Introducing our Ambassadors for 2027

Two respected voices in New Zealand motoring join the Ayrburn Classic as the event builds towards its biggest year yet.

Ayrburn Classic is delighted to announce Quinton Taylor and Ben Selby as its official Ayrburn Classic Ambassadors for 2027, bringing together two passionate and highly respected members of New Zealand’s automotive community.

Both Quinton and Ben share a lifelong enthusiasm for motoring, automotive history and the people who make the classic car community what it is. As Ambassadors, they will help strengthen relationships with car clubs, collectors, owners and enthusiasts across New Zealand, while championing the Ayrburn Classic and its continued evolution.

Quinton Taylor

Quinton Taylor is Editor and Brand Manager of New Zealand Classic Car Magazine and has spent a lifetime immersed in cars, motorcycles and motorsport.

His connection to the Ayrburn Classic goes back to its earliest beginnings, when the festival was in its inaugural year in 2025. 

Raised in Christchurch in a motoring family, Quinton’s automotive experiences span everything from grass kart racing and Jaguars to memorable encounters with some extraordinary machinery and personalities. As a 13-year-old at the Lady Wigram Trophy, he met Sir Stirling Moss, who gave the young enthusiast advice on driving a racing car. Decades later, Quinton would find himself behind the wheel of a freshly restored Maserati 250F at Teretonga.

That depth of experience, combined with his connections throughout New Zealand’s classic motoring community, makes Quinton a natural fit for the Ambassador role.

“I believe we can contribute greatly to the event’s success as part of a large, dedicated team.” - Quinton Taylor

Ben Selby

Joining Quinton is automotive writer and content creator Ben Selby, who has been writing about cars for more than 15 years.

Ben’s automotive writing journey began at just 17, when his first story - about experiencing a Ferrari Dino 246 GT - was published in his school newsletter. Since then, he has produced car reviews, road tests, news and features for a wide range of New Zealand publications and currently contributes written and photographic content to Canterbury Lifestyle Magazine, Metropol, New Zealand Classic Car Magazine and Tarmac Life.

Ben has been part of the Ayrburn Classic family since 2025 and returned as a guest judge for the 2026 event - an experience he describes as one of the greatest weekends of his life.

As an Ambassador for 2027, Ben brings an extensive knowledge of classic and modern motoring, an appreciation for automotive design and history, and, importantly, a genuine enthusiasm for meeting and connecting with fellow motoring enthusiasts.

“The Ayrburn Classic is one very, very special event, and I have no doubt it will be New Zealand’s Pebble Beach Concours in time to come. Very exciting times lie ahead, and I can’t wait to share in this journey with you.” -  Ben Selby

Building the Ayrburn Classic Community

The appointment of Quinton and Ben comes as Ayrburn Classic prepares for an ambitious 2027 event, taking place 19th – 21st February at Ayrburn, Arrowtown.

The 2027 Classic will mark an important next chapter for the event, including the introduction of the Ayrburn Concours, presented by Hartfield Jewelers, bringing together a curated collection of exceptional vehicles competing for Best in Show, alongside the wider Premium Display and Pebble Parade.

Porsche will take centre stage as the 2027 Marque of the Year, with Ayrburn aiming to bring together more than 100 examples spanning the marque’s history - from early classics through to contemporary GT and RS cars.

The weekend will also see the introduction of the Junior Concours, celebrating beautifully presented pedal cars, miniature classics and young motoring enthusiasts, alongside an expanded programme of automotive displays, hospitality, live entertainment and experiences throughout the historic Ayrburn precinct.

For Quinton and Ben, however, the Ambassador role extends beyond the cars themselves. Their focus will be on the community surrounding them - building relationships with clubs and owners, identifying remarkable vehicles and stories, encouraging participation and helping welcome enthusiasts into the Ayrburn Classic family.

With their combined experience, networks and infectious enthusiasm for motoring, Quinton Taylor and Ben Selby will play an important role in helping shape the next chapter of the Ayrburn Classic.

Event Details
Ayrburn Classic 2027
19th – 21st February 2027
Ayrburn, Arrowtown, New Zealand

Vehicle entries are now open - Enter Your Car