THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE MX-5 CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND topdown ISSUE 6 - 2018 MAGAZINE

www.mx5carclub.co.nz Mitsuoka ‘Rock Star’ Is A MX5 Turned Into A Chevy Corvette C2

And it’s awesome. anniversary and the automaker plans to produce no more than 50 examples, at least initially. It be It’s been awhile since we last heard about Mitsuoka, available in six colors, Los Angeles Blue, Chicago the small automotive company from known Red, New York Black, Cisco Orange, Washington for building weird (to say the least) with White, and Arizona Yellow. unconventional styling. Yes, yes – that manufacturer that produced the mid-engine Orochi (kind of) In terms of design, not much is left from the original supercar. The automaker is now back again with a . As Jalopnik points out, it looks like only the doors new, this time far more attractive, offering. and windshield remain unchanged from the original roadster, and all other body components are custom. Just like its previous project, the Himiko, the Rock Star is based on the latest generation MX-5 Under the hood, everything seems stock – a 1.5-litre Miata. This time around, Mitsuoka is using the naturally aspirated engine is sending power to the Japanese roadster to build a smaller, modern-day rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or an replica of the Chevrolet Corvette C2 and, dare we automatic. An LS V8 swap could bring the spirit of say, they’ve nailed it. the Corvette C2 even further though... It turns out that the proportions of the Miata are a In Japan, the Rock Star will have a starting price pretty good base for a shrunken Corvette Stingray. of 4,688,200 yen, which equates to approximately It’s interesting that Mitsuoka is finding inspiration $41,000 (NZD 60,826) at the current exchange rates. from an American model for the first, because, For a comparison, a base Miata starts at $26,625 in usually, its cars mimic British and other European the United States. vehicles from the past.

The Rock Star is made to celebrate Mitsuoka’s 50th Source: www.motor1.com/news

THINKING OF IMPORTING YOUR NEXT CAR FROM OVERSEAS?

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ph 021 855 117 [email protected] www.autohub.co CONTRIBUTING GUIDELINES CONTENTS MAGAZINE »» Feel free to submit articles via email. »» Articles should be no longer than 900 words. 5 THE SAT-NAV »» Include your name (and the article author’s name if different), contact details and use full names in your text. A delighful poem by Pam Ayres. »» If you submit an article, you agree to have it edited as the Editor sees fit. 6 the fun of it »» The NZ MX5 Club does not pay for submissions. The story behind planning a MX-5 Club run. »» If the article has been published before in any form, please indicate this. 8 FREY’S MAZDA CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM »» TopDown is read by all ages, so please take this into account when considering subject material and language. A report from Tony & Pauline Stenhouse. »» No article which the Editor or the NZ MX5 Club deems to encourage breaking the law, either directly or by inference 11 trip reports will be printed. Picture Guidelines: Trip reports from around the regions. »» High resolution JPEGs are preferred. (300 dpi) »» The preferred method for submission of images is by email. Front Cover: Oruawharo Homestead. »» No single image should exceed 8 MB. Photo by Lesley Sutherland, Taranaki Club. »» All photographs must be submitted with the permission Back Cover: Past Top Down Covers of the photographer. Editor: Vicky Powell: [email protected] »» Vehicle registration numbers will be shown unless Printer: Advocate Print, Rotorua removal is requested. DEADLINE: for NEXT issue - 1 FEBRUARY 2019 Please Note: The Editor cannot guarantee a date for publication. The above are guidelines only, and may be Keep up to date with the latest MX-5 news at: varied in exceptional circumstances. THE EDITOR’S DECISION IS FINAL. www.mx5carclub.co.nz www.facebook.com/MX5ClubofNZ EMAIL: [email protected]

Disclaimer: This magazine does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor or the Committee of the MX5 Club of New Zealand. It is intended to provide general articles and information only. While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information it contains, neither the Editor, Committee or the authors can be held liable for inaccuracies, errors or omissions. Copyright is reserved throughout. No part of this magazine can be reproduced or reprinted without the express permission of the Editor. All information is current at the time of printing and the Editor takes no responsibility for any factors that may change thereafter.

www.mx5carclub.co.nz | MX5 Topdown Magazine 1 National Committee REGIONAL CO-ORDINATORS Whangarei/Twin Coasts Kapiti Coast – President Terry Conaghan Sharon and Keith Ewing Keith Jones, 0274362568, Phone: (09) 437 0898 Phone: 06 379 7709 [email protected] Mobile: (027) 237 0084 Mobile: 027 274 4443 Vice-President – Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Ron Bol, 0210687951, Northern (including Auckland) Upper Hutt & Wellington [email protected] Keith Jones To be advised Secretary – Mobile: 027 4362 568 Nelson/Tasman Marilyn Harp, 021617729, Email: [email protected] Kevin and Gaylene St John [email protected] Waikato (including Hamilton) Phone:03 542 3838 Treasurer – Denis Crossman Mobile: 021 542 3838 Sandra Jones, 0274284606, Mobile: (027) 693 3773 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Email: [email protected] Marlborough

Bay of Plenty (inc. Tauranga) Grant and Caryl Simpson Karen Struiksma Mob: 027 446 5137 Mark Brinsbury – Mobile: (027) 3427189 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Email: [email protected] Canterbury Jenny Wieland – Hawkes Bay (inc. Napier/Hastings) To be advised [email protected] Mike & Rosemary Hurley Dunedin/Otago Phone: 06 878 9265 Clint Trewin Graeme Banks – Mobile: 021 152 6573 Phone: (03) 455 3246 (Work) [email protected] Email: Mobile: (027) 435 8510 (A/hours) [email protected] Denis Smith – Email: [email protected] [email protected] Taranaki Southland/Invercargill Kaz Bruce Barry Potenger – Peter Glover Phone: (06) 7566996 [email protected] Phone: (03) 217 7187 Mobile: 027 2169725 Mobile: 027 634 3900 Murray Lee – Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] [email protected] Manawatu Donna Lee – Denise and Peter Griffiths [email protected] Mobile: 027 6558366 Email: [email protected]

Mazda MX5 Club of New Zealand Inc, Membership subscriptions - $70.00 per car, per year for full PO Box 15551, New Lynn, Auckland membership, including Topdown magazine. For membership Email: [email protected] application forms, visit our website or email the Membership Co www.mx5carclub.co.nz ordinators - Murray & Donna Lee on [email protected] NEW MEMBERS A warm welcome TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS... BAY OF PLENTY Stephen Dye and Sharon Van Mechelen, AUCKLAND Peter and Sabine Tetzalff Rodger and Judy Kallu, Northern AUCKLAND Ossie Osborne, AUCKLAND Waikato Brian and Shona Moffat, Christopher and Raewyn AUCKLAND Charnley, TE AWAMUTU

New members should start receiving emails from their regional co-ordinator regarding details of upcoming trips. If you are new to the club and coming along for the first time, please make yourself known to the event organiser.

