McGREGOR MOTORSPORT
It was great to drive into Christchurch arriving at McGregor Motorsport in time for a cup of tea. I must mention that an incredible amount of tea is consumed by the team at McGregor’s and the seemingly endless amount of folks wandering in for a multitude of questions, parts, and advice. Robert and Mark are never too busy to neglect all visitors which make this a real haven for Lotus owners. For me it was great to see the latest McGregor V8 during the last week of its build.

CERTIFICATION CHECK
Today was to be pretty action packed with all the official testing and paperwork to be done in order for me to drive the car to Auckland. Arriving at McGregor Motorsport Mark had the car parked and ready for the day ahead.

First on the agenda was the VINZ, the vehicle inspection check and then the Certificate of Registration. This was an interesting experience, far more comprehensive than the Japanese “shaken” car inspection!


Final fittings of upholstery and paint check ended a very productive day.

UNVEILING EVENT
What made the fact that knowing the car was finished and waiting was that I arrived in Christchurch at 2pm but agreed not to arrive at McGregor’s until 5pm for the official un-veiling! The three hours while arduous were entirely worthwhile. Robert and Mark had the BBQ sizzling away and a curious group began to arrive for the pulling off of the car cover so I could see the finished MACH SR7. It was amusing to hear all the build stories, several of the group had seen the car but were sworn to secrecy.
Finally I was allowed to see the car which really exceeded all expectations – my usual camera at the hip ready to photograph was put down and this entire event was hardly photographed at all!
The minimal photographs of the actual evening…



Seated in the drivers seat was slightly overwhelming – more than worth a puzzled scratch of the head and allowing the enjoyment to settle into an evening long smile!

PROJECT PLAN CHANGE
The last week has been one of change; in fact change for the better. On Monday 24th August I was going over the build details and what needs to be done towards shipping to Auckland. The shipping schedule was a Monday departure from Picton, Christchurch arriving Friday in Onehunga, Auckland. This was not a problem at all other than my limited time in New Zealand and incredible impatience on my part to have the car on the road.
The car was completed on schedule by McGregor’s as a rolling chassis with body panels painted and attached – we were left with assorted wiring, interior fittings, final additions towards registration and compliance. This could not be done before I was due back in Japan so a decision was required.
I phoned the McGregor team and asked if they would like;
To completely finish the car
To complete the compliance testing
To register the car
To get a roadworthy check
I would then fly down to Christchurch on Monday 7th September to take delivery and drive the car home. The answer was a very big YES and within one hour I had air tickets, hotel bookings and a ferry crossing reservation. Phoning back the team had organized a Monday evening BBQ and viewing of the car that was combined with the local 7 club members evening blat! This was incredible and I could not think of a better way to begin owning a Mach7.
The drive home should be equally amazing….all 800 plus kilometers!!

BACK IN NEW ZEALAND
The schedule we discussed back in March came right down to the wire today as I spoke to Mark and Robert with a background McGregor Mach7 idling happily….my car is alive! The project has been successful due to very clear communication coupled to a couple of passionate professionals working their magic in Christchurch. I cannot praise them enough as when they said in March this year “welcome to the family” it did not fully sink in but five months later I do indeed feel very much a part of a very special family.
I sensed a reluctance to let go their latest Mach7, this has been a very special project. I welcomed all innovative changes to ensure that not only will I get a great product but the McGregor team gets the freedom to refine and improve upon their Mach7 kit cars. The rolling chassis original build has become an almost complete turnkey for a variety of reasons.
Japan is a long way away which would make this a time consuming kit-car build. While I do not mind amassing endless fly miles I am sure my University would notice me missing for weeks on end. The Japanese Yen has been killing the New Zealand Dollar so the price of fabrication and assembly is very reasonable; I can see many Japanese friends looking very seriously at such a project!
So what is next?
The car is bundled into a shipping container next week and I will get to see the painted car and all the newly developed options for the first time! This will certainly be on the BLOG pretty quickly!
Well done the McGregor team!