CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 78 YEARS
No. 388 June /July 2024
INTREPID NORTH ISLAND MOTORING ON THE 2024
9 418979 000012
HIGHLAND FLING
New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95
ORIGINAL SURVIVOR 1919 NASH TOW TRUCK
MARKETPLACE FIND THE VEHICLE OF YOUR DREAMS DRIVING OUR HISTORY
Northern 1901 and Orient 1904 both owned by Alex Shadbolt. This photo was supplied to Beaded Wheels by our Club Archivist, as part of a collection he is working on. It was taken by South Canterbury photographer Don Oddie. For more information see this issue’s Archivist News on page 40.
PHOTOGRAPHS REQUIRED: Submissions of suitable prints and information are welcome. Post or email original photographs or high resolution digital files of
historical interest with any available information to: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz or Beaded Wheels, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Laserprints/photocopies are not suitable. Photos will be returned as soon as practicable.
VCCNZ BRANCHES A full list of branch addresses and contact details can also be found on the VCCNZ website at www.vcc.org.nz ASHBURTON PO Box 382, Ashburton 7740 ashburton@vcc.org.nz AUCKLAND PO Box 12-138, Penrose, Auckland 1642 auckland@vcc.org.nz BANKS PENINSULA C/O, 722 Waterholds Road, RD8 Christchurch 7678 bankspeninsula@vcc.org.nz BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 660, Tauranga 3144 bayofplenty@vcc.org.nz CANTERBURY PO Box 11-082, Sockburn Christchurch 8443 canterbury@vcc.org.nz CENTRAL OTAGO C/-114 Shortcut Road, Luggate, RD2, Wanaka 9382 centralotago@vcc.org.nz CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY C/- 448 Tukituki Road, RD1, Takapau 4286 centralhawkesbay@vcc.org.nz EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 2168, Kopeopeo Whakatane 3159 easternbayofplenty@vcc.org.nz FAR NORTH C/– PO Box 312 Kaitaia 0441 farnorth@vcc.org.nz GISBORNE PO Box 307, Gisborne 4040 gisborne@vcc.org.nz GORE PO Box 329, Gore 9740 gore@vcc.org.nz HAWKE’S BAY PO Box 3406, Napier 4142 hawkesbay@vcc.org.nz HOROWHENUA PO Box 458, Levin 5540 horowhenua@vcc.org.nz KING COUNTRY C/- 923 Taringamotu Road, Taumarunui 3994 kingcountry@vcc.org.nz
MANAWATU PO Box 385 Palmerston North 4440 manawatu@vcc.org.nz MARLBOROUGH PO Box 422, Blenheim 7240 marlborough@vcc.org.nz NELSON PO Box 3531, Richmond 7050 nelson@vcc.org.nz NORTHLAND PO Box 17, Whangarei 0140 northland@vcc.org.nz NORTH OTAGO PO Box 360, Oamaru 9444 northotago@vcc.org.nz NORTH SHORE C/- 7 Godwit Place, Lynfield Auckland 1042 northshore@vcc.org.nz OTAGO C/- 125 Forbury Road, Saint Clair, Dunedin 9012 otago@vcc.org.nz ROTORUA PO Box 2014, Rotorua 3040 rotorua@vcc.org.nz SOUTH CANTERBURY 19 Redruth St, Timaru 7910 southcanterbury@vcc.org.nz SOUTHLAND PO Box 1240, Invercargill 9840 southand@vcc.org.nz SOUTH OTAGO C/- 1931 Breakneck Rd, RD 4, Balclutha 9274 southotago@vcc.org.nz SOUTH WAIKATO PO Box 403 Tokoroa 3420 southwaikato@vcc.org.nz TARANAKI C/- 7 Leatham Ave, Strandon, New Plymouth 4312 taranaki@vcc.org.nz TAUPO 33 AC Baths Ave, Taupo 5530 taupo@vcc.org.nz WAIKATO PO Box 924, Hamilton 3240 waikato@vcc.org.nz WAIMATE
4 Harris St, Waimate 7924 waimate@vcc.org.nz WAIRARAPA 24B Nikau Heights,Lansdowne, Masterton 5810 DRIVING OUR HISTORY wairarapa@vcc.org.nz WAITEMATA C/- 8 Jean Place, Stanmore Bay, FAR NORTH Whangaparoa 0932 waitemata@vcc.org.nz NORTHLAND NORTH SHORE WANGANUI WELLSFORD/ WARKWORTH PO Box 726, Whanganui 4541 wanganui@vcc.org.nz WELLINGTON AUCKLAND WAITEMATA PO Box 38418, Wellington Mail Centre, Lower Hutt 5045 BAY OF PLENTY WAIKATO wellington@vcc.org.nz EASTERN BAY WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH OF PLENTY PO Box 547, Warkworth 0941 ROTORUA SOUTH WAIKATO wellsfordwarkworth@vcc.org.nz TAUPO WEST COAST GISBORNE KING COUNTRY C/- 143 Ward Street, Cobden TARANAKI Greymouth 7802, HAWKE’S BAY westcoast@vcc.org.nz WANGANUI CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY
MANAWATU HOROWHENUA
WAIRARAPA
NELSON
WELLINGTON MARLBOROUGH
WEST COAST CANTERBURY ASHBURTON WAIMATE CENTRAL OTAGO
SOUTHLAND
GORE
BANKS PENINSULA
SOUTH CANTERBURY NORTH OTAGO OTAGO
SOUTH OTAGO
NATIONAL OFFICE
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 Phone 03 366 4461 Email admin@vcc.org.nz
Motoring for more than just cars! We have 36 active branches around New Zealand. Our events range from weekly runs and coffee get togethers, to hill climbs, speed events and touring. For the more intrepid, our infamous off‑road adventures are the stuff of legends. This October will see Commercial Vehicles from around the country descend on Oamaru for our 2024 National Commercial Rally – see page 49 for full details.
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
GRAEME DUTHIE, DUNEDIN, OTAGO BRANCH MEMBER, IN HIS 1917 FORD T TRUCK. 2024 VCCNZ NATIONAL VETERAN RALLY ARMSTRONGPHOTOS.CO.NZ
Visit www.vcc.org.nz and get motoring with us today. See opposite page for your nearest branch
Vehicles, trucks and motorcycles from 1890 to 1993 are club eligible. Or just join up and grab a ride with another member.
CONTENTS Issue 388 June/July 2024
FEATURES
A real time warp - Joe Grose’s 1919 Nash tow truck
Regrets
20
12
41
Marketplace
10
Hidden Gems in the Alexander Turnbull Library
12
Behind The Wheel – Joe Grose’s 1919 Nash tow truck
20
Regrets Jim McCutcheon looks back at the one that got away
22
A Sidecar Story
25
Insomnia – the mother of creativity
26
1972 Holden Torana LJ GTR
29
Rally Snippets 29
Highland Fling
33
Highlands Festival of Speed
34
South Island Easter Rally including Post Rally Tour – Nelson Branch North Island Club Captain’s Tour
37
Scenicland Rally – West Coast Branch
38
Sandy Bay Hill Climb — Nelson Branch
26
1972 Holden Torana restoration
COLUMNS 5
From the Editor
50
Trade Directory
6
VCC Branch Events
51
President’s Message
7
Mailbag
51
National Office News
11
Timelines
52
Awards
39
Book Review
52
Festival Update
40
Archivist News
54
Branch News
41
Marketplace
66
Passing Lane
48
Swap Meets & Rallies
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated
36
COVER Rob Dennison’s 1926 Dodge on a typical rural Manawatu back-country road, during the Highland Fling, see page 29. Photo Jacqui Goldingham
National Office
Phone 03 366 4461 (9.30am–1.30pm) Email admin@vcc.org.nz
Postal Address PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
Address 12 Aberdeen St, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Website: www.vcc.org.nz
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
4 Beaded Wheels
Find us on facebook Vintage Car Club of New Zealand
The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) is the worldwide organisation dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of historic vehicles and related culture. The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc) is a founding member of FIVA. VCC Life Member Rod Brayshaw is the New Zealand delegate to FIVA and also a member of the FIVA Technical Commission.
FROM THE
Craig Marshall, 1918 American LaFrance enjoying the 2024 National Veteran Rally. Beaded Wheels is looking for a reporter to represent Veteran affairs in the magazine. Call the Editor, Kevin Clarkson, on 021 0270 6525 if you are interested.
EDITOR
Want a Beaded Wheels cap? See details of how to win on page 39.
Lest there be any confusion let me repeat – the digital copy of Beaded Wheels is an extra benefit for Vintage Car Club members. It does not replace the printed version which each member household will continue to receive through the mail. There are no plans to discontinue the printed copy and nor can I see a time in the foreseeable future when we would discontinue with the printed copy. I can’t say it plainer than that! In the unlikely event that you don’t want the printed copy just biff it out, or maybe hand it on to an interested neighbour. (I can’t believe anybody would actually do that!) A printed copy is part of your VCC subscription and there can be no reduction in subscription
Beaded Wheels Publisher
The Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXXV No. 388
Typesetting and Design
RGB Design & Print Ltd, Christchurch
Editor: Kevin Clarkson Sub Editors: Judith Bain, Rosalie Brown,
Mark Dawber, John McDonald, Greg Price, Charles Rushbrook
for opting out of a printed copy.
with a computer.
Incidentally, one of the more compelling reasons for getting the digital copy is that you can file it permanently in a folder on your computer thus building up an archive of back issues. This means that you can have the computer search that archive for information you may want. This is a facility I use all the time, but then I have the complete archive with every issue right from the beginning. There is an archive of older issues of Beaded Wheels available for download on the club website: vcc.org. nz/beadedwheels. Meanwhile you can file your more recent digital copies neatly on your hard drive to build your own archive for future use. Not sure how to do that? Get your children or grandchildren to show you. This must be one of the simpler things you can do
VCC car rallies are popular — casual events such as midweekers and monthly noggins are popular — but what really seems to get the cars along are casual car gatherings (bikes and trucks too!) often set around a coffee morning at local clubrooms. These seem to be ever more popular with our members and we are frequently joined by members of the public. There’s time for a casual look at cars, a chat to like-minded people and also a time to meet new people as we discuss their vehicles with them. I enjoy these events as I can usually spot a car or two that I would like to see featured in Beaded Wheels at a later date. I make notes on the day and discuss the possibility of a Behind The Wheel article with the owner and also rope Greg Price in to do the deed. Keep those Old
Correspondence & Editorial
Subscriptions
Contributions Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz Phone 64 3 332 3531, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140.
Advertising Enquiries
Classified and Display Advertising to: Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Phone 64 3 332 3531 Rate schedule available on request.
Back Issues Available on request to admin@vcc.org.nz
Beaded Wheels subscribers change of address to: PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Phone 03 366 4461, Email admin@vcc.org.nz Annual subscription (6 issues) $52* inc GST Australian subscription (6 issues) NZ$112* Other countries (6 issues) NZ$185* Digital subscription (6 issues) NZ$39 available from vcc.org.nz or issuu.com. *Payment by credit card incurs additional bank fee processing charge of 2%
Cars Bikes and Coffee (OCBC) mornings going! I had a chat to Diane Robb, Patron of Ashburton Branch, at the Ashburton Swap Meet recently. This reminded me that we still have a vacancy for a reporter with a focus on veterans. Diane was our Veteran Reporter until issue 359 in August 2019 and nobody has volunteered to do the job since. Veterans are an important part of our history and deserve to have their own place in Beaded Wheels. Maybe somebody from the Veteran Club would like to have a go? Call me on 021 0270 6525.
Kevin Clarkson Editor Beaded Wheels
Copyright Information
The contents are copyright. Articles may be reproduced complete or in part provided that acknowledgement is made to “Beaded Wheels, the magazine of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated” as the source. Reproduction of articles must be at least 12 months after original Beaded Wheels publication date. Beaded Wheels reserves the right to digitally store all published material for archival purposes.
CLOSING DATES FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
Editorial Copy 24 June 2024 • Advertisements 10 July 2024
Beaded Wheels 5
VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS
Eyecatching! Wellsford/Warkworth vehicles attracting plenty of attention at the 2024 local A&P Show. Photo Chris Harvey
JUNE
10 Bay of Plenty AGM 11 Gore AGM 12 Bay of Plenty Mid Month Run 12 Waikato AGM 13 C. Hawke’s Bay Day trip to Manawatu 13 North Otago Mid Month Run 15 Banks Peninsula Autumn Fling Race Event 15 Horowhenua Auction 15 Nelson Club Run 16 Canterbury AGM & OCBC 16 Central Otago AGM 16 Otago AGM 16 Taupo Brass Monkey 16 Wairarapa Winter Wander 16 West Coast AGM 18 Central Hawke’s Bay AGM 18 North Shore AGM 19 Auckland Midweek Tourer’s Run 19 Waikato Wednesday Wander 20 Ashburton AGM 21 Wanganui Club Run 22 Gore End of Season Run 22 Manawatu Night Trial 23 Auckland Club Run 23 Nelson AGM/Restoration of Year/ Pride of Ownership 23 North Otago Lunch with Waimate Branch 25 South Otago AGM 26 North Otago Motorcycle Run 28-29 Waimate Motor Muster 29 Auckland AGM
NATIONAL EVENTS 25 –28 October 2024 National Commercial Rally hosted by North Otago Branch
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
29 Far North 29 Nelson 30 Ashburton 30 Bay of Plenty
JULY
6 Gore
6-7 Wells/Wlkworth 7 Waikato 13 Nelson 13 North Otago 14 Horowhenua 14 Marlborough 14 Wairarapa 17 Auckland 17 Waikato 18 Ashburton 18 North Otago 20 Far North 20 Otago 21 Canterbury 21 Marlborough 21 North Shore 21 Waikato 25 North Otago 25 Otago 27 Waimate 27/28 Canterbury
Molloy Trophy Club Run Solstice Run End of Month Run Annual Dinner & Prizegiving Winter Woollies Wander Weekend Motorcycle Run Club Run Garage Raid Night Owl Rally Snow Run to St Arnaud combined with West Coast and Nelson Branches Gravel Challenge Midweek Tourer’s Run Wednesday Wander Annual Dinner Mid Month Run Prizegiving & Annual Dinner Annual Dinner & Prizegiving Midwinter Run & OCBC Mid-winter Dinner and Prize giving Club Run Club Run Motorcycle Run Midweek Run Henry Ford Day Motorcycle Midwinter Run
28 Auckland
AUGUST
9 Bay of Plenty
18 Canterbury 21 Auckland 21 Waikato 24 Wellington 25 NATIONAL 29 Otago
SEPTEMBER
1 Ashburton 1 Far North 7 Waimate 7 Ctrl Hawke’s Bay 8 Canterbury
14-15 Nelson 15 Canterbury 15 Wairarapa 15 Wanganui 18 Auckland 18 Ctrl Hawke’s Bay 18 Waikato 20-23 North Shore 20-23 Wellington 21 Taranaki 22 Canterbury 28 Central Otago 28 Manawatu 29 Nelson
Club Run VCC Executive & National AGM OCBC Midweek Tourer’s Run Wednesday Wander Daffodil Day Display Daffodil Rally for Cancer Midweek Run Opening Day Run (with South Canterbury) Father’s Day Run Swap Meet Vintage Only Rally Womens & Young Drivers Rally Club Run OCBC Groves Memorial Rally Club Run Midweek Tourer’s Run Quiz Night with Manawatu Wednesday Wander Spring Tour Manawatu Meander Rubber Duckie MC Rally Motorcycle Trial Day Blossom Rally, Alexandra Vintage Rally Gentlemans Drive
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. 25 –27 January 2025 National Motorcycle Rally hosted by Manawatu Branch
5-7 February 2025 National Veteran Rally hosted by Marlborough Branch
15-21 March 2026 Vero International Festival of Motoring
This list does not contain all branch events – 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
6 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.
MAILBAG Beaded Wheels reserves the right to publish, edit or refuse publication of any item s ubmitted as comment. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily express the policy or views of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) or the publishers. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
s The six drivers (from left to right): Peter Chubb (sitting on front bumper), Dan Acutt (squatting), Kevin Quick (standing), Nick Taylor, Victor Szechenyi and Roger Freshman
MORE MUGWUMP
In response to the book review of Austin Anthology III by Mark Holman in the last issue, I was able to assist Jim Stringer with some information and photographs regarding the chapter on Mugwump, the 1930 Austin 16/6 Burnham saloon. This car had travelled from Bristol in the UK down to Cape Town, and then back up to Bristol in 1963/4. My father was one of the four University of Cape Town students who had accepted the challenge to take the car back up. I still have many of the original documents and photos that Dad had managed to keep despite moving countries. Originally, the idea to do a trans-Africa trip in a vintage car was conceived by four University of Bristol engineering students, who eventually set off in late June 1963. Two students had to retire from the trip, leaving Peter Chubb and Roger Freshman to complete the final stages of the journey. I am currently compiling a full and comprehensive account of the car’s history and adventures, and am still in contact with Peter and Roger, who have kindly given additional information and pictures of the southbound
trip. Above is a photograph that shows the six drivers who completed the full up and down trips. Surrounding Mugwump are a variety of vehicles belonging to Crankhandle Club members. Of the four drivers on the return journey, three were from Southern Rhodesia (present day Zimbabwe) and one South African (Nick Taylor), who managed to acquire a British passport just in time for the trip up, so as to ease passage through newly independent countries further north. My father passed away in Rotorua in 2020, but I am also still in contact with Victor, who also has contributed hugely to the information for my book. In further recent developments, I have managed to acquire ownership of Mugwump and she is safe in storage in Cape Town. The car ended up back in Southern Africa when Roger emigrated to Rhodesia and later South Africa. There is a special connection with this amazing vehicle, and she is still in very good order. She will be turning 100 years old in 2030, and I am weighing up the feasibility of launching a third trans-Africa trip in that year. To my knowledge, no 100 year
Mugwump taken in 2023 at its storage.
old vehicle has ever done the trip, never mind for the third time! It would be amazing to retrace the route and discover how things have changed. It could possibly be the basis of an interesting documentary series. My immediate hurdle of course is funding for the trip. (As it was for the students back then too. The south bound expedition managed the trip on a thousand pound budget). Things would end up being hugely expensive, as a full support crew would be needed to take care of the old girl on the trip, but I’m working on funding possibilities … and buying lotto tickets! The car would also need a full overhaul prior to the trip, and spares collected for inevitable mishaps — to the extent possible, given the scarcity of parts for 16/6 Austins. I currently also own another Austin 16/6 in Hamilton, a similar vintage to Mugwump, but with not quite as deep a history. I would appreciate any advice from readers regarding expedition planning or thoughts on the best avenues for funding, or information on the particular model car. I can be contacted via my email address: joellenson@ icloud.com. Andrew Quick Hamilton VCC member
RELIC SPOTTED
In reply to Mailbag in issue #385, the letter titled ‘Thornycroft’ from Doug Wheeler. I am aware of a relic that is similar to the one in the photo. It is a chassis with chain driven rear wheels in disrepair in the North Otago area. Gordon Phone 027 555 0263 email: gordonsouness@gmail.com
VEHICLE HISTORY WANTED
I have recently purchased a six cylinder 1925 Willys Overland Model 93. It was registered in 1964 and put back on the road, carrying plate HP2239. It is painted red with black guards.
Then it was de-registered. In 2011 it was possibly restored and registered again in Auckland now with plates GEG704. It went to Otorohanga, then to Inglewood where more work was done, then to New Plymouth. The vehicle is now in Wanganui. On NZTA it is listed with engine number 686616, chassis number 149281. The correct engine number is 93-33827 Chassis No 93-31803. I want to complete restoration of the inside and a few minor engine repairs but I am sure that there is an interesting history waiting to be revealed. I also want to get a VCC Vehicle Identity Card for it. If any reader knows of any further history I would appreciate any contact. Neil Farrer Mem Wanganui neilfarrer83@gmail.com Phone 027 457 9634
Beaded Wheels 7
SEARCHING FOR CAR
I was contacted by an elderly gent looking to trace a car he once owned. It is, or was, a four-cylinder 1922 Oldsmobile roadster that originally had a trunk that was converted to a dickie seat. It sported a wooden steering wheel, wind-wings, and black leather upholstery. He is unsure if the spare wheel (wood spokes) was side or rear mounted. A compartment behind the seat contained his beer supply and he remembers the crank handle was engraved “Miss Speights”. He painted the car sky blue with red underbody, the wheels yellow, although he is not too sure on that point. There were two owners before his tenure. It was up on blocks in a warehouse in Dunedin when he bought it for £40. He sold the car about 1963–64 to Val Morrell (spelling may be wrong). If any reader knows of this car please contact Peter Ferris, 021 928 702 or peterferrisnz@gmail.com Kevin Casey Member Otago
JOHN STOKES ARTICLE ON THE OVERLAND “LEAP OF FAITH”
Having owned a 1923 Model 92 (four inches longer than the Model 91) I found the article interesting. The suspension layout was a salesman’s dream, the only thing securing the front axle were the flat lower single leaf stabilisers, whereas the rear axle was stabilised by the torque tube. I can only compare the Overland with the Ford Model T, which I am reasonably familiar with. The Overland had quite a lot more room than the Model T. Its comfort, steering and road handling was superior on wellsurfaced South Island roads, but its stiff and short travel was definitely not Irishman’s stuff, whereas the Model T would float over all sorts of terrain. I believe not many Overlands survived as the chassis tended to crack up. My car had a long history in Canterbury hence the chassis was sound, but there is absolutely no way I would
8 Beaded Wheels
apparel will add big costs to individuals wanting to compete.
Graham’ Taylor’s Overland.
ever be tempted to jump the car! The other problems were mechanical. Even with the heavier back axle the Model T was superior. The Overland’s clutch was difficult to adjust with either too much slip or not able to disengage fully. The Overland motor blew up on the way back from a national Model T rally in 2012 and I found that the engine, gearbox and diff were badly worn. Unlike the Model T no new spare parts were available so one option was to restore it, a blindingly expensive process and would not really solve the reliability, or useability of it, or, much to the horror of the purists, I could re-engineer it. This I did successfully. Now it’s the only reliable Toyota 2C powered Toyota gear-boxed, Mazda back axled Overland car of its type in the world. I went on to do nearly 18,000 km in the next ten years, including a Monte Carlo. However, while it would cruise at 80kph, it had only two wheel brakes and still had the short travel and stiff suspension so could be a handful should it venture on to the road to mix with other traffic! That’s why I now have a small yarding of BMC A Series engined cars that perform well and don’t require modifications to keep them on the road. Graham Taylor
WHAT DO HISTORIC RACE LICENCE HOLDERS THINK?
