The official magazine of the Gisborne Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Inc.
CELEBRATING 51 YEARS AS A BRANCH 1973-2024
JULY 2024
Clubrooms open Wednesdays and Sundays, 9am to 12 noon Club night is held third Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm (except January) Main Road, Makaraka (use Showgrounds Gate 3)
The only known photo of the Carlton car taken circa 1929
CLUB NIGHT is held third Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm (except January)
CLUBROOMS OPEN Wednesdays and Sundays, 9am to 12 noon Main Road, Makaraka (use Showgrounds Gate 3)
Branch Bank Account Number 03 0638 0378651 00
Coming Events
July 17
August 4
August 10
CLUB NIGHT — We will be showing a DVD or two, so why not come along and view them?
CLUB RUN — Any suggestions for a destination within a radius of 20 miles of town would be appreciated — Tony Bartlett, 867-9850 or 027 272 5648.
NATIONAL AGM, Tauranga. Tony Bartlett and Rodney Clague attending August 14 COMMITTEE MEETING
August 21 CLUB NIGHT
August 24
August 25
September 1
BRANCH ANNUAL DINNER, Forces Café (RSA), Childers Road, $35.00 a head
NATIONAL DAY, DAFFODIL DAY RALLY FOR CANCER (poster on page 11)
RUSSELL WILCOX MEMORIAL TROPHY RUN, club run and scavenger hunt
September 11 COMMITTEE MEETING
September 18 CLUB NIGHT
September 21
October 6
RUBBER DUCKIE MOTORCYCLE RALLY, New Plymouth. Entry form available
NAVIGATOR’S TROPHY RUN
October 9 COMMITTEE MEETING
October 12
MOTORCYCLE RALLY, Palmerston North. Entry form available.
October 16 CLUB NIGHT
October 18-19
POVERTY BAY A&P SHOW celebrating 149 years. Vehicles wanted for display.
October 26-28 7TH NATIONAL COMMERCIAL RALLY, Oamaru. Entry form now available
2025
January 25-27 29TH NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE RALLY AND AFTER RALLY TOUR, Manawatu. Entry form available.
February 8,9,10 THREE RIVERS RALLY, GISBORNE
April 18-21 NATIONAL NORTH ISLAND EASTER RALLY, WAIKATO
April 18-21
NATIONAL SOUTH ISLAND EASTER RALLY, CANTERBURY
2026 VERO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF HISTORICAL MOTORING, NELSON. See pages 4 and 5 for an accommodation update from Mike Wilson, Communications Manager, 2026 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring, Nelson Tasman.
From Your Editor
Welcome to the third email version of the Carlton newsletter — I trust that you enjoyed the first two editions. I have increased the type size this month, not so much for the email issues but for those few who either don't have internet or I don’t have their email address, for which I print an A5 size newsletter as before. One member who does receive the email version (but I’m not sure whether he is allowed to view it on the computer) grumbled that he couldn’t read the A5 version at the clubrooms — time to go to Specsavers mate!
Special thanks to Phill Dodds for providing his article on the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (pages 5 and 6), to Graeme Revell for his monthly report, and to Tony Bartlett for his report on the run to Motu on July 7. I again make a plea for more copy from you, the members and readers, for stories about your vehicles, your trips to outside rallies etc. I’m prepared to do my bit, but come on guys and gals, how about you giving me a hand to make the newsletter more interesting by doing your bit.
I will still print newsletters for those who do not have internet, however I need the names of those people so that they can get a printed copy. I welcome comments and suggestions on the new layout. Rod
PLEASE RETURN BRANCH TROPHIES
If you have any of our trophies could you please return them to Graeme Revell, Tony Bartlett or Rod so that they can be engraved and passed on to the current winners. Thanks.
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring 2026
Accommodation Offers Update, June 2024
Hello Rodney, I hope you’re doing well! This short newsletter is focused solely on the offers from accomodation suppliers that we’ve had so far. All indications are that while it is officially shoulder season in Nelson, there is still some pressure on accommodation availability so get in as soon as you can and secure a place to stay.
