VCC OTAGO ROADRUNNER MARCH 2023

Private Collection of Vintage Originals

Men and Women

 1920’s - 1970’s era

 Accessories, hats, furs and much more

 Larger fittings are a speciality

 Personalised vintage fashion shows for events/occasions/functions presented by an experienced team of models

Phone: Sue – (Dunedin)

03 489 4033/021 146 4987

CLUBROOMS

125 Forbury Rd., Dunedin , 9012 Phone 455 0586

BRANCH EMAIL

COMMITTEE MEETS

Postal Address: 125 Forbury Road, Dunedin, 9012

otago@vcc.org.nz

2nd Monday of month 7.30pm

CLUB NIGHT Friday 7.30pm to 11.00pm

MOTORCYCLE NIGHT First Friday of the month

MONTHLY MEETING Last Friday of the month 8.30pm

PARTS SHED

Friday 7.30pm – 9.30 pm. Wednesday 09.00am – 12.00 noon

ARTICLES FOR NEWSLETTER Can be forwarded to your editor by the 3rd Wednesdayof the month please

VERO INSURANCE APPLICATIONS

Please quote Otago “Agent No

H0300145 Inspector No 916”

LIBRARY ROSTER

Library open 8.00 - 9.30 Friday night MARCH

EMAIL US YOUR REPORTS

If you have attended an event and feel moved to put pen to paper for a report – please do so and email it to our Editor: eleanor.harrison@otago.ac.nz

It would be nice to read other people’s stories.

BRANCH EVENTS (listed in bold)

Please contact your branch secretary if you would like Entry forms for other branch rallies / events

2023

MARCH Fri 3rd Motorcycle Group Meeting – Clubrooms open

4th Veteran Rally – Southland

5th Wee Wheelie Wander - North Otago

11th Annual Motorcycle Rally – South Otago

Sun 5th Best of British - more details to come

12th Mid Island Rally – South Canterbury

18-25th South Island Club Captains Tour

19th Gore Swapmeet

25th 40th Scenic land Rally – West Coast

Thurs 30th Midweek Run

Fri 31st Club Night tba

APRIL Sat 1st – Sun 2nd Otago Rally - Helpers required

1st Winchester Swap Meet – NEW VENUE at “Levels Raceway”

Fri 7th Closed - Good Friday

15th Gerald Lynch-Blosse Memorial M/C Rally

Thurs 30th Midweek Run

Fri 31st Club Night

MAY Fri 5th Motorcycle Group Meeting – Clubrooms open

6th Ashburton Swapmeet

JUNE Sun 18th Branch AGM and Pot Luck Lunch

JULY TBA Branch Annual Dinner and Prizegiving

SEPT Fri 30th - Oct 1st Dunvegan Rally

OCT 7-8th Canterbury Swapmeet

VCC NATIONAL EVENTS

2024

January National Veteran Rally / Dunedin Brighton Run - Otago Branch

20-23rd October National Commercial Rally - Wanganui

2025 Bid to hold National Motorcycle Rally - Wairarapa

My Vintage - www.myvintage.co.nz is a new online marketplace devoted to all those people who are passionate and enthusiastic about Old Cars and other old vehicles.

Please remember to WEAR YOUR NAME BADGES when you are attending club events – especially as we have a good number of new members attending our events – and it is a good way to identify people

Make sure you have Sunday March 5th, 2023 circled in red for The Best of British Charity Motoring Day 2023

• Registration and Car Trial departure Victoria Road Car Park from 9am – 10.30am

• Show’n’Shine at Car Trial destination - Waikouaiti

• $20/car/truck and $10/bike

• “Marque of the Day” – British Coupes and Convertibles

• Charity – Motor Museum Building Fund (Dunedin Fire Brigade Restoration Society)

• BBQ – Coffee & Ice Cream vans will be on site

Check us out on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BOBcarrun

Mid-Week Run

Thursday 30th March

Meet at the Clubrooms at 12.45pm. Bring a picnic afternoon tea. A decision will be made on the day as to where our destination will be.

Last Friday of the Month Club Night

Friday 31st March from 8.00pm

Saturday 1st – Sunday 2nd April

OTAGO RALLY

Marshalls required for section around Duntroon and on the Taieri

Contact Marion asap

The long fine spell continues and while some rain would be welcomed let’s make the most of the opportunities and enjoy our vintage motoring.

