Beaded Wheels Issue 349 December 2017/January 2018

CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 70 YEARS

9 418979 000012

No. 349 December 2017/January 2018

NEW ZEALAND’S FOREMOST HISTORICAL MOTORING MAGAZINE $7.95

L24 BSA NEW ZEALAND WIN AT PEBBLE BEACH MECCANO CAR CONSTRUCTOR KITS MAGAZINE OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND

These photos are dated 1958-59 – most from a mardi gras event at Eastbourne, Wellington. Beaded Wheels committee member Mark Dawber is curious to know if the cars are still around.

PHOTOGRAPHS REQUIRED Submissions of suitable prints and information (where available) are welcome.

Post or email original photographs or high resolution digital files of historical interest with any available information to: Beaded Wheels, PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.

Laserprints/photocopies are not suitable.

Photos returned as soon as practicable.

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

Please note this information changes annually - these details are valid until October 2018.

PRESIDENT Diane Quarrie 06 876 4009 president@vcc.org.nz

REGISTRAR Rod Brayshaw 07 549 4250 registrar@vcc.org.nz

CLUB CAPTAIN NORTHERN REGION Kaaren Smylie 021 664 341 nicc@vcc.org.nz

SPEED STEWARD Tony Haycock 021 662 441 speedsteward@vcc.org.nz

CLUB CAPTAIN SOUTHERN REGION Alon Mayhew 027 202 9491 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 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/- 1931 Breakneck Rd, RD 4, Balclutha 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 2018

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

Beaded Wheels

Issue 349 December 2017/January 2018

Publisher

THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ (INC.) The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXVIII No. 349

FEATURES

Editorial Committee Kevin Clarkson (Chairman), Judith Bain, Bevars Binnie, Rosalie Brown, John Coomber, Mark Dawber, Marilyn McKinlay.

12

George Henning

16

From Wellington to Pebble Beach the long way!

22

L24 BSA

21

Replica War Era Fire Tender

26

Behind the Wheel of a 1930s Meccano Car Constructor Kit

29

Rally Snippets 29 Hunua 100 29 Sulphur City Rally 30 Nelson Biennial Rally 30 Waimate Event Centre Display

Back Issues

32

Balcairn Trial 2017

Available on request to PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.

34

Taupo Branch Golden Jubilee

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).

A New Zealand first at Pebble Beach, see page 16.

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.

Correspondence & Editorial Contributions Phone 64 3 332 3531, Fax 64 3 366 0273 PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.

Subscriptions 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%

Wairarapa Branch member Jim Chalmers, from Pahiatua, had five entries in their new members’ rally. He drove this handsome Ford V8, see page 48 for more branch news.

Production Typesetting & design by RGBDesign Printed by Spectrum Print Ltd, Christchurch.

Closing Date for February/March Issue Editorial Copy Advertisements

8 January 2018 10 January 2018

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.

1937 Hudson Terraplane, see marketplace page 41.

COLUMNS 4

President’s Message

4

As We See It

5

VCC Events

6

National Office News

7

Mailbag

9

Captain’s Log

9

Timelines

10

The Way We Were

35

Brass Notes

36

Mutterings of a Mature Motorcyclist

36

50 Year Awards

37

Marketplace

43

Swap Meets & Rallies

48

Idle Torque

58

Passing Lane

COVER Tracy Stenhouse aboard Stuart Francis’ L24 BSA. See page 22.

Photo David Russell (Southern Exposures).

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Beaded Wheels 3

president’s message

As mentioned in my previous Beaded Wheels column several other members of the Management Committee and I travelled to meet with the members of Taranaki Branch at a special meeting called to discuss the future of the 2021 International Rally. There was a large turnout of members and it was a very positive meeting with the overwhelming consensus being that they wanted the event to go ahead as planned. We were heartened by the response. The Management Committee has therefore decided that the event will be going ahead, albeit in a more condensed version than previously. We will also be introducing some new initiatives which we hope will increase the number of entrants. I will be in a position to announce more details such as who will be the event director and the dates for the event in the next edition of Beaded Wheels.

I recently attended a meeting in Wellington with the national Cancer Society to discuss our National Day and Rally for Cancer. The feedback from the Society was overwhelmingly positive.

They have asked however if we could look at moving the date out a few weeks from their Daffodil Day (which understandingly is their busiest time of the year). They would then be able to give us more support for our event. We are looking at some time in September so our North and South Island Club Captains will be looking to find a date which doesn’t clash with branch events. Our event manager for the Rally for Cancer has also written to Branches asking for feedback and suggestions so that we can make this event even better next year. Once again I would like to thank everyone who participated.

It is my hope that next year we could potentially double the amount we raised in August with the support of all our branches and members.

While the National Day is a good start, the Club generally doesn’t spend much effort on promoting itself. The Management Committee is currently working on a concept to put together a promotional resource that branches can use to promote themselves and the Club.

Club Registrar, Rod Brayshaw, recently attended the FIVA General Assembly

4 Beaded Wheels

as we see it

and Technical Committee meeting and presentation. The Technical Committee had to be reduced in numbers so only eight from 14 have been elected for this coming year. I am pleased to say that Rod has been elected as one of the eight.

FIVA is now an official partner of UNESCO, and the Vintage Car Club, as a founder member of FIVA, will be able to use this involvement to open doors in New Zealand. Rod has reported that there is a change in historic vehicle use developing in many countries and there was lots of discussion on what we should do as clubs to adapt to the changing world. Rod will present a report at the next Executive Meeting to encompass this.

I have had the privilege of presenting many 50 year awards during this year.

These are always special occasions to honour those members who have made such a huge contribution to the VCC. Aside from paying their subs for 50 years, all recipients have one thing in common.

They have stuck with the Club (and their own branches) through all the up and downs that occur in any organisation such as ours. They are an inspiration to us when sometimes we feel disheartened about things that are happening in our own respective branches or at a national level.

As 2017 comes to an end I would particularly like to thank those members who put up their hands time after time to organise events for us or to stand on committees. A big thank you also to another group of members that we couldn’t do without – our marshals – who stand out in the heat, rain, wind and snow directing and telling us where to go (in the nicest possible way of course) so that we can drive our vehicles safely and get to where we need to go.

On behalf of Geoff and me and the whole management team, we wish all our members and families safe travelling over the holiday season and best wishes for Christmas and the coming year.

Diane Quarrie VCCNZ National President

When the 50 year membership awards started some 12 years ago we knew that the number of members qualifying would increase over time as we had done some projections on this. In the beginning the low numbers meant that we were able to publish the full 50 year citation about the member, complete with photograph of the award being presented. However space and the lack of it is always presenting us with compromises. As the numbers of new 50 year members being awarded annually gradually increased we dropped the photos, then later still we reduced all the citations to about 150 words. That has been the situation up to now. The option of reducing the citations even further is not a good one as this would result in them becoming meaningless and of little value. From this issue on we have taken the step of listing the 50 year member recipients and their branch in a format which we hope acknowledges the long commitment these members have made to the Vintage Car Club.

What can I say about this issue’s cover photo? It has a distinct Steam Punk look about it. Steam Punk has been around for a few years now and Oamaru is well worth a visit, as is the whole Victorian precinct there. I like the aplomb with which she seems to be handling the bike and I particularly like the evil death glare coming from those eyes! Congratulations to the photographer who has captured the moment perfectly. More details on the photo can be found at the end of the BSA story on page 25. I am guessing some members will like the picture and some won’t. All complaints to me please, accompanied by a box of fine wine to help me get over the Christmas celebrations.

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

VCC National Events 2018 24 March

30 March–1 April 30 March–2 April 1-7 April

National Executive Meeting, hosted by Wellington Branch North Island National Easter Rally hosted by Waikato Branch South Island National Easter Rally hosted by Southland Branch South Island Club Captain’s Tour

DECEMBER

2 3 3 8 10

North Otago Marlborough Otago Marlborough Ashburton

10 10 10 14 14–19 17

Canterbury Marlborough Otago Nelson Ashburton Marlborough

17 Nelson 17 West Coast

19 West Coast 26 Canterbury 31 Marlborough

JANUARY

1 1 1 1 6

Ashburton Banks Peninsula Canterbury Waimate Far North

Windsor Rally Garage Raid Moped Rally Secret Santa Christmas Meal Vintage & Veteran Workers Picnic Children’s Christmas Picnic Run to Fighting Bay Christmas BBQ Christmas Light Run Pre-Christmas Tour Motorcycle Christmas Pot Luck Lunch Christmas Picnic Fish ‘n chips Run Morning tea Shantytown Boxing Day Run New Year’s Eve Special Noggin ‘n Natter

New Year’s Day Run Little River Picnic M/C New Year Run New Year Day Parade Autospectacular

7 14 14 16 19-22 20

Canterbury Marlborough Waikato West Coast Wanganui Central Otago

Wanganui Otago Marlborough Otago Ashburton Otago

21 21 25 25 27 27

28 Canterbury

Picnic Run Run to Onamalutu & BBQ Blue Smoke ‘n Pedals Morning Tea Shantytown Vintage Weekend Swap Meet & Cromwell Classic Car Show Burma Rally Jackson Rally Baot trip Pelorus Soun Mid Week Run Annual Rally Dunedin-Brighton Veteran Rally Veteran Picnic Run

F EBRUARY 2–4 Banks Peninsula Skope Racing, Ruapuna 3 Southland Southland Rally 3 Estn BOP East Coast Rally 4 Manawatu Veteran Rally 9–11 Banks Peninsula Enzed Racing, Levels 10 Waimate Wallaby Run 11 Nelson Club Run 11 Wairarapa Remembrance Rally 11 Wellsford/Wkwth Gymnic 17 Canterbury Boot Fair 17 Nelson Swap Meet 18 Ashburton PV/PWV Run 18 Central Otago Sunday Run 20 West Coast Morning Tea Shantytown 24 Canterbury Commercial Annual Rally 24 North Otago All British Day 24 Wellsford/Wkwth Swap Meet 25 Waikato Branch Open Day 25 West Coast Club Run 28 Southland 3rd Southland Rally 28 Taranaki 25th Waitara Mini Vin Tour

VCC Events MARCH 3 3 3 3 4 4 10 10 10-11 10-11

Canterbury Moped Run Canterbury Back Country Run Manawatu Ruahine Ramble Southland Veteran Rally Canterbury Rear Wheel Brake Rally Waikato Ladies Rally Taupo Lake Taupo Rally Wairarapa Rex Porter Memorial Rally Canterbury Annual Rally Wellsford/Wkwth “Are We There Yet?” Rally inc Mike Brown Memorial Trophy 11 Nelson Club Run 17 Horowhenua Swap Meet 17 West Coast Scenicland Coal Trail Rally 17-18 Canterbury Jim Toohey Motorcycle Run 18 Gore Swap Meet 18 Waikato Vintage Venture 18 Taranaki Kiwi Road Picnic Run 20 West Coast Morning tea Shantytown 21 Manawatu Branch AGM 24 Sth Cant Swap Meet at Winchester 25 Central Otago 25th Moped Run / Grahams Trip to Scenicland Rally 30 Waikato National North Island Easter Rally 30 Southland National South Island Easter Rally 31 Ashburton Branch Easter Run

APRIL

South Island Club Captain’s Tour Nth Otago Gerald Lynch-Bosse Memorial M/C Rally Canterbury P Group Annual Rally Nelson Club Run Ladies Rally Central Otago 21st Golden Times Rally Arrowtown

1 April

14

15 15 21

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 Christmas Hours I wish to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy and safe New Year. The National Office will close on Thursday 21 December and reopen on Monday 8 January 2018, the Beaded Wheels office closes on 18 December and reopens 15 January.

Discounts on INTERISLANDER and BLUEBRIDGE Ferry Crossings All financial members of the VCC of NZ (Inc.) can obtain a discount with Interislander and Blue Bridge. You must show your membership card. Full information on how to book is on the Club’s website www.vcc.org.nz or can be obtained from your Branch Secretary.

When booking with the Interislander, you must book through the Group Bookings option. The codes are as follow: INTERISLANDER – WH5465 and BLUE BRIDGE – ANTIQUECAR VCC Speed Events It is compulsory for any member entering a VCC Speed Event to hold a current VCC Historic Racing Licence and VCC Log Book for the vehicle they are using.

If you currently hold a VCC Historic Racing Licence, please keep an eye on the expiry date and if it needs renewing please complete the Historic Race Licence Renewal Form and forward it, along with $23 and a new one will be issued.

VCC Identity Cards – Renewal Applications Please note that all VCC Identity Cards (VIC) have an expiry date. This expiry is upon change of ownership or 10 years from the issue date. Your vehicle must also be as described on the VIC. A renewal form personalised for each VIC is distributed by the National Office to current financial members approximately three months before expiration.

Even if your vehicle has had no changes this form must be checked, current mileage advised, signed and forwarded to your branch, along with the VIC (if the photo correctly shows your vehicle in its present state), or three new photos, as stated on the form.

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Upon receipt at the National Office the VIC will be reissued and will be valid for a further 10 years unless there is a change of ownership or major changes to the vehicle during that time.

It is compulsory for all National and International VCC Rallies that vehicles entered must have a current VIC. If you have sold your vehicle, please notify the National Office.

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.

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 to foster and ever widen 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 pre1924 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.

Original Windscreen My family has been in possession of a windscreen which my research suggests is from an early model vintage car.

It was recently found hidden amongst other long forgotten gear from previous generations in our farm woolshed.

I have cleaned and verified it as original. It has a brass frame, the hinges work and the glass is not damaged.

Tony Mannington, owner of a 1931 Ford Model A and a member of the Taupo Branch, has kindly shown the screen to a number of car enthusiasts and as yet we have not been able to establish which make and model it belongs to.

I ask whether any reader may know what vehicle it belonged to, or their advice as to how I progress identifying the screen?

Would any one be interested in acquiring it?

I am able to be contacted by email: timandmary@xtra.co.nz Timothy Plummer

mailbag

1923 Packard I have received an enquiry from Tim Martin (tum@sover.net) of the early Packard Register in the US regarding the origins of this red 1923 Packard Model 126 Runabout that has been in England since about 2005. Does anyone know anything of its history in New Zealand?

Mark Dawber The Bugatti - correction With the arrival of Beaded Wheels 348 I did my usual thing – a quick check through marketplace then on to Andrew Anderson’s The Way We Were column, always one of my first reads. I am sure Andrew knows otherwise but he wrote that after the Bugatti ran out of available crankshaft sections a V8 was fitted.

This was not the case as Ralph Watson fitted Roycroft’s new 3.4 Jaguar motor in early 1954. Ron drove later that year at the Ardmore GP in the Richard Webb Memorial handicap to gain a fourth place.

He then switched to the Alfa P3 for the main event, achieved fifth place and the Land Trophy for first New Zealand driver.

All thanks to the handful of regular contributors as they bring some great stories from the past.

Don Ammon Nelson Information Wanted

I’m looking for information (make, model and year) of this car as we are trying to put together a family history album.

Graeme Duthie graemeduthie@xtra.co.nz 60 Year Awards My grapevine informed me of a recent ceremony held at Cutler Park presenting

members with their 50 and 60 year membership awards. Apparently the 50 year presentations were dealt with first, receiving a plaque and framed certificate plus the right of reply. The three 60 year recipients were not issued with a plaque but received an unframed certificate and not offered the right of reply. To my mind this is not acceptable. Those, like most elderly VCC gentlemen, were basically original members who worked their backsides off to develop clubrooms and properties voluntarily for the benefit of the vast membership we now have and the privilege of being able to use our historic vehicles.

Strange isn’t it that couples being married for 60 years are acknowledged by the New Zealand Government and the Queen, think about it.

Geoff Ralls Member, Blenheim Editorial reply: Thanks for your letter regarding the Canterbury Branch Awards Dinner Geoff. The issues you raise require some explanation. I was a member of the Management Committee when the 50 year badges were first discussed nearly twenty years ago, and it was decided that as we had a 25 year and 35 year badge, a special badge honouring 50 years membership would be struck, along with a special framed certificate. This would be the premier award for membership, and presentations would be made with a citation at a special function to honour the recipient.

At that time there were only a few original members who would qualify. You will see on page 36 of this issue that there are 17 recipients listed, and in Kevin’s column “as we see it” on page 4, an explanation of why we have decided against publishing the citations in Beaded Wheels.

When we started to have members who had achieved 60 years membership, the Management Committee decided to award those members with an updated 60 year certificate to replace the older certificate in the frame but no further badge would be awarded. We now have a number of these members, and they are honoured at these presentation events with a new certificate. All 60 year recipients have already received the premier award and badge ten years earlier and had the right of reply. Our three recipients at the Canterbury Branch event were separately hosted with the seven 50 year recipients as a group, and sat at the top tables with them, the President’s representative and myself as Chairman. I was saddened to think that there could be any suggestion that we do not honour any of our older

members, or that the award of these certificates could be seen as less of an honour. I can assure you that these three gentlemen were treated with the utmost respect and were not offended at the proceedings. Last year our founder member and life member Andrew Anderson was presented with a 70 year certificate at an international event.

He did not receive a badge or a frame either.

John Coomber Canterbury Branch Chairman Steaming Along

While moving house recently I came across these photos of steam trucks from about 1910, they are both English.

The truck with the trailer is a 1911 Foden 5 ton chain drive. I do not know what the other is, but if you look under the tray there is some kind of con-rod driving a crankshaft connected to the rear wheels.

I will leave it to someone more qualified than me to sort that one out.

Harry Lodge 1 Glencorse Street, Tokoroa 3420 1933 Lagonda Is there a member with one of these in their collection? My interest has been in photographing cars since I started work for a stock and station firm in 1948. One of our clients at Rakaia owned it. They had their honeymoon in England and brought back this car. I think it was a 1933 model but I don’t know the horse power. I think the car was sold in the late 1950s. It would have been a rare car and hopefully it is still alive with a caring owner. I would be pleased to hear from that owner and hopefully get some new photos.

Clive Morriss, Christchurch, Phone 03 358 2753. clive_eileen@xtra.co.nz Beaded Wheels 7

mailbag Banks Peninsula Printed here is a picture of two cars parked outside the old Hilltop Hotel (destroyed by fire, April 1931) above Akaroa Harbour. I think the car on the left is probably a Hudson as I think this make was used by Pilkington Motors as a bus service between Akaroa and Little River (to meet the train) or travelled all the way to Christchurh when required.

Through the windscreen on the left of this car can be seen the letters R O A which indicates that it was a passenger vehicle servicing Akaroa. Pilkington also ran Cadillacs in the beginning and later Studebakers and Hudsons.

The lovely car on the right looks very up-market and probably top of the range of which ever brand it happens to be. Could any reader identify this car for me and also take a stab on the dates these cars were first used or what year they were manufactured or if they happened to be a particular model as part of the car makers range.

Jan Shuttleworth jandrshuttleworth@gmail.com Akaroa Don Lowe’s 250cc Triumph I have just seen Beaded Wheels 343.

On page 54 is a photo of the late Don Lowe’s 250cc Triumph motorcycle. I well remember this machine at various road race meetings back in the late 1950s and always admired its immaculate condition as well as its performance. I have enclosed a copy of a photo I took of this machine at the NZ Grand Prix at Cust in 1957, which readers may be interested in. I recall that another rider, whose name eludes me, from Don’s home town (Feilding I think) had a similar Triumph 250cc.

I did some road racing, mostly on my methanol-fuelled Francis Barnett 2 stroke, 197cc. This was in the period 1956 to the mid 1960s.

During my 60 years of motorcycling I competed in trials and scrambles as well as road racing. My best wishes for the future of Beaded Wheels.

John Dodson Life Member, Nelson Motor Cycle Club (Inc)

Watery Memories of a 12 Year Old In the early 1960s our family travelled the power boat circuit. My father raced an outboard hydroplane and Mum, my brothers and I were, I suppose, a support crew. With multiple classes racing we only had to be in attendance every three quarters of an hour or so. In between we wandered and looked at other boats that were competing. These ranged from the then fastest New Zealand unlimited hydroplane and Australasian record holder Mystic Miss, with its 3700cc V12 Ferrari engine, down to the little 75 cubic inch vee bottom boats many powered by Ford 10 engines. A stand out boat of the time was a 75 cubic inch 1250cc hydroplane named Forty Four belonging to George Smith. I knew he raced cars including a V8 single seater named the Gee Cee Ess. I was young and dumb and thought his boat’s name was that of a calibre, it was years later I realised the name was because his race number 44 had already been allocated by the powerboat association, this was George’s way of still having his race number. This amazing little boat had a Coventry Climax 1220cc motor and held the Australasian record for 1962 at 156.38kph. That was some feat and like George Smith’s pre-war record with his Austin Seven of 103 mph I believe it still stands to this day.

Incidentally Sir William (Bill) Stevenson’s Mystic Miss had run 200.56 kph in that same year, 1962.

Don Ammon Handling of Police Bikes In Beaded Wheels 346 and 348 about the problem of the handling of Honda Police Bikes, Glyn Clements is most likely to be correct about it being the CBX650p

8 Beaded Wheels

bikes that had the handling problems. For about four years I worked as an assistant engineer for the MOT in Auckland and I remember hearing a lot about this. Honda was unhappy about the use of the screens and there was also some talk about the weight of the pannier and radio helping to unsettle the handling. This, I remember, was the bike just before the BMWs were introduced.

