SUBSCRIBE TO THE
MAGAZINE NOW
Facebook-f Instagram

Western Springs is no longer: introducing Vodafone Speedway

5 August, 2016

It has been announced that iconic Kiwi motorsport brand and venue, Western Springs, will be rebranded this summer after partnering with telecommunications company, Vodafone NZ. The speedway will soon be transformed from Western Springs Speedway to Vodafone Speedway. 

“We’re very excited to have partnered with a globally recognized and successful brand like Vodafone, and look forward to hosting speedway at Western Springs for the next three years at least,” said Springs promoter Greg Mosen.

“Vodafone has a strong portfolio of existing sport and entertainment partnerships in New Zealand, including the Vodafone Warriors NRL team, several Super Rugby teams, as well as the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards and much more.

“Vodafone is committed to getting Kiwis closer to the things they love and Western Springs Speedway has been one of those things for almost a century,” said Vodafone’s Consumer Director, Matt Williams. 

“As well as the rebranding, we are excited to be able to offer a variety of speedway ticket giveaways this summer as part of our loyalty programme Fantastic Fridays, exclusive to Vodafone customers.”

The name change may come as a big surprise for some, but Western Springs has been aligned with WXC Communications for the last three years. And, since Vodafone has recently purchased them, this has been a natural and exciting progression for both parties, we’re told. 

We’re not sure that Vodafone Speedway has the same ring to it as the long-standing original name, however with time, it’ll no doubt become the norm. There’s to be no disruptions to the busy schedule Western Springs holds. 

Let us know what you think about the name change in the comments below! 

Luxury by design

15 January, 2026

How do you define luxury? To some it is being blinded with all manner of technological wizardry, from massaging heated seats to being able to activate everything with your voice, be it the driver’s side window or the next track on Spotify. To others, the most exorbitant price tag will dictate how luxurious a car is.
For me, true automotive luxury comes from being transported in unparalleled comfort, refinement, and smoothness of power under complete control. Forget millions of technological toys; if one can be transported here and there without the sensation of moving at all, that is luxury — something that is perfectly encapsulated by the original Lexus LS400. It was the first truly global luxury car from Toyota, and one that made the big luxury brands take notice.

NZ Classic Car magazine, January/February 2026 issue 403, on sale now

15 December, 2025

Morris’ ground-breaking, world-beating, Minor
It was Britain’s biggest small car, and it got Britain mobile again.       Morris Motors celebrated its millionth Minor in December 1960, a car that defined the British motor industry, and was in production for 10 years alongside the iconic Mini of 1959.
Whakatane dentist John Twaddle has a passion for Morris Minors going back to 1982, and he still has his first example. There are now three ‘Morries’ in his garage. One, however, is quite special, a rare ‘Minor-Million’. 
One of just 350 made commemorating the millionth Morris Minor produced, the first British car to hit a million units, the well-rounded little Brit’ would end production in 1971with a tally of over 1.6 million units.
John finished his Minor Million six years ago, resplendent in lilac, its official factory colour. He calls it his ‘Minor Resurrection’, and it has won numerous awards.
This summer edition also comes with our annual FREE classic car calendar, a must for every garage wall.
Every issue comes with our FREE huge wall poster; this issue, our poster is of a couple of garage mates, a 1957 Ford Ranchero and a 1968 Lincoln Continental.