CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR OVER 70 YEARS
No. 362 February/March2020
NEW ZEALAND’S FOREMOST HISTORICAL MOTORING MAGAZINE $7.95
9 418979 000012
SUMMER ADVENTURES AROUND NEW ZEALAND 1960 VICTA MOTORSCOOTER BSA MOTORCYCLE MODEL COMPARISON MAGAZINE OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND
We have no information on this archival scan but would be interested in any information readers might have.
Contact National Office for all queries regarding VICs, logbooks, historic race licences, lighting endorsement, registration of vehicles, address changes, subscriptions, membership cards, speed events.
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
NATIONAL OFFICE
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 Email admin@vcc.org.nz
VCCNZ MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
information to: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz Beaded Wheels, PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. Laserprints/photocopies are not suitable. Photos will be returned as soon as practicable.
CLUB CAPTAIN NORTHERN REGION Kaaren Smylie 021 664 341 nicc@vcc.org.nz CLUB CAPTAIN SOUTHERN REGION Alon Mayhew 027 202 9491 sicc@vcc.org.nz REGISTRAR Rod Brayshaw 07 549 4250 registrar@vcc.org.nz
PRESIDENT Diane Quarrie 06 876 4009 president@vcc.org.nz
SPEED STEWARD Tony Haycock 021 662 441 speedsteward@vcc.org.nz
SECRETARY/ TREASURER Michael Lavender 03 325 5704 hon.sec@vcc.org.nz
BEADED WHEELS CHAIRMAN Kevin Clarkson 021 0270 6525 kevin@vcc.org.nz
Tony Bartlett 06 867 9850
mgmt1@vcc.org.nz
George Kear 03 347 0315
mgmt2@vcc.org.nz
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING comms@vcc.org.nz ARCHIVIST Don Muller 03 385 6850
archivist@vcc.org.nz
Please note this information changes annually - these details are valid until October 2020
VCCNZ BRANCHES A full list of branch addresses and contact details can also be found on the VCCNZ website at www.vcc.org.nz ASHBURTON PO Box 382, Ashburton 7740 ashburton@vcc.org.nz AUCKLAND PO Box 12-138, Penrose, Auckland 1642 auckland@vcc.org.nz BANKS PENINSULA 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/-114 Shortcut Road, Luggate, RD2, Wanaka 9382 centralotago@vcc.org.nz CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY C/- 73 Porangahau Road, Waipukurau 4200 centralhawkesbay@vcc.org.nz EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 2168, Kopeopeo Whakatane 3159 easternbayofplenty@vcc.org.nz
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FAR NORTH C/– 50 Davis Strongman Place, RD3, Kerikeri 0293 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 WAIRARAPA PO Box 7, Masterton 5810 wairarapa@vcc.org.nz WAITEMATA C/- PO Box 13374, Onehunga, Auckland 1643 waitemata@vcc.org.nz WANGANUI PO Box 726, Whanganui 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
CONTENTS
Beaded Wheels Publisher
The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.) The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXXI No. 362
Issue 362 February/March2020
Editorial Committee
Kevin Clarkson (Chairman), Judith Bain, Bevars Binnie, Rosalie Brown, John Coomber, Mark Dawber, Marilyn McKinlay.
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).
Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz Advertising Enquiries
Classified and Display Advertising to: PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz Phone 64 3 332 3531 Rate schedule available on request.
Back Issues Available on request to PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.
FEATURES 12 SuperDave
The tale of a small motorcycle hiccup
16 20
Behind the Wheel of Greg Price’s 1960 Fuji Victa
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The Silent Grey Fellow Makes a Noise.
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BSA B24 and B26
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Early film from the Club Archive
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Correspondence & Editorial Contributions
Phone 64 3 332 3531, Fax 64 3 366 0273 PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz
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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 incurs additional bank fee processing charge of 3%
Production
Design: RGB Design & Print Ltd, Christchurch Print: PMP Ltd, Christchurch.
Closing Date for April/May: Editorial Copy Advertisements
28 February 2020 10 March 2020
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.)
In 1957 All Roads Lead to Ardmore Looking back at the Auckland Veteran and Vintage Car Club participation in the 1957 NZ International Grand Prix meeting.
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Black Beauty A Packard with a pedigree
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Rally Snippets 36 Josephville Hillclimb – Gore Branch 36 Boxing Day Picnic – Canterbury Branch 36 Gumboot Rally – Wanganui Branch 37 Windsor Rally – North Otago Branch 38 Lochinver Rally – Waitemata Branch Another 1000 miles
COLUMNS 4
President’s Message
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As We See It
44 Marketplace
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VCC Events
49
Swap Meets & Rallies
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National Office
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Trade Directory
Book Review
6 Mailbag
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Idle Torque
National Office Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 Email admin@vcc.org.nz
10 Timelines
66
Passing Lane
Postal Address: PO Box 2546,
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The Way We Were
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Vero International Festival of History Motoring - Rally Update
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.
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11 Awards
COVER 1926 Alvis 12/50 tourer making short work of the hills on this year’s Waitemata Branch Lochinver Tour - driven by Pat Bren (Waitemata Branch) with Jane Ryder shotgun. Photo Jacqui Goldingham.
The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) is the worldwide organisation dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of historic vehicles and related culture. The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc) is a founding member of FIVA. VCCNZ Registrar Rod Brayshaw is the New Zealand delegate to FIVA and also a member of the FIVA Technical Commission.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE While it will be business as usual for the Management Committee in 2020, we are also working on the re-branding of the VCC logo and the introduction of an on-line membership application, both of which should be completed by the end of the year. For several years the need to have the ability to offer an on-line membership application has been discussed and agreed at Executive level. Aside from the technical aspect of setting up the facility it has been difficult getting a consensus from the Executive, as new member fees are not consistent across all the branches, with each branch having their own individual requirements such as joining fees and levies. It is important that we get this right, as we have to make sure that a new member wishing to join the VCC via our on-line application finds it an easy and pleasant experience.
I am pleased that considerable progress has been made in this regard. Our constitution and by-laws will also need to be amended to accommodate the changes required for the on-line form. With regard to the re-branding of the club logo, contrary to what has been reported in some branch magazines, this is not a proposal to change the name of the club. Our current logo, designed by our founding President Andy Anderson and based on a Bentley emblem, has served us well for 70 years. However we now need a more stylised design which catches the attention of, and is attractive to, a younger generation to take us forward into the future. It also needs to capture what we are about, and to give the club, and more importantly branches, more flexibility to individualise it to best suit their need. I agree with Kevin Clarkson’s comments in the last
edition of Beaded Wheels with regard to some VCC members not pulling over at the first opportunity when there are a couple of cars behind them. We know that a lot of our VCC eligible vehicles are not capable of travelling at the open road speed limit. However this is not about the speed your vehicle is capable of, it is about being courteous to your fellow road users, and keeping your eyes on your rear view mirror. Unfortunately I see this time and time again when on branch or club runs. To make matters worse, quite often it is fellow club members in their VCC vehicles bunched up behind the slow vehicle waiting for an opportunity to pass, which means that a member of the public then has to try and get past multiple vehicles. Could I ask that in situations like that, you pull back (or pull over) so that the modern vehicles can pass safely and more easily. I know that it doesn’t fix the
problem of the inconsiderate slow driver, and it may mean that it takes you a few minutes longer to get to your destination but hopefully it does mean that members of the public will give you a friendly toot as they pass rather than a two finger salute! It is interesting to note that while a lot of our flagship rallies either at branch or national level, are struggling with entrant numbers, the Highland Fling, a new event in the North Island, has had to close its entry early, after reaching its limit of 100 entries a couple of months before the close-off date. This proves to me that there is a real appetite for this kind of event amongst our members, and in particular, our younger members. Safe motoring
car owner to keep a log of his journeys in the car and note down such important matters as miles per gallon achieved and so on even to the extent of the reason that the journey took place. These days that all seems a bit much and who can be bothered doing that now? Last year I purchased a car and later learned that there was a log book in existence, such as I have outlined above, maintained by the first owner who had the car from new in 1972 until his death in 2010. I rang the widow of the second owner whose husband (a VCC member) had purchased it from the estate, and the car dealer involved, and they both knew of the log book’s existence but not where it was.
I spoke to the widow and she assured me that it had gone with the car but nonetheless she would be pleased to have a yarn with me should I be in her vicinity any time. I caught up with her recently between Christmas and New Year and she was pleased to hear how the car was going. She had a box of stuff she had kept for me including workshop manuals and some parts which will be useful in the future. As I dug down into the box I saw an A4 exercise book at the bottom. I lifted it out and what do you know – it was the aforementioned log book detailing the first owner’s use of the car. He had filled it out every time he used the car for all the 38 years of his ownership - detailing the
reason for use, the mileage at start and finish and frequently the miles per gallon achieved. It makes interesting reading now and tellingly, he attended more and more funerals as he was getting older. It also proves the claim when I bought the car that the mileage of 61,000 miles is genuine. The book will now stay with the car as it forms a valuable record of those first 38 years of ownership. Maybe keeping a log book detailing each journey is not such a bad idea after all!
Diane Quarrie VCCNZ National President
AS WE SEE IT If you cast your mind back to the old days, if you are old enough of course, you may recall that having a vehicle in the family was not a given. In my case, as part of a large family with only one parent working while the other stayed at home to look after the children, common in the ‘40s and ‘50s, meant that when my father bought his own car, a 1935 Chev Master, we thought we were made. Back then the car was only used when needed and certainly not when walking was a better answer! We enjoyed that car and later, at about age 13, I still recall helping him do up the motor, although I do think now that I got most of the dirty jobs! Back then it was not uncommon for the proud
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Kevin Clarkson Chairman Beaded Wheels
VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS NATIONAL EVENTS April 2020 10-13 National North Island Easter Rally hosted by Horowhenua Branch September 2020 10-13 National Vintage Rally hosted by Hawke’s Bay Branch
Waikato Branch: Karapiro Swap Meet in full swing.
FEBRUARY
7-9 Banks Peninsula Levels Race Meeting 8 Auckland Veteran Rally 8 E Bay of Plenty East Coast Rally 8 Gore Diggers Run 8 Nelson Top of the South 8 Wellsford/Wkwth Leigh School Summer Festival 8-10 Waimate Wallaby Rally 9 Wellington British & European Car Day 14 Gisborne Three Rivers Rally 15 Canterbury Boot Fair 15 C. Hawke’s Bay Joyce’s Run 15 Far North Hokianga/Far North 15 North Otago Inaugural Wee Wheelie Wander 15-16 Waikato Motorcycle Weekend Away 16 Central Otago Sunday Run 16 Rotorua Club Run 16 Taupo Club/Blind Run 18 West Coast Morning Tea at Shantytown 19 Northland Dargaville Event 19 Waikato Wednesday Wander 19 Hawke’s Bay Art Deco Festival 22 Canterbury Commercial Annual Rally 22 Gore Festival Rally 22 Nelson Swap Meet 22 North Otago All British Day 22 Wairarapa Stretched Gymkhana 22 Wellington Twilight Rally 23 Auckland Club Run 23 Canterbury Clip-on Run 23 Gisborne Monthly Run 23 South Cant Chairman’s Rally 23 Taranaki Colin’s Mini Vin Rally 23 West Coast Club Run 29 Wellsford/Wkwth Swap meet 29-1 Canterbury Annual Rally 29-30 Waitemata Pakiri Hill Climb
MARCH
1 Gore 1 Manawatu
Clearwater Capers Run Sunday Tea at the Grove
1 North Shore 1 South Cant 1 Wanganui 7 Canterbury 7 Southland 7 Manawatu 8 Auckland 8 Canterbury 8 Gore 8 Northland 8 South Cant 8 Waikato 14 Canterbury 14 Manawatu 14 Taupo 14 Wairarapa 15 Gore 15 North Shore 15 Rotorua 16 Otago 17 West Coast 18 Northland 20-22 Canterbury 21 West Coast 22 Waitemata 22 Wanganui 22 27-28 29 30
Wellington Taranaki Waikato Gisborne
Brits & Euro Show Motorcycle Rally Gymkhana Back Country Run Veteran Rally Ruahine Ramble Vintage Muster Rear Wheel Brake Rally Frank Robson Run Club Run Mid Island Rally Ladies Rally Moped Rally Garden Visit Lake Taupo Rally Rex Porter Memorial Rally Swap Meet Posh Picnic Chairman’s Run Vintage/Post Vintage Rally Morning Tea Shantytown Dargaville Event Jim Toohey Motorcycle Run Scenicland Rally N/S Airfield Sprint & Gymkhana Blue Smoke & Pedals / Posh Picnic Family Picnic & Gymkhana 55th Maunga Moana Rally Vintage Venture Monthly Run
APRIL
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Otago Otago Rally C. Hawke’s Bay Takapau Car Display Far North Brian Parker Memorial Rally Waikato Mooloo Meander Sth Canterbury Swap Meet Canterbury P Group Annual Rally Gore Ladies Run Horowhenua NI Easter Rally Central Otago Arrowtown Autumn Festival
& Golden Times Rally Gerald Lynch-Blosse Motorcycle Rally 18 Wanganui Motorcycle Trial 19 Northland Swap Meet 19 Taupo Club Run 19 Waikato Twilight Run 24-27 Bay of Plenty Highland Fling Vin/Vet only 25 Canterbury ANZAC Day Run 25 Sth Canterbury Vintage Only Rally 25-27 Canterbury Autumn Three Day Run 26 Gisborne Monthly Run 26 Canterbury Scooter Run & Motorcycles up to 250cc 26 Horowhenua Ted Green Memorial Motorcycle Rally 26 North Shore Northern Raid Rally 26 Waitemata Monte Carlo
18 Nth Otago
MAY 2 2 9 9 9 9-10 10 10 10
Ashburton Swap Meet C. Hawke’s Bay Twilight Run Canterbury Rural Run Gore Night Trial Southland Waimea Motorcycle Rally Wairarapa Motorcycle Reliability Trial Far North Mother’s Day Rally Sth Canterbury PV/PWV/P60/P80 Rally Waitemata Kaipara Airfield Wings & Wheels 12 Far North AGM 13 Taupo AGM 16 Northland Motorcycle Rally 16 Southland PW/P60/P80 Rally 17 Wanganui Sunday Run 24-25 Canterbury Motorcycle Rough Run 24 Sth Canterbury Restoration Run 24 Wellington Ladies Rally 28 EBOP AGM 30-1 Waikato Double 50 Rally 30-1 Canterbury Irishman Rally 31 Sth Canterbury All British Run 31 Wanganui Annual Rally
This list does not contain all branch events (eg midweek or small club runs) Check branch newsletters for up-to-date details of smaller events. This column is compiled from the VCCNZ National Calendar of Events, and 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.
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.
A valid Vehicle ID card (VIC) is required for any vehicle entered in a National VCC event. Visit www.vcc.org.nz for more information on how to obtain a VIC for your vehicle.
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NATIONAL OFFICE
MAILBAG
Contact National Office for all queries regarding VICs, logbooks, historic race licences, registration of vehicles, lighting endorsement, address changes, subscriptions, membership cards, speed events.
VCC VERO INSURANCE SCHEME
Please remember that to be insured under the VCC Vero Insurance Scheme you must be a fully paid up financial member of the Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.). NZ FEDERATION OF MOTORING CLUBS (NZFOMC)
Did you know that the Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.) is a founding member of the NZFOMC? Management Committee member Tony Bartlett sits on the Executive of the Federation and is their current Vice President. 10 YEARLY RENEWAL OF VEHICLE ID CARDS (VIC)
Three months prior to expiry National Office will send out a personalised renewal advice. When you receive the renewal advice please check the details are correct and if the vehicle’s appearance has not changed from the original Vehicle Identity Card, forward your expired
Vehicle Identity Card and the signed renewal notice to your branch for completion. Please remember, these must go to your branch for signing off. If you do not enclose the expired Vehicle Identity Card, or if the vehicle’s appearance has changed, you must send two identical photos of the vehicle as it now looks. Please return your renewal advice as early as possible. The earlier you send it in, the sooner you will receive the updated one.
BRANCH TRANSFER
To transfer between branches, complete a transfer form. This can be obtained through your branch secretary. CHANGE OF ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBERS/EMAIL/VEHICLE OWNERSHIP
Please advise the National Office if you have changed address, phone number, email address or vehicle ownership.
The editorial committee reserve the right to publish, 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.
HISTORY REQUIRED
I am attempting to research the history of a 1929 Fisher-bodied four door Oldsmobile originally sold by Archibalds Motors in Christchurch. Archibalds have gone back into their files but cannot locate anything earlier than the 1930s.
Beaded Wheels Beaded Wheels
Upon a change of ownership, the Vehicle ID Card is no longer valid. It is easy to transfer this into your name. Complete the VCC Change of Ownership Form available from the club website, through your branch or direct with National Office.
It is compulsory for any member entering a VCC Speed Event to hold a current VCC Historic Racing Licence (or Motorsport NZ Licence), and VCC Logbook (or Motorsport NZ Logbook). 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 the payment and a new one will be issued.
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If your branch has events that it would like promoted through our club facebook page please email the details to comms@vcc.org.nz
BOUGHT A VEHICLE THAT HAS A VINTAGE CAR CLUB VEHICLE ID CARD?
VCC SPEED EVENTS
Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.) National Office, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 Telephone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 email admin@vcc.org.nz www.vcc.org.nz Office Hours Mon – Fri 9-5pm
VCC OF NZ AND BEADED WHEELS FACEBOOK PAGE
Julie Cairns-Gee National Office Manager
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 pre-1924 cars and most motorcycles until 1927. In March 1955 The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand adopted the title Beaded Wheels for their club magazine. Older issues of Beaded Wheels are available for download at vcc.org.nz
The vehicle was recently purchased from Douglas Miller’s widow and had been purchased by Douglas back in 1972 from a W J Good. Unfortunately little of the paperwork that may have changed hands back in 1972 was available. The last registered plate number was as shown in the attached photo. Any help from members who may know anything about the vehicle would be most appreciated. I can be contacted at 021 2215968 or via email at jgandkacraig@ gmail.com John Craig Member Canterbury
TRAFIKKSELSKAP RØD
Part of the problem Greg Price may have had with Googling the colour of the BMW Isetta in Beaded Wheels 361 is that the name of the shade isn’t German but Norwegian (don’t ask me why - that must be another story). “Trafikkselskap rød” is literally “transport company red”. Beyond that I can’t add anything, except maybe to guess that it’s the shade of red used at one time to paint buses? Martin Purdy INFORMATION SOUGHT
I have been given this photo of an unusual vintage car and am wondering if any of your readers can offer their views on what this car is and some of its details.
Many thanks for your help. Doug Pagel Ph 027 346 3844
DREAMS TO REALITY
I used to dream of owning a car forever. With life experience to reflect on it will be interesting to see how long I keep “ She’ll do Shelly”. Shelly is a Mercedes-Benz 190 E. She was built in Bremen , Germany, October 1988. As you know , 190 Es came out in 1982. I was a high school kid and bought a magazine about cars you could buy in England in 1983. The 190 struck a chord with me. Wowpretty neat, eh!
wiring loom clapped out. But it got me thinking. Was there any such thing as a cheap to run Mercedes-Benz? Once again thoughts of the 190 E came back to me. December 2018, on the way to a funeral, I saw Max and his car in Auckland. All I could do was coast to the airport on the motorway. Not a real test drive. Max had $2,550 on it. Took $2,000.
ENJOYABLE ISETTA
Shelly had come into good old kiwi land in 1999 and was now showing 153,330km when I drove her away. She is now showing more than 160,000.
Greg understandably expressed reservations with the period advertising which claimed “Three medium sized persons could be accommodated in the front seat”.
The price of parts haven’t been too bad. I change the engine oil every 5,000km and put in a bottle of Morey’s engine oil stabiliser first before adding 15/40 mineral. Ken Graham has the knowing of a lot of things so I will do what he advises. A Ryco engine oil filter costs $45. Holy Moley! I will expect those to do 10,000km. The car is a pleasure to drive. Just push it a little bit and everything makes sense. The auto trans is happy. If you are going slow you are expected to stir the automatic lever. So , yes , I am happy with Shelly. 190 Es are old school cars. Built to be relatively easy to keep on the road. And I recommend buying a Haynes Workshop manual. It greatly aids scoping out what to do and how to do it. Wayne Davison Member Auckland Branch
Life went on. I’ve had a Mk II Escort two door. Valiant Charger with the 265 Hemi. I wanted to own it forever. Didn’t happen. Same with my Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo ECI (electronic fuel injection ). I had that car for 14 years and 7 months. 1980s electronics are a hard thing to live with. A German lass I know bought a 1995 Merc. Of course the
Another enjoyable article from Greg Price (Beaded Wheels 361), covering subjects that are a little different from those usually found in the magazine. The BMW Isetta fitted that slot exactly, from gestation to a whacky egg shaped curiosity and the cult following it enjoys today.
It is indeed possible Greg, as the illustration taken from the official UK sales brochure 60 years ago shows. All three adults are smiling happily, one surmises because they have reached their destination unscathed and can now alight. They certainly appear to be “close friends” from the experience. Perhaps the definition of “medium size” has expanded in the intervening years. John McDonald Christchurch
GEN Z
I have just read the very interesting article by Natasa Grom of FIVA, in Beaded Wheels 361, concerning Generation Z and how we oldies, I am in my late seventies, can get the young
of today interested in the same things we are interested in, the world of old vehicles. Back along when the local high school did night classes for adults, my wife and I always learnt something new each year. One year when I was doing woodwork, which incidentally came in very useful when I was rebuilding the cab of a 1928 Willys pickup, we wondered why the teacher gave up his evenings for us. His reply was that he would rather teach us in the evenings than the boys in the day time, as all he does with them, “ is spend all day trying to stop them killing each other”. Later on somebody mentioned the film Grease, I am sure that most of the Beaded Wheels readers are old enough to remember the film, it was about a high school which had a motor pool. We wondered why the Waitaki Boys’ High School did not have one, as this would teach them about all the trades that are associated with cars. The school had tried to establish a motor pool but too many OSH regulations got in the way, so the idea was dropped. Maybe it is something the VCC and FIVA can work on with the high schools. In the last year of high school let them start an apprenticeship connected with the motor pool. Clive Blunden Member North Otago
INFORMATION WANTED
I am restoring a 1930 OK Supreme M30 motorcycle.
Wayne Davison, Mercedes-Benz 190E
This model has a JAP 750cc side valve V-twin motor, and
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for a moment look at the other viewpoint.