As part of my job was advising vehicle importers of new regulations I got to call on the Auckland Honda dealer one day and was talking to one of their mechanics who had just finished working on an MOT bike with handling problems. He told me that they could not find a cause for this until the Traffic Officer loaded his bike with all his gear and sat on it, it was then they noticed the swing arm move sideways. When they checked they found badly worn bushes. So in future all bikes were to be checked fully loaded so it looked like the problems were caused by a combination of things. The mechanic had worked for the London Police and was surprised that we were changing to BMWs as they had found that the drive shafts wore out quickly in stop start traffic.

I bet Glyn was pleased he was riding bikes without the radio mounted on the tank as I was told by a urologist that they gave him a lot of work if the bike came to a sudden stop.

Tony Daligan North Shore

Alon Mayhew South Island Club Captain

captain’s log I was driving north to the AGM in Blenheim expecting the road to be busy and in bad repair. I haven’t been on that bit of road for a while. and I wasn’t disappointed, except that there were plenty of road gangs making it right. Lots of lollipop girls and guys to smile and wave to (you would think they would run out of road cones).

At one point we were in a queue of about 25 vehicles working our way between Springs Junction and Murchison on a winding stretch with precious few places to pass safely and much oncoming traffic. Up ahead, fortunate to say, it was a horse transporter and not a vintage car holding up proceedings.

You’re sitting there thinking evil thoughts as several “Traffic Behind? Let It Pass” pull in bays came and went without any response from said horse transporter.

It occurred to me that any effort we make as a club to encourage new members could

historical snippets of motoring interest from years gone by Graeme Rice be wiped out instantly if it was an oldie in the front instead of the truck.

I know most members are mindful of other road users and use their mirrors constantly so I don’t need to state the obvious, just congratulate those who are considerate and thoughtful of our fellow motorists.

On a more positive note I’m looking forward to a new season’s motoring. As I write this there are plenty of signs of spring heralding their little heads off.

Soon the trees will be leafing up and we will be driving our old cars and beaming like a rat with a gold tooth.

The events calendar in Beaded Wheels is bristling with opportunities to get out and about in different vehicles to suit any discerning vintagent. As a Club Captain I try to visit most areas in the South Island to experience roads not usually seen. We in the Vintage Car Club are most fortunate in that our members know of roads not much driven by the vast majority of the travelling public. I would encourage all of you to support your neighbouring branch’s events and even some not so close neighbouring branches to experience these for yourselves.

timelines 100 years ago - 1917/18 War-time demand had boosted FIAT’s business. In 1914 they had 5000 employees, by 1917 there were 23,000. They still went to America with their team of 114 mph cars for the racing though. Unfortunately the Indianapolis 500 was cancelled and they were recalled to Italy.

75 years ago – 1942/43 In the face of pressure for more petrol for the holidays the Government reminded motorists that each bomber carrying out raids over Berlin needed around 3800 gallons of petrol per trip, enough to take an average car 75,000 miles. Battleships needed 700,000 gallons of diesel to fill up. America was producing 1,680,000 gallons of 100 octane petrol a day but cranking up production by another 250,000 gallons.

50 years ago - 1967/68 Motor magazine tested contrasting coupes. One, the 1725cc, 88bhp Sunbeam Rapier Series Six, the other, the futuristic Bertone styled, rotary engined, 110bhp Mazda 110S Cosmo of just 998cc as claimed by its promoters, or 2 litres as ruled by the FIA. Virtually handbuilt at the rate of about one a week, the two seater Mazda was capable of 115mph and went from 0 – 60 mph in just 9.3 seconds. The old school Rapier was a 98mph four seat tourer, reaching 60mph in 12.3 seconds.

30 years ago – 1987/88

Brett Findsen 564A Horotiu Road RD 8, Hamilton Phone 07 829 7149 Mobile 022 414 3539 Hart Bussas Phone 07 577 9721

Engine Works Limited

Built in at least 11 countries Peugeot’s great all rounder, the Pininfarina styled 405, was voted Car of the Year by a total of 212 points, the most in the 25 years of the contest. In its unmodified guise the 405 was one of the best looking saloons ever. Even the be-spoilered and body kitted 4WD Mi16 retained much of the 405’s poise while the shortened racing versions won the gruelling Paris – Dakar rally twice. It’s got to be collectable.

Beaded Wheels 9

Andrew Anderson

the way we were It is high time to make a serious admission. The gentle reader of these columns over the last several issues may have been induced to the belief that your surviving Founder has been a 100% petrol head. Alas not true. Two starring roles in school plays in the course of a predominantly classical education ensured that on perusing the clamorous exhortations from all those competing ‘Varsity clubs that confront all freshmen on arrival, the call of the University Drama Society was an immediate winner. Already famous for its work with Ngaio Marsh’s Shakespearean productions, I was enthralled and into rehearsal of What Say They at once for a first performance mid April. It was entirely student produced. Then Ngaio and the Drama Society proposed a production of Macbeth and auditions held, there I was in two of the best small parts and a very successful week 20/27 July 1946 at the Radiant Theatre. Promoter and Tour manager Dan O’Connor had already got a summer tour arranged for Macbeth as two weeks in Auckland playing the Town Hall in Queen St and one week in Wellington Town Hall and staying in university halls of residence. All to full houses, bloody hard work and enormous fun. But no wonder that VVA meetings had a number

Benz at Bathurst

of apologies for absence from me and that I only managed to pass one out of four Stage one subjects that I sat in October.

So 1947 saw me settle down to some serious academic work, a lot more motoring and achievement of three out of three subjects I sat.

In 1948 however, whilst starting with all due academic enthusiasm, I got a bit side tracked by Allan Curnow whose verse play The Axe had been subject to a very enthusiastic reading the previous year.

He asked us to produce it in the Little Theatre which John Pocock and Bernard Kearns were very keen to do and duly got a great team together to do it including me again. Tremendous stuff, great story, wonderful verse dialogue and real pioneering stuff and there I was caught up again performing 24/27 April. Back to some semblance of academia when we hear our old friend Dan O’Connor had been engaged by The British Council to manage a tour of New Zealand by the

MG TA Monoposto.

Gordon Nicholls MG TA.

Vauxhall 30/98 of Wilson’s sampled in Melbourne.

10 Beaded Wheels

Alf Barnet’s Alfa Romeo Monza.

Old Vic Theatre Co complete with Sir Lawrence Olivier and Vivien Leigh.

Sir Lawrence was to do Shakespeare’s Richard III and Vivien Leigh starred in Sheridan’s School for Scandal.

They were to open in Christchurch in mid September and three weeks before this Ngaio got a phone call from Dan requesting that we get an “entertainment” for the whole Old Vic Company at the Little Theatre. She had been doing some interesting readings with some of us of Pirandello’s Six Characters in Search of an Author which is of course some pretty dramatic stuff. Ngaio plumped to do the first act of this, built up as strong a cast as possible at such very short notice and rehearsed as though the devil himself was after us. It all fell into place and on the evening of 27 September after that evening’s School for Scandal performance, Sir Lawrence, Vivien and the whole company duly arrived at the Little Theatre, got a very neat Caxton Print programme and were given that first Act of Six Characters. It was very well received. Six of us got wheeled in as extras in Richard III for the princely sum of 10 shillings and sixpence per performance as the soldiery. Not just professional actors but actors with an Old Vic wage chit.

And this is where all these old Aussie cars come into the picture.

The Old Vic Team were not the only ones impressed by that performance. Dan O’Connor put an immediate proposition to Ngaio that we take Six Characters and a Shakespeare as a double bill to tour Australia that summer. Who was going to say no to that lot, wow. We were into preparations and rehearsals like mad. Ngaio decided to do Othello as our Shakespearean leg as the Society had done it before and toured New Zealand with Dan in Christmas 1944/45 and Paul Molineux who played Othello was available again.

We finally sailed on Wanganella from Wellington to Sydney on 6 January 1949.

Got a huge press welcome in Sydney where we played the 1100 seat Conservatorium of Music to pretty full houses for Othello 15/22 January and Six Characters 24/29.

We were all basically billeted out and I was luckily with a family of an old school friend of my mother’s.

Now back when the VVA was at the planning stage of our Halswell Road Race, Rob had written to the Vintage Sports Car Club of Australia for some specific areas of advice only to receive a very brief and condescending reply. I had decided to try to make personal contact during our tour if possible and did call their President Gordon Nichol. I had the huge advantage of being part of a somewhat lionised group with all our publicity and press coverage.

I thus got a very warm reception and made two visits to his place in Rose Bay. All those photos came from Gordon, mostly of his own machinery but also others that I could possibly contact during our travels, though this proved impossible till we reached Melbourne. There the St Kilda Hotel owner with a 30/98 Vauxhall took Alistair Johnson, our somewhat petrol-headed-stage-hand, and I round the

The Anzani engined type 37 Bugatti owned by Lyndon Duckett.

Melbourne sights. I particularly remember visiting Lyndon Duckett and a memorable blast in the Semmering Mercedes, all 16 litres of it, together with all the right noises of the 30/98 whilst getting there.

Thus was forged the excellent relationship with all the Australian clubs that reached their peak with great Aussie support for the Haast and ever since.

That which Rob’s first letter should have achieved was finally done by the famous name of Ngaio Marsh and such brief contacts as a very hard working actor could manage, and I missed out on seeing the very first Wigram race that had involved us all so much.

BW

Two SS 100s.

Ansell’s 1909 Renault.

The Nichol FWD Alvis.

McKellan Special Fronty Ford.

Beaded Wheels 11

George Hennings and his steam car.

George Henning as he was featured in the New Zealand Herald, 19 May 1923. The caption reads – “Ancient record breaker: first car to go through from Auckland to Wellington. This car, driven by steam, was manufactured by the Locomobile company, of America. It is still in Auckland, being owned by Mr. G. Henning, who was the driver on that memorable occasion”

George Henning Words Barry Birchall

George Henning was the second of ten children and considered by many as the father of the motor industry in Auckland. He was highly influential in bringing some of the first motor cars into New Zealand, active in the Automobile Association, one of three who drafted the first road rules, and went on to create a race track at Mangere similar to the Brooklands race track in the UK.

G

eorge first established a tyre business in 1891 at 156 Queen Street, and then moved into cycles and motor cars. In one advertisement it said that he would take the solid tyres off your cycle and fit cushion tyres.

He also employed his two brothers James and William. They hired out cycles and taught people how to ride and replaced tyres on buggies and sold bicycles. George, William and James were regular competitors at the cycle club meets run by the Auckland Amateur Athletic Club. He required more space so established a showroom in Canterbury Arcade and had his workshop in Durham Lane. In 1899 he acquired a de Dion Bouton tricycle and it may have been the first motor vehicle to 12 Beaded Wheels

appear on the streets in Auckland. The press at the time didn’t regard the tricycle as a motor car.

In 1900 he was appointed sole New Zealand agent for Locomobile steam cars and he made many remarkable journeys in their car. He may have been the first person in New Zealand to acquire an agency for a motor car and then go on to sell the cars. When the first cars arrived he did not have the storage, so garaged them in Durham Saleyards. He sent a car to the South Island by rail and provided demonstrations anywhere there was interest. T W Kempthornes in Dunedin purchased a car from him in February 1901. It was the first car sold to a resident in that city. George Henning went all over New Zealand giving demonstrations of the Locomobile, and on one trip south he sold ten cars. When he placed the order for the cars it was the largest order placed at the time in New Zealand for motor cars.

For many it was the first motor car they had ever seen and he said later that large crowds stared in wonderment every time he stopped.

On his honeymoon in 1902 he went from New Plymouth over the Rimutakas to Wellington in the Locomobile. An engineer in New Plymouth had told him he was mad if he made the trip. The winds on the Rimutakas were really bad and Mrs. Henning became so terrified

that she insisted on getting out. She was promptly blown into a deep ditch and as Mr Henning dared not leave the car she had to stay there till her husband had got safely around the bend and could come back and rescue her. As the kerosene lamps kept going out and the wind showed no signs of abating, they sought shelter for the night at a road-man’s cottage, first tethering the car securely to the fence with ropes to prevent it from being blown away. The journey to Wellington took two weeks from Onehunga. As there were no garages he often had to leave the car in the open because stable-owners strongly objected to housing it with the horses.

George went to the South Island and drove the car over the hills from Lyttelton to Christchurch, then to Dunedin and back. Mrs Henning always accompanied him on these trips.

He must have encouraged others to make long journeys. A Locomobile steamer owned by Dr Humphrey Haines was the first car to go from Auckland to Rotorua and another Locomobile steamer owned by Arthur Cleave was the first car to go from Auckland to Wellington via Napier and was the first vehicle to go north to Kaitaia.

He was one of the founders of the Automobile Association in 1903, and attended the first meeting at Dr Clive De Lowe’s residence in Symonds Street.

At the end of the year he made a trip to England and America, visited the Ford factory and acquired the New Zealand agency for Daimlers. This make was to become the mainstay of his business for some time, especially when Daimler moved into commercial vehicle production. In 1904 Locomobile switched to petrol engines and they sold their rights to manufacture steamers back to the Stanleys. He imported the odd Locomobile after 1904, but seemed to prefer Daimler. In 1905 he sold the first Daimler to Mr Arthur Myers who owned a brewery. On the North Island Reliability contest to Wairakei in 1906 he entered a single cylinder Rover and a Locomobile steamer. The Daimler was not an instant success as in 1906 a Locomobile steamer was still his mode of transport but he had acquired other agencies like Rover cars and Flying Merkel motor bike. Henning’s had moved again into a new building in Custom Street East In 1907, he was given the job to sell the three Gardner-Serpollet steamers and two Chelmsford steamers used as buses on the Devonport-Takapuna run. Whether he sold them or they were broken up for scrap we cannot be sure, they were in his yard for eighteen months. The other cars he was trying to sell at the time were a 40 hp 6 cylinder Napier, two 38 hp Daimlers, a 20 hp four cylinder Rolls-Royce, two 20 hp Beeston-Humbers and a small de Dion Bouton, a pretty impressive collection in 1907. He may have had a sub-agency for Humber for a few years as he always had a Humber for sale.

Not all the Daimlers arrived with an English body. Charles Rhodes, from the Waihi Gold Mine, brought in a 38 hp 6 cylinder Daimler in chassis form in 1907 to replace his four cylinder Rolls-Royce, and the body was built locally. There was

Arthur Cleave, president of the Auckland Automobile Association, with his son.

Early Locomobile. Photo Alan Meredith collection.

Photo of Daimler taxis in Auckland in 1913 Photo Barry Birchall collection

Locomobile - the first car sold in Dunedin. Photo Alan Meredith collection.

a tax incentive at the time if the bodies were built here. Sometimes the Daimlers were purchased in the United Kingdom by the owner and used to tour Europe before the car was shipped home. When David Nathan did the grand tour of Europe in 1907, he paid for the car in Auckland but picked the vehicle up in Venice and drove the 38 hp Daimler all over the continent before he had it shipped home from the United Kingdom. David Nathan did not drive, so George Henning had to find a chauffeur and sent George Campbell, who later founded Campbell Motors.

John Stewart, who ran motor tours from Rotorua, brought the first Lanchester in to New Zealand the same way.

Lord Kitchener made a tour of the North Island in 1910 and George Henning supplied the 38 hp Daimler and the chauffeur. George drove the car down to Rotorua then let an employee drive through to Manawatu. He picked the car up again in Manawatu and took it through to Wellington. They had to fit chains to get through the Mamakus. On the road between Taupo and Napier they were

accompanied by Sir Joseph Ward’s party in another motor. The journey was not without incident. Lord Kitchener’s car had to tow the Premier’s car over one hill. They both got stuck in the mud at Titokura and horses had to be requisitioned to get them out. In the Manawatu they found two bridges down. Lord Kitchener had served in the Royal Engineers and showed the locals how to repair the bridges. Many of the workmen did not know who the tall distinguished tourist was who was giving those instructions, but they were quick to recognize that he understood his work and took command. During the trip, the car covered 700 miles without a hitch. Kitchener said afterwards he never encountered so many sheep on the roads as he saw in New Zealand.

By 1910 Henning’s had sold 45 Daimlers in New Zealand. The BSA Company purchased Daimler in 1910 and small BSA cars were fitted with small Daimler sleeve valve motors. One of the Daimlers had been sold as a taxi in Auckland and ran up quite a high mileage. They stripped the motor down in the showroom for the press Beaded Wheels 13

The Hennings 1917 Dodges on the Parliamentary Tour. Photo Barry Birchall collection.

Auckland Daimler losing a battle with the local fauna. Photo Barry Birchall collection.

and established that there had been very little wear in any component. The public were welcome to come into the showroom and see the engine apart.

Some of the agencies he had acquired by 1912 were Albion, BSA, Delage, DelaunayBelleville, FN, Leyland, Lanchester, Lacre, Fafnir, Halley, New Pick, Mercedes, Panhard, Rover, Singer, Wall parcel van, and the Flying Merkel motorcycle.

By now there were more Daimlers on the roads in Auckland than any other vehicle. In 1912 Daimler offered seven models from 15 hp to 38 hp, and the price for a 20 hp tourer was £615. A new Ford T could be purchased in 1912 for £225.

He sold a few Rovers and Delages but not much else. By 1913 he had sold one Mercedes, two Delaunay-Bellevilles and three Lanchesters. The other vehicles he sold in quite large numbers were the Daimler and Leyland trucks. He sold the first Daimler truck to J J Craig in 1910 and it was the first heavy truck on the roads in Auckland. By 1912 he was acquiring the truck chassis before he had a buyer and on one occasion he put on a display for the media using a Leyland truck to shift three tonnes of grain between the waterfront and Epsom, the run being timed in both directions. George Henning had a Daimler bus there with the media aboard to watch.

The whole trip was accomplished in 42 minutes.

By 1913 the Daimler factory was manufacturing a Colonial model with heavier springs and more ground clearance.

Henning’s imported a shipment of 12 of these cars and most were sold before the boat arrived. They were complete with screen, dynamo lighting, hood, spare wire 14 Beaded Wheels

A 1901 Locomobile steamer in the front and a 1913 Daimler behind. Both cars would been sold by George and it could be George in the back of the Daimler. Photo taken in Auckland in 1913. The original photo in the Auckland Branch library.

wheel and tyre for £650. Many companies at the time sold most of these items as extras. When the cars arrived a reporter was given a car for a test run and there was a full report in NZ Motor and Cycle. He referred to the car as the Brymto Daimler and said the seats were upholstered in pale blue leather. The body was painted Naples yellow so it was pretty bright. He said the car was good for 60 mph, very quiet and free of any vibration as found in most cars.

The reporter did go on to tell us the car was fitted with a vibration damping device patented by Daimler.

William Henning (Bill), his brother, was building an aircraft copied from a design used by Bleriot in 1910. I have never found any evidence of a flight. In 1912 Bill went into partnership with a Mr Farrington and established a showroom and workshop in Gore Street. They acquired agencies for BSA and SiddeleyDeasy cars. The Siddeley Deasy car also had a sleeve valve Knight engine so it was probably something he understood. They were also selling Halley and Albion motor lorries. They sold their first vehicle, a Lacre three ton lorry, to Stonex Brothers, the milk suppliers of Newton. The little BSA car proved very popular and there were a lot sold in Auckland before WWI. By 1914 they had also acquired the agencies for Fafnir, New King, Calcott, New Pick, Panhard, Calthorpe Minor and Winton.

They only sold one Winton and at £820 it could have been a little expensive. They had imported the car for the Auckland Exhibition before they had a buyer. Bill was drafted to war in 1915 and the business became M C Farrington. Bill was killed

in France in 1918, and was awarded the Military Cross.

With the war now raging in Europe, George could no longer purchase cars from Britain or Europe. He would have found the war years very difficult as he did not have an agency for an American vehicle.

He was lucky enough to acquire the agency for Dodge in 1916 and also an agency for Signal trucks. The war must have taken a toll on his business as in 1917 he offered Thomas Alexander Low a partnership, probably to inject some capital but maybe also to see if they could take some of the Ford sales away from the Colonial Motor Company. Thomas Low had owned a large hardware business in Wanganui and had been approached by the Colonial Motor Company to run their business in Auckland. A partnership with Henning must have looked much more attractive.

They then approached Roxburgh, another manager employed by Colonial Motors in Auckland, to run a new company to import Fords direct from Canada. The Canadian Ford Motor Company was established and run out of a new building in Little Queen Street. I could not establish whether they imported any new Fords from Canada, but a year later they were still there but only doing repairs on Ford cars.

About the same time, George Henning moved his operation from Custom Street to Lower Albert Street as it required more space. The new building backed onto the building in Little Queen Street but was not a great success as it had a basement that flooded on a high tide. The early Dodge was a great car and it became the mainstay of their business.

