The Wairarapa Zenith
Greetings and felicitations!
From the Editor
In Denis’ absence it has fallen to me to compose the Zenith this month. Bear with me as I discover whether or not I’m a natural editor.
October was an interesting month starting with our first “The Car is the Star” club night of the summer. Francis Pointon displayed his impressive1934 Studebaker Commander. A rare car in this part of the world, it was formerly owned by the Kerridge family of picture theatre fame. It has been nicely restored and is a handsome addition to the Pointon collection.
I’m looking forward to the November club night when Bob Cumming will show us his pre-war Rover. It is somehow fitting that we have a Rover following a Studebaker as the Rover P4 was heavily influenced by the new Studebaker Champion introduced in 1947. Rover purchased two Champions to study their design and construction. The body of one of them was mounted on a Rover chassis and used as a test mule. The P4 released in 1949 drew heavily on their learnings from the Studebakers.
We had a good turnout for the Rex Porter Rally with 18 starters heading off on a route that circled around Carterton and then headed north to Nireaha for lunch. The rain held off until the lunch stop and the light sprinkling on the way home did little to dampen our spirits. Many thanks to the O’Haras and their helpers for organising a great event.
The Gold Medal Motorcycle Trial is coming up in November so dust off your leathers, get your bike out of the shed and come for a ride.
Kevin Sullivan
Did You Know?
Edward J Pennington was born in 1858 in Indiana, USA. He gained a reputation as a swindler who conned people into investing in dud companies. His other claim to fame was his passion for machines and the fact that he was among the early motoring visionaries with more than two dozen patents, a number of which concerned motorcycles and motor cars. The patent on the right dates from 1893.
He also had a reputation for fanciful advertising exemplified by this picture advertising a motorcycle suitable for cross country travel.
Report from the Chair
I am sure it was only a couple of months ago I was writing a report for the 2023 November addition. I start this report thanking Mike D’Alton for taking over the reins for the October Zenith.
It is a small world at times isn’t it. Mike’s article about the St Nicholas Church he discovered while on a bike ride reinforces this. The fact that there was not only a direct relationship to New Zealand during the First World War as a convalesce hospital for injured soldiers but also a connection to the Lawrence family from Masterton. Very poignant with having visited the Heritage Museum in Featherston.
Dennis, the editor is away overseas collecting articles to publish in the Zenith next year. This month it is being compiled by Kevin Sullivan. Many thanks to both of you.
The November club night was again very well supported. Francis Pointon brought his 1934 Studebaker Commander Regal 8 along for all of us to have a look at. As you can see by the photo’s there was plenty of discussion and questions asked. Many thanks Francis for bring the car along.
The Annual Rex Porter Rally was next on the calendar. It was pleasing to see seventeen cars attend the rally with two of them coming from the Wellington Branch. The run up to Eketahuna and onto the Nireaha Hall for lunch was very enjoyable. It takes a lot of time to decide on which routes to use and then to follow up with driving them and producing the instructions. Contacting members to ask them for their help with check points and other tasks. Many thanks to team O’Hara - Simon, Sandie and Alec - for putting this years Rex Porter Rally together. It all went very well with everyone enjoying themselves. Congratulations to Mike D’Alton and Jim Barr as the overall winners.
The November club night will feature Rover Motor Cars. Come along and find out why these cars are the flavour of the month.
If you own a motorcycle then I expect you have already contacted Kevin Sullivan with an entry into the Gold Medal Trial on the 16th of November. If not do it immediately.
On the following day (17th of November) there is a Veteran Car run from Francis Pointon’s to Martinborough and back to Masterton. Come along to Francis’s place and spend some time catching up with some rare and interesting cars. The cars will be leaving from Francis’s at 10.00 am
The Mangatainoka Vintage Car Day at Tui Brewery’s is on Sunday the 24th of November. This is a wonderful venue with lots of fun. Join us all for a great day out. The annual Wai Wheels fundraiser is being held on Saturday the 10th of November at the Card Reserve, Featherston.
The Annual Christmas outing is on Saturday the 14th of December. We will be having a meal at the Eketahuna Inn. Please get your RSVP into Kevin Sullivan before the 6th of December.
Cheers Graham
“The Car is the Star” 1934 Studebaker Commander Regal 8
The October Club Night “Star” was Francis Pointon’s recently purchased 1934 Studebaker. As you can see from the photos it is a very nice example of 1934 era motoring.
The previous owner had completed ninety percent of the restoration leaving Francis to complete the interior. The car is believed to have been owned by the Kerridge family of Kerridge Odeon theatre fame. It features a short stroke straight 8 engine with freewheel transmission, power assisted mechanical brakes with luxury trim. There is only one other example of this car in New Zealand.
Studebaker was an American wagon and automobile manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana. Founded in 1852 and incorporated in 1868 as the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company, the firm was originally a coachbuilder, manufacturing wagons, buggies, carriages and harnesses. Studebaker entered the automotive business in 1902 with electric vehicles and in 1904 with gasoline vehicles, all sold under the name "Studebaker Automobile Company". Until 1911, its automotive division operated in partnership with the Garford Company of Elyria, Ohio, and after 1909 with the E-M-F Company and with the Flanders Automobile Company.
