50 Years of Speed: Why Coronet Peak is NZ’s Ultimate Hill Climb

Welcome to a very special Vintage Driven behind-the-scenes look at the 2025 Coronet Peak Hill Climb! 🏔️🏎️ We’re back in stunning Queenstown for one of New Zealand’s premier motorsport events. This year was massive, with 60 entrants and a waiting list of 40 more, all vying to become the 'Hero of the Hill.' From a public display on the waterfront to the high-altitude challenges of the 2.7km track, it was a weekend full of incredible machinery and a bit of vintage drama. In this episode: We chat with the people who have been running this event since 1972. We get up close with the ex-Bruce McLaren Austin Healey and hear its incredible history. From fuel line fractures to running on two cylinders and Brucey’s disappearing fan belt—vintage cars don’t always behave! The $100 Bet: Who actually took the cash between Russell and Bruce? The results might surprise you. Support the Channel: Grab the Gear, Online Vintage Driven Shop - Now Live : https://vintagedrivenshop.digitees.co.nz Facebook: facebook.com/VintageDriven Instagram:   / vintagedrivennz   For extra updates, photos, and behind-the-scenes content that doesn't make it to YouTube. Subscribe: Help us keep bringing you along for more New Zealand car adventures! A huge thanks to the Queenstown Car Club and the volunteers who make this historic event possible. Chapters: 00:00 Opening 00:42 Queenstown Car Display 02:05 Race Day Briefings 02:22 Stuart Maclean - event pioneer 04:29 Stuart Baclay - event pioneer 06:24 Russell's Sinking Feeling 08:05 Steve Aldersley - 1929 Austin 7 Special 10:46 Starting Line Action 13:08 Tuning at Altitude, Screwdrivers Required 14:42 Grant Clearwater & Ex Bruce McLaren Austin Healey 16:15 Starting Line Action 17:58 Who won the Bet? 18:23 Race Results top 11 from each group 18:44 Bloopers #VintageDriven #CoronetPeak #HillClimb #Queenstown #VintageCars #BruceMcLaren #MotorsportNZ #ClassicCars