VCC CENTRAL HAWKES BAY THE BLEAT DEC 2022

You can’t talk about Tucker Torpedo without mentioning its founder, Preston Tucker. Tucker was born in Detroit, in the shadow of three automobile giants. He had gasoline in his veins from a very young age, just like any child who lived in Detroit at the time. Preston Tucker, the man behind the Tucker 48, was also a man of racing in the years prior to his company's inception. Throughout the 1930s, Preston Tucker had been working closely with Harry Miller, one of the era's most established car builders for the storied Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In fact, Miller's engine designs were so advanced that even the legendary Ettore Bugatti was accused of copying him for his Type 50 and Type 51 engines.

The 1948—Tucker Torpedo—The Brainchild of Preston Tucker—

He was just 11 years old when he learned to drive and by the time he was 16, he was buying, restoring, and selling old automobiles. After that, he worked as an office boy at Cadillac and a policeman because he liked driving fast. Since he always wanted to be around cars and racing, he moved to Indianapolis. There he met with guys like the Chevrolet brothers, and Harry Miller, who was a legend in the Indy 500. He started working with Miller and founded Miller and Tucker Inc. There he also met with John Eddie Offut, who was crucial in the development of the Tucker Torpedo.

The Tucker Torpedo had a very innovative design that focused on safety and comfort. His original specifications were a flat 6 engine at the back with fuel injection, independent, springless suspension, and disc brakes. The original design work was done by George S. Lawson, but after he resigned from the Tucker Corporation, Preston Tucker hired Alex Tremulis to carry out the development of the design. But his work was improved upon by a team of five designers after his and his team’s contract expired. Tremulis was quickly rehired and named the Chief Designer by Preston Tucker.

The car looks like it came from the future. But it wasn’t limited to the looks. It also had some very innovative features, especially for an American car of the time. It had a flat six engine at the back, the glove box was in the door panels, to give more space for the “crash chamber,” and the engine and transmission were mounted on a separate subframe, held only by 6 screws. This was done to remove the engine very quickly, and if something went wrong with the car, it could be up and running with a loaner engine while the car’s original one was being worked on.

Before the start of World War II, Tucker started manufacturing some war machines like the Combat Car and Gun Turret, but these endeavour's were not very fruitful, apart from the turrets. He spent WWII building boats with turrets. But the war brought other chances to make money. After WWII ended, he somehow leased the Chicago Aircraft Engine Plant, which was the largest factory in the world at the time. The original specifications for the Tucker Torpedo called for a 589 cu in, flat six producing 200 horsepower and 450 lb ft of torque, but with a caveat. Preston Tucker wanted this engine to be a very low revving one. It would only idle at 100 rpm and produce peak power at only 1800 rpm while cruising speeds came at a mere 1000 rpm. But these engines were very problematic and only used in a test chassis for the prototype. For the production models, engineers selected the O 355, made by Air Cooled Motors, it was used in many small aircraft and made for the Bell 47 helicopter. It produced 166 horsepower. Engineers modified this engine to be used in a car and water cooled it for some reason. Preston Tucker liked these engines so much that he bought the engine company. One unusual feature of Tucker Torpedo is the turning middle headlight. They called it a “cyclops eye” and it turns when the steering wheel is turned more than 10 degrees. While the headlights that follow the steering angle were present in Europe, Tucker Torpedo was the first American car to implement it. This cyclops eye was added to be a core feature of the safety aspect of the car. This light moves with the wheels to light the car’s way, lighting the area of the turn. Tucker claimed that the cyclops eye is “giving you precious seconds to avoid accidents.”

The 1948 Tucker Torpedo The Brainchild of Preston Tucker BY EMRE BUGRA CETIN

Preston Tucker was always fascinated by the racing world and driving fast cars. This was prominent on his military vehicle, which could reach 100 mph, and there are also hints of the racing world on the Tucker Torpedo. First, it was very aerodynamically advanced, with a drag co efficiency of 0.30. But also it had springless rubber suspension. Tucker and Miller used this setup back when their cars raced at the Indy 500. This type of suspension wore down very easily, but they had unique advantages. One of the advantages of rubber suspensions is the handling. The Tucker Torpedo was amongst the best handling cars back in 1948. It had some problems that plagued all rear engine, rear wheel drive cars with a live rear axle, but it was not as bad as the other cars of the era that used the same layout. The stiff suspension helped with the car's handling quite a lot. T he Tucker Torpedo was a car that liked to be driven hard and fast. The rubber suspension was exactly what it needed to make it perform at high speed.

