CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 78 YEARS
No. 391 December 2024/January 2025
New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95
VCC NATIONAL COMMERCIAL RALLY 2024
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BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A 1947 NASH AMBASSADOR DRIVING OUR HISTORY
Photo (circa 1908) shows Misses Phyllis and Zena Dare, very well known musical comedy actresses in the UK at the turn of the last century. They are pictured here in their 1906 Minerva 40hp with London registration. Supplied to Beaded Wheels by Colin Johnston, Taranaki Branch.
PHOTOGRAPHS REQUIRED: Submissions of suitable prints and information are welcome. Post or email original photographs or high resolution digital files of
historical interest with any available information to: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz or Beaded Wheels, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Laserprints/photocopies are not suitable. Photos will be returned as soon as practicable.
Beaded Wheels
The official club magazine of Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (inc.).
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
To find out more about the club visit www.vc.org.nz or contact your nearest branch. VCCNZ BRANCHES A full list of branch addresses and contact details can also be found on the VCCNZ website at www.vcc.org.nz ASHBURTON PO Box 382, Ashburton 7740 ashburton@vcc.org.nz AUCKLAND PO Box 12-138, Penrose, Auckland 1642 auckland@vcc.org.nz BANKS PENINSULA C/O, 722 Waterholds Road, RD8 Christchurch 7678 bankspeninsula@vcc.org.nz BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 660, Tauranga 3144 bayofplenty@vcc.org.nz CANTERBURY PO Box 11-082, Sockburn Christchurch 8443 canterbury@vcc.org.nz CENTRAL OTAGO C/-114 Shortcut Road, Luggate, RD2, Wanaka 9382 centralotago@vcc.org.nz CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY C/- 448 Tukituki Road, RD1, Takapau 4286 centralhawkesbay@vcc.org.nz EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 2168, Kopeopeo Whakatane 3159 easternbayofplenty@vcc.org.nz FAR NORTH C/– PO Box 312 Kaitaia 0441 farnorth@vcc.org.nz GISBORNE PO Box 307, Gisborne 4040 gisborne@vcc.org.nz GORE PO Box 329, Gore 9740 gore@vcc.org.nz HAWKE’S BAY PO Box 3406, Napier 4142 hawkesbay@vcc.org.nz
HOROWHENUA PO Box 458, Levin 5540 horowhenua@vcc.org.nz KING COUNTRY C/- 923 Taringamotu Road, Taumarunui 3994 kingcountry@vcc.org.nz MANAWATU PO Box 385 Palmerston North 4440 manawatu@vcc.org.nz MARLBOROUGH PO Box 422, Blenheim 7240 marlborough@vcc.org.nz NELSON PO Box 3531, Richmond 7050 nelson@vcc.org.nz NORTHLAND PO Box 17, Whangarei 0140 northland@vcc.org.nz NORTH OTAGO PO Box 360, Oamaru 9444 northotago@vcc.org.nz NORTH SHORE C/- 7 Godwit Place, Lynfield Auckland 1042 northshore@vcc.org.nz OTAGO C/- 125 Forbury Road, Saint Clair, Dunedin 9012 otago@vcc.org.nz ROTORUA PO Box 2014, Rotorua 3040 rotorua@vcc.org.nz SOUTH CANTERBURY 19 Redruth St, Timaru 7910 southcanterbury@vcc.org.nz SOUTHLAND PO Box 1240, Invercargill 9840 southand@vcc.org.nz SOUTH OTAGO C/- 1931 Breakneck Rd, RD 4, Balclutha 9274 southotago@vcc.org.nz
SOUTH WAIKATO PO Box 403 Tokoroa 3420 southwaikato@vcc.org.nz TARANAKI C/- 7 Leatham Ave, Strandon, New Plymouth 4312 taranaki@vcc.org.nz TAUPO 33 AC Baths Ave, Taupo 5530 taupo@vcc.org.nz WAIKATO PO Box 924, Hamilton 3240 FAR NORTH waikato@vcc.org.nz NORTHLAND WAIMATE WELLSFORD/ NORTH SHORE 4 Harris St, Waimate 7924 WARKWORTH waimate@vcc.org.nz AUCKLAND WAIRARAPA WAITEMATA 24B Nikau Heights,Lansdowne, BAY OF PLENTY WAIKATO Masterton 5810 EASTERN BAY wairarapa@vcc.org.nz OF PLENTY ROTORUA WAITEMATA SOUTH WAIKATO C/- 8 Jean Place, Stanmore Bay, TAUPO GISBORNE KING COUNTRY Whangaparoa 0932 TARANAKI waitemata@vcc.org.nz HAWKE’S BAY WANGANUI WANGANUI CENTRAL MANAWATU PO Box 726, Whanganui 4541 HAWKE’S BAY wanganui@vcc.org.nz HOROWHENUA WELLINGTON WAIRARAPA PO Box 38418, Wellington Mail Centre, NELSON Lower Hutt 5045 WELLINGTON wellington@vcc.org.nz MARLBOROUGH WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH PO Box 547, Warkworth 0941 WEST COAST wellsfordwarkworth@vcc.org.nz WEST COAST CANTERBURY BANKS PENINSULA C/- 143 Ward Street, Cobden Greymouth 7802, ASHBURTON westcoast@vcc.org.nz SOUTH CANTERBURY WAIMATE
CENTRAL OTAGO
SOUTHLAND
GORE
NORTH OTAGO OTAGO
SOUTH OTAGO
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CONTENTS
Issue 391 December 2024/January 2025
FEATURES 8 10 20
Goodwood Revival 2024
14
14 20
1947 Nash
36
Marketplace
26
Camping Tour – A 1927 Road Trip Completing this epic tale of early travel around South Island, New Zealand. My Three Girls Colin Johnston introduces the long-standing object(s) of his affection. Behind The Wheel – 1947 Nash Ambassador Carnival of Motorsport Stuart Francis took one for the team and begrudgingly headed off to enjoy the delights of this year’s Goodwood Revival Rally Snippets 26
2024 National Commercial Rally
28
Hunua 100 Rally – Auckland Branch
29
The Rubber Duckie Motorcycle Rally – Taranaki Branch
30
Basecamp Bound, an Interbranch Campout – Wairarapa Branch
31
Dunvegan 52- Otago Branch
32
Bentley Downs Grasskhana – South Canterbury Branch
33
Hitching a Ride
32
South Canterbury Grasskhana
COLUMNS 5
From the Editor
48
Trade Directory
6
VCC Branch Events
49
President’s Message
7
Mailbag
49
Commemorative Awards
13
Timelines
50
Festival Update
25
Book Review
51
National Office News
34
Polishing the brass
51
John L Goddard
35
Archivist News
52
Branch News
36
Marketplace
66
Passing Lane
44
Swap Meets & Rallies
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated
COVER Alister and Jane Nicholson, Blenheim, enjoy scenic motoring in their 1942 Ford V8 truck during the National Commmercial Rally, recently hosted by North Otago Branch. Photo: Sarah Miller.
National Office
Phone 03 366 4461 (9.30am–1.30pm) Email admin@vcc.org.nz
Postal Address PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
Address 12 Aberdeen St, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Website: www.vcc.org.nz
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
4 Beaded Wheels
Find us on facebook Vintage Car Club of New Zealand
The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) is the worldwide organisation dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of historic vehicles and related culture. The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc) is a founding member of FIVA. VCC Life Member Rod Brayshaw is the New Zealand delegate to FIVA and also a member of the FIVA Technical Commission.
FROM THE
EDITOR
Something to think about ….. Words are important. Communication is enhanced if, by use of the correct words, we are able to have the reader or listener understand what we are saying. The Beaded Wheels editorial team always attempts to use the correct words, and I hope that, mostly, we succeed. We have made mistakes in the past and inevitably will in the future – but that’s what happens in even the best of publications. Mind you, when I see some of the deplorable cliches and phrases in use today by many people, including politicians, academics and others who should know better, I scratch my head in disbelief. A new one that seems to be popular is “reimagine”. Does that mean that you have first
Beaded Wheels Publisher
The Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXXV No. 389
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
imagined something, then think about it again and called it reimagining? Another one, mainly American, is to use the term “swap out” when changing something – perhaps an engine air filter for example. “Swap” on its own is quite sufficient and the “out” is superfluous. (We would probably use the word “change” in this circumstance). Another in very common usage is “skill set”. They mean skill or skills, so why not just say that. Adding the word “set” does nothing - there is no circumstance where that need be added. We’ve all heard “learnings” being used, such as the All Blacks took some “learnings” from the recent game against England at Twickenham (which we narrowly won). A teacher can teach (we hope, anyway!) and a student can
learn. “Learnings” is not an appropriate word and falls into the category of some who say “aks” when they mean “ask”.
Correspondence & Editorial
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used when people don’t know what else to say are “leaned into” or “in this space”. We will attempt to keep Beaded Wheels free of such artifices as those above and many more as well! Of course, English is an ever-changing language, as are other languages, and over time new words are invented and old ones changed, and these changes will be reflected in Beaded Wheels.
Some phrases really are a waste time and space: “In and of itself” and “Any way shape or form” are unneeded meaningless embellishments to the end of a sentence. “Going forward” when this is a phrase that never needs to be said as it is always implied. “At the end of the day” - using this means you don’t know what to say! “It is what it is” – is it? I’ll say no more! One that is very recently coming into common use by news feeds headlines is the term “What you need to know”. Well, I’ll decide what I “need” to know, thank you very much, just give me the news, unfettered and without opinion! Some more phrases
Beaded Wheels subscribers change of address to: PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Phone 03 366 4461, Email admin@vcc.org.nz Annual subscription (6 issues) $52* inc GST Australian subscription (6 issues) NZ$112* Other countries (6 issues) NZ$185* Digital subscription (6 issues) NZ$39 available from issuu.com. *Payment by credit card incurs additional bank fee processing charge of 2%
Rant for 2024 over! I wish you all a great and happy festive season and I look forward to catching up in the new year.
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 FEBRUARY/MARCH
Editorial Copy 8 January 2025 • Advertisements 10 January 2025
Beaded Wheels 5
VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS
Manawatu: Participants relaxing at the clubrooms before departing on the 2024 Motorcycle Rally.
DECEMBER
7 Canterbury Christmas Social 7 Central Hawke’s Bay Christmas Function 7 Gore Christmas Run 7 North Otago Windsor Rally 7 Wanganui Christmas Parade 8 Central Otago Christmas Lunch 8 Nelson Club Run 8 Northland Christmas Lunch 8 Taupo Christmas Lunch 11 Bay of Plenty Christmas Run 11 Waikato Christmas Breakup 11-17 Ashburton David & Marion Oakley’s Pre-Christmas Tour 12 Central Otago Thursday Muster 13 Wellington Motorcycle Christmas Ride 14 E. Bay of Plenty Kawerau Christmas Parade 14 Far North Christmas Lunch 14 South Canterbury Christmas Party 14 Wairarapa Christmas Function 14 Waitemata Christmas Drive & Dine 15 Canterbury OCBC* & Christmas Picnic 15 Otago Christmas Barbecue 17 Wellington Branch Barbecue 18 Waikato Wednesday Wander 19 Auckland Christmas Pot-Luck Dinner 22 North Shore December Car Show & Barbecue - members only 26 Canterbury Boxing Day Run 31 C. Hawke’s Bay Gumboot Rally Taihape
JANUARY 1 Ashburton 1 Auckland 1 Banks Peninsula
New Year’s Day Run New Year’s Day Run New Year’s Day Picnic at Little River 1 Manawatu Annual Len Haycock Picnic 1 Nelson New Year’s Day Picnic 1 South Canterbury New Year’s Day Fairlie 1 Wanganui Gumboot Rally 2 Canterbury Motorcycle New Year Run 5 Waikato Blue Smoke & Pedals (Motorcycles) 5 Canterbury Picnic Run *OCBC: “Old Cars, Bikes , and Coffee,” all welcome.
NATIONAL EVENTS 25 –27 January 2025 National Motorcycle Rally Host: Manawatu Branch
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
5 Wairarapa 8 Banks Peninsula 8 Wanganui 9 Canterbury 15 Waikato 17 Wellington 17-20 Wanganui 18 Far North 18 Nelson 18 North Otago 19 Central Otago 19 Otago 19 South Canterbury 19 Southland 19 Waikato 19 Wanganui 25 Ashburton 25 Waimate 25 Waitemata 25-26 Otago 25-30 Manawatu 29 Otago 30 Central Otago
FEBRUARY
1 Canterbury 1 E. Bay of Plenty
1 Southland 1-2 Banks Peninsula 2 Waitemata 5-9 Southland 6 Marlborough 6 Taupo 7-9 Banks Peninsula 8 Auckland 8 Canterbury 8 Waimate 8-10 Gisborne
Coastal Run to Castlepoint Pomeroy Trophy Ruapuna Club Picnic OCBC* Wednesday Wander Monte Carlo Rally Vintage Weekend Picnic Golden Bay A&P Show Moped Rally Swap Meet Jackson Rally Ladies Run Ladies Run Gymkhana Burma Rally Annual Rally Kick Start Motorcycle Rally Roycroft Hampton Downs Dunedin to Brighton Run National Motorcycle Rally & Post Rally Tour Midweek Lunch Run Thursday Muster Commercial Annual Rally Annual Rally, 50th Anniversary & Badge Presentations 70th Anniversary Rally Scope Classic Race Meeting Ruapuna Dairy Flat Airfield Sprint Burt Munro M/C Rally Heritage Day incl’ National Veteran Rally display Club Barbecue CMRC Southern Classic Race Meeting Levels Timaru Annual Veteran Run Boot Sale Wallaby Rally Three Rivers Rally
9 Ashburton 9 South Canterbury 12-16 Hawke’s Bay 14-15 Nelson 14-16 Southland
Show & Shine at VTNZ Chairman’s Run Art Deco Festival Moutere Hop Ascot Park Classic Speedfest Teretonga Park 15 Canterbury Clip-on Run 15 North Otago All British Day 16 Canterbury OCBC* 16 Central Otago Weekend Run 16 North Shore Posh Picnic 16 Waikato Wednesday Wander 16 Wanganui Club Gymkhana 22 Far North Northern Captain’s Run 22 Gore Festival Rally 22 South Canterbury Open Day 22-23 Canterbury Annual Rally 23 Auckland Club Run 23 Horowhenua Ted Green Memorial Motorcycle Rally 23 Taranaki Waitara Mini Vin 27 Central Otago Thursday Muster 27 Otago Midweek Lunch Run
MARCH 1 Canterbury
Brooklands to Brighton for 100 year old vehicles 1 Southland Veteran & Vintage Rally 2 Waitemata Brit Euro 8 Canterbury Moped Run 8 Nelson Swap Meet 8-9 South Waikato Irish Woman’s Rally 9 Banks Peninsula Summer Gymkhana Loburn 9 South Canterbury Mid Island Rally 15 Horowhenua Swap Meet 15 Taupo Country Roads Rally 16 Canterbury OCBC* 16 Central Otago Weekend Run 16 Gore Swap Meet 16 Waikato Club Run 16 Wanganui Sunday Ru 21/22 Taranaki Maunga Moana 22 North Shore Open Day
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. 5-7 February 2025 National Veteran Rally Host: Marlborough Branch
18 –21 April 2025 National SI Easter Rally Host: Canterbury Branch
18 –21 April 2025 National NI Easter Rally Host: Waikato Branch
15-21 March 2026 Vero International Festival Nelson Region
This column is compiled from the VCCNZ National Calendar of Events, and events as listed in each branch newsletter. It does not contain all branch activities. While Beaded Wheels makes every attempt to check the accuracy of the dates published in this column we advise readers to confirm all dates with the individual branch concerned.
6 Beaded Wheels
MAILBAG Beaded Wheels reserves the right to publish, edit or refuse publication of any item s ubmitted as comment. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily express the policy or views of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) or the publishers. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. DISAPPOINTED
Just received my October/ November issue of BW, a good read as usual. Disappointed to see the Editor continuing his crusade with questionable facts against electric cars, but at least he admits "what could be better than a little EV runabout?" Yes indeed! I don't know where The Telegraph UK gets its facts from but here are some up to date facts (October 2024). EV sales soared in September 2024, 1.7 million globally for the month. a 30% increase. For the first nine months of 2024 11.5 million EVs sold, an increase of 22%. Source: insideevs website. Not bad for little runabouts eh Kevin? Andy Hammond. Member Waikato
OVERLAND ROADSTER
In the Branch News column of Beaded Wheels 390 October/ November 2024 there was a photo of a 1922 Overland roadster from Canterbury (page 54). I had an Overland exactly the same when I was a 16 year old apprentice mechanic at Wilkinson's Garage, Ashburton. It was about 1955 when I bought it from Allan and Baris Bowis of Ashburton. It was painted green at the time. I ran it for a couple of years and sold it to the Nish Brothers who had a farm around Winchmore on the Ashburton Methven Road. I just wonder if the car in Beaded Wheels could be the same vehicle as there weren't many Overland roadsters around at the time? Calvin Law Member Bay of Plenty
STAGGERING PRICES
I recently picked up my Oct / Nov copy of Beaded Wheels and scurried home to read it.
Not being a member of the Vintage Car Club and only owning a collection of motley English two strokes and a couple of Matchy singles, I never look at the for sale or wanted ads any more. I know from experience the parts are often long sold to the early birds (Club members get their copies earlier than us lesser mortals). Those vendors I have tried to contact seem to be rude enough not to return my emails or texts. So much for modern communications. But I digress from the point of this letter to the dear editor. I have an interest in reading exploits of amazing and intrepid travellers who travelled the world by motorcycle 70 to 80 years ago. This on motorcycles that were so basic and crude it's a wonder they even got across town. Reminiscent of earlier vintage car travels on the Paris to Dakar rallies of the earlier part of this century. There was nothing like the backup available today with helicopters to extract you, fantastic medical services or immediate spare parts availability. Back then it was your travelling companions or helpful locals who got you back home. I have a collection of many interesting and wonderful motorcycle travel books of people who went across the world seeking adventure. One close to home is Joy Keen who travelled from the UK and went across Africa on a BSA Bantam. She is buried in a little New Zealand cemetery at Rangiwahia. She was a kiwi nurse and an amazing lady who needs greater recognition. You can imagine my delight when reading Beaded Wheels 390 that, on page 23, a book titled The Rugged Road was mentioned. I immediately thought, hey that sounds great I would love to buy a copy and read that. Alas dear reader, no
info in the article gave a hint of where I could buy this book and even a price. On researching the matter further via Google, copies were indeed available from the lowest of NZ$60 plus postage to a staggering NZ$444.44 plus postage and a midrange one at a paltry US$99.99. Too much for this active old pensioner. Perhaps I should just give up on buying magazines, even reading altogether and crawl back under my garden rockery and stay quiet. Bryce Clifford
ED NOTE: Just keep on reading BW. ARTISTS OF INTEREST
I found the article by John McDonald (BW 390 Oct/Nov 2024) regarding his interest in, and collection of, vehicle sales brochures and posters fascinating reading, particularly where John, on page 11, states that “learning about the artists is a bonus”. I recently decided to research the artist and printer of an offset lithographic sales poster I have owned for 70 years. The poster is of a 1925 Triumph Model P and titled "Triumph of the World" and I share my research.
The artist was Guy Lipscombe (1881-1952) who was the founding motorsports illustrator at The Motor magazine. Lipscombe was regarded as a master of this genre and an oil painting by him of the 1907 French Grand Prix hangs over the stairs at the RAC headquarters in London. Several others painted by him, during his WWI
service, are in the Imperial War Museum. The printers were Thomas Forman & Sons Ltd of Nottingham who were in business for 152 years (18482000) and were prolific brochure and poster printers. At their peak they had over 1000 employees. I find research like this an interesting adjunct to restoring and owning vintage vehicles. Ian Bade Member Horowhenua
OH DEAR…
Oh dear, Editor Clarkson; electric vehicles have been around longer than combustion engined machines and are making a comeback. When many of us were children, electric milk floats, trams and trucks were touring city streets silently assisting commerce at all levels. A certain Henry Royce refined his skills manufacturing a wide variety of electrical goods until he realised that he could and should vastly improve the smelly, noisy automobiles of his time. To suggest that electric vehicles are a waste of time and effort and will therefore not amount to much (I may be exaggerating your points) is surely a disservice to the industry and a dig at those manufacturers resolved to raise new and economical novo-Roycean clean and silent conveyances. Economical? Yes; my family, having mounted a solar array on the roof, have for the past four years or more, travelled free of charge in our EVs, until the dastardly Road User Charges scuppered that perk. However, in that time we have saved thousands in petrol and maintenance costs and spread fewer fumes, waste oil and noise around the neighbourhood. Swifts now wish to live in our garage due to its newly acquired freshness, surely a development devoutly to be wished world-wide? Clive Shaw Member South Canterbury
Beaded Wheels 7
CAMPING TOUR
A 1927 ROAD TRIP Words and photos Rob Turnbull
Summit of Whangamoa Saddle.
Part II - Our first instalment published in Beaded Wheels 390 described the intrepid travellers starting from Rakaia. We rejoin them as they set out for Greymouth.
Franz Jozeph Glacier Face.
The Glacier Hostel .
8 Beaded Wheels
Sunday morning 26 March and conditions eased a little for them to pack and set out for Greymouth. “We were fortunate that we left Westport the night before, as we had only crossed Larrys Creek a little while, a few miles from our camping ground, when the temporary bridge was washed away, and the cars were held up for a few days. As the weather was disastrous for campers, we decide to continue on to Gladstone, seven miles out of Greymouth where the writer has a brother living, and here we discarded our tent after a full week of camping in it and were accommodated in a dwelling house.” Next morning a visit to the Punakaikai Blowholes was undertaken, en route “one sees a monument erected to the memory of the man that was murdered by Eggers while he was taking the pay out to the miners. The scenery is very good in places, and keeps close to the beach, sometimes the sea actually washing over the road. Arriving at our destination there is a walk of a mile or two to the Blow Holes and the sight is most wonderful.” Still raining on 22 March “We had set our mind on reaching Franz Josef, so decided to push on as far as possible in the rain.” Towards Hari Hari “the road led through a veritable paradise of Bush scenery, impossible to describe, being miles of ferns, native bush, and tree ferns”. Continuing heavy rain
precluded pitching the tent, and the offering of an empty bungalow accepted, a welcome start to an anticipated drive to Franz Josef next day. Alas the rains continued the next morning and “we were compelled to have a day’s rest, as the rain continued to fall heavily, and all the rivers were flooded, even the Mail Cars being held up at Hari Hari for the day.” The rain continued, and “Lunch was not put on until 2pm but we did justice to a tin of CMC Tongues and other things besides. Towards 5pm we thought that chops or steak and onions would make a nice change. We were told that the butcher would be passing shortly, so we set a watch for him, and were rewarded after a long wait, but he only had chops and sausages, which we procured.” Thursday 24 March and with clearing weather the party set out for the glacier. “Arriving at Dry Creek we found the water in the stream very high, and hesitated for a time before plucking up courage to go through. At last we thought we would give it a trial and set to work and covered the radiator and tied a rope in front in case of sticking in the middle. In low gear we set in motion, and although the water was running in on the footplate, we managed to get to the other side with the front wheels out of the stream, when the engine stopped. The water was that
high that it got in underneath and reached the fan which scattered it over the engine and, of course, stopped the electrical appliances. We dried the parts affected, and after a few minutes were able to get the motor going again and got out under our own power.” This episode was repeated several more times with the same results, along with a slip on the road. The accommodation house was reached late afternoon, marked by a hearty meal that “cost us 5/- each”. Friday morning and despite more rain “evidently a never-ending process on the coast” and a 1½ hour walk the goal was reached. “Arriving at the foot of the Glacier, the sight was most wonderful to behold, and must be seen to be appreciated. The huge valley full of ice, showing different colours, is beyond description and after taking several snaps, we were reluctantly compelled to retrace our steps, being delighted with what we had seen.”
afterwards readying for the drive to Otira. Heavy rain there obligated them to “stay at the hotel, and were made very comfortable, with good meals and beds and plenty of firing in the parlour.” “Monday 28 March We were astir early in the morning to get our car on the rail truck ready for the trip through the tunnel. The rain was still coming down, and the trucking was not under ideal conditions. Once it was safely aboard, we went back to the hotel for breakfast and that over it was time to catch the train. We had to travel in the guards van to Springfield taking about five hours on the trip and it was not nearly so comfortable as travelling in the car. Arrived at Springfield we un-trucked the car, and instead of raining, it was blowing a strong Nor Wester. After having refreshments at the Railway Tea Rooms, we started on our homewards final run in the motor, through Colgate and Hororata, and across the plains. We arrived in Rakaia about 4:30pm after spending a most delightful
Saturday 26 March dawned fine, “and the sun shone beautifully, the best day since reaching the coast.” Departure from Hari Hari followed cleaning the bungalow, the eventual destination being Hokitika. A diversion “off to the left at Rimu, to see the wonderful Rimu Gold Dredge. We were not allowed on the dredge; but could see it working, and it is marvellous to see it lifting the shingle at one end of dredge, and after washing the gold out of it, depositing it at the other end in huge heaps, called tailings.” On arrival in Hokitika “a rail truck was ordered for our motor on Monday morning, we had a look around the Town, and took in five gallons of petrol at 2/4d a gallon”.
