Classics only, please: Caffeine and Classics’ new 30 year rule

21 August, 2018

 


 

Find yourself anywhere near Smales Farm, Auckland, on the last Sunday of the month, and you’ll be more than aware of Protecta Insurance’s Caffeine and Classics. An event six years deep, things have grown rapidly, and what was once a quiet collection of classic car owners shooting the shit over a cup of joe has become a huge event, with spectators flocking in droves to see what’s on display. However, even with the venue at Smales capable of housing a fair chunk of cars, things are reaching capacity, prompting organizers to release the following statement:

“There are a couple of things that we need to address in order to ensure that this event can continue. The first thing is a very controversial topic; what constitutes a ‘classic’. For the purposes of Caffeine & Classics … if you own an ‘old’ car (at least about 30 years old) then your car can definitely be counted as a classic in our eyes, regardless of make, model, country of origin, or any other criteria. If your car is newer than this, then we ask you to consider carefully whether it is suitable.

“We know this is a tough ask and that people with modern vehicles love them just as much as classic owners love their vehicles, but we hope that you can respect our wishes as we try to bring Caffeine & Classics back to its core purpose — which is bringing together owners of classic vehicles within the car parking space available. 

“Everyone knows that classics struggle with traffic jams, and while we are rapt with how many public come along to view these cool old cars, this is causing serious traffic congestion for us … there is no parking for spectators within Smales Farm. [These] are just for the classics and so we strongly encourage you to take advantage of public transport (there is a bus station within Smales Farm), or if you must travel by car then you will need to park off-site and walk in.”

What we think this boils down to is: if a car is something that you would see on your daily commute to work, or can still buy at the local dealer, it’s not one for this event. The organizers clearly haven’t made this decision lightly, and it’s an understandable compromise to maintain the event’s purpose, so be nice and help ’em out — the next event takes place on 26 August.

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

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.”

Britannia rules the roads – Royal Tour Cars – part 2

Royal rollers and fancy Fords
Ford Zodiacs had transported the Queen Mother during her tour in 1958 but five years on, their glitz had perhaps faded a bit too much for an actual monarch. As there was no longer a convertible version of Britain’s Zephyr or Zodiac on offer, Ford looked to their American arm for a replacement, finding it in the huge Ford Galaxie. The Public Service Garage purchased the car at around £3000 for royal tour work and VIP transport.