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

In WWII, Lawrie Harman spent two years on Guadalcanal working on some of the world’s highest-performance engines, powering fighter aircraft like Hellcats and Corsairs. On his return home he turned his skills to setting up his own mechanical workshop.

In 1947, Harman Motors opened on Sandyford Street. Then in 1960, he moved to the site on Colombo Street we still occupy today.  Now, Lawrie’s son David Harman owns and runs the business along with a team of highly-qualified and dedicated automotive technicians. 

In the Muscle Car era of the 70s, Harman Motors began engine tuning and development, with a focus on American V8s and European cars - in particular Fiats. The challenge of getting the best out of these cars inspired the Harman Motors team and before long they had customers coming from all over the South Island. 

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