DRIVE TO MARAETAI
The 12.8kms from Clevedon to Maraetai is one not to be misssed. Once you navigate out of Auckland, the traffic disappears and you can meander through genuine country charm. The North Road takes you to Maraetai which in Maori means “meeting place by the sea”. Waiheke Island dominates the coastal beach side drive past the iconic pier and local cafes.
CONCOURSE DETAILING
I have always enjoyed washing and waxing cars and when Ashley Webb from Classic car Magazine asked if I would let my car be detailed of course I agreed. Ashley was in the process of an article on Turtle Wax New Zealand and their new Concourse Car Detailing Products. My part was easy, drive in at 9:00am and let them detail my car while being the entire process was photographed. It was too good an opportunity not to ask if I could video parts of the process and this is 3 minutes and a most enjoyable Friday morning….
McGREGOR MOTORSPORT
McGregor Motorsport once again participated in the CPIT open day showing their new products and innovative designs.
McGREGOR MOTORSPORT
Finally back to a fully functional fabrication factory new projects are in abundance. An afternoon filming captured an exciting new project.
PORSCHE
For the past three years I have been so absorbed with the world of custom built kit cars my 911 sat in the corner of the garage not demanding attention. However this changed during one of my “I’ll just take it around the block drive” which normally means three or four weeks later I take it back to it’s little corner in the garage. The plan was foiled as the exhaust failed the Japanese Shaken test…now this requires a little explanation!
Shaken (車検), a contraction of Jidōsha Kensa Tōrokuseido (自動車検査登録制度”automobile inspection registration system”), is the name of the vehicle inspection program in Japan for motor vehicles over 250 cc in engine displacement.
The Porsche failed on the exhaust, not sure why but I have now accepted no reasons as an answer in Japan and quickly jumped onto my supplier PELICAN PARTS in Los Angeles. Glenn quickly sorted out all I needed and a box of goodies was soon on its way to Japan. A lazy Saturday afternoon at Harry’s Motors was well worth a video of the transformation.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/911E_catalog.htm
UPGRADES
There is nothing more satisfying than tinkering; upgrades certainly qualify as such an activity. Richardson Motors in Auckland is my haven for quality service, not only is Paul a talented mechanic with credible pedigree in the world of motorsport; he is supported by a great team. Time for some engine mount modifications….
An annoying oil leak was traced to the camshaft seal, so with Neesha joining in to ensure it was done by beer time; the leak was a leak no more.
RICHARDSON MOTORS
60 Richardson Road
Mt Albert
09 846 5342
richardsonmotors@xtra.co.nz
GREAT DRIVES: Auckland waterfront.
My daughter Kahli and her friend Cynthia settled into the MACH SR7 and leisurely drove around the iconic Auckland water front. I was the pace car, the Contour GPS HD mounted on the back window we simply enjoyed the entire experience.
Kahli quickly decided she enjoyed the driver’s seat and took me on a series of Auckland Saturday afternoon drives…I think she is addicted!
Here we go again…
CHRISTCHURCH
There is nothing nicer than the crisp clear air of March in New Zealand, this is especially so of Christchurch. I would not be completely honest, if it was not with a little hesitation that I walked across the car park to meet Robert from McGregor Motorsport…was the ground going to rumble and shake? This feeling quickly settled as Robert said we have a car to collect and take back to the factory.
McGregor Motorsport located in Christchurch, New Zealand specializes in maintaining “historic race cars”. These cars can be seen in the SKOPE CLASSIC event, the largest event of it’s type in New Zealand. More than 250 cars take part in this event and McGregor Motorsport is there to offer support and maintenance
GREAT DRIVES : Auckland traffic…yeah right!
There is nothing pretty about peak hour driving in Auckland unless you are following your brother who takes every back street in Auckland. Well it was worth filming a little of the drive to pass the time.