After the war he was still selling the odd English vehicle, but the Dodge was the vehicle paying the rent. They set up a network of service depots (19) from Gisborne though to Totara North to look after the cars sold. On the Parliamentary Tour in 1917, George Henning joined the party on the trip to Kaitaia in a new Dodge. When they arrived in Kaitaia he told the group he had some urgent business in Auckland and had to return. He went to Auckland attended the meeting and was back in Kaitaia 36 hours later. The press were so impressed with the story it made front page news and I am sure it was good for business. In 1922 the company moved into a new building at 154 Albert Street, leased from the Auckland City Council. It was once the site of the Royal Albert Hall where Aucklanders danced at balls and listened to concerts. When the Automobile Association established races on the beach at Muriwai in 1922 George was to become the chief judge and he provided the trophy for the light car event. In November 1923 George Henning, at the age of 53, decided to retire from the business. The name of the business was changed to Northern Automobiles and continued to operate on that site for a further 40 years with a number of other franchises.

George and his wife Maimie shifted from their Remuera Road home to a farm purchased at Mangere. The site was an extinct volcano and with a little work made an excellent race track. With natural banking and a great grandstand, it had to be a winner. Almost all the work to drain the swamp and form the track was done by George at his own expense. The first race was held on the track in 1929.

The volcanic nature of the land made a very dusty track. The Government introduced a depression relief scheme a few years later and with many men out of work, they built a race track on the rubbish tip site at Gloucester Park in Onehunga.

The new track put George out of business

and there was never another race meeting at Mangere. There were nine meetings on the track before the gates closed. He was chief judge at Gloucester Park, and for many years Vice-President of the Automobile Association. They sold the farm to the Prangleys in 1940 and moved to Mt Wellington. Away from motor cars, George was also interested in photography, wrestling and the aero club. He died in 1954 at the age of 84. George and his wife had no children and he is buried

in an unmarked grave in Purewa Lawn Cemetery.

If you want read more about George Henning, there was a very good article in Beaded Wheels number 239 written by Douglas Wood. Most of the material in this article has come from the NZ Motor and Cycle, NZ Herald, Auckland Council Library, Auckland Vintage Car Club Library and the Auto Age publications.

BW

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From Wellington to Pebble Beach – the long way!

Story and photos Mark and Sonia Richter, Tony Haycock

Judging time.

VCC members Mark and Sonia Richter made history as the first New Zealanders to take their car to the illustrious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and win their class.

To put this in context, if you are a racing driver, Formula One is the absolute peak. As a rugby player, to win the World Cup and if climbing mountains, to stand atop Mt Everest is the proof you are at the top of your chosen field. For old car people, owners or restorers, to be invited to show your car on the lawn at Pebble Beach means you have the summit in sight. To win your class is as good as it gets. But to do it in a car you drive regularly, and to drive a couple of thousand km to be lined up against trailer queens and to still take the silverware is something which has never been done… until now!

16 Beaded Wheels

The invitation In late 2016 we received an invitation to enter our 1931 Hispano Suiza J12 in the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

This was a surprise and it looked like a fun event, but it was learning that we could also go on the nine day, 1700 mile Pebble Beach Motoring Classic (PBMC) from Seattle down to Monterey that convinced us to go ahead. Although we enjoy sharing our car at events we had never participated in an organised classic car tour before or competed in any concours events.

Provenence and Preparation We bought the Hispano in 2011 and restored it for touring use around New Zealand which we often do. The three position convertible top, powerful 9.45 litre V12 engine, superb brakes and great handling make it a joy to tour in.

It will happily cruise at freeway speeds and, more surprisingly, really likes twisting mountain roads.

Ours was the first J12 built. Hispano commissioned Saoutchik to body a show car to launch the model (also known as Type 68) at the 1931 Paris Salon.

Saoutchik built an elegant five passenger three position convertible to show off Hispano’s finest most expensive model.

The car was also shown at the Olympia (London) Motorshow later that year and then again in the Geneva Salon in March 1932. It was subsequently sold to the Shah

of Persia and delivered in October where it was used as a parade car and remained there until 1963.

The Hispano had covered around 23,000km from new when we bought it in 1979 from the first New Zealand owner, Roy Southward. Roy had purchased it from Bob Ortenberger of Oklahoma who had bought it from the Shah in 1963.

The J12’s low mileage meant that most of the mechanical components had only been lightly worn and only needs light refurbishment. The engine had been fully rebuilt by Bristol Restorations in Wellington, in 2006 and by the time we received our invitation to Pebble Beach the J12 had covered around 30,000km of touring so needed a few things tidied up.

Our restorers, Bristols, also went over the car sorting out little details and ensuring it was running superbly.

Seattle We landed in Seattle in the middle of a heatwave. This was fine by us as we had just come from skiing in New Zealand and prior to that had spent a lot of our southern summer time ice driving in the Canadian Arctic.

On our first night we met our wonderful PBMC hosts, Al and Sandi McEwan who run the PBMC. They treated us to an evening cruise in their perfectly presented picnic boat. After cruising Lake Washington checking out the mansions,

On the lawn with Sonia and Mark.

house boats and floating bridge we had a superb fish dinner. What a great way to start.

The J12 had made the journey in one piece and was tucked up in Ron and Margie’s fabulous garage (along with a few other PBMC entrants). On starting it seemed very short of power. After driving it and trying a few tweaks we finally found that a carburettor linkage had come loose during shipping. Nothing serious.

On the road with the PBMC Mid afternoon on Monday 7 August everybody met at Peter Hageman’s firehouse for registration. It was great to see all the cars together for the first time and to start putting faces to names. After an enthusiastic send off we all drove to the Woodmark Hotel ready for our start early the next morning. The evening was spent cruising out on the lake having our first drinks and meal together. Most people on the tour have done it before so it was a mix of new faces and old friends.

The first day was the longest. We started out from a heat struck Seattle and things got hotter as the day progressed (up to around 105°F). The Chinook Pass was a highlight with lots of wildflowers near the top. The forest fire smoke haze limited the view of Mt Rainier and would continue to dog us for the next few days.

That evening it was a relief to have drinks by the relative cool of the Columbia Gorge. At dinner we were introduced to the fluffy dice tradition. Each evening the Master of the Dice, superbly performed by Julius Kruta on our trip, would award a pair of fluffy dice to the person he judged had made the biggest booboo that day.

Some days the competition was pretty stiff. If you won you were expected to wear them to the next night’s dinner ready for hand over to that day’s lucky recipient.

As we were still getting to know how the J12 handled the heat we decided to drive the steep 6000 ft climb up to Timberline Lodge in the cool of the morning. The Hispano dealt with it well but we still took a couple of precautionary breaks. This meant we missed out on the Columbia Gorge Historic Highway loop that most of the tour took. This is a must do for next time as the old highway shows off the gorge and its many beautiful natural features.

Timberline Lodge is one of the depression era wonders. Started in 1936 it took only 15 months to complete. It was built entirely by hand by a mixed team of unemployed highly skilled craftsmen and men sent to assist and learn from them.

Words do not do it justice. If you get the chance, spend a few nights there, preferably in winter.

After the climb of the previous day a beautiful twisting drive through the Claukamas River valley helped keep things cooler until after lunch. We stopped for a swim in the river (very cold, even for New Zealanders.) and then one in the much warmer Detroit Lake.

Nicely cooled off we headed for the lunch spot near Sisters. The lunch stops on the tour allowed everyone to regroup before tackling the afternoon stage. Like all the meals provided on the PBMC they provided a convivial setting for getting to know our fellow participants.

After lunch we headed up McKenzie Pass, an optional side trip that is a must.

At the top of the pass is a vast moonscape of volcanic rock with surreal walks seeing different lava forms.

Our evening at Bend was made more interesting by a dry lightning storm which, we later found out, started more fires.

A long steady climb from Bend saw us arrive at Crater Lake around lunch. The tour had to use the Eastern rim road due to smoke from forest fires. Instead of lunch Sonia and I decided to walk down the rim trail and have a swim. The lake is the deepest in the US (1,949ft, 594m) and has very pure clear water. It’s also very cold.

That evening we took the jet-boat ride up the Rouge River to its gorge which was lovely, though a bit tame compared to

Beaded Wheels 17

View from balcony of the morning preparations.

Concours d’Elegance 2017, judging time.

Below: Dawn Patrol 6am drive onto the lawn.

18 Beaded Wheels

Putting on the decal.

jet-boating in New Zealand. They did a great job in getting us all wet and smiling.

A straightforward morning’s drive west to the coast saw us lunching in Crescent City looking out over the Pacific.

Thoughts of swimming were dashed upon trying the water, which proved surprisingly cold.

After the heat of the trip so far it was very refreshing to cruise along the coast to our night stop, Eureka, a town famous for its Victorian era buildings.

After breakfast I had a wonder around the carpark. It was one of the few times where all the cars could be seen together.

A very impressive sight.

Heading south we stopped at another Victorian era town, Ferndale, for coffee and, most importantly, a visit to the hat shop where we spent an amusing half hour selecting interesting hats. The rest of the morning was mostly spent driving through the Avenue of Giants, redwood scenic drive. Seeing large numbers of these majestic trees together from an open top car is a magnificent experience. Arriving at Williams Grove we settled down to a picnic lunch amongst the Redwoods.

Unfortunately the Hispano had been running rough during the morning and was really difficult to start after lunch. Jeff (our Trouble Truck mechanic) changed all the plugs (24 of them!) which helped for a while. The problem was solved that night by draining what we think was a bad tank of petrol. To be on the safe side we filled the tank with ethanol-free Avgas which made it even more fun to drive than usual!

The afternoon saw us driving more of the lovely California coast. There are many lookout points which give good views of the steep cliffs and rocky coast.

Our overnight stop at Heritage House near Mendocino also offered spectacular cliff top vistas.

Most of the PBMC cars took the coastal route down to Jenner to see more of the California coast. After our trouble the previous day we took the more direct inland route to our lunch stop. The Hispano was fine and we enjoyed the twisty wine country roads.

A short run after lunch into the Sonoma Valley and we were at our destination for the next two nights, the fabulous Tuscan style Kenwood Inn. The remainder of the afternoon was spent by the pool enjoying the lush surroundings and cool drinks.

It was a bit daunting to watch the effort and skill of these guys who were somewhat surprised to see some actual owners cleaning their own car.

Leaving wine country behind we headed for San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge then headed south via Skyline Boulevard arriving in Pebble Beach late afternoon for our official Motoring Classic reception hosted by Bentley. The cool champagne was much appreciated with prize giving and thank-yous a fitting end to a fabulous event. (We got the prize for having the most fun!)

Pebble Beach On Thursday morning the PB Concours cars assemble for the Tour d’Elegance, a parade around the Monterey area taking in the sights of 17 Mile Drive, Carmel Valley and the Big Sur area. With around 200 cars it’s not long before they start looping back so you get so a lot of them on the road driving toward you. Quite a sight

to see so many fabulous collector cars of all makes and models on the road at once.

The Tour finishes back in Carmel where the cars are parked up for public viewing while the entrants enjoy a sumptuous picnic lunch.

Detailing part one While most people are enjoying Laguna Seca historic racing, perusing the cars for auction, checking out the memorabilia displays or one of the other fun events, we get to clean the Hispano. Or rather in this case, take it to the detailers and then enjoy Monterey for the afternoon followed by a lovely dinner with new friends.

Detailing part two (and the Gala)

When we picked the car up on Saturday morning we were disappointed that more work was required to get the car ready for The Lawn. The groomers told us we didn’t have a chance as our car was too old a restoration with real world road wear to possibly get a place. Very encouraging.

Anyway, we headed back to PB and the International tent (where Martin Button was hosting the J12) and started cleaning it ourselves. Also in the tent were several teams of detailers working on perfecting some of the other entrants’ cars. It was a bit daunting to watch the effort and skill of these guys who were somewhat surprised to see some actual owners cleaning their own car.

We got stuck into finishing the J12 and four hours later we decided it was clean in a way that respected both the event and the fact that the car was toured rather than shown.

After a restful afternoon we headed out to the Pebble Beach Benefactors Gala, the social high point of the weekend. Despite the excellent food, wine and company,

Beaded Wheels 19

McKenzie Pass.

most people headed home fairly early to plenty of sleep for the big day.

Concours d’Elegance We were with the J12 at 5:30am on Sunday ready to line up to go on The Lawn. It was a cool start as we waited in a long line of around 200 cars as the dawn broke to another fine day. After an hour or so we moved forward one at time down the hill and finally out onto the 18th fairway. Each car is escorted to its allotted place with the others in its class, in our case European Classic – Early. After a final wipe down we decide to head to breakfast, leaving our fellow competitors

to clean their tyres with a toothbrush (yes, really!).

Judging commenced around 9 o’clock.

Ours was the second of the five cars in our class to be judged. They work as a team evaluating each car against set criteria.

The head judge is the one who communicates with the owner. Only the owner is allowed to touch their car so the judges ask you to open the doors, start your engine, and answer any questions. It took them around 25 minutes to judge our car which was longer than usual and as we were told, a good sign.

After judging we took turns at answering questions about the J12 and wandering around the amazing selection

of some of the world’s most interesting automobiles. This year Isotta Fraschini was the featured marque plus it was the 70th anniversary of Ferrari. The Isottas were very elaborate and ornate with lots of presence. There was also a class for classic concept cars which had some real kooky machines such as a two wheel gyro car.

After lunch the parade of winners started class by class. When your class is getting close to being announced an official notifies the three top cars that “you have been nominated for an award”.

Very exciting words when they are for you. The three of us were then escorted to the clubhouse and lined up three abreast. There were nervous smiles and

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The famous Bridge on the Big Sur Highway.

Vineyard visit.

Giant Redwoods.

Timberline Lodge.

waves between the cars. The winners are announced in reverse order and we were surprised and delighted when third place was not us and somewhat stunned when second wasn’t us either. First!

Moments later we were on the podium receiving our first in class award. We were also awarded the Alec Ulmann trophy for the most significant Hispano Suiza.

Then we drove into the winners line up to await announcement of the best of show finalists. Wandering around and chatting to the other class winners and enjoying the buzz of a class win was certainly the highlight of the day.

Later, at the post show wind down party, many knowledgeable people kept telling us that we didn’t understand how

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significant our class win was. Well, we think the judges made an unorthodox choice in picking a car that, while it was very well restored, was, as one judge put it, a “real car”. One that had been set up for touring and extensively driven (including the 1700 mile drive down from Seattle).

One with stone chips and stress cracks. Of course the fact that it was a rare, correct, significant and attractive open car with an impeccable history was also essential to the win.

Driving back up to Seattle Monday morning after the Concours saw us packing the Hispano for the journey back to Seattle. We had chosen the coastal Highway 1 from San Francisco

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up the coast, and inland to Portland and up to Seattle. We covered some of the PBMC route in reverse but most of the trip up was over new roads. The California coastal scenery was beautiful and often spectacular particularly when there were off-shore islands next to sweeping beaches.

New PBMC friends in Portland took us for a sail on the Columbia River where we enjoyed our final swim of the trip.

Back in Seattle we left the J12 in Al McEwan’s care where it will remain until next year’s PBMC. Yes, we are going to do the Motoring Classic again next year. This time we, as non entrants in the Concours, will have time to enjoy more of the weekend’s events!

BW

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Beaded Wheels 21

L24 BSA Words and photos Stuart Francis

The story starts in 2014 when as previously related (issue 347) “Mossy” (a local character with an eerie ability to unearth old motorcycles) told me and my friend Donald about a stash of barn find motorcycles that were for sale. The 10 hour drive north to Kaikoura was well worth it. I bought a 1946 MAC Velocette, a 1924 L24 BSA and a 1915 Douglas Donald bought a 1918 BSA and a 1924 CW Douglas.

A

fter sorting out the 1946 MAC Velocette I turned my attention to what had been sold as a 1926 L26 3½ hp1 (350cc) side-valve BSA. The machine was a real barn find and I decided to try to keep as much of the patina as possible. By far the biggest problem was that the back wheel was missing, as were the exhaust pipe and magneto.

The rear mudguard was so damaged and twisted it could have been used as a very large corkscrew. The engine and gearbox looked like they needed some attention.

Fortunately it came with a load of secondhand parts, three engines, a refurbished barrel with a new piston, four gearboxes, a couple of clutches and some other spares.

The engine was quite an easy job. After removing the rather tired top end I found the bottom end was not too bad. Fitting the refurbished barrel and piston got the project off to a flying start. What did take time was making the cylinder head valve covers and sealing rings. Having 1 The RAC horsepower tax rating based on

piston area.

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machined a piece of brass to the right shape, screw-cutting the fine thread on my worn lathe was a bit fiddly, needing a couple of passes with a thread chaser before they felt right. Silver soldering a piece of bored out hexagon brass bar onto the top of the valve cover finished them off. The sealing rings were just very thin pieces of aluminium tube that I annealed to soften them.

The gearbox was next and after replacing the output shaft ball bearing and a rather worn gear selector, it all seemed to go together quite well. A suitable old Lucas magneto was found in my stock of spares to replace the missing item. A quick rebuild, including re-magnetising, produced a healthy spark.

The badly twisted rear mudguard was held together by the number plate mounting bracket. It took a lot of work to tease it straight, weld up the cracks, tap out the larger dents and paint it in an industrial semi matt black that looks like old worn enamel. The rear carrier looked alright until it was removed. It was twisted

and had a number of rust holes on the underside. Some deft work with the welder and grinder, followed by clamping it in the big vice and applying pressure through a piece of timber soon sorted it out. A quick coat of my favourite paint finished it off.

The front forks were stripped to check for wear. BSA used an unusual arrangement, the side links have short tubes brazed onto them that run in bushes in the steering head arms and fork legs. The tubes and bushes were slightly worn but were ok for a machine that might just exceed 45mph and will only be used on high days and holidays. I did replace the four very long bolts that held the side links in place, it looked like somebody had used an 18 inch Stilson wrench to tighten them.

By far the biggest job was fabricating the rear wheel. The narrow 19 inch, WM1 rim, rear wheel from my pile of bits seemed a good start. It quickly became clear that to centre the wheel rim, get the rear chain in line and brake plate in place the rim had to be re-spoked with a different offset

and a dished rear sprocket manufactured.

The sprocket needed three layers of metal to get the right amount of dishing, like three levels of a pyramid. Keeping the sprocket teeth concentric and true to the centre whilst welding it all up was a bit of a challenge. After a bit of trial and error and a quick skim in the lathe, it all started to line up.

Originally the 1924 L24 had dummy rim brakes at both ends but at some point the front brake had been replaced with the slightly later internal expanding band brake. The spring steel brake band is anchored at one end and the brake lever pushes the other end, expanding the band and forcing the friction material onto the inside of the brake drum. The friction material was rather worn, so after some initial discussions about bonding, a local friction material supplier riveted on a new lining. The rear brake is an early BSA Bantam item that does not look out of place.

The exhaust pipe was an old Matchless G80 pipe that was severely cut and shut

to fit the tortuous path it had to follow, leaving it outside in the rain to rust added to the look.

So after assembling all the bits together and the pipe work connected, it was time to start putting the oil and petrol into the tanks. The first concern was there seemed to be a small but persistent oil leak coming from the front left-hand side of the oil-tank. Initially I thought it was the hand oil pump pipe union, then I thought it was a split seam, but it eventually turned out to be a couple of tiny rust holes in the bottom of the tank.

The petrol tank was ok but petrol shot out of the AMAC carburettor when the fuel was turned on. Suspicion fell on the float level and after some head scratching it turned out that a later float needle had been fitted. Tony Warren, who owns a very nice 1928 ohv model, experienced the same problem and suggested fitting a hole-punch eyelet on the float needle shaft to adjust the fuel level. It helped considerably, however there was still a steady slow drip from the bottom of the Beaded Wheels 23

carburettor. Further delving revealed the float bowl union to the carburettor had been damaged and someone had tried to file the faces flat. Some tedious work with needle files has improved things no end but it still gets slightly damp at the joint.

The initial attempts to start the machine were very frustrating, tantalising occasional glimmers of ignition convinced me that success was just around the corner but it wasn’t. Whipping the plug out revealed a weak and intermittent spark and some very sooty deposits. With the bike back up on the work bench the problem became clear. Some of the oil from the leaking oil tank had got into the magneto.

After cleaning out the magneto I decided to take a slightly different approach to starting, no petrol, but a shot of “Start Ya Bastard”2 up the carburettor. After a couple of kicks it burst into life and ran for 30 seconds, repeating the process but turning the petrol on after it had fired got the machine running but clearly it was very rich, even with the air lever fully 2 An Australian brand of easy start is called “Start Ya Bastard”

24 Beaded Wheels

open. After further lowering the fuel level she would start and run reasonably well.

My first attempt at riding the machine was not the best experience I had ever had. The re-covered oversize bicycle saddle was very uncomfortable. Raising it and tipping it forward improved things no end but it still feels like I am sitting on the family jewels. However the real concern was the gear change. It was very difficult to engage first and nigh on impossible to change gear when the clutch was pulled in, although clutch-less changes were ok.

Suspicion fell on the gearbox mainshaft end float but initial checks with the clutch removed seemed to be ok. In a moment of desperation I rotated the main shaft slowly and found lots of end float, then carried on rotating and it disappeared. It turned out the large flat-faced engagement dogs on the gears were touching and masking the true end float. A thicker thrust washer soon sorted it out.

I was exchanging emails with Rick Parkington (an expert on these mid1920s BSAs) about the gearbox problem, when he pointed out that the machine was probably a 1924 model. He cited the

frame number, petrol tank construction, rear carrier construction and the lack of a damper on the front forks as good indicators that it was an earlier machine.

