CHAIRMANS CHAT
2024 has been a busy year for your committee what with some key fixtures such as hosting the VCC AGM, the local Daffodil Run For Cancer, and coordinating speakers to entertain and inform us - such as Garry Jackson from the Federation of Motoring Clubs. All of these things don't just happen automatically - they unfold due to input and effort from our hard working committee. To those of you on the committee - take a bow. Not forgetting our enthusiastic members either - if members don't turn up to stuff that the committee organises - the effort would then be quickly appraised as not worthwhile
2024 has also been a year signalling changes on the horizon. I was fortunate to travel extensively in Europe this year and it was mind blowing to witness first hand the rapid changes unfolding in the automotive industry as directed by government authorities - the effects of this will rapidly trickle down to car club and other recreational activity with anything automotive. Cars and fossil fuels are seen as dirty words in Europe in particular. This notion has been spearheaded by governments and councils over there who appear highly motivated to make huge changes for what they see as better. When examined closely these changes instigated are not necessarily an improvement - but they have already gained considerable traction.
So what can we do in 2025 and beyond to continue enjoying our chosen area of recreation and interest? I think it's important that we try and keep informed of developments as the World is constantly changing and we have to adapt to move with it. However asking questions and stopping to assess the validity of radical changes is the key I feel. We're fortunate to have a well organised body such as the Federation of Motoring Clubs to rely on as a sound board concerning impending changes. FOMC now represents something like 150000 voices in this country from literally hundreds of other diverse motoring clubs. It's comforting knowing that we now have a voice when it comes to pushing back and implementing dialogue concerning some radical changes to our recreational activity which may be improvised sooner rather than later if left unchecked.
Nothing quite like a big challenge... Onward and upward and don't forget to drive safely over the festive season.
Donn
COMING EVENTS DECEMBER 2024, JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2025
DECEMBER EVENTS
2 – December - Café Cliff – 10am
9 – December – Café Cliff – 10am
9 – December – Club Night – Guest Speakers – Chris Cole – Life in the Armed Forces; Peter Crow – The Restoration of his MG
11 – December – Annual Christmas Run – Organisers – Kaaren Smylie & Brian Pratt
12 – December – Committee & Other Elected Officers – Christmas get-together –
Organiser – Kaaren Smylie
16 – December – Café Cliff – 10am (Last for the year)
JANUARY EVENTS
1 – January - Club Annual Picnic – ‘Tuapiro Point’ – 11.30am – 3.30pm – Organiser – Kaaren Smylie
NOTE - There are NO other Club Events during the month of January
FEBRUARY EVENTS
10 – February – Club Night
12 – February - Mid Month Event – Gold Card Morning Tea – Kaaren Smylie
22 – February - End of Month Run – Inter Branch Run – Organiser – Kaaren Smylie
24 – February - Committee Meeting
25 – February – ‘Nog & Natter’ – The Rain Bar – Papamoa – Organiser – Lynn Howard
THINGS TO KNOW
There are NO Club Events during the month of January
New Years Day Club Picnic – ‘Tuapiro Point’ – Noon – Organiser – Kaaren Smylie
Like to hire our Clubrooms for your special event - contact person – Kaaren Smylie
RESTORATION AWARDS 2024
By Ron Elton, Restoration Judge
This year the Restoration Judging was carried out at the Car Boot Sale organised by our club. There were three entries on the day, all from the MG stable and within a relatively confined period of 27 years.
George Howard had entered his 63 Midget with the restoration completed earlier in the year. A very tidy body painted by George in red with good door fits etc, complimented by the interior being mainly original, but with the front seat expertly repaired with as close as matching vinyl from a donor seat. The engine has been replaced with a Nissan one of similar capacity, along with the gearbox and some peripherals.
The 49 MG TC belonging to Glen Watt, also in red, caught many an eye as it is significantly modified with amongst other things a distinctive free flow exhaust system. It sports cycle guards up front and cut away guards at the rear. Original TC 19” wheels painted gold compliment the vehicle. A supercharger is yet to be added. A well-used car that has given all to its various owners over many years.
An Oxford and Cambridge blue MG NB from 1936 belonging to Peter Lawn complimented the other two MG’s. The 6-cylinder MG is distinguished by the extraordinary long door hinges and is the only early MG to have these front hung (non-suicide) opening doors. This car has been under restoration for more than many years but is now complete to factory specs in every detail.
