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.

Travelling companion

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

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.