50th Anniversary Eastern Bay of Plenty VCC Rally, Whakatane
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
TAUPO
Coming Events for Taupo VCC 2025
MARCH
Sunday 2nd Breakfast at Café Lacus, 8.30 am
Wednesday 12th Club Night: Bingo at the Clubrooms – 7.30 pm start
Saturday 15th TAUPO VCC COUNTRY ROADS RALLY! –8:30 am start
Monday 17th Committee Meeting 5.30 pm
Wednesday 19th Petrolheads Coffee and Cars, 10.00 am
APRIL
Sunday 6th Breakfast at Café Lacus, 8.30 am
Wednesday 9th Club Night – Quiz + Fish & Chips
Weds 16th Petrolheads Coffee and Cars, 10.00 am
Sunday 20th Club Run – Grass Gymkhana at Reporoa
Monday 21st Committee Meeting 5.30 pm
MAY
Sunday 4th Breakfast at Café Lacus, 8.30 am
Wednesday 14th Club Night: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Sunday 18th Club Run to Wingspan Birds of Prey Centre, Ngongotaha
Monday 19th Committee Meeting 5.30 pm
Wednesday 21st Petrolheads Coffee and Cars, 10.00 am
Club Breakfast - First Sunday of each month At Café Lacus at the Landing 650 Lake Terrace, Wharewaka, Taupō. Special menu for Club Members. IMPORTANT: Please let Owen know by 3pm Friday if you will be there: 07 378 8327. Please be seated by 8:30 am.
Taupo Vintage Car Club Officers
Taupo Vintage Car Club, 33 AC Baths Avenue, Taupo 3330
PATRON Graham Mock
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Bob Pettigrew • Graham Mock • Joe Ridley • Eric Foley • Maureen Ransley
CHAIRMAN
SECRETARY
TREASURER
CLUB CAPTAIN
MAGAZINE EDITOR
COMMITTEE
Murray Stanley 021 352 333
Maureen Ransley 07 3776360
Eric Foley
07 378 7006 chairman@taupovcc.org
Elaine Taylor 027 232 4792 secretary@taupovcc.org
John Searle 027 703 6374 treasurer@taupovcc.org
TBA
Dean Packwood & Graeme Doree editor@taupovcc.org
Peter Lockie 027 839 4296
Andrew Birkbeck 021 026 32124
Non COMMITTEE POSITIONS
ARCHIVISTS
BEADED WHEELS & BRANCH REPORTER
June & Graham Mock 07 378 7513
Greg Nattrass
CLUBROOM HIRE Eric Foley 07 378 7006 LIBRARIAN TBA
RALLY SPONSOR
SPARE PARTS
Taupo Brake and Clutch 07 378 7429
Tony Mannington 07 377 1598 CLUBROOMS CUSTODIAN Owen Duncan 07 378 8327
VIC CERTIFIERS
Kelvin Trim 07 378 9055
Barry Hoffman 027 443 5479
Printed Mag Available
Printed copies of our monthly magazine, Taupo Torque, are now available from Copy Solutions in Taupo!
We email the magazine to Copy Solutions each month, so if you would like a copy, you can visit Copy Solutions in Taupo and purchase one of the following 3 options:
Black and White A5 Booklet
Printing Tips
Although you can print this magazine to A4 (either actual size or scaled to A4), this magazine has been set up in A5 format. This allows you to print 2 pages up on an A4 or even a booklet if your printer supports it.
If you open the magazine file in Acrobat Reader, and select file>print, under Page Size and Handling (see image below), you can print multiple pages per sheet. Click File>Print>Multiple>Pages per sheet> 2
If your printer supports printing both sides of the paper, you can also print a ‘Booklet’. Which allows you to print, then staple and fold up into an A5 magazine.
Here are some more informative links and videos to help:
• Printing Multiple A4 Sheets on One A4 Sheet in Adobe Reader
• Printing PDFs from Acrobat Reader
• Get Adobe Reader
Chairman’s Report
Eric Foley
Chairman’s Report for February 2025
The important stuff first!