The 2024 award went to—
Peter Lawn with the MG NB. A most fastidious restoration, no bolt unturned, particularly so as this model is so rare parts must be very scarce indeed. The body work by Rod Brayshaw created perfect door and windscreen fits, mudguards to body, bonnets to radiator and so on.
Everything in the engine and cabin exactly spot on. There is an oil leak on the vertically mounted generator, but since 1936 no one has ever solved that problem! Overall, a step beyond what you would imagine.
The line-up of MG entrants
RESTORATION AWARDS 2024
Peter Lawn’s winning 1936 MG NB
George Howard’s 1963 MG Midget
Glen Watt’s 1949 MG TC
MOTORBIKES, CARS, TRUCKS AND PIES
by Paul van den Hoven
Editorsnote—ThankyouPaulforyourcontribution,thesortofcontentweneed!
Some people said I was mad when I told them that I was going to take a caravan around the South Island for a month in the middle of winter. But either by good luck or good management it turned out to be very enjoyable, as long as you avoided areas getting heavy snow dumps and dressed appropriately.
My youngest son Byron had decided he’d had enough of living in Christchurch and asked me if I would give him a hand to move some of his belongings up north so he could re-settle in Auckland. So of course, I said yes. My plan was to holiday around the South Island for 4 weeks ahead of helping him.
One of my major objectives was to visit Invercargill. Invercargill is much maligned and underrated but was really put on the map by the movie “The World’s fastest Indian”, starring Anthony Hopkins as Burt Munro. I think we have all seen this movie at least once. But even so Invercargill can be pretty cold and bleak on a cold winters day when the sun does not come out to play. That is why it is very fortunate to have some world class motorcycle, car and truck museums as major drawcards.
My day started at E. Hayes Hammer Hardware store. Here they have a wonderful collection of motorcycles and old machinery all displayed in their huge shop amongst all the usual items you would expect for sale in a hardware store. Through personal acquaintance with Burt Munro the Hayes family have a acquired a large part of Burts collection of bikes and parts. Burt spent a lot of time and effort in his workshop in the pursuit of making ordinary old motorbikes go extraordinarily fast. Most notably he transformed a 1920 Indian Scout 600cc side valve vee-twin capable of 60mph into a 1000cc with a top speed of 184mph (achieved at Bonneville Salt flats).
What a lot of people don’t know is that there was another bike that he majorly transformed as well. This was a 1936 MSS 500cc Velocette. He increased the displacement of this bike to 650cc and was timed at 138mph.
Also of note at the store is a wall display of his “offerings to the God of speed” which shows all the parts that failed during development in his quest to go faster. The 1954 Chevrolet sedan and homemade trailer featured in the movie are also on display.
E. Hayes have over 100 motorcycles but display only what they can at one time and change them out as and when they feel the need. I hope my photos do justice to the store but in any case, you will get a perception of what it is about.
MOTORBIKES, CARS, TRUCKS AND PIES
My next stop was “Classic Motorcycle Mecca”which has over 300 classic bikes on display in a building of several stories on Tay street. This was an amazing array of bikes from many different countries. Mostly makes that you have already heard of like Indian, Harley Davidson, Triumph, BSA, BMW, Ducati to name a few, but there were also many that you or I might not have heard of like Motobi-Imperiale. There was even a Humber similar to the one that our late and great Ivan Allen restored. Included were displays devoted to people such as John Britten, showing off some of his bikes and info on their development for racing. As you walk through this place you are just blown away by the scale of the collection and the high level of restoration standards of the bikes themselves and general presentation within the building itself. Well worth the entry fee which covered my entry to the next museum as well which was……..
Bill Richardsons Transport World. Here they advertise “something for everyone” and there certainly is. There are over 300 vehicles on display and as you can imagine it is spread over a very large area. It takes ages to walk through the buildings all linked seamlessly together. Not only are there lots of trucks of all descriptions but also many cars of all ages, some motorbikes, ambulances, fire engines and general farm equipment displays. They even had more Studebakers than I expected. One of special note was a 1937 cab over engine (COE) Studebaker truck of which not many were made. The museum was started by the late Bill Richardson who also ran a very successful trucking business. The museum is now run by his daughter. It is a real credit to her and the family and I am sure that Bill would be proud.
So, in all, I had a very good day which I highly recommend to anyone if they are in the vicinity. To top it all off, my day was made even better by a stop I made at “Fat Bastard Pies”. This is a very popular shop with often a queue out the door. My pie was excellent, but not the best pie that I had in the South Island……… but that’s another story.
