Beaded Wheels 394 June/July 2025

CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 79 YEARS

9 418979 000012

No. 394 June/July 2025

DRIVING OUR HISTORY REPORTS FROM CAR AND BIKE ENTHUSIASTS AROUND NEW ZEALAND — OUT DOING WHAT THEY LOVE BEHIND THE WHEEL 1927 MODEL DM1 DELAGE

New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95

MARKETPLACE VEHICLES FOR SALE INCLUDING VW COMBI DRIVING OUR HISTORY

This photograph captures George Windross (1868–1939) and his wife Kate (1874–1963) with their newly acquired Studebaker Light Six, taken in 1925 outside their home at 14 Bowling Avenue, Epsom, Auckland. Also pictured is their daughter, Winifred, sister to George Stuart Windross.

Of particular note is that just a year later, George and Kate decided to return to England, prompting the sale of their home, possessions, and the Studebaker. An auction notice (right) was placed by George Walker and Sons, listing their household contents and the nearly new car. George and Kate had emigrated to New Zealand in 1921 with their children, Winifred (born 1897) and George Stuart (born 1899). George

had recently retired as a merchant, while Stuart had served in the Machine Gun Corps during WWI. Interestingly, their time back in England was brief. Within a year, they re-emigrated to New Zealand—possibly encouraged by Stuart’s engagement to Madge Reyburn of Whangārei and the anticipation of grandchildren. Supplied to Beaded Wheels by great grandson Stuart Windross.

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 the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (inc.).

To find out more about the club visit www.vcc.org.nz or contact your nearest branch.

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

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 11 Ridgemount Terrace, Welcome Bay, Tauranga 3112 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

CAST IRON WELDING Powder Spray Process, Cylinder Heads, Manifolds, Cooling Fins, Castings, Mechanical Repairs & Rebuilds Thomas Rowe Motoring Engineer ltd 6 RD Palmerston North

PHONE

06 324 8707

ENGLISH AMERICAN CONTINENTAL AUSTRALIAN JAPANESE

Stockists of new AUTOMOTIVE PARTS CAR, TRUCK & TRACTOR 1912–1997 (85 year span)

Kingpin sets Suspension parts Spark plugs Engine bearings Master cylinders & kits Rear axles Clutch covers Brake & clutch cables Valves, springs, guides Timing gears & chains

Engine gaskets Steering joints Electrical fittings Shock absorbers Shackles (pins & bushes) Water pumps & kits Carburettors Pistons Speedo cables Lenses

Gearbox gears Crownwheel & pinions Wiper motors (vac) Wheel cylinders & kits Ring gears & pinions Clutch plates Fuel pumps & kits Steering box parts Ignition parts Engine mounts

MECHANICAL RESTORATIONS VINTAGE & CLASSIC SPARES (1980) RD 7 • Fordell • Wanganui • Phone/Fax 06 342 7713

 



  

½



–        

  



CONTENTS Issue 394 June/July 2025

FEATURES 10 12 12

A French Connection

20

18 20

A Love Story on Wheels

Marketplace

40

Highland Fling

22

Andrew Berry’s 1936 Chevrolet coupe Behind The Wheel – A French Connection Trevor Kempton gets to grips with the beast that is Brian Walker’s 1927 Model DM1 Delage.

Revving up the conversation, A behind–the–scenes WoF night at VTNZ A Love Story on Wheels Saving the Whale Peter Cooper goes in to bat for an endangered species

26 31

Rally Snippets 31

Jim Toohey Memorial Rally 2025 –

32

Scenicland Rally – 15 Rivers – West Coast Branch

33

Otago Back Road Adventure – Otago Branch

34

National North Island Easter Rally – Waikato Branch

36

Highland Fling – Manawatu Branch

38

60th Maunga Moana Rally Celebration

George Begg Festival

Canterbury Branch

– Taranaki Branch

36 COVER

COLUMNS 5

From the Editor

48

Trade Directory

6

VCC Branch Events

49

President’s Message

7

Mailbag

50

National Office News

9

Timelines

51

Festival Update

39

Archivist News

52

Branch News

40

Marketplace

66

Passing Lane

46

Swap Meets & Rallies

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated

Far North Beach Picnic with Rosco Pennell and his Citroën.

Read more in our Branch News section starting on page 52.

Photo: Murray Cormack

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.

PHOTO JOHN MCDONALD

FROM THE

EDITOR During the South Island Easter Rally I was able to look over some superbly restored vehicles.

It appears that some had been recently completed, and some were older restorations but, even so, still looked very impressive.

Each restoration tells a tale, and the back story can be fascinating and intriguing. Tales of bits going missing, lost or even stolen or just misplaced. There can be many differences in the methods restorers use during the restoration. Many years ago, about 45, I recall standing in a space not much bigger than a single car garage under the house I was visiting. The detritus of past restorations surrounded me. There were tools, old parts and used consumables all over the dirt floor, much of which

Beaded Wheels Publisher

The Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXXVI No. 394

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

by the way, could not actually be seen because of the stuff all over it. There was a workbench with only enough space left to enable the resident to work on the current activity that would take the restoration to the next stage. There was evidence that spray painting had taken place within the confines of the garage and it seemed that all cleaning operations also took place within. There was rudimentary engineering machinery available, a small bench drill and a small, well worn, lathe. There seemed to be no order, and it was hard to imagine how good restorations could spring from such beginnings.

Like the Phoenix from the ashes, from this garage came a

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

Advertising Enquiries

Classified and Display Advertising to: Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140.

Phone 64 3 332 3531 Rate schedule available on request.

