Beaded Wheels 392 February/March 2025

CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 79 YEARS

No. 392 February/March 2025

New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95

9 418979 000012

PASSING OF ANDREW ANDERSON – LAST REMAINING VCC FOUNDER

MARKETPLACE VEHICLES FOR SALE INCLUDING EDELBROCK SPECIAL

BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A 1965 SUNBEAM TIGER DRIVING OUR HISTORY

Wanganui hoons - what happened to old Model Ts in the late 1920s! In a family photo album I found this photo of my uncle Jim Mayes (1902-1984) at the rear, an unknown driver and the car’s owner Ira Pepperell all pretending to be gangsters. Jim, long a car painter with great skill at painting coachlines, and to my knowledge, never owned a gun. Supplied to Beaded Wheels by Ronald Mayes, Rotorua Branch.

PHOTOGRAPHS REQUIRED: Submissions of suitable prints and information are welcome. Post or email original photographs or high resolution digital files of

historical interest with any available information to: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz or Beaded Wheels, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Laserprints/photocopies are not suitable.

Photos will be returned as soon as practicable.

Beaded Wheels

The official club magazine of Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (inc.).

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

To find out more about the club visit www.vc.org.nz or contact your nearest branch.

VCCNZ BRANCHES A full list of branch addresses and contact details can also be found on the VCCNZ website at www.vcc.org.nz ASHBURTON PO Box 382, Ashburton 7740 ashburton@vcc.org.nz AUCKLAND PO Box 12-138, Penrose, Auckland 1642 auckland@vcc.org.nz BANKS PENINSULA C/O, 722 Waterholds Road, RD8 Christchurch 7678 bankspeninsula@vcc.org.nz BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 660, Tauranga 3144 bayofplenty@vcc.org.nz CANTERBURY PO Box 11-082, Sockburn Christchurch 8443 canterbury@vcc.org.nz CENTRAL OTAGO C/-114 Shortcut Road, Luggate, RD2, Wanaka 9382 centralotago@vcc.org.nz CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY C/- 448 Tukituki Road, RD1, Takapau 4286 centralhawkesbay@vcc.org.nz EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 2168, Kopeopeo Whakatane 3159 easternbayofplenty@vcc.org.nz FAR NORTH C/– PO Box 312 Kaitaia 0441 farnorth@vcc.org.nz GISBORNE PO Box 307, Gisborne 4040 gisborne@vcc.org.nz GORE PO Box 329, Gore 9740 gore@vcc.org.nz HAWKE’S BAY PO Box 3406, Napier 4142 hawkesbay@vcc.org.nz

HOROWHENUA PO Box 458, Levin 5540 horowhenua@vcc.org.nz KING COUNTRY C/- 923 Taringamotu Road, Taumarunui 3994 kingcountry@vcc.org.nz MANAWATU PO Box 385 Palmerston North 4440 manawatu@vcc.org.nz MARLBOROUGH PO Box 422, Blenheim 7240 marlborough@vcc.org.nz NELSON PO Box 3531, Richmond 7050 nelson@vcc.org.nz NORTHLAND PO Box 17, Whangarei 0140 northland@vcc.org.nz NORTH OTAGO PO Box 360, Oamaru 9444 northotago@vcc.org.nz NORTH SHORE C/- 7 Godwit Place, Lynfield Auckland 1042 northshore@vcc.org.nz OTAGO C/- 125 Forbury Road, Saint Clair, Dunedin 9012 otago@vcc.org.nz ROTORUA PO Box 2014, Rotorua 3040 rotorua@vcc.org.nz SOUTH CANTERBURY 19 Redruth St, Timaru 7910 southcanterbury@vcc.org.nz SOUTHLAND PO Box 1240, Invercargill 9840 southand@vcc.org.nz SOUTH OTAGO C/- 1931 Breakneck Rd, RD 4, Balclutha 9274 southotago@vcc.org.nz

SOUTH WAIKATO PO Box 403 Tokoroa 3420 southwaikato@vcc.org.nz TARANAKI C/- 7 Leatham Ave, Strandon, New Plymouth 4312 taranaki@vcc.org.nz TAUPO 33 AC Baths Ave, Taupo 5530 taupo@vcc.org.nz WAIKATO PO Box 924, Hamilton 3240 FAR NORTH waikato@vcc.org.nz NORTHLAND WAIMATE WELLSFORD/ NORTH SHORE 4 Harris St, Waimate 7924 WARKWORTH waimate@vcc.org.nz AUCKLAND WAIRARAPA WAITEMATA 24B Nikau Heights,Lansdowne, BAY OF PLENTY WAIKATO Masterton 5810 EASTERN BAY wairarapa@vcc.org.nz OF PLENTY ROTORUA WAITEMATA SOUTH WAIKATO C/- 8 Jean Place, Stanmore Bay, TAUPO GISBORNE KING COUNTRY Whangaparoa 0932 TARANAKI waitemata@vcc.org.nz HAWKE’S BAY WANGANUI WANGANUI CENTRAL MANAWATU PO Box 726, Whanganui 4541 HAWKE’S BAY wanganui@vcc.org.nz HOROWHENUA WELLINGTON WAIRARAPA PO Box 38418, Wellington Mail Centre, NELSON Lower Hutt 5045 WELLINGTON wellington@vcc.org.nz MARLBOROUGH WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH PO Box 547, Warkworth 0941 WEST COAST wellsfordwarkworth@vcc.org.nz WEST COAST CANTERBURY BANKS PENINSULA C/- 143 Ward Street, Cobden Greymouth 7802, ASHBURTON westcoast@vcc.org.nz SOUTH CANTERBURY WAIMATE

CENTRAL OTAGO

SOUTHLAND

GORE

NORTH OTAGO OTAGO

SOUTH OTAGO

CONTENTS Issue 392 February/March 2025

FEATURES 10 18

Sunbeam Tiger

12

12 18 First International Rally

37

Marketplace

24 28 32 50

VCC First International Rally Barry Barnes recalls the VCC rally that for some still sets the standard as one of the best International club events organised in New Zealand.

Behind The Wheel – 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Desert Truck A group of North Island mates took on the challenge of honouring the Long Range Desert Group with their restoration.

2024 Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix – Classic Races Roving reporter Stuart Francis gets to indulge his passion for two wheels at the home of the TT. Rally Snippets 32

Aucklands Annual Motorcycle Rally

34

Taihape Gumboot Rally – Wanganui Branch

Andrew Anderson We acknowledge the passing of one of our Club’s founding members.

24

Desert Truck

COVER

COLUMNS 5

From the Editor

43

Swap Meets & Rallies

6

VCC Branch Events

47

Trade Directory

7

Mailbag

48

President’s Message

8

Timelines

49

Commemorative Awards

35

Polishing the brass

49

National Office News

36

Archivist News

52

Branch News

37

Marketplace

66

Passing Lane

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated

1963 Datsun Bluebird Boy racers eat your heart out - is this the original Japanese street car?

Soggy weather meant a smaller turnout at the Banks Peninsula Branch New Year’s day picnic but there was still plenty to be seen including this Austin Big 7. First registered in Christchurch on 19 April 1939 to Mrs Evenatt.

The Austin is now owned by Canterbury member Marshall Harkerss.

Photo: John McDonald

National Office

Phone 03 366 4461 (9.30am–1.30pm) Email admin@vcc.org.nz

Postal Address PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.

Address 12 Aberdeen St, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Website: www.vcc.org.nz

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

4 Beaded Wheels

Find us on facebook Vintage Car Club of New Zealand

The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) is the worldwide organisation dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of historic vehicles and related culture.

The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc) is a founding member of FIVA. VCC Life Member Rod Brayshaw is the New Zealand delegate to FIVA and also a member of the FIVA Technical Commission.

FROM THE

EDITOR

All Vintage Car Club of New Zealand members receive Beaded Wheels by post. In addition to this we have provided the extra benefit of having a digital copy free of charge for those who have requested it.

This enables you to read the magazine when you are on the go and also allows you to save the digital issues to your computer hard drive. These saved copies can be a valuable resource should you wish to do a search for something later on.

Speed of delivery is another major advantage of receiving the digital version of the magazine. We are noticing an increasing number of members not receiving their hard copy of Beaded Wheels in a timely manner – the magazine enters the New Zealand Post system in one bulk lodgement, after that the delivery time is unfortunately out of our control. We are currently investigating alternative delivery methods but for many (eg rural addresses) there is no alternative delivery system.

Now that we have rolled out a number of issues of Beaded Wheels in a digital format, we are

Beaded Wheels Publisher

The Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXXVI No. 392

Typesetting and Design

RGB Design & Print Ltd, Christchurch

Editor: Kevin Clarkson Sub Editors: Judith Bain, Rosalie Brown,

Mark Dawber, John McDonald, Greg Price, Charles Rushbrook

able to evaluate how the process has been working. While the platform we use for this purpose, ISSUU, is working satisfactorily, some of our members find it is rather clunky and not particularly user friendly — but it does have one major advantage in that it is at a low cost to Beaded Wheels. The time may come when we go to another platform, giving the reader a different experience, but that will be at a greater cost.

We are receiving the occasional request from a member who is getting the digital issue and wishes to no longer receive the printed magazine. We can cope with that, but the problem arises if they also want to see a reduction in their Club subscription as a consequence!

Not everybody is asking for a reduction, but a few have.

Providing for two levels of subscription for members, ie: one price with printed copy and the other for digital, is not catered for in the Club Constitution or By Laws so there can be no change to policy in this regard. That may be a decision for the National Executive of the Club at some point in the future.

As you will see from the workings

Correspondence & Editorial Contributions Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz Phone 64 3 332 3531, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140.

Advertising Enquiries

Classified and Display Advertising to: Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140.

Phone 64 3 332 3531 Rate schedule available on request.

Back Issues Available on request to admin@vcc.org.nz

below, any reduced subs could be only very minimal anyway.

The question arises about what size of a reduction we are talking about and how would that be calculated?

Members pay their subscription and of that, some goes toward Beaded Wheels budget to produce, print and post the magazine. Worth thinking about that members get a high-quality publication for only a few dollars per issue. Also worth thinking about is that this is only possible because of the voluntary labour of many hours that the Beaded Wheels team put in to produce the magazine.

Production costs are fixed no matter how many magazines are produced so no reduction is possible there. For the digital version the same base production costs also but in addition there is a small increase in costs to prepare Beaded Wheels for the digital format, plus the costs of using ISSUU. Printing costs are forever increasing but the fact remains that printing some 9,000 copies six times a year comes at a substantial cost. Reducing that

Subscriptions

Beaded Wheels subscribers change of address to: PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140.

Phone 03 366 4461, Email admin@vcc.org.nz Annual subscription (6 issues) $52* inc GST Australian subscription (6 issues) NZ$112* Other countries (6 issues) NZ$185* Digital subscription (6 issues) NZ$39 available from issuu.com. *Payment by credit card incurs additional bank fee processing charge of 2%

number by 20%, say, would not necessarily result in a 20% reduction in printing costs.

Postage costs will reduce if we are posting fewer hard copies.

Of course, if we go to a different platform for the digital issue as numbers increase, then we will have increased costs for the digital version which need to be taken into account.

My recommendation to members is to keep getting the hard copy, the magazine lends itself to be kept handy so that it can be browsed from time to time. The digital copy is available as an extra benefit so you can read it on the go and also to build your Beaded Wheels archive for future reference without taking up valuable space in your garage.

Kevin Clarkson Editor Beaded Wheels

Copyright Information

The contents are copyright. Articles may be reproduced complete or in part provided that acknowledgement is made to “Beaded Wheels, the magazine of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated” as the source. Reproduction of articles must be at least 12 months after original Beaded Wheels publication date.

Beaded Wheels reserves the right to digitally store all published material for archival purposes.

CLOSING DATES FOR APRIL/MAY

Editorial Copy 26 February 2025 • Advertisements 10 March 2025

Beaded Wheels 5

VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

Banks Peninsula: New Year’s Day picnic at Little River. Photo John McDonald

FEBRUARY

1 Canterbury 1 E. Bay of Plenty

Annual Commercial Rally Annual Rally, 50th Anniversary & Badge Presentations 1 Southland 70th Anniversary Rally 1-2 Banks Peninsula Scope Classic Race Meeting Ruapuna 2 Taranaki Motor Show 2 Waitemata Dairy Flat Airfield Sprint 5-7 Marlborough National Veteran Rally 5-9 Southland Burt Munro MC Rally 6 Marlborough Open Day 7-9 Banks Peninsula CMRC Southern Classic Race Meeting Levels Timaru 8 Auckland Annual Veteran Run 8 Canterbury Boot Sale 8 Waimate Wallaby Rally 8-10 Gisborne Three Rivers Rally 9 Ashburton Show & Shine 9 Central Hawke’s BayClub Run 9 Wairarapa British & European Car Day 12 E. Bay of Plenty Midweek Run 12 Taupo Club Barbecue 12-16 Hawke’s Bay Art Deco Festival 13 Rotorua Club Run 14-15 Nelson Moutere Hop 14-16 Southland Ascot Park Classic Speedfest Teretonga Park 15 Canterbury Clip On Run 15 North Otago All British Day 16 Canterbury OCBC* 16 Central Otago Weekend Run 16 North Shore Posh Picnic 16 South Canterbury Chairman’s Run 16 Taupo Open Day 16 Waikato Club Run 16 Wanganui Gymkhana 19 Waikato Wednesday Wander 22 Bay of Plenty End of Month Run 22 Far North Northern Captain’s Run 22 Gore Festival Rally 22 South Canterbury Open Day

NATIONAL EVENTS 5-7 February 2025 National Veteran Rally Host: Marlborough Branch

22 Wells/Walkworth 22-23 Canterbury 23 Auckland 23 Otago 23 Taranaki 23 Horowhenua 27 Central Otago 27 Otago

Swap Meet Annual Rally Club Run Best of British Mini Vin Ted Green Memorial Motorcycle Rally Thursday Muster Midweek Lunch Run

MARCH

1 Canterbury

Brooklands to Brighton for 100 Year Old Vehicles 1 Gore Branch Run 1 Southland Veteran & Vintage Rally 2 Waitemata Brit Euro 8 Canterbury Moped Run 8 Nelson Swap Meet 8-9 South Waikato Irish Woman’s Rally 9 Banks Peninsula Summer Gymkhana Loburn 9 South Canterbury Mid Island Rally 9 Manawatu Ruahine Ramble 14-16 Central Otago Gold Motorcycle Rally 15 Horowhenua Swap Meet 15-16 Canterbury Jim Toohey M/C Run 16 Canterbury OCBC* 16 Central Hawke’s BayClub Run 16 Central Otago Weekend Run 16 Gore Swap Meet 16 Waikato Club Run 16 Wanganui Sunday Run 19 Waikato Wednesday Wander 21-22 Taranaki 60th Maunga Moana 22 North Shore Open Day 22-23 Otago Southern Backroad Adventure 22-24 Central Otago Anniversary Weekend Run 23 Central Hawke’s Bay Club Run 23 Northland Gymkhana 23 North Shore Open Day 23 South Canterbury Motorcycle Run 27 Otago Midweek Run 29-30 Auckland Autumn Tour 30 Canterbury Rear Wheel Brake

& Veteran Rally PV Run

30 Otago

APRIL

4-5 South Canterbury Swap Meet 5 Central Hawke’s Bay Twilight Run 5 Gore Frank Robson & Clearwater Capers 5 Waikato Mooloo Meander 10 South Canterbury Midweek Run 11-18 South Island Club Captain’s Tour 12 Nelson Club Run 12 North Otago Gerald Lynch-Blosse Motorcycle Memorial Run 12 Wanganui Wanganui Motorcycle Rally 13 Central Otago Weekend Run 16 Auckland Mid-Week Tourer’s Run 16 Waikato Wednesday Wander 18-21 Canterbury National SI Easter Rally 18-21 Waikato National NI Easter Rally 19 Far North Brian Parker Rally 19-20 Central Otago Wheels at Wanaka 20 North Shore Club Run 20 Wanganui Sunday Run 24 Central Otago Thursday Muster 26 Central Otago Golden Times Rally 25-27 Manawatu Highland Fling 27 Auckland Club Run 27 North Shore Garage Run to Leigh

MAY

2-4 Otago

Overnight Run to Ashburton 4 Waikato Motorcycle Run 8 South Canterbury Midweek Run 10 Nelson Club Run 10 South Canterbury P Class Rally 10 Southland Waimea Motorcycle Rally 11 Far North AGM 12 Far North Mother’s Day Run 17 Southland P60/P80 Rally 18 Central Otago Weekend Run 18 Otago Ladies/Restoration Rally 18 North Shore Club Run to Mangawhai 18 Waikato Club run

A valid Vehicle ID card (VIC) is required for any vehicle entered in a National VCC event.

Visit www.vcc.org.nz for more information on how to obtain a VIC for your vehicle.

18 –21 April 2025 National SI Easter Rally Host: Canterbury Branch

18 –21 April 2025 National NI Easter Rally Host: Waikato Branch

10 August 2025 VCC National AGM Invercargill

15-21 March 2026 Vero International Festival Nelson Region

This column is compiled from the VCCNZ National Calendar of Events, and events as listed in each branch newsletter. It does not contain all branch activities.

While Beaded Wheels makes every attempt to check the accuracy of the dates published in this column we advise readers to confirm all dates with the individual branch concerned. *OCBC: “Old Cars, Bikes , and Coffee,” all welcome.

6 Beaded Wheels

MAILBAG Beaded Wheels reserves the right to ­publish, edit or refuse publication of any item s­ ubmitted as comment. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily express the policy or views of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) or the publishers.

Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

YES KEVIN!

Reading the Editor’s address in Beaded Wheels issue 391 Dec 2024, I cannot hide the fact that Kevin speaks for many members of our interest group, be they Vintage Car Club members or part of the great unwashed like myself.

An excellent end of year synopsis on the stupid sayings of this generation and the demise of trusted news media that we once held sacred.

There was a time that you believed what was disseminated but alas now, suspect everything and believe nothing.

Beaded Wheels is exceptionally lucky to have an Editor of his calibre who takes no prisoners and is there to cut through the deluge of crap that we are all subject to everyday in our news media, newspapers (do we still have those) and online content.

Finally a big thank you for all the staff that produce such an magnificent magazine, long may it continue.

An interesting and beautifully put together publication for $9.00, yes nine dollars which all the publication staff should be justly proud of. It is a pleasure to read.

misinformation that keeps being propagated.

Addressing the latest FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt). EVs are long range. We have just returned from a Waipu to New Plymouth, Wellington, Gisborne and home three night trip in our six-year old 400km range Kona. The only problem was the stamina of its aging driver.

Our Kona EV and the excellent charging network handled the trip effortlessly just the same as 100,000s of other EVs travelling long distances in New Zealand do.

Next year we will replace our petrol tow car with a second hand Polestar, Kia BYD or similar ie an EV with a 1.5 tonne or better tow rating, so if you see a Stanley Steamer arriving at a rally field towed by an EV come over and ask some questions.

Using the Telegraph channelling the oil industry as a source of EV info is extremely unwise. The facts are legacy auto makers struggle with EVs. The newer companies ie Polestar, Kia, Hyundai, Tesla and BYD have increasing sales year on year and the number of EVs sold globally each year increases, only the rate of increase varies.

Mark Stacey Waipu

PHOTOGRAPH FONT

I am a new member of VCC and enjoy vehicles of all classes and talking with people about their experiences, anecdotes and helping sort vehicle problems.

Socially the club is great fun.

Beaded Wheels is a quality publication for a large hobby club, but there is one matter that annoys me. That is the font size and presentation on photographs. There are three types. Black font on the photograph that is good, black font under the photograph that is good and white font (super calendered paper colour) on the photograph that I find is not good. If this is on a dark colour background it is generally acceptable, but on a light colour it is difficult to read. I have good vision for my advancing age, but many members who have poorer vision and spectacles and/or are older may have the same issue as I have. Are these caption options a technical issue or is it possible to standardise to black font on or under a photograph? I find that the font size is fine and allows for a compact meaningful description of the topic.

Ken Grimwood, Member Canterbury

INFORMATION ON 1946 MORRIS LC 3 LIGHT TRUCK

Some years ago I acquired this truck in a partly restored condition. Unfortunately the vendor wasn’t able to give me a lot of information about the vehicle, apart from the rumour that it was used as a milk

truck on the Banks Peninsula in the Little Akaloa area. It was supposedly beige at the time. I think I have an old pic somewhere.

I have now finished the restoration by putting a new timber deck on the back, painting it green and getting it drivable again.

I would like to know if any readers are aware of the vehicle or have any more information on it.

Gerhard Heins Ph 021 950 745 gerhard_heins@hotmail.com

THE JOHNSTON DODGE

Further to Colin Johnston’s story re his DA Dodge in BW 391, he did own another Dodge for a few years, a 1935 Dodge DU coupe. Ansford Motors had it for sale in April 1941 and it was sold to a Harry Loveridge who sold it to Rowe and Healy in 1942.

A John Robinson bought it in November 1942, and he sold it to Milton Smith in April 1988. It was then purchased by Colin.

My wife, Noeline, and I were staying at Harry Davies’ place in Waitara and I mentioned that I would like to get a Dodge coupe.

Harry said that Colin had one so we had a look and subsequently bought it in October 1993. It was painted grass green with a pin stripe that looked like the Himalayas, but it was a complete car.

The following weekend we went down to Waitara again, with some spare wheels and tyres,

Bryce Clifford Palmerston North

ED NOTE Thank you for your kind comments and the Beaded Wheels committee appreciates you taking the time to write.

