CHAIRMAN’S REPORT • THE INVENTION OF THE AUTOMOBILE - PART 2: THE ERAS OF AUTOMOBILE INVENTION • 2024 HOBBY EXPO • HELLO FROM
AND LYNNE • ART CORNER • TAUPO VCC 2024 EVENT CALENDAR
TAUPO
Coming Events for Taupo VCC 2024
AUGUST
Sunday 4th Breakfast at Café Lacus 8:30 am
Wednesday 14th Club Night 7:30 pm: Mid-Winter Pot Luck Dinner
Monday 19th Committee Meeting 5.30 pm
Wednesday 21st Petrolheads Coffee and Cars, 10.00 am
Sunday 25th Club Run: Cancer Society Daffodil Run to Liquorice Café, Motuopa
Monday 26th Daffodil Deliveries around town
SEPTEMBER
Sunday 1st Breakfast at Café Lacus, 8.30 am
Wednesday 11th Club Night: Ten Pin Bowling 6.00 pm
Sunday 15th Club Run: Breakfast Run – depart from Clubrooms at 9.00am
Monday 16th Committee Meeting 5.30 pm
Wednesday 18th Petrolheads Coffee and Cars, 10.00 am
OCTOBER
Tuesday 1st Age Concern – Morning Tea at our Clubrooms & car rides
Sunday 6th Breakfast at Café Lacus, 8.30 am
Wednesday 9th Club Night: Movie Night – “The Italian Job” (1969)
Wednesday 16th Petrolheads Coffee and Cars, 10.00 am
Sunday 20th Club Run: Chairman’s Run
Monday 21st Committee Meeting 5.30 pm
Club Breakfast - First Sunday of each month At Café Lacus at the Landing 650 Lake Terrace, Wharewaka, Taupō. Special menu for Club Members. IMPORTANT: Please let Owen know by 3pm Friday if you will be there: 07 378 8327. Please be seated by 8:30 am.
Taupo Vintage Car Club Officers
Taupo Vintage Car Club, PO Box 907, Taupo 3351
PATRON Graham Mock
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Bob Pettigrew • Graham Mock • Joe Ridley • Eric Foley • Maureen Ransley
CHAIRMAN
SECRETARY
TREASURER
CLUB CAPTAIN
MAGAZINE EDITOR
COMMITTEE
Murray Stanley 021 352 333
Maureen Ransley 07 3776360
Eric Foley
07 378 7006 chairman@taupovcc.org
Elaine Taylor 027 232 4792 secretary@taupovcc.org
John Searle 027 703 6374 treasurer@taupovcc.org
TBA
Dean Packwood editor@taupovcc.org
Peter Lockie 027 839 4296
Andrew Birkbeck 021 026 32124
Non COMMITTEE POSITIONS
ARCHIVISTS
BEADED WHEELS BRANCH REPORTER
HIRE
June & Graham Mock 07 378 7513
Eric Foley 07 378 7006 LIBRARIAN
RALLY SPONSOR
SPARE PARTS
CLUBROOMS CUSTODIAN
VIC CERTIFIERS
Taupo Brake and Clutch 07 378 7429
Tony Mannington 07 377 1598
Owen Duncan 07 378 8327
Kelvin Trim 07 378 9055
Barry Hoffman 027 443 5479
Printed Mag Available
Printed copies of our monthly magazine, Taupo Torque, are now available from Copy Solutions in Taupo!
We email the magazine to Copy Solutions each month, so if you would like a copy, you can visit Copy Solutions in Taupo and purchase one of the following 3 options:
Black and White A5 Booklet
Printing Tips
Although you can print this magazine to A4 (either actual size or scaled to A4), this magazine has been set up in A5 format. This allows you to print 2 pages up on an A4 or even a booklet if your printer supports it.
If you open the magazine file in Acrobat Reader, and select file>print, under Page Size and Handling (see image below), you can print multiple pages per sheet. Click File>Print>Multiple>Pages per sheet> 2
If your printer supports printing both sides of the paper, you can also print a ‘Booklet’. Which allows you to print, then staple and fold up into an A5 magazine.
