1
November 2023 Issue 397
Puff ‘n’ Stuff
Vintage Car Club of NZ Inc. – Central Otago Branch
Figure 1 Grindley wedding car April ‘79
2
Editorial We build excitement. Both Pontiac and Peter Brock claimed this in their advertising literature, and certainly from a marketing perspective, it was true. Many makes were there. Chrysler was, as the ad below shows.
As a young lad, and later, we sucked it all in. Visits to the car dealers so we could drool over the latest offerings were normal Sunday afternoon outings. The dealers were closed then so we could dream in peace about owning the latest and greatest. But somewhere along the route it all changed. Many makers simply reverted to building cars that were as exciting as a new fridge. In fact, one car we had in Oz for a while we called “the fridge”. It was a white Mitsubishi Diamante that, like any good fridge, had very good cooling for its contents, us. There were few other attributes that made you smile. Ford no longer make or sell (in NZ) any small Fords that you would enjoy for a quick drive over the Pig Route or the Lindis except possibly the Focus ST 2.3, but they appear as common as rocking horse poo. Was there any
3 better small Ford sound and excitement than a BDA Escort at the full noise of a rally stage? GM is stopping making pony cars in 2025. No more Camaros or large coupes. Ford is mucking with its Mustang brand by throwing the label on a four-door hybrid that looks like it had a serious accident. Why, Ford, would you muck with an image that has excited since 1964. 59 years! Didn’t you learn anything from the Mustang 2? Lamborghini and Bentley are making SUVs. How bizarre, how bizarre. Car marketing these days seems to be about connectivity, electrification, and urban coolness, none of which I need or want. When was the last time you saw a car ad where the car was going around a corner with power oversteer. With very few exceptions, only the Germans seem to be remaining true to the excitement mantra. Even then, a 528i used to be a 5 serries 2.8 litre. Now it is a 2.0 litre four. The only redeeming factor is it still drives like a 2.8. Who is brave enough today to advertise like Chrysler did “Hemi pacer, Family racer!.” ? Not many. A car used to be something you got excited about buying. It was/is so addictive I have done it around 70 times. I have never owned a brand-new car (although I had a couple of new company cars). It was always “get the keys, go for a hoon”, then service it and polish it. Nowadays a brand-new car is like getting a refrigerator or a new microwave. Just another appliance. For an enthusiast, that is clearly disappointing.
Garry Grindley editorCOVCC@gmail.com Please note I do not necessarily check this email address daily so if you want an urgent reply or action please also phone me on 021 279 5064. Copy deadline for next edition by the 25thof each month. Circulation: 250
4
BRANCH OFFICERS 2023-2024 Role
Person
Phone
Patron:
John Loudon
448 7192
Chairman:
John Martin
445 0598
martin_jw@xtra.co.nz
Wendy
Vice Chairperson:
Vacant
Immediate Past Chairman
Noel Hassed
442 3908
noel.hassed@gmail.com
Bernice
Secretary:
Graham Taylor
443 1416
gtml@xtra.co.nz
Cheryl
Treasurer:
Mel Wilson
021 233 0280
saddle.hill@xtra.co.nz
John
Club Captain:
John Wilson
027 533 5626
stagdriver98@gmail.com
Mel
Editor:
Garry Grindley
021 279 5064
editorCOVCC@gmail.com
Rose
Committee:
Rose Grindley
021 454 371
Garry
Bert Turnbull
027 434 2339
rose.grindley@gmail.com Bert.turrnbull1940 @gmail.com
Neil Webster
Property
Partner Sheila
Jenny
neil.webster@xtra.co.nz
Tony Van Gool
021631316
dorstrom@gmail.com
Raewyn
John Gray
0274345621
jbgray@xtra.co.nz
Wendy
Ewen Duthie
027 838 8324
duthie.e@xtra.co.nz
Arlene Glenda
445 1973 Alf O’Sullivan
021 110 7707
glenda.alf@gmail.com
Parts Convenor
Bryan Anderson
0212049390.
bryandjen@live.com
Parts Helper
Alf O’Sullivan
021 110 7707
glenda.alf@gmail.com
Glenda
Don Yeaman
443 2730.
