Tapou Maori island is sacred and an ancient phantom war canoe has been sighted on the lake.

Professor Larry Fischer's beautiful 1929 Vaaxhall Hurlingham, (after which the series takes its name) is the family treasure and the pride and joy of the professor. James Marriott, Professor Larry Fischer's rival to his property, has an expensive thoroughbred horse, Auckland Star. He intends to use the horse, to earn himself some money. Deborah, Professor Cross's teenage, daughter, loves horses. James, up to some devious tricks, decides to let her take care of all his horses, including the Auckland Star. But strange things start happening when Kerry, one of the horses and Auckland's constant companion, suddenly starts behaving strangely. Pete, Deborah's brother, investigates.