Hawks Crag Buller Gorge.
holiday, enjoying every hour of it, and seeing places of interest, and most beautiful sceneries that will live in our memories for ever.” The final entry in the diary paid tribute to their travelling partner Jack Allen, and also their satisfaction with the car. “We must also mention the pleasure derived from driving our Oakland car. It was driven under all sorts of conditions, in wet and fine weather, through creeks swollen with continuous rain, uphill and down dale, in low and second gear quite a lot, travelling in all 1071 miles, and never having a puncture or mechanical trouble of any description. Also, the mileage was exceedingly good, being an average of 22 miles to the gallon for the trip.”
Home Again Safe and Sound.
Next morning (again fine) “we left on foot to see an old dredge that had been abandoned for some considerable time, in the bed of the Taramakau River,
The 1924 Oakland 6-54 tourer restored by Bob Turnbull.
Matai Valley Camp. Temporary Bridge over Larrys Creek.
Beaded Wheels 9
MY THREE GIRLS and the Love of the DODGE DA Words Colin Johnston photos by Honey & Co Creative and from Johnston Collections.
Love is described in the dictionary as ‘Having an Affection’, so would that affection be correct if it’s a 1929 motor vehicle that has been in one ownership for the last 56 years?
As an enthusiastic 18-year-old in 1968 I had plenty of other
My engineering father owned a 1938 Chevrolet for 20 years and I
attractions on the horizon. After all, the 1960s was known as the ‘swinging sixties’ because of the relaxation of social taboos and the emergence of the Beatles, with their inspirational music that led to the British invasion and set the rock and roll era in full swing. Even with all that going on around me I still had a yearning to own an old vintage car. There was something about that era that stirred something deep inside of me which was going to last a lifetime. Not only did I aspire to own a vintage car but I had an interest in antiques, gramophones, phonographs and model cars. Yes! I was destined to become a collector.
believe he instilled some engineering principles in me. I am always amazed at some mechanical knowledge I have when it comes to my Dodge cars, even if I have to ask my friends (like Ashley Smith and mechanical mate Rob Thomson) for their support and advice. My interest in vintage cars really began when a friend of mine took me for a ride in his 1929 Wolseley. He had just purchased a 1928 Studebaker straight 8 sedan back in 1967. After this ride sparked my interest I had an interesting conversation with my Dad about cars. He had sold the ‘38 Chev and purchased a 1963 Rambler Classic 660. In 1968 our first look at a vehicle to buy was a disassembled Model A roadster, then a one-owner Essex, but I was persuaded to find a sedan with an all-steel body. By this time, I had joined the Vintage Car Club (Taranaki Branch) and was attending my first meeting in Hawera. I overheard a conversation about a 1929 DA Dodge sedan for sale at £170 ($340). After an inspection and a drive of this car I knew it was the one. I was able to drive it 60 miles back to my place in Waitara. The Dodge was in pretty good original order and with only three previous family owners. It still had the instruction booklet and some original tools. I was able to keep the car on the road while we tided up the panel work, re-bored the engine, replaced the upholstery and painted it the original colour with the aim of having it ready to be
The powerful engine of the new Dodge Brothers six, is carefully designed and well built. Its performance gives evidence of master engineering.
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Colin Johnston’s three girls.
My late father and mother and three younger sisters Leonie, Heather and Cheryl attending a VCC monthly club run in 1976.
1973: The second owner, Thomas Henry Baldwin from Hawera, who owned the DA Sedan for 26 years.
able to attend the 13th International VCC Rally in Nelson in 1972. To attend this rally, we joined other entrants in a hub-type rally starting for us in Palmerston North and ending four days later in Nelson. The Dodge stuck a valve on the outskirts of Blenheim but was quickly fixed by another Dodge owner following behind me with a tap on the top of the valve after the removal of number six spark plug. What a great rally that was for all entrants. Over the 56 years of ownership, the DA sedan has given me much enjoyment and pleasure, attending local and other branch rallies. I competed in the 1976 Maunga Moana Rally and was surprised to win the Findlay Cup for first Taranaki entrant. I was with a crew of three friends who had no experience of how to time keep or navigate, we were just out to have a good time. Attending these rallies I have met some wonderful people and made true lifelong friends. This Dodge has certainly stood the test of time. I named the DA sedan “Dixie Ann” (DA) after my first girlfriend, as the back seat was very comfortable to do a bit of star and moon gazing, or whatever, up at the local heights. Owning the Dodge led me to research the Dodge Brothers and what an incredible story to learn of their early beginnings, supplying transmissions for Oldsmobile and engines for Ford cars in Detroit USA. The information that is available for research makes a very interesting read. The Dodge Brothers entered the lucrative American market in November 1914 and their new
12 May 1968: The Dodge as purchased after driving the 60 miles home from Hawera to Waitara.
The Dodge arriving at the Nelson Showgrounds for the International VCC Rally in 1972 following a four day rally route which had started in Palmerston North.
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Newton King's New Plymouth showroom in 1929 . This branch sold 30 DA Dodge cars out of the 70 allocated to the Taranaki franchise in the 1929/30 financial year of Dodge sales. SW1923-1930.04230 – Puke Ariki Collection.
vehicle was of conventional but very advanced design utilizing sound engineering principles that were to stand the test of time. John and Horace Dodge were mechanical geniuses, had great business acumen and worked really hard to achieve what they did. They coined the word ‘dependability’, for their Dodge Brothers cars. The brothers were very generous and contributed a lot of wealth to create Meadow Brook Hall, a national historic Tudor Revival house museum, and the Oakland University in Michigan. Both brothers died in 1920, victims of the influenza epidemic. I would encourage anyone to read the life and times of the Dodge Brothers. Dodge Brothers cars continued to be made. The company was sold in 1925 to New York investment bankers Dillon, Read and company. And it was then sold in late July 1928 to Chrysler Corporation for US$170 million. The purchase made Chrysler the world's third largest automaker overnight. The new Dodge Brothers Six DA series replaced the Victory Six, from which it inherited the chassis, engine and bumpers. The DA series made its debut on 1 January 1929. Though resembling the 1929 Chrysler, the DA was not Chrysler designed as its development was nearly complete when Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928. The new Dodge DA Six cylinder model was, they said, the most attractive model offered by the company to date. According to my research from original pamphlets on this model I would have to agree. First in the series was Number DA1 built December 17, 1928, and the last in the series was Number DA123, 481 built 14 March 1930. Over the years I have been able to research the history of my Dodge as it has always been owned in Taranaki. It has serial number DA94673 with 12 Beaded Wheels
engine number H108551 and was sold new by the Taranaki agent, Newton King Ltd at their Hawera branch. The first owner was James Baldwin who purchased it on 20 November 1929 for the price of £435. His son Thomas Henry Baldwin acquired the car on the 8 August 1941. The Dodge was a familiar sight around the Hawera district. It was then sold to James Potter, who was a VCC member in Hawera, on 14 June 1967. On the 12 May 1968, it then came home with me forever. Newton King was a very successful businessman and promoted mechanisation in farming through agencies for agriculture implements and cream separators. He acquired the agency for Calthorpe cars while visiting Britain in 1908 and in 1911 opened a garage in Hawera. In 1914, while on tour in the United States, King negotiated and became an agent for the White and Dodge Brothers motor companies. By 1929, Newton King had major vehicle branches in Hawera, Stratford and New Plymouth. 1929 DA Dodge sales were just before the Great Depression, but the dealership sold a total of 70 DA cars between April 1929 and April 1930. Out of the agency's allocation of Dodge cars, the DA with the earliest serial number (DA11151) and engine number (H13607) was sold in Hawera on 30 July 1929 to a Mr W A Guy. This Dodge was sitting on the Hawera showroom floor for three months before it was sold. I have a list of 70 DA Dodge car delivery dates with serial and engine numbers that I rescued from a parts list book after the agency closed down in the 1980s. Owning my Dodge led me on a path to wanting to own a tourer/ open car model. After chasing one that had been brought in from Australia by a chap in Hamilton in the 1970s I eventually lost contact with him as he wanted more than I could afford at the time. This particular DA tourer model has now been restored and is owned by a VCC member in Thames. In 2010 and with the help of ebay, I was really lucky to stumble onto a fully restored 1929 DA Dodge tourer in Sydney. After successful negotiation to purchase it I had to arrange shipping into New Zealand and could not believe how easy it was when you have the right personnel to do the job. The car was able to be driven onto the car carrier ship Silverstone Express at Port Kembla in Sydney and arrived in Auckland three days later. This car had been restored to a very high standard over a five-year period in the 1980s by the previous owner Kevin Piggot of Bass Hill in Sydney. When Kevin first purchased the car in 1962 it had only 18,400 miles on the speedo and it was found to be mostly complete with original tools. It had been dry stored on a farm at Mount Russell, Inverell (NSW) by the original owner, Mr J E Hewat, who had purchased the car from Harden and Johnston, a major Dodge dealer in Sydney, on Christmas Eve 1929. I have attended quite a few rallies and events including two Highland Fling rallies with this DA tourer performing very well through river fords, private roads and farm tracks. It’s a different
TIME LINES driving aspect with the top down and the wind whistling through your hair. To my knowledge there are only the two 1929 DA tourers in New Zealand. A for sale advert in the November 2018 Beaded Wheels for a 1929 DA Dodge five window Deluxe business coupe drew my excited attention and after a phone call with the owner, I learnt the car was in Invercargill. The owner, Keith Shieffelbein, had owned the car since 1980 and had completed restoration of it in 1986. He assured me the car could be driven all the way home to Waitara. A quick decision was made, I purchased the coupe and called on my mate Rob Thomson to accompany me on the drive home from Invercargill. It performed very well, and with the way that Keith had the DA motor running, we hardly changed out of top gear all the way home. I have returned to the South Island twice to attend two South Canterbury rallies in the coupe. These rallies took me to Timaru, Twizel and Mt Cook, and over Arthur’s Pass and back up the West Coast. We even did a journey through Hanmer Springs to Blenheim, driving through Molesworth Station and that really tested the endurance of the Dodge. Owning three 1929 DA Dodge cars has been a real privilege. It’s given me a great way of learning about the mechanics of vintage motor vehicles. By being a part of a wonderful Vintage Car Club movement I have made many special friends who have stood the test of time. With the Dodge Brothers sound engineering principles and my father’s guiding hand in those early days of Dodge ownership, I have been led on the right path to get the best out of driving and enjoyment with confidence from the amazing “Supremely Powerful”, “Absolutely Dependable” 1929 Dodge DA motor car. According to my Dodge Brothers Ammunition Service literature of 1929, "My Three Girls" are a product of the world's foremost automotive engineers. How true it is that “No other product of man's ingenuity has a more profound influence upon our way of life than the motor car”? The Licence Data for the 1929 DA Dodge Brothers Six. Cylinder Bore 3.3/8”. Stroke 3.7/8”. Number of Cylinders 6. N.A.C.C. Horsepower Rating 27.34. Piston Displacement 207.99 cu in. Easily develops 63 horsepower. Budd all steel body. By D.W.G. Budd Manufacturing, Philadelphia PA. Shipping Weights: sedan 2910lbs, : tourer 2763lbs, : coupe 2770lbs. Electrical, Northeast Service inc, Rochester New York. Carburettor Stromberg U2. Stromberg Motor Devices Co. Chicago III.
Colin Johnston is the current Chairman of the Taranaki Branch of the VCC. He is a 50-year membership badge holder. He was awarded a VCC Presidential Award in 2013 for organizing and sponsoring The Waitara Mini Vin Tour Rally for 40 continuous years and this event is now in its 51st year. He has written the Taranaki Branch News for Beaded Wheels over the last 29 years. He has always had an interest in Dodge Brothers motor cars.
1904/05
120 YEARS AGO
1924/25
100 YEARS AGO
VETERAN VEHICLES
Mr and Mrs H F Butcher of the Hawke's Bay Automobile Depot drove their two 1902 five hp Oldsmobiles, Reindeer and America, from Napier to Taupo then to Rotorua, supplies of petrol for the trip had been sent ahead. Disaster struck when Mrs Butcher struck a deep rut, the tiller was torn from her hand causing a collision with a tree. Fortunately, there was little damage so they reversed the car out of the ditch and the trip continued.
VINTAGE VEHICLES
Chryslers were hitting the market with advertising copy which promoted good feelings that would come from owning a new 38hp Chrysler, rather than facts about the car. Quote “In size, beauty, power and price, in sheer excellence, this fine Six leads its field, it handles at all speeds with an ease for Men and a joy to Women.” 1925 models, the advertisement continued, had a two-tone lacquer finish and oil tight universal joints.
1949/50
75 YEARS AGO
1974/75
50 YEARS AGO
1994/95
30 YEARS AGO
PW VEHICLES
Touches of luxury were changing the purists' view of the motor car with car radios available on more makes. Vauxhall added their powerful six volt version into the mix, claiming its richness of tone, quality of reception and fidelity of reproduction made it a better product. The receiver and speaker unit were concealed behind the instrument panel with the control panel styled to blend with the new Vauxhall interiors.
P60 VEHICLES
Colin Chapman’s new 125mph Lotus Elite was described as a Lotus for the 'elite' and one which handled like a GP car. Testers agreed it was a brave bid for the four-seater GT market in spite of its high standard of equipment, excellent handling and good performance from the Lotus two-litre, DOHC, 16 valve, 155bhp engine. At £6,673 it was £3,500 dearer than a BMW 2002Ti, cost £3,700 more than an Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV and a Jaguar XJ6 was £2000 less.
P80 VEHICLES
Stranger things have happened, but Suzuki’s departure from its ultra conventional 1990s offerings to the space age bubble shaped 1.6 litre, two door, two-seater X90 surprised many, in spite of its removable targa top and four-wheel drive. One startled writer, accustomed to 1990s bland offerings described it as looking like a space hopper, driving like a pram and looking like a snake that swallowed a watermelon. One wonders what this writer had been swallowing.
Developments in the motoring world this month in history. Compiled by Graeme Rice QSM
Beaded Wheels 13
HIN BE
D THE WH EE L
PUTTING THE ‘NASH’ IN PANACHE!
Or, perhaps ‘A Flash Nash’ might describe it better? Certainly the car has lots of appeal, and attracts car enthusiasts including Editor Kevin and myself (and countless others) like a magnet at the various car-related activities that it attends. We had actually ear-marked this Nash for a BTW article some months back, but getting all the stars aligned proved a bit of an obstacle until now.
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DARRYL AND KATHRYN SNOOK’S 1947 NASH AMBASSADOR Words and photos Greg Price
SO WHY THIS CAR? Darryl has been a Nash addict since, well, forever! So, when the previous owner noted that Kathryn liked it, he offered to sell it to them. (Like Darryl didn’t have enough cars already?) But, as always, before we go too far down that track, here’s a précis of the Nash models.
NASH — A CONDENSED HISTORY The Nash Ambassador was a luxury automobile produced by Nash Motors from 1927 until 1957. It was a top trim level for the first five years, then from 1932 on, a standalone model. Ambassadors were lavishly equipped and beautifully constructed, earning them the nickname “the Kenosha Duesenberg”. For a period between 1929 and 1934, when Nash produced a line of seven-passenger saloons and limousines, the Ambassador series was the maker's “flagship”, and remained so following the Nash-Hudson merger in 1954. The newly formed American Motors Corporation (AMC) continued the Nash Ambassador. From 1958 until 1965, the cars were named Rambler Ambassador. They were marketed from 1966 through 1974 model years as the AMC Ambassador. The ongoing use of the Ambassador model name by successive companies made it “one of the longest-lived automobile nameplates in automotive history” as of the late-1970s. Of relevance to this story is that when production was resumed after the war, the 1946 Ambassador Six became the top of the Nash line. It included such embellishments as “Cruising Gear” overdrive, a trend-setting
“Weather-Eye” heater, and a remote control Zenith radio, which enabled the driver to change stations at the touch of their toe! From the New Zealand perspective, the registration records show only 196 new Nash cars being registered in the immediate post WW2 era; with three in 1946, 65 in 1947, 126 in 1948, and two in 1949 (which were likely to have been the last of the 1948 model cars). It would be reasonable to assume the majority of these were the lower price 600, so there is a chance there were less than 100 new Ambassadors sold here in the 1946-48 period. The Snook’s car was one of them. As far as any local assembly in concerned, Mark Webster’s book, Assembly, notes that among other vehicles put together at Motor Assemblies in Christchurch between 1 July 1947 and 29 February 1948 were; 36 Nash 600s and 30 Nash Ambassadors and they had in stock to assemble; 24 Nash Ambassadors and 14 Nash 600s. Assembly also notes in the year ending 30 June 1949 Motor Assemblies had assembled 18 Nash Ambassadors and 24 Nash 600s, among the 404 cars it did in that period, the majority being various models of Standard, along with some Packards and Studebakers. There’s lots more information about the Nash automobile on the internet, so if you want to know more, ask Mr Google. But before you do that, here’s a wee bit more information, as provided by Mark Dawber who aside from being another sub-editor of Beaded Wheels, is also our in-house expert on American cars. One of Mark’s sons, Will, also has a couple of these Nash cars (albeit 1946 examples) stashed away for future restoration. Neither of those two cars show any sign of having had
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local assembly badges. Mark tells me that, according to his copy of The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975 “Technical features included: sealed in manifolding, full pressure lubrication, full length water jackets, steel strut aluminium alloy pistons with four rings, extra hard cylinder block, double automatic spark control (whatever that means), air-cooled voltage regulator, radiobalanced crankshaft with vibration dampener, four point rubber insulated engine mounting, oil filter, six quart crankcase, and a twenty gallon fuel tank (US measures of course). The carb is a single barrel Carter. Mark also said that regarding the 'sealed in manifolding', the exhaust is a bit like on a Zephyr with a 'hockey stick' manifold.” No wonder I liked it. It has a Zephyr-type hockey stick AND white wall tyres!
A NASH ADDICTION, PERHAPS?
Careful which one you press. Sealed in manifold and Zephyr-looking hockey stick exhaust.
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Over the years, Darryl has owned approximately 15-20 Nash cars. This particular example was one of two Ring Taxis operating in Dunedin, back in the day. The last of the six owners’ names on the Registration Certification was another Nash enthusiast - John Cope of Mosgiel in 1973. Darryl bought two other Ambassador cars from him around 1990. Apparently the production numbers on the two taxis were very close, and this one spent about 20 years stored in the old Kaiapoi Mill – in the company of many other classic vehicles. The previous owner, Morry Ashby, had bought the two ex-taxis and restored this one, using the other as a parts donor car. He also had three others which provided parts as well. The restoration took about five years. Morry’s brother did the paint and panel, while Morry did the mechanical work and assembly. Darryl’s pretty sure that the upholstery was done by one Wayne Patrick. Because the registration was on hold, there were none of those nonsensical compliance VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) issues, so it was simply a matter of taking it for Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and then rolling up to the post office and licensing it once again. I say nonsensical, because had the previous owner let the registration lapse, the project would have needed a raft of ‘pre-certification’ inspections, various technical inspections, and, if there had been any welding done (which there had been) a repair certifier would likely have had to be involved. It begs the question then, what difference does the license actually make to the overall safety of such a vehicle? From where I sit, the whole VIN process is just a very expensive WoF check, the object in many instances being to make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get these old cars back on the road! Anyway, I digress. Darryl bought it in its restored state, and has subsequently carried out mainly further engine and gearbox work, together with some ‘cosmetic’ stuff. There have been no modifications to the mechanicals. Overall, it is in really great condition, and is a credit to him, given it doesn’t just sit in the garage and look pretty. Upon arrival at his place for the Behind The Wheel exercise, the Nash was parked outside one of his massive garages looking magnificent in the cloudy conditions. Darryl reports that it motors along nicely at around 100kph. It certainly starts very well, and effortlessly.
Flash Nash Dash. DIY lubrication.
THE TEST DRIVE While I enjoy taking the wheel on many of these exercises, (particularly George Kear Snr’s E-Type Jaguar) I thought on this occasion, I’d sit in the back on the sumptuously upholstered rear seat and observe things from there, and forgo my now infamous handbrake turns (wouldn’t want to damage the white walls, now would we, and where was the handbrake again?). Editor Kevin sat up front — because he used to own one of these in days gone by, and it was a bit of nostalgia for him as well. First observation was that it was very comfortable and rode nicely on the country roads adjacent to the Spencer Park area, and around the Chaneys Plantation, where some of the photos were snapped. Having lived in Christchurch now for some 33 years, I’d never actually ventured that far into Spencerville, and certainly hadn’t realised how large that whole area was, so it was a bit of a learning curve for me as well. Some of the Spencerville photos were difficult to take because other traffic seemed to want to slow right down, or even stop, to take a look at the Nash, which was quite understandable, but inconvenient as it extended the time for our exercise. Nonetheless, I managed to get some interesting photos, which probably better inform the reader as to the overall condition of the car. As I mentioned earlier, when one is an aficionado of the marque, one tends to acquire parts and stuff, aided and abetted by businesses learning of your fixation with the model and offering new old stock (NOS) when winding down their activities or just having a clear out. So much so, that Darryl had to build more garages/ workshop space to accommodate, not just his car collection, but also all the parts acquired, and other Nash-related memorabilia. You name it, it’ll be on one of the shelves, or in one of the numerous sheds somewhere. Many of the various Nash, Rambler and AMC cars on the road today, will have parts sourced from Darryl. (If he hasn’t got the part it probably isn’t available.)