▲ Mike Warn is looking for information on this bike, email him on archive@warnassociates.co.nz.
appears to be quite rare and consequently very difficult to obtain information for. A friend of mine just gave me a photo taken in approximately 1980 of a Mr Jack Fowler of Port Levy with his 1930 OK Supreme of the same model as mine. Jack told my friend at the time that he believed there were only around 10 of this model in the world, this is of course not verified, but suffice to say I have only found one photo of a similar motorcycle in the UK, but with no information regarding where it is. It is believed the motorcycle would have been sold around ten years ago when this gentleman passed away. I am wondering if anyone knows the current whereabouts of
this motorcycle or has any parts or information that could assist with a restoration. Any assistance you could give would be greatly appreciated. Mike Warn ph 03 525 9919 mike@warnassociates.co.nz
BEADED WHEELS SOAPBOX
The Soapbox article in Beaded Wheels 361, and the accompanying “As we see it” on page 4 both merit attention. However, as with most things in life, there are two sides to this subject. Although I agree whole heartedly with the general sentiments expressed, and for most of my adult life (to date) have campaigned for our club members in particular to drive in a manner to encourage the respect of the moderns, let me
I have driven hundreds of miles with my left hand wheels straddling the white line on the left side of the road. I keep monitoring both my mirrors for traffic behind. When someone behind has come up fast, or clearly wants to pass, I put my left hand blinker on as soon as the way ahead is clear, and I like to give a friendly wave as they pass. But will they pass? Possibly 50% don’t want to. But they stick close to my bumper, thus creating the start of a queue. Some, sit there for several kilometres, possibly studying my car while trying to identify what make it is. Then, when they do pass, it can be without regard as to whether the road ahead is clear. Having passed, the next vehicle moves up to repeat the same procedure. Hence, despite my best efforts, the queue forms. Others are happy to just drive at the same speed as us, (75 to 80 kph) and again a queue forms behind them. When safe to do so, I do pull further over to the left, blinker on and a hand signal, and slow down. The result often being the vehicle behind follows me, perhaps thinking there is an obstruction ahead, then when almost at a
standstill, pulls out and passes, sometimes with a noisy blast. I think most of us who motor long distance will have experienced what I am talking about. So we get similarly frustrated by the moderns who just won’t pass. Senior Constable Heney was probably in his private car, out of uniform (he says he was returning home after a 10 day holiday). He may have been lucky to have been able to stop the vintage car. Or did the vintage choose Hurunui to stop in any case? The 40 (?) cars who subsequently tooted and waved may have done so in recognition that the slow vintage was letting them go by. How were they to know that there was a policeman there? He says he has stopped many drivers for this. How many were driving vintage? How many times has he written to the media? He may have a thing about vintage, methinks he doth protest too much. He mentions “a slow vehicle doing 85– 90 kph; really annoying”. Should I remind him that it is not a target. And as for “dangerous overtaking”, surely that is the decision of the overtaking driver. Yes, we should (and must) drive courteously, but we can’t be responsible for what the idiot behind does.
THE WALL OF DEATH In response to Trevor StanleyJoblin letter regarding the Wall Of Death and the Moores. A group of enthusiasts including myself have formed an incorporated society. The Original NZ Wall Of Death. We are rebuilding and resurrecting the very wall that the Moores rode. We last had it in use in the late ‘90s. It has been in storage since then and sadly wood has rotted on some of the panels. We are rebuilding it and trying to use oregon timber as per initial construction. We are trying to raise funds and gather sponsors to facilitate this task as quickly as possible. We have rebuilt several of the panels already, also the metal framework that holds it together
8 Beaded Wheels
and supports the viewing platform. We believe that our very own Chris Martin was the first person in the world to ride a speedway solo bike onto the wall. Our intention is to house the wall in a 20ft container and take it to various shows both in New Zealand and also Australia. We envisage that bike shows and hot rod events may be principle venues Those who have witnessed the wall will remember the distinctive noise of the bike on the slatted approach ramp as it roared into life and climbed up onto the wall. In the ‘90s there wasn’t anyone on hand to teach the new riders what to do and not to do. Enthusiasm, youth
and some alcohol quelled the nerves. Time in the wall paid off and we now have experienced riders who can pass on their knowledge to up and coming riders. We are trying to locate all the VHS tapes of learning bloopers and format into digital media. Our aim is to play these bloopers at events and also advertise sponsors of The Wall Of Death. For those who are social media savvy we have a Facebook page called....NZ Original Wall Of Death. People can submit pics or memories. We would welcome any stories or pictures that readers may have. Please forward anything
that may be of use for us to document to: theoriginalnzwallofdeath@ gmail.com We wish to digitally upload information to preserve the motoring history from New Zealand. Mel Tapp oldcaryard@hotmail.com
His last paragraph sums up what should be every driver’s care, modern as well as vintage. It is too easy to blame the vintage. But because we are an easily identifiable group of road users, we do have an extra obligation to drive safely and courteously, so that we don’t incur the criticism that Mr Heney seems to be propounding. Yes, we do have a minority who provide fodder for the likes of Mr Heney. So we must curb our frustrations and be extra vigilant about the way we drive our club vehicles and when we see a fellow club member who is not driving as he/she should be, have a quiet word with them. And Kevin can be excused for ranting. Like me he will be aware of the well known member who was stopped by a patrol in Central Otago because he was holding up a queue of traffic. “Holding them up?, remonstrated our member, I’ve just spent the last twenty minutes getting past that lot,
and now I’m going to have to do it again! There, I‘ve had my little “rant” and eased my feelings, if the moderns behind us are idiots, all the more reason for us to give them the courtesy of the road! Norman Dewhurst QSM Past President, Hon Life Member
SLOW DRIVERS
I read with interest the letter written by Senior Constable Grant Heney and the response published by the Chairman in the last copy of Beaded Wheels. I agree entirely with the sentiments expressed in both articles however we must remember that one bad incident should not tarnish the whole vintage car movement. A couple of years ago I was travelling south to Wanganui. We had passed Taumaranui and were heading towards National Park when we caught up to a slow moving vehicle doing
about 75-80 km/h. About 300 metres ahead of this car was a marked police car, obviously doing the same speed. The road was generally winding and we followed as a procession of three cars for nearly 20 kilometres before a long straight appeared and I sped up to 104 km/h (Christmas 4 km/h tolerance was in force) to pass the car in front, travelling for some distance on the wrong side of the road but was forced to abandon this manoeuvre due an upcoming corner. Eventually the police car pulled over and allowed us to pass, only then to stop me with flashing lights and siren sounding. He advised me he was issuing a ticket for failing to keep left at all times. I advised that I sped up to 104 km/h but could not complete the manoeuvre. He then accused me of speeding. At this point I told him I had 35 years NZ Police service and that I had been following him for over 20 kms and he should have been considerate and pulled over to allow us to pass. He stated that he always drove at that speed at which point I invited him to issue me a ticket and I would take a private prosecution against him. With that I commenced to record the registration number of the police vehicle, checked the registration label to ensure it was current and checked the WOF.
The encounter was becoming quite serious at which point he suggested that neither of us were getting anywhere and suggested I get in my car and leave. I thanked him and left. Because one police officer chooses to drive inconsiderately it does not mean that all Police should be tarnished by his actions. Maurice Whitham
CLUB NAME
There has been some discussion over the years regarding renaming the club. I am totally in favour of this, as we are gradually becoming irrelevant to younger generations who do not understand, beacause of our name, that we are about more than just vintage cars. I appreciate this is a huge issue for many and some may even feel strongly enough to leave the club but progress can often be painful as in any conflict. I have a suggestion for a name change as follows: 30YVC standing for 30 Year Vehicle Club. To me it conveys the fact that: 1. We are about 30 year old vehicles and older. 2. We are still about vehicles 3. We are still a club. Your thoughts? Brian Christensen Member Wellington
CAST IRON WELDING
Powder Spray Process, Cylinder Heads, Manifolds, Cooling Fins, Castings, Mechanical Repairs & Rebuilds
THOMAS ROWE MOTORING ENGINEER ltd 6 RD Palmerston North PHONE
06 324-8707 Beaded Wheels 9
TIMELINES
Mechanical Restorations Vintage & Classic Spares (1980)
Photo:©Motorcyclist
Stockists of new AUTOMOTIVE PARTS CAR, TRUCK & TRACTOR 1912–1997 (85 year span)
1945 Vespa MP6 Prototype
Historical snippets of motoring interest from years gone by compiled by Graeme Rice
100 YEARS AGO FEBRUARY MARCH 1920
Post-war austerity spawns inventive, petrol saving devices. British MPs abandoned their limousines for motor scooters, an Otaki nurse had taken delivery of a motor scooter which “would be seen on local and district roads.” Motor scooters were seen in Hawera, Napier, and Wellington. A year later Truth’s Critic observed “These little machines are very powerfully engined and guaranteed to climb the steepest pedestrians!” Seriously – shades of things to come! 50 YEARS AGO FEBRUARY MARCH 1969
Reeling under the wave of smooth, colourful, comfortable and well-equipped Japanese motorcycles dominating the market, from the 50cc Honda Cub to the Honda 750/4, the British industry were trying something different. What else could explain the BSA group’s Ariel 3? Costing over $4 million to develop, this trike was sunk by a hapless marketing guru who came up with the strap line – “Here it is – Whatever it is…”
Graeme Rice
10 Beaded Wheels
75 YEARS AGO FEBRUARY MARCH 1944
Another post-war era, more fuel savers. The Velo-Solex company rushed their motorised bicycle into production while in Italy the Piaggo company was developing a new product to replace their aircraft manufacturing activities. In 1945 Enrico Piaggio’s inventive designer Corradino D’Ascanio worked on a stressedskin fully enclosed motor scooter with a stressed steel aircraft design. Featuring a flat floorboard and stub axles its buzzy 98cc motor and bee-like rear end got it the name Vespa, Italian for Wasp. 30 YEARS AGO FEBRUARY MARCH 1989
Grim times for our motor scooter and moped dealers. Sales of under 61cc machines dropped from 1,696 in 1989 to just 911 in 1990. Very likely the swathes of cheap, imported Mazda 323s selling for around $4,000 had to take some of the blame. Even so, used machines sold for good prices. A 1987 Honda Beat - $1,200, a 1988 Honda Eve - $850, a 1989 Suzuki with just 220kms - $1,200 and a 1990 Yamaha SH80R for $1,395 seemed a good buy compared to a 1987 SH50 for $1,095.
ENGLISH AMERICAN CONTINENTAL AUSTRALIAN JAPANESE
Kingpin sets Rear axles Engine gaskets Water pumps & kits Gearbox gears Clutch plates Suspension parts Clutch covers Steering joints Carburettors Crownwheel & pinions Fuel pumps & kits Spark plugs Brake & clutch cables Electrical fittings Pistons Wiper motors (vac) Steering box parts Engine bearings Valves, springs, guides Shock absorbers Speedo cables Wheel cylinders & kits Ignition parts Master cylinders & kits Timing gears & chains Shackles Lenses (pins & bushes) Engine mounts Ring gears & pinions MECHANICAL RESTORATIONS VINTAGE & CLASSIC SPARES (1980) RD 7 • Fordell • Wanganui • Phone/Fax 06 342 7713
AWARDS Congratulations to the following members who have recently been awarded their 50 and 60 Year Awards.
50 YEAR Beesley, Kevin Waitemata Brown, Wilbur Waikato Gaudin, Carl Alfred Bay of Plenty Law, Calvin John Bay of Plenty Voss, Stephen Wanganui
60 YEAR Pearce, Colin
Otago
McLaren celebrates its Kiwi roots and welcomes latest engineering interns
MCLAREN CONTINUES KIWI CONNECTION Two young engineers from New Zealand have arrived in England to begin an internship established in honour of McLaren’s Kiwi founder, Bruce McLaren.
Are you
MOVING HOUSE
or changing internet providers
Please advise the VCCNZ National Office of any change of physical or email address details. You can email your new details to admin@vcc.org.nz (please include your VCCNZ membership number)
University of Auckland students Elizabeth Grant and Harvey Merton are both following in the footsteps of Bruce McLaren who arrived in England in 1958 on a scholarship before going on to establish his racing team five years later. Bruce’s vision was always to build supercars. McLaren Automotive was established just under a decade ago to fulfil that vision and which is where Elizabeth and Harvey, who both have a passion for high performance engineering and cars, will spend the next two months. The company has produced some of the world’s most iconic supercars, most recently unveiling the Elva roadster which celebrates the renowned Bruce McLaren-designed M1A and McLaren-Elvas of the 1960s. Produced as ‘customer’ versions of the innovative and exciting Group 7 McLaren race cars, the McLaren-Elva sportscars embodied many of the pioneering design and engineering principles that are still integral to the McLaren road cars the company hand-builds today. Both Harvey and Elizabeth will be based at the iconic McLaren Technology and Production Centres in Woking, Surrey, England where they will have stints with designers, development engineers, the powertrain team as well as areas such as aftersales to gain a rounded understanding of the 2,700 strong team.
Nearly 60 years ago, Bruce McLaren travelled to England on a similar Driver to Europe scholarship to pursue his motorsport aspirations. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Bruce studied at Seddon Technical College, later part of Auckland University, and was an accomplished engineer and innovator as well as a successful racing driver. “It’s wonderful to welcome Elizabeth and Harvey to McLaren as the latest bright young engineers to benefit from the international internship named in honour of my father and to know his legacy lives on today both in the cars and the ethos of the company. My father would be very proud of what McLaren has become today and I’m sure he would be equally proud of the internship which celebrates the strong links between Britain and New Zealand that he epitomised. I’m grateful to both McLaren Automotive and the University of Auckland for their continued support for nurturing young engineering talent and can’t wait to hear what Elizabeth and Harvey make of it all.” Amanda McLaren, Brand Ambassador for McLaren Automotive.
Beaded Wheels 11
What happens when Dave Mayhew put dragon and fly together – and not in the traditional manner
SUPERDAVE? Words David Mayhew
The four major motorcycle rallies that I enjoy each year run for aproximately 100 – 120 miles, which I find to be quite a pleasant distance; but the recent annual Auckland rally, plotted for 160 miles (260 km) plus the 25 miles from and to my motel, made for an extra long day for me in the saddle. The rally started in Drury, a southern suburb of Auckland and travelled eastwards to Thames on the Coromandel Peninsula. I was wearing bib number 34 and my start time was 0921. I had selected 40 mph to be my average speed - a sensible speed as it is easy to keep an “eye on it” - ten miles every 15 minutes and three and a third every five minutes. The weather was just ideal, bright sunshine and no wind with nice dry roads and only 11 miles of gravel road if I chose the challenge route. Having to watch out for the line of least deviation as well as keeping a wary eye open for hidden silent checks on top of checking my odometer reading (a physical exercise on a Dragonfly) and comparing it with my clock gave my antique brain enough to cope with for the day; but I found that too much concentration on these semi important details tends to detract from the more important aspect of actually riding the bike and quite inexplicably one of those white reflector thingies on the right hand side of the road passed me on my left, and I thought “ ‘ere, that can’t be right”, I was on the grass verge on the wrong side of the road, so being a quick thinking sort of a chappie I decided to stop and smartly grabbed every thing that stops the wheels going round. Then the grass verge quite rapidly became much steeper and deeper and when the “Fly” stopped I didn’t, and continued over the handle bars flying like Super Man leaving the bike to perform spectacular things behind me; but I wasn’t very good at it – this flying like Super Man business – and I crash landed amongst the bracken and the fern and the gorse and slid on for a while, seemingly a couple of kilometres, taking about 45 minutes and when I came to rest I thought: “Gee! this is an interesting experience, fond memories are made of stuff like this. I’ll just wait while my body wakes up so that I can see just which bits are going to hurt.” 12 Beaded Wheels
I didn’t blaspheme, couldn’t blame Him up there, it’s not His fault; in fact I asked Him if He’d kindly get me out of here please, Amen; as you do. And I got to thinking; well, someone up there will see my bike on the bank and either pinch it or come looking for the bloke who is supposed to be riding it; that’s me. I waived the option of eating one of my rally pack toffees as being impractical whilst upside down amongst the vegetation and I remembered that I didn’t enjoy a good night sleep last night so now would be a good chance to have a bit of a “snore off “. But not for long, my dozing was soon interrupted by someone playing with my foot, what a cheek. Then he (or she) got hold of my boot and seemed to be pulling it off, giving my leg a mighty heave; well, if I’ve broken my back, this treatment will do me the world of good, so in an effort to assist him, or her, I was a bit like a crocodile walking backwards up this hill on my elbows and it was necessary to raise my visor as I was all fogged up, but my right arm being briefly reluctant to work I managed to use my left hand to push it up and was thoroughly disappointed as I was still fogged up; Oh dear. I could see light but not things and my lady friend being totally blind, if I can’t see it doesn’t bode well for the future, however it was only my specs that were misty. My rescuer who had been watching the motorcycles go by witnessed my spectacular performance and must have come strolling up the road to have a closer look and a hand full of bikers had stopped to see as well. So together we managed to haul the bike out and stand it up. I filled my pipe up, it’s moments like this that I need a puff. Fortunately, moments like these are not too frequent, so I am not a heavy smoker, and I got to thinking that it is a jolly good job that I am a young fella of 83 otherwise I might have hurt myself had I been an old man behaving in this manner. Tail end Charlie arrived within half an hour and loading my bike on his trailer I spent the rest of the day in his van. Then to finish this interesting day off, our erstwhile caterer who had reliably been supplying our Christmas dinners for 16 years completely forgot about us, forcing us to abscond to a local burger bar. But I won the “hard luck” prize. anyway.
THE WAY WE WERE
Sunday 17 December 1950
NEW BRIGHTON RALLY
▲ The Start : Armagh Street Bridge – Christ College. Autopart Timaru’s Cadillac, Spud’s 14/40 Sunbeam and the Cockram Wolseley.
The Clans having duly gathered on the Saturday 16 December 1950 and having suitably Vintage social mixing at Leeston as described in the last issue, we had planned out a “Run to Brighton” for the Sunday. Not a wildly original idea.
Continuing our series on the origins and very early events of the Vintage Car Club as recalled by Andrew Anderson
ANDREW ANDERSON VCCNZ FOUNDING MEMBER
14 Beaded Wheels
We gathered for the start in Rolleston Avenue outside Christ’s College by the Armagh St Bridge and the route simply took us down Rolleston Avenue past the boat sheds, over the Madras St Bridge and along to Deans Avenue and Lincoln Road, down Hoon Hay Road to a lunch stop at the old clay quarry at the bottom of the hill in Worsleys Road which had been the start point of our Mud Plug trial earlier as recorded. Here, Olive Sharman and a team of assistants had an excellent picnic lunch organized for all and some successful efforts were made to storm the steep washout on the first corner of the hill and a lot of toing and froing in the midst of the eating. The next stage simply ran around the foot of the hills on
Centaurus Road, over Murray Aynsley hill to the Estuary Bridge to Brighton and the final line up point on the Esplanade. The photos show the start and Dean’s Avenue and Lincoln Road as they were in 1950, The Lunch stop with the clay quarry backdrop, Bob storming Murray Aynsley hill with a big group behind him and the Brighton finish. Neither of the “out of towner” drivers of the Unic or the IHC came into town for this run and only did the procession on the following day and it goes to show what a long way we have come! The successful conclusion and total lack of mechanical problems, in spite of appearances, largely spelt the beginning of the end of our Boy Racer era.
▲ Cockram’s Cadillac at the lunch stop at Worsleys Road quarry.
▲ Cockram’s Wolseley. ▼ Jacobson’s Ford.
▲
Bob Blackburne’s 1918 Oakland heading the pack up Murray Aynsley hill.
▲ Ridder’s Renault.
▲
Bob Blackburne’s 1918 Oakland en route heading up Murray Aynsley hill.
▲ Godfrey and Peggy in Hall’s Talbot, Cockram’s Wolseley behind.
▲ Rutherford’s Alldays at lunch stop.
▲ Bill Cockram and Cadillac and Brian Joyce’s James motorcycle in Deans Ave. ▼ Duncan Rutherford Alldays and Jacobson’s T en route.
▲ Autopart’s Cadillac at lunch stop.
▲ Finish at New Brighton. ▼ Renaults old and new.
