Classic NZ Powerboat Still has Plenty of Class

Came across a nice story in The Northern Advocate focusing on a very nice restoration. Two years ago, an opportunity arose for Bryan McLean of Whangarei, NZ and his best pal of 50 years, 72-year-old Ian Reeves, to buy a boat. But it wasn't just any boat - it was a 38-year-old Classic Class boat named Topaz.

PHOTO CREDITS: The Northern Advocate.

"It was built by Jim McKay in Auckland 38 years ago, and in its hey-day won the New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Unlimited Championships twice. We completely stripped it and rebuilt it to exactly how it was 38 years ago. It's beautiful. We re-powered it with a big block Chevrolet Twin Turbo which develops around 1000hp and can exceed 80 miles per hour - even though it's a Classic class boat which means you cannot exceed 80 miles per hour when racing."

This year, the men got to test drive their hard work, contesting the Classic division in four rounds of the Rayglass New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Series. The pair, who were only competing for the "love of racing", not a championship title, were pleased with their second place in the Classic Class, finishing 30 seconds behind the winner. To read the whole story - check out the article HERE