The Tucker 48 was pretty fast at the time, 0 60 in just 10 seconds. Not bad for a land yacht of the 1940s. But it was also very safe. The whole car has been designed with safety in mind, and it resulted in some very clever and innovative solutions to safety problems. Preston Tucker wanted to put seatbelts in the car, but his advisors told him not to because it would give the impression that the car is unsafe. Instead he used roll bars, a safety chamber for the passenger, extra padding on pretty much everywhere of the car, it had a collapsible steering wheel, and a windshield that's designed to pop out in the event of a crash. These were all put to the test in Indianapolis. Tucker and his team testing the car's endurance for 3 weeks with only one incident. Eddie Offutt rolled the car three times but walked away with a bruised elbow. The damaged Tucker 48 was driven away after its damaged wheel and tire was changed

We've seen plenty of cars fail for being too far ahead of their time. This was also the case with the Tucker 48. Preston Tucker was a visionary, as was his team and they worked tirelessly against all odds to make Tucker Torpedo a reality. While it wasn't the smooth sailing they had hoped for, in the end, they give us one of the most incredible stories of all time.

It was a very short lived car, but it accomplished something most couldn't even hope for. It deeply shook the industry and most of the design principles that were present on the Tucker 48 are at the core of today's automobile. The focus on safety, and the customer is what we have on our cars today.

While this car was a financial failure for all parties involved, it is not a bad car to keep in your collection today. Total production for Tucker 48 was just 51 cars. 47 Tucker Torpedo's have survived until today, and all cars are accounted for, most of them are kept by museums around the US. Almost all of the remaining Tuckers are in pristine condition, and they rarely come up for sale. But when they do, they make headlines and fetch big bucks. The blue Tucker pictured below was sold for $1.58 million at RM Sotheby's Monaco event in 2016. The highest price ever paid for a Tucker is $2.65 million. So, for those who want one, should wait and keep their check book ready

The 1948—Tucker Torpedo—The Brainchild of Preston Tucker—

To be held at the Oruawharo Homestead

379 Oruawharo Road, Takapau.

Arrival time from—5.00pm—meet and mingle with new and old members for pre dinner drinks Dinner at 6.30pm. Wear something Christmassy and enjoy the fun.

We would appreciate $10.00 per couple to donate to the CHB Branch of the Red Cross for their children's PJ’s programme.

Main & Dessert—$35.00 per person—Eftpos available

Main: Kintail Honey and sage roasted champagne ham. Harissa braised lamb leg.

Roast root vegetable salad, Mint Yoghurt, Greek Fruits Spring homestead greens, sesame dressing.

Toasted couscous, Salsa Verde, Garden Herbs. Bread roll.

Dessert: Citrus cheesecake, Chocolate Delice, Rhubarb

Close off date was 30th November

PLEASE NOTE: The CHBVCC branch will make payment for any late dinner cancellations or no shows, then an invoice will be sent to the member/members concerned.

CHB Branch Chairman Gary Weaver

Its that time again for those who enjoy a well run relaxed weekend away last year. As in the past we will meet at. The Windmill Café—Woodville at 10.00am for a ‘smoko” break. We will then travel over the Saddle Road to Ashurst, then via main roads to Kimbolton for lunch at Glyn and Kathy Clements home.

Glyn organises a run to Taihape via uncharted roads (some gravel) to arrive at The Coachman Motel.

If you are interested in going to this Gum Boot Rally please contact Bruce Poole. Home phone—06-858-9940

Anybody wishing to take part in the Beach run to Kairakau should pack up their lunches, bikinis and sand spades and head for Kairakau beach for lunch.

Just make your own way there in your own good time. We will return via Patangata where we are reliably informed one of the participants will have to top up the radiator.

