A Legend Returns

15 October, 2025

A Historic Ferrari Monza 750 Joins the 2026 Ayrburn Classic Line-Up – 20-22 February 2026
The Ayrburn Classic, one of the most anticipated motoring events on the New Zealand calendar, is set to take things up a gear in 2026 with a line-up that promises to captivate enthusiasts and the general public alike. Following the success of the inaugural event, the Ayrburn Classic returns with a recently confirmed feature that is nothing short of extraordinary: the historic Ferrari Monza 750 – a masterpiece of motorsport and one of the most significant vehicles to race on New Zealand soil.

Legendary status
This particular Ferrari Monza 750, which arrived in New Zealand in 1957 and has remained here ever since, holds a legendary status in motorsport history. It competed in the Mille Miglia, Le Mans, and the Targa Florio – the ‘Big Three’ of European endurance racing during the golden era of the sport. Few cars can claim such provenance, and even fewer have such a deep and poignant connection to New Zealand’s own racing legacy.
Tragically, the Ferrari Monza 750 was involved in a fatal accident at Ardmore in 1957, marking the final moments of British driver Ken Wharton, whose last photograph was taken next to this very car. The vehicle has since been meticulously preserved, with images from the aftermath of the crash etched in motorsport history. Today, it stands as a symbol of both the bravery of that era and the enduring beauty of Italian automotive craftsmanship.

Once-in-a-generation opportunity
Incredibly, the Ferrari Monza 750 has not been seen in the South Island since 1967 – nearly 60 years ago – and has only been publicly displayed a handful of times, all in the North Island. Its appearance at the 2026 Ayrburn Classic is not just a homecoming; it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
This extraordinary Ferrari will be presented within Maranello Magic, a newly introduced display class that will host the largest collection of Ferraris ever assembled in the South Island, created in partnership with the Ferrari Owners Club of New Zealand. For motoring fans, this promises to be a show-stopping centrepiece.

Much more than just a car show
Set against the extraordinary backdrop of the Ayrburn precinct – a reimagined 150-year-old farm estate where heritage meets indulgence – the Ayrburn Classic is more than just a car show. It’s a celebration of style, passion and craftsmanship. With sweeping lawns, historic architecture, world-class gardens, award-winning dining and vibrant bars, Ayrburn offers the perfect stage for a showcase of motoring excellence.

Enter a vehicle:
Car owners are invited to secure their place in the festival, alongside the legendary Ferrari Monza 750. With spaces limited, immediate entry is highly encouraged.
Purchase a ticket:
Tickets to the Ayrburn Classic 2026 are now available. Don’t miss your chance to witness history, revel in Ayrburn’s unmatched atmosphere, and see the Ferrari Monza 750 up close. With single-day, weekend, and family passes available, there’s a suitable option for all. Children under 12 years of age enter for free.

For further information, please contact:
Marketing Manager
Ella James
[email protected]

“Gotcha!’’ The continuing tale of a Nissan/Datsun tragic – part two

8 May, 2026

In 1996, I was on a mission to buy a suitable pavement scorcher and visited the now-defunct Manukau City Car Fair. Unbelievably, among the sea of four-door utilitarian Japanese compacts was the absolute jewel in the crown, my automobile wet dream — a 1985 two-door R30 RS Nissan Skyline FJ20 Turbo five-speed manual in nice condition. The owner wanted $10,000 — a great deal.
But what did I do? I bailed out, paralysed by indecision. The money would have been a stretch, but it was the worst automotive choice I ever made. Instead, I went for a rusty Toyota Sprinter 8 Valve Twin Cam Coupé, which was pretty terminal from the get-go. I know. We’ve all done it, but there was really no excuse for passing up the Skyline, and I was haunted by that for years.

Last Tango in the Fast Lane

30 April, 2026

In the mid ’80s, I locked into a serious Nissan/Datsun performance obsession. It could have kicked off with my ’82 Datsun Sunny, though this would have been a bit of a stretch of the imagination, given its normally aspirated 1.2-litre motor — not the sort of thing to unleash radical road warrior dreams. But it did plant a seed, and it was a sweet little machine and surprisingly quick, in contrast to all the diabolical English offerings I had endured.
I was living in South Auckland at the time and was an unrepentant petrolhead. Motor racing was my drug of choice, and I followed the scene slavishly. Saloon car racing, with the arrival of the international Group A formula, was having a serious renaissance here and in Australia and Europe. There was suddenly an exotic air in local racing that had been absent for 15 years.
I was transfixed by this new frontier of motor racing that had hit our tracks in 1985–87 and the new array of machinery on display. In 1986, the Nissan Skyline RS DR30 made a blinding impression on me. The Australian Fred Gibson-run, Peter Jackson-sponsored team of George Fury and Glenn Seton were the fastest crew of the 1986 Australian Touring Car Championship. But Kiwi legend Robbie Francevic snuck through to win the Aussie Championship in his Volvo 240T after a strong start and consistent finishes.