yeaperson@xtra.co.nz
Lynne
Steve Reynolds
022 167 0872
stevesfordv8@gmail.com
Bev
Idle Torque BW;
Don Yeaman
443 2730
yeaperson@xtra.co.nz id
Lynne
Librarian:
Alf O'Sullivan
021 110 7077
glenda.alf@gmail.com
Glenda
Wakatipu -
Bill Crooks
021 915 188
bill@arrowauto.co.nz
Jill
Alexandra -
Barry Walker
448 6508
Cromwell -
John Martin
445 0598
martin_jw@xtra.co.nz
Wendy
Wanaka -
Graham Taylor
443 1416
gtml@xtra.co.nz
Cheryl
HSE:
Steve Reynolds
Bev
Ewen Duthie
022 167 0872 027 838 8324
stevesfordv8@gmail.com
Rally Conveners: Blossom Festival:
duthie.e@xtra.co.nz
Arlene
Alister Stewart
Area Reps: Sharron
445 1973 Bryan Anderson
bryandjen@live.com
National Daffodil Day CoOrdinator:
Vacant
Golden Times:
Alan Sutton
027 434 6018
Alan.Sutton@bayleys.co.nz
Bill Crooks
021 915 188
bill@arrowauto.co.nz
Jill
Central Otago Vintage Car Club(Including Queenstown & Wanaka)
5
Chairman’s Report Members, please let any of the Committee know of issues that you may have concerning the running of the club or ways that you may offer your services. We are here to please and have you participate in the events we put on but if you have other thoughts then let us know. The VCC have a Face book page, and this can be accessed by the following address www.facebook.co/vintagecarclubofnewzealand The Summer is looking busy as the following list of events demonstrates. See you at the next club meeting on the 8th November John Martin
6
CLUB EVENTS CALENDAR Please take care to read and copy to your diary! Sunday 5 November - the Coffee over Cars Group which used to meet at Wanaka Warbird and Wheels Cafe is planning to restart the monthly catch-up. The details are Coffee over Cars monthly get together. 9.30am at Mitre 10 Mega Wanaka Wednesday November 8th Club Night. John Gray will be talking about the restoration of his 1938 MG rally car. Interesting history and a rare car. Sunday November 12th ETTRICK John Martin will be hosting a run to have a look through a couple of garages. Bring a picnic lunch or buy your lunch at either Roxburgh or Ettrick. We will leave the Clubrooms in Cromwell at 10.00am stopping at Alexandra’s Pioneer Park briefly to pick up any Alex folk who want to come. Saturday 2nd of December The Ranfurly 25th Act Deco Festival. Details will be emailed out. Contact Graham for more information. Sunday 10th December Christmas Function starting from 11:30 am. This will be a similar format to previous ones. Please come along and celebrate with fellow members. Bring your favorite salad or desert, to share, plus your vintage or classic vehicle to be judged for the Loudon Trophy and restoration of the year awards. There will also be a 50th presentation at 2pm. Saturday 20th of January 2024 The Southland Ford Falcon Club is hosting the car show in Alfa Street. This year, please note you need to pre-register on line as they are not taking gate entries. Register online by going to Cromwell Classic Car and Hot Rod Festival for the entry form. Sunday the 21st of January 2024 We will be holding our Swap Meet at the Clubrooms in conjunction with the local Alpine Street Machines Club. This is a big event for us, and I would like members to support by either helping on the day or bringing along tools, machinery, car or motorcycle parts that are
7 gathering dust in your sheds to sell from the boot of your car or by trailer load. If you have a vehicle for sale then bring it also. Sunday March 3rd 2024 Bert’s favourite club run to Jackson’s Bay for Fish’N’Chips. We will meet at Makarora cafe at 10.00am for morning tea, Those wishing to stop over at Haast for the night can book there, as plenty of motels and two hotels available. The following are tentative and will be confirmed after the next Committee meeting. 1. Thursday December 28th Hawea Picnic Race 2. Sunday January 14th Ophir 3. Sunday February 11th Kingston picnic lunch and Kingston Flyer ride 4. Thursday 22nd February to Arrowtown 5. Hayden Paddon guest speaker TBC 6. Possibly a trip to Tekapo hot pools, perhaps May, June? You can soak in 35° water and look at Mt Cook. Let John Wilson know if you are interested. We have done it every year, and it is great for arthritis, gout or whatever ails you; good deals at The Godly Hotel.
