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Porsche nail 17th Le Mans victory

15 June, 2015

Following the spectacle that was the 24 Hours of Le Mans over June 13–14, the Porsche team has come out on top once again — the marque’s 17th victory at the event. What makes this event even more special is the fact that some of New Zealand’s very own racing talent helped to make it happen.

Kiwi Earl Bamber, along with Nico Hülkenberg and Nick Tandy, raced the Porsche 919 Hybrid to take the title exactly 45 years to the day after Porsche’s first victory at La Sarthe.

Kiwi young-gun Brendon Hartley also enjoyed a podium finish, along with teammates Timo Bernhard and Mark Webber, rounding off Porsche’s 1–2 podium effort.

We’ll have coverage of Le Mans in our upcoming issue of New Zealand Classic Car, so keep an eye out.

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1985 Citröen 2CV6 Charleston

21 October, 2025

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

21 October, 2025

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.”