Classic Motorcycle Mecca
MOTORBIKES, CARS, TRUCKS AND PIES
Classic Motorcycle Mecca
E. Hayes Hammer Hardware
MOTORBIKES, CARS, TRUCKS AND PIES
Bill Richardsons Transport World
Boot Sale — pics by Brian
All USA day at Classic Flyers
Chairman Donn visited the All USA day, took these photos and reports that there was a good turn out of cars, and a high standard of vehicles.
1968 Ford Cortina Mk2 1600E Update.
It has been 18 months since the first update on my Mk2 Cortina 1600E, we are progressing well on the restoration with all the main structural repairs completed by my brother who is a qualified panel beater. These repairs included new “A” pillars, Sills, Chassis repairs and new Front floors. We are now moving onto the cosmetic rust in the body.
Also, I have been busy going through all the other parts of the car and either replacing or reconditioning as required including the front suspension, brakes, dash woodwork and the seat upholstery. Also, all the underseal has been removed to make sure there aren’t any other surprises.
A lot of parts have been obtained from various parts of the world including the UK, Australia, Greece, Germany as well as here in NZ.
In the meantime, our Morris Minor has had plenty of use with the easter parades and daffodil runs and car shows but look forward to getting the Cortina to these events and more in the future. Paul and Sharlene Martin.
EDITORS NOTE Steve Trott is a member of the Hawkes By VCC and some BOP members will remember him graciously opening his collection when we were on a Club run to the Hawkes Bay a few years ago. If you are a collector of memorabilia, this would be well worth a look. This will be held on Friday 14th February 25 (Part of Art Deco Weekend) and you will be able to bid online.
For more information contact
EBOP Branch—East Coast Rally
Saturday 1 February 2025.
Please note that this event is their 50th Anniversary!
Art Deco 2025 rally
Entries are now open for the Art Deco 2025 rally and associated events.
As with previous years, we expect the Thursday night dinner to fill up fast. We have limited capacity at our clubrooms (the dinner venue), so make sure you get your entry in quickly so you don't miss out.
All payment details are on the entry form. You will get an automatic email as soon as you send in your entry, but I won't be sending out your rally number and confirmation of your payment until after Labour Weekend, as I am currently out of the country for a couple of weeks. In the meantime, for any general enquiries regarding the entry form please contact our Treasurer, Paul Eager at hbdecorally@gmail.com Thanks for your support. Regards, Larry Morgan Event Secretary The entry form is here: Art Deco 2025 Entry Form Copy and paste into your search program https://www.cognitoforms.com/VintageCarClubHawkesBay/HBVCCARTDECORALLY2025
FOR SALE—1935 Ford CX 10 HP
Current WOF/Rego. Low mileage since restoration. Personalised plates, original ownership papers, recon engine, sound body, mechanicals, upholstery etc. Tectyl rust prevention.
Good buying at $12500.00 Ph Peter 07 5620588 peterj@kinect.co.nz
13th November Mid-month run to Whangamata
To visit Allan and Maxine Rees superb collection.
An extra big thank you to Chairman Donn for taking over as the Organiser for this Run to visit Allan and Maxine Rees superb collection. Amongst everything else, our 'whizz kid' Donn had time to get behind the camera and take a few pics. It was extra special to have a few members from other one-make clubs join us today, great motoring camaraderie had by all!
HUMOUR
Mecon Limited Laser-Prep
Cleaning with out chemicals or abrasives, it is an eco friendly and cost effective way compared to other methods such as media blasting or paint stripping.
It can remove light rust off delicate car/engine parts. It will easily clean a metal head gasket previously impossible with conventional cleaning methods.
Benefits are - no harsh chemicals, no abrasives, no expensive set up cost (as with media blasting), no loud noises during the process, no hazards as with high pressure equipment, very precise cleaning and no clean up cost!
This cleaning can be done in your garage if required as it is plug and play! Cost is dependant on size of job and location (if it cannot be delivered to us)
For applications on Mould, Welds and pre-welds, Food manufacturing stainless steel, Delicate Machine parts etc.
