Moving up the line at the Chelsea Hill Climb, Peter Morelli in th Blower Bentley, Terry Roycroft in the T35,in the background, a red Buckler, wheelspiner of a C Type Jag, the Watson Riley 9, the GP Darracq Alfa and the Alderley A7. Great people, great cars and venue, and great memories.
CHAIRMAN: ROBERT CHAPMAN 021 038 3281 robman@orcon.net.nz
CLUB CAPTAIN: STAN SMITH 0274 775 475 vintageaircraft@xtra.co.nz
SECRETARY: GRAEME BANKS 027 500 3806 grabannz@gmail.com
TREASURER: JACQUI GOLDINGHAM 09 445 8811 goldienz@orcon.net.nz
BRANCH DELEGATE: GRAEME BANKS 027 500 3806 grabannz@gmail.com
EDITOR: MICHAEL GREIG 027 24 55 786 094456760 michael.john.greig@gmail.com
SCRIBE IAN GOLDINGHAM 09 445 8811 goldienz@orcon.net.nz
PAST CHAIRMAN: BRENDAN LAMAIN 021 132 4557 brendanandterry@gmail.com
COMMITTEE: MAX JAMIESON, MIKE HOPE CROSS, HAMISH ANDREWS AND ROB SCOTT.
Preparation is well underway for the rally, now only 4 months away. We all know that veteran vehicles and modern traffic are not a good mix, and Franklin was the obvious candidate to base the rally. The base for the event is the LaValla Function Centre, 2 km from Tuakau. La Valla is an excellent choice, and we can thank the Dewhurst family who suggested the venue. It is a great function centre with a cinema, limited accommodation, well established gardens, and lawns that go on for ever. There is even an airstrip on site. It offers secure parking for the duration, but there are some limitations. Only sixty veteran vehicles can be parked on the lawn, and 90 modern vehicles and trailers in the grounds, so parking in the venue will be prioritised to participants and otherwise restricted to club members. One night a movie will be shown but as the theatre only seats 90, again it must be entrants as a priority. On the 3rd day the run goes to Waiuku, where there will be a display of vehicles for the public outside the Kentish Hotel at mid day. Some of the participant’s that day will be in period costume. It is my intention to promote the public display in the media.
Entries are open now, and to date, 8 have been received, the first three from out of town. The oldest car will probably be Peter LeGros’ 1900 Locomobile steamer, the oldest car presently in Auckland. We are certainly expecting to see vehicles we haven’t before seen in Auckland, as enquiries have come from Gore, Christchurch, Wanganui, New Plymouth, Hawkes Bay, Palmerston North, Tauranga, Taupo, Waikato, and Whangarei. That old faithful, the charabanc, will be there as always. If you would like a seat on the charabanc, please contact Shaaran Price.
There are now a lot of veteran vehicles where the car has been past from father onto son. The son in most cases was never shown how to drive the vehicle and does not know where to go if it breaks down and, in some cases, has no mechanical knowledge. We would love to see a few of those vehicles present and there will be an entry form just for the Saturday if required. You cannot go on the run that day unless the vehicle has a VIC but that is not required to bring the vehicle into the grounds. The vehicle does not have to be registered or have a warrant to park in the grounds. We would love to see a few of these cars out. John Stokes has now plotted the six routes and John Morrison and I have been out checking the runs. We certainly enjoyed the long run to Port Waikato. John gone out of his way to avoid busy highways. Not everything goes to plan we were hoping to use the old school camp at Port Waikato for lunch that day but have had to move it to another venue which was sad as it had great history. Sharaan and Alan Price have helped us to move the trophies from Christchurch to Auckland. One of the trophies looks like something they might present for the Americans Cup. Diane Quarie the national president will be in Auckland to present the trophies.
The entry form was sent out to 57 people who made the request, members from Gore to Whangarei. I do not think we will see 57 entrants but if we saw 45, we would be happy. We have also sent out two newsletters to the 57 who made contact. There will be another newsletter going out before the event. The first three entries received come from out of Auckland. If you going to enter, get that entry form in early so we can talk about those cars in the next newsletter.