Dunedin City is certainly busy at the moment; cruise ships, road works and cones - so let’s try to stay safe while mingling.

Since my last report I have met with the branch Honorary Solicitor to get his opinion re the discussion paper that was published in the last Roadrunner. After reviewing both the current constitution and proposals he felt that what has been proposed at this stage is more about the changes required re the on-going structure of the National Management committee and what would give better representation for branches. Joe also confirmed that we will need to wait until the National constitution has been finalised before finalising the one for the branch.

Thank you to those who so far have offered to help with the 70th Dunedin to Brighton Veteran Rally and the National Veteran Rally. We would appreciate more help over the weekend so please contact me if you are available.

The branch is once again flying the flag at the Best of British Rally on the 5th of March manning the gate at the Waikouaiti Sportsground. If you are available to help on the day, can you please let Nicola know ASAP. I will be at the two-day executive meeting the same weekend and will have a report following the meeting in the next magazine. We have also been asked to help at the Otago Rally; please check the date to see if can assist with marshalling (1-2 April) and let Marion know. The branch has in the past received donations for helping at the event.

And finally;

Age is whatever you think it is. You are as old as you think you are.

Muhammad Ali Mark

**ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

SUBCRIPTIONS

- were due in October**

From National Office - Membership Cards for those members who have paid up to and including 9th November 2022 will have been posted out to you. NB – if you have not received your membership card please contact your branch secretary in the first instance.

NB: - If your annual subscription has not been received by the 1st of March 2023 your membership will be closed. You will then need to go through the process of reapplying for joining the club.

Change of Address/phone number/email address

Contact National Office directly to advise these changes!

ALL BRANCH NEWSLETTERS

All branch newsletters are available on the Club Website. www.vcc.org.nz scroll to News from our Branches

Entry forms to individual branch events should be accessible and printable via this forum. Or there should be a copy in the clubrooms or contact me for a copy. Entries usually close within two weeks of the event.

NNB: Please if you are planning to enter a local event, and running late with entry forms, please contact the organizer by phone or email to let them know you are coming. They need to know numbers for printing the instructions, and catering purposes for some events.

Otago Branch - Name Badges - $10 each

If you do not yet have one please contact David Ross – treasurer to order one. They are $10 each and good to wear when attending events. We have a number of new members and it can be difficult for everyone trying to identify and remember who you are.

Tech Talks – Last Friday of the Month Club Nights We are always looking for additional interesting speakers. Please get in touch with a committee member if you have any contacts.

SPARE PARTS SHED: – Parts shed is usually open every Wednesday morning, and Friday evenings when the clubrooms are open. Reminder – see if you can effectively recycle your parts before scrapping them. NO TYREs by request.

The VCCNZ Facebook page at: www.facebook.co/vintagecarclubofnewzealand

If you want to add photos and short write-ups for insertion to Facebook please send to: comms@vcc.org.nz

VIC Applications / Authenticity Statements

Please Make sure of the following:

Please write clearly – capitals preferred: ensure that the application forms are completed fully, especially in regards to mileage, engine manufacturer, some history of the vehicle (even if it is only “purchased from Trade Me in April 1999”)

Get 3 identical photographs of the vehicle, correct size as indicated on application form

Photos of Chassis/frame number and/or engine numbers. PLEASE CHECK THAT ALL PAPERWORK/(PHOTOS - CORRECT SIZE!!!) ARE PRESENT BEFORE FORWARDING TO YOUR BRANCH

VEHICLE REGISTRAR – It gets very time consuming when we need to contact you time and again to ensure everything is sorted. THE VIC CARD BELONGS TO THE VCC AND MUST STAY WITH THE CAR!

CHANGED VEHICLE OWNERSHIP - SOLD OR SELLING YOUR VIC’D VCC VEHICLE

– YOU NEED TO ADVISE NATIONAL OFFICE!!!

ENSURE YOU SEND YOUR VIC CARD ALONG WITH CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP DETAILS TO NATIONAL OFFICE

There is a form that needs to be completed for this (available from Branch Secretary or on the VCC website

VIC information is the property of the National Club – this is their way of keeping records of Vehicle ownership etc.