Beaded Wheels 15
IN 1957 ALL ROADS LEAD TO
ARDMORE
Words and photos BARRY BIRCHALL
Ardmore in 1952 was a deserted war time air field used only by the odd glider and a top dressing plane. In 1953 the NZ International Grand Prix established a race track on the old air field and sought participants from overseas. The event was a howling success with over 60,000 spectators arriving. In 1957 they asked the Auckland Veteran and Vintage Car Club to organise a race for old cars around the track before the main event. The NZ International Grand Prix Federation had set standards all participants had to follow. The Auckland Veteran and Vintage Car club had to have rules for the race, that participants had to follow. The entrants had to turn up for two practice runs on the track the first a month before the event. The vehicles had to be checked by scrutineers at the City Council Testing Station a few weeks before the race. All drivers were told they had to have a competition licence to race on the track and a very recent medical certificate from a doctor. The race rules were sent out to all competitors before the race and they had to sign an indemnity form stating that the Grand Prix Association would not be held responsible for any accident. There was a briefing on the Friday night before the race all drivers had to attend. The race would only be for open vehicles manufactured before 1930 and the cars could not be modified. There would be four laps of the two-mile track and the cars would be handicapped with the slower vehicles starting off first. The club adopted the rules drawn up by the Vintage Sports Car Club in England. The Vintage Car Club had asked for a storage shed on site, but the race committee ignored the request. In this period there were a lot of handicapped races and normally if a car ran faster on the track in the race than it did in practice, the competitor was penalised. No penalties were applied in this event and I am sure some knew this was going to be the case and used it to their advantage. In 1957 there were more vintage Bentleys, Sunbeams and Vauxhalls in the Auckland Veteran and Vintage Car Club than American cars. Closed cars were never as popular. New tyres were still very hard to source, and the Vintage Car Club in Christchurch had a committee set up just to look for new tyres. Many purchased another car just to get the tyres to keep an old car on the road. 16 Beaded Wheels
Before the race someone made up a list of likely starters to pursue. Twenty-nine cars had entered but only 19 cars were to start in the race. Horace Robinson was President of the Auckland Veteran and Vintage Car Club at the time, brother of Sir Dove Myer Robinson who later went onto become the Auckland City mayor. Chet Parker was the club secretary. Chet did use the services of a paid typist to type most of the correspondence. Dick Messenger was appointed chief marshal and judge for the event. John Irvine and Horace Robinson were scrutineers and marshals on the day. The official starter was Charlie Allen and handicappers were Jim Francis and Peter Maxwell. The time keepers were Bert Coltman and Nancy Francis. Lap scorers were Ron Moses and Keith Lawrence. They did get a letter before the race from the International Grand Prix Association to tell them two cars, a 1923 Austin Seven owned by Bill Tenant and a 1926 Alvis 12/50 owned by new member Richard Fort, could not start. The club had asked for two practice runs and told the organisers there would be 32 cars on the track, but I could tell by the tone of the letter they were not happy with the small number of cars that had turned up on practice days. Michael Robinson from Gisborne had entered the 1923 Kissel but the club was not happy with the condition of the car and discouraged him from coming. Three drivers on the day had not attended the practice runs, nor signed the indemnity form, didn’t have a competition licence, or been to the testing station, nor attended the briefing, but we still allowed them to start. The time trials set the month before determined the handicap. On the Saturday other members just turned up to watch, many arriving in a vintage car. There were prizes presented by the club to the member with the best turned out vehicle, fastest car and winner of the race. While drivers and crews were making last minute adjustments the scrutineers again looked at the cars. Many had spent hours cleaning the nickel and German silver. Merv Hunt from Taradale was almost disqualified when they discovered that over-night he had added a second carburettor to the Bentley. Merv was also creating quite a spectacle on site by practising his standing starts in the car park before the race. Merv owned a garage in Taradale and raced motor bikes in his spare time. Warren Johannsen was trying to establish he could get under the cowl of the Sunbeam if the car rolled over. The crowds on the day were massive. Engines were started, and the cars moved into starting order. As the starter’s arm dropped at noon. Phil Jones in a borrowed 1926 Model T Ford and the Seabrook Fowls 1923 Austin 12/4 were off. Len Chirm, the sales manager working for Seabrook Fowlds, drove the Austin. In the program Phil was driving a 1923 20/60 Vauxhall that was owned by Roger Lunt. The Austin was too slow through the gears and the Ford T driven by Jones was in front. Twenty seconds later Howie McMeekin in a 1922 Rolls-Royce was away with a lot of noise as he had disconnected the muffler. Behind the Rolls-Royce were Russell Batt with a 1922 Packard roadster and Warren Johannsen with the 1925 14/40 Sunbeam. The latter making very fast gear changes through the fourspeed box. Twenty seconds later Merv Hunt was on his way in a
▲ Practice race victor Chet Parker’s 30/98 Vauxhall. Photo courtesy Barry McKay Auckland. First published in Beaded Wheels issue 9 1957.
1922 3 Litre Bentley followed by John Calley in the 1930 Chrysler 77, also owned by Merv Hunt. In the next group away was Trevor Campbell with a 1924 Fiat 519, Graham Laws with the modified 1925 23/60 Vauxhall and Norman Adams with the 1927 Sunbeam 20. Trevor Campbell left a lot of rubber on the tarmac as he took off and there were great clouds of smoke. Norman Adams’ black Sunbeam was quite slow off the mark, but it could have been because he had borrowed the tyres from Jack Philips. Jack wasn’t happy when he saw the two tyres after the race. Thirty seconds later Peter de Roos left in a 1925 3 litre Bentley closely followed by Maynard Mills in the 1928 12/50 Alvis and a large 1927 Chrysler Imperial sports roadster from Hawke’s Bay driven by Noel McCutcheon. Quite a battle went on between the Chrysler and the Alvis to get in front. That left only the big stuff, with Chet Parker in the 1921 30/98 Vauxhall with a polished aluminium body and F Crowther in the 1930 Invicta 4½ litre that Ernie McGlynn had recently imported from England. Peter Maxwell was in the commentary box and as the cars started he talked about the car and the driver. He said Chet Parker had been a fighter pilot during the War, so he is going to be fast in the Vauxhall 30/98 which was good for 100 mph. At the back of the field was Glassie Gray with the 1930 4½ litre Bentley, 148 seconds behind the first two cars. Calley and Campbell were late
Beaded Wheels 17
entries, so were not in the program. Gassie Gray owned a small car yard at 523 Parnell Road and sold expensive motor cars. The first car to complete a lap was Jones in the Model T Ford. McMeekin was behind still going through the clover leaf with his noisy Rolls and Johansen’s Sunbeam had shaken off the Packard. The Austin was now in fourth place. Hunt’s Bentley and the Chrysler 77, also owned by Hunt, were still very close, having a great battle and starting to pass the slower vehicles. Trevor Campbells big Fiat looked fast but the 23/60 Vauxhall that left in a burst of speed, had broken a push rod and was running on three cylinders. Peter de Roos’ Bentley had a great exhaust sound as it went past and the Chrysler Imperial, now with a different driver, was running much faster than it did in a practice lap. The Invicta and the Vauxhall 30/98 provided an exciting spectacle, the Invicta being the faster car. Maynard Mills in the Alvis was having minor mechanical issues and was at the back of the field. As the leaders began the fourth lap it was obvious that Merv Hunt in the Bentley was going to win the race again. He had won the race for veterans at Ardmore in a 1914 Minerva the year before. The Bentley was still duelling with the Chrysler right up to the finish and the two cars crossed the line together. Howie McMeekin was the second car home in the 20 hp Rolls-Royce and the Invicta was in third place. Glassie Gray went around the course with the fastest time in 9 minutes 18 seconds, followed by the Invicta in 9 minutes 33 seconds and Chet Parker’s Vauxhall in 9 minutes 50 seconds. It was the last time the Vintage Car Club appeared in a race at Ardmore. The Auckland Veteran and Vintage Car Club did get invited out to Pukekohe in 1965 and 1967, but it was just to participate in a parade around the track, although some tried to race. Auckland Veteran and Vintage Car Club in 1957 was still not part of the national body in Christchurch. When George Gilltrap organised a race for veterans around the track the year before the Grand Prix committee had set aside a fund for trophies. That money was not there in 1957. Most of the sponsorship on the day had come from Auckland City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Auckland Electric Power Board and the Harbour Board. That would not happen today. Where are the cars today? Gassie Gray’s Bentley was sold to Jack Watson then to Len Southward. Dale Court bought the Invicta only to get overseas funds and sold the car to Bob Bahre in the States. The three Vauxhalls and one Sunbeam are now in Christchurch. The Vauxhall 30/98 is with Phil Jelfs, the Vauxhall raced by Graham Laws is with David Wright and the second Vauxhall is with Gregg Edwards. Norm Adam’s Sunbeam is with Craig Keenan.
101 Harman St PO Box 9164 Christchurch 8149 New Zealand Phone 03 338 4307 email office@veterancarrims.co.nz 18 Beaded Wheels
Lock ring Heavy and light. Now available
▲ Norm Adams’ Sunbeam at speed during the Vintage Race at Ardmore. First published in Beaded Wheels issue 9 1957.
Lewis Townshend in Palmerston North has the Bentley raced by Peter de Roos. The 1922 Rolls-Royce is with Richard Topliss in Nelson. The Packard is in the Craw Museum in Whangarei. The Austin 12/4 is in Malvern in the UK with David Chaundy. Maynard’s 12/50 Alvis went to Australia with Derek Dickson. Len Southward acquired the Bentley from Merv Hunt’s estate and swapped the car with Ron Roycroft for the Type 38 Bugatti. When Ron passed away the car was sold to Donald Kok in Holland. The 1923 Kissel from Gisborne went to the States. Warren Johannsen’s 14/40 Sunbeam is the only car still in Auckland with Dennis Scanlan. The Model T Ford could be at MOTAT. The main race was won by Reg Parnell in a Ferrari from England, and he did the 120 laps in 187 minutes. Peter Whitehead in a Ferrari was second and Stan Jones in a Maserati was third. Ken Wharton from England was killed on the track in the race when he went to pass a slower car on the wrong side of the track and hit the loose metal on the side of the track at 110 mph an hour. The accident happened right in front of the grand stand. There were eight races on Ardmore track between 1954 and 1962. The race in 1957 was the longest they had on that track, clearly many felt it was too long, and from 1958 they only did 75 laps. On a practice run in 1960 Jack Brabham clocked the fastest time on the track in 1 minute 19.8 seconds. In a 2.5 litre Cooper running on an alcohol mixture he was averaging over 90 mph on the two-mile track. Brabham did win the race three times at Ardmore in a Cooper and Stirling Moss won the event twice. I know some of our older members have fond memories of the event and David Adams told me I had to put the event in print. I could not have written this had Peter Maxwell not made notes at the time which were recorded in Beaded Wheels and had we not found Chet Parker’s records and the programme in the Auckland Branch library.
Beaded edge Wide range 30x3 to 895x135 Split Rims Motor cycle rims
Well base Rolled edge. All sizes
RALLY UPDATE Words Greg Terrill
Photo of the Slater’s 1914 Overland Model 79T from the VCC National Veteran Rally, 2007
ENTRY FORMS
VERO INSURANCE
ACCOMMODATION
In the last issue of Beaded Wheels I advised that entry forms would be distributed in the April/ May issue of Beaded Wheels as well as being available on line. Since then we have had a rethink and because of the excessive costs involved we have decided that entry forms will not be sent to all members via Beaded Wheels. I will explain why. In round figures we have 7000 members who receive Beaded Wheels. We are budgeting on participation of the Festival of 400 – 700 vehicles/entrants so at best that would be a 10% utilisation of entries sent out not taking into account those who enter online which mean before we start we know that at least 90% are going to be unused, So to ensure no-one is disadvantaged, Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring Entry Forms will be available from the end of March from the following sources: –online – from your branch – or you can request an entry form be posted to you by contacting the Festival Secretary at festivalsecretary@vcc.org.nz
I was just watching the Women’s Tennis final in Auckland and mention was made of the major sponsor being involved for 23 years, a great achievement. Did you know that this can be well beaten by the VER0 / VCC relationship, VERO have been major sponsors for our international rallies since 1996 and the VCC Vehicle Insurance policy has been running since 1963, initially under the Phoenix brand. While the name has had a few changes the policy still has the basis of the original. I think you will agree this is a relationship that would take a bit to beat. In addition to supporting the rallies, as a club we also receive monies from a profit share arrangement, commissions paid to VCC branches based on policies from branch members and also funds are made available for national rallies. In appreciation of the commitment from VERO, I urge all members to support VERO wherever possible.
Don’t forget to support our accommodation sponsors, Plymouth International Hotel and Auto Lodge. The family owners of these two hotels have been strong supporters of the VCC over many years and are offering great rates to entrants for the duration of the festival. When booking make sure you advise that you are booking for the VERO International Festival of Historic Motoring.
SUPPORTERS’ BUS In the last issue I mentioned the possibility of a supporters’ bus if there is enough interest. While there has been a reasonably good verbal response this has not been supported with registrations of interest with the Festival Secretary. We think this is a great opportunity for our older and less mobile members to be able to take part in the event, but for it to happen we need it to be supported. If you are not sure of the details check out my report on page 39 of the last issue of Beaded Wheels. If you have any queries please contact Festival Secretary at: M. Masters P O Box 103, Stratford 4352 festivalsecretary@vcc.org.nz
• Taranaki • www.historicmotoring.co.nz • Festival Director Greg Terrill •
17 – 22 January 2021
festivalsecretary@vcc.org.nz
Beaded Wheels 19
HIN BE
D THE WHE
EL
GREG PRICE’S
1960 FUJI VICTA MKII S102 SCOOTER Words and photographs GREG PRICE
“Get the habit, ride a rabbit” – or in this case, a Victa!
20 Beaded Wheels
Millenial hipsters eat ya heart out … is this the true origin of cool? If you happen to Google the words ‘Victa Scooter’ in your internet browser you’ll likely as not end up with a whole bunch of pictures of Victa lawn mowers. However those of you who were cool kids (or Post Office employees) back in the 1960s might also remember the not so famous Victa 50cc motor scooters. Revolutionary for their time due to having a mostly plastic body and the closest thing to an automatic transmission – a centrifugal clutch. The main problem for budding scooterists back then was remembering NOT to rev the motor while stationary in first gear (lest you suddenly leap forward into the vehicle in front.) The first one I ever saw belonged to a school chum whose Mum and Dad financed him on to one of these 50cc scoots and his older brother on to a 1960 Honda 150cc Benly – also a cool revolutionary ride for that time. Despite being just 50cc it seemingly effortlessly carried us both around suburban Auckland streets, hills and all. For my part around that time I wasn’t allowed any variety of two-wheeled conveyancers save for being allowed to buy a burnt out Puch SRA 150cc, which my Mum considered was safe enough while confined to our back yard. But at least I could claim to have owned a scooter, eh?
BACKGROUND TO THESE SCOOTERS “Get the Habit, Ride a Rabbit” was the advertising jingle for the larger 125cc S82 Scooter from the same manufacturer – namely Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd, Japan, more recently famous for the Subaru range of vehicles. Over time the name Rabbit was also incorrectly applied to the smaller 50cc Victa Scooter. Back in what was, for wannabe motorcycle and car enthusiasts, ‘the bad old days’ some 30% to 40% of the content of most vehicles assembled here had to be locally-made. This usually meant that tyres, batteries, upholstery, and even some wheels, had to be manufactured here in NZ. The Victas were imported into New Zealand in CKD form (completely knocked down) exclusively for J. Cameron Lewis & Company Ltd of Christchurch, which was the sole New Zealand distributor. They were made between 1960 and 1962. I think my mate’s one was bought from W White & Co in Auckland, or was it Forbes & Davies, perhaps? My memory is a bit fuzzy on that. In regards to the requirement for local content, the tyres were Reidrubber (as evidenced by the old original examples that were on this scooter and at least two others that were in my possession), and the wheels were made by Alumasc & Company, of Wall Place, Porirua. And as far as I was able to establish (verbally from an ex-employee) some or all the seats were made by Revelly, Ellis and Collingwood, in Auckland – who also built ambulances back then (and fabricated a complete new roof and side curtains for my 1937 Austin Seven Opal roadster). A number of these Victas were bought by the NZ Post Office and used nationwide for telegram deliveries (remember them?). I used to like the singing telegrams, but one had to be careful when insisting that the delivery guy sing it just in case it was a notice of bereavement. One of the problems for these scooters was that being a two-stroke, the rider had to remember to blip the throttle occasionally when descending a hill lest the engine be deprived of oil and seize up. Clearly very few riders were either reminded of this important fact, or simply forgot, as most Victas that I am aware of fell victim to a seized engine. Subsequent efforts to kick start the engine more often than not resulted in a broken engine case/clutch
cover and the poor little scooter was then retired to the back of the garage and forgotten about. Which would explain why in the five examples I was aware of (including three I purchased all around the same time in 2006), all had seized motors. The highest mileage recorded in the five examples was 5591 – imagine only getting 8,000 or so kilometres out of a modern scooter. In 2006, when finances enabled the purchase of some more toys, I located one Victa in Waimate, and two others behind a car dealer’s yard in Palmerston North. It was as a result of these three purchases I came to better understand what the term two-stroke actually meant in these instances – they’d each had one stroke and had clearly suffered a second one. The two examples from Palmerston North were in fact ex-NZ Post machines as evidenced by the faded bodywork save for the part covered by the NZ Post saddle bags, which were still present on both. The ex-Waimate example was sacrificed for some of its better parts, and restoration of the example which is the subject of this article began in earnest in September 2006. This one had covered just 4637 miles from new before seizing and suffering a broken clutch cover. Un-seizing the engine was facilitated quite easily once the engine was removed from the chassis (my vice and a suitable block of wood). Cliff Bond Engineering here in Christchurch was assigned the task of honing the bore, fitting the new rings to the nice new piston I’d acquired and all for the very reasonable price of $60. Around that time a motorcycle dealer in Auckland was quitting some Rabbit parts so I grabbed those sight unseen (as I also had a Rabbit Scooter), but when the parts arrived they turned out to be Victa items – which was a real bonus as the haul included brand new indicator lights and lenses, rider handbooks, some plastic panel parts, a couple of brand new speedometers, other assorted bits AND a brand new clutch cover. At the time of re-assembly I had MS Coombes engineering tig-weld up the cracked clutch housing. It would seem that the kick-start was never intended for constant use given it had a very effective electric start. The new clutch cover is yet to be fitted. Interestingly, the kick start is accessed by folding the rear passenger footrest back. When not in use the kick start forms part of the rear footrest. Back then at the time of assembly, one of the issues with ’local content’ was the use of locally-made sponge/foam rubber that over time succumbed to atmospheric deterioration and collapsed into a quantity of sticky brown dust particles, so a full seat rebuild / re-upholster job was given to VCC member Kevin Gardener (now of Nelson), who did a superb job on two of the Victa seats. What was also interesting to note was that the NZ-assembled Victas all seemed to have dual seats fitted, whereas Japanese publicity pictures showed a single seat, with the tool box top doubling as a another carrier base. Anything that could be removed was cleaned and painted, and the wheels (split rims) were bead-blasted and powder-coated. New white-wall tyres were obtained from a scooter shop in Manchester Street, Christchurch for a very reasonable $85 each. Quite different to the Continental white-walls for the Rabbit which were $350 each, having been imported from Germany. The body had a few minor cracks which I attended to with an old soldering iron – from the inside. The rubber bands in the front suspension were in good re-useable condition. Yes, you did read that correctly, I did say rubber bands. On both sides of the front wheel, both the Rabbit and the Victa scooters have three rubber bands, one inside the Beaded Wheels 21
22 Beaded Wheels
other, in lieu of an actual spring. More mind-boggling still was the rear suspension which is nothing more than a solid round chunk of rubber. Quite effective but still pretty basic. The original rear view mirror was rusted and broken so a couple of Honda 50 items were pressed into service. Now began the task of the dreaded VINing process. Given this scooter had no registration plate at all, but was relatively close to the other in terms of engine number /chassis number numerical sequence, and the other scooter was originally registered 60301, I took a punt with NZTA and sought approval to put all three back into the fleet – playing my small part in increasing the overall age of New Zealand’s vehicle fleet. There was, however, a downside to all those Victas succumbing to seized engines in the 1960s / 1970s, in that when the NZTA computerised its database (using only those currently registered / road legal vehicles), there were seemingly no Fuji Victas currently registered. There were some Fuji Rabbit scooters currently road legal fortunately. But unlike in the UK where 5 years notice was given to vehicle owners to notify the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of the existence of any non-road legal vehicle so it could be entered into their new computerised database system, LTSA (as it was back then) did not, and as a consequence many otherwise restorable vehicles failed to be entered into the Motor Registration system (now the NZTA database). The ‘conspiracy theorist’ in me believes that this was simply a dealer-inspired plot to rid the roads of old vehicles. Given the lengthy performance now required to get one of those old vehicles re-certified and road legal, I’ve yet to be convinced otherwise. But surprise, surprise, having established with Interpol (seriously, they did.) that none of these had been stolen overseas, NZTA subsequently approved each of the three Victas to be accepted for re-entry certification, which was successfully completed on this one on 19 December 2006 – just five months after its acquisition. The downside was that since no Victa scooters were in the early 1990s ‘manual records to computer system swap over’, the NZTA computer didn’t recognise ‘Victa’ as a legitimate vehicle brand / name, thus ‘factory built’ became the vehicle make, with ‘Victa’ as the model. How nuts is that? How difficult was it going to be to re-programme the computer to accept ‘Victa’ as a make? It would seem that it was too difficult and so my registration certificates show ‘Factory Built’ as the make. The whole re-certification process was greatly assisted, I must add, with the Vintage Car Club’s Vehicle Authenticity Statement documentation – and the NZ Police Check. If you are yet to embark down this road I thoroughly recommend utilising the VCC’s Vehicle Authenticity Statement process, and remember that even an old warrant of fitness sticker can greatly aid the process, especially if you want to re-use the old black and silver plates.
having established with Interpol … that none of these had been stolen overseas, NZTA subsequently approved each of the three Victas to be accepted for re-entry certification I also discovered that the chances of registering it as a Power Cycle (as the other example had been previously in 1967) were zero, when the diligent VINZ chappie spotted the speedo (which was reading in miles) showing speeds up to (wait for it) 50 mph. “But it’s only 50cc” I wailed to no effect. So thanks to all those noddies who have previously registered motor scooters (and some motorcycles) as power cycles to avoid high registration charges, you’ve successfully stuffed the process up for everyone else that may try to register a 49cc/50cc machine.
A PROTOTYPE OF THE MODERN AUTOMATIC SCOOTER Well not really, as the old 1950s Auto Union / DKW Hobby scooters (also known as the Manurhin in the UK) actually pioneered the ‘automatic’ transmission system utilised in modern motor scooters. But the Victa with its centrifugal clutch was right up there in its time. The Victa has three speeds, (slowest, slower and slow.) and the clutch is simply for selecting the gears. Having selected first gear, one merely has to open the throttle and the centrifugal clutch comes into effect and the scooter is propelled forwards. Which is why you need to resist the urge to blip the throttle whilst sitting in gear awaiting a traffic light change, lest you leap forward and scatter the pedestrians. (Or worse, scare the bejesus out of the nice policeman on point duty.) Maybe I’m a bit heavier than I was as a teenager, but I’d be struggling today to manage two up on this on the flat, never mind the hills of Auckland. But it is fun to ride first thing on a Sunday morning before the traffic builds up to any degree, and it is very useful for tripping down to our PO Box or ‘stupid-market’, as the NZ Post bags can hold four two-litre bottles of milk, and there is still that carrier rack on the front, and your wallet fits nicely in the compartment under the seat with the factory tool kit and rider’s manual. The other bit of fun you could have (before they abolished the ‘service’ from petrol stations) was to ride in and ask the attendant to fill it up and then watch while he /she circled the machine looking in vain for the filler cap which is located beneath the seat.
READY FOR ANYTHING
Beaded Wheels 23
SPECIFICATIONS Engine:
ES11A 50cc
Transmission: Automatic centrifugal singleplate type Gears: Three-speed constant mesh Fuel Tank:
3 imperial quarts with reserve cock (always useful!)
Tyres: Front: 3.00-10 2-ply, rear: 3.00-10 4-ply Suspension:
Front: bottom link tension rubber (3 rubber bands!)
Rear: Swing-arm compression rubber (solid lump!)
Dimensions: Overall length 65.4 inches Width 24 inches Height 37.8 inches Road clearance 6 inches Battery: 12V-6AH Performance: Maximum speed: 44mph
Maximum climbing gradient: 1/3.5 (rules out going up Baldwin Street in Dunedin!)