Recently I received a package sent to all Historic Race Licence holders by National Speed Steward, Ray Sanders. I have to
ask, what is managment trying to achieve? The reason I moved from Motorsport New Zealand 15 years ago was their adoption of FIA regulations which saw many vehicles retire from competition. If we were competing at an international level you would simply have to lay out the money to comply. However, applying these regulations to national level racing and club sport saw people confronted with replacing roll protection that was perfectly functional but not homologated safety equipment, most of it perfectly satisfactory. Helmets also had to be replaced because the safety-standard markings didn’t align with the FIA, and racing harnesses having to be replaced on a date-of-manufacture basis. At this time I was storing and maintaining a couple of cars that were being used to compete in the Dunlop Targa by overseas owners. I was often having to replace both sets of harness that had two year expiry dates after only one event. These belts had minimal exposure to sunlight and were in as-new condition. In 2008 a national race licence cost $165 pa and I was lucky to be able to do two meetings in a year. When I became aware of the cost to compete with the VCC I moved there for my competition and with the move I was pleased to encounter a level of common sense that didn’t put people to unnecessary cost. Unfortunately it would appear this is no longer the case. Tyre ruling and requirement for refuelling, extinguishers and
Given the nature of VCC race meets, where there are often more than two hours between races, there is no reason to refuel a hot car. Does every car need an extinguisher? We are usually located in a relatively small outdoor area where a centrally located and notified location of a large extinguisher should be all that is required, not one for every vehicle. I have not seen anyone using a larger than 20 litre fuel container which is easy enough to handle, and as race fuels are around $4 a litre none of us are splashing it around. Look to history – do you recall a fire in a VCC pit area? Competing in any VCC event has seen rising entry fees. For the upcoming Nelson Branch Sandy Bay Road Hillclimb I made a call to others, who, like myself, don’t have an internet conection, to ensure they were aware of the date and check that they had entry forms. Of those contacted three said they were not prepared to pay $200 for three timed runs of a couple of minutes and less than six miles total distance. Inflation is hitting all of us. One example, the oil I run in my race car once cost $10 per litre and now it’s $25. I can’t afford high tech oil nor $3,000 for a set of approved Dunlop race tyres. Am I alone? Don Ammon Member Nelson
RESPONSE TO DON AMMON LETTER TO BEADED WHEELS
The Communique I issued to VCC license holders was intended to achieve two things; an introduction to myself as the new Speed Steward, and clarification of the existing section 23 document pertaining to VCC motorsport. There had been previous confusion about the differences between circuit racing and other events such as hillclimbs and bent sprints, so the object was to clarify those aspects, including the tyre and safety
equipment requirements, which are different in each case. The matrix in section 23 summarizes those differences, in conjunction with the more detailed specification in the document. Unfortunately, many people had not taken the time previously to read the detail in the regulations, although they had been in place for some time. No changes in the previous rules were introduced although we did specify a couple of Hoosier tyre types which could be used in addition to the Dunlops and road tyres available. It is not essential to run expensive racing tyres if competitors are prepared to use compliant road
tyres. Safety equipment is not something we can compromise on when it comes to circuit racing, but typically harnesses do not need to be replaced after two year intervals if they are of an FIA approved type. I understand the issue with rising costs, particularly when we are racing on a circuit in conjunction with other groups where we must have compatible rules, but VCC can still offer lower cost motorsport in the likes of hillclimbs and non-circuit events where tyre and safety equipment requirements are less stringent, and eligibility for different cars is wider. In these events standard cars of
DYKES MEMORIES
While I always enjoy reading archivist Don Muller’s page in Beaded Wheels, seeing his mention of the Dyke’s Automobile and Gasoline Engine Encyclopedia brought a smile to this long-time old vehicle enthusiast. It appears that my 1927 Edition is one of the rare copies that still has its front cover attached, if only just. I started collecting early 20th Century motoring manuals around a half century ago (back when nobody wanted ‘em) while I was still living in Southern California and have found them both interesting to read, as well as being quite valuable resources, at times. As Don’s piece focused on electrical systems, one of the handy books I have in my library is titled, Automobile Starting and Lighting, by Horace P. Manly and dated 1919. Unfortunately, while this particular book lacks electrical wiring diagrams, it does cover the basics and was designed for those who are not necessarily formally trained in the subject. One series of automotive technical books that would have once been found in most garages in the USA was Motor’s Auto Repair Manual, which covered a vast range of models and with its step-by-step instructions was considered the go-to reference. The very useful Chilton’s manuals were also popular, especially among DIY-types. While so much can now be found online - I use electronic sources quite often these days and have downloaded a number of factory-supplied maintenance manuals for specific machines in my collection - there’s still something to be said about having a paper-and-cardboard manual. The latter can be really useful in explaining the basics to the younger generation and/or anyone getting into the hobby. Make sure you’re making the most of the VCCNZ’s and your local branch’s library - you’ll be glad you did! Peter (Honda) Cooper AVCC
VEHICLE IDENTITY CARD (VIC) RENEWALS Processing times for VIC/Domas applications and renewals through the VCC National Office is currently around 4-6 weeks. Please ensure you allow sufficient time for renewals if you are planning on attending a Vintage Car Club National Event. less than 30 years old can run without cages and on standard road tyres with only the addition of minimal safety equipment and a properly attired driver. Each event organizer sets their own entry fees and these have to cover a myriad of costs including medical personnel, site rubbish collection and security and many other unseen items which are often not appreciated by competitors. Organizers are all conscious of keeping costs down, but like all of us, they are affected by inflation. We all want the same outcome, which is exercising our VCC eligible cars in motorsport events at a reasonable cost, with safety and having fun being of prime consideration. We are dedicated to trying to achieve this by constantly seeking the right way forward. This currently includes looking at other suitable tyres and expanding the eligibility in some areas. Motorsport, of course, will never be a cheap hobby, but we are doing what we can to keep this in balance. Ray Sanders VCCNZ Speed Steward
MOTOR FOUND
Found: early 6 cylinder Clement Bayard motor was required by a person at Canterbury Swap Meet. For more information please contact me. Brian Newbery Ph 021 171 8379 Member Canterbury
OPEN TOURER 1919–1924
reference to a Charron Laycock in New Zealand from an old Beaded Wheels magazine, issue 184, and as an owner of one of these cars, handed down through my family since WWII, I will be very pleased to add a fourth Charron Laycock in existence to the three in the UK. Should anyone have any information as to the whereabouts of this car please reply to myself: terencebown@ btinternet.com (If emailing please be careful not to turn my surname into Brown, everyone usually does !) Terence Bown. West Sussex, England
ERRATA In our last issue, 387 April/May 2024, we introduced a couple of errors in Peter Tucker’s letter in Mailbag page 9. We wrote “…mine was the only 11.9 roadster and of course eventually one of two, 12/24 tourers…” The correct text is “the 11.9 roadster was the only one, and eventually there were 2, 12/24 Tourers”. At the top of the third column we missed out the word “head” after detachable. Toward the bottom of the second column mention is made of a water problem in 1995. The correct year was 1965. We apologise for the first two and the author apologies for the third.
I recently came across a
Beaded Wheels 9
HIDDEN GEMS
IN THE ALEXANDER TURNBULL LIBRARY By Ian Goldingham Every now and then there arises the problem of VCC members restoring a car for which they have some history and knowledge but little paper work. This especially so in New Zealand where continuous ownership papers weren’t so de rigeur as they were in the United Kingdom. Many of us only have partial ownership papers because it was common practice with secondhand motor dealers in those days to “lose the original papers and register the car with new ones so its history was obscured”. Before 1925 vehicle registration in New Zealand took place on a regional rather than on a country-wide basis. There are still some regional council registration records in various provincial archives. The Veteran Car Club New Zealand can no doubt assist you in dealing with this earlier period. From 1925, the authorities issued the new national steel plates to vehicleowners biennially, although there were variations to this during and after WWII. The issue of permanent registration-plates started in 1964. Unfortunately, the bulk of Government records that covered the period up to the introduction of permanent plates in 1964 have now been
dumped*. This means if you don’t have a full copy of your original ownership papers then you are, as they say, in an unsupported environment. Some time back I was made aware that there is an archive of car sales records hidden away in the National Library (The Alexander Turnbull Library) Wellington. Apparently in the good old days 1924 -1974, the government required all motor dealers to fill out a monthly return on the details of what vehicles they had sold in the past month. This included specifically the name and address of the buyer/ new owner. These records were then collated by the New Zealand Garage Proprietors Association (later the RMTA), into return ledgers, which were divided into geographical /postal districts. The monthly returns for that area were then broken down by car make which helped filter out the chaff and also tended to focus on the local dealer/agent. This system also included used vehicles both local and imported. If you know roughly when and where a car was sold, and it involved a member of the RMTA, then there’s a more than fair chance of finding out who your car was sold to. This sole surviving principal record of mass car registrations is held within the National Library, Wellington and rejoices in the catalogue description title of Registration of motor vehicles in N.Z. arranged in postal districts / New Zealand RMTA. The records are held in the publicly published side of the National Library catalogue and are only available to be viewed in the reading room on the first floor of the Alexander Turnbull Library. Note: There’s no chance
of an interloan to your local library.
were at the top of the page and easy to photograph.
These records were required by the Government to document the number of vehicles sold each month by retail motor traders throughout New Zealand. They covered the period of 1924 to 1974 and are listed in each monthly folio. There are also separate sections for commercial vehicles and
Of course, when you think about it there are hundreds of ledgers i.e. 12 months x 11 districts x 50 years. In theory, there are over 800 volumes as the early years are a bit dyslexic, but they soon run in a regular pattern They list the cars in each provincial district by alphabetical order of make,
s In the photo above, you will notice a certain 14/40 Sunbeam being imported in 1925 by R Scannell of Hastings.
motorcycles, again broken up by postal district. The folios do not cover private car sales at all, but importantly they do show private importations. The very fact these tenuous records still survive is thanks largely due to the NZRMDA who, bless them, not being a government department, didn’t feel the need to purge them. My wife Jacqui and I recently spent three days in the Alexander Turnbull Library. We were only concentrating on the years from 1924 to 1939, but even then, could only cope with speed reading through. This allowed us to pick off Lea Francis, Sunbeam, Talbot and the odd Alvis, Bentley and Darracq largely because they
with the new owner’s name and address to the right-hand side. Unfortunately, there is no provision in the listings for the make, model, type or horsepower. However, the number of seats is recorded, which is helpful in sorting out some cars. The photos show how the registers are laid out with various letters designating the status of the car being sold. Early on: X designated an imported car that had already been registered with foreign plates, E replaced X and was used also for a New Zealand second hand car currently registered. Later on, there was also R which designates that it’s a re registration of an older
* Ed Note: Our editorial team believe these original records may be still held in the care of NZ Post in Palmerston North.
10 Beaded Wheels
TIMELINES
vehicle that has been sold via a motor retailer. The critical elements that these records do offer, are the registration number on the car at that time and the name and address of the new owner. If for instance you have an original photo of your car that clearly shows the registration number, it’s possible to backtrack that number in these records and confirm the owner at that period of time. This can be a foolproof form of registration confirmation that will help you with putting an older car back on the road. Also, from these gems of information, you may well recognise or know of the family connections, especially in the more provincial areas of New Zealand.
You will need to ask for the volumes that cover the general timespans over the phases of ownership that you may be aware of. Then look in the postal district that you believe your car resided. Look in the district, under, say, Sunbeam / Talbot or Darracq and look out for the family name or names that you believe are associated with your car. Take this with a degree of latitude and be prepared to be surprised. For instance It was interesting to see in the records how strong Sunbeam had been sales-wise in the 1920s, but had virtually vanished after 1929. There were hardly any present in these records in the 1930s. But a significant number were re- registered after WWII, which
In 1924, Lorraine Dietrich finished a lap behind Bentley but took both second and third place. A hint of things to come - in 1926 they became the first marque to claim a podium sweep in the history of the race.
1904/
120 YEARS AGO
VETERAN VEHICLES
Under the ownership of Benjamin and Frank Briscoe and James Whiting, Buick introduced their Model B which had one feature that distinguished it from all other production cars – overhead valves. The rest was accepted practice for the time – a 2606cc, 21bhp horizontally opposed two-cylinder motor linked to a two-speed planetary gearbox with drive to the rear wheel by chain. It was claimed the Model B could travel at 4 to 25mph “With the clutch in and just touching a button with your foot.”
1924/
100 YEARS AGO
VINTAGE VEHICLES
After finishing in eighth place at Le Mans in 1923, Lorraine Dietrich fielded three of their new 15CV B-36 Sports models for the 1924 race. Behind the utterly magnificent gothic arch shaped brass radiator with the twin crossbar cross of Lorraine was a very advanced car for the era. A 3445cc, six-cylinder motor with ohv, hemispherical combustion chambers and aluminium pistons teamed with equally advanced Dewandre-Represseau servo assisted four wheel brakes ensured consistent performance. Bad luck dogged the team, but they still finished second and third.
1949/
75 YEARS AGO
PW VEHICLES
One car stood firm against the flood of technically advanced postwar cars. Its ancient and yeoman-like ancestry went back to one of the most successful cars of all time – the Ford Model T. Four cylinder, side valve, transverse leaf suspension with separate headlights were reassuring to some buyers that here was still, the tried and true. Ford UK responded by giving the 1949 Anglia a new grille and other sundry improvements enabling it to soldier on until 1953, then as the spartan Popular until 1959.
s A selection of Sunbeams registered in Palmerston North, Oct 1925.
It’s also wise to point out the importance of you having sourced any local sales agents or overseas factory records that may be available, especially if you belong to a one make club. So, it’s often what you know, by hearsay and personal associations that will be the linking bridge between these record sources. You need to be clear. These records do not really work for common mass produced makes such as Austin, Chev, Ford, Singer and the like. They are much more effective with eccentric small volume manufacturers and the expensive end of the market cars.
suggests a good number were laid up for the duration rather than being scrapped? Now that we have this information, I will try to data base it so that VCC members can look these things up and start hunting down the family links. In a future article I’ll show you how to use a mix of online resources to further advance your chances in connecting up the dots. You may well find this information could be a good way to catch up on some of your vintage vehicle’s mysteries from the mists of time.
1974/
50 YEARS AGO
P60 VEHICLES
It’s commonplace now, but the term SUV for Sport Utility Vehicle first appeared in a 1974 sales brochure for the new Jeep Cherokee, developed from the 1963 Jeep Wagoneer penned by Brooks Stevens. Numerous options were offered but the most effective was the “Quadra Trac” automatic transmission that enabled the Cherokee to “stand out where the pavement ends” and “take up where the Jeep CJ-5 left off – it’s a Jeep and a half.”
1994/
30 YEARS AGO
P80 VEHICLES
Times were tough for Subaru so rather than spend billions on a new model they created the Legacy based Outback. A beefed-up Legacy was created by fitting bigger wheels, a luggage rack, skid plates, mudflaps and plastic side body mouldings on the lower flanks. Compressed air height adjustable suspension increased the All Wheel Drive capability.
Developments in the motoring world this month in history. Compiled by Graeme Rice QSM
Beaded Wheels 11
JOE GROSE’S 1919 NASH Words & photos Greg Price
Those readers who have watched that Pixar movie Cars, will be familiar with one of the characters – the tow truck, named Tow Mater. The locale in which that movie was based was the fictional town of Radiator Springs. Well, in reality, a life-sized version, Joe Grose’s 1919 Nash tow truck, can usually be spotted parked on the verge outside Classic Workshop, on Christchurch’s Ferry Road. And on some of those occasions, it will be adorned with the ‘eyes’ that can be seen on the character cars in the movie. 12 Beaded Wheels
You’ve gotta admit that the truck looks really great with this embellishment, and is a drawcard for the kiddies (and some adults) that happen past. Another interesting piece of information about this truck is that it is a local vehicle in every sense, and it has been in Christchurch since, well, forever. It was the early 1920s, when, as a tourer, it was imported by The Nash New Zealand Motors Limited, of 194 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch. The original owner was a Mr Sparrow – a transport officer. SO, HOW DID IT BECOME A TOW TRUCK?
Any Nash aficionado will know that Nash didn’t make tow trucks as such. A quick glance through the book entitled American Motors Family Album published by the American Motors Corporation in
This is purportedly New Zealand’s oldest still working tow truck
Tow mater
TOW TRUCK
(AKA Tow Mater)
1969 will see that, while Nash did make the odd truck, there were no tow trucks, or ‘wreckers’ as they are known in American circles. So, when Mr Sparrow’s Nash experienced starter motor problems, he took it into John Sampson’s garage in Tennyson Street. With this Nash running a Wagner starter-motor reduction drive, it had stripped the teeth in that reduction drive, and John Sampson learned that the necessary parts were not available. So, as any good kiwi would have done back in the day, he simply welded and then re-cut the teeth, only to find that the starter would jam after only half a turn. John Sampson offered Mr Sparrow an Ansaldo Six tourer (An Italian luxury tourer built in 1923 in Turin) as an exchange for the Nash.
Beaded Wheels 13
John Sampson then set about ordering a recovery crane from Minneapolis, St Paul, USA. He removed the tourer body, lengthened the chassis, driveshaft and brake rods by 15 inches, and made his own cab and deck. The cab was quite advanced for the time, as while others had no doors and were semi-open, the Sampson truck not only had doors but also had opening windows to boot. John Sampson’s cabinet-making skills are evident when examining the cab’s interior. The Nash’s large overhead valve engine, oversized gearbox, differential and chassis, lent itself extremely well to being a breakdown truck, and, most importantly, was the first actual tow truck in Christchurch, beating Scott’s car ambulance by some six months. The Nash has rescued many a stranded motorist throughout Canterbury and the Peninsula. Anecdotally, rumour has it that a Chrysler 77 sedan had gone off Dyers Pass Road up by the summit. Aware that the Nash only had two-wheel brakes and thus would be unable to hold back the weight of the Chrysler, it was fitted with steel shafts, about 1¼ inch in circumference, to the rear chassis, and then wooden shoes were fitted to the ends of the shafts, that would in turn drag in the shingle of the road, when the Chrysler was lifted by the crane. This modification gave the extra drag needed to stop the Nash from running away. Real ‘Number eight wire’ technology. By the way, John Sampson developed New Zealand’s first automatic petrol pump, which was operated at his Tennyson Street, Beckenham, business, dispensing Voco and Plume brands at 1s 6d and 1s 7d a gallon respectively. (See? You learn all sorts of stuff here.)
HOW DID JOE SCORE THIS MAGNIFICENT BEAST? Back in 2003, Joe was restoring a 1925 Nash Advanced 6 roadster, and still is. Perusing a copy of Canterbury Branch’s Hub, the ‘for sale’ section had a listing for some workshop tools AND a Nash tow truck. Phone calls were made and a visit was scheduled, the aim being to establish if said Nash might be a suitable donor car for parts for his ’25 roadster? Upon arrival, it was apparent that the Nash tow truck was remarkably well preserved, and after much chit chat, it was established that the current owner was also named John Sampson – him being the son of the Sampson Garage owner, who had converted it into a tow truck back in 1924. Upon checking the chassis number against his trusty bible, The Independent Car Manufacturers, Joe established that the truck was a 1919 model. Joe thought that was surprising as the company only started producing these cars in 1918.
Battery located on running board to facilitate jump starting other cars.
“Would you like to hear it running”? Asks John Jnr. “Of course” replies Joe, and is handed the crankhandle. Upon asking why the electric starter wasn’t used, Joe was told that as John Snr never used the electric starter, neither did John Jnr. After six compression strokes on the handle with John Jnr at the controls, and one good pull on the crank, the Nash burst into life. Joe’s recollection was that it was like starting a plane. Joe also learned that the truck had remained a tow truck until the mid-1950s, when a rule came out that all tow trucks had to have four-wheel brakes. Thus, the Nash was retired to the back of the workshop, and when John Sampson Jnr retired, the truck was taken to his residence and put on blocks. Unfortunately, the price that John Jnr was asking was beyond the resources of a young couple with a new family so a deal was not struck on that occasion. However, a few years later, Joe got a phone call from John Jnr, asking if he was still interested in the Nash? Was he what? Joe and Kaye couldn’t get around there fast enough. Joe reckons the Sampsons must have taken a liking to them, and their enthusiasm for Nash vehicles, and a deal was done, this time with both parties being happy with the outcome. The first thing Joe did was to remove the starter motor and take it home. In the intervening years, Joe had tracked down some more Nash parts, some of which were on a sedan in a paddock in a town called Cave, near Timaru. This car had once been a taxi in Timaru, and in the course of its working life, had been fitted with an Oldsmobile body to replace the tourer body, but most importantly, it had been fitted with a Wagner reduction drive starter, which was in very good order. Thus, the weekend following the purchase, Joe returned to John Jnr’s place armed with the starter motor, a new battery, some fresh petrol, pumped up the tyres, greased the suspension, primed the vacuum tank, worked out what all the levers did, and sat in the driver’s seat – next to John Jnr. “If the old girl starts on the starter, it will be the first time since 1924.” said John Jnr, whereupon Joe pressed the floor-mounted button and the Nash roared into life once more. John Jnr was ecstatic. “This just proves that you’re the right man for this truck” said John Jnr, which Joe recalled was a very humbling experience. Joe offered to take John Jnr, and his son, for a hoon up the valley, so in they all climbed. Joe recalls it was a bit cramped with the three of them sitting astride the bench seat. However, if John Jnr slid across to the left as far as he could, and the boy semi-stood, Joe could actually change gear. Thus with the engine warmed up, and the excess oil burnt off the exhaust, the cabin filled with smoke which billowed out the windows – all the while the three of them laughing. The next task was to drive it home, which entailed crossing from one side of town to the other, albeit with no number plates. This, despite there being some leakage of water from the water pump gland, but the truck made it home safely.
WHERE TO START? Joe had decided that it would be great to attend the 2006 Vero Rally in Invercargill, which was only a few months away by that stage. So, what to do? To begin with, he removed the sump and cleaned it out. The brakes were re-aligned, the axle seals were replaced, lights fixed, and the driveshaft was re-tubed. Why? Because when Joe had first looked at the driveshaft, he noted it had cork-screwed over time, as some very heavy loads were towed. The exhaust was also
14 Beaded Wheels
DIY lubrication system
Fuel pump attached to what’s left of the original number plate.
Connect the spotlights here.
Beaded Wheels 15
replaced, and, most importantly, it sailed through its Warrant of Fitness check, and got registered finally, as it had been on exempt plates (aka dealer plates) during its life as a tow truck. Joe noted that fuel consumption must also have been an issue at one time as one of those ‘fuel economisers’ had been fitted. Thus the carburettor jets were enlarged.
FIRST RUN The first run was to the Canterbury Branch kids’ Christmas party, but a blown head gasket en-route put paid to those plans. The next outing was the New Year’s Day picnic at Little River. A valve grind and new head gasket prior to this event ensured that, while they got there, cruising at 45-50 mph, the centre main bearing decided not to play nicely and packed a sad. Thus, a slow, careful run home was required, and remember, it was now only 14 days to the 2006 Vero Rally. A fellow in Timaru re-metalled the large main bearing shells and, would you believe it? They were temporarily lost en route back to Christchurch. Despite all this, the block was line-bored and the big ends checked. A full-on reassembly was carried out the night before departure on the rally. Meantime, Kaye had been optimistically packing everything for the trip in the hope that they would actually get away, as was Natalie, their (four-year-old) daughter. Thus, at 8am on the Saturday, the Nash, together with crew, were at McLeans Island ready to start the journey, remembering that the Nash had NEVER been out of Canterbury, yet here they were heading for the West Coast trundling along at 35mph – nursing the engine. Porters Pass was topped, mainly by the momentum of the flywheel. Joe says that was all they had left, as they were at walking speed in first gear as they crested the summit, and a cyclist applauded them as they slowly ground their way up the hill. There were a few more ‘technical problems’ as they motored down the West Coast, namely a slight wiring fault in Haast, and three big end bearings disintegrating as they approached Wanaka. At their accommodation, the sump was removed and sieved for parts. Two bearings were able to be re-assembled with Loctite, while the third one had only two-thirds of the white metal left in the cap. So, once re-assembled, and a significant change to Joe’s driving style, (read – no engine braking) only power on, to relieve any strain on those bearing caps, it was southward once more. (That’s directionally, not the museum north of Wellington, by the way.) Once in Invercargill, a Mr McCulloch was able to re-metal that one really bad bearing, and the fine folk at the then Richardson’s Truck museum let Joe loose in their workshop overnight. At 6am the following morning, Joe pulled into the motel carpark, and the family was on the road again by 8am. However, at 3pm Joe had to take a nap at the side of the road while Kaye entertained their daughter. A couple of days later they started the rally which was heading back to Invercargill. Then, would you believe it? The gearbox input shaft broke 12 miles out of Te Anau. A local VCC member generously towed the Nash back to his place so Joe could work on the repairs, while his wife looked after Kaye and Natalie. Meanwhile Joe welded the input shaft and recut the clutch splines. With the adventure nearing an end, Joe decided that as the repairs were only temporary, that they should lessen the distance between them and home, and got as far as Rakaia before the input shaft let go again, having clocked up 1,418 miles in all. Joe’s dad towed the Nash the last 30 miles to home with his DeSoto pick-up.
16 Beaded Wheels
Adjustable boom
MEANWHILE, BACK IN CHRISTCHURCH Joe rebuilt the gearbox, and in doing so put paid to most, if not all, the truck’s teething problems. Since then, the Nash has been motored on many rallies, including being the back-up vehicle. The only recent problem experienced was a broken axle as they pulled away from an intersection. (This, after all those miles traversing the Southern Alps.) As many Canterbury Branch members will be aware, Joe is a principal of Classic Workshop located on Ferry Road. Through his work there, Joe is able to use the Nash to recover ‘proper cars’ – you know, those with real bumper bars (not plastic rubbish.) to aid lifting, but Joe notes, this is more for fun, than necessity. Having said that, however, a Hillman Husky had been heading for the Lyttelton Tunnel on the approach motorway and blew its differential. As this was just a hop, step and jump from the workshop, Joe opted to fetch it back with the Nash. Joe reckons the Husky’s owner must have thought Joe was nuts as he rolled up in the Nash. Remembering that this is a motorway, with traffic whizzing by at speed, Joe hooked up the Husky, tying the steering wheel, and lifting it up from the rear. A passing police car had the officer just nodding as he passed by. It would have been a great sight I’m sure. Joe believes it was the fact that he looked ‘professional’ that saved any awkward questions by the local constabulary.
THE TEST DRIVE When Editor Kevin and I motored along Ferry Road, you couldn’t not see the magnificent old Nash sitting sedately on the grass frontage of Classic Workshop. We gave it a good going over prior to Joe driving it around to the Ferrymead Historical Park (Like Auckland’s MOTAT) where it would be right at home among the historical buildings. As Ferry Road is very busy at most times, we opted to let Joe dice with death and get the Nash out on to the road. Those empty buses are really big, you know. Once we got around to the Park, Kevin went in to the office to con them into allowing us to enter the Park via that back gate, which was where we’d already decided that the best photo backgrounds were to be had. Despite some initial reluctance, promises of some free international publicity (you know, “Beaded Wheels is available around the world”, for example) we were given the password to the back gate.