The L24 was BSA’s cooking 350cc sidevalve but as it had a 3 speed gearbox, clutch and kick-starter it was relatively easy to operate and maintain (the handbook suggests setting tappet gaps with a business card). BSA also produced a 500cc sidevalve version aimed at the sidecar market and a very nippy 350cc overhead valve version. In 1924 it would have had beaded edge wheels, changing over to wired rims in 1926/27. It is worth reflecting how far machines had come in the previous ten years when direct belt drive was still common and most machines had to be push started.

So what is it like to ride?

A good tickle on the carburettor, slightly retard the ignition, followed by a couple of hefty swings usually brings it chuffing into life. I give it a shot of oil from the hand pump at this point and check to see if the oil from the engine pump is dripping in the sight glass and

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

 adjust the drip rate. The clutch is quite light and first gear goes in with a clunk. is quite low so I quickly change up First to second whilst juggling the throttle, air lever and gear lever which are all  the right-hand side. Picking up speed on slowly I slip it into third and like a stately galleon it cruises along at about 30mph.

With the wide bent back handlebars the riding position is rather upright and the previously mentioned saddle makes its presence felt. The machine feels tall and slightly top heavy, although this may be rather more to do with my larger build.

Slowing down takes a bit of time and coordination. The front (expanding band)

brake is rather weak, it may improve a bit when the new lining beds down (it was considered to be a significant improvement over the dummy belt rim brake). The Bantam rear brake is reasonably effective and is the brake I rely upon. However at some point you have to change down, I leave this as late as possible as it involves closing the throttle and air lever and letting go of the front brake to move the gear change lever, all with the right hand.

I have tried clutch-less gear-changes with the left hand but with little success.

So the key question is, was it worth the effort? I can only respond with a resounding yes. Once you get used to its



foibles, it is a real blast to ride on country roads, and the technical challenges only add to the enjoyment. I must admit I wouldn’t want to do much town riding given the slow acceleration and poor brakes, but that aside I usually finish up with a big cheesy grin on my face whilst riding it. The only outstanding niggle is that I have broken two kick start springs so far and finding a replacement is difficult.

BW

Postscript: I was recently coerced by local photographer David Russell (Southern Exposures) into helping with a photo shoot for a family antiviolence campaign poster. He wanted an old motorcycle for a steam punk lady to pose on, the 1924 BSA L24 fitted the bill. The lady arrived one Sunday afternoon dressed up in her steam punk outfit, complete with a hard leather corset which her partner then proceeded to tighten up – rather like that scene in Gone with the Wind. She got on the bike with some difficulty due to the tight corset and David took over 100 images in different poses and locations around our property. I did ask whether she would like to ride the bike but her experience was limited to modern machines. Hand change, lever throttle machines with virtually no brakes can be a bit of a challenge.

Beaded Wheels 25

HIN BE

D THE WHE

EL

What we did before cell-phones were invented!

Behind the Wheel of a 1930s Meccano Car Constructor Kit Number 2 Words and photos Greg Price

I

magination – something to be encouraged in youngsters today. If imagination is no longer in their gene pool, then who is going to invent all the stuff that will be needed in the future?

As a youngster I of necessity relied on my imagination to enable me to create the playthings that would otherwise have eluded me, primarily because of the prohibitive cost of the actual toys. I recall a couple of young boys around the corner from where I lived who liked the new trolley busses and created their own, albeit 26 Beaded Wheels

in very simple form – two smallish pieces of wood with two nails on the top of each sloping slightly to the rear. Around the same time I had a fascination with hot rods (and I still do) so I made my own using some flattened corrugated iron moulded into a coupe shape, two strips of coat hanger wire for the axles, five pieces of round spade handle cut for the wheels, some wax straws for the exhausts, and some paint. The grille was formed from a couple of the new shiny metal milk bottle caps and pressed over a 3-ply piece of wood

sanded to shape like a ’32 Ford. Milk bottle tops also made excellent rocker covers on the V8 engine.

The hours spent constructing this model paid off, because when my mother saw my creativity she bought me a Number 3 Meccano Set which served my construction traits very well for many years. The Meccano Set probably helped to develop my life-long interest in fixing cars. Due to restrictions in place around the time, it was difficult to import toys, possibly to assist the fledgling New Zealand toy companies

like Lincoln, Lines Brothers and NZ-based Tri-ang. If my memory serves me correctly, these companies all operated out of the same factory in Panmure, Auckland.

Meccano Sets have been around since at least the early 1900s. Meccano Ltd, Liverpool, also made Hornby Trains. Once the gurus at Meccano caught on to the fact that their constructor kits were selling well they introduced additional bits and pieces to the sets, including a set of 24 different ship funnels. Clearly model boats were the thing to build at that time. (How they floated with all those small holes in the panels is something that has intrigued me for years.) In 1931 an aeroplane constructor kit was made available and the next year Meccano introduced its new Motor Car Constructor set. Advertisements showed that a range of six different models could be assembled from the interchangeable metal parts, held together with nickelplated six BA nuts and bolts (hexagonal – as opposed the square Meccano Set type).

For the era these sets were amazing.

For starters, they did not look dissimilar to the real-life-sized Lagondas, Bentleys, Alvis and other large sports cars of that time.

There were properly-shaped mudguards (inclusive of running boards or not), properly formed brackets for affixing the guards to the model, a working expanding handbrake that locked up the rear wheel (helpful for holding the wheels still while winding it up), two different styled grilles, five 1½ inch wheels with white Dunlop branded tyres, (branded Firestone for the US market) and a special ‘high power’ clockwork motor. The parts came already painted enabling four colour schemes for the finished model. Initially the cars came in three colour variations – red, green or blue. Later in 1935, two-tone configurations became available. Red with light blue mudguards, light blue with cream mudguards, green with yellow mudguards and cream with red mudguards. Probably the most innovative part of the model was the steering. This involved a reversethreaded rod so that when the steering wheel was turned to the right the wheels also pointed to the right. A driver was added later, thus the earlier model seats had no hole for the driver. The later model seats had two holes, but a passenger was never offered.

The downside was the price. Early adverts noted a purchase price of £1/8/9 (One pound, eight shillings and nine pence) and quite quickly rose to 25/(twenty five shillings). Given that the average wage in the UK around 1935 was

just three pounds 10 shillings, such a toy represented about one-third to one half of the average man’s wages.

The fact that these were probably for the most part rich-kid’s toys might explain the fact that despite their being nearly 85 years old, there are quite a lot of survivors, (the cars, not the kids) particularly in the UK. This might also explain why very few of the parts that have recently come onto the market have ever been re-painted.

While perusing TradeMe’s for sale pages I spotted a listing for a ‘Rare Meccano Clockwise Sports Car’ (I think he meant clockwork?) towards the end of 2016. It was listed as having some parts missing.

The final price I paid was not cheap, but at least I got a starter project. Once it arrived, I did some research and I found that it was missing a lot of the original parts.

The good news was that it was one of the very early models as the rear section was brass. Initially I was of a mind to simply make what I had work (and have say a Brooklands-type racer) but then I decided that I would attempt to source the missing parts and end up with a complete example.

The next step was to check EBay’s listings.

As luck would have it I discovered that I had narrowly missed the most recent listings for some of the parts that I wanted.

Hopefully there would be more listings, and fortunately there were. An emerging trend (one frowned upon by the Meccano aficionados) is to obtain a complete car and then dismantle it and sell off the parts

separately as this invariably results in much higher prices.

The next task was to establish what a complete Constructor Car set comprised and that’s when I discovered that there were actually three such cars – The Number Two example was followed by a smaller-sized Number One version, and then a ‘non-constructor’ version similar in size to the Number One version. Most important to note was the fact that Number One parts were not interchangeable with Number Two parts. So best not to get your number ones and twos mixed up, right?

It’s quite fascinating to find out just how much of the early Meccano literature has survived and is accessible to view on the internet. I would have really struggled if I had been required to write to all those overseas people to obtain the bits and pieces that I needed. I still have some of my early Meccano magazines which were standard bedtime reading for mechanicallyminded schoolboys back in the day. These Meccano magazines provided additional information despite the fact that these constructor toys were already 30-40 –years old in the 1960s.

Having established that a full Number Two Constructor set comprises over 130 individual parts I set about gathering up the items I needed, buying them from TradeMe and Ebay.

The first items I managed to find were the base plates, a couple of the mudguards, some more wheels and the other more Beaded Wheels 27

p o i n t y- s h a p e d rear end. Then I decided that it might be better to buy a couple more semi-complete cars and make one complete one out of the three.

The problem with that theory was what to do with the bits left over?’ I know, let’s make another complete car. Better yet, let’s make one of each of the colour combinations and with each of the various body options. After all, there’s only one thing better than a Meccano Constructor car and that is two of them – or three or four, maybe? All up I had 137 separate purchases of Meccano Constructor parts. I even managed to score an original battery and its bracket. The only parts I’m still missing are the actual bulbs and wiring for the headlights, and the original switch for the dashboard. I could have bought them if I had been prepared to pay over £250 stg – which I wasn’t. Well not yet anyway.

28 Beaded Wheels

model.

The original white rubber tyres cleaned up well with my whitewall tyre cleaner.

T here was another downside to assembling these cars – whatever you do, do not drop one of the tiny BA nuts or screws on the kitchen floor (which I did several times). An issue with working with 97-year-old tyres is that they can be quite brittle, and to get the rear wheels on and off the tyres needed to be slid, or rolled, carefully off the rims to access the grub screws that secure the wheel to the axle. So I cheated and bought some fine reproduction tyres from a fellow in France and used these on the rear wheels of each

The Test Drive Meccano Constructor Cars come with a strong clockwork motor – similar to those in the larger O gauge, but not interchangeable. With the steering wheel turned to the left or to the right, and with the handbrake firmly engaged, place the car on a large section of concrete, and release the brake. Assuming of course that you have fully wound the motor, and if the concrete is smooth (and wet) the car will most likely execute a really cool doughnut before completing several circuits.

Notwithstanding the expense of this exercise (and the significant dent it made to my E-Type Jaguar purchase fund) I’m happy to be able to look after these cars until it is time to pass them on to the next curator. As we all know, we never actually own anything – we simply look after it for the next person. While a full-sized car restoration is not an option for many of us, rebuilding one (or two) of these has got to be the next best thing.

BW

rally snippets

Auckland: David Norton’s property at Tauhei where we viewed his collection of machinery and stationery engines.

Hunua 100

Auckland Branch

Words Jocelyn McAlpine, photos Russell McAlpine

Our annual event kicked off on the Saturday of Labour Weekend with a garden party and presentation of six 50 year badges. Congratulations to John Stokes, Dudley Kitson, Barry Birchall, Russel Vincent, Alan Price and Jim Bell.

Having our National President Diane Quarrie on hand to present these awards was indeed appreciated.

Sunday dawned somewhat drizzly, with our plotter Peter Alderdice unfazed after the stormy weather, complete with hail, that he had to contend with last month when he organised our annual PV– P80 event. Fifty-eight vehicles entered.

Regrettably the Model T and one of the five bikes broke down en-route to the start at the Hunua Village. The American marques were much in prominence with 29 examples, next Old Blighty with 22, then three Europeans, two from Japan and two from the now defunct Australian vehicle industry.

The morning section took us down to Miranda with great views of the Firth of Thames and along roads usually too far south for Auckland rallies and too far north for Waikato events, so there were a lot of traffic-free roads and some new scenery to enjoy.

After lunching at the Mangateparu Hall we were treated to a great machinery collection at Tauhei before travelling back to Hunua via another scenic route taking in Lake Waikare and Whangamarino Wetlands. There were weary but satisfied bones that uncoiled/dismounted themselves from their vehicles after some 140 miles to enjoy a very welcome afternoon tea.

Our congratulations to Rodger and Val Ball, overall winners, who with the committee urge you to join us for Labour Weekend 2018 to celebrate our 60th Hunua 100 – we plan to make it special.

Sulphur City Rally 2017 Rotorua Branch

Words Cliff Wickham, Ronald Mayes, photos Ronald Mayes

Where do I start? “At the beginning”, Shona says. Friday night we caught up with fellow competitors at the Rotorua clubrooms over a very nice dinner.

Saturday morning we left the clubrooms with clear instructions as to where to go – “leave 7 streets on the right.” Nearly caught out and the next instruction made us think again, but around Mount Ngongotaha and into straight-line navigation, which was well done and easy to follow. The straight-ahead rule worked well but the angle of one of the road signs had us thinking again. Around Kaharoa to the north of Lake Rotorua and we found the “coin” (Penny) road and carried on around the north of Lake Rotoiti to Maniatutu Road and the lunch stop at Rotoma School.

A hangi lunch was provided by the school and enjoyed by all but unfortunately that was the end of the rally – the grounds were just too wet for the planned gymkhana.

The prize-giving dinner was again held at the Sudima Hotel in downtown Rotorua, with everyone enjoying a great night. A big thanks to the team for organising a top rally that had us thinking all the way and caused lots of discussion from the visitors about some of the finer points.

We look forward to the next one.

Fifty-seven pairs of competitors took part in the rally, 17 from Rotorua and the rest from as far afield as Hawke’s Bay, the Bay of Plenty, King Country, Waikato, and North Shore. Single-figure numbers of vintage, post-vintage, post-war and post-1980 cars took part, and the largest single group was that of the post-1960 brigade, 31 in total. Seven of us took the touring option (well, we had to give others the chance to be winners) and a little local knowledge from last year about a potentially very muddy section saw the writer’s car arrive at the lunch stop in a clean condition and from the wrong direction.

When asked by the marshall about that she was told “We took a wrong turning.”

Results Vintage Bill and Adelai Skelton, Rotorua Austin 7 Post-Vintage Stu and Val Clotworthy, Waikato, Dodge Post-War Ross and Jason Munro, Rotorua, Austin-Healey

Sprite P60 Tony and Judy Brierley, Waikato Wolseley 18/85

Rotorua: Pieter and Johanna Duetz Ebeling, 1929 Standard Exmouth.

Beaded Wheels 29

Nelson: The Lewis Family arrive at Tapawera in their 1934 Riley 9

Nelson Biennial Rally Nelson Branch

Words Viv and Les Broughton, photos Ray Robertson

On Friday night 56 people gathered at the clubrooms for noggin ‘n’ natter. On Saturday 65 entrants (18 from out of town) were ready for motoring on an excellent Nelson day. The Branch Chairman welcomed us all and before leaving we had 10 quick fire questions (tricky).

The run was into Moutere Hills with picture perfect views of Tasman bay with the veterans going the opposite way on their routes. Horns tooting and lots of waves.

Into Motueka township with a Quick pit stop. Then over Motueka bridge to the West Bank through rolling countryside with navigators looking for answers to questions on rally sheets. We came to a small valley with beautiful trees and found out they were Paulonia tomentosa

(Chinese empress tree), stunning. Then into the township of Tapawera where the local school provided a fantastic lunch.

Returning back via Reay Saddle, Eighty Eight Valley to Wakefield then on to Richmond. Dinner and prizegiving was in the evening at the Club Waimea.

Sunday with the cool start we headed into the foothills of Richmond, out to Appleby bridge, into Redwood valley with a amazing views around the edge of Neudorf, down to the Mapua wharf where 70 people sat down for brunch at The Apple Shed Café.

Results Veteran Dave Stewart 1906 Star Vintage Richard Topliss 1924 Rolls Royce Post Vintage Murray Murdoch 1939 Chevrolet Post War Richard Conlon 1931 Arial Highest Points Visitor Tristan Winstanley 1954 Citroen

Nelson: Line up of vehicles at Tapawera School lunch stop.

30 Beaded Wheels

Nelson: Veteran winners Dave and Nancy Stuart in their 1906 Star

Highest Points Nelson Mem Murray Murdoch 1939Chevrolet Overall Winner Murray Murdoch 1939 Chevrolet Hard luck tool kit Sharon Kennedy (Navigator for husband Pat) Les & Viv Broughton

Event Centre Display Waimate Branch

Article and photos by Leendert DenBrave

What do cars, carpet and basketball have in common? Well this year the Waimate Branch was invited to display our cars indoors. The invitation was from the Waimate50 motorsport festival. The discussion was had and we were asked to enter as many cars as possible. The Waimate Classic and Custom Club was also asked. This way we had enough vehicles to make an interesting show.

The Waimate district has built a new event centre that is mainly for indoor sports so the main hall floor has wooden basketball courts. This was a problem that had to be overcome as car tyres would ruin it. The solution to this problem was to cover the floor with pieces of carpet 1 x 2 metres in size and it took about 650 of them to cover the floor. A dozen volunteers had them installed in just over an hour. When this was completed we drove the cars in. This was a first for us and then we learned that placing cars inside a building is a lot different than for a parking lot. What looks good outside may not look good inside. Several arrangements were tried until we finally settled on one.

The showing was quite successful considering it was the first time for us.

We had just over 450 people viewing and

several asking about the club and what it takes to join. We also asked them what they would like to see and how we could improve the showing and received some very good suggestions which we will try to implement. This was a great learning curve for us.

The variety of cars was from a barn find Austin A40 Devon to a Ferrari 328 that was in near perfect condition and Prefects, P76, even a Bond car.

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Balcairn Trial 2017 Banks Peninsula Branch Words Michael Williams, photos John McDonald

Johnny Moore attempting the stop an restart test, much to the bowel churning fear displayed by Craig Cowie.

F

inally, it happened. We were worried that the ground would still be too wet, but the Flemings farm has sponge like qualities, and it was surprisingly dry given the amount of rain that had fallen. Because of the date change entries were down as many of the Nelson contingent were not able to come. So it was a quality not quantity field that duly assembled at the field of battle, with a classy looking new entrant, a Bugwog.

Owner/constructor John Screen had taken a Morris Minor, wisely thrown away the body, and constructed a very convincing Bugatti Type37 replacement. It looked superb, as all French cars do, and by next year John will have made it go as well as it looks, as teething troubles prevented it from unleashing its full potential. Typical French car really.

Lindsay and Andrew Painter were in a very smart looking A7 Special, complete with yellow number plates, and like the Bugwog, it will no doubt unleash its full potential when they do something about the turning circle. Typical A7 really.

Talking of unleashing full potential, Johnny Moore had thrown caution to the winds 32 Beaded Wheels

and doubled the value of the family A7 by recklessly spending $65 on new sparkplugs, oil and oil filter. Mike Ludecke and the Owens were flying the Ford flag and the Dawber boys were in the vast Pontiac.

Phil and Clarke Mauger brought out the BiMotore Special. which tends to be crowd favourite, and Avon Hyde and Damon Rose, top gun A7 pilots and contenders for the South Island Championship, were looking grim and focused.

Because of the smaller field, six stages were on the agenda. Stage One is the hardest and 40 points were on offer. Phil Mauger got out to an early lead with 34, with the other top guns on 32. Johnny Moore scored 11, proving that new spark plugs are no substitute for skill, and George Kear, normally very competitive, scored 3.

Pressure and sponsors’ expectations at this top level of motorsport I suppose.

Stage Two, Jelfs Shelf, is often the graveyard of expectation, and so it was that Avon Hyde zigged instead of zagged at a marker, thus losing vital points, with the other top guns getting 20. Craig Cowie, having a works drive in the Moore A7, was looking promising, as distinct from

the owner, and Greg May, another A7 works driver, was looking good in the Paul Cameron A7.

Stage Three was just too easy, in spite of looking tricky and once they got through the bog at the start, most got to the top and earned 20 easy points. However it was becoming obvious that starting early was a huge advantage as the later starters got stuck in the ruts, usually created by the Dawber Pontiac as it attempted to move forward. The Painter A7 was a victim of this, disappearing ignominiously into Pontiac sized ruts. Search parties eventually located car and driver.

Stage Four, Newell’s Nemisis, is usually very tricky, but the organisers had been too kind and taken out a nasty little bend that usually defeats many. As a consequence of this virtually everyone got 20, except for the Pontiac which proved that size does matter by not being able to get round a tight corner.

The organisers felt confident that Stage Five, which involves a nasty stop/start on a steep bit of gravel track, would both expose the inherent frailty of vintage handbrakes, and the inherent inability of vintage

The watchers, critical, hawkeyed and wordless.

David Owen’s passenger on realising what lies ahead.

Greg May borrowed Malcolm Cameron’s car for this two wheeled stunt, while Gary Moore stays focussed

Successful hill restart from Damon Rose, looks of relief all round.

Malcolm Cameron’s face suggest he vehemently dislikes driving his Austin 7.

The bugwog in action. Photo Mark Dawber

Craig Cowie reaches for the vital missing piece of equipment. Photo Mark Dawber

drivers to operate them. How wrong they were. Both men and machines responded to the challenge to everyone’s surprise, and far too many scored an effortless 20.

Crucially, Damon Rose failed the stop/start and lost vital points, and Avon Hyde was seen to smile. The Moore/Cowie A7 pilots were not confident that the clutch and handbrake of their finely honed machine would cope with the rigours of a stop/start, and depending on your point of view, either descended to a new low of cunning rules manipulation, or showed lateral thinking skills to overcome a seemingly insurmountable problem. As they approached the stop/ start line Craig, who was sitting in the back seat of the tourer, was holding a large piece of wood. (Craig is about two metres tall and has arms that would make a gorilla jealous). As the car shuddered to a stop, he leaned out and placed the bit of wood under a back wheel (see photo). But in spite of this cunning plan, the A7 failed to proceed forward and with the delicate smell of burning clutch, and clouds of blue smoke, rolled back down the hill. The phrase “cheats never prosper” does come to mind, and one has to sympathise about

the desperate lengths that A7 owners are forced to go to. Another theory was that the piece of wood was a piece of bodywork/ chassis that had come off and was simply being re-attached.

