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.


NZCC312 Cover.jpg

One lady owner

Well, at first glimpse, as soon as the lady opened the garage doors, I knew I was going to buy it. Dark metallic blue with two-tone blue vinyl trim, with a cream American-style steering wheel — I just could not believe my eyes! The Falcon was in as new condition as you could expect from a 30-year-old car. The owner was Mrs Iama Dzenis, aged in her late 60s, at a guess. Mrs Dzenis had bought the car new in September of 1965 from the Ford agents of North Canterbury, Palmer and Doak. Their headquarters were in Rangiora, with branches in Kaiapoi and Amberley.

Double duties for Brendon Leitch in fifth Lamborghini World Finals

Brendon Leitch will have six shots at victory at Misano when the Lamborghini Super Trofeo season comes to a close.
Leitch will finish his Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia season with China’s JJ Song and Leipert Motorsport in the Pro-Am class.
The New Zealander has also been drafted in for the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe final with Australia’s Nicolas Stati in another Pro-Am entry by Leipert Motorsport.
The final rounds of the Asia and Europe series take place across November 6-7 before the Lamborghini World Finals on November 8-9.
The three regional series – Europe, Asia, and North America – finish their respective championships before combining grids for the World Finals.