New Zealand Classic Car 401, September/October 2025

Cuda muscle! The spirit of a generation
The Plymouth Barracuda is renowned for its reputation as a formidable US performance car, designed to compete with Chevrolet and Ford's performance vehicles. In its third generation, a variant, the 'Cuda, emerged as one of the most striking muscle cars produced by Plymouth.
Back in September 2019, current owner John Carson tracked down one of the ’Cuda’s former US owners, Ron Heintschel, who provided a little of its history, as Ron recalls.
“So here is what I can remember on the ’72 Cuda. The car was ordered by the first owner, who lived in Medina, Ohio. At the time, it was a matching numbers car. The car was then sold to a neighbour and then to a guy in Pioneer, Ohio, the dates I cannot remember.”
Ron purchased the car from its owner in Pioneer, Ohio, in December 1992.
“Restoration began in 1992 and was finished in late May of 1993. The car only had a few spots of rust, just under the battery tray on the inner fender line, and two spots on the insides of the front fenders, under the hood.
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The Family Ford-since 1947
Ford's iconic pickup trucks significantly contributed to the growth of the US economy, both in times of war and peace. In New Zealand, these dependable workhorses are revered for their durability and effectiveness. One family has made sure their Ford and its heritage has been preserved.
Alfa Romeo Giulia TS Super                       
Never initially as popular amongst classic Alfa collectors of the Giulia range, the boxy Giulia saloons earned a special place and a growing popularity in Alfa Romeo's heritage.
Auction Report: Webb’s produces solid results for Jul
Bidding and healthy attendance featured at the Webb’s collectors car and motorcycles auction in Auckland on July 13, with good sales, with a similar result in Australia.
Meet Miranda Easten-NZCC’s Newest Contributor
Hello! I’m Miranda Easten – a singer-songwriter, hopeless romantic, and lifelong car enthusiast. I am also a very excited new contributor to NZ Classic Car magazine.
A rare Hawk shines: 1956 Studebaker Sky Hawk Coupe
Studebakers are rare enough among classics, and our feature car is even rarer; possibly the sole right-hand drive Sky Hawk on the road in the World.
Rotary magic: 1984 Mazda RX7, Group B (Tribute)
Mazda Rally Team Europe took on the top guns in Group B of the World Rally Championship in 1984. It built seven surprisingly successful, ‘Evolution’ RX7s for the team, and now local rally fan Ben Harding has created a tribute 'Evolution' RX7.   
Motorman: Down south with a Fiat 1500
A one-month-old Fiat 1500 transported the Motorman magazine crew covering the major South Island races in 1965, and there was plenty to do and see in between the meetings.
1966 Ford Mustang Sprint 200: Ford’s pony car master stroke
In 1965, Ford was enjoying the overwhelming sales success of its new sporty Mustang, introduced the previous year. However, the company faced a significant dilemma. While it had anticipated selling 100,000 Mustangs in its first year, Ford was instead confronted with an order book of more than 600,000 sales for its pony car.
Kits and Pieces: built for peanuts-acorn schroeder
Positioned in the middle of the South Island, Rangiora is a classic car mecca with enough homebuilt and classic cars to suit everybody’s taste. It’s home to Peter Parkinson, an enthusiast with a penchant for building some interesting specials.
Looking Back: Sacred quest of a road warrior part 2
Life on the road was often challenging, as we continue with Gerard’s memories of his many journeys. The cars were memorable, and some, such as his Holden Torana XU1, he found exuded real personalities, making the challenges of the journey just that more rewarding.
Shelby Heaven – Part 1
From Le Mans to Daytona, the Shelby legend lives on in today’s Shelby American’s US operation, building Ford high-performance cars and trucks. A must-see on any bucket list is a visit to the Colorado Shelby Museum.
Price On: logic – and an Austin Seven
Life lessons, 101. When there’s a problem, logic will inevitably fix it as long as you do things in a set order. It’s just common sense, according to Greg.
Market Report: Buying a Triumph Stag
If you were to scour the back catalogue of British Leyland, many cars, some radical, some controversial, and some ho-hum, will spring to mind. For many, one of the boldest and most beautiful of all was the Triumph Stag.
Ferrari masterpiece in miniature
The Little Car Company (TLCC)  celebrates the artistry of Ferrari in a collaboration that has produced a three-quarter scale electric recreation of the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa.
Corvettes to the Coast-Punakaikai
That time is coming around again, the first Friday after Daylight Saving in  September, Chevrolet Corvette enthusiasts head for Punakaikai, a special place on the West Coast, for their annual ritual retreat.
2017 Holden Equinox Sports Car
Holden has been immortalised by an enthusiastic Taranaki couple who created a museum dedicated to the marque, which received some surprising support from the highest level of the company.
Classic Motorsport Part 2: A great season for classics
We continue our retrospective on a fantastic season of classic racing and urge those historic cars sitting in garages to dust them off and bring them back to the track.
Special Rally Report, Part 1: A man of few words
A winning talent behind the wheel of a rally car, Southland’s Barry Robinson also had a keen eye for what worked best in a rally car.
Clubbing: Chevron delights
Welcome to a new section in New Zealand Classic Car magazine just for clubs.
Shelf classics: 90 years of Fun Ho! Classics
New Zealand’s Toy Heritage for Children of all ages is perhaps best typified in Fun Ho! Classics. These sturdy models are still popular with collectors. 
Industry insiders
Motorsport services unique to New Zealand: Elite engineering
Crafted to haul, built to last: Bespoke Trailers
Classic Car News
Reports from the Chris Amon statue unveiling in Bulls, the Waikato Mustang owners, all-Ford charity day and Ayrburn Classic announce its dates for the 2026 event, now being held in February