Nine To Noon Hundreds of vintage cars descend on Nelson
Mar 17, 2026
George Keir, president of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand and classic car enthusiast, talks about his 1946 MGTC and the week-long Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring. He describes period dress versus Nelson heat. He outlines the 30-year eligibility rule, the wide range of marques from Rolls-Royce to early Toyotas, veteran pre-1919 cars, convoy drives like Lewis Pass, and roadside school visits.
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Road Trip In A 1946 MGTC
- George Keir drove a 1946 MGTC from Christchurch to Nelson, taking about seven hours and topping near 50 mph.
- The car struggles on hills and Keir wore shorts and jandals because Nelson was very hot during the festival arrival.
30 Year Rule Protects Cars Before They Rust
- The Vintage Car Club uses a 30-year eligibility rule to preserve vehicles before they deteriorate beyond repair.
- That rule lets cars as young as 1996 join so clubs can protect and restore them now rather than lose them to rust.
Eclectic Mix From Rolls To Toyotas
- The festival includes a huge, international mix from Rolls-Royces to American Cadillacs and Japanese Toyotas across many decades.
- The club accepts any make or model, showcasing cars people grew up with alongside rare marques.