Sunday 22nd January 2023—Annual Beach Run—Kairakau— organised by Rod and Scarlett McKenzie

31st December 2023 GUM BOOT RALLY organised by Bruce Poole

Other District's Events

December Sat 10th Christmas Party to be held at the Oruawharo Homestead

Sat 31st Gumboot Rally Contact Bruce Poole 2023

January

February

No Branch Dinner or Meeting 23 to 24 National Veteran Rally Based in Franklin AKL

Sun 22nd Annual Beach Run to Kairakau

Wed 15th Branch Dinner and Meeting Venue TBA 2nd to 4th

Barbara and Jim Speers Art Deco clothing Sale in CHB

Thurs 16th to Sun 19th Art Deco weekend Enquiries to Paul at: hbtresurer@vcc.org.nz 10th 12th Three Rivers Rally Gisborne

Sat 25th

Hoedown in Waipukurau Keep this date free for a fun night. More details will follow. 21st 22nd Historic GP motor racing in Taupo

March Sun 5th Gymkhana Venue TBA Sun 12th

Wed 15th Club Meeting and Dinner Bingo Night Venue TBA.

April May June

Wheels on Windsor 9.00 am to 3.00pm Grove Road, Hastings

TO READ AII OTHER BRANCH MAGAZINES ONLINE go to www.vcc.org.nz then to Branch Newsletters. Also items of interest on https://www.facebook.com/vintagecarclubofnewzealand

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BLEAT. The Bleat is your branch Magazine. Should you come across anything that you think could interest your fellow members, or if you wish to contribute an article on any of your motoring projects (past or present) or your recent participation in runs and events with other branches, please do not hesitate to email your article and photographs to your Branch Editor joycecalder@gmail.com

Well, Movember is almost over, 15 club members participated in the Movember challenge supporting men’s Health. The winner of the challenge will be announced at our Christmas Dinner at Oruawharo. I am sure the wives of the members will be pleased when it’s all over.

For me I spent most of November in the Palmerston North Radiation department undergoing Cancer Treatment. Not my idea of time off work. Many thanks to those who supported Movember.

At our October meeting Jerry Greer spoke about the Historical Humber Ambulance that was stationed here in CHB. I have just been informed a anonymous donor has purchased the ambulance and at this stage will be housed at the Waipawa Museum. A very good outcome for Central Hawke’s Bay.

Laurie and Gloria’s Malcolmson, with the help of others club members organised the Veteran Rally in the Dannevirke area on Saturday 19th November Well done to all involved. Laurie’s Club Captain Report will have the results.

The Christmas Party is to be held on 10th December 2022 at Oruawharo Homestead, 379 Oruawharo Road Takapau, CHB. Remember the $10 donation per couple to go to the Red Cross PJ appeal for our local kids.

Christmas is almost here so now you can display those decoration you have stored away for 12 months.

Ashcott Homestead was the venue for “The Torque Heads” morning tea with a lot of interest shown. Thank you Bruce for organising this event which was very popular.

At our last meeting Sharlene and David Curtis from “Stitch Me” in Dannevirke displayed their products, hats etc, with the CHBVCC Logo on, this proved to be very successful with a number of hats sold.

Remember the Christmas Dinner Party at Oruawharo, members should have had numbers to Eva by the time you read this, close off date was 30th November.

Look forward to seeing you all at Oruawharo.

Weaver CHB Branch Chairman

Gary

Oruawharo Dinning Room

Oruawharo Once was the Catholic Church in Takapau

Oruawharo Homestead

The East Coast Adventure is done and dusted, literally. We have seen the write ups and pictures in the Bleat, covering some of the highs and lows good roads and bad. The views from one of the motels, the breakdowns and the potholes some figuratively speaking big enough, to swallow the Spitfire, a green one at that.

The Torque Heads group is ticking along with good numbers attending. The latest stop at Matamau Diner saw some relatively new members in attendance, good to see. It was the first time I have been in the Diner and saw the number of photos of trucks on the walls, was impressive.

Good to see Wayne there after his recent health problem, he told me he got to the pearly gates and was told to bugger off because the Queen was coming. A sense of humour in a serious situation.

