The greatest love of all: New Zealand Classic Car Show 2016

11 February, 2016

‘A Classic Love Story’ is the theme for this year’s New Zealand Classic Car Show, which is being held on Sunday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day) at the picturesque Ellerslie Racecourse. New Zealand Classic Car magazine is again the major sponsor, and we are proud to be associated with a show that is recognized as the country’s premier classic car event — now in its 43rd year.

The New Zealand Classic Car Show not only provides the opportunity for over 75 classic car clubs to show off their best classics to the public, but it also awards excellence in the highly coveted Masters’ Class and Team Event along with the Survivors’ Class.

The highly prized Team Event Shield is awarded to the club presenting the finest pair of same-marque restorations — you’ll find them on display in the Parade Ring, next to the Members’ Stand.

The original event, over four decades ago, was a Concours d’Elegance competition between the marques of various participating clubs. Today, clubs still compete for the same prestigious club shield.

The two-car teams are judged for presentation and originality by a team of skilled and experienced judges — the winning team then hosts the following year’s event. This year’s host club is the Porsche Club of New Zealand.

Seven teams are vying for this year’s Team Event, one of which has been entered by the Auckland Mustang Owners Club. The two award-winning 1969 Mach 1 Mustangs seen above have been lovingly restored to original condition and have been meticulously prepared especially for this event — be sure to stop by and check them out.  

If elegance and style takes your fancy then you’ll need to head over to the Newmarket Room, where New Zealand Classic Car will have the amazing 1938 Mercedes Benz 540K Roadster on display. This massive, handcrafted, art deco sculpture was the absolute pinnacle of automotive desirability from the moment it was launched in Paris back in 1936  — and it is a must-see.

Head along to the New Zealand Classic Car Show 2016 at Ellerslie Racecourse between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, February 14 to share in the greatest love of all — incredible, immaculate classic cars!

Hiroshima Express

One of the rarest Mazdas,and amongst one of the rarest production cars in the World, a 1967 Series 1, Cosmo made its public debut at the 2025 Cromwell Classic and Hot Rod Car Show on Saturday January 18 this year.
After a challenging 5-year restoration, its proud Cromwell owner, Mike Elford celebrated its appearance along with Dunedin specialist, Mazda rotary engine builder, Cory Wilson who trallered the car through to the show.
“There are a number of details still to attend to and fine-tune the engine and then it will at last be finished. I’m very pleased with the result,” Cory said.
Mike is extremely pleased with the end now in sight of what has been a very challenging project. The tiny jewel of Japanese motoring engenuity attracted many on-lookers at the show as it sat glistening in the sun on an appropriately brilliant Central Otago summer’s day.

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.