INTERESTING STUFF (READ ACCESSORIES) IN THE
Immaculate door trim .
You’d never get bored driving this as there’s so much to play with!
CAR ITSELF The first thing you notice centre stage is the ornate Weather Eye Conditioned Air speaker surround resplendent in cream and chrome. Nash described this system as ‘air conditioning’ but it isn’t the same as what we regard today, in that it was not a refrigerated system. No matter, it looks impressive, and that’s what counts in a flash Nash, eh? Underneath that is the radio, the stations of which are able to be controlled by a button on the floor. Just need to be careful which button you press lest you inadvertently dip the lights or hit the starter instead. The instrument cluster is also novel in that the gauges are seemingly idiot-proof, in that the words ‘high’ and ‘low’ (oil), ‘full’ and ‘empty’ (fuel), ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ (temp), and ‘discharge’ and ‘charge’ (amp), appear in large letters aside each of the relevant gauges rather than a simple + or - like most other cars. Must have been an American thing? Certainly there is much shiny stuff!
Flash Nash chrome splash.
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SPECIFICATIONS Engine: Gearbox: Carburettor:
Six cyl, ohv, 234 cu.in Three-speed with overdrive Carter carburettor with automatic choke Wheelbase: 121 inches Overall length: 205½ inches Front Springs: Coil Rear Springs: Lubricated, semi-elliptic Tyres: 6.50x15, whitewalls (of course!) Weight: 3,370lbs Overall rating: RFE (Really Flash, Eh?)
Editor Kevin & Darryl checking the motor is still there.
Adjacent to the radio are the cruising control knob (overdrive) and the defrost and cold knobs for the heater (Weather Eye system). You’d never get bored driving this as there’s so much to play with! Not forgetting the magnificent sumptuous upholstery, and as you can see in the photos, it is ‘as new’, and comfy-as in the back seat. The trunk space is huge and accommodates the spare wheel (in an upright position) plus a large chilly bin, and an assortment of tools – to fix other broken down cars that one might encounter while out cruising, you understand. Under the hood, the engine bay is clean and tidy, and interesting to note also is the size of those frost plugs.
IN CLOSING Having been up close and personal with this Flash Nash, it is easy to understand Darryl and Kathryn’s liking for the marque. I’ve known Darryl for 30-something years (and in the past I have relieved him of several American pedal cars over time) but I never realised he was such an avid fan of things Nash et al, so this exercise afforded me the opportunity to get to really appreciate that enthusiasm in more detail. As always, I’m grateful for the opportunity to get up close and personal with this great automobile – and all the other memorabilia associated with being such an enthusiast of these magnificent American cars.
OTHER STABLEMATES Other stablemates included a 1937 Nash LaFayette coupe, a 1965 Rambler Classic station wagon, a 1971 AMC Javelin, and (wait for it!) a 1957 Rambler Rebel V8. Which is ‘rare as’! At the time of manufacture, it was the fastest production sedan in the world, and is reportedly only one of 20 known to still exist world-wide!
NEXT PROJECT? The ’57 Rambler V8 – work is ongoing on this car (in yet another shed!)
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
Have you got a story worth sharing? Here at Beaded Wheels we are always on the lookout for a good article for a future issue. To encourage you to put pen to paper two lucky authors or photographers per issue will win a limited edition Beaded Wheels cap. Email your articles and ideas to: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz or contact our Editor, Kevin Clarkson, if you wish to discuss an idea for an article. Phone 021 0270 6525 or email kevin@vcc.org.nz
Beaded Wheels
Our lucky winners of the Beaded Wheels caps for this issue are John Henderson and John Gray. 18 Beaded Wheels
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Beaded Wheels 19
GOODWOOD REVIVAL 2024
CARNIVAL OF MOTORSPORT Words Stuart Francis, photos Stuart Francis, Goodwood Festival
Visitors at the 2024 Goodwod Revival. Photo Dominic James.
The Goodwood Revival is a three-day motoring event with a carnival atmosphere designed to appeal to the whole family not just the petrol heads. The structure of the event has been honed to perfection with 16 races over the weekend and plenty of action on and off the circuit to keep everybody entertained. The Saturday usually sells out fairly quickly and the three day passes are very popular but expensive, costing £255. With 50,000 attendance each day it is one of the world’s most popular motor race meetings and the only UK event which recreates the 1950s and 1960s era of motorsport. The event is so large that a number of the local roads are closed or made one-way to create an enormous one-way system to manage the traffic. Part of the appeal of the event is spectators, officials, team members, drivers and racers are all asked to dress up in period appropriate clothing and there are some areas, such as the pits, which cannot be entered unless you’re properly attired. It may be a simple white cotton overalls and flat cap all the way through to ladies looking like they have just come off the front cover of a 1960s Vogue magazine, and gentlemen just stepping out of their Saville Row tailor.
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Track action at the 2024 Goodwood Revival. Photo Dominic James.
Preparing the paddocks at the 2024 Goodwood Revival. Photo by Nick Wilkinson.
HISTORY The original racing circuit began life as the perimeter track of RAF Westhampnett, a WWII airfield. The first meeting took place on 18 September 1948, (a young Stirling Moss won the 500cc race that day). The original layout featured a number of fast curves and straights, but increasing car speeds forced organisers to add a chicane in 1952. The chicane, initially made of straw bales, was replaced by a rather unforgiving brick wall in 1953. Racing stopped in 1966 because the owners did not want to add more chicanes to control the increasing speeds of the racing cars. The circuit did however continue for some time as a test track. The first Revival took place in 1998, 50 years after the 9th Duke of Richmond and Gordon opened the original motor racing track in 1948. Lord March re-opened the circuit by driving around in the
same Bristol 400 his grandfather used to open the original track. The circuit is unchanged from its 1952 configuration when the chicane was added (although it now has a safer polystyrene block chicane).
ATTRACTIONS AND DISPLAYS If you are a Goodwood member you can get in early and witness an air show, this year it was a Spitfire, Mustang and Thunderbolt performing low level formations and mild aerobatics. Besides all the on track action there’s a whole host of events and displays going on, and between the races there’s a number of track parades, even in the pouring rain – the event has a real buzz about it.
On track action at the 2024 Goodwood Revival. Photo Dominic James.
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Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Meyers Manx Dune Buggy, each day was opened by over 100 Dune Buggys and beach buggys circulating on the track. To mark 60 years since John Surtees won his Formula 1 World Championship, there was a parade of his motorcycles and motorcars, 38 machines took part featuring everything from 250cc, 350cc and 500cc motorcycles to Grand Prix winners, unlimited sports cars and GTs. To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings over 100 D-Day military vehicles were on display over the weekend. The airfield and surrounding large houses were all part of D-Day. On Sunday, The Duke of Richmond gave an impassioned Churchillian speech about the events of D-Day, followed by a short film on Goodwood and the South Coast’s part in D-Day. The 100 D-Day military vehicles, accompanied by a military marching band, paraded around the circuit led by Field Marshal Montgomery’s recently-restored Rolls-Royce Wraith staff car, carrying two D-Day veterans. The Jaguar XK, a 3.4-litre, inline 6-cylinder double overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine debuted in a two-seat XK120 sports car in the 1948 London Motor Show and was on sale the next year. It earned fame on road and track, being produced in various sizes between 2.4 and 4.2-litres for Jaguar passenger cars and racing cars and for privateers for racing. To celebrate 75 years 60 XK powered racing cars, mainly Jaguars with a selection of Listers and Coopers thrown in, paraded around the circuit. Off track there was a cornucopia of motoring and motor racing events and displays that would impress even the most jaded petrol head. A walk through the pits just looking at 400 plus cars and motorbikes, conservatively valued at over £600M, jaw droppingly beautiful examples of the best pre ‘65 racing machines, was an amazing sight. A reproduction of a 1960’s Earls Court Motor show drew the crowds in, particularly when it was wet, showing off concours examples of BMWs, Minis, Jaguar Classics and Alpines, with Meyers Manx Dune Buggys as the centre piece. The static aircraft display brought together an incredible and rarely seen collection of four different marques of the Supermarine Spitfires, a 1939 Westland Lysander, 1941 de Havilland DH82, a Tiger Moth, a Grumman Wildcat, a Hawker Hurricane and a host of others. The historic Tyrrell Shed was officially opened Sunday morning, by Martin Brundle, Sir Jackie Stewart and The Duke of
Jaguar Le Mans.
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Richmond. Once home to Ken Tyrrell’s championship-winning Formula 1 racing team, it was fitted out to reflect the period in which it was in use. On display were the Tyrrell 001 and 006 that were built there. Bonhams Cars auctioned a unique collection of spectacular vehicles on Saturday. Three Porsches and an Alfa Romeo each went for over $1m. The Revive and Thrive Village was devoted to acquiring, renovating and caring for old clothes, with a whole series of workshops and fashion shows. The stall holders did a brisk trade selling vintage clothes and accessories. TV’s Dominic Chinea and Micaela Sharp offered sewing, mending and embroidery workshops, alongside large-scale classic car and bike restoration projects.
LEGENDARY DRIVERS AND RIDERS Competing in the event was 23-time Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness MBE, nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen, seven-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson and four-time IndyCar Champion Dario Franchitti. There was also a veritable host of famous racing drivers and riders attending: Sir Jackie Stewart, Jacques Villeneuve, David Brabham, Derek Bell, Jochen Mass, Karun Chandhok, Max Chilton, Giacomo Agostini, Maria Costello MBE. The list goes on…
FRIDAY Practice and qualifying sessions went on all day in the wet with a few incidents on the slick track. Race 1: The Sussex Trophy - the one hour race, with two drivers, for World Championship Sportscars opened the programme of racing. The 29 cars mainly Lotus, Listers and Jaguars, plus a couple of Ferrari flew into turn one for the first time on a very wet track. Andrew Smith in the Lotus 15, took the lead and disappeared in the distance, handing over to Oli Bryant at the pit-stop to win by 46 seconds.
SATURDAY Race 2: The Goodwood Trophy opened the track action of Saturday morning bringing out the pre-war Grand Prix and Voiturette racers of the 1930s and ’40s that participated in Goodwood’s earliest race meetings. The 29 cars, mainly ERAs and Maseratis with a couple of Altas, Alfa and Bugatti to spice up
McLarens.
The Pits.
the field, got the racing off to a cracking start. Victory came down to a final lap tussle, with Ian Baxter in his Alta 61 IS taking the chequered flag, just before Rob Halls BRM Type15. Race 4: Fordwater Trophy, for production based sports and GT cars raced between 1955 and 1960. The 26 car field had 14 different makes in the line-up, with MG A Twin Cams the most popular. It was a 20 minute lead-swapping scrap between a Jaguar XK140 and an Austin-Healey 100/6. Mark Gordon in the Jaguar XK140 took the win by a small margin after the race was red flagged. Race 6: Madgwick Cup: for sports racing cars, under 2.5 litres raced between 1955 and 1960. The 26 car field had nine different makes in the line-up, with Lotus just edging out Cooper, Lola and Elva as the most popular. Miles Griffiths led from flag to flag, from pole position, in his Lotus 11. Race 7: Whitsun Trophy for unlimited sports prototypes raced up to 1966. The 24 car field comprising of ten different makes, with Lolas, McLarens, Lotus and Fords out in force. These awesome cars blasted away on the wet track as each driver tried to put several hundred horsepower, from five and six litre engines, through their rear wheels without changing ends or rearranging the scenery (which some of them did). In the end it was the skill of Oli Bryant,
The leaders of the Barry Sheene Memorial.
in his Lola-Chevrolet T70 Spyder, who held it together to take a comfortable win. Race 8: Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy, Saturday’s racing closed with the Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy a two driver race for pre 63 closed cockpit GT cars. The 28 car field comprised of 11 different makes in the line-up, with E Type Jaguars the most popular closely followed by Aston Martin DB4s and AC Cobras. Jimmie Johnson and Dario Franchitti dominated the race in their Aston Martin DB4GT, despite a ten-second penalty and the safety car bringing the field back together.
SUNDAY
D-Day Parade.
Race 9: Earl of March Trophy, heavy rain started just before the first race on Sunday, the Earl of March Trophy for 500cc Formula 3 cars from 1948 to 1959. After a rolling start Tom Waterfield shot into the lead in his Cooper, but before two laps could be completed the rain became a monsoon, cars were sliding off, the race was red flagged and Waterfield awarded the race. Race 10: Richmond & Gordon Trophies for 2.5 litre GP cars from the 1950s and early ‘60s. The 29 car field was truly mouthwatering, eight Coopers, six Lotuses, four Maseratis, with Ferraris, BRMs Kiefts, Connaughts, Fergusons and Scarabs making up the field. The race got off to a tentative start under the safety car which pulled in after one lap. Will Nuthall in the Cooper T53 ‘lowline’ took
Beaded Wheels 23
Sir Jackie Stewart [centre] and The Duke of Richmond [2nd to his left] at the opening of the Tyrrell Shed at the 2024 Goodwood Revival. Photo Joe Harding.
the lead and maintained it despite hot competition from the BRM P48 and little grip from the very wet circuit. Race 12: RAC TT Celebration – a two driver race for closed cockpit GT cars and prototypes in the spirit of RAC TT races held in 1963 and 64. The 29 car field was made up of 12 different makes, with E Type Jaguars the most popular closely followed by Aston Martin DB4s and AC Cobras. Starting from the back seemed to make no difference for Olio Bryant and partner Jake Hill (disqualified from Official Practice), as they charged their way up through the pack in wet conditions. Only to being chased down by Tom Ingram in the TVR Griffith who took the win. Race 14: Glover Trophy for 1.5 litre GP cars raced between 1961 and 65. The 29 car field was truly mouth-watering, 15 Lotuses, four BRMs, with Ferraris, Brabhams and Lolas making up the field.
After a very early red flag the race settled into a four-way battle between eventual winner Andy Middlehurst Lotus-Climax 23, the 12-cylinder Ferrari 1512, a Lotus-Climax 21 and a Lola-Climax IV. Race 16: Freddie March Memorial Trophy - for sports cars that competed in the 9 hour races betwee1952 and 55, completed the days racing. The 26 car field had 11 different makes in the line-up, with 12 Jaguar and Jaguar derived machines and 5 Frazer Nashs. The main battle for the lead was between Jake Hill (HWM-Jaguar) and Richard Woolmer (HWM-Cadillac).It was Hill’s tidier driving that secured victory, but there’s no doubting the bravado of Woolmer’s sideways style.
BOTH DAYS Race 3 and 11: Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy Part 1 and 2 – for two riders on machines that raced up to 1954. With such a broad specification the 30 machines on the grid were quite a mix, Manx and International Nortons nearly outnumbered the rest, but Vincents, BMWs, Royal Enfields, Triumphs, Velocettes and a Gileria made up the field. The rain-affected official practice session on Friday made for a confused grid with some top riders starting at the back of the grid at Le Mans-style start. Starting in 27th place, Michael Russell and Michael Rutter ploughed their way through the field to take a welldeserved victory on Richard Adam’s Norton Velocette special. Round 2 on Sunday was nearly a repeat of Settrington Cup at first round with Rutter and Russell the 2024 Goodwood Revival. Photo PA.
24 Beaded Wheels
BOOK REVIEW
MOTORING THROUGH THE 20TH CENTURY: 1950S Published by Auto Heritage (www.auto-heritage.co.uk).
Bob Neville's 1962 Jaguar E Type.
taking the win on the Norton Velocette special. One front runner was disqualified from the classification due to a technical infringement (having blown up his original machine in the first round, the substituted Beart Norton was too young). The standout performance was Herbert Schwab and Davey Todd on their 1928 BMW R63 Kompressor(supercharged), having broken down in the first round they finished a well-deserved second in the second round. Race 5 & 15: St. Mary’s Trophy Part 1 & 2 for saloon cars raced from 1960 to 66. These races are a real crowd pleaser with the 30 saloon cars ranging from Mini Coopers and Ford Anglia Visitor at the 2024 Goodwood Revival. Photo PA through to Plymouth Barrucuda and Ford Galaxies battling it out on a slippery track. Frank Stippler in his Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA got the best start from the front row, took the lead and held it to the flag despite strong challenges. Just behind was Jake Hill in the Plymouth Barracuda and Romain Dumas, in the enormous Ford Galaxie 500 in third. The second round of the St Mary’s Trophy, started with a different set of drivers, and a new grid order after a second qualifying session. The second race ended very differently. After getting past the front row of two Minis and a Jaguar Mk2, Bill Shepherd in his imposing Ford Galaxie 500 took the lead and was not headed. Settrington Cup Part 1 & 2 – probably the most popular races of the weekend, with by far the largest field of 70, closest finishes measured in inches, the most partisan crowd, and invariably a track invasion at the end, it’s an Austin J40s pedal car race for under eleven years old. Luca Franchitti who won the first heat with Teddy Horne and Leo Evans joining him on the podium. The second heat, run with a reverse grid, was won by Bear Hughes-Ward, he was joined on the podium by Josh Johnston and Sofia Franchitti. The combined results had Josh Johnston taking first, with Luca Franchitti second spot, and Hugo Upward in third place.
2025 MOTORSPORT EVENT SEASON The 2025 Goodwood Revival will take place from Friday 12 — Sunday 14 September with tickets on sale from Monday 4 November 2024.
This large 142 page spiral bound softcover book contains over 500 mostly black and white photos to illustrate a wonderful variety of motoring and motor sport during the 1950s. It is primarily a photographic survey of the decade and, from the point of view of the illustrations, it’s great. I’ve assembled a pretty large motoring library over the decades but the great majority of the photos were new to me. The coverage is broadly alphabetical, starting with Aston Martin and closing with VW campervans, and the photos are well-reproduced on good quality paper. Along the way there are some real treats and a few surprises. I’m not going to try to pick a favourite but maybe a top five or six will give you the flavour. One of the few full-page shots shows a dozen or so elegant Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciales at the model’s launch at Monza. We also see Bentley Mk VI saloon bodies being rubbed down by hand, a very staged shot of two elegant women promoting the Fiat 500, a busy street scene in Barbados, a Bristol 401 being loaded into a Bristol Freighter and an early Toyota on the Mobilgas Rally in Australia. The captions and other text are pretty brief but that’s OK for a primarily photographic book, at which it’s a definite success. There are three similarly well-illustrated companion volumes covering the 1960s, 1970s and 1980/90s. The books are available from the publishers at £29.99 each or a pretty reasonable £94.96 for all four (plus postage of course). Review by Mark Holman.
Beaded Wheels 25
RALLY SNIPPETS
2024 NATIONAL COMMERCIAL RALLY Words Gordon Hay, Rally Committee Chairman photos Sarah Miller
Nigel and Francie Winter from Selwyn. 1947 Mercury. Ex ambulance.
The National Commercial Rally this year was hosted by the North Otago Branch. Entrants met on Friday 25 October for registration and a meet and greet in the clubrooms, which was a great start for a great weekend even though numbers were low. Saturday dawned wet and cold, but we couldn’t do much about that. The more open vehicles were left in shelter and some moderns were used instead. A veranda on the adjacent brewery provided shelter for the pre-run chat and briefing. The rally took entrants through the hinterland to Duntroon for lunch and included the time trial. The hall was warm and dry so the field tests were carried out in the hall after lunch. The village is the hub of the UNESCO GeoPark, the only one in New Zealand. It also has a working blacksmith shop and a fossil centre which allowed the entrants to stay sheltered while they explored the history and looked at the exhibits. On the run back to Oamaru we passed through some limestone formations. Some hardy souls stopped and explored when the weather cleared.
Denis and Judy Milne from Palmerston North. 1930 Austin 12/4 van.
26 Beaded Wheels
The evening meal was held in the Brydone Hotel. Our MC was Jim Hopkins, a great entertainer, and Bill Hohepa was our guest speaker. He also was very well received. Sunday saw an improvement in the weather and we made our way to Parkside Quarry, the place where Oamaru stone comes from. Participants appreciated the tour of the operation and photo opportunity. Then it was down to Clarks Flour Mill at Maheno. The people who look after it gave us an excellent explanation about how it all worked. The evening meal was also at the Brydone. Once again Jim Hopkins was our MC and entertainer. Guest speaker for the evening was well-known car magazine author and editor Alan Dick and members enjoyed hearing about his exploits. National President George Kear presented the prizes and trophies. It was a very enjoyable and successful weekend.
Gil and Ruth Edmonds from Mosgiel. 1972 Austin mini pickup.
INSTRUMENT REPAIRS Experienced expert technician available to refurbish or repair your automotive and marine instruments
Nevin Gough and Janeanne Benfell from Mosgiel. 1915 Model T.
Rebecca George from Oamaru. 1926 Chrysler.
John Adamson
Nevin Gough
Denis Milne, George Kear, Rebecca George
John Martin on behalf of Wendy Martin
Ross Brown
Des Gray
RESULTS & TROPHIES
Watchorn Motor Museum National Commercial Trophy John Adamson
Volvo bus Trophy – Concours D’Elegance Nevin Gough
1915 Ford T depot hack
Volvo Truck Trophy
Wendy Martin: 1968 Morris Minor Traveller
Allied Petroleum Limited National Trophy - Overall Rally Winner – 1st equal Rebecca George Denis Milne
1926 Chrysler pickup. 1930 Austin 12/4 van.
Ross Brown
1980 Land Rover
Certificate Winners Field Test: Time Trial: Des Grey
1934 International pickup
Bruce Chaytor Ph 021 631 700 or Nicolette Prangley 021 166 8374 nap.chaytor@gmail.com 5 Gibbs Place, Kinloch Beaded Wheels 27 RD1, Taupo 3377
HUNUA 100 RALLY 2024
Lunch stop.
Quinn family Oakland.
AUCKLAND BRANCH Words and photos Jodi Tomlin The Auckland’s annual Hunua 100 Rally has long been a fixture on the calendar, traditionally a 100 plus mile rally run at Labour weekend. As numbers continued to decline in recent years, the branch committee rehashed the event this year. Now named the Hunua Spring Tour, which incorporates the event’s history, originally the Spring Rally, keeping Hunua as the identifier and the change to a touring event versus a rally. Entrants could still opt-in to be competitive if they so wished. The change seems to have hit the mark, with over 50 entrants, a more than 70% increase over last year. The tour started in Ramarama, a rural suburb in South Auckland. The Spring weather was perfect as entrants headed south with very little traffic through the upper Waikato to pass through Rangiriri and loop past the Whangamarino Wetlands, and on to lunch at Mangatawhiri
Trevor Hackett , Vincent.
28 Beaded Wheels
Hall. Then it was a short drive to Clevedon, where over 100 people were treated to a tour of Zealandia Horticulture. This company is the source of most of New Zealand’s domestic vegetable and flower plants, providing 1400 plant varieties sold at nurseries, Bunnings and Mitre 10. The facility is state-of-the-art and computer-controlled, reusing all water collected from the large roof area and using local forestry slash to woodchip and fuel the boilers to keep a constant heat in the glasshouses. Packaging is blow moulded on-site, and any waste is reused. It is a very impressive operation, and all enjoyed the visit. The route plotters, Peter Alderdice and Paul Tomlin, kept the instructions straightforward and simple but still included some tricks to find a winner from those who wanted to be competitive. Congratulations to Rodger and Val Ball (1930 Model A) who
were the overall winners by one point from Wayne and Carrie Roberts (1924 Velie). Trevor Hackett won the motorcycle trophy riding a 1949 Vincent. Alan and Shaaran Price (1949 Chevrolet Styleline) won the PW class and Colin and Pam Bell (1979 Holden Premier) won the P60/P80 class.
