Clubs
March 26th, 2011 by NZ Classic Car
Some cars from the ’80s and ’90s will soon be approaching classic status and, in this new series, we look at some of these cars – those that may appeal to our younger readers.
The late ’80s and early ’90s were an exciting time in the World Rally Championship, or WRC. Finally, after so many years of European domination, Japanese auto-makers like Subaru and Mitsubishi were starting to catch up. Subaru had its heavyweight Legacy sedan, while Mitsubishi competed admirably using the Galant VR-4. Both manufacturers saw success with these 
full-sized sedans, yet both had the same problem – they were simply too big and too heavy to consistently keep the Euros at bay.
After a couple of years pushing the proverbial uphill with the big Galant, Mitsi realised it needed to downsize, if not in engine capacity or power –after all the 4G63T 2.0-litre turbo mill was regarded as the best on the championship – but in terms of weight and external dimensions.
By 1992 its boffins had turned towards the obvious, the all-new Lancer sedan. It was both smaller and lighter than the VR-4, and yet still had enough room for the Galant’s excellent engine and driveline. The gear was shoehorned in, adjustments were made, and a world-beater was born.
Homologation Heaven Read the rest of this entry »
September 27th, 2010 by NZ Classic Car
The BMW Clubs International Council made up of enthusiasts from BMW Clubs around the world and representatives from the BMW Group in Munich will this year hold their annual meeting in NZ, at the Heritage Hotel in Queenstown 9-13 October 2010.
Founded in 1981, the BMW Clubs International Council now represents over 800 clubs and 250,000 BMW motorcycle and car enthusiasts and it is the peak body providing a link between the BMW corporation and club members.
According to Ian Branston, Chairman of the Council, this event illustrates the close cooperation between BMW owners and the BMW Group around the world and also highlights the terrific local support provided by BMW NZ for this event.
Ian said “Gerry Hodges, President of BMW Club NZ and his wife Barbara, have worked hard for over a year to bring this event to fruition and in doing so have forged a fantastic relationship between the clubs and BMW NZ. This relationship will benefit both parties over coming years.”
In addition to more than 40 delegates, observers and partners, the meeting will also be attended by representatives from BMW Classic in Munich, the division of the BMW Group with overall responsibility for liaison with BMW clubs globally. The Club organisation is far reaching with delegates representing over 800 clubs in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, Australia and of course New Zealand.
Dr Ralf Rodepeter, Manager of the BMW Museum in Munich, is looking forward to his visit and says “BMW strongly supports a network of BMW Clubs and is both happy and proud to have such an active and well functioning global club community of BMW enthusiasts.”
It’s not all work. Along with the official meeting program, attendees will also be able to sample some of the BMW product while enjoying the surrounding scenery and will also sample the local fare and attractions in and around Queenstown such as the Shotover jet boat and a trip to Milford Sound.
September 8th, 2010 by NZ Classic Car
Although the Supra name has been used by Toyota since 1979, when it first decided to produce a wider, lower version of its then current sporty Celica platform, it wasn’t until the MkIV — first announced in 1992 — that the manufacturer truly got it right. This wasn’t simply due to the new technologies employed in the car, of which there were plenty, but purely the design, which was a direct nod to one of the greatest Japanese cars ever made — the Toyota 2000GT.
Produced between 1967 and 1970, the 2000GT was the sexy, sleek sports car that changed the world’s view on what Japanese cars were. Considered to be Japan’s first truly collectable car, the 2000GT now commands huge prices at auctions, and is still considered one of the prettiest cars ever made. With that sort of legacy, it makes one wonder why Toyota ignored it for so long, and why it took three generations of Supra before 
it would infuse some sleek, romantic, open road DNA into its flagship grand tourer. Enter the MkIV.
Hot Property
First sold to the public in 1993, the MkIV Toyota Supra was an instant success. Gone was the garish, angular design of previous models, replaced by smooth, flowing lines similar to its muse, the 2000GT. Originally, it came in three different models. The non-turbo SZ, the twin turbocharged RZ and the luxury auto only GZ. From 1996 onwards two further variations were offered, the upgraded RZ-S, and the SZ-R, a sportier naturally aspirated option. Although the non-turbo version of the Supra is still a great vehicle, sporting around 165kW, it does pale in comparison to the 2JZ-GTE 3.0-litre twin turbocharged RZ, so if you are looking to buy a naturally aspirated example of the car, whatever you do don’t drive a boosted version, or you will spend the rest of your days pining for something more.
The RZ and RZ-S featured an awesome six-speed Getrag manual gearbox, well known for its strength and reliability. A four-speed auto option was also offered, and due to the high torque and power of the straight-six motor it still makes for a great drive, despite the lack of clutch.
Read the rest of this entry »
December 23rd, 2009 by NZ Classic Car
The working year has ended for all us here at Classic Car headquarters, and we won’t be bringing you any news until January 11th 2010.
There is no need to panic, we will be updating the website with loads of car articles over the break, we also have wallpapers to download and our famous Cars for Sale section ready to browse. We have hundreds of images from this years events to check out, a comprehensive list of NZ car clubs for your reference and don’t forget the stacks of videos in our online video gallery.
Until next year, have a cracker Christmas, enjoy your travels and drive safe.