And so on to Stage Six which was “mud, mud, glorious mud,” as Flanders and Swann put it. The early starters got 20 if they were light and nimble, so Phil Mauger really did have the luck of the draw and scored 20, as did Mike Ludecke in the Ford Special.

Damon Rose in his very light A7 also got 20 and Avon Hyde, who didn’t, was seen to scowl. The ruts got deeper, the cars sank deeper, and even the Landrovers that were on towing duty struggled to move some of the cars. Great fun to watch of course, and a great leveller in terms of points scored.

Most got six or seven, especially those down the draw.

So a fitting and hilarious end to another great day at the Fleming farm at Balcairn.

We’ve been going there for 23 years, and every year there are new entrants with new cars, which keeps the veterans on their toes.

Yet again, the coveted Old Boot Trophy went to Phil Mauger in the BiMotore hotrod.

BW

Added complexity, the winner was this Austin powered by Coventry-Climax. Two engines because we could. Two wheel drive because of regs.

Broad grin suggest Balcairn is a lot more fun than drifting your modern.

The navigators instructions should be obeyed at all costs.

Beaded Wheels 33

Taupo Branch Golden Jubilee September 2017 Words Neil Chave, Chairman Taupo VCC Photos Greg Nattress & Tony Mannington.

Business as usual AGM 2017

Words Marilyn McKinlay, photos Steve Gee

Members’ cars at the Tongariro Domain for the Show & Shine.

O

n Saturday 9 September the Taupo Branch celebrated its Golden Jubilee, starting in the morning with a Show & Shine of members’ cars on the Tongariro Domain and followed by a luncheon for all present and past members at the Suncourt Hotel. The weather wasn’t the brightest for the Show & Shine but a good number braved the elements and the local public that came along enjoyed the display.

We were honoured to have our National President Dianne Quarrie and husband Geoff present on the day and they came from Hawke’s Bay to officiate at the lunch.

We also hosted the newly appointed North Island Club Captain Kaaren Smylie and her husband Jim. A commemorative cake was cut by National President Dianne ably assisted by the Branch Patron Graham

Mock and foundation member Bruce Carrad.

In 1959 Graham Mock was the first club member to ‘emigrate’ to Taupo. He and his wife June were introduced to the vintage car movement in 1957 by Ernie Bricknell and following this Graham bought their 1924 Durant in 1958. The Taupo branch was founded when Phil Andrews and Graham Mock put an advertisement in the local paper to gauge support for forming a Taupo branch of the VCC of New Zealand.

It was obvious from the meeting in the Andrews’ home on 5 July 1967, with 21 enthusiasts present and 11 apologies, that this was sufficient encouragement for Graham to put forward a proposal to form a branch in Taupo.

The Taupo branch was constituted at a public meeting on 9 September 1967.

1983 was a significant year in the branch history. Ron Clerke, the then chairman, encouraged the committee to obtain a builder’s shed for use as a clubrooms. In 1988, with Peter Attwood in the chair, a football clubrooms was acquired and joined to the original building. In 1991, with Graham Mock back in the chair, he was able to see the completion of another extension including a toilet block and kitchen. In 1997 a two storey extension was added.

The branch currently has approximately 70 members and is actively involved with local community affairs supporting the local Taupo Hospice, Blind Foundation, Cancer Society and many other organisations.

The branch now looks forward to its BW next 50 years.

National President Dianne Quarrie, Taupo National President Dianne Quarrie Jimmie the ‘24 Durant Branch Patron Graham Mock and Foundation presenting the 50 year Certificate to member Bruce Carrad cutting the Golden Jubilee Branch Chairman Neil Chave.

Cake 34 Beaded Wheels

Diane Ross 38 Keenans Road RD 2, Ashburton randross@kinect.co.nz

brass notes News for Brass Notes has been harder to get this time around. I think our veteran motorists have either hibernated or traveled to somewhere warmer over the winter and who can blame them.

For the last issue I talked to Evan Moorhouse of Nelson about his Cadillac and he told me Dave Stuart, also of Nelson, was working on his 1906 Star. The car was motorable but had some worrying noises coming from the motor. I’ve since spoken to Dave who tells me they have just redone the motor with Evan manufacturing new conrods and he intends having it rallying again within a few weeks.

The car came into New Zealand as a Stuart made by the Star company and still has the Stuart hubcaps on it today. It more than likely came into Hawke’s Bay and was later owned by Paul Hicks before going into storage in Blenheim for some years. When Dave got it he did some work to make it motorable and modified the oil system for more efficient lubrication.

It still has the original body and Dave intends making hood bows and adding a hood.

Ian Howell from Dannevirke is slowly working through the restoration of the 1912 Crossley project he got from Howard Hill in Wellington in 1974. The engine, chassis, gear box, radiator, some mechanicals and the aluminum firewall were all there. Through a Brisbane contact who had a similar car he was able to swap parts.

A gig jack was swapped for a radiator and

Diane and Rob Ross’ 1907 Cadillac.

wire wheels were carried back across the Tasman as hand luggage, as you could do in those days. He ended up with a front axle and differential parts with no money changing hands.

By attending the local polytechnic Ian learned the necessary skills to build the two seater body and later also took classes in panel beating to learn more about metal work.

A retired motor cycle mechanic built three wheels but unfortunately died before completing the full set.

The motor was in good condition and he has the headlights ready to go.

We look forward to seeing the car on the road again.

Dennis Scanlan from Auckland is now the owner of the very desirable 1913 Sunbeam 12/16 restored by Bill Janes from Tauranga. Dennis has done a few jobs on it and tells me he’s looking forward to the weather improving so he can enjoy driving it.

Dennis and Ros Lowe from Auckland are treating their Curved Dash Oldsmobile to new upholstery.

Although it was unavailable then he did say he would be interested in it if it ever became surplus to requirements. Patience paid off, the phone call came, and we picked it up in a dismantled state. Some work had been done by the previous owner since it was retrieved from a pit in the Tekapo area, but Rob redid the mechanicals as they had been sitting around so long he wanted to make sure nothing had deteriorated before putting it all together.

It’s heartening to hear that a group of Auckland veteran vehicle enthusiasts have started having regular get togethers under the umbrella of the Auckland Branch.

This has been a worthwhile initiative and well attended. An idea that could work well in other branches.

Sadly another veteran car stalwart was farewelled in Christchurch recently. Errol Smith succumbed to illness. He will be remembered for his generosity and hospitality by the old car fraternity throughout the country. I trust there will be Model Ts in heaven Errol. Our thoughts are with Kathryn and family.

BW

Our own 1907 Cadillac is up and running and only has to be certified before hitting the road. You may recall that I mentioned in Brass Notes a couple of years ago that Rob saw it stored in the rafters of a shed 40 something years ago.

1906 12hp Star (Stuart).

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 Beaded Wheels 35

Big End Knocks

mutterings of a mature motorcyclist Are you all fettled and ready for the new year of motorcycling? I’ve had a go at curing a troublesome oil leak and while we were at it I found a new piston in the boxes of bits that came with the bike. So she has had bit of tender loving care at very little expense thank you to all the kind helpers. A fancy $40 gasket lasted 40 km and blew apart a new $15 job and a little crude surgery seems to have fixed it (fingers crossed).

I’ve been getting some riding time in partly to prove the machinery and mostly because I like to be up there on the hills or out in the country. I recently revisited one of my old rides that that I did 40 odd years ago. Rapaki track was one of the first tracks I found to go off road. This was followed up with an attack on the Bridle Path and The Gorse Track all on road bikes.

When I was running a competition AJS the Sunday morning ride up and over the Bridle Path to Lyttleton was on the menu.

I somehow think that would be frowned on now that the path has been sanitised.

I will confess to riding up Rapaki on my modern trail bike and most enjoyable it was too. That is of course still a public road and I suspect there are a few of those old roads around for the daft or adventurous to play on. I don’t see why the mountain bikers should have all the fun. At least this way I can still get to the places my legs are no longer capable of taking me to and

I’m thick skinned enough to take the odd grumpy look or remark.

Forty-five years ago (or was it longer?)

I was one of the crew that rode with Bob Burns pioneering trail riding. Bob was a great one for finding paper roads and we visited some wonderful places and had some epic rides. I’ll bore you about some of them some other time. We had some great trips on a Triumph mountain Cub and a Greeves, even in the snow.

I had always had an interest in offroad riding and had ridden trials in England on a variety of machines, so all this open country was a gift from the Gods to me.

The only thing that I would dearly love to do still is ride without that damned helmet. When I started this two wheeled caper only posers or competition riders wore ‘brain buckets’. The rest of us wore caps, berets or went bare headed. In the winter a flying helmet was a good idea to keep your ears from freezing. Of course the really sporty riders had caps with the peak at the back and held it on with Mk VIII goggles. This was before Auntie decided we were all suicidal idiots and had to be made to wear a helmet for our own good.

I’m never convinced about the sanity factor when I see a scooter rider wearing a tee shirt, jandals, no gloves and a full face ‘brain bucket”. As evidence refer to my photo above of my £15 Frantic Basket about to do a loop the loop. Seconds later it went over my shoulder but on the next attempt I got it right and cleaned the section in spite of the top metre of the hill being vertical. Ah those were the days, when we were young enough to bounce where now we know full well we would break something for sure! Okay folks, keep on riding every excuse you get.

Remember growing old may be mandatory but growing up is optional.

BW

Congratulations to the following members who have recently been awarded their 50 Year Awards

Lyall Bailey, Southland Jim Bell, Auckland Barry Birchall, Auckland Dereck Brownie, South Canterbury Des Fowler, Canterbury Robert Grant, Southland Graham Henley, Canterbury Ted Hockley, Canterbury Howard Kingsford-Smith, Southland Dudley Kitson, Auckland Ian Lamb, Canterbury Norm Sisson, Canterbury Paul Seaton, Canterbury John Stokes, Auckland Terry McQuinn, Canterbury Alan Price, Auckland Russell Vincent, Auckland Due to the increasing number of members eligible to receive their 50 years awards, abridged citations will no longer be published in Beaded Wheels. Recipients will be listed in Beaded Wheels in the issue following their presentation.

6

NZ’s HOME OF THE

GARAGE

CHEVROLET

JONESY’S FULL SERVICE WORKSHOP, COVERING ALL AREAS OF PARTS, PANEL, MECHANICAL AND RESTORATIONS

VISIT OUR WEBSITE & ONLINE SHOP

www.jonesys.co.nz

36 Beaded Wheels

1 Newton Place, Hamilton Jonesy’s Garage

Ph: 07 847 6706 Email: orders@jonesys.co.nz

marketplace CLASSIFIED RATES Due to space limitation, classified advertisers should refrain from the use of dashes, spaces, logos, blank lines and formatting. All classified rates include GST. The 65 word limit includes contact details. Advertisers requiring ads longer than the standard 65 words, or who require typography or space, must apply display rates. The advertising department reserves the right to edit or return classifieds not meeting the criteria Member of Vintage Car Club No charge for text or photo classified advertising.

Members must be financial and identify their Branch.

Non Member $21 for first 40 words or part thereof, thereafter 15 cents per word to a maximum of 65 words per advertisement.* Text in a Boxed Ad $24 non-members,* Colour Photo Ad in Box $56 non-members, enclose a clear photo and an SAE if return required.* Above rates apply for each advertisement.

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All display rates quoted exclude GST and are for finished digital artwork ­supplied. Artwork can be arranged at an extra charge.

Deadline for copy 10th of month preceding publication.

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

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

Where possible Beaded Wheels will refund 70% of the advertisement cost for any cancellations received after the booking deadline. *Payment by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing charge of 3% Beaded Wheels makes every effort to ensure no misleading claims are made by advertisers, responsibility cannot be accepted by Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) for the failure of any product or service to give satisfaction. Inclusion of a product or ­service should not be construed as endorsement of it by Beaded Wheels or by the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.).

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

1927 BUICK TOURER 6 cylinder unrestored condition selling on behalf. Good runner, reg on hold, exterior paint was tidied up some 30 years ago. Seats, door panels had retrim in leather, will consider a trade on small MG or Triumph sports car.

Please contact for further info phone 03 543 2662

MEM NELSON 1927 TROJAN 3-DOOR TOURER g ood condition.

Needs nothing. Successfully completed troublefree Wanganui 2012 rally, very little use since.

POA. 1978 Citroen CX Pallas. NZ new, two owners.

Manual. Future classic. $7,500. 1968 Lancia Fulvia Zagato. UK racing history. Over $30K spent. $20,000. 1982(?) Kawasaki KZ400. 2 owners low mileage. Needs refurbishment. Offers. John.

Contact yeatsman38@gmail.com in first instance please. Nelson area. MEM NELSON

BALANCING BALANCING BALANCING, e can balance most Vintage and single cylinder W 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 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

GOT VIBRATION PROBLEMS? T he crankshaft pulley/balancer/damper may be the cause. Rubber perishes over time. John at Harmonic Damper Rebuilds can rebuild your pulley like new. He has a proven system to re-rubber and re-sleeve dampers. Most can be rebuilt as good as new and save you money and engine repairs. 027 666 3350 or 07 863 3350 damperdude@gmail.com

1930 VAUXHALL KINGSTON PARTS – 2 good radiators and surrounds. 1 cylinder head, cylinder block, 2 only 7 main bearing crankshafts, pistons, conrods, two only differential and housings, rear and front axles, self starter, distributor, shockies and many other Vauxhall parts. Five only good second hand 6.00 x 20 tyres and tubes. One new Mitsubishi grill for 1995-96. Two Toyota Land Cruiser J differential heads and 1 housing. Set of 4 BMW 635 alloy wheels. South Canterbury Branch HUBCAPS – any problems contact me.

VCC C/- J. Campbell on 03 686 0282 or email I now produce either hubcap skins or complete hubcaps. These are top quality replicas. Pressed jjlc@slingshot.co.nz. not spun to the closest possible original 1940 MORRIS 8 SERIES E 2 DOOR. Heaps of spares. specifications. I can manufacture any model Rego on Hold. Workshop manual. Stripped ready for that uses the skin system plus many others restoration. Personalised number plate included in provided they do not exceed 10½" in diameter. price of $1,200 ono. Phone Colin on 03 236 8424. For more information phone Dave Patten

M EM SOUTHLAND Replica Manufacturing (2003) Ltd, Phone 027 1993 TOYOTA MR2, 2 litre turbo, red, Targa 247 7956, 160 New York Street, Martinborough. top, 192,000km, Momo steering wheel, above dave.patten@wise.net.nz

average condition. $4,995. Phone 03 972 0250.

M EM MARLBOROUGH 1936 PLYMOUTH/FARGO PICK UP c olonial cab. Tidy body little rust in cab. Six cylinder, 3 speed, new CARBURETTOR RECONDITIONING — including wheel cylinders. Cab and tray off chassis. Needs classic and performance makes. 40 plus years restoration. $6,500 ono. Phone 03 615 6383, 027 trade experience. Free advice. Contact Graeme 324 1765. MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY Tulloch, Tulmac Carburettor Specialists on 027 612 MAGNETO AND COIL WINDING SERVICES Magneto 2312 or (Levin) 06 368 2202 repairs, coil rewinding, work guaranteed. We buy and sell magnetos of all types except aircraft.

DISTRIBUTOR & FUEL PUMP 728 Waimutu Road, RD2 Marton 4788.

PARTS AND SERVICE Phone Warwick 06 327 3849, 027 281 8066, walandlynn@farmside.co.nz MEM We rebuild distributors, vacuum advance units, mechanical fuel pumps and supply parts new, VINTAGE ENGINE SHORTBLOCKS NOS, remanufactured and used.

We can in most cases rebuild your shortblock using Vacuum advancers restored. modern shell bearings, new pistons and rebuilt oil Electronic ignition kits to eliminate points. pump. Please contact us for more information.

Quality Rebuilds, M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, 85 Polo Prince Dr, Manurewa, Auckland, 2576.

Christchurch, Ph 03 366 7463, Fax 03 366 7462, email: peter@qualityrebuilds.com mscoombesltd@clear.net.nz www.qualityrebuilds.com

PHONE PETER 09 267 4700 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

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 Beaded Wheels 37

1942 WLA BASKETCASE. F rame, some motor, front forks, parts for front wheel, two rims, front brakes petrol tank, gearbox, primary drive cover. $11,000 ono. Phone Owen 027 6769 802.

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@gmail.com

VINTAGE CARS FOR SALE. 1928 Buick 47 Master Sedan. Requires upholstery to complete restoration. $16,000. 1909 Hupmobile. 1917 Buick roadster, 99% rest. POA. 1914 Overland tourer. 1920 Oakland roadster. Reduced. 1926 Morris Cowley. 1929 Austin 7. 1938 Nash Lafayette. Original cond.

We import vehicles from the USA. Tell us your requirements. Ex. Shipper available. Rushmore Motors Ltd. Phone 027 22 45 045.

1975 AUSTIN MAXI 1750cc Reg and wof and spare parts. $1,700 or near offer. Phone 07 3456238.

PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS ­PISTONS

M EM ROTORUA FOR VETERAN, VINTAGE, CLASSIC & ODDBALL ENGINES. BUICK PROJECT 1916-’20, loads of parts includes We can supply piston sets for most makes and (2) chassis 1919/20 engines not complete). Body parts 1920 mudguard and bulkhead bonnet. Phone models. All piston sets come complete with rings VINTAGE CAR REPAIRS and gudgeons. We have over 700 listings at 027 241 0624. MEM OTAGO Unit 1 11 Penn Place, Upper Riccarton, competitive prices.

Christchurch (formerly 15a Empire Road, Belfast) M S Coombes Ltd Phone 341 5100 Fax 341 5101 PENRITE OILS We carry a large range from 344 St Asaph St, Christchurch All Classic and Vintage Car restoration. vintage to modern engines. Gearbox, diff, PH 03 366 7463, FAX 03 366 7462 • Panel making • Wooden body repairs, SU dashpot and water pump grease.

• Bumpers and moulding repair M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, ROVER WORKSHOP MANUAL s oft cover part no.

37 years experience • Competitive hourly rate.

Christchurch, Ph 03 366 7463, Fax 03 366 7462, 4053 from models 60 thru 110- $35; operation mscoombesltd@clear.net.nz manual for Morris 12-4 and 10-4 1935 edition $20; Morris Oxford and Cowley car manual 1926 edition- VINTAGE AND VETERAN CAR MARKETING. FOUR CHEV 19 INCH WIRE WHEELS $50 each. Two $20; Morris Oxford-6 Mgt Care and Upkeep manual I maintain a database of buyers and sellers of Ford Y 17 inch wire wheels $25 each. Phone Terry 1931 edition, no cover $10; Operation manual for Veteran, Vintage and Post Vintage vehicles, 09 292 8767, 027 217 7461. MEM AUCKLAND the s/v vintage Morris Minor, no cover $10. Postage placing buyers and sellers together. Free to list.

HOLIDAY IN NELSON; Small apartment, 1km to not incl. Phone 07 5761124 or gandajones@kinect. No hidden costs. No computer, no problem. Just Tahunanui Beach, suit couple. Available between co.nz Mem Bay of Plenty call me. Whether buying or selling a Veteran, Vintage or Post Vintage vehicle, contact Les at 27th Jan to 15th Feb. $50 a night. Call Mike,VCC TYRES – 4 white wall Firestone 6.00x16 with tubes. Rushmore Motors Ltd. Best is 027-22-45-045. member, 027 753 2038 or rootesgpnz@gmail.com Excellent rubber. $1,100 the lot. Phone John 03 314 or 03-528-7924. vintagecars@xtra.co.nz Finance

M EM NELSON 7092, 027 4313 700. MEM CANTERBURY may be available on most vehicles.

HOUSE SITTING – Retired UK farmer who spends TYRES EXCELSIOR 6 .00 x 16 6ply Four in very good Nov to April in NZ is available to house sit free of condition travelled 600 miles. Too wide for my charge. VCC member, own car. Happy to care for Vauxhall which has worn half the Excelsior name animals. Still available from mid Jan to mid Feb, and off one side of each. Walls undamaged. Includes first two weeks of March. Email: Phone 021 0228 6.00 x 16 Michelin as a spare $500 plus delivery 4298, halbjunker@outlook.com MEM costs. Phone 06 348 4773, colonel.blimp@ymail.

INDIAN 741B carby and original toolbox. 1920s com M EM WANGANUI Matchless back carrier. Rudge 1920s back stand.

DODGE D11 1939. BMW Isetta 1 cyl. DKW Auto VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ h alogen bulbs.

