Beaded Wheels 392 April/May 2025

CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 79 YEARS

No. 393 April/May 2025

New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95

THE HIGHWAY KING

BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A V12 AUSTIN

9 418979 000012

MOTORING OUR HISTORY NATIONAL RALLY REPORTS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY MARKETPLACE VEHICLES FOR SALE INCLUDING ‘54 BUCKLER ‘74 LOTUS EUROPA

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

The black-and-white period image of the two-lever Model T shown on page 35 of Beaded Wheels 392 is part of a much larger photo. That photo (found by Lynda Rogers in Wairarapa and now held by The Colonial Motor Company) is very revealing. In its original form (shown in the book) the photo shows six cars - two Model Rs, two Model Ss and two Model Ts – one being that two-lever demonstrator, and the other being Mr Booth’s left-hand drive, single-lever car. We now even know when the photo was taken: the cars had gathered at Hughan’s Garage (the Wairarapa Ford agent) on their way to the Rouse and Hurrell (NZ Ford distributor) display at the Carterton A&P Show, late October, 1909 – a

full year after Model T production had commenced and proving that Model T sales were pretty slow to start here. I have cropped the photo to show the two Model Ts – both left-hand drive – one being the two-lever car and the other Mr Booth’s single-lever. (That is him sitting behind the wheel.) Supplied to Beaded Wheels by John Stokes, Wellington 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.vcc.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/- Shantytown, 316 Rutherglen Road, ASHBURTON Rutherglen SOUTH CANTERBURY WAIMATE Greymouth 7805, westcoast@vcc.org.nz CENTRAL OTAGO

SOUTHLAND

GORE

NORTH OTAGO

OTAGO

SOUTH OTAGO

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF HISTORIC MOTORING Nelson Tasman – 15 to 21 March 2026

ENTRIES NOW OPEN! Register now for a fabulous week enjoying the vehicles we love with historic vehicle rallies throughout the beautiful Nelson Tasman region, an exciting Teams Relay Challenge, and huge public displays. There will also be many opportunities to socialise with old friends and new each day on the runs and at nightly entertainment and dinners. All events are open to all club eligible vehicles.

Some festival events have limited spaces and a minimum number of entrants is required for the festival to succeed. Don't delay, register at:

www.historicmotoring.org.nz Vehicle images courtesy Nelson Classic Car Museum - www.nccm.nz

CONTENTS Issue 393 April/May 2025

FEATURES 10 10

1972 Datsun

12

34 15 Southern Summer Racing

Marketplace

38

Priscilla Martin Withington continues the family ownership of this 1948 K Bedford.

Behind The Wheel – Austin V12, Yes this is the original Highway King Little Giant Joe and Jill Scott’s old Ford truck

23

A funny thing happened on the way home from the races

24

Rally Snippets 24

National Motorcycle Rally - Manawatu Branch

28

National Veteran Rally – Marlborough Branch

30

Pomeroy Trophy - Banks Peninsula Branch

32

Dunedin-Brighton - Otago Branch

33

Burma Rally - Wanganui Branch

34

Southern Summer Racing Series

12

1948 K Bedford

COVER

COLUMNS 5

From the Editor

46

Trade Directory

6

VCC Branch Events

47

President’s Message

7

Mailbag

48

National Office News

9

Timelines

49

Festival Update

36

Archivist News

50

Commemorative Awards

38

Marketplace

51

Branch News

45

Swap Meets & Rallies

66

Passing Lane

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated

20

The Rising Sun Tony Becker highlights the growing number of Japanese marques seen at recent club events.

Kelvin Finlay’s Austin V12 is more than just a headturner!

Read more on page 15.

Photo: Greg Price

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

Shona and Kevin Clarkson competing in a National Motorcycle Rally on their 1960 BMW.

In late January I had the pleasure of taking part in the National Motorcycle Rally which was organised by the Manawatu Branch and based in Palmerston North.

This branch has only a small number of motorcyclists, yet they still managed to put on a great rally for the participants. The weather on the rally day was brilliant and although a few spots of rain during the field tests on Sunday dampened things a little, everything got done.

The catering arrangements were amazing, and everyone was fed and watered each night very efficiently. I am told the “after rally tour”, with Palmerston North as the hub while the bikes went out daily for a ride and returned back to base nightly, was very successful and enjoyed by the almost 100 entrants who took this option.

The branch has great clubrooms which are rurally situated, and they have a large, grassed area which the

Beaded Wheels Publisher

The Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXXVI No. 393

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

rooms overlook. Very nice.

Thank you Manawatu Branch, and rally organiser Glyn Clements and helpers.

I have been riding motorcycles ever since I started work and at no time have I ever been without a bike or two (or more!) in the garage. When I joined the VCC in Dunedin in about 1975ish it was the motorcycle section that I was involved with. Probably because I couldn’t afford a car old enough to rally in. I had old cars, for example I had a 1929 Chrysler 66 in 1964, but they were for daily driving and most were not club eligible then.

Over my 65-odd years of riding, I’ve had the occasional “unscheduled dismount.” Not too often, and usually without too much damage—well, mostly. One memorable moment was on my freshly restored Norton Atlas, with my (then) young and fearless wife, Shona, riding pillion.

We hit a loose gravel road, and let’s just say, things got a

Correspondence & Editorial Contributions Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz Phone 64 3 332 3531, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140.

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little… sideways. In hindsight, I might have been a tad overenthusiastic.

Anyway, we ended up sliding down the road. The good news was that Shona ended up under the bike which helped protect it from damage on the gravel. I was sort of sat on top of the bike so had no worries at all. We had suffered no injuries so picked the bike up and continued on our way, albeit with some “slight” reluctance from Shona to re-mount. I did express my gratitude to her for her consideration and help in protecting the bike. She doesn’t ride pillion any more!

She does have her motorcycle licence and is a good rider and has done most of her riding on a 1948 Matchless 500 single, a Puch 250, a Honda Pop 75cc and a Honda XL175. Shona emphasises her motorcycling days are over now.

Following on from the National Motorcycle Rally, Shona and I did a bit of touring around the North Island in

Subscriptions

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%

our motorhome for a few weeks and it so happened that we were in Napier for the Art Deco weekend. I had never been to the Art Deco before, so this was a great opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the big parade on the Saturday.

Cars everywhere, people everywhere, and period clothing to satisfy every taste.

Napier really turns it on for this weekend, with shops open, street performers showing off their skills and all those wonderful cars are parked on the streets following the parade so we could give them a jolly good looking at!

And yes ….. In case you were wondering …. Still married to the long-suffering and lovely Shona.

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 JUNE/JULY

Editorial Copy 29 April 2025 • Advertisements 09 May 2025

Beaded Wheels 5

VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS

Horowhenua: Levin A& P Show. Photo Bruce Jamieson

APRIL

4-5 South Canterbury Swap Meet 4-6 Otago Rally Otago 5 Central Hawke’s BayTwilight Run 5 Gore Frank Robson & Clearwater Capers 5 Waikato Mooloo Meander 6 Canterbury P Group Rally 10 South Canterbury Midweek Run 10-13 Southland George Begg Festival 11-18 South Island Club Captain’s Tour 12 Ashburton Veteran and Vintage Run 12 E Bay of Plenty Farming Like Grandad 12 North Otago Gerald Lynch-Blosse Motorcycle Memorial Run 12 Wellington Bristols Open Day 12-13 Wanganui Annual Motorcycle Rally 13 Central Otago Weekend Run 13 Nelson Ladies Run 16 Waikato Wednesday Wander 17 North Otago Mid Month Run 18-21 Canterbury National Easter Rally South Island 18-21 Waikato National Easter Rally North Island 19 Far North Brian Parker Rally 19-20 Central Otago Wheels at Wanaka 20 Canterbury OCBC 20 North Shore Club Run 20 Taupo Club Run 21 Bay of Plenty Easter Run 24 Ashburton Midweek Run 24 Central Otago Thursday Muster 24 Otago Midweek Lunch Run 25 Bay of Plenty Anzac Day 25 Canterbury Malvern Anzac Day Run 25-27 Manawatu Highland Fling 26 Central Otago Golden Times Rally 27 Bay of Plenty End of Month Run 27 E Bay of Plenty Club Run 27 Northland Swap Meet 27 North Shore Garage Run to Leigh 27 Wanganui Park Up 29 Waikato Leg Over Motorcycle Run 30 North Otago Motorcycle Run

NATIONAL EVENTS 18 –21 April 2025 National SI Easter Rally Host: Canterbury Branch

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

MAY

2-4 Otago

Overnight Run to Ashburton 3 Ashburton Swap Meet 4 Waikato Motorcycle Run 8 Auckland Rally Rules Explained 8 South Canterbury Midweek Run 10 Nelson Club Run 10 South Canterbury P Class Rally 10 Southland Waimea Motorcycle Rally 11 Far North AGM 12 Far North Mother’s Day Run 14 Taupo AGM 15 North Otago Mid Month Run 15 Taranaki AGM 17 Central Hawke’s Bay Club Run 17 Southland P60/P80 Rally 17 Northland Motorcycle Rally 18 Canterbury Ross Butler Memorial Grasskhana 18 Central Otago Weekend Run 18 North Shore Club Run to Mangawhai 18 Otago Ladies/Restoration Rally 18 Taupo Club Run 18 Waikato Club Run 18 Waitemata Kaipara Wings & Wheels 18 Wanganui Sunday Run 21 Waikato Wednesday Wander 24 Manawatu Post Era Rally 25 Auckland Annual Expert’s Rally 25 Banks Peninsula Autumn Fling Race Meeting 25 Marlborough AGM 25 Otago Garage Raid 25 South Canterbury End of Season Run 27 Waikato Leg Over Motorcycle Run 28 North Otago Motorcycle Run 29 Ashburton Midweek Run 29 Central Otago Thursday Muster 29 E. Bay of Plenty AGM 29 Otago Midweek Lunch Run 31-1 Canterbury Irishman Rally

JUNE

1 South Canterbury All British Day 1 Wanganui Annual Rally 3 Waitemata AGM 4 Wanganui AGM 5 South Canterbury AGM 8 North Otago AGM 12 Gore End of Season Run 12 South Canterbury Midweek Run 14 Nelson Club Run 15 Central Otago AGM 15 Waikato Club Run 15 Waikato AGM 17 Central Hawke’s Bay AGM 18 Gisborne AGM 18 Waikato Wednesday Wander 19 Ashburton AGM 19 Otago AGM 21 E Bay of Plenty Night Owl Run 21 Manawatu Night Trial 22 Ashburton Solstice Run 22 Central Hawke’s Bay Club Run 24 Waikato Leg Over Motorcycles 26 Ashburton Midweek Run 26 Central Otago Thursday Muster 28 Auckland AGM 28 Nelson AGM 29 Auckland Club Run

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.

18 –21 April 2025 National NI Easter Rally Host: Waikato Branch

9 August 2025 VCC National AGM Invercargill

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. *OCBC: “Old Cars, Bikes , and Coffee,” all welcome.

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.

WINNING FORMULA

On behalf of the Canterbury Branch motorcycle section, I would like to thank the Manawatu Branch for the fantastic National Motorcycle Rally that they organised and ran in late January 2025.

The organisation by a core team of four was nothing short of outstanding. From the meals through to the rally routes and easy-to-read rally sheets it was all top notch and very well done — proof that you don’t need to be a big branch to put on an excellent event.

Having been to a fair number of national motorcycle rallies, this one rates right up at the top.

Once again thank you Manawatu Branch. Take a bow.

Les and Lee Alsop

RE THE ARTICLE BY BARRY BARNES ON THE 1965 VCC INTERNATIONAL RALLY

I had just joined the Otago Branch and although being based at Hawea Flat, the 1965 VCC International Rally was a big event. I had just completed the restoration of my ‘25 Model T and was too late in entering the rally but I volunteered to marshal at Wanaka. The Model T was a young 40 years old, my now oldest car, my 1959 Morris Minor, is 65 years old. The main

street in Wanaka was gravel, and the scene was right out of a “western”. Probably the most exciting motoring event in the Wanaka area for many years to come, and it certainly had quite an influence on me.

The Wanaka region has come a very long way since then. A lot more traffic, a much larger population, very few dusty roads and a proliferation of services that would only have been dreamed of in 1965. The only other International Rally that I have taken part in was the 1978 Australian Rally. I had helped fellow VCC member Lex Landreth prepare for this with the restoration of his 1929 Graham-Paige 612. Our team was Lex, son Kim, member John Loudon, and me.

Graham Taylor Member Central Otago

GREAT TIMING

Only two days before Beaded Wheels 392 arrived in our letter box my navigator/wife was reading her very detailed diary of the ‘65 International Rally.

In 1963 four cars and one motorcycle owned by VCC members in Whakatane started to prepare their vehicles for the ‘65 Rally. All completed the event.

Our entries were Rolls-Royce, Chrysler, Chevrolet, Hudson and

s Cars at Pleasant Flat, (Haast River valley) circa 1975. The Taylor ‘25 Model T, Loudon ‘ 39 Chevrolet coupe, Miller Chrysler 75 coupe, and Landreth Austin 10.

IDENTIFICATION

Regarding the photo on the inside cover of the October issue of Beaded Wheels. The car in the middle is a 1911 Calthorpe fourseater which is being restored in Masterton.

I have the only two-seater in New Zealand with two others, one in Australia and one in England.

The New Zealand government imported four Calthorpes.

These were brought in for the Lake Coleridge power project to get the Birmingham miners up to site and that being where the cars were made.

Chris Hawkings Waikato

Harley-Davidson, all vintage. The article was a great read.

I also enjoyed the great article on Long Range Desert Group, a past friend of mine was in the group.

Rod Smith Omokoroa

WORDS DO REALLY MATTER

I read with interest our Editor’s worthy article in Beaded Wheels 391 Dec/Jan 24/25. I had spoken to him before, in part on the following matter, at the last Swap Meet registration table at Cutler Park. The reason for penning this letter is in regards our Club’s “catch phrase” or “tag line” being “Driving our History”, which in its true English language context means nothing in reality, I have spoken to two branch delegates, South Island club captain and an executive member along with considerable dialogue with our president on this subject, so to cut to the chase as “words matter” our “tag line” so as not to be ambiguous or a

meaningless phrase should be amended or adjusted to “Driving Motoring History” or “Driving our Motoring History” noting as the tag line stands at present is more important to be correct as “Words Do Matter”.

Stuart Neill Member Otago Branch

A LIFETIME INTEREST

In response to Richard Ward’s request for details of MkVII Jaguars on this anniversary year. I have an early MkVII example in original English White with red interior, chassis number 719472 (making it number 9,471 vehicle built).

Registration number AN7684.

I’d be interested to know the date of its build. A very nice sound car which I peremptorily bought some years ago from a fellow who, having recently acquired it, was in the throes of a late midlife crisis. I bought it, partly to prevent him exercising his proposed outrages upon its gorgeous form; think matt black cobwebbing and 350 Chev power, but mostly to assuage a desire I’d harboured for some years for another MKVII. I had

Beaded Wheels 7

owned and enjoyed a number over the years including a series M, MKVIII, Mk I and II. I promised myself the next viable early manual that came by.

This car was one of a pair of wedding cars readers may recall being offered for sale some years ago. It had been slightly modernised with later tail lights and cutaway spats, for which I am seeking correct replacements. Added bling included white walls and a later leaping Jaguar screwed to the plinth through the centre chrome strip which now adorns my daughter’s art desk as a paperweight. It also supported the novelty plates MK7JAG. It was apparently imported from the UK in the early ‘50s and may have been raced for a season before being fitted with a towbar and registered AN7684 in Christchurch. I had the good fortune to secure the number from motor registrations and have re-produced it as a personalised plate which I have returned to the car (MkVII plates anyone?).

It is showing 88,000 odd miles which appears to be correct judging by the sequences of mileage as recorded at ownership changes (about four). The general condition of the car is tidy, with original carpets, though the seats have had some panels replaced and the headlining is showing the traditional cigarette smoke effect. It is not my intention to restore the car but to refresh and repair as required. The white walls and bling have gone!

I would be most interested if anyone has any info or recollections of this car which, after arriving in Canterbury, seems to have spent its life on the mainland east coast, apart from a stint at Murchison, stabled with a number of other Jaguars. I justified my possession of this car to my family by reminding them of William Morris’ quote “to have only that in your life which you know to be useful and believe to be beautiful”. AN7684’s beauty is unquestioned. As a conveyance for fortnightly motoring down to Greymouth to uplift my

8 Beaded Wheels

remittance from Wellington or a run up the Buller to Berlins to take coffee, it was superb.

Although not a subscriber I’m a regular purchaser of your magazine. I prefer to support a small local bookstore from which I also bought my copy of Richard Waugh’s beautiful book Jaguar in New Zealand whose review I found in your magazine.

I got it before anyone else! Our family was immersed in the Canterbury Branch of the VCC through our father Graham Bell who was a member for some years and who field-catered the 1965 first international rally.

Greg A Bell Whitehorse Terrace Coast Road via Greymouth

QUALITY MAGAZINE

I would like to thank you and all involved in producing such a quality magazine, every issue is eagerly awaited.

However I have to agree with Ken Grimwood, BW 392, re the photo captions. Also the overall print could stand to be a little bolder or larger, as we members age our eyesight does need help.

There seems to be more motorcycle content these days, this is most welcome, please carry on.

So a pat on the back to you all at Beaded Wheels.

Roger Dilley

MEMORIES FLOODING BACK

Good heavens Barry you and I must be among the few survivors of the 1965 International Rally. I was one of the odd job bods on the cook house , “Sam Slyfield’s travelling circus” You mentioned how the army supplied us with the field kitchen equipment. They dumped worn out petrol burners on us and only one was safe to use. My first job was to cannibalise parts from the other three to get us going safely. The cooks were both ex army; a lady chef ex-Cunard line, and a lovely lady a former shearer’s cook, who worked miracles.

There was another unsung and

probably forgotten hero who is still with us today. And that was a very young Peter Henry driving the Mauger’s Garage tow truck.

Peter performed all manner of fixings and improvised repairs day and often late at night by Tilley lamp and a cloud of moths. He even had to do ‘mechanic heal thy self’ jobs on the old tow truck. Does anyone have a picture of Peter and his spanners?

All the memories flooding back from 65 years ago. Good grief maybe I’m be getting old?

Derek Upton

1965 INTERNATIONAL RALLY

I read with great interest the recent article covering the first International Rally held in 1965.

The photo of overall winner Len Southward in his 1912 Buick bought back memories of that car. He was running very short of time to get it finished for the rally. So much so, that the night before Len and helpers had an all-nighter to complete the radiator. The day we were all to sail south to Lyttelton from Wellington there was a special arrangement with the shipping company for vintage vehicles to arrive at 2pm to load the vehicles. At that time they were craned on to a platform, then up over and down into the hold.

We drove our cars onto the platform, raced up the gangway, then dashed down into the hold to drive the cars off. This was due to the idiosyncrasies of some vehicles. The wharfies would have no idea about many of them and we didn’t want them fiddling around.

My own 1923 Lagonda had a

fly-off handbrake and, having no idea, they would probably have wrecked this.

Len made a special additional arrangement to arrive at 7pm to have his car loaded (it was the last vehicle on, private vehicles having been loaded earlier). He knew he was running very close to the wind. When he arrived at the ship after 7pm the car was still not finished but drivablejust. Who needs a WoF! The next day, the day before the rally began, he spent all day along with his helpers assembling the last pieces to the car and at the rally start, the car had hardly done any miles.

It was a great rally and I, then aged 21 (one of the youngest owners), with my younger late brother completed it with no problems. Roger White with the aid of Dale Condon worked hard on the Fiat they were entered in but did not make it to the start as the car was not finished.

Instead they followed the whole rally in Roger’s father’s MG Magnette.

Peter Tucker Former member

MODEL T DELIGHT

What a delight to see so much Model T content in one edition of Beaded Wheels (issue 392 – Feb/Mar 2025).

The photo on the inside front cover – the “Wanganui Hoons” – is one I would have welcomed for the Epilogue of Putting the Car Before the Horse. The caption claims to be late 1920s but, as its registration number is the pre-1925 local authority style, from before nationwide registration being introduced

A “bucking” Ford – a title to be spoken carefully! – created by relocating the rear axle much further forward than its factory setting and, upon acceleration, we had lift-off! This particular bucking Ford was showing at the fair held to mark the opening of the Bell Block aerodrome, in 1933, where it played among the taxiing aeroplanes – an OSH dream! Photo John Stokes, Wellington.

TIME LINES

1950s Karrier truck.

in 1925, possibly that photo is earlier than late 1920s? If so, it makes the car not that old… perhaps an early hot rod?

That “hot rod” Model T was an after-life example, which is a complete contrast to the other Model T shown on page 35. That one is described as a “pre-production” Model T. If the article is to be believed there were, astonishingly, at least 2,500 such pre-production Model Ts. No way! Henry would’ve been beside himself!

Having come this far in developing his car for the masses, from the 1903 Model A Fordmobile to the Models N, R and S, Mr Ford wasn’t about to tolerate anything more than maybe two or three pre-production cars for testing. The correct term for a pre-production car is, of course, prototype. Indeed, Henry himself took one of the three prototype Model Ts away on a 1200-mile test drive out of Detroit and into rugged country conditions for which it had been designed. Upon his return to the city he deemed the new model satisfactory and, on 27 September, 1908 the announcement was made – production of the earlier models would now cease; production of the Model T would commence.

These were cars for the market.

They were not prototypes!