The Veteran Rally had 11 cars entered, there will be an article in the January 2023 Bleat. Upcoming events are in the Bleat Calendar—currently up to April 2023

Stay Safe and Drive Carefully.

Look forward to seeing you all on Saturday 10th December at the Oruawharo Homestead Christmas Dinner Party.

Laurie Malcolmson CHB Branch Club Captain

Recently, Jerry Greer, one of our CHB VCC members, spotted this ambulance for sale on "Trade me" and noticed the "Waipawa Hospital Board" sign on the door. Being a member of the Waipawa Museum committee and also a local councillor, he got thinking about bringing it back to CHB. Consequently, the vehicle has been purchased, funded by an anonymous benefactor, and the vehicle is now "home".

Jerry Greer spoke to our CHB branch members about it a couple of months ago and got a good hearing from the branch members in attendance.

It is a 1949 Humber Pullman Ambulance, and is mostly complete with stretchers and medicine cabinets [but no medicine]. It needs a small amount of attention to detail, but is generally in very good condition having been tidied up by a previous owner some years ago. Keep an eye out for it around the District as it will be on show from time to time.

1949 Humber Pullman Ambulance Back in CHB by Rod McKenzie

Manawatu Branch of the VCC—passes through CHB

On Saturday 12th November a small number of members from the Manawatu branch passed through CHB on their way to a night out visiting Napier. They were lead by their Club Captain, Glynn Clements along with his wife Cathy [x CHB Members] in their modern Mini. Thirteen folk stopped by Rod and Scarlett's home sheltering in the shed for their lunch and to check out the plumbing.

The photo shows three of their cars parked at McKenzie's home; a 1939 Chevrolet Coupe, a 1930 Ford Model A Tourer and a Mini from the early 1970's.

From their lunch break they headed out round Farm Rd, Long Range Rd and down Middle Rd to Patangata for an "afternoon tea break" before heading North to Napier for a night in a motel. One of their visits was to have been to the "Faraday Centre" in Napier. If you haven't been to it, you should get it onto your list of things to do, and take your grand children with you too.

HBVCCC 2023 Art Deco rally event

Visit our HBVCC website by clicking this link http://hbvcc.org.nz/art deco/

Our bookings opened on 1st October. In 2022 the featured group was Early Ford V8s, but we were forced to cancel it because of Covid. For 2023 we are again featuring Early Ford V8s from 1932 to 1945. This is a group of fantastic cars, well worth another shot, and we’re sure we will be supported by the local Early Ford V8 Club. Bay Ford have agreed to come on board as a main sponsor again, so it’s looking good so far for a fabulous event. We are also expecting an International group of vintage Bentleys to join us, so if you have a pre 1946 Bentley please get in touch with Steve Donovan on 027 217 7730 about their visit.

THE PRELIMINARY TIMETABLE One for Early Ford V8 Group and one for everyone else

Wednesday 15th 2022. Early Ford Group A couple of shed visits and a visit to a very special and varied collection. Suitable for ladies and gents. Dinner your own care.

Thursday 16th February 2022

10.00am Early Ford Group. Display Cars in the Sound Shell as part of the Junior Gatsby Picnic. This is part of the Art Deco Trust Event. Visit a school. A car run into the country and a picnic lunch at a private picnic area.

6.00pm All entrants Dinner and entertainment at Our Club Rooms.

Friday 17th February. The HBVCCC Art Deco Rally Day for all entrants with a planned rally and lunch (bring a picnic and chairs).

Saturday 18th February. Morning tea at our club rooms for all entrants, and then those who have entered go to the Art Deco Trust Parade through Napier CBD. Early Fords will be in one group and will be displayed in the Sound Shell after the Parade.

Sunday 19th February. Join us for a Sunday Breakfast at our Club Rooms.

Don’t forget there will also be many other Art Deco Trust Events that you can enter over the weekend details at https://artdecofestival.co.nz/

Please read this carefully and keep it available for use nearer event time.

REGISTRATION/ONLINE ENTRY ENTRIES OPEN ON 1 OCTOBER 2022.

