Classics

Auto Trader Insights: The leading NZ car blog for reviews, news, and expert buying and selling advice
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23 June 2020

2019 Kumeu Hot Rod and Classic Car Festival

It’s one of the largest classic gatherings on the local calendar, and it turned 25 this year. We head along to Kumeu for a taste of classic car culture. “Hey look Dad, a pig skull.” “Hmm, I don’t think we need a pig skull buddy,” I say. “C’mon, everyone needs a pig skull in their living room mate”, says the
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26 May 2020
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Invercargill Motorcycle Mecca – Motorcycle paradise

Another of Invercargill’s automotive drawcards is the superb collection of two wheelers at the recently opened Motorcycle Mecca. We discovered that even if you’re more a car type,...
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25 May 2020
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New Zealand’s great Ford Falcon GT collection

On the outskirts of Invercargill is one of the most complete collections of Ford Falcon GT in the country. And its most recent addition is a real highway...
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24 May 2020
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Bill Richardson Transport World – More than just trucks

Invercargill is fast becoming the destination for classic automotive collections. We recently tripped to the far south to check out the city’s star attraction, Bill Richardson Transport World....
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23 May 2020
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Rod Tempero motor body builders- traditionally Tempero

Tempero motor body builders, this country’s most lauded proponents of doing things the traditional way, is a homage to family and an era where beauty and function co-existed...
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23 May 2020
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1972 Toyota Corolla Levin

Classic car enthusiasts all have their reasons for adding a car of the past to their sheds. For Chris Stephens, a schoolyard crush prompted the acquisition of this...
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22 May 2020
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1963 Ford Galaxie 500 XL

Ford’s big cars of the early sixties had names inspired by the space race of the era. Here we investigate a Galaxie with enough horsepower to launch it...
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22 May 2020
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The Oamaru Autocollection – Southern collectioneering

While some kiwi automotive collections can beat it for sheer size, the Oamaru Autocollection punches far above its weight. For what it seems to lack in size this...
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21 May 2020
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1965 Ford XP Falcon

We check out a Ford XP Falcon that lay dormant for two decades before being restored to a factory look while embracing V8 power under the bonnet. Ford...
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20 May 2020
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1964 VW Kombi Westfalia

Here we detail the life of a 52-year-old Volkswagen that has seen more parts of the world than most, and still has plenty of life left in it....
2 November 2024
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1974 AMC Javelin 401

The AMC Javelin may be the forgotten one of the pony car era but that makes it a bit special. It is a rare sight on our roads and this 1974 example is one of the last AMC made. In the American ‘pony car’ wars of the late 60s and early 70s, one combatant that often gets overlooked is the
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22 September 2024
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2017 Honda S660 Mugen RA

The S660 channels Honda’s commitment to its sporting heritage. It’s from a long line of dynamic heroes, and is one that proves you don’t need a big donk to thrill. Honda’s first car was a sports machine, the concept Sports 360 debuting in 1962. This small convertible ran a 356cc, DOHC inline four developed using knowhow from Honda’s motorcycle racing
Honda S660 Mugen in red, parked in front of an urban wall
24 August 2024
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1959 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe

The 1959 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe is a prime example of American chromed excess. It’s big and shiny and draws a lot of attention. Things were simple back in the day. And better for it some might say. In the booming post-war economy of the USA, the big three car manufacturers had things largely to themselves. They didn’t have to
Chevrolet Impala front quarter view, parked at an Auckland park
28 July 2024
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1990 Mitsuoka Le-Seyde

Some cars attract attention, and then there is the Mitsuoka Le-Seyde. It’s out there man. Japanese automakers have been responsible for a fair few four-wheeled wheeled oddities over the decades. There’s the Suzuki X90, Toyota Sera and Daihatsu Midget from recent memory. They also outdo themselves with weird nameplates; the Daihatsu Naked, Suzuki Mighty Boy, Nissan Cedric and the Mazda
Mitsuoka-Le-Seyde in white, parked, shot from behind a flax bush