As is now known, market acceptance of the Model T was instant and production quickly became exponential. By the end of 1908 car number 308 had been built. By April 1909 the monthly production was 665 cars and total T production to date was a massive 2,691 examples. To suggest those were “pre-production cars” is completely wrong. It also would’ve been contrary to the ethos of what Henry and the Ford Motor Company was all about.

When the Model T was first released, the transmission was operated by two pedals and two levers. At around car number 800, built in February 1909, the lever for reverse gear was phased out and replaced by a third pedal. Those earliest

examples are now referred to as the “two-lever cars”. The late Bruce McCalley, probably the world’s foremost Model T authority, wrote that “the conversion to the three-pedal, one lever type was planned even before the first T was made.” That switch made the T easier to control, which was an important consideration at the time because almost every driver back then was a novice!

Right through that era, Ford specifications were subject to continuous improvements and enhancements – just like today – and that explains the changes.

As the article correctly states, the new model from Ford was full of innovations. Perhaps the most obvious was that driver controls were now located on the left side of the car. Up until now American cars – including the earlier Fords – were righthand drive. Out of the blue the Model T relocated the driver to the left, for safety reasons.

Making the T available in righthand drive was something of an after-thought – the first known example was built in April 1909 (and was shipped to Australia) – long after the end of the twolever cars. Yet our page 35 girl is shown to be a right-hand drive, two lever car which, the result of modern cosmetic surgery? (Ed note: See page two of this issue for the uncropped version of this photo.)

As a Ford historian, I am sure that we all want to know the provenance of our old cars.

So I have written this for two reasons. Firstly because I had never heard the term “preproduction cars” applied to the first 2500 Model Ts. I did check with the Model T experts in the US – and nor had they. To me, it is really important that correct terminology is used, for many reasons including for the sake of future researchers.

Secondly, remembering that all two-lever Model Ts were built in left-hand drive, what is the story behind our page 35 girl?

I’ve learned enough to know we must never say never, but surely such a car was never produced?

John Stokes Wellington

1905

120 YEARS AGO

VETERAN VEHICLES

A simple and handy automobile was how one writer described the new 5hp Liliput two-seater. Costing just £120 the Lilput came with a hood, two seats and magneto. It used ball bearings throughout and offered continuous speed changes courtesy of the Bergmann friction drive.

1925

100 YEARS AGO

1950

75 YEARS AGO

1975

50 YEARS AGO

1995

30 YEARS AGO

VINTAGE VEHICLES

Mr L N Montgomery, Motor Engineer and Importer from Nelson was selling “England’s Marvellous Morris Light Car, it will go anywhere and climb any hill. This is England’s highest grade car at the lowest price.” For £295 one got an absolutely complete Morris roadster 11-22hp, with four seats, five balloon tyres, an eight-day clock, a speedometer, oil and petrol gauges, a horn and electric lights and starter.

PW VEHICLES

A largely forgotten name now but 1950 saw the introduction of a new range of Rootes Group Karrier trucks. Three types were advertised. The forward control K7.141 with its 109bhp ohv engine mounted under the floor, or the more conventional K2-122 medium weight 20 tonner powered by the Super Snipe’s 4086cc, sv, 80bhp motor.

Lastly, the Minx derived 8cwt Supervan with its well known 1185cc engine for light deliveries.

P60 VEHICLES

To the delight of VW Beetle fans it seemed as though the beloved, rear engined, air cooled, cramped, idiosyncratic swing axled droop snout, bug eyed beauty would go on forever. Didn’t seem to matter that VW’s new Polo, Golf and the Audi 50 were rapidly attracting a new generation of buyers, the Beetle was still emerging at the rate of 350 a day.

P80 VEHICLES

Alfa-Romeo launched their front wheel drive, transverse engined, wedge shaped Spyder after a long wait. Several engines were on offer, from the twin spark, 16 valve DOHC 1970cc four, up to the 24 valve 3.2 litre V6. They achieved a degree of notoriety and was described as one of the best sports cars of its time by a well-known Top Gear presenter.

Also Autocar Car of the Year in 1995.

Developments in the motoring world this month in history. Compiled by Graeme Rice QSM

Beaded Wheels 9

The Rising Sun

1972 Datsun Bluebird 1600, class competitors put on notice.

Words and photos Tony Becker, John McDonald

When Tony Becker joined the Vintage Car Club’s Canterbury Branch around 30 years ago, member interest embraced vehicles mainly from Europe, USA, England and Australia. Today he argues with enthusiasm in support of club-eligible Japanese vehicles, an excellent variety of which were on display at a Canterbury Branch OCBC Sunday gathering.

Classic and vintage enthusiasts generally favour vehicles previously experienced or admired including family transport of earlier years. With average VCC member age creeping ever upward, vehicle replacement selection is frequently influenced by open road ability, ease of driving, comfort, safety and importantly, accessible maintenance.

Touring or long distance activities when older is of greater importance, as is passenger comfort. While traditional classic and vintage makes and models of the twentieth century dominate our present fleet, remaining forever secure, their parts availability, warrants of fitnesses, demanding repairs, knowledge and people skills is an ever depreciating reality.

Enter Japan! Whether sports car, motorcycle, sedan, SUV or commercial, there is growing interest in all types from the Land of the Rising Sun. The selection of 30 plus year old Japanese vehicles is becoming more evident in branches. Wise selection can still land a well-maintained future classic that has enjoyed a long private ownership with dry storage and loving care. These will inevitably continue to hold premium value.

On the other hand, those who enjoy the challenges of a restoration project or even easier-to-restore abandoned discoveries, a plentiful supply awaits at affordable cost.

1989 Toyota Corona (NZ new), 1985 Toyota Cressida (NZ new), 1992 Toyota Corona SF.

1981 Mazda 626 Limited Edition, a rare survivor.

10 Beaded Wheels

1978 Datsun 120Y SSS, unique NZ only edition.

1989 Mazda MX-5, popular VCC eligible cars for the younger members.

Competition within the Japanese motor industry has kept standards high so all makes have developed a legendary long service life well supported by new and used spare parts supply so our New Zealand-wide access to knowledgable maintenance for our older models is generally pretty good.

Finally, it is wise to remember that younger enthusiasts are our future Vintage Car Club members. Recent generations are very familiar with Japanese vehicles and inevitably favour them over the often more difficult-to-service European or English types. To summarise, there are strong reasons why some of our older members together with future generations are driving Japanese into our VCC future.

1965 Prince Skyline GT, rare historic example.

Like all 80+ guys I grew up with vehicles of 1920s to ‘50s. We liked driving and servicing them. Later, as a sales rep., company Zephyrs, Holdens and Falcons carried me more than a million miles over several years. Scoring a 1953 one-owner Morris Oxford later, drew me to join the VCC. That motivated me to initiate a new all-Morris Club in 1996. Being active in Canterbury Branch I became Canterbury Beaded Wheels reporter writing about branch activities over next 27 years.

Tony Becker

Beaded Wheels 11

Beaded Wheels Cap Winner

PRISCILLA Words and photos Martin Withington

The future changed for Priscilla, a 1948 K series Bedford, and my family on the third of January 2001, when the owner at the time, Craig Withington (Uncle Craig) tragically died in a car accident. I still remember the day, Dad and I were coming back from fishing up at Lake Onslow, and Jape the local cop was waiting in my parent’s driveway. “Oh s**t Dad said has he swung the Landrover into a park at the front of the house. We had no idea what Jape was up to, but driving around in an unwarranted vehicle wasn’t something we needed to advertise. Jape wasn’t here for a vehicle infringement, Dad’s brother had just died and he was here to break the news. After Jape left, we quickly packed up, and hurried down to Invercargill to be with the rest of the family. What followed was a turmoil of tears, beers and grief for a family that lost a loved one.

BACK WHERE IT ALL STARTED. Craig brought the 1948 K-series Bedford sometime in the mid ‘80s. It wasn’t until the mid ‘90s that he managed to get it painted up and back on the road. After some restoration, it became his daily driver for many years. He had it sign written in his name with No 1 on the side as if it was going to be part of a big fleet. A truck driver by profession, Craig was working at Southland Sand

12 Beaded Wheels

and Gravel at the time before moving up to Arrowtown with his family, where the Bedford became part of the landscape.

From what we understand, the truck was originally purchased

by J D Dempsey from Edendale before being bought by a fisherman in Colac Bay who used it to launch his boat.

One time many years ago, Craig gave me the opportunity to drive the Bedford. With the crash box and 1940s technology, I can say, that Craig must’ve had a lot of patience with me polishing the gears and some excessive braking, I am surprised he let me sit in the driver’s seat for as long as he did.

After Craig died, I put my hand up to look after the truck. At the time I had no idea what I was going to do with the old girl.

Sometimes we hang onto things, hoping that the memory of the loved ones we lost will stay with their possessions.

Fast forward to September 2023 and Dad fell ill. He quickly went from a person at home happily moving around to convalescing in a rest home. My brother and I looked at the sheds full of projects that had never come to fruition, and said to each other, “What are we going to do with all this?” So the big clean up started. After the seven vehicles (everything from two mid-1940s Canadian-built GMCs to a double cab Hilux) we removed seven trailer loads of scrap steel along with numerous trips to the local dump. It took quite a few weekends and no small amount of cursing.

Tucked away in the back of one of the sheds, Priscilla was waiting patiently for someone to show it some love. My brother Lindsay had made us all a Bedford T shirt for a trip to Bathhurst one year. It wasn’t until Dad was wearing his shirt, that one of the carers asked him for the story behind the shirt. I must’ve been around that day, because after talking to Dad about the Bedford for some time the carer turned to me and asked, “Well, what are you going to do with it?” I honestly didn’t have an answer.

So I thought about that for a while and decided, maybe, her time had come. So began Phase One. The first challenge was going to be relocating Priscilla from my parents’ home to my property. I ran a temporary fuel line from a fuel can to the fuel pump, charged up one of the many batteries Dad had lying around and after some coaxing, fired it into life.

The next weekend I brought a salvage trailer down, loaded it up and dragged it back home.

Getting it on the salvage trailer was the easy part, it had been driving around the yard without too many difficulties, the rolling resistance of the gravel and the long grass kept any freewheeling to a minimum. Coming off the salvage trailer onto tar seal was a different story. As the trailer tilted, and I began rolling off, I soon realised what I thought I had felt as braking was nothing more than the pedal coming to the end of travel. The brakes were

non-existent. Wide-eyed and thinking that the beginning could well become the end of the Bedford, I careered off the end of the trailer. Luckily we went straight onto a deserted street. I managed to get her safely in my driveway before the next vehicle came along.

From then as time would allow, I stripped it down and removed the old deck. I dismantled the brakes and sent them off to Canterbury Brake and Clutch so everything could be rebuilt and made to work.

Finding bushes and pins and all those little things that are easy to find for a modern car, are not so abundant when your vehicle is 77 years old.

Recently Phase One of the project was starting to come together.

I was travelling for work and the panel beater, Michael Stewart Restoration, was sending me updated pictures of how the cosmetic work was coming together. Getting excited and perhaps a wee bit ahead of myself, I set myself a goal to see if I could have it ready for the Cromwell Car Show on 18 January 2025. The paint was already looking good. How hard could it be to build a deck, get all the add-ons bolted on, fix the electrics and get a WoF before the show?

As you can imagine, a few weeks of long days followed. Uncle Roley helped me with the deck. Lance Cryer at Bedford Parts helped with a few last-minute bits and the guys and gals on Facebook

Beaded Wheels 13

group Bedford Trucks NZ helped me put together the last of the pieces to complete the project.

I was starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. I had booked it in for a warrant as plates had been on hold. I checked and rechecked all the obvious bits. Fingers crossed, here goes. After I dropped it off at the garage for a warrant, I had planned to clean up my workshop, and get a few jobs done that I had been putting off. The garage messaged me at 9:30am to say the truck had failed.

Well that’s a bugger! What else do I need to do? I went around and talked to the mechanic, the headlights weren’t working and the brakes had locked on. That didn’t make sense as everything was working when I left home which was not more than 2km away.

After some investigation, the headlights had stopped working because the fuses had turned in their holders. Corrosion on the terminals of the glass fuses had prevented the power from flowing as it should and a couple of new fuses solved that problem. The brakes were another matter. Somehow the left rear wheel had hydraulically locked. Cracking the brake bleed screw allowed the brakes to free up, but these would immediately lock up again as soon as the pedal was depressed. So I drove back home, stripped out the left rear wheel and wheel cylinder, hoping to find something obvious. I am afraid to say I didn’t find anything. After rebuilding the wheel cylinder, reassembling the wheel, the brakes worked fine.

It passed its second inspection. But not knowing exactly why, in the back of my mind is the question “Is this about to happen again?”

The last Warrant of Fitness was in 1998, you have to believe that I was doing a happy dance to see her road legal again. However not having too many opportunities to drive it on the road, I had no idea what was waiting for me the following day. The team at Michael Stewart Restoration had it back for a polish before the show, and on my way home from that I pulled onto the greenway to get photos to share with my family.

Driving on the long grass was a completely different experience from rolling around the road. Granted, I had known it wasn’t pulling as well as I thought it should, but being bogged down with a lack of power due to soft terrain wasn’t what I expected.

So there I was late Friday afternoon, hours before the show and I was running around getting a few last minute parts to try and get it running a lot better than it was.

I was working up until 8pm on Friday night, changing the coil, changing the condenser, adjusting the timing, adjusting the tappets and generally going over anything to try to get it running as good as it looked. The next morning before the show I took it for a run down the street. Lo and behold it was purring like a kitten, well like a kitten with a crash gearbox and a 77 year old drivetrain.

I made the show with Priscilla, road legal and looking good for the world to see. Phase One is now complete. Phase Two? Well I have found an old chassis in a farmer’s paddock, it has been baked for a few years in the Central Otago sun, but it is amazing condition (having never been dunked repeatedly in the ocean) and it might just see Priscilla though to 100 years. Who knows?

In Memory of Craig Withington, Shaye Withington and Wayne Withington.

I have worked as a mechanic for nearly 30 years.

I recently joined the Central Otago Branch after many visits to the parts shed to hunt through the collection of treasures to get parts for Priscilla. I have had the privilege of meeting other folks working on their projects and am very grateful for their guidance and assistance.

Martin Withington

14 Beaded Wheels

HIN BE

D THE WH EE L

KELVIN FINLAY’S UNIQUE AUSTIN V12

THE HIGHWAY KING Words and photos Greg Price

Beaded Wheels 15

It’s not often that one gets to write about a unique vehicle, but here we are… and it’s just down the road from where I live!

For the literary-minded, let me reiterate that the word ‘unique’ means this: “being the only one of its kind; having no equal, or parallel.” Thus, when we hear someone describing a vehicle as being ‘unique’ they are probably using considerable editorial license, especially when embellished with ‘rather’ or ‘pretty’, unless of course, they are describing Kelvin’s ‘one of a kind’ Austin V12. Probably most of you will immediately think ‘British’ when hearing the name Austin – I certainly did, and in previous years have owned 20-plus examples ranging from the small Austin Sevens to the family-sized 16/6.

But, way back in 1901, one James E Austin and his son, Walter S Austin formed the Austin Automobile Company, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America. A few years later, over in the United Kingdom, another Austin Motor Company was founded in 1905 by Herbert Austin, who had started out working at Wolseley cars. Evidently, back then, no one was concerned about the fact that there were now two companies making Austin automobiles – a factor that would prove advantageous to Kelvin when he sought to bring his car home from America! But before we get into that exercise, let’s have a peek at the history of what is actually the first Austin car manufacturer, and we’re not using Mr Google here, rather, an excellent summary by George Ferris, as published in Antique Automobile.

To quote George, “Most readers are familiar with two Austins – the British Austin and the Austin Bantam of the 1930s. Not so well known, but still very significant, is a ‘third’ Austin which was manufactured in Grand Rapids Michigan from 1902 to 1918”.

Grand Rapids is also where a well-known AMI (Automatic Musical Instruments Company) brand of jukebox hails from. (Well,

16 Beaded Wheels

two of ours are, which is how I became familiar with the place!)

But I digress.

Walter Austin was a very wealthy land owner and developer long before that was fashionable, and he decided that he wanted to produce the very best possible automobile that could be built, and he had the wealth to accomplish that goal. In 1903 he built a four-cylinder roadster of the best quality for its time. One of the 1904 cars he built is still running and owned by the family of the original buyer. Walter had a partner named Weidley, who was an impressive engineer in his own right, working on the Austin cars’ development. In 1913 Walter developed the two-speed rear axle, which he proudly showed to the Cadillac Company, who pirated it into their cars. Walter sued Cadillac for patent infringement and was awarded US$500,000. This settlement was later reduced on

s Conventional foot controls - yeah, right.

s 106-year-old upholstery.

s Not four Ruby engines.

appeal. This Court case didn’t stop Cadillac from continuing to use the two-speed differential.

While that Court battle was going on, Weidley developed his V12 engine, but Walter chose not to adopt it at that time, so Weidley went to the National Car Company who jumped at the opportunity and produced a flathead V12 in 1913, at almost the same time as Packard produced its first Twin Six, thus sparking the debate as to who was the first with the V12. And you’re not going to learn that fact here, as my source said, and I quote, “I’m not going there!”

However in 1917 Walter was ready to use the V12, which was the third variation Weidley head developed for the Austin. This engine was a hemispherical head overhead style of 450 cubic inches. The chassis was a stretched version of the 1915 model at 142 inches. The car also had the two-speed rear end and the three-speed transmission, and the large V12 engine, (the designer of which went on to design and build Cadillac’s V12!) with Houk 25-inch wire wheels and a flat stacked rear tyre carrier. (This information came from Walter Austin Jr, a very advanced car collector in his own right.)

The car was built and displayed at the 1917 Detroit Auto Show, next to the Pathfinder, hoping to save that company. They called that Austin ‘The Highway King’. All up the Austin Motor Company made approximately 250 cars between 1903-05, to 1917-1918.

WHAT HAPPENED TO IT IN THE INTERVENING YEARS? It should be noted that Kelvin’s Austin, which Mr Austin’s grandson has described as a prototype, is purportedly one of only five American Austins still in existence. It features cantilever springs, the two-speed diff, a three-speed gearbox, and has only rear brakes fitted. Eventually it passed into the hands of one Barney Pollard, of Arkansas, who stored it (wait for it!) hanging vertically inside a warehouse storage facility, which was uncomfortably close to a railway line. In 1946, while so stored, it caught fire, damaging the hood bows along with some smoke damage

to other parts. It is presumed that the fire was caused by sparks generated from a passing train.

HOW DID KELVIN GET HIS HANDS ON THIS PIECE OF AMERICAN HISTORY? As it turned out it was purely by chance. Kelvin, an avid collector of veteran and vintage cars and associated memorabilia for some 30 years, used to work in Canada, and as you do, had bought the odd vehicle (well, quite a few actually) and shipped them back to New Zealand where he had a property on which to store them until he returned permanently to this country. At a car auction in Washington, he had bought a 1923 Mitchell (a ‘what’? I hear you say?) and he had that shipped back here. Not long after this auction, Kelvin was contacted by none other than James Giles Jnr – the owner of the Austin, who was now restoring the fire-damaged car, which he had in turn purchased from the Barney Pollard collection at the 1946 auction, after the fire. James asked Kelvin if he would make him a steering part, as the Mitchell and the Austin had the same steering mechanicals. To cut a long story short, James subsequently offered Kelvin the Austin for what he had paid for it all those years ago after the 1946 fire damage warehouse sale.

Well, I ask you, would you have turned that offer down? No? Well neither did Kelvin! Now I know what that sale price was (I’ve seen the original 1946 auction receipt) but like any good reporter, I cannot disclose that information to all and sundry, but if you were of English heritage, you’d probably have said, ‘Blimey! That weren’t ‘arf cheap, me ol’ son!”

The next issue was getting it back here, remembering that the Americans have this thing about not letting some of their historical automobiles out of the country. And this is where one of those ‘other’ Austins – the Bantam, (mainly familiar on the American motoring scene) came in handy. Now most of us know that the Americans generally looked down their noses somewhat at the

Beaded Wheels 17

wee Austin 7 derived Bantam, so when their Customs people (or whoever’s job it was to vet vehicles to be exported at the border) saw the word ‘Austin’ on the paperwork, they just rubber-stamped it and within a few days of the sale it was in a container and on its way here.

Kelvin told me that it had hardly been a couple of weeks since its arrival in New Zealand, when he got a call from a fellow in the USA wanting it returned! Yeah, like that was going to happen!

Apparently, someone had visited Kelvin’s collection and had posted photos of the newly acquired Austin on an international website, which in turn had been seen by someone in the USA, who immediately got on the blower to Kelvin. I’m led to believe that Kelvin’s response was rather terse and dismissive! (That’s probably the best way to describe that interaction), but suffice to say, if there was ever another ‘unique’ Austin trying to leave the USA, the outcome would now be markedly different!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS UPON SEEING THIS VEHICLE FOR THE FIRST TIME When Kevin and I arrived at Kelvin’s place, there, parked on the grass was the humungous Austin, and a 1915 Hupmobile Model K. Both topless! They did look great side by side, I must say (the cars, not Kevin and Kelvin, although they too didn’t look too bad together either!) Looking at the Austin for the first time, I can say that it definitely is not a Ruby – which is what the NZTA wanted to call it upon its entry certification! However, when you see the engine, with its four banks of three cylinders, I guess if you’d had a few drinks, you could be forgiven for thinking that the engine was four small Austin Sevens paired together and joined side by side?

Common sense prevailed in the end at the certifying facility (a rare occurrence, from my experience!), and it is now registered as an

Austin CV! One of these days, the NZTA will update its computer system so that some of the more unusual vehicles we own can be properly registered with their correct manufacturer names.