This year there will again be an easy to complete online entry form that will be available on the HBVCC website by clicking this link http://hbvcc.org.nz/art deco/ from 1 October. In recent years Saturday Parade entries and Thursday night dinner tickets have sold out quickly so don’t delay please. Entries will close 15th January 2023. If you need assistance with anything, please email hbtreasurer@vcc.org.nz and include a contact phone number.

COLLECTION OF RALLY PACKS

As in previous years your Rally pack will be available from the offices of Fast Track Finance at 74 Munroe Street, Napier from 1pm 5.30pm Wednesday 15th February, 9am 5.30pm Thursday 16th February and Friday 17th February. On Saturday 18th February rally packs will be available from the HBVCC Clubrooms till late morning. Rally packs will also be available on Tuesday 14th February from the Fast Track Office 1.00pm to 5.30 pm for Early Ford V8 entries only as they have a full day of events on Wednesday.

ACCOMMODATION

Napier usually fills up pretty quickly for ADW. We strongly recommend you book accommodation now.

HBVCCC ORGANISERS

Steve Donovan 027 217 7730 Paul Eager 027 231 4304

HBVCCC Committee.

National Veteran Rally 23-25 February 2023

Registration is open to all Veteran Vehicles manufactured before 31 Dec.1918 VIC required.

The rally is based in the expansive grounds of LaValla Estate less than 2km from the historical small township of Tuakau. Tuakau is located in the district of Franklin. Franklin lies between State Highway 1 and the west coast and is known as the breadbasket of Auckland, growing potatoes, vegetables, and other products on its rich volcanic soils. The area offers great motoring country for veteran vehicles. To reach Tuakau and LaValla, those coming from the South can leave the Waikato Expressway (SH1) at Pokeno, just South of the Bombay Hills. Those coming from the north exit the motorway at Bombay. The registration fee covers: ‘Meet & Greet’ breakfast; light refreshments at start and finish of each day’s run; three lunches; final banquet dinner; Movie Night (in the small cinema at LaValla); Rally Pack and plaque.

Key Dates

The event runs over the last weekend of February, the weekend following the Art Deco Festival in Napier. The rally commences on Friday morning with registration from 8.30am and breakfast and rally briefing from 9.00am to 10.00am ready to depart on the first day’s run at 10.30am. The rally concludes with a celebratory dinner and awards on Sunday Evening.

Rally Headquarters

The rally is based at LaValla. Registration, the first ‘Meet & Greet’ breakfast and the final dinner are held at LaValla. Each day’s run departs and finishes at LaValla with light refreshments. There will be ample opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new friends in a beautiful, relaxing setting. LaValla has an interesting history as a former Marist college, now in private ownership. It is less than 2km out of the township of Tuakau, made up of well maintained and expansive grounds (109 acres) overlooking rural countryside. LaValla provides a secure site where veteran vehicles, modern cars and trailers can be safely parked for the duration. There is limited accommodation at LaValla, and more accommodation is also available at the nearby boutique Tuakau Hotel. Other options are the motels in Pukekohe and Pokeno.

Rally Programme

Franklin lies between State Highway 1 and the West Coast, bounded to its South by the Waikato River. Built up areas, busy roads and steep roads will be avoided. There are short and long routes each day.

Day 1. The route uses roads criss crossing the Bombay Hills including the old main roads before the mo torway was opened.

Day 2. The route crosses the Waikato River on the iconic Tuakau Bridge and follows the river to its mouth at Port Waikato.

Day 3. The destination is the historical port town of Waiuku, taking in Glenbrook Vintage railway close by.

For more information contact Barry Birchall (Organiser) or Nicola North (Rally Secretary) barrybirchall@xtra.co.nz nicolahnorth@gmail.com Landline (09) 818 8755 Mobile 027 722 5225 (Nicola’s phone)

Hosted by the Auckland Branch and based in rural Franklin in Tuakau, 56km south of Metro Auckland

FRIDAY 10 February 2023

6pm 9pm

VCC Clubrooms, Showgrounds Gate 3, Main Road, Makaraka

Collect Rally Packs

Noggin’n’Natter (BYO drinks) Barbecue @ $15 per person

Catch up with old friends

SATURDAY 11 February

8:30am onwards

VCC Clubrooms, Main Road, Makaraka

Meet here, at the Rally Departure Point

Collect Rally Packs (if not already done)

First vehicle away at 9:00am (or as advised)

View the cars and chat before leaving

RSA, The Forces Cafe, Gisborne (Corner Bright Street and Childers Road)

Pre dinner drinks

Rally Dinner and Prize Giving from 6.30pm

SUNDAY 12 February 9am—noon

VCC Clubrooms, Main Road, Makaraka

Spares Department open Carlton Car will be on display

We trust you will enjoy our rally!

