Don’t miss out on grabbing a copy of New Zealand Classic Car Issue No. 295

23 June, 2015

You better grab the July issue of New Zealand Classic Car (Issue No. 295) while it’s still available in stores.

In this issue we celebrate the historic Kiwi one–two finish at this year’s famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. We also take a look back in time to 50 years ago, when a jet-powered Rover made its second and final race appearance at Le Mans.

Ford’s Deluxe series of flathead V8-powered pre-war coupes and convertibles have always been a favourite amongst classic car enthusiasts and hot rodders alike, such as our featured 1939 Ford Coupé convertible.

We go searching, but without much success, for Suzanne Somers or Halle Berry while road- testing Ford’s final Thunderbird.

We get up close and personal with the Ferrari 458 Speciale, the fastest version of the prancing horse’s jaw-dropping 458 Italia. Read our verdict.

If it’s bling you’re after, then read all about our in-depth look at the shiny art of chrome plating.    

Merry Christmas from NZ Classic Car magazine

The Classic Car magazine team is taking a few weeks’ holiday from the work computer and heading to the beach for some kickback time.
Merry Christmas, and have a wonderful summer holiday to all our readers, followers, and fans. Enjoy this special extra time with the family. We will be posting archive articles again in mid to late January.
Have fun, be good and be careful out there.

Two engines instead of one?

Popping two motors into a car is not only complicated, it doesn’t always end well. Donn Anderson recalls early attempts, including John Cooper’s ill-fated original Twini Mini built 58 years ago

For a boost in performance, better traction, and perhaps improved handling to some, two motors seems an obvious solution. It would also eliminate the need to develop a larger engine replacement from scratch, but would that outweigh the not inconsiderable technical difficulties?
The idea of using a pair of engines dates back at least 86 years to the Alfa Romeo Bimotor single seater racing car that was officially timed at 335km/h, or 208mph. Taking a lengthened Alfa P3 chassis, the Italians fitted two supercharged straight eight 2.9-litre and 3.2-litre engines, one in front of the cockpit, and the other behind the cockpit.