For example, like my Fuji Heavy Industries (the Subaru makers) manufactured 1960 Victa Scooter, which currently is recorded as a ‘Factory Built’! How stupid is that?

Where was I? Oh yes, this car. Well, I instantly liked it because it had, yes! White Wall Tyres! And large wide ones to boot! And would you believe that the upholstery is the original? Apart from some smoke damage from the 1946 fire, and it getting brittle and hard with age, it still looks remarkably good for 106-year-old trim.

Kelvin advises that upon arrival here it still had some smoke damage to various parts of the car, including on the fabulous-looking headlight glasses, which he effectively removed with white vinegar! (Chalk that up as a useful tip!)

Walking around the car, it has the usual veteran accessories, such as a fuel gauge that you can only check while hanging over the rear of the car (if in motion, and worse is if you are the driver) otherwise the fuel must be checked when the car is stationary, and even then with the usual length of wood, as the sight glass is opaque. Each door trim has a pocket, covered by a flap for storage purposes, possibly for side curtains, so long as they were able to be folded? The roof is purportedly ‘one man’ in that it is able to be raised and lowered by one person, but as it was tucked up nicely, I didn’t ask for a demonstration. But there was definitely a roof under that cover.

Under the bonnet, or hood, as they say in America, is the car’s registration number, not the car’s (Austin) number. This number is 3378, so that means that there were 3,377 motor vehicles registered before it in the state of Arkansas in 1918. How about that!

The Austin and its stablemate a 1915 Hupmobile.

18 Beaded Wheels

When I initially looked at the interior, I thought “I can drive that!” after all, it had three pedals, a gear lever and a handbrake, and a steering wheel with levers and other gadgetry thereon. But when Kelvin began describing what each of the pedals was for, the warning bells sounded. Get this! The left pedal – the first half of the travel is the clutch, but the second part disengages the transmission, so that both brakes can be engaged? What the?

The middle pedal is the parking brake, which is disengaged when the button is pushed down. The right-hand pedal is the accelerator.

What I had thought was the handbrake, was actually the lever for engaging the two-speed differential. Too hard? Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. And of course, the gears were the crash box type, so there was another excuse for me to politely decline the opportunity to remove a few teeth from this rare car’s gearbox. So I had a meeting (with myself) and appointed Kelvin the driver for the road test. While I really do appreciate the various owners of the cars that feature as Behind the Wheel topics letting me loose behind the wheel, but when I think I may not be able to safely drive it without error, I respectfully decline. I mean, if I’d busted this one, where the heck would Kelvin get another? There isn’t one! That’s why it is unique!

Unique too was the original sales brochure for the car – in that it also is the only one of its kind. So, as the specifications at the end of the article are quoted directly from this, no correspondence will be entered into, got that?

Climbing onto the passenger seat – yes, the car is very high off the ground. Check out this issue’s cover photo with Kelvin standing alongside for proportionate visualisations! It’s like standing next to a bus!

Looking at the dashboard, and working inwards from the left, there is an amp meter (actually the correct term is amperes), the steering wheel (it is left-hand-drive, obviously), then the ignition key, switch and light controls, then the primary choke, and another mystery knob to confuse me (and Kelvin), then we have the oil pressure gauge, dash light /trouble light and a 24-hour clock, which currently displays the correct time twice daily. The oil pressure gauge goes up to (wait for it) 15lbs, and it was reading a healthy 9lbs at idle.

Kelvin has clearly had much experience in driving these veterans, as he effortlessly pressed the starter, selected first gear then using that clutch thingie, and we motored off down his treelined driveway to the gate. What continues to fascinate me is how he remembers what to do while driving these cars with their individual peculiarities. I’d need a clipboard with the various instructions, which would be akin to driving while concentrating on looking at your cell phone, which we all know is a no-no.

Once we were out on the road, such is the power of the V12, acceleration was effortless, and once into third gear, it virtually idled its way along the road. At the junction, where Kelvin executed a U turn, I was reminded of my Zephyr’s 46' turning circle, as it took a few goes to get completely around and facing back the way we came. (This is in direct conflict with the Austin’s sales literature which claims otherwise) Even though we were ‘out in the country’, it was still a relatively busy road, and as Kelvin’s driveway was on a blind corner, I shut my eyes as we turned into the property – just in case? Fortunately, nothing was coming the other way, and we made it safely back to the garage. When I say garage, I really mean a huge purpose-built workshop/warehouse building that accommodates more than 50 veteran and vintage cars, many of the names

SPECIFICATIONS) Motor Twelve cylinder - valve in head. 2⅞ inch bore, 5 inch stroke.

Piston displacement 450 cubic inches (contrary to what the brochure indicates!)

Rear Axle Austin (patented) two-speed axle giving two direct drives. 3¾:1 and 5¼:1 Spiral bevel gears. (note) this two speed axle, in combination with the three speed transmission, gives six speeds forward and two reverse.

Rear Springs

Austin (patent applied for) double cantilever springs. The double cantilever construction entirely eliminates side-sway and actually gives smoother, softer and easier riding qualities than can be obtained any other way.

Wheelbase 142 inches Tyres

Silvertown Cord, 34 x 4½ (and white walls, of course!)

Overall rating AAA (Absolutely Awesomely Amazing!)

of which I have never heard of! There were also a few more recent motoring legends that I did recognise however, and my beady little eyes fastened upon the red 1958 Edsel Pacer convertible! An Edsel was on my ‘must have’ list back in the late 1980s, but was replaced when we purchased a 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood! There was also a Sizaire-Naudin, a Pierce-Arrow, a MkVII Jaguar, an early Morris Cowley and a ‘60s Pontiac coupe. Many of the rest of the marques fell into my ‘too hard’ basket. Most are in running condition, and at a subsequent visit, Kelvin was in the process of firing up the ginormous Pierce-Arrow. I could have spent several days there, easily. Kelvin is fortunate to have some fellow VCC members who assist him with some of the restoration work. John Lynn (1920 Davis) – an ex-banker, owner and great supporter of everything, John Kimber (1947 Alvis TA14) an ex-cabinet maker – great on woodwork, and Peter Bayler (Model A owner) an ex-electrician, who is a great asset for Kelvin to ‘bounce things off’ especially when he has no idea what’s going on! All together they make a good team.

Kelvin has driven the Austin to a few VCC events already, and it was at one of these events that Editor Kevin had spotted this unique car and said to himself, “Wow! I’ve never seen a V12 Austin before. Definitely a candidate for a BTW” Looking at the photos, you’ve gotta agree that this is the ultimate definition of a unique car! And remembering that if he hadn’t purchased that Mitchell, he wouldn’t have scored this Austin, by all accounts!

TO CONCLUDE As always, I’m grateful to Kelvin for making Editor Kevin and myself welcome and affording us the opportunity to view not just this Austin, but the other classic veteran and vintage vehicles in his collection, and answering all my sometimes-dumb questions.

Looking at his collection of vehicles, Kelvin had certainly made good use of his time while working in the USA and Canada!

And what car would I like to own in his entire collection?

The Edsel convertible, of course! But that shouldn’t in any way diminish the awesomeness of this Austin V12.

But next time I hear Roger Miller singing ‘King of the Road’, I’ll probably envisage images of Kelvin’s Austin.

Beaded Wheels 19

Beaded Wheels Cap Winner

(Tour group at Danseys Pass Hotel)

JOE & JILL SCOTT’S OLD FORD TRUCK

LITTLE GIANT Words and photos Joe Scott

In the mid 1980s our two children were young and I worked for the Ministry of Transport Heavy Motor Vehicle Testing Agency in Great North Road, Grey Lynn.

I had rebuilt a friend’s MkII Jaguar along with a Model A Ford van. What a contrast. Now it was time to be selfish and do a project for myself.

Time passed and in 1986 one of my work colleagues, Bill Jongste, told me about an old Ford truck on a farm in Redvale (Silverdale.)

Kevin Davis and I went out to have a look. The owner, Dennis Heaton, a truck dealer based on the North Shore took us down to the old cow shed and we followed him into the disused separator room. There was a pile of Model A guards, radiator and bonnet all looking the worse for wear. Out the back Dennis lifted away two sheets of roofing iron. Behold the chassis, complete with Timken diff, a three speed gearbox, a splitter box and behind, wheels still fitted with the original Michelin high pressure tyres. The Model A motor was all there but looked sad. Unlike the Model A with rod brakes this AA truck was a much larger vehicle and it relied on one long cable with a series of jockey wheels to operate the brakes. I said to Kevin, “mate look at the size of that diff and brake drums.” The front brakes and axle look very light. When one thinks of the complexity of the Mercedes bus brakes that I was required to be familiar with (all part of the job) and this old truck, by God I was in love. A conversation ensued…

Joe “Okay Dennis, where is the rest of it?”

Dennis “The cab’s up at my son’s house a few miles away. It will be a bit of a major to get it out, under a ton of hay bales.”

Joe “How much?”

20 Beaded Wheels

Dennis “$1900.”

Joe “Deal.”

It appears it originally came up by rail from a Feilding farm to Barry Phillips at Drury (South Auckland.) He sold it to Reg Nash out in West Auckland who stripped it down and promptly went bust. Somehow Dennis ended up with it.

Now it was time to pick it all up and bring it back home to Northcote. A band of merry men including Kevin, Phillip Dakers and I proceeded to recover the old cab complete with fuel tank.

Sure enough after moving 30 bales of hay – there it was. The cab was too far gone to use, but the rest looked okay.

We loaded it up on the truck and went to get the rest. Closer examination revealed that under the cow manure and mud, the rims and tyres were stuffed and all rusted together. Okay, so it should all hold together if we tow the chassis home. We roped some planks across the frame, roped a transit seat onto that.

Placed all the guards on Phillip’s truck and towed it along the major roads towards Auckland. Perched up on the seat clinging onto the wobbly steering wheel I was being pelted with manure, mud and rust. At major intersections hand signals were the order of the day. Boy, did we get some looks. Any traffic officers looking at us would turn their heads the other way – it must have been in the too hard basket, besides, I knew most of them anyway.

Looking back, it was a bit naughty.

We stopped for a breather prior to turning into our street where I told Kevin if I ran out of something to say, he had to back me up.” He indicated that wasn’t likely to happen.

Up the driveway my wife Jill and my mother-in-law were waiting. Good god all that junk and millions of spiders. Thankful that the wheels held together we proceeded upstairs. “Jill come and give me a kiss, you’re now the proud owner of a 1929 Model AA Ford truck.” Jill pulled a face and mother-in-law chipped in with, “What do you want an old thing like that for?”

I indicated “It just so happens I like old things,” looking her straight in the eye. Anyway 1929 was a very important year as you know. God knows what she was going to say. Then after thinking about it out came her answer, “why that’s the year I got married.”

“That’s it,” said I. That woman followed the restoration with avid interest. I was sorry she passed away before it was completed.

The solid steel centres were removed from the rusty rims. The old 1950 Costcutter Ford had the same rims so I purchased one, sold it again, as long as I could flog the wheels off it. One hundred and twenty-six hot rivets later we had nice safe solid wheels.

The chassis was amazing. It obviously had not done a lot of hard work. The original rear spring shackles showed next to no wear. The lock tabs had never been opened out. The holes in the chassis indicated that it must have had a Little Giant hoist fitted in the past. These were very rare and took two years to find one, and it cost an arm and a leg. Jill said it looked like a pile of junk and how would it get up the hills with all that extra weight. The word “piece of cake” was used again to smooth the waters. It was overhauled and works fine.

As stated, the cab had rotted away in the normal places. As a matter of interest, the American all steel cabs imported into New Zealand were very expensive and rusted out in no time. The popular option was to import the chassis and fuel tank, plus running gear from Canada. A lot less tax involved. The local body builder or Farmer Brown built the wood cabs and tray. If you required a tip facility you cut out the last section of chassis and mounted your hinges. There was an option of single or dual wheels and it had a 1½ ton payload.

The current wood cab is similar to the original. It’s a bit cramped for today’s larger people. The seat is very comfortable with the back almost upright. Some comments we have received include, “that can’t be leather on that seat”. I say, “why not?”

The tray had to be built from scratch. We both liked the look of the stake bed. A lot of kauri was used in this restoration. Every nut and bolt was removed. In ended up being a four year project to complete.

I did not like the thought of removing the original crown wheel and pinion, however it was far too low at 6.6 to 1. I installed an Austin crown wheel and pinion, upgrading it to 4.5 to 1.

Jill chose the colour scheme, beige and green and along with the polished brass we think she has the Grandma Duck look.

The very large windscreen provides good vision and the fold down side curtains keep the cold out.

Easter of 1989 saw us off to Blenheim for the Model A Nationals.

The kids rode on the back enclosed in a waterproof covered wagon canopy. That was a great trip. Years later Jill and I went down to Nelson, up over the hills to Golden Bay, slept on the back on a blow-up bed. Spent a night in a clothing optional camp, didn’t see the sign until the next day.

s Joe alongside truck chassis and running gear just out of the cowshed.

s Philip Dakers has the original cab on the deck of his truck and helping prepare to tow.

s Inside portion of the cab. Included hardwood frame (as shown) and use of Kauri in the rest of the cab.

s Wood frame superimposed over the fuel tank.

s Cab well underway. All mounted on the freshly pained panelwork. Rebuilt wheels and motor now running.

s Joe delivering Santa to the Bay of Plenty Branch Christmas Party, December 2018.

Beaded Wheels 21

Over the years it has been involved in several Farmers’ parades with Wal & Dog, Bananas in Pajamas, Whitbread parade and advertisements for beer products, heaps of Santa Clauses and weddings.

When my mum passed away she was placed on the back with a non-skid mat and driven across Papatoetoe to the service. She had very fond memories of riding in this old truck.

It seems that the same type of vehicles often owned by the local farmers would turn up with several hay bales on the back and pick up the young ones and take them to and from the local dance halls.

An insight into their past reveals they were used by farmers, general carriers, and as night carts and log trucks. I have a picture that shows a seven ton kauri log superimposed on the rear and a wood wheel jinker trailer behind. They have also carried four cars at a time on semi-trailers interstate throughout America.

Having the optional planetary box gives us six forward gears and two reverse speeds. This old girl turns heads. The kids love it and I only ever get positive feedback. However, on the down side you have to be aware that Al Capone used this same model of truck to haul away his ill-gotten gains, namely whiskey.

The end result is a unique vehicle that drives very well and when you consider the weight of the entire truck the Model A motor provides enough power to enjoy very pleasant motoring.

Now after 38 years of ownership and a good deal of recognition from the people who matter to me I still love to drive the old girl.

Fact is, it brings out the best in people. Who could be jealous of an old truck? The odd person will ask me “What does it do to the gallon?” “Blowed if I know, never keep a tally.” When it needs fuel I just stick it in. Reliability is the key issue.

When Jill and I get back home from a very long trip, we pull into our garage and give the truck an affectionate pat. “Haven’t you done well.”

Trained as a Motor Engineer. Obtained Certified Certificate and later A Grade Certificate. Married in 1966. Joined the Ministry of Transport in 1972. Until recently still riding motorcycles at aged 83.

s Easter 1989 – leaving for Blenheim.

s Late 1987 Little Giant hoist.

Joe Scott

Have you got a story that deserves a wider audience?

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 Joe Scott and Martin Withington.

22 Beaded Wheels

A funny thing happened on the way home from the races Sixty year member of the Vintage Car Club, John Stewart, was prompted to share his own Nash adventure after reading Greg Price’s foray into the world of the Nash Ambassador in Beaded Wheels 391

Darryl Snook’s Nash, a similar model to that which John had his adventure in.

Words John Stewart, photo Mark Dawber From the late 1940s, Fisher & Paykel in Auckland were agents and importers of Kelvinator refrigerators manufactured by the Nash/Kelvinator Corporation. No doubt as a gesture of loyalty to the company two Nash Ambassadors were purchased for the use of Woolf Fisher and Maurice Paykel.

These were magnificent cars of greater size and much more luxurious specification than any previous cars used by the pair. Sadly my memory does not tell me the year of purchase but the style was very similar to the car in your article but these did not have two tone paintwork, nor spotlights as I recall.

During this same period I was senior commercial refrigeration engineer with F&P having served an apprenticeship from 1942. My enthusiasm for cars and motorcycles was well known and I was lucky enough to pick up a few perks regarding the company vehicle fleet.

On a Saturday morning at about 8am close to Christmas, maybe ’47 or ’48, the phone rang. It was Woolf Fisher on the line ploughing through my hangover. The essence of the communication was, that he was supposed to be driving a Dr Ring(?) to the Paeroa horse races where Ring was official vet for the meeting. Fisher said he had put his back out and could not drive. Would I like to pick up his car, the Ambassador, and Dr Ring at the farm in Mt Wellington and proceed to Paeroa as fast as possible as the races could not start until Ring got there. Bring a friend and don’t worry about lunch. I roused my brother Hugh and we charged out to Waipuna Road in my 1936 DX Vauxhall at a quite illegal pace.

Dr Ring was waiting, having driven over from Epsom in his absolutely magnificent

Packard coupe. He was advanced in years and not up to driving long distances.

Mrs Fisher had prepared two lovely lunches with a bottle of beer each so away we went. The trip south was fast but uneventful. The first race was started about 30 minutes after we got to the course, and unbelievably a horse fell and broke a leg necessitating euthanasia by the good doctor. I understand he was shattered for the rest of the day.

Hugh and I spent the day lounging in the Ambassador. We both placed a bet on a couple of donkeys and lost our money. My first and only gamble on the horses.

After the last race we waited near the clubhouse and in due course Dr Ring turned up somewhat the worse for wear.

It had been a hard day for him. Both Hugh and I had dates for the evening. Ring insisted on the back seat and we proceeded towards Auckland at a licence-losing pace under today’s regulations hoping to not be late for our appointments. All went well across the Hauraki Plains until we struck a patch of road being re-surfaced with loose metal. I noticed a slight jiggle of the steering wheel but put it down to the loose metal. As we returned to the sealed surface, there was an almighty crash and the left front of the car took a nose dive. Still at high speed. The situation was that the left front wheel had come off and jammed at the rear of the mudguard while the shock absorber and brake drum ploughed a great groove in the sealed surface. I managed to avoid diving into the roadside ditch and we came to a shuddering halt. Ring leaned forward and while thumping me on the shoulder shouted out, “magnificent driving, we could have all been killed.”

So, now what? Way out in the country.

Virtually no traffic and nowhere to seek assistance. (And of course, no cell phones) An important fact is that the wheels were held on by bolts, not studs and nuts, and these bolts did not have left hand threads.

We managed to jack up the front of the car and remove the jammed wheel. The bolt holes were mutilated and the wheel was useless but the spare was fine. But we had no bolts. We all walked back about a half mile or so and did not find any of the five bolts. Solution. One bolt out of each of the three wheels and one out of the spare and we had four four-bolted wheels. The shock absorber mounting and the brake drum were wrecked and we had no brake on that wheel. Fortunately the hydraulics were intact and we were able to proceed at about 30mph with three wheel brakes.

But wait. There is a little bit more. We arrived back at Waipuna Road quite late and were met in the driveway by Fisher.

I jumped out of the car and started to explain what had happened to his beautiful near-new car. He took one glance at the wrecked front guard and said, you must feel terrible come inside and have a whisky.

Mrs Fisher had drinks laid out and I think Hugh and I had a beer and then took off to try and catch up with our dates.

In due course our service manager procured a quotation for the repairs which was a substantial sum. This was referred to the office in order to submit an insurance claim. Fisher got in on the act and said “no, do not claim. The company will pay. I will not have John with a large insurance claim on his record through no fault of his.” They were great people to work for.

Beaded Wheels 23

Paul and Jodi Tomlin on Harley-Davidson combination getting underway.

2025 NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE RALLY Hosted by Manawatu Branch Words Cathy Clements, Rally Secretary Photos Bryan Abraham After nearly two years of extensive planning, the entries closed with 130 participants. With some breakdowns and personal circumstances we ended up with 124 starters for the event.

Friday 24 January saw the arrival mid-afternoon of the ten or so campers who chose to stay on site at the Manawatu Branch clubrooms. From 4 pm onward, a steady stream of motorcyclists arrived to collect their rally packs and take part in the “Meet and Greet” informal evening.

Saturday morning started with the first bikes away at 10am.

They left in groups of three at minute intervals (we had three routes and three different speeds) so the car park was cleared in 40 minutes. All three routes shared the same roads for the first nine miles and on reaching the small settlement of Colyton, the short route (only 10 bikes) turned left to find a checkpoint on Colyton Road, while the long and medium route entrants (78 and 36 respectively) continued ahead at the Colyton crossroads to a checkpoint opposite the Colyton Hall.

From there the instruction was “2nd right into Valley Road”.

Unbeknown to us that the road sign was missing. Most entrants were counting and took the second right but a few souls carried on for about two miles and came across a gravel road. Remembering that earlier briefing - “Do not use gravel roads” most turned back and found Valley Road. However, a couple of intrepid travellers continued on the gravel for countless miles, one being Brad Govan ▼ Black Barn gymkhana - Wiggle Woggle

24 Beaded Wheels

on the 1914 Humber! He had an adventure all of his own. More about that later.

At the end of Valley Road was the second checkpoint, then a right turn onto Pohangina Valley East Road. From there it was the end of the timed section and the rest of the day was at your own pace. Pohangina Valley has stunning scenery with the river on your left visible for most of the next 30 miles to arrive at a crossroad just north of the village of Apiti. Here the medium route turned left and headed south through Apiti then onto Kimbolton. The long route group turned right and headed north to negotiate the spectacular rugged river valley of the Rangiwahia district. The 25kph advisory signs on some corners meant exactly that and there would be no forgiveness if anyone tried any heroics! This route did a loop before joining with the medium route again at Kimbolton, and then down to the Cheltenham Hotel for a terrific barbecue lunch and refreshments. The short route also arrived at Cheltenham from a different

John Rapley, Horowhenua Branch, Royal Enfield negotiates the Halcombe roundabout

Two of the Taranaki Australians on BMWs on the Taihape After Rally route

and followed him back to Cheltenham.