As more offers come in we will be highlighting them via this newsletter and later, on the website. So here we go, in no particular order, our current offers for you from these generous local accommodation suppliers:
The Beachcomber Hotel, Tāhunanui, Nelson
A variety of well appointed studios and units, including kitchen and family studios. Only 200m from Tāhunanui Beach and 5km / 9 minutes drive from Vero IFHM HQ — the Trafalgar Centre. Hannah has set up a discount code that can be used when booking direct through their website or via phone/email. The code is IFHM2026 and offers a 15% discount off the daily rate. https://www.beachcomber.co.nz
Cable Bay Holiday Park, Cable Bay, Nelson
Cabins and camping - powered and unpowered sites. Excellent cafe onsite. Only 100m from Cable Bay beach and 23km / 27 minutes drive north of Vero IFHM HQ — the Trafalgar Centre. Bert has offered 20% discount off their full prices. (Excludes cabins). https://cablebayholidaypark.nz
The Prince Albert Backpackers and Bar, Nelson
6-bed dorms, 4-bed share rooms, twins, doubles and single rooms, all with ensuites. Large off-street car park. Only 2km / 6 minutes drive from Vero IFHM HQ — the Trafalgar Centre. Mike and Nani have offered 10% discounts on all of their food and beverage offerings to our house guests (they have a bar, restaurant and cafe onsite). https://www.theprincealbert.co.nz
Chelsea Park Motor Lodge, 214 Rutherford Street, Nelson
10 modern, clean, non-smoking, double glazed units in central Nelson City. Only 1.4km / 4 minutes drive from Vero IFHM HQ — the Trafalgar Centre. Tomoko and Dean have offered 10% discount off their rooms if booked directly through them or their website. There is a contact us page on their website where guests can leave a message. Just leave a brief message telling them you’re booking they’ll use the discount for your reservation. https://www.chelseapark.co.nz
Admirals Motor Inn, 26 Waimea Road, Nelson
A range of well appointed studios, suites, and bedrooms in central Nelson City. Only 1.7km / 4 minutes drive from Vero IFHM HQ — the Trafalgar Centre. Fraser has offered 10% discount off their rooms if booked directly with them — not through an alternate booking site.
https://admiralsmotorinn.co.nz
Amber Court Motel, 190 Annesbrook Drive, Tāhunanui, Nelson
Standard and kitchen studios, family, spa, and accessible motel units. Only 5.9km / 9 minutes drive from Vero IFHM HQ — the Trafalgar Centre. Liana and James have offered 20% discount on all bookings 2 or more nights when booked directly through them. https://ambercourtnelson.co.nz
Special Mentions:
The Palms Motel, 5 Paru Paru Road, Nelson
Only 300m from Vero IFHM HQ — the Trafalgar Centre. Brooke was keen to offer a discount but they already have nine bookings from groups attending the festival. They are certainly very close to the festival HQ! They may still have space? https://www.palmsnelson.co.nz
The Balmoral Hotel, 47 Muritai St, Tāhunanui, Nelson
Only 5.2km / 9 minutes drive from Vero IFHM HQ — the Trafalgar Centre. Belinda has told us the Balmoral Hotel is on the verge of reopening after a four-year hiatus and will be very keen to host festival participants. We’ll update you with any offers from them when they come to hand or you can just get in touch now and ask them what they can offer. http://nelsonmotel.co.nz
Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park, 70 Beach Road, Tāhunanui, Nelson
Motel units, studios, cabins, with and without kitchens, powered and non-powered sites. Right on Tāhunanui Beach and only 5.6km / 10 minutes drive from Vero IFHM HQ — the Trafalgar Centre. We are meeting with Debbie and Tina from the park late July to discuss offers and possible sponsorship. They are very keen to help out, we just need to wait until as key people are overseas. We’ll update you as soon as possible.
https://tahuna.nz
There are many more accommodation providers in Nelson. A great, if not fully complete, alternate to google is the Nelson Regional Development Agency website: https://www.nelsontasman.nz/visit-nelson-tasman/plan-yourtrip/accommodation/
Best of luck with your bookings! Remember, we will update you if we get any more offers. Best regards, Mike Wilson - Nelson VCC Branch Member Communications Manager, 2026 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring - Nelson Tasman
Briefly
CONDOLENCES: Are extended to Andrew Teesdale and family on the passing of Andrew’s brother Alan.
BEST WISHES: To John Griffen and Ron Hopps who have received medical assistance over recent weeks.
SOLD: Phillip Cook’s 1933 Morris Minor has been sold to a Gore enthusiast after being advertised in the Beaded Wheels.
DAFFODIL DAY NEWSLETTERS: Issues 1, 2, and 3 are available for viewing at the Clubrooms on Sunday and Wednesday mornings, or give me a call and I can email a copy to you.
CONGRATULATIONS: To Sydnee Andrews for qualifying for the Olympic Games in Paris next month. Sydnee is the daughter of Darren Andrews and Michelle Lexmond who were members of the club with my 1963 Morris Oxford which they restored and then sold to a Tauranga member.
1969 TRIUMPH HERALD
CONVERTIBLE: I wish to sell a 1969 Triumph Herald Convertible. It is in good condition but is not on the road (no warrant of fitness but registration is on hold). I would be grateful if you could alert your members to this opportunity. I am based in Auckland. Regards, David McEwen <david@mcewen.co.nz>.
Saddle Sore
This year I did the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Tauranga on Sunday May 19.
This is a big international classic motorcycle event. This year it was held in 105 countries, 959 cities, there were 113,905 bikes entered and collectively it raised US$7.62m which all went to men’s mental health and prostate cancer research. Just in Tauranga alone this year there were 150 riders and we raised NZ$15,000.
