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Oldsmobile stunner

Logan’s run

Life’s a drag!

The bite-sized treat that had to come back! New Mitsubishi Mirage

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Like the classic Georgie Pie which Kierynn Hughes from McDonald’s is reacquainting customers with, the Mitsubishi Mirage was so good it had to return. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

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The Weekend Sun Bay DriverPage 2 Friday 8 November 2013 Friday 8 November 2013Friday 8 November 2013

No.1 The Strand, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 www.sunlive.co.nz phone 07 578 0030 fax 07 571 1116 email [email protected]

Bookings and enquiries contact Tracey Taylor on 07 578 0030email: [email protected]

For editorial and news tips email: [email protected]

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The Weekend Sun Bay Driver Page 3Friday 8 November 2013 Friday 8 November 2013Friday 8 November 2013

Bay of Plenty

November 16: Baypark Speedway – La-Z-Boy Saloon Car Series round two, and Bay Champs Stock and Mini Stock races.

November 17: Extreme Automotive Parts BOP’s All USA Day at the Wharepai Domain. Cars $5, public $2 and families $5. Cars enter from 8am, public from 10am, with prize giving at 2pm. All cars of US origin welcome. Details: [email protected]

November 30: Baypark Speedway – Super Stock teams race, and fi nal round of the La-Z-Boy Saloon Car Series.

Beyond the Bay

November 17: Thunder in the Park at Pukekohe. The big annual motorsport extravaganza is on again, offering something for every taste – including round one of the NZV8 Touring Cars competition, the historic V8 Muscle Cars and much more. Details: www.thunderinthepark.com

November 30: Ford Muscle Car Club’s drag racing day at Meremere. Details: www.fordmusclecars.org.nz or call Barry Gordon on 027 2010428.

Auto electrician Dave Yardley has a gift for reading the future. He knows the weather will warm up – and he knows some people

will have terrible, holiday road trips.

Even worse, Dave knows those who don’t do anything about fi xing their car air conditioning, until just before they go away, will probably have more troubles.

“Don’t leave it to the last minute, because we will almost defi nitely be booked up,” says Dave, who is once again highlighting his gift of reading the future.

Hot weather, cool cars, happy drivers and pas-sengers – it’s a formula he has seen work for more than 25 years while running his own auto electri-cal and mechanical workshops. Four years since

establishing Autospark at 177 11th Ave, the busi-ness’ reputation speaks for itself with lots of happy customers.

Dave, together with qualifi ed mechanic Matt Nottle and automotive technician Tim McGregor, provides all automotive repairs and servicing you could want from warrants to cambelts – through to any electrical issues, from wiring or airbag faults, to brakes, steering and suspension problems.

“So we can also help you with any mechanical repairs or servicing. We’ve also got the latest pro-cut brake lathe, so we can machine disc rotors on cars.”

Dave says a typical air conditioning system will work well for four-six years before problems cause it to gradually lose effi ciency. Problems can vary from a lack of refrigerant gas to a mechanical fault, or an electrical problem – all of which require an expert’s help to fi x. By Hamish Carter

Keeping cool in the heatWeekend WheelsWeekend

Autospark owner Dave Yardley recommends fi xing car air

conditioning problems now. Photo by Tracy Hardy.


SPECS

‘Star Wars’ and ‘Grease’ were distracting us on the big screen, while

John Rowles and Sharon O’Neill were playing on the radio. The All Blacks had delighted the country with the team’s fi rst British grand

slam, but New Zealand’s motorists were still suffering from the late

1970s oil shock and the Muldoon Government’s carless days.

It was against this background that Mit-subishi made a smart play for the new fuel conscious driver in 1978 with the release of the Mirage – a highly popular model selling 51,000 units during the next 25 years in New Zealand.

While much from the 1980s and 1990s has long since fallen off our radars (who remembers Milli Vanilli?), fuel economy has returned to the fore – further justifying Mitsubishi’s re-launch of the new economical Mirage.

Smart engineeringA few tweaks with smart engineer-

ing have increased its fuel effi ciency, with the drain on power cut by limiting the alternator’s use to when the battery is low; and powering the electric steering system from an independent electric motor.