The Country Roads Rally is on Saturday, 15th March. Have you submitted your entry yet? I would encourage you all to enter this event. It is half a day on a Saturday and will finish up at the club rooms for prize giving and a catered afternoon tea. There is nothing tricky about the event – it is not much more than a good long drive in the countryside. We have high hopes of achieving a substantial entry - I’m thinking 30-40 cars. If you haven’t already filled out the form, get on with it now, please!
February has been a good month for the club, with members involved in a range of activities commencing with breakfast at Lacus Café. This event has good, steady numbers and is enjoyed by the attendees. The usual barbeque at the beginning of the year was attended by about 50 members. An array of tasty sausages and fish fillets was accompanied by a range of salads and desserts that members brought along. We were joined by our rally sponsors, Craig and Lynise Morrison of Taupo Brake and Clutch Ltd. A very pleasant evening seemed to be enjoyed by all. It took quite some time later in the evening to usher the last of the guests out the door!
Despite a little confusion as to dates, the Open Day went ahead on the 16th at The Landing. A good, varied lineup of 21 club cars was perused by interested passersby who had the opportunity to vote for the car that most appealed to them. It was an excellent opportunity for members to have some time with other members that they may not see too often. About 60 votes were cast, and the winner was Barry
Hoffman with his delightful pale blue MG. Barry was the recipient of a turned wooden bowl trophy, which had been a gift to the club from former member and skilled wood turner Bob Taylor. Bob was very pleased to learn that his gift was being used in this way.
The month’s activities concluded with coffee and sticky buns at Wairakei Golf Course with about 40 attendees. This was an excellent turnout. For some odd reason, the ladies sat at one table, and the men sat at another. It is a very good venue with plenty of room and very little background noise. The lively chatter amongst those present did, however, add significantly to the overall noise levels.
I have no doubt that you are aware that two of our members are in local rest homes. Our Patron, Graeme Mock, is in Wharerangi Rest Home, 25 Kaimanawa St and Joe Ridley, who has recently turned 92 is now resident at Liston Heights Rest Home, 19 Liston Ave. Joe’s wife Beryl is in care there. I have no doubt that both men would appreciate visitors.
Now, having read my epistle, I presume your next task is to complete the rally entry form.
Take care out there.
Eric
50th Anniversary Eastern Bay of Plenty VCC Rally, Whakatane
Lynette and I left Taupo on a very hot Friday afternoon to stay at Awakeri Motor Camp and Hot Pools for the weekend. The rally headquarters were 10 minutes from the camp.
by Graeme Doree
Saturday dawned fine and the meetup at the Paroa Rugby Club grounds saw 38 entrants in all available classes including commercial. Clubs present included Horowhenua, Taupo, Rotorua, Waikato, Auckland, Gisborne, Bay of Plenty and of course Eastern Bay of Plenty. Oldest car there 1926 Willys Knight sedan in immaculate condition. Hard luck trophy was awarded to Greg & Jane Oliver from Horowhenua in their 1939 Fiat Topolino. Trailered it all the way up to have a fuel feed issue stop them using it in the rally. They were somewhat disappointed but completed the rally in their tow vehicle.
Rally set off on time at 1 minute intervals to what became a very hot day. Great touring around the Whakatane landscape with excursions out to Taneatua, Ohope, Edgecombe with lots of turns and a bit of straightline navigation thrown in for good measure. Silent checkpoints proved to be a downfall for a lot of entrants, including us, as they were very hard to see. Most found around 9 out of the 16 out there with some finding none!
A great lunch then another quick run to finish at the rugby club for afternoon tea.
Total distance travelled 164km.
Dinner that night was very good and very filling. Put on by a local marae. As it was the clubs 50th anniversary a couple of bottles of wine were provided per table and a large chocolate cake was cut by a founding member of the club.
All in all a great day with some great people.
Sunday dawned fine so we had a nice relaxing swim in the hot pools before commencing our journey home.
Under Car Specialist
Parts & Service
Locally owned & operated
o 2/89 Tauhara Road m 07 378 7429 E @taupobrakeandclutch www.taupobrakeandclutch.co.nz
12-month WoF and
CoF
consultation is now open
After many years of discussion and effort, we now stand on the threshold of major positive change that we have all been seeking!
