VCC WELLINGTON MOTORING SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 2023

Daffodil Day Car Display at Brewtown, Upper Hutt, 19 August.

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) - Wellington Branch

Halford Place (East end Jackson Street Petone)

PO Box 38-418,

wellington@vcc.org.nz

Phone: 568-7463

http://www.sporty.co.nz/wellingtonvcc

NO CALLS AFTER 9:00PM PLEASE Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of VCC Wgtn Branch

NAME BADGES

Don’t forget name badges are available from the Club Secretary at $15 each. Please remember to wear your name badges on Club Nights.

Photos on the front and back covers provided by Will Chaney.

CHAIRMAN’S CHAT PhilKidd

The days are getting noticeably longer and spring is just around the corner. Let’s hope that will bring some welcome relief from the incessant rain we have been experiencing. A walk across our lawn is like walking over a bog and I had to leave my 4WD quad in the middle of a paddock because it was so wet it bellied.

This happened just prior to leaving for Nelson with Alan Thompson to attend the VCC AGM and Executive meeting which Alan covered at our last Club night. We farewelled our president Diane Quarrie after 18 years in total on the executive. Our incoming president, George Kear was unable to attend due to Covid.

It was disappointing to have no clear direction (yet) on the matter of our Constitution and I am hopeful that our Branch can provide a meaningful contribution. Of concern (to me at least) is the obvious creep in the overall age of our Club members. When the matters of a potential move to new premises in Christchuch, and the ability to continue to produce our very high quality Beaded Wheels magazine are taken into account, the question of affordability to members – both now and into the future arises. What will be the age makeup of the Club in say five, ten, or fifteen years. Will we be able to continue to use our vehicles as we do now? Will we still have access to appropriate fuel to power them? Perhaps the results of the recent survey when released will give some clarification.

On another note: Did you know that back in June this year, of the 4,798,770 vehicles on NZ roads a total of 84,914 were EVs – either plug in or Hybrid. None of them pay anything (or much) towards the upkeep of our roads – and most newer ones have had significant cash rebates paid out of our tax dollars. Just imagine how many potholes could be repaired if each paid say $500 per year. That would total an astounding $42.5 Million dollars. Food for thought!

Chairman’s Chat continued:

Daffodil day has come and gone, and with it a significant contribution to the fight against Cancer. Thanks to Colin White and his team for taking care of the planning and organisation of the event. The covered venue at Brewtown in Upper Hutt provides enough space for about 200 vehicles and certainly removed the uncertainty of the weather issues we have experienced in the past few years!

Hopefully, over the winter months all those items of maintenance have now been taken care of so we can look forward to a trouble free season of motoring ahead of us. On that note I look forward to you continuing to enjoy the many benefits of belonging to our Club and wish you happy and safe motoring in whatever means of transport you choose.

Phil Kidd

GET WELL SOON!

Wellington Branch sends wishes for speedy recoveries to members Peter Chaney and John Jackson, who have both had major health issues recently. Hopefully they’ll be back at club events again soon.

NEW MEMBERS

Wellington Branch welcomes the following new members who have joined in the last month:

Kimberley Attwell of Newlands, who has a 1954 Land Rover, and

Hamish Riddell of Paraparaumu, who has a 1967 Riley Elf. We look forward to meeting you at club nights or on club runs.

FROM THE CAPTAIN’S TABLE NealeRyder

September means the start of Spring, and the promise of better weather for getting out and about.

Having the use of the covered area at Brewtown for our Daffodil Rally proved worthwhile. Even though the wind seemed to be coming from somewhere very cold, we kept dry. As a first time using this venue, obviously there are a few things to tweak for any future events to improve things further. We were very well supported by people from other car clubs which meant a really good variety of vehicles on show. This makes for an interesting show for anyone attending, and all going well they will want to come again next time and bring some friends with them. Many thanks go to all those who set up the day, helped out and to those of you who attended.

Our September event is a visit to Carter Observatory. You should have already advised Deirdre that you are coming along to this.

Owing to Labour Weekend being at the time for our usual monthly event, we don't have anything planned for October. However, a couple of weekends later it will of course be our Annual Rally and Dinner on Saturday November 4th, with a small event the next day. There are some other shows and runs on towards the end of the year run by other clubs and organisations, which you may wish to attend.

