New Zealand Classic Car 406, July/August 2026

Rebirth of a brilliant Grand Tourer –1973 Datsun 240Z
How often do we long for that ultimate dream sports car, and that dream comes true? This is about one of the most influential Japanese cars of all time, a car that changed the sports car market.
This is about much more than the restoration of an iconic classic sports car, the 240Z. It’s about the culmination of a dream over many years and the friendships made. It’s about the people who helped and the professionals whose approach ensured that the dream became a reality, an attitude typical of the industry we call ‘classic restoration experts’.
It is no surprise that the outcome after a lengthy search by Conrad Van der Geest for the right Datsun 240Z culminated in a trophy for the best Japanese car at this year’s Caroline Bay Beach, Rock N’ Hop at Timaru.
Originally a roadworthy car in running order, it was left-hand-drive and had been driven for several years by its Timaru owner, as Conrad explains.
“A neighbour, Dave Barron, knew I was looking for one and introduced me to the owner. I had seen the car being driven around Timaru. It was unusual for one of these coming originally from California, so it was a really clean car instead of rusty, as they are prone to rust. The story goes that the grandfather passed it onto his grandson, who decided to sell it, and that’s when it came over here.”
Every issue comes with our FREE huge wall poster; this issue, it's our cover car for this edition, this 1973 Datsun 240Z

To purchase a copy of this magazine, see the bottom of this column.
To view a fully-illustrated content rundown of this issue, head here to our website

The Ayrburn Classic 2027   
Early bird tickets and car entries are now open for The Ayrburn Classic 2027
The countdown to The Ayrburn Classic 2027 is officially on. Following the extraordinary success of our 2026 event.
The Ayrburn Classic returns to Arrowtown from 19–21 February 2027, and we're thrilled to announce that both Early Bird tickets and vehicle entries are now available at www.ayrburnclassic.com.
The German Shadow Legend
There are images, silhouettes from the twentieth century that are well known the world over. After more than 60 years, the silhouette of the 911 Porsche remains a recognised style icon.
An interview with Andy Buchanan – Part 1
“You’re always first out to practise, first on the grid and first over the line,” Scuderia Veloce Racing Manager, David McKay, once said to Andy Buchanan, who became one of New Zealand’s most successful sports car racing drivers back when this was a formidable racing class.
Aussie icon workhorse – 1973 Holden HQ Ute
Launched in July 1971, the Holden HQ ute was a major redesign of GM-Holden’s commercial range, aimed at improving comfort, safety, handling, and durability over the HG series it replaced. The HQ models became Holden’s second biggest seller ever.
Harlow’s Classics: And Ford said, no!
How did an experimental car from the Italian design house of Frua end up in New Zealand? Patrick’s curiosity was piqued when he saw this stylish coupe at a Wellington car show, so he investigated and found it’s a surprising story.
Melissa’s Garage: Drive like a girl!
Breaking stereotypes on the track with Danielle Hurst What Were You Doing at 12 Years Old? Before most teenagers even think about getting a learner's licence, Danielle Hurst had already earned her race licence, and she wasn’t even old enough to drive on the road!
Motorman: The saga of the Rover SD1
As the Rover SD1 marks its 50th birthday, is it time to forget about that stylish body or revive it as a true classic? Donn Anderson seeks the answer after living with a 1978 model 3500 for 12 years.
Market Report: Porsche 996
Anyone in the market for a classic or would-be classic Porsche 911 these days generally has to set aside close to at least six figures to get a look in. Or do you?
Le Mans 1966: 60 years of controversy – part 2  
Vaughan concludes his look at Le Mans 1966 with the Kiwi input for Ford’s GT40, a race that still inspires debate today.
To France with flair, part 1
For 26 years, the Rallye des Princesses Richard Mille has attracted car enthusiasts from all over the world. The Rallye celebrates a lifestyle of elegance and a passion for collecting and driving performance and classic cars, with one important cachet: ladies-only!
John Hardy Chronicles – Part 2
The Hardy family and friends' motor racing history
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.
1972 DRM Tribute, Ford Escort Mark 1, RS2000, GRP2
Few cars have ever owned an era the way the Ford Escort Mark 1 did in the 1970s. It was a period of not only exciting motorsport, but also of technical excellence, with UK teams at the forefront of the action with these unforgettable little cars.
1973 XA Ford Falcon Station Wagon
Ford introduced its Falcon range to Australia in 1960, against serious competition from its main rival, GM-Holden.
Price on: by Greg Price
Road user charges – with the emphasis on the user!
There has been quite a bit of debate of late (hey! that rhymes!) about removing some of the petrol excise duty (tax) and substituting RUCs for petrol vehicles.
Kits and Pieces – This Spyder still bites!
Many people in New Zealand have tried to put a car of their own design into production, only to be forced to back out at some stage. One man’s ambition to build a stylish sports car has, in this case, been completed thanks to the dedication of family and friends.
Looking Back: The legend of Longford-part 1
Gerard makes a pilgrimage back to Australia’s fastest and most dangerous road circuit from the heady motor racing years of 1953-1968. A stretch of asphalt roads in Tasmania’s central farming country has long held a mystique for Gerard for more than 50 years.
Ben’s Next Gen’ classics – By Ben Selby
Porsche 911 (992/2 GT3
It’s an almost dead cert that any new Porsche 911 with the ‘GT3' emblem will by default stand tall on the coveted ‘future classics’ rostrum.
Repco Beach Hop Whangamata
Now in its 26th year, Repco Beach Hop kicked off a new chapter, with Denis Beaver taking the reins after Noddy Watts’ final year in 2025.
1952 Buick Super Riviera
Most will know that Buick is part of the General Motors stable and is officially the oldest American automobile company still in production. It was also a company renowned for its technical innovation and styling.
Bootleggers, Bonds & a Bloody Good Day Out
Some events you attend once, tick the box, and move on. Others pull you back. This was one of those: the Bootleggers' Run, now in only its second year, already carries the easy confidence of something that knows exactly what it is.
The Fixer – Part 1 
Welcome to the first in our MINI-FEST series dedicated to the little ‘Flying brick’ that is still so popular locally. We have received stories on so many of these great little cars!
New Zealand Classic Car Racing: Season-end, review 2026
Plus, reports from Northern classic racing and Marco Giltrap – Kiwi racer, Inspiring the next generation!
Our season has largely finished racing with the last NZIGP event at Hampton Downs in May. Key events have continued to shine, with MG Classic at Manfeild in November and Legends of Speed back in its normal place on the calendar, in March.
Classic news and events
Beach Hop Timaru, Classic Trials and Classic Southern Racing report and more…