New Zealand Classic Car 399, May/June 2025

You can’t beat the feeling
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.”

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To see a fully illustrated content rundown of what’s in this issue, head here to our website.
Also inside this edition
Event report – Ayrburn Classic, Festival of Motoring 2025
Event report – Napier Art Deco Weekend
Steve Philp talks to Pablo Rabe about his restoration business, Slow Water Classics, his passion for old cars and an exciting automotive side hustle, Destination Rally.
1987 Holden VL Commodore Berlina – the family workhorse
1960 Ford Thunderbird, 2005 Ford Thunderbird – his and hers Thunderbirds
Asian sorte – part 1
Indonesia is central to Southeast Asian trade and tourist routes and a melting pot of vibrant cultures. Jonathan and Janet Paape made a surprising discovery on a recent holiday to the oriental gem, which revealed a hidden treasure trove of rare classics.
Peter Bruin – quiet achiever part 2
Peter Bruin was a motor racing talent who impressed Bob Hulme from the first time he met Peter at the Auckland Car Club.
A dream trip – Europe by Porsche in 2010
Mal McKee recounts an epic trip through Europe starting with Italian sky-diving championships, a journey made in a Porsche 930, his dream car of 30 years! He also met some memorable characters along the way.
Kits and Pieces: The Zetini Haast – a car that missed its marque
Patrick Harlow investigates the story behind the Zetini-Haast.
1982 Mazda B1600 ute: Matthew’s project – don’t tell mum!
A young lad, Matthew McFarlane from Paengaroa, has taken the unusual step of restoring an ageing Mazda B1600 ute to the condition his grandfather built it into when he purchased it back in 1985.
Motorman:  Keeping a collection diverse – part 1
Donn Anderson talks with Aucklander Neil Tolich, explores his collection of special classic cars, and discovers why uniqueness does not need to be expensive.
Future classics: From housing state car apprentice to the 488
An exhilarating journey of Janet Paape’s travels from owning an MG to owning a Ferrari.
Roadside Attractions Part 2: A personal odyssey of South Auckland’s car & motor racing culture 1963-1992.
Gerard concludes his reminiscences, looking back at the South Auckland car scene of 1963-1992 and the hotly contested saloon car racing scene with a host of colourful characters.
Event report – Sydney Harbour Concours d’ Elegance 2025
1965 Honda S600:  Honda’s jewel-like S600
Honda’s exquisite S600 was the company’s foray into the world of car manufacturing. It did it with a sports car, showcasing its technical brilliance in a portent of things to come.
Shelf Classics: Immortalising the world’s best – part 1
Scale Motorsport is to model car building as Ferrari is to Formula One. 
Amazing motoring collection: Passion becomes an obsession – the Allan Dippie collection
Market Report: NB Mazda MX5
Showstoppers – Ayrburn Classic 2025
New Zealand Classic Car magazine is honoured to be part of the Ayrburn Classic Festival of Motoring 2025. We celebrate with some true Showstoppers!