CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 70 YEARS
No. 346 June/July 2017
NEW ZEALAND’S FOREMOST HISTORICAL MOTORING MAGAZINE $7.95
SCENICLAND RALLY
9 418979 000012
EARLY INDIAN MOTORCYCLES SIR HARRY RICARDO’S LEGACY MAGAZINE OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND
NEW VCCNZ NATIONAL DAY
VCC Daffodil Rally for Cancer Sunday 27 August 2017 The VCC executive has given their full support to a new annual fundraising event designed to raise awareness of our club while benefitting a nominated charity. It is hoped that all branches will support this event. Each branch is encouraged to organise a run in support of this national event. Cars will be charged a $10 entry which will be donated to the local Cancer Society. The plan is that each run sets off at the same time so that throughout the country hundreds of cars are on the road raising money for their local Cancer Society. This rally could take the form of a simple Sunday run or as part of an existing event. Other ideas like additional fundraising such as gold coin rides, a sausage sizzle or a car show could also be added.
This event is not limited to VCC vehicles. We think that the bigger the better for the VCC Daffodil Rally for Cancer. We encourage branches to reach out to other motoring clubs in their region and also to members of the public. This is a chance for us to benefit a very worthwhile charity and gain valuable publicity for our Club as well as enhance our relationship with other car clubs and gain new members. Currently each Branch should be electing a representative who will be the organiser and liaison for their event. The VCC has appointed an Event Manager who will oversee and provide guidance and support to each branch. The National Cancer Society is fully behind our national day and will also provide support.
management committee Contact National Office for all queries regarding VICs, logbooks, historic race licences, lighting endorsement, registration of vehicles, address changes, subscriptions, membership cards, speed events. The Vintage Car Club Of New Zealand (Inc.) National Office, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 Email admin@vcc.org.nz
branches ASHBURTON PO Box 382, Ashburton 7740 ashburton@vcc.org.nz AUCKLAND PO Box 12-138, Penrose, Auckland 1642 auckland@vcc.org.nz BANKS PENINSULA 27 Showgate Ave, Riccarton Park, Christchurch 8042 bankspeninsula@vcc.org.nz BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 660, Tauranga 3140 bayofplenty@vcc.org.nz CANTERBURY PO Box 11-082, Sockburn Christchurch 8443 canterbury@vcc.org.nz CENTRAL OTAGO C/- 4B Roto Place, Wanaka 9305 centralotago@vcc.org.nz
2 Beaded Wheels
Bring a friend and join us for the 2017 Vintage Car Club Daffodil Rally for Cancer Please note this information changes annually - these details are valid until October 2017.
PRESIDENT Diane Quarrie 06 876 4009 president@vcc.org.nz
REGISTRAR Rod Brayshaw 07 549 4250 registrar@vcc.org.nz
CLUB CAPTAIN NORTHERN REGION Paul Collins 027 292 2204 nicc@vcc.org.nz
SPEED STEWARD Tony Haycock 021 662 441 speedsteward@vcc.org.nz
CLUB CAPTAIN SOUTHERN REGION Alon Mayhew 03 443 7030 sicc@vcc.org.nz
BEADED WHEELS CHAIRMAN Kevin Clarkson 021 0270 6525 kevin@vcc.org.nz
SECRETARY/ TREASURER Michael Lavender 03 325 5704 hon.sec@vcc.org.nz
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING OFFICER Ross Holden comms@vcc.org.nz
Ed Boyd 06 348 4547 mgmt3@vcc.org.nz Tony Bartlett 06 867 9850 mgmt1@vcc.org.nz David Yorke 06 358 8060 mgmt2@vcc.org.nz
ARCHIVIST Don Muller 03 385 6850
archivist@vcc.org.nz
A full list of branch addresses and contact details can also be found on the VCCNZ website at www.vcc.org.nz CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY C/- 94 Mt Herbert Road, Waipukurau 4200, centralhawkesbay@vcc.org.nz EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 2168, Kopeopeo Whakatane 3159 easternbayofplenty@vcc.org.nz FAR NORTH C/- 64 Mangakaretu Road, RD2, Kerikeri 0295 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/- 34 House Ave, Taumarunui 3920 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 PO Box 5352, Dunedin 9058 otago@vcc.org.nz ROTORUA PO Box 2014, Rotorua 3040 rotorua@vcc.org.nz SOUTH CANTERBURY PO Box 623, Timaru 7910 southcanterbury@vcc.org.nz SOUTHLAND PO Box 1240, Invercargill 9840 southand@vcc.org.nz
SOUTH OTAGO C/- G. Beaumont, Tuapeka Mouth, RD 4, Balcultha 9274 southotago@vcc.org.nz SOUTH WAIKATO PO Box 403 Tokoroa 3420 southwaikato@vcc.org.nz TARANAKI C/- 297 Huatoki st, New Plymouth 4310 taranaki@vcc.org.nz TAUPO PO Box 907, Taupo 3351 taupo@vcc.org.nz WAIKATO PO Box 924, Hamilton 3240 waikato@vcc.org.nz WAIMATE 4 Harris St, Waimate 7924 waimate@vcc.org.nz
Please note this information changes annually - these details are valid until October 2017.
WAIRARAPA PO Box 7, Masterton 5810 wairarapa@vcc.org.nz WAITEMATA C/- Embroidme, 23E William Pickering Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632 waitemata@vcc.org.nz WANGANUI PO Box 726, Wanganui 4540 wanganui@vcc.org.nz WELLINGTON PO Box 38-418, Petone, Wellington 5045 wellington@vcc.org.nz WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH PO Box 547, Warkworth 0941 wellsfordwarkworth@vcc.org.nz WEST COAST C/- 17 Loris Place Greymouth 7805 westcoast@vcc.org.nz
Beaded Wheels Issue 346 June/July 2017
FEATURES
Beaded Wheels Publisher THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ (INC.) The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXVIII No. 346
Editorial Committee Kevin Clarkson (Chairman), Judith Bain, Bevars Binnie, Rosalie Brown, John Coomber, Mark Dawber, Marilyn McKinlay.
12
Knocking, Squish, Swirl and Tumbling
15
1909 Vulcan
16
Early Indians and the 1914 Electric-Start Hendee Special – Part II
19
Those Fab 50s
22
The (Stutz) Bearcat and the Lynx
26
Cop This, Then Behind the Wheel of a 1981 Honda CB650Pz
30
Vintage vs Classic
32
Time to roll out the Camper
34
North Island National Easter Rally
36
Rally Snippets South Otago – Clutha Motorcycle Rally Taranaki – Maunga Moana Rally West Coast – Scenicland Four Lakes Rally North Otago – All British Day
38
National Veteran Rally 2017
Material for Publication Reports of restorations, events, road tests, historical and technical articles should be submitted to beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz. Email of text and photos is preferred, digital photographs should be high resolution eg 300dpi. Alternatively mail your contribution to PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141, typed or neatly printed, double space on one side of paper only. No payment is made to contributors. The opinions or statements expressed in letters or articles in Beaded Wheels are the author’s own views and do not necessarily express the policy or views of The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc).
Greg Price takes this 1981 Honda CB650Pz for a spin, see page 26.
Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz
Advertising Address Classified and Display Advertising to: PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. Phone 64 3 332 3531, Fax 64 3 366 0273 Rate schedule available on request.
Back Issues Available on request to PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.
Correspondence & Editorial Contributions Phone 64 3 332 3531, Fax 64 3 366 0273 PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.
Subscriptions
The 2017 Scenicland Rally took members on gravel roads through some superb West Coast bush and lake scenery this year , see page 37.
Beaded Wheels subscribers change of address to PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Phone 03 366 4461, Fax 03 366 0273 Annual subscription (6 issues) $45* inc GST Australian subscription (6 issues) NZ$76* Other countries (6 issues) NZ$136*. *Payment by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing charge of 3%
COLUMNS 4
President’s Message
4
As We See It
5
VCC Events
6
National Office News
Closing Date for August/September Issue
7
Mailbag
Editorial Copy Advertisements
9
Mutterings of a Mature Motorcyclist
10
The Way We Were
11
Timelines
38
Brass Notes
40
Marketplace
46
Swap Meets & Rallies
48
Idle Torque
54
Passing Lane
Production Typesetting & design by RGBDesign Printed by Spectrum Print Ltd, Christchurch. 24 June 2017 10 July 2017
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) National Office Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 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 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 (Inc)” as the source. Beaded Wheels reserves the right to digitally store all published material for archival purposes.
Like us on facebook Beaded Wheels
This 1967 Fiat is looking for a new home, see page 40 for this issues’ marketplace.
COVER Robin Ross and granddaughter tackle the gravel on the 2017 Scenicland Rally, West Coast. See page 37. Photo: Stewart Nimmo, More photos available from www.nimmophoto.co.nz Beaded Wheels 3
president’s message
As an insert in this edition of Beaded Wheels, you will find two Notices of Motion, along with the rationale for both motions from the Proposer (Leon Salt) and Seconder (Douglas Hamilton) and a message from the Management Committee. Just as it is a member’s right to put a notice of motion forward, it is the Management Committee’s responsibility to actively advise members of our opinion if we consider that motion is not in the best interests of the Club. We would be derelict in our duty to our members if we didn’t do so. The Management Committee has been elected by members to consider all matters and issues in relation to the Club. We must look at how any change will affect our operational requirements and functions on a daily basis and consider how changes will impact on our relationship with government authorities. When Leon Salt first discussed his thoughts in regard to changing the vehicle classifications with me I was supportive as it seemed a good idea. However the Management Committee have spent considerable time investigating this proposed change and cannot support it for the reasons outlined in our comments at the bottom of the insert. Both motions were fully discussed at the Executive meeting in March and while the first motion regarding membership applications was supported, a show of hands indicated that the Executive did not support the second motion relating to changing some of the vehicle classifications. Please consider this matter carefully. Voting papers will be posted out to members in July along with the Club’s financial statement and election papers. Recent news from FIVA (the International Federation for Historic Vehicles) announced that it has formed an on-going partnership with UNESCO to further its aims to protect, preserve and promote historic vehicles and their related heritage and culture. They have also persuaded the European Commission to accept that historic vehicles represent a significant contribution to our industrial heritage. This eventually will have a flow-down effect as our government agencies look at what is happening 4 Beaded Wheels
overseas when considering policies and regulation changes. Geoff and I recently attended the North Island Easter Rally held in Auckland. This was a very well organised event despite the adverse weather conditions leading up to it. The one disappointing aspect was the low number of entries. Auckland Branch had worked hard to keep costs down (entry fee was just $10), so that could not have been a contributing factor. The poor entry seems to be following a trend with Easter Rallies over recent years. This is our only national event (with the exception of international rallies) when we all come together as one club so it is vital that we look at ways to refresh and invigorate this event. I welcome suggestions from members. The Vintage Car Club now has its own facebook page which has posts on events and photos of historic vehicle activities from around the country plus interesting articles from New Zealand and the world. See more information in this edition of Beaded Wheels. As mentioned in my last column, the Club will be holding a VCC National Day in August. We have the sign-off from the National Cancer Society and the event will be held on 27 August 2017 which is the closest Sunday to Daffodil Day. This is a chance for us to benefit a very worthwhile charity, gain valuable publicity for our Club as well as enhance our relationship with other car clubs and gain new members. I urge you all to get behind this day and support your Club. All proceeds raised by Branches will stay in their region. Paul Collins has advised that he will not be standing for re-election as North Island Club Captain. I would like to thank Paul for his contribution over the last four years on the Management Committee. If you are interested in taking on this role, Paul and I are only too willing to talk to you about it. All other Management Committee have indicated that they will be standing for re-election. I am pleased to advise that the financial results for the day-to-day running of the Club for the 2016/2017 year will show a healthy surplus. Our membership numbers are now the highest they have ever been with new membership keeping ahead of those members who have died or resigned. However we cannot be complacent and must continue to support new initiatives to increase the public perception of what our Club is all about and the reasons why it is worthwhile belonging to the Vintage Car Club. Diane Quarrie VCCNZ National President
as we see it
It seems the print media is well and truly under threat. Many local newspapers are cutting their issues from five days a week to three or even two. I was in a coffee shop early on last Thursday and unwrapped the local, formerly large, newspaper and it consisted of two fairly skinny sections plus it had a free tabloid size local paper inserted within (mostly filled with advertising). I presume that inserting the tabloid allowed that publisher to go to even more advertisers with the claim that their readership numbers have made a huge jump. I might add that I have not purchased a newspaper for many years, preferring to get my news on-line and from more diverse sources than the local newspaper. Stuff.co.nz is a New Zealand news website published by a division of Fairfax Media. Stuff has recently taken on the home and garden type magazines with its own digital version providing similar content to the printed ones but in an online format. There are plenty of other examples of the print media throughout the world struggling to find a balance between their print and online presence. Also worth a mention is the challenge to Sky and regular television broadcasting channels which are losing ground to the likes of Netflix, Lightbox and other forms of digital news and entertainment streaming services. Currently the newsstands remain full of magazines and the supermarkets still have racks of women’s magazines with articles that are about two paragraphs long and accompanied by photographs of impossible looking men women and children. Supermarkets do have some men’s titles as well – just not so many. The advent of digital technology continues to challenge publishers and broadcasters around the world. Where is this going, do I hear you ask? Well I’m pleased to say that Beaded Wheels is remaining in its printed format for the foreseeable future so you can stop worrying now– we will still get your shiny new copy of Beaded Wheels to you in its current format in the first week of every even month as usual. If and when there is a demand for a digital copy we will provide a distribution service for our readers who would prefer to receive the magazine in an online format. Kevin Clarkson Chairman, Beaded Wheels
This list of events is compiled from the VCCNZ National Calendar of Events, and branch events as listed in each branch newsletter. Any deletions, additions, alterations need to be notified to Beaded Wheels by the Branch Secretary before 10th of the month prior to magazine publication
2017 VCC National Events 11 August 12 August 27 August
JUNE
Executive Meeting, Blenheim National AGM, Blenheim VCC National Day
3-4 Waikato 3-5 Canterbury 4 Sth Cant 4 Wanganui 7 Canterbury 8 Sth Cant 10 Gore 11 Canterbury 11 Marlborough 11 Nelson 11 West Coast 12 Wairarapa 14 Central Otago 14 Hawke’s Bay 14 Nth Otago 14 North Shore 15 Ashburton 17 Canterbury 17 Manawatu 18 Otago 18 Sth Cant 18 Wairarapa 18 West Coast 20 West Coast 21 C. Hawke’s Bay 21 Gisborne 22 Auckland 24 Canterbury 24 Far North 24 Waikato 25 Canterbury 25 Gisborne
25 Gisborne 25 Marlborough 25 North Shore 25 Taranaki 25 Wellington
Club Run Midwinter Prizegiving Dinner Auckland/North Shore Combined End of Rego Run Colonial Cup Rally
JULY Double Fifty Irishman Rally All British Day Annual Burma Rally 9-90s Outing Mid week Run End of Season Run Restoration of the Year Events Trophy AGM AGM AGM AGM AGM AGM AGM AGM Dance Night Trial AGM Restoration Rally Winter Wander Rosco Trials Morning tea Shantytown AGM AGM AGM Fish and Chip Motorcycle Run Malloy Trophy Club Run AGM Club Run
1-2 Wellsford/Wkwth Winter Woollies Wander 6 Sth Cant AGM 8-9 Canterbury Mid Winter M/C Run 9 Rotorua Central North Island Swap Meet 9 Wairarapa Margaret Gee Memorial Rally 12 Sth Cant Mid week Run 16 Horowhenua Night Owl Run 16 Marlborough Snow Run 16 Nelson Marlborough Br Snow Run 18 West Coast Morning Tea at Shantytown 22 C. Hawke’s Bay Twilight Run 23 North Otago End of Year – Star & Garter 23 Taranaki Breakfast Run 23 Waikato Club Run 23 West Coast Club Run 30 Gisborne Navigator’s Run
AUGUST
5 Taranaki 6 Canterbury 12 Canterbury
13 13 13 15 26 27 27 27 27
Marlborough Waikato Wairarapa West Coast Rotorua Canterbury Gisborne West Coast National
Brick Run Winter Run Annual Round the Bays M/C Run Marlborough Trials Club Run Janice Groves Memorial Run Morning Tea at Shantytown Sulphur City Rally Night Trial & High Tea Club Run Club Run VCC National Day
VCC Events SEPTEMBER 2 3 3 10 10 10 16 19 16-17
Waimate Sth Cant Waikato Auckland Canterbury Wairarapa Manawatu West Coast Taranaki
23-24 Waikato 24 Manawatu
OCTOBER
6-8 Canterbury 8 Wairarapa 14 King Country 14 Southland 14 Waikato 14-15 Canterbury 14 Manawatu 17 West Coast 20-22 Hawke’s Bay 21-22 Auckland 22-24 Sth Cant 28 Sth Waikato 28 Waikato 28-29 Wairarapa 29 Canterbury
Swap Meet Opening Run with Ashburton Kairangi Hill Climb PV / PW / P60 / P80 Rally Women Drivers’ Rally Peter Smith Memorial Rally Vintage Rally Morning tea Shantytown Rubber Duckie Motorcycle Rally PV / PW / P60 / P80 Rally Morning tea Shantytown
Swap Meet Rally Journey Through Time Vintage / PV Rally Club Run Girder Fork M/C Rally Swap Meet Morning tea Shantytown Safari Hunua 100 Rally Mt Cook Rally Dam Run Veteran Rally Peter Chisholm Memorial Rally Veteran Annual Rally
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.
Find out more about the Vintage Car Club Join our enthusiasts as they motor their classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. Visit vcc.org.nz to download membership application forms or contact your local branch directly for application forms and details. See page 2 for contact details of your nearest branch. Beaded Wheels 5
Julie Cairns-Gee
National Office Manager VCCNZ Inc National Office, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 ph 03 366 4461 fax 03 366 0273 email admin@vcc.org.nz www.vcc.org.nz Office Hours Mon – Thur 9-5pm
national office news John L Goddard Trophy A call for nominations was made in the last issue of Beaded Wheels and nominations are due to close on the 9 July. Is there someone you would like to nominate? Executive and Management Meetings All branch secretaries receive a copy of the minutes from Executive Meetings and Management Committee Meetings. Should you wish to read any of these, please contact your branch secretary. Club Website Have you looked at our club website? www.vcc.org.nz A forum was set up in 2005 and can be accessed via our website. You can also download forms for vehicle identity cards (VICs), membership and Beaded Wheels subscriptions. A copy of the VCCNZ Branch Manual is also available.
FIVA Vehicle Identity Card If you require a FIVA ID card for one of their events, please allow at least 10 weeks for its acceptance. There are charges involved. Please contact National Office if you require further information. VCC Speed Events If you are entering any VCC speed event you must hold current financial membership, a valid VIC and a VCC log book for the vehicle you are using and a valid VCC Historic Racing Licence. If your licence has expired, you will need to complete an HRL Renewal Form (Section 23S of the Branch Manual) and forward this, along with payment of $23, to the National Office and a new one will be issued. This form is on our website or you can contact your branch or the National Office for a copy. 100 Year Vehicle Badges The Club has 100 year vehicle badges which are available for purchase at $50 each. They are only for vehicles that have turned 100 years old and have a valid VCC ID Card. For further details, please refer to
Like us on facebook The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand now has a facebook page The page will have interesting stories, posts on events and photos of Vintage car activities from around the country. To start with, we would like you to do the following: For those who already have a facebook account: Go to the VCC facebook page and LIKE it. Posts will then appear in YOUR facebook stream and you can share them with your friends For those who don’t have a facebook page or don’t want to set up an account: Type this link into your browser: https://www.facebook.com/vintagecarclubofnewzealand/ and then save it in bookmarks. You will then have easy access to the page whenever you want to see the latest posts. You can also type Vintage Car Club of New Zealand into facebook search. Please note that this facebook page will include notification of upcoming events and stories but it’s not a buy, sell and exchange page. There are other avenues for that information. We would also like you to email pictures and include a couple of words about the photo from club events around the country 6 Beaded Wheels
for posting on the page. This will provide content of interest for enthusiasts around the world. Send pictures and stories to: comms@vcc.org.nz This page is your portal for fun stuff that is happening for Vintage car enthusiasts around the country. The more stories you supply, the more relevant the page will be.
the VCCNZ Branch Manual, section 40G, or contact the National Office. Has Your Vehicle Identity Card Expired Approximately three months prior to the due date National Office will automatically send out a reminder notice for VICs that are due to expire. Please check your VIC and if you find you have not received one of these, please advise the National Office. NOTE: I need a handful of members to contact me. Have you renewed your VIC and does the date on the front say 17/3/2016? If so, can you please contact the National Office. VCC Membership Numbers Membership numbers have reached the highest they have ever been. A report was given to each branch for their March Executive meeting, highlighting membership numbers, starting from 2000 up to February 2017. Feel free to contact me should you require the updated copy
Beaded Wheels Beaded Wheels is the voice of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) and its 36 branches covering the length and breadth of the country. The efforts of our members continue fostering and ever widening the interest in this segment of our country’s history. It is to these people, who appreciate the fascination of age, the individuality and the functional elegance of vehicles from a bygone era, that this magazine is dedicated. Beaded Wheels – Our long established title may have readers wondering about its origin. By way of explanation beaded edge wheels use beaded edge tyres that are kept in place by reinforced rubber beads, which fit into the rolled edges of the wheel rim. This style of wheel was a distinctive feature of early motoring being used on early bicycles, many pre-1924 cars and most motorcycles until 1927. In March 1955 The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand adopted the title Beaded Wheels for their club magazine which was the successor to the monthly Guff Sheet.
mailbag The editorial committee reserve the right to p ublish, edit or refuse publication of any item submitted 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.