2 MX5 Topdown Magazine | www.mx5carclub.co.nz fromP theRESI presidentDENT’S REPORT

We have bad news and good As you will have seen news to end 2018. First the bad in the AGM Minutes news. Vicky Powell has tendered included in the last issue her resignation as editor/designer of TopDown, copies of of TopDown due to increased work the Minutes of National commitments. Vicky has done a Committee meetings are fantastic job with TopDown since provided to your Regional she took over back in 2014. The Co-ordinators. If you have better cover than we currently presentation of the magazine any matters that you would like have, and I am pleased to advise has improved considerably over the Committee to look into, or that we have now switched to what we were used to, and most suggestions for how the Club a policy specifically designed importantly, it came out on time. might be able to provide greater for organisations such as ours. We would like to thank Vicky benefits for its members, please Hopefully we never have to utilise most sincerely for her work and let your Co-ordinator know and it, but as the old saying goes, wish her well with her future they will pass them on to the “hope for the best but plan for the endeavours. Committee. Alternatively you are worst.” welcome to contact me direct. Now the good news. Having A Merry Christmas and a Happy been through the trials and One of the responsibilities the New Year to everyone. Enjoy the tribulations of trying to get a National Committee has is to festive season and drive safe. new editor several times before, ensure that all members are I was dreading having to do it protected against legal action Keith Jones, president again. However, only a few days should anything go wrong on a after advertising the position, Club event. To this end the Club Brian Thurogood offered to take has had Public Liability insurance it on. Brian runs Fiery Scribes for many years. However, as was Publishing, so is eminently reported in Issue 3 of this year’s qualified to look after TopDown. TopDown, there seems to be an Brian has been liaising with Vicky increasing number of areas where during the preparation of this issue we could be at risk of liability. of TopDown and will take over Accordingly the Committee responsibilities from 2019. We has been looking at alternative welcome him on board. insurance policies which give

www.mx5carclub.co.nz | MX5 Topdown Magazine 3 FROM THE editor

Hello everyone Well, 2018 is nearing a close after another fun-filled MX-5 year, with lots of runs happening around the country despite the changeable weather. As Keith mentioned, this issue will be my last as TopDown editor. I’ve been editor now for four years (26 issues!), so definitely time for the magazine to move to the next stage with some QUIZ ME... fresh energy, enthusiasm and ideas. Do you think you know everything there is to Firstly, I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone know about the MX-5 Miata? Take the quiz and who has assisted in contributing articles, stories see if you’re a true Miata Maniac. and amazing photos to the magazine – with your wonderful support the magazine has been a https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/drivers- pleasure to produce. life/car-culture/mx-5-miata-quiz/ Which brings me to welcome Brian, your new editor from the Jan/Feb 2019 issue. Brian will now be your go-to guy for deciding what goes into the magazine, collecting the trip reports Same Shirt each issue and designing the magazine layout. Brian can be reached on the TopDown emails: Different [email protected] or topdown@mx5club. org.nz . Day MX-5 Club Member, Owen Vaughan is walking the Next year will be an exciting time for the MX-5 Te Araroa Trail, a 3,000km pathway from Cape club with not only the 2019 MX-5 Nationals, but it Reinga to Bluff, to raise funds and awareness for is of course, the 30th anniversary of Miata MX-5. Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC). You can support and follow Owen’s journey at the Mazda USA is inviting MX-5 owners from around link below. the world to share stories about their iconic roadsters, so be sure to share yours (see back https://www.facebook.com/Te- page for details). Closer to home, Mazda NZ will be releasing more details next year on any Araroa-Trail-Same-Shirt-Different- celebrations/events happening in our region - so Day-106031610302810/ watch this space. Happy holidays and safe driving, VICKY POWELL, EDITOR

Have you visited mx5 International yet? MX5 International is a major online community network dedicated to the MX5/Miata/Roadster - where owners and cars mix together along with enthusiasts, artists, racers, clubs and pros. It’s a fast growing community of 1400+ registered cars and members, 16k+ followers and fans on social networks. www.mx5international.com

4 MX5 Topdown Magazine | www.mx5carclub.co.nz The Satnav Written by Pam Ayres // Sent in by Denise and Peter Griffiths - Manawatu MX5 Club

I have a little Satnav, It tells me when a light is red, It sits there in my car And when it goes to green A Satnav is a driver’s friend, It seems to know instinctively, it tells you where you are. Just when to intervene. I have a little Satnav, It lists the vehicles just in front, I’ve had it all my life And all those to the rear

It’s better than the normal ones, And taking this into account, And get a quieter sort? My Satnav is my wife. It specifies my gear. Ah well, you see, it cleans the house, It gives me full instructions, I’m sure no other driver, Makes sure I’m properly fed Especially how to drive Has so helpful a device It washes all my shirts and things, “It’s sixty miles an hour”, it says, For when we leave and lock the car, And keeps me warm in bed! “You’re doing sixty five”. It still gives its advice. Despite all these advantages, It tells me when to stop and start, It fills me up with counselling, And my tendency to scoff, And when to use the brake Each journey’s pretty fraught I only wish that now and then, And tells me that it’s never ever, So why don’t I exchange it, I could turn the bugger off. Safe to overtake.

www.mx5carclub.co.nz | MX5 Topdown Magazine 5 THE FUN OF IT ... Allen Castleton, MANAWATU CLUB