Braking distance: 13 feet at 16mph, and 23 feet at 22mph
Maximum 3.5hp at 7000 Fuel 230 miles per Horsepower: rpms (if you can Consumption: imperial gallon at crank it up that 16mph! (Or, if you far!) want the metric equivalent, 80 kms Overall Assessment: PDS (pretty damn slow, but per litre at 25kph!) with the emphasis on ‘pretty’)
ON THE ROAD AGAIN Once this cute scoot had its nice new registration plate, (now sporting a modern replica black and silver example) the first run of any consequence was on one of the original Syd’s Moped Runs (2007) that departed from the Cashmere Clubs carpark here in Christchurch and proceeded through the Lyttelton Tunnel, around the bays, over Gebbies Pass and on down to the Tai Tapu Pub. I recall it being a bit of a struggle climbing Gebbies Pass (even the Velo-Solexes were down to pure pedal power). However it got there no problem, but it was still pretty dicey running the gauntlet in heavy traffic. So basically it got put in the garage to be restricted to the odd run down the road – until the battery eventually died. Now that we’ve shifted and I’ve got more space to tackle some of the projects, I decided to get it out and play with it again (the scooter, that is). Many of you will know the problems with stale
petrol and I’d be the first to admit that I did not prepare it for long-term non-use, and the petrol turned to varnish / sticky goo in all the important places. It took nearly a full day’s work to clean just the carburettor, and another half day to clean the petrol tap and tank. And my NOS rubber O-rings immediately fell victim to the aromatics in the unleaded petrol and promptly began to leak petrol all over the place. Despite the battery being nearly 13 years old, I managed to get about 10 volts into it, which was enough to power up a kick start. It’s now running again, but I suspect that there is more cleaning to be done with the carby insides, as it is running a bit hairy still. Once that’s sorted it will be off up the road for a WoF, and then for the princely sum of less than $50.00 I can register it for a full year. Hopefully there will be one of those yellow Motobat batteries of the correct size that I can buy as they seem to last much longer than lead-acid equivalents. By the way, the total mileage covered since the rebuild in 2006 is (wait for it) 111 miles.
AUTHENTICITY IS ESSENTIAL And just to keep this scooter authentic, it has a quantity of old telegrams, letters and other period-correct mail items for inclusion in the NZ post bags, and there is also the postman’s hat. It doesn’t fit on the top of a modern crash helmet though. Oh that’s right, they didn’t have to wear skidlids back then, did they? And if they did they were of the pudding basin variety. And I can sense that you’re wondering about the relevance of the Public Service Garage stickers? Yes? Well many government vehicles back then were owned / supplied by the Public Service Garage, so I just took a punt that this one was at that time….(it’s called editorial license.)
Greg Price
24 Beaded Wheels
THE SILENT GREY FELLOW
MAKES A NOISE! Words and pictures Peter Alderdice
Long-time member Peter Alderice chronicles the build of his latest project I had been collecting parts suitable for a 1917 Harley-Davidson (H-D) for over 30 years and in 2011 reckoned I finally had enough to commence restoration and assembly. Harley-Davidsons were painted Renault Grey by the factory from 1907 until 1917* when the colour changed to Olive Drab as Harley began supplying machines for the army for use in WWI. Factory records show that the first 1917 model were indeed painted grey, so I decided mine would look resplendent in that colour. I matched a sample provided by the late Bud Grose of Christchurch. The company’s quiet motors and grey paint would prompt riders to nickname Harleys the “silent grey fellows.” My model 17-F is specified as 61 cubic inch F Head V-twin with three speed transmission and magneto ignition, and sold for USD$275 ($35 cheaper than the electrical equipped Model J). Production totalled 17,707 models F and J in this year. Options available included foot and hand clutch, and acetylene lighting. The Harley-Davidson Motor Co minutes of 1917 confirm that Harley-Davidson started supplying the Army with motorcycles, and almost half of models manufactured went to the military to be used as message runners and for traffic duties. Harley-Davidson was given the official US Government classification of B-4, designating the industry and its products of essential need for the war effort. (The USA entered WWI on 6 April 1917). This also was the last year of export of motorcycles to the Japanese army. This machine has been assembled using parts collected from a variety of swap-meets over a number of years. The flywheels and crankcases were assembled by Chris North, barrels and pistons machined by Franklin Engineering, who also supplied new rings.
Paul Tomlin fitted the gearbox with new bearings and Leo Fowler completed all the nickel plating. I assembled the remainder of the engine, painted, pin striped and assembled the bike. The restoration was completed in October 2019 and was first fired up on 27 November 2019. *In 1910 this colour was renamed Harley-Davidson Grey.
SPECIFICATIONS: Engine:
F-Head 45-degree V-twin
Displacement: 60.33 ci (987.67cc) Bore & Stroke: 3.31 x 3.5 inch (84x89mm) Horsepower:
16@ 3000rpm
Carburettor: Schebler Transmission:
3-speed (*F 5954)
Primary/Final Drives: Brake (rear):
Chain
Expanding band
Ignition: Magneto Frame:
Steel, single downtube
Suspension:
Front leading link spring fork
Wheelbase:
59.5 inch (151cm)
Weight:
325 lb (147.4kg)
Fuel capacity:
2.75 US gal (10.4 litres) (2.29 imp gal)
Oil capacity:
5 US pints (2.36 litres) (4.15 imp pints)
Tyres:
28 x 3 inch clincher type
Top speed:
65 mph
Beaded Wheels 25
Ferg McDowall fixing the B26.
BSA B24 AND B26 Words and Photos STUART FRANCIS
Tony Warren on the B24 .
26 Beaded Wheels
Invercargill has long been home to motorcycling enthusiasts – VCC Southland members Arthur Warren and Ferg McDowell provided Beaded Wheels writer Stuart Francis with the chance to compare a couple of Valentine Page design BSA motorcycles.
In 1936 Val (Valentine) Page joined BSA as chief designer, and went through the process of redesigning and updating virtually all of BSA’s motorcycles. Val was well placed to undertake this major overhaul of the range as he had previously worked in senior positions at a number of motorcycle manufacturers. He served his apprenticeship as a motorcycle engineer and designer with J A Prestwich, involved in designing the engines used by Brough Superior and several other makers. He joined Ariel Motorcycles in 1925, becoming chief designer and developing a new range of motorcycles for the 1926 season. He moved to Triumph in 1932 to become chief designer where, with Edward Turner, he developed Triumph’s first parallel twin, the model 6/1, and updated the whole Triumph range. In 1937 almost all the existing BSA models were dropped and the new B and M model groups introduced. The B-group were light and middleweight machines and the M-group were heavyweights. All the engines were redesigned for dry sump oiling, and a single pushrod tube improved their dated appearance. There were significant differences between B and M group machines, the bottom ends were similar but not identical, with different shaped timing chests and internal differences. The M series machines had a stronger heavyweight frame, and running gear suitable for high speed riding or pulling a sidecar. The B24 Empire Star (later renamed the Silver Star) was the top of the range road-going 350cc machine, with the best specification and smartly turned out in chrome and silver. The B26 was the entry model 350cc machine, with a good specification and smartly turned out. There was also a B25, a competition 350cc machine, aimed at the off-road market.
1938 B24 Car restorer Arthur Warren joined the VCC Southland Branch in 1976 and was informed that most members had a motorcycle as well as a car and Ray Eunson had just the machine he needed. After $150 changed hands Arthur became the proud owner of a 1938 BSA B24. Most of the machine was there except for the petrol tank and magdyno. Ray had acquired the B24 in the early 1970s, after spotting it abandoned behind an old hut at the Oamaru railway yard. Arthur put the machine to one side while he worked on some vintage car projects, but he was always on the lookout for the missing petrol tank and a magdyno. He eventually started the restoration by checking over the engine. The bottom end was ok, but the top end was badly worn. A re-bore and a valve job sorted it out and this was the only real mechanical work required. The bulk of the restoration was stripping it down, cleaning parts and repainting, then carefully reassembling it. Arthur’s son Tony also helped out with some of the restoration tasks. The restoration moved along slowly, interrupted by the needs of a young family, lack of finance and some car restorations. The
missing petrol tank became the major stumbling block (the fact it was unique to that year did not help) until Ron Hawkings in Christchurch found the correct item. Steve Lockyer (a friend of Tony) found a good magdyno whilst touring Australia and brought it back in his luggage. The restoration was finally completed in 2007, since when Arthur and Tony have taken the B24 on numerous club runs. On a club run two years ago the B24 suffered oil supply problems causing it to nip up, lose power and generally sound unwell. Tony’s initial intention was to undertake a top end rebuild, including a re-bore, and fixing the oil supply problem. However after stripping the top end Tony spotted some fine cracks just below the drive side crankcase mouth. Some very deft work with a Tig welder and files produced an almost imperceptible repair. Since the crankcase repairs and engine rebuild the machine is back to its old form. It has the optional sporty upswept high level pipe and silencer. The horizontal Amal carburettor was only fitted in 1938 which is why the tank was unique to that model and year. The horizontal carburettor can lead to problems if allowed to overflow, almost inevitable with the fuel level set correctly at the main jet level. Arthur turns the petrol off every time he stops to prevent flooding. The gearbox and clutch are robust units, the same as used on larger models in the range. The machine should have 20 inch chromed front wheels with painted centres and a 7-inch brake. No doubt because of the difficulty of getting 20 inch tyres, a 19 inch wheel with the smaller front brake (5½ inch), (possibly from the 250cc model) was fitted at some point. The smaller front brake is marginal for such a middleweight machine, fortunately the rear brake works reasonably well. Tony wants to undertake a couple of improvements such as fitting a pillion saddle, and to chrome and re-paint the petrol tank. Petrol has seeped under the tank paintwork and it has started to bubble.
1939 B26 Ferg McDowell bought the B26 on April Fool’s day 2014 which should have been an omen of some sort. The early history of the machine is a bit hazy as the penultimate owner Mossy misplaced all the early ownership papers. However Ferg eventually traced ownership back to Bill Carey and spoke to him. It seems that he bought the machine from a bloke in Dunedin. The bloke had breathed on it and used it successfully in timed events like hillclimbs and sprints. Bill Carey used it in local VCC events for a while, before selling it in July 1998 to Darren Quirke, who kept the machine until early 2000. Unable to start the machine in the new year Darren sold it to Dave Lewis of Riverton (a local wag tried to convince Darren that the reason it wouldn’t start was because the Y2K bug was affecting the magneto).
Beaded Wheels 27
B24 - horizontal carb.
B26 - shock absorber minus spring and nut.
B24 - note different crankcase breather.
B26 - loose crankshaft shock absorber nut.
B24 - note horizontal carb, timing chest and gearbox.
B24 - rear footrest mount.
B26 - note position of crankcase breather.
B24.
B26 - silencer and footrest mount.
28 Beaded Wheels
B26 - engine note shape of timing chest.
Dave Lewis, variously described by locals as Irish, Welsh or a Pom, turned out to be from Worcestershire. After six years of ownership, advancing years made riding the ‘big’ bike a bit of a challenge, so Dave reverted to using his C10 and sold the machine to Allan Moss (Mossy) in Oct 2006. Mossy said it went like the clappers until it ate the piston, after which it was fitted with a standard piston and lost a little of its zing, but still went far better than one would expect. Although on initial examination the machine looks fairly standard, a deeper look and comparing it to others, reveals it is fitted with a post war gearbox (however the ratios are well spaced so will be staying). The carburettor is mounted on a slightly longer inlet tract, which does make it a tight fit under the tank. Ferg bought the machine shortly after the piston was replaced, and from the outset it had an issue with oil coming out of the crankcase breather. Mossy believed the problem would go away once the new piston rings had bedded down. However it continued and Ferg fitted a coke can oil catcher. The rate of oil loss has slowly reduced which suggests the cylinder may not have been deglazed before the new piston was fitted. The other issue was the gear change; 1st, 2nd and 3rd, slipped in easily but 4th was far more difficult to select, although once
HOW SIMILAR ARE THEY?
Looking at the 1938 BSA motorcycle brochure the B24 and B26 seem to be similar, the main external differences between the two models is the size of the wheels (see page 31). The real difference was the state of tune of the engine. The B24s had air hardened cylinders and were in a much higher state of tune with different cams. I have a sneaking suspicion that Ferg’s B26 engine may have been brought up to Empire Star spec given the way it performs. Standing the machines together highlights some further differences, the already mentioned gearbox, front brake and
engaged did not slip out and disengaged reasonably easily. An initial misunderstanding about the problem, which then sounded like clutch drag, led this scribe to rashly claim he could fix the gearbox. After stripping, rebuilding and truing the clutch, there was a bit of an improvement, but the fundamental problem remained. A quick look at an exploded diagram of the gearbox resurrected memories of a similar problem I had with my BSA M33 in the mid 1970s, which was fixed by adjusting the gear selection ratchet arm. After making an adjustment it slipped into 2nd 3rd and 4th easily but 1st was difficult to select. After some fruitless attempts to solve the problem through adjustment, it became clear that there was a deeper problem. Checking the gearbox main-shaft revealed the end float was a bit more than usual. Shimming the main-shaft to reduce end float soon had all four gears slipping in easily. The bike has been on numerous club runs, taking over from a Bantam as Ferg’s machine of choice. Clearly some tuning has been undertaken, as it is surprisingly quick, particularly on hills, where it is able to keep up with or beat some later or larger machines. On last year’s Arrowtown run Ferg crept to the finish with the B26 making machine gun like noises on anything but small throttle opening. This was quickly diagnosed as the engine shock absorber nut coming undone. continued overleaf
carburettors, but other detail differences emerge, whether this is down to model specifications, general year on year changes or owner modification, is not clear. The rear footrest and silencer mount is different, as are the oil tanks and fittings. The crankcase breather has changed, and the rear brake arms are also different shapes. However the passage of 80 years and availability of spares and owners choices makes it difficult to be truly definitive.
Beaded Wheels 29
However the acid test for any rigid machine with girder forks is bumpy road… WHAT ARE THEY LIKE TO RIDE? The first thing you notice is how compact the machines are, with a 52 inch wheelbase, 28½ inch saddle height, 5⅜ inch of ground clearance and weighing in at 280lbs, they suit a small to medium sized person. Ferg is just the right size for his machine, Arthur and Tony, both over 6ft, find it a little bit cramped and your scribe’s sumo wrestler’s build was a bit big for the machines but not too uncomfortable. However both bikes feel light and are easy to manhandle. Starting both was relatively easy, although they required slightly different approaches because of the different carburettors and the way they are set up. Ferg starts his fully retarded with no throttle opening, and Tony starts his fully advanced with a touch of throttle (unless, like this scribe, you flood it). Once started and warmed up they both settle down to a nice even idle. As long as the clutches were initially freed off first gears are easily selected. Pulling away on the B26 (with the post war gearbox) first feels slightly lower geared, with the rest of the ratios nicely spread and with a positive gear-change. The B24’s gear change is smooth enough, but it is slightly slower and the ratios seem closer than the later gearbox. BSA did offer optional gearbox ratios, pre and post war, so it is difficult to be definitive about such things. As you accelerate away, the first thing you notice is how light the steering is and on the B24, which is fitted with modern tyres, dare I say twitchy (if they were my machines I would be running with a touch of steering damper). The second thing you notice is how well they accelerate, their relative light weight and reasonable engine power gives them good acceleration for machines of that era. My heavyweight 1938 M20 was definitely less spritely than these two machines and they can both leave my 1946 MAC Velocette off of the line, but that might just be down to my additional bulk. On smooth roads the handling of both machines is good, maintaining clean lines
30 Beaded Wheels
through bends. However the acid test for any rigid machine with girder forks is bumpy road. Both performed well, with (in my opinion) the B26 being the steadier of the two because the steering was slightly heavier and less twitchy. Neither machine has a speedo so we could not measure the top speeds, but having followed both on faster post war machines I can attest that both of them will achieve 70mph (and probably a bit more). They can cruise at a good pace and are well suited to the country roads here in Southland. The only real criticism of both machines is the front brakes. The replacement small front brake on the B24 is too small for such a quick machine. The problem with the B26 is some ovality in the brake drum causing mild juddering and revealing a bit of play in the girder forks (Ferg has since adjusted the side-link play and improved things).
CONCLUSIONS When these machines were new the B24 would be the machine to have had, the better performance and specification would have stood out. However the performance of the basic B26 has definitely been improved with little now to choose between them. Both have all the attributes to make them great machines for club runs. They are easy to work on and, compared to some other pre-war machines, spares are not that difficult to obtain. The beauty of these late pre-war machines is they have similar if not better performance than early post-war machines (they were not detuned to run on 70 octane pool petrol), they are just as reliable and have girder forks. They also stand out from the post war B31 and B32 that replaced them.
PRE-WAR B AND M RANGE BSA MOTORCYCLES
The new range of machines started with four 250cc (63 x80) models: the B20 basic side-valve model with hand change, the B21 basic overhead valve model with hand change, the B21 de Luxe with foot change, and the sporting B22 Silver Star overhead valve model. The 350cc (71x88), range comprised six machines tailored to this lucrative middleweight market. The B23, the basic side-valve model with hand change, B23 de Luxe side-valve model with foot change. Then the B24, introduced in 1937 as the Empire Star, the sporty 350cc model, which was renamed the Silver Star in 1939. There was also a B25 off-road competition model with upswept exhaust and silencer. The B26 was introduced in 1937 as the basic 350cc model and continued in production until the outbreak of war. The B26 initially had hand gear change, but moved on to a foot change for 1938. Looking at the 1938 BSA motorcycle brochure the B24, B25 & B26 looked similar, the main external differences between the three models was the size of the wheels. The B24 had a 3.00 x 20 inch front wheel,
the B26 had a 3.25 x 19 inch front wheels, and both had 3.25 x 19 inch rear wheels. The B25 had a 21x 2.75 inch front wheel a 19x4 inch rear wheel, fitted with knobbly tyres and narrow section mudguards. The B24, B25 and B26 were available with a twin exhaust port head and high level exhausts and silencers. The B26 also had a smaller headlight. The oddity of the 350cc range was the M19 (68.8 x 94) based on the M20 bottom end with a unique overhead valve top end, housed in the heavyweight frame, presumably for pulling a sidecar. The 500cc (82 x 94) range comprised five machines: M20 & M20 de Luxe, side-valves, the overhead valve M22 (the engine is very similar to the post-war B31/33), M23 Silver Star (sports model) and M24 Gold Star. BSA subsequently built around 125,000 M20 motorcycles during WWII for the armed forces. In 1937 Wal Handley achieved a 100mph lap at Brooklands on a highly modified iron engine M23. To celebrate this achievement they named the aluminium engined M24, then under development, the Gold Star.
The innovative Gold Star had an aluminium head and barrel with an integral cast pushrod tunnel. Introduced in the 1938 sales year, these machines, individually built, bench tested and fitted with an Amal TT carburettor, were a sensation. There was also 600cc (82 x112) M21 sidevalve model, updated with telescopic forks it became a post war favourite for pulling sidecars. AA patrolmen used them in large numbers until the advent of the Mini van. The late pre-war M series engines formed the foundation for the B31/33, B32/34 GS, M20/21, post-war models. It is always difficult to be definitive about a machine’s original specification, particularly those delivered to the distant colonies. What appeared in the catalogue, and what appeared on the dockside were at times different. Changes were also introduced during production. As an example the earlier overhead valve machines had a pushrod tube that bolted onto the bottom of the rocker-box, later machines had a round gland arrangement, possibly to allow for differential expansion between the cylinder and pushrod tube.
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EARLY FILM FROM THE CLUB ARCHIVE Words BARRY BIRCHALL At the AGM in 2015 all the branches of the Vintage Car Club were given a copy of a storage file produced by the volunteers who had worked in the club archives in Christchurch. I only recently became aware of the file and was pleasantly surprised by the content. There are films shot at the Pennzoil Picton Rally in 1958, one narrated by Andrew Anderson. We see the cars coming off the boat from the North Island, where they went onto a platform and were taken off the boat on a sling. Darcy Nicholson had driven his single cylinder 1907 Cadillac from Middlemarch and Rex Porter drove his 1901 De Dion Bouton across the Rimutakas between Carterton and Wellington. They closed the main street in Picton and organised a race down the street against the clock. Everybody participated from Winter’s 1900 Wolseley to Gordon Sharpe’s 4½ litre vintage Bentley. The crowds were massive. Over 6,000 people turned up that afternoon in Waitohi Domain to see the cars. There were public speakers, a gymkhana, a mock wedding, parade and pipe band and it looked like a lot of fun. On Sunday morning there was a launch trip in the Sounds followed by a short run in the afternoon to a quiet picnic place. Many paid a visit to the hospital on their way back into town. The very steep drive into the hospital almost proved to be a Waterloo for some. It was the first time we had seen vintage cars from both islands competing at one event. Seventy-five vehicles participated. In the programme it did suggest members come north in groups but there was no reference to an event on the Sunday.