Second place on the day – Wayne and Carrie Roberts, 1924 Velie.
Lunch stop.
THE RUBBER DUCKIE MOTORCYCLE RALLY One rider’s view
Three Wellingtonians attended the Taranaki Branch 2024 Rubber Duckie on 21 September, a smaller entry than usual. For the fourth year running the rally has had fine weather. This is really threatening the rally’s reputation. Competitors came from all over the North Island – Whangarei in the north, Hawke’s Bay in the east and Wellington in the south. A large contingent from Auckland. First, lets consider the name of this rally - Rubber Duckie. The name does hint at getting a bath. Until this year I had just assumed that. But Bruce Davidson supplied me with the article written by Trevor Kearns in the April/May 1993 Beaded Wheels. The Rubber Duckie name was adopted in 1984. More about the Rubber Duckie trophy later. Taranaki likes to be different. They held their inaugural motorcycle rally in 1977. So successful was this that 1978 saw a repeat, dubbed the first Annual Rally. I’m sure most branches converting a success into a series count the original as the first. But it is a long-running joke to announce every year that this is the nth event – or is it the nth+1. At the briefing Bruce Davidson informed us that the timed section would be from morning tea to lunchtime, there would be no silent checks but there would be one question at the lunch stop. The ride to morning tea at Okato was enjoyable, as was the food awaiting us. Then off on the timed section. Several instructions on, there was a list of twelve roads we were to pass before turning! Aha – count them, the question could well be related.
Words and photo Trevor Barnes I rolled into the lunch stop at Kaponga to be asked “How many rivers did I cross?” This immediately triggered philosophical thoughts in my mind. So, I decided that a very large number was appropriate – 10,000. And so to lunch, again a generously catered event. The afternoon ride, which involved roads from Inglewood to the north of SH3 and south of SH3A was, for me, the best part of the ride, with lots of sweeping uphill and down dale curves. The dinner and prizegiving is always a jovial and boisterous affair with plenty of opportunity to chat with members from other branches. This year was no different, helped on by the Bay and Barnes wines (that was very auspicious I thought) served for the occasion. There were no surprises with most of the trophies, with Willie Wood the overall winner on his 1953 Matchless G3LS. One of the oldest bikes and probably the oldest rider. However, the Rubber Duckie trophy is NOT for the time trial winner! It is for the most unfortunate rider/bike. Norm Hill and his 1938 MSS Velocette were awarded the unique Rubber Duckie trophy for completing the rally in the backup vehicle after the Velo refused to start after morning tea. I did say that Taranaki is different! Now, what really fired me to write this article. After the trophies, various prizes are given out for mostly light-hearted reasons. To the rivers crossed - nobody got the exact number sought by the route planner (38?) but a few got very near. Then I was ridiculed for saying 10,000 and told I needed to become
more conversant with what constitutes a river. Handed to me, a pair of Speedos, you know, those budgie-smuggler swimwear that resemble underpants. I did not put them on, nor did I explain the philosophical underpinning of my number. First, the question was open-ended (as I heard it). From morning tea? Today? All my life? Well, the whole of life is filled with rivers crossed or not crossed and the outcomes. (Heard of burning your bridges?) If my oldest brother Barry had not observed the VCC Pigeon Bay Hillclimb in the mid ‘50s he may not have taken an interest in vintage cars. Consequently, I would not have been at the Rubber Duckie, and not ridiculed for a seemingly strange answer. Incidentally I gratefully received another speedo that evening, but not of the swimming kind. Thank you, Ian Street, for giving me an exact replacement for the troublesome speedo on my Honda CB400F. Now here is a conundrum: If I have one speedo and a pair of Speedos, how many items do I have? A hearty thanks to Bruce and all those who organised and executed another wonderful Rubber Duckie. PS: See the Ice Cream advert “Togs, Togs, Undies” regarding Speedos. This explains my reluctance to don the Speedos in a non-swimming environment. https://thespinoff.co.nz/ pop-culture/09-12-2023/togs-togs-undies-thestory-behind-nzs-most-iconic-summer-ad
Beaded Wheels 29
Inaugural lower North Island Inter-Branch Campout Labour Weekend
BASECAMP BOUND Words and photos by Judi Harding, Wairarapa Branch On Saturday 26 October a group of 21 people in 11 cars, from Model As to a Morris Minor, plus a couple of modern 4x4s, assembled at the Cheltenham Pub for the first ever Inter-Branch Campout at Basecamp, Rangiwahia. Organised by the seasoned tour-organiser duo of North Island Club Captain, Glyn Clements and his wife Cathy, we were in for a treat. After an enjoyable lunch we set off on what I call “Glyn” roads towards our destination. A mix of gravel and seal, winding round corners, up hill and down dale. Some interesting road names were discovered, Peep-O-Day Road, for one. On arrival at Basecamp it was time to check out the accommodation, which was a mix of basic cabins providing beds only, to the more salubrious studio units, complete with en-suite and super king (super comfy) beds. Afternoon tea was a time to get to know each other. Crews from Manawatu, Wanganui and Wairarapa Branches were represented at the event. The mood was relaxed and convivial. Self-catering was the order of the day for the duration, with the barbecue being well used. As the sun went down and the lights came on, we were visited by a flurry of bright green Puriri moths and in the morning the barbecue area was littered with these sleeping creatures. At 10 am on Sunday it was time to begin the Gymkhana, which had been organised by Rob and Linda O’Keefe (Wanganui Branch Club Captains). A lot of fun and laughter ensued, with the women being the most accurate with the nerf guns! When the points were tallied up, it was almost a clean sweep by the Wanganui folk.
30 Beaded Wheels
First place went to Philip and Gillian Avery in their Landrover Second place went to Dave and Mihi McDermid in their Model A. Third place went to Colin and Tracey Matthews in their Dodge. Ian and Judi Harding (Wairarapa Branch) spoiled the clean sweep, by coming last in their Daimler, and graciously accepting the Wooden Spoon. After lunch, we headed off on an afternoon drive through the 1200-acre Apiti Forest, guided through the area by Hamish McDonald, owner of Basecamp Rangi. Apparently it is very easy to get lost among the criss-cross of roading in the area. The 14 mile drive through the forestry area certainly wasn’t for the fainthearted, and tested the mettle of the drivers. The terrain was rough, with a ‘chunky’ gravel surface, more suited to large logging trucks (who would have thought), with some steep inclines, tight turnarounds and the occasional boggy bits. The scenery was spectacular in parts and photo opportunities were taken. Back to Basecamp for a cuppa and some relaxation after all that concentration. Later in the evening it was time for tall tales and true from the legendary past over a few drinks, before retiring for the night. Monday saw us all heading home, with some of us meeting at Cathy and Glyn’s home in Kimbolton for lunch. Once again, a wellorganised and enjoyable trip away, meeting new folk and having new adventures. Highly recommended. Basecamp is booked again for Labour Weekend next year, so why not come and join us?
Line up at Alexandra.
Robert Hutton, the big winner on the night.
DUNVEGAN 52
Now that’s retro style! 1947 Indian.
OTAGO BRANCH Words and photos Marion McConachie With all the planning done, 39 entries in the bag, the route plotted and Rally packs complete, the organisers of the 52nd Dunvegan run counted down the sleeps until the rain started. With Dunedin streets flooding, slips coming down and roads around the region closing, the contingents from Nelson and Christchurch were stranded in Oamaru and were unable to make the start. Likewise, the group from Central Otago stayed home and so it was just the locals who were at the Chinese Gardens for the start. Road closures played havoc with the planned route and the timed section was abandoned. Dunvegan 52 became a quiet run up SH8 to Millers Flat for a lunch stop then up the left bank of the Clutha past Roxburgh, over the dam and on to Alexandra. The Sunday leg from Kyeburn to Middlemarch was abandoned with the ride home taking in the Pigroot. Neville Ridd and Ken Roberts on Ace Henderson and AJS machines respectively joined us at Millers Flat and the northern contingent arrived in Alexandra via the Lindis Pass. But for a moisture laden mist through to Milton on the outward leg riding conditions on Saturday and Sunday were ideal. Just a couple of patches with surface water but these only served to neutralise the cleaning and polishing of the previous few days. Dunvegan always attracts a wide range of bikes. USA was represented by some beautiful post-war Harley and Indian mounts, the silky smooth Ace Henderson and the crowd favourite, Robert Hutton’s 1924 Harley celebrating its 100th birthday. There was plenty of British iron from 1930 to 1970, Moto Guzzi and BMW, a brace of Hondas and just one two-stroke this year, a Suzuki GT750 waterbus. Bruce Murray had an interesting time with some power going AWOL on his BSA. He dismantled the float chamber at Millers Flat and had a brass union bolt play hide and seek as well. It was only found when the bike was lifted vertically and it dropped out of its hiding place at Bruce’s feet. He later found the missing horsepower hiding behind the points cover. Unfortunately, Ken Roberts had to deal with a slipping clutch on the afternoon run and his AJS finished the event on the trailer.
David Topliss - Spirit of Dunvegan.
Bruce Murray - Nut strangler award.
As always a convivial barbecue meal in Alexandra and a well patronised bar made for a noisy ‘lies and laughter’ session which is always a Dunvegan highlight. The prize giving was a bit shorter than usual as some were reliant on the time trial as part of their criteria. However, the list looked like this. Rider’s choice, oldest bike and combined age winner – Robert Hutton Furthest Ridden – Bill Urwin from Nelson. Spirit of Dunvegan – David Topliss from Nelson too but according to David he rode about three metres less than Bill. Nut Strangler Award – Bruce Murray. Thanks as always to the organisers and helpers. Bill Veitch, Dave Hastings, Andrew and Donna Roxburgh, Bruce Murray and Tail End Charlie Max Dewar
GT750 and GB400 compare notes.
Beaded Wheels 31
Andrew Kraenzlin under starters orders.
Serious fun was had and a very high level of competitiveness revealed among most of the entrants at the recent South Canterbury Branch Grasskhana
BENTLEY DOWNS GRASSKHANA Words Kevin Mercer, Photos Andre Kraenzlin and Robert Trompetter.
Like the recent report in BW 390, we managed to get agreement from the South Canterbury Branch committee to run another event that involved a little more adrenalin than the norm. Our intention was to attract some younger potential members to our branch. Entries were slow so we emailed entrants who had taken part in the Rosewill Trials. We also promoted the event during our monthly club night using videos of previous trials. After a bit of arm twisting we started the day with 13 drivers: two from the trials list from Dunedin and Kaiapoi, and two of the targeted younger non-members, these being the Dunedin-based daughter and grandson of Ashburton branch members. Stella Inglis, navigator, and Rhodes Inglis, the youngest driver on the day, who turned 16 the following week. His mother, Leanne Inglis who originally came just to watch deided to participate and walked away with the best lady driver title. The rest were local members. The day went off without a hitch. Scoring for the event was based on the following. Each competitor was shown the map of the course, starting with easier to remember circuits and progressively becoming a greater test of our ageing memories (but an advantage for the younger entrants), the challenge was to achieve the same time on each of two runs over the course. Five second penalties resulted if you hit a cone or went the wrong way, there was no prize for the fastest competitor just to prevent over exertion with the accelerator. A reasonable dew on the grass had most starting a little slower, but with a great spring day this soon dried off and we were only left with some slippery grass and a good helping of cow dung to keep the tails wagging.
Bruce Washington Triumph Herald Special.
32 Beaded Wheels
Clan Campbell took out the majority of the prize pool for the day; • Grandad John - the only entrant to achieve the same time all day. • Daughter Leanne Inglis - best lady driver and closest time over five events, 15 seconds off • Grandson Rhodes Inglis - best young driver • Granddaughter Stella Inglis - youngest navigator, she hopes to compete next year. Not related to the Clan: • Chris Chambers - second over five events • Kevin Mercer - third over five events with only four seconds first to third. • Kevin Mercer - fastest time over five events • David Bright and Robert Trompetter - distance travelled to the event award. A great day was had by all and everyone I spoke to said they would return next year. It’s another win for the VCC by encouraging young people to get involved, but we did miss on getting some potential school pupils due to high school examinations, so next year we will target an earlier date. Thanks to Bruce Washington for his support and the use of his property and facilities to stage this event, and Andre Kraenzlin for assistance with time keeping and photos. This was also a great chance for members involved with our Trials circuit to bring out their non-road registered cars for a summer event.
Rhodes and Stella Inglis in Grandad’s Chev.
HITCHING A RIDE
Generated by AI
Words and photos John Henderson
Beaded Wheels cap winner
About twenty five years ago I purchased a lowlight Minor which, although complete, needed a full restoration. With very little rust this was ideal for my next restoration project. So into the fray I went. At this time we had downsized from a hill in the Christchurch seaside suburb of Sumner to a smaller town house which had a lock up door beside the garage. For me the downside was that it only held two cars - and I always had two cars plus the usual amount of vintage stuff. With the modern and the Minor in the garage of our new home little room was left for deck chairs. Starting restoration, someone informed me of another early Minor sitting under trees at Rangiora. Did I need spares? You bet. I headed out to Rangiora to check it out. Unfortunately the metal termites had had a field day in this car so only the motor and gearbox with some other drive parts were okay. The owner said “if you can use it, take it away” so I tied a rope to it and promptly brought it home. Of course this meant we ended up with two Minors in the garage and the modern relegated to the street.
The offending body relegated to the street.
The gearbox, motor and differential were the main items to remove. The first night I thought I heard a noise in the garage but checked and found nothing amiss. The second night a repeat of the first so realized we had an intruder. The third night I set a mouse trap and in the morning the trap was a metre away from its original spot with the bait gone. Oh dear — this really upset my wife, Ann, who can’t stand mice let alone rats. Now I don’t like killing anything but also don’t believe in free lunch for anything. He could have jumped out anywhere on the way home and may have sneaked into our bed — so he had to go. The next night I set up a rat trap and got him. He was no juvenile and came complete with a nest in the boot! (Or should that be she?) After all of this I stripped all the parts off the wreck and left the body on the street for the hearse (wrecker). The moral of of the tale: If you buy an old wreck sitting outside always check the boot as you may have an unwittingly provided a ride for an unwelcome new friend.
Awaiting restoration.
Beaded Wheels 33
POLISHING THE BRASS Lamps at auction. Photo Paul Herron
The veteran community had been waiting with anticipation for the Robin Dickson auction held in September. With such a vast quantity of veteran parts, cars and brassware it certainly had gained considerable interest and seemed to me to be a sale of a life time with what was on offer. Every lot managed to sell
1912 Ford Model T Paul Katon. Photo Paul Herron
with the 19 veteran and eight vintage era cars finding new owners. From the auction we now have a couple of first time veteran owners locally. After attending this year’s Dunedin-Brighton and National
Veteran Rally, Paul and Lynley Katon of Gore caught the veteran bug from driving our 1912 Ford T. As a result they were the winning bidders on a 1912 Ford Model T tourer, a car Robin had been collecting and piecing together over time and reasonably complete with a lot of the hard to find parts included. The 1909 Maxwell and 1918 Chevrolet 490 have moved to Auckland with enthusiastic members Mike Courtney and daughter Kirsten. The Maxwell is a rare car here. I have been informed by Mike that they intend to keep the Chev in its original patina state. Geoff Henderson of Pukerau, a keen Willys group enthusiast, had shown a keen interest in the very complete 1914 Overland which Robin purchased from
1909 Maxwell, Mike Courtney. Photo Paul Herron
POLISHING THE BRASS Paul Herron paulandlynne@xtra.co.nz Ph 027 210 4131
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1908 De Dion Bouton. Photo courtesy of Alan Familton
Bruce Greirson before his move many years ago to Timaru. From the auction we had lost to Australia the 1909 single cylinder REO and the 1915 V8 Cadillac and the mechanicals of a 1910 Ford Model T. However I feel what leaves our shores is equally replaced with imported vehicles. Our Southland veteran community has lost to the north the 1913 Sunbeam from the McIvor family with Ryan Dewes the proud owner and the well-rallied and known 1908
De Dion Bouton now with Alan Familton of Canterbury. The 1902 Rambler, which has known history with past owners John Hogg and Malcom Willmot of South Canterbury, met the highest price at the auction, selling to Chris Stephens of Christchurch. Chris has since had the car running and is underway recommissioning it back on our New Zealand roads. We look forward to seeing these new custodians enjoying their interesting cars.
1902 Rambler, Chris Stephens. Photo Paul Herron
I am a car painter by trade and have owned and managed my own paint and panel workshop for 36 years. In that time I have painted or restored many club vehicles. I also take pride in a job well done. My wife Lynne and I enjoy car rallies, especially national events. When I am not busy with other customers restorations, we have multiple Fords awaiting restoration or retirement which ever comes first. Contact me if your have news of interest to our veteran owners.
ARCHIVIST NEWS
1920s-1930s QUEST FOR SPEED ARCHIVE SCRAPBOOK The 1920s and 1930s were a thrilling era of speed, innovation and competition marked by remarkable attempts to break records on both land and water. These decades saw pioneers pushing the boundaries of engineering and human endurance, fuelled by the desire to claim the title of being the fastest. I came across this hidden treasure a few years ago at the VCC Archive: a scrapbook brimming with photos, newspaper clippings and handwritten notes about land and water speed records of the 1920s and '30s. The scrapbook offers a glimpse into an era where the quest for speed dominated headlines and captivated imaginations. This fascinating 550-page A5 size scrapbook, has 21 subjects, the Captain Malcom Campbell section has 92 pages, while the Sir Henry Segrave has 176, plus the many other speed dare devil hopefuls. Here is a sample from the scrapbook.
On April 22nd 1928 Ray Keech an American, driving J M Whites “Triplex Special” broke the land speed record previously held by Malcom Campbell, achieving 207.55 mph. The 81 Litre Triplex, consisted of three 27 litre, Liberty aero engines with an output of 1500 hp. On 11 March 1929 Sir Henry Segrave, the famous British land and water speed record holder, (the first to hold both simultaneously) set a new record of 231.45 mph in the Golden Arrow at Daytona Beach. Mr White, a wire manufacturer, then offered Keech the opportunity to regain the speed title back into American hands, which he declined, saying “The Triplex was too dangerous.” Mr White then offered Lee Bible, who was the team mechanic and had no experience at driving at ultra-high speeds, a drive. Lee accepted. Lee, an American, was a garage owner, motor mechanic and racing driver. In his first speed attempt he only managed 186 mph. On the return run at
ARCHIVIST NEWS Don Muller Archivist archivist@ vcc.org.nz Ph 03 385 6850
a speed of 202 mph the Triplex overturned and caught fire, killing Lee Bible and a photographer instantly. Henry Segrave who was in the grandstand watching, was so upset that when he witnessed the tragic event, he announced that he was packing up the Golden Arrow and not doing any more land speed attempts. Unfortunately, on June 13 1930 Henry was killed in an attempt on the world water speed record driving Miss England II on Lake Windermere at the speed of 98.76 mph. Later in 1929 Ray Keech won the Indianapolis, but 16 days later he died at another racing circuit. Sir Malcom Campbell was one of the few land speed holders to die of natural causes. Lord Wakefield’s Miss England II was recovered from the lake and refurbished and Kaye Don, an Irishman, of Silver Bullet and Brooklands records fame, was selected to compete against Gar Wood, an American, to regain the Harmsworth Cup in 1931 on the Detroit River. He did so
successfully, beating the record by 1.25 mph. The crowd was estimated to be over one million. Kaye Don was the first person to exceed 120 mph on both land and water. In 1947 Kaye founded the Ambassador Motor Cycle Company, making both single and twin cylinder motorcycles. I believe these sold well in New Zealand. Someone many years ago put such of lot of effort and love into this scrapbook, and it is a fantastic record, but unfortunately, the owner’s name is not recorded. If you can help with this, please contact me, thank you. I am trying to locate old film splicing tools, for both 8mm and 16mm films as there are a number of films that need repairing at the Archive. If anyone can assist with this, please call me.
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.
Beaded Wheels 35
MARKET PLACE
Terms and conditions CLASSIFIED RATES Classified advertisements are limited to 45 words including contact details. Advertisers requiring advertisements longer than the standard 45 words, or who require typography or space, must apply display rates. The advertising department reserves the right to edit or return classifieds not meeting the criteria. All classified rates include GST Member of Vintage Car Club: No charge for text or photo classified advertising for club eligible vehicles. Members must be financial and identify their Branch. Limited to one free advertisement per issue. Maximum insertion of the same advertisement in up to three issues (must be resubmitted for each issue). Advertisements of a commercial nature are not eligible for free advertising. Non-member: $25 for first 45 words or part thereof. Text in a Boxed Ad: $30 non-members* Colour Photo Ad in Box: $60 non-members, enclose a clear photo and an SAE if return required.* Advertisements should be typed or clearly printed or submitted through vcc.org.nz/beadedwheels. Advertising Email address: beadedwheels@ vcc.org.nz Advert and Payment: to arrive not later than 10th of month preceding publication. Payment by Credit card or Internet banking (for Internet banking details email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz). DISPLAY RATES* (gst exclusive) Casual (per issue) 3 Issues (per issue) Full Page $976 $780 Half Page $530 $425 Quarter Page $295 $234 All display rates quoted exclude GST and are for finished digital artwork supplied. Artwork can be arranged at an extra charge. Deadline for copy 10th of month preceding publication. Beaded Wheels will consider articles of a technical nature for inclusion in its editorial space. Beaded Wheels however regrets that it is not able to offer editorial space for advertisements nor for the promotion of products. Marketplace advertising cancellations received in writing prior to advertising deadline will be refunded in full. Where possible Beaded Wheels will refund 70% of the advertisement cost for any cancellations received after the booking deadline. *Payment by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing charge of 4% Beaded Wheels makes every effort to ensure no misleading claims are made by advertisers, responsibility cannot be accepted by Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) for the failure of any product or service to give satisfaction. Inclusion of a product or service should not be construed as endorsement of it by Beaded Wheels or by the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.). No liability can be accepted for non-appearance of advertisements and the text of all advertisements is subject to the approval of the editor who reserves the right to refuse any advertisements which are not compatible with the aims, objectives, and standards of Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) In accordance with the provisions of the Human Rights Commission Act 1977 Beaded Wheels will not publish any advertisement which indicates or could reasonably be understood as indicating an intention to discriminate by reason of sex, marital status, religious or ethical beliefs. Advertisers should take all care in drafting advertisements as they could be held liable, as well as Beaded Wheels and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.).
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FOR SALE 1931/2 DODGE SEDAN. P roject or spares. Twin side mounted spares. Wire wheels. Motor ran at disassembly of body. Wheels sandblasted. Front suspension/diff painted. Chassis requires LH side metal work. Fabric roof gone. No upholstery but seating springs etc there. Email mcdonaldbuilder@ hotmail.com 1936 AUSTIN 10/4 SHERBORNE SALOON. M uch renovation work completed inc panel beating, repainting. Seats re-upholstered. Door panels, carpet, outside roof, and inside headlining needs 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 over $1,000. Phone 027 283 0000, ian@maxtaitlaw.co.nz MEM WELLINGTON
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
2 NEW TYRES 205R 16 INCH on 1936 V8 Rims. $100 or near offer each. Contact Gavin Mead 021 222 7918 MEM OTAGO AUSTIN – A35 UTE (PICK-UP) Personalised plates (A35 UTE) Been restored, owned by me for 41 years. Only made 475 of this model. This is no 25 off the production line. $30,000. Ph William 021 106 3635. MEM NORTHLAND DO YOU OWN A DV32 STUTZ? I have a part off one. Contact me for more details. Phone John 027 356 0278, North Canterbury.