Apparently a local farmer saw Brad’s plight, gave him petrol at no cost and saw him on his way. Brad was suitably rewarded with a nice bottle of red at the prize giving.

After lunch the long and medium routes covered in reverse what s

direction having travelled the area west of Feilding and Halcombe.

(A more gentle type of country suitable for earlier more fragile machines and riders).

The pub was abuzz, most arriving including the three Tail End Charlie vehicles who had been very busy with 10 breakdowns in the morning section. Two of these were vintage Harley combinations so two three-bike trailers became full straight away. A quick head count made us aware that not everyone had made it to lunch, particularly Brad Govan on the veteran Humber. His mate, Damon, who arrived at the pub early with a very dusty Ariel, started to get some broken texts from Brad (poor cell phone coverage). The upshot was he was way off course on Coulter Line with issues of a slipping drive belt on the bike. A good hour or so had passed by the time we got one of the Harley combos off a trailer and sent a Tail End Charlie to rescue Brad. They couldn’t find him and returned to the pub. About this time Damon received another text from Brad saying he had found a piece of metal on the roadside, made a knife out of it, cut the leather belt, shortened it, refitted it and got mobile - sheer ingenuity! Great, we would see him soon as Coulter Line is only three miles from Cheltenham. But no, time went by and another text. He had turned right from Coulter Line and headed north to pass through Kimbolton (everyone else had passed through Kimbolton from the north, not the south!)

Brad travelled a further 20 miles north before running out of petrol. This was the content of his text, so the Tail End Charlie was off again with spare fuel aboard. The Tail End Charlie was just out of Kimbolton (about 10 miles up the road) when a dusty veteran with a rider with a broad grin on his face came motoring along toward him. He turned around

Honda CB400, Trevor Barnes on the right.

Others unknown but middle one is a Harley and the left one is a BMW.

Beaded Wheels 25

s

had been the morning short run, and the short route bikes had a more direct route into Feilding then on to the clubrooms. The short route bikes had covered 79 miles for the day with the medium at 108 miles and the long at 127 miles.

It rained heavily overnight which was much needed to fill our rural water tanks but wasn’t going to be ideal for Sunday’s Gymkhana Event.

A grey start to Sunday morning but it became nicer as the morning wore on and at 10 am the bikes moved off from the clubrooms to the Black Barn at Ashhurst only a couple of miles away. The home of Steve and Kirsty Ward, the Black Barn is full of motoring memorabilia, especially signage, fuel related items plus a huge collection of number plates and the odd vehicle thrown in for good measure. A really interesting place and a perfect venue for a lunch stop and the gymkhana. Five events were set up with 15 local Manawatu members, plus five members of neighbouring Horowhenua Branch whose help was appreciated.

Most entrants had completed the events by lunch time when the rain returned, so it was inside for the boxed lunch and a good look around the Black Barn goodies. After lunch, the few remaining folk who had not completed their second run in the “wiggle-woggle” regulatory event were given the chance to do so in-between showers. Dinner and Prize Giving back at Manawatu clubrooms.

Kevin Clarkson did the honours of presenting the prizes on behalf of the National President. Guest speaker, Bill Veitch, gave an interesting and amusing talk on his family’s involvement in the motorcycle industry (New Zealand’s oldest dealership, established in 1932), and his memories of motorcycling with the VCC for over 50 years. It was noted that Bill was one of four entrants present who had also been at the 1975 National Rally in Hastings 50 years ago (the others were Bill Munro and the Barnes brothers - Barry and Trevor). One bit of good advice to

26 Beaded Wheels

Greg Eunson,Southland, 1913 Royal Enfield.

all was to keep riding as long as you can and if necessary go to a smaller bike if you have to.

With 14 trophies for the Rally (the largest number of any National event), it was a busy half hour of presentations.

Monday was homeward bound for some but not before visiting the Thomson Motorcycle Museum on Rongotea Road (south of Palmerston North) and then the Coach House Museum in Feilding.

We had 90 entrants stay on for the After Rally Tour. All routes took in some magnificent motorcycling roads through Central Hawke’s Bay, Northern Wairarapa, Whanganui and Rangitikei districts. Our events were followed by classic racing at Manfield on the first weekend of February and some of our people stayed on to either race or be spectators. By the time many entrants arrived home they had covered many miles, some over weeks.

Thanks to everyone involved, from the entrants to all our marshalls and helpers and a special thanks to all our Manawatu members for getting in behind and supporting our small motorcycle group.

Roll on the 30th National Motorcycle Rally — South Canterbury in 2027! ▼ Thomson Motorcycle Museum.

AUSSIES JOIN US AGAIN Words Peter Van Linden My wife Jenny and I, along with two other members of the Classic Enthusiasts Motorcycle Club, Roger McGregor and Allen Willis, based in Wollongong and Albury, were lucky enough to attend the New Zealand Vintage Car Club National Motorcycle Rally 2025 based in Palmerston North. We have had a long association with the Canterbury Branch after attending the 2011 National Rally in Oamaru where some members lent us bikes and as a result, we now have a wonderful bond with many Kiwi riders and restorers. That was 2011 and since then, we have attended six National Rallies in both the North and South Islands, always travelling with our wonderful friends in the Canterbury Branch. Once again, this year

we travelled the 480km from Christchurch to Palmerston North with members from the Canterbury Branch.

This year’s rally in Palmerston North was another fantastic success. We rode from Christchurch to Picton, picking up riders along the way, and crossed to Wellington in the North Island on the Bluebridge ferry and rode to Palmerston North to meet the Manawatu Branch. This branch is primarily car oriented and has only five motorcycle riders. It was an amazing effort to host 130 riders and prepare meals most nights with such a small team.

The weekend rally was attended by 130 riders, riding primarily older English and American motorcycles, with some

s From left Allen Willis, Peter and Jenny Van Linden, Roger McGregor.

Veteran Vintage Post Vintage Post War Post 60 Post 80 Lady Rider Combination Two-Stroke Twin Cylinder Harley-Davidson Concours Teams Trophy

David Gwynn Robert Euson Lex Westoby Peter Simpson Barry & Carla Barnes Peter Barnett Wendy Simonson Barry & Carla Barnes Malcolm Hodgkinson Adrian Macnee Paul & Jodi Tomlin Malcolm Hodgkinson Southland Branch

Overall - Montagu Cup 1st Overall Lex Westoby 2nd Overall Barry & Carla Barnes 3rd Overall Adrian Macnee

s Australians Jenny and Peter Van Linden are regular entrants to our national motorcycle rallies.

amazingly rare bikes on show.

There does not appear to be any bike envy or bike shaming in New Zealand. You ride what you like, and everyone is happy regardless of your choice, Priceless. No corner marshalling on these rallies. You are given a list of directions (up to two pages), a rider briefing and off you go. Luckily, I had my trusty navigator on the back who could read the directions and lead us to our destinations.

Following the weekend rally, a five day “after rally tour” happens, and this is where you get to really see the country side and visit sheds and collections of cars and bikes, which in New Zealand is always extraordinary.

Peter Thomson’s collection of mainly original patina veteran motorcycles is something not to be missed. We travelled to the east coast one day, approximately 340 kilometres.

Wellington 1913 BSA Southland 1929 Cotton Sth Canterbury 1936 Royal Enfield Wellington 1952 Matchless Sth Canterbury 1980 Suzuki Combo Canterbury 1985 BMW Marlborough 1950 BSA Sth Canterbury 1980 Suzuki Combo Southland 1938 Velocette Wellington 1941 Indian Auckland 1925 Harley-Davidson Southland 1938 Velocette (Three Hodgkinsons - All on Velocettes) Sth Canterbury Sth Canterbury Wellington

1936 Royal Enfield 1980 Suzuki Combo 1941 Indian

Then the west coast the next day, through the most beautiful countryside on roads we motorcycle riders live for.

After seven days in the Palmerston North area, we rode back to Wellington, boarded the ferry and returned to Blenheim in the South Island where we had a farewell with our Christchurch crew. We spent another day in Blenheim which gave us an opportunity to visit Omaka and view the WWI and WWII tribute to the Air Force which is a must see. We then travelled to Hanmer Springs for a soak in the hot springs, which I seriously needed. I cannot tell you how lucky we are to get to see and enjoy New Zealand with such an amazing group of people.

From the Aussies, thank you so much.

FACTS AND FIGURES -

124 starters from 20 VCCNZ Branches plus seven entrants from Australia.

Auckland Branch had the most entries at 26, followed by Canterbury at 23, Southland 13, and Marlborough 10 (a really great South Island turnout).

Twenty-six different makes of machine, with Triumph and BSA topping the list with 16 each, followed by BMW at 14, with Honda and Harley 10 each.

ENTRIES BY CLASS Veteran (7) Vintage (11) PV (18) PW (40) P60 (38) P80 (13)

Beaded Wheels 27

2025 VCC NATIONAL VETERAN RALLY Marlborough 5-8 February Words John Pauling, photos Linda Laing and John Pauling.

Five pm Wednesday evening, entrants assembled in the Marlborough clubrooms to pick up rally packs, and inspect the array of vintage and veteran cars, bikes and memorabilia on display.

Twenty-nine cars were entered. From the top of the North Island Daggy Sperry and Owen Kriletich drove the 1911 Overland all the way to Blenheim, while Colin and Judy Winter brought their 1900 Wolseley up from Otago. That had the country geographically covered, a wide range of vehicle ages from 1900 to 1918 along with a wide collection of vehicles.

There was a very good compliment of early one and two cylinder cars in attendance and I can still hear the huffing and wheezing made by them as though they desperately needed a few more of the

up and down bits. John Callison’s V8 Cadillac in contrast seemed to have got the piston department well and truly covered.

Thursday 6 February was Heritage Day in Blenheim. The rally base was at Brayshaw Heritage Park where the clubrooms are located and made for a very relaxed atmosphere and provided plenty of activities to enjoy. Entrants’ activities included field tests, a fashion parade and vehicle judging. Heritage Day is a working display of Marlborough’s agricultural history, with all manner of mechanical things, from steam engines to stationary engines together with a large collection of restored farm tractors, wood working, historic cottages, fire engines, and horse drawn vehicles.

Winners on the day included Bruce and Shirley Shadbolt and their 1910 Hupmobile 20 for William McLean Trophy for entrants’ choice. The car was very well presented, but Bruce rolled his eyes a little when I suggested he take it on Irishman, not sure why really.

Rose Preston in the lovely 1903 Curved Dash Oldsmobile won the Conlon Concours Trophy, while the National Veteran Achievement Award was won by Jason Roberts on his 1913 BSA motorcycle. He held his bike together with a ratchet strap and hose clips after the main frame broke.

For the women especially, the searching for or making suitable attire to match the era of the cars and bikes was on a par with the effort put into restoring these old vehicles, and so the winners for the couples were; 1st Judy and Colin Winter, 2nd Shirley and Bruce Shadbolt and Lyn Pauling for the Individual Person award.

Friday was a rally day with vehicles driving around the back roads and ending up at private gardens. For those new to Blenheim, grapes for miles, vineyards everywhere and nice easy driving with no hills! ▼

28 Beaded Wheels

Robert Wood, Bruce Jessep & friend, 1914 Buick.

The Callesons testing the 1918 Cadillac’s power.

s Three Oldsmobiles at lunch stop.

Omaka Air Museum visit.

The day was a little overcast and cool, but the garden setting was beautiful, so entrants spent some time chatting and looking over the cars.

The prize giving was held at the branch clubrooms. Prize winners were awarded the trophies being handed out by Mark Wilkinson, South Island Club Captain, assisted

by Chris Bird. The overall winner and recipient of the Ian McLean Trophy was Jason Roberts and his 1913 BSA C motorcycle.

Saturday looked more promising weather wise, so after a short briefing, a visit to the Omaka Air Museum ensued, both WWI and WWII memorabilia on display ably put together by Weta workshops. If you have never seen this collection, you have missed a real treat.

The Fairweather 1913 Buick.

Beaded Wheels 29

RALLY SNIPPETS

William Dawber, 1929 Studebaker Dictator, has Brenda Yates, 1930 Ford Model A in his mirrors.

YOUTHFUL CHALLENGERS FOR THE POMEROY Words Don Gerrard, photos John McDonald In 1978 Gavin Bain and Peter Croft introduced the Pomeroy Trophy to the Banks Peninsula Branch, and with 52 entries this year, competition for this rather odd and increasingly popular event was intense. An eclectic range of vehicles had entered, ranging from a Fiat 500 to an E Type Jaguar or from a Citroën GS to a Studebaker Dictator. There was even a Nash Metropolitan, and a Morris Marina, which proves what a tolerant branch we have become. There are four driving events: standing quarter, flying quarter, slalom and braking test, followed by a 20 minute time trial, where each car has to complete a certain number of laps based on engine size, braking systems and results of the driving tests. It’s all wonderfully unfair as the distance between the clutch pedal and the middle of the rear axle is of utmost importance, there must be space to carry two suitcases of a specific size, and having a big engine is a disadvantage.

As always, the braking test was the graveyard of ambition, with clouds of smoke blowing across the Canterbury Plains as William Noordanus locked up his Mk II Jaguar, an outcome in which he was not alone. The time trial was split into two groups of 26 cars, and some wonderful battles took place. Dallas Yates, 1927 Austin 12/4 and James Palmer, 1928 Model A had great fun, as did Kevin Manchester, 1967 Renault R10 and David Whitfield, 1958 DKW 3=6. The five Jags (C Type Rep, E Type, XK140, two modified 3.8s),

30 Beaded Wheels

looked and sounded marvellous but were often out-manoeuvered by the nippy Europeans on the twisty bits.

Once the dust and egos had settled down everyone proceeded to “a local hostelry” as Mr Pomeroy put it, and the glittering prizes were given out. The trophy we are most proud of is the Sharpe Family Trophy for the Best Performing Vintage Car. The actual trophy is the carburettor from Bill Hamilton’s Bentley 4 ½ in which he won many records at the Brooklands circuit in the UK. It was donated to us by the late Gordon Sharpe from Dunedin and is a precious memento. This year it was won by Brenda Yates in her 1930 Model A coupe.

The Pomeroy Trophy, for cars over 1950cc, was won by Lyn Scott in his 1990 Ford Sierra Cosworth, with Thomas Wedlake in his 1986 Porsche 944 second. This was Thomas’s first Pom as he is still a teenager, and he drove superbly.

Class B, for modified cars and also those under 1950cc, was won

by Rod Corbett in his 1959 TR3A, with Andrew Bain in his 1988 Citroën BX GTi 16v second.

David Whitfield, DKW 3= 6, leading Tim Palmer, Fiat Bambina, through the esses.

Mark Errington, Rover 3500S, trying to shake off Lyn Scott, Ford Sierra Cosworth.

Mark Barrett, 1959 Lotus Seven Series One, seeking a way past Brenda Yates, 1930 Ford Model A.

Andrew Bain, 1988 Citroen BX GTi 16V, placed 2nd in Class B.

Beaded Wheels 31

▼ Stephen Kidd’s 1908 Talbot - Concours winner.

▼ Familton’s 1910 Staney Steamer kicking up the steam.

STUNNING TALBOT RESTORATION TAKES CONCOURS AT 2025 DUNEDIN-BRIGHTON Words Nevin Gough, photos Marion McConachie 25-26 January 2025 This year I was a co-organiser of the 71st Dunedin-Brighton Run this year went ‘over the hump’ to Kaikorai Valley via Serpentine along with Colin Winter. There were 27 entrants, mainly cars, with Ave/Hawthorn Ave. the exception of the 1910 Triumph motorcycle, ridden by Andrew At Hestbank, a house in the middle of Brighton, a group of Roxburgh, and Graeme Duthie’s 1917 Ford Model TT truck. enthusiastic women always dress up in period clothing, and offer New this year, was Stephen Kidd’s stunning 1908 Talbot. This the occupants of the veterans sandwiches, savouries and even a had only driven four miles since the restoration was completed, glass of wine....all on the house! I was one of the last cars through, and went well. Another car I hadn’t seen on the run before, was by this time the women were becoming very merry. Great stuff! I John Wilson’s 1914 Ford Model T Speedster. This was a gorgeous enjoyed the pikelets with cream and jam. vehicle, and got a lot of attention. The entrants included eight We were extremely fortunate with the weather. The forecasts Model Ts, with the Pearce family three Sunbeams following up as leading up to the run all included rain, but it only amounted to the next best presented marque. a sprinkle, and cleared to a pleasant sunny afternoon for the Stephen Kidd had four cars entered, and Ryan Dewes came lunch and field tests. Young people were having a great time on down from the North Island to drive the 1913 Darracq for him. The the Brighton domain, scoring rides, and even getting some time 1909 Briton was driven by Gary Turner, while Gary Winter drove behind the wheel. Unfortunately, the weather was not so good for the 1914 Talbot 4CBX. Having entered three cars last year, I’m the drive to Careys Bay on the Sunday, with most taking modern aware of the massive amount of preparation that would have gone cars in the light rain. It was only a handful of hardy veterans that into this. Stephen won the Concours trophy for the 1908 Talbot, as braved the conditions. well as the W D Read Cup (entrant’s choice) for the same car.

Prize giving was held at the Edgar Centre again this year. A The veterans all presented well in the carriageway of the special presentation was made to a participant who had trouble Octagon. Councillor Lee Vandervis was MC and did a great job on with a Dunedin traffic light. He was awarded a red lollipop to the microphone, while Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich enthusiastisymbolise the traffic light he had gone through, and red and blue cally flagged the veterans away. lollipops to symbolise the lights that came on when Alan Familton’s 1910 Stanley a police car pulled him over. I believe negotiations Steamer left in a cloud of steam, were immediately entered into, and fortunately only and was a great favourite with a warning given. the spectators. Also enjoyed by And so ended another great Brighton Run. It is a the crowd were Gavin Hunt’s unique event. There really isn’t anything else quite 1903 Darracq, and the Winter like it. family 1900 Wolseley, which left on its 71st annual trip to ▼ John Wilson’s 1914 Ford Model T speedster at Brighton Domain.

Brighton.

Most of the more capable veterans went to Taieri Mouth, before arriving at Brighton, but a certain steam powered vehicle was seen searching for a supply of fresh water on the way. Much relief when Brighton was reached and a hose was attached to the tap at the Rugby Club. Many members of s City Mayor Radich and Councillor Vandervis the public came to the roadside giving a commentary at the Octagon. to watch the procession which

32 Beaded Wheels

BURMA RALLY 2025 Words and photo Ian Higgins.

At last the big day of the Whanganui Vintage Weekend, the Burma Rally, had arrived. Fifty-nine vehicles gathered at the Cornmarket Reserve on the corner of Somme Parade and Dublin Street at 8.30am where busy marshalls organised them into numerical order by the numbers attached to the front of the vehicles. Briefing at 9am preceded the first car away at 9.15am.

Engines roaring, (well most just puttering) the eager drivers, under the watchful eyes of their navigators, awaited the Rally Secretary, Christine Savage, to set them away every few minutes. It seemed like an eternity for the competitors as they awaited their starting orders. I had been busy photographing each vehicle at the start line so I was the last car away.

The route took us over that old dinosaur, Dublin Street Bridge, and onto Anzac Parade and the Parapara Highway. Field’s Track turnoff loomed in the distance, where we turned and found the first manned checkpoint, the start of the timed section. Whangaehu Valley Road was our next turnoff, which eventually led to the second manned checkpoint and the finish of the timed section.

We then had an option over which road to negotiate. Turn off onto a gravel section or continue on the seal. I believe that most opted for the latter! Anyway, our intrepid travellers eventually turned onto SH49, the Volcanic Loop Highway, and on to Raetihi.

Here we stopped for a well-earned lunch break after handing our cards to the marshalls, which recorded the silent checks observed,

1930 Ford Model A coupe Graeme Purvis and Liz Taylor.

by noting the names on the VCC signs placed at various points on the route from Whanganui. This ended the competitive sections of the rally.

After lunch, most opted to venture down the Whanganui River Road and back to the clubrooms, while the less adventurous motorists returned via the Parapara Highway.

Dinner and prizegiving followed that evening in the Wanganui Room at the Wanganui Racecourse. Because the timed section had to be omitted owing to an unfortunate accident on the rally, no trophies were awarded and prizes were allocated by draw. Anyway, the winning of trophies is unimportant as to who gets their names on what. It is the joining in, taking our beloved vehicles for a good run, and the comradeship that is what we are all about.

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Beaded Wheels 33

Skope Classic: A tight bunch comprised of Bryan Ashworth, Daimler SP250, Kevin Stevenson, Shadetree Special Mk1, Russ Haines, Holden Special and Rod Corbett in the Triumph TR3A.

SOUTHERN SUMMER RACING Words Don Gerrard , photos Philip Dickie, Autofocus bringing back fond memories of beach racing days, especially those held at Tahunanui, Nelson. Organiser, Murray Biggs had worked tirelessly to bring together a great selection of some of the original cars and drivers to create a fitting tribute to all those who were involved over many years.

Another accolade was also paid to Graeme Hamilton as custodian of the ACE III and the part it has played in New Zealand’s race-car history. The Bruce McLaren Trophy was awarded to Graeme in recognition of New Zealand race car constructors. The car was originally built by Wally Darrell in 1959/60 and Graeme has owned the car since 1979.

