New Zealand Classic Car 398, March/April 2025

An HQ to die for
Mention the acronym HQ and most people in the northern hemisphere will assume this is an abbreviation for Head Quarters. However, for those born before the mid-'80s in Australia and New Zealand, the same two letters only mean one thing - HQ Holden!
Christchurch enthusiast Ed Beattie has a beautiful collection of Holden and Chevrolet cars. He loves the bowtie and its Aussie cousin and has a stable of beautiful, powerful cars. His collection includes everything from a modern GTSR W507 HSV through the decades to a 1960s Camaro muscle car and much in between.
In the last two Holden Nationals (run biennially in 2021 and 2023), Ed won trophies for the Best Monaro and Best Decade with his amazing 1972 Holden Monaro GTS 350 with manual transmission.
Ed is a perfectionist and loves his cars to reflect precisely how they were on ‘Day 1,’ meaning when the dealer released them to the first customer, including any extras the dealer may have added or changed.
FREE poster: Don’t forget that this edition also comes with our FREE huge wall poster. This issue features a 1922 Delage-Hispano Suiza CO2-modified.

See the bottom of this post to purchase a copy of this magazine.

To read a fully illustrated content rundown of this issue, head here to our website

Events – Ayrburn to showcase classics and future classics
Set against the stunning backdrop of Queenstown’s Ayrburn historic precinct, the inaugural Ayrburn Classic Festival of Motoring (March 21-23, 2025) promises to be an unmissable event for car enthusiasts and those seeking a motoring event unlike any other in New Zealand.
1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS – America’s heartbeat
General Motors’ reply to the Mustang’s overwhelming popularity following its launch in 1964 was the Camaro.
1970 Fiat 124 BC Coupe – Gino’s renaissance
Possibly one of the most universally underrated of all Italian classics has to be the Fiat 124.
MGs on parade
MGs turned out in force at the MG centenary display in Auckland, proving these perennial favourites are as socially magnetic as ever.
Is MG’s cyberstar a real MG?
It’s a dramatic car and a welcome return to the two-seater sports car market for MG, but this question is something most people need to get their heads around first.
1922 Delage / Hispano-Suiza co2 – a restomod like no other
Our featured vehicle is a 1922 Delage CO2. Delage produced around 280 CO2s, all with 4.5 litre 6-cylinder engines.
Europe Report – Salon Prive Giro Dei laghi
Our correspondent samples the continental delights experienced by many who have gone before on the Grand Tour of Europe and finds plenty to be enthused about.
Motorman – the car Denny drove to success
Denny Hulme’s favourite Repco V8-engined Brabham BT23, a Formula-1 single-seater, played an important role in New Zealand’s motorsport history.
The house of cars    
Cars have been a large part of David and Leona Eadie’s life, and over the years, they have built up an eclectic collection of classic cars, motorcycles and memorabilia reflecting their interests. And, so they built the “Car House”, just a stone's throw from our home.”
Edsels, whales and burgers
Battered by the earthquake in 2016, Kaikoura has bounced back and remains a focal point for classic and custom enthusiasts including now, a rather special car collection operated by the Harmon family. 
1975 Morris Mini 1000, Mark III – Minis make you smile
Minis take a special place in many hearts. Retired Christchurch engineer Gordon McGimpsey and wife Lesley once used a Mini as their daily driver, so they seized the opportunity to resurrect one of these British Icons.
Looking back: Roadside Attractions – Part 1
A Personal Odyssey of South Auckland’s Car & Motor Racing Culture 1963-1992
Gerard Richards recalls his departure from north of the bridge and moving to South Auckland in 1976, mixing with a lively car culture alongside larger-than-life characters. 
Peter Bruin – the quiet achiever
New Zealand motorsport has produced some amazingly talented engineers who not only left a lasting impression on people they me, but many also achieved success on the racetrack.
Kits and Pieces – a very different car show
If you thought building your dream kit car in New Zealand was limited in choice, think again as Patrick tours the annual Kit Car show.
Market Report – Alfa Romeo 147 GTA
The back catalogue of Alfa Romeo is awash with some of the greatest enthusiast cars ever built, especially the cars with the letters GTA attached.
Price On – influencers
We all have had (sometimes) significant influencers in our lives who governed some of our decision-making. Here are a few of mine!
Classic car news
Summer is a busy time, but we were out and about all over the country to bring you all the news from as many events as our team could get to!