New Zealand Loses Car Fanatic and Motorsport Patron

Sir Colin Giltrap, the businessman who founded and directed the influential Giltrap Group, died last night aged 84.

Sir Colin, who also contributed greatly to motorsport, spent a lifetime in the motor vehicle industry, establishing the Giltrap Group over 60 years ago. The organisation, headquartered at 119 Great North Road, is now run by sons Richard and Michael Giltrap.

His empire kicked off in the 1960s when he co-founded Hamilton car dealership, Monaco Motors. Forays into Auckland dealerships began in the 1970s with the acquisition of a Mazda and Audi dealership in Great North Rd. 

In 1977, he set up European Motor Distributors which acquired the rights to import and distribute Volkswagen and Audi. Acquisitions in Newmarket and the North Shore expanded the Giltrap Group further. By 1989, Giltrap had bought a Toyota franchise at 101 Great North Rd and started importing and distributing Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The Giltrap Motor Group was subsequently renamed Giltrap Prestige.

Aston Martin and Skoda distribution rights came under Giltrap’s wing. New purpose-built showrooms were developed for Audi, VW and Porsche along Great North Rd. Lamborghini was added to the stable in the early 2000s. All told, 18 brands are now handled by the Giltrap Group.

In 2012, Giltrap was made a Knight Companion of the Order of New Zealand for his services to motorsport and his philanthropy.

The title of Sir Colin came as something of a surprise to Giltrap who commented “I’m just Colin, always have been and always will be.”

Throughout his life he has supported rising talent in the motorsport area. Famous beneficiaries include Scott Dixon, Hayden Paddon, Liam Lawson, Earl Bamber and Brendan Hartley. 

By 2017, the business moved into dramatic new headquarters on Great North Road. The building won a national award from the New Zealand Institute of Architects.

Sir Colin had been battling ill health since a fall in London last year. He is survived by his wife Lady Jennifer, their adult children and their families.