ENOUGH

Re the From the Editor column Oct Nov 2024 Issue of Beaded Wheels. Please please stop posting uninformed comment about electric vehicles. As a member owing both EVs and vintage cars, it is infuriating to have to keep correcting the

Beaded Wheels 7

TIME LINES

George Brough aboard the bike he designed

to get the Dodge. We dragged it out of the shed, hooked a rope onto it and towed it back to Harrys where we attended to the brakes, enough anyway to get us back to Manurewa.

With a good battery and some gas and with a little coaxing it fired into life. They are not called Dependable Dodges for nothing.

In 2002 we took it off the road and started on a full restoration.

I had been buying nos parts off ebay so I was able to put every possible new part into the mechanicals, gearbox and motor. Cutting out the rust and making new panels was next on the job list and this was a big job. I had a five-pound tin of Bondofill and am pleased to say that I did not use it all. Hammer and dolly and filing were the main tools and fabrication of new metal was the answer.

Eventually all panel work was finished and the prepping for painting started before applying

the final two-tone paint job which was done in my garage, no spray booths here. We were still putting the fuel sender unit in place the night before we left for Invercargill having done less than 10 miles road testing in it, but it’s a dependable Dodge, so we will be okay. Total cost for the whole rebuild came to $15,000. I did everything myself except the upholstery and chrome plating.

Up until covid came along we had done in excess of 80,000 miles in the Dodge, from the top of the north to the bottom of the south including four complete trips around the South Island.

In all this time we have only had four stoppages, all of which we fixed on the side of the road.

Dependable Dodge? To us it certainly is and we hope to start clocking up some more miles in the near future. Thank you Colin for selling us such a great car.

Don Huggins

New Year – New Resolution?

Here at Beaded Wheels we are always on the lookout for a good article for a future issue. To encourage you to put pen to paper two lucky authors or photographers per issue will win a limited edition Beaded Wheels cap.

Email your articles and ideas to: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz or contact our Editor, Kevin Clarkson, if you wish to discuss an idea for an article.

Phone 021 0270 6525 or email kevin@vcc.org.nz

Beaded Wheels Our lucky winners of the Beaded Wheels caps for this issue are Andrew Honeyfield (Desert Truck, page 24 ) and Carolyn Bolland (Branch News).

8 Beaded Wheels

1905

120 YEARS AGO

VETERAN VEHICLES

Electric car sales were slowing, hampered by 40 - 60km/h maximum speeds and limited range of 40 to 80 kilometres. But, according to a 1905 report below, there was a cure for range anxiety even if it took a miracle.

“We read of extraordinary things. A story has come through from Minnesota about a lightning strike on an electric automobile whose batteries had run out. The lightning recharged the batteries and the occupants drove the vehicle home.”

1925

100 YEARS AGO

1950

75 YEARS AGO

1975

50 YEARS AGO

1995

30 YEARS AGO

VINTAGE VEHICLES

Britain’s new super-bike, the £179 Brough Superior SS100, was making a big impact. Labelled by a road tester as the ”Rolls-Royce of motorcycles” was good, but with a Rolls-Royce executive giving approval was even better. Then the great T. E. Lawrence bought one of the 69 made that year.

George Brough guaranteed every one of his J.A.P. engined, 998cc, air-cooled ohv, V twin SS100s would “top the ton”.

PW VEHICLES

Nash entered the 1950s full of optimism. Their fully enclosed Airflyte found 142,592 buyers in 1949 and preparations were underway for three major events. First cashing in on the positive reception to the NX1 two seater concept car on display in January at the Waldorf Astoria, Nash was inspired to produce the Metropolitan. Secondly entering the Nash-Healey at Le Mans, and, finally in April, celebrating the two-millionth Nash.

P60 VEHICLES

A very anxious Mrs Edith Coffey, mother of two sons, was a finalist of TV One’s “It’s In The Bag” compèred by the indomitable Selwyn Toogood.

It wasn’t facing the questions that worried her, or the fact it was the 13th show of the series. “That’s not a bad omen,” she quipped. It’s what she would do with the first prize, a new Chrysler Valiant and an 18ft caravan. “I don’t drive, she said, “and I don’t have anywhere to put them, but I’ve got no doubt the boys will have some ideas.

P80 VEHICLES

New year presents for buyers as even Toyota reduced prices. The Corolla was reduced by $2,750, the Corona by $2,600 and the evergreen Camry by $2,500. Holden swiped $2,400 off the price of the Rodeo. Subaru followed suit by offering a budget 1.8 litre, 4WD Impreza Sport Wagon for $30,990. No frills, but power steering.

Developments in the motoring world this month in history. Compiled by Graeme Rice QSM

CONSIGNING NOW FOR 2025 Specialists in Classic & Vintage Cars, Motorcycles, Tractors, Parts & Memorabilia Auckland Office | 027 676 1006 eugene@donington.co.nz

1926 Bugatti Type 37 – Sold Feb 2024 $750,000

Over $10,000,000 in auction sales in 2024

Collectors Motorcycles Featuring the Garage of Eric Bourn Timed Online Auction: closing Sunday 22nd February 2025 View catalogue at www.donington.co.nz

THE LARGEST CLASSIC & VINTAGE AUTOMOTIVE AUCTION HOUSE IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

1963 DATSUN BLUEBIRD PL312U

Words and photos David Midgen, davidmidgen@gmail.com

Datsun, a brand owned by Nissan, can trace its roots back to 1912 although it was 1931 before the name Datson first appeared.

This was soon altered to Datsun in 1932.

From what I have found out so far — in June 1962 the Datsun company tested New Zealand, Australia and some Asian countries by exporting their P312 model. New Zealand received around 200 vehicles consisting of a mix of cars and station wagons. Records show that only one 1962 station wagon is still registered here and is of unknown condition. In 1962 these vehicles were snapped up within a few months to rave reviews. Nissan opened up more dealerships and in 1963 vehicle imports were increased to 2083 units and, again, all were sold very quickly. They were small, economical, had a powerful, for the day, 60bhp motor, were light, had no oil leaks, were easy to drive, had full synchromesh on all gears and the 1200cc motor was extremely reliable.

These sold for less than £500 compared to the likes of the Vauxhall Viva and the Mk1 Cortina which were up around £900.

In 1963 Nissan commenced vehicle assembly in New Zealand at Motor Holdings in Otahuhu. They were required to have a certain

10 Beaded Wheels

amount of locally manufactured content such as glass, upholstery, tyres and radiators.

The P312 was produced in Otahuhu from May 1963 to June 1964 and in late 1964 the facelift model 410 and 411 were produced until 1968. There are only nine 1963 Datsun 1200s registered in New Zealand, in various states of repair.

I purchased my Datsun from an older couple in Warkworth. It had only done 83,000 miles but it had been stored for many years in a farm shed, waiting for restoration. They had recently done some work on it. New brakes all round and five new tyres, to get a warrant of fitness but failed this as there were a few more things that needed attention. The owners had downsized to a smaller home with limited garage space and, as their new cars were sitting outside in the weather, they made the decision to sell the Datsun.

They were very happy with my future plans for their muchloved little car and after a tour of their new home, meet the dogs, and coffee, we trailered it back to Auckland. On the road we had many toots and thumbs up and “Cool car man” and “WOW nice” from people when sitting at the lights. I kept the previous owners informed of the restoration progress, with photos, and they were always excited to see how their little Datsun was going.

The first step was to take many photos from all different angles before any work was started. The Datsun drove satisfactorily but needed some love and attention and when I stripped it down it appeared to have had very little servicing over its life. The car was 100% complete and in amazing condition for its age but one concern was the availability of parts. Not a good thought to have when you have just purchased it! I found out that the motor was based on a BMC B Series motor as used in Austin A40 and other BMC marques and parts were readily available at Paul Walbran Motors in Auckland. It was in 1952 that a decisive new phase for Nissan began with the signing of an agreement with Austin resulting in Nissan starting production of a car based on the Austin A40.

Linkages, ball joints and bearings were either reconditioned or new, so the process was relatively easy. Everything mechanical was stripped, checked and overhauled to as new as possible.

The body was completely stripped down to an empty shell and sanded down to the metal. The only rust was in the spare tyre area in the boot and some small patches at the bottom of the rear guards.

A very gifted coach builder replaced all areas with new metal to an amazing standard then four coats of 2K primer, sanding down after each coat. The shell was left for two months for the primer to settle.

All doors, bonnet and boot were similarly stripped down and had the same treatment.

The chassis was in great condition and only needed a good clean before treatment. The front and rear suspensions were fully overhauled. The gearbox was checked and bearings replaced. The driveshaft was fitted with new universal joints and balanced. All was painted in 2K black and reassembled, awaiting the body.

When the body was fully painted in three base coats and three clear coats I left it for two months to harden before lowering it onto the chassis. Cars that came to New Zealand were all one colour, normally a light blue. Only the Japanese market had the two-tone colour scheme that we have painted ours, as I prefer this. The interior and boot area were sound proofed, and all the factory supplied tools were cleaned and painted back to the original yellow.

The steering wheel was a bit of a mess and was restored. The dash switches and door window winder knobs were degrading and 3D printing was a great help here as it was also for other small items.

The interior (seats and door cards) had a clean and came up so well that we decided to leave them as original. This model came with rubber mats, but we decided to have carpet made for the interior and boot area. Autotech in East Tamaki have the patterns for these.

The motor was reconditioned by a professional, and I also fitted a full overhaul kit to the Nikki twin choke carb.

All the body has been undersealed, wings, doors and everywhere water

could get to. The chrome work was a bit of a shock regarding price, but there is no use getting a cheap job done as invariably you will need to do it again when it starts to rust.

Our model has the Bluebird emblem on the front wing rather than Datsun. This model was only made for four months, from January to April 1963.

What did I do myself? I stripped the whole thing and labelled, cleaned and repaired what I could, prepped and painted the car, restored the steering wheel and fully assembled the car. I serviced the generator and starter with bearings, bushes and brushes (yes, I kept the generator) as I am a sparky and have done this before.

It was a cheap fix. Fitting everything and tuning the motor was easy as I purchased an electronic, fully programmable, distributer from Paul Walbran Motors, it started first go and idled like a sewing machine.

Two things I would like to obtain to finish the car are a genuine old style, but new, radio with Bluetooth, and a Datsun clock, working or not, for the dash.

If you are going to restore any car rule number one is try to purchase the best car you can as a rusty model will cost you many thousands more and a lot of frustration. Many small things add up very quickly and before you know it, you have well over capitalised, however is it is a labour of love and the amount of pleasure you get from doing this yourself is priceless.

Numbers built: 2,083 (In Japan from January–April 1963) Body type: sedan Rear wheel Drive Fuel: 95 petrol Number of Cylinders: inline 4 Capacity: 1230cc Bore/Stroke: 74mm x 71mm Valve Gear: OHV Compression Ratio: 9:1 up from 8:1 Valves per Cylinder: 2 x S/S oversize Fuel System: twin choke Nikki carb Max Power: 65hp @ 4800 rpm Max Torque: 85 ft-lb at 3600 rpm Gearbox: 3 speed full synchro Weight: 890 kg Maximum speed: 130 kph No of model registered in NZ: 3

Beaded Wheels 11

VCC FIRST INTERNATIONAL RALLY

Assistance in the mountains for Mr Ten Cate and 1911 Peugeot, note the accessory brake.

MOTORING MEMORIES: 6-19 MARCH 1965 Words Barry Barnes As interest in the next International Rally in Nelson 2026 ramps up, it is timely to reflect on the situation 60 years ago.

Frantic preparation was going on all around the country for the looming first International Rally for veteran and vintage vehicles to be held in New Zealand. As a first for a FIVA International, motorcycles were included. Invariably referred to as the Haast Rally, it was, for a small country, and at that time a relatively small club, a breathtakingly ambitious undertaking.

The scope was massive and groundbreaking, with nothing like it having been held under FIVA auspices to date.

We need to go back a few years. Prior to the time New Zealand succeeded in being awarded the event, ideas had been simmering following the hugely successful first National Rally held at Picton.

Once the approval was granted, planning began in earnest, with life member Andrew Anderson being a key player in the

12 Beaded Wheels

whole exercise from go to whoa. As Rally Organiser and Chief Marshall, it would be reasonable to assume that the event would loom large in his every waking hour from the successful awarding of the event until its successful conclusion. Not the least being the need to assemble a team and coordinate everything without the aid of modern communications.

While a committee would be Christchurch based, much had to be done by the, now archaic, means of letter writing.

A formidable team of 15 people were assembled to assist, with liaison people being needed at various places throughout the country, as well as the central team based in Christchurch.

The pages of Beaded Wheels kept members up to date with regular reports of suitable vehicles for sale, being acquired and restorations under way, while detailed articles on the rally format and attractions en route served to whet

the appetite for what was ahead. Geoff Hockley, doyen of the motorcycle brigade, and the committee member responsible for the Rally Programme, observed in the June 1964 issue that at that stage only three Harleys were among prospective entrants. He called upon owners of Triumphs, Indians, Douglases, Scotts, Excelsiors and others to think seriously about entering. “Remember”, he wrote, “this event will be something you’ll still be talking about when you have reached the wheelchair stage.”

Geoff got his wish with 19 motorcycles entered including a 1910 Triumph ridden

by Neil Kirk of Melbourne. Sixty years later I’m not yet in my wheelchair but still talking about it (the Rally that is)!

The April 1964 issue had arrived with the rally regulations and entry form enclosed, by which time excitement was high with many branch notes confirming the high level of interest and by June over 200 firm entries had been received.

▼

Breakdown crew in action in Wanaka 1910 Stoewer is the patient.

▼

▲ George Gilltrap in Genevieve at Mt Cook note campground in rear.

Guy Ravenscroft Renault 45 from Malaysia prepares to leave camp at Mt Cook.

Many, if not most, members today will have little, if any, knowledge of the event or only a hazy appreciation of what it entailed.

The initial hope was that a tour could be planned that would encompass the new West Coast road down to Haast and onward through the Haast Pass into Central Otago.

It became apparent fairly early that the road would not be completed in time so the decision was made that the tour would start in Christchurch, travel to Mt Cook for the first overnight stop, with subsequent overnight stops at Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Invercargill, Dunedin, Timaru then back to Christchurch for the finale.

Day trips were made through the Haast Pass to Pleasant Flat thus preserving the Haast connection, and to Milford Sound.

It was not just a tour, being a fully competitive event, covering 1300 miles in 13 days.

The roads back then comprised of a high proportion of unsealed surfaces for example; all the Mackenzie country from

Tekapo onward, the Haast Pass road and the road to Milford Sound.

The continuous dust cloud from the foot of the Lindis Pass to the summit was awesome to behold and typical of much of the travel.

My recollection of the road into Mount Cook was of almost continuous corrugations and steep pulls up the shingle fans that formed the sides of the many streams that had to be crossed by one way bridges, a far cry from today’s comparative super highway, that makes its much shorter way along the shores of a raised Lake Pukaki.

The motorcyclists arrived at Mt Cook as a dusty mass with bike and rider being indistinguishable from each other, and

while the cars were equally dusty, their occupants at least fared better.

The logistics of the whole affair were huge.

Accommodation options were lean in many places, particularly Mt Cook, and the available first-class accommodation went largely to the overseas entrants. Kiwis were mostly wanting the camping options anyway, but here they had virtually no choice. A campsite was setup in the rocky Hooker Valley which required the use of army field kitchens, complete with cookers, generators, marquees, temporary pit toilets and army-style latrine. Totally rudimentary with scrim surroundings — no portaloos then!

Beaded Wheels 13

▲

Geoff Hockley and Harley-Davidson tackle Cleland’s Hill. ▼ Dr Shafer, 1915 Dodge.

The field kitchens went on to provide meals at 13 stopping places dispensing approximately 26,000 meals and requiring more than 33 tons of food, a service superbly organised by Sam Slyfield who was also Deputy Director of the Rally and New Zealand director for Pennzoil, a major sponsor of the event. They also provided free oil to competitors who required it.

Lunches prepared by the field kitchens included a pack of sandwiches and of the four fillings offered one was green pea! It became a standing joke at mealtimes to offer to swap two green pea sandwiches for one of anything else. Despite that, the work of the field kitchens was superb, serving great meals despite the inherent difficulties.

A lot of interest centred on the overseas entrants … from Australia, Malaysia, South Africa, Europe, the UK and the United States, many bringing some very delectable machinery.

14 Beaded Wheels

There were other teams too. The Firestone tyre truck attending to tyre repairs for which they had many a call.

The Shell refuelling tanker was driven by Neil McVicar. Neil subsequently joined the Club and was a member for over 50 years, still rallying well into his 90s. Additionally there were two IGA food trucks and also repair teams with breakdown truck and baggage wagons.

Branches were involved with organising motor shows at overnight stops as well as evening entertainment for the entrants, and lunch time vehicle displays.

Additional branch arranged events included circuits of the Teretonga Park track at Invercargill and, on the final day heading for Christchurch, a timed hill climb at Clelands Hill, Cave, in South Canterbury.

Everything appeared to run like clockwork to us participants, but it would be sure to have been like the swan serenely gliding across the pond paddling like hell underneath.

It had been necessary to curb entries at 300 and by December 1964, 39 people were on the waiting list. A somewhat contentious call was made that those who had only recently joined the Club, clearly in order to participate, would be the ones on that list and would be offered entries as cancellations arrived strictly in order of receipt of entry.

It would seem unlikely that any missed out, as in the end, 293 vehicles started with a number of erstwhile entrants having

been unable to finish their vehicles in time or suffering breakdowns en route.

On 6 March 1965 approximately 1,000 people began their 13 day journey.

The first to leave the Addington Show grounds start was John McLachlan in his 1907 Model K Cadillac at 5.45 am, closely followed by the other nine single and twin cylinder veterans. Oldest and slowest was the 1902 Crestmobile of Bill Delany from Wellington, Most famous was Genevieve herself the filmstar 1904 Darracq brought over from Queensland by Kiwi expat George Gilltrap.

You would expect a rather lonely departure at that hour of the morning but there was in fact a huge throng of people not only at the start but along the roadsides for miles. There was no prior publicity about the start but quite clearly the message had got out as general news coverage of the event caught the imagination of the public. They enjoyed a steadily passing parade with vehicles leaving at half minute intervals with the last one departing at 10.50 am on what by then was a perfect day.

And so it was throughout the Rally with crowds out in force and comprehensive cover given by all the newspapers at centres passed through.

A lot of interest centred on the overseas entrants who came from Australia, Malaysia, South Africa, Europe, the UK and the United States, many bringing some very delectable machinery.

Mr Ten Cate from the Netherlands had enquired as to whether the course was in the mountains and was reassured that was not the case. He was originally daunted when he found out where he would have to take his beautiful little twin cylinder 1911 Peugeot but ended up thoroughly delighted with its performance through territory never encountered in its homeland.

Dr Shafer, from California, USA, whose car was the first overseas entrant to arrive, was rumoured to be in his 80s, but handled his left hand drive 1915 Dodge with aplomb until, on a gravel road, he encountered a grader, the blade of which struck and badly damaged his right hand front wheel. The resourceful doctor rebuilt the wheel with temporary bracing while a replacement wheel, known to be in the North Otago Branch spare parts, was rushed to him.

The Rally Catalogue (Programme) – 2/6 each thank you – records 44 overseas entrants, a remarkable number for 1965 with all the hassles involved in freighting the vehicles, although at least four of these did not make it to the starting line.

The perfect weather upon arrival at Mt Cook did not last. Strong winds springing up soon had many entrants chasing their tents that had blown away as a result of the difficulty anchoring into the rocky terrain. Most spent the night hanging on to tent poles and although bleary eyed, cheerfully faced the long breakfast queues in the rain, with some resorting to holding their plates overhead to provide some little protection.

The Rally organisation had thoughtfully answered inquiries by providing a suggestion list for wear for competitors.

1 Summer wear.

2 Heavy pullover and top coat.

3 Light rainwear, essential for rain forest areas.

4 Class A. Entrants informal wear for hotels.

5 All competitors formal wear for final dinner. It was later clarified dress suits were fine, dinner suits not essential.

Note, umbrellas were not mentioned but a small minority of well-equipped campers had found some in their gear.

Morale was high and most people had a ball, with much to remember from the experience.

Many running repairs were required, not the least being tightening things that had come loose on the rattly road, I remember one Willys-Knight that was strung up to a tree while the engine bearings received attention. The weather was decidedly patchy throughout the spare day but the fickle weather gods relented with Mt Cook finally appearing as everyone prepared to leave.

I had to make use of the Pukaki Garage to replace some broken valve springs on the 1924 Peugeot which I had naively overlooked replacing when the motor was rebuilt. Luckily, old Morris Eight springs that Neville Jackson, the proprietor, had tossed in a box of bits, proved suitable.

Graeme Bell from the back-up team helped with this work and at his suggestion we managed to do it without taking the head off the side valve motor which was no mean feat.

The spreading of the event over 13 days with some free days did mean there was time for entrants to sightsee and do maintenance and repairs to their vehicles.

In some instances valiant efforts went into keeping entrants on the road. There was plenty of time for social events too and I remember Edward, Lord Montagu accepting the invitation of a group of Southlanders to join them for a beer in the Wanaka Hotel.

At Queenstown, a rollicking evening cruise with a first class band playing, was enjoyed on the 1912 steamship Earnslaw, and the circuits of Teretonga racetrack were much enjoyed by most participants.

