Ladies, start your engines

20 June, 2017

Garages, sheds and driver’s seats aren’t just the vestige of men. There are a few good women who are well involved in the car scene, and we’re keen to get to know them.

From Queen Elizabeth II — who was a mechanic in WW2, to Danica Patrick — the first woman to drive in Indy Car, you ladies are an integral part of the fabric that is our hobby, our passion, our life.

We’d like to hear from women who consider themselves part of the motoring world and to tell their story in an upcoming issue of New Zealand Classic Car. 

If you are, or know someone who has a great story about the feminine view of motoring, get in touch with Lachie Jones ([email protected]) with a few details about who you are and how your love of cars plays a part in your life.

Hiroshima Express

One of the rarest Mazdas,and amongst one of the rarest production cars in the World, a 1967 Series 1, Cosmo made its public debut at the 2025 Cromwell Classic and Hot Rod Car Show on Saturday January 18 this year.
After a challenging 5-year restoration, its proud Cromwell owner, Mike Elford celebrated its appearance along with Dunedin specialist, Mazda rotary engine builder, Cory Wilson who trallered the car through to the show.
“There are a number of details still to attend to and fine-tune the engine and then it will at last be finished. I’m very pleased with the result,” Cory said.
Mike is extremely pleased with the end now in sight of what has been a very challenging project. The tiny jewel of Japanese motoring engenuity attracted many on-lookers at the show as it sat glistening in the sun on an appropriately brilliant Central Otago summer’s day.

Merry Christmas from NZ Classic Car magazine

The Classic Car magazine team is taking a few weeks’ holiday from the work computer and heading to the beach for some kickback time.
Merry Christmas, and have a wonderful summer holiday to all our readers, followers, and fans. Enjoy this special extra time with the family. We will be posting archive articles again in mid to late January.
Have fun, be good and be careful out there.