Club nights. Second Wednesday of the month excluding December and January
Midweek Muster at the Parts Shed – Wednesday mornings from 8:30am, except for Club Night Wednesdays
8
OTHER EVENTS, NATIONALS. VCC Branches that would like any of their events noted in our magazine, please contact us with the details at editorCOVCC@gmail.com For more information on these and other events in Beaded Wheels, check branch newsletters which may be found at http://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/
NORTH OTAGO SWAP MEET Coinciding with the Victorian Heritage Weekend
SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2023 A & P Showgrounds Ettrick St OAMARU Public Entry from 8am - $5 per adult Children under 15 FREE Hot Food and Coffee available Site Holders entry from 7am - $15 including 1 free entry All enquiries to The Organiser, swapmeetnovcc@gmail.com or Derek Brehaut 021 390 518 Book a site, get that stuff sitting in the garage you no longer need, and let someone else love it.
SATURDAY 18th November 2023 MMXXIII RALLYE AUTOMOBILE ANCIENNE MONTE-CARLO. See Graham Taylor for info/entry form. Saturday 2nd of December 2023 The North Otago branch – Oamaru is hosting their Windsor Rally. Saturday 20th of January 2024 The Southland Ford Falcon Club is hosting the car show in Alfa Street. This year, please note you need to pre-register on line as they are not taking gate entries. Register online by going to Cromwell Classic Car and Hot Rod Festival for the entry form.
9 January 26th – 28th 2024 Dunedin is hosting the National Veteran Rally. Saturday/Sunday 9th & 10th March 2024 SOUTH WAIKATO V.C.C. INC OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM Irish Women’s Rally A non -competitive rally into the back country. Mainly backroads, gravel and farm tracks can be expected. Entry to cars before 1931 only. Please note: 30 cars only on a basis of first in first served. Name of Entrant: _________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________ Phone no.____________
Mobile:____________________________
Year and make of vehicle:____________________________________
1.
Entrants VCC Branch: _______________________________________
Number attending & Email_____________________________________________________ • Entry fee per vehicle $70:00) Maximum of 30 cars, first in first. served • NO fuelstop is available on this trip. • A support vehicle will come along • FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: Compulsory in all cars.
Please post to: South Waikato Vintage Car Club P.O. Box 403, Tokoroa 3444 By 1st March 2024 Or email: southwaikato@vcc.org.nz Direct Credit ACC: SWVCC 03 0463 0273363 00 REF: Name and Irish Rally please PROGRAMME : • Start at Wharepapa South School 08:30 Hrs: sharp Briefing • 09:00 Hrs: Cars leave designated start area in convoy. At completion of run we return to the school grounds. (approx. 4 pm on Saturday and between 2 and 3 pm on Sunday) RALLY COST :
10 • • • • •
Entry fee Saturday lunch/person Saturday dinner/person Sunday lunch/person Continental Breakfast Saturday/Sunday • Byo drinks
$70 $15 $40 $15 $10
$............... $............... $.............. $.............. $..............
Total $.............. Meals non-refundable after March 2nd 2024 Accommodation: Various motels in Kihikihi or Te Awamutu(20 minutes away) Various B and B in the surrounding areas. Bryces Rock climbing Lodge (limited) 078722533 Tents and campervans can be parked in the Schoolground For a nominal fee of $10 per person. Pool or cold showers and toilet available.
For more information contact: Pieter Ebeling on 0274845071
ebelingfamily@farmside.co.nz Or Trevor Appleby on 02102711049
29th March – 1st April 2024 The South Island Easter Rally is in Nelson.
New Members
None notified.
11
Club Night – 11th October Mike Casey, Forest Lodge Orchard, Pisa (was on Country Calendar recently) gave the most informative talk at the Vintage Car Club that I have heard. It was about his conversion to electricity, solar, and sustainability in a practical way, and his vision for this technology in New Zealand’s future, I guess it impressed me because his results were well researched, practical, and obviously working. Now it’s up to the regulators to catch up with equally innovative energy distribution. He also spends a lot of time in Wellington giving feedback but when asked which political parties have grasped the concept, his reply was National and the Green party, perhaps Winston could be left out in the cold after all! Graham
October mid-week run THURSDAY RUN TO DANSEYS PASS – 12 OCTOBER 2023 On a 17° clear day, 10 cars, 21 members, 2 dogs, motored into the back blocks of the countryside of Central Otago. First stop was at Oturehua Hotel, where we were met by Graham and his wife, for morning tea which included scones, cream, and jam, followed by club sandwiches. The Publican’s choice of the day was judged by his wife, being the Vaughans’ red and white Chevy. Not far down the road, it was noted Mark Halkyard had pulled over and endeavouring to remove a bumble bee out of his Citroen!! At 11.30 we all moved off deeper into the Maniototo Hills, passing through Naseby, and onto Danseys Pass Hotel for lunch where we all sat outside in 18° warmth, under the umbrellas. The ambience of this area set in amongst native bush is quite unique. Around 3pm most headed off, some stopping for a wander at the Kyeburn Cemetery. The Taylors and Yeamans went the opposite way, over the remainder of the pass to Duntroon and through the Lindis. Overall, a good day out where we all enjoyed our backyard that other Kiwis always envy. Regards, John Wilson.