That evening the social night at the Waikiwi Tavern was well attended and an oyster eating competition saw the locals outpaced by Henry Gluyas from Blenheim.

His 1920 Dodge thereafter bore a sash proclaiming him Champion Oyster Eater.

That night the low gear on my Peugeot gave out leaving me with no low gear or reverse. As Invercargill was hometown in those days it was deemed prudent to leave the car in Invercargill rather than risk more damage trying to get to Christchurch and back. It wasn’t all bad, as my crew and I were thereafter esconced in the luxurious rear quarters of Neil and Pam McMillan’s 1927 Packard, though I was one of seven non-finishers not to receive a rally plaque.

The organisers of the successful Dunedin Motor Show were applauded for their canny Scots streak that saw them charge more than any other similar venue.

The hillclimb that formed part of the final day’s rally

Bill Delaney, 1902 Crestmobile.

Classy lineup at Cave.

Beaded Wheels 15

s Pukaki garage.

route saw vehicles individually timed on an ascent up the short, twisty, gravel surfaced, Clelands Hill Road which most seemed to enjoy. None more than Lord Montagu whose 1913 Prince Henry Vauxhall was declared the winner of that event.

The final dinner was held in the King Edward Barracks in Christchurch and although the acoustics caused difficulty with the prizegiving, it was another monumental achievement. Sheer numbers meant some did not get their meals hot, a small enough quibble at the end of an overall magical experience.

The prize list was extensive with three placings in each of the nine classes plus section winners. Overall winner of the

s Traffic on Burkes Pass.

16 Beaded Wheels

Herr Schoof trophy was Len Southward with the 1912 Buick.

Arguably the best event the Club has ever run it was a standard setter for all future International Rallies. Few, if any, will have surpassed it, with to my mind the only possible contender being the 1972 Nelson event.

s J L (Jumbo) Goddard Vauxhall 30.98 at Mt Cook.

Barry Barnes has been an active member since 1959 and is still motoring the 1924 Peugeot Type 177B taken on the “Haast” Rally and the 1925 Studebaker restored for the 1972 International Rally while the 1979 Suzuki GS 850G and sidecar is used for motorcycle events.

Barry has a particular interest in the Club’s history and is the Librarian for the South Canterbury Branch.

Barry Barnes

Straker-Squire and Sunbeams at Wanaka.

Overall winner 1912 Buick of Len Southward returning from Haast.

Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, with his Prince Henry Vauxhall.

1919 Overland from South Africa.

Beaded Wheels 17

HIN BE

D THE WH EE L

The Sunbeam Tiger is an enigma, it shouldn’t be as good as it is. After all it is a hybrid built from a Hillman Husky platform with a ‘cooking’ Ford Fairlane V8 shoehorned in.

A recipe for disaster surely?

In the 1950s and ‘60s the British motor industry was at its peak before the calamitous decline of the ‘70s. The booming American market was the golden goose for the manufacturers. While the British industry struggled to establish themselves in the breadand-butter market over there, they were well poised to exploit the surging sports car fad that began with returning troops at the end of WW II. MG was up and running with a warmed-over pre-war design (the TC) and in 1948 Jaguar astonished the sports car world with the thoroughly modern XK120.

Donald Healey was struggling to establish his company with Riley engined saloons and sports cars. He entered an arrangement with Nash Motors to produce the Nash-Healey which performed well at Le Mans and the Mille Miglia. And became a success in the US market.

Healey could instantly see the huge potential for an exciting sports car positioned between the MG and Jaguar. Hence the

18 Beaded Wheels

1965 SUNBEAM TIGER Words Roger White photos John McDonald, Craig Pidgeon

Celebrating 60 years of the Sunbeam Tiger creation of the Austin Healey 100. Other British manufacturers (notably Triumph) rushed to get a slice of the pie.

Rootes group, not really known for sporty cars in the early ‘50s, was left out in the cold.

Rootes had a mildly sporty saloon car, the Sunbeam Talbot 90, with which they competed in European rallies. They had considerable success thanks to the top line drivers employed. Stirling Moss won three Alpine Cups in this most unlikely of cars.

To make the most of this success Rootes introduced a stripped down two door soft top version with a sloping back and called it the Alpine. Good car as it was, it did not crack the sports car market.

Rootes knew that they needed something much better if they were to make a mark in the US market.

By the mid ‘50s Rootes were planning a whole new range of medium family saloons. As part of this they employed Ken Howes, an English designer, who had had experience with the famous Raymond Loewy design studios in the US. His brief was to design a new sports car that would have international appeal utilising the soon-to-be-introduced new model range components.

Howes succeeded admirably, he came up with a smart thoroughly modern sports car, ahead in many ways compared to the rest of the British sports cars of the day.

Monocoque construction (based around the immensely strong Hillman Husky floor pan, which set the wheelbase and track dimensions) wind up windows and a decent concealed hood! The styling was streamlined and the cockpit comfortable. Just the ticket for America, over 70,000 Alpines were sold there in an eightyear period.

However, one thing became apparent quickly. More power was required. The 1500cc (later 1600 and 1725cc) engine even with twin carburettors and sporty cam could not provide the 100 mph + desired by the enthusiasts.

Jack Brabham (who was a Rootes dealer in the UK) was familiar with American engines and initially floated the idea of a transplant for the Alpine as he was doing conversions for other manufacturers.

But no suitable engine could be found at the time.

Meanwhile, Ford Motor Company was looking to manufacture a ‘small’ V8 for their ‘compact’ car range. Their engineers

Beaded Wheels 19

The gearbox is so good to use that it is tempting to use it necessary or not! perfected a new ‘thin wall’ casting technique which resulted in a compact lightweight V8 with great potential.

Carroll Shelby also saw the potential for a powerful sports car for the US market. He put together an arrangement between AC motors (UK) and Ford for the use of the new engine and created the AC Cobra. A huge success.

The Rootes sales management in the US were very aware of the Cobra and with a quick flick around an Alpine engine bay thought it might be possible to fit the new Ford engine in.

They contacted Shelby to gain his opinion. This resulted in two prototypes being built. One by Ken Miles and the other by Shelby.

The Shelby prototype was a success and showed the potential of the idea.

The Shelby car was shipped to the UK and surprisingly was approved by Lord Rootes himself who subsequently called Henry Ford II in order to negotiate the engine supply.

The development of the Tiger and subsequent assembly was contracted to Jensen Motors and production commenced in 1964 with all the initial units going to the States.

20 Beaded Wheels

BEHIND THE WHEEL – TIGER Ø MASTERTON TO NGAWI 107 KM Craig Pidgeon’s Tiger (TIGER Ø) is one of the four Tigers originally imported to NZ by Todd Motors. It was imported to special order for John Barton, a young farmer near Featherston who was looking to replace his MGB. He enjoyed the car for 3 years before moving it on.

After a succession of owners, it fell into disrepair, but was saved and superbly restored in the 1990s.

The car is largely original only the lower stance and 14 inch ‘minilite’ alloy wheels are obvious enhancements.

It looks great in shiny red (originally white) and ready to go, but you can’t help but notice how similar looking it is to the nearby Alpines which was considered an impediment to sales considering the additional cost. However, start it up and the addictive V8 burble quickly lets you know that this is something special!

Looking under the bonnet you wonder how all that stuff could fit and how do you change the plugs? Actually, pretty easy except for the left-hand rear plug which is accessed through a hole in the passenger footwell!

The engine sits low and well back thanks to a modified bulkhead, this means that a standard bonnet could be used and a near 50/50 front to rear weight distribution was achieved.

The 260 cubic inch (4.2 litre) V8 produces 164hp and a massive 256 lb/ft of torque and it sits there idling calmly.

The doors are huge by the sports car standards of the day making access very easy. The seats are comfortable and reclinable with good lumbar support.

The cockpit is spacious thanks to the wide track, making other sports cars of the period feel cramped. The large steering wheel is wood rimmed and is comfortably positioned. The gearbox is a Ford ‘Toploader’ as used in the Mustang. 4 speed synchromesh

• The Sunbeam Tiger was assembled

by Jensen Motors under contract to Rootes Group.

• Painted and trimmed Alpine shells were shipped to the Jensen factory for reworking and fitment of the driveline.

• Jensen and Rootes engineers undertook extensive testing on the Continent before signing off the prototypes for production.

• Production commenced in 1964 and The Tiger was launched at the New York Motor show in April of that Year.

• Right hand drive versions commenced in 1965.

• The Mark 2 version of the Tiger was introduced at the end of 1966 with the Ford 289 cu in engine replacing the 260 cu in.

• The Mark 2 version was axed prematurely

by Chrysler Corporation, who had gained control of Rootes Group, after only 530 cars were built, as they could not stomach marketing cars with engines supplied by their arch-rival, Ford.

• 7067 Tigers were manufactured in total.

• Tigers had considerable success in international rallying and circuit racing in the USA. Famous drivers included Andrew Cowan and Rosemary Smith.

• Four Tigers were imported new into New Zealand by Todd Motors 1965–67. Several more have since been imported privately.

• A number of standard Alpines have been converted to Tiger specifications locally.

• Chris Amon sold his Jaguar E Type after only three weeks of ownership and purchased a Tiger because it was more practical and more fun!

Beaded Wheels 21

with close ratios. A rugged shift lever with reverse lockout provides a purposeful look, but it is a bit of a stretch to low and reverse.

With the hardtop removed we are ready to go. I select first gear and follow the other Tigers south out onto SH2. Wow, ‘low’ gear is tall, good for 50 mph (80 kph) so sensitive feathering of the clutch is necessary.

In spite of the tall gearing the massive torque of the V8 allows the selection of the higher gears at low revs, so we amble down towards Featherston restricted by 80kph speed limit, roundabouts and speed humps. Someone is determined to take the fun out of motoring!

At last we reach Featherston and turn east towards the distant coast. Immediately ahead we have miles of traffic free good undulating roads. Tiger country! 100kph is reached easily with the slightest pressure on the throttle, and we cruise along at 2,400 rpm (with plenty more beckoning). As we sweep over the undulations, I find the handling flat and true. To pass a slower vehicle you have the choice of simply depressing the throttle a little more and waft majestically past or going for third and have blast. (Third gear is good for 100mph). The gearbox is so good to use that it is tempting to use it necessary or not!

Martinborough, a popular destination for Wellingtonians is crowded as we negotiate the iconic square and head south for Lake Ferry. The roads are superb, the smell of freshly cut grass invigorating and with the V8 burble in our ears. This is what sports car driving is all about! Near Lake Ferry, we turn east again and head towards the infamous fishing village of Ngawi. More great roads and as we head down the bluff we are rewarded with the spectacular sight of the snow-capped Kaikoura range.

SPECIFICATIONS) Engine

Ford V8 260 cu in. (4,200cc) 164 BHP

Gearbox

Ford Toploader, close ratio, 4 speed synchromesh

Rear Axle

Hypoid 2.88 : 1

Brakes

Front disc 10 in. Rear drum 9 in

Wheels

14in alloy 5.5J

Suspension

Independent front coil. Rear leaf spring with Panhard rod

Steering

Rack and Pinion

Overall Rating Best of both worlds

turning inwards on full lock and considerable scuffing as a result.

This geometry does not however affect the general road feel.

TIGER Ø is a great all-round sports car. Comfortable, effortless performance highly practical with 26mpg readily obtainable and is just pure fun.

They say it is easy to spot Tiger owners by the smile on their dial. I certainly had a smile on mine after that drive! Thanks Craig.

The last section of the road to Ngawi is rough due to the constant battering of fierce southerly storms.

Tiger0 does judder a bit on the potholes and grooves, but there is no cowl shake which can be very evident on many sports cars of the era. Ngawi is a sight to behold with dozens of old tractors and bulldozers parked up on the gravel ready to reclaim the fishing boats as they come in, obligingly one did just that as we arrived, we were amazed at how quickly and efficiently the transfer took place.

Doing a U turn in loose gravel revealed a peculiar trait with the rack and pinion steering. The steering rack is mounted so far forward that the steering rods had to be curved backwards to join the steering arms on the hubs. This results in the outer wheel

22 Beaded Wheels

Hooked on cars from age 12 VCCNZ Life Member Roger White loved helping his father who was an A Grade mechanic and spent his weekends working on cars. He attended the first Wellington Branch Rally in 1958 as an enthralled spectator, obtained a 1930 MG Midget at age 15 which opened the way to join the VCC (Wellington) and has been constantly involved in branch activities since then including stints on the committee as chairman, club captain and delegate. Roger married Diane in 1970 who also became an integral member of Wellington Branch.

Roger has been an active organiser of many Wellington events, two national rallies. He has participated in all 11 VCCNZ International Rallies was was a management committee member for 14 years.

Roger White

STARTING BIG SINGLE MOTORCYCLES

tricks of the trade Beaded Wheels is always looking for hints of a technical nature. If you have a top tip that deserves a wider audience email us today and we can help spread the word.

Email us at beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz with your technical tips

My daughter sent me an email that said, “First start of a newly restored Norton ES2”. Now I would like to describe the action for you. Our hero wheeled the Norton out of the garage, a really nice plunger frame 1952 Norton the same as my first Norton. The starting technique was to say the least a bit interesting …

Bike put on the stand and our hero standing on the right.

Fuel on and tickle the carb.

Full choke.

A quick look at the advance/ retard lever.

Then putting his left foot on the kick start and a firm grip on the bars he sprang up and got his full weight on the starter and crashed down for a full stroke!

He was rewarded by a bang.

A further three repeats of the acrobatics and the dear old lady finally burst into life.

I showed this to another of my old bike mates and he pointed out that, unlike old buggers like me at 93, anyone under 70 would have lived with push button starts most of their career.

So may I explain just how to start a big single? For starters all machines from 350cc upwards were fitted with a valve lifter on the left side of the bars. This isn’t just for stopping the engine, it’s there for starting painlessly.

Right, now to proceed. Stand astride the machine, squeeze the valve lifter trigger and press down on the kick start. See

how easy it goes down, give it a couple swings to get the feel of it.

OK …fuel on, tickle carb.

Squeeze trigger and a long swinging kick release the trigger at about two thirds of the way down the stroke and “bingo” she will fire up for you.

To use this method instead of brute force (apart from your blood pressure) means that the magneto spins faster and thus presents a better spark. This is also much kinder to the gear box and primary chain.

Of course if you happen to have a big 650cc Panther they have a half compression lever on the crankcase.

Supplied by Derek Upton aka Big End Knocks

Shipping out of of COKER USA monthly

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Beaded Wheels 23

Beaded Wheels Cap Winner

DESERT TRUCK Word and photos Andrew Honeyfield

Ever since I saw the 1958 movie “Sea of Sands” as a young boy I had been intrigued by the deeds of the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) and the prominent part New Zealanders played in it during WWII. In 2010 my friend Ian McLeod suggested we should find and restore a 30-cwt Chevrolet truck of the type used by the LRDG. We would do it as a retirement project and as a tribute to the many Kiwis who served with distinction in the LRDG.

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We favoured the 1942 model 30 cwt Chev with the iconic “waterfall” grill, as it was the one mainly used by the LRDG. About 200 of these 1533X2 Chevs were made in Canada especially for the LRDG. Factory modifications to the standard civilian truck included a slightly wider Timken front axle, wider 10x16-inch tyres, heavy-duty springs, a larger radiator with condenser, a special rear ammo body, a compressor, a crawler gear and the removal of the roof, windows and doors.

Research has showed that all of the LRDG trucks were destroyed by enemy action in WWII, except one lonely survivor (an earlier model) now in London’s Imperial War Museum. So even though our truck is a genuine 1942 Chevrolet, it is a “replica” of a LRDG truck.

… and better still, the generous owner was happy to sell it to us for one dollar!

s Wartime photo Libya 1942.

Fortunately for us, civilian 1942 Chevrolet trucks were relatively common in post-war New Zealand.

They were used by farmers and trucking contractors who found them strong and reliable. In 2010 we were lucky enough to find a survivor rusting away in an open-sided hay barn, and better still, the generous owner was happy to sell it to us for one dollar! We towed it to our mate Eric’s workshop and started what we naively hoped would be a quick and relatively cheap restoration. After all, as the LRDG trucks had no doors, windows or roof, all we had to do was take things off! How hard could it be?

s Another wartime view.

Te Aroha III was a radio truck.

As we had no panel-beating or welding experience we soon discovered how hard it could be! The chassis and all of the original panels were sand-blasted or acid-dipped before we repaired any dents, tears or defects. We also fabricated the rear “ammo” body from scratch. Correct measurements were obtained by scaling off the many wartime photos in Brendan O’Carroll’s wonderful book Kiwi Scorpions about the LRDG. We decided to call our truck “Te Aroha III” as one of the wartime LRDG trucks (NoT9) was so named (all of the New Zealand trucks

Beaded Wheels 25

had Māori names on the bonnet). Also, as we live in the town of Te Aroha where at least four of the LRDG men came from, it seemed an appropriate choice. Because of that connection, we received generous help from some local businesses in discounting the cost of materials. As we were a team of three, we also benefitted by sharing costs between us. Surprisingly, there were no arguments about this!

Eight years later after many trials and tribulations, three very determined and much wiser restorers completed the marathon project. The truck’s registration had lapsed and we struggled through the bewildering array of pedantic rules, regulations, exceptions, sub-clauses and obscure references in the NZTA website – I defy anyone without a law degree to make sense of them! We were pleased and relieved when our amateur workmanship finally passed the inspection of a NZTA-appointed panel-beater. After eight years of blood, sweat and toil we were now road-legal! Sadly, our friend Eric passed away a short time after the project was completed.

In 2018 we attended the Armistice Day military vehicle display at Karapiro, Cambridge where we proudly displayed “Te Aroha III” to the public. While there, we joined up with three other LRDG replicas in a photo-shoot – the only time since WWII that four such trucks were seen together. s Andrew and Ian with the Chev truck as found in 2010.

ROAD TEST Have you ever wondered what it was like to drive a LRDG Chev 30cwt truck? Our replica truck “Te Aroha III” (pictured) was completed in 2018 after an eight-year restoration and she has now clocked up 1,500 miles, so we are getting quite used to driving her.

She is a close copy of an original 1942 LRDG Chevrolet 1533X2 truck, with a fully reconditioned splash-lubricated 216 motor, a 4-speed gearbox and a standard drive train.

The instrument console is the WWII style, with temperature, oil pressure, fuel guage and ammeter conveniently placed for the driver. Even when cold, she always starts first time and very quickly gets up to operating temp (140 degrees F). She is a pleasure to drive and handles well, just like a big car of that era. The very low-geared steering (5 turns from lock to lock) compensates for the extra resistance from wider tyres, and would have been a definite advantage on soft sand.

s Making the rear body.

s

Chev as found 2010.

s Chev LRDG trucks at Karapiro.

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s The LRDG Chevs had an open cockpit with sun compass on the dash.

Andrew and Ian with Te Aroha III at Karapiro.

The fully reconditioned 6-cylinder motor is surprisingly powerful.

On vigorous take-off she makes a throaty roar and you are pushed back pleasantly in your seat. The motor is very flexible and changing down as you approach a corner is often not necessary, as she easily gathers speed again in top gear. If you do change down into third, double-clutching (an essential skill) avoids expensive noises from the crash gearbox. First gear has such a low ratio that we never use it and always start off in second. Top gear allows cruising at 50 mph although she is more comfortable at 40. On the one occasion when we tried her flat-out at 65 mph she rose to the challenge.

At road speeds conversation is difficult due to noise from the wind, engine and transmission. I am sure they would have needed an alert plane-spotter in the back, because the driver and navigator could not possibly have heard an approaching Messerschmitt!

Rear vision is poor, due to the Godfriedson ammo body and greedy boards obscuring the view behind, even without any load.

Good mirrors (not used by the LRDG) are therefore essential, and of course necessary for a WoF. The empty weight of our truck is only 2.2 metric tonnes (lighter than a large SUV) so we do not need a COF under New Zealand road rules.

The absence of doors and seat belts takes a bit of getting used to and it’s sometimes difficult to know what to grab hold of, as you are tossed around on secondary roads (it must have been much worse in the desert!). Those flimsy looking canvas doors cannot have been much use in preventing a man from falling overboard in LRDG situations. The two inadequate-looking wind-shields are surprisingly effective and without them goggles would be needed. A bumble bee in the eye at 50 mph cannot be good for you! Altogether we are very pleased with the way she handles.

Christmas Parade, Te Aroha 2020.

Andrew Honeyfield is married and has three children and five great grandchildren. Since he retired as a farm management consultant, he has kept busy working on his small farm and driving his 1929 Model A roadster pickup which he has owned for 55 years. He jointly owns the LRDG Chevrolet (the subject of this article) with his friend Ian McLeod.

Andrew Honeyfield

Beaded Wheels 27

Team NZ

2024 ISLE OF MAN MANX GRAND PRIX – Words and photos Stuart Francis

The highs and lows of two teams from New Zealand, Team Eureka and Team NZ, who travelled 12,000 miles to the 2024 Isle of Man Manx Grand Prix (MGP) to contest the Classic Senior and Classic Junior classes. Stuart Francis was fortunate enough to tag along and see both

This year had the traditional line up of the Senior, Junior and Lightweight races and Classic Senior, Classic Junior and Classic Superbike.

The unsung heroes of the event are 500+ volunteer marshals who have to be in place before racing can start.

teams in action.