Saltwater Creek Garage I have just had your Feb/March mag passed on to me. Re Trevor Stanley’s Saltwater Creek Garage in mailbag. Back in the old days most garages were supplied with fuel from more than one company. There was usually a line of pumps, often not under cover. Remember “Check the glass is full....” and sometimes with a hand pump so they could be operated if the power was out. Garry Conway Plimmerton It’s a Buick In reference to the lower photo on page 2 of Beaded Wheels 345, submitted by John Louden. The car is a 1915 Buick CX25 tourer and I am sorry that I cannot help with any other information In reference to the car photo submitted to mailbag on page 7 by John Callinan. The car is a 1925 Chevrolet Superior K tourer, rather than a 1926 Superior V. Both were very similar but enough clues are present to identify it. Alasdair Brass 1948 Hudson Commodore Clive Morriss, in the February-March issue, asked for details of any of these cars in New Zealand. No-one had responded in the April-May letters column so here is a little about my example, and a recent photo. I bought it in rather run-down condition in 1986 and soon set about restoring it. It may look a little unusual because of the appearance of its wheels and the lack of glazing. That is because it is a Dinky Toys No. 139b model, made sometime between 1950 and 1958. I regret to report that I have yet to see a real one in New Zealand. Ronald Mayes Rotorua
mailbag Detachable Wheels I am puzzled by the picture (BW 345, page 31) allegedly of a Riley entered for the 1908 French Grand Prix. The car looks to me like somebody’s team wagon and certainly not a racer. The text states it was ‘entered privately in the (1908) French Grand Prix.’ Problems? First, the look of the car in the picture. Second, that I find no record of any Riley being entered. Third, the French Grand Prix – to be super correct ‘the Grand Prix of the Automobile Club of France’ – did not accept private entries. From the late ‘20s they began to accept ‘works sanctioned’ entries. (A Miller which ran in 1924 and later came to New Zealand was one if the first, if not THE first.) D G Styles’ book Sporting Rileys: The Forgotten Champions has a lot to say about the wire wheels argument which revolved (pun intended) round whether the wheel was part of the car. Styles mentions Austin’s trial run in 1908, not 1909. Austin fitted artillery type wheels for the race and seem to have carried at least two spare tyres. Gerald Rose, writing soon after the event, makes no mention at all of the wire wheel controversy and indeed wire wheels were not new to the Grand Prix, having been used by Hotchkiss in 1906. Allegations of French perfidy seem to have come from the ever vocal S F Edge, master of controversy. Wire wheels on Edge’s team of Napiers were turned down and he kept writing to the motoring press for weeks and lost everybody’s sympathy. It seems probable this was an excuse, as the Napiers were not ready anyway. The French Grand Prix was not held again until 1912, by which time several cars used wire wheels. Did Riley run in some other French race in that period? If so, Styles makes no mention. There was a light car race run the day before the 1908 GP, and also the Coupe de L’Auto – see Andrew Anderson’s Delage story in BW 345 p 10. The Kent Karslake’s book on light car races of the period might tell us, but I don’t have access to a copy. Anyone know? Scott Thomson Rambler information wanted I am hoping readers can help me with information and/or photos of my 1970 Rambler Rebel SST hardtop coupe prior to about 1984/85 when it was saved from a wreckers in Christchurch and taken to Timaru to be repaired and sold. Something had been dropped on the bootlid crushing it. The body was altered to fit a sedan
bootlid which is 88 mm longer. At this stage it was dark blue with a white vinyl roof that had been fitted in the early ‘80s. I believe it had always been a Christchurch car but to date have no information of ownership history prior to being saved from the wreckers. Also I have not been able to find any photos of it in the ‘70s or ‘80s. This car would have really stood out so there must have been people in Christchurch or visiting that would have taken photos of it. I first saw this car when passing through Timaru late on a Friday night in 1985. It had been repaired and was parked in the main street of Timaru with a big for sale sign on it with a price but no contact details. It looked to be in nice condition and had a black interior. I thought I would have another look in the daylight on the way back home from Christchurch but it was gone and I couldn’t find anyone who knew anything about it. I have wanted a 70 Rambler Rebel coupe ever since I saw it. In 1997 I was told about a guy who was into Ramblers who had shifted from Christchurch to Oamaru and had brought a ‘70 Rambler Rebel coupe with him so I rushed up to his place to have a look. It was light blue with a blue interior so thought it was a different car but found out late last year that it is the car I had previously seen in Timaru. Someone must have painted the interior black and then at a later date the paint was removed to leave the original blue interior. At this point in time the owner would not sell it. Then about a year later I was told he was shifting probably out of town. His cars disappeared and I heard no more about where the car was. Beaded Wheels 7
mailbag
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TLIFMLI ELITMSED FT SETLE SIMLE CPALA CEDCE LPPLA ITEED ILFT LNOT YOUR USUAL ANOT YOUR USUAL USU RUOY TON COACH TOURS: COACH TOURS: :S R UOT HCAOC .x✓ Eight People Per Tour Max. aM ruoT reP elpoeP thgiE ✓ ✓ Eight People Per Tour Max. .sl✓ Stay at Botique Local Hotels. eto✓ Stay at Botique Local Hotels. H lacoL euqitoB ta yatS ✓ ✓ Eat at Local Restauarnts. .s✓ Eat at Local Restauarnts. tnrauatseR lacoL ta taE ✓ ✓ Historical and Cultural ✓ Historical and Cultural larutluC dna lacirotsiH ✓ Sightseeing Included. .dedulcnI gnieesthgiS Sightseeing Included. ✓ All Inclusive Price. ✓ All Inclusive Price. .ecirP evisulcnI llA ✓
TC ACONTACT TNOC CONTACT TONY TONY KC O CYAHAYCOCK HHAYCOCK YNOT reb mVCC member em CCV VCC member
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In early June 2016 I went out to Weston to check out a Rambler V8 engine that had been in a garage sale in May. While there I was invited into his other garage and there was the Rebel coupe up on blocks and pulled apart even more from when I last had seen it in 1997. As luck would have it, this time it was for sale and I wasn’t letting it slip by me this time. I assembled it to find what was missing, broken and worn out and took it to a couple of USA days hoping it would jog someone’s memory but no luck on that. The car is in very poor condition and I have dismantled it in preparation for a full restoration. I will get it repainted dark blue, just slightly lighter than its original colour. I don’t know of any other New Zealand new RHD 1970 Rambler Rebel coupes but I do know of about seven 1970 Rambler Ambassador coupes that have survived. If anyone knows of any Rebel or Ambassador coupes wrecked please let me know as I still require a headlining and lower interior rear screen moulding. Lindsay Mckenzie Oamaru Phone 03 437 0809, 021 230 1062 plymouthnut@xtra.co.nz Motorcycle Punctures Two mentions in the National Motorcycle Rally report in Beaded Wheels 345 rang loud bells for me and I would like to offer a spot of old motorcyclist’s lore on the subject. For a start, nine times out of ten it’s the back tyre that catches the nail, the theory being the front tyre stands the nail up on end for a fraction of time ready to spike into the back tyre. Think about it – the damn thing always goes in point first doesn’t it? Now Neville copped the nail and John had the valve rip out. This, or a tear at the valve, can sometimes be avoided. It’s always a good idea to leave the locking ring loose and well clear of the rim giving it a chance to move. I suppose it’s teaching granny how things work but I suggest that on this sort of jaunt it is almost essential you carry a spare tube. They aren’t that readily available and are easier to fit without worrying about a repair kit. I would also suggest that you carry a spare chain link to save scrabbling in the dirt trying to find the one you put somewhere safe when removing the back wheel. John also mentioned the problem of pushing a heavy bike with a flat tyre. It doesn’t have to be a coronary-provoking exercise to move the bike. What I have
done and was a known method in the dark days of yore was as follows: take your helmet off, start the engine, engage first gear and let out the clutch and you can walk briskly alongside your machine. This way you get exercise and the bike still earns its keep. I have on one occasion travelled a couple of miles with a complaining girlfriend walking her to her home. As there is no load on the tyre it won’t come to any harm. Big End strikes again. Tail light dilemma The car that Ross Stewart wishes to identify in issue 345 has the same tail-light as my 1926 Studebaker. Studebaker used this tail-light in 1925, 1926 and 1927. The rear window is about the same size and the radius visible at the top left looks the same. The spare wheel mount appears to be the same height. Fay McClintock Canterbury Winken Blinken (and Nod) Is an American nursery rhyme that has nothing to do with Vintage cars. I have a 1950s vehicle (Citroen Traction) with semaphore trafficators. With their little amber bulb these are not easy for other road users to see. These days we all expect turn signals to flash. There are several ways to convert a trafficator to achieve this. Replacing the festoon bulb with a modern flashing LED is very effective and dead easy.
The photo shows a normal festoon bulb from a trafficator, and a (plug-in) LED replacement. The LED unit is brighter and it blinks. Installation was a five minute job and now people know I am turning. The cost is GB£25 (plus postage) for a pair from http://www. dynamoregulatorconversions.com/flashingindicator-bulbs-shop.php Ian Boag
Big End Knocks
mutterings of a mature motorcyclist National Service Days RAF Regiment PART II Finally the posting came through to our squadrons. I’ve never heard from Ronnie since I went to Fassberg and 22 LAA Squadron for the rest of my time. What a contrast from the stations in Britain were the old Luftwaffe barracks. Four to a room, double glazing, endless hot water. Even the food was better but we were even further away from St Albans, the conspiracy was working still. We were kept busy on the weapons and the drills but it seemed easier now we there. I started to try to get off the guns and on to the motor bikes; they had new Triumph twins, the first batch from the factory. I got one of the old Ariels but no
Looking for a Devon I once owned a Austin A40 Devon registration number AD9812, I am curious as to where this car is today or what has happened to it. It was a very sound car and had no rust. Graeme Duthie Photo Caption As a reader of Beaded Wheels for over 40 years and a subscriber for 20 years I’m emboldened to write to mailbag. Over several issues I have read about the 1917 Parliamentary Tour of the Far North, and the preparations for the centenary re-enactment this year. Issue 345 has it all; great story, all the fun, all the breakdowns, all the photos but no captions. Very disappointing. What use is a photo without a caption. I can envisage in 20 years time some one sending one of these photos for the inside front cover of Beaded Wheels asking “does anyone know when this was?” New Zealand has another popular motoring magazine that regularly has great photos without captions. Don’t let Beaded Wheels go this way. Obviously this was a slip-up as on page 38 and 39 we have the National Veteran Rally 2017. Great story, great photos, great captions.
complaints, it was free and I didn’t have to buy the petrol. It was a very special time for me and I suspect it was for an awful lot of National Service men. We learned a lot and had a lot of good times with mates from all over Britain. There were hard times on manoeuvres and for the first time in my life I think we were really fit. I tried hard to learn some German but as we outnumbered the villagers by about twenty to one and they all seemed to speak English most of us didn’t get much past, “Swie Biers Bitte” or “Ich hab verkauf English cigaretten ein mark funfzig fur swanzig” There were leave centres at Bad Harzberg for a go at skiing and a spot of Bavarian experience I wonder where the lads are now? The names are as clear as yesterday Glyn’ Caswell, ‘Danny’ Kaye, Joe Grant, me with a beer, Graham Adams and Derek Eagle. We’re all 65 years older but some years ago I had the good fortune to catch up with seven of the old Squadron comrades and they really haven’t changed that much just gone grey, white or bald but instant recognition. In the past I became a bit involved with the military vehicle enthusiasts. The truth is I had a Swiss Army motorcycle and I got in for free. What I was going to say
about the way the training from 65 odd years ago has remained in the back of my mind. I found for a start I was the only one old enough to remember rifle drill with a Lee Enfield so found myself instructing the ‘troops’. The other odd thing being that as long as I didn’t try to remember and just let my hands act I was able to go through all the weapon drills. Bren strip and reassemble, all the firing drills, (IAs) the same with the Sten and the PIAT. One of the likely lads even has a Bofors complete and almost operational and I was able to assemble a gun crew and try to get them to do a gun drill demo. They decided this was far too much like hard graft so the Bofors is just a display item. Any old ack ack gunners will remember how heavy the darn things were and how we were able to carry them around. So there you are, we were happy to be called the Rock Apes weren’t we, they were special times with a lot of special people and I for one will never forget them. BW
I have to say I look forward to Beaded Wheels arriving each month and hope you will take this as helpful criticism. Pat Killeen Te Anau
also bigger Chryslers, ie 70 and 75 but they were less common. It would be interesting to see what other people say. Ian McCulloch
Ed note: Thanks for your letter Pat and we thoroughly agree with your sentiment, Beaded Wheels photos and articles are supplied through voluntary contributions and we do our best to obtain captions where we can. However in this instance we thought the photographs were of such a fabulous quality that they were worth being published as they conveyed a real sense of the occasion to our readers. We will try and do better in the future. Re: Help Needed Mailbag BW345 I believe the car in the photo is a late ‘20s Chrysler. I myself have a 1929 Chrysler 65. The tell-tale features are the small very distinctive Chrysler tail light on the right hand side, that one was only on the late ‘20s cars not the mid ‘20s. The spare wheel I would guess is probably 18 inch which means 6 cylinder Chrysler. I can’t tell whether it would be a 1929 or ‘30, if it’s a 1929 it would most likely be a Chrysler 65, if it’s 1930 it would be a 66. There are
What’s the Biz Can anyone help to identify this car please? The photo is dreadful. No one in the extended family knows what the car is and they all want to know.
So what is ‘Biz’? My wife actually – the car was in her family. Bruce Cosson
Beaded Wheels 9
Andrew Anderson
the way we were September 1948 First New Zealand Vintage Championship Hill Climb Sign of Kiwi to Sugarloaf Bluff You may well ask why my album has only photos of “moderns” at our very first Kiwi hill climb in Sept 1948. I keep forgetting that the Fifty Years VCC history was published a full 21 years ago and thus many of you will never have seen it and those ancients that have still got it will probably have it stowed in the very bottom of their sea chests! As set out last issue, the then Vintage Vehicle Association (VVA) was getting seriously interested in sporting events with the push from Frank Blandford and Rob Shand. The legislation permitting road closures for motor sport had been passed but the older heads of the new clubs were very cautious about using it. Hence, brash youngsters as we were, it fell to us to get things moving with the idea of a full scale road race on a country circuit in Halswell. We presented ourselves to the then masters of the nation’s highways, The Highways Board, with detailed plans complete with our safety measures, alternative routes, residents’ access and, voila, we were approved for the Akaroa Highway legs of the circuit. We then had to get approval from the Halswell County Council for the back legs of the circuit and in spite of enthusiastic support from the locals, we just failed to move the council. So back we went to the supportive Highways Board and promptly got the Sugarloaf section of the Summit Road for a hill climb. With our new name change and an ANZCC* title of Vintage Championship Hill Climb we carried off that very first highway closure under the new legislation. So few really competitive vehicles did we possess that the modern classes were essential to provide a decent public spectacle and my photos of the Vintage competitors all disappeared to the articles in Sportscar and later in the Fifty Years where you’ll see Charlie Stanton in the stripped 3 litre Bentley taking fastest time of day (FTD) Vintage in the over 2 litre class and Maurice Stanton taking Vintage FTD in the BSA. Only Keith Newberry 10 Beaded Wheels
Curly Baker, 2½ Litre Riley.
with the Fiat 510 tackled Charlie in the over 2 litre class but in the under 2 litres Maurice had Frank Blandford in the OM, Tom Clements now with the Silvani head on the Fiat 501 and Ken England with a Morris Sport. Hec Green in the Wolseley single seater took overall FTD at 31.97 seconds. These photos are some of the other “moderns”. And finally many thanks to Reg Horner who tells me he has rescued the Teddy Gregg Marmon 8 from a trucked wreck. BW *ANZCC is “Association of NZ Car Clubs” who later changed their name to MANZ, “Motor Sport Association of NZ”. The VVA, Vintage Vehicles Association, was one of the founding members.
Dave Owen, MG PA.
Bob Christie, MG TA.
Del Drewey, Dodge.
Hugh Montgomery, Singer Sports.
historical snippets of motoring interest from years gone by Graeme Rice
timelines 100 YEARS AGO June/ July 1917 – Dunedin streets saw the introduction of the new Autopeds. Like a scooter, the Autoped had a small motor. Speed and direction were simply controlled by the steering pillar – the driver remained standing. Quicker for message boys and trips to the other side of town or out into the countryside for business or pleasure.
Brett Findsen 564A Horotiu Road RD 8, Hamilton Phone 07 829 7149 Mobile 022 414 3539 Hart Bussas Phone 07 577 9721
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75 YEARS AGO June/ July 1942 – Did the car’s usefulness peak in 1929/30? The Detroit News thought so, noting the safety hazards of new, stylish cars. Drivers were semi reclining instead of sitting upright. Cars have vee screens so drivers have to move their eyes from one pane to the other instead of having upright, flat windscreens offering good vision. Cars now have so much weight over the front axle, they don’t respond to steering so on crowned roads the forward mass tends to pull the car into the ditch.
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June/ July 1967 – Triumph’s new Spitfire MKIII must be rated seriously as a means of transport concluded two journalists who drove 1450 miles to Monaco and back. With its 1290cc 90bhp engine fed by two SU HS2 carburettors, the MKIII cruised at 85mph in overdrive top at 4000rpm – still averaging over 33mpg. On tight hairpin bends and mountain passes the Spitfire’s torquey motor, good road holding and tight lock amazed them. 30 YEARS AGO
Kingpin sets Suspension parts Spark plugs Engine bearings Master cylinders & kits Rear axles Clutch covers Brake & clutch cables Valves, springs, guides Timing gears & chains
Engine gaskets Gearbox gears Steering joints Crownwheel & pinions Electrical fittings Wiper motors (vac) Shock absorbers Wheel cylinders & kits Shackles (pins & bushes) Ring gears & pinions Water pumps & kits Clutch plates Carburettors Fuel pumps & kits Pistons Steering box parts Speedo cables Ignition parts Lenses Engine mounts
June/ July 1987 – With the demise of the Citroën 2CV, MotorSport’s writers were lamenting the trend towards cars becoming utility objects like beds and cups and saucers. It was 80 years since the RollsRoyce Silver Ghost proved petrol powered cars could be as smooth and silent as steam cars, 60 years since the Model T with its foolproof gearbox went out of production and SS, later Jaguar, began producing their sporty, stylish cars, and 40 years since the flat four, six seater Jowett Javelin.
MECHANICAL RESTORATIONS & VINTAGE SPARES (1980) RD 7 • Fordell • Wanganui • Phone/Fax 06 342 7713 Beaded Wheels 11
Stuart Francis
Knocking, Squish, Swirl and Tumbling Most articles and books on engine tuning concentrate on getting more mixture into the cylinder and exhaust gases out, usually looking at gas flowing, larger valves, sporty cams and a less restrictive exhaust system …
H
owever very few pundits address the actual process of combustion once the mixture is in the cylinder, even though it can have a far greater effect on overall engine performance. It is understandable that they shy away from this area because it is more difficult to comprehend and visualise, usually involving major modifications to the shape of the cylinder head and piston to achieve significant improvements. There have been some great engineers and scientists who have spent their whole careers looking at the issue of combustion and trying to improve it. The true pioneer was Sir Harry Ricardo whose post WWI work on octane rating, fuel blending, compression ratios and combustion chambers improved engine performance beyond recognition. Following in his footsteps were the likes of Thomas Midgley, Sir Harry Weslake, Leo Kuzmicki and Keith Duckworth, all of whom developed major advances in combustion technology.
12 Beaded Wheels
A pioneer of the internal combustion engine, Sir Harry Ricardo, 1885-1974.
In 1918 Shell asked Harry Ricardo to look at the petrol coming from their refineries around the world, as although they had similar specific gravities (the then standard for petrol) there were marked differences in engine performance and apparent knock resistance. Knocking is when the mixture spontaneously combusts because of high temperatures or compression, usually occurring in the outer edges of the combustion chamber and it can be a very destructive. The Shell study led to the development of octane ratings for petrol which then led to blending of fuels to improve their octane ratings. The first super fuel was blended for Alcock and Brown’s epic flight across the Atlantic in 1919. It enabled Rolls-Royce to extract 10% more power out of the Eagle V12 engines powering the Vickers Vimy. Sir Harry then looked more closely at the process of combustion. He concluded that the more turbulent the mixture in the cylinder the faster it would burn. It
also required less ignition advance and reduced the likelihood of knocking. Ignition advance is always a good indicator of combustion efficiency. Sir Harry then looked for a practical (and money making) application for this knowledge. Side valve engines were by far the most common at the time, however they suffered from poor performance and were prone to overheating and knocking. Most side valve engines had a simple flat head over the top of the cylinder and valves, this limited compression ratios and didn’t create much turbulence in the mixture. Sir Harry developed a new type of cylinder head that had the combustion chamber over the valves and only a small clearance between most of the piston and cylinder head. The new cylinder head design “squished” the mixture into a small combustion chamber creating a lot of turbulence, the mixture burned faster, produced more power and because of the faster burn lost less heat to the cylinder head.
Sir Harry patented the design, licensed it to a number of manufacturers and sued others for infringements. He even got Henry Ford (a well known skinflint) to pay up for infringing his patent. The Ricardo Head became famous in its own right and is still used on small engines. The next big event was Thomas Midgley discovering that a very small quantity of tetraethyl lead (TEL) in petrol significantly increased the octane rating, allowing higher compression ratios and greater performance. By the end of WWII aviation fuel had so much TEL that it went past the end of the octane rating system and a new measurement, called Performance Numbers, was introduced. Harry Weslake became involved in engine design in the 1920s whilst successfully racing motorcycles at Brooklands. Harry was intrigued by gas flow in overhead valve (ohv) engines and he used a modified gas meter to measure the air flow past valves and through ports (probably the worlds first flow bench). He was also interested in creating turbulence in the cylinder to improve combustion. He discovered he could create “swirl” in the cylinder by offsetting or bending the inlet track and could enhance the effect by sloping the inlet tract down towards the cylinder (down draught). Harry Weslake is possibly more famous for the heart shaped combustion chamber he developed for A Series Austin engines after WWII. Austin didn’t want the complication (or cost) of a hemi head so Harry offered his superficially simple design. This, through a clever combination of swirl and squish, produced a surprising amount of power. An Austin A40, tuned by Harry, repeatedly embarrassed Jaguars in British saloon car racing. He went on to develop an excellent V12 for Dan Gurney’s short lived American Eagle F1 team. He also developed an 8 valve cylinder head for the Triumph Bonneville (increasing power by 30%) and developed a motorcycle speedway engine that virtually all the top teams adopted.
Poor squish area – hemi head.
Standard side valve.
Ricardo head side valve.
Swirl
Tumble
The two valve hemispherical (hemi) cylinder head was developed in the 1920s into being “the design” for high power. The long stroke and small bore of engines at that time limited the size of the valves. The hemi head allowed valves of nearly twice the size of a plain head to be used and also produced a good combustion chamber. As time went on shorter strokes and bigger bores were introduced, fuel octane ratings improved (allowing higher compression ratios), valves became larger, revs increased and pistons crowns became extremely domed. The net effect of this was a very long and thin combustion space over the top of the piston. These
engines were prone to knocking, required greater ignition advance (50 degrees) and transferred a lot of heat to the cylinder head due to the extended combustion time. The long thin combustion space also damped down any swirl further slowing combustion, sometimes requiring a spark plug either side of the head to make them work. Leo Kuzmicki, a Polish engineer, finished up working for Norton after a series of harrowing wartime adventures*. Joe Craig’s (Norton’s head of racing) ego and Leo’s fear of the Russian KGB meant he kept a low profile, but Leo was wholly responsible for a significant improvement in the power output of the works Manx Nortons in the early 1950s. Leo decided he could reuse the squish effect to improve the combustion of the two valve head. He redesigned the piston and cylinder head with a large squish band around the outer edge of the combustion chamber and a much smaller nearly hemispherical combustion space. Once developed, the new 350 Manx engine was nearly as powerful as the old 500, much smoother and less prone to knocking. The same improvements to the 500 kept the single cylinder Manx Norton competitive until the mid ‘50s. Leo was poached by Vanwall to design a new Formula 1 engine
Tight clearance between piston and head – squish head.
Beaded Wheels 13
using squish technology. The new engine, effectively four-water cooled Manx Norton engines on a common crankcase, won the Formula 1 title in 1959. After Vanwall’s success Leo moved to Hillman where he became chief development engineer on the Imp. The four valve hemi head emerged about the same time as the two valve hemi head and its development ran along similar lines with both benefitting from the work on gas flowing. The four valve head had some distinct advantages and disadvantages in the 1920s and ‘30s. The main advantages were; the greater valve area for better breathing, the smaller valves were much easier to control at high revs, heat transfer from the smaller exhaust valves was much better, the spark plug could be placed at the middle of the combustion chamber and small valves and springs were less prone to breakage. The main disadvantages were; the cost of “two of everything”, the complexity and cost of the cylinder head, swirl was more difficult to produce, it still had a long thin combustion space and the performance edge over a two valve head was limited at the then engine speeds. Triumph, Rudge and Excelsior produced some excellent four valve engines but they were eventually eclipsed by two valve engines. Four valve heads were seen as quaint in the 1950s, so when Honda appeared in the late 1950s with four valve heads on their racing motorcycles the so-called experts were rather patronising. Honda had chosen this approach to exploit the better breathing, valve control and reliability of four valves at high revs. Boy did they prove their detractors wrong! Around this time some of the more enlightened Formula 1 engine designers were also thinking about four valve heads as they ran into severe problems with two valve heads at high revs. By the mid 1960s all of the major players in Formula 1 had four valve engines.
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Cosworth 4 valve pent roof combustion chamber.
It was no surprise then that when Keith Duckworth of Cosworth designed his new Formula 1 engine for Ford he used a four valve arrangement. The fact that it won its debut race and seemed to have a power and torque advantage over similar engines should have alerted others that this was no ordinary engine. Keith had been far more ingenious than most people gave him credit for and he was not about to correct them as his company made money selling the best engines available. Keith had gone back to first principles and looked at the current problems of a four valve head, the difficulty of generating swirl and the long thin combustion space. The swirl problem was solved by turning it on its side, through carefully angling the inlet ports and using very steep down draught, he was able to get the mixture to “tumble” in the cylinder. Keith decided to use a flat top piston and also make the cylinder head as flat as possible, the angle between the valves was narrowed and the valves sat in a V shaped depression in the head. Minimal clearances between the large flat surfaces of the piston and head Squished the mixture into the V shaped depression. The resulting combustion process was
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very efficient needing only 27° of ignition advance, barely half of what some other contemporary engines required. Cosworth 4 Valve Pent Roof Cylinder Head The Cosworth DFV engine won 160 Grands Prix and 13 World Championships and spawned a number of derivatives. One of these was the DFX that won the Indianapolis 500 ten times, won the USAC and CART championships 11 times, won 81 consecutive Indy car victories and a total of 153 victories. Although the Cosworth 4 valve pent-roof cylinder head was designed for racing, its efficiency, ability to rev and low heat transfer has made it the head design for virtually all modern car and motorcycle engines. BW * Leo Kuzmicki tried to escape Poland after the Russian invasion but was betrayed; he was tortured by the NKVD (Russian Secret Police) and then sent to a Siberian death camp. He escaped from the camp and walked 4,000kms to freedom.