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Included was a film from the Morrinsville Easter Rally in 1960 sponsored by Mobilgas. Ned Sutherland was there in his 1903 single cylinder 6 hp De Dion Bouton that he had motored all the way from Alexandra, and Jim Francis was present in the 1910 Delage he bought in 1946 and still motors today. George Gilltrap arrived in his single cylinder Cadillac that he had driven between the Gold Coast and Sydney and then from Auckland to Morrisonville. They had a gymkhana on the Domain, often done at the time. There were marching girls, a highland pipe band, Morrinsville Municipal Band, trick cyclists and train rides for the children. One hundred and sixteen cars entered with 12 coming from the South Island. On the Sunday there was a short run that finished up at the hot springs not far from Matamata. There was film from the National Easter Rally organised by the Hawke’s Bay Branch in 1961 and sponsored by Castrol. The early events were very different to the events we see today as the emphasis was on a display for the public. Len Southwood was there in a 1907 Holsman buggy, a car he quite often used at events through that period. Both the Tidswell 1895 Benz and Van Aasch 1898 Benz were present. The Oakleys had driven the recently restored 1912 Regal up from Dunedin and won the concours. They had radiator issues with the car on the way home. Again, we saw the parade through town which attracted large crowds, the concours d’elegance, fashion parade, gymkhana and a ma-ori concert party. There would have been a run to a picnic spot on the Sunday with a social function afterwards. They had 119 entrants
with 12 from the South Island. The only prizes presented were for Concours d’Elegance. There was no commentary on the film but good clear pictures. It was quite rare to see a Model A Ford at these early events. There is also film of the 6th International Rally in 1965, now known as the Haast Rally. Over 300 hundred cars entered with 50 entrants from overseas. It was a very different rally to the events we had seen in Picton, Morrinsville and Hastings. Covering one 1,300 miles, starting in Christchurch, and with stops at Mt Cook, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Invercargill, Dunedin, Timaru and Christchurch. Shell Oil (NZ) Ltd followed the entrants around with a mobile tanker and provided all the fuel. Sam Slyfield (Mr Pennzoil) had organised a mobile food kitchen, which went ahead of the group and fed them in army style. Firestone had a truck at the rear to fix punctures and another truck to carry baggage. Maugers Garage Ltd provided a breakdown wagon and crew to assist anybody with mechanical problems. Andrew Anderson and his team did everything on a grand scale. There was a speed event on the race track at Teretonga near Invercargill and motor shows in Invercargill, Dunedin and Christchurch. Many on the rally camped as there was not the accommodation you see today. The National Film unit produced a film and the background scenery is awesome. George Gilltrap was there again from Australia with Genevieve, the car made famous by the British comedy film of the same name. There is an excellent film record of the Royal and Sun Alliance Rally 2000 in Hamilton, a hub type event based around Mystery Creek near Hamilton. Held over 13 days the rally attracted 1,240 entrants. In the storage file there are lots of early films from car racing in the UK in 1920s, news reels that used to be screened in the cinemas before the main movies in the 1960s, NZ Road Memories between 1920 and 1960, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, restorations, to more recent club events. Lots of great memories and I do hope branches have shared the storage file with their membership. I also encourage branches to pass material they have onto the Archive team, whether it is a copy of an old film, a rally program or maybe a book recently produced on their branch history. If you are passing though Christchurch on a Friday and plan to go to the Archive, make contact first with Don Muller. The Club Archive and library is well worth a visit. I could not have written this without reference to the films, programmes and old copies of Beaded Wheels, which are all in the Archive. If you want to sight the file then talk to your branch secretary.
BOOK REVIEW
JAGUAR XK120 SUPERSONIC BY GHIA Review by Mark Holman
Richard Heseltine. Published 2019 by Porter Press. ISBN 978-1-907085-82-6 Based in elderly thatched buildings in the heart of the English countryside, Porter Press has greatly expanded its catalogue of motoring and motor sport titles in recent years. Specialising initially in books on Jaguars, and then the Scrapbooks featuring the likes of Stirling Moss and Murray Walker, the imprint is now having great success with a series of books focussing on important individual racing cars. Here is the first of another new series, entitled Coachbuilt Cars. It is based on one of the few XK120 Jaguars to be successfully rebodied; a coupe based on Ghia’s short run of cars in a bodystyle called Supersonic. In effect, you get a number of books in one. For a start, there is a fascinating history of Ghia which, after producing many stunning cars, ended up as an offshoot of Ford before the name disappeared in 2010. Key people in the story of these cars are well-covered, including designer Giovanni Savonnuzzi (Cisitalia 202, the Chrysler Dart that preceded Daimler’s attempted use of the name) and engine tuner Conrero. This was the only Jaguar motor on which he breathed his magic. There’s also an intriguing chapter featuring Jaguar XK
bodies created by other Italian carrozzerie such as Bertone and Zagato; not all of them are an improvement on William Lyons’s masterpiece… The Supersonic style first appeared on an Alfa Romeo chassis that competed without success in the 1953 Mille Miglia. It is an elegant flowing coupe body that shows real metalworking artistry in every detail, such as the strakes over the front wheels and the complex metalwork around the rear wings. Other examples appeared on a few Fiat 8Vs and an Aston Martin DB2/4. Three XK120s were bodied in this style. The subject of Richard Heseltine’s book is one of two that were ordered by the Jaguar concessionaires in Paris. As with many cars that are highly-valued now, it went through some lean years which are described in fascinating detail. Owned by Bill Heinecke since 2015, chassis 679768 clearly is now in very good hands. The restoration of the car and its current immaculate condition feature among the fine collection of photos that enhance the book. As the first in a new series of books, I think Jaguar XK120 Supersonic has set the bar high for its successors. (Available from a number of sources, including direct from Porter Press or from Book Depository at a pretty reasonable $80 including postage.)
Beaded Wheels 33
Jim Laird is dwarfed by the big old Packard.
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BLACK BEAUTY A PACKARD WITH A PEDIGREE Words Kevin Ball ▼
The dash is to be refurbished. Note the column shift, which makes room for a third front-seat passenger.
▼ The cavernous rear of the Nimitz Packard.
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A car that regularly carried one of the most powerful men in WWII has found a new home in a Masterton garage. The car, a 1940 Packard Super 8, was purchased by Jim and Lyn Laird, and when refurbished will join the rental cars Jim operates as an adjunct to his driver training courses. Chester William Nimitz was a fleet admiral of the United States Navy. He played a major role in the naval history of WWII as Commander in Chief, USA Pacific Fleet, and Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas, commanding Allied air, land, and sea forces . He was on hand when Japan finally surrendered after the nuclear weapon attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Nimitz was the leading US Navy authority on submarines. Qualified in subs during his early years, he later oversaw the conversion of these vessels’ propulsion from gasoline to diesel, and then later was key in acquiring approval to build USS Nautilus, the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine, and the first submarine to complete a submerged transit of the North Pole in August 1958. Beginning in 1917, he was the Navy’s leading developer of underway replenishment techniques, the tool which during the Pacific war would allow the US fleet to operate away from port almost indefinitely. The chief of the Navy’s Bureau of Navigation in 1939, Nimitz served as Chief of Naval Operations from 1945 until 1947. He was the United States’ last surviving officer who served as Fleet Admiral. Jim Laird first heard of the Nimitz Packard two or three years ago when the Packard Club toured New Zealand. The owner of the
When it is ready for the road the Packard will join a 1937 Buick in the Laird fleet. It will replace a 1935 Nash, which will be sold. The two cars will accommodate a bridal party of 12. The immediate target for the car is the 2021 Vero International Festival of Motoring in Taranaki.
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A rear view. Jim has the original luggage trunk which fits on the luggage rack.
Chester William Nimitz Photo courtesy: www.history.navy.mil
▼
Nimitz car was on that tour and the two men talked, which eventually led to the car changing hands. So much for the man, what about the car? When Packard was established in 1899, it focused on building premium automobiles that were durable and robust. This tradition would continue until the very end, resulting in some of the finest American cars built. There were four Packard lines for the 1940 model year, two Junior models and two Seniors, which were now called the Super Eight 160 and the Super Eight 180. Jim’s car is a 160. Both models were fitted with a new engine, essentially a revised L-head straight eight with a 356 cubic-inch displacement producing 160hp. It had a 6.45:1 compression ratio, aluminium pistons, a cast iron head, Stromberg carburettor, and Auto-Lite ignition. Under the bonnet is a reminder of the car’s history – in faded paint is the identification mark “USN 8151”. The all-up weight of the Packard is around two tonnes. Fuel consumption? “If you have to ask, you can’t afford it,” says Jim with a smile. The wheelbase is 148 inches. The Nimitz car has split screens front and rear, and is a sevenseater, including two fold-away seats in the cavernous rear. A wind-up window separates the front and rear compartments. Moving the gearshift to the steering column cleared space for a third front-seat passenger. The grille is uniquely Packard and topped by a cormorant hoood ornament. On either side of the front guards are the attachments for the flags that marked the importance of the occupant. Spare tyres are mounted in both guards. Covers on the spares are obviously a later addition because a contemporary photo shows the car without them.
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Beaded Wheels 35
Gore: Josephville Hillclimb action from Phil Benvin, Jaguar XK 140.
RALLY SNIPPETS A round up of notable rallies and events from around the branches
Gore: Hill action from Josephville.
JOSEPHVILLE HILLCLIMB 24 November 2019 Gore Branch Words Evan Henderson
Entrants, although down on previous years and missing a couple of the usual suspects, were still geographically diverse, coming from as far a field as Mapua. The track was dry and fast due to an improvement in the weather from the previous year. Racing was close as always, with an even distribution of times across the field. When the dust had settled – and thanks to an increasingly strong wind later in the day, there was plenty of it – the top honour once again belonged to Neil Longman in his Mallock U2 and its Hillman Avenger engine, who finished comfortably ahead of the field. That’s two out of two for Neil thus far, but there is still some work to do if he wants the record 36 Beaded Wheels
A brief presentation was held at 2pm, with Neil Longman winning the Stewart Quertier Trophy for fastest time, and Dick Shanks the Alec McLennan Trophy for his continued support and dedication to the event. Comments at the end of the day were very positive, and spectators from the Southland Jaguar Club were particularly impressed with the overall friendly atmosphere. So next year in November, get those cars down south and try out our hillclimb.
BOXING DAY PICNIC 26 December 2019 Canterbury Branch Words Kevin Clarkson
Our event this year attracted a very satisfying number of vehicles and people with some 60 cars and over 100 people attending. This was a low key event where
we met up for a tea or coffee at Cutler Park clubrooms before heading off on a short jaunt around the local countryside to arrive at the Kirwee Domain for a very social picnic lunch in this attractive area. The popularity of this event is in some measure due to the relaxed atmosphere, the opportunity to wander around talking to members, and even admiring the very diverse selection of cars. A very relaxing day.
GUMBOOT RALLY 1 January 2020 Wanganui Branch Words Toni Jenkins The weather gods were kind to us again, and the Taihape members put on another sterling rally. We crossed the historic bridge over the Rangatikei River and went motoring through a beautiful valley. Lunch was at Otairi School. This school was recently
▲ Wanganui: Austin Sheerline of Mac and Trudy Keene.
▲ Wanganui: Jim and Chris brought their Pontiac over ▲ Wanganui: Stan and Jane Adams’ EJ Holden crossing the Rangitikei. from Central Hawke’s Bay.
WINDSOR RALLY 2019 7 December 2019 North Otago Branch Words and Photos Derek Brehaut
▲ Canterbury: Seeking out the shade on the Canterbury Boxing Day Picnic.
featured on Country Calendar. It has been closed and is now a community centre and agricultural training hub. It was shady and comfortable, which was ideal for the day. The afternoon included more beautiful country roads and included some of the famous gravel roads that this rally is legendary for. We gathered at the end for a barbeque supplied by Taihape members and prize giving. Prizes are sponsored generously by local businesses, and everyone gets a prize!
▲ Ivan Main preparing to start the rally in his 1920 Fiat 501. ▼ Vehicles gather at the Oamaru historic precinct for the start.
Fifty-five cars were registered for the 59th running of the Windsor rally with a few less turning out at the start in the Historic Precinct on the Oamaru waterfront. Despite some nerves about the potential problems from flooding at Rangitata, all was proved to be unfounded with the rally taking place in near perfect weather as a hot nor-wester moved in. The run took in some of North Otago’s great rolling country with a timed section included before we arrived at Enfield Domain, where those competing completed a series of field events including throwing of gumboots and manoeuvring through a set course of obstacles. In the afternoon we went to the branch clubrooms for awards.
Commiserations to all those who did not quite make the top three in each category, and particularly those who had travelled from north of the Rangitata on the Friday. The river had breached its banks early Saturday morning cutting off all traffic until Monday enforcing a slightly longer stay than had been planned. I am told the trip from Geraldine to Ashburton, normally an easy one hour drive took up to five hours when the Arundel Bridge did open. Feedback from participants was very positive, and thanks go to Kathleen Perry and Rebecca George for their efforts in organising yet another successful event. They tell me it’s time they had a break and as next year will be a milestone 60th the next organising group will have to come up with something special.
Beaded Wheels 37
LOCHINVER RALLY 19–20 January 2020 Waitemata Branch Words Ian Goldingham, photos Jacqui Goldingham, The weekend of 19-20 January saw a small but dedicated party of vintage motorists head off on the Lochinver Rally into the hinterland of the Kaimanawas. Waitemata have made this weekend into a small group tour that turns back in time to see and experience New Zealand landscape as our forefathers did. This year was no different in that we had a couple more members from the Model A Club join us as word has spread of the event’s unique nature. Jacqui and I led the tour in our 1927 Lea Francis, closely followed by John and Zelma Stanley piloting the very same 1924 14/40 Sunbeam that John and his brother Richard restored 50 years ago. Pat Bren brought her 1926 Alvis over from Napier, as did Tony Prebensen with his original family Model A phaeton. These were joined by a duo of Model As piloted by Terry Costello and Steve Driver from Opito Bay and Auckland. The group traversed various rural blocks of huge farmlands, wetlands, forestry blocks, wilderness buffer zones and finally went into the hinterland that is hunting and fishing country. Each area has distinctly vintage roads that are challenging, but exactly what our cars were designed for. On arrival at the Lodge there was plenty of time to go exploring the local attractions, help put the hangi down and then take a hike down to the waterfall. On return the hangi was raised and a superb meal was devoured by all. Breakfast the next morning was unhurried, some taking the near vertical 4WD ascent up to a hunter’s shack for a sunrise view of the sub alpine beech forest. We followed by packing up, a short mihi to share our thoughts of the weekend, and a genuine thanks to our hosts Tom and Liz Louglin. Then it was into our cars before a gentle twisting and turning return through the scotch mist, out to the Napier – Taupo road for the journey home.
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Jacqui Goldingham’s 1924 Sunbeam 14/40 Sports, driven by John Stanley, 50 years after he had helped his brother Richard to restore it for the 1970 Australian Bicentennial Rally.
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JOHN’S EAST COAST TOUR NOVEMBER 2019
ANOTHER 1000 MILES By JOHN CALLESEN Photos JOHN KENNEDY
Having done another South Island Tour in 2018 it was time to plan a North Island one. Judy had been right around the East Coast in her 1912 Clement Bayard with the NZHCC years earlier but I hadn’t. Thus a tour was conceived to start from Palmerston North and take in most of the East Coast. First thing was to contact Ed Kight of Akitio Station with whom I had played rugby, to see if we could drive through the station to Herbertville. I hadn’t seen him for 30 years so a good excuse for a catch up. The aim after Akitio was to stay at Wairoa, Waikaremoana, Whakatane, Hicks Bay, Gisborne, Napier, Taihape and home. The tour was going to hinge around available accommodation and where to get fuel. Esmee Rowden, our four daughters’ Girls High teacher, hockey coach and fellow rallyist was called on to look for accommodation as we like to be away from mainstream stays. Turns out in two places five rooms was our maximum so four past touring friends were approached. We were Esmee and Ian Rowden, 1935 Chrysler; Suzanne and Alan Hardacre, 1923 Dodge tourer; Suzanne and Peter Bidlake, 1939 Chev coupe; Rae and John Kennedy 1922 Rolls-Royce they lent Judy and I for the 2013 100 year anniversary European Alpine Tour but which now resides in Martinborough; and Judy and John Callesen in the 1918 Cadillac yet again.
Day 1 We assembled at Summerset Retirement Village, Palmerston North where the Rowdens now reside, as does Judy’s 93 year old mother. Residents came out to see us, and then we were off over the Pahiatua track to Pahiatua for lunch, still heading east 40 Beaded Wheels
to Pongaroa where the locals have funded a fuel station from which we were able to travel north. We ended up south of the township in a backpackers as at the last minute our accommodation was changed as tree planters were still in town. Yes, the one million tree programme was to be a talking point throughout our tour. Locals talked about the fire risk to their town in the future. I was advised cell phone coverage was under a tree across the road from the hotel. True! We dined at the hotel after watching the Melbourne Cup but did not win the big sweepstake prizes.
Day 2. Travelled back to Pongaroa, filled up to the hilt with petrol and continued out to Akitio to meet Ed at the station office. Great to see him again as he retold rugby stories to the group, including the fact that I had “looked after him” at scrum time. (Complete with an action replay!) He gave us a full history of the 9000 acres including that half of it was now planted in trees. He gave another perspective on the tree debate. On returning to the farm after Massey Uni he found his father flying in a lot of fertiliser to the back half of the farm to get grass growth. Ed installed scales out the back block and weighed the lambs before turning them out. About three weeks later he re-weighed them and they had lost weight. “Dad we need to take them out and shut the gate” and so he started planting trees. Ian Rowden was able to tell Ed that his father led the Power Board gang in 1939 which brought mains power to the coast, and that as a kid in the early ‘50s his family had holidayed at the
Four Square staff came out to view the cars and told us “the petrol tanks were empty last week” Day 3 was the big one. Fuel-wise I had worked out we couldn’t go past the Patangata Hotel up to Hastings, so we visited Blackhead beach then went inland to Waipawa to get fuel and have a pit stop. On the way we caught up with a mob of sheep going our way but the old bugger waved a stick at us and wasn’t going to arrange for these old cars to pass. Twenty-five minutes later… I used to farm 4,000 ewes so can comment on this guy. On up SH2 to Otane then back to continue on the inland route. Lunch at Taradale, topped up with fuel north of Napier and headed to Wairoa via a stop at Lake Tutira. A 150-mile day with a lot of gravel roads.
station, as their father wired various station buildings. Ed advised that the locals had raised funds to pay for poles. We travelled the farm gravel road north along the ridge line for 19 kms in a strong westerly with the ocean way below. Ed had unlocked the gates for us. So down to Herbertville and then a must stop at the Wimbledon Tavern on Route 52. We backed the cars in ready for a photo shoot and on walking to the doorway I knew the guy standing there. “Judy come and see who is here.” It was her first cousin Jock Speedy from Tauranga. along with wife Julie, also VCC members. “What are you doing here way out in the back blocks?” “This is ‘Speedy’ country and we are going to have a game of golf before going to Palmy to see your mother.” Unbelievable. There was more to come. We went inside to have a cool one and introduced Jock and Julie, they being the only other people at the hotel. Ian spun around and said ”We were in the same year at Wairarapa College.” We needed a beer after that lot. Nice mother and daughter hosts too. Off to NZ’s longest place name, ask Rod McKenzie to pronounce it, Taumatawhakatangihangakoau-auotamateaturipukakapiki! Here we met a young French girl travelling alone in a small van who was heading to a picnic area to park for the night. We shook our heads and wished her luck. Then to Porangahau, where the now closed pub has a for sale notice up so we were booked in further up the coast at Chapelwick Coastal Estate which is a very nice old homestead.
Day 4. A quiet day today just travelling 45 miles to Lake Waikareomoana. As we were staying 10 miles before the lake at Tuai and our rooms wouldn’t be ready until 2pm I had the tour visit the lake first and then go back to Tuai. Turned out to be a bad decision as the gravel road was horrendous. At times I had the Cadi dead slow in first gear to handle the corrugations. Thus, by going over the same road in the morning we had to travel it three times. Locals told us it is graded once a month. While at the lake Judy and the Hardacres, the trampers in our group, were going to walk one of the tracks. We drove back south and parked in a clearing where I stayed to look after the cars. Ended up talking for nearly an hour to a local who had walked out of the bush. I was well entertained by the politics of the region: who gets funding and why and who doesn’t. As the trampers came out of the bush we noticed three German girls by a car with the bonnet up at the other end of the clearing. They came across to us obviously needing help. One spoke a bit of English and we gathered the car had overheated. We went over and the condenser bottle was empty but there was still some water in the radiator. Pulled the dipstick out and no oil… Only vintage cars would carry oil and water so they were damn lucky. Over-heating wasn’t for the lack of water. We put two litres of oil in before it touched the dipstick and they had come from Christchurch. The car did start so after a lesson in checking oil and water each morning we sent them off back to the lake store for more oil. I said to Judy if their mothers in Germany only knew they were miles from anywhere in a car that was supposed to take them to Rotorua that night. Day 5. Left Tuai 8am and heading towards the lake again to see the workers’ cars passing us and then we saw why the road is so bad. Front wheel drive vehicles were wheel spinning all the way up the inclines. Back to the lake for a final look where the locals told us we must visit their new five million dollar centre at Ruatahuna for coffee. The gravel road past the lake was good, we just had to
Beaded Wheels 41
watch out for horses. Onto Murapara and the end of the gravel road. Fuelled up and had lunch then north to Whakatane. Day 6. The English car didn’t like sitting in rain all night so took some starting in the morning. We left in the rain for Opotiki which was to be a crucial fuel top-up as the next one was around the East Coast. Discovered they were in a planned power shut down for maintenance but we found Caltex had a generator, so lucky. The café next door was also shut so we used their veranda for shelter and shared what hot water we had for coffee. Lunch was to be at Te Kaha where it was still pouring down and their café was also closed for the power cut. Went on down to the camp ground for a pit stop but no shelter so back to the café’s veranda. Rain persisted all day to Hicks Bay.
Day 7. Drove around Hicks Bay to their historic wharf then started the journey south down the East Coast. At Te Araroa they had petrol and luck was on our side as the Four Square staff came out to view the cars and told us “the petrol tanks were empty last week”. Down the road is the largest known Pohutukawa tree in the world. It stands more than 21 metres tall and at its widest point is 40 metres in diameter. We didn’t have time to branch off for the two-hour return trip to the East Cape Lighthouse.
Suzanne and Peter Bidlake’s 1939 Chev cooling down.
Next stop was at the historic church at Tikitiki. We gave a group donation, hopefully towards painting the outside. Drove south still on SH35 and turned into Ruatoria which is actually off the State Highway. One of the features of our tour was to be the very friendly reception we got from staff at all the cafés. Just before Tokomaru Bay the ’23 Dodge decided to dispose of its fan into the radiator. Peter towed it with his ’39 Chev to the Bay where the AA was organised to take it down to Gisborne. After another picnic lunch we headed down towards Tolaga Bay where we turned inland to meet up with a long-standing organic maize and popcorn grower for whom we had done a lot of drying and cleaning over the years. Was surprised to see them getting into organic growing of gold kiwi fruit, an expensive exercise when taking into account the licence to grow it. While in the area we had to walk the 660m long Tolaga Bay wharf. Money has been poured in to preserve it. Onwards to Gisborne which was to be a rest day after being on the road for seven days. Talking of roads, one Mr Jones needs to get some money up the East Coast to up-grade the road from Hicks Bay to Gisborne. It is all curves and crash bang driving over pavement repairs.