12
The way we were. The other day I was amusing myself, trolling the internet, as you do, and I came across the photo that is on the cover of this issue. It is of a 1974 Chev Caprice and I thought to myself “I know that car”. I contacted the current owner, Ben Chissell, and he confirmed that indeed it was the car previously owned by my father-in-law Trevor Levis. He was into his American cars and he was the first owner in 1974. I seem to recall him telling me that it cost on the road the same as two Statesmans but it was a long time ago and my memory isn’t getting any better. Rose and I used it for our wedding car in 1979, 44 years ago. It was great to see it has survived and looks to be in great shape. This car was, I understand, one of 5 or 6 that came into the country brand new around 1974. Due to the rules of the day, it had to be converted into RHD. Rose seems to think the conversion took around 3-4 months and included some major rust protection work and she remembers going to see a white one at the GM dealers in Tauranga while they waited for there one to arrive, but as she was only 15 or so at the time she wasn’t much interested. This car was a real yank tank. It was a 400 cubic inch small block and we had no trouble fitting four across the front or back seat. I must admit, it is one of very few cars that every made me feel queasy because it just floated down the road. By comparison, my XU1 at the time had modified suspension and rode like a tip truck. Despite the car sickness, I still liked it. To this day I have never driven a bigger car or a car with better air conditioning. And it could move as well if you gave it the jandal. At one stage the automatic wouldn’t kick down properly but I noticed the floor mat was fouling the accelerator pedal, so I fixed it but never mentioned it to anyone. Later in the day, we were going somewhere, and my mother-in-law was driving. She wanted to pass a logging truck and some slow traffic and as the car had been playing up she gave it everything she could. Well, the Chev picked first gear and launched forward so quickly we dam near drove over the logging truck. Tense moment.
13 For our wedding, I was tasked with cleaning it. I remember realising the grille was chromed and it took ages to get it shining. As the Mitre 10 ad says “it’s a big job but someone had to do it.
After our wedding, my in-laws and Rose’s three sisters came to visit us in Dunedin, towing their 25 foot caravan. It’s an expensive trip getting 8 mpg from Te Puke to Dunedin and back via Southland. In today’s terms about $1.50 a mile or about $2800 for the trip. I was disappointed that he sold it without me knowing because I would have liked to own it but given the gas mileage probably was lucky I didn’t. He sold it in 1995 with 84 000 on the clock. His other car was a 1966 Chev Impala that was originally owned by the Archbishop of Wellington. It had a 283 with a 2-speed power glide, and was a great car. A favourite of mine then and now. Rose and her sisters all learned to drive in it after graduating from the farm Land Rover. Rose was able to take her whole hockey team to the like of Tauranga and Taupo. Wouldn’t happen today. At the time, angle parking was the norm in Te Puke, her home town, and it used to amuse me the girls would go to the main street and check whether their parents were in town by seeing if the backs of the Chevs were sticking out of the car parks, further than anyone else. We would go down the farm driveway in the Impala to go to the dairy/petrol station. We would turn onto the main road and the girls would hit 100mph before they had to brake. The Impala, which they called the “Imp”, wouldn’t quite get to 95mph on the way back (it was slightly uphill). Probably had a quieter life when the Archbishop owned it. We used the “Imp” on our honeymoon. Great cruising with the two of us on that front bench seat American graffiti style.