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14 Beaded Wheels
1909 VULCAN In Beaded Wheels 334 I wrote an article on my 1909 Vulcan mainly covering its New Zealand history.
A
little more information has been gathered from sources like Papers Past and the Alexander Turnbull Library which has filled in a few more gaps. I’m starting to contact sources in the UK, hopefully to find out if build and sales records still exist. My car came out of storage in May last year and with the usual checks and a few turns of the crankhandle I was driving around the orchard where it has been stored for 16 odd years. I planned to drive home the next day, not a big trip, about 5kms, but we only got to the end of the driveway and stopped dead. After about
part II
Words and photos Digby Young Woodwork mostly done except for the doors – the tricky part.
half an hour of tinkering and trying I was towed home. The car was positioned in my shed and put back on blocks. The rear seat was then evaluated and finally I decided it was going to be easier starting from scratch than trying to alter the Vintage tub that Colburn Wright, the previous owner, had put on. I pulled the body completely off and started with main chassis runners, cross members, then floorboards. The main framework that holds both seats up was next and the front seat was positioned. Then the fun started, scaling the rear seat, making cardboard patterns, pre-wood patterns from scrap wood, making alterations till it measured and fitted up correctly, but most of all looked right. Finally the Fijian Kauri was brought out, machined, then fitted into
Main chassis runners and crossmembers done.
Main framework that holds both seats up sitting in position.
Body ready to go to Dave Sayner for paneling.
Woodwork finished, already have a back seat driver.
place. This is a lovely timber to work with and holds its shape under extreme conditions. Doors and frames (rear only, thank goodness) were laminated from 3mm thick Kauri and glued together. Getting both sides to match on a Roi-des-belge body has been a challenge (as John Callison said it would be) and fitting the doors to sweeping door frames made me walk away on several occasions. Bryan O’Brien, the upholsterer has been to see the car and explained what fixing timber he needed. On 19 March the body was loaded onto my trailer and taken to Dave Sayner for panelling. Hopefully next year there will be an update from a Vulcan-ologist. BW Digby Young 06 878 6876 or digbyyoung52@gmail.com
One door completed - the curved door frame is made up of twelve 3mm thick pieces of laminated Fijian Kauri, as is the curved part of the frame.
Laminating for a door in progress showing former. Beaded Wheels 15
Early Indians
and the 1914 Electric-Start Hendee Special Part II
Words Bob Bullock Los Angeles Stadium, February 1912 and opening night on the new Los Angeles Stadium Motordrome at 35th and Hooper. Joe Wolters leading Jake De Rosier and Charle Balke; all three are on factory Excelsiors.
Part two of Bob Bullocks article on the development of early Indian bikes 1912 Two new machines made an appearance. Indian took advantage of their 1-2-3 victory in the 1911 Isle of Man TT race and introduced a TT twin and a TT single. The V-twin displaced 998cc while the single displaced 499cc. The 2-hp single and 5-hp Light Twin were dropped. A new optional two-speed gearbox appeared in place of the older single-speed system. The TT twin featured new internal and external band rear brakes, footboards, forward-mounted kickstart, side mounted spark plugs and a new front cylinder with a downward-exiting exhaust port. Indian Red colour became standard, with Royal Blue now optional. Annual production rose to 19,500 machines. 1913 1913 was a watershed year for Indian. Peaks were reached but the company was in decline from that year. Model improvements included the change from cast to drop forged flywheels, and the fitting of new connecting-rods and rod bearings. However, the headline feature was the introduction of a revolutionary idea way ahead of its time, swinging arm 16 Beaded Wheels
rear suspension, which once again can be credited to the genius of Carl Oscar Hedstrom. Similar in design principle to the front Cradle Spring Fork which utilised one set of leaf springs, the Cradle Spring Frame utilised two sets of leaf springs. They were attached to a lowered rear U-shaped portion of the frame and a lengthened U-shaped, vertical hangar bracket connected to the end of the swinging arm. Fitting the swinging arm increased the TT two-speed, 7-hp twin wheelbase a further three inches to 58 inches. The design offered about two inches of movement up or down from the rest position ie, a total of four inches travel. On the debit side lateral play could set in with gradual wear on the swinging arm. The spring hanger components added extra weight and expense and by 1924 public opinion and flagging sales decried the Powerplus/Standard model as ancient looking with an unacceptably high saddle position, consequently it failed to appear in the 1925 model line-up. Harley-Davidson dealers added to the mix by claiming the Indian spring frame caused chains to be thrown. Model production for 1913 reached an all-time high of 31,950 machines, together with a company profit of $1.3 million. (Did you guess the correct answer to the question posed at the start of the article last issue?) Production numbers would
drop to 25,000 in 1914 and 21,000 by 1915. Marring the euphoric yearly result was the glum news that company co-founder and chief engineer Carl Oscar Hedstrom was taking early retirement in March 1913 at the relatively young age of 42 years. He refused the many lucrative offers of employment that came his way and instead enjoyed living the country life, hunting, fishing and sailing on the Connecticut River, sharing family time with wife Julia and daughter Helen in their fine country estate home in Portland, Connecticut. There were several reasons why motorcycle production in America began to decline from 1913 onwards so a cursory study of the facts may be of some interest to our members. By far the biggest threat was the burgeoning and rapidly expanding automobile production industry. The age of horse drawn wagons and buggies was declining fast as the new, mechanised age began. In the mid-teen years this pace quickened and new developments were soon thrust onto an awakening society. In the USA the first drive-in gas station opened in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1913. Before that motorists brought their fuel from hardware or drugstores in sealed tins or containers. The first traffic light appeared in Cleveland, Ohio in 1914. These changes were brought about by the increased numbers of vehicles which appeared on the roads. Henry Ford
revolutionised the automobile industry with his first moving assembly-line production of Model T Fords in 1913, as well as doubling his workers wages from $2.50 to $5 for a ten hour working day in 1914. The old black and white movie footage of a steady stream of completed cars rolling out the factory door is one that we are all familiar with. Economy of scale applied, with greater numbers produced meaning prices could be reduced. In a brilliant move the canny Henry Ford was the first manufacturer to introduce instalment credit to purchase automobiles. The immediate effect of this easy finance was to place the purchase of a new passenger car within the means of the average family. As a result car sales increased by 30% that year, while motorcycle sales levelled off. By 1915 the American automobile industry had grown 69%, with more than 895,000 cars and 74,000 trucks and buses manufactured that year. The age of the motor car had now arrived. Motorcycle manufacturers would be on the back foot from that point on. They had to quickly devise other marketing strategies if they had any chance of survival. By that stage more than 80 small motorcycle manufacturers had already ceased trading. 1914 The next big step came about in 1914 with the introduction of sidecars in an attempt to broaden the motorcycle’s appeal. Sidecar sales were 3,000 units within the first year. The Ford Model T and other low-cost cars at that time were selling for about $850, still twice the price of a large V-twin sidecar outfit. The family man who previously may not have envisioned
owning a motorcycle now regarded the sidecar outfit as a viable form of family transport. However, within a few years the cost of the Ford Model T would drop to almost match the rising price of a large sidecar outfit. Given the extra comfort levels, carrying capacity and sheer convenience of the affordable passenger car, they now emerged as the logical choice of family transport for the masses, relegating the motorcycle sidecar outfit to a distant second place. Indian sales were also dropping as a result of their archrival, Harley-Davidsons’ rising popularity. From humble beginnings in a wooden shed in 1903, William Harley and the three Davidson brothers, Arthur, Walter and William, formed a partnership that by 1920 would see their company recognised as the largest motorcycle producer in the world, with sales of 27,000 machines. It was this strong family bond between young friends, the willingness to develop new and advanced models, plus solid core values and work ethics that would see ‘The Company’ through the Great Depression, two world wars, several economic downturns, outlive all rival companies, and continue production to the present day. In an attempt to redress this worrying situation, Hendee sought ways to enhance the motorcycle’s popularity with the general public. One idea that came about during this process was the thought of an all-electric model. While the mechanical aspects of motorcycle development had steadily progressed over the years, the electrical aspect had been largely ignored. The pioneer models had featured primitive dry cell storage battery ignition (similar to
Paul Bigsby in sunglasses, with a Crocker V-Twin he helped engineer. Paul Bigsby was on the motorcycling scene from the very beginning at Hendee Manufacturing the parent company of Indian motorcycles. At the time Bigsby was a supervisor at the Wigwam, Indian’s manufacturing facility in Springfield, Massachusetts.
today’s torch batteries, but much larger) with no charging system. The magneto appeared in 1908 to replace battery ignition. Warning devices were usually the old style rubber-bulb horn or handoperated klaxon. The use of acetylene (a flammable gas) powered headlights and tail lights began in 1905 and by and large that was how things were for the next decade. Once automobiles began appearing in larger numbers the levels of safety and sophistication also began to increase. Charles Kettering had recently pioneered the use of self-starting devices on automobiles to replace the arduous practice of crank-handle starting. Hendee reasoned that a similar self-starting system fitted to the large V-twin sidecar outfit would also prove to be a popular addition that would both appeal to the general public and increase sales. Oscar Hedstrom was not quite so optimistic as Hendee and could foresee battery problems amongst other potential obstacles. Hendee however, was adamant that the new model would go ahead and in January 1913 commissioned the Standard Electric Company in nearby Pittsfield to begin the design and construction process. When completed the starter/generator unit replaced the left-side kickstart mechanism and was mounted in front of the primary drive cover. Two large six volt Witherbee dry-cell storage batteries weighing 29 lbs were fixed to the seat-post frame tube behind the engine. Unfortunately space constraints restrict an in-depth analysis of the starter/generator unit, but suffice it to say that it functioned extremely well. The achilles heel of the whole system being, as Oscar Hedstrom earlier predicted, the battery technology of 1913-14. After a couple of dozen starts the batteries flattened. A fatal flaw was the omission of the manual kickstart and the bike could not be push-started. The Hendee Special was dropped after only one year of production and cost the company over $100,000 in development costs. Of the 200 odd made only a handful remain today. It was the world’s first electric-start motorcycle, as well as having an electric headlight, taillight and horn, all features that would soon find their way onto following models. Meanwhile, things were still happening at the Wigwam. Carl Oscar Hedstrom had already resigned and Hendee also resigned in July 1916 aged 49 years The company founders would be replaced by others, with some unfortunately negatively influencing the company’s health. Indeed it was only the timely and fortunate takeover of the company presidency in April 1930, by the wealthy industrialist E Paul du Pont that Beaded Wheels 17
saved Indian from sinking. With his steady hand at the helm he managed to turn the company’s fortunes around and revive its deteriorating health. DuPont would successfully manage Indian through the Great Depression and WWII years, before selling his controlling shares in the company and resigning in failing health in November 1945. Charles Franklin would work wonders with his side valve motors. In 1915 a functional three-speed gearbox appeared, while in 1916 the older Hedstrom IOE motors were replaced by Charles Gustafson
Snr designed side valve Powerplus V-twins. The V-twins by now accounted for 90% of all Indian production. The United States would become involved in WWI on 6 April 1917, with the US Army placing large orders for their requirements (23,900 solo, 18,900 sidecar-equipped machines) during 1917-1918 (company profit of $1,273,000). New models with evocative sounding names such as Scout, Chief and Four had yet to arrive. The new Wigwam building extensions had just been completed. Indian production numbers would continue to
decline over the next 40 years, but they didn’t know that then. By 1913 that little motorised bicycle built in 1901 had come a long way, but it still had a long way further to go yet. BW
WIN
this limited edition Beaded Wheels cap 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. We can accept articles in handwriting, typed or via email. Post to: Beaded Wheels, PO Box 13140, Christchurch 13140 or Email: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz High resolution digital photos are preferred. Please contact me if you wish to discuss an idea for an article. Kevin Clarkson, Chairman Beaded Wheels Editorial Committee. Phone home 03 385 9821 or email kevin@vcc.org.nz Our lucky winners of the Beaded Wheels caps for this issue are Peter Cooper and Diane Ross
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Those Fab 50s (CCs, that is)
An attraction for young enthusiasts?
I
n recent years, the need to attract young people into the old vehicle hobby has been an ongoing discussion, both within VCC branches around the country and in the likes of Beaded Wheels. A lot of us wonder what will happen to our collections once we pass on, as many of our own offspring have no interest in our motoring passion – at least not the kind of vehicles we may enjoy. I remember that a few years ago the Auckland Branch put on a Saturday afternoon get-together, coinciding with the motorcycling section’s monthly meeting, specifically for a number of members to bring their grandchildren along to view some beautiful old cars and motorbikes, some of these dating back to the Vintage era. What fascinated me was that of all the machines that were on display the one that seemed to get the bulk of the attention was my own Vespa 50S. I’m not sure if it was the scooter’s iconic shape, or the fact that it was small and accessible that generated the high levels of interest from our young visitors. It got me thinking that this could be a way to attract that muchneeded young blood.
Something for everyone… 50cc two-wheelers come in every shape and style imaginable, so there should be a machine that would be attractive to our young enthusiast. Just to give you an idea of the scope of what’s available locally, here’s a list of styles and examples for your consideration. Mopeds – machines equipped with bicycle pedal propulsion: VeloSoleX, Puch Maxi, Raleigh, NSU Quickly, Motobecane. No-Peds – in some countries, the pedal requirement was dropped and a whole series of machines evolved specifically for this sector: Suzuki’s FA 50, FS 50 and FZ 50 are good examples of the genre. Step-Thru – probably one of the most recognisable designs worldwide: Honda’s evergreen C50 Cub, along with Yamaha and Suzuki equivalents are still readily available in New Zealand. Traditional scooters – there are so many options in the 50cc class for our young enthusiast to choose from: The Honda Nifty 50, Yamaha Riva 50 and the Vespa 50 continue to come up for sale on a regular basis. Motorbikes – virtually all of the Japanese manufacturers, as well as many
Words and photos Peter Cooper Fifties are not only for the young, but also the young at heart. Auckland Branch’s Rhys Hanna has ridden his Vespa 50 on both the Tranz Alpine Scooter Safari and Central Plateau Scooter Challenge and plans to do the Southern Scooter Challenge! (photo: author)
from Europe, made (and still manufacture) 50cc machines. Yamaha’s YB 50, Honda’s Sport 50 and the Suzuki PE 50 are easilyfound models locally. Trail Bikes – these machines were designed for off-road family fun and were quite popular in the 1970s: Honda’s CT 50, along with monkey bikes from Honda, Kawasaki and others are still around in reasonable numbers. Low admission price One of the advantages of considering a 50cc machine is the low purchase price for most models. High-quality original or restored examples that could be ridden straight away going for less than $2,000 and good, restorable machines for under half that figure, and often less. There are exotic 50s around that are worth thousands (e.g. Vespa SS50, Lambretta Lui), but the focus of this article is on the more common varieties.
Beaded Wheels 19
Mint, unrestored classics, like this Honda C50, are out there if you look hard enough. (photo: author)
These Yamaha models were popular in the late1970s/80s and are still around today in reasonable numbers. (photo: internet download)
This should make them affordable for our young enthusiast (and/or their parents/ grandparents) to acquire. Parts for most models are easily sourced, both from local suppliers and overseas. There are both new OEM and New-OldStock spares still available at very affordable prices and a large number of businesses offer reproduction items for a vast array of makes and models. Our young enthusiasts could easily check out some of the international auction sites and specialist online businesses, as well as a variety of online forums and social media to find what they need for their restoration projects, plus handy how-to hints. Anything considered to be in the Moped class by NZTA has lower rego costs compared to motorcycles, no WOF
The bikes’ components are small and lightweight – as are the bikes themselves – which makes them easy to handle and store, as well as recording how everything fits together. Once our young enthusiast successfully restores a 50 he or she could move on to more complex vehicles as their knowledge and skills develop.
requirement and can be ridden on a car license. They also have the benefit of even lower rego costs once the vehicles reach 40 years of age. Simplicity is the key… Fifties, with only a few rare exceptions, are basic with a capital B in their design. They were built to be easily and inexpensively manufactured and pumped out in the hundreds of thousands. For someone new to old vehicle restoration, this should make such a project a lot less daunting than doing so on a more complex piece of machinery. Our young enthusiast could learn about all aspects of motor mechanics on these simple machines, everything from engine/ gearbox reconditioning to electrical to upholstery, right through to panelbeating and painting.
With a global cult following, France’s iconic VeloSoleX was especially popular around Canterbury. (photo:www.velosolexclubuk.com) 20 Beaded Wheels
…and they’re practical! 50cc bikes are suitable for shortdistance daily commutes so our young enthusiast could potentially use his or her machine as school or work transport. For those who haven’t reached riding/ driving age the 50s could be ridden around a yard or paddock under adult supervision. There are paddock events, like the annual Blue Smoke ‘n’ Pedals, that are ideally suited to those too young to get a license. In addition there are great charity events specifically for 50cc bikes, like the Tranz Alpine Scooter Challenge, Southern Scooter Challenge and Central Plateau Scooter Challenge charity rides to participate in. Add to that local VCC branch events, motorbike shows, and there’s plenty to offer our young enthusiast. The downsides Along with the good points for doing up 50cc machines, there are a few downsides. These include speed limited to 50 kph, as they’re primarily designed for use on suburban streets. This means that open road driving has to be done with extreme caution.
Some 50s have a serious aversion to hills. I found that out when I took my unrestored Suzuki FS 50 to participate in a charity event called Survivor Scooter. The poor, wee No-Ped was fine on relatively flat metal roads – yes, this is an off-road event – but needed to be hauled up steep hills by one of the support vehicles. Travel downhill was another matter, however. While most of the two-stroke powered bikes have a reasonable amount of acceleration, most of the four-stroke machines can only be politely described as leisurely. The latter may not be suitable for some urban areas. Restoring one of these 50s will never make our young enthusiast wealthy, but I hope that that’s not the point of their doing a restoration on one of these worthy little machines. There is always the urge to make a 50 go faster. However, once 50 kph is exceeded, legally it means that the bike needs to be registered as a motorcycle, meaning it will need a WOF, registration costs go up and
the rider needs a motorcycle licence to ride it on the road. Finally Before anyone writes-off 50s as a waste of time it maybe worth noting that there are iconic machines in the 50cc class, the most famous being Vespa’s 50, which proved to be Piaggio’s most successful model, France’s much-loved VeloSoleX and, of course, Honda’s C50 Cub, considered in some circles as the world’s greatest motorbike for its amazing ability to go just about anywhere and being virtually indestructible. I believe that the 50cc is a viable option to get young people involved in preserving, restoring and enjoying old vehicles and hope that this article might motivate others to consider this option. BW
About the author A self-described hot rodder, Peter S Cooper has spent a lifetime around the motoring hobby, having been involved with everything from restoring, repairing and racing sports cars, to working on bespoke marques and American performance cars, right though to more mundane, but equally enjoyable vehicles. He has had a career as a freelance automotive writer for more than four decades and has been published in his homeland of the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Finland and UK. These days, he spends his time restoring and servicing his collection of old motorbikes, cars and scooters, as well as doing intrepid rides on two-wheeled machinery that was never designed to be used off-road.
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Lou Stonnell at Kaipikari Hill Climb in North Taranaki. Note the very tidy body and the four stub exhausts.
The (Stutz) Bearcat and the Lynx Two very different animals
Words and photos Max Rutherford
The Stonnell family farmed in Lepperton, Taranaki, and during World War II an historic car with a very impressive racing history was pressed into service as a farm vehicle.
W
hen Lou Stonnell took over the farm later he harboured an interest in motor racing and it was from this interest another racing car was born. The American auto maker Stutz company slogan of 1911 “The car that made good in a day” was well justified. The first Stutz car, a prototype of a passenger car to be called the Bearcat, ran in the first 500 mile race at Indianapolis in 1911 and finished in 11th place. Perhaps not remarkable from a strictly racing viewpoint, but an outstanding achievement for a prototype passenger car which only weeks earlier had consisted of a set of drawings. This initial success encouraged the Stutz Motor Company to continue along the race road to fame until they had eclipsed all other manufacturers and became champions of the United States. From 1911 to 1914 Stutz chalked up an impressive list of victories on both road circuit and track and using the same Wisconsin engine as fitted in their normal production passenger car, only slightly modified for racing. It was a T head engine with a 4½" bore and 5½" stroke. Neither 22 Beaded Wheels
the revolutions or the output were anything terrific, the successful performance being due to light weight, excellent preparation ensuring reliability, and good drivers. The car had the reputation of handling well, contrary to what was expected at the time of a chassis having a rear axle mounted gearbox. Barney Oldfield drove a Stutz into 5th place in the 1914 Indianapolis 500 being the first American car to finish. For the 1915 season Wisconsin produced an entirely new special racing engine bearing no resemblance to their production engines. The crankshaft was divided in the centre, and was carried on three large diameter ball bearings. It had a single overhead camshaft and 16 overhead valves inclined in the non-detachable head. This was the way the European racing engines had been heading, as were the famous American Duesenberg racing engines. The trend had actually been started by Peugeot and had been further developed by American companies. This Wisconsin engine became the most successful racing engine made in America at that time and gave Stutz both the road and the track championships for
1915. A cone clutch connected the engine via a drive shaft to the gearbox which was still mounted on the rear axle. The gearbox, along with the front and rear axles were standard passenger car units. Three cars were built and raced, and a strange series of coincidences has made it possible to trace the history of one of them, number 5, to New Zealand. Stutz entered three cars for the 1915 Indianapolis 500 and they finished third (driven by Gil Anderson in number 5) fourth and seventh. Gil Anderson was only nine minutes behind the winning Mercedes of Ralph de Palma after 500 miles averaging 87.6 mph. Stutz withdrew from factory sponsored racing on the crest of the wave at the end of the 1915 season, and the cars were sold to private owners. The number 5 car Gil Anderson drove was sold to Cliff Durant, manager of the Chevrolet assembly plant in Oakland California. Durant entered the car in the 1919 Indianapolis 500 as a Durant Special and it was driven into 2nd place by Eddie Hearne. This was the last appearance of these cars in big time racing as a change of
formula ruled them out. What happened to the other two ex-factory cars is unclear but we can follow the life of number five. From 1919 to 1923 the Durant owned car successfully competed in dirt track events around the California area. In 1920 Cliff Durant sold the car and, after at least one other change of ownership, in 1923 Stutz number 5 was sold by a Mr Roberts of San Francisco, through his brother in Auckland, to Selwyn Craig in Auckland. Craig started it in the 1924 race for the New Zealand Motor Cup on the Muriwai Beach but he burnt out the clutch on the start line, then allowed the engine to over-rev and threw a rod out the side, all before he had covered a hundred yards. This was the first misfortune of a glorious career for the car in New Zealand. Selwyn Craig unfortunately died before the next Motor Cup and the car, with a patch on the sump, was sold to Tim Bell who did not do too well with it. Number 5 was then sold to Bob Wilson who passed it over to Mason and Porter Ltd, engineers of Auckland, for rebuilding, and it was restored to good condition. During that rebuilding they cast a new crankcase in bronze to replace the damaged alloy unit and the bronze casing remains to this day. Bob drove it in the New Zealand Motor Cup, which he won three times in a row, 1926, ’27 and ‘28. These three straight wins meant that Bob Wilson had won the New Zealand Motor Cup outright. Later, when the New Zealand Grand Prix was formalised, Bob put the cup up as this country’s premier motoring prize. In 1929 Bob Wilson again won at Muriwai Beach in the Stutz, the event renamed as the Australasian Beach Championships, and in the process he set a new five mile beach record of 177.4 kph the same day. When George Smith set a lap record at the new Hennings speedway near Mangere, Bob Wilson went out in the Stutz a month later and bettered it. By March of the following year Reg Grierson (Wilson’s long time mechanic) had lowered the lap record by 17 seconds and was also attributed with a top speed of 190 kph at Muriwai. In 1930 the Stutz again won the Australasian Beach Championships with Grierson at the wheel. The Stutz was then taken over by Ces Sutherland who dominated the 1931 and 1932 New Zealand beach races at Muriwai before it passed to the next owner Tommy Cooper, then P T Therkleson of Hastings
The Stutz Racers. Stutz steadily developed the racer model and entered three at Indianapolis in 1915 which was their last effort with factory entered cars. – The Stonnell’s cars was #5 in 1915.