Miller m/c electric horn 1920s –‘30s. Sell or swap Union 3 cyl. Lloyd ohc 2 cyl. BMW 700 2 cylinder Replace your existing bulbs without rewiring the above parts for pre 1928 7/9 Harley parts or old rear engine, 1985 as new. 1955 Mercedes 180 headlamp assemblies. Up to 100% brighter than padlocks and keys. Phone Malcolm 09 299 8801 petrol. 1955 Mercedes 180 diesel. Austin 4x4 your existing Tungsten bulbs. Will fit most reflectors

M EM AUCKLAND Gypsy. Austin 4x4 Champ. Austin A40. Chrysler fitted to Pre & Post war cars and motorbikes. Also MORRIS 8 1938 4 DOOR SEDAN, Vauxhall 6 DX VF Ute 1970. Horse drawn vehicles. Graham Bros. available in single filament 55 watt P22 & BA 1938 4 door sedan, both cars unrestored very good truck. Bedford OLB truck, roller hoist. Bedford TK 15 bases for use in spotlamps and mechanical dip reflectors. Most bases and configurations bodies for age. Mitsubishi V3000 GLX 5 speed two truck. Most approx $5k. negotiable. Some reg on available in 6v & 12v. Further info: Norm & Jan owner, sold new in Nelson, soon to be a club car for hold. Advise inspection. For further information Sisson, sole NZ Agent. Phone 03 389 0643 Model VCC members, upgrade now. Phone 03 543 2662 contact Brian Rankine, 06 357 5706.

Boat Supplies, 38 Ottawa Road, Christchurch 6.

M EM NELSON Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz VOLKSWAGEN BEETLES X FOUR. MORRIS MARINA 4 DOOR 1973 floor change 1750 ‘56 Oval, showroom restoration, motor for spares or repair in running condition. Not matching numbers, reg wof, $30k CHC. on hold but in the system. Brakes have had work ‘56 Oval, reupholstered, running, done, clutch slave $500. Bring battery drive away matching numbers, reg on hold, $20k HLZ. phone 03 543 2662 MEM NELSON ‘56 Oval, stripped, matching numbers, $4k HLZ. NEW REAR AXLES ’35-38 HILLMAN, ’27-’29 ‘61 2 owner, 1500cc, good cond, reg wof, $8k Nash light 6, ’37-’38 Morris 14/6, ’39-’47 Morris HLZ. murray.hammond@gmail.com 021 352 773 Series E, ‘30’32 Morris Oxford $25 each. Veteran Dodge 4 Johns Manville speedo Dodge alloy gearbox housing. Simms type 4 magneto with new cap. Also DU6 mag. Weber carburettor for 2 litre motor. Falcon XLO gearbox. Phone John 06 751 5554.

MEM TARANAKI PUCH MOPED r uns well, registered and licensed $950. I would consider trade of Honda 50, Suzuki 50 or similar step-through with cash adjustment if needed. Hec Browett. Phone 03 455 6314 or hbrowett350f@xtra.co.nz MEM OTAGO ROVER 3500 PARTS CAR. Incomplete but with engine and most of transmission. Photos available.

Free for the taking. Contact Paul: pelwellsutton@ fastmail.fm MEM WEST COAST 38 Beaded Wheels

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

1928 FORD MODEL A PHAETON. Current Reg. and WOF. Garaged. Runs well, very tidy condition and fully restored in 2012. $32,000. Phone Kevin 021 586 360, email: kblongman@xtra.co.nz.

MEM HAWKES BAY

RUSHMORE GAS HEADLIGHTS and generator, 1939 PLYMOUTH P7 TOURING SEDAN Very rear screens with all support arms, Lucas reliable car with full history and receipts. Larger and Rubes bulb horns. Phone 07 348 4227. of the engine options. Registered and WOF. Many spares including drawbar. $19,750 ono.

MEM ROTORUA Mark Jenkinson 06 876 5180, 027 942 1146.

M EM HAWKE’S BAY

MERCEDES 560SEC 1987 5.6 litre V8 225 kw motor, full beige leather, auto, air con, cruise control, sun roof, a pleasure to drive. $12,500. Phone 07 308 2498, 027 271 0094.

MEM EBOP

1928 HARLEY-DAVIDSON J MODEL with sidecar. This model includes a pillion seat, has brakes on all three wheels and is in good order.

Asking $30,000. Phone 09 530 8834 or email peter.alderdice@me.com. MEM AUCKLAND

MODEL A FORD REBUILT SHOCK ABSORBERS, as original. With exchange $195 each or $230 outright. Arms and all connecting parts available.

Postal delivery extra. Phone Jack 03 352 6672, 0274 322 041. Christchurch.

CLASSIC CAR HEADLIGHT COVERS Quality 1900/1970 Headlight Covers with foam backing and elasticised hems, made to measure. A choice of colours. The diameter of your headlights required.

Also suitable for driving lights. $52 including freight.

ROGER HONEY Phone 06 868 4846 or 027 478 0872, narvickrh@gmail.com MEM GISBORNE

VETERAN PARTS, P erfector wooden and Auster rear screens, gas head lamps, oil side and rear tail lights, Jones, Smiths and Stewart brass speedos, Bosch dual ignition mags, English wooden coil box, Claudel Hobson carbs, gas generators, 4 cyl dash oiler, Rotherhams grease cups and oilers, dash mounted fuel air pumps. Phone 07 348 4227. MEM ROTORUA

NEW MODEL A FORD SHOCK ABSORBERS. Precision manufactured in NZ. They are fully adjustable and work as per the originals. Available in CW or ACW $322 Phone 03 359 0565 or www.vintagefordparts.co.nz Original shock absorbers also reconditioned.

Want to find out how Vero has made home insurance go further?

See our ad on the back page

1952 LIP VAUXHALL VELOX, 2300 6CYL Recent refurbishment. Vin, WOF Rg, radial ply tyres. New paint, motors very well. $7,995 ono. Phone 09 437 6317.

M EM NORTHLAND

Beaded Wheels 39

1929 DURANT COUPE. R are USA car with original Continental engine 55,000 miles. Body off restoration. Five new tyres, chrome, battery. Possible new rego by time of print. Gift at $15,000. Text Garland 021 128 5516 Whanganui MEM WANGANUI

1969 CHEV IMPALA ex factory Quebec right hand drive, pillarless sports 4 door sedan, 350 engine. Total recon completed. Front disk brake, electric windows.

Heater radio. Colour Olympic Gold. View in Taupo.

Phone 07 378 6813, r.epett@xtra.co.nz, MEM TAUPO

1907 WOLSELEY SIDDELEY ROADSTER 10hp CF. Motor has run, wheels and chassis completed.

Still needs upholstery. Reg on hold, number plate WS1907. Has a certified factory record certificate from the Bristish Motor Industry Heritage Trust.

Genuine offers considered. Email klodge@xtra.co.nz or phone 03 689 7778 or 027 222 6548 MEM WAIMATE

1909 HUPMOBILE MODEL 20 four cylinder, easy to drive veteran. Two seater. Older restoration $40,000. Phone John Cutler 03 351 9159. MEM CANTERBURY

1923 WILLYS KNIGHT ROADSTER recent complete restoration. New woodwork and upholstery, registered and warranted. Phone Bill 03 212 8786. MEM SOUTHLAND

LOVELY MINOR 1000 CONVERTIBLE, 1957. A s good as it looks. No expense spared over the last 9 years of ownership, so lots of genuine new parts and a great body. Orig NZ registered car, everything working well. Ready to Rally. $14,000. Phone Paul 027 577 8328. MEM MARLBOROUGH

1951 SUNBEAM TALBOT MK2 Sports Sedan 2.3 litre. Original, with seat belts and indicators, leather refurbished/replaced, rust-free. Needs a new paint job. Runs well. Has both 15 inch and 16 inch wheels.

Good 15 inch tyres. Off road, always garaged since 2006. Owner downsizing. $5000 ono Ian Rowden 06 356 7871 ianrowden@gmail.com MEM MANAWATU

1929 CHRYSLER TRUCK. A one of a kind vehicle, purchased in 1929 and cut down into a truck. It was first registered in Normanby South Taranaki in 1929. Bodywork is mostly completed and has been professionally painted. The interior still needs to be finished. View in Blenheim. $30,000. Contact 027 467 6042.

1939 ATCO JUNIOR SAFETY TRAINER . This rare, possibly only one in Australasia, junior trainer complete with clutch, brakes, Villiers engine, needs a new home. Three generations have enjoyed driving this unique car. Offers over $8,000 considered.

Viewing Sth Auckland Details available from georgelowe@xtra.co.nz, phone 09 238 6536

1967 SINGER VOGUE, ENGLISH ASSEMBLED , three Southland owners. Original seats and carpets. Has overdrive and custom extractors, present engine 1840cc. Good club car. $5,000 firm. Phone 03 208 0121.

MEM GORE

1937 HUDSON TERRAPLANE. R eg and Wof. Chassis, body and interior fully restored 2002 and speedo zeroed. Now 10,700 miles. Engine recond 2008 at 7,300 miles. $28,000. Phone Phil Boyd 07 357 2817 or 027 493 2807. Vehicle in Rotorua.

1977 MGB G ood original condition, overdrive, hardtop included. Phone John 07 322 1061, 027 473 9907.

M EM E BOP

40 Beaded Wheels

VCCNZ 70th Anniversary Lapel Pins 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)

MGB, g ood, 18G 3 bearing, 025 o/s block. Std crank, cam, cyl head. Excellent 4 speed g/box and parts as seen. No Flywheel, clutch ,rods or pistons, or carbs.

Ashburton pick up. $695 firm. For photos & info, mgbeewon@yahoo.co.nz MEM ASHBURTON

1927 ERSKINE BLACK FOR SALE, R egistration, new WOF and. Phone Grant 027 448 8144 Christchurch, dockside@xtra.co.nz MEM CANTERBURY

VINTAGE TRUNKS made to order or stock sizes.

Dust proof and waterproof. Phone Allan on 06 844 3959 or 0274 469 331 Napier. MEM

FREE ADVERTISING

*

MORRIS 8 FOUR SEAT TOURER 1937 English assembled 3 owners from new. Rebuilt in 1972 before being driven to New Zealand. A very tight body and all original except for telescopic shock absorbers.

Full rear seat unlike the Sports models. On UK 17” wire wheels. $12,000 021 0298 6213, alan.gulleford@clear.net.nz Phone. MEM ASHBURTON

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, sandvo@callsouth.net.nz Mem.

$21 Text only advertisement.

Up to 45 words including phone number, no photo.

Additional words over 45 up to a maximum of 65 words, 15 cents per word.

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.

$54 Text and colour photo advertisement.

Up to 45 words including phone number. Supply a colour photo of your vehicle. Include SAE for return of photo, digital photos may be submitted to our email address: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz

I wish to advertise in Beaded Wheels. Payment where required must accompany your advert.

WANTED

FOR SALE

I am a current financial member of the VCCNZ and wish to advertise for FREE. My VCCNZ Membership number is

Tick which column you require

Name (block letters) ______________________________ Phone ________________________________________

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CONDITIONS OF FREE ADVERTISING stamped addressed envelope is supplied by the advertiser. Digital • • Free advertising is limited to one advertisement per financial photographs may be supplied by email in format, send a high member of the Vintage Car Club of NZ per issue. Members resolution file to achieve best results. must state their membership number when submitting the • Advertisements must be resubmitted for each issue they are advertisement. required to appear in.

• Advertisements must be of a non-commercial nature.

• The recommended length of advertisements is 45 words – the • • Advertisements must be submitted in writing, by email maximum space available is 65 words. Beaded Wheels reserves (preferred), post or fax. Photographs will only be returned if a the right to edit all copy.

Advertisements will be published on a first come, first served basis. While every attempt will be made to include your advertisement in the issue immediately following receipt – limited space may mean some advertisements will be held over until the following magazine for publication.

All free advertisements will automatically be listed on the VCCNZ website.

Payment where required must accompany your advert. Cheque should be made payable to Beaded Wheels. Post payment & advertisement to marketplace, P O Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. VCCNZ members must be financial and state their branch to receive free advertising.

Beaded Wheels 41

wanted to buy

LAND ROVER SERIES 1 WANTED. Ideally COMPLETE INTERIOR LIGHT as per the photo or something running but would also look at one just the parts shown Wanted to buy. The chrome needing recomissioning or repair. Phone 03 329 5148 part is 138 mm long x 85 mm at the widest part.

MEM BANKS PENINSULA Please email bmck@xtra.co.nz or phone 06 876 6161.

MEM HAWKE’S BAY.

​ NEW (OR NEW OLD STOCK) WINDSCREEN washer solenoid (as pictured) for a 1986 Toyota Corolla. Phone David North 021 172 3281 or email northd14@gmail.com

BIG TREE OIL COMPANY ITEMS looking for tins signs, advertising etc Will purchase single items to entire collections. Good prices paid. Phone Walter 03 327 5546 or 027 389 8833 email walterkinley65@ gmail.com MEM CANTERBURY

AUSTIN 7 m agneto engine starting handle assembly AUSTIN J40 PEDAL CAR WANTED. Phone 021 115 or any parts as shown in the extract from the Parts 1905.

MEM BANKS PENINSULA List. Please contact Marcus 09 445 2907 or 021 782 978 MEM WAITEMATA

1950-51 LIP VAUXHALL front and rear bumpers ONE PETROL CAN HOLDER t hat bolts on to the also a front seat needed to complete a restoration. running board to fix petrol can to. Alloy please.

Phone Allan 027 436 1008 or email am.brookland@ Phone 03 542 3847. MEM NELSON xtra.co.nz MEM SOUTHLAND. PAIR OF PARKING LIGHT GLASSES f or early Ford D 520 X 10 OR 145 X 10 TYRES. (4 or 5 tyres) New / series cab. Phone David 07 829 8778. old stock. For a early Classic Mini. Phone Graeme TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLE PARTS for my restorations.

03 208 7693, geldclearwater@gmail.com. MEM GORE Models 1907 1909 Baby, H, SD, and R. Some swaps BUICK 1913-14 motor and gearbox wanted. Closed available. Particularly need forks. Unfinished in flywheel, two banks of cylinders or any part projects or complete collection of parts purchased pertaining. Also front scuttle. Phone 021 0245 also Alldays gearbox any condition. Phone 09 533 7984.

M EM BOP 8050, taylorhq@xtra.co.nz MEM AUCKLAND HARLEY-DAVIDSON rigid frame wanted 1948-1957 VETERAN AND VINTAGE CARS. 1 927- 31 Open to suit Panhead. Phone 021 994 087, email Cadillac. Must be ex. cond. 19.6 Crossley. Veteran lyons@outlook.co.nz Model Ts. Model A Ford Phaeton. Contact Rushmore Motors Ltd. Phone 027 22 45 045.

HEADLIGHTS WHIPPET 1928/9 MODEL 96 .

Complete pair with lenses or just the pot shaped WANTED FOR MATCHLESS G9 1950 500cc engine frames. Phone 03 525 9956 or connellfarm@gmail. complete or parts and gearbox as well as any other com spares to assist with our restoration. Phone 027 229 8781 or 03 347 8224. MEM CANTERBURY JAGUAR E-TYPE ROADSTER SERIES II 1968–70.

Wanted by private cash buyer. May consider earlier WANTED HOOD IRONS/BOWS OR BITS t o suit Ford cars. Please phone with details to Brian 03 358 Model A Phaeton 1928/29. Phone Stew 027 618 5322.

M EM CANTERBURY 9892, periastew@gmail.com MEM WAIKATO

MKII ZEPHYR CONVERTIBLE F ront doors wanted.

Must be complete, don’t mind rusty. Phone Paul 09 29600 94, 022 610 8699, pcullum55@xtra.co.nz LE VELOCETTE WHEEL RIMS , pistons. Phone 03 545 2457, 027 443 8840, pallas4444@gmail. com MEM NELSON TRIUMPH 2.5 S MANUAL w anted or would consider late model 2.5 manual. O/d,P/s looking for good original car. Phone John 07 578 8779, jskcarroll@ xtra.co.nz M EM BAY OF PLENTY

Beaded Wheels Deadline for receipt of advertising for our February 2018 issue is 12 January 2018.

LANDROVER CANVAS TOP t o fit an early made WANTED 57-1965 OR 47-1949 15/23 tooth layshaft short wheelbase. Has an aluminium hard top at for a 1964-69 Triumph 5TA/T100SS. Reply to Colin. present and original hood bows. Phone 027 561 mariann.grant@xtra.co.nz or phone 03 578 7894 Advertisements should be 5783.

M EM WAIKATO M EM MARLBOROUGH

emailed to

LUCAS R160S HEADLAMP as fitted to some of the larger Morris cars of around 1930/31. Measures approx 9½" (240mm) overall. Phone 03 318 1454, kevinandjulia@xtra.co.nz M EM CANTERBURY 42 Beaded Wheels

WANTED A 1974 MARK 1 CAPRI f ront right beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz hand guard or a donor car body to use for parts.

Prefer North Island phone Colin 06 845 2572.

M EM HAWKE’S BAY

SWAP MEETS & RALLIES SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH VCC

SWAPMEET

NELSON BRANCH VCC NZ

SWAP MEET

Saturday 24 March 2018 Contact Details: Chairman; John Knowles 03 693 7680 Site Bookings Phone Michelle 03 686 4824 Email: scvccswapmeet@hotmail.com WINCHESTER DOMAIN, SH1 7.30AM START NO DOGS ALLOWED Something for everyone

WANGANUI BRANCH

Burma Rally

17 FEBRUARY 2018 Speedway Grounds – Lansdowne Road, Richmond SITE SALES : swapmeetnelson@gmail.com PHONE 03 548 3899 • MOBILE 027 454 8188 Food and drink available on site

21 JANUARY 2018

-As one of NZ’s oldest cities Whanganui city celebrates its heritage over Wellington Anniversary Weekend Enjoy optional Vintage Weekend activities designed to celebrate Whanganui’s heritage.

Enquiries to Linda O’Keeffe - wanganuirally@gmail.com

Entry non-site holders $5 Gates open; 7am Stall Holders 8m Public.

FAR NORTH VINTAGE CAR CLUB PRESENTS

AUTOSPECTACULAR M

M

ER

LV CIA

EHICLES THROUG

HT

HE

AG

ES

CO

19-22 JANUARY 2018

Sites $15 each Car sale only: $10 each (Both above include 1 entry)

Ì

Ì

& Vintage Weekend

Prize for best Car Club Display & much more...

Northland’s Premier Motor Show

SATURDAY 6TH JANUARY 2018 Eastern Rugby Football Grounds, East Street, Taipa VINTAGE AND CLASSIC CARS, HOT RODS, MOTORCYCLES, TRUCKS Trade Vendors, Food stalls, Art ’n’ Crafts, Fun for the kids, 11am Black Powder Cannon Salute

FREE ENTRY FOR DRIVER AND SHOW CARS, PLENTY OF FREE PARKING Admittance: Adults $5.00 - Children $2.00 | Gates open 8am to 2pm All Entrants go in the draw for two nights, accommodation at Ramada Resort You must be on site for the draw and the prize is non transferable.

Contact: Rosco Pennell, Email: rosco.adventure@gmail.com Ph. 027 651 8885 or 09 406 8807 Stalls: Phone Colleen Brownlie on 021 022 36223 to book a site Follow us on FaceBook:

Far North Vintage Car Club.

Beaded Wheels 43

SOUTH ISLAND NATIONAL

EASTER RALLY

Join us for an action packed weekend!

30 MARCH – 2 APRIL 2018 Registration Friday at Stadium Southland Rally Day Saturday followed by evening meal at clubrooms Sunday is Public Day, including Pennzoil Trophy Team Challenge Followed by Prize Giving & Meal Monday Parts Shed open plus Pop Up Vintage Clothing Sale

Registrations out now, or enter online at: www.sporty.co.nz/southlandvintagecar for more information visit our website.

Entries close 31 January 2018.

Hosted by Southland Branch

2018 South Island

Club Captain’s Tour Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday Saturday

01 April 02 April 03 April 04 April 05 April 06 April 07 April

Assemble in Invercargill Balclutha Gore Cromwell Twizel Timaru Ashburton

Entrants may join and leave at any point of the tour.

Accommodation list and entry forms are available from Alon Mayhew 027 202 9491 Email sicc@vcc.org.nz

As there is limited accommodation in some areas, prompt booking is recommended.

44 Beaded Wheels

20th - 22nd JANUARY 2018 If you're a vintage enthusiast or just yearn for yesteryear you must come to the Vintage Weekend, Whanganui's premiere heritage event.

Ideal for motorists, music lovers, foodies and families.

The Riverside Shindig

The Rivercity Caboodle

Sunday 21st Jan. 12noon - 5pm

Picnic along the riverside on Moutoa Quay l l

l l l l l

Bands live on stage for your dancing and listening pleasure.

Dress up in vintage and become part of the Vintage Costume Competition.

Vintage Song Compitition.

Local food and beverage stalls all day.

Vintage and classic car displays.

Cars, hotrods, and classic vintage car rallys.

Buskers, Bouncy castles, Bubbles, Ice cream.

Steam Trains Traction Engines Paddle Steamers DC3 flights

Soapbox DERBY

Monday 22nd Jan 8:30am-2:30pm - All ages welcome -

Get together with friends and build your soapbox car or tinker away with dad in the shed, just don’t miss out on the chance to become Whanganui’s Soabox Champion for 2018!

- Venue Drews Ave. Whanganui -

30 March – 1 April 2018 The Waikato Veteran and Vintage Car Club would like to invite all to a weekend of majestic motoring on some of the country’s most beautiful rural roads. All classes of vehicles have been catered for.