Vero Insurance Scheme - Just a reminder, the VCC Vero insurance scheme is set up for those with current VCC membership. If you become unfinancial you will no longer receive discounted insurance premiums.

AED DEFIBRILATER -There is one on the outside wall of the 4 Square shop on corner of Bayview Road. Please make a point of familiarising yourself of its location – Never know when it might be needed.

Library - we are looking for one or two members who might be able to assist with sorting a new data base for the Library. Please contact a committee member.

IMPORTANT REMINDER

IF YOUR ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION IS OVERDUE, YOUR MEMBERSHIP WILL EXPIRE ON 1 MARCH.

If that happens, you will need to reapply for membership after that date.

THE NORTON FEATHERBED

This Motorcycle design did not originate at the Bracebridge Street Norton factory as many thought. It was Irishman Rex McCandless, who in the 1940's was not impressed with the handling of the many bikes he owned over the bumpy twisting roads around Belfast. He set about designing his own frames starting with a weldedup tubular duplex loop, these being the main members taken under the engine and gearbox and lead back up to the steering head where the loop started.

A Triumph T100 engine canted forward at 45 degrees with gearbox behind and his own design of swinging arm suspension together with Citroen dampers and springs attached. Rex then converted many rigid bikes to his swinging arm design for other owners, in fact even BSA contracted him to convert their rigid factory competition machines. It was surprising that a factory the size of BSA hadn't discovered this improvement. With the success of his frames McCandless was able to tell Norton their bikes weren't unapproachable or 'the worlds best handling'; an advertising term used by them.

The 1949 racing season was not good for Norton, the pre-war designed 'Garden Gate' was difficult to handle under racing conditions; of eight bikes taken to the Continent five came back with broken frames.

Rex knew he could produce a better frame for Norton starting production in 1949. The frame was not only designed to take the very well proven OHC engine but could also be used for the everyday production single and twin road bikes.

In 1949 to prove the handling performance on the new frame a machine was shipped to the Isle of Man for comparison and on a part of the course where the roads were not closed both frame types were compared. The story goes that the police had been tipped off to give them a clear run. Artie Bell was on the Featherbed; well-known and champion Geoff Duke on the Garden Gate works model. The road handling and comfort of the new design was so superior, the 1950 works models virtually swept the field that season.

The Featherbed got its name from works rider Harold Daniel, who at a prize-giving ceremony gave a remark that the bike was so comfortable it would be possible to go to sleep on it.

1953 was the first year of the Model 88 road production model, a twin cylinder 500cc. From that year almost all singles and twins up until the Commando in 1969 were produced with the McCandless designed Featherbed frame. While road frame tubes have been steel welded the OHC International and Manx frames have the frame tube joints bronze welded.

Bill Veitch

PS: there is much more historical information – this is a condensed version!

DUNEDIN CITY MOTORS 100 CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

13TH MAY 2023

My name is Steve Simpson - representing Dunedin City Motors 100 centenary celebrations on Saturday 13 May 20230

We will be holding a car display on the Saturday morning of 13th May at Dunedin City Motors and a drive through the city (yet to be advised) before the display.

Our years will cover 1922 to present day, we are hoping to have a vehicle on display for each of those years.

Hence we are contacting organisations/ clubs such as yours for expressions of interest/ involvement.

IF YOU HAVE A “FORD’ vehicle that you would like to offer for display – please contact Steve directly

Further information from Steve: (they are still looking for vehicles from the dates listed below)

To date there are approx 50 vehicle entries - overall Vintage years entered we have:

1915,24,26,28(x3)30,32,36.

Any vehicle available between these years would be terrific. We at present are struggling with vehicles 1933 - 1953.

So if you have such or know of anyone who has?

Would appreciate if you could let us know?

We’re getting there - we want at least 100 vehicles throughout the years.

Regards

Steve Simpson

Committee DCM

0274 362 504

ibydmytyme@xtra.co.nz

Some like it hot!

