Departure Christchurch Destination Picton [A google map drive of 343 km in 4 hours 29 minutes] Leaving McGregor Motorsport in Christchurch heading to Auckland, not a bad test drive for a new car. The smiles on Scott the owner, Mark the fabricator/designer myself the owner celebrated a three year build. Coming almost every 2 months from Japan to be involved with the build this was a day everyone was looking forward to…finally on the road. I have not lived in New Zealand for 35 years, California and Utah for 7 years, Hawaii for 6 years and 22 years in Japan where I live as a permanent Resident. DRIVE NOTES: An extremely nice touring car, perhaps the gearing is a bit high which is a simple ratio change, but the engine torque is astonishing. The new chassis design, inboard front suspension just made the ride very comfortable. The roomy cockpit and adjustable sliding seats, my new door shape with the elbow bulge just add to the comfort.
THURSDAY 6th MAY, 2021.

McGregor Motorsport in Christchurch changing the muffler….CERTIFICATION by LVVTA is certainly a journey and with just a few minor changes the approval is only a one days checking this week
MARCH 24, 2021

Back in McGregor Motorsport in Christchurch…..CERTIFICATION by LVVTA is certainly a journey and with just a few minor changes the approval is only a one days checking this week
MARCH 24, 2021

I was lucky that Mike could come to McGregor Motorsport and place a protective cover on my Lotus 7 Replica rear guards…they get really pounded on New Zealand roads. A great Product and great service…thanks Mike. “Let’s Get Graphic is a Christchurch based signwriting and design company. We offer a wide range of services, from building signage to replicating decals you can’t get anymore! We have a friendly team who can sit down with you and discuss your needs. From our clever designers to our highly experienced applicators, getting the job done on time and to the highest standard is our objective. Come in and see us today to get your project under way!”
MARCH 24, 2021

SPEC Performance Christchurch, New Zealand Your one stop shop when it comes to all things high performance. Dyno tuning and ECU Reflashing through to custom fabrication, race engine building and performance parts we have the experience and passion to see your project through from start to finish – no matter how big or small! 375 St Asaph Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011 Tel: +64 03 377 7147 https://www.specperformance.co.nz/
MARCH 3, 2021

CANTERBURY UPHOLSTERY opened up their doors in 1995 and soon became known as the automotive upholstery specialists in Christchurch. Our services are second to none and there is no upholstery we do not cover! Our high quality materials will provide you with the comfort and restoration you deserve at prices you deserve. We work with you to match all your automotive needs. We are the specialists in automotive upholstery that stand out from our competitors because we customize any upholstery to suit your needs and functionality. We specialize in: Custom work Custom motorbike seats Our professional team will ensure the job is done to high standards, whilst keeping within your budget. No job is too big or too small at Canterbury Upholstery. Canterbury Upholstery – 447 Johns Road, Fernside, Rangiora. Phone 03 310 8124 Email canterburyupholstery@yahoo.co.nz
MARCH 1, 2021

The final stages of the build and I was so fortunate to have TODD HIGHSTED to finish of the painting of my car. Totally enjoyed filming the painting moments…an excellent craftsman at work.
FEBRUARY 1, 2021

The final stages of the build and I was so fortunate to have TODD HIGHSTED to finish of the painting of my car. Totally enjoyed filming the painting moments…an excellent craftsman at work.
FEBRUARY 1, 2021

MMS GEORGE 1 PAINT MOMENTS

January was great, got the car back to McGregor Motorsport and drove it into the garage….wow! The plan was to get the entire car finished before taking it back to be dyno tuned at SPEC Performance. I created a little more chaos by deciding the return to the stage with BEYOND 60 a dance performance of my last 20 years in Japan. I think it must be a first with Taz rehearsing in the McGregor Motorsport workshop while we are working on the car.

The three weeks in January and February everything just went like clockwork, the body is all on, wiring all completed and now it sits happily at Canterbury Upholstery  

https://www.canterburyupholstery.co.nz/

COVID 19 strikes the world and suddenly we are all in situations never expected or believed could happen. New Zealand responded like no other country with “Hits it Hard and Hit it Fast” and the results and resilience of the “Team of 5 Million” accepted lockdowns and business to come to a virtual stop.

McGregor Motorsport was if course totally caught, but 100% supportive in arresting the COVID spread. With only essential workers a grim winter was ahead. I could not leave Japan, re-entry was only allowed for Japanese citizens even though I was a 22 year Permanent Resident…times looked grim

Finally on 5^th October I was able to apply for a place in the New Zealand Two week Hotel isolation and tickets were booked for 21^st November. This news gave the team at McGregor Motorsport and time schedule for a possible Xmas on road test in GEORGE. The LVVTA was slower than usual like most of New Zealand due to COVID so January 2021 became the goal for completion. Actually, quite nice to have a 2021 New Car.

JUNE 13, 2019
DAY FIVE: Loom repairs before panels installed