who replaced the Wisconsin motor with a straight-eight Roosevelt unit. After that the car was sold to a Wanganui firm who fitted the Wisconsin motor into a speed boat but the installation turned out to be unsatisfactory. In a deal with Lou Stonnell’s father in Taranaki the unwanted Stutz was swapped for a 1928 Studebaker as this was the middle of the depression and there was no demand for racing cars. It was 1937 when Lou’s father brought the Stutz to the farm at Lepperton and at that time it was powered by the Roosevelt engine with a three speed gearbox attached to the engine as well as the original Stutz gear box fitted as part of the rear axle. (The two gearboxes connected in tandem giving the machine some nine forward speeds and three reverse.) During the Second World War when the Stonnell’s farm tractor was taken away by the Government for the war effort, the Stutz became the farm tractor. As the photos show it had smaller diameter wheels fitted, probably because tyres for the Stutz rims would have been impossible to obtain, and it was pressed into service as a hay sweep for bringing the tedded hay from the paddock to the hay stack. In the late 1950s Dick, Lou’s brother, used the car on the road in Auckland fitted with lights and mudguards and a rear extension to the body, possibly added for WOF requirements, but no doors or windscreen. Sometime after this it returned to the farm and was stored in a shed as other business interests took precedence. Ron Roycroft took an interest in the Stutz in the 1960s and moved it to his home in Glen Murray with the intention of restoring the car for the Stonnell family. The original Wisconsin engine had been found lying in the mud in the Auckland Harbour and rescued by Lou Stonnell and reunited with the car. Although he
now had all the parts to complete the restoration, the motor in particular was a mess and Ron, having many other interests apart from motor racing, found he did not have the time to do the Stutz justice so that was when Len Southward of Southward’s Car Museum expressed an interest in purchasing it. After much consultation within the Stonnell family it was decided in 1967 to sell the Stutz number 5 to Southwards’ museum. (Note that somehow the number 5 became number 7 after it was first sold in USA but then went back to number 5 in the Southwards’ Car Museum collection) Under Southwards’ ownership the Stutz was then restored to its former glory with ace Wanganui panel beater Steve Roberts making a faithful reproduction of the original body. Steve recently told me that Len wanted the car restored complete with the tail added by Dick but he refused saying it should only be restored to its original specification. Two years later Len relented so Steve went ahead with the body restoration. Steve told me, “Len visited America shortly after I built the body and on returning he took me out to dinner and admitted that I had been right and that restored properly the car was now worth a lot of money in America, but that he would never sell it.” Actually part of the agreement with the Stonnell family was an assurance that the car would never leave New Zealand. The Stutz now resides in the Southward museum on the Kapiti Coast. The above is an amalgam of the writings of R E Messenger and details related to Nelson Lattimer by Lou Stonnell. Nelson was one of the original builders of the Lynx Formula Junior car. The Lynx Formula Junior (FJ) Lou Stonnell was from a hard working family that was involved in diverse occupaBeaded Wheels 23
tions apart from the family farm. Lou himself ran the farm using modern technologies such as a special silo for storing and maturing haylage then dispensing it to the cattle in a long auger fed trough. It was one of the first in New Zealand. From the farm he also ran a fertilizer spreading business pioneering the use of tractors with hoppers on the back and later heavily modified trucks. Lou was a keen follower of motor racing and in fact sponsored my speedway three quarter midget via his Kendall Oil franchise which was another of his business ventures. The following is an abbreviation of notes written by Nelson Lattimer at the end of the first season with the Lynx. Lou felt that the new Formula Junior class being promoted by the New Zealand motor sport body offered an affordable entry into single seater motor racing, and in 1961 Lou was telling Benny Bowman of his passion. When Benny offered to build this FJ car for Lou, it was all go. Lou would put up the money and be the sole driver and Benny would be the designer. FJ was being strongly promoted in Europe where most racing car constructors were producing conventional single seater racing cars with the driver behind the engine, whilst some English racing car constructors were turning more towards rear engined cars. It was first Cooper, then Lotus, paving the way with very successful forays into the motor racing scene. At first the critics were not convinced that rear engined cars had any advantage over the more conventional front engined cars, no doubt the older generation knew too well
Lou Stonnell with his ever smiling face, ready to race at Ohakea. 24 Beaded Wheels
the tales of poor handling and the excessive oversteer that bedevilled previous attempts. Benny however was convinced that a rear engined car was the way to go, so the next question was where to build the car and get a team of volunteers. As none of us had a suitable space, it was out to the farm and in the workshop of the truck shed (after a good clean out) the makings of the FJ car to be known later as the Lynx, were laid out. Many hours were spent by the team consisting of Benny Bowman designer/builder, Brian O’Sullivan and myself as apprentice mechanics, helpers Bruce Haynes and Hank Dirkson and panel beaters, Peter Riley and Jack Lancaster. To get to the farm resulted in a lot of travelling backwards and forwards during the week after work and weekends, so invariably at times it turned into a race with the inevitable rollover of a Ford Prefect, a car which wasn’t too stable at the best of times. Construction started in September and the car ran for the first time in December with a run up and down the main road outside Lou’s property. He had us stationed along the road and told us to keep an eye out for the law, but goodness only knows what we were supposed to do if a cop had shown up. Still, to me it was an exciting time with all that hard work finally coming to fruition. That test run did bring up some issues to be rectified. Unfortunately time was running out and items were put on the ‘to do later’ list and this put us behind the eight ball for the rest of the season as Lou had already booked the Lynx into the motor racing championship summer series. It was late one evening that the Lynx was loaded onto the back of one of Lou’s top dressing trucks, the paint on the car still wet as the truck was readied for an early morning start on its way to Ardmore and the Lynx’s first race. Taken from a newspaper cutting “Dubbed as ‘one of the prettiest little Formula Juniors’ they had seen by top racing drivers Jack Brabham and Stirling Moss at the recent Invercargill international meeting, the Lynx, owned and driven by Lou Stonnell of Lepperton, will once again be in action when it competes in two events at Ohakea on Saturday. The crew has gained a lot of experience at various international meetings this season, including Ardmore, Levin, Wigram and Invercargill, but has not met with a great deal of success. They are very satisfied with the way the car is running, despite some mechanical trouble. The car has been completely built by the local crew with the wheels and back assembly on loan
from Sid Jensen until these parts can be obtained permanently. Powered by a much modified 997cc 105E Ford Anglia motor, the machine lapped Teretonga at around 74 mph and can touch 136.6 mph.” One of the early problems that showed up with the car was the use of Amal carburettors as these were designed for use on motorcycles and did not allow for fuel surge when cornering. This invariably meant that when installed on the Lynx it suffered from fuel starvation. This resulted in some frantic ‘quick fix’ solutions and while there was some improvement we were dogged with this problem for the rest of the season until it was discovered that we also had a partial blockage in the fuel tank pick up tube. Some swarf had found its way into the tank or it had not been cleaned out properly (who knows) and when the pressure is on these are the things that are missed. You may ask why use Amal carburettors in the first place. Well the advantage was they were readily available, and by using four we had an efficient intake system, they were affordable and tuning bits could be readily procured. Cost-wise we would have loved to have had DCOE Weber carburettors, the ultimate at the time, but you make do with what you can get, and as the Webers had to be bought in from overseas, and needed overseas funds to purchase them. It’s quite possible that could we have somehow procured them, the racing season would have been over by the time they arrived. Later Lou did order and pay for some DCOE’s but to this day they have not arrived. In one of the early photos the four stubs from the exhausts are quite noticeable. This is not an intended performance feature but rather again the lack of time to make the much more desirable extractor system. I guess it was a feature of this car that the lack of money and time plus the unavailability of performance parts in New Zealand showed. The front brakes were the small drum brakes as fitted to the Triumph Herald and although disc brakes would have been available in England, it was not so here and it was Lou’s insistence that all parts had to be available in New Zealand. One exception was the rear wheel assembly that was borrowed because there was nothing suitable in the car market that could have been used, but given more time….. well that’s another story. An engine over-rev saw a conrod go through the side of the engine block in Christchurch and an all-night vigil by Benny and a team of helpers had the car ready for racing the next day. It was quite common then for
The Stutz on the Stonnell farm ready for work with a drum of water on the back to help traction.
Lou on a Ferguson tractor showing the crazy angles that they traversed on the farm.
Nelson Lattimer working on the hydraulics at the front of the Lynx.
The Stutz being used to gather hay because the farm tractor had been taken away for the war effort.
competitors and helpers to band together to help in these situations; doors were opened and parts procured previously denied, and repairs carried out more for comradeship than profit, as all had empathy for a fellow competitor’s misfortune. At the end of that season I lost contact for a while with both Lou and Benny as I took a job out of the area but contacted Lou later to gather the details for this story. Footnote from Lou, “We may not have collected trophies, but we achieved more than we originally set out to do in so much as being recognised for our design and persistence in ‘having a go’. Tony Rutherfurd and the Lynx connection Tony, no relation to me, was purportedly the second owner of the Lynx but he related the following to me recently and it clears the matter up. Lou had some driving issues, or maybe the car was not very good? Either way he had more crashes than results so the car was broken up and the borrowed parts returned to their owners and the chassis scrapped as it was by now banana shaped. Benny then started a new car for Lou but that never proceeded past the four chassis rails and a couple of bulkheads. It is probable that lack of money spelled doom to Lou’s short racing career. Some of what was left was sold to Tony who was living in New Plymouth at the
time. He had been racing an Anglia with some success and was also helped by Benny Bowman with that car preparation. Tony received from Lou the modified VW gearbox, the alloy radiator (twisted), the alloy body panels (dented) and a pair of alloy rear uprights and not much else so he used Herald front uprights modified for disc brakes and the motor from his Anglia. A non-adjustable pedal box was created by Benny and they built a steering rack by cutting a Triumph Herald rack in half and screwing the half rack onto the other side of the box in the Bowman built chassis. This car was named the Dino Ford so, apart from a few parts, the link to the Lynx is rather tenuous, however it does explain what happened to the original New Zealand built Lynx. Tony and Benny were unable to purchase rose joints so made do with ex-aircraft ball joints. These were prone to failure and twice Tony had the rear radius rods disconnect from the chassis at high speed. The second of these was during practice for the GP at Pukekohe in 1967. The other reliability issue was the gearbox as the car lacked the forward facing selector system used by Hewland when they modified VW gearboxes. The mechanism thus went through a series of universal joints which were very imprecise and once on a downshift Tony got first instead of third. A huge spin and a damaged box was the result.
After the second crash Tony stripped the car down and sold some of the parts to Digby Taylor (of solo round the world sailing fame) and took the rest to the dump near Wellington where he was then living. The unavailability of any race components in New Zealand had proved quite a handicap and the only imported parts on the car had been the rear uprights. The Canterbury Car Club had some import license capacity but they declined Tony’s request to bring in parts for him so he stopped racing altogether as he was becoming a family man. The high point of Tony’s single-seater experience was taking pole position for a New Zealand built open wheeler event at Ruapuna but then that bane of a lot of racing drivers happened; the gear change lever broke on the starting grid……… For information and help with this article I sincerely thank Nelson Lattimer and Terry Roycroft with his considerable knowledge of early Muriwai and Hennings events. Copies of my book Paddock to Podium (A mechanics story) are available by contacting me at cmr.mtr91@gmail.com BW
Beaded Wheels 25
HIN BE
D THE WHE
EL
Cop This, Then! 1981 Honda CB650Pz (Police Special) #81LFD Words and photos Greg Price Greg Price astride the CB650Pz
These types of stories generally begin with someone seeing something and then deciding they want one. This is especially so with motorcycles and cars of the Vintage and/or collectible classic variety. For example, I happen to love those red Ferraris of the 1950s and 1960s, but unless Lotto is forthcoming several weeks in a row in the near future there’s unlikely to be such a vehicle gracing a garage near me anytime soon.
26 Beaded Wheels
D
on’t ask me why but I have always had a fascination for the motorcycles that our Ministry of Transport and local City Council Traffic Division gentry used to ride. They looked great in any situation – uniformed officer sitting upright astride his machine, hell-bent on apprehending the recalcitrant motorist or motorcyclist, save perhaps, for when you spotted one in your rear vision mirror with red lights flashing, and there was no vehicle in front of you. (Uh oh!) Ownership of one of these bikes eluded me for many years as they seldom came on the market, and when they did, a quick inspection of my wallet would usually reveal a significant shortfall of the necessary folding stuff. This was especially so with those bikes that were still fully booted and
spurred with all the right gear and decals. Oh well, dreams are free. In August 2007 a Honda CB650Pz (Police Special) appeared on Trade Me. I got quite excited until I noted that the seller was looking for approximately $12,000. I can’t recall if it sold or not at the time. What’s so special about the Honda CB650Pz? Ever heard the term ‘Universal Japanese Motorcycle’ or UJM? It referred to the wave of similar motorcycles produced, beginning in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, by the major Japanese manufacturers. In the late 1960s the major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and
Yamaha) began replicating each other’s designs in quick succession, resulting in a remarkable homogeneity of form, function and quality in the market, leading Cycle magazine to coin the acronym in 1976 to describe a new phenomenon: “In the hard world of commerce, achievers get imitated and the imitators get imitated. There is developing, after all, a kind of Universal Japanese Motorcycle …. conceived in sameness, executed with precision, and probably by the thousands.” The term is neither complementary nor perjorative, merely highlighting these bikes’ strong similarity to each other. A prominent example of the classic UJM was the 1981 Honda CB750, which clearly became a template for subsequent designs from the other three Japanese manufacturers. The ‘Pz’ or Police Special was supplied from the Honda factory to anyone who wanted one – complete with lights, siren. Not so, of course for the Harley-Davidson Police Specials, or the Kawasakis used by law enforcement agencies in the United States, for example, which is why it is illegal to ride one over there if it is still in its Police livery. I remember reading in New Zealand’s Rhys Jones’ 2002 book Taking to the Road, that the Honda CB750 was deemed to be the ‘world’s greatest motorcycle’ in most countries. Here in New Zealand, New Zealand Motorcycle Trader and News readers voted it Number One. Whatever happened to New Zealand’s CB650Pzs? Before moving on with this tale, it is useful to recap why the Honda CB650Pz was decommissioned so early in its working life. Most of the Honda CB650Pzs were introduced to the Ministry of Transport’s fleet early in 1981. This explains why many of the survivors still have sequential registration numbers in the old black and silver livery. One sunny afternoon late in 1983 an unidentified motorcyclist purportedly riding a Honda CBX1000 (the six-cylinder version, often then described as a Formula One car on two wheels) was giving it all on the Auckland Harbour Bridge Motorway heading north toward Albany. Hot in pursuit (in mind only, as the CB650Pz was not the fastest of such bikes) was a hapless Ministry of Transport (MoT) officer astride his CB650Pz. Honda Motors Japan had reportedly told MoT not to fit a windscreen / fairing to these bikes lest this cause speed wobbles. Those of you in the know would be aware that the CB650Pz was NOT supplied to the MoT
Traffic flashing light.
Coming to a rear view mirror soon.
Patrol light and amplifier.
with any windscreen or fairing. Rather the MoT retro-fitted the Japanese-made GN 200 windscreen, (against factory advice to the contrary) which was often also seen fitted to other motorcycles. One of the chaps I used to work with around that time was also heading north to work when the CBX flashed past. Less than a couple of minutes later, the MoT Officer also flashed by, not quite as quickly, but nonetheless ‘giving it heaps’. Apparently, just north of the Sunset Road junction, the MoT officer got the speed wobbles and subsequently lost control of his CB650Pz and crashed, suffering extensive injuries. In the meantime the CBX was long gone. As I understand things and as it was reported to me by another ex-MoT Officer, it was largely as a consequence of this particular crash that the MoT officers collectively refused to ride the CB650Pzs anymore, and they were eventually de-commissioned. Most of the replacements were the Yamaha XJ750s. BMW R80s came later on. Back then surplus government equipment and vehicles were generally
disposed of via the Government Stores Board auction process. This is what happened to the CB650Pzs. However, before they were to be auctioned all the specific MoT items were supposed to have been removed and disposed of and just the bike itself was to be auctioned. In some cases the pannier bags were left on, albeit with the MoT decals removed. A number of traffic officers subsequently bought their old machines back via the Government auction system. 81LFD Picking up the story of our bike once again, it was on 16 April 1984, that 81LFD (an ex-Cambridge MoT machine) went for auction at the Government Stores Board auction in Hamilton. It was the second such MoT bike for sale on the day. The description of the bike noted: Slight oil leak, top of engine (seepage) and rust spots bodywork frame and rust of chrome work. The estimated market value was listed as $1,100. Enter one Don Putt who successfully bid on the bike Beaded Wheels 27
Decals on.
Speedo.
All brand new parts.
and rode it home. Its mileage (or rather, kilometres travelled from new) when purchased was just 37,250. For $1,100 it was not bad value for a fastidiously maintained motorcycle just three years old. Don fitted a rear seat for his wife Raewyn so she could accompany him on some runs. He also fitted a Rex (New Zealand-made) fairing which looked quite good. Around the same time an Auckland motorcycle dealer in Barry’s Point Road in Takapuna reportedly bought several CB650Pz from the Auckland Government Stores Board auction (rumoured to be as many as 20 in total) and in advance of the weekend, advertised them all for sale on the following Saturday morning for $2,000 each. On the Saturday morning, there was a lengthy queue for them and they were all sold within minutes of that dealership opening. Not surprising really, as they were a damn good bike by all accounts. Fast forward to 6 April 2009 and the Classic Japanese Motorcycle Show held at the Papanui Club. Taking pride of place in the display as far as I was concerned was a Honda CB650Pz with most of the bells and whistles. It looked sharp – so much so that once again, we talked about ‘we must get one of those’. When we got home, and while I was putting the car away in the garage, my wife Karen apparently went and looked on Trade Me’s motorcycle section. Next minute she comes out to the garage and says, “You know how we talked about getting an ex-MoT Bike? Well, I’ve just bought us one.” Don, whom you will recall had bought his bike from the Stores Board auction back in 1984, still owned it but was now in failing health. Seemingly, Don’s wife, Raewyn, had listed the bike that very afternoon and in error put the start price
for the auction as a ‘buy now’, which Karen snaffled up. Unfortunately Don was quite unwell now and had decided of necessity to dispose of some of the toys. When I spoke to him, his initial disappointment at the sale price was quickly remedied when I indicated that we intended to put it back to its original MoT livery complete with absolutely everything that you would expect to find on such a bike if you had encountered it back in 1982-83, as we tend to do with many of our vehicles. Once the bike arrived the first thing I noted was that, here we were at just 44,000 kilometres and it still had the ‘slight oil seepage from the top of the engine’, and the ‘rust spots on the paintwork and chrome’ were still in evidence. The next thing I noted was that when all the MoT items had been removed they were not just cut off, rather they were simply disconnected and the remaining wires were poked back into the recesses of the frame. Reconnecting and refitting the items that had been removed would be a breeze. (Assuming of course that we could source them all.) Fortunately too, the original riders’ manual and the special Pz supplement booklet which had the all-important wiring diagram in it, were still in the little plastic pouch under the seat. TradeMe was quite a good source of ex-MoT motorcycle parts, but amongst the sellers I encountered were a couple of really good contacts, including one ex-MoT officer who happened to have a really good supply of NOS (new old stock) for the Pzs. Being on the ‘inside’ at the time, he managed to secure most of the NOS from a Honda Dealership in advance of the Stores Board sell-offs, for no other reason than he was intent on restoring his old CB650Pz and his former Yamaha XJ750. I
28 Beaded Wheels
subsequently got to view his XJ750 restoration – which was perfect. So it was that I managed to locate the original radio, ticket box, radio box, aerial, the additional rear indicators, the front riding lights, the dreaded windscreen, a Traffic sign for the front guard (yes, I know, it was from an earlier Triumph cop bike), siren, speaker – including the one for the handlebars, the earphone thingie, and in more recent times, the proper ‘Traffic’ plate for above the number plate. Fortunately Don had kept the registration on hold, so it was simply a matter of getting a warrant of fitness and we were mobile again. However, there were a few teething problems. For instance, with the bike sitting around unused for so long, (Don had covered only 200 kms since 1997) the gunk in the old front brake fluid accumulated in the main reservoir and blocked the pinhole-sized recuperating valve. So, as you rode along and applied the front brake, the pressure gradually increased until the wheel locked up. The solution was to dismount and release the pressure on the bleeder valve. Took me while to suss that one out though. The next problem was that the front wheel was out of round and as there was no way of adjusting or straightening a Comstar wheel, a good second-hand one was sourced. End of problem. Given that we got this bike delivered on 27 April 2009, I surprised myself as to just how quickly we got it fully back to MoT livery. We had wanted to get photos back up to Don and Raewyn before he moved into the passing lane. By now Don was in the hospital, but Raewyn told us that he was absolutely chuffed that we had done so much to his bike, and took much pleasure in showing the pictures of his former bike
to friends and family. Sadly Don passed away on 24 June 2009. Collecting the correct gear Having got the bike back to full livery including the original decals, the next task was to collect all the correct MoT clothing, ticket books, accident report forms, manuals etc. This was made easier by my contacts within what is known as the ‘Number One Club’, members of which trade / swap items of MoT / Police equipment, including models. Several former Ministry of Transport Officers happily surrendered their various mementos, including the commemorative plaque for the 1992 Police / MoT merger. One of the most interesting items was the traffic light key that was used to turn off the traffic signals at the intersection of Valley Road and Dominion Road in Auckland’s Mt Eden suburb during the 1981 Springbok Tour. The various items of uniform have been acquired, as have a couple of pairs of those horrible-looking brown/grey jodhpurs. We managed to find a couple of pairs of those huge brown riding boots but how they ever managed to ride their bikes wearing them I’ll never understand. I certainly couldn’t. A brand new reflective jacket with MoT embossed thereon is in one of the panniers. Other items of MoT gear include a couple of those green boxed breathalysers (complete), a ticket book, an accident report, a pair of white gloves for directing traffic, several examples of the various crash helmets they used included the one known as ‘the eggshell’ – because of its thinness, and much more. We even found some period writing utensils. But the MoT’s black leather riding jacket was one of the best finds, as they are so comfortable. The most expensive item I bought was the helmet microphone that clips on to the ‘eggshell’ helmet, and cost $760 ex-Honda Motors in Japan. Brand new Pz parts are still available from Honda Motors in Japan, and also from Consolidated Motor Spares BV in the Netherlands (http://www.cmksnl.com). For example, if you want / need one of those round indicators complete, ready to plug straight in, think 102 Euros. Interestingly they do not list a windscreen.... The Pz in action I’ve previously owned a Honda CB650 and quite liked it to ride either in town or out in the sticks, so the Pz was just the same machine but with heaps more stuff on it. Acceleration is quick but top speed is probably only around 140-145 kph. The speed wobbles do kick in at around 120 kph, but if you are expecting them you simply accelerate past that speed or throttle off immediately. The ‘sit up and beg’ riding
position, together with the windscreen does inhibit speed, and a 1995 Kawasaki Ninja ZX1100 could outrun this while still in 1st gear. It is not hard to fathom why that CBX was not caught. This CB650Pz starts well and warms up quite quickly. Getting on and off is a bit of a mission due to the aerial on the back preventing the traditional ‘throw your leg over’ method. I’ve found that it is easiest to have the bike on its main stand, put one foot on the peg and then clamber on. Dis-mounting is achieved by placing the side stand down, and letting that take the weight of the bike while you carefully extract your right leg from the other side of the bike. These days I’m happy to cruise sedately and just enjoy the ride. And in case you’re interested, it is perfectly legal to ride one of these bikes in full MoT livery, simply because they were publicly available. Of course you are not allowed to activate the siren or flashing red lights whilst riding. And you’d be surprised at just how many of these former MoT motorcycles are out there. ACC Levies During the time that ACC was contemplating ratcheting up their levies for the big bikes (those over 600cc), I participated in a couple of the protest rides dressed in full MoT gear and riding the Pz. One of these demonstrations started at the Cashmere Club in November of 2009. The organiser had left his megaphone at home, so the MoT helmet microphone and siren amplifier was pressed into service with excellent effect, enabling the several hundred motorcyclists to hear everything that was said. Fellow VCC member Jens Christensen and I played ‘CHiPS” on the way into Cathedral Square. Jens also owns a CB650Pz. We certainly got some looks. Another such rally started at Rolleston in December 2009 and proceeded into the city, ending at what is now ‘Cathedral-less’ Square. Needless to say I gave the siren a few squirts on the way into town. (I can’t get charged with impersonating a Traffic Officer, as they don’t have them anymore.) While the protest rallies were unsuccessful, the downside of owning one or more of these big motorcycles is that the huge ACC component makes it almost prohibitive to ride, let alone register it for a full year (especially if you have more than one large motorcycle) so it is limited to static display and the occasional ride when I’ve saved up enough pocket money to register it. Thank goodness we have 40-year-old concessional registration. But I will have to wait until 2021 for that. Anecdotally, subsequent to the ACC levy increases, approximately 70 per cent of all motorcycles over 600cc now have their registrations on hold. As I predicted at
the time in another publication, that was always going to be a likely consequence of making it almost unaffordable to ride a larger machine. VCC Runs It was over the Christmas/New Year period of 2014/2015 that I participated in a VCC Boxing Day run which went down to Methven. A trip of some 250 kilometres in total. Apart from the excellent motorcycle museum at Methven, a trip highlight for me was the return trip back down Thompsons Track towards Rakaia. Shortly after departing Methven, I became aware of a red Holden V8 ute motoring up in the opposite lane, clearly intent on passing everything in his way. However on getting close to the CB650Pz he must have thought I was a cop (I was wearing all the MoT gear), and he promptly pulled in behind me and we progressed on towards Rakaia at exactly 100kph. You can image how miffed he must have been when I pulled into the Rakaia Pub’s car park. Gotcha. Who knows? I might have even saved his life or someone else’s. Another good thing that happened to the bike since 2009 is that it became club eligible in 2011 (being 30 years old or over) and now proudly sports a VCC identity sticker. So, if you happen to spot me in your rear view mirror on a VCC outing or similar, please DON’T slow down. BW
Technical Specifications Engine:
4 stroke, 4 cylinder, OHC, aircooled Bore & Stroke: 59.8 x 55.8mm Displacement: 626 cm Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 Carburettors: 26mm piston valve x 4 Max. Horsepower: 46.3kw Clutch: Wet, multi plate Ignition: Fully transistorised system Starting System: Electric starter Frame: Double cradle, steel tube Suspension: Front: Telescopic fork Rear: Swing arm, FVQ damper Tyres: Front 3.25H19 tubeless Rear 3.75H19 tubeless Seat height: 795 mm Fuel Capacity: 18 litres Siren Volume: Editorial policy prevents me adequately describing the loudness, but suffice to say it can best be described in just two words, the second of which is ‘Loud’ preceded by a descriptive adjective of the offensive variety! Overall Rating: PGR (Pretty good, really!) Beaded Wheels 29
Vintage vs Classic
Name Terminology and Definition Words Rod Brayshaw VCCNZ Registrar, Photo Neville Bailey
Let’s look at the definition of classic as it relates to vehicles from around the world. This is a overview and by no means exhaustive, but it’s a start.