Being a weekday, there was little if any foot traffic in the park, so we virtually had the run of the area around the fire station display building and tram circle. For the photos, Joe produced his windscreen sun shield of the ‘eyes’ from the Pixar movie, Cars which when affixed to the Nash, made it look very much like the character Tow Mater. Joe regularly does this at events where there are children, and the Nash is a big hit with them. You have to admit that the Nash does look a bit like Tow Mater, eh? Once again, egress and access to the cab is a bit of an issue (that’s getting in and out) but maybe that’s an age thing? Joe doesn’t seem to experience any difficulty. I found reversing in was the best bet. As is often the case with this type of vintage vehicle, it has the dreaded ‘crash’ gearbox, although it didn’t seem to be too difficult to change noiselessly. Being a truck, moving in a forward direction I’d describe as ‘lumbering’ and I cannot even begin to envisage Joe and family driving this all the way to Invercargill and back, AND via the West Coast, not to mention in traffic – but they did. Having said that, I have nothing but great admiration for Joe’s enthusiasm in venturing outside the Canterbury confines, not to mention his ability to effect roadside repairs. Once seated behind the wheel (‘behind the wheel’, get it? No? Never mind.) it is customary to check out the dash panel and familiarise oneself with where everything is. On the left hand side, there is the barrel/type speedometer, with odometer and a trip meter. While on the right hand side there is a working clock, which is sited above an oil pressure gauge that reads up to (wait for it) 10lbs. Interestingly, the centrepiece is from a Renault (probably of a similar vintage). Unfortunately Mr Sampson Snr is no longer with us to explain its presence. But it may be a similar story to that of the pesky starter motor packing a sad back in 1924, and if parts were hard to obtain back then, it is logical that Mr Sampson Snr would have replaced a faulty instrument cluster with whatever was available at the time. Bad luck if you want to check the fuel level while motoring along, as the gauge itself is on the outside of the tank, and would require one of your passengers hanging over the back to try to read it upside down. I presume that petrol level checks were intended to be carried out BEFORE venturing out on a job.
Beaded Wheels 17
SPECIFICATIONS
(as listed in the original sales brochure, plus some I made up!) Motor:
Six-cylinder en bloc, high speed, high efficiency; valve-in-head type; unit power plant.
Gearbox:
(well, transmission is the correct word) In unit with motor; selective type; three speeds forward and one reverse.
Brakes:
Service brakes external contracting on rear axle; surface extra large; diameter, 13 inches, width, 2 inches; readily adjustable.
Emergency Brake: External contracting; drum mounted on extended transmission shaft, considered the most advanced engineering practice. Wheelbase:
127 inches (add 15 inches for the ‘Sampson’ modifications!)
Clutch:
Single plate dry disc, steel and (ssshhh!) asbestos friction surfaces
Wheels:
Four — one on each corner! Artillery type, detachable type rims, 34 x 4½ inches.
Chassis:
(Extended by Mr Sampson Snr) but still channel pressed steel, extra deep, very rigid, provided with 5 cross bars, yet very light in weight. Width of frame over front axle, 29½ inches, width over rear axle 41 inches.
Upholstery:
‘Deep black leather, button less,’ yeah, right! That was in the tourer, mate, not Joe’s truck!
Overall Rating: WFM or, words fail me! Is ‘exceptional’ too much, Joe?
Joe set the controls for me (those lever things on the steering wheel, which control the spark advance and manually set the throttle) and I depressed the starter button, which is on the floor. The motor started promptly, and letting the clutch out carefully, mainly because Ferrymead Historical Park frowns on wheelies on their grounds, we motored off towards the fire appliance display building. I’ve never driven a vintage vehicle with only rear brakes, but nonetheless the truck pulled up well enough when I pressed down on the pedal. That was enough for me, and I opted to be a passenger for the trip back to Classic Workshop. I was impressed with how well the Nash lumbered along on the trip back, and it wasn’t hard to recognise the attraction of motoring such a vehicle on a lengthy rally. What was also very interesting was checking out all the lifting equipment on the back. The Marquette Heavy Duty Crane requires ‘oil well and frequently’. It also has the instructions for use (raise and lower) moulded into the mechanism. The boom (that piece of equipment with the chain and hook on it) can be adjusted up and down with the simple relocation of the four large nuts and bolts as can be seen in the photos. I can envisage that policemen’s wonderment when he encountered Joe and the broken Hillman Husky on the tunnel road. All the necessary accessories required for a towing job are contained within two suitably period suitcases, and a vintage metal trunk. All the parts necessary for these towing jobs were made by Mr Sampson Snr, back in the day. Hopefully I have captured all the interesting facets of this great time machine in the photos, as editorial limitations don’t allow for the several thousand words required in this instance. So, for you Canterbury readers, next time you happen upon Classic Workshop ask if you can check out Joe’s truck. In most
18 Beaded Wheels
instances it will be parked out on the front grass verge. But allow for a bit of time because there are heaps of other classic wonderments to view, as many a car club tour has observed.
MORE INTERESTING STUFF As one would expect, a real enthusiast has lots of memorabilia pertaining to their vehicles, and Joe is no exception. Obviously as a Nash aficionado, he has a colour copy of an original sales brochure for the Nash, and as previously mentioned, the American Motors Family Album which contains at least one photo of each make (Rambler, Hudson, Essex and Nash) built between 1902 and 1969, plus an Automobile Quarterly captioned “80 miles an hour in 3 blocks Nash 8 Twin Ignition”. All are an interesting read, especially when I spotted Graham Shaskey’s Essex, which was in BW#387. Other Canterbury Branch members’ cars are also featured, so I was doing the ‘Bin there, drove that’ thing. Joe also has a copy of the South Christchurch News dated 9 November 1965, which features the article about the first ever petrol pump invented by John Sampson Snr, together with a half page advertisement for his new BP Service Station at 145 Colombo Street, Christchurch. This complements the copy of another earlier publication, The Dominion Motor dated 7 September 1921 which carried an advertisement for The Nash New Zealand Motors Ltd, of 194 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch, with a picture of a Nash. Turning to the motor for the moment, the sales brochure boasts that, “Simplicity is the keynote of the construction of the Nash Six. The Nash Perfected Valve-In-Head Motor, designed and built by us”. Readers will recall that many of these early vintage cars did not have removable cylinder heads as such, so this Nash, with its removable cylinder head was ‘really something’ at that time.
The pegs that stop the truck running downhill.
If you check out the photo of the truck’s door, you will just see the original signage for Sampson Engineering, lurking underneath the later Sampson Motor Engineer wording. And, lest I forget, isn’t the original (well, circa 1924-ish) rustic-looking paintwork just great? Also quite interesting, and in fact amusing is that due to time constraints, (Joe still works for a living, and given this interaction took place on a work day) there was no interrogation for this article as such, so Joe provided me with some scribbled notes, which, fortunately for me, his daughter Natalie, (the 4-year-old who accompanied Joe and Kay on the 2006 Vero Rally) and now aged 22, and was able to decipher the notes and re-type them into meaningful, readable pages, on which much of this article is based. So, well done, Natalie.
EPILOGUE I’ve often said that we never actually own vehicles, rather we are mere custodians, until the vehicle is passed on to the next ‘custodian’. When John Sampson Jnr passed away, Joe thought it appropriate to take the Nash to the funeral service. Momentarily thinking at the time that it would be a bit of humour to hook the hearse up to the Nash, and wondering if they would see the funny side of that? The family may well have seen the funny side, but I doubt the funeral director would have. Some of those hearses cost heaps. None the less the family did ask Joe to park the Nash up at the front door of the funeral parlour, which was a fitting tribute to one of Christchurch’s ‘men of motoring’. Over the years, Joe has been approached by many people who recall having their cars rescued by this unique Nash in years gone by, and ex-staff members of the Sampson’s business, remember it fondly.
FROM THE ‘STRANGE THINGS IN LIFE’ FILE Shortly after buying the Nash, Joe drove it around to his dad’s place to show him – as one does. Joe’s dad couldn’t believe his eyes, as, when he was a young schoolboy, he used to pushbike past the Sampson business (by that time, now located in Somerfield Street), and the Nash was always parked on the road outside. Now it’s parked up on the verge (more often than not) outside Joe’s place of work in Ferrymead. Unless someone knows differently, (and can prove conclusively to the contrary) this has to be the oldest working breakdown tow truck still operational, in New Zealand. And, by way of an aside, this is the oldest vehicle I have ever had the privilege of driving, albeit only briefly. Way to go, Tow Mater!
I grew up around cars, motorcycles and scooters, starting with Austin 7s and Morris 8s. Significant milestones in the hundreds of vehicles that have graced my garages over time included a 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood (owned over 16 years) and currently two Mk 1 Zephyrs (a convertible and a sedan) owned for 46 years and 51 years respectively. I like anything with wheels especially if it has whitewall tyres! The wish list still includes an E-Type Jaguar. What I can’t get to own I like to write about. Greg Price
Beaded Wheels 19
Words and photos Bill Cockram Words and photos Nick Rump, North Shore Branch
Nick Rump acquired a Honda from Following a Mailbag letter in issue 384 relating to the Singer Airstream, TradeMe, on inspection the state of interest in this lost cause of motoring suggests it’s worth expanding further the bike required more attention on the story of an Art Deco curiosity. than he had anticipated. Undaunted and in true VCC style he didn’t regard Many makers on both sides of the Atlantic played briefly with his lack of motorcycle restoration what today we might call a fastback shape. Chrysler did it with experience as Airline, a drawback – far from the Airflow, SS made the and most other companies persuaded themselves the vogueit. for streamlining deriven Norfolk, I am probably the only person alive who can claim to have driven a Singer Airstream … even if I did only get as far as third gear along was never a motorbiexhaus my Idriveway.
REGRETS by Jim McCutcheon
Beaded Wheels cap winner
When you have owned a vehicle for 50 years, and then sell it, there can be feelings of regret… Since 1960 I had owned a pile of Ford Model T parts, and it wasn’t until after I returned from my retirement OE trip that I found I now had the time and money to turn it into a vehicle. Work commenced in August 2008, and a concentrated effort saw its first run on Christmas Eve, 2009. We attended a few T runs but ran it mostly locally, and on at least one day a week. We had our ups and downs; one being when it was written off when a young lady pulled out of a compulsory stop as we approached. Fortunately, she was insured, and the insurance company paid out and gave me the wreck. I had a sufficient pile of spares to have it back on the road a year later. The T was quite a familiar sight ambling around Howick/ Bucklands Beach and received many waves, toots, smiles and headlights flashing. School kids thought it was hilarious. My wife and I moved to a retirement village, so the car and spares had to go. Needs must, and a truckload of spares were sold as a going lot and
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the car found a new home in Timaru. I enjoyed driving my Ford T, save for the actions of modern motorists, making you ultra careful. So, what next? Our first family car was a MK1 Mitsubishi Mirage with the Supershift gearbox. We enjoyed that car and our family of five went for several long trips – three kids in the back, zip bags of clothes and necessities, in the boot. We outgrew it and moved up to a Mk3 Cortina station wagon. I recently purchased a Mitsubishi Mirage II, with the Supershift, to have some old iron around. It’s 40 years old now with 70,000km on the clock, two owners, white and spotless (from the South Island). It came into my son’s workshop for a WoF, and a deal was struck. But, as much as I enjoy the Mirage, it cannot match the charisma of the Model T. I sometimes ask myself “why did I sell it?”
½
– Breaded Wheels half page 2023_1.pdf 1 17/01/2023 10:42:24 AM
*Shipping out of COKER USA monthly
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18 Parkwood Place, East Tamaki, Auckland
A SIDECAR STORY Sidecars, hmm…. if they had been invented today, they surely would not be allowed on the road. So, where did these strange contraptions come from? Beaded Wheels cap winner
Words and photos Allan Cole In the early 20th century the world was tuning into wheeled transport and there were many variations with two, three or four wheels. Some carried passengers in front of the driver (scary) some behind, but most importantly for us, some were carried beside the driver/rider. The latter option began to fit in with the life cycle of the adult male, when an independent young man acquires a wife and this was usually followed by a family. So, he evolves from a solo rider to a sidecar driver by bolting a wheel and a body to his motorcycle. That brings us to the weird part. Because the sidecar outfit was a cheap and convenient way to transport a family, especially after the devastation of WWII, the UK authorities allowed the sidecar driver to be on a learners licence and he was not restricted by engine capacity. Insurance was cheaper, too, because sidecar drivers were considered so safety conscious. Some time later, during the ‘60s, young learner riders had (in the interest of safety) been restricted to riding nothing bigger than 250cc - Grrr! But wait, some of us noticed a loophole. If you fastened a sidecar (even just a bare frame) to any capacity bike, even a 650cc, it opened up a whole world of fun! So, aided by this archaic loophole in the law, there was a way to ride a 650cc on a learner’s licence. So, as some of the older generation riders sold their bikes and bought a cheap family car, it meant younger riders had access (initially) to a full range of big bikes. Bigger bikes meant bigger fun – drifting, skidding and “flying” (balancing on two wheels) the sidecar wheel. This also meant that we could carry on playing
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the fool right through winter, in fact, even more fun was to be had on iced over and snow covered roads — Woo hoo! Fast forward to the ‘70s and a family move to South Africa away from snow and into sunshine and old Harleys. Having acquired the skills to handle a sidecar (forget everything you know about solos) the bug stayed in my system. I built an off road outfit (that was a disaster) and later, through my bike shop, imported amazingly cheap Jawa sidecar outfits. However, at the same time there was a general decline in interest of sidecars. After all, you have all the disadvantages of a motorcycle (wet and cold), with all the disadvantages of a car (stuck in traffic). —
Brother Dave bouncing on the saddle while the rear wheel spins (and girlfriend tries to keep warm).
Wife Linda often sleeps on long motorcycle rides, even overseas. Granted, it can be boring when she can’t see past me. I feel her helmet hitting my back, then slowly rolling towards my shoulder before I elbow her as the next corner approaches. “You should be in a sidecar” we joked,” then you could enjoy the views more”. After many years without owning a sidecar, (and moving to New Zealand) however, this “sleepy wife” scenario had me thinking about a sidecar again. The Ural in particular, looked like a fun way to carry a sleepy passenger, combined with extra load carrying ability. With advancing age, the thought of handling a tall, fully loaded and two-up solo trail bike on soft sand or crossing a river, as we did on our last South American trip, was becoming a concern. Selling one of my BMWs would go a long way toward the cost of a new 650 Royal Enfield and the Indian-made sidecars were quite reasonably priced too. But wait — there was a sidecar advertised on line for only $3,500. Included in the deal and lying alongside in the photo, was a broken Honda Gold Wing. A plan was formulated…….. buy the Enfield Interceptor, ship the sidecar outfit up from the South Island, fit it to the Enfield and donate the Gold Wing to my son (he’s got a massive shed and likes long term projects). Well! When everything arrived, the sidecar turned out to be what’s known as a one and a half seater. It was massive! The Enfield would go round in circles trying to haul that huge body. Oh well, I’d better see if the Wing is repairable, although I’ve always thought that they should have two more wheels and become a car- it’s not really a motorcycle, is it? For some reason, the seller did not want to explain the history of the outfit, except to say that his late father had it in Australia and because it had a blown right head gasket, it hadn’t run or been registered since 1997. Sure enough, it had little compression on number one cylinder. That’s not all, the exhaust was full of holes, the suspension had collapsed, brakes didn’t work and the seat needed recovering. The cylinder heads were sent to a local engineers and the exhausts were patched up. Even though it was a 1980 model, spares were easy to find from CMS, Netherlands. Brakes, in particular, got all new pistons and seals and responded to bleeding. On the topic of bleeding twin calipers on motorcycles, much frustration can be avoided with a trick that was picked up in the trade. Remove the calipers and hold them above the master cylinder (with spacers to replace the disc and pads). This allows air to rise upwards when bleeding. Another trick I read about on a forum, is to fasten the front brake lever hard against the handlebar and leave it for a few days. I expected to convert the air shocks back to a conventional set- up, but with fresh seals they were good as new. A new seat cover was sourced cheaply from Thailand (yay) but cost $300 just to be fitted by a local upholsterer (boo). Right, things were looking good- let’s start it up. Oh no! The starter clutch (amazing how three little rollers handle that) was slipping and screeching. It was back to CMS for new rollers and springs, and I took that heavy engine out again — phew! Once the bits were fitted, the Wing started right up! Now to bolt on the sidecar and go for a ride. Great! Hmm, as long as the revs didn’t drop below 3,000 rpm and if you didn’t need it to idle. Removing the four carbs is almost as big a job as removing the whole engine, but with practice (after six times) it gets fractionally easier. It turned out that in 1980 only, the idle jets were pressed in and combined with a 90 degree bend, it made the job of cleaning out years of muck almost impossible. After pushing and prodding various bits of metal through the jets, they became enlarged and didn’t respond to tuning.
Grandson Taylar, one of my youngest trainees.
Another trainee, Cian, a local lad, working on the starter clutch. The Gold Wing has a 15” car rim and tyre at the rear.
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Working repeatedly on the four carbs was doing my head in.
There’s plenty of carrying capacity while having a roomy spot for Linda.
In desperation, advice was sought from the Gold Wing forum and - there it was- the solution. Various riders in the States had solved this problem by fitting a carb from a VW Beetle. With an “X” shaped manifold and a Chinese ‘knock -off’ VW carb, the bike was transformed and has run beautifully ever since. The only hurdle left to clear now was the paperwork. Did I say “only?” It took months of form filling, photocopying, getting records from Aussie, compliance testing, certification and roadworthying before the Wing could legally take to the road. Certification loomed large amongst these obstacles for several reasons. Firstly the rear wheel had a 15” car rim with an adapter to fit the Honda hub. This lowered the rear of the bike and consequently increased the trail of the front forks. Another potential worry was that the sidecar fittings were fixed and had no adjustment. I needn’t have worried though, as the outfit ran straight and true. Even the certification guy said “It’s the best handling sidecar I’ve ever ridden”. One enjoyable factor with driving a sidecar is the smiles that you’re greeted with everywhere you go. It seems to stir memories of friendlier times. On top of this, the sidecar often carries my wife, Linda as well as our Border Collie dog, Blue. It’s too much cuteness and they’re constantly being photographed. A recent trip to Cambridge for a classic club run, showed how useful the big rig is. Linda and myself were joined by a mate when his Yamaha packed it in before the day’s run began. We rode three up, completed the run and all rode back to Auckland, no problem at all. My arms were the only things that felt strain, muscling the outfit around the twisty Waikato back road route in the rain was a good upper body work out. I now have a vastly improved opinion of the Gold Wing. Instead of seeing it as a motorcycle for carrying accessories like extra lights, aerials, bags, speakers etc the basic bike is a willing worker. The motor has huge torque and just burbles along without complaint, no matter how much you load it. It seems as if the Gold Wing was made for sidecar hauling. I have spent a lifetime around motorcycles, having started 60 years ago. I have ridden with the Rockers in the UK, trials in South Africa, rallied in New Zealand and motorcycle toured in India, Europe, South America and Vietnam with my lovely wife Linda. During my mechanic years, I established a motorcycle dealership before switching careers and becoming a Tech teacher. Now, as a part-time relief teacher, I can feed my twin passions of training the future generations as well as restoring iconic bikes from past generations. Allan Cole
Blue, the border collie, loves to ride too.
s A Norton ES2, acquired for free (but it had to be assembled).
s The BSA. Mate Graham would hang off as we diced the solos in our bunch. 16” wheels brought the C of G lower. “Flying” the sidecar wheel (showing off).
A recent barn find is a Vetter Windjammer that will look just right.
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INSOMNIA THE MOTHER OF CREATIVITY Words and photos Ray Betteridge
I suspect that other members, like me, experience periods of insomnia in the small hours when sleep is as elusive as that last part needed to complete a restoration. During a period of insomnia my mind was drawn to a coffee table design. I had seen a V8 engine block surmounted by a pane of glass — rather cool but, let’s face it, an engine block is just that, a block of cast iron. Concealed within this mass is the excitement and dynamics of an internal combustion engine, something that has intrigued and frustrated us all at some time. Well sleep was long gone now as I pondered a V8 revolving assembly, pistons in all directions and nothing to support the glass top. But then if I took a Model A revolving assembly and turned it through 90 degrees, all the pistons would be at a common height. If you are an optimist, all pointing upwards, or if a pessimist all retiring. I would now have four piston tops on which to lay the glass. So, I went into the depths of my storage and in the detritus of sloth found the guts of a Model A motor. I found that if I placed a piece of cardboard under each big end cap, I could lock the rod in any position. I then found four manky bumper irons and with a bit of jiggery, pokery and a couple of exhaust clamps the crankshaft sat nicely above the floor. With the conrods locked vertically I now had a V4 engine with a good spread of pistons to make the top stable. I then mounted the camshaft central in the “V”. I machined a V8 flywheel to a sensible weight and this fitted straight onto the crankshaft end and things were now looking pretty good. At this point I needed to assemble this stuff to the glass top and figured that I would be better to do this with the whole thing inverted and the glass top at the bottom. It looked great until I applied the silicon to the piston tops and the bloody thing slithered every which way leaving smears of silicon in its path!
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I let it cure but decided there was nothing good here and opted to dismantle it. The silicon was amazing and reluctant to concede defeat. Ultimately the piece of glass, which I thought was toughened, decided to multiply into shards and splinters. Another insomniac night brought me back to earth. I needed to assemble it upright with guides to keep the glass (laminated this time) in the right place. Happily this was successful, allowing me to proceed to the valves and followers. The followers needed to be drilled right through to valve stem diameter to give an illusion of unity on final assembly. These were “as hard as the hobs of hell” and the poor old drill press produced sparks galore. But with many sharpenings I finally drilled all eight followers. The valves with a follower slid on were then glued to the glass. Creativity stepped in again. I got a chunk of pipe and machined it so a V8 conrod big end was a running fit on it. Then with another appropriately lightened V8 flywheel I had a flat tray which rotated about its centre and also swung away. This made a lovely tray to hold the coffee set, (the whole purpose of the exercise). Things were looking pretty smart as I added my finishing touches. A demitasse coffee cup and saucer above each piston (I can see why these are no longer fashionable, one gulp and it’s empty) and as a nod to the real men among us I placed an enamel mug, albeit a bit grubby, above the fourth piston. (Courtesy of the Easter Rally in Waipukurau.) Well the coffee ensemble is bloody awesome, and equally bloody useless so has become a show piece at the new car museum in Trentham CARS INC. Sadly, the whole venture supplied no relief to insomnia! You can draw your own conclusions!
Bruce Chaytor Ph 021 631 700 or Nicolette Prangley 021 166 8374 nap.chaytor@gmail.com 5 Gibbs Place, Kinloch RD1, Taupo 3377
1972 HOLDEN TORANA LJ GTR Words and photos Mike Meuli
We purchased this Torana in 2014 from a farmer with a passion for classic cars in Canterbury. His plan was to restore this very rough and rusty Holden, but he ultimately concluded that the project would be too big and too time consuming. This was in fact, the conclusion of the owner before him, and the owner prior to that as well! I could not track ownership further back than these three, covering the previous 10-15 years, but clearly the restoration was considered a daunting task. The car was purchased sight unseen, and upon collection, I was excited to finally have in my possession a genuine Torana GTR. The project though, was clearly going to be major, with the vehicle far from running, and many parts in boxes and bags. The motor and gearbox were out of the car, and looked like they had been that way for years. The good news was that pretty much everything was there, although I would not have the huge advantage of dismantling the car and recording and cataloging that process. The bad news of course was that there were no plates and no rego. More on that later. Anyway the car and its boxes sat in the corner of the shed for a couple of years while I finished my then current project. Meanwhile our local panel beater, Bruce Wright, had plenty of time to look over the project, and come to the same conclusion as the previous three owners! Bruce is a very talented panel beater with many old school skills, and I convinced him that we should at least go to the first stage, which was to complete the disassembly and send the shell off to be bead blasted. So that is what we did, and the car returned from Baird’s Blasting in Greymouth looking, in my opinion, fantastic in its new epotec paint. They did an excellent
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job of cleaning the car up and getting a very thorough coat of protective paint into every part of the body, as well as bonnet, doors and boot lid. However Bruce was still not convinced. Now he could see exactly what was required, and he was not impressed. After lots of discussion however, we made the decision to give it a go. The panel beating process involved replacement or fabrication of new panels over rear wheel arches, inside these wheel arches, sills, boot floor, front floor, front fenders, bonnet, boot lid, around front and rear windscreens. Many other smaller areas throughout the car required work also. The A pillars were a major challenge, as were the doors and hinges. Rare Spares and Restocountry were a major source of parts as we worked our way around the car. Panel by panel, the car was repaired and eventually completely covered in new epotec paint and then primer. After blocking of the primer, we managed some of the painting ourselves, but the main paint was applied by Denis Pweaniusu of Trimline Autobody Shop in Hokitika. Denis is surely one of the most skilled car painters in the country and his support of this project was huge. The painting was done at our place, not with the benefit of his spray booth, which makes the final result even more exceptional. Dublin green metallic was chosen simply because it’s always been my favourite Holden colour. The car was originally Aztec gold but this made way for the green which is a genuine 1972 Holden GTR colour. Three coats of clear finished the paint job beautifully. Upholstery work was done by Bond upholstery in Kaiapoi. Daniel is a master of this art, and always at a very reasonable price. Chrome work was done by Shiny Bitz in Geraldine. These guys are also the best.
