SOUTH ISLAND’S Original AUTOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE SPECIALISTS

 

THE HARMAN EXPERIENCE

PERFORMANCE TUNING, CAR UPGRADES

Welcome to Harman Motorsport, the South Islands original & premium performance centre. The workshop is divided into several specialised areas catering for all your automotive needs; from performance tuning, car upgrades, engine modifications, servicing for all makes and even warrants of fitness. With our tools and experience we are able to unleash the full potential of your vehicle.

Housing one of the South Island's most capable rolling road chassis dynamometers, we have the capabilities to tune a range of vehicles specialising in American & Australian V8’s, European, Diesels and Japanese performance cars.

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PERFORMANCE TUNING, WOF, VEHICLE SERVICING & REPAIRS

THE WORKSHOP

With 5 qualified technicians and a purpose built dyno bay and tune-up room, housing one of the South Islands most capable rolling road chassis dynamometers. The dyno is an essential tool in the first class tuning that is performed.

The variety of work carried out 'in house' is vast, ranging from WOF's and servicing all the way through to complete engine rebuilds and precision dyno tuning. Our experienced staff also frequently carry out mechanical restoration work and usually have at least one project in progress at any given time.

  • Warrant of Fitness

  • Warrant of Fitness repairs

  • Oil change service

  • Fault scanning

  • Brakes, clutch, tyres

  • Cambelts

  • Engine and transmission rebuilds

  • Cooling system

  • Pre-purchase checks

  • Mechanical restoration of classic cars

 

Want more performance now?

Send us an email with what you have and what you’re looking for and we will be in touch.

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OVER 75 YEARS IN BUSINESS

OUR HISTORY

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Harman Motors has been established for well over 75 years as a family business, now second generation.

Harman Motors is a family owned and operated business founded in 1947 – now in operation for over 75 years.  David Harman owns and runs the business along with his team of qualified technicians who take pride in their work.  

Lawrie Harman served his time as an automotive engineer at Frank Thomas, St Asaph Street, Christchurch.  During World War II he served in the New Zealand Air Force. He spent nearly two years at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, servicing fighter aircraft.  When he returned to New Zealand, he continued at Frank Thomas (see photo above) until he began business in 1947 in Sandyford Street, Sydenham, Christchurch.

In 1960 he built and moved into the current premises on Colombo Street.  He was joined by his son John in 1965 and his younger son David, in 1979.  David and John worked in partnership for 30 years and David is now the sole owner of Harman Motors.

It was during the 1970s that Harman Motors became interested in engine tuning and development.  At that stage the focus was on American V8s, European cars, and in particular, Fiats.

The challenge of getting the best out of these cars inspired them and before long they had customers from all over the South Island.  

Over the years the workshop has restored many vehicles – more recently, a 1970 Mark II Cortina GT, a 1952 Plymouth Suburban wagon, a 1970 Mini, and many Fiat Bambinas.  

FROM THE WORKSHOP