Have you ever planned an MX-5 club run? This is at the stage you find that Google Maps Have you ever even thought of doing one? may not be quite up to date and there is no road that actually joins up with the Main road, and, Well, I, that’s Dum Dave here, thought well this another that despite the legend, is a secondary must be easy. After all it’s easy enough to drive metal “track” – (grass down the centre type). AND one as a “competitor” isn’t it. OK, well, I’ll offer to in one case there is no road at all! do the next one. No probs! The next weekend, you think, I’ll drive around Well, where shall we go to? Where haven’t we the route, check the turn instructions and road been before? Must be lots of places around. conditions then type up the route “book”, and Need about 100 to 120kms. We could go out let the Club editor have the written gen for the towards ………. Oh, no. That was July’s run. OK magazine. Great! then, we’ll go to ……………... B…… ! That’s been done too! Darn, well. I’ll go to sleep and During the next night’s midnight brain storming think about it tomorrow… Oh, can’t do that I’m session (I usually experience that every night) going to the dentist and that takes all day to get I decide that I should check the route one final over. time! No, that won’t be necessary. There can’t be any mistakes. The run is next weekend anyway. Two days later. Now I thought of a great little run Not enough time for any more route checks. in the early hours of this morning. Where was that now. I’ll probably remember later. THE NEXT WEEKEND. What time will we start.? 10am will be fine, and The members gather at the right place, right time, we can gather at the local pub car park. That’s set off full of good cheer and looking forward right Mark and Murtle’s religion won’t let them go to a pictorial, leafy, shady cruise though some on licensed property. The Council car park will do. bush, and then the foothills of Mount Yehnah and Then we can drive out through the town. No we great views, then coffee and cup cakes at Mary- can’t the Anniversary Parade is on that day. Well Josephine Smiths café. we will meet at the ”leaving 50kph” sign at Bridge After all the work I have put in to this great event, Road. I, that’s Dum Dave again, decide I will just drive Now lets look at Google Maps and figure out an to the café and be one cup and cup cake ahead interesting course. The run is next weekend so of the bunch before they arrive. That I do. Then I I had better get motivated. Not much time left. wait…… and wait….. and wait!! Remember nobody likes taking their clean pride NOT ONE CAR ARRIVES! and joy on metal roads, or really narrow roads, do they? I wait until 6.30, still no one, so I go home. Something must have gone wrong! Next night OK, we will cruise out to Mangarua, turn right at the phone goes. The voice on the other end – the Tahitua and then to Jimsville. Have lunch at the club president, says “What the b……. h… did Jimsville Burger Hut, spend a couple of hours at you do with that Fun Run. The folks are mighty the local lake watching the radio control boats *&*^&^%$^*^*@#$% (not happy!) They got to then drive home. Hamilton and waited for you for hours. (A bit That’s no good. It is only 70kms! Need another peculiar, I thought, we all live near Eketahuna – 50kms! Well that’s OK - there’s that road that 400kms away!) goes around the back of Mount Yeenah and Turns out I left out one instruction. ONLY ONE that’s only 55kms, That’ll be good, and we can instruction! Then “the boss” suggested I never have “afternoon tea” at Mary-Joesephine Smith’s organise a run again, in fact, probably not even tearooms. Great, now I’ll drive the route and turn up at the club again! check the No Exit roads, metal roads, private lanes, etc. IT WAS ONLY ONE INSTRUCTION!!

6 MX5 Topdown Magazine | www.mx5carclub.co.nz The popular names Kiwis give to their cars Kiwis have always had a special love affair with the cars we rely on every day. The bond runs so deep that, in many cases, we feel the need to make any car our own with one Mazda MX-5 is the UK’s fastest special personal feature; a name. New Zealand owned petrol company GAS knows this and appreciating classic since April conducted a survey to discover our most popular car name, with Hagerty’s Price Guide and Classic To create as representative set unsurprisingly colourful results. Index has revealed the latest of data as possible, the HGP’s Betty and Betsy were the most movements in the UK classic car Classic Index focuses on the 50 popular names, which mirrors a market, and values are on the up. most popular UK classics. trend seen overseas, as it is also The latest from Hagerty’s UK Price The top risers include the second the most common name amongst Guide (HPG) is good news for generation Mazda MX-5 1.6i at a US and UK drivers. Mazda MX-5 owners, as the small staggering 8.5% increase in price, Kermit was second, with Bob and Japanese sports car has been the and Italian classics Lancia Fulvia various names involving the word UK’s fastest appreciating classic Sport Zagato 1.6 and Fiat 500 F ‘little’ also recurring in the survey. car since April 2018. First and at 5.0% and 4.3% apiece. What second generation MX-5 owners these cars share in common is Some other noteworthy names will undoubtedly be beaming at their practicality compared to more to appear were ‘Mazdarati’, the news. high-market vehicles, and often go ‘Stella McCARtney’, ‘Hondaway for prices the everyday motorist to the scrap yard’ and ‘Lancer As a whole, the classic car market could afford. Armstrong.’ in the UK has grown by 1.07% since April, with over half (52%) of The HPG has tracked over Others were: Black Beauty, all tracked vehicles rising in value, 40,000 individual prices of over Bubbles, Cee cee, Delilah, Fast which is impressive stuff. When 2000 different classic cars, and Kev, Gertie, HumbleBee, Juju, you consider the famed economic it collects its data from auctions, Lolla the Oll Corolla, Mabel, theory on ‘the market for lemons’, insurer values and private sale Mildred, Muldoon, Noddy, Old then it likely means that buyers prices and although it shows smokey, Pocket Rocket, Silver are becoming more certain of the continued growth of the classic surfer, Snifter, Steeeve, The quality of cars they’re buying, or car market, it is the smallest Batmobile, The Mazdabator, The the quality itself is increasing. incremental increase in six years. Swamp Rat, Zippy. https://www.autoclassics.com/posts/news/maxda-mx-5-uk- Discover more names at: fastest-appreciating-classic www.driven.co.nz

