Historic Touring Cars and Kiwi Legends Set for Christchurch Supercars

While the roar of Group A engines might be echoing across the Ruapuna venue in New Zealand right now, the passion for high-performance historic touring cars has a powerful resonance here in Los Angeles. For the local automotive enthusiast, the news of the John Fairhall Historic Touring Cars category at the ITM Christchurch Super440 isn’t just a distant sporting event; it is a masterclass in automotive preservation and the enduring legacy of the Ford Sierra. In a city where we see everything from vintage Ferraris on Rodeo Drive to meticulously restored muscle cars in the South Bay, the scale of this 38-car grid—specifically the eight Group A Ford Sierras—highlights a global trend in the “historic” racing circuit that mirrors the growing collector culture in Southern California.

The Mechanical Resurrection of the Ford Sierra

The centerpiece of the Christchurch event is undoubtedly the eight Group A Ford Sierras, vehicles that represent a pivotal era of touring car racing. One of the most poignant stories emerging from the entry list is the return of the Shell Sierra, known as DJR6. This car, famously driven by Dick Johnson, is making its first racing appearance since being badly burnt at Teretonga during the George Begg Festival. The fact that Lance Coupland is bringing this machine back to the track after an extensive rebuild speaks to the obsessive level of detail required in historic restoration. For those of us in LA who frequent the luxury restoration shops of the valley, this is a familiar narrative: the pursuit of bringing a piece of motorsport history back from the brink of destruction.

The diversity of the Sierra entries is equally impressive. We have the Whittaker’s Peanut Slab Sierra, steered by Scott O’Donnell—the first touring car Greg Murphy ever raced—and the ex-Guy Edwards Kaliber Sierra driven by Lindsay O’Donnell. Then there is the Texaco Sierra, owned by Bruce Miles and driven by Craig Innes and the Playscape Sierra under Brett Stevens. This isn’t just a race; it’s a rolling museum. When you consider that the grid similarly includes the Benson & Hedges Sierra (Andy Greenslade) and the Caltex Sierra (Phil Mauger), it becomes clear that the “historic” label is about more than just age; it is about provenance and the preservation of specific racing liveries that defined the 1990s.

A Star-Studded Field and Technical Diversity

Beyond the Sierras, the ITM Christchurch Super440 is attracting a “who’s who” of Kiwi racing legends. The presence of Greg Murphy, Steven Richards, and Paul Radisich ensures that the event has the pedigree to match the machinery. Murphy is returning to the wheel of a Honda Accord Super Tourer previously raced by David Leslie, while Richards is piloting the Nissan Skyline GTS-R HR31—a car made famous by his father, Jim Richards. Radisich is slated for a 1995-spec Ford Mondeo, a car that sat at the absolute forefront of the Super Touring era.

The technical breadth of the 38-car field is a testament to the eclectic nature of the category. The grid is composed of 20 Group A cars, 12 Super Tourers, two Group 3A 5 Litre touring cars, two Group N cars, and two local Schedule S machines. With ten different marques represented—including BMW, Ford, Nissan, Holden, Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Honda, Jaguar, and Alfa Romeo—the event serves as a comprehensive survey of late 20th-century engineering. For the Los Angeles community, where we often see these marques represented in the high-end auctions at the classic car shows, seeing them in a competitive, high-stress racing environment provides a different perspective on their durability and performance.

The Significance of the Super Tourer Era

The inclusion of cars like the Nissan Primera Super Tourer, driven by Kayne Scott, and the BMW Super Tourers handled by Bruce Miles and Murray Cleland, reminds us of the intense manufacturer wars of the 90s. This era was characterized by high-revving engines and sophisticated aerodynamics, a stark contrast to the raw power of the Group A machines. The presence of Allan Dippie’s Bastos Rover Vitesse and Kane Lawson’s ex-Peter Brock VP Commodore further cements the event’s status as a gathering of genuine touring car royalty.

Navigating Historic Automotive Care in Los Angeles

Given my background in executive geo-journalism and the analysis of high-value asset preservation, the trend seen in Christchurch—the meticulous restoration and racing of historic touring cars—has a direct parallel in the Los Angeles market. If you are a collector or an enthusiast in Southern California looking to maintain, restore, or race a vehicle of similar historic significance, you cannot rely on a standard mechanic. The complexity of Group A or Super Tourer specifications requires a very specific set of skills.

If you are managing a historic collection in the LA area, here are the three types of local professionals you should be seeking out to ensure your investment is preserved to a “competition-ready” standard:

Specialist Historic Engine Builders

Gaze for shops that specialize in “period-correct” internals. You necessitate a professional who understands the specific metallurgy and tolerances of 1980s and 90s racing engines. Avoid general performance shops; instead, seek those with a documented history of preparing cars for vintage racing circuits or those who have experience with specific Group A homologation requirements.

Automotive Conservationists & Livery Experts

As seen with the restoration of the DJR6 Shell Sierra, the paint and livery are as vital as the engine. You need a specialist who doesn’t just “paint” a car, but conserves it. Look for experts who can source period-accurate paint codes and who understand the application of vinyl and decals that can withstand the heat and friction of a racetrack without peeling or fading.

Vintage Race Logistics & Compliance Consultants

Racing a historic car requires more than just a rapid driver; it requires adherence to strict safety and technical regulations. Seek out consultants who are familiar with the safety standards of organizations like the SCCA or international bodies. They should be able to guide you on roll cage certifications, fire suppression systems, and the legalities of transporting historic race cars across state lines.

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated automotive experts in the Los Angeles area today.