What began as the " Wills Six Hour " Race - for Standard Production Saloons - in October 1963 Developed into two Races by 1965 with the Introduction of the " Gold Leaf Three Hour Challenge " Race for Modified [ Factory ] Saloons and Sports Cars in 1965. By 1967 the Challenge Race was " Wills Challenge Race ".

The Race became the Benson and Hedges 500 and continued into the 1980's as such.

A selection of photos from Kevin Lancaster of the 1971 race.
First 2 photos - first lap first corner - the Elbow / Stables.

Name:  Pukekohe 1971 #732 1971 Benson Hedges first lap Elbow Lynch Green Victor Triumph Cortinas Kevin .jpg
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Name:  Pukekohe 1971 #733 1971 Benson Hedges first lap Elbow Brocklehurst Cortina Fiat  Kevin Lancaster.jpg
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Ralph Emson - Doug Bremner Triumph 2.5PI, pursued by another 2.5PI.

Name:  Pukekohe 1971 #734 1971 Benson Hedges  Emson Bremner Triumph 2.5PI  details Q Kevin Lancaster.jpg
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Graeme Harvey - Don Davies 2.5PI at the hairpin.

Name:  Pukekohe 1971 #735 1971 Benson Hedges Harvey Davie Triumph 2.5PI #22 Kevin Lancaster.jpg
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Barry Phillips Bruce McLean Ford Cortina 2000GT

Name:  Pukekohe 1971 #736 1971 Benson Hedges  Phillips McLean Cortina 2000GT #27 Kevin Lancaster.jpg
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A couple of the " Big " cars ;
- Bruce Anderson Pat Smith Ford Falcon 500 and Tim Bailey Merv Neil Chrysler Valiant V8.

Name:  Pukekohe 1971 #737 1971 Benson Hedges Anderson Smith Falcon 500 Bailey Neil Valiant V8 Kevin Lan.jpg
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