Levels circuit near Timaru was the next venue on the calendar and the 8th Round of the Banks Peninsula Branch Race Championship Series. Another large grid brought plenty of close racing with Dunedin’s Peter White debuting the ex-Rex Flowers Gemini MK3A Formula Junior and in complete contrast, Paul Coory bringing the fearsome CAE Chev Sprinter out to play. Both Russ Haines in the Holden Special and Bryan Ashworth in the Daimler SP250 tried hard to keep the Lotus 23 Reps at bay and the tiny Terrapin of Tony Steer fought all weekend with the Greaney Lotus 20/22. Great to see Terry Cartwright adding to the Mistral contingent in his 1959 example giving a hurry-up to Maureen Cowie in the Shadetree MKII. A week later, and it was to the deep south in beautiful weather at Teretonga Park, Invercargill. Phil Thomson in the Daimler Special struggled with mechanical troubles adding to a much-reduced field but the racing was just as intense with the CAE Sprinter’s brute power, at times winning over the Lotus 23s and the ACE III. Bill Cowie gave the Sadler an outing and David Clearwater in the Furore felt comfortable on his home track with Roger Greaney rounding off a successful South Island campaign in his Lotus, which wasn’t the case with the Rapey Brabham, which had cried enough a week earlier.

s

Three major race meetings dominated February starting with Skope at Ruapuna, Christchurch that attracted a bumper grid of 33 VCC cars and drivers including North Island entries, John Rapley’s Brabham BT2, Roger Greaney’s Lotus 20/22 and Team Ward in the venerable Austin A35. Steve Day also made the trip in the beautifully turned-out Briggs Mercury Special, originally built in Christchurch around 1951. To keep him company, John Gillman was piloting for the first time the Leversedge Stuart Special and getting to grips well with the V8 power. The ACE III was running strongly. together with the Stanton Corvette and super-charged BBM Special followed closely by David Owen’s road-registered C-Type Jaguar, all scrapping for podium finishes. Two Lotus 23 Reps of the Barretts and Mick Toll’s Lotus LT16, all pushing hard as usual. Cameron Lawes was the only real casualty of the weekend when the fuel-line on his Mistral Special came adrift, the fuel igniting on the hot engine resulting in a spectacular flame show.

The driver made a hasty exit from the cockpit and with the help of a fellow competitor and the well-drilled safety crew, a sterling job was made of extinguishing the blaze.

During the lunchtime intervals, 20 or so cars were part of the very successful Beach Racing Reunion display and demonstration,

34 Beaded Wheels

David Clearwater in the Furore sports being pursued by Chris Read in his Mistral around Levels.

Skope Classic: Chris Ward in Peanut, the Austin A35 which was raced by father Des for many years, ahead of the Briggs Mercury V8 Special of Steve Day.

Levels, Graeme Hamilton in the very historic ACE111 and Russ Haines in the Holden Special always great to watch with good close racing.

Colin Hey slides the Wolseley 1500 through the sweeper onto the front straight ahead of Tony Steer in the quick little Terrapin at Skope 2025.

Always a crowd favorite Paul Coory and the CAE Sprinter, Southern Classic at Levels.

John McDonagh in the Mistral leads Doug Moody in Bello onto the front straight at Ruapuna.

The famous chain driven Stanton Corvette campaigned these days by F5000 pilot, Russell Greer and Rod Corbett in the TR3A in pursuit.

Tracey and Mark Barrett in their Lotus 23s replicas, Mark in #12 , the 23B rep and Tracey in the 63 car, the 23C, always close competition between this husband & wife duo.

Beaded Wheels 35

ARCHIVIST NEWS

REDISCOVERING THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ ADVENTURES

THE CLUB EXCURSION LOG 1946-1955

Hidden within the secure confines of the Vintage Car Club Archive lies a historical treasure trove – a professionally bound book with gold lettering entitled, “Club Excursion Log 1946-1955.”

This remarkable volume offers an immersive look into a decade of early club excursions, bringing the vibrant history of the Vintage Vehicles Association (VVA) and the Vintage Car Club of NZ (VCC) (renamed on 19 August 1948), into life through meticulously recorded events, anecdotes, adventures, as well as many fun activities. I always remember Andrew Anderson saying, “The Vintage Car Club was all about having Fun” The book size is 260 x 200mm and consists of 186 pages, with one to five good quality black and white photographs on nearly every second page, including handwritten captions of the drivers and their vehicles that attended the various club events. They included rallies, hill climbs, mud plugs, speed events, tours, weekends away and parades. There are also pages with methodical results

s 25/8/46, VVA of NZ,1st Excursion, Hudson & Dodge. Looking down Akaroa Harbour.

from the various events, some are handwritten while others are typed. This book is a real treasure and after reading from cover to cover, I realised its importance to the VCC. The title on the book’s cover suggests it was originally intended to be used for notes for, “BE First Professional” “Theory of Workshop Practice and Elementary Heat Engines”, at university. John McLachlan, who is C R McLachlan’s (Clem) nephew, said it is likely that this book is Clem’s, as he studied for a Bachelor of Engineering at that time and he was the VVA historian.

The title on the first page of the book says: “The Official Record of All Excursions Made by the Vintage Vehicles Association”.

To be compiled by the club Historian.

The format of the pages is well set out in the following way.

The event headings are: Date, Excursion number, Destination, Leader’s name, Vehicles V number, Party (the record of who was on the run), Log, (the record of the event) and

ARCHIVIST NEWS Don Muller Archivist archivist@ vcc.org.nz Ph 03 385 6850

36 Beaded Wheels

Remarks. To clarify what the V number means, it was given to all vehicles that belonged to the VVA members. It is similar to the VCC membership number, with details of the owner, car, year, number of cylinders and horsepower. There is a V index in the middle of the book, the V numbers ran from V1-V42, V1-V6, were the Foundation members’ vehicles.

The very first VVA excursion was on 25 August 1946, Destination: Akaroa, Leader: R B Shand, Vehicles: V1, Rob Shand’s Hudson, V2, Reeves’ Dodge 4.

The party: R B Shand, J Booth, D Mitchell, G Gowenlock, J Reeves, J B Moore, J Williams.

Log: Departed for Akaroa at 9.10am from 8 Kilmore St, (They did not travel the normal route via the main road to Little River, they chose the steep, narrow and very difficult back road behind Purau. I remember my adventurous father getting stuck on this road back in the 1950s and having to turn back). The route was via Dyers Pass, Governors Bay, Diamond Harbour, where they had a short stop. Continuing on to Purau and up the steep rugged stock routes to Port Levy and Pigeon Bay without incident, lunching along the Summit Road. After descending the Summit Road to Akaroa, they assembled at “The Glen”, (which is the bay just past the lighthouse) a checkup was made of the cars and spark plugs

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.

s It was sad to lose the last of the VCC founding members with the passing of Andrew Anderson, who made a huge impact in the VCC. I thought it appropriate to include the nice photo of Andrew reading The Shellman the 1965 Haast Rally magazine, when he visited the VCC Archive in 2021. He will be missed.

cleaned. The trip home was via the Hilltop and Little River, with a few stops at the bottom of the hills to clean the plugs. The party arrived back in Christchurch at 6.10pm. Remarks: A beautiful day, great views, the cars behaved well. All the roads were bad except for Christchurch to Governors Bay and Little River to Christchurch.

This is only an introduction to this treasured logbook, there is more to tell, so I will continue the story in the next issue. These rally remarks were written by Clem M Lachlan.

With the purchase of the new building for our VCC National Headquarters and Archive, there are exciting and busy times ahead for the Archive.

A lot of planning, sorting and coordination is required to ensure a smooth shift to the new building. The area of the new Archive is similar to the old and with careful planning, we will be able to get the best out of the space for our existing items, as well as planning for acquisitions.

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Beaded Wheels 37

MARKET PLACE

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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.

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38 Beaded Wheels

FOR SALE 1948 DODGE reconditioned engine, new hood lining and carpets. WoF & Reg. Original brightwork. Ph Lance Connelly 027 464 2018.

MEM HAWKE’S BAY VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ halogen bulbs.

1965 TRIUMPH HERALD COUPE (rare model) Replace your existing bulbs without rewiring also 1968 Triumph Herald 13/60 Both cars are the headlamp assemblies. Up to 100% brighter for restoration, a substantial amount of new than your existing Tungsten bulbs. Will fit panels have been made, some fitted, Price for most reflectors fitted to Pre & Post war cars the lot $2500. Phone evenings 03 442 9302. and motorbikes. Also available in single

MEM CENTRAL OTAGO filament 55 watt P22 & BA15 bases for use in spotlamps and mechanical dip reflectors.

AUSTIN 1100 ENGINE , manual gearbox and Most bases and configurations available in radiator. The motor has had new rings and 6v & 12v. Further info: Norm & Jan Sisson, bearings before it was placed in storage. sole NZ Agent. Phone 027 311 6563, Amuri Offers. For enquiries, please contact Randolph Motorcycles, 2C Birmingham Drive, Christchurch.

0274 500 174 MEM NELSON Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz CHEV 1946 TO 1948 MECHANICAL and Panel FOR SALE FROM BOP PARTS SHED C alcium parts and 1958 Chev parts. Peter Auckland carbide 100kg drum in usable condition, no ph 0272 816 050 email jafa002@hotmail.com splitting. Pickup Tauranga. Ph Alastair Jones

MEM AUCKLAND 07 576 1124 MEM BAY OF PLENTY BALANCING BALANCING BALANCING, We can balance most vintage and single cylinder engines, fans, driveshafts etc. Work is carried out on a modern digital machine.

M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz

EARLY MIDGET CAR PROJECT. C hassis, front axle, steering, Model T diff, fibreglass body,Steering wheel. Had a Model A motor. Offers. Russell Greer ph 027 443 0216 MEM MARLBROUGH. ESSEX BRONZE CARBURETTOR, Essex drum headlights and Austin long range headlights.

Ph 07 308 7683. MEM BAY OF PLENTY CARBURETTOR RECONDITIONING including classic and performance makes. 40 plus years trade experience. Free advice. Contact Graeme Tulloch, Tulmac Carburettor Specialists on 027 612 2312 or (Levin) 06 368 2202 FIVE TON TROLLEY JACK FOR SALE, $400 and a planer with a 650mm bed and 100mm blades.

Mounted on a pedestal, $200. Contact Mike Gray 027 430 3001 MEM MARLBOROUGH 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 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

OCTANE MAGAZINE ( dry stored in excellent condition) 2013, 2014, 2022, 2023, 2024. Also complete set of VH Holden Commodore wheel trims (as new) phone: 09 424 1290, 027 493 8729 or email ralankerrnz@gmail.com MEM WAITEMATA REAR WINDOW GLASS FOR TRIUMPH HERALD. $50. Located Nelson could get to ChCh. Ph 027 270 5980, farmall@xtra.co.nz. MEM NELSON TWO VETERAN 1915/16 DODGE 4 MOTORS, cone clutch. Veteran Dodge diff housing and crown wheel and pinion. Dodge DA front doors.

1929 DA Dodge front and rear guards. DA Dodge wire wheel rear hubs. Chrysler 70,75,77 Bonnet 1928/30. Early Chrysler 6 cylinder motors. 1930 Chrysler 70/77 top tank panel. De Soto rear doors 1936 Plymouth bonnet, front and rear guards.

Early Saxon motor. Cadillac single cylinder small parts. Contact Rob Ross Ph 03 308 2356. Email randross@kinect.co.nz MEM ASHBURTON MISCELLANY: R adiators Morris, Lagonda, Star, Maxwell. Wind/side screens, Auster. Wheels, bumpers, external exhausts, oil tanks, shocks, lamps, horns, clocks, fire (etc), handbooks, Napier steering, hubs. 14/45 Trunk, BSA, 4AB Screen, Grill.

Chev carrier, Dodge Wheel cover, Isabella. Vehicles Austins16,10 Drs-cabrio, Standards 12,14, Wolseley 14, Ph Roger 09 309 0939 MAGNETO AND COIL WINDING SERVICES Magneto repairs, coil rewinding, magnetos of all types except aircraft. Phone Warwick 027 281 8066, walandlynn@farmside.co.nz MEM WANGANUI

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

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 and been on the road since. Price by negotiation.

Ph Graeme 09 268 8545 or 027 712 8877, brayshaw@xtra.co.nz MEM WAITEMATA

1948-1949 P.C, BEDFORD UTE, e ngine runs, requires panel work. All woodwork is done. For further photos and enquiries phone or text William 021 106 3635. MEM NORTHLAND

1958 BMW R50, Long time Auckland Club Vehicle, recommissioned in 2022, used regularly on VCC rallies. Comes with dual seat and some spare parts. Reluctant sale but downsizing. Current WoF and Rego. $16,000 negotiable. Phone/Text John 021 651 988. MEM AUCKLAND

1971 MGB GT m anual with O/D, chrome Rostyles, 1957 AUSTIN HEALEY 1 00/6 Four seater. added instrumentation. A tidy example. Current Production number 4031/6161. Is a 1990s USA rego and WoF. $15,500 ono. Ph John 03 489 2527. import in very original condition that has not been

MEM OTAGO messed with. Have all required for care. Genuine reason for sale. Phone Linc on 027 714 4371.

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE 1973 T140 7 50cc with matching numbers, runs really well, re-kitted front master cylinder and new brake hose. Re-vinned 8/2006. reg on hold, can be sold with WoF and reg if wanted. $14,500 ono. Ph Adrian 027 232 4276 or adrianandlorna@xtra.co.nz MEM SOUTHLAND

1929 HUPMOBILE CENTURY SIX full body-off restoration, new upholstery, lots of original features. Runs well, reliable, current WoF and Registration. Copy of original purchase document from Farmers Cashel St Christchurch in 1929. $32,500. Phone John, 022 651 9444

1965 SINGER GAZELLE E xcellent condition, fitted RILEY RMB 1951 2.5 LITRE 100HP. A ll mechanicals with alloy wheels and original wheels with very including engine rebuilt at significant cost. good radial tyres. Original paint and interior all in Woodwork rebuilt and panel work completed. v. good condition. Four speed with floor change. Body is stripped for painting. Original seats Always garaged sold with WoF & Rego. Selling refurbished, new door cards, carpets, vinyl for health reasons only. $16,000 ph 03 578 6133, top and many other new parts. $14,000 ono. evenings.

MEM MARLBOROUGH Ph 027 246 9899, mcbruce1951@gmail.com

1924 MODEL T TOURER. Good condition and well rallied around NZ. Has all the period accessories (speedo, RM brakes, Ruckstell). Been in current family since 1978, have history back to NZ new. $23k ono, car in Auckland, 021 267 5660 nzrileywilson@gmail.com. MEM CANTERBURY

2009 HARLEY–DAVIDSON XL1200 SPORTSTER. Very nice original condition, low miles. Rubber engine mount frame. New Metzeler tyres, battery, windscreen, forward mounted footpegs and spare seat. New Koni rear shocks, Progressive Suspension fork springs. Well sorted, reliable bike. Mob 021 146 0578, rjbullock38@gmail.com

MEM NELSON

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

MEM HAWKE’S BAY

Beaded Wheels 39

NZ NEW MERCEDES W108 3.5 fuel injected V8 RHD (1972.) WoF and registration current. Runs and drives well. Electric sunroof works well, Christchurch. Ph Hemal 021 434 271, hemal83@ hotmail.com

1968 FORD F100 RANGER T400 360 V8 engine 109,150 miles. P Plate 68F100 3 speed column change. Left hand drive, Original condition inside and out. Overdrive, twin fuel tanks, overload springs. Original build s heet from factory. WoF and Rego. Has VIC. $59,400. Ph 021 062 2132.

MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY

1954 BSA GOLDFLASH Runs like a dream and needs a new home. Excellent running condition with handbook. Will be sold with current Rego & WoF. All paperwork provided. $12,000 ono Located Cromwell. Ph Graham 027 856 2888.

Welcome to view.

VINTAGE TRUNKS made to order or stock SHED CLEARANCE – o ffers invited for a trailer load of Plymouth parts, including a motor in need of sizes. Dust proof and waterproof. Phone work, two engine blocks, sundry other items and Allan 06 844 3959 or 0274 469 331 Napier, a Dodge radiator surround with badge. Ph Garry acjones760@gmail.com MEM Mulqueen 03 208 9232. MEM GORE

1933 MORRIS MINOR 2 SEATER TOURER Ground up restoration. Full Repaint 2023. Beautiful example of rare Morris Minor 8hp side valve. 4 speed gearbox, hydraulic brakes, side curtains & soft top all in excellent condition. Includes rego plate 1933MM & spare parts. $15,500. Ph Michael 027 430 2826, jmleslie5@gmail.com MEM WEST COAST

VINTAGE CAR REPAIRS

All Classic and Vintage Car restoration.

• Panel making • Wooden body repairs, • Bumpers and moulding repair • Competitive hourly rate.

Unit 1 11 Penn Place, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch

Phone Grant 341 5100 or 027 223 9474 granttvin@gmail.com 1927 ESSEX SEDAN T he engine has had a complete rebuild approx 2014, otherwise a very original example. Spares include, vacuum tank, brake bands, engine block, sump. Asking $12,000 or near offer.

We carry a large range from vintage to modern Contact Judy 027 254 7601, gjw.briant@xtra.co.nz engines. Gearbox, diff, SU dashpot and water

MEM MANAWATU pump grease. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph

1948 BUICK SUPER SEDANETTE STRAIGHT 8, 67,000 miles. LHD from USA; 2/2017. New paint original colors, stripped 3/2023. New upholstery, carpet December 2024. Front wheel bearings, exhaust manifold, master cylinder replaced.

Radiator recored. 1953 Skylark white walls, 3/2017.

Runs well. Rego & WoF current. Ph 021 878 804, mikehanley1945@gmail.com. MEM ASHBURTON

1939 NASH 400 A great cruising car. I believe there may be an overdrive unit with the spares that go with the car. Asking $20,000 or near offer.

Contact Judy 027 254 7601, gjw.briant@xtra.co.nz

M EM MANAWATU

1969 MGB GT, c urrent Rego & WoF. New floor, professionally fitted. New tyres. O/D on 3rd and 4th gears. Very tidy. $20,000 ono Ph 027 258 3001 for more details. MEM MANAWATU

PENRITE OILS

Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz

40 Beaded Wheels

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

CLOSING DATES FOR BEADED WHEELS JUNE/JULY ISSUE Editorial copy - 29 April 2025 Advertising - 09 May 2025 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

RAMBLER AMERICAN PILLARLESS COUPE 1961 AUSTIN HEALEY SPRITE MARK II A 1967. E x Missouri Car Museum in very tidy reliable and good runner mainly used for club original condition. No rust. Brand new events. Current 1098cc engine as imported wheels and tyres. Very straight body. Auto 1967. Suspension and brakes renewed, hood reconditioned. LVVTA approved 3 point seat and tonneau cover in good condition. Seats belts. Good stereo system. WoF & Reg. Stunning recovered. Has workshop manual. Current car. Drives very well, needs home, full import WoF & Reg. $18,750 ono. Ph 021 128 9211. history. Price by negotiation. Ph 021 040 9363. MEM HOROWHENUA

MEM NORTH SHORE

1928 CHEV NATIONAL 2 DOOR COACH restored 1970s, runs & drives, 12V. Rego on hold, $12,000. Ph Gavin Craythorne 027 839 0935, craythornegavin@gmail.com MEM CANTERBURY

1988 LEYLAND MARINA MANUAL original condition. Genuine reason for selling $6750. Ph Sue 021 296 6210. MEM WANGANUI

1952 TRIUMPH MAYFLOWER. 1 200cc. NZ New, Good condition, suitable for recommission Reconditioned motor. Good brakes. Dry stored for many years. Located in Stratford. $1500 ono. contact Mike 027 358 3856 MEM TARANAKI

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 1985 HOLDEN JACKAROO. O nly 100,000 km since available and if you would like a brochure and new. Original, unrestored condition. Light surface be placed on the mailing list, give us a call, or rust underneath but otherwise without issue. email rushmoremotors@xtra.co.nz Runs well, will come with WoF and Reg. $12,000 or Listing is free to any vehicle seller. We do not buy near offer. Contact Ash, 021 516 974 or ashmnz@ and sell vehicles. protonmail.com MEM WAIKATO

1928 DODGE TRUCK. Complete, was running when last moved, driven to this location. Hydraulic brakes, electric starter. Inc. some extra parts.

Hand operated tip deck (geared underbody unit, not cable). All wood cab 15k sought, open to reasonable offers. Ph Andrew 028 436 1327, andrew.fredrickson10@gmail.com

1952 AUSTIN SHEERLINE. 4 door sedan. 4 speed 1966 INTERNATIONAL AB130 4X4 TRUCK. 1928 FORD MODEL A SPORTS COUPE, this car has manual. Current WoF and Rego. Interior walnut Suitable for classic vehicle. Offers. As is where is. been garaged its whole life, completely rust free dashboard and leather seating original. Restored Contact Nancy 027 310 9105. MEM SOUTHLAND with a new WoF and Rego, excellent condition, paint work in excellent condition inside and out. to ex condition through 1996. History of QEII visit Ph Richard 027 484 5354. in 1953/54. Many spare parts available. Contact Nancy 027 310 9105, nancy.stronach@xtra.co.nz.

MEM SOUTHLAND Beaded Wheels 41

MARKET PLACE

1951 AUSTIN A40 SPORTS CONVERTIBLE, v ery rare, aluminium Jensen body, rallied extensively, extra parts, 3 types of hood/roof configuration, current WoF & Rego. Current owner has had for 45 years, genuine reason for selling. $19,995 or near offer.

