Legends of Lamborghini

27 June, 2017

Valentino Balboni seems like the type of guy who might have a few good work stories. Balboni began work at Lamborghini in 1968, eventually rising to the role of Chief Test Driver. He was forced into retirement by Italian Government age regulations in 2008 but continues to consult to the Italian carmaker and adds a touch of magic to everything he’s involved with.

We dug up this video of him back in the drivers seat of a 1986 Countach QV Downdraft made specifically for Lamborghini CEO at the time, Patrick Mirman.

Cool as a cucumber doesn’t get close to describing this legend.

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

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.