I
t is generally accepted that an Edwardian vehicle was manufactured before 1905, a Veteran up to and including December 1918 while a Vintage vehicle was made between 1919 and 1930. This world-wide definition fits into our system and has done since the formation of FIVA 50 years ago with the exception of Edwardian, which we combine with Veteran. Sixty-five FIVA member countries observe these classes. Our VCC constitution in section 3.1 only classifies motor vehicles, as this is an all-encompassing term for the types and categories of our club eligible transportation. A VCC member or a member of the public can talk about our vehicles as being all Vintage if he or she chooses, the person next to him or her can talk about all our vehicles as Historic, and the next person can talk about all our vehicles as Classic. 30 Beaded Wheels
Does it matter? We should not need to change our constitution to recognise only the one term “Vintage” as has been recently proposed by a Notice of Motion as the term motor vehicles is still the best fit. The best understanding I can gain of the terms classic car and classic motorcycle is seen world-wide now by many enthusiasts as being any vehicle produced after WWII. The most recent document that has been published by the NZTA is the Omnibus Amendment rule. One part reads; “Currently the Rule says that vehicles first registered in NZ on or after 1/1/1990 must have high-mounted stop lamps fitted. Older vehicles were never manufactured with these lights, requiring modification of the vehicle to fit them. This is undesirable, particularly with collectable or classic cars and there
is unlikely to be any safety benefit to requiring high mounted stop lamps to be fitted to these vehicles.” To my knowledge this is the first official use by NZTA of the term “classic”. In the United Kingdom the term classic car is now used widely after being introduced about 2003: Definition for tax purposes UK GOVT
A classic car is one where: the age of the car at the end of the year of assessment is 15 years or more and the market value of the car for the year is £15,000 or more … During my travels overseas I more often hear the term classics used to describe all forms of historic vehicles. While on a one marque rally in Switzerland in May 2015 I observed that everyone referred to their vehicles as classics whether it was Swiss, English,
“Classics” is the chosen term of most representatives. The New Zealand VCC needs to attract new members who use the current language reflecting older Historic collectable vehicle labels, and it is not always “Vintage”.
German or French language spoken. This is also a widespread term while conversing with delegates from the world representative counties at the FIVA General Assembly. More recently while in Europe and discussing “historic vehicles” with members from at least 60 countries
In October 1973, a new magazine arrived in the magazine racks of stationers. In 1973 the new editor wrote: “Welcome to Classic Car covering classics through the ages, this is the magazine you have been waiting for. It can’t have escaped your notice that all sorts of, perhaps unlikely, cars are beginning to increase in value – not just the usual vintage ones but cars that were everyday sports cars of ten years ago. Obviously there is a demand for them: These are today’s classics. The term “classic car” is more recent and is indefinable. We are going to treat classic in its broadest sense as a car from any era that is worth owning and worth driving be it sports, GT or desirable saloon.” In September 1979 Veteran and Vintage magazine changed its name to Collector’s Car with the late Lord Montagu’s blessing. So the move away from using Vintage to describe all old vehicles was also taken 38 years ago. The largest target age market for the VCC to attract new members will come from those born just before 1973 and after this date. Classic cars and bikes are the usual term of use and understanding of these age groups. The UK Government lists multiple years as classic qualifying i.e. 15, 25, and 40 years old.
As our club eligible vehicles start at 30 years, I suggest we just accept the term as a generic vehicle type as being acceptable and welcome within the VCC. — I believe as our DNA is the “VCC” we should use VCC a lot more than we do. We do not need to change our name, but as I explained at the last AGM we need to promote the headlines as often and as far as we possibly can. We don’t need to go back into the 20th century and re-name all our vehicles as Vintage. I suggested at last year’s August AGM that using headlines was the approach. Branches need to catch the interest of anyone who is interested in classic cars. The Bay of Plenty Branch (our fastest growing branch) advertised they were having a classic car show at their swap meet in November 2016. It was their most successful swap meet to date and they banked the biggest gate takings ever according to the secretary, so it works. If you change your name how often can you advise the general public that the name is changed, but use a headline instead and you can advise as many times and as often as you like. It’s my opinion that changing Club or Branch names is possibly 10 years too early, if we need to do so at all. Just communicate with the public that the VCC will welcome and accept all types of vehicles and that includes classics. BW
6
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Time to roll out the
Camper!
words and photos Marilyn and Ian McKinlay
Recent letters to Beaded Wheels which mentioned Vintage campers sent us looking for this photo
F
red McKinlay bought the 1925 Minerva in 1952. He fettled it where it stood at Aranui Camping Ground to drive it home where he began the nearly two year task of converting it to a six berth mobile camper. Ian remembers his teenage weekends and evenings spent reluctantly helping. Ian recalls they gutted the inside including removing hundreds of tacks holding the ceiling lining to reveal wooden trusses and tongue and groove match lining which they painted. There were two double bed bunks, two single bunks and a permanent table with four swivel chairs. The top single bunk lifted upwards and was then chained to the ceiling so two people could sit on the bottom bunk at the table. The other improvements included a full size cast iron coal range complete with wetback to heat the seemingly endless supply of hot water from the 30 gallon hot water cylinder which was supplied from the aircraft wing fuel tank permanently installed on the roof as a cold supply tank.
Ian’s lucky escape; The 1953 Morris J van that rolled over when the back wheel left the axle. 32 Beaded Wheels
The photo shows the loaded roof top which included a large wooden dog kennel and all the wood and canvas needed to erect a (proper) long drop toilet and a 9x9 canvas motor tent. To charge the battery for lighting in the bus Fred bought a petrol driven Iron Horse generator unit which he mounted on a large metal frame with wheels and a handle which had numerous belts for (wait for it) the compressor for pumping up tyres, a water pump to suck water from the river and pump up to the roof tank and also a saw bench (10 inch blade) for cutting wood for the coal range. This was all balanced on the left side running board between the bonnet and the mudguard. On the first camping trip to Waipara they mounted two 1949 500cc BSA side valve motorbikes on the back carrier for transport to get milk from the local farmer and for day trips around North Canterbury. Then Fred bought a second hand 7 cu ft kerosene refrigerator (same size as today’s 12 cu ft) which was mounted on the rear carrier. They used it at home for many years between trips. Ian remembers these as busy, exciting camping holidays. They went swimming in the river, sliding down hillsides on cumbersome makeshift sledges, fishing, night time rabbit shooting and eeling by spotlight and fossicking in the local dumps. Fred said, with a chuckle “If I hadn’t worked at the Addington Railway Workshops I would not have finished it.” It was painted railway red on the outside and lots of railcar blue inside.
Photo taken by Ian McKinlay in January 1955. His parents, Fred and Dorothy McKinlay and younger brother, Ronder, with the 1925 sleeve valved, 4 cylinder, Minerva bus ex Dunedin Road Services as they left North Canterbury’s Waipara river bed where they spent their annual summer holidays.
The bus became a well-known sight at the Annual Cust Easter Racing weekends for almost a decade. This quote came from a Cust reunion, “the only thing missing was the McKinlay’s Minerva bus”. The 1925 Minerva became Ian and Marilyn’s first home for three months. They were the last of the family to use it before it was sold in December 1964. The new owners drove it to Nelson beach races and then to the Waimate 50 car racing. A real young men’s summer holiday but on the return trip to Christchurch it broke the crankshaft. They sold it to a local farmer down there but unbeknown to them a crankshaft was the only spare part that Fred had. BW
Post script; In hindsight, as a motorbike fixated teenager, Ian remembers the Minerva was a fascinating vehicle. It had a huge interesting 4 cylinder sleeve valve motor with many differences from the ordinary vehicles Ian knew then. It had a Scintalla impulse magneto with 12 volt electrics and very efficient servo assisted brakes. He remembers admiring the substantial sectional radiator and surround with its distinctive Minerva emblem. His father told him those buses had done a million miles in Dunedin before they were decommissioned. Ian thinks the young men who bought the Minerva from his father, Fred McKinlay, in 1964 may also have worked at the Addington Railway workshops in Christchurch.
FORTHCOMING AUCTION
Seven outstanding works & production racing Bultaco motorcycles from the Ginger Molloy Collection
1965 Porsche 356SC Coupe $180,000 – $210,000
Collectors’ Cars & Motorcycles Auction: Sunday 18th June 2017, 3pm Viewing: 10am — 5pm, 16 & 17 June, 10am — 1pm, 18 June Auction & Viewings at MOTAT, Aviation Display Hall, 200 Meola Rd, Auckland
Enquiries: Ian Nott | 09 524 6804 motoring@mossgreen-webbs.co.nz www.mossgreen-webbs.co.nz
AUCKLAND
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Beaded Wheels 33
North Island National Easter Rally
Words Jocelyn McAlpine, photos Russel McAlpine, John Campbell Gavin Welch and Sophie Zhao, overall winners from Auckland, in their 1934 Ford Y Roadster
When, after 33 years, Auckland Branch was awarded the 2017 North Island National Easter Rally we knew we were in for a challenge. And the challenge was convincing other branches that you can visit Auckland and drive some great rural roads and be not too intimidated by traffic.
L
ittle did we know that indeed it was the roads that were to be our biggest challenge, but not in the way we first thought. Mother Nature decided not once, not twice, but three times to deliver a month’s rain in one day to many areas in our region. Our private and back roads were closed one after another with slips and flooding.
However it was great to see 28 out-oftowners enter from branches as far south as Canterbury and north to Wellsford/ Warkworth. It was great to have Diane and Geoff Quarrie make it along with other Central Hawke’s Bay and Eastern Bay of Plenty members, despite Cyclone Cook. We all gathered at our clubrooms in Penrose for a garden party afternoon on Good Friday. Drivers and navigators discussed who was going to keep the Trelise Cooper New World bag that held some essentials for the weekend. Entrants enjoyed a relaxing, mostly sunny autumn afternoon catching up with old friends, while partaking in some food and a drink or two before a casual dinner and an early night to recharge. Rally day dawned fine as entrants gathered in Drury to set off on what was about the fourth version plotter Colin Bell
Bruce Poole, Central Hawkes Bay and his 1930 Chrysler 77 roadster at the morning tea break – he won People’s Choice which was judged by all participants in the rally. 34 Beaded Wheels
had put together. The fire extinguishers made compulsory for entrants to travel through the Water Care roads in Colin’s first versions no longer essential, but certainly a bonus to have with you in your car anytime. Phil Henley’s 1906 Cadillac led the way venturing over the Bombay Hills to the foothills of the Hunuas. At Ararimu those on the competitive route had to negotiate some gymkhana events en route before a welcome cuppa. After morning tea instructions led entrants up the old highway through Mangatawhiri Village, then down to the coast at Miranda and onto the Waharau Regional Park for lunch. The road from here on was closed and had only just had one lane opened for locals’ use only – a great relief for them, as pointed out by our own local resident and Veteran Ford T owner Monty Scarborough. Prior to this
Doug Hamilton from Wellsford/Warkworth Branch in his 1972 Fiat 500.
Phil Henley’s 1906 Cadillac.
Stipe and Raewyn Borich, Auckland and their 1929 Dodge DA Coupe, winners of our Gymkhana.
Roger and Diane White (Wellington) in their 1965 Sunbeam Tiger.
Winners of the Maxwell Trophy – Team Auckland: Graham and Murielle Gill, Gavin Welch, Sophie Zhao, Judy and Peter Alderdice, flanked by Auckland Chair Colin Bell and Rally Director Tracey Winterbottom.
they had had to walk or take their ride on lawn mowers to this point to then get in their cars to travel. So we were happy to travel back the short way to Kaiaua, through Mangatangi and the Hunuas, finishing again back in Drury. We had a few that didn’t quite make it to the end – a Veteran, a Vintage and a PWV, showing that all ages can have mechanical issues. Sunday had been revamped somewhat because our original gymkhana venue had a huge flood go through it a couple of weeks previously. Safe and sound however, was the magnificent collection of Rolls-Royces housed in splendour at Meadowbrook Farm. Richard BalcombeLangridge, our host, delighted all with his stories of the vehicles, although they had won most of us over already. The picnic on the grass was moved to the Clevedon Hall and then it was free time until the evening’s prizegiving dinner and dance. Our member “muso” Graham Gill had the Canterbury contingent up on their feet, showing how it’s done the South Island way. It included the formal part of the evening speeches from Auckland
Branch Chair Colin Bell, Rally Director Tracey Winterbottom and National President Diane Quarrie, preceding the prizegiving, with the results as below. A successful weekend, thanks in no small way to our sponsors, particularly
Vero who have made a commitment to sponsor all National events and to the work of the Auckland rally crew, their many helpers and most importantly the entrants. BW
Results 1st Vintage Slow 1st Vintage Fast 1st PV and 1st Overall 1st PWV 1st P60 1st P80 1st Commercial Gymkhana Todd Park People’s Choice Sun Alliance Trophy Maxwell Trophy Easter Rally Committee
Peter & Judy Alderdice, Auckland 1926 Oakland Leon & Brenda Salt, Wells/Wark 1928 Ford Model A Gavin Welch & Sophie Zhao, Auckland 1934 Ford Y Mark & Marion Vince, Auckland 1954 Morris Minor Alan & Shaaran Price, Auckland 1965 Vauxhall VX4/90 Graham & Murielle Gill,Auckland 1981 Mini Clubman Kevin Lord & Marlene McGinty, Nth Shore 1958 Ford Zephyr Ute Stipe & Raewyn Borich, Auckland 1929 Dodge DA Bruce Poole, Central Hawke’s Bay 1930 Chrysler 77 Wellsford/Warkworth Branch Auckland Team: Peter & Judy Alderdice, Gavin Welch & Sophie Zhao, Graham & Murielle Gill Tracey and Stephen Winterbottom, Russel and Jocelyn McAlpine, Glenn and Marion Morris, Colin and Pam Bell, Ken and Annette Foot, Bob and Debbie Ballantyne
Beaded Wheels 35
rally snippets
South Otago: Clutha Motorcycle Rally. Greg Eunson, Invercargill and his very original 1925 Indian Prince 350.
Taranaki: Kevin and Christine Fabish wind their way up the Tarata saddle in their 1929 Essex sedan.
Clutha Motorcycle Rally
Maunga Moana Rally
Words John Cook
Words and photos Colin Johnston
South Otago Branch’s Annual Motorcycle Rally had 26 entrants this year. Organiser Russell Findlater and Ian McDonald had an easy and straight forward route planned. The timed section ran from the clubrooms to Clydevale. Just after the start Robin Bennington’s normally reliable 1929 Indian went 500 metres and refused to go any further. After the timed section it was on to the Clutha River Road to Millers Flat Tavern for lunch. Hosts Mark and Lucy McConway looked after us very well. The Publican’s Choice was Greg Eunson 1925 Indian and Bill Veitch 1958 Ariel. After lunch it was back to Balclutha with a couple of stops along the way. Overall winner was John Cook 1974 Honda CB360, and runner up was Craig Thomson 1927 HarleyDavidson.
With a pleasing entry of 59 vehicles, all were classes represented except the Veterans, and with the old master of rallies Rob Thomson organising, the scene was set for a very successful rally in the central Taranaki town of Stratford. Entries came from Waikato, Auckland, Whanganui and Wellington and along with our local members a good cross section of vehicles were represented. Even a Christchurch member who was also visiting Stratford after the Model A rally in Napier the previous weekend was invited to join in the rally in his Model A ute. The road run took entrants on a very scenic tour through the Eastern Taranaki back country roads that incorporated the beautiful hand carved Kiore Road Tunnel through to Matau and over the Purangi Saddle to Tarata. The morning part of the
South Otago Branch
Taranaki Branch
rally had two timed sections including six miles of metal roads through wonderful virgin bush. The lunch stop was at the Tarata hall with entrants enjoying the quiet back country with many sitting outside soaking in the warm sunshine and great camaraderie. The afternoon section was untimed but with silent checks and took entrants over the Tarata saddle to Ratipiko into an area east of Midhirst then back to Stratford. The organiser and his team are to be congratulated on a well run and enjoyable Maunga Moana Rally. First place went to Taranaki entrant Geoff and Marlene Blackbourne in their 1926 Dodge tourer.
Taranaki: The line up of entrants’ vehicles outside the old Tarata hall that was used for the lunch stop.
Taranaki: Entrants’ cars lined up after the timed section of the Tarata morning check. 36 Beaded Wheels
Taranaki: Regular attendees Allan and Eileen Roberts from Auckland at the top of the Tarata saddle in their Hillman Super Minx MK3.
North Otago: Presentation of funds raised to Kakanui School principal by North Otago Chairman, Wayne Abernathy.
West Coast: The beautiful bush backdrop on this year’s Scenicland Rally
Scenicland Four Lakes Rally West Coast Branch
Words Robin Ross, photos Robin Ross and Stewart Nimmo 18 March 2017
As the name suggests our West Coast branch rally this year was based around visiting four of the many lakes that are found within our beautiful region. We have come to expect large entries and this year was no exception with over 80 cars assembling at the starting point on yet another fine late summer West Coast day. Fortunately we had had a little rain the evening before that helped to settle the dust as this year’s rally was to cover some gravel road sections. The writer, being in an open car, relished the idea of the many miles of native forest and lake scenery that he knew was to unfold and was keen to see how his 15 year old granddaughter would cope as navigator on her first rally. He was not disappointed. A pleasant drive south to Kumara was followed by miles of well surfaced metal and gravel roads through mixed podocarp forest to Lake Brunner Lodge for morning tea. Then onwards through the Mitchells area and alongside our second lake, Poerua which interestingly meant we were driving along the main alpine fault for ten miles. Fortunately the ground didn’t move for anyone on this occasion and we were able to continue on to a stop at the small town of Rotomanu where ten questions, some very difficult, I’m sure went some way toward finding a rally winner. A third lake, a “Lady Lake” soon appeared on our left as we motored along the a little dusty Bell Hill road on the way
West Coast: Scenicland Rally attracts the interest of some of the younger Gloriavale community members.
to our lunch stop in the Haupiri area. Back on the sealed road, Lake Haupiri, in my opinion one of the most beautiful in the area soon came up on our right followed by the turn off to the Gloriavale Christian Community which was to be the site of both our field trials and lunch. The trials were held alongside the community’s airstrip with many of the Gloriavale folk taking a keen interest in what we were getting up to. A fantastic sit down lunch was provided by the Community in their huge dining hall while we were entertained by their younger member’s choirs, band and theatrical group. This was a treat for those that had not visited Gloriavale. Following our Gloriavale experience we motored back to Greymouth and the now traditional dinner and prize giving at the Shantytown heritage area. My young navigator enjoyed her day and proved she had a better memory than granddad, excelling in the questions and field trials. It was a great day out and many thanks to our organizers this year John and Janis Fensom. Results 1 Gordon Thrower 1930 Ford Model A 2 John Boyes 1931 Cadillac phaeton. 3 Robin Ross 1930 Alvis Silver Eagle Field Trials Alan Weir 1929 Ford Model A. More photos from at nimmophoto.co.nz
All British Day
North Otago Branch
Words and photos Clive Blunden 25 February 2017
The All British Day was well attended with 50 vehicles registered, including two motorcycles. The route took the competitors through the streets of Oamaru and out into the countryside south and west of Oamaru to their final destination on the coast at Kakanui School. The school supplied the food and the children had a lot of fun organising the field tests. We would like to thank the school for supplying the food and the venue. On 15 March we returned to Kakanui School, where our Chairman, Wayne Abernethy, presented a substantial cheque from the all British Day profits to the school. Seventeen club vehicles turned up for the run out to Kakanui, the children really enjoyed sitting in the old vehicles and blowing the horns. A good way of getting the younger generation interested in older vehicles. Best British car K & B Hosking’s Riley RMB from Auckland Best Featured car (Ford) B Taylor’s 1965 Mk3 Zephyr from Lawrence. Best Motorcycle R Hutton’s Triumph Speed Twin from Oamaru
North Otago: North Otago Branch members and Kakanui School pupils take time out for a photo op. Beaded Wheels 37
Diane Ross 38 Keenans Road RD 2, Ashburton randross@kinect.co.nz
brass notes Stephen Kidd was in Ashburton recently with the very original 1913 Darracq tourer that he got from Southward’s Car Museum some years ago. The original papers show the car was sold new by Baird Ltd in Masterton. It was last registered in 1937/38 with the number 7 787. (symbol shield). A previous owner was Warwick Johnston. Still running on the original beaded edge tyres, it obviously has been well used in the past as the shackle pins are worn half through. In 1959 the then chairman of the Wellington Branch advertised in Beaded Wheels for acetylene lamps and small parts to fit it. Stephen wants to trace more details of the history of the car so we would like to hear from anyone who can help. Eric and Tess Robins of South Canterbury have moved from the farm into Timaru and their 1906 Darracq now has pride of place among their son’s collection of later cars, military vehicles and memorabilia, but is still kept in full running order by Eric. Also from the Timaru area was the 1914 Renault van immaculately restored by the late Russell Paul. Joan is very happy to have sold it to the McGibbons of Canterbury Branch. This vehicle was owned new by the DIC store in Dunedin and after restoration Russell and Joan motored it extensively. Joan tells me it was only ever trailered to two rallies and even then Russell needed some gentle persuasion to rest it up on the trailer. Tom and Chris Stephens of Canterbury have recently finished the restoration of a 1909 Model T which is a credit to their expertise. They have had it out at a couple of events and it has proved to be a little temperamental but I know they’ll soon have it running smoothly again. Karl Wood from Central Otago is building up a 1907 Rover. He knows little of the car’s history but believes the parts were gathered up by B D Batchelor in Christchurch then sold to a Gore member some years ago. The engine, clutch and gearbox have been assembled and a wooden body fabricated. The major work still to be done is the building of a diff. Karl has the castings but no internals. Maybe someone out there can help.
