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The New Zealand Saloon Car Championship began in 1960, with Harold Heasley claiming victory in a humble Humber 80. At the time, motor racing in New Zealand mirrored global trends, where single-seaters and sports cars were considered the pinnacle of the sport. However, saloon car racing, also known as touring car racing, quickly gained traction due to its relatability—spectators could see cars similar to their own competing on the track. By the late 1950s, national saloon car championships were emerging worldwide, including in New Zealand.
The Allcomer Era: Innovation Without Limits
The New Zealand Saloon Car Championship featured minimally modified road cars in its early years. Unlike similar championships in Australia and the UK, the category in New Zealand was virtually regulation-free, encouraging creative engineering. Early dominant cars included Jaguar MkI and MkII saloons, but the arrival of the Lotus Cortina marked a turning point. Teams began experimenting with combining powerful engines and lightweight chassis, sparking an era of rapid innovation.
By 1966, the championship showcased highly modified vehicles. Dave Simpson triumphed in a Ford Anglia equipped with a Lotus twin-cam engine, while rival Paul Fahey also raced a heavily altered Lotus Anglia. Other competitors embraced V8 power, with Rod Coppins fitting a Chevy engine into a MkII Zephyr. These cars, dubbed "Allcomers," reflected a free-for-all philosophy that defined the era.
The Introduction of FIA Group 2
As the Allcomers grew more extreme, Motorsport New Zealand (MSNZ) sought to retain the relatable aspect of saloon car racing. In 1966, MSNZ introduced a parallel championship for FIA Group 2 touring cars, which adhered to international standards. This formula attracted a variety of vehicles, including Mini Coopers, Lotus Cortinas, and New Zealand’s first racing Mustang, imported by Ivan Segedin. The Group 2 title that year went to Jim Mullins, followed by Brian Innes, both driving Mini Coopers.
While the wild Allcomers dominated headlines, the Group 2 series gained momentum with close racing and large grids. By 1967, drivers like Barry Phillips (Lotus Cortina) and Carlos Neate (Nissan Skyline GT) showcased the competitiveness of this class.
Transition to FIA Group 5
In 1968, MSNZ overhauled the championship format, phasing out the Allcomers in favour of FIA Group 5 regulations. Group 5 bridged the gap between the unregulated Allcomers and the structured Group 2, allowing production-based cars with greater engineering freedom. The new championship featured four engine classes:
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0–1,000cc
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1,001–1,300cc
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1,301–1,600cc
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1,601cc and over
The formula attracted notable entries, including Ford Mustangs driven by Paul Fahey, Red Dawson, and Rod Coppins, alongside Robbie Francevic’s Ford Fairlane with a massive 427-cubic-inch engine. Smaller classes saw intense competition among Mini Coopers, Anglias, and the high-performing Ford Escort RS1600.
Group 5 regulations also aligned New Zealand’s cars with international standards, enabling overseas stars like Allan Moffat and Norm Beechey to compete in local events, drawing massive crowds and elevating saloon car racing to prominence.
Today, the legacy of this golden era lives on through Historic Muscle Cars and Historic Saloon Cars, which celebrate the late 1960s and early 1970s championships. These categories emphasise period correctness and camaraderie, using regulations inspired by MSNZ, FIA Appendix K, and CAMS Group Nb and Nc standards. Unlike traditional racing series, there is no championship; events focus on showcasing the cars, fostering respect among competitors, and honouring the spirit of saloon car racing.
Through these historic racing initiatives, the vibrant history of New Zealand's saloon car championships continues to inspire new generations of motorsport enthusiasts.