Team Eureka, led by Peter Lodge, previously visited the Isle of Man (IoM) in 2016, 2022 and 2023, contesting the Classic Senior TT class with their Norton ES2. Mountain course specialist Mike Browne came third last year, on the Norton ES2, with an opening 110mph lap but was slowed by a misfire in the last lap. The four-man team were extremely professional, with meticulously prepared practice and race engines. Team Eureka were focussed on improving on their last year’s result.

Team NZ, led by Phil Price*, previously visited the Isle of Man in 2014 with the Velocette Elde 250, and in 2018 with the replica of a Works 350cc DOHC Velocette (Works 350). The team returned in 2019 with the Works 350 but the rider, Chris Swallow, died in the preceding Classic Senior race.

The team brought three bikes over this year, a replica of a Works 500cc DOHC Velocette (Works 500), the Works 350 and a Walmsley AJS 7R. The heart of Team NZ is Phil Price and engineering guru Nick Thomson, supported by an eclectic mix of Kiwis, Germans and Brits, and aided by the Yoda-like wisdom of nine times Classic

The first Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) race took place in May 1907 on the St John’s Short Course. The TT moved to the longer Snaefell Mountain Course (37.73 miles) in 1911, it goes from near sea-level to 1,300 feet (400 m).

The first ‘Manx Amateur Road Race Championships”, took place in 1923, a five lap race for 500cc machines, with a special award for the best performance by a 350cc. In 1930 the event was rebranded the Manx Grand Prix when a new set of rules were introduced to exclude expert riders.

The races have been going ever since, being held at the end of August and early September. The TT and MGP, although called races, are actually time trials; competitors set off singly or in pairs with ten second intervals between them. Keeping track of who is leading the race can be challenging.

The event has been through a number of format changes, the biggest of which was the introduction of the Classic classes.

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TEAM EUREKA AND TEAM NZ

Team NZ and Team Eureka both working hard on their machines

– CLASSIC RACES TT winner Bill Swallow. The unstated goal was a 100mph lap for all three machines. (*Phil is a noted sculptor from Christchurch NZ, with an exceptional collection of racing Velocettes).

BACKGROUND TO THE 2024 MGP It is difficult to fully describe the series of events that came close to the complete cancellation of the 2024 MGP and finished up with one and two lap races on the very last day. The organisers were extremely lucky to even complete these token events. During the race week the IoM saw some of the worst August weather in 20 years, with Storm Lilian bringing high winds, and heavy and persistent rain. The appalling weather resulted in the cancellation of six qualifying sessions, and disrupted Saturday’s race schedule.

The Clerk of the Course played a difficult game of bluff with the elements to try and fit in practice, qualifying, and racing. He wasn’t helped by a whole series of extraordinary events that stopped or delayed practice and racing.

Maria Costello MBE Honda 500-4 and David Madsen-Mygdal Honda 500 twin.

Mike Browne having a fitting on Team Eureka Norton ES2

TESTING Sunday – Jurby, a bleak, cold, windswept airfield circuit on the exposed northwest corner of the Island. Both New Zealand teams were out setting up their machines after their arrival from New Zealand. Team NZ’s rider, Rhys Hardisty, rode the two Velocettes, and despite being new to girder fork machines and right hand gear change, he posted some very respectable lap times (he Beaded Wheels 29

later showed his skill by posting some excellent standing start laps).

Rhys also took out the Walmsley AJS 7R for a couple of quick laps.

OFFICIAL PRACTICE & QUALIFYING Monday – Things didn’t go to plan with the first session red flagged after a nasty crash. Team NZ ran into a major problem at scrutineering, the 21 inch racing tyre on the Works 500 front tyre was deemed too old, (tyres must be under 3yrs old). Unfortunately 21 inch racing tyre haven’t been made for some time*. The two 350s went out for practice, the AJS 7R nearly achieved 94mph, but the Velocette stopped on the mountain with a flat tyre. (*the saga of the 21 inch racing tyre went on for a couple of days until a just legal, slightly worn example, appeared one afternoon.)

Tuesday & Wednesday – Qualifying cancelled again due to weather conditions.

Thursday - A much better day with all the bikes out qualifying.

Team Eureka Norton ES2 had a cracking first lap at 107mph, but got a puncture on the second lap. The 500 Works replica did its first standing start lap of the TT course averaging 90mph. The Works 350 also did a 90mph lap. The AJS 7R was going well until it lost power and stopped with a damaged big end (it was withdrawn).

Friday - Another day of highs and lows. Team Eureka’s Norton did a cracking opening lap at 107mph but slowed on lap two, with a damaged magneto, they decided to fit the race engine. The Works 500 did a 94mph standing start lap, it ran out of fuel on the second lap (discovered the tank hold three litres of unusable fuel).

RACING Saturday – Merde – what a day! It started badly when a broken sewer at Union Mills flooded the track. (You couldn’t make this up!) A course-wide technical issue with the radio communications further delayed the start. The Junior Manx class left on a three lap race with a compulsory pit stop after one lap, the race was red flagged on lap two after an incident. Further racing was cancelled when rain showers arrived.

Sunday – Another complete wash out. The organisers decided to attempt six races on Monday with an uncertain forecast. Most teams were faced with a dilemma as they were booked on Sunday night and Monday ferries. They were faced with the difficult decision as whether to go home or try and rebook the vital ferry crossing. Team NZ were all booked on the Sunday night ferry, half the team left, leaving Phil, Nick and Bill looking after the two

500 Matchless.

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Works replicas. A number of the Marshals had also planned to go home on the Sunday night and Monday ferries.

Monday – The last day of the MGP had some further twists. The Classic Senior and Junior races were combined into one single lap race. Team NZ lost out with Rhys Hardisty entered in both races.

Mike Browne* on the ES2 was third away in the race but Team Eureka frustratingly came fourth by a second, a rubbing front brake possibly cost them third, a lack of practice time probably led to the problem. Rhys Hardisty on the Works 500 disappeared down Bray Hill on full song but retired half way round with increasing vibration; the drive-side crankcase cracked around the cylinder base. The other races went on a much reduced format. Very disappointing and frustrating after all the effort, expense and travel. *Mike Browne later won the Lightweight Manx (250 Yamaha) and Classic Superbike (Ducati 916) races.

THE MACHINES Team Eureka – ES 2 Norton: Pete Lodge bought his first ES2 Norton in the 1980s and was impressed by the machine. After many years developing drag racing cars Pete decided to develop the ES2 into a Classic Racer. Years of work have produced a machine that can lap the IoM at 110mph, setting the fastest ever lap of the Mountain Course by a pushrod single cylinder machine.

The ES2 racer is light years away from its antecedents with major changes to the engine. The short stroke motor (92mm x 75mm) features a cylinder head with a narrow included angle between the valves creating a flat combustion chamber with plenty of squish area, with a 13:1 compression ratio. The inlet tract has been opened out with a 1.95 inch valve in the race engine. The team recently spent time on a dyno fine tuning the valve timing, eventually achieving over 60bhp, red lining at 8,500, with a strong 2,500 power band, but still with useful power outside of this.

Pete’s approach with the rest of the machine is to buy the best and improve it. The six speed gearbox has been improved as has the Featherbed frame, the front forks considerably re-engineered and the front brake is a modified copy of an Oldana. The machine was tailored to fit Irishman Mike Browne’s compact shape.

Team NZ – Replica Works 500 and 350cc DOHC Velocette : The Replica Works 500 and 350cc DOHC Velocette were a result of Phil Price acquiring the Elde 250cc DOHC Velocette. The performance of this little machine was so impressive, that it got Phil and Nick Thomson, thinking about a DOHC 350. After considering the options they decided to follow on from where the Velocette factory

Jamie Coward, 500 Manx Norton.

42 Shelley Pike 350 Ducati, 47 Andrew Guy 350 Aermacchi

left off and copy the 1936 Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) Works engine.

Staying as close to the original design as possible, the only major deviations were, a larger and steeper 34mm inlet tract, increased cylinder bore and shorter stroke (80x69mm), a flatter valve included angle and coil valve springs. Larger valves and greater lift, the combustion chamber is flatter with a squish band round the sides of the dome and a 12:1 compression ratio.

A standard road-going frame was extensively modified to copy the last works semi-duplex frame and girder forks. A late KTT MK8 19 inch front wheel was used but with an internal double leading shoe linkage and an 18 inch rear wheel on an alloy hub. The transmission is by a Nova six speed gear cluster with an extended mainshaft which runs in an outboard needle roller bearing to take the load of the outboard final drive sprocket. Primary drive is by a Synchroflex belt and the aluminium clutch pulleys and basket using off the shelf Suzuki friction plates.

The 2018 Manx Grand Prix Classic TT was a series of highs and lows. The 350 went through the speed trap at 123 mph and achieved a 95mph lap in practice, only to retire in the first lap of the race with a broken exhaust.

The 500, although similar in appearance to the 350, has a number of key differences because of the increased size and power.

The crankcases are bigger to house the larger flywheels. Cast in magnesium they are modelled on the Works 500 cases.

The crankshaft is larger with a more substantial one inch crank pin and is a nutted assembly rather than a press fit. To address a common weakness a larger timing side bearing was fitted. To achieve this the oil pump arrangement was modified creating separate feed and scavenge pumps.

The same cylinder head casting as the Works 350 was used with larger ports and larger titanium valves. The DOHC assembly is identical, the cams have similar timing but greater lift. The 85x88 bore stroke engine revs to 7500.

The layout of engine and gearbox in the frame was revised to accommodate the larger crankcases. Changes were made to the front fork links to create more trail, allied to a 21 inch wheel front wheel. It was the only un-faired machine in the 500 class.

Walmsley AJS 7R: Incorporating a frame made to standard pattern by Harris, this 7R is powered by a Fred Walmsley-built and tuned short-stroke engine (rebuilt in 2023). This 7R has been ridden

by Cameron Donald to win the Isle of Man Classic TT, setting the first 100mph lap on a standard-framed British 350. It has also won the Classic TT on three more occasions, with Chris Swallow, Adam

Rhy Hardisty, Works 500 Velocette.

McLean, and Paul Jordan as well as the Pre-TT Classic twice; with Alan Oversby and Mike Hose.

POSTSCRIPT Both New Zealand teams are considering returning next year.

Bill Swallow squeezed the Velocettes into the back his overloaded old van, before driving them to Calais to catch up with the German contingent. Work has already started on rebuilding the Works 500 with a billet drive-side crankcase and the 7R engine will be sent to a specialist for a rebuild.

STOP PRESS The dates and format for next year’s event have just been released - The program has been extended to two weeks and the Classic TT will be run as a separate event overlapping the Manx Grand Prix.

Born in the UK in 1955. An early interest in engineering led to owning and restoring old motorcycles. Worked for the UK MoD as a Naval Weapons Engineer. Fell in love with NZ on my first visit in 1994. Married Ann-marie from Invercargill in 1998. Immigrated in 2010, with my collection of motorcycles and carried on acquiring and restoring old motorcycles. Started writing when editing the local VCC branch newsletter.

Stuart Francis

Beaded Wheels 31

RALLY SNIPPETS

Martyn and Indian — Peter on Harley.

AUCKLAND’S ANNUAL MOTORCYCLE RALLY Words Martin Spicer, photos David Broadhead In 1981 member Don Nicholson suggested that it was about time Auckland had an annual motorcycle rally and he offered to organise the first one. There were 54 starters that rode out to West and North Auckland before returning to the clubrooms for a hearty barbeque for over 100 people. Keith Williams won on his 1942 Indian 741B. On the Sunday morning a monster swap meet was held in Auckland City at the carpark of Shroff & Sons in Hobson Street.

This was believed to be the first ever motorcycle-only swap meet in New Zealand. The car park was completely full of stall holders and thousands turned up to buy motorcycle parts or bikes. Everyone involved agreed this event was a great success. Fast forward to 2023 and I was the overall winner on my 1960 BSA Golden Flash, this meant that I would be plotting this year’s (2024) rally.

The rally weekend started on Friday evening at the clubrooms for a pie, mash and dessert meal. On Saturday morning I arrived at the start point, Ramarama Hall, at 8am and soon the car park was filled up with cars, vans, trailers and motorcycles. Rally packs were handed out and after briefing the first bike away was member Martyn Seay on his immaculate Indian Scout and sidecar. Once the last rider had left our back up driver Leo Fowler set off to follow. I then made my way down to the Waerenga School, 13 kms east of Te Kauwhata. The riders made their way there via Ararimu, through Mangatawhiri and Mangatangi, all the way out to the Firth of Thames township of Kaiaua where Jack Clark, Michael Watts and Peter Bell were on hand to clock the entrants at the time check.

From there they rode along the Seabird Coast where there were thousands of Godwits, these migrating birds are part of a flock of over 75,000 that make to and from journeys of 30,000 kms from New Zealand to Alaska each year. The most famous godwit, known as E7, has flown all the way from Alaska to New Zealand non-stop, most rest in China. The riders then passed the Miranda Hot Pools and rode for about another 45 minutes to the Waerenga School for lunch. Waiting there were the principal, teachers and mums who had prepared the lunch. There were also a number of school children waiting to see our bikes. After lunch our four sidecar riders gave the school children and some of the teachers rides around the playing field. It was great to see the children’s faces light up on the rides, none of them had seen sidecars before.

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Rally briefing.

The riders set off for the afternoon ride. They made their way West to pass through Te Kauwhata, rode parallel to the Waikato expressway, veered right away from Hampton Downs, then travelled on a two-kilometre section of very good metal road, passing through Meremere village, then a very short ride on the expressway to the Mercer Service centre. After Mercer there was some great country riding following the Waikato River, crossing over the Tuakau Bridge, by-passing Tuakau, and on to more of the good Franklin country roads up to Waiuku.

I had arrived early to talk to John Dickey, the owner of the Transport Museum. The riders started to arrive around 2pm, and just as they got off their bikes, there was a shower of rain. The museum is packed with restored cars, motorcycles, WWII army vehicles, lots of different makes of tractors, hundreds of vintage hand tools, hundreds of model cars and trains and a large collection of British Seagull outboards. There were two racing boats powered with Seagulls, one looked like a small space ship, the other was built by Team New Zealand Black Magic and looked like a very long, thin rocket. These were raced on the Waikato River. On display were restored Knight & Dickey trucks from their early days, along with lots more motoring memorabilia, it’s well worth a visit.

The route finished back at the Ramarama Hall where riders enjoyed tea, coffee and homemade cakes.

That evening prizegiving and the rally dinner were held at the clubrooms which were decorated for the occasion.

Continued on Page 34

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–        

     

CAST IRON WELDING

Powder Spray Process, Cylinder Heads, Manifolds, Cooling Fins, Castings, Mechanical Repairs & Rebuilds Thomas Rowe Motoring Engineer ltd 6 RD Palmerston North

PHONE

06 324 8707

Stockists of new AUTOMOTIVE PARTS CAR, TRUCK & TRACTOR 1912–1997 (85 year span)

Kingpin sets Suspension parts Spark plugs Engine bearings Master cylinders & kits Rear axles Clutch covers Brake & clutch cables Valves, springs, guides Timing gears & chains



ENGLISH AMERICAN CONTINENTAL AUSTRALIAN JAPANESE

Engine gaskets Steering joints Electrical fittings Shock absorbers Shackles (pins & bushes) Water pumps & kits Carburettors Pistons Speedo cables Lenses

Gearbox gears Crownwheel & pinions Wiper motors (vac) Wheel cylinders & kits Ring gears & pinions Clutch plates Fuel pumps & kits Steering box parts Ignition parts Engine mounts

MECHANICAL RESTORATIONS VINTAGE & CLASSIC SPARES (1980) RD 7 • Fordell • Wanganui • Phone/Fax 06 342 7713

Beaded Wheels 33

RESULTS

Vintage Post Vintage Post War Post 60 Post 80 Combination Overall Winner First Lady Finisher Furthest ridden First American First Norton First Velocette First AJS First BSA First Pillion Youngest Rider Oldest Rider

Peter Alderdice Cam Francis David Mayhew Martin Salter Verdon Heath Tony Kay *** David Mayhew *** Jo Ann Temaat Neil Barnard Peter Alderdice Don Green Paul Muir Simon Clearwater Michael O’Kane Sylvia Clearwater Lee Walker-Holt David Mayhew

▲ Auckland Chairman, Shaaran Price, and overall winner (and oldest rider), Dave Mayhew.

▲ Shaaran and next year’s rally plotter Rory King.

First Auckland Branch Winner (and plotter of next year’s rally): Rory King Kentish Arms Trophy for the best bike, Martyn Seay, Indian Scout

TAIHAPE GUMBOOT RALLY

Gumboot 2025 winning car-1977 Triumph TR7.

NEW YEAR’S DAY 2025 WANGANUI BRANCH Words and photos Ian Higgins The New Year’s Day Gumboot Rally is firmly etched in my mind, (as well as that of many other North Island members), as a date not to be missed. This year’s event was a special occasion marking the 40th anniversary of the Gumboot, organised by local VCC and Wanganui Branch stalwart, Robert Baines. Robert was the deserving recipient of the most recent John L Goddard Trophy, the highest annual honour bestowed by the New Zealand VCC. Thirty-nine vehicles lined up at Memorial Park in Taihape on New Year’s Day, along with some 80 excited people (a few looking a little weary from New Year’s Eve celebrations on the town) – this whole rally is centred on having fun, while there is also a definite competitive edge to it.

Dave and Lyn Austin sent the entrants on their way at regular intervals, armed with the morning instructions. After negotiating a few streets around the town, we entered Mataroa Road, then eventually into Pungatawa Road and over the bridge into Moawhango Valley. We were now into the back blocks of Taihape, real Gumboot territory. This is superb VCC country, with roads meant for us. The scenery is second to none with steep hills as far as the eye can see. The roads were a mixture of seal and gravel.

No dust as we encountered some light showers of rain along the way. My navigator was a local gentleman who knew all the twists and turns we were instructed to take, while I kept the Holden on the straight and narrow, the whole time looking for various yellow VCC signs where boxes containing playing cards were. This was 34 Beaded Wheels

a poker run, with each card collected containing a pre-determined number. To make things interesting, the winning hand was determined by either the highest score or the lowest, which was decided by a coin toss before the winners were announced!

Eventually, we entered the Kawhatau Valley Road and from here journeyed to the Mangaweka Primary School for lunch. With full bellies and empty bladders, our afternoon section took us onto Ruahine Road and then Mangamako Road.

We eventually entered SHI after encountering lovely winding roads, some metalled, and turned off just past the Rangatira Golf Course and then into Watershed Road. Back to more lovely scenic Taihape country roads, eventually entering back onto SH1 and civilisation, finding our way into Taihape township and finishing the rally at Robert Baines TSM Motors. A great rally!

North Island Club Captain, Glyn Clements, alongside Robert Baines, welcomed the rally contestants. It was great to have Glyn attending the rally. There were members from various branches among us, as there always are at the Gumboot. Tables full of prizes were laid out before us, with no one going home emptyhanded. Credit to Robert and his team for organising these. The overall winners were Manawatu branch members, Chris Rhodes and Judy Lewell in a 1977 Triumph TR7. They were awarded the coveted Gumboot trophy, plus another one to keep, presented by Dave and Lyn Austin for the 40th anniversary of the Gumboot.

s Organiser and last year’s John L Goddard Trophy winner, Robert Baines, (left) and North Island VCC Club Captain Glyn Clements address the crowd.

s Gumboot winners 2025 Chris Rhodes and Judy Lewell from the Manawatu Branch Branch being presented the Gumboot

by Lyn Austin (left).

POLISHING THE BRASS Tom, and son Chris, Stephens have supplied information with the acquisition and restoration of their 1909 pre-production Ford Model T. Pre-production relates to the first 2500 Model Ts built from October 1908 to May 1909 in which there were multiple parts changes during that time. Notable being the two-lever and two-pedal transmission mechanism which was replaced with the three pedal arrangement that lasted to the end of the Model T production in 1927. Ford also discontinued the cam driven water pump, simply using the thermosyphon system from then until the Model A came to be.

All the Ford models prior to the Model T were powered by non-detachable head type engines, either in pairs or singles, attached to a crankcase with exposed planetary transmission. The Model T engine with its detachable head was at the time revolutionary and become the norm for most auto makers. Wear and tear on the exposed transmission needed to be addressed and was accomplished by pressing a pan that enclosed the engine

and transmission in one. Left over guards from the previous Model S production were used up on the first 2500 cars as was an eight-bladed one-piece fan and a crank handle which was held in a vertical locking position. These were unique to the pre production T. Also Completed restoration 2016. unique was a brass radiator cover that Rolleston. Little was genuine surrounded the core and poor copies were hidden which in later assembly was in red paint. However Tom the structure of the radiator. and Chris continued with the Numerous other changes project making more trips to the and improvements become US and Australia to complete the norm with the Model T their restoration. A number of production. parts needed major repairs Tom and Chris had a chance and in some cases authentic meeting with Tom Rootlieb, replacements made. They were owner of the renown Vintage largely helped by the late Brian Sheetmetal Co, at the USA Moir whose ability, expertise Bakersfield swap meet in and Model T knowledge is 2011 and they were informed well-known known by Model of an early 1909 T in New T owners. After a few teething Zealand. After restoring Tom’s issues, with the rear axle and grandfather’s 1911 Model T timer, the restoration was the opportunity to aquire a completed in 2016. It is the two-lever Model T seemed earliest T in New Zealand. too good to be true. This of Thanks to Tom Stephens for course proved the case when these photos supplied from the they had the parts home in restoration.

t An expanded original photo of a two-lever two pedal car was supplied as a demonstrator taken outside of Hughan Motor Garage at Carterton.

