and winner of the World Rally circuit in 1974, ’75, and ’76. Just as the Lamborghini Countach rebranded the world of supercars, so, too, did the Lancia Stratos when it came to getting down and dirty in the rally world.

This could be good news for restoring cars and bikes – but we must be quick!

Our parliament is currently considering a member’s Bill, drawn by ballot, called the ‘Right to Repair’ Bill.
It’s due to go a Select Committee for consideration, and we can make submissions ie say what we think of it, before 3 April this year. It’s important because it will make spare parts and information for doing repairs far more readily available and this should slow the rate at which appliances, toys and so on get sent to landfill.