1960 s JAWA MOTORCYCLES Seven in total. Great for parts or project. 175-250cc. New and used MOTORCYCLE MAGNETOS. Due to ill health parts. $2,000 the lot. Phone Amy 021 0826 4899. 40 years of collecting, restoring and repairing MEM TARANAKI has to go. Huge number of mags and new parts and fittings. Please contact Lynda Maddock, phone 021 187 1373 between 1 to 3pm. BALANCING BALANCING BALANCING, MEM WELLSFORD WARKWORTH We can balance most vintage and single THE STINK WHEEL SAGA Vol 1 and 2, in cylinder engines, fans, driveshafts etc. Work good condition. Offers. Ph 021 565 688. is carried out on a modern digital machine. MEM CANTERBURY M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: VETERAN STUDEBAKER PROJECTS: 1917 SF4 info@mscoombes.co.nz complete running gear, partly done, some panels/ dismantled. 1916 ED6 running gear dismantled. CARBURETTOR RECONDITIONING including Major project (5.8 litre engine). 1914 4F engine classic and performance makes. 40 plus years (number 285118). 1913 SA25 engine (number trade experience. Free advice. Contact Graeme 11397) turns freely, with radiator and chassis/front Tulloch, Tulmac Carburettor Specialists on 027 axle. All cheap! Phone Glyn Clements 021 0833 612 2312 or (Levin) 06 368 2202 4081 MEM MANAWATU 1984 DAIHATSU DELTA DIESEL VANS (TWO). Regos on hold, very rusty bodies. One complete, one dismantled. Plus diff, gearbox, radiator from third van. One has low mileage motor. $2,000 for everything, all must go. As is, where is. Ph/txt Jim Madgwick 027 339 8672. MEM WAIKATO
COACHWORK F or all your coachwork, woodwork and timber rim steering wheels for your veteran, vintage or commercial vehicles contact Designs N Wood, John Martin, 11 Bell Avenue, Cromwell. Phone/fax 03 445 0598, 021 109 1309 or email martin_jw@xtra.co.nz MEM CENTRAL OTAGO
DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS We can alter or make driveshafts with fabric components to take modern universal joints and yokes, as well as performing dynamic balancing. We also carry a large range of driveshaft components for cars, trucks, industrial and marine. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz
PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS FOR VETERAN, VINTAGE, CLASSIC & ODDBALL ENGINES. We can supply piston sets for most makes and models. All piston sets come complete with rings and gudgeons. We have over 700 listings at competitive prices. M S COOMBES LTD 344 ST ASAPH ST, CHRISTCHURCH Ph: 03 366 7463 E: INFO@MSCOOMBES.CO.NZ
VINTAGE TRUNKS made to order or stock sizes. Dust proof and waterproof. Phone Allan 06 844 3959 or 0274 469 331 Napier, acjones760@gmail.com MEM
VINTAGE AUSTIN 7 PARTS. 1 925/1929. some new engine parts, valves, pistons, gears etc. For sale or exchange, must divest myself - need the space. Ph Geoff 09 444 1429, Auckland area. VINTAGE, CLASSIC CAR PARTS HUGE SELECTION. Lot of early parts, some NOS, many unknown application, many from USA including Chev, Buick, Hudson, Studebaker etc. including early engine parts plus lots ex Gleeson stock Morris Holden etc Phone 021 754 656 or call 2 Hyde Street Katikati TRIUMPH SPITFIRE 1300 1974. A very original tidy MEM BAY OF PLENTY example. Two previous long term owners. Factory hardtop. Overdrive. Sold new and located in Christchurch. Complete fully reconditioned short block included. $18,000. Email mikeharrison08@ hotmail.com or 022 466 0288 for further details. 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
MGBGT 1973, current Rego, WoF & VCC VIC 84,000K. Dark blue trim and carpets. Fully reconditioned automatic transmission, reconditioned head with hardened valve seats for unleaded fuel. Inertia seat belts fitted. New fuel pump. $16,500. Ph John, 029 902 4862. MEM HOROWHENUA
STEVE TROTT IS DOWNSIZING HIS COLLECTION Get ready for a thrilling auction experience! Explore an exciting collection of vintage automobilia and petroliana, featuring enamel signs, petrol pumps, hubcaps, radiator badges, AA badges, pedal cars, money boxes etc—more than 100 quality lots.
Register your interest now: vintageautomobiliaauction2025@gmail.com Once you register your interest we will be in contact to give you event information and catalogue details. Floor bidding or online bidding will be available on the day. The photos show examples of items that will be for sale at the auction. Once the catalogue is finalised in December, there will be no sales of catalogue items before the auction.
1978 LEYLAND MARINA HL MANUAL. G reat original condition genuine reason for selling. Vintage member 24/03540 $8500. Ph Sue 021 296 6210. MEM WANGANUI
1954 MGTF 1250. In excellent condition (apart from a few stone chips). Current owner 25 years. Full chassis up restoration to concours condition in 2001. Has travelled 16,800 miles since, touring all over NZ but getting little use these days due ageing owner. Has luggage rack WoF and Rego. Asking $39,000. Ph 027 365 1938 for more details. MEM CANTERBURY
1994 CLASSIC MERCEDES BENZ C 200 5 Speed sport. Body wax injected from new. Original paint. Power sun roof. Done 2,000 miles per year, Michelin tyres, service history from new. Will appreciate in value. Great car for 2026 rally. $9,990. Ph Keith Maegaard 027 616 7902. MEM MANAWATU
PERSONALISED PLATE "RED C" $1950 Many options Phone Lionel 06 868 4261. MEM GISBORNE
1966 DAIMLER V8 AUTO in immaculate order. New paint. Leather upholstery, carpet, wood trim work done by previous owner. Owned eight years and kept in top condition. Recently full service and top tune. Current Rego & WoF. Price drop $22,000. Ph Mike 027 439 2444, steinvale@xtra.co.nz MEM BOP
Auction Date: 14th February 2025 Location: Napier City Viewing from midday with the auction starting at 2pm Auction Date:times 14thwill February 2025 (Other viewing confirmed) Location: NapierbeCity Viewing from midday with the auction starting at 2pm 37 (Other viewing timesBeaded will beWheels confirmed)
1928 DODGE FAST FOUR. Starter motor rebuilt, carburettor rebuilt, new fuel pumps, electronic ignition, new spark plugs, excellent tyres, includes wooden trunk, spare parts, Burgundy colour,black guards and roof, $18,000. Ph Neil 021 100 8978 jorosanowski@gmail.com
1926 CHRYSLER MODEL 70 for sale to a good LANCIA BETA BERLINA 1977. 2 litre 5 speed. home. An older restoration, needs minor work, White with blue velour trim. A very original rust but Reg and WoF are current. Parts must go too. free example. 152,000 kms. Well maintained and in Ph Murray 027 594 8008, murray7026@gmail.com excellent running condition. $9,995. Contact Mike MEM CANTERBURY Harrison 022 466 0288, email mikeharrison08@ hotmail.com for further details
1925 FIAT 501C All woodwork restored, most body panels restored, $15,000 spent to date. Front guards and bonnet need repairs but all there. No rear guards but most other parts there to finish. Many spares including motors, gearbox, diff etc. Ph Graeme 027 433 3354, panel61@xtra.co.nz MEM NORTH SHORE
1964 MORRIS COOPER S 1275cc. New NZ car. Continuous reg from new. Ground up restoration completed 2008. All mechanics overhauled and car is built, and detailed correct to 1964 build sheet. Heritage certificate, NZ ownership records from new. WoF & Reg. $75,000. Ph 027 443 1184, quinandquin@gmail.com MEM WANGANUI
1967 MGB, MARK 1 body, wire wheels, leather seats, radio, oil cooler, anti-roll bar, pack away hood, black tonneau cover, baggage rack. Set up for touring, extensive restoration work done in past years. Present owner 23 years. Current Rego and WoF. History and spec sheet available by email at leroydc@xtra.co.nz. Phone Don on 07 849 7268. $20,000 ono. MEM WAIKATO
1957 HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 883CC LONDON BLACK CAB FX4 1967 2 .2 Austin diesel. OHV. Rare, early first year model 57XL 1118. Plate $19,000. First generation FX4 that has the ‘Bunny 57XL. Matching numbers, beautifully restored. Ear Indicators’. Has original meter. Seats have been New pistons, rings, valve grind four years ago. professionally re-upholstered. Rego 14/01/2025. Glenn Bator USA import 2020. Selling my classic WoF 15/01/2025. RUC up to date. Located in motorcycle collection. Further details contact Picton. Contact Kim on singersolutionsltd@gmail. rjbullock38@gmail.com. Mob 021 146 0578. com or 021 333 661. MEM MARLBOROUGH MEM NELSON
HORSE DRAWN & FARM MACHINERY AUCTION 221 Appleby Highway. Richmond, Nelson. 11am Saturday 29 March 2025. Clearance of a large collection of horse-drawn farm implements, & machinery. www.jwauctions.co.nz John Walker, Auctioneer 027 443 2525
BUCKLER MK6 1954 1 00E- Marshall Blower - road or race - roll Bar- 15" wheels- 4.37:1 diff - close ratio gearbox & lots of spares. Restored 1989 & been on the road since. Price by negotiation. Ph Graeme 09 268 8545 or 027 712 8877, brayshaw@xtra.co.nz MEM WAITEMATA
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1979 TRIUMPH 2500S M anual with overdrive, original interior, sun cracks on dashboard, new tyres, battery, rear seatbelts and WoF. Overdrive serviced, also carburettors, clutch and brakes. Full reports of all work done by all owners. $12,000 ono. Ph Ian 027 331 1787. MEM CANTERBURY
1981 TRIUMPH TR8. V ery tidy condition. Mechanically sound with all receipts kept. Always garaged and cared for. Needs a younger owner after seven years. Michelin shod. Current WoF & Reg. Comes with history file and manuals. $27,500 Phone Warren on 021 0844 2023
1936 NASH LAFAYETTE. 8 1,090 miles. Vehicle has been in our extended family since new and is now ready to be renovated and enjoyed by a new owner. Please phone Ann or Doug on 021 634 061 or email foley7416@gmail.com for further information.
1931 STUDEBAKER MODEL 54 ROADSTER. HORSE DRAWN & FARM MACHINERY AUCTION Fully restored engine, gearbox, clutch, all done at 221 Appleby Highway. Richmond, Nelson. Auto Restorations. Over 35k in receipts. Stunning 11am Saturday 29 March 2025. Clearance car. Health forces sale. Ph Richard 03 383 2077. of a large collection of horse-drawn farm MEM CANTERBURY implements, & machinery. www.jwauctions.co.nz John Walker, Auctioneer 027 443 2525
1965 VANDEN PLAS PRINCESS 1100 Twin carbs, good tyres, new battery, recent WoF, Rego to 27/9/24. Rare car with history. In very tidy condition. Contact Bill 027 578 4322. MEM MARLBOROUGH
PENRITE OILS W e carry a large range from ROVER DELIVERY VAN 1914. for sale open to vintage to modern engines. Gearbox, diff, offers around $35,000. 2023 drove Wanganui to SU dashpot and water pump grease. Auckland for National Veteran Rally. 2024 went M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, to Dunedin for National Veteran Rally and other Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: Runs. Your chance to acquire a piece of history. info@mscoombes.co.nz Started as a Rover open car, then was trucked, later was a wreck, then rebuilt as delivery van in 1985/90 (Rover made them in 1914). For further information contact Neil Farrer 027 457 9634. MEM WANGANUI
1963 MORRIS TRAVELLER FOR SALE. E xcellent condition selling as downsizing collection. Viewing in Marton Phone Trevor 027 388 7481 Asking $26,000 ono
1911 MODEL T TOURER Fully restored in 2013 to immaculate condition. Soft top and brass work are all new. Fully overhauled engine however it has not run for three years. Contact details: 021 0271 0610. MEM CANTERBURY
BEDFORD DORMOBILE FREEWAY POPTOP 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 EBOP
1960 AUSTIN HEALEY 3000 MK1. Big Healey BT7 race car built to works specifications. 4-stroke 6 cylinder with roll cage. COD classifies it original. 1993 MERCEDES SEL400 T he vehicle is in Was built for Targa but recently only circuit track exceptional original condition throughout, a days, speed trials or racing. Webers, baffled sump, couple of minor scratches to the body and Toyota 5 speed gearbox. Very reliable and all ready the upholstery is un-blemished I owner since to race VCC. Contact for more details 021 684 434. 1999 121,000 kms. $8,000. Ph 021 326 346. MEM CENTRAL OTAGO MEM BANKS PENINSULA
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MARKET PLACE
MAGNETO AND COIL WINDING SERVICES Magneto repairs, coil rewinding, work guaranteed. We buy and sell magnetos of all types except aircraft. 728 Waimutu Road, RD2 Marton 4788. Phone Warwick 06 327 3849, 027 281 8066, walandlynn@farmside.co.nz MEM VETERAN, VINTAGE AND CLASSIC VEHICLE MARKETING. Rushmore Motors can market your vehicle immediately with success with most makes. This service is free to vehicle sellers. We hold a huge database of prospective buyers wanting a wide variety of vehicles. We endeavour the match sellers with buyers. If you own an older vehicle and would like your bank balance considerably enhanced, give us a call on 027 224 5054 inc a/h, or rushmoremorors@xtra.co.nz
1979 FORD ESCORT 1.3 L MK2 69,000 km. Two owners, in same family. Totally original, radio etc. Great condition. Interior like new. $20,000 ono. For full history & more photos contact Knud Nielsen 021 595 600, viking.nielsen@xtra.co.nz MEMBER BOP
TRIUMPH MK2 2500 PARTS, automatic Borg Warner gearbox, power steering rack, diff drive head, two drive shafts. $500 for all items. Ph 0274 327 238. MEM CANTERBURY
IVAN ALLEN ESTATE CARS. 1907 Cadillac. 1911 Wolseley Landaulette. 1914 Alldays and Onions. 1929 Austin 16/6 sedan original. 1929 Austin tourer — new restoration. Contact Spike Allen 021 763 760. MEM BAY OF PLENTY
CORD 1937 MODEL 812 Full ground up restoration over ten years, now with 1,700 miles on the clock. Beautifully finished and drivable. WoF & Reg. $180,000. Ph Andy 027 519 9642 foxaj@xtra.co.nz MEM CANTERBURY
1981 MOTOGUZZI CX100 Registration A1JRS on hold. Stolen, recovered – not started, ignition switch missing. Spares and manuals. Written Tenders to Julie Carmichael, 30A Walker Street Waihi 3610, by 31 December. TXT 0274 199 660. Inspection, information, photos. Email mickeyrat@ windowslive.com, Robert txt/ph 021 177 3328. MEM BAY OF PLENTY
A LOVELY CLASSIC MG. Been well looked after, 1993 NISSAN BLUEBIRD SPECIAL EDITION. 1.8 only driven on classic car rallies. Passed last WoF litre petrol injected, five speed manual sedan. just recently so has current WoF, registered to Genuine 151,000 Km. Rego and WoF. Club eligible. Feb 2025. Lovely and great fun to drive. Comes towbar, tinted windows, reversing camera, with hard top, soft top and a cabin cover and log factory mags. No rust, good condition. Needs an book. Selling on behalf of father-in-law. Viewing appreciative custodian. Owned for 24 years by is at Papakura or local area by arrangement. Ph current engineer owner. Price $3,500. Phone 09 Merv 027 448 6325, mervandjudy274@gmail.com 483 6801 MEM WAITEMATA MEM AUCKLAND
1975 TRIUMPH TOLEDO 4Dr Manual in eye-catching turquoise. Runs like a dream, plenty of torque from the larger 1500 engine. Looking for a great little entry level classic? This could be it! Located in Oamaru. $8000 ono. Ph or text Richard 022 099 2860 email richpollard64@gmail.com MEM NORTH OTAGO
1937 GRAHAM CRUSADER. Restored to original 1950 LOLITE MORRIS MINOR CONVERTIBLE condition. Only second owner. Owned for over 50 Quality panel and paint. New hood, new leather years. Reconditioned and balanced motor. Rego trim, new carpets, tyres and battery. Reg on on hold. Many spares. More photos on request. hold, needs some details to finish. Rare factory Price by negotiation. For more information contact convertible. Hard to find in this condition. Asking Graeme on 021 962 253, email gndawson47@ $14,995. Ph Ray 027 696 2965. MEM WEST COAST gmail.com MEM NORTHLAND
1930 CHEVROLET SPORTS ROADSTER. Rumble seat, twin spares. Four new tyres. WoF & registered. Always garaged. Current owner for last 40 years. $50,000 negotiable. For more information phone Mike 021 293 5013. MEM WAIKATO
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MARKET PLACE
STANDARD VANGUARD GEARBOX with factory 1919-1920 MAXWELL TOURER Due to ill health fitted overdrive unit. $350. Ph 0274 327 238 for my Maxwell project is for sale. All mechanical details. MEM CANTERBURY work done. Comes with sound hood bows, new windscreen glass, new running boards, new petrol tank, 5 new tyres, and many other parts for the car. $10,000. Ph 03 473 7585. MEM OTAGO
1986 NISSAN SAFARI GRANDROAD long wheelbase 4x4 diesel turbo 3300 truck. Five speed gearbox, power take off winch, bull bars, mag wheels, electric sunroof, seven seater, fold down tailgate. One owner since imported. Step rails. Motor needs repairs. Offers, ph 021 296 1126. MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY
MONEY IN YOUR POCKET.
If you have an older vehicle sitting unused in your garage and would like your bank balance considerably enhanced, give Les. at Rushmore Motors Ltd a call on 027 2245 045 inc a/h. We specialize in marketing older vehicles, and have an ever-growing database of over 500 prospective clients just waiting for a vehicle like yours. We produce an emailed brochure of vehicles UNIC BRASS RADIATOR OF UNDETERMINED available and if you would like a brochure and be AGE. What offers. Phone 021 137 8058. placed on the mailing list, give us a call, or email MEM TAUPO rushmoremotors@xtra.co.nz Listing is free to any vehicle seller. We do not buy and sell vehicles.
BMW R100S, 1981, h ave all the original parts and some spares. Second owner, have owned for 41 years. 50,000 miles. Contact Jeff at (kiwijeffian@ gmail.com ) for more info and photos, or phone 022 131 7235. Open to genuine offers. MEM CANTY
1959 RENAULT FLORIDE CONVERTIBLE. 95,198 mls, high performance Gordini 845cc motor. Four seater, NZ new. Tidy, no rust, receipts for recent overhaul of all systems, inc starter, fuel and water pumps, brakes and new exhaust. Removable hardtop, manuals, driving lights. New WoF. A rare economical car that drives very well. $21,000. Christine 027 343 5245 MEM CANTERBURY
1994 DAIMLER V12. $18,000. L ocation Invercargill. WoF and Reg on sale. Auto. Whole car is as ex-factory. Ex Japan, 2 NZ owners Very good condition. VCC eligible. This vehicle is being marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd. 027 2245 045 inc a/h.
1939 CHEV SEDAN. $39,000. Ex. cond. Location Palmerston Nth. Blue flame motor. Upholstery & tyres excellent. Spats and sun visor. 80,000 miles. Restoration receipts included, estimated over 100K. Boot like new and includes the spare wheel. This vehicle is being marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd. 027 2245 045 inc a/h
1934 VAUXHALL ASX COUPÉ. Location Nelson. $25,000. Fully restored. Great synchro g/box and motor. Spares inc. Reg and WoF. Ex. upholstery. Drives very well. Ex. chrome and paintwork. This vehicle is being marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd. 027 2245 045 inc a/h.
1930 FRANKLIN CONVERTIBLE COUPE. $52,000. Location Auckland. Series14. Model 145. 4 speed g/box with overdrive. Many great spares inc. Reg. & and WoF on sale. Cruising speed. 80 to 90 km/hr. 12 Volt. This vehicle is being marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd. 027 2245 045 inc a/h.
1928 STANDARD GORDON ENGLAND 9 hp. One of two known examples existing, world wide. Has done few miles since motor rebuild. Older restoration. Many spares one owner for many years. Current Reg & WoF. $15,000. Ph 021 361 434. MEM CANTERBURY
Beaded Wheels 41
1929 DA DODGE DELUXE. V ery original car with two family owners. 81,000 miles of use. Twin spares. Original upholstery in excellent condition. More photos available if required. $25,000. Ph 03 217 8481, Invercargill. MEM SOUTHLAND
1925 CHEVROLET TOURER Restoration well progressed, hard work done, driveable, woodwork renewed, on 12 volts. Motor reconditioned, bodywork and chassis very sound, many spares. Five brand new tyres. Original hood and upholstery. Another complete chassis, good motor, gearbox, diff. $14,500. Ph Colin 021 976 726 . MEM WAIKATO
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
WOODEN WHEELS made for your metalwork. Steam-bent felloes, any shape spokes. Ph Vern Jensen 06 323 3868, 16 Osborne Terrace, Feilding, gransuz16@gmail.com MEM MANAWATU
Phone Grant 341 5100 or 027 223 9474 granttvin@gmail.com
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, FORD CORTINA 2.0 GHIA AUTOMATIC 1982. sole NZ Agent. Phone 027 311 6563, Amuri Registration KW6745. Totally original condition, Motorcycles, 2C Birmingham Drive, Christchurch. low 31,800km since new. Original Cavallinos Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz with spare unused! Always garaged and covered. HUMBER 1933 16 hp. Salmon & Sons body with Pristine condition interior/exterior. Looks and a Tickford hood. This rare 4 seater is a delight drives like a new Cortina. $28,500. Genuine to drive. Beautifully restored in 2010. Email. enquiries to tuffey@gmail.com or 021 550 429. bobandree74@gmail.com, phone 027 221 1588. MEM MARLBOROUGH MEM CANTERBURY
ATTENTION ALL VCC MEMBERS Do we have your correct contact details? Please advise your Branch Secretary or National Office of any changes of phone number, email and address. We also record the sales/purchases of vehicles to keep our club database as current as possible. Email admin@vcc.org.nz or post details to VCCNZ, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140
1934 MORRIS COWLEY 6 ENGINE, s tarter 1949 MG TC Nice condition with 1950s racing motor, generator, and gearbox. Engine head heritage from overseas and NZ. Raced against and manifold included. Also 16 inch spare wheel Denny Hulme & Bruce McLaren. 1250cc XPAG cover. Make me an offer I can’t refuse! Located engine, original presentation, reliable and fun in Lower Hutt. Phone Brian on 027 442 4557. to drive. Includes professional car show info MEM WELLINGTON boards, brooklands screen and steering wheel, folder of info. $59,000. ono. Ph 027 487 3375. MEM NORTH SHORE
42 Beaded Wheels
WANTED 1906/07 TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLE - parts needed to complete restoration. Wheels and or hubs . Good crankcase. Alloy footrests. Footbrake lever exhaust box. Ph 021 088 06141. MEM WELLINGTON 1939 AUSTIN 8 FOR PARTS, or any parts for Austin 8. In Taranaki area. Phone Amy 021 0826 4899. MEM TARANAKI ARIEL 500 OHV CYLINDER BARREL a ny condition and exhaust pipe that could fit 1928 or later motor, in photos please. also a 1929 petrol tank with holes for gauges. IDENTIFICATION OF ITEMS Ph Daryl 022 131 2698 cdjohnston31@xtra.co.nz Ph Claude Ilton 027 479 1697. MEM FAR NORTH MEM CANTERBURY
LAND ROVER SERIES 1 rear PTO Capstan winch wanted for a 1949 80" restoration project. Any condition or parts considered. Contact Cameron on 027 222 5642 or email c.r.craigie@gmail.com. MEM BANKS PENINSULA BLACK ARIEL PARTS REQUIRED ‘27 to ‘29. Ben Leech 027 249 2811.