POLISHING THE BRASS Paul Herron paulandlynne@xtra.co.nz Ph 027 210 4131

s Chris Stephen’s and Brian Moir discussing the completed motor rebuild.

t New built body and firewall awaits more work on the chassis.

I am a car painter by trade and have owned and managed my own paint and panel workshop for 36 years. In that time I have painted or restored many club vehicles.

I also take pride in a job well done. My wife Lynne and I enjoy car rallies, especially national events. When I am not busy with other customers restorations, we have multiple Fords awaiting restoration or retirement which ever comes first. Contact me if your have news of interest to our veteran owners.

Beaded Wheels 35

ARCHIVIST NEWS

BOB MANSBRIDGE PHOTO & SCRAP BOOK COLLECTION REVISITED 2025

Back in 2001 Grant Hitchings wrote the excellent series, “The Way We Were”, for Beaded Wheels. In issues 253 and 254 Grant documented Bob Mansbridge’s extraordinary life. It makes good reading, refer either to your digital Beaded Wheels files or ask your librarian for these back issues.

What made Bob’s achievements even more remarkable is the fact that he accomplished all this while overcoming the challenges posed by his height. Standing just 3 feet tall, Bob faced numerous physical obstacles, but his passion and determination never wavered.This article is an insight into Bob’s collection and to help to make the members aware of its existence.

The Bob Mansbridge photo collection is a remarkable chronicle of New Zealand and Australian car rallies and speed events from 1965 to 1990. With approximately 1,063 35mm colour slides, Bob captured these events, showing the joy of veteran and vintage automobiles in action. Bob always had a camera at the ready for that next photo opportunity. Approximately 90% of these photos are captioned;

s Chev Corvette page.

either by car make, owner, event, year, or all of them. Bob’s photo collection can be viewed by all members, as it is one of numerous files that are included in the USB hard drive, (in a white and maroon box) that was sent to all VCC branches in 2016. If you are interested in viewing it, ask your secretary or librarian.

Bob’s dedication did not stop at photography. Over many years he painstakingly compiled 92 volumes of A3 scrapbooks, with a total of approximately 4500 pages, complete with an index, that covers 1,036 different makes of cars and some motorcycles up to 1995. Each photo or article on every page is precisely framed with draughtsmanship precision, in most cases it has a lovely handwritten caption.

I have been told that Bob was once a cartographer, if this is so, I can see why his presentation is so professional. To give you an idea how large the scrapbook collection is, it takes up 2.3 metres of shelf space. Bob’s extraordinary scrapbook collection, is filled with articles, road tests, and quality photos that provide a comprehensive overview of automotive history of that time. The scrapbooks consist

ARCHIVIST NEWS Don Muller Archivist archivist@ vcc.org.nz Ph 03 385 6850

36 Beaded Wheels

of classics, rare and obscure veterans and even a small section on agricultural machinery. It is a testament to his dedication and his love for the world of cars and motorcycles.

Over the years both photos and scrapbooks have been a great reference source for the VCC Archive and VCC members. Who knows, that information you have been looking for could be here?

Bob passed away in January 2000.

The VCC Archive is very grateful to John and the late Gavin Bain of Fazazz, who purchased the entire collection for re-sale, then realizing its historic importance, they donated the collection to the VCC Archive.

s Daimler page.

A big thank you to all of those who responded to my request, for 8-16mm film splicers. It was overwhelming, I didn’t realise there was so much old 8mm16mm equipment still around.

It was also nice speaking to so many knowledgeable, helpful members about this subject, I learnt a lot.

s Genevieve, 1965 Haast Rally. Lake Pukaki George Giltrap.

Our club archive is located at the VCCNZ National Office in Christchurch and is open to visitors on Friday mornings. It contains a wealth of historic material, a lot of which has been digitised. It is well worth a visit or if you have any queries do get in contact with our archivist Don Muller phone 03 385 6850 or archivist@vcc.org.nz.

MARKET PLACE

Terms and conditions CLASSIFIED RATES Classified advertisements are limited to 45 words including contact details.

Advertisers requiring advertisements longer than the standard 45 words, or who require typography or space, must apply display rates. The advertising department reserves the right to edit or return classifieds not meeting the criteria. All classified rates include GST Member of Vintage Car Club: No charge for text or photo classified advertising for club eligible vehicles. Members must be financial and identify their Branch. Limited to one free advertisement per issue. Maximum insertion of the same advertisement in up to three issues (must be resubmitted for each issue). Advertisements of a commercial nature are not eligible for free advertising.

Non-member: $25 for first 45 words or part thereof.

Text in a Boxed Ad: $30 non-members* Colour Photo Ad in Box: $60 non-members, enclose a clear photo and an SAE if return required.* Advertisements should be typed or clearly printed or submitted through vcc.org.nz/beadedwheels.

Advertising Email address: beadedwheels@ vcc.org.nz Advert and Payment: to arrive not later than 10th of month preceding publication. Payment

by Credit card or Internet banking (for Internet banking details email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz).

DISPLAY RATES* (gst exclusive) Casual (per issue) 3 Issues (per issue) Full Page $976 $780 Half Page $530 $425 Quarter Page $295 $234 All display rates quoted exclude GST and are for finished digital artwork ­supplied. Artwork can be arranged at an extra charge. Deadline for copy 10th of month preceding publication.

Beaded Wheels will consider articles of a technical nature for inclusion in its editorial space. Beaded Wheels however regrets that it is not able to offer editorial space for advertisements nor for the promotion of products.

Marketplace advertising cancellations received in writing prior to advertising deadline will be refunded in full.

Where possible Beaded Wheels will refund 70% of the advertisement cost for any cancellations received after the booking deadline. *Payment by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing charge of 4% Beaded Wheels makes every effort to ensure no misleading claims are made by advertisers, responsibility cannot be accepted by Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) for the failure of any product or service to give satisfaction. Inclusion of a product or ­service should not be construed as endorsement of it by Beaded Wheels or by the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.).

No liability can be accepted for non-appearance of advertisements and the text of all advertisements is subject to the approval of the editor who reserves the right to refuse any advertisements which are not compatible with the aims, objectives, and standards of Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) In accordance with the provisions of the Human Rights Commission Act 1977 Beaded Wheels will not publish any advertisement which indicates or could reasonably be understood as indicating an intention to discriminate by reason of sex, marital status, ­religious or ethical beliefs.

Advertisers should take all care in drafting advertisements as they could be held liable, as well as Beaded Wheels and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.).

FOR SALE 1929–1934 OHC &SV MORRIS MINOR mechanical and body parts, 1934 hydraulic braked rolling chassis, rego on hold. 1982 TVR Tasmin 2.8l V6 Ford based in original condition, recent new clutch & brake system service, rego on hold.

Phone 06 845 3333. MEM HAWKE’S BAY

PENRITE ENGINE COOLANT A colourless hybrid-organic non glycol based corrosion inhibitor designed specifically for use in Veteran, Edwardian, Vintage and Classic Car cooling systems. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz

VINTAGE ENGINE SHORT BLOCKS We can in most cases rebuild your short block using modern shell bearings, new pistons and rebuilt oil pump.

Please contact us for more information.

AUSTIN SHEERLINE MOTOR complete with M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, gearbox. diff, steering box and all the glass.

Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: $1,000 the lot. Ph Mike Marshall 027 600 8890 info@mscoombes.co.nz

MEM WANGANUI FOUR NEW 23 INCH FORD T DETACHABLE CADILLAC OHV V8 ENGINE - 331 cu in. Block WHEELS. T hese have never been on a car, also needs rebore, crankshaft and cam need grind. available 5 used 23 inch beaded edge galvanized Heads are rebuilt and carburettor, distributor, fuel rims. Ph Howard 03 230 4879. MEM SOUTHLAND pump, water pump, starter and generator are all TO SUIT MODEL A FORDS AND OTHER MAKES reconditioned. Complete new engine gasket set 2 X 6:50 X 19” whitewall tyres, 6-ply, Custom and crank and cam bearings. This 1950/1 engine Classic casings, beautifully crafted Bandag has the later (53) 4 barrel carb and manifold. For retreads, 127mm.width, 12mm.depth. $700 the details contact bernie.snalam@gmail.com MEM VCC pair plus freight. Phone Jack 03 352 6672, 0274 322 BALANCING BALANCING BALANCING, 041 Christchurch. MEM CANTERBURY We can balance most vintage and single cylinder engines, fans, driveshafts etc. Work VAUXHALL 1934 ASX. S hed stored for many years. is carried out on a modern digital machine.

Runs sweet, had head overhaul, good oil pressure.

M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Requires some panel repairs nothing serious and Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: paint also brakes. Pretty good interior for age. info@mscoombes.co.nz Has papers. No rego, genuine reason for selling.

ESSEX BRONZE CARBURETTOR, Essex drum $6,500 or offer in Waikato. Phone Ron 07 884 828 MEM WAIKATO headlights and Austin long range headlights. Ph SIX CHAMPION W16Y X 22MM SPARK PLUGS. I had wanted 18mm but ended up with 22mm instead $25 each. Ph 021 565 688, CorranVincent@outlook.com MEM CANTERBURY

07 308 7683. MEM BAY OF PLENTY CARBURETTOR RECONDITIONING including classic and performance makes. 40 plus years trade experience. Free advice. Contact Graeme Tulloch, Tulmac Carburettor Specialists on 027 612 2312 or (Levin) 06 368 2202

FORD MODEL A FORDOR late 1930. Old restoration; tidy, presentable. Interior, paint, engine and most wood redone c. 1970s. Runs very good, WoF & rego. Had lot of maintenance last two years + well used. $25,500. Ph 027 269 4517ltomlins@xtra.co.nz MEM CANTERBURY COACHWORK F or all your coachwork, woodwork and timber rim steering wheels for your veteran, vintage or commercial vehicles contact Designs N Wood, John Martin, 11 Bell Avenue, Cromwell.

Phone/fax 03 445 0598, 021 109 1309 or email martin_jw@xtra.co.nz MEM CENTRAL OTAGO

DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS We can alter or make driveshafts with fabric components to take modern universal joints and yokes, as well as performing dynamic balancing.

We also carry a large range of driveshaft components for cars, trucks, industrial and marine. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz

PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS FOR VETERAN, VINTAGE, CLASSIC & ODDBALL ENGINES. We can supply piston sets for most makes and models. All piston sets come complete with rings and gudgeons.

We have over 700 listings at competitive prices.

M S COOMBES LTD 344 ST ASAPH ST, CHRISTCHURCH Ph: 03 366 7463 E: INFO@MSCOOMBES.CO.NZ

VINTAGE TRUNKS made to order or stock sizes. Dust proof and waterproof. Phone Allan 06 844 3959 or 0274 469 331 Napier, acjones760@gmail.com MEM Beaded Wheels 37

1969 HOLDEN BELMONT V ery tidy rust free, two family owner vehicle, original 161 6 cylinder motor, 3 speed column change gear box, upholstery in very good condition with no tears. $35,000. Please contact Gordon 027 555 0263 for photos and further information. MEM CENTRAL OTAGO

1981 FIAT X1/9 1500CC, 5 speed manual, NZ 1930 CHEVROLET SPORTS ROADSTER. new, Targa top, painted rosso metallic, original Rumble seat, twin spares. Four new tyres. throughout, excellent condition, fun to drive, WoF & rego. Always garaged. Current economical and reliable. Owned for the last 31 owner for last 40 years. $50,000 negotiable. years. $18,000 ono. Ph Marlene 03 385 6850. For more information phone Mike 021 293 5013.

MEM CANTERBURY

MEM WAIKATO

1975 TRIUMPH TOLEDO 4Dr manual in eye-catching turquoise. Runs like a dream, plenty of torque from the larger 1500 engine. Looking for a great little entry level classic? This could be it!

Located in Oamaru. $8000 ono. Ph or text Richard 022 099 2860, email richpollard64@gmail.com

1950 RILEY RMA V ery good condition. Well 1968 XLCH HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER. known Riley Club vehicle. Current rego and 883cc. Early classic superbike. Low mileage, very WoF. Carefully maintained in sound mechanical tidy original condition. Magneto ignition. Spare condition. Extensive spares including complete Tillotson carburettor. Glenn Bator USA import engine and original manuals. Asking $18,000 ono. 2021. Phone 021 146 0578, email rjbullock38@ Contact Peter 022 017 3798, p.withers@xtra.co.nz. gmail.com.

MEM NELSON

MEM BAY OF PLENTY

RARE TODD MOTORS DESOTO DIPLOMAT 1957 restoration project. The car pictured is the spare parts car, Lots of effort directed to being an original example. 6 cylinder, four door - most panel work done. Rego on hold. Comes with spare parts car and lots of other quality spares. Ph 021 130 8356. Email enquiries to: flat6c1957@gmail.com

1992 CHEV F1500. $30,000. LHD. Location ChCh. Purchased new from California June 1992. 350 petrol injected V8. 4 speed auto trans. with converter lockup. 4-wheel drive with low range. 171,000 miles. The only major work is a transmission rebuild. Engine heads have NOT been off. Large list of extras fitted. Contact Rushmore for a full list. Marketed by Rushmore Motors 027 2245 045 inc a/h.045 inc a/h.

1916 DODGE 30-35. $ 25,000. In Auckland. Reduced price. Hood folds, complete with side curtains. Early example of the first Dodge cars made. 12volt North East starter motor/generator chain driven. Lights converted to high and low beam for wof, wiper and large horn. Large inline 4-cylinder engine. Leather faced cone clutch, fully floating rear axle. WoF & Reg. Marketed by Rushmore Motors 027 2245 045 inc a/h.

WOODEN WHEELS made for your metalwork.

Steam-bent felloes, any shape spokes. Ph Vern Jensen 06 323 3868, 16 Osborne Terrace, Feilding, gransuz16@gmail.com MEM MANAWATU

HORSE DRAWN AND FARM MACHINERY AUCTION 221 Appleby Highway, Richmond, Nelson. 11am Saturday 29th March 2025. 1922 Avelling and Porter Steam Roller. More info & photos: www.jwauctions.co.nz John Walker, Auctioneer 027 443 2525

VETERAN PARTS, calorimeter, Smith’s clock, Smith’s m/c speedo, Stewart speedo, Daimler pressure gauge, brass petrol cap, BSA gearbox plate, Lucas dash light, windscreen wiper, Shaffer pressure gauge, Bosch coil, Sunbeam pressure gauge, chrome, bezel, Lucas tail light, Bosch ZR6 mag, Marmon tail light, Bosch, DF4 mag.

Ph 07 348 4227. MEM ROTORUA

38 Beaded Wheels

FORD MODEL A 1930 ROADSTER PICKUP Fully restored. Has Borgwarner Overdrive fitted.

Current Rego and WoF. $38,000. Great little truck.

Contact: Dave Inwood on 03 327 4156 or 027 307 7634. MEM CANTERBURY

Upcoming no reserve auction of vehicles of significance in New Zealand motor racing history.

These auctions are running from mid-February, ending on Thursday, February 27, 2025, on the Trade Me sales site under the username: hammanz

1939 STUDEBAKER COMMANDER U nrestored low mileage. NZ new three speed, column change with overdrive. Brand new tyres. Recent radiator.

Some paintwork scratches. Lots of spares. Some original paperwork, $22,000. Ph Ian 03 434 8800 or ianstewart@xtra.co.nz MEM NORTH OTAGO

The Edelbrock Special: Originally built in 1949 by George Smith on a 1937 Chevrolet chassis Ford V8 running gear. Sold in 1951 to Frank Shuter of Christchurch, two-seater body modified to single-seat and repowered with a Cadillac V8. Restored to its 1955 guise

by Rob Boult. Arguably the most successful South Island Special.

Jaguar MkV: An absolute classic, this Jaguar’s stylish body hides a modern and sophisticated vehicle, professionally converted to take a full package of Jaguar XJ 6 components, including engine, transmission, power steering, suspension, electrics and more.

The Jennings Special: Originally built in 1963 as an Allcomer based on a 1937 Fiat Topolino and subsequently powered by a 365ci Lincoln V8. Later it was ‘hot-rodded’. Rob Boult restored the car as close as possible to the original, Lincoln-powered specifications.

Additional parts and auto memorabilia plus a purpose-built race trailer from the car collector/racer, the late Rob Boult, will be offered at the no reserve auctions on Trade Me at the same time.

For more details contact Kurtis, phone 021 378 868 1956 -57 MK 2 ZEPHYR. $ 32,000. In Hamilton.All sills rebuilt. Body is straight & rust free. Mileage 103,000 miles. Electric fuel pump. Sat for last 6 months and started straight away. Motor is quiet, WoF & Reg on sale. Immaculate paintwork. Column change. 3 Speed gearbox. Very tidy vehicle all round.

Ex. uph. One of the first Mk2 vehicles. Marketed by Rushmore Motors 027 2245 045 inc a/h.

1952 AUSTIN A40 SOMERSET Restored over quite a number of years. Now all finished and drives good. Heaps of spares to go with it. $5,000.

Phone John 027 226 0067 MEM SOUTHLAND

PENRITE OILS e carry a large range from vintage to modern W engines. Gearbox, diff, SU dashpot and water pump grease. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz

BUICK STRAIGHT 8 head gaskets and rocker cover decal Fair and reasonable offer accepted.

Ph 021 610 196.

MEM EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY

VINTAGE CAR REPAIRS

All Classic and Vintage Car restoration.

• Panel making • Wooden body repairs, • Bumpers and moulding repair • Competitive hourly rate.

Unit 1 11 Penn Place, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch

Phone Grant 341 5100 or 027 223 9474 granttvin@gmail.com

1959 CHEVROLET BELAIR 2 83 auto. Original rust-free classic that runs and drives great.

All paperwork available for compliance. $47,500.

Ph 021 294 8521. MEM AUCKLAND

Beaded Wheels 39

MARKET PLACE

MAGNETO AND COIL WINDING SERVICES Magneto repairs, coil rewinding, work guaranteed. We buy and sell magnetos of all types except aircraft.

728 Waimutu Road, RD2 Marton 4788.

Phone Warwick 06 327 3849, 027 281 8066, walandlynn@farmside.co.nz

MEM VETERAN, VINTAGE AND CLASSIC VEHICLE MARKETING. Rushmore Motors can market your vehicle immediately with success with most makes. This service is free to vehicle sellers. We hold a huge database of prospective buyers wanting a wide variety of vehicles. We endeavour the match sellers with buyers. If you own an older vehicle and would like your bank balance considerably enhanced, give us a call on 027 224 5054 inc a/h, or rushmoremorors@xtra.co.nz

1935 FORD CX 10 hp WoF/Rego. Low mileage since restoration. Personalised plates, original ownership papers. British club advises only about 70 left in the world. Recon motor, sound body, mechanics, upholstery. Tectyl rust prevention.

Good investment at $12,500 ono. Ph 07 562 0588 email peterj@kinect.co.nz MEM BAY OF PLENTY

MG TC SEATS, I have Morris 8 bucket seats and will not be using these. The have been stored and unfortunately rodents have eaten part of the bench seat. They are vinyl not leather. Free.

Ph 021 968 662 email geoffWilson64@gmail.com

MEM WAIKATO

FORD MODEL A 1931 with Diamond B engine, mitchell OD and gearbox, electronic distributor etc. Minor cosmetic mods. $50,000 Ph 020 412 50568 ChCh.

1928 PACKARD PHAETON 526. Ground up restoration to a very high standard. Just been revinned by VTNZ which is no mean feat. A estate car so a few bits to finish. Absolute eye catcher.

Paul 027 285 1713. MEM WELLINGTON

1925 MODEL T New carburettor, Exhaust manifold, runs and drives well. Original cab. like to sell due to necessary changes and have someone else enjoy. Open to offers. Ph 021 0830 1672 Davesmodelt@gmail.com

HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 1975, 1 000cc Ironhead, in good running order, as well as complete Harley-Davidson 650cc in parts, plus extra spare parts. Enquire for more information and photos. Ph Ralph at 09 433 5054, or email violetandralph@gmail.com

1951 AUSTIN A40 SPORTS CONVERTIBLE, 1965 SINGER GAZELLE E xcellent condition, fitted very rare, aluminium Jensen body, rallied with alloy wheels and original wheels with very extensively, extra parts, 3 types of hood/roof good radial tyres. Original paint and interior all in configuration, current WoF & rego. Current v. good condition. Four speed with floor change. owner has had for 45 years, genuine reason for Always garaged sold with WoF & Rego. Selling selling. $27,500. Ph 027 443 1184 for more details. for health reasons only. $16,000 ph 03 573 6133, evenings.

MEM MARLBOROUGH

MEM WANGANUI

MORRIS MINOR 1949 with Morris 1000 motor and gearbox fitted. Nice tidy car, very reliable.

Reasonable offers please. Also old oil dispensers, $90. Ph Robert 0274 441 333. MEM HOROWHENUA

NISSAN 300Z One out of the box with 105 k on clock. NA auto 2+2. VCC P80 eligible. Not many this original right down to the radio. $13 k contact Howard Tiddy 027 236 8386. MEM WAIKATO

40 Beaded Wheels

1953 LANCHESTER LEDA 4 cyl 4 speed Wilson pre-select, Rego on hold, 58574 m, new tires, brakes relined, has been running, always garaged, sound body, fair interior, purchased in 2005 to restore further but unable to complete. $4000 ono. Ph Barry Cleaver 06 388 7871, Taihape MEM WANGANUI

MARKET PLACE

1952 AUSTIN SHEERLINE. 4 DOOR SEDAN. 4 speed manual. Current WoF & Rego. Interior walnut dashboard and leather seating original.