Eric and Tess Robins aboard the Darracq.
Special thanks to Barry Birchall for the following contribution. THE CARS ON THE 2017 PARLIAMENTARY TOUR The centenary re-enactment of the Parliamentary Tour of the Winterless North is now behind us. This article is about the cars that started in the tour and a few that entered but did not make the start. We had a small collection of single and twin cylinder vehicles start, including the 1904 Cadillac recently imported from Australia by Doug Hamilton. David Porter started in a 1904 twin cylinder 12 hp Darracq, Laurie Cocker and Phil Henley both entered single cylinder Cadillacs. Laurie Cocker has travelled 70,000 miles in that Cadillac and has been from North Cape to Bluff many times. Vern Jensen, the wheelwright from Feilding, had his twin cylinder 1909 Buick on the tour. John Handley from Australia used Roger Hill’s small 4 cylinder Darracq, the same car he used at the Vero rally in Dunedin. Roger Hill and Kevin Barbour both had 20 hp Hupmobiles. Roger’s car is a recent import from the United States. Adrian Garrett joined us in the Bay of Islands in the 1907 Rolls-Royce that he acquired in 1952. His dad gave him money to purchase a new suit for a job interview, but Adrian spent it on that old RollsRoyce. Daggy Sperry started in the 1911 Overland that was earlier motored by Earl Preston. It is the first time we had seen the car in Auckland on a run. Tim Edney drove the 1912 Minvera restored by Martin Ferner in Wellington. Martin and Joan Ferner flew up from Wellington to see the car leave Devonport. There was
a similar, well-photographed car on the original run owned by a Mr Rogers. We had nine Model T Fords on the tour. They were driven by Graham McKenzie, David Lane, Ben Porter, George Urquhart, Monty Scarborough, David Oliver, John Morrison, Ron Richards and Peter Le Gros. Monty has owned his car for over 40 years and in that period it has carried three bodies and covered thousands of miles, including the first re-enactment of the Parliamentary Tour. Monty was interviewed at the start of the tour, and said he would be pleased if the car made it to Orewa. Just north of Orewa he broke down and the car had to be carried on the transporter. Ron Richards had only acquired his car just before the tour and had to join the VCC to participate. The car had come from John Murray in Cambridge and had earlier been restored by Wayne Welch in Auckland. Alan Hardacre, Terry Jenkins and Murray Toms all entered Dodge Brothers cars. There were four of these cars on the original tour. Alan’s car is a very recent restoration from the Manawatu. Terry’s car was restored by Tony Best in Christchurch and Murray Tom’s car was motored for many years by Ron Finucane. Craig Marshall and Reece Burnett both started in American LaFrance raceabouts. Craig had toured from Peking to Paris in a 1936 Dodge; in the party was a 14.5 litre LaFrance, and he just had to have one of those large vehicles. He found the remains of four vehicles and is presently restoring a second raceabout. Walter McFarland from Whakatane and Grahame Power both entered 1915 Studebakers. Grahame’s car had not been on the road for about ten years so it was good to see it again.
I am always happy to receive historic or restoration articles and updates on Veteran vehicles as it is only by readers’ input that this column can continue. Email your Veteran stories to me at randross@kinect.co.nz 38 Beaded Wheels
Henley’s 1906 Cadillac boarding the ferry at Kohukohu on the Parliamentary Tour.
1907 Rover (foreground) owner K Wood.
Karl Stachel drove Len Woodgate’s 1916 Briscoe, another car we had not seen for some time. Len Woodgate had earlier restored the Briscoe for Richard Hatfield and was later able to purchase it from Richard. Jack Naser drove George Mihaljevich’s 1913 Talbot. George had first acquired the Talbot in 1960 when it had a bread van body. The vehicle was then sold to Earl Gill who built an impres-
sive boat tail body on the chassis and had it on the Haast rally in 1965. When Earl was finished with the car it was sold back to George who has completed the mechanical restoration. Barry Birchall had the 1912 four cylinder Cadillac that was on the first re-enactment in 1977 and John Callesen from the Manawatu had the 1917 V8 Cadillac. John imported the Cadillac from the USA in 1997, carried out a full restoration and has covered many miles since. Roy Sharman had entered two cars from his collection, the 1915 Perry restored many years ago in Wanganui by Wally Watkins and the 1915 Talbot restored in more recent times by Will Holmes. The Talbot was driven by John Gardiner. John and his son Paul Julian brought the 1913 Wolseley up from the South Island and took turns at driving. It was good to see a 24-year old driving a Veteran car.
1913 Ford T refuses to proceed for Monty Scarborough on the Parliamentary Tour.
Jim Boag drove the 1914 Humber he had recently purchased from Mike Curry from Wellington. North Island Club Captain Paul Collins started in the 1913 FN owned for many years by the Madgwicks. The 1914 Saxon owned by Murray Atkinson and Gary Bax was there, until they were waylaid by mechanical issues that could only be sorted with the wheel puller they had left at home. The car had earlier been restored by Bob Hart. At the back of the field was Grant Stott’s 1918 Westcott, a very original car and recently featured in Beaded Wheels in an article written by John Stokes. A few vehicles did break down and entrants could not continue in their cars but they all stayed with the tour. Forty-three cars had entered the tour but only 39 started. John Duncan’s 1911 Mitchell had fuel issues on the way to the start and didn’t reach the start point, a real shame as John and friends had spent months working on the car. John has owned the vehicle since 1951 and it had not been on the road since the mid ’60s. John Poole could not get a warrant for the 1917 Oakland and Dale Conlon was having motor issues with the 1912 New Pick and left the car in Nelson. Cedric Pegrum had entered a Model T Ford but for personal health reasons he decided this time to navigate for Roy Sharman. They all still joined us on the tour which was great. BW
Beaded Wheels 39
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40 Beaded Wheels
100 YEAR VEHICLE BADGES T he Club has 100 year vehicle badges which are available for purchase at $50 each. They are only for vehicles that have turned 100 years old and have a valid VCC ID Card. For further details, please refer to the VCCNZ Branch Manual, section 40G, or contact the National Office via email: admin@vcc.org.nz or phone 03 366 4461.
BALANCING BALANCING BALANCING, We can balance most Vintage and single cylinder engines, fans, driveshafts etc. Work is carried out on a modern digital machine. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch, Phone 03 366 7463, Fax 03 366 7462, Email: mscoombesltd@clear.net.nz
1918 FORD MODEL T PARTS Nearly all parts to complete running chassis. Restored Parts: flywheel; magneto coils; coil box/coils; kerosene side and tail lamps; windscreen; bulkhead and subframe; muffler and pipe; diff housings. New Parts: 5 x tyres and tubes; conrods/bearings; pistons. Parts: wheels X 9, 2 x motors; radiator; bonnet; chassis; numerous other parts. Phone Bob Pettigrew 06 356 9310, ringgear@xtra.co.nz MEM MANAWATU
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
1926 MODEL T TOURER. N ew wooden body. Good original wheels, some parts required. Requires restoration. Phone 021 0233 3948. MEM C HAWKE’S BAY
e rebuild distributors, vacuum advance units, W mechanical fuel pumps and supply parts new, NOS, remanufactured and used. Vacuum advancers restored. Electronic ignition kits to eliminate points. Quality Rebuilds, 85 Polo Prince Dr, Manurewa, Auckland, 2576. email: peter@qualityrebuilds.com www.qualityrebuilds.com
1930 MODEL A PHAETON T hree owners. Unique, as good as one will ever buy. Ford Day award. $39,000 ono. Contact: brifran@actrix.co.nz
MEM WAIKATO
DISTRIBUTOR & FUEL PUMP PARTS AND SERVICE
1953 EIP VAUXHALL VELOX. S ound mechanically. PHONE PETER 09 267 4700 New tyres, metallic green paint. Reg and wof. Runs well. $7,500. Phone 021 0277 8926. CARBURETTOR RECONDITIONING — including M EM CENTRAL OTAGO classic and performance makes. 40 plus years ANDERSON STATIONARY ENGINE CIRCA 1941, d ry trade experience. Free advice. Contact Graeme stored, offers please. Phone 03 216 6056. Tulloch, Tulmac Carburettor Specialists on 027 612 MEM STHLAND 2312 or (Levin) 06 368 2202 CHEVROLET PARTS FOR SALE. 1 929 chassis, front axles, brake rods, brake drums, wheels, rims and most mechanical parts. 1934 diff complete. 1930 chassis, brake and clutch levers. 1936 steering box, wheels, diff housing, axles, brake drums. 1952 bootlid, left front mudguard, rear right door. Clearing out shed, sensible offers. Phone Howard 07 888 7596, 027 403 5009. MEM WAIKATO
HUBCAPS – any problems contact me. I now produce either hubcap skins or complete hubcaps. These are top quality replicas. Pressed not spun to the closest possible original specifications. I can manufacture any model that uses the skin system plus many others provided they do not exceed 10½" in diameter. For more information phone Dave Patten Replica Manufacturing (2003) Ltd, Phone 027 247 7956, 160 New York Street, Martinborough. dave.patten@wise.net.nz
HUMBER 1906-07 10/12 PARTS. Rear diff housing, brass inlet maniforld, patterns for casting small parts. Large volume of plans and information. Phone David 007 827 9040, 12 Mirbeck Ave, Cambridge 3434. MEM WAIKATO 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. GOT VIBRATION PROBLEMS? Phone Warwick 06 327 3849, 027 281 8066, The crankshaft pulley/balancer/damper may be walandlynn@farmside.co.nz MEM the cause. Rubber perishes over time. John at Harmonic Damper Rebuilds can rebuild your MOTORCYCLE WHEEL RIMS. O ne Triumph Speed pulley like new. He has a proven system to twin rim chromed, painted and lined in good re-rubber and re-sleeve dampers. Most can be condition. One new, not chromed, 40 hole suit rebuilt as good as new and save you money and 350x19 tyre. One like new chromed 36 hole suit engine repairs. 027 666 3350 or 07 863 3350 350x19 tyre. New beaded edge rim: 21¾" inside damperdude@gmail.com diameter 21 ⁄ 8" wide. Phone 07 853 2711. 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 car, trucks, industrial and marine. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch, Ph 03 366 7463, Fax 03 366 7462, Email: mscoombesltd@clear.net.nz
1950 HUMBER HAWK MKIV English assembled with sunroof. Sidevalve motor, rust cut out, new paint, new radial tyres, new door cards. Radiatorwaterpump recond, red leather very good, starts and motors well, not mint but very tidy. $9,500. Phone 06 344 4454 or 027 229 0994. Numerous spares available.
SET OF 5 FIRESTONE TYRES 5.25-5.50 x 17" Travelled less than 1,000 miles. Spare unused, with tubes $1,100. Phone Steve 027 928 0002. OAMARU MANAWATU BRANCH SWAPMEET 2017 Please note that the date in the long term calendar of events is incorrect and that the swap meet will be held this year on the 14th of October at Manfeild Park Feilding.
PENRITE OILS We carry a large range from Vintage to Modern engines. Gearbox, diff, S.U dashpot and water pump grease. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch, Ph 03 366 7463, Fax 03 366 7462, mscoombesltd@clear.net.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, FAX 03 366 7462 PENRITE ENGINE C O O L A N T 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, Ph 03 366 7463, Fax 03 366 7462, mscoombesltd@clear.net.nz
WOODEN WHEELS made for your metal work. Steam-bent felloes, any shape spokes. New beaded rims available in some sizes. Phone Vern Jensen 06 323 3868, 16 Osborne Terrace, Feilding. MEM . VALVES exhaust quality stainless for Vintage engines. Available in blank form or machined to size required. George Calder, 307 Hoon Hay Rd, Christchurch. Phone 03 338 5372 or email gandkcalder@clear.net.nz
VINTAGE CAR REPAIRS
Unit 1 11 Penn Place, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch (formerly 15a Empire Road, Belfast) Phone 341 5100 Fax 341 5101
All Classic and Vintage Car restoration. • Panel making • Wooden body repairs, • Bumpers and moulding repair 37 years experience • Competitive hourly rate.
VINTAGE TRUNKS made to order or stock sizes. Dust proof and waterproof. Phone Allan on 06 844 3959 or 0274 469 331 Napier. MEM VINTAGE ENGINE SHORTBLOCKS We can in most cases rebuild your shortblock using modern shell bearings, new pistons and rebuilt oil pump. Please contact us for more information. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch, Ph 03 366 7463, Fax 03 366 7462, mscoombesltd@clear.net.nz
VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ h alogen 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 & BA 15 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 03 389 0643 Model Boat Supplies, 38 Ottawa Road, Christchurch 6. Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz
VCCNZ 70th Anniversary Lapel Pins
1919 ESSEX FOUR ROADSTER. 9,890 miles since full restoration. Much admired vehicle that goes as well as it looks. Comprehensive range of spares and literature. Making way for new project. $27,500. Phone Phil Kidd 04 528 9897 or 027 239 4828. MEM WGTN
1920/21 SUNBEAM 16/40 OHV , 3 litre light sports tourer. 2 wheel brakes. Older ground-up restoration. Low mileage. Rare model. Good performance. Only seven left in the world. With spare. $70,000 (one sold recently for A$149,500). Phone Bill Janes 07 578 7538, sunbeam@kinect.co.nz M EM WGTN
1969 ROVER P5B COUPE 3.5 LITRE. Reg no DZ3500 reg and wof. 92,800 miles, NZ new. $15,000 Phone 03 434 6354. MEM NORTH OTAGO
Lapel pins produced to commemorate the club’s 70th anniversary are now available. Contact VCCNZ, National Office, admin@vcc.org.nz to order and arrange payment. $5 plus $1 postage (within New Zealand) VINTAGE AND VETERAN CAR MARKETING. I maintain a database of buyers and sellers of Vintage and Veteran vehicles, placing buyers and sellers together. Free to list. No hidden costs. No computer, no problem. Just call me. Whether buying or selling a Vintage or Veteran vehicle, contact me first. Rushmore Motors Ltd. Best is 027 224 5045 or 0 528 7924, vintagecars@xtra. co.nz
1935 MORRIS 8 SPORTS 2 SEATER. In top condition throughout with 4 spd box and tele shocks, lots of good spares, current WOF/Reg. Phone Bruce on 06 758 8856 or see TradeMe listing no 1314008447 for more photos and more details. MEM TARANAKI
Beaded Wheels 41
ROVER 95 P4 1962. N o Reg or WOF. Orig paintwork needs tidying. Small area of rust in front drivers door. Vehicle needs gen servicing. Otherwise in good condition and driveable. Vehicle in Timaru. Purchaser to arrange removal. $3,250 ono. Phone Barry Atkins 021 032 4319, 03 686 9323. MEM NTH OTAGO
JAGUAR XJ6 3.2 LITRE LWB 1997 Very good order. Well maintained. Current WOF and registration. $4,750. Phone 07 863 9497, h.hayward@xtra.co.nz. MEM BOP
MERCEDES 560SEC 1987 5.6 litre V8 225 kw motor, full beige leather, auto, air con, cruise control, sun roof, a pleasure to drive. $15,000. Phone 07 308 2498, 027 271 0094. MEM EBOP
FORD V8 STANDARD 1939 Good tidy reliable car 1957 BORGWARD ISABELLA. One owner from 1954 A40 SOMERSET R eliable runner, tidy still with 85hp flathead engine, cross ply tyres and new. Not a runner, in storage for a number of years. condition. WOF and Reg. Phone 027 222 7918. 6 volt electric system. Always well maintained and Complete plus some spares, 45,000 miles. Offers MEM CANTERBURY garaged. After 17 years ownership we feel the time to shorttrac@gmail.com. Phone 07 548 2575. is right to pass this car onto a lucky new owner. MEM AUCKLAND $28,000 ono. Phone Lyndsey 03 322 8565 for more information. MEM CANTERBURY
1967 FIAT 600D V ery nice car, 72,500 miles,. Reconditioned 4 cylinder petrol, manual 4 speed. No Rust, very tidy car. Nice interior, new wof. Current reg NZ $18,000 ono. Phone Grant 09 424 5382, Karl 027 561 2351, karl.stapro@xtra.co.nz M EM WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH
1913 HUMBERETTE CYCLE CAR 998cc V-twin. In great condition restored in 1992 and well maintained ever since. Has been extensively rallied around NZ. Known history and very correct and rare vehicle, for full details please contact Robert after 27 June. Phone 021 757 215. MEM WGTN
42 Beaded Wheels
RILEY TWIN CAM RM 1949-55. 2.5 LITRE 100HP Complete motor & gearbox, mounts, manifolds, plus two boxes of parts. Dry stored 30 years, still turns over. Head off for inspection tidy 020 bore & pistons. Should run fine with careful re-assembly. $1800ono. Can arrange shipping for buyer if required. For photos email mgbeewon@yahoo.co.nz MEM MID CANTERBURY .
Please advise National Office of any changes of address or sales/purchases of vehicles. Email admin@vcc.org.nz or post details to VCCNZ, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140
EARLY MOTORCYCLING MAGAZINES In good to excellent condition. Most show and TT numbers from a highly interesting period. Copies available: 1911 – 42, 1913 – 48, 1914 – 42, 1915 – 39. Known as the Green-un, the photograph shows one of the very rare colour alternatives. Phone 07 853 2711. MEM WAIKATO
1926 DODGE ROADSTER, b eautifully restored 1999-2002, 11,000 miles since restoration, totally reliable, reconditioned / rebored / balanced motor, three point rubber engine mounts, modern diaphragm clutch and telescopic shocks, four wheel hydraulic brakes. Abundance of spare parts. $50,000. Phone 07 868 8185 / 0275 878 448. MEM WAIKATO
TALBOT GEARBOX 1912 All internals complete as per photo email. bobandree@clear.net.nz or phone 03 352 1449. MEM CANTERBURY
CLEANING OUT THE SHED - t oo good to throw away. Any offers plus postage and its yours. Phone Chris, 09 9719 300. MEM NORTHLAND
1960 BORGWARD ISABELLA TS in good condition. Has had regular maintenance since 1994. New w/w tyres, reg and wof, owners handbook, workshop manual and parts. Includes many spares and info. $10,000. Phone 03 570 5687. M EM MARLBOROUGH
Want to find out how Vero has made home insurance go further? 1936 RILEY 6 LIGHT KESTREL SPRITE – C KC 210 it is original and in excellent condition. Phone 09 530 9188 MEM WAITEMATA
See our ad on the back page
1966 TRIUMPH HERALD R eg and wof, runs well. Interior needs some work. 1300cc motor. Stromberg carburettor, new battery. Reconditioned gearbox. Minimal non-structural rust. Receipts for all work done on request. Two boxes of spare parts. Email szadee@@yahoo.com for photos. Phone Rowan 021 165 2730. TAURANGA
SPEEDEX SILVERSTONE A n Austin 7 Special registered with VCC as 1958 Historic Racing Car. Assembled in NZ using an original Jem Marsh (Marcos) fibreglass body shell. Now powered by a supercharged 998cc Morris Minor engine. Information and specs available. $16,000. Phone John 07 578 5403 johnboaddy@yahoo.co.nz MEM BOP
BRASS MODEL T HUBCAPS marked Ford made in USA. E&J gas headlamps. Auster rear screen (2 others complete). Bosch mag dual ignition unused. Motoring magazines dated mostly ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s. Fiat 125 tool kit, Fiat 125 steel wheels. Veteran Lucas electric tail light, Veteran wooden 4 cyl. coil box Birmingham. Jones speedos. Ph 07 348 4227. MEM ROTORUA
ISUZU BEDFORD TLG 250 12/1974 Tipper, 3 cu metre, work truck for 34 years. Mitsubishi diesel. Kept to COF, standard cab repainted. Dual rear wheels. Rare model. Enquiries Milton phone 03 366 1499.
CLASSIC CAR STEERING WHEEL COVERS Quality reproduction 1940s/60s style steering wheel covers with foam backing. Made to measure, choice of colours, includes stitching cord, a bodkin and fitting instructions. Diameter of your steering wheel and rim (grip) required. $64 ea incl. freight. Phone 06 868 4846 or 027 478 0872 email rohoney@clear.net.nz MEM GISBORNE
1931 CADILLAC LASALLE rumble seat coupe imported from USA approx 10 yrs ago, all paper work in order never certified. Some work to do. Side valve V8 353 ci syncro 2nd & 3rd, twin side mounts, wire wheels, golf bag door. Genuine offers may consider cheaper car as part payment. Phone 021 742 302 email oldhop@clear.net.nz. MEM CTRL HB Beaded Wheels 43
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Phone 06 327 7592 • rosswilsonbronze@gmail.com
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44 Beaded Wheels
wanted to buy
CYLINDER HEAD FOR 1926 NN 6CV RENAULT with the inclined water pipe. Contact Neil Bieleski, 150 Kaipara Rd, Ardmore, RD 2 Papakura 2582, Auckland, New Zealand. e.mail nimble@xtra.co.nz phone + 64 9 298 7162. Mob +64 021 0245 1399.
EARLY ENGLISH CYCLE CAR REAR AXLE WANTED 1913 Alldays and Onions or similar car could be Enfield midget, Singer , Swift, Humberette? 1250mm wide. maybe someone will recognise the photo? Phone Phill Boult 027 938 9732. MEM OTAGO.
CHARLES BEGG & CO (BEGG’S) music business. I am interested in buying memorabilia or music published by this firm, a chain of music and electrical shops that operated thoughout New Zealand until 1970. Please contact Clare 021 646 515 or claregleeson8@gmail.com.