However, because of that, you can wait up to 12 months to get your items done. The engine was done locally with a full rebuild. The wiring loom was restored in Christchurch. New replica Globe Sprint Master rims and tyres completed the look. Genuine triple Stromberg carbs were a lucky find and fully serviced also by our engine guy. Even a new windscreen was available and fitted. My decision to deviate from the factory original colour and upgrade the GTR a little towards XU-1 specs was always going to be contentious, but I made this decision because I’d always had a huge passion for those cars, and was unlikely ever to justify buying a genuine XU-1. The changes are reversible and the genuine GTR parts ( such as the rims) are still in the shed. I love the look of our car with the globe sprintmaster rims, iconic rear spoiler, and the triple carbs and other engine mods. The houndstooth trim
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out several forms (thoroughly!) and dispatching this, along with several photos of all angles of the car and body plates to head office for verification. The result is a “ Historic Motor Vehicle Date of Manufacture and Authenticity Statement” 3. Once approved ( and because of the thorough effort of Tom Griffin, this was accepted first time and in a matter of days) this certificate, along with a further form and a fee of course, all went to NZTA for approval from an administration perspective. This again was approved first time, and after only a couple of weeks. 4. This certification then allows us to move forward to the actual physical certification of the vehicle by an authorised certifier. I chose to do this via VTNZ in Greymouth. An appointment was made, and the car was driven (legally apparently!) to Greymouth for this inspection. I have to say that Bruce McNish ( now retired I believe) was very helpful and supportive. The main issue at this point was that as the car had had welding repairs, it had first to be certified by an authorised repair certifier. Suitably qualified people are quite rare, but Bruce directed me to Neville Simpson from Nelson (also now too retired I think) who regularly visited the coast for this purpose. He readily agreed to fit our car in when next down, about a week away. In the mean time, because we had the car at VTNZ, Bruce suggested that he do his full inspection on this first visit. We left the car for a few hours, nervously returned to be told that the Torana had passed this inspection with flying colours. An incredible feeling. 5. A week later we were back at VTNZ for the repair certifier’s inspection. He also looked over the car very thoroughly, then set off home to examine a computer stick full of photos of the work that had been done on the car. 6. Another week later I was delighted to receive a phone call from Bruce “come and collect your number plates”, the car had passed the final hurdle. This re-vinning process was perhaps the most daunting of the whole restoration, but in the end, with thorough attention to detail, and the professional support of those two guys, it was very straight forward.
is another favourite but I think that is more GTR than XU-1. All of the above had taken a staggering five years but the car was finally now ready for the road. So back to the problem of no plates and no rego. Throughout the restoration I had been somewhat anxious about the re-vinning process. It seemed a very complex and daunting process, especially with no plates and no history. We could find no trace of the vehicle in any data base and so we really were starting from scratch. This was despite there being two correct body plates, and the engine number which did confirm the car as a genuine Brisbane built GTR. During the strip down prior to bead blasting, I’d noticed “Johnson Motors - Hawera, 1972” written in marker pen on the inside of the left rear fender, visible from the open boot. I contacted these guys, and they did their best to help but after several ownership and name changes during the years, all physical records had been lost. The re-vinning process (as best as I understand it) was therefore as follows 1. Proof of ownership. This was an easy starting point as we had an invoice from the seller. 2. Identification of the vehicle. This is done by way of an authorised VCC officer inspecting the vehicle thoroughly, filling
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My very clear conclusion was that if you filled out the appropriate documentation accurately, provided all of the necessary support material, and of course do a good job with the restoration itself, then re-vinning need not hold any fears, even with little history and no plates. By this point we had invested over five years of effort, but the ultimate result is absolutely stunning, and worth every day of that commitment. We are very grateful to have people of the calibre of Bruce Wright, Denis Pweaniusu, Daniel Bond, Bairds Blasting, Tom Griffin and Bruce McNish who all willingly shared their skills and their advice. Many others contributed in smaller ways too. Now onto the E-type!
Mike Meuli Having retired as a veterinarian, I now have the time to indulge my other lifetime passion – the restoration and enjoyment of classic cars with a focus on cars from the ‘60s and ‘70s. I began with the full restoration at home of a Valiant Charger, followed by the LJ Torana GTR. Currently our E Type Jaguar is getting the full treatment. We also have a 1923 Buick in our shed and there is room for more. I am very fortunate to have a skilled and supportive panel beater and also a car painter both of whom have been willing to teach me a great deal as they work on our vehicles in the shed.
RALLY SNIPPETS “No one is interested in vintage cars anymore. The future of the club is with younger people in newer cars.” This sad lament is heard all too often … and it is nonsense! The ongoing and ever-growing popularity of the legendary Irishman Creek rally, where the cars are getting older and the average age of participant is getting younger, flies directly in the face of this. But what adventures await VCC members in the North Island?
106 ENTRIES TACKLE HILLS AND TRAVERSE TURBINES The story of the 2024 Highland Fling, a motoring Adventure of the Best Kind.
By our intrepid correspondent W Crapo Photos Tony Haycock, Jacqui Goldingham
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Have a decent, fun event for proper cars (you know, the ones with running-boards) and you will get what you want. Adventurous motorists younger and not so young, eager and willing to drive in some cases two thirds of the length of the country, to attend an event that provides the kind of motoring which the cars our club was formed to preserve were built for. It was with this in mind that a group of like-minded enthusiasts, led by Alastair Jones and our irrepressible former North Island Club Captain Kaaren Smyllie got together to come up with a North Island rally in the spirit of the events which were once the heart of our organisation and still extant in the form of Irishman. Something where farm tracks, goat tracks and riverbeds are the route of choice and tar-seal left as the domain of wowsers. The outcome was the Highland Fling, first run in Taihape in 2021 and now on its third iteration. To keep things fresh and avoid using the same roads year on year, the plan was aways for the event to move around the lower North Island. Fling ‘24, the third running of the event was based in the Manawatu town of Feilding, organised by local branch Chairman Derek Haycock. This was a family affair with wife Becky, and kids Roan and Emilie, on paparazzi detail, while his father Len with niece/granddaughter Laura navigating and brother Tony, and partner Maria, both entrants. Seventeen year-old Laura has announced her intention to drive next year, and Maria is now looking forward to her first Irishman! So, how popular was a tough rally for vintage and veteran cars (and one adventurous motorcyclist) only? To keep numbers manageable, entries were capped at 100 and the event was oversubscribed and oversold. In the expectation of a few dropping out, it seems vintage motorists are a hardy lot and not enough did, so 107 entries (106 cars and motorcycle and sidecar combination) committed to the event with only one failing to make the start on a frosty Feilding morning. Henry’s ubiquitous Model A was the weapon of choice for many, ranging from pristine and shining, to some looking like they had so recently been pulled out of a hen-house that the seats were still clucking, and probably shedding feathers. Special mention must go to the intrepid Robert Young who drove from Whangarei to Feilding non-stop in a Model T, which is a Bloody Long Way in a modern car, let alone a near 100 year-old flivver! One cannot forget the effort of the Lawrence crew taking on an event not noted for smooth or flat roads in a brass-radiator 1913 T pick-up. Nor, of course Paul and Jodi Tomlin with the Harley and sidecar, deserving winners of the “Spirit of the Event” award. Furthest distance travelled was Hamish and Kathy McKenzie who brought their Model A from Queenstown. Picking a winner of the Hard Luck Trophy was difficult for the organiser. It appears to be a highly sought-after award if the number of worthy candidates is any indication. The Halligans from Wairarapa were early contenders but were excluded from contention as their Model A took a dislike to the cold and steadfastly refused to start before even getting to the venue on Saturday morning. Various tales of woe and misfortune continued over the weekend and the award was eventually presented to North Island Club Captain and local members Glyn and Cathy Clements whose very freshly restored 1928 Chevrolet outdid itself and died twice within a short distance of the start. To further confirm the popularity of this kind of event, the numbers don’t lie. The VCC has 36 branches, and 28 of these were represented. Several previous entrants were for various reasons
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Alastair Charmers 1925 Sunbeam making light crossing the Kiwitea stream.
The Kuku Road ford at Pohangina wasn’t as gentle as it first appeared Lim Munden’s model A did make it through...
While the cars of North America were in preponderance Robert Chapman’s 1931 Riley 9 proved the Empire also could fight back.
... while Paul and Jodi Tomlin’s 1925 Harley-Davidson proved you don’t even need the usual complement of four wheels for water crossing.
The Bruce Jenefer Model A driving into the setting sun near the end of day one’s motoring being pursued by the O’Keefe 1924 Buick on North Range Rd, in the ranges, to the north.
Having driven down from Northand, Robert Young’s 1926 Model T wasn’t going to be stopped by the Kuku Road ford.
perhaps Barry and Tessa Keene’s Willys Knight should have taken lessons as it was beaten by the Kiwitea stream.
Cliff Bennett’s 1931 Model A obviously didnt want wet feet, so it buried itself in the Kuku road ditch instead.
Brad Govan’s much-travelled Austin 7 taking on the driving tests at Black Barn Collectables, Ashhurst.
unable attend this year, and most first-timers are planning on doing more. If you are thinking of being part of Fling ‘25, which will again be based in Feilding but taking in the rugged bits on the eastern side of the Tararuas, again there will be a 100 car maximum, so you will need to be in early to be guaranteed an entry. Having 100 cars leaving the same place at the same time does make for some congestion and the first few miles did often seem to look like Al Capone’s funeral cortege. For some reason there are still people who think that 35mph on long straight tar-sealed road is perfectly acceptable. Once this obstacle was dispensed with, the miles of twisting unsealed roads were a delight for vintage motoring. The right amount of rain two days before had settled much of the dust but had not turned the tracks and paddocks into quagmires (pity, that would really have added a great challenge to the event!). Over the course of two days and over 300 miles of motoring we were treated to the privilege of traversing six farms, something which these days is no simple task to arrange. It was on one of these sections where the “Charlie of the Weekend” award winner put in his first nomination. Cliff Bennett was so sure of the traction of his trusty “A” that the sign (and the instruction from the organiser at the morning briefing) to fit chains at a certain section of very grassy and soggy track was merely thought a vague suggestion. He later put forward his second nomination to seal the deal. The ford on Kuku Road near Pohangina was looking particularly rutted and challenging. The Haycock/Crequer Durant made it through but with the spare tyre and rim at the rear of the car being almost dragged off as they clambered out of the water and up the greasy bank. Unbeknown to the driver or navigator the rim and tyre were left swinging, hanging on by the valve for the next 50 miles. The intrepid Mr Bennett had a better idea. Rather than using the formed road to make his approach, he instead thought it would be a much better idea to bury his poor, unfortunate car in the muddy drain beside the road and therefore not even make it to the watery bit. After this prize-winning effort and ensuing recovery mission, the rest of the field were diverted around the ford (and the bogged Ford) to save any further embarrassment. The astute visitor to the Manawatu district will notice two things. The first, it can get a little breezy there. The second, this reliable air movement has been harnessed to power a plethora of wind turbines on the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges which dominate the local topography. Reminiscent of the story of Guy de Maupassant, the 19th century Parisian novelist and poet who hated the Eiffel Tower so much he regularly ate his lunch at the café under the offensive structure, the only place where he could eat without having his view of the Paris skyline “ruined” by the sight of M. Eiffel’s finest work, the view from the wind farm is much improved because it isn’t ruined by a row of white windmills. What these blots on the landscape have given us are some very good roads on top of the ranges, perfect for our intrepid vintage motorists and while the drive through the fog between the ranges and Woodville wasn’t great, the twisting metalled road to the top of the hill and the new, wide and perfectly maintained roads around the turbines with views to Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe and beyond were spectacular. It would seem that some of our number are not the best at following instructions which were written in a manner intended that even the most directionally challenged would still find their way to their lunch. But no… “Left into Watershed Road, stay on this road” then “Right at T saw several entrants at the first (and
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Does vintage motoring get better than this? A grass track on Twin Ridges Farm near Apiti…
only) crossroad since joining Watershed Road feeling the need to turn right, despite the obvious sign pointing straight ahead with the name of the road upon which they were supposed to stay, which would then have lead them to the T-junction (which doesn’t look like a crossroad) as instructed. These may or may not be the same persons who couldn’t quite get “First left” either and managed to not find the lunch stop. I believe that next year, a trail of breadcrumbs will be laid along the route as an extra aid! The weekend’s motoring ended near Ashhurst with a visit to the rather impressive collection of petrol and tyre memorabilia belonging to Steve and Kirsty Ward. Their large paddock was set up for driving tests but the unexpectedly rough surface put off many. Of course there are always those keen for a challenge and Brad Govan with his much-travelled and mis-treated Austin 7 took the fastest time, with Mike Crehan, clearly showing little concern for the fact that later that night the Reo would have to get him to the ferry terminal and home in Nelson in time for work on Monday morning, second and the winner of the proper sized car prize. An added bonus, and a surprise even to the organiser was the afternoon tea put on for everyone. The butter chicken savouries were a particular highlight, and the lemon slice a very pleasant way to end the day’s activity. All that remained was the final dinner, prize giving and general session of telling of lies, telling tales of woe or delight depending on how the story-teller’s car had behaved. A haggis was piped in, some fellow with a Scottish accent recited an ode among the quaffing of whiskey and bits of sheep intestine dismembered. The evening ended with an auction to help pay for our dinner venue and get some funds in store for next time. Thanks were of course extended to the very generous event sponsors, the Hamilton Classics museum, and Classic Auto Repaints in Opunake. Without their contributions, the entry fee would be considerably higher, so again, Thank You! And so it ended. ANZAC weekend 2025 I’ll see you in Feilding and we will do it again, the same but very different…
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… Or sweeping curves on metalled surfaces like North Range Road in the Tararuas.
HIGHLANDS FESTIVAL OF SPEED 2024 Words Graham Taylor, photos Graham Taylor, Stuart Taylor
Perfect weather and a great track meant motoring action in the best possible way. This event is aimed to cater for classic racing machines and drivers spanning a significant time in our motoring history so generally from 1940s to the early 2000s. My main interest here is the Vintage Car Club grouping which attracted a wide variety, The earliest this year being Paul Coghill’s 1952 Jaguar Special, similar in type is Bill Cowie’s Holden single seater, Chris Read’s BCM Special, Royce Bayer’s Bello RNB1. It gets a bit confusing here as there is another Chris Read competing with a Mistral. Another similar car but quite compact was Kevin Stevenson’s Shadetree Special. There were replicas too (dual dated) also allowing people to enjoy classic vintage motoring; David Owen’s Jaguar C type, and Richard Tyree with his Lotus 23C were newcomers to Cromwell. Of a more recent type is Peter Swaney’s neat Lotus Elite.
Back again with impressive sound was the Lycoming Special driven by Sam Smith and his nephew Ethan Kemp driving the Citroen Special, and I believe his performance is quietly improving. Colin Hey was again competing with his 1958 Wolseley 1500, his comment to me was that he would like to see more saloons in this event. There is scope for some aspiring members, (could be an opportunity here for my grandson as we now have two spare A40 Farinas). The field was rounded out by husband and wife Mark and Tracey Barrett in their respective Lotus 23B and 23C. Sunday’s culmination was the final race and this soon turned out to become four players, Paul Coghill (Jaguar Special #1) Sam Smith Lycoming Special, Mark and Tracey Barrett Lotus 23B and 23C respectively. It was Mark’s turn to top the podium this year, Paul second and Tracey third. It was a pleasure to again catch up with the participants for the third time in my role as scrutineer, I feel that this group compete seriously, but are very approachable people should any reader want to know about this exciting aspect of the Vintage Car Club.
Highlands 2024: Drivers and cars.
The next event at Highlands will be in 2026 as next year it will be held at Teretonga. My son Stuart who was observing the watching crowd noted that the VCC racers were well appreciated. Again a privilege to be part of the Highlands scene it’s a great track and this was a professionally run event for all involved. Laurie Stanton, a local club member, was out front as the starting marshall, Alan Humphrey from the Luggate Volunteer Fire Brigade, another community volunteer. VCC members Greg Doran, assisted by Karelan, Murray George and myself as the local VCC marshalls.
Clerk of Course Murray George’s 3L Capri.
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Nelson: Lou & Evie McDowell leave the Arch to start the rally in their 1911 Overland.
Nelson: Geoff Neal and family at Motueka,1925 Willys Knight.
SOUTH ISLAND NATIONAL EASTER RALLY Hosted by Nelson Branch 29 – 31 March 2024 Words Mike Bryan Photos Ray Robertson If you hadn’t quite made up your mind about attending the 2026 International hosted in Nelson, you would have been sure after attending this year’s SI Easter Rally! Many people left on the Monday happy to say that they would be returning, and the Festival Director answered many enquiries about which area to stay in, with several folk going ahead and confirming bookings. Entrants started gathering at the Nelson Branch clubrooms in Richmond from midafternoon enjoying a convivial catch up over afternoon tea with most of the other 93 Rally entrants. The field included three veteran cars, 19 vintage, six PV, 32 P60, seven P80 entrants and five motorcycles. Local member, Graham Birch, had coordinated the building of an imposing archway under which Lord Nelson (Gordon Taylor) flagged the vehicles away. 1964
saw the Canterbury Branch host an Easter Rally in Motueka, the lunch destination for today. Following the ‘64 Rally, the Nelson Branch was formed so this was Nelson’s
Motueka Recreation Centre the afternoon route of 33 miles brought everyone back to the Branch clubrooms. The Waimea Club in Richmond was
60th Birthday celebration. Large commemorative rondels were fixed to the archway at the rally start. There was a choice of three rally routes. The most popular long one of 84 miles, headed south into the Golden Downs forestry then back through Tapawera including both sides of the Motueka River and Riwaka. The medium run (60 miles), also wound its way south then west from Wakefield, through forestry blocks, including parts rejuvenating after the fires five years ago. After rejoining the Motueka Valley Road at Dovedale participants crossed to the West Bank then crossed back to Ngatimoti. The short run (42 miles) kept navigators busy as it traversed the Waimea Plains then wound its way through areas of new lifestyle blocks inland from Mapua and the coastal strip. After a leisurely lunch at the
the venue for an informal get together and dinner on the Saturday evening with much chat about the day’s highlights and incidents. On Sunday everyone assembled at the Richmond Showgrounds amid sunshine for the concours, field tests and public display. This was another opportunity to relax and picnic under the shade of the trees while watching the competing vehicles. Canterbury member, Shane Backhouse in his lovely black ‘37 Packhard coupe was the concours winner, taking home the Townsend Trophy. The final night dinner and prize giving was again at the Waimea Club. A 60th Anniversary cake was cut by John Hurley, a member of the Committee in 1964. John’s car then was a 1913 Krit now housed at the Nelson Classic Car Museum. It was
RESULTS Veteran Yvonne & Dave Bell, Nelson Vintage Kevin & Ruth Mercer, Canterbury PV Shane Backhouse, Richard & Linda Topliss PW Brent & Sue Colvin, Nelson P60 Gil & Ruth Edmunds, Otago P80 Alan Geary & Ann Cary, South Canty Motorcycle Andrew Morison, Canterbury Furthest travelled overall Leon & Brenda Salt, Wellsford/Warkworth Furthest travelled South Island Bruce Marshall and Steve Randle, Winton Penzoil Trophy Canterbury team Overall Rally Winner Gill & Ruth Edmunds, Otago Nelson: SI Easter Rally, Nelson Clubrooms before rally start.
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Malcolm & Lorraine Curry’s 1959 Austin Frogeye Sprite at Langfords Store, Bainham, Golden Bay.
Nelson: 1937 Packard 115C of Shane Backhouse (was the Rally concours winner).
Nelson: SI Easter Rally. Gloria & Brian Pegg’s very original FJ Holden before start.
displayed in the restaurant foyer and was the centre piece of the evening. Also attracting much interest on the rally was the 1925 Willys Knight 70 tourer of the Neal family with three generations enjoying the trip. Owned by Harold Neal the car was entered in the 1964 rally and has been rallied extensively in its original condition ever since. Son, Geoff, accompanied by his son Andrew (my grandson) and six other family members motored it again in Motueka 60 years later. Entertainment made for a relaxing Sunday evening followed by the presentation of trophies by VCC President, George Kear. Several breakdowns brought Hard Luck prizes for David Wilkens, Wellington, and the Christies from Canterbury while the People’s Choice from the public open day, went to Nelson members Lou and Evie McDowell, in the 1911 Overland 46 Roadster. After a farewell morning tea on the Monday many headed for the discounted admission at the Nelson Classic Car Museum and a day of relaxing, before 23 vehicles took part in the Post Rally Tour to Golden Bay. It was noticeable the number of participants who chose to stay in the ‘Top of the South’ for a few additional days.
POST RALLY TOUR TO GOLDEN BAY Hosted by Nelson Branch 2 – 5 April, 2024 Words Mike Bryan Photo Ray Robertson Golden Bay has long been the ‘Top of the South’s’ best kept secret, with many people now including it in their travel itinerary. Following the National Easter Rally in Nelson, Kyra and Jim Wareing led a group of 23 vehicles over ‘the Marble Mountain’ for a relaxed four days. Gathering at the Nelson clubrooms everyone headed to Motueka, then up to Hawkes Lookout, just above the lime works, for awesome views over the karst landscape, back toward Nelson, down to the headwaters of the Riwaka and over to the Abel Tasman National Park. Lunch was at Ngarua caves where most of the party headed underground for a guided tour before continuing on to Takaka for the night. The Wareings hosted a dinner at their ‘bach’ at Ligar Bay, before most retired for an early night in anticipation of a big day on the Wednesday. They weren’t disappointed with a full range of options on offer. Most started with a visit to a private museum before travelling to the famous Waikourupupu Springs and their colourful dancing sands. Lunch
Nelson: Relaxing at Pupu Springs.
was at the Mussel Inn at Onekaka before travelling inland on the Heaphy Road, first to visit the interesting historical collections at the Rockville Museum, then to continue to the Langford’s famous old country store and museum at Bainham. Devonshire Tea was available before most returned home to Pohara via Collingwood. Next morning rain was threatening but half the group headed early to Collingwood to join Paddy Gillooly’s Farewell Spit Trip out to the lighthouse, while another local guided others through the history of Puponga including a short walk over farmland to the famous Wharariki Beach, caves and big sandhills. The heavens opened for the trip back to Collingwood and for many lunch at the Old Courthouse Cafe, but this didn’t stop anyone as we headed back to Takaka to prepare for the farewell dinner at Pohara. A great Post Rally Tour to a magic part of the country. The only non-finisher was my own Hillman Californian which returned on a trailer, its diff deciding there had been too many rough gravel roads this summer… Molesworth, Rainbow, parts of the Coast 2 Coast and now the road to Wharariki finishing it off.
Spectacular Cape Farewell on the Post Rally Tour.
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Desmond, Tour Mascot, supervising car repairs.
Day one of the NICC Tour, the tour party photographed in front of Ohakune’s big carrot.
NORTH ISLAND CLUB CAPTAIN’S TOUR 2-11 March 2024 Words Judi Harding, Wairarapa Branch Photos Cathy Clements
The North Island Club Captains’ Tour began on the afternoon of Saturday 2 March 2024 in Whanganui with a Meet and Greet of the 17 crews taking part. Entrants came from as far north as Kerikeri and as far south as Timaru, Cromwell and Dunedin. On Sunday we met at 9am for a briefing on the day’s run by Glyn Clements, North Island Club Captain. We were joined by Wanganui Branch Club Captain Rob O’Keefe with wife Linda and four other crews from the branch. We headed to SH4 before turning onto the picturesque Whanganui River Road with breathtaking views of native bush and dotted with historic sites along the way. We stopped at Jerusalem to visit St Joseph’s Church and Convent, both maintained in immaculate condition. At Pipiriki we turned towards Raetihi and a lunch stop at Ohakune. A couple of cars had some mechanical issues, with one car needing a push to start, should it have been unable to park on a strategic rise! After lunch we visited the “big carrot” for a photo and drove out to the Tangiwai Memorial. The return route took us back to Whanganui via Fields Track. The day concluded with dinner hosted by Wanganui Branch. Monday saw the longest run of the Tour and included about 35 miles of gravel road. From Whanganui we went through Fordell and on to Turakina Valley Road. A few twists and turns, some steep hills and low valleys as we made our way to Memorial Park in Taihape for a picnic lunch. Drizzly rain had persisted on and off during the morning, but we managed to keep dry for lunch. In the afternoon we headed for Napier over the Gentle Annie — a misnomer — with more steep hills, and tight corners. The scenery was amazing, with trees hugging the roadsides and spectacular views over the valleys below when winding round the hills. The hills proved too much for one car – the elegant 1922 Essex, which needed towing back to Napier and arrived at about 9pm to a rousing welcome from the rest of the tour party. It had been a long, lonely wait for Phil Kidd in the back of beyond! This was not to be the end of the tour for Phil and Coral but unfortunately it
It was apparent from the outset that everyone was there to enjoy themselves.