BUCKET SEATS WANTED 1930s/’40s similar to Austin 7 or MG style. Will ship from anywhere in NZ. Please email me, with photo: warren@openmail.cc MEM AUCKLAND CHEVROLET STEERING COLUMN WANTED f or 1969 C10. Must be auto on the column and no key. Anything considered. Ph Lex Soepnel 027-289 9887. MEM WAIKATO DODGE STANDARD SIX, V ictory Six or DA Interior BURMAN GEARBOX m otorcycle parts for Panther. parts wanted. Rear seat frame, rear window Burman BAP or BAP-H gearbox or parts wanted. parts. Also interested in body panels and doors. I Top pivot type, as fitted to Panther HWTs and in believe ‘27 Fast Four from the fire wall back share particular the mainshaft, as shown, 11½” LOA, the same parts. Any help much appreciated. Ben with or without gears. Also M95 tank with cutouts Leech 027 249 2811. below and anything else Panther HWT. Ph David Broadhead 021 324 762 dbroadhe@xtra.co.nz FORD MODEL T ENGINE WANTED for my 1923. MEM AUCKLAND Either good engine or block/engine suitable rebuild. Ph Mike 021 204 2604 evenings
ANY ORIGINAL EARLY PETROL, o il or tyre advertising signage wanted. Will travel to buy. Tin, alloy or porcelain signage. Also after globes to suit my different petrol pumps. Ph Ron 027 280 3088. MEM BAY OF PLENTY
GNAT TYRES TERRA GRIP Chevron Tread 16” x 15” x 6”. Also Gnat Villiers 2 stroke engine and gearbox. Ph 027 645 1894 or pitrading@xtra.co.nz MEM CANTERBURY WANTING TO BUY TAIL LIGHT LENSES for MOTORCYCLE SIDE CHAIR CHASSIS to suit British bike 1950-1960 ish. Phone Murray 021 852 113 or email murraygreig12@outlook.com. MEM AUCKLAND
left hand and right hand in good condition. For a 1975 Mk3 Ford Cortina. Ph/Text Brian 027 452 9913. MEM MANAWATU
SHAW MOTORS ARROWTOWN. W anted any SET OF INNER AND OUTER front wheel bearings photos of K Series Bedford trucks previously for 1920s Hudson super six. Also looking for owned by Shaw Motors. Currently restoring 1948 set of good 21” split ring rims as this is what K, believe it was brought off Shaw Motors in the my Hudson had (not the normal split rims). mid 1990s. Ph Martin 021 162 70551, majow493@ Ph 022 683 4977, murch49@hotmail.com gmail.com MEM CENTRAL OTAGO MEM NELSON SPEEDO WANTED for American veteran motorcycle. Corbin, Jones, Stewart ideally complete with drive unit and cable. Any condition considered. Rob. Ph 027 622 1275, chout.rider@gmail.com
SINGLE CYLINDER 12HP DE DION a round 1909. 160mm stroke. Ph Geoff +61 4 2769 3908, (Australia) gpaynter@spectrumsurveys.com.au
TOYOTA UTE. Older model wanted, single cab, flat deck, petrol, manual. Must be in good running order and good mechanical condition. Phone Geoff 09 444 1429, Auckland area PETROL PUMP DOORS WANTED. T o suit WANTED FUEL TANK AND SENDER UNIT for MK2 this early petrol pump. Rusty panels ok also Ford Cortina. Good cond if possible but anything wanted another pump project pre 1940 & ’39s. considered can collect, closer to Auckland the Ph Ron 027 280 3088. Will travel to pickup. better. Ph Keith 021 836 100. MEM AUCKLAND MEM BAY OF PLENTY
Beaded Wheels 43
SWAP MEETS & RALLIES All vehicles entered in National and International Rallies must hold a current VehicIe Identity Card (VIC).
Come one, come all to the
SOUTH ISLAND EASTER RALLY 2025
and help us celebrate Pat Cutler and the 50 year anniversary of the park named in his honor.
The programme includes a Saturday morning and afternoon rally followed by a sausage sizzle at the clubrooms.
On Sunday morning a rally then field tests. An evening meal with prize giving at the Hornby Club on Sunday evening. SAVE THE DATES 18, 19 AND 20 APRIL 2025 More information and entry form will be available in October. Enquiries: essexontheroadagain@gmail.com
GORE VINTAGE CAR CLUB
CARBOOT SALE& SWAPMEET YOU BRING IT • YOU SELL IT • YOU PROFIT
SUN
ADMITTANCE
MARCH
16
▪ Adults $5 ▪ Children free
8am – 12 noon Waimea Street
CONTACT US FOR BOOKINGS
SELLERS STALLS
$10
▪ Includes one free entry ▪ Huge variety of items for sale.▪ Some inside stalls available
▪ Colouring competition and games for the kids ▪ Opportunity to meet club members and learn about our club. If you have items you wish to sell, please come along and set up a stall!
CONTACT Katherine 021 261 6986, Ken 027 667 4102
8 MARCH 2025 Site sales and registrations now open online at
SWAPMEET
www.nelsonvcc.org.nz/book-a-site
Saturday 3 May 2025 Club Grounds 86 Maronan Road, Tinwald Ashburton No Dogs Allowed • Catering by Ashburton Lions Club
44 Beaded Wheels
SWAP MEET BAZAAR
Speedway Grounds – Lansdowne Road, Richmond
VCCNZ Ashburton Branch
Site Bookings to Cathy Sweetman Email: ashburtonswapmeet@gmail.com Phone: 021-372087
NELSON
GATES OPEN 7.15AM
Email nelson@vcc.org.nz
Food and drink available on site Site and Cars for sale: $20 (Both above include 1 entry) Entry non-site holders $5 Gates open 7am Stall Holders, 8am Public.
WEST COAST BRANCH
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
SCENICLAND RALLY
SATURDAY 22 MARCH 2025 SAVE THE DATE
Waikato Branch VCC
Invite you to join us for the
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
2025 National North Island
EASTER RALLY
Applications will be available from the end of January 2025. Please contact the Rally Secretary, Judy Hay by email: westcoastvcc@gmail.com or phone 021 0864 5364
Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Southland Branch Inc. Celebrates 70 years.
Southland Vintage Car Club 70th Anniversary Rally date change 1 February 2025 in Invercargill
Website Entry Form: 70th Anniversary Entry Entries close 8 December 2024
FRIDAY 18 – MONDAY 21 APRIL 2025
Entry forms will be available on-line mid-January and entries will close on 30 March 2025 For further information contact Gaynor Terrill terrill.g.j@gmail.com BASED IN CAMBRIDGE
EARLY ACCOMMODATION BOOKING RECOMMENDED
Beaded Wheels 45
NORTH OTAGO BRANCH
WINDSOR RALLY Saturday 7 December 2024.
Departing North Otago VCC Clubrooms Stoke Street, Oamaru
Come and enjoy North Otago’s countryside.
Entries Close 22nd November Contact Windsor Rally Organiser for entry forms. Ernest George 027 209 0609 Email: windsorrally@gmail.com P O Box 360, Oamaru 9444
CENTRAL OTAGO GOLD MOTORCYCLE RALLY Saturday 15 March 2025 Catering for all Classes of Motorcycles On good touring Central Otago roads 2025
Contact your branch secretary for entry forms or John Martin martin_jw@xtra.co.nz
CENTRAL OTAGO BRANCH
Club Captain’s SOUTH ISLAND
TOUR
Friday 11 April – Friday 18 April 2025 Closing date for entries 15 March 2025
TOUR ITINERARY Friday 11th: Arrive Dunedin Saturday 12th: Dunedin to Gore
Saturday 22 February 2025 Swap Meet starts at 7.00 a.m. Entry: Sellers $10.00 Buyers/Browsers $5.00 Children (under 12) Free Vintage Car Display - Car Parts Old & New - Motoring Books & Manuals Collectibles – Bric-a-Brac Refreshments – Sausage Sizzle – Bacon Butties
Venue: Wellsford/Warkworth Vintage Car Clubrooms Satellite Station Rd –off SH 1 – 3km south of Warkworth All enquiries to 027 423 8122 or wellsfordwarkworth@vcc.org.nz
46 Beaded Wheels
Sunday 13th: Gore to Te Anau, or Gore to Te Anau via the George Begg Festival at Teretonga Park (as an option) Monday 14th: Te Anau – Tourist attractions and run to Milford for those that wish Tuesday 15th: Te Anau to Alexandra
Wednesday 16th: Alexandra to Twizel Thursday 17th: Twizel to Methven Friday 18th: Methven to Christchurch (This is registration day for the South Island Easter Rally based in Christchurch) All touring routes will be sealed with alternative gravel sections for those that would like to use them.
For entry form and accommodation details please email
Mark Wilkinson at sicc@vcc.org.nz
BEWARE OF SCAMS!
We’ve had reports that some people have received emails asking them to confirm they are still intending to attend the Vero IFHM. These haven been sent by us. If you are unsure whether an email has genuinely been MAKE CHRISTMAS sent by us, check the sender’s email address. AllA emails from the Vero LAST WHOLE IFHM committee will have @vcc.org.nz in YEAR the email address. WITH A You can als forward any email you’re unsure about to festivalsecretary@vcc.org.nz for confirmation that it is from us. If it is a scam, we will let you know an report it.
SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH VCC
Christmas
SWAP MEET BAZAAR BAZAAR
GIFT Subscriptions
Saturday
5 APRIL 2025
Get Christmas sorted early this year with a gift subscription to Beaded Wheels. Subscribe online at our website vcc.org.nz or use the form here…
ORARI RACECOURSE Public from 8.00am (Site holders 7am) Held wet or fine Site Bookings Phone Michelle 027 284 6422 scvccswapmeet@hotmail.com Committee Chairman John Lester 021 152 7758 End summer in style with a trip to a South Island institution – the South Canterbury Swap Meet.
NO DOGS ON GROUNDS
Site holders and visitors travel from across the South Island to attend – make 2025 your year to join us.
Please send a subscription for 6 Issues - New Zealand $52* (inc p&p) 6 Issues - Australia NZ$112* 6 Issues - Elsewhere NZ$185* Visa/Mastercard only (Processing by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing charge of 3%. NZ Post money orders not accepted.
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Or join the Vintage Car Club today and get every issue of Beaded Wheels as part of your club membership. DRIVING OUR HISTORY
How to subscribe Join the club or order online at our website vcc.org.nz
Email this form to: beadedwheels@ vcc.org.nz
Post this form to Beaded Wheels, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8141. Beaded Wheels 47
TRADE DIRECTORY
MARLBOROUGH MAGNETOS
Magnetos Rewound in New Zealand using the best available materials Magneto repair and restoration undertaken
Exchange armatures available
Hard-to-get parts manufactured
Coil Only service for DIY assembly
Magdyno and Maglita units restored
Curiosities investigated
☎ 027 577 8328
Contact Paul Radmall at paul@magnetos.co.nz
UPPER CLASSICS NEW ZEALAND
Repairers and Restorers of Vintage and Classic Instruments Speedo Cables repaired or made new to order 13 Fleming Street, Onehunga, Auckland
RESTORED CARS MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA
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. Subscription Rates
Australia 6 Issues $69 or 12 issues $135 New Zealand 6 Issues AUD$117 or 12 issues AUD$231 Overseas 6 Issues AUD$150 or 12 issues AUD$297
FOR THE REPAIR & RESTORATION OF ALL CLASSIC OR VINTAGE CARS & MOTORCYCLES
VISA – MASTERCARD AVAILABLE Eddie Ford Publications P/L 29 Lyons St, Newstead Vic 3462, Australia.
PH 61 3 5476 2212 RESTOREDCARSMAGAZINE.COM
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40 YEARS TRADE EXPERIENCE
We Specialise In • Custom Made Spokes • Speedway Wheels Rim and Frame Lining • Wheel Building & Truing • Complete Wheel Restoration
Vintage – Classic – Modern Craig & Debbie Hambling
Our customers tell us that advertising in Beaded Wheels really works... Put your company in front of every member of the Vintage Car Club (and a whole lot of other readers as well). With an expanding readership you can discover an economical way of reaching a new audience. Our trade directory advertisments starts from just $70 per issue. Phone 03 332 3531 Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz
AND VINTAGE CLASSIC,
48 Beaded Wheels
Foremost
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Historical
Motoring
Magazine
$7.95
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SIC CLL TOAS E PEDA THE METAL OPTHE SK DRIVERS PUT T ROAD TES CUB C50 1979 HONDA PLACE MARKET PROJECT FIND YOUR
Phone 06 324 8345
Mobile 027 231 7864 410 Green Road, RD 6, Palmerston North Day or Night
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Contact: GRAEME TULLOCH Ph: 027 612 2312 or 06 368 2202 Email: tullochfamily@xtra.co.nz ı tulmac.co.nz
BOOK YOUR COMPANY’S TRADE DIRECTORY ADVERTISEMENT TODAY
ING THE KETTER UTION CONTRIB STARTS TRIC FROM ELEC 'N ROLL TO ROCK
DREAM
DRIVING
OUR HISTORY
LATEST CLUB INFORMATION
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE As we move into summer our motoring calendars become very busy. This all started in Spring with the National Commercial Rally in Oamaru for Jorden and I. Fellow club member and good friend Joseph McClintock lent us his family Model A truck and the Rally Committee Chairman, Gordon and Joy Hay billeted us in their lovely homestead for the weekend. Isn’t this the perfect reflection on what our club is all about? While the weather did not play ball, the North Otago roads were excellent and the places and properties the organisers got us into were great. I would say another truly successful National Rally weekend to finish off 2024. Don’t forget 2025 starts off with the National Motorcycle Rally in January being hosted by Manawatu, followed closely by the National Veteran Rally in February, hosted by Marlborough. We also have both North and South Island National Easter Rallies as well as the South Island Club Captain’s Rally. These are events that are part of our National Calendar, designed for members from across the country to come together and enjoy. May I suggest you make the most of these events to
meet members from other branches and see a different part of the country from where you normally motor? With The Vero Festival of Historic Motoring being held in 2026 there will be no other National Rallies in that year. I am very pleased to report that the National Support Office received two very nice cards from the Cancer Society after our national fund raising efforts for Daffodil Day. They were very grateful to our Club and the work you all put in to making this a success. They also expressed a big shout out to Kaaren Smylie for her continued drive and enthusiasm towards the big day. Well done to Kaaren and all who participated. How much bigger can we make it next year? I would also like to thank the Branch Delegates and Committees that have returned to us their feedback on the draft document for our new constitution. There have been many great points raised and a lot of grammatic errors picked up. We have made the commitment from the beginning that we are only changing the parts required to update our structure and fall in line with the requirements of the new
Act. The rest of the document will remain the same. We are on target to have another draft out to branches before Christmas for a further review with the final sign off happening at the March 2025 Exec meeting. You will all then have the chance to vote on it before the August AGM.
It has been a busy year for all, especially our wonderful team running the National Support Office. Linda and Karen do a great job and are always bright and cheerful on the end of the phone. I thank them on behalf of us all. The support they give me, the Management Committee, the Executive Committee and all the branches and members across
CLUB CAPTAIN NORTH ISLAND Glyn Clements 021 0833 4081 nicc@vcc.org.nz
EDITOR, BEADED WHEELS Kevin Clarkson 021 0270 6525 kevinclarkson@vcc.org.nz
PRESIDENT George R. Kear 027 221 4332
CLUB CAPTAIN SOUTH ISLAND Mark Wilkinson 021 168 6068 sicc@vcc.org.nz
Rebecca George 021 293 7714 mgmt2@vcc.org.nz
president@vcc.org.nz
SECRETARY/ TREASURER Vacant
REGISTRAR Neil Beckenham 021 588 536 registrar@vcc.org.nz SPEED STEWARD Ray Sanders 021 632 563 speedsteward@vcc.org.nz
From the Management Committee I wish you all a happy Christmas and hope that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Enjoy the summer motoring available from your branch over this period.
With membership renewals coming into the office over the past two months we have seen again a steady decline in Joint Membership numbers. While it’s the cars that bring us together it’s the friends that we make through the journey, most of which is done with our partners. For a small amount more why should they not be a part of the club and have a role in shaping your branch and the national organisation? If your partner is not a joint member already why not ask them if they want to be involved more?
VCCNZ MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Diane Quarrie 027 333 1329 pastpresident@vcc.org.nz
the country, helps making our Club tick.
Andy Fox 027 519 9642
mgmt1@vcc.org.nz
Murray Trounson 03 339 8830 mgmt3@vcc.org.nz
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
COMMEMORATIVE AWARDS
Congratulations to the following members who have recently been awarded their 50 and 60 Year Awards.
Ainsworth, Paul Bovis, Shirley Courtney, John Dewhurst, Pat Manning, Alan Oliver, David Phillips, Barry
50 YEAR
Canterbury Auckland Auckland Auckland Auckland Auckland Auckland
Adams, David Corkin, Warren Love, Kelvin Munro, Bill
60 YEAR
Auckland Wellington South Canterbury Wellington
Beaded Wheels 49
Nelson branch members Lizi Edmonds and Mike Wilson motoring in the Nelson Classic Car Museum’s 1916 Locomobile on Lower Queen Street, Richmond during the 2018 National Veteran Rally.
NELSON 15–21 MARCH 2026
FESTIVAL UPDATE It’s now less than 16 months until the Vero Festival of Historic Motoring. Plans are progressing quietly but swiftly in the background. We plan to open registrations in the first quarter of 2025. We would love to see you there. VETERANS AND THE RALLY ROUTES
From Jim and Kyra Wareing, our festival Rally Controllers: It’s great to have your feedback and comments on the festival rally routes – keep them coming! The rally routes team are trying to accommodate the suggestions. To date 18 separate runs have been produced, none yet allocated to the various days. At this stage all of the daily runs are non‑competitive. A special competitive event (not a run) is planned for the end of the rally week (see below). Each of the run days will have a selection of various length runs, points of interest and visits across Nelson Tasman. You will be able to make your choice on the day. It’s likely that we will have rolling starts for most of the runs. Our aim is for the lunch stops on most days to contain all of the entries, so no class is on its own. Every effort is being made to keep off state highways and use the district rural roads, some of which will contain gravel surfaces and here we will endeavour to provide simple sealed road alternatives. Veterans will be well considered for run lengths and steep grades, with three of the run’s team having owned veterans and one still very actively involved in this class. COMPETITIVE TEAMS RELAY CHALLENGE
Friday 20 March 2026 The concept for our competitive event is to run a relay challenge between ten teams of thirty vehicles on a circuit 1.6km in length encompassing the essence of Andy Anderson’s relay challenge, run in Marlborough as part of the 1972 13th International Rally, albeit with strict speed
50 Beaded Wheels
restrictions and greater emphasis on teamwork and strategy. The object is for the winning team to achieve the greatest distance in the time allotted. Ten Volunteer Team Managers are sought and training will be given. If you feel you could be interested in this role please email Karen Thompson festivalsecretary@vcc.org.nz All VCC categories of vehicles are eligible, but due to running time considerations, only the first 300 competitive entries will be accepted. If you are eligible to register for the festival, you are encouraged to enter the teams relay challenge. No additional conditions need to be met as this is not a speed event. We really want you to be talking about this event for years to come.
concerning the Vero IFHM. SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
If 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. DON’T HAVE ACCESS TO A COMPUTER?
For all enquiries without using a computer you can write to the Festival Committee Secretary Karen Thompson at: Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring PO Box 3531 Richmond Tasman 7050 New Zealand
PUBLIC DISPLAY AND GRAND PARADE
Saturday 21 March 2026 This is to be held at Richmond Park with all entrants expected to display their vehicles from 10.00am – 1.00pm followed by a grand parade around the 1.6km circuit. The grand parade, based on current predictions of 700 vehicles, is expected to take approximately one hour with vehicles stretching over a distance of 3.7kms, 2.5 times the circuit length. It will undoubtedly be a sight to behold. NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
A reminder that we have an archive of newsletters that anyone can access at: www. historicmotoring.org.nz/newsletter-archive/ The newsletters are sent out to all preregistered people and we have the luxury of space to go more in-depth on topics
THANK YOU VERO Lastly we’d like to mention our key sponsor Vero again. Their sponsorship makes this event so much more affordable and enjoyable for all of us. Vero Consumer Insurance Specialists have supported the Vintage Car Club for over 30 years and can offer the best insurance package for your Vintage, Veteran and Classic cars. The Club and your Branch benefit when you insure with the Vero insurance scheme. www.vero.co.nz
Ray Robertson Festival Director
NATIONAL OFFICE NEWS
Office Hours Monday to Friday 9.30am to 1.30pm. admin@vcc.org.nz The office has been very busy with members’ subscription payments, telephone calls, membership applications and VIC applications over the past few months. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW DUE
In early September the annual accounts for membership for the year 1 November 2024 to
Linda Duffell
Karen Proctor
Office Administrator
Committee Liaison Officer
31 October 2025 were sent out. These were sent by email or, for those members that do not have an email address in our system, the invoices were posted. If you haven’t received your invoice, please let your Branch Secretary or National Office know.
Members who have not paid by 1 November 2024, will show as unfinancial until payment is fully made. Unfinancial members may not receive their Beaded Wheels magazine or Branch newsletter. Members whose renewal invoice is unpaid at the time of the March 2025 Executive Meeting will have their membership with the Club cancelled, as per the constitution, and will lose any previous continuous membership recognition. If you intend to resign it would be appreciated if you notify the National Office.
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. NATIONAL OFFICE CHRISTMAS HOURS
The office will be closed from Monday 23 December 2024, re-opening at 9.30am Monday 6 January 2025. We wish you all a wonderful festive season.
Membership cards are being posted to members soon after payment has been received.
JOHN L GODDARD TROPHY 2024 RECIPIENT ROBERT BAINES An error in our last issue resulted in the ommission of the second half of Robert Baines citation as the recipient of the John L Goddard Trophy in 2024. Here is the missing copy we pick up with his involvement in the organisation of the Taihape Gumboot Rally. The VCC is indebted to all those members who take up the mantle of organising events for our Club. Donating countless hours of personal time so that other members can easily enjoy the motoring activity that brings us all together can be a thankless task. The recipient of this year’s John L Goddard Trophy award, Robert Baines, has done just that for over 40 years. Robert always has tremendous support from many sponsors with worthwhile prizes from hampers to chilly bins, screwdriver sets, oil, glasses, hats, brollies - the list goes on! Plus the raffle is drawn - usually a huge hamper. Not bad for your $10 entry fee! In recent years this “prize giving” has been held in Robert’s business premises - TMS Motors in Taihape. Robert is a diesel mechanic and has his workshop looking spic and span for New Year’s Day with tables and chairs spread out and one of the vehicle hoists up about a metre with all the prizes laid out.
