VW
July 12th, 2011 by NZ Classic Car
Being Jay Leno must be pretty sweet. Not only does this guy have one of the most enviable car collections in the world, but auto manufacturers are happy to let him swing by and sample their latest machines.
Volkswagen went one step further and not only let Leno take its latest Beetle out for a spin but trusted him with the keys to the oldest Beetle in the world – a 1938 model. Leno does what’s thought to be the first test of the all- new 2012 Beetle and puts it into context with a spin in the oldest Beetle first. The conclusion? Leno is impressed with both machines but says he’d rather drive the 2012 model on a daily basis. At least he’s honest.
See the video of Jay Leno test driving the two Beetles below. Read the rest of this entry »
April 19th, 2011 by NZ Classic Car
The original VW Beetle was in production for decades and the new Beetle didn’t do too badly either with a production run of over 12 years. Now, the next-generation Beetle has been revealed in a set of images and promo videos before its official debut at the Auto Shanghai show later this week.
This next-generation 2012 VW Beetle, has now dropped the word ‘new’ from its name and comes out 73 years after the launch of the original Beetle in 1938.
The 2012 VW Beetle differs in styling from the previous generation with a lower-slung more unisex design with a flatter roof and more upright back end. The overall styling is less bulbous and sharper cut when compared to its predecessor. In terms of size th new Beetle is also wider than its predecessor by 8.4 cm and longer by 15.2 cm.
The interior has also been given a complete refit with many cute features like the dashboard vase dropped. There’s highlights like a flat-bottomed steering wheel, an extra top-hinged glovebox and optional navigation systems on a 6.5-inch screen. There’s also talk of a sunroof that has 80% larger glass than on the previous model. Cargo capacity in the hatch has also been increased to 310 litres. Read the rest of this entry »
April 2nd, 2011 by NZ Classic Car
THIS COMPETITION HAS EXPIRED
This month we feature a selection of new models in the Vanguards 1:43 range. First up is an unusual Ford Transit. This model has been weathered and has unique features – including ‘Kilroy was ere’ and ‘clean me’ finger-writing. More conventional are two original Golf GTi MkIs – a model of the car driven by Richard Lloyd for the 1977 Tricentrol British Saloon Car Championship and a standard road car.
As usual with Vanguards models, all three are well detailed and come with a collectors’ card.
Thanks to the good guys at Toymod, the NZ Vanguards distributor, we have one example of the road-going Golf to give away to a lucky reader. Simply answer the following question. Read the rest of this entry »
December 16th, 2010 by NZ Classic Car
James provides a few handy hints for younger readers who are considering the purchase and/or restoration of a classic car.
As illustrated elsewhere in this magazine, teenagers and classic cars can get along but, unless they’re loaded down with family money, there are a few limiting factors when it comes to choosing, restoring or maintaining an older, classic car.
So, if you’re below the age of 25, here are a few factors to consider before you start thinking how cool it would be to motor around in a Porsche 911.
Factors Influencing the Choice of a Classic Car
Without considering the practical issues of actually purchasing, maintaining or insuring a classic car — the biggest influence on the car you choose will probably come from your immediate family. Chances are, if you’re old man is into Fiats (as in our feature on Steve Lowe’s Fiat 124 Coupe), you’ll be strongly swayed towards a classic Fiat. This, of course, makes for a good, common sense choice — if your father, uncle or grandfather, has gained years of experience with a particular marque, then it will quite probable that he can be easily persuaded to pass along his knowledge.
This would be especially important if the car you choose requires a certain amount of restoration — a combined classic car project is a great way to effect some excellent father/son bonding.
Choosing the Right Car
When it comes down to the final choice, you’ll need to bear in mind such things as the cost of running costs, ongoing maintenance and repairs. And, of course, insurance costs.
For most under 25s, this will mean certain compromises — the chances of running a V12-powered Ferrari are not very realistic if you’re student with only a part-time job.
Instead, you’ll need to look a cheap-to-run and repair classics. Cheap doesn’t necessarily mean dull — a nicely finished Cortina MkI not only has a high level of retro-cool, but it’ll also perform well (due to its lightweight construction), take to corners with gusto and, a big bonus, it’ll easily stand out from a crowd of blandly styled Japanese hot-hatches. In other words — it’ll be a bundle of fun to own and to drive.
MkI and II Escorts are also uber-cool, especially when you consider their considerable reputation as a rally car — even Colin McRae owned a MkII Escort. And, while you’ll probably not run to one of the fancy BDA-powered RS Escorts, a good MKI 1300GT or a MkII Sport is a great entry level route into classic car ownership.
The very much the same reasons, an original Mini also makes good sense. If you’re tastes run to more quirky classic cars, VW Beetles are also a sensible choice — they may not be hugely powerful but, thanks to their cult following, they are able to be modified almost infinitely.
Read the rest of this entry »
October 6th, 2010 by NZ Classic Car
Various sources have been reporting that Porsche is busy making plans to return to the pinnacle of motorsport – F1.
Apparently, Porsche’s new CEO, Matthias Mueller, publicly stated at last week’s Paris auto show this year that Porsche might get itself back into Formula 1. However, Porsche’s shock return to F1 will not be happening in the next season.
Keen F1 fans may remember that Porsche actually competed in F1 back in the 1990′s, but not with its own race car. The German carmaker supplied the engines for the Footwork team which competed in the 1991 F1 season.
To support the rumours are back up rumours that Volkswagen is also planning to enter F1 as an engine supplier, giving Porsche all the credentials to make a surprise entry. Stay tuned.
December 19th, 2009 by NZ Classic Car
Smoking in the office. Wouldn’t be allowed now.
December 19th, 2009 by NZ Classic Car
It will crush you like a¦beetle
December 18th, 2009 by NZ Classic Car
Which one would you rather be in? Ummm¦neither?
