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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.

Project Adder – an MGB with bite

21 November, 2025

Bill and Rae Denize have been active MG Car Club members in Wellington for nearly 32 years. They have held a variety of positions on the club committee, and now that they are both retired, they can be even more involved in the club’s activities. Bill is currently the president of the MG Car Club, Wellington Centre.
The list of cars they’ve owned over the years is testament to their passion for the brand. It includes a 1972 Midget — the round rear-wheel arch model with 1275cc motor; a three-door 2004 MG ZR; a 2005 MG ZR (five-door); and Rae’s 2005 MG TF, which they still own. Bill also raced a 1967 Morris Mini Cooper S at Manfeild for many years. That car featured in an article in the January 2013 issue of this magazine.
In April 2013, Bill sold the Cooper S and decided to buy a low mileage, freshly imported MG RV8 from Japan. He liked the idea as there were only 1983 built in the early 1990s, which, hopefully, would translate into these cars holding their value. More importantly, their bodies were galvanised, which meant fewer rust problems, although Bill and Rae didn’t escape encounters with oxidation unscathed.