Besides running this event for the last 40 years and his business for 36 years, Robert has still managed to restore a few vehicles, ‘38 Morris, ‘42 Willys Jeep, ‘25 Willys-Knight tourer, plus maintain his Fordson truck (new to the local Ford agent), a 1928 Dennis fire engine and a 1966 Commer fire engine. Under restoration are three 1928 Willys-Knights, a sedan, a coach and a roadster, plus a 1956 Ford Thunderbird which is being fitted with hand controls. The reason for the hand controls? As can be seen in the above words, Robert is a very busy and committed man, but what can’t be seen in these words is the fact that he has accomplished all this while being in a wheelchair for 28 years. While re-positioning a huge lathe in his workshop, it toppled over and pinned him underneath. He lay there all night and it wasn’t until the following morning he was found. At this time, he was Whanganui Branch Club Captain and organised the Branch Burma Rally from his
VCC National President, George Kear, (left) with this year’s John L Goddard Trophy winner, Robert Baines.
bed at Burwood Spinal Unit with help from some Whanganui stalwarts. Now that's commitment! Robert continued as Club Captain for four years, was Rally Secretary for two years and also served as a Committee Member for a number of years. The 1½ hr trip each way from Taihape to Whanganui return was a regular undertaking in all weathers. The achievements of Robert, his humility, his positivity and his 40 year commitment to the Gumboot Rally are truly inspirational. Robert is a most worthy recipient of the New Zealand Vintage Car Club’s highest honour - The John L Goddard Trophy.
Beaded Wheels 51
BRANCH NEWS
Ashburton: Opening Day Run with South Canterbury .
ASHBURTON
TREVOR BEGG
We welcome new members N Peterson, Barry Mills, Bob Anderson, Anthony Clark, Graham Francis, and J Dargue. It’s great to see new members joining and we look forward to seeing these people at events. On 25 August we had our Show ‘N’ Shine and the barbecue for the Cancer Society, with a good turnout of 160 vehicles of all ages, and a large number of the public through the gates. Then on 26 August we had nine cars delivering daffodils, and we also presented $3,050 to Nicole Molloy for the Cancer Society. On 8 September we had a good turnout join with South Canterbury Branch for their opening run which finished at Taiko, where a contaminant waste landfill is being constructed. Another good day out thanks to South Canterbury Branch.
Ashburton: Barry Quantock delivering Daffodils.
Ashburton: Two Model Ts at military display at Rangitata.
Ashburton: Ashburton team delivering daffodils.
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Our Spring Rally was held on 22 September with about 32 vehicles. The run was split into two routes, both ending up at the Ashburton Aviation Museum to view their very good display. They are raising money to build another large hanger and the branch has donated a sum of money to them. While we were there Chairman Peter Jacob presented three trophies for veterans, commercials and motorcycles. We had a follow-the-leader run on 13 October. Nine vehicles travelled over various country roads around Mid-Canterbury then over to Geraldine, the Tripp Settlement and Te Moana Gorge area. On 27 October we had five convertible cars on display at the Plains Heritage Park open day.
AUCKLAND
JOCELYN MCALPINE
In September our club run took us on a short West Auckland country tour, to finish at John and Roger Morrison’s newly completed “shed” with their fine collection of vehicles, including five hearses. Thirteen Auckland motorcyclists travelled further afield to participate in the Annual Rubber Duckie Rally held in Taranaki. Our library crew continue to grow the stocks – the latest additions being volumes of The Modern Motor Engineer 1952 by Arthur W Judge, in great condition, and a collection of motorcycle publications, including The Iron Redskin by Harry V Sucher. Spring has sprung, so it was great to see such a good turnout of members at our working bee to get the clubrooms and grounds spruced up for summer.
Auckland: John Morrison’s 1949 Talbot Lago.
Auckland: Motorcycles and sidechairs outside Zealandia Nurseries on the Hunua Spring Tour.
Auckland: Pat Dewhurst with family after receiving her 50 year badge from President George Kear.
Banks Peninsula: The late Avon Hyde, always a keen competitor in branch events. Photo John McDonald
Banks Peninsula: Hamish Pidgeon’s BBM Special with Mercedes supercharged engine.
Our inaugural Spring Tour (which is our new revamped annual Hunua 100 Rally) was held the following week, not on Labour Weekend as was customary. The weekend included a rally event over some great country roads, finishing with a visit to the magnificent Zealandia Nurseries. Sunday afternoon was Garden Party time held in perfect spring weather. Six 50-year badges, (two going to female stalwarts of the club, Pat Dewhurst and Shirley Bovis) and two 60 years badges were presented. Congratulations to all and thank you for your respective contributions to the club over the years. The prizegiving for the rally was followed by a barbecue dinner.
BANKS PENINSULA DON GERRARD We welcome new members Kelvin Cameron with a ’64 Holden EH, a ‘90 Triumph T car; and Mick Toll with a
‘70 Beattie LT16, and ‘70 and ‘64 MGB roadsters. Sadly we farewell member Avon Hyde, who passed away in September. Much has already been said and will continue to be expressed about this remarkable character, an excellent engineer and constructor of competition cars, and supreme driver in all classes of motorsport. Our condolences to his family. The first round of our Branch Race Series Championship was held at Levels at the end of August, with 14 VCC cars on the starting grid. Good to see new competitor Hamish Pidgeon debuting the BBM Special after a long period of hibernation. The car performed well, especially when the fuel tank was full. Paul Coghill in the Jaguar Special set the pace, but the Hamilton ACE III and the Holden Specials of Russ Haines and Bill Cowie were never far away.
Our Opening Run attracted an excellent turnout to the Foster’s Terrace Station, the North Canterbury farm dating back to the 1850s. Aston Martin, Graham-Paige, Lancia and other marques toured the back roads to arrive at the historic homestead, their occupants to picnic, walk the extensive gardens and woodland area and view the late Richard Foster’s 19th century horse-drawn vehicles, together with veteran and vintage cars. In October there was an open invitation to attend an introductory training seminar relating to the duties, regulations and safety aspects involved in all VCC speed events. Our National Speed Steward Ray Sanders presented comprehensive and valuable information about the duties of a Clerk of Course, Scrutineer or Speed Steward, with the purpose of attracting more people to take on these important positions. The seminar was timely with the racing season fast approaching and was well received by an appreciative audience.
BAY OF PLENTY
KAAREN SMYLIE
Our recent monthly Club Night was one with a difference as we invited fellow VCC branches, along with several one-make car club members, motoring, and motorsport individuals to hear the President of the Federation of Motoring Clubs, Garry Jackson, give an informative presentation concerning the recent survey of the habits and activities of New Zealand’s motoring people on a recreational basis. Enthusiastic Chairman Donn White was delighted to have such a packed
Banks Peninsula: September Opening Run picnic.
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Canterbury: Two perfect days of weather contributed to a fantastic Swap Meet at Cutler Park this year.
Central Hawke’s Bay: Cheer’s 1930 Town sedan Model A and the Jensen’s 1930 Model A Tudor outside an old vintage car restoration garage.
Canterbury: Woman and Young Drivers Run concluded with intense competition at the field tests.
clubroom for our guest with all of our 120 chairs occupied. Garry Jackson delivered his presentation outlining the results of the recent recreational motoring survey which has been presented at Government level. Much quantifying has come out of the survey and this has impressed the officialdom in Wellington who like many of us had little understanding and a grasp of the overall picture. For example – did you know that recreational vehicle use such as the Vintage Car Club movement, the activity concerning caravaning, restoration of vehicles, and so on, all contributes to a footprint worth NZ$16.5 billion annually? We also learned that the FoMC (Federation of Motoring Clubs) will continue to liaise and lobby Government concerning the implications of compliance with the UN 2030 Agenda. Other countries in the world, particularly those who are part of the EU, seem to be adopting this template at an astonishing rate. If New Zealand also fully goes down this track with the same amount of fervor this
Bay of Plenty: L-R - David Raven Vice President Federation of Motoring, Kaaren Smylie BOP Club Captain, Garry Jackson President Federation of Motoring, Bruce Lewis Federation of Motoring, Donn White Chairman BOP Branch.
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will impact significantly on recreational vehicle use and activity.
CANTERBURY
COLIN HEY
Our annual Women and Young Drivers Run in September was well supported with 25 entries, and after a run around the ever-developing southern Christchurch townships, the afternoon was spent doing ‘tests’ in the field adjacent to our National President’s house. I’m told the pasture recovered reasonably quickly. After months of planning our annual Swap Meet was the highlight event of the last two months. Two near-perfect days of weather on the Friday and Saturday ensured a very good crowd through the gates, and most site holders reported brisk trading. Light rain at the start of Sunday meant considerably smaller numbers, but there were bargains aplenty from those site-holders who chose to stay on. The funds raised have enabled a replacement tractor and ride-on mower to be purchased for grounds maintenance, which will
Bay of Plenty: Garry Jackson, Kaaren Smylie.
ensure ongoing development of our much used facilities. Talking of our facilities, the branch maintenance team now has two new leaders, Peter Blacklock who now looks after our grounds, and Peter Merrifield who will care for our buildings. They replace Mike Foster who has been our skilled go-to person for many years, and we thank him for the endless hours he has put in fixing and upgrading things that have needed attention, often at short notice. He is now enjoying a quieter life with our enthusiastic parts shed team. The motorcycle section has been busy too, with a very wet Dunvegan Rally to Dunedin in early October, follow by a successful Girder Rally to Banks Peninsula which was won by David Williams from Auckland on a 1939 Harley-Davidson.
CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY
HEATHER CHEER
Several members from the Manawatu Branch joined our September quiz night
Central Hawke’s Bay: Graham and Heather Cheer receiving first prize in the Vintage Only Rally from Bruce Poole and Ken Lyons.
Central Otago: A pair of Model As from Queenstown.
and dinner meeting at the Dannevirke Club, where Harry Lord won the Piston Broke trophy. We had a Vintage Only Rally, that took us on roads south of Waipukurau to a lunch stop at a farm where we were able to pick bunches of daffodils. Then it was a slower time trial rally along rural roads to the east, ending at the Waipukurau Club for prize giving and dinner. Non-vintage winners were Lyn and Barry Smales. Vintage winners were Suzanne and Peter McCool 3rd, Pat and Neil Malcolm 2nd, Heather and Graham Cheer 1st. Scarlet and Rod Mckenzie’s mid-week run to Taranaki saw 29 members enjoy Tawhiti Museum, Dawson Falls, Hollard’s Gardens, Pukeiti Gardens, North Egmont Visitor Centre, Fun Ho Toy Museum, Colin Johnston’s memorabilia collection, Christmas Village Shop, and the Hillsborough Holden Museum. Another highlight was the evening meal provided by members of the Taranaki Branch, the specialty being the plum pudding. With sunny spring days and great views of Mt. Egmont we have had an entertaining and informative time away.
CENTRAL OTAGO
JOHN GRAY
The September Club Night highlighted the extensive talent of members’ craft hobbies outside their VCC interests. Wendy Gray demonstrated her knitting crafts and Graham Taylor explained his wife Cheryl’s knitted projects. Charley Storey displayed an extensive range of the wooden signs, spoons and chopping boards that he makes, while Alan Sutton showed two examples of the child’s rocking horses he builds from scratch. Michael Wyatt displayed two examples of his oil paintings, including one depicting a scene from a late 1980s Lyttleton Historic Street Race. He also showed his other hobby
Central Otago: Thermettes out for a lunchtime cookup.
of scratch building accurate models of historic New Zealand ships. The September Weekend Run was a Thermette Picnic to John Creek Reserve at Lake Hawea. This was reminiscent of the ‘60s and ‘70s VCC runs where several members dusted off their thermettes and had a brew up. A couple of members also cooked lunch over the devices. Following the picnic, we were invited to members Greg and Karol Ann Doran’s hanger at Wanaka Airport to view their two experimental home-built aircraft, along with their two exquisitely built 1960s Italian era, Riva Style, clear finish, timber planked speed boats. The workmanship and finish was amazing, a delight to behold. The October Thursday Muster visited member Tim Scurr’s very extensive collection of Heritage Industrial Treasures, near Cardrona township. The first resident car in Cardrona, a 1915 Model T Ford, originally restored by Murray Pride, was on display, along with the first heavy wagon in Cardrona, and an early Cardrona Rabbit Board Land Rover. Tim told some great yarns about the district and even sang a few folk songs for our members.
EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY
BRUCE SEDDON
September’s mid-week run was a drive via Lake Aniwhenua to the Kaingaroa Forest to a rock wall containing numerous very old carvings depicting canoes, wave like patterns and a human face. This voyage of discovery was followed by driving on to Whakarewarewa for lunch. In September we introduced newer members to our parts shed, located at Edgecumbe on the Bryson family property in a couple of 40 foot containers. Margaret Leaming, who lives nearby, sent a good convoy of cars to the site where Garry Bryson opened up the sheds for inspection.
Eastern Bay of Plenty: Mel Surtees’ classic caravan.
Eastern Bay of Plenty: Phil Leaming’s project corner (one of them!). Eastern Bay of Plenty: One of Neil Surtees’ happy places with collectibles.
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Far North: Daffodil Day discussions.
Far North: It’s been a long road.
Gore: Keith Nunn admiring the daffodil yellow Minor of John Tremaine.
Gore: Branch members discussing the future of the Cadillac at Dion King’s collection.
The tour then continued on to Phil and Margaret Leaming’s orchard property for Phil to open up his large shed, well packed with cars, tractors, tools and parts, while Margaret showed off her large country gardens with welcome shady trees. It was the ideal scene for a sunny afternoon picnic after picking citrus fruit from the laden backyard trees. For our October run, members met at a gathering point south-west of Whakatane at Te Teko. From there we headed out west to the edge of the Rangataiki Plains and the rural property of Neil Surtees. Neil has a complex of sheds which contain his workshops, garages, and parts storages of an amazing collection of automotive items. Neil is an accomplished engineer who has built, modified and collected many awardwinning automobiles. A large turnout of members looked over Neil’s collections and displays and enjoyed his explanations of his many projects. Our convoy then rolled on to another rural garden setting for a picnic lunch – this time hosted by Lois and Noel at their hillside garden property overlooking the plains from Whakatane to Kawerau.
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FAR NORTH
MURRAY CORMACK
Our club was saddened by the recent passing of three very active members. Neville Hunt was an enthusiastic member and keen Austin supporter. Brian Walker was a regular on all club events. Peter Mason was a stalwart for our parts shed with big hands in any club project, and was our current Clubman of the Year. They will all be very much missed. Our local Daffodil Day rally was based around the Kerikeri home of member Ian Macgregor. A big turnout of vintage and classic vehicles produced a great result for this worthy cause. September saw our Father’s Day Rally take us to the Hihi area. What a tremendous day it was, starting with an interesting shed visit to Pete and Cecelia O’Dell’s property, giving us an insight into this extensive and impressive collection. Then it was on to the nearby Butler Point Museum of Whaling for a very informative talk, followed by a picnic lunch and a relaxed exploration of the associated grounds on the headland. October was the Dunny Run, held in conjunction with the Northland Branch, originally commemorating the opening of the Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa. We enjoyed a drive through farmland and bush to the Oromahoe area for a pleasant
walk to large kauri trees high above Paihia. We followed this with a short break and a car line-up at Te Haumi beach. Lunch at a local Haruru Falls venue topped off a great day with our neighbouring branch.
GISBORNE
RODNEY CLAGUE
It is with great sadness that we report our founding member Joe Webber passed away recently at the age of 96. Joe joined the club via the Hawke’s Bay branch in September 1966 after he and wife Merle had attended the Haast Rally with Graham Masemann and his wife in the 1926 Crossley. Prior to the rally they had travelled regularly to Palmerston North to assist with its restoration. Shortly after joining he put the case for Gisborne to become a sub-branch of Hawke’s Bay, the first such sub-branch to exist, and we finally became a full branch of the club in 1973. His death was followed shortly after by the passing of Kina Worsnop who had joined the club in 2019, and more recently Ron Hopps, a member since 1986, who passed away after a relatively short illness. Sixteen members enjoyed our annual dinner on 24 August, which was followed the next day by the Daffodil Rally for Cancer, with over 80 vehicles entering our run to Tolaga Bay and raising $1225.
Our September run took us around the outskirts of the city, ending at a local park for afternoon tea, before visiting a nearby private aviary containing about 200 birds of different sizes and colours. There was a friendly cockatoo who was happy to say hello to anyone who approached him, but squawked loudly when left alone. A great afternoon. Tony Bartlett’s Navigator’s Trophy Run was held in November, the winners were Deanne Bartlett (navigator), Gavin (driver), Oscar and Louie Bartlett. We are pleased to welcome two new members, Hayden Green with both an AP5 Chrysler Valiant and a 1930 Ford A sedan, and Joshua Whyte with a 1964 Austin A60 Cambridge.
GORE
BILL SHEDDAN
The Branch has had an active couple of months with seven events to comment on. Our August Tuesday Ramble was the usual format with lunch, this time at Winton, followed by a visit to the workshop of Dion King who has a large collection of mainly early American cars and hot rods. September Tuesday Ramble was BYO lunch at the clubrooms then a visit to Jean Smail’s shed. The inclement weather limited the number of participants to the Daffodil Rally but around 30 cars fronted up for a pleasant drive to Balclutha before branching off to the coastal township of Owaka where we all congregated at the local pub for refreshments. The Parishs were the rally winners and Evan Henderson was second. Denis and Marie Knight organized the run but due to a bout of ill health were not able to complete the
task so Paul and Lynne Herron helped out on the day. Saturday 14 September was memorable for two reasons, it was not raining and it was the Branch Opening Run. The Proctors picked a fine day and over 20 cars and participants enjoyed an interesting drive around Gore and Mataura, returning to the clubrooms for afternoon tea. The branch was well rewarded for the efforts of Paul and Lynne Herron who spent months preparing for the Dickson veteran/ vintage car auction, ably helped by branch members. Over several weekends members with their cars and trailers transported the goods to be auctioned approximately 25 miles to the auction site at Waimumu. The branch fundraiser auction night which followed the October meeting was entertaining as usual with home produce proving popular. Eight cars fronted up for the P60 run out to Waikaia for a picnic lunch.
made from wax, sand and sheep’s wool fibre - this material does not blow away or need watering. We also now know quite a lot about the business of horse studs, that artificial insemination is not permitted in the thoroughbred industry, and that the cost of a stallion servicing a mare is…very high. We also had an excellent tour of the Grassroots Trust Velodrome, looking at the track and how it is constructed, and hearing about the athletes who train there. A trip to Ross Bros Museum was appreciated, and a great weekend was enjoyed by all. Other events coming up for Hawke’s Bay include the annual Ladies’ Lunch, taking place in early November, and the branch’s 65th Anniversary Rally in late November. Our monthly mid-week run continues to be popular. The October run saw us navigating the narrow winding streets of Napier Hill, with a challenge of finding out answers to questions on Napier’s history.
HAWKE’S BAY
HOROWHENUA
DIANE FRIIS
Hawke’s Bay members have been out and about recently with 58 people and nearly 30 cars taking part in the Annual Safari Rally – this year we descended on Cambridge for a long weekend. The organisers did us proud with an exceptional programme of events, including a morning visiting the Cambridge Jockey Club, the Cambridge Raceway and Windsor Park Stud. The horses, of course, were magnificent but we also learned about the racing and thoroughbred industry, which many of us knew little about. It was very interesting to find out that horses now use treadmills and swimming pools to keep fit, and that racetracks can be artificial,
Hawke’s Bay: Truck made of stone outside Ross Bros Museum, Cambridge HB Branch Safari to Cambridge.
BRUCE JAMIESON
Trips to places of interest in the Horowhenua and Manawatu districts have attracted more and more of our branch members in the last couple of months. We saw an amazing collection of vintage gramophones and Edison phonographs, all beautifully restored or built up from a lifetime’s collection of parts. These folk do to audio devices what we do with our cars and motorcycles. Also fascinating was a visit to a museum specialising in agricultural and farming equipment. Many of our members, even if not farmers themselves, grew up in rural districts, so knew a lot about the displayed items and could explain the details to the “townies”.
Hawke’s Bay: Richard and Anne Comrie’s 1957 Austin A35, styled by Leeanne Freeman, suitably dressed for Daffodil Day Fundraising in Napier
Hawke’s Bay: Truck in the wall outside Ross Bros Museum, Cambridge - HB Branch Safari to Cambridge.
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Horowhenua: Something interesting in the corner?
Well known for many years to travellers on the old SH1, there is a bend in the road north of Waikanae where there was always a selection of ancient tractors in all sorts of states (but mostly rusty). We were able to visit recently and found much more to enjoy than just tractors. The owners have collected all sorts of antiquities, and everything is displayed in various sheds. We could have spent days there. Increasing in popularity are our monthly garage raids, where we visit the properties of our own members. At one we admired a lineup of Jaguars, an Alvis and a Triumph TR3 all restored, while inside a 1938 Ford V8 is nearing completion. The following month our host has trimmed his collection to focus on Oldsmobiles, including a matching pair of 1938 coupes. A very interesting history of getting these two up and running.
MANAWATU
BRYAN ABRAHAM
The September Sunday Jaunt took members to the Thomson Motorcycle Museum near Rongotea to view over 100 motorcycles which are on display, dating from 1904 to the present day. September club night saw members travel
Horowhenua: Line-up on branch reporter’s lawn.
Horowhenua: 1938 Oldsmobile coupes.
to Dannevirke for the annual combined dinner and quiz night with the Central Hawkes’s Bay Branch. This year the Broken Piston Trophy for the quiz night went to the CHB branch. Seventeen entrants participated in the branch Vintage Only Rally at the end of September, with the route taking cars over the ranges to rally on a mixture of sealed and unsealed roads. The lunch stop was at the Pahiatua Railcar Society, where participants were given a guided tour of the society’s workshops. In September 13 members responded to a request by the Manawatu Military Tattoo organisers to participate in a ‘Parade of vehicles through the ages’ - with a vehicle from each decade being included in the parade. The October Swap Meet was again held in the Feilding Manfield Stadium, and was well patronised by people looking for that often difficult-to-find treasure. The October Sunday Jaunt took members on a trip down memory lane to view Bruce Leask’s gramophone collection. Fifteen entrants from as far afield as Whangarei and Wellington took part in the annual Motorcycle Rally, with the route taking back roads to get to Hunterville for
lunch, before returning to the clubrooms for prize giving and tea. For the October Club Night Derek Haycock (Branch Club Captain and organiser of the Highland Fling) showed, and narrated, two videos on the 2024 Highland Fling – Day one and Day two. Both videos can be found on YouTube.
s Manawatu: September Sunday Jaunt members inspecting the exhibits at the Thomson Motorcycle Museum.
