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Porsche New Zealand Celebrates Certification of New Porsche Classic Technicians

2 August, 2024

Three talented technicians have successfully completed the prestigious Porsche Classic Technician training program and are now officially Certified Porsche Classic Technicians

New Zealand technicians, Ricky Urry, Savannah Mountney-Needham, and Kai Newstead receive their Porsche Classic Certification

Porsche New Zealand proudly announces that three of their talented technicians have successfully completed the prestigious Porsche Classic Technician training program and are now officially Certified Porsche Classic Technicians.
Ricky Urry and Kai Newstead of Giltrap Porsche, along with Savannah Mountney-Needham from Continental Cars Porsche, have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication throughout the rigorous training process. This accomplishment is a testament to their unwavering commitment to preserving and servicing classic Porsche vehicles to the highest standards.
“We are incredibly proud of Ricky, Kai, and Savannah for their hard work and dedication,” said Ehrin Wardlow, Service & Network Development Manager, Porsche New Zealand. “This achievement highlights our ongoing dedication to maintaining the highest standards in Porsche service and repair. Our certified technicians are now well-equipped to handle the complexities of classic Porsche models, fulfilling their dreams of mastering these iconic vehicles.”
The new certifications reinforce both Giltrap Porsche and Continental Cars Porsche’s commitment to delivering superior service for classic Porsche enthusiasts and collectors.

Savannah Mountney-Needham - Continental Cars Porsche technician
Kai Newstead - Giltrap Porsche technician

About the Porsche Classic Technician Program
The Porsche Classic Technician training program spans seven intensive courses over three years, conducted at the After Sales Qualification Centre in Stuttgart, Zuffenhausen. The comprehensive program covers both theoretical and practical aspects of classic Porsche maintenance and restoration, including air-cooled engines, transmissions, diagnostics, fuel and ignition systems, and chassis systems / alignments. After completing the training, technicians must pass a challenging theoretical exam and demonstrate their abilities through practical exams on each topic.

Ricky Urry - Giltrap Porsche technician
Kai Newstead - Giltrap Porsche technician

Motorman: Blame it on Rio!

22 May, 2025

Following the third polite advisory, I figured there had to be a fair degree of substance to the warning. “If this is your first visit to Rio de Janeiro, please be careful,” came the personal hushed dialogue from the pleasant hostesses on a far from crowded Varig flight from Los Angeles to the famous Brazilian seaside city.
The previous evening I had flown into LA from Auckland en route to the 1985 international launch of the Fiat Uno Turbo. I was prepared for another long haul of just under 12 hours across Mexico, central America, Colombia, and central Brazil to that nation’s third largest city. Surprisingly the 10,500km run from Los Angeles to Rio is actually longer than the 8800km LA-London air route.
With the journey including a brief stopover in Honolulu I expected to travel just under 44,000km for the return journey to sample what was to be a low-volume version of a popular Italian car that would sell in even lower numbers in New Zealand. I like to think this shows nothing more than my deep commitment to my craft. In fact, even though I became lost on the homeward journey my total air miles would be little different.

Pinnacle Porsche

15 May, 2025

We were stopped at the side of the road, setting up the next photograph, when a faded Toyota slowed alongside and stopped. The window was already down to give the driver a good look.
“That’s my dream car,” he said, speaking for more than a few of us.
He drank in the gleaming red paint, shining in the sun, and the car’s purposeful swoops and curves. He exhaled half a lungful of cigarette smoke, gave a hang 10–style thumbs up and drove off.
On the side of the road, against a clear blue background, the Porsche stood out in all its stark red glory. It’s the classic 911 shape on steroids. It has the fat, even pouty, front lip of the G series 911s, added to comply with 5mph bumper restrictions in the US. It also has the oversized haunches to accommodate the wider rear wheels and tyres – a first for Porsche, which also confirmed its supercar credentials – and, most noticeably of all, that enormous whale-tail spoiler. They made it look as if Porsche had abandoned its restraint.