If someone is marshalling or has participated somewhere in the past, they are certainly welcome to join us for morning and afternoon tea, lunch, prise giving, meals and barrique but there is an entry form and a cost. Please make contact if you want that entry form. We must pay a ground hire at LaVala and to date we have found no major sponsorship to cover those costs so there will be no free lunches. OTS are going to provide a transporter to pick up anybody with mechanical problems free of cost. Vero and CRC have supplied great prises and number have helped with items for the rally packs. If someone knows of a sponsor, or wants to marshal, make contact. We are also looking for someone to take photos, so we have some record of the event. That person would need to attend the prise giving on Sunday evening.
Barry Birchall Phone No 09 818 8755
Stan and Gilly had set-out an interesting run which got underway about 10.30 from the Albany Hall under clear sunny skies. Disappointingly, there were very few participants and only one club eligible vehicle at the start.
The route took us through Albany and environs before heading West towards Greenhithe then traversing an in depth exploration of Hobsonville city. The last time that I spent so much time in that locality I was flying from the grass airfield which used to occupy the site.
Whilst most of the new buildings were of an attractive style, I'm sure that the planners forgot about motor cars with the very narrow streets and few parking spaces. We were then directed to The Brigham Cafe where we were joined by two other participants. The luncheon was of the usual high standard that we have come to expect. Thanks to Stan and Gilly for another enjoyable event.
Alan Kerr
There was a good attendance of members at Gerald Watson's memorial service with a few not seen for a while including Richard McWhannell , Martin Gairdner, Barry Howard and Russel Ward (the dentist).
Gerald's son, Simon, spoke at length about his father and typically one learns more about a person in death than what one knew when they were alive. All told an interesting life for a long time reliable and active member. Keith Humphries. (Keith also kindly provided the photos.)
It started with the 2022 AGM of the Vintage Car Club at Karaka, off the Southern Motorway. The Chairman Rob and I attended in the Fairlady as trundling down the motorway is not a way to treat a Riley 9 amongst the Saturday morning traffic. A few familiar faces amongst the delegates from around the country, some small talk, cuppa and the forum open to members.
One of the speakers from the floor demanded that members become responsible for their footprint of the vintage car that they own. It should be converted to
electric! There was an intake of breath that emptied the air in the room of oxygen. Almost spluttering, both the Chair and the representative to the FIVA explained that such modification would not remain described as a vintage car and that the club existed to foster the use and preservation of the vintage car. The poor soul, bless his sandaled feet, held strong to his belief. The next speakers of interest was about the forth coming Targa South Island event, the VCC times trail to be held in Nelson. It stuck a note to both Rob and I. We left the meeting at the lunch break as it continued to discuss other matters for delegates only, so we left. Returning to the Shore, Rob suggested a stop at Galbraith’s Ale House to sample the fare and something to nibble on.
We parked and ordered the beverages of choice. When I was asked what I favoured from the selection, I choose something that would perhaps foretell our outcome of the story. I asked for Imperial Russian Stout! The Demon drink had its way with us, and Rob suggested that we enter the Targa before it was banned as environmentally dangerous, as the comment on electrification came from a member of the VCC, what will the unwashed masses think.
With his finger held rigid, it attacked the cracked screen of his personal communication device which brought up the site of Trademe with commands to find over 30 year old cars and a budget of a few thousand, as we were pensioners. The screen brought up the data and image of a 1991 Mercedes Benz, W140, SE350 ; NZ new and the alleged Russian Embassy Car. With the prize in sight, unable to control his finger, more buttons were pushed, and contact was made with the seller. A message had to be left, and a few moments later the call was returned. A reduced amount was asked and requested that money be placed into an account before the owner returned from Queenstown to Auckland.