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was over for Linda and Andrew Judd (Horowhenua Branch) who had to withdraw. Tuesday dawned sunny in Napier. While Phil escorted the Essex back to Upper Hutt, Coral joined Glyn and Cath for the day. We made our way through Clive and Mangateretere, heading towards Waimarama Beach to the Domain Reserve and for some a walk along the beach, even a quick paddle in the shallows for the brave. Somewhat more gentle motoring that day as we headed towards Te Mata Peak for lunch. We headed back through Havelock North and through some rural roads. The gentle motoring stopped when we hit the Burma Road, a rutted gravel road, with more steep inclines, corrugations, and tight corners. We were hosted that evening by the Hawke’s Bay Branch at their clubrooms in Sandy Road. Phil Kidd drove back from Upper Hutt in his 1935 bright green Railton and arrived in time to join us during the meal Wednesday started with a free morning in Napier with some retail therapy and good coffee. Others went to see some of the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle 12 months prior. It was sobering to see the scars that remain, with much work still needed to repair infrastructure. After lunch we met at the clubrooms for the next leg to Dannevirke. We headed toward Clive and Cape Kidnappers, then on to more long rural roads that seemed to go on forever. Past the Patangata Pub and onto River Road, a few more twists and turns and we arrived into Dannevirke. After a freshen up, we headed to the Dannevirke Club where we were joined for a meal by Central Hawke’s Bay VCC Branch (CHBB) Club Captain, Lawrie Malcolmson, and wife Gloria, along with members of their branch. Thursday and more fine weather. Some members of the CHBB joined the day’s run and travelled out towards the Waihi Falls. A few entrants took the opportunity to tackle the steep track for a look at the falls. We passed through a lime works on our way to Pahiatua for lunch. Not all of us made it, with Glyn and Cath Clements’ Rover 90 succumbing to fuel pump issues. Help was close at hand by way of Ewen Duthie and Keith Heineman, who towed the car with his 1955 Austin A90 Westminster to Tui Brewery at Mangatainoka where they waited for the AA service vehicle to arrive to tow the car, with Glyn and Cath, back to home base — Kimbolton. Glyn and Cath rejoined the Tour on Friday evening. The rest of the tour party dined at Club Wairarapa and were joined by Graeme Hodder,
t Linda & Rob O’Keefe (Wanganui Branch Club Captains).
t Linda & Andrew Judd (Horowhenua) 1967 Austin Westminster.
The Dominie aircraft was there for the day at the aerodrome and doing flights.
SCENIC LAND RALLY 2024 Chairman, Wairarapa Branch. This was the last night for Clive and Penny Merry Ewan Duthie’s (South Canterbury 1955 Austin A90 Westminster at St Branch) who were Joseph’s Church heading home the Jerusalem. next morning. Friday began with a smaller number of cars. Glyn and Cathy, along with Ken and Annette Foot were in Palmerston North to attend the funeral of Manawatu Branch committee member, Rob Eason. The rest of us drove south of Masterton along rural roads to Martinborough. We headed to Cape Palliser and the lighthouse. Some brave souls climbed up the 200 plus steps to the lighthouse and a magnificent view of the southern coast. The rest of us checked out the local seal colony, keeping a safe distance. We enjoyed magnificent coastal views of a bright blue sea and towering cliffs. Lake Ferry was a picturesque lunch spot. Hot chips and a cold drink on the deck of the Hotel, overlooking Lake Onoke. From there we drove back, past Kahutara School, onto the East West Access Road to Western Lake Road, Featherston and back to Masterton via rural roads. The Manawatu contingent was back in time for Happy Hour and some award presentations at the Discovery Motel. Hard Luck Prize went to Phil and Coral Kidd, Wellington Branch. Furthest North Entrant award went to Murray and Gloria Cormack from Kerikeri, Far North Branch and Furthest South Entrant award went to Ewen Duthie, Central Otago, and his navigator Keith Heineman, Otago. Saturday began with a visit to Pointon’s Car Museum. While there, we witnessed the arrival of over 100 1933/34 Ford V8s with their shiny paintwork and noisy engines. From there we set out for Castlepoint. There were a lot less steps to navigate up to the lighthouse here! Driving back through Tinui we made our way along more long rural roads, with a bit of gravel and corrugations to keep us awake. We headed towards Palmerston North via Mangamaire and the Pahiatua Track. This was the last day of the Tour, but the remaining cars joined the Manawatu Branch the following day for the Ruahine Ramble 60th Anniversary Rally. Reluctant to end the Tour, several members met at Manawatu Branch clubrooms on Monday morning for a cuppa and final goodbyes. This was the first Club Captain’s Tour for me and my husband Ian, and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The Tour was well organised, with affordable and comfortable accommodation available. It was apparent from the outset that everyone was there to enjoy themselves. Glyn and Cathy Clements, as tour leaders, set the tone with their friendliness and inclusivity. It was also a privilege to be hosted by the Whanganui, Hawke’s Bay, and Central Hawke’s Bay Branches as we visited their areas. There were 12 VCC Branches represented on this tour. I would thoroughly recommend signing up for future tours to all VCC Members. Get out and see your country – there are a lot of roads out there to explore, scenery to enjoy and friendships to be made!
Words Zoe Gough, photos Zoe Gough, Henry Priebe
This year’s Scenicland Rally was held in Hokitika in conjunction with the 150 Years of Connection celebrations marking 150 years of Westland formally existing as a district (previously a province). There were 68 entries of which 23 were from West Coast Branch (including six motorcyclists) and the others came from rest of South Island. Many have become our regulars. We greatly appreciate this out-of-branch support. The rally commenced in Greymouth, taking in various back roads, stretches of gravel, all in perfect weather. After lunch the route took us to Lake Mahinapua, then through Hokitika. The rally ended at the Westland Industrial Heritage park, Hokitika, rally sheets were handed in and we wandered around enjoying the exhibitions and machinery on display. Kevin and Catherine Millar (Marlborough) 1930 Ford Model A roadster pickup, Pat and Elaine Knowles (West Coast) 1929 Chrysler roadster ’65 and Kevin Tucker (West Coast) 1930 Model A displayed much patience as their vehicles were lined up and photographed at the aerodrome with the Dominie. The day ended with a relaxed and companionable dinner and prize giving at the Hokitika Club. This rally took entrants on a true West Coast experience, encompassing all forms of water; ditch (waterway), dam, lakes, rivers and the Tasman sea. Along with beautiful views, mountains, bush, forests, lake shore and beach. On top of the scenery was the hospitality and friendship that the West Coast offers in abundance. It was a very very enjoyable day. Lake Kaniere provided the perfect lunch spot.
Allan Giles, West Coast Branch.
Beaded Wheels 37
SANDY BAY HILL CLIMB
David North, Triumph.
7 April 2024 Words and photos Dave North
Jeff Sewell, 1965 MG B roadster.
Derek Milne, Jaguar XK140.
“I assume the car spent most of the time sideways”
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Organised by Nelson Car Club, entries from the Vintage Car Club were invited to help fill out the field. It is probably the last hill climb to be held at Sandy Bay due to the cost and complexity of closing public roads. Future hill climbs will be held on a bypassed section of SH6 on the Whangamoas. The combination of it being the last hill climb and the previous event being cancelled due to bad weather ensured a great turnout — a combined total of 52 cars. The day dawned bright and clear and we assembled at the top of the hill. Having inherited my Triumph TR3a from my father, who bought it in 1965 and which I brought over from the UK in 2005, my knowledge of more modern cars is fairly limited. I did recognise several Ford Escorts and Capris as well as many more modern Asian cars. They all looked pretty serious — many trailered there, with full roll cages, race numbers, drivers’ names on the windows and drivers in racing overalls. We in the VCC took a more leisurely approach — mostly cotton overalls and sunglasses, although one of our drivers, Jeff Sewall, in an early MGB, dressed for the part in period white overalls, flat cap and a bow tie (not sure if it spun as he drove and provided additional propulsion but it definitely looked the part)! The VCC entrants were an eclectic bunch. The oldest were a 1955 Mercedes 190, and an XK140 with an extensive racing history. Other VCC cars included a Mini, a race prepared Spitfire, a JensenHealey, a Datsun, an MGB, a Lotus Elan and a couple more Jags, an E type and a Mark 2. Most exotic however was Jared Dacombe’s DeLorean. I have done a number of events with Jared and the amount of attention his car gets is amazing — it really strikes a Jensen-Healey at speed.
BOOK REVIEW chord with a certain section of ageing petrol heads. To be fair it is very well presented and still looks futuristic even today. The normal “hurry up and wait” at the top of the hill, a driver’s briefing and a drive down, up and down to learn the track (I think I learnt the first turn!) and we were ready. The course was quite complex and rough in places, with some fairly unforgiving drop offs en route to the summit. A place to have fun without being too serious. We had three timed runs and an optional untimed additional run. The fastest car, a Mitsubishi Mirage, completed the course in a best time of 1:29. Not sure what the top speed was as the track was quite tight but I assume the car spent most of the time sideways. Most of the VCC cars were around the two minute mark. I got beaten by the Jensen and, just, the XK140 but my best time of 2:01 beat the Mercedes and the E type among others. On the last run the E type was four seconds slower than the previous runs — I assume Gordon got lost and stopped to ask for directions! The DeLorean however was in another league. The car is very well prepared and Jared is a competent driver. His fastest time far exceeded many of the modern cars — he finished in 23rd place overall in 1:46. The day before the overdrive on my TR had stopped working. The car also has an electric fan which had also stopped working so I had several boil-overs as the day progressed. Fortunately the track wasn’t long enough for the car to seriously overheat, and had I wanted a rejuvenating cup of tea at the top of the hill there was an ample supply of hot water. Jared is the grandson of Nelson VCC stalwart Gordon and took over his garage and restoration workshop Autofocus when Gordon retired. As well as being a quick driver, Jared is a great mechanic and my normal trick of looking useless and incompetent seemed to work as he came over and, after a quick look under the instrument panel found a loose wire which, on reconnection, restored both the overdrive and the electric fan. I remembered from previous hill climbs that second and overdrive seemed the fastest way up but as it wasn’t working on the first two runs I tried staying in second for the first run, and occasionally using third on the second run. For the third run Jared had fixed the overdrive so I used second and overdrive for the third run and ended up being 0.4 seconds slower. I did however end up with the award for most consistent driver. So much for my theory. We also had the option for one extra, untimed run. Initially I wasn’t going to do it, as I’d had a great day and the car was unscathed. Tony Bowater, from a well known local family dealership going back several generations was there. I know him well having played in several bands with him, and he persuaded me to do the extra drive. “You’re here so you might as well do it”. Well, I listened to him and had a great drive but somewhere near the top had the back end of the car step out necessitating a bit of white knuckle enthusiastic correcting. I’m convinced I would have got below two minutes otherwise. Ah well, the cars are designed to be driven, no fun if you don’t have anything to talk about at the pub. I won a box of chocolates for most consistent times, however everyone in the VCC took something home to round off a fantastic day. Thanks to all the organisers, both NCC and VCC — and especially to Jared, not only for helping to organise the hill climb but also for fixing my car.
VOLVO CARS 1945-1995: A Pictorial History Trevor Alder. Published 2024 by Veloce who supplied the review copy. ISBN 978-1-845846-13-8. Approx $53 (Paper Plus). Reviewed by Mark Holman Another new title in Veloce’s growing series of pictorial histories, this compact 112 page softcover book covers the full range of Volvo cars made during a 50 year period from the end of WWII. Starting with the chunky looking PV444 and 544 models that were on the market for nearly 20 years, the book moves through the more modern-looking Amazon series and goes right up to the 850 saloons and station wagons. Along the way, we meet the Daf-influenced 66 with its radical CVT transmission system, the (to my eyes) still attractive 480ES coupé and the familiar variations on the 240, 700, 900 and 850 models. Yes, there are plenty of references to station wagons and antique dealers! As is the case with earlier volumes in the series, each model has informative text on its development, intended market and updates which is supplemented by plenty of small photos, brief technical details, instrument layout, available options and extracts from
advertising headlines such as “The steering wheel is not just for holding the airbag”- a clever reference to Volvo’s well-earned reputation for building safety features into their cars ahead of their rivals. And it’s not just dry facts; I had no idea how many countries Volvos were built in (nine in the case of the 240/260!), nor the range of motors with which they were fitted. Before the Berlin Wall came down East Germany was a major market for cars intended for state officials and there were numerous ‘special editions’ of most models. Commercial and military vehicles get a brief chapter as do various TV and movie appearances and Volvo’s major rally and racing successes (although the unexpected win in the first Wellington Street Race isn’t mentioned). This is an ideal brief, interesting reference for anyone with an interest in the Swedish marque.
Beaded Wheels Got a story to tell?
Here at Beaded Wheels we are always on the lookout for a good article for a future issue. To encourage you to put pen to paper two lucky authors or photographers per issue will win a limited edition Beaded Wheels cap. Email your articles and ideas to: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz High resolution digital photos are preferred. Please contact our Editor, Kevin Clarkson, if you wish to discuss an idea for an article. Phone 021 0270 6525 or email kevin@vcc.org.nz
Our lucky winners of the Beaded Wheels caps for this issue are Ray McCutcheon and Allen Cole.
Beaded Wheels 39
Godfrey Hall, Clement-Talbot. Harry Williamson, FN.
s Left to Rt, Alan Pearce 1906 Indian, Jim Lawry 1910 FN, Norman Hayes 1911 New Hudson, Jack Cockburn, 1912 Douglas, Bruce Dillion 1914 Douglas, Ray Millow 1912 New Hudson, J Gardiner 1910 Rover, Len Mc Kenzie 1910 Solar Villiers. This photo was first published in the Beaded Wheels number 13, page 16 in 1958.
HIDDEN TREASURE – DON ODDIE IMAGES While searching for an item in one of the three large safes at the VCC Archive, I came across an old cardboard box. Written in red, on a piece of masking tape I could make out the name Bill Piddington. The box contained approximately 190 4x5 inch large format black and white negatives, all of the photos had the name of the vehicle written on a clear protective envelope. Using a good quality dual lens scanner, which has an optical scanner in both the base and in the lid I commenced scanning. So far I have successfully scanned about 50 of the negatives, which is a slow process, scanning two at a time, in film frames. The quality of these 4x5 inch negatives is amazingly sharp. As I had never heard of this photo format before, I did some research. A large format camera is one which has a frame of 4x5 inches or more, such as 5x7, 8x10. Further reading, described the cameras as, highest quality footage and the best images around, shallow depth of field and incredible detail and focus. These cameras are still used today, for quality portrait and
landscape photography, but are expensive. From what I have scanned, I can see that the subject of the negatives is 1955 to 1961 early VCC South Canterbury events, including Mt Cook rallies, as well as early Dunedin - Brighton rallies, plus many other venues I am unfamiliar with. I was unsure if the negatives were Bill Piddington’s, so I rang Barry Barnes in Timaru and also sent him a sample of the photos. Not only did he confirm that these were Don Oddie’s photos as some have been previously published in Beaded Wheels, some on the front cover under Don Oddies Studio name. He had methodically named all the people and cars in the 12 photos I sent him. Barry has also been a great help naming the venues of the photos. Don Oddie was a South Canterbury Branch foundation member and owned a successful photography business in Stafford St, Timaru, and was the second Chairman of the South Canterbury Branch. His photos are a great quality record of the Club’s early activities.
ARCHIVIST NEWS Don Muller Archivist archivist@ vcc.org.nz Ph 03 385 6850
40 Beaded Wheels
The group of motorcycles was taken at Brighton 1958, the first year that motorcycles were eligible for the Dunedin Brighton event. — I received an email from Neville Grant of Marlborough Branch enquiring if I had any information about casting numbers, on engine blocks. A while ago, they had a large fire which destroyed their parts shed and burning all the labels that identified the engines etc. He was hoping to find a reference source, either a URL or a hard copy book of casting numbers that appear on engines to help Identify them. There is lot of 1970-80s Ford and Chevrolet information on the Internet, but other makes are hard to find. If anyone can help with this, please give me a call and I will pass it on to Neville.
brand school exercise book. There was no letter or note identifying who had sent it. The book contained an interesting 20 page hand written story written by a young person, who accompanied their parents (no names mentioned) in 1939-40 from Napier to Tauranga via Waikaremoana, Whakatane and Rotorua and return. It was a nice detailed story. It is always nice to know the history of any donated items. If you sent this to the Archive, could you please contact me. ▼ Last issue’s Archivist News discussed the Dykes Encyclopedia, below the image of the volume with and without the cover.
— Recently at the Archive I received by mail, a Classic
Our club archive is located at the VCCNZ National Office in Christchurch and is open to visitors on Friday mornings. It contains a wealth of historic material, a lot of which has been digitised. It is well worth a visit or if you have any queries do get in contact with our archivist Don Muller phone 03 385 6850 or archivist@vcc.org.nz.
MARKET PLACE Terms and conditions CLASSIFIED RATES Classified advertisements are limited to 45 words including contact details. Advertisers requiring advertisements longer than the standard 45 words, or who require typography or space, must apply display rates. The advertising department reserves the right to edit or return classifieds not meeting the criteria. All classified rates include GST Member of Vintage Car Club: No charge for text or photo classified advertising. Members must be financial and identify their Branch. Limited to one free advertisement per issue. Maximum insertion of the same advertisement in up to three issues (must be resubmitted for each issue). Advertisements of a commercial nature are not eligible for free advertising. Non-member: $25 for first 45 words or part thereof. Text in a Boxed Ad: $30 non-members* Colour Photo Ad in Box: $60 non-members, enclose a clear photo and an SAE if return required.* Advertisements should be typed or clearly printed or submitted through vcc.org.nz/beadedwheels. Advertising Email address: beadedwheels@ vcc.org.nz Advert and Payment: to arrive not later than 10th of month preceding publication. Payment by Credit card or Internet banking (for Internet banking details email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz). DISPLAY RATES* (gst exclusive) Casual (per issue) 3 Issues (per issue) Full Page $976 $780 Half Page $530 $425 Horizontal ¼ Page $295 $234 All display rates quoted exclude GST and are for finished digital artwork supplied. Artwork can be arranged at an extra charge. Deadline for copy 10th of month preceding publication. Beaded Wheels will consider articles of a technical nature for inclusion in its editorial space. Beaded Wheels however regrets that it is not able to offer editorial space for advertisements nor for the promotion of products. Marketplace advertising cancellations received in writing prior to advertising deadline will be refunded in full. Where possible Beaded Wheels will refund 70% of the advertisement cost for any cancellations received after the booking deadline. *Payment by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing charge of 4% Beaded Wheels makes every effort to ensure no misleading claims are made by advertisers, responsibility cannot be accepted by Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) for the failure of any product or service to give satisfaction. Inclusion of a product or service should not be construed as endorsement of it by Beaded Wheels or by the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.). No liability can be accepted for non-appearance of advertisements and the text of all advertisements is subject to the approval of the editor who reserves the right to refuse any advertisements which are not compatible with the aims, objectives, and standards of Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) In accordance with the provisions of the Human Rights Commission Act 1977 Beaded Wheels will not publish any advertisement which indicates or could reasonably be understood as indicating an intention to discriminate by reason of sex, marital status, religious or ethical beliefs. Advertisers should take all care in drafting advertisements as they could be held liable, as well as Beaded Wheels and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.).
FOR SALE LUCAS FOG/DRIVING LIGHTS 1950S ( #FT58/2) mint condition 6.5” diameter, chromed, complete, $250 pair. Lucus headlight shells only (#MB148), 8” diameter, chromed, average condition. $50 the pair. Smiths 3” car clock, 1930s, excellent condition, original hands and face, now stand alone battery powered. $50. For photos and info contact ron.elton@kinect.co.nz. MEM BAY OF PLENTY CARBURETTOR RECONDITIONING including classic and performance makes. 40 plus years trade experience. Free advice. Contact Graeme Tulloch, Tulmac Carburettor Specialists on 027 612 2312 or (Levin) 06 368 2202 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 CHEV S/B 327 D/BUMP CYL HEADS $1200. PR Aeroflow inlet manifold as new $275. Mallory distributor $120. 600 Holley carb $220. Ph 027 696 2965. MEM WEST COAST 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 BUICK 1937 REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY. Complete brakes and springs etc. Two 1937 front fenders with valances. Good and solid. Not well type. Offers Phone 07 362 8075. MEM ROTORUA 1947 MERCURY COUPE. Dark green in colour, older restoration in 1984. Runs well with a few modifications that make it more reliable. MSD ignition, Electric fuel pump, New distributor, reconditioned carburettor, and new fuel tank. WoF and Rego. $60,000 ono. Ph 07 543 3332, kerik.k@slingshot.co.nz. MEM BAY OF PLENTY
DAIMLER CONQUEST car for free or will go to scrap. Phone for details 027 308 7777 or 09 296 6258. MEM AUCKLAND 1952 MORRIS MINOR CONVERTIBLE, c urrently stripped completely and is now ready for a rebuild... All the vehicle is there with some spare parts, namely the original motor and gearbox, wheels and other parts. Comes with a later model motor, gearbox and diff. A new hood and wiring loom is also provided for. This offer comes as a complete package deal, no breaking up. Any inquiries with genuine interest please ring Bill 027 451 2408. MEM HOROWHENUA DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS We can alter or make driveshafts with fabric components to take modern universal joints and yokes, as well as performing dynamic balancing. We also carry a large range of driveshaft components for cars, trucks, industrial and marine. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz 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
TWO TRIUMPH HERALD WHEELS AND TYRES , 4 stud, Kumo steel belt radials, 175/70 R13 82T. Good tread. $50.00 Two Singer Junior disc wheels and tyres. 4 stud. Tyres in poor condition, 3.5/4.0 x 19. $50. Ph Graham 07 888 0009/021 280 1586 MEM WAIKATO 1989 TOYOTA CORONA TWIN CAM 2 LITRE GLXI. 5 speed manual 2 owners. Mint condition just had new cam belt, alternator belt,water pump, fuel filter, distributor seals, front pads and flush, tyres like new, battery, windscreen, rego and WoF current. owes me $6800. reasonable offers considered. Ph Ivan 027 434 2859 MEM CANTERBURY 1970 MGB GT. Wire wheels, overdrive. Body and mechanically sound. Some spares available, $10,000. Phone 03 574 2077. MEM MARLBOROUGH
1934 BUICK 8 SERIES 50 f or sale. Also veteran Overland parts. Ph Barry Dewar 027 241 0624. MEM OTAGO PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS HONDA CRANKSHAFTS: X R500, XL174K1, XL125, CG110-125, XL125 engine minus head and cylinder. Honda CB175 RH camshaft bearing NOS. Suzuki TF185 crankshaft assy. TF185 gearbox cluster. Yamaha RX125 gearbox gear cluster. Triumph GT, 8 stud cylinder has cracked sleeve. Sensible offers. Ph or text 027 201 8996. MEM MARLBOROUGH PENRITE ENGINE COOLANT A colourless hybrid-organic non glycol based corrosion inhibitor designed specifically for use in Veteran, Edwardian, Vintage and Classic Car cooling systems. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz
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 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 Beaded Wheels 41
1935 CHRYSLER CONVERTIBLE. This car has been in storage and needs a loving home. It is in very original condition and would make a great project. The registration has lapsed. Expecting $30,000. Steve 027 435 7123, grant-family@xtra.co.nz
1953 ALVIS TC21 s ubject to an extensive restoration in the early 1990s and is in very good mechanical condition. The engine is uprated to 100hp, high ratio rear differential. $18,500. Ph George, ChCh, 027 925 0117, email george.nimmo@xtra.co.nz MEM CANTERBURY
TYRES. FOUR BRAND NEW 550 x 19 Lucas tyres. $1,900. Phone Kevin 021 765 860 or email kandmbeesley@outlook.com MEM WAITEMATA
1929 STUDEBAKER COMMANDER. R estoration project complete. Dry stored since and last registered in 1963. Comes with six new tyres and lots of extras. $12,500 ono. Contact John 027 682 4142. Located North Shore Auckland
1912 OVERLAND DOCTORS COUPE is an exact copy of an original Doctors Coupe built on a standard Overland Model 59 to an excellent standard. All mechanical rebuild. Available in Australia, $70,000. Further info contact Bill 03 688 6750, 027 226 5811.