www.mx5carclub.co.nz | MX5 Topdown Magazine 7 Frey’s Mazda Classic Car Museum

REPORT BY: Tony and Pauline Stenhouse, Kapiti Coast MX-5 Club

You may have seen in a recent was the largest ever image of an converted tram workshop, and is Zoom Zoom magazine, a story MX-5 we have ever seen across a wonderful setting for all types about the Frey’s Mazda Classic the front of the Votive Church - the of Mazda’s. Unlike the rest of Car Museum in Germany. We photo does not do it justice - it was Europe, you pretty much get (Tony and Pauline, Kapiti MX-5) huge. the place to yourself – no pushy happened to be in Europe for tourists or queues – and all for a a month, and decided that we On the very last day of our trip very cheap admission fee. should check it out. we visited the amazing Frey’s Museum in Augsburg, Germany. The majority of the cars are Being keen Mazda enthusiasts we As well as an incredible collection completely unmodified. Originality kept a close eye open for any MX- of old and new(ish) Mazda’s, is what the Frey’s focus on, and it 5’s (and Mazda’s of the RX variety, what really stood out was the was a little odd seeing RWD 323’s our other interest) throughout our hospitality and warmth of the as they came out of the factory! holiday. It would be fair to say reception we received – the onsite My favourite was the Parkway26 that Mazda’s are not so common team and owners really made us – the incredibly rare factory rotary in that part of the world. After feel welcome and part of their powered bus… which I had the spotting a rusted out NA MX-5 international (Mazda) family. chance to jump into the driver’s driving from Charles de Gaulle seat. What a cool piece of history. airport into Paris, that was it for a Getting to the museum was There were three MX-5’s on week or so. reasonably straightforward. display – a stock standard (super We were staying in Munich for low K’s) blue NA, a factory NB However the further east we got, a few days and for just a few hardtop coupe – super rare, with the more Mazda’s we spotted. Euro’s we took a subway ride the hardtop handcrafted where a Then in Vienna, we stumbled into the main rail station (Munich metal roof was hand welded onto across a local MX-5 club run… Hauptbahnhof), and then around the base Roadster body. Very with a great line-up of around an hour on the high speed pretty in red, and a great shape no 40 + cars angle parked around ICE train (InterCity Express) to matter which angle you viewed it. the streets one Sunday morning. Augsburg. A comfortable walk And finally, a ‘superlight’ concept Unfortunately, we were on a bus from the train station and we were special… built by Mazda and very and unable to stop and say hello… there (thanks Google maps!). trick looking. This was the only or even get a decent photo! What The museum is a recently car in the collection that was on we did manage to see in Vienna loan (thanks to Mazda). 8 MX5 Topdown Magazine | www.mx5carclub.co.nz As well as the collection of cars, tour of what Markus described as What a special day and an static displays and graphics a “couple of cars in the shed”… amazing collection. And what (including a full sized MX-5 print (that are not part of the public fantastic and welcoming people in the men’s bathroom!), there collection). When asked how the Frey family are. We were very is a great little gift shop with a many cars we are talking about, grateful for the VIP treatment; this variety of books, clothing, and Markus replied “not sure – maybe day was a real highlight of our memorabilia… all Mazda related around 120?”… Whoa! Naturally holiday. and extremely tempting!! We we jumped at the chance – and came away with fair swag of wow what a collection! At this If you are interested in Mazda’s purchases, and Pauline was very stage we met with Walter (founder then you need to visit the Frey happy with her MX-5 top that will of Auto Frey – the local Mazda museum. Next year marks a feature at the next Kapiti MX-5 dealer since the 70’s) and even special anniversary of the MX-5, event. Mrs Frey who popped out to see if and the Frey museum has big we would like a cup of tea! plans to display to celebrate this After spending a couple of hours milestone with a variety of MX-5’s looking over the cars, we then In the “shed” were mainly (and yes they have them in all enjoyed a fantastic and traditional Mazda’s, along with rotary bikes colours and all specifications!!). German pub lunch just up the / rotary lawn mowers / a rotary I am sure it is going to be road. In the afternoon we were snow-mobile / rotary chainsaw / spectacular. fortunate to meet several of the etc… you name it and it was there. Frey family, including Markus Even a rotary powered plane was With such an extensive collection, (taking time out from his role at hanging from the roof. There the display is being regularly Frey Mazda). was also a range of other related updated and added to, so we hope items that have been collected to get back again one day and Because we are keen over many years, many that are catch up with our new friends in rotary enthusiasts, we were incredibly rare. Augsburg. Put it on your bucket unexpectedly offered a personal list NOW..!

www.mx5carclub.co.nz | MX5 Topdown Magazine 9 INTRODUCING.... Redline Enterprises Ltd Club member David Crook in his MX5 Racing Series car My name is Kevin Hunt, my wife Joy and I have by Keith Jones recently joined the club since buying our NC from club member Ralph Attwood. No Longer I have been involved in manufacturing scratch built sports cars from the early 1990’s until a Hairdresser’s Car recently. I raced the cars that I built and have Following on from Rex a competitor in this Series continued racing to date. Oddy’s article in the Jul/Aug having bought his car last I am very aware of the escalating costs of issue of Topdown on the year. racing and have decided to concentrate my exploits of MX5s in Classic efforts with my NC in the area of Track days. Trials, people might be For those with more modified interested to hear about our MX5s, there is the All Classic I have been very impressed with the capabilities cars in other racing series in Japanese Series (ACJS). of the MX5 in standard form, but having done New Zealand. Similar to the Classic Trial some minor handling and brake modifications rules, the cars must be older have improved my lap times on the Pukekohe When I started racing my than a certain age, in this track significantly. MX5 in 2003 there was, to case 20 years for Groups 1 my knowledge, only one and 2 and 25 years for the I would like to be able to help other club other car that regularly Invitation Group. ACJS has members to get the best in both performance competed in circuit races. been running since 2007 and and safety from their cars for the track without This belonged to a Taupo up to about five years ago adversely affecting their enjoyment on the road. couple, Barb and Trev Civics were the cars Wilson. Some older Club to beat. I have full workshop facilities and am happy to members may remember have people work with me on their cars if they them. Fast forward fifteen Lately MX5s have taken want or not as the case may be. years and there are MX5s over the tops spots. In the My aim is to manufacture as much in-house competing at several major 2016/17 season, MX5s were as possible and have already manufactured a clubmans series and it is first and second in both roll bar for my car which allows full use of the becoming an increasingly Groups 1 and 2, and one soft top and retains the OEM trim. I also have popular car for racing at all was the overall champion of patterns for bonnet louvres for the NC and am levels. the Series. In 2017/18, MX5s again were first and second working towards under body and strut bracing The first of these is the MX5 in Group 1 and took the in the near future, and at the moment I have a Racing Series. Following overall championship. 2.5 litre repower in progress on my car. the well proven path of I am looking forward to meeting more of you in Spec Miata in the US and There will be at least six the future and if I can help anyone out in any the MX-5 Championship MX5s running this coming way, please don’t hesitate to give me a call on in the UK, the NZ Racing season, ranging from David 021 619 848. Series was developed by Crook’s mainly standard the Manawatu Car Club. 1.6L, up to a 300 bhp turbocharged 1.8L. Due to see redline enterprises ad The cars are all 1.6L NAs on page 11. and must use mainly original the rules, only NAs have specification parts, eg. been eligible for the Series brakes and transmission. up until now, but we expect The engines can only be to see some NBs in the near blueprinted, not modified in future as these now meet the any way. 20 year age limit.

