Two distinctive cars could be the key to unlocking a 44-year-old cold case

54-year-old Artist Simon Buis was found dead with head injuries in Auckland's Gribblehirst Park in 1980.

Police say witnesses saw two cars -- a Mark 1 Ford Zephyr and a yellow Holden FJ -- leaving the scene on the night of his death.

Lead Investigator Scott Beard told TVNZ's Cold Case says they're hoping someone's memory is jogged.

He says bits of information have come in over the years, and Police are still working hard to solve the case.