New Zealand Classic Car 403, January/February 2026

Morris’ ground-breaking, world-beating, Minor
It was Britain’s biggest small car, and it got Britain mobile again. Morris Motors celebrated its millionth Minor in December 1960, a car that defined the British motor industry, and was in production for 10 years alongside the iconic Mini of 1959.
Whakatane dentist John Twaddle has a passion for Morris Minors going back to 1982, and he still has his first example. There are now three ‘Morries’ in his garage. One, however, is quite special, a rare ‘Minor-Million’.
One of just 350 made commemorating the millionth Morris Minor produced, the first British car to hit a million units, the well-rounded little Brit’ would end production in 1971with a tally of over 1.6 million units.
John finished his Minor Million six years ago, resplendent in lilac, its official factory colour. He calls it his ‘Minor Resurrection’, and it has won numerous awards.
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This issue also includes our FREE 2026 classic car calendar.
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A Southland morning with Monza
It’s the kind of story only New Zealand could produce – a rare Ferrari Monza 750, stored in the back shed of a country garage in Otautau.
1962 Jaguar Mark II, 3.4 Litre, Part 2
Jaguar was unaware of a peculiar XK engine modification.
Auckland music producer Larry Killip satisfied his passion for Jaguars in 1984, buying a 1962 Jaguar Mark II, 3.4 Litre, starting many enjoyable cruises and some head-scratching, while discovering Sir William Lyons’ brilliant XK engine revealed some still unexplained differences.
2021 Shelby GT500 KR1000, Mustang
The King of the Road is back!
The spirit of Carroll Shelby lives on in a range of modern Mustangs.
In Tune with Miranda!
1990 Ferrari Testarossa
Spending a morning with a cultural icon
I spent a warm Saturday morning with this glorious 1990 Ferrari Testarossa, courtesy of the ever-generous team at Southern Specialist Cars, and let’s just say…There are worse ways to spend my mornings!
1965 Austin Mini, PDL Replica
Stacy Lines’ stunning replica PDL Mini-Part 2
Just two successful PDL Minis were built, and the 1967-1968 season was Robert Stewart’s most successful, winning the New Zealand Saloon Car championship. Long-time Southland Mini fan, Stacy Lines' mission to build an accurate replica of Mini #40 concludes.
1966 Oldsmobile Toronado
A Toronado’s Tale – In Tune With Miranda
An impressive and scarce piece of Americana has been entrusted to the care of a Rangiora enthusiast who is enjoying cruising in what is possibly the largest front-wheel drive coupe ever made. Miranda meets a dedicated owner with a few touching memories to share.
Kits and Pieces – Ultimate Ultima
The home-built car hobby is widely varied, encompassing collectors, drivers, modifiers, restorers, ‘ground-up’ designers and, of course, kit car builders.
Ultima Sports Ltd, based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, has a history of building some formidable performance-related cars beginning in 1983.
Southern Classic Racing
Rare coupe racing
The Classic Motor Racing Club’s season-opening Brooklands Members’ meeting in September signalled the start of the 2025-’26 season. Sitting in the pits was a rare car on any local grid, a diminutive Ginetta G15 raced by Ian Perry from Christchurch.
Action-packed 39th MG Classic
New Zealand’s longest-running classic car event lived up to its reputation, rivalling North Island events such as the Taupō Historic Grand Prix and the Legends of Speed Festival.
Industry Profile
Eyrewell Forest Motor Company 2025
A lifelong passion for cars and amassing a small car collection has transitioned into a business as a “Purveyor of fine vehicles" for a Christchurch enthusiast.
It’s wonderful when we can transform our hobby into a main source of income. For Christchurch’s Andrew Farrow of Eyrewell Forest Motor Company, that is exactly what he has been able to do.
From swap meets to the road
Protecting your classic car
Restoring any classic motor vehicle requires careful planning and research. Unfortunately, often, the last consideration is how you’ll protect yourself and your investment if something goes wrong during the process.
Special Report-Ayrburn
A life lived loudly, lost quietly, saved brilliantly
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