New Zealand Classic Car 378, June 2022 is out now!

30 May, 2022

When it comes to big Aussie sixes, we naturally think of Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores. However, back in the ’70s Ford offered another option, taking the average-sized English Cortina and squeezing the 4.1-litre Falcon engine under the bonnet. This tempted only a few of Ford’s customers away from the much-loved Falcon. Read the full story in New Zealand Classic Car 378


 

 

We also find out what it takes to bring an MG basket case back to life: self-reliance, dogged determination, and an epic restoration project — resulting in one of the best MGs we’ve ever seen.

We often hear about the little old lady who only drove her car to church on Sundays. The story is almost true for our featured Ford Galaxie, which was owned by a lady from Austin, South Dakota, for 48 years. She wanted comfort, reliability, and a good-looking car, and she certainly got all three.

Check out one man’s tribute to one of Bruce McLaren’s victorious Can-Am cars, plus much more, including a full and comprehensive official Targa New Zealand programme, with maps, itineraries, driver profiles, and listings.


What to expect in the June 2022 issue of NZCC


Galaxie time capsule: A star in their eyes 


Back from the brink

 Feature Car: 1968 MGB GT


Building a winner 

Feature: McLaren M20

Plus lots more in New Zealand Classic Car 378!

Two engines instead of one?

Popping two motors into a car is not only complicated, it doesn’t always end well. Donn Anderson recalls early attempts, including John Cooper’s ill-fated original Twini Mini built 58 years ago

For a boost in performance, better traction, and perhaps improved handling to some, two motors seems an obvious solution. It would also eliminate the need to develop a larger engine replacement from scratch, but would that outweigh the not inconsiderable technical difficulties?
The idea of using a pair of engines dates back at least 86 years to the Alfa Romeo Bimotor single seater racing car that was officially timed at 335km/h, or 208mph. Taking a lengthened Alfa P3 chassis, the Italians fitted two supercharged straight eight 2.9-litre and 3.2-litre engines, one in front of the cockpit, and the other behind the cockpit.

NZ Classic Car magazine, January/February 2025 issue 397, on sale now

Having dominated the world motorcycle championships of the 1960s, Honda had a crucial decision to make in 1969. Would Soichiro Honda heed his engineer’s pivotal advice?
“Very few examples of the early Civic, a car that set Honda onto the path to becoming a giant of the car world, remain road registered in New Zealand.
Retired Tauranga owner of this example, Graham Inglis is thrilled with his classic little Honda Civic, the first of eleven generations built so far by the company. The Civic became a household name.
“It’s quite amazing the number of people who not only wave, but come up to me in the street and tell me how much they like the little Honda and its colour, and then they want to start talking about it. A guy in our vintage car club wants to buy it and he has been pushing me a bit. It’s not for sale,” he laughs.
Graham bought his 1977 Honda Civic from Wellington enthusiast Julian Foster, who was the instigator of its restoration.”