New Zealand Classic Car 405, May/June 2026

Reincarnation of the snake
We are captivated by a top-quality sports car
The Shelby NZ build team at Matamata Panelworks has endured a long and challenging journey, culminating with the highly anticipated public unveiling of the 427SC and firing up of its sonorous V8 at the 2026 Ayrburn Classic Festival of Motoring in Queenstown on February 20. This is a New Zealand-built car with loads of character and potential.
The car is now back in Matamata, and I finally have an opportunity to get up close and personal with it. But before then, the question that must be asked is, “Why would ya?”
The first answer is easy, as mentioned in the last issue of New Zealand Classic Car (#404). It was a great way to use up all the surplus Mustang parts acquired while converting brand-new Mustangs into Shelbys. The unused new Mustang parts would be great in any kit car, but the 427SC in front of me cannot be classified as one.
This is not a kit car. The reality is that it is a high-quality, factory-made production car.
Possibly the second answer is because the CEO of Matamata Panelworks, Malcolm Sankey, wanted to build a replica of the car that is a distant relation to the Shelby Mustangs scattered around his showroom floor, a car created long before the first Mustang was even thought of, and the brainchild of Carroll Shelby back in the early ‘60s.
Every issue comes with our FREE huge wall poster; this issue, it's a 1973 Ford Escort Mark 1 Fristcort Tribute.

Also in this issue:
Ayrburn 2026 Delights
Now in its second year of operation, the Ayrburn Classic has firmly established itself as a world-class event, showcasing its unique qualities among the world’s premier classic events. It has confirmed what many suspected: that the beautifully landscaped gardens, lakes, and historical buildings –now updated and transformed into stunning bars and restaurants – create a remarkable display of what New Zealand has to offer.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C2
Sharing his enthusiasm with a diverse group of people over a four-year period helped bring Dave O’Connell’s dream to reality, resulting in this stunning Chevrolet Corvette Stingray.
Why rotaries rule New Zealand
There is something unique about New Zealand’s love for the rotary that is hard to explain, making us a special breed among automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
1967 Jaguar Mark II – The long road, part 2
In the 1950s, Jaguar's Mark I and II models dominated race circuits. For over 45 years, Bert Govan has enjoyed the performance of Jaguar's twin-cam six-cylinder engine at various events and still loves driving. He fondly recalls those incredible years of saloon car racing.
Friscort-the orange experience
Motorsport and thirst-quenching soft drinks have long been a match made in heaven, with long, hot summer days at Kiwi race tracks. Aaron Mai takes a look at a stunning tribute Ford Escort, seven years in the making!
Ben’s Next-Gen’ Classics
Welcome to an exciting new feature in New Zealand Classic Car, where our illustrious motoring scribe, Ben Selby, takes a look at a potentially great investment as a next-generation classic for your garage. Appropriately, first up, from the company at the dawn of the first motorcar, it’s Mercedes-Benz, and what a machine it is, a 2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 Coupe.
Motorman – Hispano-Suiza Kidston 
Kidston is about keeping history alive, and so is this rare Hispano-Suiza H6C, which has a long history in New Zealand. Donn Anderson details the century-old history of a rather special car.
Market Report: Nissan’s iconic Skyline R34, GT-R
Hold a poll to find out which car the millennial generation coveted more than any other, chances are the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 would be high on that list, if not at the top.
Le Mans 1966: 60 Years of controversy – part 1
Le Mans 1966 was a battle of egos between Enzo Ferrari and Henry Ford II, and a controversial three-car dead-heat finish, but inside the race, there was a significant battle of tyre brands.
Kits and pieces: Acorn Marcie-built for peanuts
Thanks to the demise of ownership papers, it is now very difficult to trace the history of many classic cars, and their stories get lost in the mists of time. It is a pity, as most cars have an amazing story to tell.
John Hardy Chronicles – Part 1
Now retired and living in Christchurch, John Hardy has documented some fascinating memories of his Grandfather and Father’s motor industry involvement, and their early motor racing exploits in the Auckland region.
California to Canterbury, a keeper
Nicolette always dreamed of owning a 1967 Candy Apple Red Mustang convertible. But when this 1968 Mustang came along, the deal was simply too good to walk away from.
The day OSCA came to Auckland – Part 2
Word leaked out in late Winter ’71 that a wild rebel force of ‘take no prisoners racing’ was gathering momentum in the South, driven by a band of Christchurch petrolheads. We continue part-2 of Gerard’s account of when this group invaded Auckland.
Book Review – Fire Stations of Aotearoa New Zealand
Classic racing reports
Classic car news and events
Twin Rivers, American Vehicle Day, Warbirds over Wanaka, Kumeu show, Last fling Pukekohe, Hamner classic, Cruizin in the bays… and more
To see a fully-illustrated content rundown of this issue, head here to ur website