{"product_id":"new-zealand-classic-car-406-july-august-2026","title":"New Zealand Classic Car 406, July\/August 2026","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRebirth of a brilliant Grand Tourer –1973 Datsun 240Z\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis 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’. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginally 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“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.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvery issue comes with our FREE huge wall poster; this issue, it's our cover car for this edition, this 1973 Datsun 240Z\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTo purchase a copy of this magazine, see the bottom of this column.\u003cbr\u003eTo view a fully-illustrated content rundown of this issue, head \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/classiccar.co.nz\/nz-classic-car-magazine-july-august-2026-issue-406-on-sale-now\/\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e to our website\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Ayrburn Classic 2027   \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEarly bird tickets and car entries are n\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eow open for The Ayrburn Classic 2027\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe countdown to The Ayrburn Classic 2027 is officially on. Following the extraordinary success of our 2026 event.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.ayrburnclassic.com\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewww.ayrburnclassic.com\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe German Shadow Legend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn interview with Andy Buchanan – Part 1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou’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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAussie icon workhorse – 1973 Holden HQ Ute\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLaunched 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarlow’s Classics: And Ford said, no!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelissa’s Garage: Drive like a girl!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBreaking stereotypes on the track with Danielle Hurst \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat Were You Doing at 12 Years Old? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBefore 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!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMotorman: The saga of the Rover SD1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarket Report: Porsche 996\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnyone 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?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLe Mans 1966: 60 years of controversy – part 2  \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVaughan concludes his look at Le Mans 1966 with the Kiwi input for Ford’s GT40, a race that still inspires debate today. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTo France with flair, part 1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor 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!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Hardy Chronicles – Part 2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Hardy family and friends' motor racing history\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNow 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1972 DRM Tribute, Ford Escort Mark 1, RS2000, GRP2\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFew 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1973 XA Ford Falcon Station Wagon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFord introduced its Falcon range to Australia in 1960, against serious competition from its main rival, GM-Holden. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrice on: by Greg Price\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRoad user charges – with the emphasis on the user! \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKits and Pieces – This Spyder still bites!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMany 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking Back: The legend of Longford-part 1\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGerard 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBen’s Next Gen’ classics – By Ben Selby\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePorsche 911 (992\/2 GT3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt’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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRepco Beach Hop Whangamata\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNow 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1952 Buick Super Riviera\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMost 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBootleggers, Bonds \u0026amp; a Bloody Good Day Out\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSome 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Fixer – Part 1 \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWelcome 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! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNew Zealand Classic Car Racing: Season-end, review 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlus, reports from Northern classic racing and Marco Giltrap – Kiwi racer, Inspiring the next generation!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClassic news and events\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeach Hop Timaru, Classic Trials and Classic Southern Racing report and more…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rusty Media","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42916787748958,"sku":"NZ_Classic_Car_406","price":15.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0306\/3293\/files\/NZCC_406.jpg?v=1782003111","url":"https:\/\/magstore.nz\/products\/new-zealand-classic-car-406-july-august-2026","provider":"MagStore.nz","version":"1.0","type":"link"}