On Saturday 18th I loaded up the KLR (ex NZ Army bike) and the BSA WM20 (Ex British Army bike) onto the trailer and drove over to Tauranga. We stayed the night at the Poripori homestead which is only 10 miles away from the start point for the Run. I lent the KLR to another local rider whose 741B was in the shop.
Being a distinguished ride, a suit and tie is mandatory, almost everybody makes the effort to look the part. Being on a WW2 Army bike I wore WW2 battle dress uniform with officer’s cap and tie.
The ride was quite straight forward. It meandered around town, the weather was clear but a little frosty, mostly at well below 30mph. I have to say here that the Tauranga and Wellington runs are a lot easier and less stress for me on a vintage bike. Napier and Auckland head out on the open road, being on a vintage effectively means I can’t keep up with the group.
Lunch was at the Bethlehem mall, an area in the middle of the mall was coned off for the event. The run finished at a nice pub/restaurant called The Rising Tide on the beach front. It is quite a spectacle when 150 suit and tie dressed bikers on classic bikes turn up in mass at a restaurant.
It is certainly an event that is well worth doing if the opportunity arises. We were on the oldest bike too. Phill Dodds
Loaded up and on our way. More pics next page
Disclaimer: The opinions or views expressed in this publication are those of the editor and/or any contributors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the branch committee or its members. The designations employed in this publication and the presentation of material therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Gisborne branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated.
Chris and “That Magnificent Man with a Cycling Machine”
Revell’s Ramblings
A LIST OF FUNCTIONS ATTENDED BY BRANCH MEMBERS SINCE THE LAST NEWSLETTER Gas Guzzlers on Reads Quay, July 7, 2024
Roger Gillingham..............................................................1926 Chrysler Tourer
Ex Allan Douglas...............................................................1929 Dodge
Andy Stevenson................................................................1948 Ford V8 Club Coupe
Tony Browne.....................................................................1955 Buick
Andrew Teesdale..............................................................1956 Ford F100 Pickup
Dave McLean....................................................................1983 Cadillac Stretched Limo
Graeme Revell..................................................................2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Taking a look: Phillip Cook.
Motu Run, July 7, 2024
Gavin, Deanne, Oscar and Louie Bartlett..........................1930 Ford Model A
Josh Whye and Kayla Newman, Jahrome and Jasper......1964 Austin A60
Hayden Green, Maisie and Jack.......................................1967 AP5 Chrysler Valiant
Gordon O’Neill..................................................................1995 Toyota Carib
Tony Bartlett.....................................................................2005 Toyota FunCargo
Barry and Pam Hilton........................................................2014 Kia
Robert and Marie Moffat...................................................2019 Mazda 6
50 Years Ago, AGM June 1974
Rodney Clague was elected as Secretary, Barry Hilton elected as Motorcycle Rep, and Brian Hall elected to committee.
AGM June 2024
Rodney Clague was elected as Secretary, Barry Hilton elected as Motorcycle Rep, and Brian Hall elected to committee. 50 years, not a bad record! Congratulations to you all.
Vehicle Report, 2024 — Carlton
July 14, 2023: Returns to clubrooms after engine repairs over 10 years. Warrant of fitness and registration after 20 years.
October 14, 2023: on display at the A&P Show.
January 28, 2024: on display at the East Coast Museum of Technology Live Day.
Vehicle Report, 2024 — Morris Commercial
August 6, 2023: Attends Home Show at Showgrounds, Daffodil Rally promotion
October 14, 2023: on display at the A&P Show, takes part in Grand Parade.
January 28, 2024: on display at the East Coast Museum of Technology Live Day.
Librarian/Archivist
While I had done a little recycling and sorting, other members have also helped clear the floor. Photographs are also taken of events.
East Coast Museum of Technology (ECMoT)
While only open on weekends, there have been plenty of school and visiting groups by appointment. One was a Pickup group of five all with left-hand-drive vehicles from 1941 to 1994. Also a successful Live Day was held on January 28, 2024. Graeme Revell
Rotorua Swap Meet, July 14, 2024
This was attended by Gordon and Daniel O’Neill, Cindy Boyd and Luke, and Tony Bartlett. Maybe there were others there from our branch as well. The day was fine and calm and the event was very well attended in general, with healthy sales and bartering throughout the day.
BRANCH ANNUAL DINNER
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
FORCES CAFÉ (RSA)
Drinks from 6pm; Dinner served from 6.45pm $35 per head
Numbers please to the Branch Captain Tony Bartlett by August 20
50 Years Ago . . . This page is reprinted from the 35 Years of Carlton article in the July 2009 edition
July 1974: At the previous (June) club night Doug Fairbank was welcomed as a prospective new member, having purchased the 1926 Chrysler Coupe from Gerald Howe.