Southland VCC Rally and the National Motorcycle Rally

A solid contingent from Otago headed south for the Southland VCC Rally on Saturday 4th February and then the National Motorcycle Rally on Sunday and Monday 5th and 6th of February. Team Otago comprised Max Dewer, 1927 Indian Scout; Bill Veitch, 1938 Norton International, Stewart Gutsell, 1944 Indian Chief; Bruce Murray, 1953 BSA 500; Andrew Roxburgh, 1959 Ariel Huntmaster; John Sim, 1961 Matchless G12; Errol Moore, 1971 Suzuki T500; Trevor Kempton, 1972 Suzuki GT750; and our intrepid club captain Kevin Mason on his “I wish I brought my Francis Barnett” 1986 Honda GB400.

The Southland Rally was held in very hot conditions with the mercury pushing above 30 degrees from about midday. Bikes and cars competed alongside each other which made for interesting results because of the dominance of the two-wheeled entrants warming up for their National event. The rally route took us through West Plains, Lochiel, across to Mataura via Hedgehope, and then down the back road to the Wyndham racecourse for an excellent lunch and a couple of field tests. These were craftily put together with the first, “roll forward two revolutions of your wheel please”, allowing the motorcyclists to sight the valve on the front wheel and the second, “ball in a bucket”, favouring those on 4 wheels. The run back to Invercargill through Seaward Downs was a boiler and that first beer didn’t touch the sides! Team Otago was on form and put down some solid results:

Trevor Kempton – 3rd PV60 time trial and overall winner PV60

Bill Veitch – 1st Post Vintage time trial.

Stewart Gutsell – 2nd Post Vintage field test.

The National Rally started with the show and shine incorporating field tests and the concourse held in humid conditions and light drizzle. Field tests had just concluded mid-afternoon when it bucketed down but an hour later the sun was out again.

Sunday evening included a real Southland ‘pea pie and pud’ followed by a Stuart Francis conceived quiz which required us to match motorcycle models with manufacturers. Not to be denied, Team Otago came up trumps again with Errol Moore winning the prize for the lowest score (6, I hear tell). But as our Club Captain would say, “a prize is prize!”

The Rally proper was run over 3 routes through Western Southland. This route complimented the Southland Rally route and gave riders a great look at what Southland has to offer. The leg from Tuatapere through to the lunch stop at Riverton proved trying for a number of bikes including one which spontaneously combusted when starting in Tuatapere. Unfortunately, with fuel lines and some wiring lightly flame grilled, it was on the salvage trailer!

Southland VCC Rally and the National Motorcycle Rally continued

The final night dinner at Ascot Park was most convivial. Speeches were short allowing a lot of time for the “would’ve, could’ve, should’ve” stories and the lie swapping. Team Otago did very well and picked up a swag of certificates and trophies:

Errol Moore – 2nd PV60 time trial and the Glenn Bull Memorial Trophy for best performance by a 2 stroke.

Bill Veitch – 1st Post Vintage time trial, 2nd overall Post Vintage, 2nd Concours.

Stewart Gutsell – 2nd Post Vintage field tests

Andrew Roxburgh – 1st Post War time trial, 3rd Post War field tests, the Young Trophy for best performance by a Post War, Tim’s Trophy for best performance by a twin cylinder machine And if that wasn’t enough……….

Andrew Roxburgh – the Montagu Trophy for National Motorcycle Rally Winner!

Yep, we did pretty good all right. Andrew’s overall Rally win really topped off a great weekend. Andrew doesn’t do a lot of smiling as a rule, but he couldn’t help himself this time. He was rightfully chuffed!

Thanks to the Southland Club including Glenys McKenzie and her committee for putting together a laid back and enjoyable Southland adventure. Thanks too to the volunteers who timed us, fed us and commiserated with us as they picked up the dead bikes.

Trevor Kempton

The 21st of January saw approximately 31 Veteran Vehicles pull into the start at the First Church car park. Entrants came from as far afield as Christchurch, Invercargill and Wanaka, with a good number of our own branch members. Once assembled by the marshalls, the vehicles headed down to the Octagon. Members of the public and also many tourists from the cruise ships that were in town enjoyed being able to walk around the cars and talk to their owners for almost an hour before the official opening of the Run was presented by Councillor Lee Van der Vis – as the Mayor was unable to attend. Compere – Dougal Stevenson, once again gave a brief background on the vehicles and owners as the vehicles were flagged of one at a time when the traffic lights eventually turned green. Andrew Roxburgh, whose 1910 Triumph motorcycle needed to be push started, was seen doing small circuits on the street between the Octagon and Moray Place as he needed to wait for the next set of lights to turn green. This happened at other intersections as well. Spectators stood along various points on route as the crews drove their cars on to Brighton Domain, with a drive out to Taieri Mouth first then 3 field tests needed to be navigated at the domain before lunch. This was eagerly awaited by some!