Rob, with much control, stated his normal protocol when procuring, involved sighting what he was going to purchase. It was arranged that the next weekend we would visit and view the car. This occurred and we proceeded down Victoria Ave, in Remuera and sighted the jewel, a sapphire indeed, that was to take us on a magical experience. Once the folding stuff passed, we left, after being informed of no wipers, indicators only operated with the lights on, no WOF and registration to be renewed. Once these minor details were conquered, some minor clear coat blemishes removed, new fluids, filters and tyres, the car was returned to health.
The entry was sent off to the organisers, the VCC VIC organised, luggage packed, all was set up. The testing of the car was to begin. A drive along the Scenic Drive to Piha was all before the journey. I was certain that all would go
well as I attached to the front of the car badges of the Bugatti Owners Club and the Vintage Sports Car Club which had at its centre a St. Christopher. I have had both badges for near forty years, and this vehicle was a suitable mounting.
On the day of departure, at sparrows fart, the traffic gods were good as we cruised in comfort and silence (radio not working) to the end of the motorway for the filling of cheap fuel away from the Auckland fuel levy. On we went to our coffee break at Tirau where we choose the wrong café, then to Taihape over the Desert Road to have a tasty lunch and purchase at the attached sports shop some boot removers. With age (and maturity) comes lack of flexibility, so these were a boom. Next, was a coffee break with an elderly cousin in Otaki. I have an eye on his Jaguar XK8 Coupe when the time is right. From here we went to the new Transmission Gully route to Wellington , opened not long ago and potholed and the metal is coming off. It was only 40 minutes to the ferry and very direct. Here was a wait as we were ahead of schedule. Once aboard with a hideous feed of fish and chips, a snooze and we off loaded in the South Island at Picton, a twenty-minute drive and we entered Blenheim, where we stayed with my sister, and drifted off to a well earned sleep.
In the morning we met up with Branch Team C Type ,Rob Moston and John Munro and escorted them to Nelson where we found our accommodation, rested, then took to downtown Nelson for a reasonable Thai meal followed by sleep of the innocent. We woke early, had a nice breakfast on the way to the start, and got lost, finally arrived. It was the Annesbrook Event Centre in Stoke, south of Nelson. It was a church car park hidden in an industrial area. It was near the Pics Peanut butter factory. The bottles of peanut butter have poetry on the back of the labels. Just an advert for them as I like the poetry. We met up with other entrants from the Branch, Alderley C Type Jaguar and a MGC Sebring of the Fitzpatrick’s, getting ready for scrutineering. There were three groups in this Targa event , one was flat out rally professionals, the next was Touring, who were limited to 160 km/hr and our VCC group limited to 130 km/hr. We would go last at 30 second intervals. There was the booking in with the paperwork and check up with the fitting of the Rallysafe device that tracked the car, timing and distance travelled and emergency contact machine. This was followed by a through series of lectures on the event covering safety, the sections and how they related to the road book, working out the way to achieve the required average speed and the limits of our speed, below 130Km/hr and over 30 km/hr. Overwhelm with this material we proceeded to the Nelson Classic Car Museum which was nearby and after a nice lunch we inspected the collection of over 150
cars. A majority were American left-hand drive, makes and models that never came here. It could have been a bulk purchase from an auction of a collection going under. There were Jaguars from pre war to near current examples and also unexpectedly a Maybach. In a separate building was examples of English cars, the usual 1950’ to ‘80’s.What I saw that stirred the blood was a Delahaye, from a saloon, converted into an elegant sporting pre war design. There was a mid 1930’s BMW two-seater sans motor. Very tiny inside the body, a purposeful little car, Leaving we visited a cousin and after afternoon tea we retired to study the Road Book ,tried to imagine the tulips, calculate distances and time and after a Thai meal ( favourites of Rob) and off to sleep. We were prepared in the morning and when we arrived and lined up for the start, we looked at the variety of entrants which ranged from the Jowett Javelin, Saab 3 cylinder two stroke, the wide range of English sportscars from MGs, Triumph. Austin Healey, Jensen Healey, Alfa GTV, Fiat 124, BMW, Alpina, Fords, Escort, Jaguars. As the open cars required the wearing of helmets, I took to the field in suits, new ones for each day. We took off at the start in high excitement and I had hoped with the room in the car the navigator should be able to conduct the directions from the comfortable rear seat. It appears that this was not permitted. It was 20 km to the first special stage, so we had to keep at normal road speed and try out our attempt at keeping to the prescribed times and speed. Next was into the special stage. The red mist descended and with graceful surge we entered into the fast and flowing road with a few bridges, The end came up and shortly into the second section with downhill sections, tight corners. There was a service stop then a loop and do the sections again from the opposite direction. After this was the lunch break, gossiping and a further drive to another set of special sections.
