Well, how’s this for a jam-packed mag?
The Matamata Panelworks team are renowned for their custom Mustang builds, and are no one-trick pony! The latest Panelworks-built Eleanor is the best yet, boasting a mind-blowing amount of custom bodywork, an interior you could cross a continent in, and a nitrous-assisted 427ci Roush crate engine backed by a Tremec five-speed. Built to drive!
Far more subtle than the Eleanor, but just as cool in a different way, is Andy Brooking’s custom ’57 Chev 3100. Bagged over a custom chassis, the classic truck sits right, and with an injected 468ci big block it goes and sounds even better! What you may not notice is the intensive custom bodywork to clean up its profile, or the six-month build to get it ready for Repco Beach Hop 17.
We’ve also got a full feature on New Zealand’s quickest street Torana — Shane Ryland’s turbocharged LS-powered LH Torana sedan. We’ve been trying to feature this car for a while, but every time it looked likely, Shane pulled it off the road for more upgrades! Despite a new PB of 8.77s at 157.69mph, he isn’t done yet, and looks likely to go even quicker next season!
This looks like our overflow issue of feature cars from Repco Beach Hop 17! In addition to Andy’s truck, we’ve also got Cody McGregor’s beautiful ’67 Buick Skylark — an immaculately finished cruiser completed just in time for the Hop! With mirror-like panel and paint, and a tough Buick big block under the hood, this is one hell of an owner-build.
Serial car builder Wayne Nicol returns to the pages of NZV8 after an absence of a few years, with a wicked cool ’36 Ford coupe. His old ’61 Impala bubbletop was cool, and this turns it up another notch, with stunning retro styling cues throughout, and Ford power up front.
This issue includes the second part of our interview with Kiwi drag racing royalty Mike Gearing. Part one covered his involvement in the beginning of professional drag racing in New Zealand, as well as his many career exploits, while part two carries that on with more riveting anecdotes, as well as an exploration of more recent times.
Powered by supercharged and methanol-drinking big blocks making in excess of 2500hp, Grand Prix Hydroplanes reach close to 300kph on an uneven water surface, demanding everything of their pilots. In return, the pilots and spectators are rewarded with a V8 orchestra like no other, and an adrenaline-rush of motorized action. We’ve got a close-up look at how these wild machines work, and what they’re all about in our latest issue.
Many V8 guys understand the concept of tuning the old-school way — timing and carb jetting. When it comes to modern EFI engines, it may as well be a mystery. We got a behind-the-scenes look at the science of tuning a close-to-factory LS1-powered Corvette to improve upon the base tune.
One of the biggest annual events on the global hot rodding calendar, the LA Roadster Show suffered a rather large decline in entrance and attendance this year, after a change of management. However, what it lacked in numbers was made up for in quality, and we’ve got all you want to see of this year’s roadster extravaganza!
Rather closer to home, we’ve got a gallery and event report on the Renegade Rod & Custom Club’s Parked Up Out West event from Queen’s Birthday. The huge numbers and a diverse spread of cars make this an event not to miss if you’re stuck in town, and you’ll see why in this issue.
On top of all of that, we also have a feature on Geoff Omnet’s shed, and its collection that recently went under the hammer — a dream for any fan of a vintage way of life. Then there’s TJ’s tales about hot rodding shenanigans you couldn’t get away with these days, Morice McMillin’s drag diary, and all the usual stuff we could include in here but are running out of space for. Enjoy the read!