Along with the Mirage’s aero-dynamic design, the engineering tweaks give the vehicle an envious fuel consumption of 4.6 litres per 100km – a level unrivalled by its competitors in the sub-compact market (with the Kia Picanto closest at 5.3 litres/100 km, followed by Suzuki Splash’s 5.7 litres/100 km, Suzuki Swift’s 6.2 litres/100 km, then Nissan Micra on 6.6 litres/100 km).

Mitsubishi calculates that at $2.12 per litre – it will translate to $220 to $540 in annual savings for a driver

covering 15,000 km per year. Small fries you might say, but Mitsubishi knows the subcompact market places a high emphasis on value – one reason they have squeezed so much into the revamped hatch.

But, beyond fuel economy, does it offer much more than the Colt it replaces? Bay City Mitsubishi salesman Aaron Mather says with the Colt being one of their top-sellers the Mirage had a lot to live up to. But he’s more than happy with its offering, saying it defi nitely gives more for your money in its smartly-styled modern package.

“The Colt was really popular with a lot of younger women and with retired people,” says Aaron, who also lists small families among common users. They are all markets, he believes, and the Mirage is continuing to appeal to with its good looks, practicality and fuel economy.

“The Mirage styling is getting a lot of atten-tion from young woman.

“The colours, the fog lights and the alloys – it all gives the Mirage an appealing modern look.”

SpaciousBuckled in, the Mirage offers comfortable

seating with more than enough legroom. The clever design ensures you do not get the con-fi ned sense that comes with a ride in some subcompacts. Driving off the Cameron Rd lot, I’m soon away in the traffi c fl ow through central Tauranga – smoothly and seamlessly. The car motors along just nicely through busy urban streets. With only a 1.2 litre engine under the hood, it’s the smallest in its class. But this does not present any challenges

in lower speed zones, with the Mirage’s light body weight giving it a similar power-to-weight ratio to its competitors.

The Mirage is an easy car to drive around town with its electric steering, tight turning circle – perfect for annoying supermarket car-park spaces – as well as good driver visibility

Go beyond the city boundary and the Mirage shows its limitations on the open-road. It travels fi ne at 100kmh but – as you would expect – is a bit sluggish when you want a quick power boost. Overall, the car is what it is – designed primarily for short trips around town. So unless you are planning regular long-distance trips, this is not really an issue.

But then, if you head off on a road trip, you could make the most of the Mirage’s rela-tively generous boot space (with the standard 235 litres expanding to 599 litres when the split-folding back seats are down).

Safety is also a priority, with the Mirage coming standard with active stability control, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, along with six airbags. Special touches, which add to driver convenience, are the Mirage’s Bluetooth hands-free phone functionality with steering wheel controls, along with hill-start assist.

If you want a car that will wow you, then the Mirage – like its other subcompact competitors – is unlikely to get you too excited. The true appeal of the Mirage is its no-nonsense offering as a value-for-money, safe, economical and comfortable hatchback. What more could you want in a subcompact?

Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2P GLS

Engine: 1.2L DOHC Mivec petrol

Max power: 58Kw @ 6000 rpm

Max torque: 102Nm @ 4000 rpm

Fuel consumption: 4.9 litres/100 km

Safety: 5 star ANCAP safety rating; driver,

passenger, side and curtain airbags; four-wheel

ABS, EBD, ASC and Smartbrake systems.

Price: $21,990 plus on-road costs.

Contact: Bay City Mitsubishi,

140 Cameron Rd, Tauranga. Ph 07 578 0039.

By Hamish Carter

’80s classic revivalThe Mirage returns



After a series of classic car restorations, Paul Gibson decided last year it was

time to take a break from the workshop.

The Papamoa farmer and long-standing hot rodding enthusiast had just completed restoring his wife Ngaire’s 1946 Ford Coupe – a smart match to Paul’s 1947 model he still owns from buying it during his teens.

