The legendary A1GP car, affectionately known as ‘Black Beauty,’ roared back to life at Hampton Downs on December 10, 2023, marking its first outing in over a decade. This iconic vehicle, a symbol of New Zealand’s motorsport prowess, was driven by Jonny Reid, who was reunited with the car that once captured the imagination of racing fans worldwide.
A1GP, often referred to as the ‘World Cup of Motorsport,’ was a unique series that pitted nations against each other on some of the world’s most renowned circuits. New Zealand’s entry into this international arena was spearheaded by Sir Colin Giltrap, a prominent figure in the luxury car industry, who acquired the franchise and christened the car ‘Black Beauty.’
The Rise of A1GP and New Zealand’s Role
In its inaugural 2005/06 season, A1 Team New Zealand was managed by Dick Bennetts’ West Surrey Racing, with Matt Halliday and Jonny Reid sharing driving duties. The team quickly made its mark, with Halliday securing a podium finish at the opening race at Brands Hatch.
The following season saw Reid claiming three victories, including two at Indonesia’s Sentul circuit and one in Shanghai, China. Halliday also delivered impressive performances with consecutive third-place finishes in Durban, South Africa. Despite their efforts, New Zealand finished second to Germany, led by Nico Hulkenberg.
Transition and Challenges
For the 2007/08 season, Reid became the sole driver for New Zealand, which continued to perform strongly under the Super Nova Racing banner. The team once again finished as runners-up, this time to Switzerland’s Neel Jani. Highlights included a victory on home soil at Taupo, as well as wins at Brno and Mexico City.
The 2008/09 season marked a significant shift as A1GP transitioned from the Lola chassis to the more costly Ferrari-powered Dallara. However, this bold move was not enough to sustain the series, which ultimately succumbed to financial difficulties. The series went into liquidation, and the cars were absent from the 2009/10 season.
Legacy and Revival of ‘Black Beauty’
Despite the series’ demise, ‘Black Beauty’ continued to capture the public’s imagination, becoming a centerpiece at various events and even residing at New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa. The car’s return to the track at Hampton Downs was a nostalgic moment for Reid and many of the original team members, including engineer Mark Pilcher and Sir Colin Giltrap’s sons, Richard and Michael.
“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.”
Reid’s emotional reunion with ‘Black Beauty’ was shared with his two young daughters, who watched from the sidelines, adding a personal touch to the day’s events.
Memorable Moments and Stunts
Throughout its career, ‘Black Beauty’ was involved in several memorable stunts, including a head-to-head race with a Boeing 777 at Auckland Airport and a dramatic drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge. These events not only showcased the car’s capabilities but also demonstrated the lengths to which the team would go to promote the sport.
“Driving over that Harbour Bridge, it was iconic,” Reid recalled. “The power to the weight of the A1GP car just absolutely blew the 777 away on acceleration.”
The Impact of Sir Colin Giltrap
The recent test at Hampton Downs was bittersweet, following the passing of Sir Colin Giltrap in September 2024. Giltrap was instrumental in the creation and success of A1 Team New Zealand, and his legacy continues through his family’s ongoing involvement in motorsport.
“It never would have happened without someone like Colin,” Reid reflected. “He’s left a great legacy and the family are equally as passionate about the sport.”
As ‘Black Beauty’ prepares to feature in at least one NextGen NZ Championships event during the 2026 summer, its legacy as a symbol of New Zealand’s motorsport heritage remains intact. The car’s revival not only honors the past but also inspires future generations of racers, continuing the spirit of competition that once defined the A1GP series.