The Series started in 2012 ACJS races are part of the and has grown to a regular Auckland Car Club Summer grid of around a dozen Series and run at Pukekohe, cars that race at Manfield, Hampton Downs and Taupo. Taupo, Hampton Downs and For anyone wanting to watch Pukekohe. David Crook, a meeting, spectator entry is an MX5 Club member, is free for the 2018/19 season. 10 MX5 Topdown Magazine | www.mx5carclub.co.nz LUNCH IN MAHIA hawkes bay report: HAWKES BAY RUN: 14 OCTOBER 2018 // report BY MIKE Hurley & PHOTOS by ROSEMARY hurley

After being woken in the early We are late, so not a good look for local tavern instead. Well, what hours by frost windmills going, we the new people, but that is soon a surprise! Really nice facilities, get up to a fine looking day. The smoothed over, and we get on the happy staff and a great meal weather forecast was for showers road, the hardy ones top down, served up. but it certainly doesn’t look like it. the sissies top up. Well, the wind Pretty chilly but that will fine up. is pretty nippy! Catch up with the news out of Gisborne, briefly discuss what and Meet up at the designated spot Not too much traffic so apart from where we could go next month for Hastings people and set off for the obligatory idiot that just has to and all too soon it is time to head Bay View to pick up the others. pass a sportscar come hell or high for home. One or two cars opt to water, and dodging the numerous head straight home, the others One wee problem on the roadworks, we make good time to take a short walk along the beach, expressway, roadworks and new Raupunga for our customary stop then a bit of a meander to check tarsealing! After a lengthy wait, for a coffee and a natter. out Mahanga and the beach there Mike decides to backtrack and go then head for home. another way around. On the road again and make good time through Wairoa and on to Clouds are threatening in the It’s a bit like a queue at the Mahia. Meet up with the Gisborne direction we are going, but it supermarket checkout, will cars by the boat ramp only to turned out we beat the rain. we stay in this line or move? find that the wind is freezing, so Whatever, it’s always the wrong picnicking doesn’t seem to be And so home for a picnic tea! choice! a good option so we go to the

www.mx5carclub.co.nz | MX5 Topdown Magazine 11 bop report:

The Blue Springs and The Green Church BAY OF PLENTY RUN: 11 NOVEMBER 2018 // report & PHOTOS by Hester Russell and Shirley Spooner

Sunday 11th was fine! Relief as We then drove to “The Tree this trip was cancelled in February Church” at Ohaupo via Arapuni, due to bad weather. Horahora, and Karapiro. It was a beautiful drive through South Ten cars met at the Ruahihi Waikato…...the smell of newly Power Station to travel to the Blue mown hay, sweet honeysuckle Springs at Putaruru - early start and every shade of green due to limited parking. Thank you imaginable across the landscape to Warren Higgins who stayed a reminder as to why we love top- back to ensure the cars were safe. down driving. A short walk across farmland took The “Tree Church” is a living us to the first viewing of the blue breathing structure set in three stream where we saw several acres of distinctive gardens. trout. Then on to the main viewing Cut leaf Alders cover the church point. The photos do not do frame. We all enjoyed our walk justice to the amazing colour of around the gardens meeting for a the water. picnic lunch under a canopy. The spring is fed from the After much chatter we were back Mamaku Plateau which takes in our cars. The plan was to drive 100 years to filter to destination back roads to Matamata for an and is so pure it supplies approx icecream en route to the BOP. 60% of the country’s bottled water However it never eventuated. (hopefully not by overseas bottling We set out from Cambridge on companies!). a magical mystery tour and with Coffee called and the Wooden utter dismay ended up back in Farmer at Putaruru was the Cambridge! Had driven through perfect place. As it was Armistice Te Miro and Maungkawa with Day, at 11am John Spooner magnificent views from great invited all to stand and it was very heights, and through a native emotional to listen to Laurence bush reserve. We had to forgo Binyon’s poem read…’They shall the icecream and make for the not grow old…’ and maintain a Kaimai’s. minute’s silence.

12 MX5 Topdown Magazine | www.mx5carclub.co.nz KAPITI report:

Herbertville KAPITI RUN: 18 NOVEMBER 2018 // report BY and PHOTOS by SHARON EWING

We started on Saturday with a Barbeque in the Wairarapa, for those who wanted to take an hour or so off the Sunday journey. We had a nice evening with nine of us. Sunday morning, we met at Wild Oats in Carterton, we had 13 cars. Some had breakfast and some just coffee. We left here at 9.30 driving up to Masterton then out onto Route 52, through Alfredton and on to Pongaroa, which was about hour and half drive. We met another car here; we had a half hour toilet and drink stop. Herbertville was just under an hour drive, it was an overcast day, did get a few showers. Route 52 is a great MX5 road which goes back of Wairarapa up to Hawkes Bay. At Herbertville we went to the Pub for lunch, after lunch some went and checked out the beach. It was a great day, with great driving and company. Thanks everyone for coming.

www.mx5carclub.co.nz | MX5 Topdown Magazine 13 TARANAKI report:

TARANAKI GARDEN FESTIVAL RUN

TARANAKI RUN: 28 october 2018 // Report & Photos by Kaz Bruce // RUN LEADER: Bruce & Pam Palmer