“He went off to the US looking for a hot rod to bring home,” recalls Ngaire, about Paul’s trip to the States last September. “He was looking for something different, but he hadn’t been interested in anything he saw.”

While the cars may have been appealing, Paul was being ruthless in his assessment to ensure whatever he bought would be allowed into New Zealand, scratching off cars with any hint of rust.

Back home, son Scott was doing his own research and saw a 1941 Oldsmobile Hydra-matic coupe. An inspection was arranged with the car’s owner in Oakhurst, California, and it was “love at fi rst sight”.

“It’s the uniqueness of it. It’s very different to anything else,” says Ngaire, who along with Paul, loves the great feedback they get on the

car whenever it’s displayed. It’s not just the public who love the two-tonne coupe’s sleek lines and luxurious feel, but also the judges – with it collecting fi ve awards since work was fi nished on it early this year.

When the Gibsons registered the V8, the New Zealand Transport Agency told them it is the only one its kind in the country.

The Oldsmobile was among head-turners on show at the recent Wheels on Mainstreet, where Ngaire says almost every second person told her how stunning the car is. “Almost everyone described it like that and we agree.”

The car’s previous owner, Joe Mahle, had lovingly brought it back to prime condition in a long-term project after buying the classic in 1988, recording all of the car’s work and details in a scrapbook the Gib-son’s now have.

“It’s very

interesting to read about its earlier history, he’s kept details on everything.”

Among the items is a brochure from when the car was launched, declaring the benefi ts of the Hydra-matic system – the fi rst automatic transmission system – so drivers didn’t have to worry about the clutch.

With the work that Joe had done there was little left for Paul to do – aside from jumping through hoops to get the Oldsmobile certifi ed roadworthy.

“There wasn’t really a lot that needed to be done – the hardest part was getting everything done for all the paperwork.”

Installing seat belts, new brakes, a high stop brake light and changing the car’s

spindles were the main jobs needing to be done

– allowing the Gibsons to hit the road in late

summer.“We’ve been lots

of places already around the North Island. We try

to get it out every weekend and take it for a cruise,” says Ngaire, following their-long held philosophy there is no point keeping classic cars wrapped in cotton wool in the garage.

While Paul relishes being able to enjoy the car without a lot of work, he’s hardly been taking it easy since completing the restoration of Ngaire’s Ford Coupe. After fi nishing certifi -cation work on the Oldsmobile, his attention turned to a new project – the rebuilding of a 1948 Mercury convertible, which is now almost complete with only mags, upholstery and a paint-job remaining.

Once the convertible’s fi nished, Paul already has his next project lined up, with a tired 1937 Cabriolet waiting for his attention.

Classic cruiser one of a kind

jobs needing to be done – allowing the Gibsons

to hit the road in late

“We’ve been lots of places already

around the North

Papamoa’s Paul Gibson loves the unique character of his 1941 Hydra-matic

Oldsmobile. Photos by Bruce Barnard.

By Hamish Carter

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Following a frustrating national season last summer, Te Puke rider Logan Blackburn is determined to leave his mark on the New Zea-land Motocross Championships this year.

The 19-year-old is excited about the season ahead after already making his competitors take notice at the big annual Labour Weekend Motocross Extravaganza at Taupo, where he comfortably won the senior 125cc class with a 1-1-2 score-line.

“It was a great way to kick the season off,” says Logan, who has a talent that has secured him sponsorship for motocross riding since leaving Tauranga Boys’ College two years ago.

Logan knows he is living the dream as a professional rider, after falling under the spell of motocross at age four. And he says his dis-appointment at being “pipped at the post” in last year’s championships has made him more determined to succeed this season.

Earlier this year he fi nished runner-up in the 125cc class, missing out on the title by just one point. “It was pretty disappointing after going well all season,” recalls Logan, who says the frustration continued during winter while competing in the Under 19 division of Aus-tralia’s Monster Energy MX Nationals – where a series of problems saw him fi nish ninth.

But Logan has returned to the Western Bay fi red up with the ambitious goal of making a clean sweep of the major competitions this year.

He lists another highlight in his short career as winning his class in the 2012 Woodville Grand Prix.