The rally routes have been plotted, the certificates produced, the lovely prize giving venue at Gail’s of Tamahere has been booked.

The Waikato Veteran and Vintage Car Club are ready to make your Easter of 2018 a memorable motoring occasion.

Entry Forms are available from the Waikato VCC website from the beginning of December or from the rally organiser; Greg Terrill Email; terrill@xtra.co.nz Phone; 07 859 1207

Beaded Wheels 45

Swap Meet Gore

Swap Meet And Boot Sale Run by the Gore Vintage Car Club

SUNDAY 18 MARCH 2018

WAIMEA STREET, GORE – 8AM START Hot Food Available Admittance Adults $5 Accompanied Children Free Sellers’ Stalls $8 (includes one free entry)

Swap Meet starts at 7.00 a.m.

Entry: Sellers $10.00 Buyers/Browsers $5.00 Children (under 12) Free

(If you have items you wish to sell please come along and set up a stall)

Vintage Car Display - Car Parts Old & New - Motoring Books & Manuals Collectibles – Bric-a-Brac Refreshments – Sausage Sizzle – Bacon Butties

Enquiries to Paul 03 208 6862, 027 207 2456 or Evan 03 208 6479, 027 650 8056

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

EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY ANNUAL RALLY

East Coast Rally 3 FEBRUARY 2018

Rally starts in Whakatane, Prize Giving Dinner Saturday 3 Feb at Lyceum Club, Cnr Domain/McGarvey Rd Whakatane Enquiries to: Rally Secretary Karen Spackman email: huddy.mark@gmail.com EBOP Branch PO Box 2168 Kopeopeo, Whakatane 3121

ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 2017

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 021 0270 6525 or email kevin@vcc.org.nz Our lucky winners of the Beaded Wheels caps for this issue are Mark Richter and Helen Ball.

46 Beaded Wheels

WEST COAST BRANCH

17 March 2018

Scenicland Coal Trail Rally Entry forms will be available December 2017 Entries from Rally Secretary: b.m.woolhouse@xtra.co.nz Phone 03 768 6525

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A Beaded Wheels subscription makes an ideal gift to send anywhere in

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idle

Auckland: Gavin Welch 1934 Ford Y PV P80V winner.

Ashburton: Entries ready for the Daffodil Rally.

Ashburton Owen Wilson Welcome to new members Penny Nell (Junior Member), 1974 Triumph 2500 and Sheena Clark and Paul Strachan, 1936 Plymouth sedan. We look forward to their participation in events.

Our Daffodil Rally for Cancer held on 27 August was a Scatter Run around the district. We had 66 cars attending with Donald and Carol Williamson collecting the most points.

Our opening run was held on 3 September with South Canterbury Branch the organisers. Ashburton members travelled some 280 miles making a big day for our members.

On 24 September we held our Spring Rally, organised by the Vice Club Captain Peter Lambie. Field tests were held at the clubrooms before leaving. This was great as not all vehicles were leaving at the same time. First car was away at 10.30am.

We travelled toward the east coast before travelling in a northerly direction then back inland to Chertsey School for lunch.

We were given a fresh rally route back to the clubrooms for afternoon tea and prize giving. The run was about 40 miles long and it was a very enjoyable day. Trophies were awarded to Les Bennett, Percy Ralston and Ron Galletly.

Our branch is planning the National Easter Rally in 2019 to mark our 50th

48 Beaded Wheels

Ashburton: Entries ready for the Daffodil Rally.

Anniversary. We know it is well in the future but please mark it in your diary as we would love to have your company to help us mark this event.

Auckland: Mick Harris’ MacKintosh Norton International.

Motorsport Museum and also visited the Brookby quarry where they saw a Komatsu Super Dozer D 575. Gavin Welch and Sophie Zhao won overall in Gavin’s 1934 Ford Y, probably the oldest vehicle entered.

Auckland John Stokes General: The annual Ladies Rally Motorcycles: New motorcycle members attracted 24 starters, including five motorinclude Timothy Hardy with a ‘42 Harley- cycles, and travelled through Hunua Gorge, Davidson and a ’79 Triumph Bonneville; Alfriston, Ardmore and Takanini. The Alice Lenny, who has two Harleys a BSA rally was won by The Triple A Team in and a Vincent and Paul Greenslade with a 1930 Model A Ford. Fifth place Grant three Triumphs. August’s guest speaker Williams deserves a mention for appearing Vince Sharp spoke of his racing career and in his rear wheel braked 1927 Chev Capitol. subsequent venture into the establishment Mid Week Tourers September event went of post classic racing in New Zealand. The to Gordon McIssac’s collection of speedway Eddie Sim Rally, plotted by Mike Batchelor, memorabilia. was won by Graeme Crawley on his 1958 The library received four copies of the Ariel Huntmaster. Eleven Aucklanders New Zealand Motor and Cycle Journal and entered Taranaki’s Rubber Duckie event 24 copies of the New Zealand Motor Journal and came away with eight prizes. Rob covering the years from 1918 to 1935. We Lauder spoke of his tour to the Isle Of Man also acquired four or five New Zealand TT at our September meeting.

Motor News from 1938 – ‘40. These Veteran: John Morrison has brought the publications are invaluable for anyone ex-Mark Ball 1913 Humberette and now researching New Zealand motoring history. has his Model T mobile again. We were Remember, if you are visiting our library, honoured to have branch founding member BRING YOUR SMARTPHONE, it saves and veteran stalwart Jim Francis attend the you photocopying costs, and makes life October meeting. Jim kept us entertained easier on our books. Barry Birchall finds with tales of his early motoring years. the library very useful for various historical Classic: The annual PV P80 Rally articles he writes. attracted 37 entrants with some bias to the P60 class, British marques dominating.

The run travelled to the Pine Harbour

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Canterbury: Canterbury Swap Meet.

Bay of Plenty Bryce Strong We welcome new member Rodney Smith who transferred from the Manawatu Branch.

On recent Club nights we have enjoyed historical videos. In September the subject was General Motors early foray into electric cars and October featured the Waikato’s Tauwhare Military Museum.

Our popular regular seniors morning tea, arranged by John Payne, was again held this month.

In September our mid-week run, organised by Barry and Jenny Utting, visited Trevelyan’s kiwifruit pack house.

The scope of it impressed the good number of members who attended. Our September end of month, organised by John and Lindsay Redding, was a touring run over back roads, heading initially towards the Minden area, with morning tea at Omokoroa Domain and lunch at Bowentown Beach Reserve.

Ray Findlay organised our October mid-week run to the Puketoki Reserve, the site of a very early sawmill and railway, which is run by volunteers who have created easy bush walks. On the October end of month run Joe and Jill Scott arranged an interesting trip to Putararu via Mamaku. .

On 12 November our Annual Car Show and Swap Meet was held at our Clubrooms – this is our major fund-raiser for the year, and was capably organised by Ken Frew.

Finally, in December Chris Cole arranged another of his popular Glimpse of the Future runs where we bring a bit of Christmas cheer to the residents of some of the numerous retirement villages in the BOP. Cars were dressed up as were the drivers.

Canterbury Tony Becker Our Annual Swap Meet and Display is always an anticipated weekend and our main fundraiser. Detailed planning ensures it is enjoyed by thousands. Over 600 sites bulge with thousands of items. A major drawcard is the display of lovingly

Canterbury: Swap Meet displays.

preserved old vehicles, tractors and small engines. Catering in the main hall was again entrusted to charity fundraisers, supported by hot food, ice-cream and coffee sites spread around the park. Visiting and local VCC members’ mobile homes and caravans overflowed power-sites adding a holiday park atmosphere. Yet after a sunny final prep-week and highly successful Friday, the skies turned on a two-day weekend downpour – once again.

Uncannily, almost every year over the decades, we have suffered one or two really wet days to dampen our vital fundraiser, yet each year the faithful rebook sites and the show goes on.

First event of Spring was September’s run to Ashburton on our monthly mid-weeker.

Attracting 92 members in 51 mostly VCC cars, it was hosted by Mid-Canterbury members Colin and Cathy Sweetman.

Canterbury members were wowed by their immaculate 34 car ‘60s-up display.

Colin’s purpose-built showroom houses a pristine variety selected over many years.

All are rotationally maintained in driving and mint condition. 9-90s usual convivial picnic-circle on their big sunny lawn topped off a great day. October’s mid-weeker visited little-known (to us) Tyron Taxidermy in Dunsandel. A fascinating presentation and outstanding showroom display of their craft, mainly for export around the world. The Annual Women-drivers’ Rally was a success for rookie organiser Michelle Meynell, attracting 30 entries. A testing wind rocked some older vehicles, however all bar one made it safely back to Cutler Park and afternoon tea. Finally, Canterbury Branch Awards Dinner 2017 produced 17 presentations for 25 to 60 years continuous membership. This included 3 of the latter; Don Johnson, Neil Sutton and Peter Shaskey. 50 year Awards went to Des Fowler, Graham Henley, Ted Hockley, Ian Lamb, Terry McQuinn, Paul Seaton and Norm Sisson. Their enthusiasm for preserving motoring history with likeminded friends defines them all.

Canterbury: Swap Meet displays.

Central Otago John Loudon The Wanaka group had a good turnout for the Daffodil Day even though the decision to hold this event was last minute. However, Graham Taylor had a run organised for another group in Wanaka so used it combined with the locals as the Cancer Run which produced some financial benefit for the Society.

Our annual Blossom Festival held every September had a turnout of thousands to view the procession before we went into the Pioneer Park which was quite full of various stalls and food outlets.

After all the large transport trucks had led the procession the VCC were next with a good turnout – as in the last few years we were given a number of vehicles to enter, this year we were limited to 12. We had our own parking area for the public to come and view the cars. At times this was a bit crowded. People still like to see old cars but now as I look at the photos I took virtually all vehicles were 1950–‘70 models so things are changing. The result of the rally is written in the Puff ‘N Stuff so catch up with them there.

George Page gave us an interesting talk and demo on how to bend and fold metal for the parts he’s doing for his Hupmobile restoration. He made up forms from MDF particle board and with various clamping methods could beat the metal into shape, and with no crinkles either. Murray George is our new Club Captain so expect a tap on the shoulder some time to do an article or suggest a Sunday Run. EBOP Peter Donovan Twenty-one members enjoyed the vintage atmosphere on our trip to the Paeroa Annual Vintage and Antiques Weekend.

At Kawerau’s Annual Wood Festival 21 members and their families proudly displayed their club eligible cars to the delight of the many Woodfest visitors. It was great to see such an assortment of cars, from Model As to a beautifully restored Datsun 280ZX. Beaded Wheels 49

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Far North: Muddy cars at Mitimiti.

Five of our cars travelled to Whangamata to enjoy the traditional British recreational activities of Brits at the Beach. British machinery of all ages was there, including McFarland’s beautifully presented 1926 Alvis tourer.

Three cars from our Branch travelled ‘Through Time’ at Taumaranui. A fine day for the actual rally made for an enjoyable visit to National Park. Our members enjoyed some success while there.

During Labour Weekend McFarland’s 1915 Studebaker, Leaming’s 1930 Model A, Keene’s 1926 Willys Knight and John Lamont’s Rover joined with the Wellington Early American Car Club on a farm visit.

Some 24 cars altogether including many American cars of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s.

They also enjoyed a tour of the extensive property.

On a beautiful sunny Whakatane Sunday afternoon 14 cars lined up at the Awakere car park ready for a run out to Bruce and Lorraine Seddon’s place at Pikowhai. Straight line navigation around Matata started the run leading on to the coast road. Bruce and Lorraine’s sheds are full of old cars as well as a few post war American ones. One shed is set up with the most amazing train set with metres of track, beautiful backdrop scenery, hills, buildings, grass, cars and trucks.

Far North: Hokianga roads.

Far North Dave Duirs The Mason’s Spring Sashay toured west of Kaitaia, finishing at a private restoration workshop where our ingenious and super enthusiastic host had us transfixed with his projects of restoring and redesigning vehicles and machinery.

The North Hokianga Circle, plotted by the Lyndsells and using tulip instructions, started at Mangamuka on clean, winding bitumen towards Broadwood and then to little Punguru before hitting the gravel.

Normally very corrugated and dusty the surface was newly graded and just rain soaked, so vehicles very quickly picked up heaps of mud as they made their way through picturesque country out to the small settlement of Mitimiti … as outback as you can get in New Zealand with next stop Oz. We picnicked for lunch, visited the wild west coast and walked up to a history filled cemetery which includes a memorial to Chinese who perished here from the sinking of SS Ventnor in 1906.

We finished at Kohukohu, once a very busy shipping town, but now a quiet backwater and terminal for the Rawene ferry. The Lyndsells’ shed revealed a treasure of several Jowett Javelins and many old motorcycles, enough to keep them busy for many a year.

A great working bee had the clubrooms spik and span for our hosting of the Northland Branch’s 45th Far North Tour,

EBOP: Farm visit with the Early American Car Club.

50 Beaded Wheels

Far North: Far North Tour Model A line up.

this year held in the Matthews Collection Museum which created a great atmosphere as diners enjoyed spit roast lamb amongst the old cars and tractors.

A heap of work has been done to produce user friendly health and safety templates and a new initiative, a new members introduction package, clip board, introduction to Branch, history, rally rules. This will be given to all new members to get them up to speed with our activities.

The branch 1929 Plymouth, which has not been used for some years, has been sold to a local foundation member who helped restore it, so we hope to see it on the roads again.

Gisborne Rodney Clague August saw Mark and Sue Dunn and me attend the Horseless Carriage Club Northern Brass Lights Tour in Edmonton, Canada. Also in August was our contribution to the Daffodil Day Rally, where 54 entry forms were filled out and a variety of cars (and a motorcycle) travelled to Tolaga Bay to have afternoon tea in the main street (it was supposed to have been held on the beachfront but the strong winds stirring up sand forced the change of venue). It was considered a very successful day.

In September seven vehicles took part in our monthly run which was a toddle around the outskirts of the city followed

EBOP: Farm visit with the Early American Car Club.

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Hawke’s Bay:

Hawke’s Bay:

by afternoon tea at Waihirere Domain.

October commenced with five vehicles visiting the Ryman Retirement Village for a display followed by a drive in the country for those residents wishing to avail themselves of the opportunity. This was followed the next weekend by a display at our annual A&P Show, where 16 vehicles were displayed, including a contingent of motorcycles from the Gisborne Classic Motorcycle Club. The last event for the month saw just one entrant and the organiser make the trip to Eastwoodhill Arboretum for afternoon tea. Perhaps the regulars were exhausted after the excitement of the previous weeks.

On 4 November several vehicles from the branch were on display at our Wings and Wheels function at the airport, and the following weekend seven vehicles headed to the Eastern Bay of Plenty Branch for a very pleasant biennial inter-branch visit.

Hawke’s Bay Helen Ball Our branch involvement in the National Daffodil Run was most successful with over 80 vehicles entered and $1,000 donated to the Cancer Society.

Wednesday runs are always popular and over the past two months we have driven the suburbs and ended at the beach and taken a country ramble, stopping on a farmland hilltop to bowl old tyres down the

Hawke’s Bay: Sunday run cricket.

Marlborough: Members enjoying Fathers Day lunch at Rock Ferry Winery.

Nelson: Sharon Kennedy steps up to pick up the Hard luck tool kit at the Biennial Rally Prize Giving. While Sharon’s husband Pat 3rd from right and everybody else have a laugh at Sharon’s expense.

hill to try and hit a bucket at the bottom.

This really brought the competitive child out in us, and two were successful in their mission.

Sunday run numbers increase, with drives through the country to a native forest reserve and a game of cricket after lunch. The Chairman’s side won over the Club Captain’s team, so this might become an annual battle. The most recent outing was to a boutique Brewery for tasting, and then on to visit Steve Wheeler, a talented gent who makes quality knives, swords, and who is also a Star Wars style model maker and author of many books.

Monthly club nights have good member attendance and produce some very interesting speakers, ranging from Civil Defence to a talk on locally manufactured hydraulic brake fittings.

Our branch is very active and makes every effort to encourage even more of our members along to the various activities.

With upcoming events like the Homestead Club Run in November, Children’s Christmas Party and a Christmas Picnic run in December plus our major event of the year Art Deco Rally 2018, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

King Country Norma Dougherty We had a successful Annual General meeting in May and now have Campbell Wright as our new chairman.

Our branch has struggled through the wet winter with a few activities which have been poorly attended due to some varied reasons. One highlight was a delightful trip through the Otunui district organised by Julie and Wayne Gilbert earlier this year.

In July a straight line navigation course was held, and a working bee at the clubrooms in September. Some members have been able to attend outside rallies recently.

This year we had another successful Journey through Time Rally with 41 entries including seven veteran vehicles, however only 40 made it to the start line as one broke down on the way to Taumarunui on the Saturday morning. Several vintage vehicles had made the long trip from the Manawatu and Wairarapa Branches.

This Rally was called “Mountain Views” and there were many views of all three mountains, and the weather, was really great the best day we have had for several weeks.

After a welcome from Deputy Mayor Marion Gillard cars were flagged away with the wave of the red tea towel, complete with Tiger moths and small aircraft flying overhead after taking off from the nearby air field. Entrants headed up the Ngakonui Beaded Wheels 51

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Marlborough: Branch Chairman Kelly Landon-Lane presenting cheque to local cancer society representative.

Nelson: Graeme Ellery and with his 1923 Hupmobile and the Best Restored trophy.

Nelson: Bill Irwin’s Motorcycle Collection.

Valley to Manunui. After a small tour around the village of Kakahi the route they proceeded up Whakapapa Road to SH 4 and around the small village of Owhango.

A scenic route returned back to SH 4 and up the steep Raurimu hill to National Park.

All the time there were great views of the mountains.

The afternoon included a straight line exercise around the streets of National Park.

Entrants were then free to visit the Chateau Tongariro, Top of the Bruce and Horopito.

Return to Taumarunui was via SH4 or though the Hikumutu district on a rather narrow country road.

52 Beaded Wheels

Nelson: Bill Irwin and John Shaw

Nelson: Blind and partially sighted group.

Nelson: Blind and partially sighted group.

Manawatu Ian Howell Our annual Vintage Rally was held in September with changeable weather but strong winds and frequent rain did not dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. Twenty one vintage entrants started from our clubrooms together with three unofficial entrants, part of our policy to encourage members to join in and get their cars out for a run. Laurie Cocker represented our veteran section in his 1906 Cadillac. Another welcome entrant was the Firth team, Murray and Penny, from Auckland in their 1931 British Bedford truck. They included our rally in their extended tour of the North Island.

Another visitor was the 1925 Fiat 501C of Norman Willis and Cristina van Dam from Wellington. Model A Fords were the most popular make (7), followed by Chevs (4), Dodge (3) and single examples of Model T Ford and Essex. The run travelled through Manawatu farmland via Bunnythorpe, Feilding, Colyton and back to Ashhurst to finish for lunch at Pohangina. After lunch entrants had the option of two short runs to finish back in Pohangina for afternoon tea before heading home. Allan and Suzanne Hardacre (1923 Dodge) achieved first place by a whisker from Bob and Isabelle Pettigrew (Model A Ford), 3rd were Goff Briant and Angela Cameron (1927 Essex).

Our monthly runs have visited the popular Murrayfield complex near Levin

and The Herb Garden at Ashhurst. These Sunday outings attract a good number each month providing an opportunity to meet up with friends and enjoy a drive.

Marlborough Carroll Wiblin This year we hosted the National AGM and the feedback from those attending has been good.

Daffodil Day was a day to remember and our members can be justifiably proud of what we achieved. Member Pat Pascoe offered to organise the event and our chairman, Kelly Landon-Lane, went around the local car dealerships who all came on board to display cars and contribute around $2,500 towards our fundraising. There were around 250 cars and numerous motorbikes which turned up on the day to make their donation. The other Societies within Brayshaw Park also joined with us and put on displays, had model trains running, and the Riverside Railway had their trains running between town and the Park. The public came and supported us wholeheartedly and many paid more than required for the entrance fee. The Marlborough Branch also put on a sausage sizzle, light refreshments and ran a raffle. Our branch can be extremely proud of the $8,000 which was presented to our local Cancer Society.

Lorraine Pyne, Rose Preston, and Jen Smith have headed a team who have

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North Otago: Stevan Hinds 1924 Douglas.

North Shore: The Buicks of Brian Cullen and Richard Lloyd

North Shore: Tony Sparkes with his 1929 Austin 7 RK Saloon.

under-planted all the she oaks around Patchetts Green. Chris Bird made it easier by bringing in his little digger and has organised the irrigation system. Members have contributed to this project and when established it will be a sight to behold.

Back in September we held a Father’s Day lunch run. This came about as the earlier Mother’s Day lunch run was so popular. Members were divided into groups and were sent to various wineries where tables had been booked. It was very popular and I can see it becoming an annual event.

A very pleasant way to spend a Sunday.

Club nights have seen us feast on the amazing motorcycle collections of Bill Irwin and John Shand (Britton Racing and Isle of Man TT fame). Equally captivating was their knowledge and experiences which had us all so enthralled nobody wanted to go home.

Member Roger Lusby presented a lively and extremely well received talk on his life experiences growing up in Central Otago, working for Rolls-Royce and his passion for electric cars.