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MARLBOROUGH
LINDA LAING
September saw us supporting a local cafe which had been suffering a serious slump in business due to prolonged roadworks. Later in the month we had a fun afternoon of tenpin bowling. This has become an annual event much enjoyed by those who attend. So a quiet month before our Biennial Rally with Nelson (and some from the West Coast). This year we headed out to Cape Campbell lighthouse, with a visit to the pine nut orchard along the way. Both venues had interesting speakers, and the scenery was impressive. A really enjoyable day out, despite 30 of the 38 cars following the leader instead of the arrows and getting stuck on a very narrow orchard road. Nothing a few tow ropes couldn’t sort
s Manawatu: On the Vintage Only Rally, Len Haycock and navigator Laura Morris in Len’s 1929 Chevrolet coupe leading Andrew Vile and Harry Jackson-Vile in their 1929 Chevrolet flat deck.
NELSON
CAROLYN BOLLAND
Spring arrived in the Nelson area with our Cancer Society ‘Show and Shine’ fundraiser. We were extremely fortunate to be supported by many other car clubs. The Moutere Hop cruise started with a rally through Motueka, Ruby Bay and Mapua before joining us in Richmond. Their 100 vehicles added to the tally already assembled at the Speedway grounds, bringing a total of about 400. It was certainly a wonderful sight, with many locals coming in on foot to see the magnificent display of vehicles of all ages. Over $9,500 was raised for the Cancer Society.
Our monthly Wednesday mystery runs are continuing following our Biscuit Munchers’ morning tea on the first Wednesday of each month. August saw us visiting Murray Schwass’s intriguing house and garage display in Gardner Valley. In September we drove through the streets of Richmond and Stoke ending up at The Alioke Eatery in Berryfields for lunch, and in October we traversed the hills around Mapua, along the Coastal Highway and through Motueka to Mrs Smith’s café in Riwaka. At Biscuit Munchers, on the third Wednesday of each month, we attempt to have a mystery vehicle. September saw John and Lesley Barker’s Austin Seven on display. This was extremely enlightening and saw more than 50 members take
s Nelson: One of Richard Conlon’s restorations on display for a recent Nelson branch visit.
s Nelson: One of the 400 vehicles on display at Nelson’s Show and Shine for Daffodil Day.
s Nelson: Nelson members making a close inspection of one of Richard Conlon’s restorations. ▼ Marlborough: Scenes from the Cape Campbell Rally October 2024.
s
out and everyone survived to go on to enjoy lunch at the lighthouse.
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Many years of reports on the rebuild progress may have been received with scepticism, but all doubts were put to rest as it purred into the branch grounds. NORTH SHORE BRANCH North Shore: Owen Sturgess’ Ford V8.
Northland: Far North Tour.
North Shore: Jim Hefkey’s 1975 Bricklin SV1.
a closer look. They were like bees around a honey pot looking at the details of the engine. A club night visit was made to Richard Conlon’s garage to see his extensive range of restorations. Some still in various stages of completion. A number of members attended the Nelson Classic Car Museum’s recent Hoods Up event, and for Fathers’ Day we provided a display of vehicles for the residents of the Ernest Rutherford retirement home to reminisce about.
North Shore: A sad Thames Trader at Endean’s Mill.
NORTHLAND
Northland: Far North Tour.
Northland: Dargaville trip
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RAY SANDERS
Northland Branch has been busy participating in and hosting several rallies lately, including two motorcycle rallies, the Dargaville monthly run, and the annual Far North Tour. Northland has a strong motorcycle group led by Peter Lovatt, and recently a small team of members travelled to the Rubber Duckie Rally and later the Manawatu Motorcycle Rally to participate in those events. We are lucky to have members dedicated enough to make the long journeys required to get down there.
The Dargaville group of Northland members are our unofficial “West Coast Sub-Branch” and their October run took them to the Tangihua Lions centre with support from members from the Whangarei side and other branches. The Dargaville group always has great a great turnout for all of their events, which is a credit to their leadership. Northland’s 52nd annual Far North Tour had a good turnout of 37 entrants, including one motorcycle, and took in some lovely East Coast country culminating in a lunch at the Russell Boating Club and dinner and accommodation in Paihia. An extra bonus was a visit to the Paihia Breakfast With Cars event the following morning. Participants came from all over the North Island including Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, Kaitaia and Auckland and many entrants are repeat offenders, with John Stokes from Auckland crowned with the record, with 51 Far North Tours under his belt!
NORTH SHORE RICHARD BAMPTON It was good to welcome the Citroen Club to our branch in October. The annual Spring Tour attracted 22 cars and 38 rallyists who motored to their first visit south of Otorohanga avoiding motorways. After an interesting visit to Neville Daidson’s collection of cars, motorcycles and tractors, the Sir Colin Meads statue in Te Kuiti was revered before Endean’s Mill was inspected. Overnight at Taumaranui, a visit to the Model Railway Club and museum, then the beautiful drive along the Forgotten World Highway, stopping briefly at the Whangamomona Hotel before staying at Hawera. Sunday’s
itinerary in Hawera was packed, and included a visit to an Elvis Presley memorabilia display, a Victorian water tower, a private car collection, and the truly amazing Tawhiti Museum with its underground boat ride, dioramas and collections of farm machinery. A fantastic tour well organised, as always, by Paul Collins. A new adventure was an enjoyable mid-week visit to the renowned Hamilton Gardens. Augmented by some nonmembers a small contingent was conveyed there (and back) in a bus ably driven by Peter Lloyd. Jim Hefkey brought his recently rebuilt 1975 Bricklin SV1 for our examination. This Canadian built car has hydraulic gull-wing doors among other interesting features. Loud applause was heard when Owen Sturgess arrived one Thursday in his Ford V8. Many years of reports on the rebuild progress may have been received with scepticism, but all doubts were put to rest as it purred into the branch grounds. Both cars are a credit to their owners.
OTAGO
MARION MCCONACHIE
Our branch display at the Autospectacular bought out Nevin Gough’s 1915 Model T depot hack while Barry Dewer’s 1928 Buick represented the prohibition years in the US. Bruce Murray’s 1970 Honda coupe attracted a good deal of attention with its very interesting air cooled and dry sumped motor. The
wedding theme was well covered by Neil Hodgkin’s 1955 Humber Super Snipe in full regalia including drinks, cheese and crackers. Motorcycles were represented by Bill Veitch’s 1953 Ariel with its rare, all alloy motor, and Paddy William’s stunning Motoguzzi Airone which he has recently restored. The Taieri Tour, our main rally for the year, attracted 45 entries from Timaru south. We invited members of the Mosgiel Scout Group to help with Field Tests, and to run their own fundraising barbecue at the lunch stop. This was well received because of the frigid wind and rain that had hammered the entrants during the morning run. A warm hall was welcome, and a good opportunity for everyone to socialise. The scouts had a quick briefing and practice with four field tests, and they were really committed to doing a great job. Sadly not everyone participated, but it kept the boys occupied for a good hour as the vehicles came through. Vehicles ranged from a 1914 Talbot to a 1992 Toyota Hilux, with Model Ts and Model As well represented in the vintage class. Andrew Roxburgh was riding his 1982 Yamaha motorcycle with Donna in the sidecar. Our annual Dunedin to Brighton Run is happening again at the end of January and entry forms should be with your branch secretaries by now.
ROTORUA
RONALD MAYES
The annual Sulphur City Rally is a major branch event. This year it was held on 31 August and attracted 37 entries, 21 being from other branches. Eastern Bay of Plenty Branch members won three of the four categories. The rally covered territory to the west of Rotorua, with the lunch stop at the Te Waotu School followed by prizegiving back at our clubrooms. Other events have included a run to Pirongia on the day of craft fairs being held there, as well as the annual Poker Run. Participants were told they did not need to know how to play poker, but to just follow the instructions on the alwaysenjoyable drive on the quiet roads in the Ngakuru area, pick up cards on the way, and finish at the Waiotapu Thermal Park for lunch. The winner was Rover 95 owner John Vevers. Cars-in-the-room on club nights have included a 1976 Ford Capri Ghia 3.0 V6, bought back a few years ago by first owner Jim Gordon and comprehensively restored to almost as-new condition, and Chairman David Tomlinson’s 1956 RollsRoyce Silver Cloud, which dramatically filled a large area of the space available. Readers with knowledge of New Zealand railway matters may have spotted an error in my last contribution, where the date of the building of an NZR Standard class railcar was given as 1969. It should have read 1939. Ed note: apologies for the over zealous proof reading from our team.
SOUTHLAND WAYNE CALDERWOOD
Rotorua: Ford Capri 3.0 Ghia.
Rotorua: Awaiting the start Sulphur City Rally.
Rotorua: Rotorua Poker Run - just some of the cars.
Because of a mix up of dates, the 70th anniversary rally is now on 1 February 2025. The Post Vintage and Post War Rally was won by Doug Sellars in a 1936 Chev FB truck. New members: Paul Hamilton, 1966 MG midget; Jamie Croton, 1971 R5 Yamaha; Grant Butson, 1957 Ford Skyliner,
Southland: Doug and Brad Mcleod 60 year badge and 25 year award.
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South Canterbury: Bob Austin’s 1938 Morris 8 in the snow at Mt Cook Hermitage. Bob, who is the oldest branch member at 97 attended the rally with his son John.
South Canterbury: Participants vehicles at Taiko - Opening Run.
1939 Harley and 1984 Ducati; Garth and Sandra Cooper 1937 Buick and ‘31 Alvis; Steve and Vicki Hackett 1964 EH Holden; Chris Thompson 1926 Model T and 1937 Chev; Jonath Devon, 1978 Escort station wagon, 1922 Model T, 1980 Escort; Bill Moffet, 1964 BSA and John Webb, 1965 Norton. Doug McLeod received his 60 year badge and his son Brad his 25 year badge. Jean Brown received her 25 year badge. Our first Wednesday of the month run is still well patronised, with 40 to 50 booking in for lunch, a great way for members to meet each other. The Burt Munro Rally is the next big event on 5-9 Feb 2025.
SOUTH CANTERBURY
SHANNON STEVENSON
The September Opening Run with Ashburton, held in early September, took participants around the rolling hills near Timaru, the end venue being the
South Otago: Neil Gamble, 1971 Volkswagen.
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limeworks at Taiko, a private property with natural rock formations, and the site of a future landfill for hardfill materials. The excavated pit was easily able to swallow all participants vehicles. The branch committee has an additional new member, Ross Hamilton. The Continental Rally, organised by Kevin Mercer, took place on 15 September and took 15 participants’ vehicles in the directions of Pleasant Point and Geraldine, the lunch stop being the House of Hop on SH79 – the Geraldine-Fairlie highway. In late September we were saddened to hear about the passing of John Lester. John was a keen supporter of our branch activities with his Morris 8s and 1939 Dodge. He also served time on the main committee, and was Swap Meet Chairman at the time of his passing. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. At the October Noggin and Natter we had members of the local Fire and
South Canterbury: Les Rzepecky’s 1985 Honda City and Shannon Stevenson’s 1980 Ford Escort 1.3 L in the snow at Twizel, Mt Cook Rally.
Emergency do a presentation, with a key focus being on fire alarms in the home. The Mount Cook Rally took place on Labour Weekend, attracting vehicles from the 1920s onwards – there was inclement weather causing some to stall their vehicles in a flooded ford at Bluecliffs, while from north of Omarama to Twizel participants encountered heavy snow. Mt Cook was reached on Sunday, with most parts of the village covered in nearly half a metre of snow.
SOUTH OTAGO
NOELINE MILNE
Wednesday outings each month have continued to be enjoyed, with recent travels visiting Tapanui, Clutha Valley and
South Otago: Martin Dodge and Jenny Cummings, lunch stop at Waitahuna.
Clydevale. Gaynor Falconer has outings for Christmas and January organised. Several members attended the Auto Spectacular in Dunedin and the Otago Branch Taieri Tour. Gordon Duthie spoke at the meeting bringing his Gizmo bike he used for a Cancer fundraiser to show. The 52nd Clutha Rally saw 37 members set out from the Balclutha Town and Country Club to travel through country roads, with some views of the east coast ocean along the way. Travel direction changed to go inland to the township of Waitahuna, where a picnic beside the local hall saw a relaxed atmosphere and great camaraderie. We returned to the venue in Balclutha for raffle draws and prize giving. A huge thankyou to the committee for organising the day, with changes having to be made due to the weather event earlier in the month damaging the intended rally route to Toko Mouth. Trevor Stoddart’s 1971 Vauxhall Viscount featured on the rally plaque parked by the Toko Mouth sign. Overall winner was Bruce Price from Gore in a 1962 Holden Premier. Paul and Kaye McNabb have completed their 1928 Model A after many years meticulous work, and we look forward to a viewing and presentation of the restoration trophy.
TARANAKI
COLIN JOHNSTON
Our 47th annual Rubber Duckie Motorcycle Rally was held in September with 46 entries. Entrants were treated to an exciting run from the Top Ten Holiday Park, Princes Street, out into countryside, with a stop for morning tea at the Hempton Hall in Okato from which the timing
started, with a blast along back country roads to Kaponga with our Mount Taranaki in full view looking down on the riders. The Kaponga Lions organised lunch at the Swiss Club House. The overall winner this year was a regular Taranaki entrant, Willie Woods. Great to see new members with vehicles out and about or working on enjoying the club activities. Amy Rijumanaq has been working on a 1939 Austin 8 which is called Bluebell. The engine is getting a full recondition at Hawera, and quite a bit of restoration work has been done by Amy. Toni Farquhar has been enjoying the drive in her 1954 Buick. Celebrations are being planned for our 60th annual Maunga Moana Rally which is being held on 21/22 March 2025. The Grand Ball Room at the Plymouth Hotel has been booked for the celebration dinner and presentations of 50 year and 35 year continuous membership awards. Entry forms are available online or from Rally Secretary Rob Thomson. Book your accommodation now. This will be a special celebration of the Maunga Moana. In October our branch hosted 29 members from the Central Hawke’s Bay Branch who were touring Taranaki. They enjoyed a meal at the clubrooms and visited museums, private collections and attractions around the mountain.
Taranaki: Bill and Heather James from Whanganui on their Triumph motorcycle at the start of the Rubber Duckie Motorcycle rally.
TAUPO
GREG NATTRASS
The month started with the traditional breakfast, a great time to catch up with fellow members and to enjoy a prepared breakfast at a local cafe. This was followed later in the month by club night. This month saw members socialising at the local 10 pin bowling alley. A great night was had by all with a few pizzas and drinks, and a lot of hilarity. The run for September was the breakfast run. This year we had a change of plans; normally we do a run, then return to the clubrooms
Taupo: Cars entering the bullring after the Chairman’s Run. Taranaki: New member Toni Farquhar’s 1954 Buick .
Taranaki: Members from Central Hawke’s Bay VCC , Ford Model A and Daimler cars at Waitara during their Taranaki tour .
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for a breakfast prepared by the committee. This year a breakfast was held at Café Lacus, then the plotted run proceeded, finishing at the clubrooms. Winners of the event were Owen and Heather Duncan. The month ended with the petrolheads get together for morning tea. October again started with our breakfast. Club night was movie night. This month saw the first part of The Italian Job on the big screen television. Next month will be part two. The Chairman’s Run this year saw 17 cars head off for the event. This comprised country roads, with the final destination being the Bullring restaurant between Taupo and Tokoroa. A lunch was enjoyed before we found our own way home.
WAIKATO
HUGH MCINALLY
Ladies’ Rally: I recently spoke to Branch Secretary Heather about up-and-coming events, and in passing, Heather advised that the Ladies’ Rally was to be removed from the Branch Events calendar for this year as no one had put their hand up. My reaction was that if the club cannot organise a run for the hard-working ladies of the club then there is something wrong. After discussing it with my better half, Bronya, we decided that we would organise it this year, but with a difference. In years gone by the Ladies’ Rally was just that, only for the ladies of the club and their friends, no males were allowed to enter. The problem is the number of entrants over the years dropped significantly, and we needed to lift the numbers to make
Waikato: Wayne Hayward (right) received a prize for best cake on the day from rally organiser Bronya McInally (centre), and with partner Tracy (left) scooped the pool also winning Best Dressed Couple.
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Waimate: Photo Barry Anderson
it worthwhile. This year we decided men could enter, but only if they were dressed as either a lady, a lady’s maid or a chauffeur. As part of the entry fee the males also had to enter a baking competition with a cake or biscuits that they had made themselves. A prize would be forthcoming for the best dressed male, best dressed lady and the best baked item. The cakes and biscuits would be used for the cuppa and prize giving at the end of the rally. The rally as such was not competitive but more of a tour to places that were of interest to the ladies. So how did it go? We had a very large number of entrants which was great. Everyone had grins from ear to ear. A big thanks must go to the men for picking up on the theme of the day with gusto.
WAIMATE MAUREEN CHAMBERLAIN Our mid-week monthly runs are very popular, with lunch at local hotel as a meet and greet before a social run. In November the annual TeaPot Rally took place. This annual rally has Oamaru Branch join with us and is looked forward to by members. Waimate cars were light this year, with the annual A & P show on the same day. The rally started with a picnic lunch at the Morven Domain then off for a well-planned run. The rally ended back at Waimate with refreshments. Thank you to Peter Bland for organising the rally. Congratulations to Oamaru club for taking home the TeaPot again this year. Members have been busy selling raffle tickets at the local supermarket to help raise funds for some updating and painting of the club rooms. These are selling well.
WAIRARAPA
JUDI HARDING
Dennis Burns is the new editor for Zenith, our monthly newsletter. The September club night began with a meal which was followed by a discussion regarding the new draft constitution. Good conversations were held and members were encouraged to notify the chair of any recommendations they wished to be included in the review. Ten cars and 13 entrants met at the Japanese Memorial Gardens on SH2, just north of Featherston for the annual Groves Memorial Rally. The rally entrants proceeded along the scenic Western Lake Rd to Ocean Beach for a picnic lunch. The homeward journey continued along the eastern side of the lake and onto Cobblestones Museum in Greytown. The rally prize went to David Eade in his 1976 Triumph 2500TC. The October meeting saw the start of the summer season of The Car Is the Star. Francis Pointon brought along his 1934 Studebaker Commander. A fine example of 1934 motoring, this car is one of only two such cars in New Zealand. The viewing was followed by video clips of the history of Studebaker manufacturing. The Rex Porter Rally, postponed earlier in the year, was organised by Simon, Sandie and Alec O’Hara. It attracted 18 entries and consisted of a short and long course, travelling around the outskirts of Carterton, before heading north towards Mauriceville, through to Eketahuna and on to the Nireaha Hall for lunch. The Rex Porter trophy was won by Mike D’Alton (driver) and Jim Barr (navigator).
WANGANUI
IAN HIGGINS
Our branch had many members lining up their more aged vehicles to participate in the Wanganui City Centennial Parade down our city’s main street. It was great publicity for our movement to show the
waving crowds that we are indeed driving the wheels of history. Not a VCC event, but still very worthy for us to be seen in this Wanganui Centennial Parade celebrating 100 years as a city. Three hardworking committee members of our branch have featured in our monthly editions of the Wanganui Rivet of late. First was Wayne Gedye, who owns an immaculate 1929 DeSoto Phaeton as well as having a 1948 Bedford LB under restoration. Wayne’s trade is in heat pumps, and this was really made use of when we recently installed these in our clubrooms. The other two unlocking their journey into the VCC were brothers, Pierre and Sietse Zeilstra. Their pride and joy is a beautifully presented 1965 MGB convertible. Waiting in the wings is a 1985 Honda Accord, which has been in their family more than 30 years. The brothers are also accruing quite an impressive collection of memorabilia in a nearby shed. Landscape gardeners by profession, these two are real workhorses for our branch. Sunday Runs are very well supported by members. One that really stood out for me was a recent afternoon tea generously provided by Summerset in the River City Retirement Village after a visit to Eastown Timber. The Retirement Village residents milled around our cars. Great to have a captive audience. I wonder if any of our members have booked a unit?
WELLINGTON
JOHN STOKES
With summer upon us Wellington members have been out and about driving our history. Amongst the highlight was the Annual Rally, which began at the clubrooms at 10.30am on
Wanganui: Zeilstra Bros MGB.
Wanganui: Wayne Gedye’s 1929 Desoto.
Saturday 2 November. Nineteen participants, ranging from a 1922 Packard Town Car through to a 1989 Mazda MX5 (with one DNS, this being a Packard Caribbean with a mind of its own at the start) took the route to the Blue Mountains Road in rural Upper Hutt to Te Marua, then ventured over the Akatarawa Road to Paekākāriki and Queen Elizabeth II Park, where lots
Wellington: Annual rally cars resting over the lunch break. Photo: Will Chaney
Wellington: Good old-fashioned suicide doors, Mark Dunajtschik and 2023 Rolls-Royce Spectre EV. Photo: Angelica Edgely
Wellington: Peter Simpson and Peter McKeown with 1929 Chrysler roadster, Wellington’s Heritage Festival display.
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Photos this page - Wellsford Warkworth: Kowhai Festival, 19 October. Photo Anne Hamilton.
more members had gathered for lunch, including some from Wairarapa and others from Horowhenua. The big prize for the day was the Gavin Croft Memorial Trophy, which went to Connal and Rochelle McIvor who amassed 295 points from a possible 300 in their 1955 Peugeot 203. The next day the club had been invited to display our history at Queens Wharf on Wellington’s magnificent waterfront. This was opening day for the three-week long Wellington Heritage Festival. Once again the weather was kind to us, and it seemed most of Welly’s residents dropped by to see the cars. But not driving our history was philanthropist Sir Markus Dunajtschik KNZM (known as Mark) and his wife Dorothy, our guest speakers on club night. Instead, they alighted from their 2023-vintage RollsRoyce Spectre. This monster is 5.5 metres long, weighs 2.9 tonnes but, with 577bhp, it is no slug! In spite of its bulk it is very, very quiet – because it is an electric car. This car has rear-hinged “suicide” doors – just like the good ol’ days. “That’ll fox ‘em down at the VCC” thought Mark. A most interesting car and, in just 29 years the Spectre will be club-eligible.
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WELLSFORD-WARKWORTH
CHRIS HARVEY
Spring this year has been a relatively quiet time for our branch, although several members have enjoyed participating in rallies run by other branches. We are about to resume our midweek beach picnics, and we have fired up the barbecue for the first BYO BBC Club Night of the season. Our Sunday Run in September started at the Coffee Club in Warkworth and ended at the well-known Puhoi Pub - so we cater to both cravings. In October we displayed 13 vehicles at the Kowhai Festival in Warkworth, and they attracted a significant amount of interest (especially Doug’s 1904 Cadillac and Dave’s Model T) and we hope this
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.
will translate into new memberships. One punter was so keen he went home to fetch his pristine green Sunbeam Rapier and added it to the lineup. Looking ahead we have the Wellsford Santa Parade on 23 November and the Warkworth one on 7 December. We enjoyed last year’s Christmas lunch at the Warkworth RSA so much that we are returning for a second helping this year on 15 December. January is normally a quiet month for the Branch with so many members away on holiday or on grandparent duty, and our next event will be the Swap Meet on Saturday 22 February. We hope it will be well supported by both buyers and sellers and by anyone with interesting vehicles to display.
Best, Tony Canterbury Churchouse, Lois Central Hawke’s Bay Courtney, Fred Far North Davison, Wayne Northland Hedgman, Ian Canterbury Hopps, Ron Gisborne Lester, Evan John South Canterbury McPherson, Sally Canterbury Mason, Peter Far North Spackman, Mark Eastern Bay of Plenty Thomson, David Waikato Wiley, Trevor Southland
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