Here are some more informative links and videos to help:
• Printing Multiple A4 Sheets on One A4 Sheet in Adobe Reader
• Printing PDFs from Acrobat Reader
• Get Adobe Reader
Chairman’s Report Eric Foley
Chairman’s Report for July 2024
The most important issue confronting us at the moment is the appointment of a new magazine editor. Dean leaves us in the next few months. In the meantime, we are searching for someone to put their hand up to take over this important role. We are not necessarily looking for another Dean. He has set the magazine up so that it is simple to prepare. A few hours once a month is all that should be needed. He will be around for a while to assist the new Editor and is very willing to offer advice. If any one of you is even vaguely tempted give Dean a call on 021 951 044 and have a chat. Do not be intimidated by the current standard, we just need someone to pick up the reins and put their stamp on the mag.
Having gotten that down on paper, I can now turn my mind to more mundane issues.
Some of our members commenced the months activities by participating in Taupo Brake and Clutches Caffeine and Cars Show. I understand that some of our members attended this very popular event. I’m led to believe that there were more cars present than could be fitted in to the yard with vehicles spilling out on to Tauhara Rd. As T B and C are sponsors of our annual rally, I am delighted to learn that this event ids successful.
Breakfast at Café Lacus was again well attended, with the usual crowd munching their way through bacon and eggs or whatever breakfast delight took their fancy. Things can get a bit rowdy at times as members catch up on what their colleagues have been up to in the previous month or so.
Club night was a very interesting evening, with a good-sized group receiving a presentation from Graham Seay of Seay Earthmovers, gives a dissertation on his company from the very start to the present day. He covered a number of the projects the company had been and was currently engaged in. The quarry off Poihipi Rd is obviously a very important part of the business, with basalt rock, scoria, and pumice being produced for a variety of purposes throughout the North Island. Graham explained to us his involvement with a Chinese company that produces quarry equipment and covered some of his trips to China. Following some initial technical difficulties we were shown a range of photos covering the quarry equipment and his travels. I found it a very interesting evening, as did many of our colleagues who chatted to Graham following his address.
The Hobby Show substituted for our monthly run. As usual, this 2-day event was host to numerous model train enthusiasts with a sprinkling of other hobbies such as the Gliding Club, model planes, model boats, kitset assemblers, etc. We had a display of MG motor vehicles which seemed to generate a lot of enthusiasm from some show attendees. My initial request for members to “man” the stall did not receive much support, but the subsequent plea resulted in a flood of responses. As a result, I had more supervisors and advisors than I thought was necessary.
If you were one of those who responded but were not called upon, I can only say “Thank You,” and I apologise for not responding individually and saying “thanks, but no thanks.” Despite the fact that we had 3 or 4 supervisors on each shift, there were usually attendees who were not rostered but fronted up anyway to help out. There is a lot of work that goes into supporting this event. I cannot recall ever recruiting a new member through the show although this year there was a Tokoroa resident who filled out an application form. I am unsure why a Tok resident would join us rather than the South Waikato Branch. I have yet to contact him for a chat.
The final event of the month was Petrolheads coffee morning at Lava Glass. I understand that it was approaching standing-room only out there, which goes
to show how popular that morning has become. This is another occasion each month where members can slurp coffee, scoff scones and chat to fellow members. Great work Barry!
Safe travels, folks!
Eric
PETROLHEADS
The August coffee morning will be on Wednesday the 21st at the Hub cafe. Members can meet there at 10am. Address is 415 Huka Falls road, Wairakei. See you there! Thanks and Regards, Barry.
The Invention of the Automobile - Part 2:
of Taupo Torque. when American inventor George B. Selden filed for a patent on May 8, 1879, for an internal combustion engine and its use in a four-wheeled vehicle. His strategic amendments delayed
the patent’s approval until November 5, 1895. Selden licensed his patent to major American automakers, collecting royalties and forming the Association of Licensed Automobile Manufacturers. However, Henry Ford successfully challenged the patent, arguing it hindered rather than fostered automotive development.
Carl Benz is credited with producing the first automobiles in 1888 in Germany, with Emile Roger manufacturing them under license in France. Innovators like Rudolf Egg, Edward Butler, and Léon Bollée also contributed to early automotive development. Bollée’s 650 cc engine enabled an impressive average speed of 45 km/h (28 mph) in the 1897 ParisTourville rally.
By 1900, mass production of automobiles had begun in France and the
United States. Panhard et Levassor, founded in France in 1889, was the first company solely dedicated to building automobiles, followed by Peugeot in 1891. France led global production in 1903, producing nearly half of the world’s automobiles.
The Selden Road-Engine.
The Präsident automobile.
The first automobile in Japan, a French Panhard-Levassor, in 1898.
In the United States, local mechanics experimented with various prototypes. The Duryea Motor Wagon Company, founded by Charles and Frank Duryea in 1893, became the first American automobile manufacturing company. Autocar Company, established in 1897, introduced several innovations that are still in use today.
