Shorter and earlier Targa New Zealand event impresses

10 November, 2016

This year’s Targa New Zealand event was both shorter and held earlier in the month of October than previous ones, starting at Wairakei, just north of Taupo, on Thursday, October 13, and finishing — with another memorable flourish courtesy of the local classic car enthusiasts — at Havelock North on Sunday, October 16. In-between were 640.7km of special stages, and 962km of touring from Taupo to Otorohanga in the north, Feilding to the south, and Havelock North to the east.

The new earlier date — conveniently freeing up Labour Weekend for competitors and volunteers alike — and the more compact event footprint obviously found favour with competitors and Targa tourists.

We’ve included a few additional photos that didn’t make it into the feature in the December issue of New Zealand Classic Car (Issue No. 312) — grab your copy below to read the full story.

Grab a print copy of the mag now!

Honda’s game-changing EB1 Civic

31 October, 2025

Japanese cars, and Hondas in particular, were about to flourish in New Zealand. This was the crux of the conversation I was having with Russell Moller, sitting in his Greenlane, Auckland, motor dealership early in 1973. Russell was particularly excited about the new Civic EB1 small car that had been unveiled in Japan the previous year.
I was about to leave on an extended stay in Britain. When I returned more than two years later, it was apparent Russell had called it right. Norton and Russell Moller had gained the licence to import fully built up Hondas, and formed Honda Pacific. A few highly prized Civics arrived before the New Zealand Motor Corporation (NZMC) assumed the franchise from the Moller Group. The corporation’s plans included building the EB1 at NZMC’s plant at Petone, near Wellington, and the first CKD (completely knocked down) Civic, a bright yellow example, rolled off the local assembly line in March 1976.

1985 Citröen 2CV6 Charleston

21 October, 2025

Kerry describes it as ‘a very simple car to do’. The suspension can be set to the required ride height. It is essential to weigh each corner to avoid too much weight difference from side to side. The four-speed gearbox was re-built. They are prone to getting a little water in them if not serviced correctly. Water etches into the bearings. The main shaft was also replaced.
But as it was a reasonably high mileage car, Kerry expected a few mechanical issues.
“The lady I bought it off owned it from 900km after it had been sold new to a gentleman in Palmerston North. He found he couldn’t fit into it. This woman in Hamilton bought it and she had run it to a total of 101,000kms. It was brand new in 1985 so it’s done quite a few kilometres for a little car.”
Not surprisingly, these little cars grow on their owners and the previous lady owner is now interested in buying it back.

Shorter and earlier Targa New Zealand event impresses

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