On Monday 24 February, the Federation of Motoring Clubs Inc. (and other key organisations) received a letter from the Minister of Transport (Hon. Chris Bishop). The Minister’s letter formalises his media announcement on 9 February and announcing that the public submission process for 12-month WoF (all light vehicles 40 years and older, including Motorcycles) & CoF (all privately owned heavy motorhomes) is now open and closes at 5pm, April 4.
More info at: https://fomc.nz/12-month-wof-cof/
Parts department hours are better than ever: 7.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday 8.00am to 1.00pm Saturday
Parts and Services offer a comprehensive parts and service solution for your car, van, ute, truck, trailer, caravan, fifth-wheeler or campervan. We’re all about smart servicing – that means getting the parts that you need, and servicing your vehicle to your satisfaction every time.
Still at; 1 Miro Street, Taupo Web; partsandservices.co.nz
Phone; 07 378 2673
Our fully equipped modern workshop facility offers a reliable, accurate and affordable solution to all your reconditioning and machining needs. Includes high performance race/street, general automotive, motorcycle, marine, light and heavy diesel and industrial. We offer extremely quick turn around times and can pick-up or deliver if required
Brian Henson / Scott Murray Unit 6 / 465 Broadlands Road Rotokawa, Taupō 3378 Ph; 3773570 Fax; 07 3773572
Email; Engines@hmltd.co.nz
Rob Sinclair
Car Report: Fiat 500 Topolino
The Fiat 500, commonly known as “Topolino,” is an Italian city car produced and manufactured by Fiat from 1936 to 1955.
The name Topolino is Italian for ‹little mouse›, and is also the Italian name for Mickey Mouse.
History
500 Topolino (1936), Centro Storico FiatLeft to right: a 1936–1949 500(A)/ B, a 1950–55 500C sedan, and the back of a post-war 500 wagon
The Topolino was one of the smallest cars in the world at the time of its production. Launched in 1936, three models were produced until 1955, all with only minor mechanical and cosmetic changes. It was equipped with a 569 cc four-cylinder, side-valve, water-cooled engine mounted in front of the front axle (later an overhead valve motor), and so was a full-scale car rather than a cyclecar. The radiator was located behind the engine which made possible a lowered aerodynamic nose profile at a time when competitors had a flat, nearly vertical grille. The shape of the car›s front allowed exceptional forward visibility.
Rear suspension initially used quarter-elliptic rear springs, but buyers frequently squeezed four or five people into the nominally two-seater car, and in later models the chassis was extended at the rear to allow for more robust semi-elliptic springs.
With a power of about 10 kW (13 bhp), its top speed was about 85 km/h (53 mph), and it could achieve a fuel consumption of about 6 l/100 km (39 mpg US). The target price given when the car was planned was 5,000 lire. The price at launch was 9,750 lire, though the decade was one of falling prices in several parts of Europe and later in the 1930›s the Topolino was sold for about 8,900 lire. Despite being more expensive than first envisioned, the car was competitively priced. Nearly 520,000 were sold.
Three models were produced. The Model A and B shared the same body, but the engine of the model B had 12 kW (16 hp) of power, compared to the 9.7 kW (13 hp) of the Model A, produced from 1937 to 1948, while the model B was produced in 1948 and 1949. The model A was offered as a 2-door saloon, 2-door convertible saloon with a folding roof and a 2-door van, while the Model B also introduced a 3-door estate under the name 500 B Giardiniera (“estate car ”).
The Giardiniera was initially only available as a so-called woodie, with an outside ash frame being used instead of steel, and was available in seven metallic colors. When it was later renamed the Belvedere, the wood was replaced with metal. This model and the regular two-seater Convertible-Limousine were also produced in France by Simca as the Simca 5, and in Germany by the German Fiat subsidiary NSU-Fiat.
