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Burnt bald heads a thing of the past for McLaren

22 August, 2016

When you own a McLaren 570GT you want to look good …  and impress the opposite sex. Why else would you buy one? Unfortunately, the factory model is equipped with a rather large glass roof panel, which, on a summer’s day, has been known to roast and crisp its occupants. Climbing out of your McLaren with a scolded bald head and sweat dripping from your brow isn’t the best look. A fatal design flaw that McLaren installed, yes, but McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has the answer. In a much-needed makeover, the McLaren 570GT will receive an electrochromic roof that is currently being designed for production. 

Acting as a mid-layer in the existing roof, the light passing through the electrochromic layer will now dictate how much interior light the cabin will see. Sunny day? No problems! Using one of the five lighting settings that range from clear to dark, the panel will keep the cabin comfortable for the occupants and reduce any unwanted glare.

Other new features in the MSO edition will include a better-sounding titanium exhaust system, which is much lighter than the original stainless system, a unique pearl-white paint job, carbon-fibre sill panels, and gloss-black side skirts, door inserts, and wheels. 

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Images: McLaren

Twin peaks – 1990 BMW M325i pairing

5 June, 2025

The endearing E30 range has spawned a few modern classics and the poster car is undeniably the homologation-special M3. But what if you want M3 looks, genuine sporting character, and a sensible price tag? The obvious answer is the M325i, the best E30 model to be sold new in New Zealand between 1987 and 1991. With an M-Tech body kit, upgraded factory specification, and right-hand drive layout, it’s no wonder these finely honed cars are so highly prized. They have, in fact, been on collectors’ radars for many years now.
It’s hard to find significantly better examples than the near-identical Brilliant Red cars assembled here. These are post-facelift M-Technic II models and both were registered locally in May 1990. A minor difference in their specifications is one has silvery-grey velour throughout the cabin and the other darker grey upholstery. Other than that, after 30 years on Kiwi roads, it’s not easy to tell the cars apart from 10 paces.

Britannia rules the roads – Royal Tour Cars – part 1

30 May, 2025

Today we take royal tours for granted, but once upon a time, or at any time before the 20th century, it was impossible for our monarchs to visit their downunder dominions because of the distances involved and the unreliable transport.
The advent of steam power for ships and trains, the evolution of the motor car and, finally, the arrival of passenger air travel shrank their world, and ours, considerably, and the royal tour became a feature of the empire and the Commonwealth.
The first British royal visitor to Aotearoa, New Zealand, was Edward, Prince of Wales, in 1920. During his 28-day tour, he travelled mostly by the royal train, which was both safer and more convenient for royal personages. A variety of best-available cars were used locally. Ideally, these would be Daimlers.