The Nelson Biennial Rally was once again a wonderfully relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable rally, the success of which can largely be put down to the collective experience of our rally committee of Jim and Kyra Wareing, Geoff and Margaret Clark and Max and Merylin Clarke. Well thought out rally routes, carefully chosen venues and attention to detail.

Finally a presentation of 25 year badge to Clive Hunter – well done Clive

Nelson Ray Robertson Following the successful Daffodil Rally for Cancer the branch has held, or been involved in, a raft of interesting and well attended events.

Starting with The Rover Car Club’s Classic & Collectables Show day at Higgins Park, our very own Graeme Ellery took out the Best Restored Car at the All Makes Display.

Next the Dennis King Memorial Trial – another well patronized and organized event which continues to grow in popularity with drivers from Nelson, Marlborough, Christchurch and the West Coast.

Each year Club Secretary Mike Bryan organizes a run to our clubrooms for the blind and partially sighted. Their members really look forward to this run and love to chat to the car owners about their vehicles and this year was no exception.

North Otago Clive Blunden The Daffodil rally Show ‘n’ Shine on 27 August was a great success and we could not have fitted any more vehicles in if we had tried. It was open to all vehicles and 130 were registered in five classes; motorcycle, hot-rod, vintage, classic and modern. Oamaru businesses donated some great prizes.

The Judges were Mayor Gary Kircher, Allen Dick (author), Grant Youckney (Cancer Society) and our very own Wayne Abernathy, who also organised the event.

Some of our members were among the winners of the day; S. Hinds - 1st in the motorcycles with a 1924 Douglas TS; Lee Orchard – 1st in hot-rod class 1926 Chevy Special. Others with prizes were; C Armiger 1911 Clement Bayard (vintage); John Adamson 1968 Hillman Imp (classic) and B Kyles 2012 Chevy Corvette ZR1 (modern).

Vehicles from as far away as Ashburton and Dunedin came to make it a great day for all.

North Shore Richard Bampton We welcome new member Roger Munroe.

Partially disregarding the National Committee’s mandate, because the August Triple Combined Run had already been organised, the three clubs (North Shore VCC, Hibiscus Enthusiasts and Warkworth/Wellsford VCC) met at the Smales Farm Caffeine and Classics at 10 am on 27 August. Here entrants had time to view the huge number of cars of all types that congregate there on the last Sunday of the month. A good drive up the Kaipara Coast Highway and across the country took us to Wellsford Quay where we joined with other cars already assembled for the public display. Tony Sparkes 1929 Austin 7 RK saloon was voted equal 3rd in the People’s Choice. Over $1500 was raised for Cancer Research.

The traditional Spring Tour, now stretched to 2 nights away and again ably organised by our Chairman Paul Collins, took 15 vehicles to Dargaville via a stop at Beaded Wheels 53

idletorque the excellent Kauri Museum at Matakohe.

The Dargaville highlights were a River Cruise, first-rate dinner at the Kaipara Vintage Machinery Club where the heavy metal was viewed, a rail cart ride (the lead cart broke down – less reliable than the old cars) and a visit to the Kumara Box and Marine Museum. The second night was spent at Omapere, the return journey south taking in The Labyrinth (a puzzle shop complete with a maze) and a private motor cycle collection in Dargaville.

Otago Graeme Duthie The branch joins with the Vauxhall Club and another couple of clubs for a GM night rally which seems to have lost the GM part as all makes are acceptable.

It starts from the branch clubrooms and covers the wider city area.

The Autospectacular has been and gone with another successful stand by our branch. As well as the VCC stand many members are represented on other stands. A

trailer loaded with parts for sale was entered by the branch.

The Dunvegan rally went very well this year with a good response and good weather. This makes all the difference to the day.

The Taieri tour is nearly here and will be over when this is printed. We are hoping for a good day and in the evening we have two 50 year awards to be presented In November we have the Commercial and Veteran Rally and on the last Thursday of every month we have an afternoon run.

Looking further ahead in December is the Moped Rally and Christmas Barbeque. In January the Jackson Rally and the Brighton Rally. For more information refer to our branch magazine The Otago Roadrunner.

Happy motoring and enjoy the summer season Rotorua Ronald Mayes The successful August Sulphur City rally again attracted participants from far and wide and is covered in Rally Snippets.

Recent Mid-weekers runs have been to a local pine tree nursery where literally millions of trees are produced ready for planting, and a dairy farm with a difference (they milk goats) in the Waikato.

A “car in the room” has been a feature of branch meetings for some time. Neville Harper was to bring his 1931 Studebaker President one evening but careful measurements showed that only the bonnet would fit through the doorway so, at short notice, Cliff Wickham brought his 1963 Ford Anglia along and gave a spirited account of its life before and after he acquired it. David Philps’ 1936 De Soto Airstream featured in September and Alan Barnes’s 1949 Riley 2½ Litre in October. We eagerly await presentations of new members’ cars which include amongst others a Rover 95, Jensen, Volkswagen Beetle, Fiat 124 Spyder and Holden Monaro. One very active member has just bought a gleaming black 1968 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow so we will no doubt soon learn all about its history.

Rotorua: David Philps’ 1936 De Soto Airstream.

Rotorua: National VCC Day: a visiting E-Type attracted attention.

Rotorua: Alan Barnes and his 1949 Riley 2½ Litre.

Rotorua: Best of British! Rotorua branch Triumphs and RR at Lake Tarawera, and you can just see a 1929 Austin 7.

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South Canterbury: John Foster shows Ashburton and South Canterbury VCC members the inner workings of his 1934 Rolls-Royce.

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South Canterbury: Graham Rae’s 1973 Triumph 2500 in South Canterbury: Bill Weir doing ‘minor action on gravel sections at Monavale, South Canterbury on adjustments’ on the air cleaner of his 1959 the SCVCC Cancer Society Rally Chevrolet Impala’s 348 V8 engine.

Taranaki: Laurie Callendar’s speedway memorabilia visited by branch members.

Taranaki: Line up of members’ cars at Stratford Pioneer Village showing our new banner flag.

A recent Sunday run took us to see a large collection of mostly British cars in the Waikato. Many required restorative work but others were in excellent condition. Desirable and rare models were included, but the owner feared that on his passing they would have no future and be crushed, such was the lack of interest in his collection by a beneficiary daughter – food for thought as we contemplate our own mortality and our treasured cars.

at John Foster’s vehicle collection near Winchester.

At our September noggin Chris Chambers gave an enlightening presentation of his recent trip to England to participate in the London-Brighton rally with his 1930 Austin 7, shipped over especially for the event.

The 62nd Annual Mt Cook Rally was held on Labour Weekend, attracting over 60 entries. The oldest entered vehicle was Alan Averis’ 1912 Overland and almost half of the entries were pre 1940 vehicles.

For this year a choice of three routes took entrants through the Mackenzie Country to Twizel – main highways, sealed back roads via Raincliff and Fairlie, and a gravel route via MacKenzie Pass and Lake Pukaki. Field tests were held in Twizel on the Sunday, prior to reaching the Mt Cook Hermitage, our vehicles attracting the tourists’ attention.

South Canterbury

Shannon Stevenson Following from our Monster Charity Rally in 2016 we held the rally in support of the Cancer Society on 27 August 2017.

With 123 vehicles entered, the rally took participants from the meeting point at Caroline Bay, out through the Pareora Gorge, Cannington and Monavale regions to reach Fairlie. The lunch venue was at Clayton Station, the afternoon venue at Fairlie Heritage Museum.

The Opening Run with Ashburton took place on 3 September. Organised by Darren Ladbrook, this rally took members out through the back blocks of Lyalldale, Bluecliffs, Waitohi and Hilton, a fair number of roads being gravel and rarely travelled. The lunch venue was Pleasant Valley hall and the afternoon venue was

South Canterbury: Axle repair work on a Ford Model A at Cave on the Mt Cook Rally - as it was there were no shortage of ‘Model A experts’ on hand to assist, as 6 were entered for this rally.

Taranaki: Visitors to Stratford Pioneer village dressed for the occasion in front of our members cars.

Noeline Milne received the Ladies Trophy for her work with our branch newsletter and Robin McCall was presented with his 25 year badge. At our August branch meeting Bill Cross was presented with his thirty five year badge.

Paul and Kaye McNabb’s quiz night had a good number attend and had some scratching their heads looking for answers.

Gordon and Beryl Duthie’s opening run held in mid-September was a great day out even though there were a couple of last minute changes to the plans on the day. We all met up at the Beaumont Hotel and travelled to Roxburgh for lunch. After lunch we went to Shingle Creek Country Collectables at the old Shingle Creek Hotel.

The place was chocka full of antiques and collectables, with three shipping containers outside also full and all for sale. After leaving there it was back to Coal Creek and across the Roxburgh dam, to travel down the Teviot Valley on the east side of the South Otago John Cook Clutha River to Faigan’s Café and Store at I am pleased to report that Robin Millers Flat for afternoon tea. The old store McCall has now taken up the position of has been completely revamped and it has Chairman. been very nicely done.

Our well attended annual Mid-Winter Dinner was held at the Milton Town and Taupo Greg Nattrass Country Club. Bill Falconer was presented In September our branch celebrated 50 with the Service Tankard for his services years in existence. Come club night we to the branch’s Wednesday Ramble runs, enjoyed tales from three of our memberBeaded Wheels 55

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Wairarapa: When I grow up I want to be …

Andrew and Sue Dittmers’ Austin 7 cuddles up to the Holmes’ Austin 20.

Wairarapa: Always cheerful … club stalwart Will Holmes (Austin 20).

Wairarapa: Alec and Sandy O’Hara, 1979 Mini LE.

Wairarapa: John and Sheila Clark’s 1955 Daimler.

couples about the highs and lows of their recent trips overseas. They were followed by one of our local travel agents sharing some helpful tips on do’s and don’ts when travelling abroad.

On October club night I talked about the time I spent in Kaikoura working on the earthquake recovery, SH1 being the area we were involved with. I shared my experiences of what we were required to do and the progress that happened in the three weeks I was there.

Chairman’s run took the members on a drive, one of the first years we did not need to postpone the run due to bad weather although it did come a bit close to that.

Around 20 cars and occupants left Taupo for a picnic lunch at Lake Maraetai near Mangakino. Due to the weather closing in the day was cut short and members headed home earlier than expected Taranaki Colin Johnston A Sunday run meeting was held at Pioneer Village in Stratford with our cars on display supporting the village in their open day. Member’s vintage, post vintage and postwar vehicles were displayed in the grounds with our newly acquired VCC banner flags. Some visitors to the village joined in with period dress adding

56 Beaded Wheels

Wairarapa: Willie James and Jim Philps in Willie’s 1956 MG Magnette.

to the festivities and complementing our car display.

We then moved off to view Laurie Callendar’s speedway memorabilia in Tariki which was a short drive from Stratford. We were treated to a magnificent display of Laurie’s collection of vintage speedway cars and go-carts, including an original Cal cart speedway go-cart and a JBS single seater formula 3 rear engine racer. The latter was imported in 1950 and our members Cez Budd and Max Rutherford helped rebuild it. Laurie has some interesting vehicles that belonged to his late father Johnny Callendar including a mountain goat bike that Sir Ed Hillary took to the Himalayas, and an original TQ which was raced at the old Waiwhakaiho race track in New Plymouth. The second owner driver of this TQ was Neil Bulmer, one of our members The Rubber Duckie motorcycle rally was held in September with 32 entries. The rally route used the historic Bertrand Road swing bridge and the Okoki loop which included a road tunnel, a new experience for the majority of the riders. This year the winners were John and Jill Williams in their 1937 Morgan SS. Member Jim Watson was presented with his 25 year badge at the prize giving dinner.

Wairarapa: First in buys the drinks.

Waikato Gaynor Terrill The annual PV, PW, P60 and P80 rally was organised by Dave Nordell and started at Okoroire Hotel, between Matamata and Tirau. The rally visited a sculpture garden in Te Aroha and finished at Gordonton School, where the students provided afternoon tea as part of a fundraising venture.

The Wednesday Wander Group had an interesting outing organised by Terry and Bev Pidduck on 18 October when 36 members visited two dairy factories, one where there was a guided tour of what dairying was like in the early days of the Waikato industry at Matangi and the second the very modern Fonterra Hautapu plant where a short video was shown and talk given about the current products made from milk.

Next year the branch will celebrate 60 years. Long standing member Roy Rowe has been busy taking a trip down memory lane as he has viewed and edited many hours of film and video and has developed a series of DVDs showing the first 10 years of the branch. The October branch meeting saw some snippets of this and I too have had sneak preview. Many events featured dancing and the Christmas celebrations were large. Roy has been able to identify many of the movie stars and some of those

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Waitemata: Waitemata’ites await instructions for Ryders Junction event.

Wellington : Peter Chaney’s Packard Carribbean Convertabler.

Wellington : The Octopus at the Island Bay Marine Education Centre.

Wellsford Warkworth: Gay London and her collection of Diana memorabilia at the display.

Wanganui: Photo: Rob O’Keeffe.

featured are still active members today. This will be a valuable resource to add to the branch archive.

Remember to get your entry in for the Easter Rally – information and entry forms are on the VCC website.

Finally on behalf of the branch, Season’s Greetings to all members.

Wairarapa Kevin Ball The times they are a changing in Wairarapa, with an influx of new members bringing new ideas with them. The most recent one saw two groups departing from Pahiatua in the north and Masterton in the south, each travelling a circular route and meeting at the mid-point Eketahuna Pub for lunch before completing their runs.

Rain throughout kept the numbers down but we still had 19 entrants.

The move was welcomed by the northerners, who because of the distance involved don’t get to events as often as they would like. A special hats-off to Jim Chalmers who entered his 1948 Ford V8 and four Austins driven by friends. A “stretched gymkhana” is the next event planned by the newbies.

The Peter Smith Memorial Rally attracted an entry of 21. This event is run by the Austin fraternity and there is a special class for honorary Austins. The run, held in unseasonably sunny weather, took the cars from Clareville to Tinui, near the coast, via Lees-Pakaraka Road, Te Parae Road, Blairlogie and Langdale Road. A

West Coast: On the move - Daffodil Rally commences.

light lunch was provided by a new café at Tinui, which struggled to cope with 40 or so hungry and thirsty rallists.

The only casualty was the Fiat Bambina of rally organiser Howard Sims, which ran out of spark at Tinui. John and Kerry Rapley (1956 Austin) took overall honours and Bernie and Joan Svendsen the Flying As. Tony and Myrna Lane (1973 Mercedes convertible) won the honorary Austin trophy.

Waitemata Diane Humphreys A VCC National Day Beaded Wheels & Braced Wings was to be held either 20 or 27 August depending on the weather. A day of flight in antique planes, BBQ lunch and a gymkhana in vintage cars with the proceeds going to the good Daffodil Day cause. But the 20th date caused a postponement with the 27th causing a full blown cancellation of the event. High winds were totally unsuitable for old wings and the rain caused the grass runway and grounds to be so waterlogged that playing with any kind of machinery with wheels was totally out of the question. A few brave souls did venture forth on the 27th, not to the Kaipara Flats Airfield but to the Takapuna monthly outdoors Caffeine & Classics car show before proceeding to a cafe to dry out, warm up and refuel the body.

Sunday 24 September saw a better day at last and a good turnout of vintage wheels motoring west on a very enjoyable one and a half hour run before finally

arriving at Ryders Junction for our annual Drive, Dine & Movie. Ian Goldingham put together a very enjoyable event and before the movie proper, we had a first screening of the 2016 Chelsea hill climb.

As always a great documentation of the hill climb put together in DVD form by Ian of Goldingham Productions.

The Hooter Race Series started the new season with the Ice Breaker run at Hampton Downs Race Circuit on 30 September and this season the series looks to be gaining momentum. It’s a great opportunity for all VCC members to pedal their eligible vehicles around a race track. You do need a VIC, a VCC Historic Race license and a VCC Logbook, get those and come along for some thrilling vintage racing.

Wanganui Fay Chamberlain Despite the inclement spring weather daffodils have defied all the odds and given the Wanganui Branch another great opportunity to be out and about delivering them as part of the annual Cancer Society drive.

Also for the Cancer Society, Doreen and Peter Hardy organised a Sunday run for members which drew 94 vehicles. We had a great day out and the charity run raised $1200 for a very deserving cause.

Another great Community event was the refurbishing of the Watt Fountain which was donated to the city of Wanganui 100 years ago. Recently relocated to its original site in the centre of town, a grand celebration including speeches and bagpipes Beaded Wheels 57

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Wellsford Warkworth: Matakohe Kauri Museum ‘Settlers Day’

took place. Some cars of the same era were all on display to the public.

Club nights continue to draw good attendances despite the rough weather.

70 folks turned out for the annual Shiny Parts Auction, which raised $1200 for the branch.

Younger folks too are joining up (new Chairman Bruce Ardell encouraging his grandchildren to attend) keen as mustard and only five years old Wellington Claire Benge We have just had our 60th November Rally on 4 and 5 November including a rally attended by 50 vehicles on the Saturday followed by the Annual Diner and Prizes with 90 people attending, and on Sunday about the same number of cars on display at the Wellington Waterfront under the sails at Queens Wharf. All events were thoroughly enjoyed and the Sunday Display was a great success, attracting passers-by and even garnered a couple of new members.

The October club night featured Peter Chaney’s recently restored 1956 Packard Caribbean convertible, the one and only in New Zealand and only 276 produced.

He will be heading to Wings over Wanaka in it next year with a group of Packards and their owners from around the Pacific.

The Twilight Rally in early September followed a car display at the very wet Upper Hutt Spring Festival. The weather cleared up to late sunshine and a great run to Waikanae for a barbeque hosted by Ernie and Norma Pailthorpe and a spectacular view of the sunset over Kapiti Island.

Our Colonial Cup Rally in late September doubled up as our Daffodil Day so the drive around the Hutt Valley was finished at the Clubrooms with an afternoon tea.

October saw the Heritage Run, organised by Peter Simpson, to show us some of our natural heritage rather than old buildings. We drove through Wellington to the Marine Education Centre in the old Bait Shed at Island Bay before driving to the west end of Owhiro Bay to the Information Centre for the Taputeranga Marine Reserve where Peter

58 Beaded Wheels

West Coast: Some of the vehicles at Berlins.

talked about the unique sea life of Cook Strait.

Wellsford Warkworth Sheryl Martin After the busy month of August planning and participating in Daffodil Day, September, in comparison, was quite quiet. A midweek lunch at Wade Hotel Silverdale, a Pot Luck club night dinner where we were entertained with pictures of Daffodil Day. Then to celebrate the change to daylight saving a Twilight Run which toured through farms and pretty spring growth covered back country from Warkworth through the Whangaripo Valley and Matakana to the Salty Dog at Snell’s Beach.

The Dome Café was the venue for October’s café run. Matakohe Kauri Museum Settlers Day on the 7th saw members travelling there to explore and learn some of the history displayed in what must be one of New Zealand’s finest museums. Settlers’ Day is an annual open day, bringing together people from all around the Kaipara and Rodney areas.

Many locals who are descended from early settlers – gum diggers and loggers – were dressed in beautiful period costumes.

Detailed recreated homes and fully restored working machinery provides something for everyone, old and young.

Late October we will have vehicles displayed at the Warkworth Kowhai Festival and a Coast to Coast run starting with breakfast and a picnic lunch en-route.

November brings the Far North Tour, Santa Parades and the return of our London to Brighton participants.

December events include a Posh Picnic and a Christmas dinner to round off a busy year.

West Coast June Campbell Contrary to the bad weather forecast we enjoyed a fine day for our Daffodil Day Rally which enabled us to donate $823 to the local Cancer Society. We were joined by the Greymouth Rodders Club and the Greymouth Straycats, this supplied a great variety of vehicles, 67 all up. We had a parade through the town area and Aorangi Reserve and back to ANZAC Park for a

shared afternoon tea. Here we were able to display the cars to the public who were generous with their gold coin donations.

Our October branch run was to Berlins in the Lower Buller Gorge where it is always good to catch up and share lunch with our Westport and Reefton members.

Elaine and Pat Knowles attended the Nelson Rally in their 1929 Chevrolet roadster. A good number of our members attended the Canterbury Branch Swap Meet.

We were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Reefton member Graham Hunter. Graham was an active member for 24 years. He restored his family’s 1930 Willys Knight tourer which now resides up the Maruia Valley with his brother John and wife Colleen. We thank his family for accompanying Graham to branch events since his wife Francie’s passing three years ago, this enabled him to keep using his beautiful 1952 Desoto and keep in touch with members. Our condolences to Graham’s family, he will be missed.

West Coast Branch extends Seasons Greetings to all Branches and best wishes for 2018.

Passing Lane In this column we acknowledge the recent passing of club members.

Information is supplied to Beaded Wheels by VCCNZ Branch Secretaries.



Banks, David Banks Peninsula Currie, Graeme (Saus) Banks Peninsula Goodman, Brian Canterbury Hunter, Graham West Coast Keown, Athole West Coast Mowbray, Bob (Branch Patron) Rotorua Nightingale, Shona Horowhenua Smith, Lane Errol Canterbury Stevenson, John Far North Whitmarsh, James Banks Peninsula Wright, Richard Waikato

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