The grapevine reported that Ivan Harris had been lucky enough to unearth (literally) the bones of a 1913 Humberette and was starting to hunt for information to assist with the restoration. Firstly the motor and petrol tank were found, then two weeks later a chassis and diff from the same vehicle were located. Ivan had already discovered what colour it was and found a chap who had learned to drive in it.
It was also reported that Gary Laskey had received from the United States the upholstery kit for his 1930 Model A Tudor Sedan, and that Trevor Cook was having trouble getting wheel bearings for his 1924 Fiat Tourer, but hoped to have it back on the road by November (it didn’t, and as far as I am aware was still waiting for the bearings when he sold it a year or so ago!). Ivan English has acquired some hood irons for his 1924 Overland from down south, and was getting the hood bows made.
Merle Webber’s article on the End of Registration Run noted that Ivan Harris and family were present in their newly-restored 1928 Model A Tourer, and the Clayden family in their 1929 Hupmobile, resplendid in its new colours of yellow and black. Both vehicles were on their first club outing since completion of restoration. Also present were Bill Harding motoring his 1949 MG TC and Alan Destry in a 1934 Chevrolet. A total of 11 vintage, two post-vintage and five ‘moderns’ took part in the run, including George Hibdige’s 1925 Ford Model T Pickup and Eric Ninness in his 1928 Model A truck which he later converted into a tourer. The run travelled through Wainui to Whangara and then through the Waiomoko-Panikau loop road, turning left on to the highway before turning right to Waihau Beach where we visited the old Loisel homestead at the end of the road.
Results of the vintage section were: J and M Webber (1928 Austin 7), 1; G Puddick and Miss A Wilson (1930 Ford A), 2; M and B Walters (1930 Hudson), 3; R and L Cameron (1930 Whippet), 4; M and P Clayden (1929 Hupmobile), 5; E Ninness (Ford A), 6; I and R Harris (1928 Ford A), 7; G Hibdige and D Prentice (1925 Ford T Pickup), 8; T and Karen Notting (1926 Pontiac), 9; B and J Butler (1929 De Soto), 10.
The ‘Mod Squad’ included K Brunton and I Ratcliffe (Cortina), P and B Hilton (1100), W and Richard Harding (1949 MG), A Destry and J Brown (1934 Chevrolet), I and I English (Austin A60), R and V Coles (Toyota), and M and J Martin (Vauxhall).
Alan Wilson wrote a story on their participation in the Waikato Double Fifty rally through the courtesy of Bruce Catchpole of Matamata with whom they travelled in the ex-Gisborne 1929 Packard Tourer that Bruce owned. In his shed were a Cord sedan nearly completed, a Stutz partly restored, and many parts of a Mercer. Both the morning and afternoon runs consisted of straight line, tulip and written instructions.
Barry Hilton had had a look at the motor of Eric Ninness’ AJS motorcycle after the End of Registration Run, and reminded members of the National Motorcycle Rally being held in Napier in February 1975, urging those who didn’t have a machine to perhaps make a day trip to Hawke’s Bay to view the machines.
Editor’s Notes: A lot of history has passed since July 1974 when the above newsletter was printed. Doug Fairbank restored the Chrysler Coupe and used it in club events before selling it to a buyer in Christchurch. Ivan Harris’ 1913 Humberette collection of parts was added to when I was given a Humberette gearbox which I passed on to him. The car was never put together and I don’t know what happened to the collection of parts. His newly-restored 1928 Model A Tourer was damaged in an arson attack on his shed, David Clark saved it from being pushed into a hole, with the front section going to Gavin Bartlett who used it to build the flatdeck Model A truck which Lynsey often drives in club runs, the body section went to Mark Dunn, and some parts going to Brian Butler. A newly-restored 1916 Model T C-cab van was also destroyed in the fire. Gary Laskey’s Model A was sold to Hawke’s Bay, and Ivan English’s 1924 Overland was sold to England. Not sure whether the Hupmobile is still in town (Graham Sanders was trying to sell it a while back). Bill Harding replaced the MG TC with the SS100, Alan Destry’s 1934 Chevrolet is now a hot rod with Rick Brenchley, George Hibdige’s Model T truck I believe ended up in America, Eric Ninness’ Model A Tourer was owned for some years by David Scott before being sold to Auckland. Joe Webber‘s Austin 7 is still in town, Alan Wilson’s Model A was purchased by Keith Webber who later passed it on to family in Christchurch, the Walters Hudson was sold to Perth, the Cameron Whippet is thought to be still in town, the Notting Pontiac is still in Gisborne, Brian Butler’s De Soto was initially sold to Hamilton and is now in Christchurch, and I think that M and J Martin’s 1937 Vauxhall 14DX is now on display in the East Coast Museum of Technology. Rod