1907/8/9/10 TRIUMPH PARTS Anything please to help finish my restorations especially any wheel hubs or fork parts and motor parts. Have 1929 Triumph cn project. Phone 09 533 8050, taylorhq@ xtra.co.nz
ROLLS-ROYCE BLOCK for 20/25 engine. Will consider any such block with view to repair and refurbish. Would consider complete engine or other useful components. Please contact Monty on 021 0226 1295. MEM CANTERBURY
1932 FRANCIS BARNETT 196CC. A ny parts considered, any condition Any books, photos etc. Phone Brian on 07 548 0085 l.plummer@actrix. co.nz MEM BOP
STRAIGHT 8 FLATHEAD MOTOR WANTED – prefer complete runing order with gearbox. All options considered. Phone Robert 03 689 1442. M EM SOUTH CANTERBURY
1934 CHEVROLET RESTORATION PROJECT, parts and literature wanted. Must include some sort of old registration document. Anything considered. Please call 021 950 745 MEM CANTERBURY
TRIUMPH TR6 OR T110 MOTORCYCLE w anted as retirement project. Preferably late pre-unit, 1960-2, or 1968-70 unit construction. Absolutely anything from a complete machine to individual parts considered. Preferably with documentation 1942-47 FORD PICKUP front or rear bumper wanted. as necessary. Phone Clive Fletcher 03 347 8902 or Both bumpers the same shape, three mounting bolt 0275 382 630 – Christchurch area. MEM CANTERBURY holes in bumper. Phone 027 248 2620. MEM EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY TYRES 500 X 23 INCH TUBES ( long valve stems and liners). As many as you can, I need at least six CUT CRYSTAL GLASS DECANTERS. Can anybody of each. Phone Jim Baird 06 273 8717, pre39hq@ out there help with a matching pair of cut crystal hotmail.com M EM WANGANUI glass decanters to complete my current restoration? There will be a cocktail cabinet built into the back VELO SOLEX WANTED – prefer green model. Phone of the front seat, but I need the decanters first Ian 03 389 3001. MEM CANTERBURY so that I can build the cabinet to suit. Matching VINTAGE CARS. More Veteran and Vintage Cars. glasses would be a bonus. Phone 03 338 0666, Let me market your vehicle. Listing is free. Cars pmjeeves@gmail.com M EM CANTERBURY are selling well, especially Model ‘A’ Fords. I DE DION BOUTON PARTS WANTED. I deally have buyers for the following: 1924 to 26 Dodge pre-1905. Anything considered but I’m particularly Roadster. 1932 to 35 Ford Roadster. 1936/37 after a tubular chassis and gearbox. Please let me Chrysler. 1930 DD Dodge. 1928-30 Ford ‘Open’ know what you have. Harold Pritchard (London). cars. Contact Rushmore Motors Ltd. Phone 027 224 Email: harold.pritchard@landg.com 5045, or 03 528 7924, vintagecars@xtra.co.nz FIVE RIMS REQUIRED FOR MY 1926 FORD TT o ne ton truck. They are 20" with a lock rim to secure the tyre on the rim. Phone Graeme 027 242 0861, Graemeduthie@xtra.co.nz MEM OTAGO
232 HEAD FOR HUDSON ENGINE 1951 to 1954 wanted must be in good order (ie crack free). To be correct it must have 232 stamped on the head. Please reply to Trevor Johnson, 55 Ellesmere street, Dunedin. Phone 03 471 0632, 027 2848611, HUDSON TERRAPLANE, 6 cylinder flathead engine, trevor.dot.johnson@xtra.co.nz M EM OTAGO wanted 1936 onwards. Any condition considered. phone Jason 03 349 4413. IF YOU HAVE A CARAVAN OR MOTORHOME that you won’t be using for 10 days over Christmas/ New Year we would be very interested in hiring it at current hireage rates. We are long time caravan campers and have recently sold our caravan. We have had a site at Bowentown camping ground for years which we’re not ready to relinquish. As we’re unsure if we’ll buy another van at this point we need to hire this year. We’re careful and experienced campers who would take very good care of your van or motorhome. Phone Carolyn 07 560 0120 MEM WAIKATO JAGUAR E-TYPE ROADSTER SERIES II 1968-70 , wanted by private cash buyer or may consider earlier cars. Please phone with details to Brian 03 358 5322. MEM CANTERBURY KELSEY 24 INCH SPLIT RIMS for 1922 Dodge wanted. Interested in any other available parts. Phone 03 489 8704, easttaieri@yahoo.com
BIG TREE OIL COMPANY RELATED ITEMS t ins signs bottles tops Top prices paid for items in good condition. Phone Walter 03 327 5546, 027 289 8833 or classicchev@clear.net.nz
MEM OTAGO
PANTHER MOTORCYCLE PROJECTS OR PARTS. Any model or year. Particularly require rear hub and brake plate, also tank badges and an Amal carburettor with 40mm stud centre to fit early postwar lightweight 4 strokes. Phone 03 732 7060.
CAST IRON WELDING Powder Spray Process, Cylinder Heads, Manifolds, Cooling Fins, Castings, Mechanical Repairs & Rebuilds
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06 324-8707 Beaded Wheels 45
SWAP MEETS & RALLIES g Featurin n, Vetera , e g ta in V Cars and Classic ds Hotro
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CAR SHOW SPECTACULAR Rotorua Vintage and Veteran Car Club
SUNDAY 9 JULY 2017 Stock Car Raceway Paradise Valley
Open 7am - 3pm • Hot Food and Refreshments available.
6, 7 & 8 OCTOBER 2017 Cutler Park – McLeans Island Road
Site Enquiries Neville Harper ph 07 348 2412 mobile 027 494 7249 or
Friday/Saturday 9am-4.30pm, Sunday 9am-2pm
email daharpers@gmail.com Show Cars Bob Mackay ph 07 332 3849 bob.mackay@clear.net.nz Admission Sellers vehicle and driver $10 per site All others $5 per person (accompanied children free )
Join us on this fun weekend and visit the Mecca of Vintage Motoring of New Zealand
VCCNZ Manawatu Branch presents
Admission Friday, Saturday and Sunday $5 per day or $10 for a three day pass Accompanied school children free Due to major landscaping changes some sites have altered. Be sure to purchase a $5 Handbook to get the updated map
Saturday 14 October 2017
Sellers from 7am
Public from 9am
Kawakawa Rd Entrance
South St Entrance
Contact Trevor Hardy 06 323 4040 t.s.hardy@clear.net.nz
For information email kevinclarkson1@gmail.com or phone Kevin 021 0270 6525
www.theswapmeet.org.nz
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Classified advertising in Beaded Wheels magazine is free *for all current financial members of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Inc buying or selling club eligible vehicles or parts. Our standard advertising charges apply for all non-members or members wishing to advertise commercial services. Email your advertisement to beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz or complete the form below and post to Marketplace, Beaded Wheels, PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. See page 3 of this issue for deadline for receipt of advertisements and payment for our next issue.
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46 Beaded Wheels
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idle
Ashburton: Prospective member dressed in style for her Mustang.
Ashburton:
Ashburton Owen Wilson We welcome new members John and Daphne Syme with a 1926 Humber Super Snipe and we look forward to their participation at branch events Thirteen cars travelled to Ranfurly and made that the base for the weekend, travelling each day to different destinations. Saturday to Styx for morning tea then back to Naseby for lunch. On Sunday we travelled to Oturehua to see Hayes Engineering Works, on to Omakau for lunch then to St Bathans. Dinner at Ranfurly that evening. Our Easter run was organised by Joe Barker and we had a great turnout of 17 cars. It was fine enough for some of us to have afternoon tea at Rakaia Huts then back home to clean our cars for the Show and Shine which was held at the VTNZ car park on Sunday 23 April. This was open to anyone with a classic or Vintage car and the hope was that we would encourage new members. We had a great turnout of 67 cars and one motorcycle. Thanks to Robert Harris Coffee Shop and VTNZ for gift vouchers as spot prizes. We extend our sincere sympathy to Peter Hampton’s family on the recent sad loss of Peter, and to Maurice Allan and family on their recent sad loss of Chris.
Auckland: Gavin Welch and Sophie Zhao 1924 Dodge 4, Vintage Muster winners.
Auckland: Stephen and Tracey Winterbottom’s 1962 Standard Vanguard.
Show at Pakuranga. The speaker at the March section meeting was Kevin Grant who has a significant motorcycle collection. Donald Walker has rejoined with his 1928 Raleigh and two Triumphs. New member Allan Cole has a Ducati, BMW R75/5 and a couple of Yamahas. Dave Warren spoke at the April meeting about manufacturing girder forks for Nortons. Prospective member Chris Good brought along his 1928 Ariel Model C 500cc. Julian Jones has just completed a 1974 Suzuki GT. Veteran: At the March Veteran section meeting Chris and Gillian Taylor brought along a very early single cylinder engine but unfortunately no one could identify it. Barry Robert determined that it was made in England because of the number of threads in the half inch Whitworth bolts. Wayne Welch has rejoined with 1912 and 1915 Model T Ford pickups. Vintage: John and Marion Towers have joined with a 1930 Chevrolet tourer. Brett Atkin brings a 1928 Model A Ford phaeton to our ranks and Mark Whiter has joined with a 1929 Chrysler 66 coupe. The Vintage Muster attracted 23 entrants. The run travelled over rural roads from Flat Bush, Manukau, to Tuakau and back through Mercer, Pinnacle Hill and Bombay to finish at Ardmore Airport. The weather flooded a tunnel near Pokeno and prevented some Auckland John Stokes entrants using this portion of the route and Motorcycles: Ten of our members there was a road washout as well. Gavin displayed their bikes at the Brit/Euro Motor Welch and Sophie Zhao, 1924 Dodge 4, and 48 Beaded Wheels
Auckland: Chris Taylors unidentified Veteran engine.
Bay of Plenty: LaSalle 1940.
Norm and Pat Dewhurst, 1925 Essex Six were the only rear wheel braked entrants and Gavin and Sophie were rewarded with an overall win. Commercial: Graeme Harker has joined with a 1926 Buddy Stewart 17X and a 1929 Stewart 18X truck. Classic: New members include Eric Bishop and Helen Foley with a ‘68 Triumph Vitesse sedan, Paul and Glenys Halford with a 1955 Ferrari Europa GT coupe, a 1968 Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 coupe, an Alfa Romeo, a Lancia Aurelia and several more. Gottfied Meier and Linda Jones have a 1962 Mercedes 190SL convertible and Melissa Hickey a 1951 Sunbeam Talbot sedan. General: The library has been given a very large picture of Suburban Buses Ltd fleet in 1928-9, mainly Stewarts with some Uniteds and Fishers mixed in. Suburban Buses served the Otahuhu area until the early ‘70s. Gary Boyce spoke about his restoration of a Gullwing Mercedes 300SL at our April club night. Bay of Plenty Bryce Strong A hot topic of discussion concerns our very active Club Captain, Kaaren Smylie, who recently had a very bad fall. Her husband, our Chairman Jim, has taken over the roles of chief cook and bottle washer, and reports that he has not worked so hard in years. Get well soon Kaaren, and try to be patient with the healing process.
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Auckland: Chris Good’s 1928 Ariel Model C.
Bay of Plenty: Bee factory.
Central Hawke’s Bay: The drivers and invited guests for 150 years of Waipukurau.
Other members who have been in the wars are long-time stalwart Morrie Nottle (stroke), Michael Steiner (tractor accident while preparing his property for a club run) and Melva White (hospital stay while in Christchurch). We wish a speedy recovery to you all. Our monthly Friday night’s movie show has recommenced with To Kill a Mockingbird in March, and Second Hand Wedding in April. Our new Clubroom chairs should make events much more comfortable. Our mid-week run in April was organised by Bob and Margaret McGarva and went to Bee NZ, a local honey processor and shop, and then on to Trevor Gordon’s Restoration shop, this was another well attended outing. Murray Toms has recently received his very nice 1940 LaSalle Series 50 from Trump-land. We look forward to seeing it on club runs in the near future. Our AGM will be held on 12 June and while many of the members holding positions will stand again we do need nominations for the most important position of Branch Chairman. Canterbury Tony Becker Nothing beats taking in the beauty of a Canterbury Autumn from the seat of your club vehicle. Be it the vinyl pillion of a smokey moped or the luxury leather of a lofty limo, the leafy scenery is the
Central Hawke’s Bay: Some of the cars at Ormondville.
same. Of course we could not dodge all the earlier inclement stuff and the annual Jim Toohey motorcycle overnighter to Kaikoura testified to that. The return ride however was a great deal better. Another wet two-wheeled event was laid on for The vogs back in March. Vogs? Complementing the moped and scooter group, vogs are the Velosolex Owners Group of 20 or so members who ride their monthly miles on these former city commuters. As well as autumn motoring activity, the Maintenance and Ground Development committee’s volunteers continue to enhance Cutler Park with dedication and regular care of new plantings. Our Parts Shed boys are tackling a huge new task too. A large storage facility is almost completed adjacent to the similar sized engine shed. This will ensure protection for more of our irreplaceable parts, some of which are presently exposed to all weathers. Funds raised by way of successful swap meets and year-round sales of dismantled vehicle parts to members make this a worthy reinvestment of resources. The Branch Commercial Section enjoyed a busy day for their 2017 Annual Rally that included our own Canterbury Branch truck and fire-engine. The Spencer-Bower Farm collection hosted the morning field tests in a large farm paddock. Later, the Rally moved to Lou McAllister’s collection where Ivan Campbell thrilled with a flyover in his ¾ scale replica Spitfire, a delightful highlight. The display of Chipmunk
aircraft, trucks, tractors and cars made for a most interesting time at these members’ properties. The full day ended with an enjoyable BBQ at the clubrooms. Central Hawke’s Bay John Foot March Club outing was to Ormondville to take part in the Five Viaducts Tour and Street Festival. This was a very successful day, organised by Ormondville Rail Preservation Society to raise funds to restore the old Ormondville goods shed. The Pahiatua Railcar Society brought the restored railcar RM31 up for the Viaducts Tour. Our branch had a display of 15 cars and we were also joined by Manawatu Branch members for the finish of their annual Ruahine Ramble. Later in the month the branch took part in the 150 Years of Waipukurau events with several vehicles, with the drivers in period dress, transporting invited guests to the area museum at Waipawa. There were 19 cars for the April branch outing to Smedely Station, which is a farm cadet training centre situated in the foothills of the Ruahine ranges. Here we were given an interesting talk by the station manager about how the station operates. From here we went back to Tikokino then to Makaroro and up to the Smedley Station airstrip where we had views over a huge amount of countryside. We then went to another property for lunch after which we saw a demonstration of a water Beaded Wheels 49
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Central Hawke’s Bay: The line up at Smedley Station airstrip.
Far North: Brian Parker Run. Doug Grant (Dargaville) didnt need any oil!
Far North: Brian Parker Run. Lunch break.
Hawke’s Bay: Yumm tasting the different honeys.
Hawke’s Bay: Bruce Carrad’s recently restored 1937 Ariel.
transfer system for wood graining and all other manner of designs onto a variety of materials. Four cars and eight members attended the North Island Easter Rally with a couple of placings in the rally and Bruce Poole’s Chrysler 77 winning People’s Choice.
all years. He had a fairly complete Model N Hupmobile there as well but we didn’t see the ones he is restoring as it was at his home workshop. To the Arrowtown Engineering Shop where we saw a 1939 Chevrolet Master 85 flat back two door. This was a very low production vehicle with only 163 produced. Round to Alistair Stewarts to finish the day and to view his two Gray cars, a 1924 tourer he’s restored and a fairly complete roadster he may work on in the future. He also has a 1929 De Soto and his grandad’s Singer Vogue in original condition that gets regular use. Our annual Moped Rally was held in March, everyone had a good ride in perfect weather. The annual Golden Times Rally in Arrowtown was held during festival week with a large diverse crowd looking on. A sign of success is that our rally entries seem to grow every year, almost to the stage of too many for the crowded day.
Nine cars set off from Kawerau and went through the forestry road for a picnic run to the Lake Tarawera Outlet Falls. New member Ian Wilson attended his first club run in his 1960 Hillman Minx and Phil Leaming was in his recent purchase, a Model A Ford coupe. Several members attended the Beach Hop at Whangamata. The Owen Drew Goldsmith celebratory rally at Taupo proved to be a successful occasion for our branch entrants as we returned with first and third places in the Postwar class. A long but stress reduced and well planned rally provided an enjoyable day’s motoring. Our involvement in the local car enthusiast scene continues with 10 cars and 18 members attending a recent breakfast get together. Altogether, there were 52 classic cars at the event. Members Barry and Tessa Keene attended the NI Easter Rally in Auckland in their MG Costello V8. They report a clever, well run and enjoyable rally taking them through scenic country south of Auckland. The North Island Club Captain’s Run proved a new type of motoring experience for Rosalie and Peter Donovan in their Jaguar Mk7. Seventeen cars started out from Taupo. Some of the always interesting stops were at the Chateau (marvellous meal), Bruce Ardell’s very organised collection, Ed Boyd’s museum, the Tawhiti Museum, a unique Culture Show based on New Zealand farm activities, and cruises on the Mokau River and the Raglan Harbour. All credit goes to our NI Club Captain Paul Collins for the organisation. A hugely enjoyable tour with a friendly group and beautifully restored cars.
Central Otago John Loudon Our South Island Club Captain Alon Mayhew and wife Tracy are moving from Wanaka to the East Coast, we wish them well. They have been great members over the years and we are sorry to see them go. On our recent Sunday run in the Arrowtown area we called at Rodger Healy’s Twin Bridges property. His shed and workshop is a real treasure trove of interesting stuff. He has Ford 10 Prefects, one fully restored with others in very tidy order. He also has the Paton family 490 Chev stripped to the chassis with mechanicals running well. Rodger is also working on a 490 for himself and looking for any parts he can get to continue restoration as it is only a parts car at this stage. George Page was next, he has a shed full of Vintage tractors and haymaking gear of
Central Otago: Oldest bike on our branch moped run, 1905 Clement Gerard in very original condition. 50 Beaded Wheels
EBOP Peter Donovan In March we displayed some cars to add to the atmosphere of a Presbyterian Church organised Family Expo day. A large crowd made this a hugely successful event.
EBOP: Cars parked at Lake Tarawera outlet.
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Horowhenua: Carl Lutze’s Fordson tractor collection
Manawatu: Entrants on the Ruahine Ramble.
Horowhenua: Carl Lutz collection in waiting.
Manawatu: Entrants on the Ruahine Ramble.
Far North Dave Duirs The Hills’ Dargaville weekend was something not to be missed. Back roads from Kaikohe led participants to Dargaville to meet up with local members. The guys’ highlight was a local heavy machinery collection with the ladies enjoying a country garden, all capped off with a hosted tour of the unique Dargaville Museum. The homeward trip lunched at the Kaihu country pub with stops in the Waipoua forest and Opononi. The Rogers planned a challenging Brian Parker Memorial run. Okaihau was the start for a timed section which meandered through rugged gravel next to the new bike trail to Horeke. One member has now bought a bike, perhaps because he thinks the trail may be easier to navigate. Up the winding Mangamukas we had a voluntary hill climb allowing the old cars to be pushed hard to negotiate this beautifully banked piece of road often avoided by cars and heavy transport. After lunch at a small local hall it was more gravel and some tricky navigation plus an unexpected brake test before finishing at the clubrooms for a great meal. Visitors took the top two places (not everyone made mistakes) and organisers for next year were decided by a draw from the top five local placings. Gore Jim McFadzien We have a double banger run in March with the original known as the Frank Robson. The trophy rules state this is for Veteran and Vintage vehicles so the Clearwater family put up a trophy for all the rest and this concurrent event is known as the Clearwater Capers run. This year’s Frank Robson run saw seven entries, the
Manawatu: Olysma Mini Cooper, Persson Vauxhall, Youle Jaguar.
oldest being Paul and Lynne Herron’s 1911 Ford Model T which took third place. In first place were Bob and Myra Herron in their 1915 Ford T and in second place were Ivan and Rosamund Scobie in their 1926 Chrysler. These entrants had an all tar-seal route of about 30 miles through Knapdale and Waikaka to Tapanui. Meanwhile the Clearwater Capers cars had an enjoyable run through Waikaka, then over part of the early route to the gold fields on Switzers Road, at times next to the Pomahaka River, then up the steep hill at Parkhill before heading south to Tapanui and the Cola Culture Cafe. This cafe is built around memorabilia concerning Coke tins, bottles juke boxes and models. The Ladies Run on 9 April was organised by Murray and Marilyn Proctor. Before leaving we had to guess the weight of a mystery parcel, then the instructions had us collecting objects on the way. Once again new roads to some of us, as we ventured through Te Tipua and further south, eventually going east past the mothballed lignite briquette plant, through Mataura and back to the clubrooms for afternoon tea and a quiz session. A lot of fun. A brilliant autumn afternoon enjoyed by all, and the winner was Neil McVicar and daughter Fay Graves who took home the mystery parcel of 1007 grams of chocolates.
Hawke’s Bay Esther Smith A highlight for April was a special evening at the clubrooms where Steve Hansen was our guest for an hour. Like many branches of the VCC we are in a continual state of change. We appear to be changing from a restorers’ club to a drivers’ club with many members
choosing to purchase later period cars for their drivability and comfort. I think there is also an element of nostalgia with one member recently purchasing a Farina as it was the same car that they went on their honeymoon in. Our committee is in for a big change this year with Steve Donavan standing down as chairman. Steve has done a superb job for eight years, leading us through some turbulent times including redefining and renegotiating our relationship with the Art Deco Trust as they have gone through their own transition. Steve also had to deal with the rancour and dissension generated by the sale of the club Rolls-Royce and then the less turbulent but equally time consuming issues of selling the previous clubrooms and building our smart new premises. We sincerely thank him for his leadership and commitment to the branch during those eight years. There seems to be a number of new people joining the branch but not becoming actively involved. To tackle this we will hold a New Members Afternoon. By contacting each person personally we hope to get a reasonable number along to find out more about the club and what it offers. We have also the lady drivers’ run to look forward to and this is always a fun event. Horowhenua Peter Nightingale The Horowhenua annual swap meet was held mid-March with a record number of stalls. The library had a great selection of books and manuals for sale and the new parts shed extension made a big difference to finding parts. Geoff Fox has taken on the challenge of building a radiator for an 1914 SE5a biplane. Beaded Wheels 51
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Marlborough: Omaka Classic Fighters, Stewart in his 1914 Swift.
Marlborough: A wet outing to Onamalatu.
I have just completed putting together the running chassis of a 1929 Model A town car. It has only done 54,000 miles and has been stored since 1974. All parts are original and there is almost no wear in the pins and bushes. The car belongs to a Wellington person who is going to sell it as he has been not well enough to use it. The panels and body are also good with the original Washington Blue paint. The upholstery is all there but fabric rotted. All these parts are stored in a good shed with the body up on saw stools. The Ted Green Motorcycle rally had a record turnout of 21 bikes and feedback was fulsome with potential new members likely to join the branch. Club Captain Bob has indicated he will be having more regular runs for motorcyclists. Twenty-four cars turned out for our Sunday run that took us off the main highway to Otaki and Carl Lutze’s Fordson tractor collection. Carl gave us a rundown how he started the collection and restorations and he covered the history of Fordson.
Nelson: Mikes Meander - Branch Patron Ken Ivory and partner Julie (Foreground) with Jan and Ron Johnson at Denniston
Marlborough: Omaka Classic Fighters, Marlborough Branch cars all lined up and on display.
branches to drive along the newly finished Kapiti Coast Expressway. It is good to see combined branch activity, something Manawatu is certainly keen to promote. Our branch AGM was held in March and the committee was re-elected to carry on their good work. A number of Veterans are being worked on. Brian Rankine’s 1902 Mathieu was recently seen on display at a large car show in Wanganui. He has had body work done by Ian Chamberlain, who has also been busy working on Bruce Hutton’s 1910 Austin. Dennis Milne has also acquired an Austin of similar age, needing a full restoration of course. John Garrett in Marton, is putting together his 1915 Hupmobile, another long term project. Your scribe is also plugging away on his 1912 Crossley as time and funds permit. A recent issue of our branch magazine had a very good story from Neil Fremaux, outlining the daunting challenge of building up an Indian Scout 101 motorcycle, starting from a bare frame. A 25 Year badge was recently presented Manawatu Ian Howell to Trev Hardy, a popular and busy member, Club Captain Bryan and helpers plotted who has been a mainstay of the committee a good Ruahine Ramble, leaving from for a long time. our clubrooms to travel through nearby Ashhurst before tackling the Saddle Road Marlborough Carroll Wiblin and avoiding the Manawatu Gorge highway. Since my last report we have had the This is a long slow climb for our old cars, Scenicland Four Lakes Rally, our annual with a steep descent but it is really good to Heritage Day, and participation in the have an alternative that takes us away from Biennial Classic Fighters Show. the busy Gorge road. There were 19 entries from Marlborough A small group from Manawatu joined in the Scenicland Rally which took in some up with Horowhenua and Wellington 52 Beaded Wheels
Nelson: Checking out the business end of a theatre at Manuka St Hospital.
interesting countryside. We finished up at Gloriavale for lunch and a concert. We had a run to Onamalutu to Don and Kay Register’s place, where everyone enjoyed a very relaxed day. Kay’s garden is looking absolutely beautiful. She also paints and does a lot of handcrafts so there was plenty to see. The motorcyclists have been enjoying some well attended runs and they enjoy their outings while still being an integral part of the branch. A trip to Arapawa Island in the Queen Charlotte Sounds to see the remains of the old whaling station and the old gun emplacements from WWII was popular. The garage run on 9 April was well attended and there were a few envious faces looking at Marten Anthonise’s workshop at Grovetown. It is his business workshop, but has all that machinery at his disposal to work on his Mercs. Another garage not far up the road was also an eye opener for the guys while some of the ladies called into Dale Nicholas’ to view her doll collection. From there it was on to Rarangi for a barbecue. A number of cars were on display at the biennial Classic Fighters Air show and members were seen giving rides in their vehicles with the passengers enjoying the old cars. Nelson Ray Robertson We welcome new members Kevin and Anna Munro, John and Rosie Herd, David Humphries, Kelvin and Marie Fawcett, Mike Russ, and Dunedin transfers Alistair
idletorque and Loralie Pegg. Evan Moorhouse, a founding branch member, has also recently rejoined. Following another very successful swap meet a contingent of 20 vehicles ventured to Lake Rotoiti for the Annual Classic Boat Show where we were given a high profile position to display our vehicles beside the classic boats. Both were well received by the large crowd. March saw a small group, led by Mike Byan, meander their way from Nelson to the West Coast to join the 80 entries in the West Coast Branch Rally with a highlight being the lunch stop and entertainment at the Gloriavale Community. An invitation from the organisers of the Isle Park Twilight Market saw 15 members attend what was a beautifully relaxed display in wonderful surroundings, great music and enjoyed in the warmth of good company and a glorious evening. Our final branch event for April was an opportunity to take part in a guided tour of Manuka Street Hospital, a Joint Venture private surgical hospital owned by Manuka Street Charitable Trust and Southern
Cross Hospitals. Everybody who attended thoroughly enjoyed themselves with some who have been patients really keen to see the infrastructure behind their operations. On 14 May we will hold the formal opening of our clubrooms following two years of working bees and significant investment in our new home. A very exciting day has been planned for the occasion.