Ph 0274 431 184 for more details. MEM WANGANUI

AUSTIN 16/6, 1929. A most fastidious restoration.

All original equipment including the 2249cc 6 cylinder engine and 4 speed gearbox. Every component of this car has been reconditioned during the 5 year restoration. Ready for Rego & WoF. Estate sale. Price negotiable. Phone Spike Allen 021 763 760. MEM BOP

1974 MGB 1800CC MOTOR and transmission.

Gearbox ex 1986 Nissan Skyline, 5 speed. Drive shaft, oil cooler. Fast road cam (Franklin). Come and see/hear the motor running. $1990. Email leroydc@xtra.co.nz or phone 07 849 7268.

MEM WAIKATO

1939 STUDEBAKER COMMANDER Unrestored low mileage. NZ new 3 speed column change with overdrive. Brand new tyres. Recent radiator.

Some paintwork scratches. Lots of spares. Some original paperwork, $22,000. Ph Ian 03 434 8800 or ianstewart@xtra.co.nz MEM NTH OTAGO

SUNBEAM RAPIER Early 60s. Raced Wigram Southern classic then sold to museum in Christchurch. Good body fitted with reconditioned 1725 motor. I’ve just lost interest in getting going. $6,500. Ph John 022 051 5253.

1950 Borg-Warner overdrive & gearbox out of a Riley Pathfinder 2.5. R39-1 on overdrive unit serial no. 777?5 Gearbox partially dismantled with parts removed and photos. Good condition.

Ph 0278 388 324 or email Duthie.e@xtra .co.nz

MEM CENTRAL OTAGO

LOTUS EUROPA SPECIAL (LE1974) F ull rebuild 5 years ago. Engine fitted with new pistons bearings seals some valves and new springs.

Brakes reconditioned, new clutch, brake and slave cylinders replaced. All new lights and dash re-veneered. New synchro cones in gearbox.

No rust, body repainted $42,000 ono.

Ph 027 229 1982, coopers1275@xtra.co.nz MEMOTAGO

FORD CORTINA 2.0 GHIA AUTOMATIC 1982 Rego KW6745. One out of the box! Totally original condition reflects low 31,800km travelled since new.

Still on original Cavallino tyres, spare unused! Always garaged, covered & pampered. Original ownership papers. Every available extra. You will not find a better one! $28,500. Genuine enquiries ph 021 550 429, tuffey@gmail.com. MEM MARLBOROUGH

1930 CHRYSLER 70 SEDAN P ennon bonnet; 4 speed gearbox, motor reconditioned; original paint but guards showing parking by touch, 18 inch rebuilt wheels with new tyres, tubes & rust bands, complete set of new hub caps; upholstery renewed 4 years ago. Patina showing an original car, great history. $22,000. Phone Bruce 027 2484 665. MEM MANAWATU

1981 FIAT X1/9 1500CC, 5 speed manual, 186,000 1968 FORD F100 RANGER. L ocation Timaru. Priced Kms, NZ new. Targa top, painted rosso metallic, at $59,400. LHD. Like new. T400, 360 V8 3ngine, interior and paint in great condition, very tidy 3 speed column change. Overdrive, original throughout. Well, maintained. Fun to drive, condition inside and out, twin fuel tanks, overload economical and reliable. Owned for the last 31 springs, original build sheet from factory, current years. (selling one of the family). Genuine reason WoF and Rego. One American owner, 2nd NZ for selling. $15,000 ono. Marlene 03 385 6850. owner. Copy of VCC identity card available. Contact

MEM CANTERBURY Rushmore Motors Ltd 027 2245 045 inc a/h.

42 Beaded Wheels

MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY

1936 P2 PLYMOUTH G enerally in good condition, has had significant motor and body work carried out. Oil and oil filter recently changed. Has been converted by a previous owner from 6v to 12v. Motors with ease at 55mph. New WoF issued Feb 2025. Ph Tony Smith, 021 069 4289, tj.smith45@outlook.co.nz

MEM MARLBOROUGH

Owners in NZ Spare Parts Club Inc

1937 LANZ BULLDOG TRACTOR. $20,000 Location Culverden Canterbury. New back tyres fitted. Blow lamp supplied and has a spring drawbar. Always shed stored. Runs well, In original condition. Sold ‘As Is’. Contact Rushmore Motors Ltd. 027 2245 045 inc a/h.

1951 TRIUMPH RENOWN. Priced at $17,000. 4 owners from new. Owned for 20 years, regularly WoF and serviced. Last WoF 2020. Rare 2L motor.

Many spares, - all glass, a few gearboxes and other stuff. Rego on hold. Regularly driven up until last year, runs great, shifts nicely, brakes not great.

Interior redone in tan leather. Mostly original paint with a great patina. Contact Rushmore Motors Ltd 027 2245 045 inc a/h.

PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS FOR VETERAN, VINTAGE, CLASSIC & ODDBALL ENGINES.

1930 CHRYSLER 70 SPEEDSTER. All original mechanically but has been converted to 12v.

Steel body. Runs and drives beautifully. Leather upholstery new tyres and battery. Needs to go to a new home as I am not using it. Ph Ash Ross 0226775579

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

We supply parts for all Jaguar and Daimler models from the XK120 through to the XKR. For 50 years we have successfully helped enthusiasts. Contact us first for all your Classic Daimler & Jaguar Spare Parts. We also supply via indent orders, placed monthly.

Join more than 700 members and keep in touch with ‘The Fluted Grille’ magazine.

Business hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 8.30am to 2.00pm

1982 TVR 2.8I SPORTS CONVERTIBLE. L ocation Hawke’s Bay. $19,995. V6, fuel injected, 4 speed gearbox, Jaguar XJS diff, inboard disc brakes, 1963 STANDARD VANGUARD SIX. Attractive independent rear suspension, front disc brakes, and complete rust-free useable classic. alloy wheels. Original unmarked upholstery and Three owners, 87,000 miles. Five new tyres. wood dash, electric door windows, re- painted, Rego and WoF. Original papers/handbook/ new hood & targa, new clutch, oil gaskets etc, workshop/parts manual. $12,000 negotiable. brake master cyl, complete brake fluid flush, Ph Bill 03 312 8900, nzluddites@gmail.com adjust wheel bearings, two new rear tyres, front like new. Mileage 50971. Contact Rushmore Motors

MEM CANTERBURY Ltd. 027 2245 045 inc a/h.

JAEGER SPEEDOS, C lock, Claudel RAF Carb, Smiths rev counter, Riley instruments, speedo drive and cable. Phone 07 348 4227. MEM ROTORUA

1951 AJS 500 18S Reg and WoF good running order phone Barry 027 485 2032. MEM WAIMATE

Phone: 03 323 9048 Cell: 027 239 8844 Email: parts@daimjag.nz Web: www.daimjag.nz

DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS We can alter or make driveshafts with fabric components to take modern universal joints and yokes, as well as performing dynamic balancing. We also carry a large range of driveshaft components for cars, trucks, industrial and marine.

M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz

Beaded Wheels 43

WANTED ATTENTION VCC MEMBERS Do we have your correct contact details?

WOLSELEY/SIDDELEY VETERAN OILER. Some years ago there was a batch of oiler housings cast for early Wolseleys. I am led to believe there were more made than projects at the time, so does anyone still have one of these tucked away that they didn’t use? Ph 03 318 1454, kevinandjulia@gmail.com MEM CANTERBURY

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

OIL TANK WANTED (FOR PRE-WAR PANTHER) This part proving quite elusive! Also Panther HWT petrol tank (any condition, to modify for M95 project), Enfield 8” rear hub, BAP or BAP-H gearbox parts and anything else Panther HWT. Possible exchange for Burman CP parts or M75 frame, forks & engine parts.

Contact me early April, sooner the better. David Broadhead 021 324 762, dbroadhe@xtra.co.nz

MEM AUCKLAND 1936 DODGE BUSINESS COUPE. Windscreen frame, front door receiver, 2 hubcaps, RH (small window behind drivers door) and rear window garnish mouldings (sedan back door mouldings can be used) , Two each interior door and window handles (bullet knob) and escutcheons/springs. jovdleij@gmail.com 029 239 4166 MEM CANTERBURY

GEARBOX 1970S MITSUBISHI 5SP. Model KM132DC, Serial number 500101 to 599999 Phone Adrian 027 2321599 or adrian.macnee@gmail.com

MEM WELLINGTON

HARLEY-DAVIDSON 1925-27 gear shifter and linkages plus battery box. Ph 027 958 9736.

MEM WEST COAST

1939 AUSTIN 8 RUNNING o r not or parts. Phone A 145SR15 TYRE FOR MY SIDECAR OUTFIT Amy 021 0826 4899. MEM TARANAKI MSS VELOCETTE PRE-WAR CRANKCASES, or drive side only. Veteran MC 3 speed hub and controls.

WANTED . No tyre shops (classic ones even) have stocks so a secondhand or good used one would 1939 CHEVROLET OVERRIDER X 4, Flywheel Parts OK esp clutch lever and rotating cap on be considered. Ph 027 372 1563, cole.makarau@ cover. Phone or text Rob 022 647 0107. axle that releases clutch. Ph Brad 021 243 0035, gmail.com MEM AUCKLAND

MEM HAWKE’S BAY bgovan@xtra.co.nz.

1946 FORD V8 COUPE - P arts wanted for restoration project. Rear valance, front windscreen garnish mouldings for interior, left front bumper bracket or any other parts. Phone Phillip Cook 06 867 7359 or email plcook@xtra.co.nz MEM GISBORNE

SPEEDOMETER FOR A 1929 DA DODGE and a set of wire wheels for a DA Dodge. I have a set of 1928 Dodge Victory 6 wire wheels in very good condition for swap only. Stipe Borich 021 727 024 stipeborichnz@gmail.com.

MEM AUCKLAND

AUSTIN BIG SEVEN MOTOR COMPLETE if possible or Austin 8 motor complete if possible and 4 speed gear box to suit or if you know where there is one.

R Strachan, ph 021 468 763 MEM HOROWHENUA

AUSTIN 10/12/14 BUCKET SEATS and wire wheels for period trials car project. Would take whole or part, beyond-restoration, donor car. Engine and gearbox optional. Also, seeking complete A70 engine to overhaul. South Island preferred. Txt, call Glen 027 605 8204.

MEM OTAGO

BRAKE DRUMS FOR 1937 CHEVROLET MASTER 1974-1979 HOLDEN STATION WAGON WANTED both front and back. Ph Richard +17809021540, Condition not important but I don’t want a demerr10@icloud.com WANTED:- AUSTIN 16/4 GEARBOX AND SPACER full restoration required. Preference is a car RING, also two Austin A70 commercial six stud previously registered in New Zealand. Attached a DASHBOARD CLOCK FOR FORD V8 1935-36 wheels which have the more modern rim that will photo of model shape for reference. Contact Chris wanted, going or not or part of. I also have to take clip-on balance weights. Please phone John White 027 443 1184, quinandquin@gmail.com give away 1925 Hupbmobile steering box, and Kinvig on 0274 524 326 or email jakinvig@xtra.

MEM WANGANUI shaft. Too good to throw away. Ph 022 487 1132. co.nz.

MEM WELLINGTON

MEM NELSON CHEVY 1939 BUMPER OVERRIDERS. Preferably 1929 ESSEX COUPE – timing chain wanted.

ESSEX 1929 SUPER SIX BLOCK, with internals in average/good condition. Please phone Ph 07 308 7683. MEM BAY OF PLENTY if possible. Ph Brian 021 0279 1018 or Alistair 027 202 5007, email Chevy39@xtra.co.nz brianandleonie@xtra.co.nz . MEM NORTHLAND 1930 OLDSMOBILE HUBCAPS WANTED for wire MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY wheels inside measurement 170 mm. Also hood FORD T 21 INCH WHEEL AND RIM. Four ornament swallow. Any other parts. Ph Alan 027 stud, bolt-on type. Also want Castle 1206 or 490 1191 MEM BAY OF PLENTY 1208 brass headlight and a pair of Castle or similar brass side lights. Ph John 06 751 5554, megandjohnny@xtra.co.nz MEM TARANAKI

FORD V8 1935/36. Clock going or not or part of 60mm-70mm dia across? Ph 022 487 1132.

MEM NELSON

44 Beaded Wheels

SWAP MEETS & RALLIES

All vehicles entered in National and International Rallies must hold a current VehicIe Identity Card (VIC).

MMXXV AUTOMOBILE ANCIENNE

4 MAY 2025

EARLY BIRD

SAVING

$25

DISCOUNT OFF YOUR ENTRY IF BOOKED

BY JULY 31ST

ARE YOU UP TO THE CHALLENGE OF ONE OF NZ'S MOST EXCITING HISTORIC MOTORING EVENTS?

Saturday 15th november '25 CONTACT US FOR BOOKINGS

VCCNZ Ashburton Branch

SWAPMEET Saturday 3 May 2025

Club Grounds 86 Maronan Road, Tinwald Ashburton No Dogs Allowed • Catering by Ashburton Lions Club

Site Bookings to Cathy Sweetman Email: ashburtonswapmeet@gmail.com Phone: 021-372087

GATES OPEN 7.15AM

Leaving any time after midnight, you'll motor through as many point-scoring South Island locations as you can to arrive mid-afternoon at the designated finish near to our own Monte Carlo, the enclave of Akaroa. There you'll be challenged further with Field & Condition Tests culminating with a fun-filled, frivolously formal evening dinner & prize-giving at Akaroa's Gaiety Theatre where trophies are awarded for highest scoring individual entrant, team of cars, as well as the Concours d' Confort (best equipped and most comfortable car). All entries will be handicapped or rewarded to give every age and type of vehicle an equal chance of glory!

ENTRY FORMS & INFO Entry Forms for download on; www.bpvcc.org.nz OR request at; bankspeninsula@vcc.org.com

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES 17TH OCTOBER 2025

NORTHLAND COMBINED CAR CLUBS’

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

SWAP MEET

SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2025

Heritage Park, 494 State Highway 14 • Maunu, Whangarei

GATES OPEN Sellers from 6.30am - Public from 8.00am NO EFTPOS AVAILABLE

ENQUIRIES: Lawrence Hillier 021 041 4522, hillierlawrence@gmail.com or northland@vcc.org.nz

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF HISTORIC MOTORING Nelson Tasman – 15 To 21 March 2025

NELSON 15–21 MARCH 2026

ENTRIES NOW OPEN

Go to www.historicmotoring.org.nz to register today Beaded Wheels 45

TRADE DIRECTORY

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Repairers and Restorers of Vintage and Classic Instruments Speedo Cables repaired or made new to order 13 Fleming Street, Onehunga, Auckland

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Full reconditioning service Carburettor body, re-bushing and shafts supplied.

Specialising in Weber, Holley, SU, Stormberg, etc

40 YEARS TRADE EXPERIENCE Contact: GRAEME TULLOCH Ph: 027 612 2312 or 06 368 2202 Email: tullochfamily@xtra.co.nz ı tulmac.co.nz

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MARLBOROUGH MAGNETOS

Magnetos Rewound in New Zealand using the best available materials Magneto repair and restoration undertaken

FOR THE REPAIR & RESTORATION OF ALL CLASSIC OR VINTAGE CARS & MOTORCYCLES

Exchange armatures available

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Coil Only service for DIY assembly

Magdyno and Maglita units restored

Curiosities investigated

☎ 027 577 8328

Contact Paul Radmall at paul@magnetos.co.nz 46 Beaded Wheels

LATEST CLUB INFORMATION

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Autumn seemed to arrive quickly with cooler mornings and the sun disappearing from the sky earlier. However with the days still full of sun there is plenty of motoring to be done.

Manawatu Branch should be proud of how well the National Motorcycle Rally came together.

The feedback has been amazing which is a credit to the organizing team. With two National Easter Rallies approaching, both for the North and South Islands, April is going to be a busy month.

after the earthquakes most of it will need updating or replacing.

While we hope to have the team moved across before winter, we have to tick some regulatory boxes with the council first. This is underway at present. Our old Aberdeen Street site will be auctioned soon. If you are interested you can check it out on Trade-Me.

George Kear, VCC National President, and Gian Mario Mollar, FIVA General Secretary.

This time next year we will have just completed The Vero Festival of Historic Motoring in Nelson. The team there have been very busying finalising all the details for what I am sure will be another great event. For this to happen we need entrants and the more the better. With entry details coming on line soon I encourage you all to sign up quickly. There is a massive cost to putting on these events for your enjoyment which needs to be spread across as many as possible. If the numbers don’t stack up the event might not go ahead so, please show your support and sign on early.

Recently while attending the Retromobile Show in Paris, I took the opportunity to sit down with some of the people at the FIVA stand. As our club was a founding member of the organisation, I was warmly welcomed and they thanked us and Rod Brayshaw for all our support over the years. Rod had attended their technical meeting by zoom earlier that week.

We spoke about government regulation around the world and the impact it was having on so many of their member clubs with regards to motoring their vehicles. They were impressed that we regularly sat down with the government department and even more so that they recognize us as The Historic Motoring Authority of New Zealand.

We have co-opted Craig Pidgeon from Banks Peninsula Branch to manage the relocation to our new National Support Building.

With all the furniture and filing systems just holding together

Our relationship with NZTA is growing in strength to the point that Andrew Lister, Certification Advisor, Border and Entry with one of his Christchurch Team attended our Executive meeting

VCCNZ MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

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

in March. Andrew’s department is in charge of licensing vehicles into the New Zealand fleet.

This covers imports as well as vehicles we restore and want to re-register. His presentation went through what they require and the process involved. The flow chart in the Club Procedures Manual lays this out clearly. As car enthusiasts, both are all for us retaining the use of our vehicles and stressed that the more information you supply at the beginning helps them immensely. If you are unsure, please reach out to our Registrar, Neil for help.

The Notice of Meeting for this year’s AGM to be held in Invercargill is included in this edition. Along with this is a notice for the election of officers for the Management Committee. All of our current team are putting their names forward again but we still have a vacancy for the Secretary/Treasurer position.

We are very fortunate to have Linda in our National office as a qualified accountant and with the new systems this role is not as demanding as it used to be.

If you feel you would like to help out, please give me a call and we can talk through what’s involved.

While discussing NZTA I hope you all submitted your support for the government’s review to 12 month WoF. As an organisation we submitted a larger document as did the FOMC on behalf of us all. It has been a big push to get to this point and, with a change of government, we finally have been heard.

George Kear VCCNZ National President

Andy Fox 027 519 9642

mgmt1@vcc.org.nz

Murray Trounson 03 339 8830 mgmt3@vcc.org.nz

ARCHIVIST Don Muller 03 385 6850

archivist@vcc.org.nz

VCCNZ LIFE MEMBERS Andrew Anderson Roger White Norm Dewhurst Rod Brayshaw John Coomber

Beaded Wheels 47

Office Hours Monday to Friday 9.30am to 1.30pm. admin@vcc.org.nz

are provided, resulting in delays in the issuing of the new VIC. NOTICE OF AGM

NATIONAL OFFICE NEWS PHONE ISSUES

We apologise for any communication issues members may have encountered when trying to contact National Office via phone in late January/ early February. Recent issues with our old copper phone line encompassing a nearly threeweek period (and constant follow-ups to our supplier for a resolution), meant that National Office were unable to provide the service that we pride ourselves on. Moving the phones to our fibre connection provided by another supplier, although not seamless, meant that the National Office was eventually back to being fully operational.

ARE YOU ATTENDING AN EVENT REQUIRING A VIC?

Please check if your VIC is current for the event period.

Kindly note that if you are planning to attend an event that requires a VIC you must submit your VIC application/renewal to National Office at least three months prior to the event, as based on our current processing times any later may result in the VIC not being issued in time.

VIC RENEWALS MUST INCLUDE PHOTOS OF IDENTIFIERS

The Club is now required to hold photos of vehicle identifiers as part of our legal obligations.

Therefore, all VIC renewals must now include photos of the vehicle identifiers. For example, engine number, chassis/ frame number and any other identifying numbers. Renewals submitted to National Office without these photos are placed on hold until such time as they

On page 50 you will find a Notice of the AGM along with a request for nominations for the Management Committee positions.

JOHN L GODDARD TROPHY NOMINATIONS

On page 50 you will find a notice calling for nominations for the John L Goddard Trophy. More information is available in the Club Procedures Manual, which your local Branch will have available.

By Murray Trounson and Garry Moore Clynt Inns passed away in early February, aged 81. His love of cars and keenness to get involved with the Club administration enabled him to help many members with car projects over the years.

Clynt joined the Canterbury Branch in 1970 at age 26. He became Canterbury Branch secretary in 1974, served at a National level as Secretary/ Treasurer from 1975 to 1984. In 1978 he transferred to the newly formed Banks Peninsula Branch.

In 2020 Clynt received his 50year membership award.

48 Beaded Wheels

He was Rally Director for the Club’s largest rally, with over 1500 entries, the 50th Anniversary Rally in 1996 in Christchurch. This was a fulltime role for over a year in the lead up to the event. Clynt’s vision, judgement and ability to get things done shone through.

His ability to handle dramas and crises was impressive. We won’t forget the leadership he showed the day of the public display and Pomeroy Trophy event at a very flooded Ruapuna raceway after torrential overnight rain. Clynt was able to assess the situation and quickly identify alternative options and make decisions. He was rally secretary and treasurer on the organizing committee for the 1980 International Rally

Please note: Financial membership of the Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated is a requirement to be insured under the VCC/Vero Insurance Scheme.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH NATIONAL OFFICE MUST INCLUDE YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER

Please include your membership number in all communications with National Office including payments to the National Office bank account. This can be found on your membership card in the top right-hand corner.