But with the goal of competing at the top of motocross competition in Europe and the US, its clear there will probably be many more highlights to come.

To achieve his goals, Logan puts a major emphasis on physical fi tness, saying on top of good technical riding skills fi tness is the biggest key to success. He works on his bike fi tness riding about four times a week and on physical fi tness almost every day.

“Every time I get on that bike it’s very exciting. I could be riding anywhere – even the most boring place and I still love it,” says Logan.

Meanwhile, Logan’s fellow Bay of Plenty riders left their mark on the Waikato champi-onships in the weekend, with Cody Cooper and Ben Townley winning the MX1 and MX2 competitions, while Tauranga’s Evan Hawk-less, 16, fi nished third in 250cc 14-16-year-old competition. By Hamish Carter

Aiming for a clean sweepAiming for a clean sweepAiming for a clean sweep

Te Puke’s Logan Blackburn is determined to

dominate the 125cc motocross class this season, after getting off to a good start at

Taupo. Photo by Andy McGechan,

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After supporting her partner on the drag strip’s sideline

for years, this weekend Andi Whitley will swap places with Craig ‘Fingerz’ Mullans when

she takes over the steering wheel in her fi rst drag

competition at the revamped Meremere track.

Andi, who describes herself as a speed freak, has had to make do with a little ‘grudge’ racing against other cars at the end of drag meets. Saying the informal racing had given her the bug, Andi was keen to take over the wheel of the Nitro Ape – a famed 1932 Austin Bantam Roadster – which has been turning heads since its 1962 drag debut in the US.

“It’s about pushing the limits and going as fast as you can go,” says Andi, about the appeal of racing.

“I’m very excited. It has been awesome supporting Craig and helping on the car, but it has also been quite frustrating too. You want to get out there amongst it, in all the action.”

Until now, Andi has had to make do with informal ‘grudge racing’ against other drivers at the track following competitions. Now she’s looking forward to competing seriously for the fi rst time in the

opening round of the Fram Auto-lite Dragway Competition Series.

Along with needing to get her drag racing licence on Saturday – by showing racing offi cials she can handle the car safely from burnout and launch to a full track pass – Andi will also be getting used to a new car. Until now, Andi has only raced their Topolino dragster, not the Ape Graig and her brought to New Zealand two years ago.

Craig, who recently raced in Queensland as part of New Zealand’s ‘black slicks’ drag team’s trans-Tasman challenge, is more than happy with his result last season, which saw him fi nish second in NZDRA’s top-alcohol class. This year he’d planned to put the Nitro Ape’s Chev 406 smallbore engine and transmis-sion into the Topolino for Andi to race, then fi t the Ape with a 2500 horsepower engine. But with the Ape’s upgrade blocked by regula-tions, Craig is looking at other options, and is getting his high octane fi x as Andi’s crew chief.

“The biggest thing for me is to get as much seat time as I can,” says Andi. “I just want to get out and drive it as much as I can and get a feel for the car. I know there is going to be a lot to learn, but I’m looking forward to it.”

After spending lots of time trackside at Meremere when she was growing up, Andi is excited

about being able to push the speed limits on the track which has been rebuilt during winter.

“Because it’s built on a swamp, every seven to 10 years it starts to move – so they need to redo the track and they’ve just done that. It’s all smooth and straight, they’ve taken all the bumps out of it, so

it’s brand new again – it’s going to be great to be able to race on it when it’s like that.”

Andi will join a few other woman drag racers on the scene, includ-ing New Zealand’s fastest woman driver Karen Raggett (nee Hay), who is also based in Tauranga.

“She is always pushing the limits

with her racing, and we are look-ing at making our mark too,” says Andi, who is aiming to get her name in the record book as New Zealand’s fi rst women to race a nitro-methane-fuelled car.

“I need to do some more research, but I’m pretty sure no woman has done that yet.”

Self-described speed freak Andi Whitley is looking forward to launching into her fi rst drag racing competition this weekend in the Nitro Ape. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Burnout season beckons Andi By Hamish Carter

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