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]

Lunch with Bill Leckie: An Imp’s tale

6 August, 2026

Seeking limelight is part of Bill Leckie’s DNA, but when I asked him if anyone had written about his career and the cars he created, he didn’t think so. Even so, I was delighted when he agreed to sit down with me over a pie and coffee to reminisce. I started by asking how it is that someone who is so fanatical about F1 only ever raced saloon cars? Well, we’ll get to that, but where did things start? “I went to Cornwall Park Primary School and then to Remuera Intermediate where I became good mates with Geoff Perry, son of the legendary motorcycle racing legend Len.” Geoff Perry was 23 and on the edge of stardom when he was killed in a mystery air disaster over the Pacific in 1973. “We used to race around his backyard on a cutdown motorbike. It was friendly competition that I suppose helped hone our racing instincts. There was never much between us and so, by 11 or 12, I had a definite leaning towards speed.”

Mitsubishi’s secret weapon

31 July, 2026

Ewen’s Starion is a little different and special. He saved this one – literally ‘found in a paddock’ — just in time, as he relates.
“Mine is a 1983 Starion. I’ve had it about five years. I first saw it in a paddock at Ryal Bush [north of Invercargill], and I went past it three times. The third time I went back and knocked at the door, but the owner didn’t want to sell. He rang up a year later, and put a price on it, which we accepted. Only thing wrong was the motor was totally dismantled.”
Ewen then set about getting the car back to its current state.
“It took me six months to find somebody suitable to refurbish it back then. Simon Bradley at Midas in Invercargill offered to do it and he did a great job on it. The head was badly damaged around the valves, and Simon said you could get generic cylinder heads now, so he installed one, and it cost $800. It’s made such a difference to the car. Mine is an intercooled, fuel-injected turbo model, fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox. It’s a great car to drive too.”
Except for a small patch of surface rust, Ewen’s car was in surprisingly good condition despite its paddock life.