BOP
VIC Application forms
PLEASENOTE:The application form for a Vehicle Identity Card has changed from a 7 page application to 15 pages. The extra pages relate to explanations regarding whether you receive a “DOMAS” or a “VIC”, depending on the state of the Vehicle at the time of the application. Go to wwww.vcc.org.nz, and in the panel on the LHS is the option “RESOURCES/ DOWNLOAD” accessing that will show “VIC Application”. Print the required pages and note the requirements for the photos. It is suggested that you complete all the pages and then contact either RON ELTON - 07 5799621 or GEORGE HOWARD 020 40427624 beforesending the photos to Nat. Office Christchurch. This is to ensure the photos are as required and don’t get there before the paperwork, which in almost all cases has to be checked against the vehicle to make sure there aren’t any errors. Either of the VIC Officers are there to assist not hinder!
TAIL-END HUMOUR
BOP VCC COMMITTEE 2024-2025
CHAIRMAN DONN WHITE 0274 764465
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN JOHN WHITCOMBE
SECRETARY MICHAEL THORMAN (JANE) 07 544 4291, 0274 742625
TREASURER KEITH PERKINS (JANE) 027 5781231
CLUB CAPTAIN KAAREN SMYLIE (JIM) 021 664 341
COMMITTEE ALASTAIR JONES (GWEN) 07 576 1124
COMMITTEE BRIAN PRATT (CINDY) 07 5447952
COMMITTEE ELWYN PIRIE (PAULINE) 027 491 4600
COMMITTEE ALAN MACKENZIE 027 564 7785.
COMMITTEE GEORGE HOWARD (LYNN) 020 40427624
COMMITTEE DOUG BROWN 021 668117
COMMITTEE
OTHERELECTEDOFFICERS
PATRON ALASTAIR JONES (GWEN) 07 5761124
HALL HIRE KAAREN SMYLIE (JIM) 021 664341
PARTS SHED JACK ANDERSON (MERILYN) 07 5766346
PROPERTY MANAGER JACK ANDERSON (MERILYN) 07 5766346
KLAXON EDITOR
BRYCE STRONG (CHRISTINE) 0274 966706
FACEBOOK/WEBSITE DEIDRE RENNIE (TONY) 021 665 875
WELFARE MERILYN ANDERSON (JACK) 07 5766346
KITCHEN CO-ORDINATOR ELWYN PIRIE 027 4914600
HON. SOLICITOR PETER BUTLER (MARION) 021 423 453
VIC CERTIFICATION RON ELTON (KERRY) 07 5799621
VIC CERTIFICATION GEORGE HOWARD (LYNN) 020 40427624
SAFETY OFFICER BRIAN PRATT 07 5447952
LIBRARIAN PET ER WITHERS 0220 173798.
NAME BADGES MICHAEL THORMAN (JANE) 07 544 4291
GREETING NEW MEMBERS BRIAN PRATT 07 5447952
KLAXON EMAIL: klaxoninfo@gmail.com
BOP VCC—Operational Information
The Club Rooms are 29 Cliff Road. P O Box 660, Tauranga, 3144.
Key contacts are:
Chairman– Donn White 0274 764465
Acting Chairman– Alastair Jones 07 5761124
Secretary– Michael Thorman 07 5444291
Club Captain Kaaren Smylie 07 576 4180
Monthly events—
Email: bayofplenty@vcc.org.nz
Email: kaaren@smylie.co.nz
Club night (except January) - 2nd Monday, start time 7.30pm
Mid week run
End of the month run
Committee Meeting —
Noggin ‘n’ Natter
Wednesday following the club night
Held on the last Sunday of the month.
Last Monday of the month
Last Tuesday of the month at 6pm
Coffee Mornings - Every Monday Morning at 10:00am Noggin ‘n’ Natter held last Tuesday of the month at 6pm and location alternates between-
1. Tauranga- Tauranga Citizens Club, Cameron Road
Contact is Kaaren Smylie phone 021 664341 or 07 576 4180.
In 2024 at Citz Club in - May, July, Sept, November
2. Papamoa/TePuke– Rain Bar and Restaurant, 30 Gravatt Road, Papamoa
Contact is - Lynn Howard. Phone 020 4042 7624.
In 2024 at Rain Bar in April, June, August, October, December
If your birthday falls in this month please remember it is your turn to provide a plate for supper. Thanks to last months birthday people for their food.
Please remember to wear your name badges to all events. BADGES ARE FREE TO NEW MEMBERS if they need one.
LIBRARY HOURS— The library is open whenever the Club is open. Members wanting to search for or return books should ask a Committee member to open the library. We accept good clean car service manuals, or books that relate to automobile history or travel for our library
PARTS SHED Clean out your sheds and bring those surplus parts down. They may be just what someone else needs Parts shed open most Monday morning. Contacts are Jack 07 5766346 or Colin 027 2629161