2022

When the Toyota 86 was released in New Zealand in 2012 it caused quite a stir. There were limited numbers and all were spoken for before they had even arrived. It wasn’t particularly rapid but it was a focused driver's car and it was seen as a future classic before it had even left the showroom. Read on...

As a kid obsessed with cars I remember thinking the XJS was the most beautiful car ever and vowed to one day own one. Unfortunately that dream, along with others of the time (drinking Fanta with Farrah Fawcett and changing my name to Steve Austin), were never been fulfilled. You see, it took a special type of person to own an XJS – a sharp dresser with deep pockets, two attributes I never had. Today you still need moderately deep pockets and at least a hint of sartorial elegance to enter the world of Jaguar XJS ownership. But it’s more attainable than it’s ever been, especially if it needs a bit of love. Read on...

Whether you want the wind in your hair and all the attention that comes with driving a red Porsche 911 Turbo cabriolet, or a luxury Italian grand tourer that will set you apart from all the BMW 3 series drivers, one of these could be for you. The Porsche will cost you an arm and a leg while the Alfa will cost you just a very reasonable arm OR a leg. Both are class acts but which would you choose? Read on...

Turners Dunedin are having a fire sale of sorts. Last week we covered the very tempting ‘76 Landcruiser smokechaser and it seems vintage fire engines are a bit like buses – you don’t see one for ages and then two arrive. And this 1954 series 1 Land Rover, known as “Little Flick” by his buddies, is just as hot as the previously featured Toyota, maybe even hotter. Read on...

Toyota J series Landcruiser prices have become wince inducing in recent times, possibly because good, rust free examples are hard to find and restoration costs are frightening. So when an incredibly low mileage one shows up dressed as a fire engine it’s time to put on your brave pants and bid like a boss. Read on...

It’s one of Ford’s greatest successes and one that NZers didn’t get to taste for a long time due to the decision to give us the insipid Mazda based Festiva instead. Now, having sold over 20 million of them, Ford is giving the Fiesta a siesta, the sort you don’t ever wake from. So let’s take a look at the car that was designed by Italians and Germans, approved by the Americans, with a Spanish name and adored by the British. Read on...

Look, sure, it’s a tiny Toyota with a tiny engine at Turners Porirua, but it’s also, basically, an Aston Martin. Will your neighbours even know the difference when they see it parked in your drive? Will they think you’ve won the lottery? Well probably not. But Aston Martin did make a version of the Toyota iQ and it didn’t go well. Read on...

The “if it’s rockin’ don’t bother knockin’” bumper sticker is missing but otherwise this 1986 Ford Econoline is a perfect slice of 80s Americana that has found its way to NZ. If your name’s Bubba or Darlene, you like V8s, camping and shootin’ snowflakes then y’all need to check this out. It’s being auctioned at Turners Palmerston North next week. Read on...

Maybe you’ve seen an Isuzu VehiCROSS before, maybe you haven’t, but they sure are a rare thing. And for all its rarity and slightly oddball looks it’s a very capable on-road/off-road vehicle with competition pedigree. So what’s the story behind the VehiCROSS and why should you buy this one at Turners Hamilton? Read on...