November 12th is a Car Show and Swap Meet run by the Wai Wheels group in Featherston, held at the Featherston Rugby grounds, raising funds for the local junior rugby club. For further details and to preenter contact Barbara:- email vbr@xtra.co.nz

November 26th is Tui Brewery Vintage Day at Mangatainoka and on December 9th the Sunbeam Car Club is hosting the annual Lake Ferry Classic Car Run, which means it will soon be Christmas.

So with that you might find some sort of an excuse to get your old car, bike, truck, tractor or tank out of the shed and use it while we still can.

Regards, Neale

ADVANCE NOTICE:

WHANGANUI VINTAGE WEEKEND and MONTE CARLO RALLY WELLINGTON ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND, JANUARY 2024

There will be the usual Monte Carlo run to Whanganui with a barbecue evening. Bookings have been reserved for VCC members at 151 On London Motel from Friday Jan 19th to Mon Jan 22nd. Please ring and make your own booking, telling them that you are part of the VCC group. These bookings will not be held for long. Phone: 06 345 8668 More details about this event will come later.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED: DRIVING MENTORS

Youth Inspire needs volunteer mentor drivers to help with a programme called “Road Ready Rangatahi” - helping young people to each gain their driving licence. They have two automatic hybrid vehicles available (for use in Taita and Wainuiomata) and need volunteers to commit to two hours mentoring per week.

For more details, contact the Branch Secretary or look up the website:

www.youthinspire.co.nz

MILITARY VEHICLES John Stokes

The August Sunday Run visited a fledgling museum of Military Vehicles in Mangaroa. The hosts were Phil McCloy and his son.

Some of the cars that members brought to this trip includedthe cars above: behind Neale's car is a Panther Lima, a NZ kit car (built 1980), and the dark green Dodge Fargo was a beautiful wee pickup truck but we can see so little of it.

The Daimler Ferret (below) is a "car" close to my wee heart- I love Daimler. A post-war machine (I wrote down 1959) and, much to my horror, it has a Rolls-Royce engine. But all is NOT lost - the transmission remains the Wilson pre-select 4-speed that is bestknown for it's installation in Daimlers. (Although, by 1959, Daimler WAS into automatic - preselect had finished maybe 1956/7 at latest.)

I confess I know little about military vehicles. Unless they have wings, and then I can claim to know a tad more. Not much - but, a little.

Military Vehicles, Continued from page 8

The military vehicle everyone got excited about was the Scorpion! To me, it looked like an army tank, not a bleedin' arachnid! I think most of the blokes getting all excited about this particular arachnid, had a wee spider wandered in, would've sought out the nearest bomb shelter. Anyway, the vehicle IS a Scorpion. And, given the description of the performance of these Scorpions, they are very impressive engineering. The Scorpion (ie the mechanical version, NOT the more organic one) will quite happily cruise 60 mph (90 100km/h) on the road says it has a Jaguar 4.2L petrol car engine}

Photo Right: The Scorpion tank.

Below: Phil and his son. They and a friend also brought some of their vehicles to the Daffodil Day Car

Display (see pg 10).

Maybe that is because Big Norm sent frigates off to the far reaches of the eastern Pacific in protest around 1985? Or maybe it was because David smelt uranium under an Englishman's breath? Maybe Helen's pacificism? Maybe it has something to with Jacinda's "kindness"?

(See also page 10)

Universal Carrier Armoured Observation

Universal

this 1986 Hummer H2 M989, the Daimler Ferret and others to the VCC Daffodil Day Display.

Above: Front and rear views of a M113 Amoured Personnel Carrier

Above: Left is an English

Post variant, 1 of only 4 known worldwide. Right is an English

Carrier 3" mortar carrier variant.

Photo Left: Phil and his friend brought

AUGUST CLUB NIGHT TALK by Phil Kidd

As mentioned in the last issue of The Motoring Spirit, in July Phil Kidd attended the 90th Year Anniversary gathering of the Railton marque in the UK. At the Branch August club night he gave a talk about his visit, and about an iconic motorsport event. There were seventeen 6- or 8- cylinder Railtons at the 90 year event, with different body models. He talked about two light sport Railtons built in 1935, which could do 0 to 60mph in 9.6 seconds. One is in NZ; the sister car is still in the UK and competes every year at the

The famous venue of Shelsley Walsh, in Worcestershire, is the oldest motorsport venue in the world still to run events on the original course. The Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, currently organised by the Midland Automobile Club, is older than Indianapolis, Le Mans or Monza and was first run in 1905! The course was originally 992 yards, but then changed to 1,000 yards (approximately half a mile), and has a 1 in 7 gradient on the steepest part. Apparently drivers today can reach speeds of up to 140mph. Phil enjoyed his day there and was able to walk the course (and confirms it is pretty steep!).