HELP US TO HELP YOU Please include your membership number in all communications with National Office including payments to the National Office bank account. This can be found on Linda Duffell your membership card in the Office Administrator top right-hand corner.

OBITUARY

CLYNT INNS

VCC VERO INSURANCE SCHEME

held in Rotorua. He also served on some special subcommittees over those years. As a Chartered Accountant he was often called upon to utilize his skills during Club events and social activities.

The Vintage Car Club, and the rallies attended together with other members, and the rebuilding work done on each other’s vehicles, is part of the important social fabric that enhances our society. Clynt’s common interest with other members built a bridge which set aside differences in political views and philosophy and allowed all to enjoy a common friendship, part of the greatness of our Club.

Karen Proctor Committee Liaison Officer

FESTIVAL UPDATE NELSON 15–21 MARCH 2026

For a week in March 2026, Nelson City and the Tasman Region are going to be the place to be for any lover of old cars, trucks or motorcycles—the 2026 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring.

Our team is putting together a fantastic event to suit all types of vehicles from veterans up to club eligible vehicles that are 30 years old. Our festival HQ, Nelson’s Trafalgar Centre, is the base for the week and will have a range of great quality food, drink and entertainment. A great range of rally routes have been planned for all vehicle categories through very scenic country with roads made for motoring.

All we need now is you—our entrants, the people who have been the sole reason for us putting the festival together. Mark the

dates on your calendar 15-21 March 2026.

Registrations open on 2 April 2025, so hop on to the website—www.historicmotoring. org—and complete your entry.

You will continue to receive emails and stay updated with event planning. Now is the time to get together with your motoring friends to plan your journey to and from Nelson – be it from elsewhere in New Zealand, or anywhere in the world. Head out to your workshop now and get that “almost there” project back on the road by 2026. We can’t wait to see you in Nelson Tasman.

Ray Robertson

Festival Director

Invitation from the VCC National President The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand has a proud heritage of organising International Rallies, each one showcasing a particular area of New Zealand.

In 2026 the Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring will be based in Nelson/ Tasman. The district delivers a wide range of visitor experiences. There’ll be plenty for you to see and do before, during, and after the Festival.

It’s an exciting time for the Festival organising team who are now well underway in the planning of this event which will be a true motoring experience catering for a wide range of vehicles and their capabilities.

The Vintage Car Club is New Zealand’s foremost historic motoring authority and caters for a wide spectrum of motoring in

New Zealand, accepting vehicles that are over 30 years old. To our overseas friends, whether you have attended in the past or are considering your first time, we would love to see you in 2026 and I can promise you a warm Kiwi welcome and a unique experience in New Zealand.

I invite you to attend what will be a most memorable motoring event and will also be a chance for you to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Get together with your mates, plan a road trip to Nelson and join in the fun.

I look forward to seeing you there.

George Kear

National President, The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated

SUMMARY OF THE TEAMS RELAY CHALLENGE The Teams Relay Challenge is an event at the 2026 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring, taking place at Richmond Park A & P Association Grounds. Originally inspired by a 24-hour Le Mans-style event from the 1972 13th International Rally, the challenge has been redesigned to fit modern regulations and safety standards.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

· Not a race – normal road rules apply. · Closed 1.6 km grass course designed for fun and teamwork. · 10 teams of 30 entrants each, with three vehicles from each team on the course at a time. · You don’t need to create a team the event organisers will handle all that hassle. · Vehicle variety: Includes everything: motorcycles, cars, and commercials from all VCC classifications (Veteran, Vintage, Post-Vintage, Post-War, P60, P80). · Goal: Achieve the greatest total distance over 4 hours, with each entrant completing six laps (more if time allows). · Mandatory pit stops for simulated wheel changes and refuelling, handled on simulators (not on actual vehicles) and completed by any team member. · Speed limit: 30 mph (50 km/h) to emphasise smooth, safe driving.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

· Designed as a fun, inclusive, and lowpressure experience. · Tasks are non-strenuous, ensuring accessibility for all participants. · Great for meeting new people and sharing the love for historic motoring.

Your vehicle, your pace, your enjoyment – let’s drive history together!

Beaded Wheels 49

NOTICE OF MEETING The Vintage Car Club Of New Zealand Incorporated National Office: PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Telephone: 03 366 4461

The Annual General Meeting of the Club will be held on Saturday, 9 August 2025 at Ascot Park Hotel, Corner of Tay Street & Racecourse Road, Invercargill, commencing at 9.00am.

Rule 8: ELECTION OF OFFICERS Nominations for the Management Committee must be received in this office by 5pm 14 June 2025 accompanied by a current biography and photograph of the nominee and their association with the Club.

The biography shall contain the name, address and occupation of members nominated for each position.

Not less than 75 clear days before the Annual General Meeting the Management Committee shall cause notice to be given to all members intimating the date for closing nominations for the offices of:

President Club Captain – Northern Region Club Captain – Southern Region Secretary/Treasurer Beaded Wheels Editor Registrar Speed Steward Three Other Members of the Management Committee

nominator and seconder. Only a Member who has served at least one year upon the Executive of the Club shall hold the Office of President. Members shall be eligible for election to the Management Committee if they shall have paid all monies due by them to the Club and have been financial Members of the Club for at least six months prior to nomination.

If the number of candidates for the Management Committee exceeds the number of respective vacancies to be filled, an election shall take place.

Job descriptions are in the Club Procedures Manual. Contact your Branch Secretary or National Office.

and shall invite nominations for such offices to be forwarded in writing to the Secretary/Treasurer to arrive not less than fifty-five clear days before the date appointed for the Annual General Meeting. Every such nomination to be signed by the Member nominated, their

MANAGEMENT C ­ OMMITTEE 2024-2025 PRESENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT HON. SECRETARY/TREASURER

G Kear (vacant)

CLUB CAPTAINS – NORTHERN REGION SOUTHERN REGION

G Clements M Wilkinson

N Beckenham R Sanders K Clarkson

REGISTRAR SPEED STEWARD BEADED WHEELS EDITOR

THREE OTHER MEMBERS OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

A Fox, R George, M Trounson

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

COMMEMORATIVE AWARDS Congratulations to the following members who have recently been awarded their 50 Year Award.

Calvert, Dave Craig, Stuart Bennett, Marie Harrison, Nick Irwin, Ronald Kennedy, Graeme Miller, Brian Pethick, Gerry Surgenor, Doug Westley, Bevan Wilson, Anthony

50 YEAR

Southland Taranaki Ashburton West Coast Southland Taranaki West Coast Southland Taranaki Eastern Bay of Plenty Taranaki

JOHN L GODDARD TROPHY FOR ACHIEVEMENT

Members of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand are invited to nominate a fellow member for this annual award.

The nomination should be for any member who they regard as having been involved in a significant achievement. It may be a particularly significant restoration, a memorable motoring journey or an important historical article or series of articles published in Beaded Wheels or some special service to the Club.

Nominations should be forwarded to: John L Goddard Award, Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE 4 JULY 2025

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

50 Beaded Wheels

BRANCH NEWS

Ashburton: Les & Margaret Nell with 1936 Wolseley 25hp Super Six.

ASHBURTON

TREVOR BEGG

At our New Year’s Day barbecue Les and Margaret Nell gave us a short talk about their 1936 Wolseley 25hp Super Six. There were only 3,386 made between 1935 and 1937. In 2014 there were only 33 remaining in the world, and theirs is one of them.

We held our Annual Rally on 25 January with a good turnout of 50 vehicles.

Members did field tests at the clubrooms before heading south west though Mayfield, over the Rangitata River, to the Woodbury Domain for lunch. Prizes were presented by our patroness Diane Ross.

Grant Cullimore took out the Time Trial and Best Overall trophy in a 1969 Rover P5B coupe. It was great to see Marilyn Galletly on the run with son Paul in the 1935 Chrysler PJ convertible which was

restored by the late Ron Galletly, a 60-year member. They won the Post Vintage class and the People’s Choice. Marilyn’s other son David was in Ron’s Daimler.

On 9 February we held an all vehicle show at the VTNZ Ashburton with 110 cars, trucks, motorcycles, a fire ladder truck, and tractors. VTNZ put on the barbecue and the spinning wheel, with great prizes. Proceeds went to the Ashburton Cancer Society.

Our club night on 13 February was a conducted tour of the new $6 million Ashburton Council and Library building.

s Ashburton: John McKimmie in car doing field tests fitting the right nut on a selection of bolts with Neil Stevens looking on.

s Tools on display Auckland Branch Barn.

AUCKLAND

JOCELYN MCALPINE The motorcycle section had 16 members head south to the Manawatu for the National Motorcycle Rally as well as “the long way home tour” organised by Peter Alderdice. Congratulations to Paul and Jodi Tomlin in their 1925 Harley-Davidson side chair combination, winning first prize – 100 years old this year.

The 52nd Annual Veteran Rally attracted 16 entrants with all routes going west this year. First place on the Short s Ashburton: Marilyn Galletly with sons Paul and David at Annual Rally.

Beaded Wheels 51

s Banks Peninsula: Jim Bennet, Fury Impulse

s Auckland: 52nd Veteran rally - 1905 Cadillac Model B, Doug and Anne Hamilton.

Route were Beverley and David Oliver, with Phil and Caroline Henley taking first place on the Long Route.

Wayne and Carrie Roberts organised February’s monthly run to Maraeti to make the most of the summer weather.

BANKS PENINSULA DON GERRARD We welcome new members Thomas Wedlake, ‘86 Porsche 944 Turbo; Geoff Henry, ‘72 MGB GT; Wayne Collins, ‘89 Mazda MX5. In February we were saddened by the passing of Clynt Inns, a long-time member and avid supporter of our branch. Clynt owned some very special cars including a Vauxhall 30-98, C and E Type Jaguars and Alfa Romeo. He also held the position of Secretary/Treasurer for the national body.

Three major race meetings dominated February starting with Skope at Ruapuna, before racing at Levels, and finally finishing the series at Teratonga in Invercargill. Full story in Rally Snippets.

BAY OF PLENTY

s Bay of Plenty: Donn White Mini Clubman GT. Winner of Best Racing Car Category. TGA Auto Extravaganza 02 March 2025.

Photo Kerry Williamson

s Banks Peninsula: Peter Leversidge.

s Bay of Plenty: 2025 Peter and Robyn Crow and his 1951 MG Y Type. Photo Brian Pratt

KAAREN SMYLIE

Many of our members sadly waved goodbye recently to a former chairman of our branch – Jim Smylie LLB. Jim was very active in our branch affairs and was chairman for nearly five years. He was not only widely known for his involvement with the Vintage Car Club locally, but also on a national level with his Ford Model A and two Ford Model Ts. Jim was multi-talented in that he could repair older vehicles in his workshop and the fact that he was very well read meant that he was a ‘go to person’ for advice on many topics, not just things automotive. He will be missed.

Our first clubnight of the year in February saw Peter and Robyn Crow bring along ‘Rosa’, a beautifully presented 1951

52 Beaded Wheels

s Auckland: Paul and Jodi Tomlin 1925 HarleyDavidson.

s Bay of Plenty: 2023 Jim Smylie and Ford at the Model A Weekend.

s Canterbury: Annual Rally visits Pyramid Valley.

MG Y Type saloon that was rescued from Ireland. The Crows had the car at Ellerslie just the day before and the weather gods cooperated with getting the car to Tauranga for an in-depth presentation before a full house.

We are now into the swing of mid and end of month runs and the summer weather has been kind. We had an excursion and car display to the Copper Crest Retirement Village and a similar event is planned at the Summerset Retirement Village in Papamoa next month. A good batch of enthusiastic members also drove to Waihi to take in the Turntable Hill Railway, and they were not disappointed.

Members have been also attending other high profile vehicle related events locally that seem to be growing in popularity. An ‘Auto Extravaganza’ was recently staged at Classic Flyers adjacent to the Tauranga Airport. Our Chairman Donn White was talked into entering his rare 1973 Mini Clubman GT in the racing car section and his car won first prize.

s Canterbury: Picnic at Pegasus under a threatening sky.

s Central Hawke’s Bay: Chris and Bernard Murphy’s Spitfire winning the blindfold challenge.

s Central Hawke’s Bay: Members playing the game of Kubb at the beach.

CANTERBURY

s Canterbury: Steam theme at this year’s Commercial Rally.

COLIN HEY

The New Year got off to a good start with our annual picnic run to the lake at Pegasus township, co-organised with the local radio-controlled model yacht club. Thirty-five cars, two motorcycles and one steam launch braved the cool and damp conditions at the event, which was well received by the local community. Later in the month the Commercial section held their annual rally, this year visiting the impressive shed of a local steam enthusiast couple, where traction engines, a steam car, truck and boat, plus a veteran De Dion were all on view. All are regularly used

Beaded Wheels 53

s EBOP: Branch vehicles at Opotiki Coastguard Car Show. Photo Clive Wood.

s EBOP: Bevan Westley (on right) receiving his 50 year membership badge, photo Les Costar.

and were beautifully presented. February concluded with our branch annual rally, combining a run inland to Hawarden with a visit to a Pyramid Valley property which over many years has yielded dozens of moa skeletons, many of which are in museums all over the world. Alas, no veteran car remnants have been unearthed yet. At the time of writing, preparations are well in hand for the National South Island Easter Rally. Cutler Park is looking great and some excellent motoring has been planned.

CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

HEATHER CHEER The annual beach run took us to Shoal Beach which was a good run out from Waipawa. The weather was sunny for a good turnout of members as well as visitors from Hawke’s Bay Branch.

Eight cars attended the gymkhana organised by Ian and Eva Gollan at the Elsthorpe Domain in early February.

Once again it was a hot sunny day, and we enjoyed the shade from the huge old trees.

Four different challenges were presented for members to master with a break for lunch after three tests.

CENTRAL OTAGO

s Central Otago: Members fish spotting at Hook.

JOHN GRAY

The Branch year started with the Wednesday Morning Boys in the Shed group having a major clean out of unloved scrap iron in our spares yard. Steel and more valuable metals were all sorted, and collected in mid-January, by a 45-ton truck and trailer unit from Dunedin, resulting in a windfall of funds towards clubroom improvements, which are presently underway.

54 Beaded Wheels

s EBOP: Phil Leaming’s Model A ready for his funeral. Photo Les Costar

s Central Otago: Michael Wyatt’s Maserati Ghibli.

s Central Otago:Michael Wyatt’s collection. Maserati and two AlfaRomeo Giulietta’s.

The January Thursday Muster visited Wayne Campbell’s collection of Ford Zephyrs and other pop art collectables in Alexandra, finishing up at Ken and Sharon Roberts’ motorcycle collection and a very pleasant picnic lunch in their garden.

The February Sunday Run visited Michael Wyatt’s exquisite collection of Italian cars in Queenstown, comprising two Fiat Topolinos nearing completion, a couple of early Alfa-Romeo Giuliettas, a 1965 Lancia Fulvia undergoing full restoration and the jewel of the collection, a 1968 Maserati Ghibli coupe. Michael also owns a

s Gore: The immaculate 1908 Talbot of Stephen Kidd which, due to clutch problems, was unable to compete in the Gore Festival Rally.

1953 Norton 500cc International, which he has owned and ridden since 1968.

The Thursday Muster for February visited Hook, a put and take salmon fishing pond facility and restaurant, at Albert Town, near Wanaka. Three members had a fish, with two taking home salmon for dinner. There was a good turn out of members and their cars, several of which we hadn’t seen for a while.

s Far North carpark chat

EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY

BRUCE SEDDON Our East Coast Rally was held on 1 February and it was combined with our 50th Anniversary celebrations. We matched last year’s healthy turnout of 40 plus cars for a sunny rally around the Whakatane and Rangitaiki Plains area.

Graeme and Raewyn Fenn of BOP Branch in their 1934 Graham Blue Streak won the overall rally honours, while Barry and Tessa Keene took 2nd overall and the Tom Gibbons Trophy for the best placed EBOP entrant. The evening function featured the celebration of this branch’s 50th anniversary and the presentation of a 50-year badge to Bevan Westley and a 35-year badge to Tessa Keene by Neil Beckenham.

Unfortunately, we missed one of our regular long-term attendees (and a past chairman) at the rally - Phil Leaming who passed away two days earlier. Phil was only a matter of hours away from getting his newly repainted 1930 Ford Model A back on the road for the weekend’s rally. The following Friday marked a large gathering of friends and family to honour Phil’s life.

Phil’s son Graham completed the work that was needed to get the Model A on the road and drove his mother Margaret and his sisters at the head of the procession to the funeral. Phil’s knowledge and enthusiastic involvement in all mechanical vintage things will be missed.

Our February mid-month run was arranged around a visit to the Aniwhenua Power Station where we took a tour of the hydro station’s turbine and power generation hall. It was a case of look and learn – not everything we do is about cars.

FAR NORTH

MURRAY CORMACK

The annual Show and Shine at Taipa attracted a good number of vehicles and people, including cars and members from our club.

s Far North’s newest addition, the 1982 Mercedes-Benz.

Beaded Wheels 55

Discussions have started about how we will mark the milestone of 50 years of the branch.

February saw our Northern area Club Captain’s Run starting at the Taipa clubrooms. We travelled into Kaitaia past the A & P show, then continuing south on the newly reopened Mangamuka Gorge.

Carrying on along SH1 we turned off heading for the Puketi Forest, where we parked in a designated area for a bush walk to view a large number of kauri trees.

Many of our members had not done this walk before and were impressed by the height and size of these trees. We drove further on back roads to finally emerge in Kaeo. A short drive to the Whangaroa Game Fishing Club rooms saw the end of a very enjoyable run. It was great to see new members Kevin and Denise Dalbeth from Houhora in a very smart 1982 Mercedes enjoying all sorts of roads on this rally.

New member Paddy Kelly is working enthusiastically on his recently acquired Riley Pathfinder to make it roadworthy.

s Gore: Branch picnic run lunch stop Pounawea Beach.

GORE

BILL SHEDDAN

The first outing for the year was the January Picnic Run organised by Rod Bell. He apologised profusely to us all when we arrived at our scenic lunch stop overlooking the beach at Pounawea. Had he not used Google maps to plan the run he might have bypassed the 10 miles of very dusty road, however it was a great day out enjoyed by all.

The Tuesday Ramble for January was a return visit to Riverton for lunch at the Riverton Lodge Hotel, then it was up to the individual to explore the town’s amenities.

The February Ramble took us to the Niagara Falls Cafe for lunch, then a visit

s Hawke’s Bay: A beautiful Bugatti Type 57S.

to the annual art exhibition at the Waikawa Hall.

Both runs attracted the usual 15-20 cars and the regular attendees who enjoy the effort that the organiser Gerry Kennedy contributes.

The Branch’s big rally for the year is the Festival Rally, this time organised by Katy Parish and attracting 38 cars.

Over half the entries were from surrounding branches, testimony to the wide range of competing events in the district. Cars ranging from a well-rallied 1900 Wolseley to a 1991 Holden Commodore were present. Both the long and the short runs were on meandering all-seal South Otago roads ending at the Heriot Domain where we did the field tests prior to lunch.

Later we assembled at the Gore Branch clubrooms for the prize-giving. The overall winner was Keith Heinaman, Model A and runner-up was Star McDougall, MGA.

s Horowhenua: Best in show deserves a ribbon.

HAWKE’S BAY

s Hawke’s Bay: Art Deco Rally entrants at Hawke’s Bay clubrooms.

56 Beaded Wheels

DIANE FRIIS

February in the Bay is Art Deco Time.

This is when all the finery and furs come out and so do our beautiful vintage and classic cars. This year’s featured marque was Bugatti, and we were privileged to see ten of these stunning cars at HB Branch events and in Napier for the car parade. This included the unveiling of Tom Andrew’s faithful re-creation of the legendary Type 57 Atlantic coupe at Napier’s Masonic Hotel, following which the car was able to be viewed by the public

HOROWHENUA

s Horowhenua: The Strachans take five alongside the 1963 Austin A40 MkII Countryman.

BRUCE JAMIESON

We have had several new members join us in the last few months. But this has been offset by the passing of two long-standing members.

Mike Khull was there when the branch first formed, and was known both locally and far and wide for his expertise in restoring vintage cars. He was heavily involved with the construction and later extension of our club rooms, was a keen

s Manawatu: Motorcycles parked up at the clubrooms on the first day of the 29th National Motorcycle Rally.

s Hawke’s Bay: Keith Margan, Best Dressed Male at the HBVCC.

each day over the weekend. We were also able to meet the wonderful Ivan Dutton and Suzie Pilkington from the Shed Racing You Tube channel, who were visiting from

s Horowhenua: Motorcycle lineup.

the UK. Ivan is well known as a vintage Bugatti expert and racer, and he still builds and restores a wide variety of vehicles.

Other events run by the branch included a Gala Dinner for over 100 guests; a country run to Duart House, an historic homestead with beautiful gardens; the car parade, with almost 200 cars entered this year. Car rides were offered to the public for a gold coin donation (with proceeds to charity); and breakfast at the clubrooms on the Sunday, before everyone departed.

The whole weekend was amazing. After a few sad years with cancellations because of Covid and Cyclone Gabrielle, it was so good to see the city come alive again with large crowds enjoying the weekend. This was the first time my husband and I registered for any events, and we had such a wonderful time. We will definitely do it again.

s Manawatu Branch February Ladies Friendship Group - Inter-branch meeting with women representing Auckland, Horowhenua, Waiarapa, Wanganui and Manawatu Branches. Miss Horowhenua and Miss Manawatu made an appearance!

