Racing Royalty Visits Snells Beach: A Classic Car Event to Remember

Over the past four weeks, Crimson Coast Café in Snells Beach played host to a special series of classic car gatherings — a celebration of motoring heritage and community spirit, crowned by the presence of none other than Kiwi racing legend Steve Millen.

Held across four weekends, the event brought together classic car enthusiasts from across the region. Locals and visitors alike turned out in impressive numbers to admire the gleaming lines of vintage vehicles, swap stories, and meet the motorsport icon in person. The Matakana Coast App team had the pleasure of attending two of the four gatherings — and the atmosphere was positive and engaging.

A Legend Amongst Legends

Few names in motorsport evoke the same admiration as Steve Millen. Born in New Zealand and raised with a passion for speed, Steve made his mark early, winning the New Zealand International Grand Prix in 1980 — a feat that cemented his place among the country's greatest drivers.

Like his equally famous brother Rod Millen, Steve took his skills to the world stage. His career flourished in North America, where he became a household name, particularly through his work with Nissan Performance Technology Inc. (NPTI).

As a factory driver for Nissan, Steve achieved iconic status behind the wheel of the Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo, dominating some of the most prestigious endurance races in the world.

His accolades include:

• IMSA GTS Champion (1992, 1994)
• Over 20 career IMSA wins
• Victories at 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona (both in 1994)
• Class win at Le Mans 24 Hours – 1st in GTS, 5th overall (1994)
• These achievements weren’t just personal triumphs; they were historic milestones for Nissan, placing the brand alongside the likes of Porsche, Ferrari, and Corvette on the international stage.

The STILLEN Legacy

After retiring from competitive racing, Steve continued to influence the automotive world by founding STILLEN (Steve Millen Sportparts) in California. The company has become synonymous with high-performance modifications for Nissan, Infiniti, and other performance vehicles — a testament to Steve’s ongoing dedication to excellence on and off the track.

A Warm Farewell — For Now

Steve and his wife will be returning to the United States shortly, with plans to revisit New Zealand later this year. Their time in Snells Beach was warmly received, and their presence brought a sense of pride and inspiration to all who attended.

The Crimson Coast Café events offered more than just a look at beautiful machines — they provided a rare opportunity for fans and locals to connect with a Kiwi legend whose legacy continues to shape the world of motorsport.

We look forward to welcoming Steve and his family back to the Matakana Coast in the near future.