The Model C was introduced in 1949 with a restyled body and the same engine as the Model B, and was offered in 2-door saloon, 2-door convertible saloon, 3-door estate and 2-door van body styles. In 1952, the Giardiniera was renamed the Belvedere (“A turret or other raised structure offering a pleasant view of the surrounding area”, referring to its sunroof). The Model C was produced until 1955.
In 1955 the larger rear-wheeldrive Fiat 600 was launched by Fiat and that would become the design basis for the new Fiat 500, the Nuova 500. These two models ended up replacing the original 500.
Taupo VCC Open Day - Feb 2025
Club merchandise available on Club Nights.
Baseball Cap - $16.50
Polo Shirt - $38.50
Bucket Hat - $17.80
Fleece Jacket - $59.00
Club Lapel Badges and Car Stickers
We have most stock available at the club rooms.
If your car's interior needs some love, reach out to us! We'll be happy to help!
Faded or worn leather/vinyl seats, Damaged leather steering wheel, Scratched dashboard or door panels, Cracked vinyl armrest and shifter.
As an alternative to replacing, Fibrenew can repair & make it look great again.
Don't replace, renew with Fibrenew!
DEAN WILLS
FIBRENEW BAY OF PLENTY
Locally owned and operated
Based in Taupo Ph: 021 215 6889
Email: bayofplenty@fibrenew.co.nz
Web: www.fibrenew.co.nz
PROGRAMME:
Saturday 15th March
8.00 am At the Vintage Car Clubrooms collect rally packs and chat 8.30am Rally briefing
8.45am
Stage 1 - first cars away to morning tea stop
Stage 2 - cars away to lunch stop
Stage 3 - cars away back to town
3.30pm Afternoon tea and prize-giving
CLASSES
Class 1 Veteran and vintage vehicles (VET and (VV) Before 1931
Class 2 Post-vintage vehicles (PVV) 1932-1945
Class 3 Post-war vehicles (PWV) 1946-1960
Class 4 Post 1960 Vehicles (P60V) 1961-1980
Class 5 Post 1980 Vehicles (P80V) 1981 onwards
Touring Non competitive and non members
MORE INFORMATION:
1. One person in each vehicle MUST be a financial member of the Vintage Car Club of NZ and may be called upon to produce their current membership.
2. If fewer than three vehicles are entered in a particular class, then these vehicles will be placed in the next appropriate class.
3. In the event of a dispute, the decision of the organiser, in consultation with the Chairman and Club Captain of the Taupo Car Club Incorporated will be final.
• Morning tea is at your own cost. Afternoon tea is being catered for at the clubrooms at no additional charge.
• Lunch – The venue is a country tavern, which you will be welcome to enjoy at your own expense.
• There are toilet facilities at each stop.
ENTRY FORM
ENTRY FORM
To be sent to Taupo VCC as below:
Email entry form to:
Heather Duncan – heatherduncan@xtra.co.nz
Phone 027 232 4866
Pay total owing below via internet banking to: Westpac 03 0430 0246086 01
Please use your Car Rego as Reference.
Alternatively post this form along with your remittance to:
Taupo Vintage Car Club, 33 AC Baths Avenue, Taupo 3330
Name of Entrant:
Address:
Phone Number/s:
Email:
Navigator’s name:
Make, model & year:
Class entered:
VCC member No:
Note: If not a VCC member, please sign waiver overleaf.
Branch Name:
Car Reg No:
GUEST INDEMNITY WAIVER ADVICE
The organisers of this event draw the attention of participants of the following rule regarding eligibility:
Events should be open to vehicles as defined by Club Rules – All vehicles accepted must be entered by a financial member of the Club. Either the owner of the vehicle or the driver on the day shall be a member of the Club, or if resident overseas, a member of a recognised overseas organisation.
This means that if you are NOT a member of the Vintage Car Club of NZ Inc and you wish to drive in this event in a vehicle owned by a club member, we welcome you as a guest in a non-competitive capacity and because the Club’s public liability insurance only covers incidents involving Club members, we ask that you sign the indemnity waiver below.