(Photo above from Shelsley Walsh website. Angelica Edgley)

BLAST FROM THE PAST (or HISTORY LESSON)

Roger White sent these photos: Top: Len and Vera Southward in their 1904 Wolseley at the start of the 1962 London to Brighton Veteran rally. They were the first to compete with a NZ-owned car.

approved the publication

The photo on the left is of Alistair's father Colin and his uncle Alan in the both founder members of our Branch and were in the UK supporting Len

DAFFODIL DAY CAR DISPLAY

Saturday 19 August saw a great turn-out of all types of vehicles as a fundraiser to support the Wellington Branch of VCC and the Wellington Cancer Society. See the photos on the front and back covers of this issue, courtesy of Will Chaney, and other photos on pages 14 and 15. To see more of Will’s photos, visit VCC Daffodil Day 2023 - wbc (smugmug.com) Several one-make clubs (notably Peugeot, Citroen, Zephyr, Ford, American cars and some others) were there as well as some motorcycles and military vehicles, and Gazley Motors brought along two MG EVs. Apparently about $2,400 was collected by the Cancer Society and there were at least 120 vehicles on display. It was a great day.

CAPTION PLEASE!!

The photo below of Terry and a Peugeot 203 was taken by a club Was . Or, given that is Connal’s car, not Terry’s: Is there sabotage Put your thinking caps on and email your suggestions to the Editor or the Secretary.

DAFFODIL DAY CAR

DISPLAY at Brewtown, Upper Hutt, 19 August.

Such big boots (trunks) and they still can’t fit the spare Valiants and a Chevrolet.

Zephyr Club.

Below: Card received by Bruce Benge. Too good not to share!!

Editor.

Joke Corner:

If all the world's a stage, where is the audience sitting? Do people who are born again have two belly buttons?

EV BATTERIES From: The dEVil's Advocate

Hi folks, gosh, it's nearly 3/4 of the way through the year - where does it go!

You will recall a couple of months ago, I popped in an article on the sinking of the Felicity Ace, a car transporter ship that sank, carrying many, many electric cars, never to be retrieved. Since then, in the last 4 weeks, another one, the Fremantle Highway, caught fire in the North Sea. It was also carrying EV's, at least 500 Mercedes Benz and more from VW and Audi. This is the third carrier this year. The Fremantle Highway fire was put out but still one life was lost. The wreck was towed to Holland, where it is being examined. I will let the video tell the story:

https://youtu.be/kqvm2HEp4Uk

Moving on from there, the following is an article on China's stockpiling of EV's and why:

https://va.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_rwg9hqtzvV1zlxqpx.mp4

If you want to know what lithium batteries are costing the earth, then watch the next video: https://youtu.be/nl0E-UhKB5E

Another photo taken at the Daffodil Day Display by Will Chaney.

REPORT on NATIONAL EXECUTIVE MEETING and AGM

On 11 to 13 August, Alan Thompson attended the meetings in Nelson as Delegate for Wellington Branch, and Phil Kidd attended as an observer. Below is a summary of the report Alan has prepared. Points of particular interest to Branch members are 4 and 8 below, and 7) and 8) on page 19.

Executive Meeting (Friday night and Saturday afternoon)

1. Membership. 2. National Archivist: Don Muller appointment approved.

3. It was advised that the matter of the VCC building on our land in ChCh has to be resolved by 2033.

4. Revised Budget was discussed, specifically with reference to the $45,000 additional costs in 2023 for production and distribution of Beaded Wheels due to increases in printing and/or postage. A proposal to increase Subs to offset the increased BW costs was discussed. Some Delegates (incl Wgtn) argued that it was timely to cover the costs from accumulated funds this year (Note: this is about $1.4million) and take a more detailed look and formal analysis of the options to reduce the cost (eg less issues, smaller format, electronic distribution, cheaper format, etc) and then consult. The Editor was adamant that it must stay the way it is and threatened to resign if any changes were made. Many of the Delegates argued that it was only “5 cups of coffee per member”. A clear majority voted for an increase of $25 to Subs to offset these costs. Wgtn Branch asked to be recorded as “Abstained”, to record a protest that there had not been adequate work done on possible options and to seek more advice from members as to what they wanted.

