More Competitor Cars
Classic Trial NZ features a wide and varied grid of classic and historic cars, extending well beyond the cars profiled on the homepage.
Across the field you’ll find:
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British classics such as MGs, Minis, & Triumphs
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European sports and touring cars, BMWs & Porsches
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Japanese and later-era classics (25+ years old)
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American muscle cars, Ford, GM, Mopar
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Club-class cars entering through affiliated clubs
Because Classic Trial is based on time consistency rather than outright speed, a broad range of cars can compete fairly. Reliability, balance, and driver accuracy matter far more than power.
Graham
Suzuki Swift GTi
Graham competes in Classic Trial NZ in his Suzuki Swift GTi, a lightweight and responsive classic that is particularly well suited to the time-consistency format.
With its sharp handling, strong feedback, and lively performance, the Swift GTi rewards precision and commitment.
As one of the faster competitors in the field, Graham regularly selects target times at the front of the bunch, demonstrating that Classic Trial can be both approachable and genuinely competitive.
Nick
Riley Elf
Nic competes in his Riley Elf, a compact and character-filled classic that brings real personality to the grid. Light and nimble, making it a great fit for the time-consistency format.
The car also carries a strong family connection. Nic’s father previously raced the Riley and turns up at events to support him, adding a generational story that reflects the heritage and continuity at the heart of Classic Trials.
Nic’s participation captures what makes the series special - classic cars with history, driven with care and precision, in a welcoming paddock where family, friends, and shared passion are as important as the competition itself.
Helen
Mazda MX5
Helen competes in Classic Trial NZ in her Mazda MX-5, enjoying both the car’s balance and the open-top driving experience it offers.
Light, responsive, and predictable, the MX-5 suits the time-consistency format well, rewarding smooth inputs and steady rhythm.
Helen has been part of the Classic Trial crew for many years and is a regular competitor, bringing experience and continuity to the series.
Russell G
Ford Escort MK2
Russell competes in his Ford Escort Mk2, a long-time favourite in the series and a car that always looks at home on the circuit. Well balanced and visually spot-on, the Escort delivers exactly the kind of predictable performance that suits time-consistency competition.
As a long-standing competitor, Russell is a familiar face in the field, and his Escort has become one of the recognisable cars on track. Like many true classics, it occasionally adds to the challenge - sometimes requiring a push start, which helpfully keeps a few members of the crew fit and involved.
Russell’s participation captures the reality and charm of Classic Trial - classic cars driven properly, shared effort in the paddock, and a sense of humour that comes from years of competing together.
Peter
Mazda MX5
Peter competes in his Mazda MX-5 and is consistently one of the most accurate and competitive drivers in the series. Well set up for balance and repeatability, the MX-5 has been the foundation for many of Peter’s championship-winning seasons.
As Classic Trial Director, Peter balances leadership with competition, regularly fighting at the front of the field - most notably in closely contested battles with Rex year after year. His results are a clear demonstration of what the series rewards: focus, precision, and the ability to repeat lap times.
Larger than life both on and off the track, Peter is rarely missed - whether it’s his presence in the paddock or his trademark cowboy hat.
Liam
Porsche 944
Liam has competed in Classic Trial NZ in a Porsche 944, a well-balanced and confidence-inspiring classic that suits the time-consistency format extremely well. With strong braking stability and predictable handling, the 944 rewards smooth driving and precision.
The car also carries a strong family connection. The Porsche was originally driven by Liam’s grandfather, who was a keen competitor back in the day. Together, they highlight the intergenerational nature of the series, where experience and enthusiasm are shared across generations.
Liam competed in Classic Trial on a number of occasions before moving into door-to-door circuit racing. But he is always welcome back for a safe, friendly, and competitive time trial.
Jeremy
Morris Minor
JCB competes in Classic Trial NZ in a Morris Minor, bringing a much-loved British classic to the grid. While outwardly traditional, the car has been carefully developed, with an engine that’s been enlarged beyond the standard Morris Minor specification to better suit circuit running.
JCB previously competed in a Porsche 924, but the move to the Minor reflects the flexibility of Classic Trial - allowing drivers to enjoy very different cars within the same time-consistency format.
Neil
Jowett Jupiter
Neil competes in his Jowett Jupiter, a rare and distinctive British sports car that brings real heritage to the field. Mechanically characterful, the Jupiter suits the time-consistency format by rewarding smooth inputs and careful momentum management.
Neil is one of the long-standing figures in the series and represents its deep roots in classic motoring. His continued participation shows how Classic Trial provides a place for historically significant cars to be driven and enjoyed on track, rather than preserved purely as static displays.
Russell S
MG ZR160
Russell competes in Classic Trials NZ in his MG ZR160, a compact and capable modern classic that suits the time-consistency format well. With sharp turn-in, strong braking, and a responsive chassis, the ZR160 rewards accuracy and a smooth, disciplined driving style.
The MG also demonstrates how later-era classics (25+ years old) can compete effectively in the series, sitting comfortably alongside older machinery while offering a more contemporary driving experience.