Restored to ex condition through 1996. History of QEII visit in 1953/54. Many spare parts available. $40.000 ono. Contact Nancy 027 310 9105, email – nancy.stronach@xtra.co.nz. MEM SOUTHLAND

1955 CITROËN BIG FIFTEEN. Present owner 50 years. Recon engie, gearbox, new front axle and drive shafts. Bypass oil filter. Original interior.

Bluemeis steering wheel. Immaculate. Thousands of dollars worth of spare parts and special tools included. Offers. Phone 09 521 0217.

1976 BENELLI 125 PANTHER TRAIL BIKE. Has only travelled a Genuine 90km from new! $1000’s spent on renovation. Currently registered & WoF with its original black plate. Runs very well, 5 speed. Too many specs to list. $6000 ono.

Ph Matt 027 211 9022.

MODEL A FORD SHOCK ABSORBERS New Zealand made, as original. The latest manufacture now available. Arms and all connecting parts as required. Phone Jack 03 352 6672, 0274 322 041 Christchurch.

M EM CANTERBURY

MODEL A FORD SHOCK ABSORBER t ubular links $62.10 each. Individual components also available.

Phone 021 1289252 or vintagefordparts.co.nz

MEM CANTERBURY

MEM AUCKLAND

ASSORTED BUICK STRAIGHT 8 PARTS i n very good to recond.condition. Fair and reasonable offers accepted. Situated in the Bay of Plenty.

Ph. 021 610 196. MEM EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY

ITEMS FOR SALE, AS SHOWN. I nc.Velocette: 1963 STANDARD VANGUARD SIX. T hree owners, BMW 320I 1986 BAUR CONVERTIBLE a uto power MSS / VM / VR, pair N.O.S. Chrome guards front sold new Timaru. Sound, rust free, complete. Four- steer and brakes. Recent engine recondition MAC Guard. Levers/Gauges/ Engine parts and speed floor change, synchromesh. Full mechanical and more. (receipts $11,000+ available). Fastenings, cast alloy chaincase as used on recommissioning history available following many Speedo 141484. In excellent condition Alex Svendsen’s Special Velocette, and many years dry stored. Five new radials. WoF & Rego, throughout. $22,000. Phone Paddy 03 489 7930 or more general items. Villiers kick start parts etc.

MEM OTAGO orig. papers, handbook, workshop /parts manuals. 022 360 7220.

Please email John jbryvelo@gmail.com or phone $12,000. Ph Bill 03 312 8990, nzluddites@gmail.com 021 182 2413 for details. MEM AUCKLAND

MEM CANTERBURY

MONEY IN YOUR POCKET.

HORSE DRAWN & FARM MACHINERY AUCTION 221 Appleby Highway. Richmond, Nelson.

11am Saturday 29 March 2025. Clearance of a large collection of horse-drawn farm implements, & machinery. www.jwauctions.co.nz John Walker, Auctioneer 027 443 2525

TRIUMPH MK2 2500 PARTS, automatic Borg Warner gearbox, power steering rack, diff drive head, two drive shafts. $500 for all items. Ph 0274 327 238. MEM CANTERBURY

If you have an older vehicle sitting unused in your garage and would like your bank balance considerably enhanced, give Les. at Rushmore Motors Ltd a call on 027 2245 045 inc a/h.

We specialize in marketing older vehicles, and have an ever-growing database of over 500 prospective clients just waiting for a vehicle like yours.

We produce an emailed brochure of vehicles available and if you would like a brochure and be placed on the mailing list, give us a call, or email rushmoremotors@xtra.co.nz Listing is free to any vehicle seller. We do not buy and sell vehicles.

Beaded Wheels 41

1930 MODEL A FORDOR An older restoration in FUEL TANK LINER, s tops and protects against great order. A good reliable motoring car. Have leaks and weeps. Contact: Peter on 021 743 906, owned for 30 yeaars. Deteriorating health has peter.alderdice@me.com. MEM AUCKLAND led to downsizing. $28,000. Ph Lyle 03 324 2525.

MEM CANTERBURY

VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ halogen bulbs.

Replace your existing bulbs without rewiring the headlamp assemblies. Up to 100% brighter than your existing Tungsten bulbs. Will fit most reflectors fitted to Pre & Post war cars and motorbikes. Also available in single filament 55 watt P22 & BA15 bases for use in spotlamps and mechanical dip reflectors.

Most bases and configurations available in 6v & 12v. Further info: Norm & Jan Sisson, sole NZ Agent. Phone 027 311 6563, Amuri Motorcycles, 2C Birmingham Drive, Christchurch.

Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz

1947 MERCURY COUPE S old new in Oamaru, still has the original Knights Motors Transfer on dashboard. Current owner for 30 years. Motor was fully overhauled during this time. An honest unrestored coupe that is reliable, a good cruiser and always well maintained. Deteriorating health has led to downsizing. $50,000 ono. Ph Lyle 03 324 2525. MEM CANTERBURY

MODEL T OWNERS MANUAL. I have a friend who was part of the Colonial Motor Company (Ford Agents in NZ). He found this manual in an old filing cabinet. It’s dated Jan 1926 and is new. I’d like to swap it for a Model Manual. Phone David 021 484 167, allenzfarm@xtra.co.nz MEM WELLINGTON

1928 STANDARD GORDON ENGLAND 9 hp.

One of two known examples existing, world wide.

Has done few miles since motor rebuild. Older restoration. Many spares one owner for many years. Current Reg & WoF. $15,000. Ph 021 361 434.

MEM CANTERBURY

1929 WILLYS WHIPPET 96A c olonial-bodied coupe. 1920 FORD MODEL T ROADSTER Motor rebuilt, Only three in New Zealand. Ruatoria Police car, new pistons, scat crankshaft, camshaft, and 1924 BSA ROUND TANK 250CC. H as rego, WoF recovered from Ōpōtiki, restored in Gisborne. bearings. New radiator, stripped to chassis and and VIC. Older restoration. Please phone to Spare engine and plenty of parts. Current Rego painted. New upholstery, original hood, a few discuss. Paul Whitehead, Katikati. Ph 07 549 2212 and WoF. $15,000 ono. Matt/Karen 027 309 7899. patches. Drives & runs well, new tyres. WoF & rego

MEM GISBORNE 28,000 ono. Ph 021 922 599. MEM NORTHLAND

MEM AUCKLAND

ATTENTION VCC MEMBERS Do we have your correct contact details?

1928 FORD A PHAETON, original condition owned for 50 years with spares, rego on hold. Phone 03 388 1953. MEM CANTERBURY

42 Beaded Wheels

FOR SALE, VINTAGE HUB CAP SPANNERS $10 each plus postage, or $30 the lot plus postage.

Buyer can pick up if in Auckland/Franklin area, ph 027 277 2108. Proceeds to branch. MEM AUCKLAND

Please advise your Branch Secretary or National Office of any changes of phone number, email and address.

We also record the sales/purchases of vehicles to keep our club database as current as possible.

Email admin@vcc.org.nz or post details to VCCNZ, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140

WANTED

SWAP MEETS & RALLIES

Saturday 22 February 2025 Swap Meet starts at 7.00 a.m.

Entry: Sellers $10.00 Buyers/Browsers $5.00 DOES ANYONE HAVE A BOSCH ‘SHORT’ FUEL PUMP, AS Children (under 12) Free SHOWN? This pump was common on many ‘60s—‘70s Mercedes Benz models, and others. No problem if not going Vintage Car Display - Car Parts Old & New - Motoring Books & Manuals Collectibles – Bric-a-Brac as they can usually be rebuilt. Ph 03 342 4693 Christchurch.

Refreshments – Sausage Sizzle – Bacon Butties

MEM CANTERBURY Venue: Wellsford/Warkworth Vintage Car Clubrooms Satellite Station Rd –off SH 1 – 3km south of Warkworth All enquiries to 027 423 8122 or wellsfordwarkworth@vcc.org.nz

NORTHLAND COMBINED CAR CLUBS’

SWAP MEET SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2025

Heritage Park, 494 State Highway 14 • Maunu, Whangarei SMITHS CHRONOMETRIC 80 MPH SPEEDOMETER (for pre-war GATES OPEN Panther). Also Panther HWT petrol tank, any condition, to modify Sellers from 6.30am for my M95 project. And anything else Panther HWT. Possible Public from 8.00am exchange for Burman CP parts or M75 frame, forks & engine parts. David Broadhead 021 324 762, dbroadhe@xtra.co.nz

MEM AUCKLAND

ENQUIRIES TO Lawrence Hillier 021 041 4522 or hillierlawrence@gmail.com or northland@vcc.org.nz

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

1906/07 TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLE - parts needed to complete restoration. Wheels and or hubs. Good crankcase. Alloy Footrests. Footbrake lever exhaust box 021 088 06141.

MEM WELLINGTON

GORE VINTAGE CAR CLUB

1929 ESSEX COUPE – timing chain wanted. Ph 07 308 7683. MEM BAY OF PLENTY

CAR BOOT SALE & SWAP MEET YOU BRING IT • YOU SELL IT • YOU PROFIT

SUN

CIRCA 1960 ZUNDAPP COMBINETTE 4 28 Moped. Any condition considered Ph Andrew 027 379 6969, biffoditty@gmail.com

MEM WANGANUI ▪ Adults $5

ADMITTANCE SELLERS STALLS ▪ Children free

MARCH

FORD V8 1935/36. C lock going or not or part of 60mm–70mm dia across? Ph 022 487 1132. MEM NELSON

16

8am – 12 noon Waimea Street

FORDSON DEXTA ORIGINAL MUDGUARDS. I have after-market ones and don’t like them. Ph 021 130 7182, john.mcadam@otago.ac.nz MEM OTAGO GNAT TYRES T erra grip Chevron Tread 16″x15″x6″.

Also Gnat Villiers 2 stroke engine and gearbox. Ph 027 645 1894, pitrading@xtra.co.nz MEM CANTERBURY STANDARD NINE WORM DRIVE 1928-30 rear axle differential assembly required as current one is getting noisy. Please supply details, condition, photographs, postage. to Peter Grove, Phone +61 41 428 7145 or email ptjgrove@bigpond.com TYRES WANTED 2 X 20 inch for rear wheels of Model TT size is 4.75-5.00-20. Plus 2 X 21 inch for the front size is 4.50-4.7521. Must be warrantable Text only 021 0866 7659 or email murraybuchanan50@gmail.com MEM NELSON

$10

▪ Includes one free entry ▪ Huge variety of items for sale.▪ Some inside stalls available ▪ Colouring competition and games for the kids ▪ Opportunity to meet club members and learn about our club.

If you have items you wish to sell, please come along and set up a stall!

CONTACT Katherine 021 261 6986, Ken 027 667 4102

CONTACT US FOR BOOKINGS

VCCNZ Ashburton Branch

SWAPMEET

Saturday 3 May 2025 Club Grounds 86 Maronan Road, Tinwald Ashburton

LUGGAGE RACK FOR MGB ROADSTER. P h 027 243 0053.

No Dogs Allowed • Catering by Ashburton Lions Club

MEM WAIRARAPA 1934-36 FORD V8 COUPE OR SEDAN WANTED . Prefer in running or restored condition. Will travel. Ph Bernard 07 863 8229, Mob 021 238 8353 or email rawene25@hotmail.com BAY OF PLENTY

Site Bookings to Cathy Sweetman Email: ashburtonswapmeet@gmail.com Phone: 021-372087

GATES OPEN 7.15AM Beaded Wheels 43

All vehicles entered in National and International Rallies must hold a current VehicIe Identity Card (VIC).

WEST COAST BRANCH

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

SCENICLAND RALLY

SATURDAY 22 MARCH 2025 SAVE THE DATE

Applications will be available from the end of January 2025. Please contact the Rally Secretary, Judy Hay by email: westcoastvcc@gmail.com or phone 021 0864 5364

CENTRAL OTAGO GOLD MOTORCYCLE RALLY Saturday 15 March 2025 Catering for all Classes of Motorcycles On good touring Central Otago roads 2025

4 MAY 2025

Contact your branch secretary for entry forms or John Martin martin_jw@xtra.co.nz

CENTRAL OTAGO BRANCH

NELSON

SWAP MEET BAZAAR

8 MARCH 2025 Speedway Grounds – Lansdowne Road, Richmond Site sales and registrations now open online at

www.nelsonvcc.org.nz/book-a-site Email nelson@vcc.org.nz

Food and drink available on site Site and Cars for sale: $20 (Both above include 1 entry) Entry non-site holders $5 Gates open 7am Stall Holders, 8am Public.

44 Beaded Wheels

Waikato Branch VCC

Invite you to join us for the

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

2025 National North Island

EASTER RALLY Come one, come all to the

FRIDAY 18 – MONDAY 21 APRIL 2025

SOUTH ISLAND EASTER RALLY 2025

and help us celebrate Pat Cutler and the 50 year anniversary of the park named in his honor.

Programme includes a Saturday morning & afternoon rally followed by a sausage sizzle at the clubrooms.

Sunday morning a rally then field tests. Sunday evening meal with prize giving at the Hornby Club.

18, 19 AND 20 APRIL 2025

Entry forms will be available on-line mid-January and entries will close on 30 March 2025 For further information contact Gaynor Terrill terrill.g.j@gmail.com

Entry form now available, entries close 1 March.

Enquiries: essexontheroadagain@gmail.com INCLUDES A REUNION FOR THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE 1985 100 YEAR VCC TOUR.

BASED IN CAMBRIDGE

EARLY ACCOMMODATION BOOKING RECOMMENDED

COME JOIN US IN THE MIGHTY MANAWATU!

SATURDAY

26 APRIL 2025

25th Meeting Celebrating 50 years since the event was first convened.

open to all

PRE ‘56 MGS

A short route centered on Arrowtown during Autumn Festival week for all car categories.

Contacts Michael Wyatt: mwhyit@gmail.com or Greg Doran: gfdoran@gmail.com

Join us for all of the traditional Pre 56 activities Concours, Observational Trial, Speed Event, Gymkhana, Social events Cocktail Party, register and farewell dinners.

Extras include options to visit some of the Manawatu attractions.

For more information call Lynette Love 027 244 5806, or Pat Widdup022 36 83 128 or email: pre56mg25@gmail.com Beaded Wheels 45

LAST CALL FOR ENTRIES

Club Captain’s

SOUTH ISLAND

TOUR

Friday 11 April to Friday 18 April 2025 SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH VCC

SWAP MEET BAZAAR BAZAAR Saturday

5 APRIL 2025

ORARI RACECOURSE Public from 8.00am (Site holders 7am) Held wet or fine

Tour itinerary Friday 11th: Arrive Dunedin Saturday 12th: Dunedin to Gore Sunday 13th: Gore to Te Anau, or Gore to Te Anau via the George Begg Festival at Teretonga Park (as an option) Monday 14th: Te Anau – Tourist attractions and run to Milford for those that wish Tuesday 15th: Te Anau to Alexandra Wednesday 16th: Alexandra to Twizel Thursday 17th: Twizel to Methven Friday 18th: Methven to Christchurch (This is registration day for the South Island Easter Rally based in Christchurch) All touring routes will be sealed with alternative gravel sections for those that would like to use them.

Site Bookings Phone Michelle 027 284 6422 scvccswapmeet@hotmail.com Committee Chairman John Lester 021 152 7758 End summer in style with a trip to a South Island institution – the South Canterbury Swap Meet.

NO DOGS ON GROUNDS 46 Beaded Wheels

Site holders and visitors travel from across the South Island to attend – make 2025 your year to join us.

For entry form and accommodation details please email

Mark Wilkinson at sicc@vcc.org.nz

Closing date for entries 15 March 2025

TRADE DIRECTORY

MARLBOROUGH MAGNETOS

Magnetos Rewound in New Zealand using the best available materials Magneto repair and restoration undertaken

Exchange armatures available

Hard-to-get parts manufactured

Coil Only service for DIY assembly

Magdyno and Maglita units restored

Curiosities investigated

☎ 027 577 8328

Repairers and Restorers of Vintage and Classic Instruments Speedo Cables repaired or made new to order 13 Fleming Street, Onehunga, Auckland

Contact Paul Radmall at paul@magnetos.co.nz

INSTRUMENT REPAIRS

UPPER CLASSICS NEW ZEALAND

Motorcycle & Car a Wire Wheel Repairs & Restorations We Specialise In • Custom Made Spokes • Speedway Wheels Rim and Frame Lining • Wheel Building & Truing • Complete Wheel Restoration

Vintage – Classic – Modern Craig & Debbie Hambling

FOR THE REPAIR & RESTORATION OF ALL CLASSIC OR VINTAGE CARS & MOTORCYCLES

Phone 06 324 8345

Mobile 027 231 7864 410 Green Road, RD 6, Palmerston North Day or Night

Experienced expert technician Bruce Chaytor ph 021 631 700 Nicolette Prangley 021 166 8374 nap.chaytor@gmail.com 5 Gibbs Place, Kinloch, RD1, Taupo 3377

▼

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CARBURETTOR SPECIALISTS

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Specialising in Weber, Holley, SU, Stormberg, etc

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First published in 1973. Most back issues are available. All vehicles featured are restored or in original condition. Events, How To’s and Australian motoring history are a specialty.

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PH 61 3 5476 2212 RESTOREDCARSMAGAZINE.COM

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Put your company in front of every member of the Vintage Car Club (and a whole lot of other readers as well). With an expanding readership you can discover an economical way of reaching a new audience. Our trade directory advertisments starts from just $70 per issue.

Phone 03 332 3531 Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz

FOR MOTORING VETE RAN

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BOOK YOUR COMPANY’S TRADE DIRECTORY ADVERTISEMENT TODAY Beaded Wheels 47

DRIVING

OUR HISTORY

LATEST CLUB INFORMATION

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

As we enter 2025 we have received the news that the last of our founding members has passed. Andy Anderson certainly left an impression.

His booming voice at AGMs right up to 2024 was full of excitement for all things motoring. We should all be grateful for the legacy that he and his mates created back in 1946 — The Vintage Car Club.

I hope you all take the time to read his story in this edition and reflect on what we all enjoy today.

This year also starts with some exciting news. After an exhaustive search over the past five years, we have finally purchased a new building for the Club’s National Office and Archive. The new premises are situated in Papanui, Christchurch placing it midway between the airport and our current city location. The site consists of two buildings, one which looks like a house but is in fact built as an open plan office, while the other is large modern hall type structure, ideal for our archives. Both are under 13 years old. With 12 car parks it will be far more accessible for the members on the various committees that meet there, and for general members to visit.

▲ In 2013 the current VCC Life Members were pictured together at the club AGM hosted by Canterbury Branch.

Pictured here from left: Andrew Anderson, Mollie Anderson, Roger White, Frank Renwick.

▲ Location of the new VCC National Office and Archive.

Registrar, and I attended our annual meeting with NZTA in Wellington. Following on from last year we focused on vehicle certification, concentrating on relicensing restored vehicles and getting them back on to our roads. The flowchart which we created last year has certainly helped members and the general public navigate the process and NZTA intend

to add it to their website.

Again, their confidence in our DOMAS and VIC system was expressed, including the ability to provide them with the correct manufacturer dates when processing applications.

VCCNZ MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

CLUB CAPTAIN NORTH ISLAND Glyn Clements 021 0833 4081 nicc@vcc.org.nz

EDITOR, BEADED WHEELS Kevin Clarkson 021 0270 6525 kevinclarkson@vcc.org.nz

PRESIDENT George R. Kear 027 221 4332

CLUB CAPTAIN SOUTH ISLAND Mark Wilkinson 021 168 6068 sicc@vcc.org.nz

Rebecca George 021 293 7714 mgmt2@vcc.org.nz

Before Christmas Neil, our

president@vcc.org.nz

SECRETARY/ TREASURER Vacant

REGISTRAR Neil Beckenham 021 588 536 registrar@vcc.org.nz SPEED STEWARD Ray Sanders 021 632 563 speedsteward@vcc.org.nz

48 Beaded Wheels

We did express concerns over the lack of knowledge certifiers have of earlier vehicles. They advised that the VIRM states

Andy Fox 027 519 9642

mgmt1@vcc.org.nz

Murray Trounson 03 339 8830 mgmt3@vcc.org.nz

that a specialist can be called on by the certifiers should they need help. As we are The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand members should advise their certifier of this fact. They can call us for help to better understand how the vehicle concerned was manufactured in-period and Neil is only too happy

ARCHIVIST Don Muller 03 385 6850

archivist@vcc.org.nz

VCCNZ LIFE MEMBERS Andrew Anderson Roger White Norm Dewhurst Rod Brayshaw John Coomber

to take these calls. We also offered our services to their team processing “Alternative Document” applications prior to the certification process.

Since this meeting we have been contacted on numerous occasions. The team at NZTA appreciate our desire to retain our motoring history and our relationship is growing in strength.

following the first draft has been very positive and several great suggestions have been implemented.

In March our Executive meeting will again be held in Canterbury.

The main item for discussion is the new constitution document we have been working on for the past three years. The second draft was sent to all branches before Christmas, so I hope that those of you who are interested speak to your committee and look at the draft. At this stage the feedback from the branches

The new structure will not just retain the current rights and entitlements of all branches but improve them through their area representatives. These are representatives that will be voted in to each area by the members. When there is a management item to be voted on these six representatives will have one vote each. When it is a Governance matter to vote on, they will bring a vote from each of the branches they represent. So, six votes each, as instructed by the branches they represent. Exactly as it is now, except rather than waiting six months for a meeting where some branch delegates can’t attend, it can happen monthly

through electronic media and each branch will have their say.

