The legendary A1GP car known as ‘Black Beauty’ has made a triumphant return to the track, nearly two decades after it first captured the imagination of motorsport fans worldwide. On December 10, Jonny Reid, one of the original drivers, took the car for a spin at Hampton Downs, New Zealand, marking its first laps since 2008. This event was not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane but a celebration of New Zealand’s motorsport heritage.
Originally part of the A1 Grand Prix, a global racing series often referred to as the ‘World Cup of Motorsport’, Black Beauty was a standout. The series featured nation-based teams competing at some of the world’s most prestigious circuits. New Zealand’s team, spearheaded by luxury car magnate Sir Colin Giltrap, quickly became synonymous with the sleek, all-black car.
The Rise of A1GP and New Zealand’s Black Beauty
A1GP was founded with the vision of creating a unique motorsport series that pitted countries against each other, rather than individual drivers. New Zealand’s entry into the series was marked by the acquisition of a franchise by Sir Colin Giltrap, who christened the car ‘Black Beauty’. The team, run by Dick Bennetts’ West Surrey Racing, saw drivers Matt Halliday and Jonny Reid sharing duties in its inaugural 2005/06 season.
Black Beauty quickly made a name for itself, with Halliday securing the team’s first podium at Brands Hatch. The following season, Reid’s victories in Indonesia and China, alongside Halliday’s podiums in South Africa, propelled New Zealand to a second-place finish behind Germany, led by future Formula 1 star Nico Hulkenberg.
Challenges and Triumphs
The 2007/08 season saw Reid as the sole driver for New Zealand, piloting the fan-favorite 3.4-litre V8 Zytek-powered Lola chassis. Despite fierce competition, New Zealand finished second again, this time to Switzerland’s Neel Jani. Reid’s victory on home soil at Taupo was a season highlight, showcasing the team’s prowess.
However, the 2008/09 season brought significant changes. A1GP switched to a Ferrari-powered Dallara chassis, a move that ultimately led to financial difficulties. The series went into liquidation, and the cars never made it to the 2009/10 season’s opening race at the Gold Coast.
Black Beauty’s Legacy and Return
Despite the series’ demise, Black Beauty continued to capture the public’s imagination. It became a showpiece, appearing at various events and even taking residence at New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa. Its legacy was cemented through memorable stunts, including a race against a Boeing 777 at Auckland Airport and a drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, which caused a minor traffic incident as onlookers tried to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.
“It was just such a privilege to be asked to drive the car again and to hear it fired up,” Reid told Speedcafe. “It just took me back to those race victories and podiums and all the international travel that we used to do as a team.”
A Tribute to Sir Colin Giltrap
The recent test at Hampton Downs was bittersweet, as it occurred shortly after the passing of Sir Colin Giltrap in September 2024. Giltrap was instrumental in New Zealand’s A1GP efforts, and his passion for motorsport left a lasting legacy. His sons, Richard and Michael, along with other key figures from the A1GP era, were present to witness Black Beauty’s return to the track.
Reid reflected on Giltrap’s influence, noting, “It never would have happened without someone like Colin. He was very passionate about what I was trying to do and form a single-seater career.”
The Future of Black Beauty
Looking ahead, Black Beauty is set to feature in at least one event during the NextGen NZ Championships in the 2026 summer. This appearance will not only honor its storied past but also inspire a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts.
As Reid concluded, “With Colin, we’re celebrating 60 years of the Giltrap group and obviously 20 years since A1GP. He’s left a great legacy and the family are equally as passionate about the sport.”
Black Beauty’s return is a testament to the enduring appeal of the A1GP series and the indelible mark it left on New Zealand’s motorsport landscape. As the car roars back to life, it carries with it the memories of a bygone era and the promise of future adventures on the track.