Day 8 Rest day. We caught up with Alan and the Dodge to find two radiator repair businesses didn’t want to repair the radiator but he found a garage that did repairs and they gave great service. All you Dodge 4 owners should check the retainer in front of the fan and make sure the split pin is tight in the hole of the retainer and the shaft. Because this was a bit loose it had sheared the split pin off. The garage allowed Peter to re-bore both and put a roll pin in. I then put a double stainless wire through the roll pin and twisted it around the retainer as further insurance. That took up the morning of the free day but the Dodge was back with us albeit with fewer functioning radiator tubes. Day 9. Off to Napier still heading south to Wairoa which turned out to be a good road. Picked up lunch to have under a tree at Lake Tutira. Yes, plenty of logging trucks on this route. Signs on the better rolling land stated ‘you can’t eat trees’ Yet other locals didn’t want to rock the boat as trees were jobs. On the other side of the coin, while the trees grew, shepherds etc would leave the district and school rolls plummet. Then what…? Day 10. In the morning we drove through Napier to Taradale as this was the last fuel stop until Taihape, and also bought food for a nice secluded picnic at the Kuripapango campsite we found on the ‘Gentle Annie’. After passing the Ngamatea Station turn off we turned left onto a 20 mile plus gravel road to River Valley Lodge. Along the
42 Beaded Wheels
way we travelled through Mangaohane Station, a well-run station with clean rolling green paddocks. Having little engine braking I ‘lowered’ the Cadi down the quite steep parts. Next stop before the Lodge had to be at the seven pupil Pukeokahu School. Two-years prior I had driven the Cadi 90 miles from Longburn to take Father Christmas from the school to the hall where all the locals had gathered, hence I knew the teacher. With 20 mins of schooling left what a reception! They were supposed to be doing sport but that quickly ended. We had the children sitting in the cars and blaring the horns. Vintage motoring at its best. Off down to River Valley Lodge which has rather a steep downhill entrance. An absolute key place to stay and a perfect last night of the tour. Good luck to anyone who can finish the magnificent meal they put on. I decided to shout the group wine for putting up with all the gravel roads I threw at them. I also announced that in the morning we wouldn’t be taking the gravel road down to Taoroa Junction and Utiku but would go straight into Taihape for fuel, a bit of a cheer went up. I knew then I had satisfied them.
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Day 11. Home via Vinegar Hill to Palmerston North in the morning where Peter Bidlake told me his ’39 Chev had covered 1006 miles in the 11 days.
John and Judy Callesen in the 1918 Cadillac.
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Our electronic ignition uses a signal from the existing points to more consistently switch the full coil current, giving a better spark & taking the electrical wear away from the points. Just enough current is drawn through the points to keep them clean and provide a reliable signal. Tested locally for five years on an 1930 Essex Super Six. The points life is extended to that of the rubbing block on the cam, typically over 120,000 miles with normal lubrication. With this system the dwell can be extended by up to 20% (smaller points gap) and no adjustment of the points is necessary, once new points, (if used) are bedded in, typically after 4000 miles. For excellent 6V/12V chargers we recommend those at electroproducts.co.nz Easy 3 wire installation.
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Beaded Wheels 43
MARKET PLACE Terms and conditions 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. Limited to one free advert per issue. Non Member: $21 for first 40 words or part thereof, thereafter 15 cents per word (max 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.* Advertisements should be typed or clearly printed. Advertising Email address: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz Payment: Cheques Payable to Beaded Wheels. Post to: Advertising, PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141, to arrive not later than 10th of month preceding publication. Internet banking on request.*
1929 SINGER a nd 1952 or ‘53 Morris Minor 850 (without engine and gearbox); seeking offers from keen enthusiasts who want to restore either of these classic cars. As is where is, collect from Takaka. For more information and images contact Connie Charlton 03 547 531 or 027 297 6147. 1934 MORRIS COWLEY. P art restoration completed, including most of body, some woodwork and some chrome. Spare running gear, motor, gearbox, diff, axles, steering box and radiator. Good project for a keen restorer. Registration on hold. Owes me $7000, offers around $5,000. Ph Brian 027 442 4557, bestelectronics@outlook.co.nz MEM WGTN
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.).
44 Beaded Wheels
We continue to rebuild metal vacuum advance units New Old Stock – Distributor caps,condensers and rotors stocked for many vehicles 1930-1990 New Pumps - PN Fuel Pumps for most car/ tractor brands (except American), KITS for AC pumps Hours 9am to 3pm Monday-Friday 85 Polo Prince Dr, Alfriston, Auckland email: peter@qualityrebuilds.com www.qualityrebuilds.com
PHONE PETER 09 267 4700
LANCIA 1982 i ncomplete 2 litre low mileage motor; Bijur E38 starter motor; 2 Excelsior 23 x 5 tyres with new re-treads; Austin 7 Ruby panels; three good Dunlop 760 x 90 BE rims; low mileage Austin Maxi 1750 motor, gearbox and radiator. CA Bedford running gear in good order. Waikatospares@gmail. com
STANDARD V3 1924 11hp Has new guards and woodwork no rust, panel work all done, Needs upholstery and painting to finish. Has new tyres. Many spares including extra motor and gearbox. Contact Malcolm 03 418 2047 MEM SOUTH OTAGO
LANDROVER GEARBOX SERIES 2, n ever been in a vehicle. Ex-army, and used for instruction purposes. $1,500. Photos available via txt. Ph Aaron James 027 267 8417. MEM WGTN
PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS FOR VETERAN, VINTAGE, CLASSIC & ODDBALL ENGINES. We can supply piston sets for most makes and models. All piston sets come complete with rings and gudgeons. We have over 700 listings at competitive prices. M S COOMBES LTD 344 ST ASAPH ST, CHRISTCHURCH Ph: 03 366 7463 E: info@mscoombes.co.nz
BALANCING BALANCING BALANCING, We can balance most vintage and single cylinder engines, fans, driveshafts etc. Work is carried out on a modern digital machine. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz
DISPLAY RATES* Casual (per issue) 3 Issues (per issue) Full Page $900 $720 Half Page $490 $390 Horizontal ¼ Page $270 $216 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%
DISTRIBUTOR & FUEL PUMP PARTS
FOR SALE
CARBURETTOR RECONDITIONING including classic and performance makes. 40 plus years trade experience. Free advice. Contact Graeme Tulloch, Tulmac Carburettor Specialists on 027 612 2312 or (Levin) 06 368 2202 MORRIS OXFORD e arly ‘60s some parts missing, 95% complete. Very good blue upholstery, front seat needs restitching and build up. Good door panels and headlining. $300. Ph 027 241 4994
MEM WANGANUI
MOTORING MAGAZINES, A pprox 300, Mainly Classic & Sportscar (UK), Thoroughbred & Classic Car (UK), Motorsport (UK), NZ Classic Car dating from ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s. Excellent condition, purchaser to arrange pick-up. $50, Ph; Don, 021 2123074
MEM BANKS PENINSULA
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 PENRITE OILS W e carry a large range from vintage to modern engines. Gearbox, diff, SU dashpot and water pump grease. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz
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 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz
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 HUBCAPS – a ny problems contact me. I now produce either hubcap skins or complete hubcaps. These are top quality replicas. Pressed not spun to the closest possible original specifications. I can manufacture any model that uses the skin system plus many others provided they do not exceed 10½ inch in diameter. For more information phone Dave Patten Replica Manufacturing (2003) Ltd, Phone 027 247 7956, 160 New York Street, Martinborough. dave.patten@wise.net.nz
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ROVER 1973 P6BS V 8 A good reliable classic ready to drive and enjoy. New WOF/Reg. Later model Rover 5 speed manual gearbox, electronic distributor and after market aircleaners. Otherwise good original condition. Recent rear end overhaul incl brakes, bushes, seals and D Dion tube. $6500. Ph 027 222 6817, 04 972 7674 Upper Hutt MEM WGTN
1934 ALVIS SILVER EAGLE. 6 cylinder, all synchro gearbox, triple carbs, wire wheels. Fully restored to the highest standard. Contact John Bain Ph 027 274 5279, fazazz@fazazz.co.nz Fazazz The Motorists’ Shop Ltd ChCh.
VETERAN PARTS, Vauxhall 80mm rear hubs, Bosch DU4 mag, Sunbeam pillars, brass oiler, Bosch ignition switch, fuel air pump, oil pressure gauge, tail light bracket, P&H and Dependence tail lights. Ph 07 3484227. MEM ROTORUA
MODEL A FORD REBUILT SHOCK ABSORBERS, as original. With exchange $210 each, or $240 outright. Arms and all connecting parts available. Postal delivery extra. Phone Jack 03 352 6672, 0274 322 041 Christchurch. MEM CANTERBURY
RILEY RMA 1947 Imported to NZ 1960s, major restoration ‘80s. Vehicle stripped to shell, rebuilt using original parts. 1.5 litre RMA engine overhaul 2001. Full vehicle history (photos and documents) available. Vehicle report from of the Riley Club. In TV mini series about Sir Edmond Hillary. $17,250 ono. Contact Peter 021 179 5467
MORRIS EIGHT SERIES E 1947 R eg. WOF & Reg. 47,700 miles (76.00km) Painted black and green. Has been reg & wof each year since 1996 and attended various SI rallies. New battery, four new tyres/tubes rims sandblasted and painted. Vehicle Identity Card $4,400 ono. Phone 03 487 7897, alma42@xtra.co.nz MEM OTAGO
1929 RUGBY SEDAN MODEL D40 r estored in year 1928 MODEL A PHAETON. Unrestored but in very 2000 personalized plates ØRUGBY, 500 miles since good condition. Motor rebuilt 26,000 miles ago. $4000 engine overhaul present owners for 52 New diff last year. $27,000 ONO Ph 03 489 2326, years, new battery. WOF and reg. Best offer over 027 261 1166 MEM OTAGO $15000, plenty of spare parts. jenbarh@gmail.com MEM ASHBURTON
1979 DATSUN 260C Just 75,000 km. Three owners. Drives no differently to the day it left Ashburton Motors showroom when new. Excellent original condition. Elderly owner letting go. $12,000. Ph 0274 836 666 anytime.
MEM AUCKLAND
1938 BSA TICKFORD DROP HEAD COUPE. Front wheel drive. Twin carbs. Ground up restoration. Very rare. Just had major work to front wheel drive so drives very well. New WOF and REG. Only 14 made with this body. Many spares. $27,000. Contact Graham Pate 07 888 0009, gandmpate@gmail.com. MEM WAIKATO.
WOODEN WHEELS m ade 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
1921 ANSALDO TARGA FLORIO PROJECT 6 centre lock wire wheels with tyres in very good condition. Rebuilt chassis frame. New road springs, front axle, overhead camshaft engine with gearbox, rear axle, steering box, radiator, dashboard with instruments, petrol tank and other small parts. Can deliver at cost. Phone 03 434 0998, 027 263 9233, williamhearne23@gmail.com M EM NTH OTAGO Beaded Wheels 45
MARKET PLACE
MAGNETO AND COIL WINDING SERVICES Magneto repairs, coil rewinding, work guaranteed. We buy and sell magnetos of all types except aircraft. 728 Waimutu Road, RD2 Marton 4788. Phone Warwick 06 327 3849, 027 281 8066, walandlynn@farmside.co.nz MEM 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 CAR REPAIRS
All Classic and Vintage Car restoration. • Panel making • Wooden body repairs, • Bumpers and moulding repair • Competitive hourly rate. Unit 1 11 Penn Place, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch
Phone Grant 341 5100 or 027 223 9474 granttvin@gmail.com
VINTAGE AND VETERAN CAR MARKETING. I maintain a database of buyers and sellers of veteran, vintage and post vintage vehicles, placing PENRITE ENGINE COOLANT buyers and sellers together. Free to list.No hidden A colourless hybrid-organic non glycol based costs. No computer, no problem. Just call me. corrosion inhibitor designed specifically for use Whether buying or selling a veteran, vintage or in Veteran, Edwardian, Vintage and Classic Car post vintage vehicle, contact Les at Rushmore cooling systems. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Motors Ltd. Phone 027 224 5045. Inc. Sat. Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: vintagecars@xtra.co.nz Free catalogue available. info@mscoombes.co.nz Finance may be available on most vehicles.
VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ halogen bulbs. Replace your existing bulbs without rewiring the headlamp assemblies. Up to 100% brighter than your existing Tungsten bulbs. Will fit most reflectors fitted to Pre & Post war cars and motorbikes. Also available in single filament 55 watt P22 & BA 15 bases for use in spotlamps and mechanical dip reflectors. Most bases and configurations available in 6v & 12v. Further info: Norm & Jan Sisson, sole NZ Agent. Phone 03 389 0643 Model Boat Supplies, 38 Ottawa Road, Christchurch 6. Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz THE CLUB HAS 100-YEAR VEHICLE BADGES w hich are available for purchase at $50 each. Only for vehicles that are over 100 years old and have a valid VCC ID Card approving the vehicles age as more than 100 years since the date of manufacture. For further details, please refer to the Branch Manual, section 40G, or contact the National Office.
AUSTIN 7 RUBY 1937. Good motorable condition. Motor recond 2011, records available. Current owner 22 years. Beaded Wheels cover car Aug/Sept 1995. VIC, WOF exp May. Reg till Feb 2021. May be advertised elsewhere. Viewing and questions welcome (Christchurch). $6000 ono Ph 027 604 5380 charlesrrushbrook@yahoo.co.nz MEM 46 Beaded Wheels
NEW MODEL A FORD SHOCK ABSORBERS. Precision manufactured in NZ. They are fully adjustable and work as per the originals, $322 each. Model A Ford exhaust systems $295, also front clamps. Ph 03 359 0565 or 021 128 9252 or www.vintagefordparts.co.nz
VINTAGE ENGINE SHORT BLOCKS We can in most cases rebuild your short block using modern shell bearings, new pistons and rebuilt oil pump. Please contact us for more information. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, 1959 STANDARD TEN. R eg on hold. Started Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: restoring but needs finishing. Comes with donor info@mscoombes.co.nz car for parts and paint for finishing touches. $1600 ono Phone Dave on 027 516 4942. VINTAGE, VETERAN AND CLASSIC CAR MEM STH CANTERBURY MARKETING. Rushmore Motors can market your vehicle now. We hold a huge database of prospective buyers, and aim to place sellers with buyers. We produce a monthly emailed brochure. To subscribe please text, phone 027 2245 045 or email. Vehicle listing is free. No computer, no problem, just phone. Whether selling or buying, contact Rushmore Motors. rushmoremotors@xtra.co.nz Vehicle finance may be available. SK ¾ INCH DRIVE SOCKET SET i n excellent HUPMOBILE MOTORS 1923 AND PARTS condition 15/16 to 1 11/16. $300.00. Singer Vogue 8 x generators - Delcon, Remy, Bosch, Lucas etc. 3 Series 1 to 4 grille bottom half in very good x starter motors - Lucas, one vintage long shaft. 1 x condition $50. Austin Vanden Plas 4 litre R new Aere magneto 1914, 2 x 8 inch headlights. 1 x brass old stock oil filter cartridge $15. Austin A30/A35 honeycomb radiator core. Ph Ivan Hibberd 03 323 Steering idler new old stock still in box. $50.00. 8769 ivanehibberd@gmail.com MEM CANTERBURY Austin/Morris 1800 wheel trim $10.00. Phone Colin 06 878
1928 MODEL A FORD ROADSTER PICKUP Restored over a 15 year period. Made completely from purchased parts. Will require compliance then Vin and Reg. This to be undertaken by the new owner. Sold as is - where is. Sounds great. Video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSNHdeKYT0 Rushmore Motors Ltd. 027 2245 045. rushmoremotors@xtra.co.nz
1963 HUMBER SUPER SNIPE, SERIES 4. A nice example and much admired. Reg and WOF. Asking $11,000 There is not much that has not been restored. Motors nicely. For further details, contact klaxoninfo@gmail.com or 027 609 8510 MEM BOP
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1936 TRIUMPH GLORIA/DOLOMITE 2 seater Sports. Built 2005 using pre-war Dolomite four cylinder running gear, Gloria radiator/surround. Four cylinder OHV engine rebuilt at that time with new pistons valves/valve guides. Bearings converted to shells. Diff ratio raised to 4.5. Reluctant sale of a car $35000 ono phone Don 03 332 6452, frdbroome@gmail.com.nz Q MEM CANTY
1930 MODEL A FORDOR SEDAN. In good condition. Nice paint and upholstery. Recently completely re-wooded. Reg and Wof on sale. Location Motueka. Rushmore Motors Ltd. Ph 027 2245 045 anytime. rushmoremotors@xtra.co.nz
1939 MORRIS 12 C omes with original 4 speed gearbox and 1500cc OHV motor which has a cracked head. Also comes with another motor in parts ready for assembly. Body tidy and virtually rust free. Rego. dormant and no WOF. An easy project as it is all but complete. $1,100. Phone Clive 0274 409 384 to view. MEM STH CANTY
VINTAGE TRUNKS made to order or stock sizes. Dust proof and waterproof. Phone Allan on 06 844 3959 or 0274 469 331 Napier. MEM
ORIGINAL LUCAS TAILIGHTS p art number 471. Glass lenses, to fit sidevalve Morris Minor (1950s). Ph Graham 06 378 7422. MEM WAIRARAPA
1914 OVERLAND MODEL 79T TOURER . Ph Neil 021 023 3948. MEM CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY
1914 MATCHLESS M/CYCLE. 800cc Twin. In original condition. Complete with side-chair. Runs well. Location Oamaru. Rushmore Motors Ltd. 027 2245 045. rushmoremotors@xtra.co.nz
1928 HUPMOBILE 6 O lder restoration, mechanically excellent, always garaged. 14,000 miles, good upholstery, rear trunk. 12 volt alternator. Reg & WOF. $23,000. Ph 021 337 7174.
1972 MG BGT WITH OVERDRIVE 87,000km, very tidy. Excellent bodywork and paint. New carpet, very good interior, all hard work done. For more info contact Russell, ph 03 208 5899, 027 442 5406. MEM GORE
MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY
d n e p s ? o e t r t e Wanre time h mo Call EndVision on 0800 363 847 and let them take care of your business sale. EndVision
Magnifying the value of your busine
ss
Beaded Wheels 47
WANTED BUICK 1930-31 STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS or whole unit. Ph Russell 021 024 57984. MEM BAY OF PLENTY
FORD 10 E93A TWIN CARB MANIFOLD with or without carbs wanted. Prefer factory cast but not essential. Also freeflow exhaust for same. Ph Steve 027 912 0665. MEM WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH
FORD 105E ANGLIA FRONT BUMPER blade wanted for my Lotus Elan Plus 2. Any condition except badly dented. Roger 021 025 46184. MEM NTH SHORE FIVE WHITEWALL TYRES x 3 ply 5.25x5.50x17. Ph Keith Moore 022 386 9759. MEM OTAGO
MAGNETO 180 DEGREES APART TWIN PRE 1915. 1913 Swift cycle car parts. Lubricator suitable for HARLEY-DAVIDSON VL PARTS , motor and gearbox, steam engine. Stationary steam engine, complete and any parts you have to help build 35-36 model. or parts of. 1955 Austin A55 cambridge 13 inch Phone 03 572 7402, omakaheights@gmail.com rims. Packard car manuals. Phone/text Andrew MEM MARLBOROUGH 027 611 6225 Email steamer.boy@gmail.com MORRIS 8 SERIES 1 1935/37 4 door, red interior. Prefer black and red exterior. Good running condition in and out. Not concourse. Phone 0274 720 870 MEM EBOP
FRONT RIGHT HAND ¼ LITE GLASS for a 1967 CA Bedford Debonair Dormobile Camper. Contact Alistair 027 434 0934, mooreautos@xtra.co.nz MEM ASHBURTON
WORKSHOP MANUAL or restorers guide for early Morris Minor 1951, sidevalve motor. Also car and rear axle. Ph Russell 022 636 9961. MEM STH CANTY
1939 AUSTIN 10 (CAMBRIDGE MODEL) F ront left MODEL A ROADSTER OR ROADSTER PICKKUP hand door. Ph 09 426 5831. 021 588 536 Email: Prefer 1930-31 with sound body. Can travel to thebeckenhams@gmail.com MEM NORTH SHORE examine. Ph David 07543 3684, 027 451 0700. MEM BOP
FORD THAMES 300E VAN (100E VAN) WANTED . Prefer 1957 to 1961 version. Must have a good body and solid floor. Condition of running gear not important. Will travel to pick up. Contact Dennis, ph 021 267 6732 or dennis@binks.co.nz
PHOTOGRAPHS OF MODEL A FORDS in original condition. B+W or colour. These pictures are for an up and coming book I am preparing. Any other facts or history on each vehicle is appreciated. If you want your photos in my new book, please send contributions to Les Pearson 027 2245 045 or lespearson@xtra.co.nz TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLE PARTS. 1950-1954 rigid/ sprung hub. Anything considered for unrestored project. Ph John 021 65 1988 MEMB AUCKLAND
CLASSIC MINI MK1 C HROME WHEEL TRIM HUBCAP WHEEL COVER to fit standard 10” steel wheels. PRESSED STEEL FLAT BACKED CRANKSHAFT One or more. Contact Bruce 027 617 1003 or email pulley to fit brass radiator Ford T. Ph 021 159 8319. stonesthrow@xtra.co.nz. MEM BAY OF PLENTY MEM SOUTHLAND
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR for Jaguar Mk VII/VIIM (1953-1956). Contact Richard Ph 022 533 9400
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SWAPMEETS AND RALLIES
SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH invite
ALL VINTAGE VEHICLES (1919 - 1931) for a casual weekend of motoring pleasure.
ANZAC WEEKEND
24, 25, 26 APRIL 2020 Non competitive, just great fun, laughter and comradeship.
Expressions of interest to Alistair Day 027 202 5007 or email nola.day@xtra.co.nz
WEST COAST BRANCH
SCENICLAND TIMBER TRAIL RALLY 21 March 2020 Come and join us
Contact: June Campbell Ph 030 768 4226 Email: davenjune@ts.co.nz Entry forms available January 2020
2020 South Island Club Captain’s Tour Sunday 15 March Monday 16 March Tuesday 17 March Wednesday 18 March Thursday 19 March Friday 20 March Saturday 21 March Sunday 22 March
Assemble in Rangiora Methven Greymouth Westport Richmond Blenheim Hanmer Springs Kaikoura
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 or alon.tracy@xtra.co.nz As there is limited accommodation in some areas, prompt booking is recommended.
