New Zealand Classic Car 400, July/August 2025

Good for the soul, a dose of Hemi Orange – Chrysler’s champion Charger
The Australian-developed Chrysler Charger was a game changer for the company in 1971, as it faced a faltering start introducing its new VH range. The stylish big coupe signalled a massive change of direction and emphasis for Chrysler.
Auckland racing driver Rod Coppins raced successfully in Australia and New Zealand. Rod found success behind the wheel of a couple of Chargers, and it is a special E49 R/T in the custody of Mike Todd for some years, that is our feature car.
A full restoration of this car has been completed at Auto Restorations (AR) in Christchurch. We recently sampled the car, ready to be shipped back to Mike and spoke to AR’s Harry Dawber, leading the team who completed the superb restoration of this rare piece of NZ motor racing history.
I mentioned that Chrysler Chargers were never built to this standard as we walked around the gleaming Charger in its Hemi Orange colour scheme.
“We took a lot of time getting those shut lines exactly right. It’s been a great car to work on, and the paint and trim have been very well done by the team here.”
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Also inside this edition
70 years of Citroen DS19 – Citroen’s DS Goddess refuses to age
A star exhibit at the Paris Motor Show in 1955, Citroën’s DS stunned crowds of eager buyers with its futuristic styling and groundbreaking engineering. Nothing was comparable. Donn Anderson pays tribute to the fabulous Citroën DS19 and ID19. Now, 70 years later, the pioneering design still attracts admiring glances and is much loved by its New Zealand owners.
1981 Vauxhall Chevette, 1970 Chevrolet C10 Custom, school-days Chevette
Life is full of coincidences, and in the case of a Wellington couple, Michael and Janine Ahie, they recreated a slice of nostalgia from their University days through to when they were married.
1969 TVR Tuscan – ice racer’s TVR survivor
Since 2001, a tiny TVR Tuscan has been successfully campaigned in many Southern Festivals of Speed, with impressive results, until an accident at the Skope Classic at Ruapuna in 2020 put an end to its motor racing exploits.
A dream trip – Europe by Porsche in 2010, part two
Mal McKee completes his epic Europe experience, a journey made in a Porsche 930, his dream car of 30 years, returning him safely to his base in Aberdeen.
400, not out!
New Zealand Classic Car marks a significant achievement with this, the 400th issue. Since the early 1990s, our writers have revealed what made them become classic car enthusiasts. Some of the magazine team of writers share their passion for classics.
2002 Maserati 3200 GT – the music of sound
The name Maserati is enough to invoke all sorts of passions for this famous marque, especially for that magnificent sound from one of the sweetest-sounding V8s around. Jim Richardson spends a delightful few hours with an Italian gem.
An Asian Sorte - part 2
We complete Jonathan and Janet Paape’s travels and their exciting visit behind the discreet gate of  Bali’s Tuksedo Studio. 
Shelf Classics – Immortalising the world’s best part 2
We continue Aaron Mai’s visit to modeller extraordinaire, Tony Lyne and finish with a detailed look at some stunning examples of the craft, plus some examples of work in progress.
Motorman –  Keeping a collection diverse – part 2
Donn Anderson continues the story of his meeting with Aucklander, Neil Tolich, exploring his collection of special classic cars and finds out why it does not need to be expensive to be unique.
Sporting double
Two mates share how they enjoy owning two of the 1970s motoring best classics, a 1970 Porsche 911T Coupe and a 1970 Lotus Elan Plus 2, 130 Coupe.
Auction report: Webb’s Auction April 6
Donn Anderson takes a look at the latest Webb’s auction and finds buyers warm to what’s on offer, with some interesting results indicating what could be popular in the market this year.
Price on – recollecting 400 issues!
Greg Price reflects on 400 issues of New Zealand Classic Car, and what made it something he still enjoys being involved with, along with times when the issues he campaigned for were occasionally ‘confronting’
Market Report BMW’s E46 M3
Few cars from BMW’s back catalogue resonate so strongly with enthusiasts as the sporting M3 models, giving enthusiasts a more involving drive. Pure Driving Nirvana!
Kits and Pieces: Factory Five Racing 818C
Made in the USA with Japanese parts – NZ-built in my garage!
In New Zealand, we have a wide range of cars to choose from. Admittedly, most of them look like toasters, which, in a way, is a good thing because it keeps car enthusiasts looking back to an era when cars were not designed by committees or computers determined to play it safe to ensure the best return for each dollar invested.
Looking back – Sacred Quest of a Road Warrior part 1
The 1980s heralded the collapse of the Soviet Union. New Zealand faced a moral dilemma, with the 1981 Springbok Tour bringing the reality of civil unrest and conflict a bit too close to home! For better or for worse, New Zealand was changing, and with a camera in hand, Gerard reminds us of those times.
1971 Mazda Capella – Timewarp Mazda
In a brave move in the late 1960s, Mazda committed itself to the rotary engine, with the little R100 coupe testing the market first, but it was the Capella/RX2 Coupes that established the company as a serious maker of rotary engine cars, earning an enviable worldwide sporting reputation.
Peter Bruin – A quiet achiever – part three
Concluding our profile of Peter Bruin, Bob Hulme takes a detailed look at the heritage of this survivor and why this car is possibly Peter’s most significant creation, his design, the Targa Fiat.
Beach Hop report 2025 – Retiring original from the Beach Hop
Local identity, Noddy Watts, is stepping down after 25 years of coordinating the New Zealand Beach Hop into being the largest and most popular automobile celebration in the country.
Classic motorsport part 1 – An excellent season for the classics
Change has been the constant in the 2024/25 classic racing scene, with the changing of the guard as HRC Events morphed into NZIGP Events, the Historic Racing Club’s events arm came to an end with Chris Watson’s retirement. It has been a memorable season of classic motor racing in the North Island scene.
Classic car news
Event reports from Ferrari Owners Club Nationals, Corvette National Rally, Holden Nationals, Wheels at Wanaka, and more…