North Shore: Posh Picnic.
North Shore: Mike and Christine Swanton’s 1929 Vauxhall. Winner of Posh Picnic’s Best table
Northland Bruce Cosson When the Northland Classic and Vintage Car Clubs combine for a Swap Meet, everyone comes. The venue, Heritage Park, overflows with people, cars, stalls and hotdogs. Heritage Park is also home to the Museum, Bird Rescue, Vintage Railway, the Pioneer Clark Homestead and a whole line-up of other interesting groups. On a Public Show Day we all open up and swing into it. The Swap Meet this year was a total success. Huge progress has been made at the VCC Truck Shed. A new concrete pathway and gardens have been completed. The spares shed has been transformed into the Spares Shop. A tribute to the efforts put
in by the motivators, the work teams and the local businesses that kindly donated materials. The feature car for June was at the swap meet. The eye-catching 1947 Ford Mercury sedan is just superb. Current guardian, David Mayall, told me that he drove it home from Invercargill. “A dream run” said David. When I was a kid, these cars really impressed me. I saw them as big, powerful, fast, growling beasts, and I wanted one. David has two of them, both for sale. North Otago Clive Blunden We welcome three new members, Geoff Ellis transferred from Waikato, and Ron Chave and Judith Rivers with their 1964 EH Holden. The Gerald Lynch-Blosse Motorcycle Memorial Run was held on 8 April. The weather was very favourable and there was a good turnout of 41 entrants with bikes of all sizes and ages. Results Vintage Post Vintage Post War
John Foster Quinton Barrow Ralph Weir
AJS Velocette BSA
North Shore: Posh Picnic.
Nelson: Mt Robert, St Arnaud towers over VCC car display at Classic Boat Show and Regatta. Beaded Wheels 53
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Rotorua: Bentleys in Rotorua.
Rotorua: Bob Mackay telling us about his Morris Minor pick-up restoration.
Rotorua: Some of the cars awaiting the start of the Night run.
South Canterbury: Eric and Tess Robins with their Veteran Darracq on display in their son’s private vehicle collection near Geraldine while on the Mid Island Rally.
P60 P80 Riders’ Choice First Overall
Bruce Christie Norton Andrew Roxbourgh Suzuki John Foster Andrew Roxbourgh
South Canterbury: Taranaki: Rose Cox with posh Stewart Frew, winner picnic table displayed with her Hugh Mercer Memorial 1931 Ford Model A. trophy (overall Veteran), 1913 Ford Model T, Mid Island Rally.
Many thanks to Jackie Shirreffs for organising all the food for the hungry bikers. North Otago Branch would like to say how sorry we are that the Coal Pit Hill Climb at Ngapara had to be cancelled. As you will all appreciate, this was unavoidable, and our thoughts go out to all those people that have suffered greatly from the recent atrocious weather.
Murray arrived in his 1931 Bedford truck which has been in his family from new. The truck also featured in the Sir Edmund Hillary film. Three of our members scooped top places at the 2017 Art Deco Festival in Napier: Michael Swanton – Best Car, Grant Henderson – Best dressed man, Terri Dean – Best dressed lady. Several of our members joined with the Hibiscus Coast Vintage Car Enthusiasts for their annual Gymnic which was held at Lloyd’s Farm and a lot of fun was had by all.
North Shore Mary Lloyd Alan Woolf is well known to many members as the “Woolf” in Woolf Mufflers. Retired for many years, this amazing man still races at Hampden Downs and is well known for his, and wife Colleen’s, Open Days at Camp Run-a-Muck. This year was no exception and many of us took our highly prized cars along for the day and as usual had a fantastic time in a beautiful setting amongst rarely seen Vintage and classic cars. A really wonderful family day which was made even more exciting with the arrival of two helicopters. We were all blown away (literally) watching them skillfully maneuvering between the trees whilst landing. Our Posh Picnic was a great success on a perfect day in a perfect setting. We were lucky enough to have the picnic at Murray Firth’s property in Oratia, West Auckland.
Otago Graeme Duthie The Otago Rally is always a good day, not too much dust but the thrill of fast cars. This year we were only had one check point to man. This is a good money spinner for the branch. The Vintage/PV Rally was run in conjunction with the Otago Classic Motoring Club and started at the car park behind the Railway Station. Stuart Neil oganised the route which took the cars to Port Chalmers and over the hill to Waitati then followed the coast road via Warrington and Karitane to Waikouaiti and Palmerston where a visit was organised at the Vintage Machinery Clubrooms and storage area. Although the club is small they have a large collection of vintage machinery from around the district. There are many original tractors and vintage farm machines. Their rooms and sheds are very
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South Canterbury: A Mini project car, one of the larger items on sale at the annual swapmeet, at Winchester.
well built and looked after. Members were treated to a run of the property and were able to have a good look at the club’s collection. The Restoration Rally gathered at the club for the inspection of the four vehicles entered. Afterwards there was a run with an additional 13 cars which took us across town and down the west side of the harbour, through Port Chalmers continuing to Aramoana for afternoon tea. The certificates were presented and we had time to look over the restored cars. The return trip was at your leisure. A good day was had by all. Rotorua Ronald Mayes Members busy working on their vehicles include Bob Mackay who had bought a Morris Minor pickup, Peter Stanaway has rescued an Austin Maxi from a wrecker’s yard, sourced parts (including an engine) from VCC parts sheds to bring it back to life and now it is back on the road. John Kirkland is rebuilding a Ford Model T truck and other members are equally as busy. Rocky Fiske’s magnificent restoration of a 1960s MG Midget is now complete. Branch Chairman, David Tomlinson, has a 1959 Bedford J1 truck which he uses to promote his business and reports that it has been selected to be featured in a book on New Zealand Vintage trucks. Members took part in the Taupo Branch’s 50th anniversary rally in March.
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Taranaki: All the ladies dressed for a posh Picnic at New Plymouth’s wind wand reserve.
Taranaki: Kevin and Christine Fabish and Danny Pattinson having a posh cuppa.
South Otago: Branch members at Dansey’s Pass Holiday Park.
A mid-weekers’ run took members to the Tarawera Falls. The Tarawera River, draining the lake, goes underground a few kilometres along its journey to the sea and emerges from high up on a cliff face. Sightseers’ can take a metal forestry road from Kawerau then a hike through the bush to see the falls. We held our Night Run on 22 April. Competitors in twelve cars had an early dinner at the clubrooms before setting out on the run, with the promise of dessert on return. We drove to Ngongotaha where straight line navigation meant a Rolls-Royce became lost, then a Ford V8’s electrics became unreliable and a Rover suffered from Sudden Battery Death Disease. Out into the country lanes to the north of the lake, pitch dark, so it was hard to see the clues but the well-marked main road back around the lake made for brisk motoring back to the clubrooms.
The Mid Island Rally was held on 11 March, organised by Nola Day and supporters. Although weather was inclement, over 40 vehicles took part, the oldest a 1911 Clement Bayard. This run took members through Timaru, and in the direction of Pleasant Point. Destinations included the Waitohi Hall, the Robins’ private vehicle collection near Geraldine, and Nelligan’s Railway Hotel at Pleasant Point. Our branch was the focus of the Timaru Herald newspaper over March, with a feature article about the branch and members and a video filmed of participants on the Mid Island Rally. Our annual swap meet took place at the Winchester Showgrounds on April 1, attracting over 3000 people. A variety of stalls were present, a fair number complete with otherwise difficult to find parts. In early April, we were proud to hear about Chris Chambers, who with fellow member Mel Lewis will ship Pamela Joy, his 1929 Austin 7 over to England, to participate in the 4 June GE Classic Car Run, from London to Brighton. Mid-week runs have restarted for the autumn and winter seasons, and the first of these took place on 13 April.
South Canterbury Shannon Stevenson Our 49th Annual Mystery Ramble took place on 5 March. Organised by Joan Paul and Colin Lyon and attracting 42 vehicles, this run took members to Mountain View Village retirement village, the Hilton Haulage heavy vehicle complex at Washdyke, the Howey deer farm at Opihi, and the South Canterbury Aero Club at Timaru Airport.
crossing over the bridge the cars headed towards Wyndham by going along the ridge of the hill, where there was a good view of the Fonterra plant and Edendale where we finally ended up for lunch. In March 14 Veteran cars and motorbikes gathered in Esk Street for the 2017 Veteran Rally. Among the entries was the branch Darracq on its first outing since major motor and side curtain repairs. After negotiating several sets of traffic lights the rally carried on North Road to Moores Road where the timed section began. This finished at Thornbury and the run continued to Fairfax via Limestone Plains Road, then to Riverton, finishing at Taramoa Bay for the field tests. The overall winner was Ray McCulloch on his 1911 Abingdon King Dick. The Switzers Motorcycle run for bikes less than 250cc or with girder forks was held on the weekend of 18/19 March. Six bikes made their way to Waikaia, returning on the Sunday. Roy Shanks had his 1915 Ford Model T at the March monthly meeting and told us all about the restoration of this car. It was absolutely immaculate. The April mid-week run saw 25 cars and 61 people head off on a warm sunny Wednesday run. The run went out to Southland Dave Harris Myross Bush, back to follow the Oreti The March mid-week run went out River up to Winton then through Browns, through Hedgehope, Glencoe and onto Hedgehope, Woodlands, and back to the the main road just before Mataura. After Newfield Tavern. Beaded Wheels 55
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Wairarapa: a winning effort, David Henwood (1952 BSA B33) followed up his National Motorcycle Rally win with the Post-ar class win in the Rex Porter Rally.
Waikato: Ladies Rally joint winners of best dressed. Bronya, Sheree and Georgia McInally as the Holey Cows. Photograph Hugh McInally
Wairarapa: Dressed for the occasion. Alec O’Hara and Maisie Pyatt with the Austin 7.
Waikato: Cars lined up at the lunch stop at Pirongia. Photograph Wayne Hayward.
Wairarapa: Rex Porter Rally winners John and Marian Garrett from Marton.
Wairarapa: Assembled experts work on rustproofing Simon Byrne’s 1952 Armstrong Siddeley during a bangers and beer session.
South Otago John Cook The branch’s weekender held in late March was a great weekend. Saturday saw us travel up through Central Otago to Naseby and over Danseys Pass with an overnight stay at Danseys Pass Holiday Park. On Sunday it was back through Oamaru with a stop-off at the market day held in the Historic Precinct in Oamaru then back to Balclutha. Paul and Kaye McNabb attended the Model A Nationals held in Napier over Easter weekend in their 1929 Model A. There were a few hiccups during the journey with a head gasket needing replacement over the weekend and a broken windscreen on the way home – thank goodness for laminated windscreens! Our condolences go to Rona and families with the passing of Graeme (Buddie) Jarvie. Buddie and Rona were a familiar sight at our branch outings in their 1937 Pontiac. He was also into motorcycles, rallying a 1974 Honda CB360, mopeds and vintage tractors. His dry wit will be missed.
who came and inspected our cars and talked with members. The monthly midweek club runs that are organised every two months are very well attended and always have interesting places to view. These runs are co-ordinated by Phyllis and Des Cornwall with the latest visit to Dave Hungers Fernbrooke Farm where we saw his impressive collection of Vintage tractors and bulldozers. One of the day’s highlights was when he started up an old Villiers motor. He took off the spark plug lead and attached it to a steel rod in the ground and the motor kept running. How he did this remained a secret.
to be a great puller to get our members together, and a very relaxing day in Taupo. After a battle with cancer one of our past committee members, Dave Beddoe, passed away during March. Although not a long membership with our branch, Dave and his wife Jude had a Triumph 2500 in which they enjoyed numerous runs and events. He will be sadly missed.
Taranaki Colin Johnston A posh picnic was held to showcase our club at the wind wand grassed area in New Plymouth. Members came dressed for the occasion. We were able to drive onto the mown grass area and set up small picnic tables and chairs with the silver tea pots and cucumber sandwiches. This made a very posh scene that attracted the public 56 Beaded Wheels
Taupo Greg Nattrass In March we held our ‘golden rally’ 50th anniversary run. This year the rally was more of a touring run with clues, rather than a run involving timed sections. Club night featured a Billy Connelly movie. Our annual community event with the members of the local hospice was programmed in for late March. Our branch put together nine cars for the hospice residents to admire and ride in. April was supposed to have a guest speaker but this was cancelled at the last minute so another movie, The Butler, was quickly arranged. The Club run went to the western bays of the lake to a small tavern at Tihoi, where we enjoyed lamb and salad. This proved
Waikato Gaynor Terrill March began with the Ladies Rally, this year organised by Kathryn Parsons and Lesley Wilson, with the theme being A Dairy Day Out. There were 36 ladies in the 15 vehicles taking part, all piloted by lady drivers. Imaginative costumes included dairy farmers, cow girls, Friesian cows, milk maids, holey cows, milk and cream, and two Greek Goddesses of agriculture. A wonderful day out, finishing at the branch clubrooms. Congratulations to Marcia Pate and Diane Porteous, this year’s winners. The Vintage Venture was also held in March with 18 Vintage vehicles taking part. Creativity and artistic skills were called for at the four stops en route as participants were required to be creative with a triangle, circle, hexagon, a square and felt pens. Jillian and Bob Hayton were the overall winners and will be next year’s plotters. April club night saw branch member Danny Ryan give a very informative talk on the various vehicles he has restored. There was a great deal of interest in the
idletorque restoration methods being used on the Hispano Suiza. This vehicle will be publicly unveiled in the near future. We wish both Danny and Vicky well with their new life in Nelson. Our thoughts are with our Eastern BoP neighbours after the ravages of the dual cyclones Debbie and Cook. Planning for the branch showcase event, the Double Fifty Rally is well in hand, we look forward to hosting members over Queen’s Birthday weekend. Wairarapa Kevin Ball A busy few months in Wairarapa, highlighted by the Rex Porter Memorial Rally and the success of motorcycle members at the national rally. Unpleasant weather kept numbers down for the Rex Porter, with just 24 entrants. Visitors John and Marian Garrett, from Marton and driving a 1975 Triumph, took overall honours. Alec O’Hara and navigator Maisie Pyatt (1933 Austin 7) got a special prize for dressing in period costume. Both Alec and second place getter Ryan Dewes (1927 Model T) are young men which augers well for the future of the branch. The Club Captain’s Rally in April was a lengthy run in the country with results decided by completion of an elaborate motoring crossword compiled by organiser Gary Lang. This caused a lot of head-
scratching and was won by Tony Lane, Willys Knight. The motorcycle division is very active at present, and this was reflected by Wairarapa’s success at the national rally. Many of the contingent were family of the late Glen Bull so it was a nostalgic event. David Henwood was the overall winner, taking the Montagu Trophy and Post-60 class on his Honda XL500. We understand it was the first time a Japanese bike had won the event. We have instituted a Bangers and Beer evening in the parts department, when members get their hands dirty and talk technical. These are well supported and one possible future project is the building of a club car (off-road only) from components in the parts department. We also have an upcoming local Veterans rally, to replace the triangular series run by three lower North Island clubs. Waitemata Diane Humphreys In late February a number of car clubs gathered at Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a weekend of all things Vintage and steam. Waitemata Branch flew the flag on Sunday 26th. It was a pity that the weather wasn’t really great and it was a little disappointing to see so few spectators apart from the car club members attending.
Keith Humphrey’s second Tech Night was a visit to the Toroa, the double ended steam ferry, the only one left in the world, that is being restored slowly but surely by a dedicated group of volunteers. Although it still looks a wreck from the outside, inside there has been a tremendous amount of work done and with the ambitious plan of having her plying the waters of the Waitemata Harbour by 2027 we can only wish the volunteers well. April 8 and 9 was the date for the third and last in this first series of Hooters Race Meeting weekends and the second time the Taupo Race Circuit has been used for the event. Organised by the Historic Racing Sports Car Club it was well attended as the word is getting around about the series and the fun one can have at these race weekends. Planning is underway for the Second Hooters Series and it will include the Roycroft Trophy Racing and will start later in the year. The Goldingham Sunbeam and the Humphreys Model A flew the flag for Waitemata at the North Island Easter Rally hosted by the Auckland Branch. Appalling weather during the week prior played havoc with the rally routes and halls were organised for all food breaks including the lunch picnic that was held on the Sunday after our visit to Richard Langridge and his most impressive collection of Rolls-Royces.
Waitemata: Cars at the lunch stop of the North Island Easter Rally.
Wanganui: Charlie Chaplin hitching a ride on the back of Ian Chamberlain’s “music truck” at the Napier Art Deco parade.
Wellsford Warkworth: Ben Osborne at the Posh Picnic.
Wanganui: The 1902 Matthieu that Ian is working on for Brian Rankine of the Manawatu Branch
Wellsford Warkworth: Bernie Engleback starting the blindfold section in his Citroën Dyane
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West Coast: All ready to leave Napier heading to Taupo and prawn farm for lunch.
West Coast: West Coast Branch vehicles at Ikamatua.
Wanganui Fay Chamberlain Despite the inclement weather this summer the various rallies have been well patronised and Wanganui has been no exception. Sunday Runs have continued with good numbers. It’s quite amazing what blokes have in their sheds. Of particular interest has been the restoration of a 1902 Matthieu (French/Belgium) car, owned by Brian Rankine of the Manawatu Branch. After the woodwork was meticulously completed by Mike Khull in Foxton it arrived in Wanganui for Ian Chamberlain to tend to the metal and brass work. It is a very rare car and an exciting challenge as far as restoration goes. The rear entrance with original upholstery has set a challenge to all who work on this amazing vehicle. (London to Brighton – here comes Brian.) Another interesting run was the celebration of the first car to navigate its way up the Parapara Highway 100 years ago. About 50 cars and motorbikes paraded into Raetihi for a day of celebration. A street party was enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Wanganui Branch had the honour of providing the best dressed lady (Wendy Ryland) and the best gentleman (Angus Pitkethley). The North Island Club Captain’s Tour paid us a welcome visit too. Upcoming events are the annual gymkhana in the Ryland’s paddock, the AGM, and of course, the Annual rally at Queen’s birthday weekend.
collection of Austins and Vintage lathes, were highlights of the weekend. Winners were Leon and Brendda Salt, and first time rallyists Paul and Debbie Hodder were runners up. The Gymnic this year was set by Hibiscus Coast and the event was held at Mary and Richard Lloyd’s farm. Entries were few but we had some imaginative games. Winners were Doug and myself. The guest speaker at the club dinner in April was Ken Campbell with his V8, 1936 Indian motorcycle. Ken built the motor to fit the traditional frame, helped by his 2½ year old son, making it three generations of DIY’s. Six months of drawings resulted in him having to redesign the frame to allow the refinements he wanted to add, including a lift off petrol tank giving access to the motor. A great talk, and even the ladies stayed awake! Six club cars took part in the National Easter rally. Leon and Brendda Salt and Brian and Viv Guest achieved placings and we won the Team Trophy.
West Coast June Campbell We welcome new member Guy Stewart to the Branch. Guy owns a 1973 Holden Monaro. Members have been kept occupied in many ways so far this year. The Club run in February was to Blackball to visit Daaran and Raewyn Turton’s amazing property and view their motoring collection. It also took Wellsford – Warkworth in a trip to the new Blackball Museum and Anne Hamilton History Site which is an ongoing project. Mid-March and 30 members partici- Many thanks to Daaran and Raewyn for pated in the annual Mike Brown Memorial their hospitality. The Pike River memorial Are We There Yet? rally. This year it was was also visited and the day concluded with a weekend event and competitors had to a barbeque at Ikamatua. identify, by photograph, 10 items observed The Scenicland 4 Lakes Rally, named at the lunch stop of The Country Yard, because the route passed four lakes, along with the correct number of speed was held in March and the Branch was signs en route. delighted to host members from around the A visit to the Packard Pioneer Museum South Island. Field trials and lunch were after lunch on Saturday and morning tea on courtesy of the Christian Community at Sunday with a VAR member to inspect his Gloriavale. 58 Beaded Wheels
Members have also joined in events organised elsewhere. Eight local vehicles took part in the Nelson Classic Car Clubs run down through the Haast Pass, to Wanaka – Te Anau – Milford Sound – Invercargill – Dunedin. Five West Coast Model As have recently travelled up to Napier to take part in their annual Rally. Reports are coming back of the many miles which have been covered and the great time which was had by everyone. The April Club Run was a drive by 37 members up the midland line to Otira on a beautiful autumn day to check out the memorabilia at the hotel.
Passing Lane In this column we acknowledge the recent passing of club members. Information is supplied to Beaded Wheels by VCCNZ Branch Secretaries.
Bennett, Trevor Rotorua. Jones, Ross Manawatu Kay, Ronald Ernest Henry (Ron) Canterbury Pratt, Helen Margaret Gore
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Shop: 31 High St, Renwick. Marlborough (SI) Address: PO Box 20, Renwick 7243 Phone: +64 3 572 8880 Fax: +64 3 572 8851 Email: sales@basisnz.co.nz
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We go the extra mile when insuring vintage cars, now we’ve made home insurance go further too. Get more cover with SumExtra Up to 10% extra cover for natural disasters
And repair or replacement otherwise
If your home is damaged or destroyed in a natural disaster1 and your Sum Insured isn’t enough to pay for the repair or rebuild, with Vero’s free SumExtra benefit you’ll receive up to 10% extra cover.
If the loss to your home is caused by an event other than a natural disaster, with SumExtra you’re covered for the cost to repair or replace your home even if the cost exceeds the Sum Insured amount.
My home is insured with Vero, what do I need to do? Almost all VCC MaxiPlan Home policyholders can take advantage of the new free SumExtra benefit. To ensure you qualify, use the Cordell Calculator on the Vero website or a suitably qualified professional2 to estimate your home’s replacement cost, then set this as your Sum Insured and you will qualify for SumExtra – just like that. Go to vero.co.nz/SumExtra to learn more about the benefit and to read the full Terms and Conditions.
Home not insured with Vero but want to get SumExtra? If you would like a quote for your home insurance that includes this great new benefit, call Vero CIS on 0800 505 905 or email cis@vero.co.nz. Don’t forget, your VCC membership also gives you access to comprehensive insurance cover for Contents, Vintage Car, Everyday Car and Boat at preferential rates.
1 Natural disaster means earthquake, natural landslip, volcanic eruption, hydrothermal activity, tsunami or fire. 2 A registered valuer, registered quantity surveyor, building practitioner holding an appropriate trade licence, or such other specialist as we accept. Terms and Conditions apply, please go to vero.co.nz/SumExtra to access these, and to find the Cordell Calculator.