Ransom E. Olds’ Olds Motor Vehicle Company (later Oldsmobile) pioneered mass production with the Oldsmobile Curved Dash, starting in 1901.
Europe also saw significant automotive advancements. The Austro-Hungarian company Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau (later Tatra) produced Central Europe’s first motor car, the Präsident, in 1897. Louis Renault’s modified De Dion-Bouton in 1898 introduced innovations like the fixed drive shaft and differential.
The rapid innovation during this era lacked standardized vehicle designs. Steering was often controlled by a tiller rather than a wheel, chain drive was common, and closed bodies were rare. In 1903, Rambler standardized the steering wheel and driver’s position on the left-hand side. Drum brakes were introduced by Renault in 1902, and the first four-wheel drive racing car was built by Jacobus Spijker in 1903.
The Paris-Rouen motor race on July 22, 1894, is considered the world’s first competitive motor race. By the early 20th century, hundreds of producers across the Western world were experimenting with steam, electricity, and gasoline-powered vehicles. Gasoline internal combustion engines eventually became dominant by the 1910s.
Fiat 4 HP, the first car model produced by Italian manufacturer Fiat in 1899.
The growth of the automobile industry spurred developments in the petroleum industry and technology for producing gasoline and lubricants. Automobiles also had significant social impacts, influencing music, politics, and even law enforcement.
Brass/Edwardian Era
The Brass or Edwardian era, spanning roughly from 1905 to 1914, saw significant advancements in automotive design and technology. This period, named for the extensive use of brass in vehicles, marked the standardization of many automotive features. Panhard et Levassor’s Système Panhard, featuring front-engine, rearwheel drive internal combustion engines with sliding gear transmissions, became widely adopted.
A Stanley Steamer racecar in 1903. In 1906, a similar Stanley Rocket set the world land speed record at 205.5 km/h (127.7 mph) at Daytona Beach Road Course.
Steam cars reached peak performance during this era, and the competition among numerous small manufacturers drove rapid technological development. Key innovations included electric ignition systems, independent suspension, and fourwheel brakes. Safety glass, patented by John Crewe Wood in 1905, and all-steel bodies, pioneered by Hupp and BSA in 1912, were also introduced.
Ford car parked near the Geelong Art Gallery at its launch in Australia in 1915.
Notable events included the 1908 New York to Paris Race, the first circumnavigation by automobile, and the introduction of mass-produced cars like the Ford Model T in 1908, which revolutionized the industry with its affordability and assembly line production.
Vintage Era
The vintage era, from the end of World War I in 1918 to the Wall Street Crash in 1929, saw the dominance of front-engine layouts and closed bodies. Significant advancements in internal combustion engines included multivalve and overhead camshaft designs, as well as V8, V12,
Model-T
1926 Bugatti Type 35.
Above: 1929 Austin Seven. Below: 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C.
and even V16 engines for luxury models. Hydraulic brakes, invented in 1919, and automatic transmissions were introduced, though the latter did not become widely available until 1940.
This era also witnessed the decline of many early automakers due to consolidation and the challenges of mass production. Notable vehicles from this period included the Austin 7, Lancia Lambda, and Ford Model A, which set new standards in design and performance.
Pre-War Era
The pre-war era, from the Great Depression in 1930 to the end of World War II in 1946, marked significant changes in automotive design. Integrated fenders, fully-closed bodies, and new body styles like the saloon/sedan became popular.
Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8A.
Rolls-Royce Phantom III.
Front-wheel drive and independent suspension, though initially developed earlier, were refined and reintroduced.
The number of auto manufacturers declined sharply during this period due to economic challenges and industry consolidation. Notable cars included the Alvis Speed 20, Ford V-8 (Model B), and Volkswagen Beetle, which remained in production for decades.
Post-War Era
Post-World War II, automobile design saw the elimination of running boards and the incorporation of fenders into the body, exemplified by models like the GAZ-M20 Pobeda and Studebaker Champion. Innovations included highcompression V8 engines, unibody construction, and the rise of compact cars like the Mini and Fiat 500.
The 1950s and 60s brought increased international marketing, with American automakers facing competition from European and Japanese manufacturers.
Volkswagen Beetle.
1946 GAZ-M20 Pobeda, one of the first massproduced cars with pontoon design.
1954 Plymouth Savoy Station Wagon, one of the first US all-metal station wagons.
Left: 1958 Lancia Appia.
