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!

Lunch with… Jim Palmer

In the 1960s, Hamilton’s Jim Palmer won the prestigious ‘Gold Star’ four times and was the first resident New Zealander home in the New Zealand Grand Prix on five consecutive occasions. He shared the podium with Stirling Moss, Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren, Graham Hill, Jim Clark, Denny Hulme, Jackie Stewart, and Chris Amon. The extent of his domination of the open-wheeler scene in New Zealand will probably never be matched or exceeded. Yet he’s always been modest about his achievements.

NZ Classic Car magazine, May/June 2025 issue 399, on sale now

Who would have thought it would become such a worldwide motorsport star when Ford introduced the humble Escort in 1967?
Its popularity, particularly in Mark 1 form, is now of iconic status. Our cover story for this issue is on a 1968 Ford Escort Mark 1, Alan Mann Racing Tribute. We talked with the owner of this very special Escort, finished in tribute also to the owner’s father.
“Most children love speed, and motorsport typically comes courtesy of a parent, and Elliott is no different. His engineer father, Mark, had a love for motorcycles and going fast; however, when children came along, he swapped two wheels for four, in the form of two Ford Escorts.
Little did Mark know it at the time, but the humble Escort was about to weave its way into the family fabric once and for all.
After emigrating from London to New Zealand, Elliott recalled one evening when he was 14 being invited to tag along by his father, helping a friend convert an Escort road car into a racing car. This was the pivotal moment when Elliott remembers the motorsport bug taking over. He knew he had to have his own one.”