In some circles the term ‘hot hatch’ refers to small front-wheel drive–powered cars of European decent, modified generally with an outrageous excess of fibreglass bodykit, oversized wheels, a few tonne of audio gear, neon lights and TV screens. Thankfully Shane and John Poulton’s idea of a hot hatch is somewhat different.

Having both always been fans of the Torana hatches because of their light weight, racing pedigree, and rarity, when the father and son team found a decent starting point on Trade Me they jumped at the chance to own it. Unlike their Camaro (see last issue), with the Torana they knew exactly what they were getting and how much work would need to be done to get the car (more…)

It may not be the most modified vehicle we’ve ever featured in NZV8, but Catho Vincent’s ’66 Plymouth Fury is potentially the brightest. Like the lady herself, the car is certainly no shrinking violet and sure knows how to turn heads. Over the last few years the car has been a common sight at events around Waikato and the upper North Island, and just like Catho, it’s often heard before it’s seen.

Sometimes you’ll hear the massive Pioneer/Fusion/Soundstream audio system from a block away, but chances are what you’re more likely to hear is (more…)

The owners of this metallic piece of art in front of you are quick to admit they can’t take credit for its creation. Instead, Tony and Sandy Lambert prefer to point out that they’ve refined what was already an amazing machine, built many years ago in the South Island.

The story of how the car came to be is an impressive one, and one which speaks volumes of the abilities of a couple of guys in a shed in the southern end of the country.

Back when the time-consuming bodywork was taking place, the car belonged to Colin Cameron; however, it was good friend and bodyman extraordinaire Alan Brookland who was responsible for cutting the metal out and sticking it back together differently. And by differently, we don’t just mean differently to how it left the factory, but also seriously differently to how you see it now.

You see, back when (more…)