The Pearce family were well represented with, Colin, a son-in-law and a grandson each driving one of the 3 Sunbeams that were entered. Ryan Boult was driving the 1913 Overland with a friend, who was first time navigator. The Familton Stanley Steam car attracted a lot of attention – their first concern was to ensure that there was a water source available. A long hose was seen to come out at various points along the route. The grumbling noises and big bangs in the Octagon had many jump with fright, including Lee has they were waiting to be flagged off.

The American Le France - well it motored along effortlessly has it passed other veterans on the long straights towards Taieri Mouth and disappeared into the distance.

Once the field tests and lunch were over people took the opportunity to drive each other’s vehicles around the domain grounds and compare notes. What a comparison between the 1900 Wolseley and the American La France. Colin Winter had a job trying to stretch far enough to reach the gear stick in the La France. The day ended with prizegiving dinner at the Golf club.

On Sunday a good number motored out the Carey’s Bay for a leisurely lunch and chance to bid farewell to entrants before heading back to their home towns. A few of the entrants wish to express their gratitude to the Marshalls who were out assisting with the various tasked that needed to be done in order for this event to take place. As more and more health and safety regulations are pushed on to us as the organisers of this and many of our club events, it becomes quite a task for the organisers to ensure that every requirement is in place. So THANK YOU to all the marshalls.

Also a big thank to Colin Winter and his team for organising the event again. Your time and dedication to ensuring that everything is in place is very much appreciated.

Marion

69th Dunedin to Brighton 2023 Results

Class 1 – Vehicles with less than 4 Cylinders

1st Wayne Nicol 1908 Cadillac Model S

2nd Ashley Bell 1912 Renault

3rd Gary Winter 1900 Wolseley

Class 2 -Vehicles with more than 4 Cylinders under 20 hp

1st George Pearce 1912 Sunbeam 12/16

2nd Chris Read 1914 Delage R4

3rd Ryan Dewes 1914 Talbot

Class 3 – Vehicle with more than 4 Cylinders over 20 hp

1st Craig Marshall 1915 American La France

2 = Paul Herron 1911 Ford Model T

Malcolm McGibbon 1913 Ford Model T

Class 4 -Motorcycles without gears or variable transmission

1st Andrew Roxburgh 1910 Triumph Roadster 500

Class 5 -Motorcycles with a gearbox or variable transmission

1st Andrew Roxburgh 1910 Triumph Roadster

Taieri Motorcycles Challenge Trophy - Motorcycle Field Tests

Andrew Roxburgh 1910 Triumph Roadster 500

Car Concurs - AA Challenge Cup – Car Concours

Paul Herron 1911 Ford Model T

McIvor and Veitch Trophy - Motorcycle Concours Andrew Roxburgh 1910 Triumph Roadster 500

Field Tests – Cars - WD Read Cup

Talbot Best overall performance Cars - Dunedin Festival Cup

Dewes

Field Tests - Alan Crichton Cup - Best Overall Performance

Motorcycles Andrew Roxburgh 1910 Triumph Roadster 500

DCC Festival Trophy -Best Dressed

Armiger Family

W.D. Read Cup – Entrants Choice

69th Dunedin to Brighton Rally 2023

Andrew Roxburgh

1910 Triumph

Councillor Lee Van der Vis officiating

Best dressed Armiger Family

The Hunts with their 1903 Darracq

Chris Read’s 1914 Delage

69th Dunedin to Brighton Rally 2023

Closer look at Paul Herron’s 1911 Model T Ryan Boult driving the 1913 Overland Raceabout

Photos courtesy of Mark McGurie

Nevin Gough's 1914 Buick

Craig Marshall – American La France Wayne Nichol and Andrew Roxburgh: 1910 Triumph

Sharyn Nicholl, 1908 Cadillac Model S

Email: otcl@es.co.nz

Postal: 406 Hillside Road, Dunedin

Phone 455 5029