The Studebus Electric Vehicle
The first gasoline automobiles to be fully manufactured by Studebaker were marketed in August 1912. They had three basic models, the Light Six, the Special Six and the Big Six. The first Commander, in 1927, was a continuation of the mid-range Special Six, with a 226 cu in (3.7 L) engine. The 1928 Commander was a descendant of the Big Six, being powered with the proven 354 cu in (5.8 L) engine. A 337 cu in 8-cylinder engine was added to the Commander range in 1929. In 1935, the Commander was dropped from Studebaker’s product line, only to be reinstated in 1937 when the name was applied to the least expensive model, formerly known as the Dictator Studebaker introduced the Champion in 1939, and the Commander line was again repositioned, now as the mid-range vehicle.
Over its lifetime the company established a reputation for quality, durability and reliability. After an unsuccessful 1954 merger with Packard (the Studebaker-Packard Corporation) and failure to solve chronic postwar cashflow problems the 'Studebaker Corporation' name was restored in 1962, but the South Bend plant ceased automobile production on December 20, 1963 and the last Studebaker automobile rolled off the Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, assembly line on March 17, 1966.
Studebaker continued as an independent manufacturer before merging with Wagner Electric in May 1967 and then Worthington Corporation in November 1967 to form Studebaker-Worthington.
More on Rovers
Before they began making cars Rover made bicycles and later made motorcycles. The founder, John Kemp Starley began making bicycles in 1877 and in 1888 built a prototype electric tricycle. The Rover Cycle Company was established in 1896 and produced its first motorcycle in 1902. This model was produced until 1905. After a five year break the resumed making motorcycles in 1910 and continued until 1925.
Above – a Rover chainless bicycle from 1913
Left – a Rover motorcycle from 1912
Rex Porter Memorial Rally 2024
The Rex Porter rally is in memory of the late Rex Porter, foundation member & past President of the Wairarapa Branch, who joined the Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.) in 1955 as a member of the Wanganui branch, being the nearest to Wairarapa in those early days. It is this pioneer motorist, veteran enthusiast and noted club member, that we celebrate this annual rally. Normally held in March, the 2024 Rex Porter Memorial rally was postponed until October.
Briefing for the rally began promptly at 9.40am where organiser Simon O’Hara explained to the 18 participants the rally sheets. There was lots to think about, with silent checks, time checks, straightline navigation, and questions to answer.
There were two courses, a shorter course without any gravel roads, and the long course which took cars around the outskirts of Carterton, before heading north to stop at the first time check at the picturesque Solway Showgrounds. Cars continued around Masterton before heading north towards Mauriceville, turning onto a gravel road section, before commencing the straight-line navigation around Eketahuna, then onto the lunch stop and time check at Nireaha Hall. For most it was the first time at this country hall and the old photos on the wall made interesting reading. Unfortunately, the rain started during the lunch break. After checking with the timekeeper once again, afternoon instructions were given. Only questions to answer in the afternoon section and a meander south through country roads, to arrive back at the clubrooms for a catchup, afternoon tea and prizegiving.
Congratulations to Mike D’Alton and navigator Jim Barr winners of the Rex Porter trophy.
All participants were given prize packs thanks to the great sponsorship from Brent Cooper at Wairarapa Mitsubishi, JA Russell Ltd, Pointon Motors, Chemz, Makita and J. Swanson.
Thanks to the volunteer time keepers, Rienk Asscher, Chris Giles and Alec O’Hara. A good day was had by all.
Rally Results
Veteran/Vintage Winners
Post War Winners
Post War Runners up
Post 60s / 80s Winners
Post 60s / 80s Runners up
Motorcycle
Francis Pointon and Catrina Breuhers 1926 Ford Model T
Neale Ryder and Joanne Miller 1954 Vauxhall Vagabond
Phil and Liz Brown
Phillip and Pat Pearce
Bob and Lyn Cumming
Kevin Sullivan
1952 Daimler
1977 Saab
1972 Rover
1969 BSA B44 VS Furthest Travelled
Navigators Plate
Overall Winners
Phillip and Pat Pearce
Catrina Breuhers
Mike D’Alton and Jim Barr
1977 Saab
1926 Ford Model T
1934 Bentley
Pointon Motors
Open for WOFs and limited vintage repairs at reduced hours.
Contact Francis at (06) 378 6710
Mike D’Alton and Jim Barr receive the winners’ trophy from Chairman Graham
Veteran/Vintage winners Francis Pointon and Catrina Breuhers
Club Calendar
November
Saturday 2nd Sunday 3rd Wai A&P Society Show - Clubrooms Car Display
Monday 4th Club Night - “The Car is the Star” - Rovers
Sunday 10th Wai Wheels Swap Meet Featherston Football Club Grounds
Tuesday 12th Committee Meeting
Saturday 16th Club Parts Dept Open 9:30am to 12:00
Saturday 16th Gold Medal Motorcycle Trial
Any non motorcycling members who wish to have a day out and would like to participate as marshals, timekeepers etc. please contact Kevin Sullivan at kevsully52@gmail.com
Sunday 17th Veteran Car Rally, Masterton to Martinborough
Sunday 24th Mangatainoka Vintage Car Day
December
Monday 2nd Club Night
Tuesday 10th Committee Meeting
Saturday 14th Christmas Function at the Eketahuna Inn. Meet at Farriers Carpark, Masterton at 10.45 am Cost per head $35 - R.S.V.P by the 6th of December
January 2025
Sunday 5th Coastal Run to Castlepoint
Tuesday 14th Committee Meeting
Target average speeds will be set by the organisers and will be non negotiable.