1942 WLD HARLEY-DAVIDSON 750CC. E x NZCM display bike. Restored 2016. WLD 42 plate. Very rare, pre WWII sports model. High compression, large fin aluminium heads. 4.50 × 18 white wall tyres, front and rear crashbars. Low mileage, very nice condition. POA. Ph 021 146 0578, rjbullock38@gmail.com MEM NELSON
1961 AUSTIN HEALEY SPRITE MKII A reliable and good runner owned for 10 years. It arrived from USA in 1967 with current 1098cc engine. Suspension and brakes renewed, hood and tonneau cover in good condition. Comes with workshop manual. Mainly used for club rallies. Current WoF and reg. $18,750 ono. Ph 021 128 9211. MEM HOROWHENUA
CHEVROLET CAPITOL, 1926, 83,000 miles car has been in storage for many years. Recently recond engine (Murray Horn, Levin) runs well. WoF & Rego. An unrestored very original car having only two Marlborough family owners, ”a car with history”. A large quantity of spare parts are included $15,000. Ph 022 156 7890 or 021 129 9133. MEM MARLBOROUGH
HONDA MVX 250F This rare machine is in outstanding condition. Engine and gearbox professionally rebuilt using numerous new parts inc: pistons, head gaskets, clutch plates, 3rd and 6th gear countershafts, selector fork, battery, and replated cylinders. pelwellsutton@fastmail.fm or text 021 111 7573. MEM WEST COAST
1964 DAIMLER SP250 2 .5L V8 engine, fibreglass 1955 MG TF 1500. Deep red. Have owned for 38+ body. English white, black soft top, red upholstery, years, enjoyed and well travelled. In very good wire wheels. Beautiful condition, much admired condition, and always well maintained. Excellent car. 2023 Show winner. WoF & rego. History interior and very tidy exterior. Runs smoothly, available. Located in Tauranga. Info/photos ph keeping up with present day traffic. $49,000. Contact Bronwyn 021 131 6980, imbmw42@gmail.com Gordon 027 492 3521 or 07 843 4542. MEM WAIKATO MEM BAY OF PLENTY
1963 DAIMLER V8 MK 2. Service and restoration receipts since 1997. Upholstery and woodwork replaced. Transmission converted to manual four speed with overdrive. Hydraulic power steering installed. All work certified. Carburettors rebuilt. Electronic ignition. Backing camera. $20,000. Phone Ray 027 264 6305. MEM NORTH SHORE
42 Beaded Wheels
VETERAN & VINTAGE CAR AUCTION
SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2024 575 Waimumu Road, Gore On account of Susan and the late Robin Dickson Catalogue available closer to the date via Auction website For all vehicle & parts enquiries contact Paul 027 210 4131 LOT 1
1910 Ford Model T Tourabout
LOT 2
1909 Maxwell
LOT 3
1924/25 Oakland & Parts
LOT 4
1922 Ford Model T Coupe
LOT 5
1930 Hudson & Parts
LOT 6
1910 Ford Model T Project
LOT 7
1917 Dodge Project
LOT 8
1918 Ford Model T Roadster (Has later year engine)
LOT 9
1926 Ford Model T Project
LOT 10 1911 Overland Project LOT 11 1912/13 Overland Project LOT 12 1914 Overland Touring LOT 13 1914 Ford Model T Roadster Project
LOT 14 1911 Ford Model T Touring Project LOT 15 1918 Chevrolet 490 Touring (Have bill of sale) LOT 16 1907 Cadillac Model G Project LOT 17 1924 Buick 4 Touring & Parts (Dead Plates) LOT 18 1909 Reo & Parts LOT 19 1912 Ford Model T Touring Project LOT 20 1911 Ford Model T Touring LOT 21 1922 Ford Model T Coupe
LOT 22 1915 Cadillac Touring LOT 23 1920 Ford Model T Coupe LOT 24 1922 Ford Model T Touring Project LOT 25 1909/10 Ford Model T Project LOT 26 1915 Cadillac Project LOT 27 1902 Rambler & chassis (Dead plates, known history since 1949) In addition we have many surplus VINTAGE AND VETERAN PARTS that will be auctioned after the vehicle lots are completed.
Auction conducted by William Todd & Co (2011) Ltd www.williamtoddauctions.co.nz 1937-39 DODGE BODY and mechanical parts new and used. Completely reconditioned 230 Dodge motor. Ph Peter 027 526 9170. MEM GORE VEHICLES OF INTEREST Marketed by Rushmore Motors. (Most Reg & WoF): 1909 Swift. 1927 Rugby Sedan. 1928 Erskine. 1929 Chrysler 70 Sedan. 1930 Model A Tudor. 1931 Model A Raceabout. 1935 Railton. 1937 Bedford Truck. 1937 Nash. 1951 Buick Riviera. 1951 Daimler. 1954 Citroen Light. 1957 Mk7 Jag. 1980 XJS Jag. 1987 Ford Falcon. 1989 Alfa Romeo. 1994 V12 Daimler. Vintage (repro) handmade pedal cars. 1936 AUSTIN 10/4 SHERBORNE SALOON. This car has had much renovation work completed. All panel beating has been completed, the car repainted, although there are a couple of small bridges at the back which will need to be attended to. The seats have been re-upholstered. Door panels, carpet, outside roof, and inside headlining will need to be attended to. A worthy project for someone who does not wish to do a lot of work on a car to finish it off. I have too many cars and not enough time to spend on finishing restoring this one. Make me an offer. Phone 027 283 0000 or email: ian@ maxtaitlaw.co.nz MEM WELLINGTON. FORD 1938 FRONT AXLE complete with wheels, brakes hub caps. Has been under a farm trailer. Offers? Also two Vauxhall wheels and 2x B M C 1100 wheels, make an offer. Ph 0274 294 564. MEM BANKS PENINSULA
1934 VAUXHALL ASX. $32,000 Fully restored. Synchro gearbox. Spares. Good motor and gearbox. WoF & Rego. Excellent upholstery. Drives very well. Excellent chrome-work. Beautiful vehicle. Location Richmond Nelson. Marketed by Rushmore Motors.
1966 WHITE MORRIS 1000 TRAVELLER OR ‘WOODY’. D atsun 1200cc engine with automatic gearbox & disc brakes. Restored woodwork. WoF, six month rego, new battery. Original engine still here if buyer wants it. $13,000 Ph Graham on 027 842 8091 or grahambates11@gmail.com Timaru
1924 FORD MODEL T TOURER. R eg & WoF. Runs/ drives well. Electric start 12V. Ruckstell diff. Full set of side curtains & tonneau cover. Well used club car. Older restoration but still looks good. Possible trade for Model A or similar vintage car. $23,000 ono Contact Graham 021 280 1586, 07 888 0009. MEM WAIKATO
A UNIQUE WIDE BODIED TOURER BY GRIFFIN in good condition after a 1950s restoration. Same family ownership since 1965 with recent engine overhaul new hood, wheels and radiator core. A very capable motor car. Front wind-up windows. Full enclosed hood. FIVA certificate, VIC. $350,000. PH 021 671 721
Beaded Wheels 43
MARKET PLACE
1939 CHEV 2 DOOR SEDAN C omplete wheels up restoration 2010. NZ new, rare 1939. Fully restored to original condition. Seats 6 plenty of room. Dark metallic blue, radial tyres, used frequently. Current Rego & WoF. $45,000. Ph Brian 021 943 734. Text for pics. MEM WAIKATO
1938 CHEVROLET COUPE L ittle use since full 1982 VW SCIROCCO GL/GTI NZ New, original car. restoration beautifully presented great Art New WoF and Rego. 1600cc fuel injected with 5 Deco vehicle. selling our late father’s pride and speed manual transmission. Four owners, great joy. Contact Robert for further details 021 757 215. car for short and long runs. Very tidy, absolute rust free. Trade possible. Ph Karl 027 561 2351, MEM HAWKE’S BAY karl.stapro@xtra.co.nz MEM WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH
FIAT TOPOLINO 1929 $15,000ono 500cc four cylinder (engine seized), panel work good condition, 5 wheels sand blasted & painted, new tyres fitted. Rego AUA220 (on hold). Suicide doors. A great project car – currently located Gisborne. Ph 027 454 8731 Text preferred
TRACTORS AND COLLECTABLES AUCTION FIRE ENGINES AUCTION 11am Saturday 11am Saturday 24th August, 2024 21st September, 2024. Fire Engines and Photos/Info: www.jwauctions.co.nz John Walker, Collectables. Photos/Info: www,jwauctions.co.nz John Walker, Auctioneer 027 443 2525 Auctioneer 027 443 2525
1964 MORRIS COOPER S 1275cc. New NZ car. Continuous registration from new. Ground up restoration completed 2008. All mechanics overhauled and car is built, and detailed correct to the 1964 build sheet. Has heritage certificate and all NZ ownership records from new. Some mechanics upgraded for reliability and performance. WoF & Reg. $78,000. Ph 027 443 1184, quinandquin@gmail.com MEM WANGANUI
VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ halogen bulbs. Replace your existing bulbs without rewiring the headlamp assemblies. Up to 100% brighter than your existing Tungsten bulbs. Will fit most reflectors fitted to Pre & Post war cars and motorbikes. Also available in single filament 55 watt P22 & BA15 bases for use in spotlamps and mechanical dip reflectors. Most bases and configurations available in 6v & 12v. Further info: Norm & Jan Sisson, sole NZ Agent. Phone 027 311 6563, Amuri Motorcycles, 2C Birmingham Drive, Christchurch. Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz
ESTATE AUCTION BLENHEIM
ESTATE AUCTION BLENHEIM
ESTATE AUCTION BLENHEIM
1904 FOWLER CLASS B5 NO 99812 TRACTION ENGINE 11am Saturday 20th July, 2024 Photos and Information: www.jwauctions.co.nz John Walker, Auctioneer 027 443 2525
1923 OVERLAND CARAVAN 92 car. 11am Saturday 20th July, 2024 Photos and Information: www.jwauctions.co.nz John Walker, Auctioneer 027 443 2525
1920 s CASE 15/27 Rare tractor (with East/ West Motor). 11am Saturday 20th July, 2024 Photos and Information: www.jwauctions.co.nz John Walker, Auctioneer 027 443 2525
44 Beaded Wheels
BEDFORD DORMOBILE FREEWAY CAMPER. Complete restoration and upgrade to Holden 3.8V6 engine, disc brakes all round, 3.2:1 Ford diff all LVV certified. Solar panel/inverter, new upholstery, central locking, re-rust proofed, new shocks, new seals, new lots of things. Drives and looks great. Ph 022 186 2559, MCADVNZ@gmail. com MEM EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY
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 RUSHMORE MOTORS LTD can market your Veteran, Vintage or Classic car immediately. We have great success with most makes and listing a vehicle is completely free. We hold a huge database of prospective buyers and we endeavour to match sellers with buyers. If you have an unused vehicle sitting in your garage and would like your bank balance considerably enhanced, give us a call on 027 2245 045 inc a/h. rushmoremotors@xtra.co.nz
1952 AUSTIN A40 DEVON Eng & gearbox fully re-conditioned along with spare engine and 1937 AUSTIN 7 RUBY T his car was restored by gearbox, many other items. Bumpers and hub Classic Auto Restoration Services Lower Hutt and caps re-chromed, minor panel work needed. registered with unique plates JD1937 in October View by appointment. Open to reasonable offers. 1979. 4 owners and done 24000 miles. I’ve owned Contact S Driver ph 027 494 9905, driver.s@xtra. car since May 2016. WoF & rego. Offers. Ph David 027 211 9941, Treescapefarm@outlook.com co.nz MEM AUCKLAND
Looking for Vehicle Parts? Motors, gearboxes, carbs, panels, wheels, accessories, miscellaneous and more. What do you need for your restoration? Contact Marlborough Branch. we have sheds full of used parts. email: tandhwin@xtra.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, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz
1929 DODGE SENIOR SIX. F ully restored and original apart from a few modern conveniences such as electronic ignition module inside distributor and LED light bulbs all around. 4,974 miles since rebuild. Current WoF and rego. Phone Ian 021 663 559.
1965 JAGUAR 3.4 M OD Very good condition. Receipts. Recent engine, P/S, full brake overhaul, partial panel and paint, front seats reupholstered, new seatbelts, some new chrome, new wire wheels. Beautiful in opalescent pale blue and navy trim. Sublime to drive. $48k peterinpuahue@ gmail.com 027 932 0624. MEM WAIKATO
VINTAGE TRUNKS made to order or stock TWIN CARB SET UP FOR BMC - A SERIES 1982 MITSUBISHI STARION GX. 2 .0L non turbo sizes. Dust proof and waterproof. Phone MOTOR ( ie A40 Farina, Morris 1000 etc). Also version, 5 speed manual gearbox. Recent repaint Allan 06 844 3959 or 0274 469 331 Napier, old Westinghouse battery charger 12v + 6v. and overhauled motor, detailed engine bay, new Reasonable offers please. Ph Robert 027 444 1333. tyres. Very original interior. Overall very good acjones760@gmail.com MEM condition and drives well. WoF & Rego. Asking MEM HOROWHENUA $20,000 ono. Contact Paul at greads@xtra.co.nz or ph 027 324 0787. MEM CANTERBURY
FLASHER SWITCH MARK 2 JAGUAR Lucas #54336444 Model 85. $150 plus postage. Contact number 027 444 4537. M EM MARLBOROUGH
1928 MODEL A FORD ROADSTER. $ 43,000. Excellent vehicle. Reconditioned motor. Drives extremely well. Good tyres and brakes, Converted to 12 volt. Rumble seat. Starts well like all Model As. Reg & WoF. Fitted with an alternator, otherwise very original. Always garaged and covered with a TOWBAR TO FIT MODEL A. Used only for bikes. car cover. Location South of Hamilton. Marketed $95ono. Ph 021 423 453, ppbutlernz@outlook.com by Rushmore Motors. MEM BAY OF PLENTY
1954 AUSTIN A30 2 nd owner. 62,000 miles, tidy condition. Has been repainted ‘80s. WoF & Rego. Spare complete 803 motor. Needs new carpets and door trim. $4,800ono. Ph Brian 027 436 1931, tubesdunlop@gmail.com MEM NORTH OTAGO
Beaded Wheels 45
MARKET PLACE
1937 MG VA SALOON, o ne of three in NZ. Owned 1968 FORD F100 RANGER T400 360 V8 engine 42 years, total rebuild. New back axles, all chrome 109,150 miles. P Plate 68F100 3 speed column done, engine and gear box rebuilt. Road wheels change. Left hand drive, Original condition inside rebuilt with stronger type english spokes. New and out. Overdrive, twin fuel tanks, overload front tyres ex USA. Leather seats. Reg & WoF. springs. Original build sheet from factory. WoF $32,000. Ph 03 473 7585. MEM OTAGO and Rego. Has VIC. $55,000 firm. Ph 021 062 2132. MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY
1937 GRAHAM CRUSADER. Restored to original condition. Only 2nd owner. Owned for over 50 years. Reconditioned and balanced motor. Rego on hold. Many spares. More photos on request. Price by negotiation. For more info contact Graeme on 021 962253 or email gndawson47@gmail.com MEM NORTHLAND
TWO TYRES 600-650-17inch Dunlop Fort never been on the road been stored indoors have been around for many years. Trevor Begg ph 027 608 3803 trevor.begg@xtra.co.nz MEM ASHBURTON
MODEL A FORD SHOCK ABSORBERS New Zealand made, as original. The latest manufacture now available. Arms and all connecting parts as required. Phone Jack 03 352 6672, 0274 322 041 Christchurch. M EM CANTERBURY
1934 MORRIS MINOR COMPLETE AND ORIGINAL. Restoration project for great little car. Dry stored since 1980. Last registered 1966. Contact Phillip Ph. 06 867 7359 or plcook@xtra.co.nz. $1,500 ono. MEM GISBORNE
1939 CHEVROLET 4 door sedan. Dark maroon colour, immaculate condition. 235 cubic inch Blue Flame motor. Professionally restored from ground up. Original ownership papers available. $43,000. Contact David Tylee ph 06 357 0497 after 6pm or mobile 021 0249 5921. MEM MANAWATU
THE MOTOR MAGAZINE & AUTO CAR MAGAZINES A collection of over 60 assorted dates from 1931/32 to 1960/70 all in excellent order and have been dry stored and looked after also Sport Car World, Practical Motorist and Modern Motor 1950/60 magazines over 90 available. Ph Colin 021 131 6699. MEM TARANAKI
BSA B33 1952 T his bike has done 41,500 miles since being restored some years ago. It has been rallied throughout New Zealand and is still in very good condition with the magneto being overhauled two years ago. It has current WoF & Rego. $8,500 ono. Contact Peter 027 491 3387 or paspiller@xtra.co.nz. MEM WAIKATO
1936 FORD COUPE O ffered for tender. Very tidy and original condition. Current WoF & Rego. Recently restored after 40 years in storage. Owned for 60 years. More info contact Grant 021 347 616 or grantmarra@gmail.com MEM CANTERBURY
VETERAN PARTS gas headlights, steel, brass, alloy, mirrors and burners in some, good condition, mounting forks, brass oilers, priming cups, kero tail lights, Bosch ZR6 mag. Ph 07 348 4227. MEM ROTORUA
1934 COMPLETE REAR END AND FRONT complete ex spring. Middle brake assembly. Five 17” wire wheels and tyres in good order. C4 motor and box and rad. Steering box. Inc rear wheel surround and cover, all sold together. Motor new rings bearing years ago. Ph 027 495 0916, markblack@orcon.net.nz
46 Beaded Wheels
MARKET PLACE
WANTED 1929 BUICK MARQUETTE, w anting to buy small interior locking snibs. Also interested in any other parts available for throttle control lever off bottom steering column. Ph 022 399 7911, to gjcgturner@ gmail.com MEM OTAGO
1935 CHEV SEDAN. $27,000. 80hp 6 cylinder Restored in the 1990s. Model EA. Sold with WoF & Rego. Location Invercargill. Marketed by Rushmore Motors.
ALVIS SPEED 20 BLOCK WANTED. 1935 Alvis Speed 20 (SC or SD) engine block. 6cyl, 73mm bore x 110mm stroke. Believed to also be the same as 1936 Crested Eagle TF or TG. If you have one, or suggestions of someone who might have one, please contact me. Roger Oakley roger.oakley@ stantec.com or 027 440 1070. COMPLETE REAR AXLE o f a Morris 8 Series 1 wanted. Preferably in the North Island. Ph Henk 027 208 2993. MEM CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY
WANTED - DUCATI DIANA rear brake plate/ hub/wheel. Ph Dave North, Nelson 021 167 8887, dnassoc@hotmail.com MEM NELSON TYRES WANTED 5.00 X 525 4 PLY X 16. Four required. Good condition and suitable for a WoF. Also parts for a 1947 Morris 10. Ph Trevor 027 4558 201, 03 4558 201. South Island only. MEM OTAGO
DIFF HEAD OR REAR AXLE WANTED. MOWOG (Austin, Morris, MG, Riley etc) 11/43, 10 bolt. Also wanted MG B pre-1967 suitable for parts. Ph/text MY 1950 ENFIELD BASKET CASE i s missing wheels. Peter 027 332 6874 or email amisfieldbay@gmail. I need a double sided 6” brake front. I have the com. MEM OTAGO brake assemblies and wonder if the wheel has WOODEN WHEELS m ade for your metal work. Steam-bent felloes, any shape spokes. Ph Vern Jensen 06 323 3868, 16 Osborne Terrace, Feilding, gransuz16@gmail.com MEM MANAWATU
MOTORCYCLE 6 OR 7 INCH BRAKE DRUM half been sitting, built, for many years, in a workshop hub rear wheel or just hub and brake plate. waiting for someone to collect it! Either way if Wayne 07-8637232 or pam.wayne.c@gmail.com you have one of these in any state I’m interested. Likewise a period rear wheel or just a hub. Phone MEM BAY OF PLENTY David 06 835 9492 dirgeandsal@orcon.net.nz OLD NEW ZEALAND REGISTRATION PLATES MEM HAWKE’S BAY WANTED to complete my collection. Phone Peter 0274915566 or email paseaton7@outlook.com PREWAR TYPE 8” LUCAS MOTORCYCLE HEADLIGHT WANTED with switch panel in any MEM BAY OF PLENTY condition, and a prewar Lucas clockwise magdyno, PARTS FOR 1929 GRAHAM PAIGE 612 Needing both to suit a 1939 Norton ES2. Contact Ben multiple parts to finish restoration. Anything Creemers 021 575 356 or b.f.creemers@gmail.com considered. Advice welcome. Some parts available to swap/sell. Ph: Gordon 027 555 0263 email: gordonsouness@gmail.com RESTORING 1929 BSA MODEL B29 250SV.
1910 DARRACQ 14/16 S ee full listing on TradeMe. Requiring too many small parts to list also rear Ph 027 430 3010, countdefeld@gmail.com mudguard and stays and number plate bracket. What have you. Also service manual appreciated. MEM NORTH SHORE Ph Bruce 03 732 7060, email gen4use@gmail.com MEM WEST COAST SUZUKI TS185 PARTS WANTED f or Suzuki TS185 RENAULT FUEGO GTX 2.0 LITRE I am wanting 1974. This year is the L Model but parts from 1973 to purchase a transmission ECU computer to 1977 TS 185 can be suitable as well. Phone for my 1984 Renault Fuego. New or used all Simon 0274 410 035 or email si.fraser@xtra.co.nz options considered. Ph Ross Davies 021 418 420, MEM CANTERBURY rosco@kapiti.co.nz
MEM AUCKLAND 1934 CHRYSLER CA, f ully restored. Price $70,000 negotiable. Owner going overseas. Fully restored. Phone 0274 354 811. 1923/1924 MORRIS LEON BOLLEE. E ngine, drive shaft, axles and radiator. Engine seized and without head. Enquiries to: Arold Van Zon: 0272 765 336. North Shore Vintage Car Club. Price: donation to branch. DODGE AXLES. D on’t fit my Desoto K but could be Dodge fast Four, Spline dia. 1.32 x 10.2 off. $60 each. Ph 021 565 688. MEM CANTERBURY
PANTHER PARTS WANTED S earching for a Smiths speedo as per photo. Body is 3¼” OD. For use on a Panther motorcycle but I’m told a car one will do the job. And still looking for an M95 petrol tank with cutaway bottom section, Enfield 8” half hub rear wheel and top pivot Burman BAP or BAP-H gearbox or parts. David Broadhead 021 324 762 dbroadhe@xtra.co.nz MEM AUCKLAND
JAEGER OR SMITHS TACHOMETER or parts of to match the speedo and clock in these photos. It is 41⁄ 16 inches or 1004 mm across the bezel. I would consider any condition if I can get the parts I need from it to repair the one I have. Ph Bruce 027 246 9899 or 06 876 6161 or mcbruce1951@gmail.com
MEM HAWKE’S BAY
Beaded Wheels 47
SWAP MEETS & RALLIES
All vehicles entered in National And International Rallies must hold a current VehicIe Identity Card (VIC).
1 7 t h N AT I O N A L
MODEL ARally FORD 23-28 FEBRUARY 2025 Rally based at Copthorne Solway Hotel and Solway Showgrounds, Masterton, Wairarapa. To receive newsletters and make an ‘Early-bird’ registration ($40), contact Martin Rees on email: nimafc.secretary@gmail.com Registration document available August 2024. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:
www.modelafordclub.co.nz MASTERTON
11th, 12th and 13th October 2024 McLeans Island Road, Christchurch Entry $10.00 any or all days Children FREE NO DOGS ALLOWED
www.canterburybranchvintagecarclub.org.nz
48 Beaded Wheels
AWAT U
BRANCH
AALL N TTHH NATTIIO N O A N 9 229
E L C Y C R MOTO Y RJAanLuLary 2025 7
25-2
7th N
HOSTE
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BASED IN
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25 – 28 October 2024 Entry Forms available July 2024 Entries Close 27 September 2024 National Rally Based out of Manawatu Branch Clubrooms Palmerston North
Followed by 4 days of Hub Tours 28 – 31 January
Entry Forms out in July 2024
Rally Secretary: Wanda Kent 027 440 1621 Email: commercialrally2024@gmail.com
Early Accommodation Booking Essential
Book now to get the word out about your next big event. Advertisement bookings deadlines for our next two issues are 10 July for August/September issue 10 September for October/November issue Phone 03 332 3531 Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz
HAWKE’S BAY VINTAGE CAR CLUB
65TH ANNIVERSARY RALLY 22ND TO 24TH NOVEMBER 2024 Contact Rally Secretary at hbvcc65@gmail.com Entry Forms available end of August Beaded Wheels 49
TRADE DIRECTORY
Repairers and Restorers of Vintage and Classic Instruments Speedo Cables repaired or made new to order 13 Fleming Street, Onehunga, Auckland
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Specialist in restoration of Vintage and Classic cars and motorcycles
We Specialise In • Custom Made Spokes • Speedway Wheels Rim and Frame Lining • Wheel Building & Truing • Complete Wheel Restoration
Vintage – Classic – Modern Craig & Debbie Hambling
Phone 06 324 8345
EMAIL stephen_winteringham@hotmail.com
FREEPHONE 0800 862 476
www.classicchrome.co.nz
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Full reconditioning service Carburettor body, re-bushing and shafts supplied. Specialising in Weber, Holley, SU, Stormberg, etc
40 YEARS TRADE EXPERIENCE Contact: GRAEME TULLOCH Ph: 027 612 2312 or 06 368 2202 Email: tullochfamily@xtra.co.nz ı tulmac.co.nz
FREE ADVICE
MARLBOROUGH MAGNETOS
Mobile 027 231 7864 410 Green Road, RD 6, Palmerston North Day or Night
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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NEW ZEALAND
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Coil Only service for DIY assembly
Magdyno and Maglita units restored
Curiosities investigated
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Contact Paul Radmall at paul@magnetos.co.nz 50 Beaded Wheels
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LATEST CLUB INFORMATION
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE As I write this report the Highland Fling event in Palmerston North is being run. My phone keeps lighting up with the many reports being posted to our facebook page. This type of event is growing in popularity and the exposure the club is getting from it is all positive. Facebook is a great way for us to share our travels with other members but it is also a great way to gain overall exposure for the club. The North Shore branch open day post with the drone footage from above really showed off what we have to offer. I encourage all you tech savvy phone users to post away on any events that you participate in.
our relationship with Vero is more and more important to us. Can I please encourage you to look at your current insurance arrangements and if not with Vero please give them a chance. The classic car policy they offer our club was designed by us and is quite different from others in the market, so when looking at pricing, be sure that you are comparing apples with apples. While our national club gets funding and sponsorship from Vero, a commission is also paid to your branch, keeping the funds local. It’s not just your car policy that benefits the club but also any house or contents policies as well.
While we have gone the past two years without a Secretary/ Treasurer we must thank Murray Trounson for the work he has completed on top of his Management position role. Linda Duffell our Office Administrator, being an accountant, has done an excellent job of keeping our expenses within budget. Nominations for Management Committee positions are open at present with the current team all standing again but it would be great to fill the Secretary/ Treasurer role. Ideally this person needs to reside in Christchurch as they are responsible for the running of the National office. With an accountant on the team this role can now be more secretary focused. If you have any questions re the role please feel free to give me a call.