Bruce & Pam had worked out interesting property with not only Garden, the largest property that a great mix of lovely country gardens but with a train, and a we saw on the day. Then we road driving around Mt. Egmont/ variety of out buildings and other headed back down Surf Highway Taranaki together with a mix of things of interest. Next stop was 45 and visited the Stoney River gardens and attractions. We all the Trolove Garden on Patiki Pottery. met at the Ink Pot Café in Stratford Road where we enjoyed a walk for coffee at 9am ready for an around the large garden. Then Thank you Bruce and Pam for a early start. 17 MX5’s then set off off to Opunake for a photo shoot great days driving, Tops down. for a day’s driving. down at Opunake Beach followed Once again everyone thoroughly by lunch at the Sugar Juice Café. enjoyed our wonderful MX5 roads Our first stop was at Willow Creek After lunch we drove to Newell around our special Mountain, and Gardens on Auroa Road, a very Road and explored the Brophy a very enjoyable Garden Run.

14 MX5 Topdown Magazine | www.mx5carclub.co.nz TARANAKI report:

ORUAWHARO HOMESTEAD-TAKAPAU TARANAKI RUN: 6 october 2018 // report BY Neil Goodwin // Photos by Lesley Sutherland

Ready for the drive down our taken into the old church building State Highway’s to Oruawharo for our High Tea menu with flash Homestead, 12 MX5’s set off from cakes, club sandwiches scones and outside McDonalds Hawera at savories and a choice of teas to pick 8.00am. This is a 515Km return from and coffee. Peter set up the big drive from Hawera (add another TV screen and explained about the 140 Km’s for the cars from New property and showed pictures from Plymouth and we had six hours when they first bought the place. It return driving ahead of us.) First was very interesting listening to his wee wee stop being Waverley commentary. then on to Viv’s Kitchen at Sanson arriving there at 10.00am. When we had finished eating, he then took us over to the Oruawharo Such a brilliant morning that Homestead. This place was built everyone travelled with the tops with all native timber back in 1879. down, after 3/4 of an hour and Well what a Homestead, high stud several eaten cream horns everyone old directive ceilings, an old wooden was fed and watered and off for staircase and the real deal ‘old’ another hour’s driving to Dave’s furniture. I think everyone was just toy car museum in Dannevirke. blown away with how this building fly First Class to Canada to see his Dave has been collecting models looked in the old days. There were family in the winter every year than since 1980 and has gathered 8,000 even two old pianos in the building, pay to heat the old Homestead. It different models. one of our lady members gave one costs $1150 per week to insure the of them a bit of a work out. She After some time spent there and a place. This property is really worth wasn’t too bad at it either (bit of the drive to look at it. few of the club members purchasing hidden talent there I reckon). some models that were for sale Later in the afternoon four MX5’s we headed off to the homestead at After spending some time talking to left to set off back home while of the Takapau, weather still brilliantly fine Peter and the odd question thrown other eight headed off to stay with with not too much sun which it made at him about what he did for a family members over night while it pleasant for driving. living and how does he make his some stayed in motels and returned money, one of the clever members the next day. I am sure this trip was We arrived at the Homestead at of the Club got out of him that he 12noon to be greeted by Peter the one to remember especially the old is a millionaire, (nice) he told us it Homestead. owner of the property. We were is cheaper for him and his wife to www.mx5carclub.co.nz | MX5 Topdown Magazine 15 TARANAKI report:

PICNIC RUN TO SOMEWHERE TARANAKI RUN: 18 NOVEMBER 2018 // Report: Owen John // Photos: Lynda Bell // RUN LEADER: Owen John & Grant Thompson

The forecast for the 18th wasn’t Tunnel. Now a 20km unsealed Aotuhia is now a massive sheep looking good for a picnic but seven road to Aotuhia. We had a real and beef station run by the cars took the challenge. back country experience with wild Downes family. Thanks to them goats with kids and poaka with for permission to enter and have We met at the Casa Pequena piglets at the road edge. the use of the shearers Bach. Very Cafe in Stratford before a 10.15am light drizzle put us inside for lunch start. Beryl and Stu and Glenys On reaching Aotuhia we stopped instead of deck chairs and picnic. and Peter received the vouchers at the “Bridge to Somewhere for free coffees. “the sister bridge to “Bridge to Tops down again for the trip back Nowhere”. The bridge was built out to civilisation. We had a good It was only a 10 min drive to Toko in 1936 for the small settlement zoom back on Highway 43 to our first stop to meet Simon @ with school and post office for the Stratford for coffee at the Ink Pot Purely Wood. This was a really farmers breaking in the unforgiving Cafe. unique shop of handcrafted wild land. Settlers first arrived woodwork. The colours of different from the Whanganui River in 1896 Thanks to Grant for your liaison native woods put together in and with the 1920 depression, the with Aotuhia Station to make such tables, drawers, jewellery boxes, remoteness, and the horrendous a memorable trip happen. All of us etc was amazing. flood in 1943, the last man, wife had a very enjoyable history trip and 22 children walked out. The day. The other option was to go Then tops down for an hour or so north and do the David Tua Tour, drive to our destination. A melody road we travelled was not formed until 1985. but I’m glad we chose the one we of horns as seven MX5’s went did. Cheers and good zooming. through the lengthy Brewer Road

16 MX5 Topdown Magazine | www.mx5carclub.co.nz MANAWATU report:

MANAWATU MANOEUVERS manawatu RUN: november 2018 // report BY Allen Castleton November 11th in our world only 300kms and signifies Armistice Day and it is very nearly remembering all those from all original. wars who are not now with us. Usually we drive In the Manawatu this year it “hoods down” but dawned as an Unmemorable this was enforced day because there was at least a as the prospect of 50/50 chance of rain. Always the rain was present. weather on the Manawatu side Fortunately only of the ranges is different to the some drizzle Pa Valley Road we turned north weather on the Tararua side. This eventuated and we ended up at and headed towards Pahiatua / year the weather looked pretty Mangatainoka Brewery (sans Tui Mangatainoka. The run ended with much the same on both sides! Girls) for an outdoor sunny lunch. a page of “matchstick” or straight line instructions to addle the We congregated at Woodville The course was to go to the crews mind before arriving at the near the service station, pointed eastern end of the Manawatu brewery for a relaxed lunch. towards the gorge we haven’t Gorge and follow Gorge Road been able to use for a good few generally towards, but not No one lost, none broken down months – or is it a year by now? into, Pahiatua and then further (Don’t think MX-5s breakdown southwards to arrive at Eketahuna anyway), and no complaints I There were nine cars this month where we crossed SH2 and heard of. All in all a good day at and we welcomed a very nice headed towards Alfredton. At the end. blue NA into our group. Near new,

www.mx5carclub.co.nz | MX5 Topdown Magazine 17 WAIKATO report:

MUSCLE CAR GARAGE MUSEUM VISIT

WAIKATO RUN: 28 october 2018 // report & PHOTOS BY DENIS CROSSMAN // Fourteen MX5’s plus one Honda and white tiled floor. The Museum of the Museum, it’s a real credit Integra Type R met at our usual is in two parts, one with cars and to the guys that set it up. It’s a meeting spot at the Rototuna bikes the other with Machinery private Museum and not open to Shopping Centre in Hamilton. and Trucks. There were some the general public so we were very Included were three cars from stunning Muscle Cars in the lucky to be able to visit. Auckland and it was great for collection in outstanding condition. them to be able to join us. After One car which attracted a lot of There was a bit of a delay in a catch up and good chin wag interest was a State Troopers car leaving the Museum as Ian we headed off to Cambridge via from Minnesota. The car was a had managed to lock the keys a bit of a circuitous route which 1978 Plymouth Fury with a 440 in his NA. Fortunately we had included the Hamilton Northern cu inch engine. When it was a Locksmith in our group who Suburbs, bridge over the Hamilton retired from Police Service it was managed to professionally break Expressway Bypass and Matangi. purchased by the Police Officer into Ian’s car, I’m not too sure how There was a small amount of who drove it and because of this many beers Ian was charged!! A drizzle early on but not enough to all the original equipment was left few cars headed home from here put off most people having their in it. with the balance heading with the tops down. The day improved and group for lunch. ended up being pretty good. In the Machinery section, which is entered by passing through Lunch was in Tirau and we dined At the Museum we met another a cut out in a very large digger at a variety of Cafes in the town. three MX5’s along with a group bucket, a Komatsu D575A-2 was After lunch we headed off via from the MG Car Club who were centre stage. The Komatsu D575 Scotman Valley, a favourite MX5 visiting. As some of our MX5 is said to be the largest Dozer in route and then onto Laurie and members had previously belonged the world. It weighs 130 tonnes, Owen’s home in Cambridge for a to the MG Car Club there was a bit has a 46 Litre motor, takes 2,100 coffee before everyone went home of friendly banter between them. litres of diesel and is 5 metres in their various directions. high. The blade is 3.6 metres high, Some people were a bit shocked Many thanks to Nik Lowther for 7.4 metres wide and can move 70 arranging the visit to the Museum when asked to remove their shoes cubic metres per pass. upon entering the Museum but and to Graeme Denton for being they could soon see why when I’m pretty sure everyone was “Tail End Charlie” for the day. they saw the highly polished black blown away with the high standard

18 MX5 Topdown Magazine | www.mx5carclub.co.nz KAPITI report:

Quartz Hill and Makara Beach

KAPITI RUN: 14 OCTOBER 2018 // report by Ceinwen

Members from 13 cars met at They caught us up a little later at Ground Up Cafe on a cold but the wind farm. sunny day. Very cold up there, great place Two cars had cancelled. All had for a wind farm. Three navigators tops down after a thorough warm- missed the turn and arrived early up in the cafe, for the drive to at our lunch destination, time for Quartz Hill and Makara Beach. a bracing walk along the rugged coast. My apologies for incorrect directions which put one car back Lunch was good, hosted warmly on the motorway heading north by Brett and Phil. A fun day out. instead of south.

www.mx5carclub.co.nz | MX5 Topdown Magazine 19 hawkes bay report:

Redwoods at Rotorua

HAWKES BAY RUN: 11 november 2018 // report BY MIKE Hurley & PHOTOS by ROSEMARY hurley

Heading to Rotorua to do the Redwoods Tree Walk, we meet at BP Bay View at 8.30 and hit the road with the weather not looking too flash, but at least it’s not raining. Nice smooth ride to Taupo with little traffic, so we make good time and pull in for a quick coffee, then hit the road for Rotorua. Pull into Long Mile Road in Rotorua expecting to see all the carparks full, but we have timed it good and find a good space for all of us to park up. First things first and out with the picnic and get into some lunch. After lunch we stroll along the road to check out the tree walk. This consists of a series of swing bridges strung between the mighty Redwoods. Pay our money (half price for us oldies!) and get going. Up the circular ramp to a height of about 7metres to the first platform and start the journey. Can’t afford to be afraid of heights or wobbly bridges! The circuit is about 700 metres all told, and consists of 22 swing bridges. Some long and some a bit shorter with platforms at each tree with signboards giving a bit of history etc. One platform even has a section of glass floor for those brave enough! We managed to navigate our way around without incident. Back to earth and head into the city for a quick check on the lake, another coffee and a natter then time to head home. The tree walk is certainly a bit different, but is accessible for all ages, so if you are looking for something different to do it is worth a visit.