The weather was fine, cloudless start, perfect weather all weekend. The afternoon consisted of four more special sections with a service stop in the middle. We ended in Motueka late afternoon and drove back to Nelson. The night was complemented by a fine dinner at the Prince Albert Hotel before we retired for the night.
The first day was an eye opener to both the driver and navigator. We were able to cope with the directions and instructions and understand the concepts of the timing required. I found the car had good handling and brakes functioned well, the suspension was designed for the unsealed back roads, in fact I found it relaxing. It must have been hell in those small open sports cars, dust, noise, holding on tight and gritted teeth.
It was very peaceful, double glazed windows, fine leather seats caressing gently as the car stayed flat and stable into the corners, floating over the ruts in the
roads, ignoring potholes. Due to high tone deafness from years of work, I may have missed out on high pitched screaming from Rob. Next day was an early start to Motueka and we ran over the previous sections from the opposite direction. It was a fine day to drive these roads, the locals enjoyed the sight as they sat in deck chairs with prepared food and flutes of the local vintage toasting us as we passed. A few times small children shook buckets at us when we were stopped as part of local fund raising for a school swinging pool and the parents did car washing for us. The excitement continued in the same manner as the day before. One section was cancelled due to an off by one of the previous groups. As the last section came up, the red mist may have affected the ears and altered its messages. Into an acute right I thought it was left. A higher pitched more urgent call was yelling right repeatedly, I could see tape advancing and the scattering of yellow jacketed bodies and it was then all gone as the car with grace and elegance corrected its route and continued along the dirt road at a renewed urgent pace. Soon it was all over, and we returned to the start of the event back in Stoke where we were presented with the Bronze Medal ( OK, all participants received a bronze medal). Due to the time and distance to the dinner, we proceeded straight to the venue. To keep up standards, we changed into evening dress which due to the size of the boot we were able to carry the wardrobe. Unfortunately, this did not continue with the venue. It brought mediocrity to a new level. It was what I feared, 1970’s Wedding food! Nelson is known for some fine things; its kai moana, class beers, fruits. There were no fresh fish, salmon, mussels, oysters, clams, local beers, tomatoes, berries which the area is praised for. The town had many cafes , Thai and Chinese restaurants and many immigrants from interesting places, surely there would be fusion options that have evolved. Before you grizzle, I was born there and drink Stoke Dark as a cultural requirement. With the prize giving ,the Branch lead with the most demerit points that could be awarded. It went to the Aldersley C Type team with the Rob and John in the matching C type close behind. Mentioned and trophied was Team Fitzgerald with the MGC Sebring. Team Mercedes was presented with the Sartorial Elegance Award for the driver. After an early night we made our way to visit the legend, Danny Ryan in Mapua, a short distance from Nelson to visit the collection. The Hispano H6 is as elegant as ever as is the Lancia. Not held back by anything, new projects are always underway with Danny. Fuelled with coffee and artery clogging foods we departed back to Nelson to rest before catching an earlier ship back to Wellington and a near no stop run back to Auckland.
It was an event to savour, experience with many highs, the joys of travelling in the best possible carriage of its time. It was affordable,(perhaps not for all), a well prepared car with mainly our own resources and labour.
Having achieved this, we would like to offer this prepared car to members who would like to experience another motoring world before it may be removed from us. This is a very capable, strong and the best the world had to offer at that time, could be driven on all continents trouble free on a majority of surfaces.
