The Austin 7 Centenary Event 2022

[Mike Costigan]

Bernie Jacobsen used to regularly visit Europe from Australia with his Lagonda Rapier. I seem to recall he gave up about four years ago because the Australian authorities imposed a total ban on importing asbestos, and his car would be have to subjected to a total disassembly on return by the Australian customs at the owner's expense! Needless to say he found this restriction a major problem; even though he could prove his brake linings were asbestos-free, he couldn't prove the bands in the pre-selector gearbox were, so the gearbox would have had to be completely dismantled and rebuilt. I have contacted him to check whether I've got the story right - hopefully I'll be able to add further info in due course.

It might be worth checking the New Zealand regs before you commit to anything.