20 MX5 Topdown Magazine | www.mx5carclub.co.nz northern report:

WARBIRDS RUN northern RUN: 18 november 2018 // report & PHOTOS BY Morrin layton //

Here we go again another fine Mangatawhiri day and time to set off on one of then across to our monthly runs, this time ending Hunua then up at the Warbirds Armistice Day we wound display at Ardmore Aerodrome. our way to the Papakura As usual we gathered at the BP Clevedon Drury for a 10am start, 17 cars road then on arrived all looking smart and to Ardmore polished up. Aerodrome. As we arrived one noticed a We arrived gathering around a red NC, just as the air Frank’s v8, bonnet up and Frank display was with his foot on the throttle, yep under way. certainly a v8. Aerobatics After the usual meet and greet from various Murray Lee gave us the traditional old aircraft, OSH lecture and acknowledged Mustangs, the new members on their first run Harvards, then allocated me to be tail-end- Spitfires and Charlie and we were off. a collection of other aircraft The course took us through to were on Papakura, which immediately display along a collection of aircraft including a divided us up at the lights, then we with vintage cars Ferrari’s and couple of world war one bi-planes. wound our way to Clevedon then Ford Mustangs. out to Kawakawa Bay then on to One of our members Josette A great day was had by all, Kaiaua along the coastal road another great run and an some great scenery. Watson was chuffed to find an vintage car that was called a afternoon of something special. A wise person up front decided Josette. Thank-you to Keith for setting up a comfort stop was a good thing After lunch of yummy chips and the run and to Murray Lee who the toilets were well used. From oversaw the day for Keith who Kaiaua we headed back up to coffee and smoothies there was another display of aerobatics by was in Taupo racing his car. www.mx5carclub.co.nz | MX5 Topdown Magazine 21 bop REPORT

GENTLE ANNIE RUN

BAY OF PLENTY RUN: 26 OCTOBER 2018 // report & PHOTOS by Jeff and Chelle Griffin With the promise of rain, 11 cars Once back out on the plains tastings) before heading out for converged on Taihape, uniting at three cars past our turn off, but dinner at a Thai Restaurant. Aspen Court Motel Friday night for teamwork had us back together nibbles and drinks before retiring. within five minutes. We continued Sunday morning saw another onto Havelock North for lunch and beautiful day stopping at a café Saturday morning 9am start, a little shopping, teapots and all. before heading out via Poraiti/ luckily, we all fuelled up before Puketitiri, more awesome MX5 we made our way through 150km We visited Birdswood Sweetshop country roads on our way home. (next fuel stop 140km) travelling where we ambled the garden through great MX5 windy country looking at the finely priced 5km out of Taupo and the roads known as the Gentle Annie. sculptures, oh and the lolly shop of promised rains arrived but Helen and Nick caught a souvenir course. A few may have indulged disappeared by the time we on their bonnet from a Seagull, here. stopped for our last get together at they almost collected a “Hawk The Spoon & Paddle Café to say enjoying dead rabbit for breakfast” Moving onto Arataki Honey where our goodbyes. and also almost collected a many sampled the products, then a smaller group travelled Thanks to all whom attended roaming sheep. (Desmond would making this a great weekend and have been proud). up to Te Mata peak to take in the Panoramic views of the wider special thanks to Helen and Nick We stopped half-way across Hawkes Bay. After this we visited for organising an awesome event. the Gently Annie for a flask of The Blackbarn Winery for a little Thanks Dan Corbett (TV1 Weather coffee and some biscuits (thanks tastings (or a lot) before making Presenter) for getting the weather Clive and Jonnee for the peanut our way to BK’s Motel in Napier forecast wrong (yet again). brownies – YUM). where we socialised (more

22 MX5 Topdown Magazine | www.mx5carclub.co.nz NELSON/TASMAN report: St Arnaud

NELSON/TASMAN RUN: 28 october 2018 // report sent in by Gaylene St John // PHOTO BY COLIN WILKIN

There were 11 cars and 18 people Marinovich from Blenheim and driving experience and stories, at St Arnaud Alpine Lodge for a enthusiasts from Motueka and what have you been up to and very enjoyable and social lunch Nelson. what are your plans for the future? organised by Eileen and Colin Wilkin. En route from WOW we The sun was shining, and our Then people travelled back home met cars at Kohatu and followed table set up inside overlooked an in their own time and along their Colin to St Arnaud. This is a inspiring view of the countryside. choice of route. Many thanks to beautiful route. This was not a distraction but a Eileen and Colin for organising peaceful background for the major this event. We welcomed Shirley and Ivan topic – yes, you guessed it - cars,

impromptu run NELSON/TASMAN RUN: 28 october 2018 // report sent in by Gaylene St John // Here’s feedback from Sandra- Ash sorted out a short country 12 keen MX5ers arrived at the pub Louise and Ash about this drive down Aniseed Valley Road to socialise, and 8 of them had impromptu event: ending up at the Hacket Track time to spare for the very pleasant car park. Sandra suggested drive afterwards. “A weekend away in Golden Bay starting with a coffee, snack and had been planned by Harold and chat at the Honest Lawyer pub in So impromptu is definitely good, Betty for November 16th-18th, but Monaco. by hook or by crook we’ll get unfortunately not enough people our MX5s out of the garage and were free to attend so it was Happily, the wet and windy drive.” postponed. weather forecast for Sunday turned out to be rubbish, instead An impromptu catch up for the we had a bright hot sunny Sunday was suggested as a filler. morning. www.mx5carclub.co.nz | MX5 Topdown Magazine 23 CURRENT CLUB SPONSORS

Sponsor Product/Service Sponsorship Discounts All Care Specialist roof, interior, zip Event Prizes Discounts to Club and plastic window repair and Members 18 Arklow Lane replacements The best for MX5 Whangaparaoa cloth and leather repairs Ph (09) 4241711 Mobile: (027) 283 7533 Autoway Services Ltd For all your Mechanical work, Spotted Campaign Major 5% discount on Parts and Tune-ups, Lubes, WOFs, Sponsor, Membership Card Labour to members 123 Columbo St Alignments and more! Sponsor 2001/2, Magazine Frankton, Hamilton Advertiser, Member Ph (07) 847 5484 Discount, Prizes BROOMFISH AUTOMOTIVE Mazda MX5 parts Member Discount 10% discount for Club Members PARTS When ordering, put code “MX5CLUB” in the “how did www.broomfish.co.nz/shop you hear about us” box to PH: 027 7337410 get the discount City Garage Full mechanical and auto Magazine Advertiser 10% discount to Club electrical repairs; WOFs, tunes, 5% rebate to MX5 Club members 16 Waverley St, Auckland lubes, brakes, clutches. Carried Ph (09) 379 5649 out by expert Mazda trained [email protected] technicians CLASSIC COVER INSURANCE Motor vehicle insurance Member discount 10% on premiums. Must www.classiccover.co.nz. give Club membership 0800 456 254 number when obtaining quotation.

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