Driving in style: rent-a-classic with GT Classic Car Hire

16 December, 2016

Many readers would love to own a classic car themselves, that’s a given, but not all will have one to call their own — perhaps they do not want the associated costs, the hassle of maintenance, or simply because it’s out of the budget.

If that’s you, don’t fret, as GT Classic Car Hire New Zealand, located in Christchurch, has just the opportunity for you. 

Proudly owned by Jon Everitt, a passionate Alfa Romeo fan and Italian car collector, the service provides the perfect way to travel the beautiful roadways in the South Island in style, and for those with a wedding or other special event coming up, to enhance your day. 

The firm boasts a four-car fleet of Alfa Romeos from the 105 series, ranging from the ’60s to ’90s. Each has been refurbished to the highest standards, and includes modern elements like USB charging ports and electronic ignition to make the  vehicles reliable, and the experience pleasurable. Additional accessories can be hired, including bike racks, roof racks, and picnic hampers filled with New Zealand produce. 

The company plans to add additional marques to its range to satisfy non-Alfa lovers, too. Meanwhile pricing varies depending on your needs. Head to gtclassiccarhire.co.nz for further information, and booking enquiries.

A second dose of Dash

When the car arrived in Wellington in December 2018 it was duly taken along for entry certification. Vehicle Inspection NZ (VINZ) found some wrongly wired lamps and switches — not too bad — but, much more significantly, some poor welding repairs. As the structural problems were probed more thoroughly, we realized the previous owner’s restoration would not do and we needed an upgrade. Dash had made it into the country but it would take some time and money before he would be free to explore any of New Zealand’s scenic highways.
We took the car to our new home in Johnsonville in the northern suburbs of Wellington and I pored over the car in detail to figure out what was next. There were lots of new parts on the car and a very perky reconditioned drivetrain but the chassis needed serious work.

Lunch with… Jim Palmer

In the 1960s, Hamilton’s Jim Palmer won the prestigious ‘Gold Star’ four times and was the first resident New Zealander home in the New Zealand Grand Prix on five consecutive occasions. He shared the podium with Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren, Graham Hill, Jim Clark, Denny Hulme, Jackie Stewart, and Chris Amon. The extent of his domination of the open-wheeler scene in New Zealand will probably never be matched or exceeded. Yet he’s always been modest about his achievements.