5. Calendar. 6. Various Reports. General Business: 7. Discussions on Club email system, online membership, and water/flood damaged vehicles being written off by insurance companies. 8. Changes to Club Governance: Proposals to change the Constitution to reduce the numbers on the governing committees. There was a wide range of views on the matter. The meeting concluded with no agreed position and more significantly, no plan or strategy to resolve this matter.

The March 2024 Executive Meeting will be held in Christchurch.

EXEC meeting and AGM Summary continued from page 18:

Annual General Meeting (Saturday morning)

1) Apologies (included George Kear). 2) Presidents Report Diane Quarrie’s final report. 3) Financial Report. Some difficulties were found in the Financial Report. (possible errors?) Some discussion on the use of accumulated funds.

4) Life Member Address Andy Anderson. 5) Reports A raft of reports were tabled. It was advised that staff changes at NZTA has derailed progress on 12month WOFs and the election would further delay matters. 6) Strategic Plan The revised (updated) Strategic Plan was duly ratified by the meeting.

7) Governance Change Proposals The meeting was addressed by Stephen Moe from Parry Field who had been requested by the Club to provide a legal opinion regarding the new Incorporated Societies Act. He confirmed that our Constitution required only minor changes, but has advised that the Club considers taking this opportunity to reduce the size of the governing committees. His view was that it was too large and that contributed to inefficiency. A Q&A session followed BUT there were no conclusions or recommendations arising from the meeting with respect to this matter.

8) Calendar of Events Next National Vero Festival of Motoring Rally would be hosted by Nelson Branch in March/April 2026. 9) John L Goddard Trophy awarded to Steve and Sue Keys for restoration of the Diamond T Fuel Tanker.

10) Notice of Motion The proposal to update the naming of the Club in the constitution (to include “ Historic Vehicle Authority of NZ) was passed by a big margin (89% for) in the postal voting BUT only 19% of members actually voted.

11) (No) Remits. 12) Retiring Committee Presentations were made.

13) Election of Officers No election as nominations were equal to positions.

14) Retiring President A presentation was made to Diane Quarrie. She will continue for one year on the Management Committee as Immediate Past President. 15) General Business Rallies and tours noted, Issues with Vero claims - members can seek National Office assistance to contact the nominated Vero liaison person. It is not possible for this person to be contacted directly by a member. The 2024 AGM will be held in Tauranga.

DOD’s TRAVELS in USA

Motorcycle Section club member Dennis Palmer is travelling in the USA (and part of Canada) and he has taken the Section’s DOD with him. The little green, furry, all-knowing, all-seeing critter is usually on the front of the bike whose rider has done something notable (read: silly!) but he is on holiday and living it up!! Enjoy!

Hardly likely!!

Right: On the Sea to Sky Gondola, Squamish, British Columbia.

Left: DOD reliving his vintage roots in Railtown.

Left: Is DOD in Milwaukee, Wisconsin??

DOD’s Travels, continued from Page 20:

Above: DOD saying “Only $100,000 USD Dennis! Buy it for me !” in Anchorage, Alaska. Below Left: Befriending Buffalo Bill outside the Irma Hotel in Cody, Wyoming. Below Right: DOD with helpful friend at Hearst Castle, California.

COMING EVENTS

SUNDAY RUN 3rd September: No run is organised at this stage. If a visit is arranged, an email will be sent out by the Branch Secretary.

Fathers Day Show and Shine at Tauherenikau Racecourse

Sunday 3 September, 10am - 2pm

Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Classic Cars, Specialist Vehicles, Bikes, Food Trucks, Sausage Sizzle, Miniature Railway, Live Music, Bar.

MANGATAINOKA

MOTORS HOT ROD DAY

Sunday 24 September, from 9.30am

KAPITI MID-WEEK RUN WEDNESDAY 27th SEPTEMBER

Roderick Kinghorn (Horowhenua Branch) has organised an actionpacked run with something for everybody. If you can't find something here to tickle your fancy, then you should urgently find someone to check your pulse. Meet at 10am for a coffee at Reds Cafe in Arthur Street, Otaki.

Then, a difficult choice between a visit to Specialised Washers and Gaskets in Otaki or an hour or so browsing Otaki's famous outlet shops (The men might prefer the outlet shops). This will be followed by lunch at the Olive Grove Cafe, 16 Mahara Place, Waikanae.