I have always been fascinated with chain drive cars and also V twin engines. Back in the very early 1960's I was a member of the Frazer Nash Car Club. I was lucky enough to have a drive in the late Peter Russel's Frazer Nash and was very impressed. So, whilst we were living in the U.K. in September 2008 there were three very desirable G.N.'s going up for auction at the annual Beaulieu Autojumble which all belonged to a well-known G.N. Guru Stafford East. The first one on the block was the 1920 single seater Kim 11 which was a very fast machine in its day driven by Archie Frazer Nash, and I was the under bidder on that car. The second G.N. was the 2 seater Brooklands 200 Mile Race Car and I was pleased to be the winning bidder with some very stiff competition. The Akela engine in this car was also used by the most successful G.N. builder and racer Basil Davenport in Spider which was and still is a very fast machine. My Akela engine was 1500cc and produced a whopping 75bhp at the flywheel whilst being an extremely light machine so, the 'power to weight ratio' was very good The Akela engine was very advanced with a roller bearing bottom end with 4 valves per cylinder and shaft drive overhead camshafts, bronze cylinder heads, two magnetos and two carburettors.
Now to rebuild and compete with such a complex and potent machine you either have to be a very talented engineer or be a very wealthy fellow. Not being in either of those categories the rebuild was completed by what our author calls the 'Nasal Extraction Method' [Paying through the nose]. This Akela [one of only three made] was the works practice car at the 1922 Brooklands 200 mile race and the first private owner was Ivy Stevenson who owned a whole host of great machines including the chain drive 5 litre Bugatti race car known as Black Bess. Ivy ran the G.N. Akela at the well-known Brighton Speed Trials. (A period picture of her in this car appeared at the end of the October issue). After her ownership there such well known owners such as the famous Basil Davenport best known as the builder of the Spider single seater G.N. which was a whole 3 seconds faster than an E.R.A. at Shelsley Walsh Speed Hillclimb this car also used the Akela racing engine. Driving this car on both the public roads and the racetrack was what was known as a 'white knuckle drive '.My most memorable event was at the Goodwood Racing Circuit where I was up against some extremely fast racing Morgan three wheelers, but my main competition was the single seater G.N. Kim 11 which sadly was not going too well. I also drove the car to the Loton Park speed hill climb through back roads which was very exciting. And lastly the well known Prescott Speed Hillclimb. I feel very honoured to have owned and driven such a rare machine.
William J. Hearne
At Goodwood.
Original scout
tent, but not warm. Usual accommodation of English Vincent owners when touring.
Young William sent me these photos and had all the details , but due to poor editing skills I am unable to give it full justice. Forgive me, I can hear the sounds of leather on flesh.
The Manunui Hill Climb is fast approaching we are still looking for entry's so if you intend to enter now is the time. The Club heavily subsidises the event but we do need a minimum entry for the Hill Climb to be worthwhile.
I would like to acknowledge Peter Morelli, a long-time member of the branch who has passed. For many years Peter competed in the clubs speed events mainly Chelsea. He also enjoyed in displaying his Bentleys and Vincent at classic car shows where he always had time for a friendly chat. RIP Peter. Rob Chapman
The editorial this month has morphed into the Targa Saga and will return.
Another member has passed away, and as bereft as we are, we celebrate his time and activities with us. He brought the range of mighty Bentleys which were campaigned internationally and his love of high speed two wheeled legends, the Vincent Black Lightening, the stuff of dreams for all young chaps and chapettes. I first contacted Peter through a work colleague in the laboratory who knew him, and I invited Peter to the Chelsea hill climb which was in the late ‘90’s. He arrived on an Cagiva Elefant which was a suitable sized bike for him and was soon an impressive participant at the event. I was impressed by the sheds where vehicles were stored and this knowledge and passion for vehicles. His participation in motor sport locally , both two and four wheeled is well known and celebrated. He was to be seen at the Classic Register events in February at Pukekohe and at Hampton Downs and was instrumental at getting the participants for the bike s at the Roycroft events.