VCC THREE RIVERS RALLY

FEBRUARY 10th 12th 2023

RULES

The Rally is open to financial members of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) and invited members of other clubs. At least one person in each vehicle must be a member of the club concerned.

The event is open to all Vintage Car Club eligible vehicles, which must be up to the club accepted standards regarding cleanliness, general state and mechanical condition.

THE STARTER MAY REFUSE TO START ANY VEHICLE WHICH IN THEIR OPINION FAILS TO MEET THAT STANDARD.

The Rally Organisers reserve the right to disqualify any entrant whose conduct in their opinion is likely to bring discredit to the event or to the club. Their ruling regarding any matters with respect to the running of the event will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

VCC Membership card or invited club membership card must be carried at all times.

It is expected the rally route may include some sections of unsealed road, but that these sections will be in an acceptable standard, conducive to enjoyable rallying of club vehicles.

Enjoy the weekend

Burt Munro Challenge 8th 12th February 2023

Invercargill

WED

8th SOUTHLAND HONDA TRACK DAY

8.30am, Teretonga Park, Sandy Point.

THU 9th STAR INSURANCE NZ HILL CLIMB CHAMPS

10.00am, Flagstaff Road, Bluff.

THU 9th HARLEY DAVIDSON TWILIGHT DRAG RACING 6.00pm, Teretonga Park, Sandy Point.

FRI 10th INDIAN MOTORCYLE BEACH RACING & NZ CHAMPS

11.30am, Oreti Beach, Otatara.

SAT 11th E HAYES & SONS TERETONGA SPRINT RACES 9.00am, Teretonga Park Sandy Point.

SAT 11th SUPER SELLER SHELLEY SPEEDWAY 3.00pm, Sievwright Oreti Park Speedway, Pit Road.

3rd—6th February 2023

8th—12th February 2023

Food for Thought

ments

For Sale

1977 Triumph TR7 ,NZ new. Has done 117255 km. Mechanically very sound, paint starting to craze in a couple of areas. Heater and radio work. Has new WOF and registration. Have some spares that could go with the car $9,750 ono

Phone Alan 06 858 7370 or Email: aanddsutherland@slingshot.co.nz

NZ

Bluebridge Cook Straight Ferries

Vintage Car Club Member Exclusive Discounted Ferry Rates

VCC Member Promo Code: ANTIQUECAR

The rates above include GST

Terms and Conditions:

• Rates are valid for bookings and sailings from 1 st October 2022 through until 30th September 2023 and are subject to availability.

• Peak rates will apply to sailings between 20th of December through till the 10th of January annually. Also Easter weekend including the Thursday before Good Friday and Tuesday after Easter Monday. Off peak rates will apply through all other dates in the remainder of the year.

• These special rates are exclusively for NZ Vintage Car Club (NZVCC) members.

• Discounted passenger fares available for both walk on and vehicle travel.

• A maximum of six passengers in one booking.

• These rates are not available in conjunction with any other offer.

• NZVCC discount only eligible for bookings that include a minimum of one NZVCC member.

• Members must present their NZVCC membership ID when they check in as proof of entitlement. If not presented, the standard fare will be charged.

• Flexi Sail fare conditions apply. You can find these fare conditions at;

• https://www.bluebridge.co.nz/payment#fare types

• Simply use promo code ANTIQUECAR when booking at www.bluebridge.co.nz Or quote the promo code when you call 0800 844 844.

• Payment must be made when booking via the following payment methods; Poli (bank transfer), Credit card and/or After pay.

• The promo code must be used at the time of booking and cannot be retrospectively added to an existing booking.