The tangled and interesting history of this Lotus 22

8 December, 2016

As part of international Diamond Jubilee celebrations, many overseas Formula Junior racers are scheduled to compete alongside locals in special races to be held at Hampton Downs, Taupō, Ruapuna, Levels, and Teretonga this summer. To mark the occasion we look at the history behind the Lotus 22 once raced in New Zealand by Roly Levis in the early ’60s

In September 1963, Roly Levis placed an advertisement in the classifieds columns of UK magazine, Autosport. Looking to purchase a Lotus 22, Roly’s advert called for a car in good condition with a Hewland five-speed gearbox at a ‘non-comic’ price.

Subsequently, he purchased the Lotus directly from Jonathan Williams who, in 1967, would drive his one and only Formula 1 Grand Prix for Ferrari as teammate to Chris Amon in Mexico — coincidentally on the same day as Denny Hulme was crowned world champion.

Have a look at a few additional photos that didn’t make it into the feature in the January issue of New Zealand Classic Car (Issue No. 313) — grab your copy here to read the full story.

Grab a copy of the mag now!

Job opportunity – upholster needed urgently!

18 March, 2026

HELP!
Bren Mathers and Scott Flynn from Suite Southern Upholstery and Auto Trim urgently require assistance from someone with a knack for upholstery.
“We would prefer someone who is already trained in upholstery skills or has the skills to do the work,” Bren said.
Based in Dipton, in rural Northern Southland, the on-the-go business is expanding with a new sample room and extra sheds.
Suite Southern Upholstery carries out a range of upholstery work, from automotive and household furniture and craftwork to marine work.
They currently have eight cars booked in for work, so expect to be busy!
The business has a great reputation for the quality of its work throughout the classic car network, and as far away as Auckland.
If you want to work for a great firm full-time or hours to suit, in a peaceful country work environment, give Bren or Scott a call on 021 685 157
or 03 214 0523.
Check them out on Facebook!

Breakfast of champions – Brink

17 March, 2026

Some older readers may recall the amusing late 60s advertisement for a breakfast drink using World Champion racing driver Graham Hill which was made while he was out here competing in the Tasman Series.
“Drink Brink” was the phrase, subtly altered by Graham’s characteristic lisp into “Dwink Bwinkl” which drew a grin or two.
Southland Mini racing enthusiast Howard Kingsford-Smith has preserved a little bit of Mini racing history when he re-created the “Brink Mini” some 25 years ago.
“I bought what remained of the original car and made a replica I suppose or look-a-like of the original Brink Mini from Cathy Henderson about 25 years ago,” Howard explained.

The tangled and interesting history of this Lotus 22

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