Peter Bruin 1969 CustomBuilt Targa Fiat

[NzRaceCar]

Hi my name is Ashley I am new to this forum.

I have recently acquired a 1969 CustomBuilt Targa Fiat build by Peter Bruin. From what I can see he raced for a couple of years then sold and others raced. 1989 the car was converted for road use and in 2001 was used in classic races. If anyone knows any history on this car or has any pictures I would be very grateful.

Also if anyone has any recommendations for car clubs in the Auckland area?

Thanks

[ERC]

Hampton Downs January 2010




77295

[NzRaceCar]

Awesome to see thanks for the photo

[ERC]

Saw you this morning driving it down Porana Rd! We were at Cezwe cafe.

[John H]

Hi There...Yes I have photos and information if you wish what is your email? Cheers

[Oldfart]

You have acquired a brilliant car.

[Allan]

Do you know why it was built left hand drive?

[Roger Dowding]

Just came across this photo - sent to me many years ago by Bruce Dyer " SpGeti " on the forum. Scanned in 2017 have the actual prints .
My note says Manfield, but could be Taupo - need to go back through a lot of stuff to confirm.

The car is Left Hand Drive. Was it because of the Fiat base or just what Peter Bruin had on hand ?.

77317

In the Bruce Dyer set of photos was this a " Mallock U2 ".
- [ The Targa Fiat is in the U2 / Lotus 7 style that included the " Locost ", as built and raced by Kevin Hirst.]

77318

[Oldfart]

If my memory serves me, left hand drive because of the exhaust on the right hand side of the block.

[Spgeti]

Just came across this photo - sent to me many years ago by Bruce Dyer " SpGeti " on the forum. Scanned in 2017 have the actual prints .
My note says Manfield, but could be Taupo - need to go back through a lot of stuff to confirm.

The car is Left Hand Drive. Was it because of the Fiat base or just what Peter Bruin had on hand ?.

77317

In the Bruce Dyer set of photos was this a " Mallock U2 ".
- [ The Targa Fiat is in the U2 / Lotus 7 style that included the " Locost ", as built and raced by Kevin Hirst.]

77318

The photos were taken at the old Taupo Club Track…….late 90’s early 2000’s

[NzRaceCar]

Do you know why it was built left hand drive?

Hi Allan

I'm not exactly sure why it's left-hand drive, but looking under the bonnet, it seems to have been done for practicality. The exhaust manifold, starter motor, and dynamo are all positioned on the right side, which means the footwell stops at the bulkhead, making access to the steering rack difficult. On the left side of the engine, the footwell extends under the Weber carburettors, and the steering shaft has clear access to the rack. The car was also not road-legal at the time, so Peter might not have seen the left-hand drive configuration as an issue. It wasn't road registered until 1989. There is a letter from NZTA stating that since the car was built as left-hand drive in New Zealand and has never been registered in another country, it is legal and does not require certification or adaptation for New Zealand roads.

[NzRaceCar]

Saw you this morning driving it down Porana Rd! We were at Cezwe cafe.

I hope I waved! That day, I was trying to find someone to do a WOF. Every garage I went to on the coast said they wouldn’t be able to get it on their hoist. I ended up going to VTNZ North Shore, who were great and passed it on the first try.

[NzRaceCar]

Just came across this photo - sent to me many years ago by Bruce Dyer " SpGeti " on the forum. Scanned in 2017 have the actual prints .
My note says Manfield, but could be Taupo - need to go back through a lot of stuff to confirm.

The car is Left Hand Drive. Was it because of the Fiat base or just what Peter Bruin had on hand ?.

77317

In the Bruce Dyer set of photos was this a " Mallock U2 ".
- [ The Targa Fiat is in the U2 / Lotus 7 style that included the " Locost ", as built and raced by Kevin Hirst.]

77318

This is amazing Thank you so much!

[NzRaceCar]

Hi There...Yes I have photos and information if you wish what is your email? Cheers

Hi John Thanks so much. I have sent a private message.

[NzRaceCar]

You have acquired a brilliant car.

Thanks so much! I'm obsessed with this car. My 6 year old makes me take him out in it every sunny day which I defiantly can't complain about. he's defiantly catching the classic car obsession.

[ERC]

I hope I waved! That day, I was trying to find someone to do a WOF. Every garage I went to on the coast said they wouldn’t be able to get it on their hoist. I ended up going to VTNZ North Shore, who were great and passed it on the first try.No you didn't wave as we were in the cafe!

I go to Auto Garage 78 Porana Rd for my WoF's (booked in) and then across to Cezwe for a coffee or brunch whilst they are doing it. Tony owned a Super tourer up until recently.

VTNZ use a pit rather than a hoist which is why they coped, but there can often be a queue and they are slow. I used to use them as there were a couple of older guys there who were very realistic when dealing with something a bit different. But they also had one or two who were just plainly bonkers.