Then, at 1:30pm, the grand finale -- a tour of the Chocolate Factory, 5 Lorien Court, Paraparaumu. There is a $5/person charge for the tour, but hopefully it will be a bit like pick-your-own strawberries where not all of them make it into your basket.

Further details, including timings, parking, and directions, will be sent out to everyone on the Kapiti email address list. If you would like more details of this run or if you would like to be added to the email list, just let me know.

Philip Pearce: nzpearce87@gmail.com or 027274 4084

For the following events, contact Wgtn Branch Secretary for details/entry forms.

King Country VCC Scenic Tour, Taumarunui

October 7th

Manawatu Branch Motorcycle Rally – October 14

For entry form, contact Peter Simpson

Cadillac Club - 50th Anniversary National Rally, Wellington, 20 -23 October 2023

21 October Classic Car Run

Palmerston North to Brewtown, Upper Hutt

6th NATIONAL COMMERCIAL RALLY, Whanganui, Labour weekend. For details see pg 19, June Motoring Spirit.

SOUTHERN SCENIC TOUR 29TH – 31ST JANUARY 2024

Includes 2024 Founders Prince Henry Tour & Dunedin- Brighton. Veteran Motoring - Dunedin - Gore - Owaka - Dunedin

For Owners of 1933 - 1934 Fords: Ford Model 40 Convention to be held March 8-10 2024, Solway Park, Masterton

VCC MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Visit the VCC Website: VCC.org.nz and click on “Membership Benefits” for details on various benefits and instructions on how to apply for them.

THE INTERISLANDER - Code WH5465

BLUEBRIDGE COOK STRAIT FERRY—Code ANTIQUECAR

FERRY DISCOUNTS FOR VCC MEMBERS

See details on page 26 of this magazine.

METALIMMERSIONSLTD

• IMMERSION STRIPPING

• ABRASIVE BLASTING

• POWDER COATING

We are the company that offers you

Total immersion stripping of Car bodies and panels

VERO INSURANCE

If you arrange your car and household insurance through Vero, the Wellington Branch gets a commission. In 2021 the amount was approximately $4,159!! Well done everyone!

WE TAKE CARE OF ALL YOUR NEEDS

Contact: Warren Leslie

Phone: (04) 232 6880

Fax: (04) 232 6882

11 Wall Place, Tawa

Email:

Warren@MetalImmersions.co.nz

FREE QUOTATIONS

BUY & SELL

Advertisements are free to Wgtn VCC members and will be repeated four times.

FOR SALE

1958 NASH METROPOLITAN

Good condition; can be driven; rego on hold. Open to offers. Phone Richard for details: 04 5770350

Wanted: Model ‘A’ Ford gear cluster in good condition. No repro gears please.

Contact Les Pearson 027 2245 045 or lespearson@xtra.co.nz

FOR SALE

Some well-seasoned, dressed white pine that may be of use to someone replacing old woodwork in their vehicle body:

228mm x 32mm x 1200mm long -1 off

275mm x 42mm x 700mm long -1 off

280mm x 30mm x 2130mm long -1 off Also, a rough bit of oak

130+mm x 35mm x 1800mm long -1 off

If interested, Phone Warren 021 712 008

WANTED: GARAGE FOR STORAGE OF PROJECT CAR

My Grandson in Wellington is looking for a garage to store his project car that he is working on. The place he has had it in is now being demolished. I told him I would try and see if you could put an advert in your magazine. He works for Kiwi Rail in Petone but would be grateful to find a place in any part of Wellington.

Regards, Carole Lindsay

BOP Vintage Car Club member

WELLINGTON BRANCH - CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Club nights are on the 3rd Tuesday of every month in the Clubrooms, Halford Place, Petone (Eastern end of Jackson St) starting at 7:30pm

The Clubrooms are also normally open for casual gatherings on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 12:00, and for Noggin & Natters on Fridays 7:30pm.

Motorcycle Meetings are usually held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Butcher & Brewer, 75 Jackson Street, Petone at 7:30pm.

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER CLUB NIGHT

(Start time 7:30pm)

Talk by Peter O’Flaherty

Peter has written a book called: Akatarawa

A History of the Sawyers, Settlers and Schools

1870s-1980s

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER 2023

HAPPY HOLIDAYS