HISTORIC NEW ZEALAND RACING CARS

WRITER: STEVE HOLMES PUBLISHED: 2019 BY BATEMAN, WHICH SUPPLIED THE REVIEW COPY. ISBN: 978-1-86953-986-3 REVIEW: MARK HOLMAN

Here’s another of the landscape format books by Steve Holmes on different aspects of New Zealand motoring and motorsport. This one covers 18 historic racing cars. All but one of them raced in this country, and most were either built or substantially developed here.

Not surprisingly, in view of Steve’s particular interest and knowledge, quite a number of potent saloon cars are included, such as the Algie Alfetta, the Custaxie (but why no mention of the excellent replica currently racing?), the PDL Mustang, Fahey’s Capri RS2600, and the one-owner Graeme Addis Charger.

Invariably, there’s a bit of repetition about racing rules and results in the separate chapters on these sometimes outrageous and exciting cars, but the reader is rewarded by Steve’s deep dive into their construction and development, race histories, and ownership over the years: fascinating stuff!

Elsewhere, there are a few singleseaters and a sports car or two. The Lycoming Special had to be included, both for its ingenuity and its long life. Nice, too, to see the Paton Ford as an example at the other end of the scale. The monopostos include some locally built specials — the Geeceeess and the brilliant RA Vanguard that was so far ahead of its time — as well as F5000s from Begg and Mcrae. Factory-made cars are represented by the Owen Racing Organization/brabham/ Amon/southward 250F, and the author acknowledges Jim Barclay’s assistance in unravelling the car’s complicated history.

The odd one out, in that it never raced locally, is the Can-am–winning Mclaren M8A that was so carefully restored in New Zealand after being abandoned to the elements. However, it’s a fair inclusion as an example of a very successful ‘New Zealand’ racing car.

Each chapter runs from four to 12 pages, with plenty of text about each car’s history plus a good selection of photos from its racing career. There are some great action shots, such as Grady Thomson in the Monaro at Wigram and Pat Hoare’s superb Ferrari at the same venue.

One of the biggest problems with a book like this must be deciding what to leave out. I’m sure most readers will have their own ideas of what should have been included; I’d vote for the Stanton Corvette and one of the Lawrence or Palmer single-seaters. Maybe that urge will form the basis for a second volume?

Despite the slightly dull cover image, this 192-page book demonstrates plenty of thorough research and presents a rich trove of New Zealand motorsport treasures from the past, in an interesting and enjoyable way.