I was impressed with his overseas touring with Bentleys to so many diverse parts of the planet, his involvement with the Rolls Royce and Bentley Club and many other activities that he was involved in, a very active and skilled person. The Branch sends its condolences and thought to the family of such an honoured and remarkable man.
Two heroes of the Classic Racing Register, Les (Ton Up) Harris , BSA Bantam and Peter Morelli , Vincent Black Lightening.
For Sale.
The Mighty 1991 Mercedes W140 300SE.
After the successful participation in the 2022 Targa South Island event with a Bronze Medal and the driver presented with the Sartorial Elegance Award, the car is offered with a competition history. See entry details and photos in New Zealand Classic Car magazine.
The car is alleged to have served in the diplomatic service as an embassy car. First registered NZ owner was in Wellington in 1992, noted in the service and owner’s manual, still with the car.
The car has a new WOF, registration and a VCC VIC. It has been serviced with new fluids and filters, oil, air and fuel. It is shod in new tyres and has returned from a trip of 2,500 km with no problems. As expected of the S Class, it is a perfect tourer, designed for high speed with utter comfort and surprising economy. Regarded as a full sized car; it is big and will take large people and luggage. One is enclosed in a safe shell with air bags, ABS and double glazed windows for peace and quiet. In its day, these cars would set one back up to $200K.
This car was purchased to enter the Targa and show that it was an achievable activity, affordable and much fun. Having completed this mission, the owners wish to pass this vehicle to be enjoyed and experienced by others. It is affordable, tractable and reliable. It is ready for the next Targa event, any other activity open to the P80 class, perhaps to sporting events such as sprints and hill climbs.( 3.2L, 231 bhp, top speed 141 mph.)
Body good overall, three rust spots by rear window, and bottom of two doors. Once driven, you cannot go back to mediocracy. We are asking for what it cost to recommission for the event. $5450.
Michael Greig 09 4456 760/027 2455 786. Inspection invited. Call for appointment. Discretion guaranteed.
Still more from the Enchanted Garage of Uncle Mike. Riley 9 componentry
9.9 Hp Johnson outboard with tank. Suit launch, dinghy 12 15 foot. Two valve mantle radios Sheffield and HMV Two garden suitable chainsaws, seeking new owners. Stainless steel washing tub, good size for the garage or outdoor. 5-meter sailing and rowing boat, suitable for new adventures in the summer, with trailer. Easy rig. Selected books on ‘50’s,’60’s sportscar racing , mainly small Ford engines.
Jaguar books, Skilleter and Whyte. Studebaker, the Complete Story. Cannon and Fox. Clymer Manual BMW K series. 1985 1997
Inspection Invited, some items are for exchange of beverages, meals or currency of the Realm. 09 4456 760 or 027 24 55 786
A word to the wise: While travelling , it was a timely reminder that there are dangers when working on all vehicles, modern and older examples. When entering the work area, please remove watches, in particular those with metal straps, jewellery, rings on fingers and a hairnet or beards net or scrunchy. I saw third degree electrical burns which are not easy to recover from. Take a phone with you or any device to get help. There is nothing macho about injuries.
The Index at the wrong place. The photos in the Targa article are mine. I was losing the plot with running around and not taking the best pictures so contact me for further details on them and the Delahaye was a favourite in the Museum. It is owner by the boss of the museum. I am taken by the elegance of the guards, the techniques of the construction of the body. There are still powerful motors of the period still around, perhaps one could be adventurous enough to create one as an exercise. There is talent around to do this, the same effort would go into repairing a Morris Minor or a Model A. Michael
Hobsonville, back in the days when it wasn't covered in tacky housing, was the scene of a Waitemata Branch outing. The H D combination and Isaacs Fury were ridden and flown by George Jones, and the Type 23 Bugatti, imported by Selwyn Hamlin in the early 1930s, was later sold to John Hearne
Photo and details from John King.
