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

The originals – the Ledgerwood Collection

Thanks to Central Otago’s dry climate, it’s no surprise to find that Wanaka couple Jim and Daphne Ledgerwood are steadily developing an incredible collection of amazing coupes. ‘The Originals’ they have are as per factory new condition, and their aim is to keep them for everyone to see how it was done back in the day—pure nostalgia.
An occasional email from Jim usually reveals another gleaming addition. The collectors also have an impressive display of American pickups. It’s our gain and US enthusiasts’ loss, as car agent’s adverts proclaim, “Sorry you missed out. Gone to New Zealand!” Some of Jim and Daphne’s cars are almost part of the family, hence their nicknames.

To finish first, first, you must build a winner

Can-Am royalty
Only three M20s were built, including the car that was destroyed at Road Atlanta. This car was later rebuilt. All three cars were sold at the end of the 1972 season. One of the cars would score another Can-Am victory in 1974, driven by a privateer, but the M20’s day was done. Can-Am racing faded away at the end of that season and was replaced by Formula 5000.
These days the cars are valued in the millions. It was unlikely that I would ever have seen one in the flesh if it hadn’t been that one day my editor asked me if I would mind popping over to Taranaki and having a look at a pretty McLaren M20 that somebody had built in their shed.
That is how I came to be standing by the car owned and built by truck driver Leon Macdonald.