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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

A diamond in the rough

24 June, 2025

Two years ago, Lew finished a thorough restoration and the impressive ute has taken on a new life and colour. Lew plays down the amount of effort required but, despite his protestations, I suspect he put a lot of time into the project. A few unwanted tenants were evicted along the way.
“It didn’t take me long. There had been mice living in the firewall, which had caused a bit of damage. It apparently broke down and was pushed into a shed. It was 20 years to the day when I pulled it out and it sat in my other shed for 3 years before I started on it. That’s why it’s in such good order — it’s been kept in a shed for so long and still is.”

NZ Classic Car magazine, July August 2025 issue 400, on sale now

15 June, 2025

Good for the soul, a dose of Hemi Orange – Chrysler’s champion Charger
The Australian-developed Chrysler Charger was a game changer for the company in 1971, as it faced a faltering start introducing its new VH range. The stylish big coupe signalled a massive change of direction and emphasis for Chrysler.
Auckland racing driver Rod Coppins raced successfully in Australia and New Zealand. Rod found success behind the wheel of a couple of Chargers, and it is a special E49 R/T in the custody of Mike Todd for some years, that is our feature car.
A full restoration of this car has been completed at Auto Restorations (AR) in Christchurch. We recently sampled the car, ready to be shipped back to Mike and spoke to AR’s Harry Dawber, leading the team who completed the superb restoration of this rare piece of NZ motor racing history.
I mentioned that Chrysler Chargers were never built to this standard as we walked around the gleaming Charger in its Hemi Orange colour scheme.
“We took a lot of time getting those shut lines exactly right. It’s been a great car to work on, and the paint and trim have been very well done by the team here.”