The era also saw the introduction of muscle cars and the development of advanced technologies like the Wankel engine and turbochargers.
Modern Era
The modern era, defined as the last 40 years, has seen increasing standardization, platform sharing, and the integration of electronics. Front- and all-wheel drive have become common, along with the adoption of diesel engines and advanced safety features.
Throughout these eras, the automobile has evolved from a novelty to an essential part of modern life, continually shaping and being shaped by technological advancements and societal changes.
A Tesla Model Y electric car, the world’s best-selling car in the first and second quarters of 2023.
Source: Wikipedia
1959 Morris Mini-Minor.
1974 Citroën DS.
The Toyota Corolla is the world’s bestselling nameplate.
2024 Hobby Expo
Yet another excellent turnout for the monthly Petrol Heads Coffee Run, this time held at Larte Cafe. Great food, and great company, following an enjoyable run.
Hello from Marty and Lynne
by Owen Duncan
While on holiday in Australia, Heather and I stopped off in Melbourne on our way home to catch up with Marty and Lynne Sutherland - both previous active members of our club who relocated to Melbourne a couple of years ago to be with family. We had a great couple of days with them eating, drinking, and chewing the fat.
They are about to start building their block and should have Marty’s happy place (man cave) built by the end of the year. They are both active members of the Hillman club, enjoying many trips out and about, and are shortly off to Adelaide in the Hillman. They wish to pass on their regards to everyone, and they miss you all.
Club merchandise available on Club Nights.
Baseball Cap - $16.50
Polo Shirt - $38.50
Bucket Hat - $17.80
Fleece Jacket - $59.00
Club Lapel Badges and Car Stickers
We have most stock available at the club rooms.
Our fully equipped modern workshop facility offers a reliable, accurate and affordable solution to all your reconditioning and machining needs. Includes high performance race/street, general automotive, motorcycle, marine, light and heavy diesel and industrial.
We offer extremely quick turn around times and can pick-up or deliver if required
Brian Henson / Scott Murray Unit 6 / 465 Broadlands Road Rotokawa, Taupō 3378
Ph; 3773570 Fax; 07 3773572
Email; Engines@hmltd.co.nz
If your car's interior needs some love, reach out to us! We'll be happy to help!
Faded or worn leather/vinyl seats, Damaged leather steering wheel, Scratched dashboard or door panels, Cracked vinyl armrest and shifter.
As an alternative to replacing, Fibrenew can repair & make it look great again.
Don't replace, renew with Fibrenew!
DEAN WILLS
FIBRENEW BAY OF PLENTY
Locally owned and operated
Based in Taupo
Ph: 021 215 6889
Email: bayofplenty@fibrenew.co.nz
Web: www.fibrenew.co.nz
Rob Sinclair
Corner
Taupo VCC 2024 Event Calendar
(subject to change)
August 2024
Sunday 4th of August
Wednesday 14th of August
Monday 19th of August
Wednesday 21st of August
Sunday 25th of August
Monday 26th of August
September 2024
Sunday 1st of September
Wednesday 11th of Sept.
Sunday 15th of September
Monday 16th of September
Wednesday 18th of September
October 2024
Tuesday 1st of October.
Sunday 6th of October
Wednesday 9th of October
Wednesday 16th of October
Sunday 20th of October
Monday 21st of October
Breakfast at Café Lacus, 8.30 am
. Club Night 7:30 pm: Mid-Winter Pot Luck Dinner
Committee Meeting 5.30 pm
Petrolheads Coffee and Cars, 10.00 am
Club Run: Cancer Society Daffodil Run to Liquorice Café, Motuopa
Daffodil Deliveries around town
Breakfast at Café Lacus, 8.30 am
Club Night: Ten Pin Bowling 6.00 pm
. Club Run: Breakfast Run – depart from Clubrooms at 9.00am
. Committee Meeting 5.30 pm
. Petrolheads Coffee and Cars, 10.00 am
. Age Concern – Morning Tea at our Clubrooms & car rides
Breakfast at Café Lacus, 8.30 am
Club Night: Movie Night – “The Italian Job” (1969)
. Petrolheads Coffee and Cars, 10.00 am
Club Run: Chairman’s Run
Committee Meeting 5.30 pm
Taupo Vintage Car Club Hickling Park, AC Baths Ave, Taupo. PO Box 907, Taupo 3351
Taupo Torque is also available online with other VCC magazines via the online digital publisher Issuu. https://issuu.com/vintagecarclubofnewzealand