With the financial year now over our club accounts are being prepared and sent off for audit. I am pleased to say that we have an operating surplus. This would not be possible without the contribution we receive from Vero for all the business members put their way. With costs increasing continuously
We have also been fortunate to see interest rates for deposits increase over the year. This has allowed us to enjoy significant interest on these funds. The majority of this money is from our earthquake insurance payment and the extra interest will help when we locate a suitable building to relocate the national office.
VCCNZ MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
CLUB CAPTAIN NORTHERN REGION Glyn Clements 021 0833 4081 nicc@vcc.org.nz
EDITOR, BEADED WHEELS Kevin Clarkson 021 0270 6525 kevinclarkson@vcc.org.nz
PRESIDENT George R. Kear 027 221 4332
CLUB CAPTAIN SOUTHERN REGION Mark Wilkinson 021 168 6068 sicc@vcc.org.nz
Rebecca George 021 293 7714 mgmt2@vcc.org.nz
REGISTRAR Neil Beckenham 021 588 536 registrar@vcc.org.nz
mgmt1@vcc.org.nz
president@vcc.org.nz
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Diane Quarrie 027 333 1329 pastpresident@vcc.org.nz SECRETARY/ TREASURER Vacant
SPEED STEWARD Ray Sanders 021 632 563 speedsteward@vcc.org.nz
NATIONAL OFFICE NEWS Office Hours Monday to Friday 9.30am to 1.30pm. admin@vcc.org.nz UPDATE CONTACT DETAILS IN PREPARATION FOR MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS
Please ensure that National Office hold your current email address and postal address to enable the Membership Subscription Renewal invoices that will be sent in Aug/Sep to be delivered correctly.
Linda Duffell
Karen Proctor
Office Administrator
Committee Liaison Officer
VCC SPEED EVENTS
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), for the vehicle concerned, which must have a current VCC Vehicle Identity Card (VIC).
Over the next couple of months most branches will be holding their AGMs and seeking members to put their hands up for the many roles that are required. I am a firm believer that the more you give to an
Andy Fox 03 314 3763
Murray Trounson 03 339 8830 mgmt3@vcc.org.nz
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. VEHICLE IDENTITY CARD (VIC) RENEWALS
National Office send VIC Renewal forms to the owner by email or post around 2 months prior to the expiry of the VIC. If you require a VIC Renewal form for any reason, please contact National Office directly as the renewal is generated from our system.
organisation the more you get out of it. Please put your hand up to help your local branch, whether it be to just organise one run or take on a busier Club Captain or Chairman role. The more volunteers that help out make it easier for all and along the way you get to build stronger relationships with fellow club members. One last thing before I sign off is to thank our current Beaded Wheels team. The new format in my opinion has raised the bar again, definitely making it the best classic car publication being produced in New Zealand. The April/May edition showcased the variety of events we put on for such a wide range of club eligible vehicles and showed all ages of members out enjoying their passion. A great effort we should all be proud of.
George Kear VCCNZ National President ARCHIVIST Don Muller 03 385 6850
archivist@vcc.org.nz
VCCNZ LIFE MEMBERS Andrew Anderson Roger White Norm Dewhurst Rod Brayshaw John Coomber
Please note that all renewals must be returned with accompanying photos of the identifiers, e.g. chassis number, engine number. The VCC is required to have these photos on file, therefore renewals that are returned without these photos will be put on hold until they are submitted. VCC VERO INSURANCE SCHEME
Please note: Financial membership of the Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated is a requirement to be insured under the VCC/Vero Insurance Scheme.
Beaded Wheels 51
FESTIVAL UPDATE NELSON 15–21 MARCH 2026
Overseas club member Bob Schmitt’s 1952 Frazer Nash Mille Miglia at the Waimea Inlet, Tasman.
The two months since our last update have flashed by and things continue to take shape. WHO’S COMING TO THE VERO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF HISTORIC MOTORING? We’ve now received 701 registrations of interest. Based on what we know from the survey sent out to VCC members — that means approximately 735 cars and 1435 participants if everyone signed up comes along. So far the top branches intending to attend in terms of numbers are: Canterbury (124 responses) Nelson (53 responses) Auckland (45 responses) Wellington (43 responses) Bay of Plenty (33 responses) And as far as percentage of the branch membership: Nelson (18%) Wellington (16%) Taranaki (12%) Banks Peninsula (10%) Bay of Plenty (5%)
OVERSEAS ENTRANTS We now have indications from approximately 20 overseas entrants keen to come and we believe this number will continue to grow. About half of that number have enquired about loan cars to enable them to take part in the rally. If you would be prepared to loan a vehicle please let us know and we can set up a register of available vehicles. For the overseas entrants intending to bring their own vehicle we are pulling together a how to guide which we hope will smooth the process (email Karen at festivalsecretary@vcc.org.nz).
ACCOMODATION We’ve had a number of enquiries about accomodation. We’re talking with accomodation providers to see if we can get discounts for rally entrants and hopefully we will have a list out
ATTENTION ALL VCC MEMBERS
HELP US TO HELP YOU Please include your membership number in all communications with National Office including payments to the National Office bank account. This can be found on your membership card in the top right-hand corner.
52 Beaded Wheels
soon. For those of you who would like to get familiar with what is on offer, the festival headquarters will be at the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson, so search near there for the closest places to stay. For those wanting to camp, the two closest sites will be the Top 10 Holiday Park in Vanguard Street, and the Tahunanui Beach Holiday Park.
DID YOU ATTEND THE 1972 INTERNATIONAL RALLY? We’re also keen to hear from anyone who took part in the 1972 rally in Nelson — especially if you have photos and stories from the event to share (email Mike at festivalcomms@vcc. org.nz).
REGISTRATIONS OF INTEREST
RESTORING A VEHICLE WITH THE VERO AS A DEADLINE? If you’re like one of our committee and have set the Vero IFHM as a deadline to have your vehicle complete, then please let us know. We’d like to feature a few people’s restoration journeys to the Vero (email Mike at festivalcomms@ vcc.org.nz). Here’s to easy to find parts and few skinned knuckles to those working on their restorations.
If you participated in the VCC survey you don’t need to sign up at our website. If you didn’t though, and want to be kept up to date leading up to the event please sign up at: www.historicmotoring.org.nz Remember to tick the “Sign me up for the newsletter!” box otherwise we can’t send you updates. Ray Robertson, Festival Director
AWARDS Congratulations to the following member who has recently been awarded his 60 Year Award.
60 YEAR Roger Dickson – Southland
PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP VCC WOODEN BODY GUIDELINES As mentioned in the LVVTA report presented at the March executive meeting in Christchurch, it has been suggested that the VCC create a comprehensive guideline for the construction and methods for the repair and recreation of our wooden framed vehicles. I personally have been involved in building several wooden framed vehicles and enjoyed doing so, but would certainly
CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 77 YEARS CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 77 YEARS No. 382 June/July 2023
Beaded Wheels
New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95
No. 381 April/May 2023
New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95
SUMMER OF MOTORING
CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 77 YEARS
BEHIND THE
No. 380 February/March 2023
Beaded Wheels
NATIONAL AND LOCAL RALLY ACTION
WHEEL
New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95
1900 WOLSELEY
GEORGE BEGG FESTIVAL CONJURING UP A BIT OF SOUTHERN NOSTALGIA
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BEHIND THE WHEEL RILEY KESTREL DRIVING OUR HISTORY
appreciate any suggestions and input from our membership who have experience and expertise in building these unique one-off special bodies.
SUGGESTED TOPICS WE COULD COVER IN THIS PROPOSED GUIDELINE • Discuss the type of timber species we would recommend.
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• The type and style of timber jointing. • Recommended adhesives for timber. • Type of material and the thread formation of fasteners. • Design and manufacture of steel reinforcement bracket components. • Suggested locations for these reinforcement brackets on timber work.
The building and design of these vehicles to the correct period is most important as it identifies the vehicle to compliance authorities so that yor vehicle complies and is able to be on the road. Your help and assistance will be greatly appreciated. Neil Beckenham Email registrar@vcc.9rg.nz or phone/txt 021 588 536.
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Auckland: A sample of Auckland Branch’s Barn displays.
BRANCH NEWS ASHBURTON
TREVOR BEGG
We welcome new members Dave Galletly with a 1986 Moto Guzzi motorcycle and some cars ex Ron Galletly, Cathy and Barry Kewish with 1969 Mustang and 1929 Dodge coupe, Steve Hurst with 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood limo, and joint member Dawn Begg. Our mid-week runs are very popular with good numbers attending. One was a run to Springfield to Jetboat World Museum and Cafe on the banks of the Waimakariri River. It was great to see new members John Wards and Jill Blacklock getting involved and organising this event. On 6 and 7 April we had 30 vehicles on display and in parades at the Mid Canterbury Vintage Machinery Club’s Wheat & Wheels Rally held at Lauriston, 20kms west from Ashburton. This was a huge rally with over 700 entries of anything with wheels or tracks, and even 18 traction engines steamed up. The proceeds from this event go to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service. On 14 April Peter Lambie organised a Veteran and Vintage Only run. Sixteen vehicles went to Alister and Mary Sprott’s
54 Beaded Wheels
Auckland: Roy Sharman’s 1922 Model 20A Willys Knight.
Ashburton: Wheat & Wheels Rally.
Ashburton: Wheat & Wheels Rally.
long established farm in the Pendarves area east of Ashburton. The farm, Woodvale, was bought by Alister’s forebears in 1872 from the Acton runholders and has been in the Sprott families for the 152 years since.
AUCKLAND
PETER WOOD
Our clubrooms look great with the completion of the outdoor deck. The new pergola is being well utilised in the warmer months. The Barn is taking on museumlike qualities, with new wall linings being installed by our energetic spares boys for displaying memorabilia and tools. A
working bee thoroughly cleaned the Barn floor, which was a great opportunity to sort and cull. We held our inaugural Autumn Tour in March. It was open to all club eligible vehicles, and allowed an opt-in for those who wanted to test their rally skills in the competitive section. Plotted by Rodger and Val Ball it took in some lovely rural roads, finishing at a south Auckland country café where we all enjoyed lunch in the sunshine. A bonus was the Warbirds airshow from the Ardmore Aerodrome nearby. Overall winners were Glenn and Marion Morris.
BOP: Summerset By The Dunes Papamoa recently staged a Vintage and Classic Car Show which was well patronised by our branch members. Donn White Photo.
s
Banks Peninsula: Tim Palmer negotiating ‘those cones’, Banks Peninsula Gymkhana.
s
BOP: Six times New Zealand Saloon Car Champion - Paul Fahey was recently made an Honorary Member of our branch. Here he is being presented with his badge by Vice Chairman, Donn White. Brian Pratt Photo. BOP: Owner of the smallest car in our branch - Richard Cranswick was interviewed by Vice Chairman Donn White concerning an interesting history about the 1961 Fiat Bambina. Brian Pratt Photo
Glenn and Marion also took out the trophy for the Ladies Rally, which was plotted by Shaaran Price and Val Ball, with competitive and touring options. The one little navigational trick included was only done correctly by four entrants, two from the competitive section and, interestingly enough, two from touring. Twenty-five of our motorcycle members supported the Waikato Mooloo Meander, with a good number of Auckland entrants also attending the Easter Rally in Nelson, and the Maunga Moana in New Plymouth. New acquisitions included a 1952/3 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley added to Leo Fowler’s collection, and Roy Sharman purchasing a 1922 Willys Knight Model 20A, the oldest known in New Zealand. Originally imported as a tourer, it has a colonial body built by Neilsens of Dannevirke.
BANKS PENINSULA DON GERRARD We welcome new members Hamish Pidgeon with a ‘29 Chevrolet International and a ‘26 Fiat 509; Susan Pawsley with a ‘72 Morris Minor and a 1939 Standard Twelve Deluxe; Gary Quinn with a Skoda 110L. It is with sadness we farewell Rob Boult, who passed away in April. A long-standing member of our branch and instigator of the New Zealand Grand Prix Specials Group. Rob owned and raced many beautifully presented cars. Our condolences to his widow, Marjorie and family.
In March we held our Summer Gymkhana at Loburn in warm and sunny conditions. Five different disciplines tested the competitors, requiring speed, skill, dexterity, and a sense of humour, especially the co-drivers in the blindfold test. New member Andy McLennan soon found the benefits of his smooth riding Rover P6 V8, while Tim Palmer piloted the vintage Fiat 501 with controlled accuracy. Andrew Roxburgh’s Flat-Rad Morgan gave a good account. Its first competitive outing in years. The power of the Chairman’s 3.8 Litre Jaguar and the host’s C-Type variant was at times a disadvantage, however extremely entertaining with their spectacular and impressive power slides. Warwick Marshall had his Ford Ten Special flying, and not to be out done, Michelle Aldersley in her first ever car event, put in a sterling effort in Dad’s Austin Seven Special. April saw the penultimate circuit race meeting of the season at Highlands Park Cromwell. Fifteen starters took to the track, which entertained the crowd all weekend with close racing. Mark Barrett in his Lotus 23B Rep just managed to hold off Paul Coghill in the Jaguar Special to take home the Ralph Smith Memorial Trophy. Great to see son, Sam Smith, exercising the Lycoming Special, as well as the evergreen Citroen Spyder single seater of Ethan Kemp dicing with Royce Bayer’s Bello RNB1, the Cowie Spangeralli Holden and Peter Swaney’s beautiful Lotus Elite. However, looking favourite to take Championship
honours is David Owen in his C-Type Jaguar Rep putting in a weekend of hard racing, as well as driving his car to and from the event from Christchurch. The final round is at Levels in Timaru on Saturday 15 June.
BAY OF PLENTY
KAAREN SMYLIE
We had a fabulous turnout of vehicles for the Tauranga Jazz Festival Parade, based in downtown Mount Maunganui. More than 40 participants enjoyed a day out in the sunshine, and our numbers were bolstered by members of the Tauranga Mini Owners Club, some of whom are also members of our branch. At a recent club night we welcomed Paul Fahey, a six times New Zealand saloon car champion, into our fold. Formerly of Auckland and then Pauanui, Paul has retired to Bethlehem in Tauranga, and is still a keen follower of motorsport and all things automotive. Also on display was the smallest car in our branch, a 1961 Fiat 500, along with its two times owner — Richard Cranswick. It was the first car that he owned, and when he decided to purchase another so he could relive the days of his youth, he discovered that he had in fact repurchased his old car. The transaction took place after the tiny Fiat had been buried above the roof line by flood waters and silt during Cyclone Gabrielle. Today the car is as good as new, and Richard’s talk
Beaded Wheels 55
about it triggered many comments from the audience. At the time of writing our last outing was to Summerset by the Dunes retirement village at Papamoa. There was fine weather for a great turnout of vehicles and some wonderful hospitality laid on by the retirement complex. Very positive feedback means that this first-time event may become an annual fixture. Our 2024 VCC AGM committee are beavering away behind the scenes organising the hosting of this year’s AGM in Tauranga. We look forward to seeing the VCC Management team and a good turnout of regional delegates and members over the weekend of 10/11 August.
CANTERBURY
COLIN HEY
March and April are the busiest motoring months for our branch, and most weeks there was at least one organised outing for our members to attend. They included what will now be a new addition to our annual events — the Brooklands to Brighton Run for vehicles 100 years or more old. Held on 2 March, it started in the now empty red-zone Brooklands area north of Christchurch. The run followed an easy route through the northern New Brighton suburbs before going right down to the southern end of the New Brighton spit and returning to the main shopping precinct
car park. Here the 34 cars, one truck and eight motorcycles were put on display for two hours. The run received considerable publicity, resulting in many people out and about waving at the vehicles along the route and a good crowd attending the public display. The following weekend our Rear-WheelBrake Rally was held. It finished at the huge Twin Rivers Vehicle Extravaganza at the Canterbury A&P Showgrounds. This is organised by a local Rotary group, and all the vehicles were put on display. That was followed by very successful P-Group and Commercial rallies, the latter won by our Branch Chairman Neil Shaskey in the branch’s own 1929 International truck. Our motorcycle section’s annual Jim Toohey Run was also run in March, and saw 23 riders enjoy a trip through scenic alpine passes and venturing as far north as Karamea. April’s annual Malvern Anzac
branch hosted a very successful National Executive meeting in March.
Day Run proved popular again, and was favoured with great weather and a very good turnout. Meanwhile our monthly Old Cars, Bikes and Coffee mornings are going from strength to strength. Our April event was given an Italian theme and attracted a huge number of Fiats, Lancias, Alfa Romeos and other Italian brands, including a rare 1925 OM that was tempted out after a seven-year period of hibernation. To cap it all off, the
Tikokino Sheep Dog Trials held at Smedley Station and were very impressed by the skills of man and dog working together. A club fund raiser put on by the Waipukurau Little Theatre called The Drowning Girls, was enjoyed. The stage held three claw-foot baths, complete with water, and three actresses in wedding dresses who presented the true story of a murderous bigamist.
CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY
HEATHER CHEER
Highlight for this month was the Twilight Rally organised by Pat and Neil Malcolm. The first part took us through semi-rural areas of Central Hawke’s Bay, with a time trial from Waipawa to the Burma Road cattle stop. Then there was a difficult descent which brought us back on to SH2 south of Poukawa to finish at the Otane Hotel for lunch. The Burma Road was made as an escape route in WWII for persons fleeing the Napier area should the Japanese have invaded. We finished at the Waipukurau Club for dinner and prize giving. Time trial winners were Pip and Jenny Halford. Several members went to watch the
Canterbury: Branch fire engine and members on the Commercial Rally.
Canterbury: Cars and motorcycles on display at the finish of the Brooklands to Brighton Run. Canterbury: Cars and motorcycles on display at the finish of the Brooklands to Brighton Run.
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Central Hawke’s Bay: The steep descent going down the Burma Road overlooking Central Hawkes Bay.
Central Otago: Arrowtown Golden Times Rally lunch break. Photo by Neil Webster
Central Otago: Arrowtown Golden Times Rally lunch break. Photo by Neil Webster
Several members joined part of the North Island Club Captain’s Tour to Wairarapa and back to Manawatu. Bruce Turner organises a coffee morning every Thursday where members meet at different locations from Te Aute to Dannevirke. These are well attended, and some take their vintage cars.
CENTRAL OTAGO
DON YEAMAN
The numbers were down a bit this year for our annual Fish & Chip run to Jackson Bay, West Coast on 3 March, probably due to the poor weather forecast. However, as is often the case, the West Coast turned on a beautiful day, and those of us who missed it were left rueing our poor decision. The oldest car this year was Neil Webster’s 1926 Sunbeam, which made the trip in about seven hours including lunch and fuel stops. April 5-7 saw a number of our members helping out and enjoying the Highlands Festival of Speed at Cromwell. Then on 21 April we were back at Highlands for breakfast and, for those who wished to, a couple of laps around the track in our old cars following a control car. Apparently most of them only saw the control car very briefly before being left in the dust. The annual Golden Times Rally, which is held as part of the Arrowtown
EBOP: Oscar, Deanne, Louie & Gavin Bartlett with their EBOP Rally Trophy 1st Vintage and 1st overall.
Autumn Festival, was on 27 April, and included entrants from Christchurch to Invercargill. Early in the morning a great variety of vehicles filled the main street of Arrowtown to be enjoyed by the hundreds of people who came to look at them. The rally route included a trip through the local retirement village, much to the delight of the residents, then Millbrook and the Thurlby Domain, where the Mainland Cheese advertisements were made. After a lunch stop at John and Glenys Taylor’s place, everyone parked up at Butler’s Green except those who had entered the parade.
EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY
BRUCE SEDDON
One of the highlights for this time of year is the Beach Hop at Whangamata, now in its 24th year. Although not a branch event it certainly attracts plenty of our members from many different branches to enjoy vintage vehicles as well as classics and hot rods. Whangamata, and its organiser Noddy Watts, have found a magic formula to keep attracting thousands of attendees. On a more local level we enjoyed a branch run to the Pukehina Autorama Car Show, which is organised to benefit the volunteer organisations at the small beach
EBOP: Joy and Steve Growden 25 year badge holders and frequent rally winners.
settlement. We contributed to the 350 cars on show in a gala setting while making a picnic of the event for our members. This was followed by Barry Spry organising an aeronautical themed Sunday drive. He first led us to the local model aircraft club’s monthly day. The fliers put up an amazing variety of aircraft for us; bi-planes, gliders, aerobatic display, battery powered jets, all topped off by one character who flew a flying carpet. He made his Ali Baba carpet swoop, loop, and hover. After this meeting we drove to Whakatane Airport to view a hangar full of special cars, not aircraft. A hangar vacated by a helicopter company is now home to a collection of special performance cars including a Mitsubishi Evo 6, a Ferrari, various Aussie Falcons, and a rare Toyota Supra. Each car was low mileage, in superb condition and carried a special story. April’s club activities finished with a day out and car display in support of the local Waterwheel Club’s annual “Farming Like Grandad” Country Fair.
FAR NORTH
MURRAY CORMACK
Members enjoyed a pleasantly relaxed picnic rally at the farm of John McGee in Kaeo. It was a great day viewing trucks, farm sheds with their contents, and the
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Far North: Vehicle lineup on the Brian Parker Memorial Rally in the Bay of Islands.
Far North: Cars at McGee’s farm picnic. Hawke’s Bay: Colin and Judy Barnes’ 1932 Panther with sidecar attracts a crowd.
Gore: Gerry Kennedy and Tuesday Ramble host, Mr Dunnage. Hawke’s Bay: Lined up at the HB Farmers Market.
historic farmhouse. The afternoon was capped off with a farm drive in 4WD vehicles over hilly paddocks with long scenic views. The summer sun complimented a very laid-back social outing. Visits to our clubrooms and to the Matthews Museum by car enthusiasts taking part in both the Cruising the Bays tour and the Early Flathead V8s Club tour provided great car shows for our members, and enjoyable social get-togethers. Early April saw the branch’s feature rally, the Brian Parker Memorial. Entrants in a good collection of vehicles began with a tasty visit to the Oromahoe Cheese Factory, then continued with a loop through Haruru Falls, Waitangi and Paihia. After enjoying all the wide-open views en route, it was then back to the Haruru Falls for a final stop for sampling craft beer and pizzas.
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Gore: Ben Buchanan stuck.
Gore: Tuesday Ramble.
A mid-week run to the new solar farm in the Kaitaia area, followed by a shed visit to Joe Oliver’s property, was a great success.
GORE
BILL SHEDDAN
Our annual Swap Meet held mid-March was very well-attended by vendors and bargain hunters, with our fast-food stall busy catering to the hungry. The annual combined Frank Robson and Clearwater Capers event drew more than 20 club cars on a sunny Sunday. We travelled on all-sealed roads in the North Gore and Balfour areas, culminating with refreshments at the Elder’s farm. John Tremaine won the Frank Robson section and Murray Proctor the Clearwater Capers. The annual Golden Times Vintage Car Meet, held in conjunction with the Arrowtown Autumn Festival on the last weekend of April attracted five Gore Branch members. On a lovely sunny day
with an abundance of autumn colours, 51 cars and their drivers/passengers, some dressed in period costume, enjoyed the well-organised day’s programme. Cars driven by Greg Elder, Paul Herron, Paul Katon, Lindsay Crooks and Bill Sheddan attended. The Tuesday Ramble this month saw the usual contingent of about 30 enthusiasts motor to Winton for a pub lunch. We then went to the Dipton area to a collection of mainly post 1960s British cars and a wide variety of interesting memorabilia put together by Mr Dunnage. The completion of our new kitchen means that the ability to host social functions at the clubrooms is proving to be popular with other clubs. Recent visitors, the local Lions Club, enjoyed their monthly meeting along with a meal provided by a group of enthusiastic branch members
willing to give up their time to assist the club.
HAWKE’S BAY
ESTHER SMITH
I am just looking at the busy programme for the upcoming month. We have a mid-week run, a swap meet, club night, club run and, at the end of the month, a Mix and Mingle evening. Each Tuesday there is morning tea at the clubrooms, with the spares department and library open. The mid-week run is a smallish group who have interesting outings. Everything from a picnic by the sea, a posh afternoon tea, or a run that ends by going to the movies. Branch runs have gone well too. In March we went to Ashcott Homestead for tea and scones, followed by a visit to the Central Hawke’s Bay Museum in Waipawa. Easy to just drive past this when heading south from Napier/Hastings, but this time we stopped for a look. The interesting and well curated displays of local history are well worth a lengthy browse. The following month we met at our local Sunday Farmers’ Market, a pleasant way to start the day with coffee and a snack. Then off for a scenic drive through the TukiTuki valley, a chance to stretch our vehicles’ legs and to admire the autumn colours, before we headed off to see a collection of mostly American cars. VCC members Phil Stickney and Garry Cullen moved from Auckland to Hawke’s Bay several years ago and built an eight-bay
Horowhenua: garage raid.
shed. We were all in awe as with a single push of a button all the roller doors rose in unison to display the cars. Members were saddened by the death of Gordon Vogtherr, a long-time member of the club and a great rallyist.