INDEMNITY WAIVER
I agree not to hold liable the Vintage Car Club of NZ Inc, Taupo Branch, it’s members, officials or representatives, for any loss, however caused, or for the consequences of any action by an official member or representative of the Vintage Car Club of NZ Inc, and accept that my participation in this event is as a non-competitive guest only and I do so entirely at my own risk.
You agree as a condition of entering the event that the Taupo Vintage Car Club has the right to cancel the rally in the event it considers, in its sole discretion, that NZ Government Covid19 restrictions will or will likely adversely affect the feasibility of the rally to the point that holding the rally is not feasible, financially or otherwise. In such an event, Taupo Vintage Car Club will endeavour to refund entry fees that have been paid but may withhold some or all of such paid entry fees to pay for rally expenses already incurred or committed.
I/we have read and accept this Indemnity Waiver
Signature …………………………………………………
Name (print in full) ………………………………………
Signature
Name (print in full) ………………………………………
Date …………………………………………………
Entries close on 7 March 2025
IMPORTANT: Your entry will be confirmed via email. Please contact heatherduncan@xtra.co.nz if you don’t receive confirmation from us by 11th March, 2025.
Car For Sale
1934 Boat-Tail Style Roadster Special (“Packmobile”), built on top of the original 1965 Skoda Octavia Combi chassis and Engine, (Special built 1988-90).
OFFERS
Contact
• No current Rego (Expired ‘95)
• Road ready, Engine reconditioned
• Original ownership papers
• Land Transport issued Declaration (for vehicle modifications prior to January 1991)
• Owned and Built by NZ Artist Don Packwood
Taupo VCC 2025 Event Calendar
(subject to change)
March 2025
Sunday 2nd
Wednesday 12th
Saturday 15th
Monday 17th
Wednesday 19th
April 2025
Sunday 6th
Weds 9th
11th to 13th
12th to 27th
Weds 16th
18th to 21st
Sunday 20th
Monday 21st.
May 2025
Sunday 4th
Wednesday 14th
Sunday 18th
Monday 19th
Wednesday 21st
June 2025
Sunday 1st
Wednesday 11th
Sunday 15th
Monday 16th
. Breakfast at Café Lacus, 8.30 am
Club Night: Bingo at the Clubrooms – 7:30 pmstart
TAUPO VCC COUNTRY ROADS RALLY! – 8:30 am start
Committee Meeting 5.30 pm
Petrolheads Coffee and Cars, 10.00 am
Breakfast at Café Lacus, 8.30 am
Club Night – Quiz + Fish & Chips
V8 Supercars at Taupo
School Holidays
Petrolheads Coffee and Cars, 10.00 am
. EASTER – VCC North Island Easter Rally
Club Run – Grass Gymkhana at Reporoa
Committee Meeting 5:30 pm
Breakfast at Café Lacus, 8.30 am
. Club Night: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Club Run to Wingspan Birds of Prey Centre, Ngongotahā
Committee Meeting 5.30 pm
Petrolheads Coffee and Cars, 10.00 am
Breakfast at Café Lacus, 8.30 am (Kings Birthday Weekend)
Club Night: Movie Night
Club Run: Brass Monkey Rally
Committee Meeting 5.30 pm
Wednesday 18th . . . . . . . . . . Petrolheads Coffee and Cars, 10.00 am Sat 31st May – Mon 2nd . . . . King’s Birthday Weekend. Alpine Classic Car Show at National Park. Classic Mini Ruapehu Run
PETROLHEADS
The March coffee morning will be at the Hub, 415 Huka Falls road, Wairakei, Wednesday the 19th Feb, at 10 am.
We can meet at the club rooms at 9:30 am and ready to go at 9:40 am in convoy.
See you there! Thanks and Regards, Barry.
Instrument Repairs
Bruce Chaytor 021 631 700
Nicolette Prangley 021 166 8374
nap.chaytor@gmail.com 5 Gibbs Place, Kinloch RD1, Taupo 3377
Taupo Vintage Car Club Hickling Park, AC Baths Ave, Taupo. 33 AC Baths Avenue, Taupo 3330
Taupo Torque is also available online with other VCC magazines via the online digital publisher Issuu. https://issuu.com/vintagecarclubofnewzealand