Beaded Wheels 49
SWAP MEETS & RALLIES
VCCNZ Ashburton Branch
SWAPMEET
Saturday 2 May 2020 Club Grounds 86 Maronan Road, Tinwald Ashburton No Dogs Allowed • Catering by Ashburton Lions Club
Site Bookings to Karen Bell 72 Creek Rd Ashburton 7700 Email: funky_gran117@yahoo.co.nz Phone 021 0243 1955
Gates Open 7.30am
Saturday 29 February 2020 Swap Meet starts at 7.00 a.m. Entry: Sellers $10.00 Buyers/Browsers $5.00 Children (under 12) Free Vintage Car Display - Car Parts Old & New - Motoring Books & Manuals Collectibles – Bric-a-Brac Refreshments – Sausage Sizzle – Bacon Butties
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
2020 TIME TRIALS
13–18 OCTOBER 2020 JOIN US TO DRIVE ICONIC NORTH ISLAND ROADS AS A TIME TRIAL Super Early Bird and Early Bird discount entry fees available to VCC members in VCC/VIC eligible, road legal cars Refer https://targa.nz/event-pricing/for details Contact Rod Corbett rod.corbett88@gmail.com Ph 027 433 8772
PHOTO: PROSHOTZ PHOTOGRAPHY -
Swap Meet Gore Swap Meet And Boot Sale Run by the Gore Vintage Car Club
To be held in Greymouth Easter Weekend Friday 10 April-Sunday 12April 2020
SUNDAY 15 MARCH 2020
WAIMEA STREET, GORE – 8AM START Hot Food Available Admittance Adults $5 Accompanied Children Free Sellers’ Stalls $8 (includes one free entry) (If you have items you wish to sell please come along and set up a stall) Enquiries to Gerry 03 208 5806, 027 233 4634
Wairarapa Branch VCC invite you to our annual
REX PORTER MEMORIAL RALLY 14 March 2020 Contact: chris.giles64@gmail.com Entry forms also from sporty.co.nz/wairarapavcc 50 Beaded Wheels
All inquiries Ross McClelland rossrachaelmc@gmail.com
Wairarapa Branch VCC invites you to
27th NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE RALLY
12-14 MARCH 2021
AFTER RALLY TOUR 15-18 MARCH 2021
Save the date and come and join us on wide, open roads and enjoy the hospitality of the Wairarapa.
ADVANCE NOTICE
SWAP MEETS & RALLIES
EHICL
Napier
Hastings
Taihape
LABOUR DAY WEEKEND 2020
E AL LY
Waipukurau
H
A
W
KE
20
VIN
V E G
R
TA
PEUGEOT 404 – 60th ANNIVERSARY RALLY
’ S B AY
20
During Labour Day weekend 2020 the 60th Anniversay Rally of the Peugeot will be held in Taranaki and King Country. The organisers are looking for expressons of interest. We are also looking for Peugeot 404 owners to update the Peugeot 404 register. Please email Nick Watson (Nick.Watson@ruapehudc. govt.nz) or Sven Slager(sven@slager.co.nz ).
Hawke’s Bay 10-13 September 2020
SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH VCC
SWAPMEET AND BAZAAR
We invite you to bring your Vintage vehicle to an event designed especially with the vintage enthusiast in mind. By joining us on this rally, you will have a chance to travel Hawke’s Bay’s great motoring roads, enjoy the scenery, and the areas great hospitality
Saturday 4 April 2020 Contact Details: Site Bookings Phone Michelle 03 686 4824 Email: scvccswapmeet@hotmail.com Chairman; Colin Johnstone ph 03 693 9093
The rally is been organised as a combined effort by the Hawke’s Bay and Central Hawke’s Bay branch’s of the VCC
Contact Esther Smith-humber@xtra.co.nz or Rod McKenzie-rod.mckenzie.wpk@xtra.co.nz
ENTRY FORMS & ACCOMMODATION DETAILS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM EARLY DECEMBER 2019
WINCHESTER DOMAIN, SH1 7.30AM START NO DOGS ON GROUNDS • HELD WET OR FINE Something for everyone
5th
ANNIVERSARY
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TRADE DIRECTORY Our readers are hands-on passionate motoring and restoration enthusiasts. If you are interested in telling your story to the hard core of New Zealand’s historic and classic motoring scene, email Beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz for information and deadlines to book your business advertising space in our next issue. Advertising space is limited and available on a first come – first served basis.
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CLASSIC, VIN TAGE AND VETERAN MOTOR
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CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 70 YEARS No. 361 Decem ber 2019/January
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RESTORED CARS MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
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First published in 1973. Most back issues are available. All vehicles featured are restored or in original condition. Events, How To’s and Australian motoring history are a specialty.
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HOW TO EN JOY YOUR CL
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Beaded Wheels 53
IDLE TORQUE A round up of events, personalities and branch gossip from VCCNZ branches around the country
ASHBURTON
COLIN SWEETMAN
We welcome new members Ronald and Elsa Hydes, and Kevin Keane to our branch. We held our annual P60 and P80 run in early November. This was organised by Owen and Lorraine Wilson and visited two interesting venues. The first was a farm with an excellent collection of tractors and cars, mainly GM and Ford, and everything from a three-wheeler (work in progress) to a Rolls-Royce. After lunch at a Rolleston café we moved on to a private collection of mostly Fords and Minis. The owner had Fords from nearly every decade, and also an impressive 1935 V12 Lincoln-Zephyr. It was a struggle to hear the motor going when idling. David Oakley organises an annual Posh Picnic for vintage and veteran cars. This year’s venue was the award winning Trott’s Gardens, our local NZ Garden of International Significance. Appropriate period dress was encouraged, and a number of cars and their passengers enjoyed their day there. Afterwards, participants, along with other members, retired to the clubrooms for the Christmas barbecue. A busy time for us, we also held our Annual Commercial Run. Venues were a local traction engine owner’s workshop, where members watched hot riveting alongside the steaming traction engine which was about to participate in the local Christmas Parade. Then Pendarves Fire Station for lunch – but the fire engine was out on a call. Finally to Club Captain Peter Lambie’s farm where a good line-up of Dodge trucks was inspected.
AUCKLAND
JOHN STOKES
Motorcycles: Speaker at the November section meeting was Nicholas Taylor, amongst other things a barrister, motorcycle collector and model engineer. Martin Healey has re-joined with a Honda CZ and some cars as well. December meeting
54 Beaded Wheels
speaker was member Alice Lenney, who rode a Vincent motorcycle around Europe for three months. The New Year’s Day Fish and Chip run to Kaiaua attracted some 70 bikes and 40 cars. Veteran: Phil and Caroline Henley won the Waikato veteran/rear wheel brake event in their 1906 Cadillac single cylinder. Phil has also got his 1913 Mitchell registered and warranted. Vintage: The January meeting had good attendance including five vintage and three or four other club eligible vehicles. Ross Bellamy signed on with his Model A Ford. Wayne Roberts has brought a c1923 Velie chassis to start a long term project and the 1924 Velie Silver Swallow engine has had its overhaul. We welcome Neil and Christine Stott with a 1928 Model A Ford Tudor. Murray and Penny Firth took their 1931 Bedford on a 1,000 mile tour to Wairarapa. PV and Classic: Rob Webster has brought a 1956 Chev Bel Air. Richard Langridge has just about finished the restoration of an XK150 Jaguar. He has also bought a c1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith to augment the Rolls-Royce collection. Roy Sharman has bought a 1951 Daimler Special Sports for his collection. We welcome David Roper with a 1934 Ford V8 coupe. John Poole has sold his 1952 Chev to the Waipukurau area General: We welcome new member David Wakefield. Our Gymnic attracted 10 vehicles for restoration awards, with an Original/Survivor category included for the first time. Gold restoration awards went to Dianne Poole 1967 Vauxhall Victor FC101, Peter Bell 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina, John Morrison 1908 Sears and Robert Creemers 1941 Buick Special convertible. Silver award went to Rob Lauder 1958 BSA Bantam DI 125, Geoff Stoner 1973 Fiat Bambina. Bronze award went to Peter Alderdice 1917 Harley-Davidson Model F. Original/ Survivor category awards went gold to Bruce McDonald 1972 Toyota Corona 1700 coupe, and bronze to both Mike Loosemore 1928 Austin 16/6 Burnham saloon and Ben Creemers 1935 Pontiac touring sedan. Ken and Annette Foot won the Ladies Rally in their 1958 Humber 80. Bob Pickering is making good progress on his 1965 International AB110 project. We congratulate Barry Roberts on achieving his 60 year award and Bruce Madgwick on getting his 50 year award. We extend condolences to the Gravatt and Sole families on the deaths of Ted and Brian.
BAY OF PLENTY
DONN WHITE
In November Club Captain Ken Frew coordinated a most successful Swap Meet and Car Show. The weather gods cooperated fully and this contributed to a large number of visitors. There was a good turnout of cars, plus an interesting cross section of activities and stalls. This meant that the ledgers were in a very healthy state when the day was enthusiastically reviewed. During Labour Weekend our clubrooms and surrounding grounds were used by the Tauranga Mini Owners Club who staged the 25th Annual Mini Nationals. Several VCC members attended this get together of ADO 15 derivatives from all over the country. The Show and Shine attracted 224 cars and our clubrooms proved to be an excellent facility for hosting the large number of Mini enthusiasts present. In December, North Island Club Captain Kaaren Smylie and long-time BOP branch member Alan Webb staged an interesting end of year bus trip to Taupo. Fifty or so members took advantage of the outing and we had morning tea in Tokoroa before calling into the Prawn Farm at Wairakei for lunch. After that the Aratiatia Rapids were inspected up close before a boat trip on the Waikato River, which took everyone up to the base of the Huka Falls. The consensus was that this was our best bus trip yet. Our last formal outing of the year consisted of many of our members taking their cars around various retirement villages in Mount Maunganui and Papamoa to spread some usual Christmas cheer.
CANTERBURY
TONY BECKER
Christmas celebrations always include children. Our 2019 Annual Christmas Party this time combined with the Kaiapoi Christmas Festival celebration. Once again the generosity of Saint Nick featured together with clowns and fun entertainment. Branch sub-sections enjoyed their usual Christmas social lunches and gatherings too. At one of these the 9-90s mid-week crowd of 85 members enjoyed their christmas lunch at the excellent Pineacres Restaurant, Kaiapoi. End of year barbecues and nosh-ups were also held by Parts Shed Boys, Swapmeet Committee, Commercial, and Motorcycle sections and supporting sub-committees. All was rounded off with a final 2019 Christmas Noggin ‘n’ Natter at the clubrooms one warm December evening.
Ashburton: Line-up of Dodge trucks, Commercial run.
▲ Auckland: Dianne Poole 1967 Vauxhall Victor FC 101. ▼ Auckland: Rob Webster’s 1956 Chev Bel Air.
▲ Auckland: Mike Loosemore’s 1928 Austin 16/6 Burnham.
▲ BOP: The Merlin-powered home built special was an eye catcher at our 3 November Swap Meet and Car Show.
▲ Canterbury: Beaded Wheels editorial committee members Bevars Binnie and Kevin Clarkson find a suitable subject for Behind the Wheel at the Boxing Day picnic.
▲ Canterbury: Boxing Day Picnic.
▼ BOP: The VCC BOP branch clubrooms proved to be an excellent facility when the Tauranga Mini Owners Club staged the 25th Annual Mini Nationals.
▲ Ashburton: P60/P80 Run.
▲ Auckland: Buick
▲ Canterbury: Boxing Day Picnic.
▼ BOP: 50 or so members enjoyed a great day out with a bus trip to Taupo in December.
Beaded Wheels 55
End-of-year activity included the popular Homestead Run, this time motoring to Banks Peninsula and Pigeon Bay. In November, Annual Veteran, Vintage and Motorcycle rallies, plus the All British Day and the Annual Show Weekend tour, offered plenty of variety. The latter, again very well organised by Dave Inwood, travelled to Blenheim, this time with stops at Cheviot, Lakes and Kaikoura. Visits included Wairau Valley Vineyards, Omaka, craft barns and the convivial hospitality of Marlborough Branch. New Year’s Day escalated to a hot and smoky 32 degrees for the big Little River annual picnic with hundreds of classic and vintage vehicle enthusiasts. Welcome shade under their beautiful oak trees however offered little relief from the oppressive smoky atmosphere created by Australia´s disastrous bushfires.
CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY JOHN FOOT In November our annual Veteran Rally was hosted by Gavin and Viv Harris. The rally started with a meet-and-greet on the Friday evening. Saturday morning the nine entrants left for a relaxed touring event, followed by a barbecue in the evening. The vehicles ranged in age from 1903 Holley to 1918 Ford T. Following this on the Sunday the monthly club run went to the McLeod family Springhill Homestead for lunch and a look through the home. This event was supported by a very large number of Hawke’s Bay Branch members, which gave us a total of 61 cars. This event was also a fundraiser for the upkeep of the old Springhill School (which is owned and administered by a local trust). The first weekend of December saw 15 cars and crews descend on the Manawatu for a visit to John Calleson’s premises. We were able to view a huge (approx 14 litre) magnificent 6 cylinder Peerless engine that was built by John and his team for an American client. There was also a 1928 eight cylinder Packard tourer being restored to a magnificent finish. John gave very informative talks on both projects. Our next event was the annual Christmas parade with 15 cars entered. We gained the runner up prize for the best community float. On this day we also had our Christmas dinner at Garry and Janet Weaver’s property.
EBOP
BRUCE SEDDON
Early in November we enjoyed our biennial overnight camp-out at Ohiwa Holiday Park with our friends from the 56 Beaded Wheels
Gisborne Branch. Members enjoyed a weekend of shared meals, a rally around Opotiki and surrounding farm land, and other activities. Included was a visit to Roger Clark’s shed to view his two E-Type Jaguars and an Aston Martin in superb restored condition, plus another Aston Martin in the back shed that is on its way to the same beautiful state. The weekend’s activities included an evening meal that reminded us that our club activities are fun and friendship focused. Being part of a rural district with a number of small towns we have always been welcome participants of the local Christmas parades. This year we concentrated our efforts on the Edgecumbe and Kawerau parades. Edgecumbe benefits from being the first of the season and is a relaxed short run to a fun afternoon at the local park. Just over a dozen cars added to the colour of the parade and the display at the domain afterwards. The Kawerau parade around the township is fun because of the excitement of the kids and that they don’t hesitate to interact with floats and cars. About 18 cars turned up to be rigged out with colourful Christmas decorations and driven around the town centre. A further attraction is the barbecue lunch catered by Harry and Gay Sutcliffe afterwards at their Kawerau home. Our oldest member Lorolei Pollard celebrated her 90th birthday in December and we look forward to marking her 40th year of membership in 2020.
FAR NORTH
DAVE DUIRS
The annual Dunny Run, organised by the Grants of Dargaville, visited historic places of worship between Kawakawa, Kaikohe and Paihia. Holy Trinity on SH1 at Pakaraka had some interesting gravestones as did St Michaels at Ohaeawai which commemorates the battle of Ohaeawai in 1845. Further on is Te Waimate Mission church, the first inland mission station established in 1836. These places are an important reminder of our country’s early history. More navigational clues took us to the Sharpe’s home overlooking the Bay of Islands where we picnicked on their lawn with the prospect of some lawn games to conclude the day. The dilemma of a tie for the rally run turned the games into a competitive element with dodgy rules which declared the losing golf putters the winners, so the Duirs by losing became triumphant with the added “bonus” of being organisers for next year.
Our Club Captain organised a mini paddock gymkhana for the end of year Christmas function. Driving skills were followed by a great social time with a shared Christmas luncheon. Parts stored around my shed are often referred to as JUNK. (Not by me). But this year I have been able to give some to Peugeot restorations around the country and even Australia. You cannot have enough old spares. The only problem is that should I have a prang those bits will be gone. The local Rod & Custom Club had a great turn out for their show at Taipa which was run on a similar format to our branch’s, now discontinued, Autospectacular. Members supported them and we hope they choose to do it again.
GISBORNE
RODNEY CLAGUE
The year 2019 closed with our Club Captain’s Wing Ding which took us around the outskirts of the city before ending back at the clubrooms for a barbecue tea. Prior to that we had hosted the Hawke’s Bay Branch Safari with the James Cook Sestercentennial Rally which celebrated 250 years since Captain James Cook landed on our shores. Forty entrants took part in a city sights tour on the Saturday, highlighting areas related to Cook’s journey and his crew. The Sunday run was to Anaura Bay where Cook had landed to take on provisions. November saw our inter-branch weekend with Eastern Bay of Plenty, which included an enjoyable circuit around the Opotiki area with a stop-off to view the ongoing restoration of an Aston Martin plus viewing some other English exotica. On the Sunday Tony Bartlett and I travelled to Tauranga for their annual swap meet. November 24 saw a group of members travel to Tahaenui Station just south of Nuhaka to attend an annual fete. This had previously been organised at Waihua south of Wairoa but transferred to the new venue last year. An interesting day with 50 stalls selling all kinds of craft, plants and hot food. A great day out, an ideal one for the ladies to attend instead of the usual blokes viewings. By the time this gets to print we will have held our annual Three Rivers Rally, which this year included a lunch break at the Tahunga Golf Club.
▲ Central Hawke’s Bay: Lunch on the lawn in front of Springhill Homestead.
▲ Central Hawke’s Bay: Cars at the Christmas parade.
▲ EBOP: Roger Clark’s Jaguar E-Type V12 – EBOP Ohiwa Rally.
▲ Far North: Dunny Run line up.
Hawke’s Bay: David in his Lagonda
Central Hawke’s Bay: Start of the veteran rally.
▲ EBOP: Kawerau Christmas Parade led by Peter and Rosalie Donovan’s 1974 Daimler.
▲ EBOP: Noel, Keith, Steve and Les having a Christmas chuckle in Kawerau.
▲ Far North: Dunny Run: The losing/ winning shot.
▲ Far North: Supporting new Taipa Car show.
Canterbury gymkhana.
GORE
JIM MCFADZIEN
Two Gore members attended the National Veteran Rally in October. The 1911 Model T of Paul and Lynn Herron took second prize in the four cylinder class. The 1917 Cadillac V8 of Greg and Daphne Elder took four awards. Both crews enjoyed the rally weekend. Closer to home on our own P60 run, an early start saw only eight entrants leave for Arrowtown. It was a terribly wet day later on. John Taylor’s collection was the first stop and then onto Karl Wood’s shed, which is a real Aladdin’s Cave of motorcycles and veteran vehicles, which will take years of work to get going. The 14th running of the Josephville Hill Climb was 24 November. Ten keen entrants tackled the tar all chasing their previous best times. Neil Longman in his Malloch U2 was the FTD 26.56 seconds, chased by the Porsche 911 of Mervyn Frew which as usual was untouchable by the rest of the field. On the Christmas Run on 8 December 15 car loads visited the Parish and Quertier sheds, which showed what is coming up in the future. Then it was back to the clubrooms for a barbecue meal and a quiz, won by Ken and Jill Youngson. The Mark II Jaguar owned by Evan Henderson, and helped by Rhonda Wilson, took the prize for the best decorated vehicle and they were dressed accordingly.
HAWKE’S BAY
HELEN BALL
Our October Safari saw 20 cars driving to Wairoa for a cuppa stop, then to Mahia for lunch. This was at the original Portland Island light keeper’s house that had been moved to its present site, and still exhibiting many of the original features. It was then on to unsealed roads with the weather deteriorating, before getting back to the main road north of Morere Pools and finishing at Gisborne. Saturday we visited the Aviation Museum and then Eastwood Hills Arboretum before being welcomed by the Gisborne Branch at their clubrooms and doing a town and around tour. Sunday’s run had the cars heading inland then back out to Tolaga Bay, with a lunch stop at Anaura Bay. It was goodbye to Gisborne on Monday, driving inland through Tiniroto to view Te Reinga Falls before heading back to Wairoa and home. It was a most successful weekend rally, with thanks to the organising skills of the Blairs from Hawke’s Bay and members of the Gisborne Branch. The Homestead Run in November started at Hastings with 41 cars heading
58 Beaded Wheels
out onto amazing back country roads and finishing at a delightful 1910 Central Hawke’s Bay homestead “Woodside”. This family property started with the first purchase of land in 1868, when they mainly milled timber. At this lunch stop we met with members of the Central Hawke’s Bay Branch, making a total of 61 cars including a couple of veterans. For those wanting a bit more of a run we drove to Takapau, and to the lovely Oruawharo Homestead where we were treated to a Devonshire tea and a look around the building before heading home.
MANAWATU
IAN HOWELL
Our annual October swap meet was very successful with a full house of sellers, all under cover. Everyone attending appreciates that shelter from our spring weather. In early November the Targa Rally rolled into Palmerston North, and our members and cars were there to greet them. We had our Christmas outing on 24 November encompassing a run to Levin where we had lunch at the Masonic Village restaurant. At our club night Dave and Esther Williams regaled us with tales of their trip north to Cape Reinga, and then back south as far as Christchurch, while on the tour organised by Paul Collins. Our clubrooms are well used with the Wellington Branch Rally meeting some of us there for a meal. Another different event was The Hearts and Homes display – again our members supplied cars for display and helped with public parking. In November we had a different club night by doing a mobile quiz run around Palmerston North, finding local landmarks and businesses. Good fun followed by supper and a cuppa. December can be very busy with requests for cars to take part in community Christmas parades. Feilding is always popular, a big day out. Shannon, Ashhurst and Woodville also benefit from our participation. Len’s Day, 1 January is a low key informal gathering centred on Bulls. This year Len and Gladys Haycock welcomed 40 car loads to join them for a picnic lunch at Lake Dudding. Always a popular day, the Haycocks have been hosts for longer than they perhaps care to remember.
MARLBOROUGH
CARROLL WIBLIN
Our Chairman’s Run at the end of October went very well. This has always
been a popular run, as one never quite knows where one will end up. Some took the opportunity to head for home via the Molesworth. A great run which the old cars (and their owners) love. Nelson’s Biennial Rally was a great success. It was great to catch up with members that we hadn’t seen for a long time, and to meet new members. Well done Nelson Branch. The combined car/motorcycle section had a very successful run to Linkwater, during which Michael Lavender from the Management Committee presented Bruce Rumble with his 50 year badge. There were also presentations of 35 year badges made to Glenn Harris, Dave Bishell, and Kelly and Janice Landon-Lane. The branch Christmas function was held at the club rooms where we enjoyed a great meal, and a few members put themselves “out there” to provide a very humorous skit. The December run was to our member Geoff Buick’s vineyard in the Ure Valley. It was very interesting to see how much movement occurred during the Kaikoura earthquake. The old homestead was totally destroyed and there was a sideways movement of some seven metres, and an uplift of about the same amount. Would be very interesting to see how it has affected the boundaries of the properties in the area. There were some mini Moeraki-like stones, which are a feature of the type of movement in the area. A great day’s outing.
