New Zealand Classic Car 408 November/December 2026

Star status for classic Porsche
A long search ends: finding the right car
Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963, the Porsche 911 heralded an iconic lineage of sports cars, known for their exceptional performance, remarkable racing reliability, and adaptability, second to none. 
New Zealand Classic Car, in conjunction with Star Insure, recently conducted a photo competition to find 13 suitably impressive classics to grace the pages of the magazine’s 2027 calendar. A flood of entries showed that Kiwis recognise eye-catching designs and restorations. Many are handy with a camera, too, and have entered some outstanding results.
The choice was not straightforward, with multiple stunning entries, and Geoff Long’s immaculate 1990 Porsche 911 (964 Factory designation) took top honours. Fortunately, Geoff had Ethan Hanlon handy to take the accompanying photos while working in his office.
“I've got a young employee who is doing work experience in my office at the moment, and he's a very avid photographer. So, I said, I'll buy you breakfast and then why don't we go and take some photos. He found the right spot, and he spent over an hour photographing.”
Originally sold new in Japan, hence the right-hand drive, the Porsche was resident there for four years before being exported to New Zealand, as Geoff recalls.
“I bought it two-and-a-half years ago, but I looked for it for over two years, because it's just the colour scheme, interior and exterior I was after. The service file that came with it is extensive; I mean, it's been beautifully looked after, which is what I wanted to continue, as it does get driven. It doesn't sit in the garage.”
Every issue comes with our FREE huge wall poster; this issue, it's a 1996 LVVTA Mirage Countach (Lamborghini LP400 Replica)
To read a fully illustrated content rundowns of what is in this issue 408, head here to our NZ Classic Car website.

Vale Garry Pedersen, Aug 1942 – Aug 2026
Garry Pedersen was a good bloke, a bit wild and hairy perhaps, when he emerged from that West Auckland hot rod culture in the early ‘60s.
An interview with Andy Buchanan – Part 3
Fast track from the back blocks to ‘60s motor racing fame
Gerard concludes his interview with Andy Buchanan, recalling sports-car successes, first with a beautiful Ferrari 250LM, and a racing career capped off by the brute-force Elfin 400, recently restored by Lindsay Willis and now offered for sale.
Ultimate rare – driven to be enjoyed!
It’s difficult to appreciate the hype around the ‘Ultimate driving machines’ from Bavaria until you sit in a rare BMW CSL coupe version of the marque's lauded E46 range.
Motorman: A high-speed Fahey adventure
A busy trip to the United States six decades ago led Paul Fahey to return with a very special car. Just a few months later, Motorman editor Donn Anderson had the opportunity to drive that vehicle at Pukekohe.
Motorsport Identities: Man on a mission – Part 2
Tony Roberts' passion and enthusiasm for motor racing have grown over the years, and he has gathered a team of like-minded enthusiasts, firstly for Hampton Downs and, more recently, for Thunder Ridge.
Harlows Classics: Bertone’s master stroke – When Alfa gets it right, it gets it very right
Alfa Romeo was not the very first manufacturer to use a race-car engine in a road car, but it was one of the early pioneers of this practice, producing a gem, the Montreal!
Kits and Pieces: Restoring a classic Kiwi icon – 1984 Heron MJ1 Survivor
The Heron holds a special place in the New Zealand kit car scene, and at its 1983 Motor Expo launch, it generated considerable interest with its dramatic wedge shape and construction.
Market Report – Maserati 3200-4200GT – An underrated Italian
The allure of the Maserati Trident has for decades been a powerful attraction amongst a niche sector of the petrolhead faithful, tracing its ancestry back to 1926, the year Maserati entered motor racing.
Ben’s next-generation classics – Subaru BRZ tS Kiiro
Subaru seems to love limited edition specials, and with the leap in JDM collectability, Ben’s selection this month from the Japanese innovator is sure to be on any collector’s radar.
Get your kicks on Route 66 – as American as Apple Pie, the legend that is Route 66
Route 66 was a symbol of the ‘Good Times’ and ‘American Graffiti’, symbolising America’s connection with the motor car. The Route celebrates its 100th anniversary at the end of this year, honouring its connection to American cars, Rock ‘N’ Roll, Marilyn Monroe, hamburgers, hot rods, and the freedom of the open road.
Price On                 
The trials and tribulations of owning the same classic car for nearly 54 years!
At last, Greg confides with us in Part 1 of his account of what it has been like to be the ‘custodian’ of his Zephyrs. It’s a fitting intro to a big story next issue, when we take a look at a collection of Ford’s big sixes from Dagenham.
One of the World’s truly ageless designs!
1996 LVVTA Mirage Countach (Lamborghini LP400-Replica)
One of the World’s most recognisable shapes, the Lamborghini Countach’s dramatic futuristic wedge shape stole the motor show at Geneva in 1971, and it still draws gasps and instant attention.
All Roads Lead to Rome – The Anantara Concorso Roma
Remember the catchy trip-hop tune from the turn of the Century by the band Morcheeba, “Don’t you know that Rome wasn’t built in a day”, and the origin of that phrase comes from the English writer of plays, poems, and proverbs, John Heywood, some 500 years previously, who continued, “But they were laying bricks every hour”.
And so, it must have seemed to the organisers of the first Anantara Concorso Roma held in April 2026, after the proposed inaugural event scheduled in 2025 had to be postponed due to the funeral of Pope Francis.
Reborn Classics – 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu 2-door hardtop
John and Dale Gamble brought their very special Chevrolet Chevelle to the Ayrburn Classic 2026, surprising many with its eye-catching aquamarine blue, raising eyebrows with its amazing interior, and invoking appreciative comments from its many admirers.
The driving force behind Daffodil Day: A lady with a passion for helping others
Cars and people are not just a part-time hobby for Kaaren Smylie; they are central to her life, as she knows first-hand what it means to face life's challenges.
1926 Bugatti T37A: Celebrating a French centenarian – Part 1
The last thing Nigel Young expected to see while holidaying in Tekapo was a rare and exotic ‘20s French sports car, a T37A Bugatti, from an era when exquisite design and craftsmanship went hand in hand.
Northern Classic Racing: The first woman to win a F5000 Championship
New Zealand driver Anna Collins will forever be remembered as the first woman to win a Formula 5000 Championship Title.
Classic Southern Racing – CAMS Win By A Whisker!
A bigger-than-expected crowd and a large field of competitors flagged off the new racing season with the Brooklands Members’ Meeting at Levels Raceway, Timaru, on September 12.
1963 Volkswagen Beetle: A mind of its own – Herbie
Movies, especially those of the Disney brand, often include human-like star personas. Herbie became a worldwide favourite, and a Canterbury man became such a loyal follower that he now has one in his driveway.
A Daffodil Day tradition – a special legacy to leave behind
There wouldn’t be too many of us who haven’t been affected by cancer in some way. Every year, New Zealanders across the country get involved in Daffodil Day to support the Cancer Society's work and raise awareness.
Classic Car news
Chrome show report, Browns Lane NZ – a new home for Jaguar, Muscle Mania Car and Bike show, Tracks and Wheels show preview, PPG Rambler Rebel repaint, Hamilton Classic Car meet, Automobile art, artist Geoff Williams, Porsche 50th anniversary, Classic Trials, Otago Auto Spectacular and… much more