Remembering Chris Amon’s motorsport career in pictures

10 August, 2016

I had the pleasure of meeting Chris only the one time, at his home in late 2011. The occasion was rather a special one for Chris, as he got to see the BMW 3.0CSL — dubbed the ‘Batmobile’ — 38 years after he raced it with Hans-Joachim Stuck.

In our September issue of New Zealand Classic Car Michael Clark remembers his dear friend as a good old-fashioned Kiwi bloke from the sticks who loved his family, doted over his dogs, appreciated a good red, was good to his mates, and wondered what those clouds up there might bring if there was a chance of getting out on the lake.

Donn Anderson recalls watching the master at work on the racetrack as he lead the 1968 British Grand Prix, and surely en route to his first-ever Formula 1 victory.

We have lost a truly great New Zealand sportsman, a wonderful driver, and a good bloke to boot. Gone is the trio at the top — Chris Amon, Denny Hulme, and Bruce McLaren — and things will never be quite the same.

Here’s a few extra photos that couldn’t make the tribute in the September issue of New Zealand Classic Car — grab your copy here to read the full tribute.


Motorman – advancing the skills

Of course we are all great drivers — definitely above average — until we find out we aren’t. And finding out in a safe way is clearly the major benefit of driver training and why almost all of us who use motor vehicles should experience it.
Driver training applies to all types of cars and commercial vehicles and logically it is even more applicable to high-performance specialist machines — at least for their drivers and passengers — and, of course, if you are not exploiting or understanding the abilities of your car you are not making the most of it.
When I attended the Porsche Experience Driving Centre in Australia more than 20 years ago, one participant told me, “I’ve had my Porsche parked in the garage for several years and have never known how to use it properly — until now.”

Job opportunity – upholster needed urgently!

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!