NELSON
RAY ROBERTSON
Jo and Vern Hoffman organised their first Biennial Rally, daring to be different with three rally options on the morning, followed by a cruise in the afternoon. Throw in a few questions, field trials, a timed stage, and a few bits and pieces to find, and a fabulous afternoon tea courtesy of Summerset Retirement Village, were the makings of a fun and interesting weekend. A great effort by Jo and her team of helpers Some members entered their vehicles in the Motueka A & P show and came home with a few ribbons – well done. Our club night at the Prokarts track saw a number of would be Scott McLachlans paired up to compete in a Bathurst race of 80 laps with five driver changes. What a workout – all came off the track sweating like pigs and really pumped. Spit roast and salads went down well at our final event for the year - the Christmas lunch, but the real gem and fun part of the afternoon was a variation on pass the parcel
▲ Marlborough: Chris Bird and Sharon keeping out of the Marlborough sun.
▲ Marlborough: Magnificent Marlborough scenery on the Ure Valley run.
▲ Hawke’s Bay:
▲ Nelson: Pass the parcel proved to be enormous fun at the Nelson Christmas Lunch.
▲ Marlborough: left to right Bill and Dale, Kelly and Janice, David and our host Geoff Buick enjoying the day.
▲ Nelson: The top three winning teams headed by brothers Nathan and Hamish Clarke. Nelson: For these veteran, vintage and classic drivers everything is concentration and very serious in the Prokarts Bathurst 80.
▲ Three 90-year olds: Denis Kenny’s MG, Des. Brunton (his birthday!) and Bill Skelton’s Austin 7
▲ Northland: Tea time in Northland for a group of our ladies.
▲ North Shore: NSVCC gymkhana, Ian Kell’s Model T Ford.
▲ Posh picnic: Bill and Adelai Skelton were deemed illegible for a prize this year “because they always win” so here they are, dressed for the occasion in 2018, with their 1929 Austin 7.
▲ Northland: The blokes weren’t invited to the ladies tea party.
▲ North Shore: Marsden Robinson’s 1951 flat ‘rad’ Morgan. ▼ South Canterbury: A small part of the mostly Ford and GM collection of Phil Rooke and Mary-Jean Wood’s - Vintage Veteran and Commercial Rally
▲ North Shore: Terry Costello paints the new shed floor.
Southland: 1901 Locomobile steam car, owner Wayne Nicol.
▲ Nelson: Branch Patron Ken Ivory at the Biennial Rally. The December Crankcase presented a profile on our branch Patron Ken Ivory. Sadly, Ken passed away on 29 December. His funeral was held on 3 January. Our sympathies are with Ken’s partner Julie Brewerton and his daughter Miriam and family. Ken was very well known throughout New Zealand. We thank all who have passed on their condolences.
which saw every one interacting with each other and the laughter deafening.
NORTHLAND
TREVOR REILLY
The Northland January run was themed The Last Of the Summer Wine as set out by a long time member Claudia Jeffery of Dargaville. The day started with a morning tea in the clubrooms, with the dressed up ladies sitting around a posh café setting, while the dressed up men partook in the slurping of tea from saucers in front of the appropriate stone wall as depicted in the television series. Dressing up was optional and most took part in some way. The 20 cars with some still-themed participants headed off on a tar sealed drive around the local area following printed instructions and finding the answers to numerus questions that required getting out of the vehicle. The route ended at the home of Alan Jessop, where a hanger housing two gyrocopters, a light aeroplane and a Model A Ford were inspected closely before and after the participants ate lunch in groups sitting in a sheltered area under bushy trees. After lunch, in the hot sun, members played dartboard golf, petanque and rope coil quoits, until the heat became too much. After more socialising, prizes were given out, and the individuals had a leisurely drive home.
NORTH SHORE RICHARD BAMPTON The Ladies Day run to visit gardens attracted 33 people in 18 cars. The first
garden had a lot of topiary, pleached hedges, some impressive trelliswork, well stocked borders and beds, an orchard, ponds, lawns and some mature trees. The second impressive garden belonging to North Shore members Mike and Christine was much admired, including the Wyvern sculpture. For the gentlemen, a great array of Mike’s Vauxhalls was lined up for inspection. The final event for the year, the Gymkhana and Barbecue, was well supported with two veterans, Ross Moon’s Dodge and Iain Kell’s Ford Model T, two vintage, Richard Bampton’s Austin Light 16 and Catherine Macken’s Studebaker and at least ten other vehicles. Kevin Lord took part in his very recently restored Ford Thunderbird. The car had been laid up for 28 years before Kevin purchased it two years ago. He has spent that time mainly replacing seals, and doing mechanical work because, fortunately the bodywork was in good order. Another vehicle seen for the first time was new member Marsden Robinson’s 1951 Flat radiator Morgan. However since he has only recently got it on the road he was disinclined to undertake the gymkhana. The new shed is nearly ready for occupation with Terry Costello working hard to paint the floor, and the four post hoist ready to be installed. Work continues on branch vehicles. The last session of the year was attended by over 50 members and guests – probably because fried eggs and sausages were provided for smoko.
ROTORUA
RONALD MAYES
Ken Rowson’s 1991 Jaguar XJS was on display at our November meeting. He bought it sight unseen from the South Island, and is very pleased with it. It will soon be eligible for competitive events. The branch’s spring tour in early November was ably organised by Rocky and Rebecca Fiske. On what was possibly the hottest early November day on record 21 participants with 11 cars drove to New Plymouth. Next morning we visited the Hillsborough Holden Museum to see a huge range of Holdens from very early to brand new models. Then lunch at a country cafe before turning off the main north highway just after Awakino. The road to Marakopa was hilly, winding and almost totally traffic-free, great fun in the sporty cars. Some stopped at Marakopa Falls and natural tunnel scenic spots on the way to the Waitomo Caves Motel for the night.
Next morning we had coffee in Otorohanga before heading north to a farm where to see a grand collection of cars: Rovers, Bentleys and other treasures to drool over. Lunch was at a country café before everyone dispersed to make their own way home. The annual Posh Picnic Run was held in December. Participants travelled around the picturesque Ngakuru area before afternoon tea at Pat Burr’s residence. Stop Press: 450 vehicles (a record) on show on 19 January at the Lakefront Village Green in fine weather. Donations to St John Ambulance Association $2,000 well up on the total collected last year.
SOUTHLAND
RUSSELL MCIVOR
We are pleased to welcome new members, Antony and Alana Padget with a Holden Monaro. Amongst the six local entries for the South Canterbury Veteran Rally was the 1906 Darracq service car belonging to the local branch and driven by our Club Captain Tony Warren, accompanied by his wife Sheryn. The service car had problems with water in the ignition, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed with a hair dryer. Our entrants thought it was a very successful rally, and we look forward to all veteran owners participating in next year’s event at Gore. The monthly meeting night display vehicle was the 1901 Locomobile steam car owned by our Patron, Wayne Nicol, who also owns a single cylinder Cadillac. There were 21 cars with 41 participants on our monthly Wednesday tour on Southland roads. Drivers went through Hedgehope and Fairfax to enjoy lunch at Riverton. Our branch is attracting younger members who are restoring and riding vintage motorcycles. Southland has open roads, not overcrowded, with excellent scenery. There are over 600 pre-1970 motorcycles in museums and collections in the area, and more are still being discovered on farms and tucked away in sheds. There is no doubt the Burt Munro event has contributed to the interest in old bikes, and furthermore the local vehicle testers seem to understand requirements for older vehicles. We were recently donated boxes of post war motorcycle magazines and Cust racing programmes which created a few laughs. All are to be added to our club library, which is now a lending library. Approximately 2,000 items are in stock.
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Also obtained were tools, and these will be stored next to the Club Darraq. The Southland Branch website is: www.Sporty.co.nz/Southlandvintagecar
SOUTH CANTERBURY
SHANNON STEVENSON
The 65th Annual Mt Cook Rally on Labour Weekend attracted 69 entrants, a majority of vehicles pre-1940, including several veterans. The Saturday run took us into the Mackenzie Country, gravel road entrants travelling via Cannington, Monavale and Mackenzie Pass. Field tests were held on the Sunday at Twizel, with members battling winds of over 100km/h on the way to Mt Cook Hermitage. A number of members took part in the November Safari Weekend, taking place at Evans Crossing, on the banks of the Pareora River. The All American Weekend took place on the weekend of 16 and 17 November, attracting over 150 vehicles. A Saturday run took members to the Normanby property of Toni Gilbert and Craig Timmings, and a display was held at Caroline Bay on the Sunday. The Vintage/Veteran/Commercial Rally took place on 24 November. Places visited included the mostly Ford and GM collection of Phil Rooke and Mary-Jean Wood at Glenwood, and John Kyle’s property at Seadown. Members were enthralled by the traction engines, and historic toy collection. The Annual Christmas dinner was held on 30 November. The following day was the Timaru Christmas Parade, and a number of members entered their vintage vehicles. A number of our vehicles travelled to Fairlie to participate in the New Year’s Day parade – placed in amongst various trucks, tractors and machinery from over the last 150 years. A key highlight was a 19th century steam locomotive hauled behind a traction engine.
SOUTH OTAGO
MARTIN DODGE
Annual Clutha Rally number 48 was declared an enjoyable challenge in November. Bridges, islands, a little gravel and lots of history meant drivers concentrated while passengers enjoyed the scenery. Route sheet questions separated the field to determine class winners. Inch Clutha, Telford Rural Polytech, Owaka and the Nuggets lighthouse sparkled in the
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midday sun, an off-shore breeze kept sand out of sandwiches at the Kaka Point. Travellers received appreciative waves and smiles from rest-home residents as we performed a lap of their facility to begin the Rally. A Wednesday Run to Toko Mouth combined with vehicles from the Otago Branch. This netted over 30 cars and was relatively dust free as we have had plenty of precipitation this summer. Another notable event down our way is the Edendale Crank Up on 25-26 January. It features European tractors and Japanese cars pre 1990. Gatherings recently have featured film clips of historical significance. Our first Annual Rally, the Benhar Pottery works and motoring from the 1940s have been appreciated. Thanks to Neville King for restoring these to DVD from the original 8mm film and video tapes.
TARANAKI
COLIN JOHNSTON
Taranaki Branch would like to wish all members country wide a very Happy and Prosperous New Year and remind members that the Vero Festival of Historic Motoring is just under a year away. The Taranaki district will deliver a wide range of visitor experiences and there will be plenty to see and do, before, during and after the Festival. Plan now to join us here in Taranaki 17 - 23 January 2021. A decision was made by the committee to change the date of our Annual MaungaMoana Rally from Anzac weekend in April to 27/28 March because the proposed inaugural Highland Fling Rally being held in Taihape had wanted to use the date. Organising of our popular annual rally is now underway and it will be based in New Plymouth and entry forms are available now and close on 12 March. The Christmas parades held in December in New Plymouth, Waitara, Inglewood, Bell Block and Stratford were well attended by members with their cars decorated for the occasion. The organisers were very appreciative of our attendance at these events and it is a great way to publicise and promote our club. A branch barbecue was held in December and an invitation was sent to kindred clubs to join us. A very good attendance from other clubs brought about several prospective members who have some very interesting cars and were impressed with the branch’s clubroom facilities.
TAUPO
NEIL CHAVE
In November we held our Ladies Night where the ladies were entertained with a range of displays from local people, including classic clothing, genealogy and arts and crafts. The men went to Bruce and Trish Jefferies’ car collection to take a close look the range of mainly Fords (as well as the odd Cadillac) in the garage. Over Labour weekend a group travelled up to Cambridge for the Club Captain’s Run and visited Ross Brothers facility where we took the opportunity to see the extensive classic car museum they have created in their heavy moving equipment repair workshops. The presentation included a range of muscle cars from the ‘70s and ‘80s, along with a couple of racing cars and a separate display of heavy moving equipment, including massive bulldozers and logging trucks. Ross Bros are also in the process of rebuilding a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. Afterwards we were given an extensive tour of their workshops to gain an insight into the rest of the big stuff they maintain. The Taupo Branch hosted the VCC component of the Targa Rally in late October as Taupo was the start point for this iconic run. We provided qualified scrutineers for the cars and our club rooms were the base for the drivers on the day. In December we held our annual Christmas party at our clubrooms with a great turnout of members, and just prior to Christmas the Branch had a number of members’ cars entered in the town Christmas Parade. We finished off the year with a members’ morning tea and this enabled a number of our older members to come along for some Christmas cheer.
WAIKATO
HUGH MCINALLY
We held another very successful swap meet at Lake Karapiro just out of Cambridge. The weather was on our side, unlike most years in the past where rain was a prominent participant. The swap meet is very rewarding for the branch with a sizeable financial gain from gate and site sales. Another major event for a small number of members was the annual Veteran Rally that was this year based in Huntly which was chosen as it was convenient for those rally participants who had been invited from the Auckland area and beyond. Poor weather had preceded the rally, but cleared to a lovely day. The location was the Huntly RSA, with 20 veterans cars and their owners occupying the car park.
▲ South Otago: 1970 Sunbeam Rapier.
▲ Taupo: Taupo members visiting the Ross Classic Car Museum Cambridge
▲ Taupo: Branch members cars line up for the Christmas Parade.
▲ South Canterbury: Timaru Christmas parade.
▲ South Canterbury: Ashley Milliken, Clive Merry and John Austin give their assistance to Oliver Irving’s newly acquired 1984 Mitsubishi Sigma. Dark sky is due to the January 2019 Australian Bush fires. ▲ Taupo: John Harvey’s Model T at the Christmas Parade.
▲ Karapiro. Swap Meet.
▲
▲ Taranaki: The Willy’s Knight driven by Brian Bolland, complete with a big Christmas red bow, in the Waitara Christmas Parade.
▲ Waikato: Veteran Rally.
Bill Weir’s International, with ‘precious cargo’ at the Fairlie New Years picnic.
The day was made up of a visit to the new Expressway Headquarters for a presentation, and then to a run to the Huntly Power station for lunch and a tour through the power site. On sunday many of the entrants participated in a run organised by the Horseless Carriage Club. In December we held an Awards Dinner for a couple of club members with Mr Wilbur Brown taking pride of place, being presented with his 50 year badge. Graeme Luxford was awarded with his 35 year badge. Badges were presented by our National President Diane Quarrie.
WAIRARAPA
KEVIN BALL
Preparations for the national motorcycle rally in March 2021 are well advanced. With anything up to 200 bikes heading to Masterton there’s a mountain of work to get through, so that will be our focus in 2020. A Twilight Meander started at the clubrooms and ended with a snack meal at the Wairarapa Service and Citizens Club. A record total of 26 cars turned out for the combined Christmas cruise and Janice Groves Memorial Run to the Mauriceville Fair, a fabulous effort at a busy time of the year. There was an equally-pleasing turnout for the December club night which attracted 28 people. Our motorcycle division continues to thrive, and 50 bikes turned out for the 37th Gold Medal Trial in November. Norman Hill was the big winner, collecting one of the two gold medals awarded, the P60 class and overall winner. The run was organised by Peter Bull. Riders travelled from the clubrooms in a giant loop of south Wairarapa, stopping for lunch at Kahautara. Results: Medals – Gold: Norman Hill and Verdun Heath. Silver: Peter Simpson, Barry Wells, Bruce Davidson, Hal O’Rourke. Bronze: Willie James, Heather Sheridan, Brent Sheridan. Vintage: David Gwyn. Upper Hutt, 1929 Ariel. Post-Vintage: Dennis Palmer. Post-War: Hal O’Rourke Post-60s: Norman Hill Post-80s: Glyn and Cathy Clements (also best combination). Best lady rider: Heather Sheridan. Ken Bull Shield (rider travelling the furthest): Paul Greet (Auckland). Overall winner: Norman Hill. People’s Choice: David Hitchins (Vincent).
WAITEMATA
IAN GOLDINGHAM
Our last club night of the year was marked with the presentation to Kevin Beesley by Norm Dewhurst of his 50 year 64 Beaded Wheels
membership award. This was more than well-deserved as Kevin is one of the quiet men who go about moving mountains while others sleep. The beginning of 2020 was brought in with our usual New Year’s Eve grass course sprint and evening repast of spitroast lamb, smoked brown trout and the delightful surprises of everything else that communal dining brings. Our hosts Mike and Kris Hope – Cross were once again well and truly up to the mark. It’s great when the branch members get stuck in together and create their own kind of stamp to the end of the year. See rally reports to read about the exploits of our intrepid members on the Lochinver Rally.
WANGANUI
TONI JENKINS
The November working bee at the clubrooms was well supported, with special mentions to Peter Whitton for the hedge pruning, and Allan Bates who still contributes at 95! The Night Trial was very good, with an interesting route, and many stories of dim lights puttering around in the dark. It was won by Lee and Karen Taylor, who take on the responsibility of organising next year’s event. The Ladies Run on Sunday 24 November had 20 vehicles and included afternoon tea at Glynis and David Robinson’s place. Dale Whitaker and Linda O’Keefe were joint winners. The Annual Restoration of the Year meeting was well attended by 65 members. We welcomed Steve Hibberd as our new Rally Secretary - he will start his new role with the Burma Rally - a baptism by fire I believe. One car and four motorcycles were presented for judging with Kevin Herdman’s 1953 Ford V8 Customline and Lloyd Williams’ 1920 Triumph SD being the eventual winners. We are regular supporters of the Wanganui Christmas Parade, and this year eight cars from the club, and more from the GOMES wandered very slowly down the Avenue. Several members retired to the Grand to cool themselves, while others were spotted speeding away to try and get cool air through their grills.
WELLINGTON
RAY BETTERIDGE
They say “You can’t beat Wellington on a good day” and what a good day we had. Neale, our club captain, and Roger put
together an Annual Rally that circumnavigated our beautiful capital city. Leaving Petone, we travelled around the waterfront to climb Mt Victoria. After a stop at the lookout we continued to Kilbirnie, and then followed the rugged and beautiful south coast to meander the roads through Brooklyn to finish at Wright’s Hill in Karori for a picnic in the sun. On the way there were silent checks and 100 year old photos to identify. After lunch there was a tour of the gun emplacement, where a WWII gun with a 14 inch barrel was built to fire big shells at the Japanese Navy when they invaded. Luckily these were never put to the test. That evening we enjoyed the November Dinner, and we were graced with the presence of our National President, Diane Quarrie and her husband Geoff. Diane presented 50 year badges to three very active members, Geoff Neil, Hal O`Rorke and Ian McCulloch. On the Sunday we were invited to display cars at an open day on Queens Wharf on another marvellous Wellington day. The Children’s Christmas party was a popular event with Santa in attendance, bouncy castle, lots of activities, fire engine and vintage car rides. To top off a great year the Christmas Barbecue was attended by a record 105 people and they were not disappointed. The resident musicians and a number of vocalists added a Christmas flavour.
WELLSFORD-WARKWORTH
CHRIS HARVEY
Our branch’s last real motoring event of the year was the Coast to Coast Run at the end of October. Ten cars started at Omaha Beach on the east coast on a sunny spring day. They took in some of Rodney’s scenic back roads on the way to Port Albert on the upper reaches of the Kaipara Harbour, where the fish and chip shop was a popular refuelling stop before the trip home. Several of our members took part in the Far North Tour run by the Northland Branch a week later, and in particular enjoyed the spectacular views along the coastal route from Whangaroa to Matauri Bay. At our committee meeting in November we were instructed by a member of St John about how to use the defibrillator, which was kindly donated by one of our members. This is a very clever piece of equipment which we hope we never have to use. Wellsford and Warkworth held Santa parades one day apart, and then it was time
▲ Wairarapa : Christine and Jeff Percy receive their Janice Groves Memorial awards at Mauriceville Fair from run organiser Willie James.
▲ Wairarapa: Aucklander Paul Greet did the round trip to and from Masterton to take part in the Gold Medal run. ▲ Wellington: Wharf Display – Sign in background is appropriate!
▲ Wairarapa: A 500cc Sunbeam, one of just 2104 built by the British company in 1948. The firm was later absorbed by BSA, so genuine Sunbeams are increasingly rare and expensive. This machine, a tourer, is owned by Mick Lockyer,
▲ Wellington: Christmas BBQ – a sell out.
Wairarapa : An impressive lineup of club cars at Mauriceville Fair.
Beaded Wheels 65
Wellsford/Warkworth: General view of the picnic. ▲ West Coast: Alan McInroe’s 1928 Rugby Tourer.
for our Christmas Lunch at a restaurant in Snell’s Beach where we enjoyed a good meal in convivial company. January is a quiet month with just a picnic at Scandrett Bay, and we get going again with our Club Nights in mid-February. Saturday 29 February is our annual Swap Meet, which we hope will be well supported, not only by those wishing to buy or sell cars and parts, but also by folk with interesting cars to display in the paddock alongside the stalls.
WEST COAST
JUNE CAMPBELL
We welcome the following new members to the Club. Tom MacKay and Tracie Piercy who own a 1973 Chevrolet Caprice coupe, Rob and Sandra Mehrtens, who own a 1929 Dodge SA sedan, and John and Anna McInroe with a 1928 Rugby tourer. Some more interesting vehicles to be introduced to on our Club runs. Our November Club Run was to Ikamatua for a visit to a beautiful country garden owned by members John and Margaret Clayton, and a donation was made to the local Cancer Society following this visit. This was followed by a barbecue lunch at the local pub. Our Christmas lunch was a trip south this time to the Kaniere Hotel. It included a visit from a tiny Mother Christmas who did a great job of distributing gifts. A nice finish to 2019 for the Branch. Our monthly morning tea meetings continue to be held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at Shantytown, and our club runs are held on the 4th Sunday of each month unless otherwise stipulated in the monthly newsletter. The Scenicland Rally will be on 21 March 2020, and we welcome entries for this event. We are looking forward to a group of motorcyclists coming over the divide from Canterbury, can we challenge others to join them.
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▲ West Coast: November Run - Lineup at Ikamatua.
Waitemata: 1927 Lea Francis M type
PASSING LANE In this column we acknowledge the recent passing of club members. Information is supplied to Beaded Wheels by VCCNZ Branch Secretaries.
Bishop, Joan Horowhenua Bradock, Robert Waikato Cornwall, Phyllis Taranaki Hastilow, Ann Canterbury Ivory, Ken (IVO) Nelson (Branch Patron)
Lawson, Mike Canterbury Lowe, Andrew (Andy) Waikato Sims, Ross Wellsford/Warkworth Wells, Dave West Coast
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