Classic cars a show stopper
By IMOGEN NEALE - Papakura Courier
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When gleaming cars of all shapes and sizes roll into the New Zealand Classic Car Show this weekend many will arrive on the back of transporters or trailers.
Some will even come wrapped in cling film.
But not the pre-World War Two MG owned by Karaka residents John and Brenda Hancock.
The K1 Magnette will be driven through the gates after a jaunt down the southern motorway.
Although Mr Hancock concedes he may have to rethink the Sunday drive if it’s raining because the two-seater has no roof.
"I might take a transporter," he says.
The car originally belonged to a friend, but after 10 years Mr Hancock "finally convinced him to part with it".
"It’s the only one in New Zealand, there’s one other in the K series."
While it was in good condition and "mechanically done very well" its body wasn’t quite right. But that’s nothing that 15 months working three to four days a week couldn’t fix.
Nine months on and Mr Hancock has done 670km in the supercharged car. It doesn’t have or need seatbelts because it’s pre-1955.
Most of that driving has been done around his leafy local suburbs but the couple are thinking about a rally in the South Island next year.
"But I’m not sure if I’ll take it. There’s no room for luggage."
Mrs Hancock adds with a laugh: "Plus no doors is a bit of a problem."
Despite its quirks Mr Hancock says the 1286cc classic car is beautiful to drive.
"It’s thrilling with the wind in your hair – the whole thing, including sunburn."
More than 700 classic car lovers are expected at the Valentine’s Day show that will see cars from 72 clubs on display. Competitions at the two-day show include a motorkhana that puts cars through their paces as well as awards for best restored and best presented.
The drawcard will be the Intermarque Concours d’Elegance trophy with teams and masters classes.
For the spotless little K-series MG the biggest problem is its lack of roof.
"It’s one of the marking categories," Mrs Hancock says.
The New Zealand Classic Car Show runs from February 13 to 14 at the Ellerslie racecourse. On Sunday gates open at 10am. Tickets $15, free entry for 12 and under. See www.concours.org.nz.