HOROWHENUA
BRUCE JAMIESON
Our annual motorcycle trial was a great success with 28 starters. The course took members around the flat lands north of Levin, before heading for the hills for an event that some riders had not experienced before. This was a regularity run on a dead-end road where they had to set an average speed for the ride out and match it on the return run. A recent run took us way up into the hills behind Shannon on a very narrow, but not too steep, gravel track to an abandoned farm site. The panorama across the whole district from Kapiti to Taranaki is fantastic. Well, it would be on a sunny day, but we had a bit of cloud which limited the distant view. Luckily we did not meet any oncoming traffic, because for much of the track there would be no way to pass. We returned to sunny Foxton for a picnic lunch. We had a great Swap Meet in March. The areas for both the vendors and the public car-parking completely filled the showgrounds. Successful for our branch, and we hope that the vendors did well too.
Horowhenua: Rob McIntyre on 1918 Excelsior.
Horowhenua: Start of motorcycle rally.
We had been wondering when our organiser of the monthly garage raids would have one at his own place. All was revealed in April. He had been working on the engine and gearbox of one of his cars, and scheduled his garage raid to coincide with the need for a bit of manpower to lift the car body while the rolling chassis was wheeled underneath.
MANAWATU
BRYAN ABRAHAM
March began on a sombre note with the passing of a well-respected and active club member Rob Eason. We held our 60th Ruahine Ramble in early March. This coincided with the last day of the North Island Club Captain’s Tour, which joined up with, and participated in, the Ruahine Ramble. An easy and picturesque drive to Kimbolton for a picnic lunch, with a catered dinner in the evening at the clubrooms, made for a very enjoyable day. Maurice Wasley brought along his restored Austin Seven to our March club night, along with the Best Car award which it won at a recent Austin Register event. March attracted a number of cars from our branch to become part of a display at the Oroua Country Fair in Kimbolton. Four teams from the Manawatu entered the Maunga Moana Rally, with Ken and Annette Foot coming away with four of the top prizes. Just a week later 17 cars headed off on a Sunday Jaunt of 80kms, finishing back at the clubrooms.
Horowhenua: club run - top of the hill.
Manawatu: Cars from the Manawatu Branch and other car clubs were lined up creating an impressive display at the Oroua Country Fair in Kimbolton.
Manawatu: Glyn Clements (NICC) bought his recently restored 1928 Chevrolet National AB along to the April clubnight.
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For the April club night Glyn Clements (NICC) bought along his recently restored 1928 Chevrolet National AB and spoke of its history and his involvement in its restoration. Three Manawatu members attended the Wanganui Branch Autumn Motorcycle Rally and two came away with trophies. Robert Heath the P60 winner and Errol Gray the Hard Luck trophy. Over 100 entrants for the 2024 Highland Fling spent two days roaming roads and properties in the Manawatu area in glorious autumn weather.
MARLBOROUGH
LINDA LAING
rallies in the North Island and on the West Coast. They have also been out around Marlborough with the normal monthly runs and an additional Wednesday night run to make the most of daylight saving. A combined run with the Nelson Classic Car Club was well attended, with a turnout of more than 30 bikes. We were invited to attend the ANZAC commemoration in the Wairau Valley township with about a dozen cars and two motorcycles making for a good turnout.
NELSON
RAY ROBERTSON
March saw about 30 members attend our annual picnic in Anakiwa. It also saw a lot of our members joining in for the Hospice Car Show, an important fundraiser held locally. There have been a variety of different
Despite our branch preoccupation with the SI Easter Rally (refer Rally Snippets) we managed to sneak in a couple of other events. In conjunction with the Nelson Car Club, some of our VCC motorsport enthusiasts took their machinery out to compete
outings during April, with everything from lunch at a local Café, afternoon tea at a new retirement village, trips on a steam train to Kaikoura, to the Night Trial (Twilight Trial) and potluck tea. Many members have been rallying all over the country. The motorcycle section has been out and about as well, with members attending
in the last ever Sandy Bay Hill climb. This competition has been held for more than 15 years, but sadly due to running costs and increasingly more difficult road closures has come to an end. Overall VCC winner, Jared Dacombe in his well-known DeLorean DMC12 had a very successful day finishing 23rd from
Marlborough: ANZAC Day Wairau Valley township. Marlborough: Steam train trip.
a field of 52, but ahead of 11 Nelson and Canterbury Branch club cars. Sadly Rob Boult, another very wellknown VCC car racing aficionado, passed away at his home in Motueka after a period of ill health. Rob competed in many historic racing events in his Allard J2, Edelbrock Special and his Jim Bennetts’ Fury V8. The clubrooms were packed for a memorial service to the late John King. John joined the VCC in 1959 and was a founding member of the Nelson Branch when it was formed in 1964. His brother Dennis was our first branch chairman. A club run out to Quail Crossing Gardens saw about 40 members venture out to this spectacular garden, a perfect location to enjoy a lunch in the sun.
NORTHLAND
Marlborough: Motorcycles all parked up. Nelson: Sandy Bay Hill Climb.
Nelson: Thewinning Dacombe Delorean in full flight at the Sandy Bay Hill Climb.
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RAY SANDERS
Northland Branch has been busy with several runs as well as its annual Swap Meet, which is held in conjunction with two local hot rod clubs. The Swap Meet was, as always, successful, with plenty of trading, but more importantly, a chance for the community to see a lot of cars at the car display. This event has
Nelson: Sandy Bay Hill Climb.
Northland: Dargaville Aero Club display.
Northland: Swap meet.
Northland: Aero club open day.
North Otago motorcycle run.
North Shore: Cars at the open day.
been held for a number of years now, and brings the car and motorcycle community together as well as providing an opportunity to clean out the shed, although I suspect that most stallholders take back an equal number of treasures as they brought to sell. Northland Branch has a companion group in Dargaville who do local runs, and recently one of these was to a rest home in Whangarei to add a bit of colour to the residents’ day. Hopefully we can do more of this in the future. Another Dargaville run terminated at the Dargaville airstrip (I hesitate to use the word airport) where the aero club was holding a fly-in day. These are always interesting, especially as the Dargaville club is home to a number of gyrocopters.
NORTH OTAGO
MURRAY BAIN
Our Gerald Lynch-Blosse Memorial motorcycle run was held on 13 April. Members came from as far afield as Christchurch, Dunedin and the deep South for the event. The line up of motorcycles was impressive with every country worth its salt being represented by its finest two wheeled machinery, and every engine configuration and cc rating imaginable.
North Otago motorcycle run.
North Otago motorcycle run.
North Shore open day.
From a massive Triumph Rocket Three, right down to the smallest Triumph 250 and a Francis Barnett. Singles with their distinctive deep thump, BSAs that sounded so crisp and willing to rev, and the Nortons with their snarl — it was music to the ears. Nature even played her part, providing water vapour injection for our motors with the odd shower. The roads were a bit greasy, and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one that had a tyre twitch. One fellow gave the asphalt a little kiss, but he was back on his bike in a flash and completed the run. There were three things I learnt from the run. 1 Never miss a Gerald Lynch-Blosse Memorial run. 2 Bring a plastic bag to put the rally instructions in and tape it securely to your petrol tank. 3 I now have an appreciation of the work needed by the organisers to run a good event. To have so much fun takes a lot of organising. Award certificates were presented by Rebecca George and Robert Hutton.
P80 Time Trial Riders Choice
Murray Bain, Norton NI5CS. Jim Lynch, 1966 Norton.
NORTH SHORE RICHARD BAMPTON The challenge for members undertaking the March run along the southern beaches of Whangaparaoa was to spot the clues (some cryptic and some observational) and answer the questions. After lunch at Gulf Harbour, Club Captain John Castle presented the prize to winners Andrew and Maria Lunt with their 1977 Datsun 180B SSS. Despite a couple of showers in the morning, the turnout for our now annual Open Day and Car Show comfortably exceeded last year’s total. Several car clubs had made it a destination and we were pleased to welcome them. The public was impressed with the number and variety of t North Shore: Club Captain with March Run winners.
Overall winner
Tony Travaglia, 1960 Triumph Tiger Cub. Vintage Time Trial Gary Hawke,1929 AJS. PV Time Trial Roger Wright,1937 Ariel. PWV Time Trial Harvey Weir, 1950 BSA. P60 Time Trial Tim Hutton, 1970 Triumph.
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members’ cars parked in a long line round the clubrooms. The bottom paddock, where all club eligible visitors’ vehicles were parked, was an interesting car show in itself. Our visitors were fascinated by the skills required for the restoration work being carried out on our vehicles and the high standard of the restorations completed so far. The Parts Shed did a brisk trade while the sausage sizzle guys had to send for additional supplies. As always, the 1924 Dennis bus and 1934 Chevrolet fire tender were stars. We are fortunate that a drone operator, Lee Larman, kindly took some excellent aerial photos for us. To see more go to our Facebook page. A lot of work goes into organising and running an event such as this, but with the willing support of many members on the day it went very smoothly.
ROTORUA
RONALD MAYES.
The March meeting offered not one but several Cars in the Room, and they were demonstrated at up to 70mph in the car park - they were radio-controlled model off-road racers controlled by John Peters (who is usually at the wheel of his Triumph Stag) and friend Ross Thompson. The annual barbecue run was also held that month, with the scorers being challenged when it was found that at least two participants had changed cars when passing their homes. New member Crispian Rakels drove his 1929 Essex Super Six. His navigator, long-time member Dennis Whimp, so enjoyed the event that he has been inspired to get on with the restoration of his 1930 Buick and see it back on the road. In April a non-competitive run was held, finishing with a picnic lunch at the Hamurana property of Jaguar and Morgan enthusiasts Alan Judd and his wife. That month’s Car In The Room was my 1964 Vanden Plas Princess 1100. One visitor was noticed to drop off to sleep during my presentation, so I left out some of the more boring details at the end. The car was little changed since I last presented it, although a work in progress is the re-finishing of the veneered door cappings. Sadly, we had the funeral of long-time member and treasurer Terry Fitzpatrick, who died aged 82 on 27 April, not long after the announcement of the 60th anniversary of his wedding to Sandra. Their 1973 BMW 2002Tii had been a regular sight at club events.
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SOUTHLAND
CAROL MCGARRY
We welcome new member Paul Hamilton with his 1966 MG Midget. In early April 29 members from the Invercargill East Probus Club visited our clubrooms and parts shed. Our members presented 26 vehicles including six motorcycles and the branch’s 1907 Darracq. Ray McCulloch took some of the Probus members for a drive in the Darracq. Unfortunately, during the drive, it spat out a spark plug boss, denting the bonnet, and it had to limp home. Ray has now repaired the engine, and the branch is investigating repairs to the bonnet.
SOUTH CANTERBURY
SHANNON STEVENSON
The Mid-Island Rally took place in March, attracting 42 vehicles, with the sealed and gravel routes taking participants to Fairlie for lunch at the Fairlie Heritage Museum. In mid-March, a number of members took part in the Caroline Bay Rock and Hop weekend events. Several members’ vehicles travelled up to Nelson at Easter to participate in the South Island Easter Rally. The guest speaker at our April Noggin night was Timaru based photographer and videographer Brian High. Our Annual Swap Meet, held on 6 April, returned to the Orari Racecourse and attracted thousands of visitors. The monthly mid-week runs are back for 2024, with the April run taking six members vehicles in the direction of the Otaio Gorge in inclement weather. The Chairman’s Run took place on 21 April and was organised by Alistair Day. The morning run took a mostly coastal route towards Waimate, while the afternoon run returned us inland to Timaru. The end venue was the backyard of Timaru Herald photographer John Bisset, where his sheds, filled with interactive steampunk and other memorabilia, kept members entertained for hours.
SOUTH OTAGO
NOELINE MILNE
Ian McDonald and helpers organised the Annual Motorcycle Rally held in March, with 15 riders taking part. The run travelled the Southern Scenic Route from the clubrooms to Niagara for the lunch stop. Vintage and Overall Winner was Greg Eunson of Riverton on his 1925 Indian.
Derek Brehaut rode all the way from Oamaru on a 1979 Honda CB750, and was awarded the Longest Distance trophy. The weather and road conditions were perfect. Gary Beaumont attended the Executive meeting on our behalf, reporting on the business at hand. It seems we are now the third smallest Branch. Our dedication remains, though small in numbers. The Wednesday Run saw 20 people on a visit to Kaye and Paul McNabb’s home and workshop to view many projects. Kaye shared her craft work, and Paul was happy to share the progress on the 1928 Model A that they have been studiously working on. We look forward to its completion. A visit to the Taieri is planned for the May outing. Member Gordon Duthie is participating in a Trans Alpine Scooter Safari from McLean’s Island Christchurch, over Arthur’s Pass then on to Hokitika, 250 km on a Hero Gizmo 49cc moped with one gear and pedals raising funds for Cancer – quite an undertaking.
TARANAKI
COLIN JOHNSTON
Our 59th Annual Maunga Moana Rally was held on Easter Saturday with an entry of 40 vehicles The rally was planned to give views of both the mountain and the sea, and took entrants up through Pukeiti in the ranges, and along the Wiremu road, taking in southwest Taranaki sweeping coastal views. The rally was an 80km morning road run that ended at Kaponga. Entrants were then able to return to New Plymouth at their own pace, visiting places of interest by any route they chose. The Plymouth Hotel hosted the Rally Dinner, which was followed by the presentation of 25- and 50-year continuous membership awards by the North Island Club Captain Glyn Clements. Peter Hutton and John Hood both received their 50-year badges. Glyn and Leigh Buchanan, and Grant Bishop received their 25-year badges. The overall winners were Ken and Annette Foot from the Manawatu, who also won the Colleen Moore Cup for a two-person crew. The highest placed Taranaki entrants were Neil and Judith Herdson winning the Finlay Trophy and Max Fisher Cup. Congratulations to all placegetters. Next year will be the 60th year for this event so plan now to attend on 21/22 March 2025. We warmly welcome new member Lynette McComb from Ngere in central
Rotorua: Ronald Mayes presenting Princess 1100.
Rotorua: Picnic at Alan Judd’s , Hamurana. Photos by David Tomlinson
Rotorua: Picnic at Alan Judd’s , Hamurana. Photos by David Tomlinson
Southland: Southland cars on display for Probus members.
South Canterbury: Melanie Bates’ 1977 MGB – Chairman’s Run.
South Canterbury: Following Grant Stewart’s 1950 MG, Centennial Park, Timaru — Chairman’s run.
South Otago: 1924 Indian – Greg Eunson 1929 Rex Acme – Robert Eunson. Photo Martin Dodge South Canterbury: Inside John Bisset’s ‘Bizzyville’ man cave, Chairman’s Run
s Taranaki - Peter Hutton receiving his 50 year badge and certificate from North Island Club Captain Glyn Clements.
s Taranaki: John Hood receiving his s Neil and Judith Herdson were 50 year badge and certificate from highest placed Taranaki entrant North Island Club Captain Glyn in the Maunga Moana Rally and Clements. winner of the Findlay Trophy. Wanganui: James Whibley’s 1961 Chevrolet Belair V8.
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Wanganui: Gillian and Philip Avery’s ‘around the world’ 1948 Land Rover Series 1.
Taranaki, who owns a 1936 Standard Light 12 sedan.
WAIKATO
ELLE TERRILL
Over the last couple of months we have had a ‘steam-theme’, that started with our March club night when member Terry Pidduck brought his 1901 Locomobile steam car for members to see and enjoy. This sparked many interesting conversations about the history of steam cars and engines over the decades. On the last Saturday of March, we had a fantastic autumn run to participate in the Auckland Engineers ‘steam up’ held at the Paeroa Maritime Museum. Members enjoyed a stunning day. For April’s club night member John Utting shared his model boats, including steamboats, for members to enjoy. This year we ran our 30th Mooloo Meander which was a great success. The event attracted 50 riders, and a broad range of bikes with ages from veteran upward, including bikes with side cars. Attendees came from Whangārei, Rotorua, Auckland, and Whakatāne, joining a large group of Waikato members to enjoy a stunning scenic ride with great weather. The Studebaker continues to make progress, and this is thanks to a huge amount of effort from all involved, the sharing of knowledge and skills and even some ingenuity makes this a wonderful branch project. We are in full swing preparing for our largest annual event, the Double Fifty. We hope to see many members join this run both from Waikato and our neighbouring branches.
WAIMATE MAUREEN CHAMBERLAIN Our Branch Delegate Steve Dyson attended the National Executive meeting
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Wanganui: Winner Willie Wood-88 years young on his 1955 Matchless 350.
in Christchurch. It Is important that smaller branches like ours are represented. We have a couple of members riding in the Scooter Safari 2024 run. This moped run is a fundraiser event for the Cancer Society. The ride is 250km coast to coast over the Southern Alps. It’s one of the coldest, longest, hardest, most gruelling tests of endurance on a city scooter. Good luck Owen Duthie and Barry Anderson.
WAITEMATA
ROB CHAPMAN
The Brit Euro Classic Car Show at Lloyd Elsmore Park has been supported by the branch over a number of years. This year however the weather Gods were not in our favour, with heavy rain predicted for the day. In spite of the inclement weather this year, four brave souls, Stan Smith, Mike Greg, Robert Chapman in Rileys, and friend of the branch David Adams in a Sunbeam, displayed their cars. Members Kevin Beasley and Harold Booth were in attendance in their Rileys with the Riley Owners Club. A shed raid was organised with the Vintage Austin Group (VAR). Four properties were targeted in the Waiuku area. Our first stop was at Mike Loosemore’s, where there is a collection of five Austins, his latest being a 1936 Austin Sherboune. Having viewed his cars and his iconic rose garden with over 200 rare and historic varieties, along with a quick cup of tea, our hour was up. Kerry Lock’s was the next property visited, and here we saw progress on an Austin Seven racer which was very well advanced, with an ingeniously fitted supercharger. The piece de resistance was a built from scratch, horizontally opposed piston engine, where the cylinder has two pistons sharing the same cylinder and a central combustion chamber. Very smooth in operation. Waitemata member Grant Kearn was our next stop to view his
collection of MGs, a 3.8 Mk 2 Jag under restoration, and an Austin A40 race car. With his very extensive workshop facilities Grant had built a superbly crafted 200cc grass track racer. Di Humphries took a shine to this, and we may see her in one yet. Our last visit was to Chis Lawrence’s property where we were greeted by a brass Model T, several As and a 1920 Hupmobile. This is also the home of the Austin parts shed, so a lot of horse trading was going on. A big thanks to the VAR and the people for opening their sheds.
WANGANUI
IAN HIGGINS
We were pleased to host the North Island Club Captain’s stay in Wanganui during the NICC Tour. It is always great to have a catch-up with Captain Glyn and Cathy Clements. Some members took the opportunity to accompany the run through our northern boundaries as far as Raetihi and Ohakune, through Fields Track, and down the Paraparas back to our clubrooms for an evening meal. Members Bill and Heather James once again organised our annual Autumn Motorcycle Rally. Thirty-three competitors roared away from the clubrooms to eventually arrive in Marton for lunch. The afternoon section had them ending back at the clubrooms for a meal and prize giving. Eighty-eight-year-old Willie Wood from New Plymouth was declared the overall winner. Quite a biking legend is our Willie. Our monthly Behind the Garage Doors featured Gillian and Philip Avery with their prized 4x4 vehicles. An incredible feat of driving around the world in a 1948 Land Rover, across the USA, UK, Europe and even tackling Iran, Pakistan, India, and countless countries in between. They finished the tour by driving across Australia and then back home. A year-long trip covering 52,000 miles. On top of this
they have also driven their WWII Dodge Weapons Carrier and their WWII Jeep on two separate tours for the D-Day commemorations at Normandy in France. Our second member visited was James Whibley. His favourite car is his immaculate 1961 Chevrolet Belair V8. Slightly modified, this car is a very desirable vehicle. He also has a 1970 Singer Vogue which has been in his family since new, so has a great history. James is also regularly seen driving around in a stunning 1948 Jaguar belonging to a local funeral home. Members are putting their hands up to organise monthly Sunday Runs. Mike and Brenda Marshall took us through Feilding while Dale Whitaker escorted us through a local funeral home. Ian Chamberlain’s 1906 Reo did us proud by winning the Best Car award at a Road Rodders Park Up.
WELLINGTON
Wellington: John Veldman drives his 1929 Dodge sedan across the Waihoanga Road suspension bridge. Photo: Ann O’Rorke
JOHN STOKES
Wellington’s Department of Imagination has been working overtime. Since Transmission Gully and the Otaki Expressway opened, the former main northern roads are becoming tourist routes. April’s Kapiti Mid-Week Run included the old SH1 road around the beach and surroundings at Te Horo and Peka Peka. Then it was on through the avenue of trees of the Otaki Gorge Road to the Waihoanga Road suspension bridge (see photo). While a novelty for visitors, the bridge is still used daily by the residents. We all know about the Savage Memorial overlooking the Waitemata, but how many of us know of the magnificent Massey Memorial overlooking Te Whanganuia-Tara in Wellington? We VCC members do, because that was first stop on April’s Club Run, designed by Neale Ryder. Participants visited interesting locations along the South Coast that all of us should know about, but probably don’t. With the tragic TEV Wahine anniversary coming days earlier, stopping at the fascinating Wahine Memorial Park at Seatoun was appropriate. And with Anzac Day imminent, so too was the walk up to the Ataturk Memorial. This is where resident Turks celebrate ANZAC each year in a moving ceremony. The location was selected because of the geographical similarity to the Gallipoli Peninsula. In Ataturk’s inscribed conciliatory words, “Wipe away your tears; your sons…. having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well”.
Wellington: Ataturk Memorial.
Wellington: Alastair McCarthy examines the Wahine anchor, Seatoun. Photo: Neale Ryder
Wellsford/Warkworth: A&P Show 2024. Wellsford/Warkworth: Jack Algie at 86.
Wellsford/Warkworth: Jim Flewitt TR6 Tekapo.
Wellsford/Warkworth: 1904 Cadillac.
Beaded Wheels 65
West Coast: Branch members at the Stockton Mine.
Our Department of Imagination has again treated Wellington members to attractions that are on our doorstep but which classically we largely ignore.
WEST COAST
ZOE GOUGH
Stockton Mine Tour February. We went to the Bathurst Resources Stockton Opencast Mine site on the Stockton Plateau, Westport. Run by Outwest Tours and sponsored by BT Mining. Our transport for the six-hour tour was a 21-seater Mercedes 4WD (specially chosen and kitted out to suit the terrain) which met us at the Westport isite Visitor Information Centre at 8.45am. Mickey, the owner and our tour guide for the day, gave us a run down and issued hi-vis vests and helmets. Mickey was a hive of local knowledge, which he shared through the whole trip as we passed through local towns, pointing out places of interest. Ngakawau’s coal mining history has a special connection to one of our members, going back to 1927 when it was the Westport Coal Company. The aerial bucket line at Ngakawau is used for transporting most of the coal down from the plateau for onward transport, mostly by train and occasionally by road transport. We then climbed the “new road” to the mine itself, and checked in at the gate house. From then Mickey was in radio
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
PASSING LANE In this column we acknowledge the recent passing of club members. Information is supplied to Beaded Wheels by VCCNZ Branch Secretaries.
66 Beaded Wheels
Wellsford/Warkworth: A&P Show 2024.
contact for the rest of the visit checking in as we travelled around. It is huge! Their website states the Stockton resource area covers approximately 22.9km², a roughly rectangular shape up to 3.5km wide (E-W), and 8km long (N-S). We were told by an operator on the site that if you take leave for five weeks, when you come back it has all changed and you have to relearn the roads and the routes. As we travelled around Mickey kept us informed of every aspect of the mine, including the regeneration of the area. The Mount Aspect snails are even back and breeding. Mickey managed to get us to the “ridge” before the fog came down (daily regular occurrence) to experience the amazing panorama of that part of the coast. All in all, an excellent tour.
WELLSFORD-WARKWORTH
CHRIS HARVEY
On 7 March we hosted the Citroen Car Club at our clubrooms. It was good to meet enthusiasts with cars that we seldom see here, ranging from a 2CV up to the latest SUV. Two days later we ran the “Are we there yet?” Rally, which started in Warkworth and finished at Shelly Beach on the Kaipara harbour. During this event we celebrated the 86th birthday of Jack Algie, who made the trip in his 1929 Ford Model A.
Brown, Ken Curtis, Douglas Foot, Shirley London, Roy Pidduck, Bev Pram, Alan Stewart, Gavin
Central Otago Gisborne Central Hawke’s Bay Northland Waikato Bay of Plenty Canterbury
Saturday 16 March saw the Warkworth A&P show in action again, and we had a good lineup of vehicles on display. Nearby was the most enormous John Deere tractor. The contrast in technology between the tractor and the Model T Ford in our lineup was stark. Several of our members have been venturing further afield recently. On 21 February Jim and Marilyn Flewitt in their 1973 TR6 set off from Cape Reinga with 17 other TRs to travel the full length of New Zealand. It was timed to include the TR Register’s annual get-together at Alexandra in Central Otago. This was top-down motoring at its best through our most spectacular scenery. In mid-March Doug and Anne Hamilton entered the 42nd Brass Era Rally in the Waikato and their 1904 Cadillac garnered the trophy for the oldest car. After the rally they visited Terry Pidduck’s wonderful collection, which contains an even older car, a steam-driven 1901 Locomobile. We are now organising the Winter Woollies Wander which starts in Wellsford on 6 July and we welcome entrants from other clubs.
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