This has been a big project for the Executive Committee with each Branch Delegate involved in workshops and discussions to arrive at this result. We now have a cleaner document and a structure that will sustain the Club into the future. This Executive meeting will be the last chance to go over the document and make final changes before it goes to the vote.

NATIONAL OFFICE NEWS Office Hours Monday to Friday 9.30am to 1.30pm. admin@vcc.org.nz ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW DUE

In early September the annual accounts for membership for the year 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025 were sent out.

These were sent via email or for those members that do not have an email address in our system, the invoices were posted.

If you haven’t received your invoice, please let your Branch Secretary or National Office know.

George Kear VCCNZ National President

Unfinancial members may not receive their Beaded Wheels magazine or Branch newsletter.

Members whose renewal invoice is unpaid at the time of the March 2025 Executive Meeting will have their membership with the Club cancelled, as per the constitution, and will lose any previous continuous membership.

If you intend to resign it would be appreciated if you notify the National Office.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/DETAILS

Please advise the National Office if you have changed address, phone number, email address or vehicle ownership.

VCC VERO INSURANCE SCHEME ▲ Management Committee had the opportunity to inspect the new bulidings and begin the relocation planning.

From left: Kevin Clarkson (BW Editor), George Kear (National President), Glynn Clements (NICC), Mark Wilkinson (SICC), Neil Beckenham (Registrar), Ray Sanders (Speed Steward) and Rebecca George (both Mgmt Committee).

Please note: Financial membership of the Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated is a requirement to be insured under the VCC/Vero Insurance Scheme.

COMMEMORATIVE AWARDS Congratulations to the following members who have recently been awarded their 50 and 60 Year Awards.

50 YEAR

Haycock, Len Brooks, Colin Jones, Bruce Hanning, Michael

Manawatu Horowhenua Central Otago Central Otago

Milne, Dennis

60 YEAR

Manawatu

Linda Duffell

Karen Proctor

Office Administrator

Committee Liaison Officer

Beaded Wheels 49

ANDREW ANDERSON VCC FOUNDER AND LIFE MEMBER January 5, 2025

Words John Coomber Life Member

Seventy-nine years ago on 18 August 1946, 18 year old Andrew along with eight other young men formed the Vintage Vehicle Association (VVA). The cut-off date for vehicles was set at 1927. Most members were students at Canterbury University and Andrew was studying engineering amongst other subjects. Because of the austerity of the time, the impetus was to provide a network to obtain spare parts, tyres and fuel to enable them to keep their wheels on the road for social purposes. The group travelled to Banks Peninsula in two cars for their first motoring adventure on Sunday 25 August, having already held a committee meeting and their first AGM where a constitution was adopted. Regular activities continued and Andrew was elected Secretary of the club at the AGM in early 1947, a position he was to hold in the VVA and later the Vintage Car Club of NZ for many years. He also purchased a 1913 Panhard-Levassor car which was the first mobile veteran in the club, and joined the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain.

The VVA was a founding member of the Association of New Zealand Car Clubs (ANCC), which later became Motorsport Association of New Zealand (MANZ). Andrew was always enthusiastic in promoting the sporting aspect of our club and was involved in the early circuit and hill-climb events in association with ANCC. He was also a member of the 1950 Centennial Rally committee

50 Beaded Wheels

Founder/Life Member Andrew Anderson enthusiastically re aquainting himself with a 1938 Lagonda V12 Le Mans on a garage raid that took place during the 2018 Club AGM.

in Christchurch. At the last VVA meeting in 1949, Andrew promoted the idea of a name change to the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand with a new constitution based on that of the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain. The new name and constitution were adopted and Andrew became the first Secretary/ Treasurer of the club, a s In the beginning– 1923 Model T Ford “Annie”, co-owned by Andrew Anderson, CJ Harper, B Goodwin, MHN Haggitt and MM position still in our constitution today. Club vehicle Palmer - all of Jacobs House, Christ’s College. eligibility was extended to luggage. While in England, Andrew met 1931. with many important people in the old Andrew also took leave to tour Australia car movement, including Elizabeth Nagle with the University Drama Society in Ngaio who was secretary of the Veteran Car Marsh’s production of ‘Othello’ and other Club of Great Britain. Andrew and Mollie works, and while there made contact with left for New Zealand after seeing the 1953 the Vintage Sports Car Club of Australia.

Coronation, and returned to find the Andrew obtained a 4½ Bentley which he Club was in recess, with only a handful of rallied, and lent to other members when financial members remaining. After their he was away on engineering projects. return the club met and voted to come out Andrew met his future wife Molly on the of recess, and the following year Andrew way to the beach racing at Nelson. Their was again elected Secretary/Treasurer. friendship blossomed and when Andrew With Rob Shand back as President, the Club left New Zealand as ship’s engineer on a gained momentum again and membertrip to England to further his engineering ship swelled following release of the experience, Molly followed and they were film Genevieve. Molly Anderson created married in Leigh in 1953. After touring Beaded Wheels magazine in 1955 and with Europe in a 12/50 Alvis, they then toured Andrew as Sec/Treasurer, their home in around the UK in a 1927 Rolls-Royce seven Hackthorne Road became the hub of the seater with Molly’s friends and all their Club management.

Andrew was elected President in 1963 when Rob Shand stood down after ten years.

With Andrew’s

many contacts the s Mollie and Andrew Anderson.

Club had been a foundation member of the FIVA in Europe and thanks to the support of Elizabeth Nagle and friends, and with New Zealand represented by Len Southward, the sixth International FIVA Vintage Car Rally was awarded to New Zealand to be run in March 1965, and became known as the Haast Rally. This very successful rally attracted many overseas entrants, including Lord Montagu and changed the concept of how these major international rallies could be conducted.

Andrew stood down as President in 1968 to become the Rally Director for the very successful 1972 International Rally based at Nelson, with the 24 hour Le Mans style race with all entrants at Renwick. Molly gave up the editorship of Beaded Wheels in 1969 by which stage Beaded Wheels was the longest running motoring magazine in this country. Andrew stood down from the Management Committee in 1972 and they purchased a farm in North Canterbury. At the 1972 national AGM, Andrew and Molly were made Life Members of the Vintage Car Club of NZ, along with Rob Shand, the first President, and Elizabeth Nagle. It is unlikely that we will see this rare honour bestowed upon both husband and wife again. In 1995 Molly was the editor of the 50 Year History which was published in time for the 50th Anniversary Rally in 1996.

Andrew and Molly attended the 2013 National AGM in Christchurch and Andrew spoke to the meeting about the Club

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and its future direction. Andrew attended every AGM since, and given us his thoughts on Club matters, only missing the 2024 meeting after being admitted to hospital. Even then, he provided some words of encouragement to be read out to the meeting. Most members will have read Andrew’s regular column “The way we were” in Beaded Wheels over the past decade. Andrew also provided Beaded Wheels and the VCC Archive with his photographic diaries from 1946, and we are privileged to have a copy of this early photographic history of the club, its members and their vehicles, along with the handwritten notes which accompany the photos and events. Blessed with an exceptional memory, Andrew could recall the detail of committee meetings held over 70 years ago. When re-united with his Panhard car 70 years later in 2023, Andrew gave expert instruction on how it must be tuned for ultimate performance.

In the early years some members wanted the club to remain exclusive and resisted the idea of extending the eligibility rules past 1931 but Andrew’s vision for the club was inclusive and he wanted to see all historic vehicles included in our rules. Our recognition as The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand and the strength and diversity of our members and vehicles are testament to Andrew’s vision and passion for our Club. Andrew would always offer help and advice to members and was particularly encouraging to young members, as he saw them as the future of the Club. His knowledge, vision, enthusiasm and friendship is an inspiration to us all. Andrew’s immense enthusiasm and vision along with his ability to motivate fellow enthusiasts set the tone for the Vintage Car Club that continues to this day. In short, Andrew was the heart and soul of our Club. He will be sorely missed, but his influence will continue.

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BRANCH NEWS

s Ashburton: The Oakley’s run at El Dorado station.

ASHBURTON

TREVOR BEGG

We welcome new member Eric Bassett.

He doesn’t have a vehicle but likes to join in the events. David Hight has transferred from Canterbury Branch with his 1938 Vauxhall, 1956 International and 1967 Mahindra.

David and Marion Oakley’s Pre Christmas Tour was held from 11 to 17 December 2024. Sixteen vehicles went to Lake Ohau, then into the Otago area and to Roxburgh, where they had a look though an historic woolshed. It originally had 34 stands and sheared 3,000 ewes in a day in the 1800s, but now has only seven stands. Millers Flat was next, to a farm that is 45 kms long. From there it was through Middlemarch to Palmerston via the back road though Nenthorn and Moonlight, stopping for a look at the Macraes Flat gold mine.

After leaving Palmerston, our Patroness Diane Ross took entrants into Shag Point where she was brought up. Her grandfather managed a coal mine that went out under

the sea 120 feet, yet never got salt water in it. The coal was trucked to the Pukeuri freezing works for use there. After her grandfather died Diane’s father took over.

It was reopened in 1948 then closed again in 1968.

New Year’s Day Run/barbecue attracted 35 vehicles and 50 people. Entrants left the clubrooms on one of three different runs. We were given two playing cards at the start, a further two at a check point, and two more at the end. Wakanui beach was the final destination, and the card numbers were added up to find the winner. A barbecue was enjoyed back at the clubrooms.

AUCKLAND

t Ashburton: New Year’s Day run at Wakanui Beach.

52 Beaded Wheels

JOHN STOKES

Motorcycles: The November guest speaker was Forrest Cardon who raced a number of motorcycles successfully.

Forrest also owned the Lycoming Special for some time. The December speaker was Orb Morbey, a builder of exotic

motorcycles, who is involved with the reconstruction of the popular 1960s “Wall of Death” stunts. We note with regret the death of Dave Tomkins Jnr. Dave was a very talented panel beater who could smooth out motorcycle tanks requiring full chrome plating.

Veteran: John Courtney’s family have repurchased the 1917 Studebaker, which John restored about 1974, from Grahame Power’s estate Vintage: John Towers has his 1925 Humber running again after more attention to the magneto. Richard Green is reassembling the engine on his flood damaged 1930 20/25 Rolls-Royce. Terry Jenkins is giving his DA Dodge coupe a repaint.

General: More than 80 people attended the Christmas Potluck Dinner, the branch 70th anniversary. Jack Nazer and his spares group have almost finished lining the lower floor of our barn, and the displays are going from strength to strength. Rather sadly we note the retirement of both Jack t Auckland: Elf, Mrs Claus and Santa.

Auckland: Bill Quinn 1924 Oakland 100 year old vehicle.

s Auckland: John Courtney’s 1917 Studebaker.

Nazer and Norm Dewhurst as Mid-Week Tourers organisers after decades of service. There hasn’t been a big queue waiting to replace them. December saw a large number of members travel to historic Huntly House. The event combined a “posh picnic” with the celebration of 100 plus year old vehicles, at least five of these being present. Guest speaker at a club afternoon was our solicitor, Harold Kidd, who spoke of his many decades involvement with the club, and the cars, boats and planes he has owned over this time. Our New Year’s Day run to Kaiua attracted 48 vehicles.

BANKS PENINSULA DON GERRARD We welcome new members Jonathan Mortimore with an ‘89 Mazda roadster, Paul Fitzsimmons with a ‘30 Ford A, and Damon Rutherford with a ‘75 Citroen CX 2200. In December we sadly farewelled Mark McFadden, a much-liked and enthusiastic competitor, who was for many years custodian of the historic 260M Zephyr race car which took pride of place at his t Banks Peninsula: The ‘Bentley Boys’ resting for lunch.

Memorial Service. Our condolences to his family.

Late November saw the running of the Wigram Revival race meeting at Ruapuna. This attracted 19 VCC cars, including a Nota Streamliner with Minx powerplant, and the Sadler Special made a welcome return after years of hibernation.

Graeme Hamilton’s Ace III was on song, along with the Owen C-Type Jaguar Rep, and Russ Haines Frangapelli Holden, while the Stanton Corvette was singing a bit flat. Mark Barrett’s Lotus 23B Rep hounded for the s Banks Peninsula: RIP Mark McFadden - pictured with the lead all weekend, however by 260M. the last race on Sunday, eight cars The unusual changeable weather had succumbed to various mechanobviously deterred some from open-top ical maladies, some serious but others just motoring to our annual New Year’s Day needed cosmetic surgery. After six rounds picnic at Little River. However, with not a to date, 44 different car/driver combinadrop of rain all day, more than a hundred tions have contested and gained points in vehicles representing most makes and the BPVCC Race Series Championship. marques were on show to provide plenty t Banks Peninsula: Picnic day for the As.

Beaded Wheels 53

s

s Bay of Plenty: When the Riley Elf goes on strike - presents from Santa have to be delivered with a Morris 1100. Donn White’s 1968 example was up to the job. Photo Donn White

of curiosity, questions and discussion, not only between owners but to all of the interested and admiring public.

BAY OF PLENTY

KAAREN SMYLIE

Early in December the coordinators of the Annual Tauranga Kids Toy Run for Charity extended an invitation to our branch to take part in an Evening Run around Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.

This was also extended to a number of other car clubs and like-minded motoring enthusiasts. Donations of toys and monies were received from more than 250 car loads of people - some of whom brought along some very exotic machinery.

We also had an enjoyable night out for our members with a Christmas themed

s Bay of Plenty: Les Duggan, former BOP VCC Chairman Jim Smylie, and Elwyn Pirie take in some of the summer sun shine during our Annual New Year’s Day Picnic.

Photo Brian Pratt.

s

Bay of Plenty: The recent Tauranga Toy Run witnessed some exotic vehicles participating including this rare De Tomaso Pantera.

Donn White Photo

54 Beaded Wheels

dinner. A few days after, it was off to the countryside to visit Pyes Pa School for morning tea, and Oropi School for lunch.

Refreshments and food were served after Santa (rumoured to be our Patron Alistair Jones) had made a landing, courtesy of Jim Smylie driving a 1913 Ford Model T. Coordinator of the event, Club Captain Kaaren Smylie, received excellent feedback from the visits, and similar Christmas outings will be considered in the future.

Both events were successful fundraisers for the country schools.

Our Annual New Year’s Day Picnic was a big hit with the members this year, no doubt assisted by some lovely Bay of Plenty sunshine. A quick count up of the vehicles parked revealed a tally in excess of 50. This is an event which is growing in popularity

Bay of Plenty: Santa arrives in style at the Pyes Pa School in a 1913 Ford Model T with Jim Smylie at the helm. Donn White Photo

and attracting the interest of quite a few non-members as well.

At the time of writing many members are taking advantage of the holiday break to catch up on vehicle maintenance and various rebuilds. It will be great to see the results of their efforts in the coming months ahead.

CANTERBURY

COLIN HEY

Our annual Homestead Run in November was well supported with 112 entrants, a sunny day, and three delightful properties to visit. First stop was to a huge two-story homestead relocated from Christchurch to the Courtenay area after the Christchurch earthquakes, then bought as an abandoned project by VCC

members Chris and Nicola Peacock. The renovation of the homestead and development of the large gardens has been ongoing for several years, is nearly complete, and the result is outstanding. The run then crossed the Waimakariri Gorge and took us to Eyreton and Geoff Pearce’s property, where we viewed his newly restored traction engine. We then moved next door to Nicci and Allan Wylie’s farm for a picnic lunch in their garden, followed by a look around the homestead and a talk about both properties. An excellent outing.

Also in November, our annual display at the Hororata Highland Games was a popular outing for our members, and certainly appreciated by the huge crowd attending the event. Other successful events included the Show Weekend Run to Methven, and annual rallies for the Veteran, Vintage and Motorcycle sections – all well subscribed and enjoyed by all who attended them.

The year wrapped up with a huge turnout to our last OCBC coffee morning in December, held on the same day as our Children’s Christmas Party – a delightful event with 50 excited and happy children and their parents and grandparents having a great time together, complete with a bubble snow-fall.

s Canterbury: Father Christmas arrives in snow at the Children’s Christmas Party. Photo Sarah Hey

t Canterbury: In November our Branch display was a feature at the Hororata Highland Games.

with 11 cars all doing a run round the circuit before the lunch break. This was followed by a quiz on 55 common logos, which proved to be more difficult than first thought. Then the second run around the seven kilometre circuit, with each car aiming to get the same time as they did on their morning run.

Results; 1st Scarlet McKenzie in her mid ‘80s Holden Commodore with 0.9 seconds difference, 2nd Brian Malcolm in his Mercedes with 2.9 seconds, 3rd Graham Cheer in his ‘28 Model A coupe with 4.4 seconds. The run was very much enjoyed by those who took part.

The quiz winners were; 1st Hank Domper, 2nd Ella Domper. They suggested

that having owned a grocery store was helpful.

On 12 December the Talk Heads coffee group held their Christmas luncheon at the historic Tikokino Hotel, which attracted 37 members, a nice rural drive.

A formal Christmas dinner at Oruwharo was attended by 42 members.

CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

HEATHER CHEER

On a very hot 15 December, 11 club members took part in the Reliability Trial organised by Judy and Seton Thomson.

The Pukeora Hill Circuit was a time trial,

CENTRAL OTAGO

JOHN GRAY

s

The November Weekend Run, saw a small but enthusiastic group of members take a run up the side of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, and on to the road end at the start of the Routeburn track. We were entertained over lunch by Mr Neville Bryant of Queenstown, who presented

Central Otago: Some of the group enjoying lunch on the 4WD trip.

Beaded Wheels 55

s

s Central Otago: Ray Anderson and his very original 1962 RHD Pontiac at Routeburn.

a very informative talk on his family’s history, the first European settlers in the area. Neville’s uncle ran Bryant’s Bus Service which took people from the Kinloch wharf to the start of the Routeburn track from just after the war until the Dart River bridge opened in 1974. Neville still owns one of the vehicles, an open top 1941 Chevrolet bus, and a future club visit is planned to ride in this well-known piece of Central Otago history.

In November our speakers were two staff members from Santana Minerals, a local Cromwell company, who are presently undertaking exploration drilling before commencing a major open cast gold mining operation in Thompsons Gorge, to the east of the top of Lake Dunstan.

This talk was followed up by our end of month Thursday Muster, which was a 4WD trip to visit Santana’s site compound to look at some very high gold-bearing samples, attended by around 60 members.

We then proceeded by mostly modern 4WDs, (with one 1951 Series 1 Land Rover), over Thompsons Track, from Tarras to Matakanui. On the way we stopped to walk down to the restored Come in Time stamper battery, in the company of our 91-year-old member, Johnny Simons, who restored this structure in 1990. The day finished with a visit to the historic Matakanui village and Tinkers Gully mining area.

56 Beaded Wheels

s

EBOP: Ford Falcon and 1948 Ford coupe dressed for Kawerau Christmas Parade.

EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY

BRUCE SEDDON

Our inter-branch weekend with Gisborne was held recently. Nine cars were driven to Gisborne to join a rally through back roads to Wairoa via Tiniroto.

There were long stretches of dirty muddy gravel roads with testing silent checks.

We travelled over a Bailey bridge that has replaced the Te Reinga bridge swept away by last year’s cyclone. From Wairoa we drove to our accommodation for the weekend at Mahia. We continued the next day with a rally around the Mahia and Nuhaka areas – more gravel roads

Central Otago: 4WD Driving vintage style.

of course. We finished the day with a gymkhana, and then a dinner/prizegiving where Gisborne branch reclaimed the Interbranch Trophy. The next day we all attended a large classic country fete on a farm station at Tahaenui near Nuhaka.

It was clearly a social highlight for the Northern Hawke’s Bay area in a grand park setting – a huge area with perfect lawns under large old shade trees, in which three giraffe structures looked entirely in place.

After enjoying the fete the Gisborne, along with a couple of EBOP cars, headed home, while the remainder of the EBOP team headed for Napier. Over the next two days our reduced group of six cars drove from Napier up the Gentle Annie Road, past the Springfield Suspension Bridge to Taihape, then to Ohakune, through National Park, over the Saddle Road to Tokaanu, around Lake Taupo to Whakamaru, and home

s EBOP: The Overland needed people power to get to the Parade.

to the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Six days of driving our cars of the 1950s to 1970s on a 1,200km cruise through Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Central Plateau scenic roads.

At the same time other branch members attended the South Waikato VCC’s TTT Rally to spread our cars around another section of the country. John and Jacqui Taggart of EBOP scored a first place in the Post 80 class.

FAR NORTH

MURRAY CORMACK

We welcome our new members and look forward to seeing them at our branch activities.

It’s great to see our existing members buying additional eligible vehicles: Steve and Stephanie Edwards with the purchase of a 1962 Wolseley 6/99, and Kelly and Jos Archer with a club eligible MG. Caffeine’n’Classics at Awanui every third Sunday morning is as popular as

s EBOP: Phil Leaming’s 1919 Overland ready for Christmas Parade.

ever and is a pleasant and relaxed social gathering.

November saw our club members at a number of car events in our area sponsored by other clubs. The Wheels of Mayhem day at Kaitaia Showgrounds, courtesy of the local Hot Rod club, was popular.

Northland’s Far North Tour was well supported by members participating from Auckland and the North. It was a chance for a catch-up with fellow members, and was good motoring.

December was the month for our potluck Christmas luncheon at our clubrooms. This followed the monthly

meeting and was enjoyed by a good number of members.