The afternoon route will be a touring run of approximately 50 miles.
Route instructions are basic with no fish hooks, no straight line navigation other than 'straight ahead rule applies' i.e. no crossing the centre line unless your instructions request you to do so.
There are no closed road sections so riders must be aware of on coming traffic at all times, especially on narrow country roads.
Allow for wandering stock and high winds and as usual ignore all farm tracks and No Exit roads.
PROGRAMME:
Saturday 16th
9.30am Morning tea and briefing
10.00 am First Entrant away
There will be a lunch stop at the completion of the morning run
Lunch will be available at $15 per head.
The trial will finish at the Clubrooms where tea and coffee will be available and the prize giving will be held.
TRIAL RULES:
1 . This event is open to financial members of the VCC of NZ plus kindred motorcycle clubs.
VCC. members with non - eligible vehicles, and non club members with vehicles up to 31 December 1991 are welcome to participate as guests and compete for the Classic Class prizes.
2. Trophies awarded to VCC members only.
3 .All classes catered for.
4. All vehicles are expected to be in a clean and tidy state of presentation
5. Entrants must abide by the traffic regulations and VCC membership rules
6. The organisers reserve the right to disqualify any entrant, whose conduct is, in their opinion, likely to bring discredit to the event, or to the club and their ruling regarding any matters in respect of the running of the event will be final.
7. All entrants must complete an entry form
Entry Fees: The entry fee is $20 and can be paid together with the lunch payment by direct credit or funds transfer to;
Account No: 03-0687-0323649-01 Code: MC Trial Ref: Registration number
Rally convener : Kevin Sullivan 022 3778443
ENTRY FORM
41st NZ GOLD MEDAL MOTORCYCLE TRIAL
SATURDAY 16 TH NOVEMBER. 2024
Entries close 9th November 2024—No late entries will be accepted
Name of entrant: ……........……........….........…........................
Pillion:
Phone: Email:
VCC Membership No:
Vehicle Make, Model :
Expiry Date:
Class (tick)
Veteran to 1919 Vintage 1919 - 31
Post War 46 – 1960
Post 60's 1961 - 80
Post Vintage 1932 - 45
Post 80's 1981 - 90
Lady Rider Combination Classic
A minimum of three entries will be required to constitute a class. If insufficient entries are received for any one class, these entries will be allocated to another suitable class
SELECT ROUTE (Tick)
Short route
Both routes could include stretches of gravel.
Long route
SELECT SPEED (Tick) 25 - 30 MPH Slow 31 - 40 MPH Fast
For Catering Purposes Saturday Lunch (circle) YES NO; Cost is $15.00
Entry Fees $20.00 Please deposit into the following account.
Account No: 03-0687-0323649-01 Code: MC Trial Ref: Registration number
Please email the entry form to kevsully52@gmail.com or post to;
Kevin Sullivan
90 Pembroke Street
Carterton 5713
Please forward Entry Form to a friend and KEEP a copy for your self.
Contacts
Chairperson Graham Hodder 027 226 3738 g_jhodder@xtra.co.nz
Secretary Mike D'Alton 021 137 2395 secretarywvcc@yahoo.com
Treasurer Kevin Sullivan 022 377 8443 kevsully52@gmail.com
Club Captain Hugh Hunter 027 665 9911 j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz
Committee Pat Dutton 027 711 2735 betyjo29@gmail.com
Simon O'Hara 021 141 2332 simonsandieohara@gmail.com
Francis Pointon 06 378 6710 pointonmotors@xtra.co.nz
Dave Patten 027 247 7956 dave.patten28@gmail.com
Frank Lipinski 06 379 7167
Social Convener Position vacant
Custodian Position vacant
Beaded Wheels Scribe Judi Harding 022 379 9126 editorwaivcc@gmail.com
Zenith Editor Dennis Burns 021 428 547 editorwaivcc@gmail.com
Librarian Pat Dutton betyjo29@gmail.com
Motorcycle Liaison Kevin Sullivan 022 377 8443 kevsully52@gmail.com
Spares
Frank Lipinski 06 379 7167
Jeff Percy 06 377 4622 j.percy@xtra.co.nz
Dave Walker 06 379 5008
Graham Reidy 06 372 7855 g-a.reidy@xtra.co.nz
Vehicle Inspectors Francis Pointon 06 378 6710 pointonmotors@xtra.co.nz
Hugh Hunter 06 306 9847 j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz
Kevin Sullivan 022 377 8443 kevsully52@gmail.com