Beaded Wheels 57

and successful competitor and organiser of rallies, and always had time to give advice to others with their projects. He was awarded the John L. Goddard Trophy, the Vintage Car Club’s highest award, in 2015.

Carl Lutz had been a member of VCC just short of 50 years and died just one day before his 99th birthday. While not a regular visitor to our branch, we recently had a trip to his farm to see his collection of vintage tractors and farm machinery.

He was very well known in the district for his involvement with many groups and charities.

s Marlborough: Some of the bikes on display for Marlborough VCC Heritage Day.

In February the regular Ladies’ Friendship Group became an inter-branch group, with women from Horowhenua, Wanganui, Wairarapa, and one from the Auckland Branch (who joined the group after rallying with the National Motorcycle Rally) meeting to enjoy a picnic lunch and social day at the clubrooms.

The February Sunday Jaunt took members to Fordell to view Bruce Ardell’s

s Marlborough:Car display for Marlborough VCC Heritage Day.

Another of our long-serving members is Peter Nightingale, who was one of the primary instigators of getting the Horowhenua Branch up and running.

He and his wife, Shona, spent decades participating in every aspect of running the branch, and the committee decided to recognise this by naming the main part of the clubroom after them - The Shona and Peter Nightingale Lounge. An afternoon tea was organised, which was very well attended, including members of the Nightingale family and many notable VCC members, some of whom had travelled quite a distance.

Events held this year to encourage members to get their vehicles out of the garage were the parade at the Levin A, P & I Show, the Shannon Car Show and the Ted Green Motorcycle Rally. We had a good turnout for each of these.

MANAWATU

The big event in January was the hosting of the 29th National Motorcycle Rally. 130 entrants with motorcycles ranging from 1913 to 1992 participated in the Saturday motoring, with three routes to choose from. Most entrants competed in the Sunday gymkhana, with many staying on to avail themselves of at least some of the after rally tours to various parts of the Manawatu and neighbouring areas for the remainder of the week. s Nelson: Nelson members at the Hira Hop.

BRYAN ABRAHAM

2025 began with the New Year’s Day picnic, which is organised annually by Len Haycock. This year it was held at Lee’s Reserve, but uncertainty around the weather caused the turnout to be down a little on previous years. s Nelson: Some of the car parking team at the Speedway champs.

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extensive collection of machinery, motorcycles, motor vehicles and other memorabilia, then to Wanganui to look over a private collection of mainly Buicks.

The day ended at the Wanganui Branch clubrooms with a BYO tea.

The branch Veteran Rally followed in mid-February with a run to a couple of members’ properties to view cars and restoration projects, followed by a drive to check out the Ohakea Air Force War Memorial Museum before returning to the clubrooms.

MARLBOROUGH

LINDA LAING

There was a good turnout to the Vines Village Market and a favourable reception for the cars and motorcycles on display.

Our January Noggin and Natter saw about forty members enjoying the comforts of Harris Glade on a beautiful Blenheim afternoon enjoying a scrumptious barbecue.

Our local Heritage Day on 6 February was used as part of the VCC National Veteran Rally 2025 but we still had a good turn out of local cars on display. The public were very impressed with the wonderful display of so many different eras of cars and motorcycles.

The Veteran Rally was attended by around 30 cars and motorcycles and all had a great time. A separate report covers this in more detail.

The Motorcycle section has been out and about with local runs and 10 riders and support crew headed up to Palmerston North for the National Rally.

NELSON

CAROLYN BOLLAND

Nelson Branch members help with car parking at the Nelson Speedway.

Working at the speedway events helps to solidify our connection with our landlord.

This partnership is vital for the sustainability of our branch. By actively participating in events that support their operations, we can enhance our rapport,

s Northland: Summerset Rest Home visit.

s Nelson: David and Sheree Ching’s 1934 Vauxhall ASX at Wai-iti Domain on New Years Day.

s Northland: Great crowds enjoyed the Waipu car show.

leading to potential future collaborations and support. One of the most notable benefits is the fundraising it enables. The fees collected from parking contribute significant revenue towards the running of our branch. So far this speedway season we have completed car parking duties for seven nights.

We welcomed 2025 with several members and their vehicles turning out for a drive and picnic at the Wai-iti Domain on New Year’s Day. Several members attended the traditional A&P Show in Golden Bay in January, showcasing their cars. Those staying at the River Inn for the three nights enjoyed a tour on the Sunday, taking in the Waikorupupu Springs, Collingwood, Rockville Museum and the Bainham store before dropping into galleries at Tukurua on the way home.

The following week saw a group of enthusiasts attend the new Hira Hop held at the Nelson North Club. Both the Murchison Show on 15 February, and the popular Moutere Hop on the same weekend, have given us plenty of reasons for polishing and presenting our wheels.

All testament to our passion for being seen in the community.

NORTHLAND

RAY SANDERS

It is hard to believe that summer is almost over. It is still hot and dry in Northland and it is ideal weather for vintage and classic motoring.

Over the past couple of months the branch has held its annual working bee and participated in several events, including the Waipu car show and various rest home visits. The Dargaville group also led a very

Beaded Wheels 59

s North Shore: Part of the maintenance Team - Owen Sturgess, Julie Croft, Kelvin Hawke.

s North Shore: Gardener Gerald Miller.

interesting trip to a little-known collection near Puhipuhi, where many decades ago silver and mercury was mined. It always amazes me that our members can come up with interesting destinations for club runs.

Many of our members have also participated in events further away such as Americarna and the Britt Euro event in Auckland so often it is challenging to know what to do next.

The club’s parts shed project has moved on to its next phase, with a new concrete

s North Shore: Bill Duffy applies paint.

floor being poured shortly. This will allow all of the many tons of parts to be relocated into the proper shed, thus freeing up the vehicle collection shed. The parts team should be commended for all of the hard work they have put into the project.

The next couple of months see us host our Swap Meet and Motorcycle Rally as well as our annual Gymkhana.

s North Shore: Gardener Ray Urbahn.

NORTH SHORE RICHARD BAMPTON Inclement weather unfortunately impacted the attendance at the Posh Picnic and numbers were down. It was still posh however, with organiser Chris Field’s 1953 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn setting the standard.

With only one event to comment on, there is room to applaud the Branch’s unsung heroes. (The list is endless so apologies to those who may have been missed out)

s

s Rotorua: Rotorua branch’s barbecue run Sunday 23 February 2025. Photos Dave Tomlinson

s Rotorua members study the Shelby Mustang engine.

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Rotorua: Rotorua branch’s barbecue run Sunday 23 February 2025. Photos Dave Tomlinson

s Rotorua: Rotorua lakefront show.

Photo Vanden Plas Owners’ Club secretary, John Vevers

The Clubhouse maintenance team turns out every week whatever the weather to work on any aspect of the house that needs attention. We are proud of our clubrooms and the members – Owen Sturgess, Julie Croft, Kelvin Hawke, Maurice, Brad and Vanessa Witham, Bill Duffy and Tony Sparkes – who maintain it.

The gardeners – Ray Urbahn, Brian Bisset and Gerald Miller who spray weeds, cut hedges, trim

s North Shore: Barbara Stubbs arranging the museum shelves. s Southland: Barry and Carla Barnes’ 1924 Peugeot.

s Southland: 70th Anniversary Southland Rally lunch stop at Riverton Rugby Club.

s Southland: Ray McCulloch 1911 Abingdon King Dick.

trees, mow the grass, and all the other gardening tasks keep our grounds tidy to enhance the Clubhouse.

The developing museum, organised by Barb Stubbs with help from Tony Sparkes and others, exhibits a wide range of automobilia.

Our catering team, who serve up the Famous-in-New-Zealand NS Branch ‘Smoko’ are Mike Garner and Jim Masson.

Our relatively new editor of Progress, Wade Alexander, who produces an excellent magazine each month.

Lastly the committee, ably chaired

by John Higham. They get all the stick, complaints, moans and helpful suggestions, but without them the branch would not function as effectively as it does.

Thank you to all those members who contribute so much. How about a few more of you joining in?

ROTORUA

RONALD MAYES

Our Lakefront Car Show in January started off with showers which were forecast to clear, but the rain persisted and became heavier, with a strong wind off the lake. Only 83 vehicles had arrived and by 11am everyone, including our St John Ambulance Association beneficiaries with their tent and ambulances old and new, had given up and gone home.

But our first meeting this year was well attended for a presentation by FOMC executive Bruce Lewis on the work of the organisation, and his magnificent Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 attracted much attention (and envy.)

A good number of members took part in the annual barbecue run later in February.

After a short but question-filled run the cars filled the front lawn of Nathalie Descat’s home while members enjoyed their barbecue lunch.

SOUTHLAND

CAROL MCGARRY

Our 70th Anniversary Southland Rally had 59 entries including two cars and a motorcycle that had entered the first rally held on 29 May 1955. We were very appreciative of members who now own these vehicles. Doug McLeod drove

South Canterbury: Participants taking part in the Grasskhana at Rosewill Valley

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South Canterbury: Grant Stewart’s 1950 MG and Chris Chambers’ 1929 Austin 7 which was shipped to and from the UK several years back - Chairman’s Run, Rosewill Valley

s South Otago: Robin Benington checking out the car.

his 1922 Sunbeam previously owned by C Bennett; Ray McCulloch rode his 1911 Abingdon King Dick motorcycle that his uncle had entered on the first rally but had not attended on the day. Past Southland branch member Barry Barnes and his wife Carla rushed home from the National

s South Otago: Paul McNabb being presented with Laytham Restoration Trophy by Robin McCall.

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s Taranaki : The winners of the 52nd Waitara Mini Vin Tour Rally, Ron and Margaret Ingram, Hawera with the trophy and their 1929 Dodge Victory Six sedan.

Motorcycle Rally to attend, driving his 1924 Peugeot, previously owned by E Robinson.

Two rally routes took us around Southland with the lunch stop at Riverton.

Entrants could travel directly back to Invercargill, or take a detour to stop off at the Thornbury Vintage Tractor and Implement Club. The overall winner was Bill Ainge from Gore in his 1955 Austin A30. The furthest travelled was Neil McDonald in his 1929 Willys Knight 66B and my family trophy, The Coutts Eunson Rosebowl for Vintage Concours, was presented to Garth Cooper for his 1930 Alvis Silver Eagle.

We continue to welcome new members, Brent Withington who has an ex-New Zealand Army 1942 Willys Jeep, and David and Melanie Richardson, who have a 1923 Nash tourer. Melanie has a long history with the club being the granddaughter

of Jim and Margaret Taylor and Ray and May Eunson. Service awards presented: 35 years to Donald Bradley and Malcolm Hodgkinson and 25 years to Peter Pryde.

SOUTH CANTERBURY

SHANNON STEVENSON In mid-January an afternoon Ladies Run was held, organised by Kevin Manchester and supporters. The run took us into the back blocks of Maungati, where, in inclement weather, a number of rarelytravelled steep gravel back roads were traversed. The afternoon tea stop was at Barry and Wendy Crossman’s property at Claremont, the prize pinny being awarded to Ashley Milliken.

In late January we were saddened to hear about the passing of 60-year badge holder Kelvin Love. Kelvin was a keen supporter of branch activities with his 1938 Nash, which he later donated to the branch

- our thoughts are with his wife Janet and family.

The Chairman’s Rally took place on 16 February, attracting around 20 members’ vehicles for a run to Temuka and Clandeboye. The lunch stop was at Bruce Washington’s property at Rosewill Valley, where a grasskhana event, organised by Kevin Mercer, was taking place – a number of enthusiastic drivers took part in hill and off-road challenges in purpose built cut down vintage vehicles.

Our Open Day was held on 22 February.

Members had 32 vehicles on display and a number of people visited to see what the branch had to offer.

For the March Noggin evening, the guest speaker was Vicki Walker, Aoraki Police District Area Commander.

SOUTH OTAGO

NOELINE MILNE

A popular holiday spot Wilsher Bay, Kaka Point, was the perfect location for the local Community Market Day event in January, where several members took the opportunity to have a day out.

Meeting night saw the McNabb’s beautifully restored 1928 Model A displayed for members to observe before the National Rally in Masterton. Paul explained the car

would travel there on a transporter. We all agreed that this vehicle is well deserving of the Laytham Trophy for Progress in Restoration which Chairman Robin then presented to Paul. Well done on this achievement and we wish you enjoyment in your motoring days ahead.

On the February Wednesday run we were joined by some members of the Lovells Flat Women’s Institute, meeting in Kaitangata then travelling along Bush Road to view the restored homestead and extensive gardens of Chris Hight and Julie Maroney which overlook the Matau branch of the Clutha River. Our group of vintage and modern vehicles parked beside the various sheds which housed many preloved vehicles and an assortment of quirky wee surprises to be found, as we wandered at leisure round the paths or to view the pond, water wheel, ducks and dahlia beds. Mine Creek is the name they have chosen for the property and, being coal country, this is very appropriate. A now disused mine is located just up the hill behind them. The gardens were a picture on the beautiful sunny afternoon. Chris and Julie were presented with some native plants to add to their garden.

TARANAKI

COLIN JOHNSTON

The annual Waitara Mini Vin Tour Rally was held in February in brilliant sunshine with an excellent entry of 31 vehicles taking part. This is the 52nd year of this rally and always proves a popular family outing, which starts with a meet and greet, and finishes at the host’s residence in Waitara.

The rally took entrants around Waitara, then out into the countryside for questions to be answered and average speed to keep to. There is a trophy to compete for, and if you inspect the honours board that hangs in the clubrooms with past winners’ names on it is amazing record to remember them and their vehicles that have taken part over the past 52 years. Some of those winners were competing again this year. This year’s winners were Ron and Margret Ingram in their 1929 Dodge.

Our Branch has now been able to make a contribution to the Rally for Cancer by holding our own motor show in Hawera in February. The Branch resolved to hold the show in February when the Taranaki weather is more settled, rather than August. This proved the right decision as we had 160 vehicles take part raising $2,100 for the Cancer Society.

Members were invited to take part in the Celebration of 150 years, 1875 – 2025,

s Taranaki: The Armstrong- Siddeley motorcars of Robert and Helen Stenning (left) and Brian and Julie Evans.

s Taranaki: Entrants vehicles in the 52nd Waitara Mini Vin Tour are Nigel and Michelle Fraser’s 1931 Chevrolet truck, George and Sharron Jupp’s 1928 Studebaker straight 8 and Danny and Sharron Hurleys’ 1937 Chevrolet coupe.

s Waikato: Sue & Reece Burnett, 1928 Delage.

Beaded Wheels 63

s Waikato: Type Black!

attending. It’s funny that some members love gymkhanas, and others can’t see the point. I think they’re a great way to spend an afternoon. What we put our car through to win a chocolate fish eh?

s Waikato: Dave Nordell entrusted with a loan Bugatti.

of the town of Inglewood. Our cars have previously been involved in parades over the decades.

TAUPO

GREG NATTRASS

January and a quiet start to the year with a few members heading to Rotorua to the annual car display hosted by the Rotorua Branch, held on the lake front. This being a wet day put a lot of members off.

In February each year we hold a pot luck barbecue to get the year underway and have a catch up. Our outing was a car show and shine held at a local facility, The Landing. This has a large carpark and is a well patronised facility, so was the ideal location.

Our branch is gearing up for our Country Roads Rally to be held on 15 March.

WAIKATO

HUGH MCINALLY

What a summer of fine motoring we have had so far. The branch has had no major events since Christmas, but they are looming. The North Island Easter Rally planning is well under way. All the rally instructions have been plotted for each class. The only thing needed to make all the effort worth it is a good turnout of entrants which are slowly dribbling in. Put the event on your motoring calendar.

The club held its annual gymkhana on the paddock next to the club on 19 January.

A good turnout with approximately 18 cars 64 Beaded Wheels

s Taupo: Open day held at the Landing.

s Waimate: Max Cutler out for a comfy cruise in his Wolseley 1300.

s Waimate: Brett O’Rourke at the finish line in his Brush on the Waimate Wallaby run.

s Wanganui: Bruce Ardell with his favourite car. 1928 Chevrolet which he has drivens since he was 16 years old.

s Waimate: Some of the cars waiting for start on the annual Wallaby.

A few members of the club migrated to Napier for Art Deco Weekend. This year’s featured marque was Bugatti, with the major attraction being Tom Andrews’ (Waikato Branch member) magnificent Type 57S Atlantic coupe. The car took pride of place on display at the Masonic Hotel. Another Bugatti driven

by Dave Nordell (on loan) was a lovely ex-Turnbull 1934 Type 57 example.

Long standing club members Sue and Reece Burnett drove their faultless 1928 Delage all the way from Hamilton to Napier without getting a stone chip. A grand effort.

Think North Island Easter Rally. A great way to spend Easter.

WAIMATE MAUREEN CHAMBERLAIN Waimate monthly runs are going well, with a run on the last Wednesday of the month.

We held a Kickstart Motorbike Rally in January organised by Peter Bland.

The Wallaby Rally came with a beautiful summer day. Branch Chairman Owen Duthie welcomed drivers and passengers for a catchup before the briefing. Off we

s Wanganui: The Bullocks’ 1928 Ford Model A, gymkhana winner.

went with a short mystery run of 40km (no shingle) and an 80km mystery run for the keener drivers. All cars made it to the check points safely and a picnic lunch in the sun/ shade at our beautiful Knottingley Park just outside Waimate. Drivers came from Mosgiel to Ashburton. The youngest driver was Max Cutler (18yrs) on his first car run in his Wolseley 1300, travelling from Ashburton to attend. The day ended with the prize giving back at the club rooms. A very pleasant day with three motorbikes, one scooter and 34 cars.

We are thinking of having the parts shed open for a half day once a week, making it more accessible.

In the next several weeks we are looking forward to sprucing up our rooms.

s Wanganui: John and Wendy Bullock, gymkhana winners.

Beaded Wheels 65

WANGANUI

IAN HIGGINS

The first Club Night for the year was, as is our tradition, a club picnic and a few days later we held one of our major rallies of the year, the Burma, which is covered in Rally Snippets.

The following day Wanganui’s main street of Victoria Avenue was closed to enable all types of vehicles (from a 1908 Holsman to modern muscle cars, race cars, motorcycles, military, and 4x4s) to park in the closed-off area for people to view. Roadside stalls were dotted along the pavement. The avenue was bulging with people and vehicles. Many people were dressed up for the occasion in period clothing, adding to the carnival atmosphere. At 3.30 pm, vehicles began dispersing, with many going to Mega Mitre 10 car park where a classic cruise was about to commence. This cruise around the rest homes in Wanganui is to raise funds for the local branch of the Cancer Society by way of each vehicle donating $15 to participate.

The cruise finished at a local bar/restaurant where prizes donated by Mitre 10 were distributed by pulling the numbers given to entrants out of a hat.

On Anniversary Monday, branch stalwarts Bruce and Jennifer Ardell organised a run ending at their well-known business, Mechanical Restorations Vintage and Classic Spares, together with their Vehicle and Machinery Museum. What a jewel, and a real credit to the Ardells.

A gymkhana was held at branch members Craig and Wendy Ryland’s property recently. John Bullock, with wife Wendy navigating, was declared the winner in a 1928 Ford Model A.

WELLINGTON

JOHN STOKES

Remember Avalon? Built as a state-ofthe-art television centre, Avalon opened in 1975 to make television programmes such as Close to Home and Gliding On, and to broadcast nationally the news, current affairs programmes and special events such as Telethon and the talent quest Studio One. Signals came in to Avalon from outside broadcast units and from overseas; and they went out again to a television set near you. Network Television, it was called, and everyone was watching.

The February club night saw around 30 members return to Avalon to see what is happening there now. We can report that signals still come in and go out. Operated by the state-owned enterprise telecommunications and media business Kordia.

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s Wellington: Around 30 Wellington members visited Avalon.

s Wellington: Parliament Television broadcast studio, Avalon.

Kordia is New Zealand’s major provider of television and radio broadcast facilities, providing services for all the major networks that we have on free-to-air tv and radio. Most interesting was Parliament TV, where the signal is beamed in to Avalon from the many cameras in the debating chamber, sent off to Australia to have captioning added by stenographers (ie the spoken words printed, just like Hansard), beamed back to Avalon then broadcast – all in the space of less than five seconds.

Also operating from Avalon is the Maritime Operations Centre, which of course relies heavily on telecommunications. Mayday calls and EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) signals come into this centre from the Navigation Area 14 – a mere 30 million square kilometres of sea and ocean which New Zealand has responsibility for monitoring. This is where warnings of navigation threats such as icebergs, tsunamis or floating hazards are broadcast from.

Yet another fascinating social event for Wellington Branch members, proving that club membership is about much more than just old cars.

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.

Bennett, Marie Hesson, Peter Inns, Clynt Johnson, David Kenny, Dennis Khull, Mike Kingsland, Avis Leaming, Phil Love, Kelvin Partel, Bill Ruthven, Murray Scarrott, John Smylie, Jim Thompson, Darryl Wells, Barry Williams, Paddy

Ashburton Otago Canterbury South Canterbury Rotorua Horowhenua Ashburton Bay of Plenty South Canterbury Otago Otago North Otago Bay of Plenty Wanganui Wairarapa Otago

COME AND JOIN US WHATEVER YOUR WHEELS

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

Vehicles, motorcycles or trucks from 1895 to 1995 are club eligible.

Or just join us and grab a ride with another member. visit www.vcc.org.nz and get motoring with us today.

Photo Graham Bailey

Are you looking for an excuse to get your car out of the garage – we have 36 active branches around New Zealand. Our events range from weekly runs and coffee get togethers, to hill climbs, speed events and touring. For the more intrepid, our infamous off-road adventures are the stuff of legends.