GORE

BILL SHEDDAN

With Christmas comes the better weather and an abundance of opportunities to enjoy our club vehicles. In addition to our runs, some members are enjoying the hospitality of neighbouring branches such as Southland, Central Otago, South Otago and the run I am looking forward to, the annual veteran run from Dunedin to Brighton in February.

s Gore: Member Ken Youngson knows that Citroen cars are different so parking his car differently to others is not a problem at the Niagara lunch stop.

Beaded Wheels 57

Gerry Kennedy organised another enjoyable Tuesday Ramble, this time to Niagara Falls Cafe for lunch. No, not the Falls on the USA/Canada border, but the one-metre-high Falls on the Waikawa River about an hour’s drive from Gore.

After an enjoyable lunch in the old converted primary school, we motored a short distance up the Waikawa Valley to visit a farm where the farmer has an unusual sideline, the farming of llamas and Gotland Pelt Sheep.

A few days later Bruce Price had us on the Christmas Run to the Mataura Museum, which has been set up by a very competent volunteer group.

The Josephville Hill climb attracted nine competitors this year, the majority from branches further afield. I blew a head gasket last year so could not attend this year, but we look forward to the next one.

HAWKE’S BAY

DIANE FRIIS

November saw a three-day celebration of the branch’s 65th anniversary, beginning on the evening of Friday 22 with a meet and greet for all participants, some of whom had travelled a fair distance to attend. There were 61 cars on the entrants list, a wide variety of makes and marques dating from 1922 up to 1987. The Saturday run began at 10am with a choice of a long or

Donovan receiving Life Membership of the branch. Open Day on Sunday morning was wet, but that didn’t stop about 80 – 100 cars turning up. A great weekend which was enjoyed by all.

MANAWATU

s Gore: A llama admiring the line up of Gore Branch members.

short route (with time built in for a coffee stop). After a very enjoyable run in the countryside we arrived at Craig and Penny Hickson’s property where we picnicked under the trees on their beautiful front lawn. After lunch we inspected Craig’s incredible car collection – Aston Martins, MGs, Ferrari, and many more. It was truly a treat, and huge thanks to Craig and Penny for opening their collection for viewing. The evening’s Gala Dinner had a ‘60s theme, and it seemed the ‘60s had exploded in the Clubrooms. A true kaleidoscope of colour from the mass of beautiful ‘60s clothing that had been begged, borrowed, or pulled out of wardrobes. A lovely dinner, great entertainment, and the presentation of awards completed the evening, with Vic Gould receiving his 60 years membership award, and Steve

Manawatu: Alistair Howard participating in the Feilding Christmas Parade with his 1929 Essex coupe.

58 Beaded Wheels

BRYAN ABRAHAM

October saw some Manawatu members join neighbouring branches for a Labour weekend Inter-Branch Camp Out near Apiti.

The following weekend everyone was spoilt for choice, with two options for the monthly Sunday Jaunt. The primary destination was to Woodville for their Mad Hatters Steam Punk Day. For the less adventurous it was a shorter trip to the Boys and their Toys display at the Feilding Coach House Museum.

The following weekend some headed to Apiti to join the Central Hawke’s Bay Branch outing to Vern Jensen’s workshop to learn about wooden wheel making.

Mid November was the annual Branch Overnighter – 17 members enjoyed the round trip to Taranaki, stopping overnight at Stratford, then over the Forgotten Highway to Taumarunui, and south to Wanganui before heading home.

November club night had Cliff Bennett bring along his 1926 Ford Model T utility.

Cliff spoke of his introduction to it,

s Manawatu: Cliff Bennett talking about his Model T at the November club night.

acquiring the car, upgrades made to it, and explained the technique used to drive a Model T. Later that month 15 members took their cars to the Woodland Retirement Village to give the residents rides and the opportunity to look over the cars.

s Marlborough: The incredible kitchen team who manage to fuel our members with ease.

For the December Sunday Jaunt some went on a quiet drive to Cross Hills Gardens near Kimbolton. This was followed by the branch Christmas Dinner at the clubrooms.

Members were encouraged to bring spouses and partners along to the December Club Night for a social evening and supper.

MARLBOROUGH

LINDA LAING

It has been a quiet period leading up to Christmas and recovering from the Biennial Rally.

Our biggest Noggin and Natter of the year was held at the end of November with 50 people attending. The ladies in the kitchen do an amazing job of keeping us all fed and watered, deserving the thanks of us

all. Photo of the Noggin and Natter are by Graham Wiblin.

On Boxing Day those Club members who needed a break from the festivities got together for a picnic at Don and Kaye Register’s farm. The scenery and peace and quiet are a delight.

The Motorcycle Section is in good spirits with members out and about with regular runs. One outing, with 25 people attending, ended up using the backup trailer for the first time in over a year, which as Glenn says is either a testament to the restoration and maintenance skills of our members, or to good luck.

NELSON

CAROLYN BOLLAND

For many of us, our vehicles are more than machines—they are pieces of history,

s Marlborough: Boxing Day picnic.

s Manawatu: Happy Campers – the group of members from the November Branch Overnighter looking very happy with the trip.

Beaded Wheels 59

s sMarlborough: Boxing Day picnic was enjoyed at local members Don and Kaye Register’s farm.

each with a story etched into their worn leather seats and chrome-lined exteriors.

Owning, restoring, or even admiring a vintage car is about preserving a slice of the past, an era when the journey was as cherished as the destination. But it’s not all about the cars. It’s about the people - the collectors, restorers, and drivers who keep this legacy alive.

In November we learned about Wes Drayton’s 1949 MG TC. Wes is originally from California and raced this vehicle in Australia. He told us of the trials and tribulations of getting road worthy certification for it here in New Zealand.

On 5 October 18 vehicles and their people had at a ball at the Grasskhana.

Plenty of safe space to play/compete, wet grass, with the grass getting wetter during lunchtime, which meant less grass than when they started and mud starting to appear.

Two of our members entered the recent Molesworth rampage. This is an event held for people to travel on ride-on mowers from the Cobb Cottage Molesworth through to Hanmer Springs, 86kms in all. What an amazing journey for everyone involved and a fantastic group of people that raised $55,000 (and still counting) for Nelson Cancer Society and Hospice.

Five Nelsonian entries joined the Marlborough biennial Rally this year.

Entrants were treated to a visit to the Pinoli

s Nelson: Ray( Razor) Robertson receiving his trophy after winning the Grasskhana.

s Nelson: Camp Gilbert the site of Nelson VCC members Chill out weekend.

60 Beaded Wheels

Pine Nut Orchard where they were given a very entertaining talk about pine nuts.

This was followed by a visit to the Cape Campbell lighthouse.

NORTHLAND

RAY SANDERS

Northland Branch has been fairly quiet over the past couple of months, but the Christmas party was memorable for having a great turn out and an excellent selection of cars for both the Show and Shine award, and the Best Restoration Award.

The joint winners of the Restoration Award were Laurence Hillier with his magnificent 1948 Jaguar, and Pauline Boddy and partner Lee Tuffnel with their lovely 1946 flathead Ford V8 coupe.

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s Nelson: Lawnmowers lined up for the start of the Mosworth rampage.

David Bell (Nelson) and Rex Smith(Murchison) with their support crew ready to begin their Molesworth rampage journey.

Nelson: David Bell (Nelson) negotiating a river crossing during the Molesworth rampage .

Best Restoration was awarded to Derrick Doar with his Mk1 Zephyr. This car was one that most people would have sent to the scrap man, but Derrick applied his metal work skills, and several full-size sheets of steel, and restored it to as new.

He also did his own upholstery to a professional standard.

NORTH SHORE RICHARD BAMPTON The November run was an interesting subterranean visit to Fort Takapuna, where we saw the ammunition stores, railway cart lines and the sites of the original Disappearing guns. Outside the generator room were searchlight sites,

and infrastructure for the later four inch guns from the WWI battle cruiser HMS New Zealand. Initially built in 1886 as a defence against the Russians, through WWI and WWII it was progressively altered to guard the Rangitoto Channel and the entrance to Waitemata Harbour.

Some members then progressed to the 1935 twin screw steam tug, William C Daldy, where NSVCC member Robert Brown, who is also a member of the William Daldy Preservation Society gave us an interesting tour of the vessel.

The December Car Show and barbecue was augmented this year with a gymkhana. A good range of cars were

on show, including several belonging to newer members. The gymkhana consisted of six tests, of which the blindfold slalom was the most feared. While contestants failed to realise that the regularity trial was not a speed event, the majority took the opportunity to hoon round the course as fast as they could. Second place was taken by Neil Fraser (Lotus Cortina) in his first gymkhana, just beaten by this year’s winner, Steve Lough in his 1968 Mini. What was particularly pleasing, and shows the spirit within our club, was the number of members who came forward voluntarily to help set up the course and assist with the

s North Shore: Christmas Parade

s North Shore: Bob Maddox prepares for the blindfold.

s North Shore: Overall winner Steve Lough accelerates during the regularity trial in his 1968 Mini.

s North Shore: Robert Brown explains William C Daldy’s engine room.

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s

Rotorua: Ralph Bennett and his Humber Super Snipe.

t Rotorua: Peter Stanaway and his Rover 3500S.

scoring, and those who were coerced also helped with a smile on their faces.

ROTORUA

RONALD MAYES

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During the Rotorua Heritage Week activities in December, we displayed six vehicles on the lawn in front of the District Library on the Saturday morning. Little publicity was given to the event, but sufficient visitors were there to keep us busy.

At the December meeting the carin-the-room was the 1974 Rover 3500S recently purchased by long-time member Peter Stanaway. There was also a farewell, as Peter is moving to Northland.

The pre-Christmas picnic lunch involved a drive around the always enjoyable Ngakuru area before arriving at the farm of Mario and Gwen Klutman at Horohoro. Mario’s driveway is sealed and still has the yellow and white road markings from the days many years ago when it was part of SH30. We saw the first appearance on the road of Ralph Bennett’s 1953 Humber Super Snipe. He had bought it sight unseen a few years ago from the South Island. He subsequently found that it required a lot of work to be fit for use. Undaunted, he has brought it back to life, and as a nonagenarian has inspired decades-younger members such as this writer to realise that serious restoration work can be undertaken in later postretirement years.

Our 12th Rotorua Lakefront Car Show will have been held in January 2025 with, we hope, a generous donation being made to the local St John ambulance Association.

Side Curtains, the monthly magazine of the Rotorua branch since 1970, is no more. Demand for copies has reduced

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in recent years and, after producing 100 issues, editor and branch chairman, David Tomlinson, decided to put to the committee the motion that production be stopped. Alternative ways would be found to keep the few members without Internet access up to date with details of club events.

SOUTHLAND

WAYNE CALDERWOOD

The branch welcomed new members Ross Pavitt and Stephen Mussen. Glenys McKenzie received her 25-year badge, and Ron Irwin, Gerry Pethick and David Calvert received their 50-year badges at the Southland Rally.

The annual Arrowtown Motorcycle Rally was well attended with the oldest vehicle being Greg Eunson’s 1913 Royal Enfield V twin, closely followed by Brad McLeod’s 1918 Triumph TT. The overall winner was Matt Furness on his 1984 Yamaha SRX 250. Jamie Croton was awarded the best restoration for his 1971

Yamaha YR5. Greg Eunson received the Binnie Trophy, Publicans choice, best performance by a pre-1932 motorcycle and veteran field test awards.

The Commercial Rally was won by Peter Hilston in his 1968 Bedford J12.

Our Christmas lunch held on 15 December at our clubrooms was well attended by members and their families.

Planning for our celebrations of our 70th Anniversary are underway. Our branch held its first meeting on 20 December 1954 and its first run on 29 May 1955 with 12 cars on an eight-mile journey from Invercargill to Branxholme. The 70th Anniversary will be held in conjunction with the Southland Rally on 1 February 2025.

s Southland: Members enjoying Christmas dinner at our clubrooms.

s South Canterbury: Members’ cars in the Timaru Santa Parade.

SOUTH CANTERBURY

SHANNON STEVENSON

In early December we were saddened to hear of the passing of Gay Brown, wife of Bruce and a keen supporter of branch activities.

The Safari Weekend took place in early November, several members spending the weekend at O’Neill’s reserve near Cave.

The Vintage, Veteran and Commercial Rally was held on 17 November, organised

by Gavin and Michelle Munro, with the run taking participants to the Orari Racecourse, the home of the branch’s upcoming swap meet on 5 April 2025. t South Canterbury: Grant Mitchell’s Morris Minor - Fairlie New Year’s Day Parade.

In late November a three-day tour, organised by Grant Stewart and supporters, taking participants south to Balclutha, and west to Roxburgh. Highlights included the Tuapeka Punt ferry across the Clutha River, and Lake Onslow.

On 1 December several members, co-ordinated by Grant Mitchell, took part in the annual Timaru Santa Parade with their vehicles decorated for Christmas, then they continued to visit residents at Mountain View Village.

A number of members took part with their vehicles in the Temuka Christmas Parade. The Christmas Party took place on Saturday 14 December, well attended by members. A number of members celebrated the 2025 New Year’s Day in Fairlie, with a picnic in the domain, the annual parade showcasing over 100 years of automotive history, and a carnival at the Fairlie A&P Showgrounds.

SOUTH OTAGO

▼ South Canterbury: Kevin Manchester’s 1978 Renault 12, one of a number of Renaults owned

by Kevin - Fairlie New Year’s Day Parade.

NOELINE MILNE

The South Otago A&P Show was an opportunity for some members to display their vehicles, and the Rev Rock and Hop at Lawrence was also a popular event.

The last run for 2024 saw nine vehicles leave the Clubrooms to travel to the southern coastal location of Pounawea, which is a short journey from the township of Owaka. A picnic lunch on the waterfront was enjoyed by all, and Gaynor Falconer treated everyone to some Christmas home baking. A return to Owaka to visit the Catlins Country Store and Gallery on Waikawa Road made for an interesting tour of a men’s shed with plenty to see. We were made very welcome.

s Taranaki: Merv Adams Ford Model A left hand drive at the Waitara Christmas parade drawing attention from the children with the big bear in the RHSide drivers seat.

The 50th Annual Motorcycle Rally for the Branch is being held on 8 March and we look forward to welcoming entrants along for this special occasion.

TARANAKI

COLIN JOHNSTON

Our November Club night speaker was Graeme Blackstock who brought along his Jaguar Mark 7 that he had had modified to suit a wheelchair user. The wheelchair could be hydraulically lifted in to the car through the back doors, which had to be extended by 200mm. This allowed the user to get out of the wheelchair inside the car and into the driver’s seat. After our

Beaded Wheels 63

inspection Graeme showed us a video presentation of the modification.

Club Captain Brian Evans organised a run that acknowledged the 60 men who are lost to suicide globally every hour.

A donation to this charity was made by members who took part. Brian also arranged a run from the popular Christmas shop in New Plymouth to the club rooms for an Christmas lunch which was enjoyed by all.

We joined the annual Fringe Garden Festival to visit several gardens in the

s Taranaki: Club Captain Brian Evans with winners Albie and Maxine Gordge of the 60km Mens’ Suicide Prevention Run that raised a donation to the cause.

central Taranaki area. This popular festival draws large crowds who visit gardens all around Taranaki. The Morris Minor Club joined us, and a lunch was held at King Edward Park in the centre of Stratford.

Our branch supported the many Christmas parades in December, which is a great way to promote the vintage car movement. Merv Adams in his lefthand-drive Model A drew attention from the children with his collection of teddy bears in the car, including the big bear that appeared to be driving the car as it was sitting in what is usually the driving position.

Our annual barbecue at the club rooms finished off another successful year.

TAUPO

s Taranaki: Members’ cars lined up for the start of the Christmas run to the clubrooms.

Model A , Reo , Model A , Dodge and Essex.

GREG NATTRASS

During November members participated in the annual get together with our friends at the local hospice. We let the patients check over our cars, and those that were interested could enjoy a ride in their chosen car. Club night was movie night, where The Italian Job (2003 remake) was the choice. Our club run took us about 40km down the Napier – Taupo Road to the Rangitaiki tavern to enjoy a meal put on by our hosts.

In December we once again participated in the local Christmas parade. Last event of the year was the petrol heads run.

WAIKATO

HUGH MCINALLY

A major event that is looming for us is the North Island Easter Rally. Greg and Gaynor Terrill suggested we hold this after an absence of a few years. This will replace this year’s Double 50 Rally. I am on the rally committee, and have heard the rally plotters discussing their various routes. Trust me, this is a rally you should s Taranaki: The Mk7 Jaguar with modifications of 200mm in width to the back doors for wheelchair access for disabled drivers.

s Taupo: Members’ Christmas dinner.

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Taupo: line up of cars at the Petrolheads get together.

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plan to enter. Mark the calendar and keep a lookout for entry forms.

By the time this has gone to print the club will have held their annual Blue Smoke and Pedals moped or electric bike gymkhana. It’s a great event and one that is very much supported by the members.

My partner and I opted to take our E-bikes as the weather looked good. It’s a half-hour bike ride to Graham and Pat Holmes’s place, and we were among the last to arrive at 10am. A good crowd with about 25 bikes were there with support crew. A big tent had been set up and the barbecue was running with the sausages piled high.

A 10-mile run for all the participants had been organised prior to the main event, but five minutes into the run it started to spit. After 30 minutes it was absolutely pouring down. All I’ll say is that it was an extremely long 10 miles. We arrived back at the Holmes’s in pouring rain and a few sausages later it was decided to postpone the event until the following weekend.

Next time we’ll check the weather by looking out the window.

s Wanganui: Ian and Faye Chamberlain’s 1906 Reo and Baby Reo.

WAIRARAPA

JUDI HARDING

good turnout of bikes and riders. The event was organised and the route set by Kevin Sullivan. This was followed the next day by the Veteran Rally, from Masterton to Martinborough and back.

For the club night in December two Riley owners brought their cars along to show. Darryl Longstaffe showed his 1935 Riley Kestrel. His interest in this vehicle was piqued by a family connection – both his father and grandfather had previously owned Kestrels. Scott Thompson brought along his Riley Brooklands racing model, which he has previously raced in Targa rallies and at the last racing event at Lady Wigram, in Christchurch.

The Christmas event was held on 14 December, with a run through to Pahiatua, organised by Jane and Mike D’Alton. The quiz was won by newcomer, Melissa Whitelock. Dennis Burns won best decorated vehicle with his Land Rover.

Prior to lunch being served at the Post Office Hotel, Tim and Sue Johnson, and Graham and Joy Hodder, were presented with their 35-year club membership badges. Tina Goodin was recognised for her years of service to the local branch.

The November club night continued with The Car is the Star theme. Rob Cumming brought along Beryl, a 1935 Rover 10 P1, considered to be quite up-market and technically advanced for its day, and one of only two examples of this model currently in New Zealand. Further information was shared via video clips.

The Annual Gold Medal Motorcycle Trial took place on 16 November with a

Waikato: The lull before the storm. t Waikato: The trees help keep the seats dry. ▼

t Waikato: Two wise men discussing the day’s tactics.

t Waikato: Up for the sun, used for the rain.

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WANGANUI

IAN HIGGINS

Colin Matthews won the car section of the Restoration of the Year with a very tough-looking military vehicle, a 1942 Dodge Command car. Mike Marshall won the motorcycle section with a lovely 1951 BSA Bantam. Congratulations to you both.

Wendy Bullock entered a brilliant 1985 Citroën 2CV Charleston in the car section, and Bill James wheeled out two impressive motorcycles, a 1960 Matchless G50 and a 1986 Yamaha XJ 600. Ian Chamberlain presented a mixture of treasures in the Items of Interest section, while Ian Higgins displayed his 2007 Chrysler 300C hidden under the skirts of a 1937 Plymouth sedan.

It was disappointing that only 15 members’ cars attended the Wanganui Annual Christmas Parade on the main street, however public attendance was down as well.

Two families in our branch were interviewed about their journey into the VCC. Christine Savage forwarded an interesting article in our Rivet about both her and husband Ray’s love of Citroën cars, of which they currently own three. My pick was their stunning 1955 Citroën 6H. Others are a cute 1989 2CV painted in French colours, and a 2002 C5 V6.

Next was our ‘restorer extraordinaire’ Ian Chamberlain. What a legend this man is. His 1906 Reo along with a miniature replica, are world-class. Also in his fleet is a quaint 1920 Ford TT truck complete with a large organ and musical instruments permanently installed on the tray and self-playing, an elegant 1917 Buick, and a smart-looking 1954 Ford Zephyr Mk1 convertible.

s Wanganui: Colin Matthews 1942 Dodge Command Car.

s Wanganui: Christine and Ray Savage’s 1955 Citroen 6H.

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

PASSING LANE In this column we acknowledge the recent passing of club members. Information is supplied to Beaded Wheels by VCCNZ Branch Secretaries.

s Wanganui: Mike Marshall’s 1951 DI BSA Bantam.

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Anderson, Andrew Brockbank, Ross Cornwall, Desmond Kendall, Ivan Leckner, Gavin Wilkey, Trevor

Canterbury West Coast Taranaki Wanganui Gisborne Southland

COME AND JOIN US WHATEVER YOUR WHEELS

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

Vehicles, motorcycles or trucks from 1890 to 1990 are club eligible. Or just join us and grab a ride with another member. visit www.vcc.org.nz and get motoring with us today.

Photo Graham Bailey

Are you looking for an excuse to get your car out of the garage – we have 36 active branches around New Zealand. Our events range from weekly runs and coffee get togethers, to hill climbs, speed events and touring.

For the more intrepid, our infamous off-road adventures are the stuff of legends.