14
Letters to Editor Letter No 1 Hi Garry, Your comments re membership and cars are very relevant, obtaining reliable pre-1993 cars for touring is quite a gamble, I guess I am fortunate in that I can maintain my ‘Fleet” and in that regard I have concentrated on BMC cars with the A series engine. My son Daniel has Toyota Landcruisers but also a Subaru Max (600cc two cyl) and Justy a little bigger (3 cyl), also a Suzuki Cultus soft top. The latest being a very tidy 71 Morris 1800. He has attended a small number of events including two ‘Monte Carlos’. My Granddaughter who has my Morris Minor in Christchurch is a member of the Banks Peninsula branch but does not attend any VCC events. Now that she has a full time job I believe she will move on to a more modern vehicle and I will get the MM back, oh well I have owned it for 30 years now, so its overdue for a repaint. My Grandson Jaiahn has made some progress with the A40 Farina we’ll see how that goes. I tried to get some interest going with trials vehicles even mentioned Cyclecarts but there is not much more we can do. I had a good talk with Peter Lovatt from the Far North, the subject was stickers so I discussed the problem with the break in continuity caused by Covid and the proposed logo change, he agreed that both events have had an effect on club activities, however they have successful less formal events such as our Sunday and mid-week runs they also welcome post 1993 cars as many of their members obtain these classics as they are usually in very good original condition and their wives willingly come along as they are “reliable”, and affordable to run. As secretary I see lots of information and field a lot of comment, In my humble opinion we should go with what works, (and on a personal note the club today is much more alive and good friendships are made), and if that is less formal events, less hang up with the rules, and more motorable cars and more interest in our people, then that is what we should do. As always it is up to our greater unseen membership to take the opportunity to come along and join in, as I see it the active members of the club have never been more welcoming. Graham
15
It’s All White in Madera, CA Gerry Spencer I have achieved one of my missions (that has been delayed about three years due to the Covid handling saga) on this 19-day road trip. That was to find the last owner of my 1977 Chev C10 pick-up before it was sold and shipped out from Long Beach to New Zealand. Three days after picking up the Harley-D Road King in Vegas, I drove to the address in Madera I had from the 1993 California Certificate of Title, and he was still there, but retired now! (I had tried calling, but the numbers I had didn’t get through).
Rusty T in his element surrounded by white Chevys Russ (that’s his name) has three white Chev C10s there in his yard, and several others too. He has over the years sold about 20 vehicles to an expat New Zealander that sends them over.
16 It was great to get some details that I didn’t know (he had rebuilt the steering box and the tranny, and swapped out the 10-bolt for a 12-bolt differential), and confirmation of others – yes the original colour was ‘frost white’, and the engine was from 1982 as I had concluded from the engine number. When he got it, the factory big block had been replaced with a 350 (why?!), so he took a 454 from a ½ ton flatbed, re-built it and popped it in. Russ motored it for about 15 years, and touchingly he said he still thinks about it from time to time! He was able to produce a couple of photos for me too:
My 1977 pickup as it was sometime in the 1990s For a bonus, the first night I stopped at Bakersfield, the home to several massive oil fields that have been pumping for well over a century. Nodding donkeys everywhere!
17
Kern River Field, Bakersfield – discovered in 1899 and flowing ever since
18
Buy, sell, wanted, exchange Name badges Graham is preparing an order for these. He gets them done in batches of 10 or so. If you need one, please talk to him. Photos and some notes on events I can’t get to every event and my knowledge of VCC is limited. I enjoy when others help with contributions, like they did this month. This way, you will end up with a better mag that is well-rounded, and better targeted to the wider membership interests. Thank you to those of you who contributed. The Editor.
FOR SALE JAGUAR 1958 XK 150 SE OTS (ROADSTER) Special Edition Specification
This car is in excellent, full nut and bolt restored condition. The car has only done a genuine 54,000 original miles and has the original 3.4lt engine and close ratio gearbox. This SE car is also fitted with the original straight port, B Type head, which is the same as those fitted to the famous racing C Types of the 1950’s. Full matching numbers car, with original wind-up windows and full weather equipment, including two-piece tonneau cover. New carpets. Many more photos available. Original books and documentation. Car is in Cromwell, Inspection invited. Ring John Gray on 0274345621, to discuss. WANTED ¼” STEEL ROD
I require approximately 400mm of imperial ¼” mild steel rod so that I can make the hold down rods for the new battery box on the 1938 MG VA Tourer I am restoring. 6mm will not do, as I am threading with BSF threads as per original. John Gray 0274345621, jbgray@xtra.co.nz
19
20 Stickers for COVCC members
Let others know which branch you belong to at events away from home. These are produced locally and are made of high-quality vinyl. They are external stickers and go on the outside of the windscreen or on the bodywork. (They are easily removed with a hairdryer.) Cost $3 each. (A small profit goes to our club.) To order contact The Secretary gtml@xtra.co.nz
Graham Taylor Mechanical Ltd 114 Shortcut Road, Luggate. gtml@xtra.co.nz 443 1416 027 248 9942 MAXXIS TYRES -- MIXTECH BATTERIES — SPAREX AG PARTS
THE REAR END:
Return Address: c/-3 Shine Lane RD 3 Pisa Mooring Cromwell 9383