SUBSCRIBE TO THE
MAGAZINE NOW
Facebook-f Instagram

Right-hand drive Kiwi Mustangs officially on their way

27 August, 2015

So far, 425 individuals from the land of the long white cloud have raised their hands and committed to purchasing the new Ford Mustang when they finally arrive on domestic soil. And those concerned will be excited to learn that the first Ford Mustangs slated for the New Zealand market have started to make their way down Ford’s factory Flatrock Assembly Plant production line in Michigan.

The pre-sales success should come as no surprise, as this is the first time the Mustang has ever been available to order as a right-hand drive vehicle. New Zealanders aren’t alone in their excitement for the arrival of the Pony, with the United Kingdom also buying them in their droves. Almost 2000 orders for the Mustang have been taken in the UK since January, 80 per cent of UK buyers ordering the 416PS 5.0-litre V8 engine over the more fuel-efficient EcoBoost variation.

Kiwi prices for the Mustang start at $56,990 for the six-speed automatic transmission Fastback — which features a high-performance 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine — to $76,990 for the range-topping six-speed automatic GT 5.0-litre V8 convertible. While we don’t know which version of the Mustang has been the most popular for Kiwi buyers, we do know that Race Red is so far the most popular colour — an interesting characteristic for a blue-oval product!

While the first UK deliveries of the Mustang are expected in November 2015, New Zealand’s estimated times are unknown. However, when they do eventually hit the homeland, we’ll be sure to take one for a spin!

Travelling companion

16 November, 2023

It’s easy to see why the Morris Minor Traveller was one of the best-loved variants of the Morris Minor. Introduced in 1953, it was equipped with the same independent torsion bar front suspension, drum brakes, and rack and pinion steering as its saloon sibling but, with their foldable rear seat increasing versatility, many Travellers were used as trade vehicles, says Derek Goddard. Derek and Gail Goddard, the owners of this superbly restored example, have run Morris Minors since before they were married in 1974.
“Our honeymoon vehicle was a blue Morris Minor van — it was a rust bucket,” says Derek.

Super Leicht Gullwing

9 November, 2023

It’s fair to say that nothing much in the classic Mercedes world gets past Mercedes-Benz Club stalwart Garry Boyce so it wasn’t surprising to learn that around 15 years ago he had sniffed out an extremely rare 300SL lightweight Gullwing as well as a 1958 300SL Roadster hiding away in the Waikato. The cars were not for sale but Garry eventually managed to persuade the owner to allow him and his restoration team to take a look at the Roadster. They discovered a very distressed but largely unmolested car. The car was so original that the body had never been off the chassis, meaning most of the parts and fittings were still present and correct, as they had been fitted by the factory.