Full classic diversity in New Zealand Classic Car Issue No. 305

1 May, 2016

In our May issue, we feature one of the finest American muscle cars  we’ve ever seen, plus an iconic Japanese classic. Also in this issue, we road-test the latest Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe, Donn Anderson shares his romantic attachment with the Alfa Romeo Guili. Also, in Kits and Pieces, Patrick checks out an unusual Tri-Magnum, plus you’ll receive a free Targa Rotorua programme.        

Sandalwood fever

We explore the rich history of the SS396 Chevelle, and find out why this car has become an icon of what is arguably Chevy’s most defining era. We follow Glenn Ripley’s journey to owning one of these stunning beasts and find out how the car made it to our fair shores via a true American history.

Next generation

The newest Porsche 911 — the 991 Generation II — is here and we were lucky enough to get out for a drive. With a brand-new twin-turbocharger set-up, we look into whether Porsche have messed with a winning formula or enhanced the 911 enough to make it feel and drive like a 911 should.

Classic GTO

Trevor Stanley-Joblin’s prophecy of Japanese cars becoming classic has been proven true, and he’s found one for the books (or the magazine, as it were). John Glass tells the story of how he came to own his dream GTO, how he restored it to a class-winning car, and his future-proofed plan to keep it in the family.

The jewel that is New Zealand

We hitch a ride with Jonathon Lyons, the Chairman of Jewel Events, as he takes a group of wonderful cars, and their fabulous drivers, for a driving experience like no other from the bottom to the top of the country, experiencing the best that New Zealand has to offer along the way.

Like what you see? Grab New Zealand Classic Car Issue No. 305 in stores now, or buy it online below, and have it delivered straight to your door.

 


Project Adder – an MGB with bite

Bill and Rae Denize have been active MG Car Club members in Wellington for nearly 32 years. They have held a variety of positions on the club committee, and now that they are both retired, they can be even more involved in the club’s activities. Bill is currently the president of the MG Car Club, Wellington Centre.
The list of cars they’ve owned over the years is testament to their passion for the brand. It includes a 1972 Midget — the round rear-wheel arch model with 1275cc motor; a three-door 2004 MG ZR; a 2005 MG ZR (five-door); and Rae’s 2005 MG TF, which they still own. Bill also raced a 1967 Morris Mini Cooper S at Manfeild for many years. That car featured in an article in the January 2013 issue of this magazine.
In April 2013, Bill sold the Cooper S and decided to buy a low mileage, freshly imported MG RV8 from Japan. He liked the idea as there were only 1983 built in the early 1990s, which, hopefully, would translate into these cars holding their value. More importantly, their bodies were galvanised, which meant fewer rust problems, although Bill and Rae didn’t escape encounters with oxidation unscathed.

One lady owner

Well, at first glimpse, as soon as the lady opened the garage doors, I knew I was going to buy it. Dark metallic blue with two-tone blue vinyl trim, with a cream American-style steering wheel — I just could not believe my eyes! The Falcon was in as new condition as you could expect from a 30-year-old car. The owner was Mrs Iama Dzenis, aged in her late 60s, at a guess. Mrs Dzenis had bought the car new in September of 1965 from the Ford agents of North Canterbury, Palmer and Doak. Their headquarters were in Rangiora, with branches in Kaiapoi and Amberley.