Back Issues Available on request to admin@vcc.org.nz

steady stream of restorations of such quality as I had only rarely seen in those days. Those restorations were superb in all respects. The mechanicals were as new (sometimes better!), the colours were right, the period accessories were appropriate, and the vehicles always went extremely well and never broke down as far as I recall. When I asked the restorer how he was able to ensure such quality of restoration I was given a simple piece of advice. The trick, he said, is to take each part of the vehicle one bit at a time and work on that part and restore it to absolutely the best condition that you can. I have also seen similar top quality restorations issue forth from workshops where everything has its place

and the floor is swept and there seems to be organised processes at work. While, in my view, that is the ideal, I am sure there are many restorations that are carried out in workshops that could be described as being between these two extremes.

Whatever the work style though, I am sure that the level of satisfaction on completing a good restoration would be the same. What I am leading up to here is to thank those of you who have sent restoration articles in to us and to ask that you continue to put pen to paper and record for history all of the triumphs and tribulations of your hard work.

Subscriptions

Copyright Information

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%

The contents are copyright. Articles may be reproduced complete or in part provided that acknowledgement is made to “Beaded Wheels, the magazine of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated” as the source. Reproduction of articles must be at least 12 months after original Beaded Wheels publication date. Beaded Wheels reserves the right to digitally store all published material for archival purposes.

CLOSING DATES FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

Editorial Copy 25 June 2025 • Advertisements 09 July 2025

Beaded Wheels 5

VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

Taranaki: Dave and Joycelyn Crompton, left, in their 1962 Citroën ID19 on their way to winning first place overall in the 60th Maunga Moana Rally.

JUNE

1 South Canterbury 1 Wanganui 4 Hawke’s Bay 4 South Otago 8 Auckland

29 Bay of Plenty

All British Day Annual Rally Midweek Run Wednesday Run Pink Ribbon Posh Afternoon Tea 8 Canterbury Restoration of the year 8 Marlborough Shiny Parts Auction 11 Bay of Plenty Mid Month Run 12 South Canterbury Midweek Run 15 Nelson Club Run to Cable Bay 15 Canterbury OCBC* 15 Central Hawke’s Bay Lady Drivers Fun Run 15 Hawke’s Bay Sunday Run 15 North Shore Club Event 15 Waikato Club run 18 Waikato Wednesday Wander 19 Auckland Mid-Week Tourer’s Run 21 E Bay of Plenty Night Owl Run 21 Manawatu Night Trial 21 South Canterbury Night Run 21 Wairarapa Winter Wander 22 Ashburton Solstice Run 22 North Shore Club Run to Navy Museum 24 Waikato Leg Over Motorcycle Run 26 Ashburton Midweek Run 26 Central Otago Thursday Muster 26 Otago Midweek midwinter Lunch Run 28 Far North Molloy Trophy 29 Auckland Club Run

End of Month Run

JULY

5 Gore

Annual Dinner & Prizegiving 5–6 Wellsford/WarkworthWinter Woollies Rally 6 Banks Peninsula Balcairn Trials 6 Waikato Motorcycle Run 12 Nelson Snow Run 13 Central Otago Weekend Run 13 Horowhenua Day Night Owl Rally 19 Otago Annual Dinner & Prizegiving 20 Canterbury OCBC* followed by Winter Run & High Tea 20 Central Hawke’s Bay Back Roads Run 20 Wanganui Sunday Run 20 Waikato Club Run 23 Ashburton Annual Dinner 24 Ashburton Midweek Run 26-27 Waitemata R’Oil Can 27 Auckland Club Run 29 Waikato Leg Over Motorcycles Run 30 North Shore Classic Movie Night 31 Central Otago Thursday Muster 31 Otago Midweek Lunch Run

AUGUST

2 South Canterbury 3 South Canterbury 10 August 17 Central Otago 17 Canterbury

Rosewill Trials Trials Young Driver Day Hadstock Field Trials Weekend Run OCBC*

21 Ashburton 24 National 28 Central Otago 28 Otago

Quizco with South Canterbury Branch Rally for Cancer Thursday Muster Midweek lunch Run

SEPTEMBER

6 Central Hawke’s Bay Vintage Run 7 Ashburton Opening run (with South Canterbury Branch) 7 Canterbury Women & Young Drivers 12-14 Nelson Biennial Rally in Reefton 14 Central Otago Weekend Run 14 Otago PV/PW/P60 Run 21 Canterbury OCBC* 21–22 Manawatu Vintage Rally

NATIONAL EVENTS

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.

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.

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 contributors 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

Our lucky winners of the Beaded Wheels caps for this issue are Elisabeth Smits and Trevor Kempton

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.

over past rallies, which got me thinking of a photo that was tucked away among my parents’ old photos. It was always described as a picture of my dad Keith Newbery and his brother Harry having a cup of tea stopped on the Kahutara River bridge, just south of Kaikōura.

On a recent closer inspection of the photo however I noticed that it was not a cup of tea that they were having at all, and it was not a thermos on the running board but a half G, and we can be pretty sure that it wasn’t full of tea.

CHALLENGING NZTA

The wonderful article on page 15 of Beaded Wheels, (April/ May, issue 393) by Greg Price, has prompted me to write, (plus the fact that I married in 1962 into a family of Austin lovers, albeit of the English marque).

The pertinent paragraph on page 18 though, replicates an almost identical dilemma I have had trying to rectify an anomaly that occurred when our one of a kind vehicle was imported into New Zealand in 1995 by the first owner. Somehow, although it’s not hard to guess how, the vehicle, a 1949 Willys-Overland Jeepster, the only one currently registered in this country, was recorded in 1995 by NZTA, as a 1949 WILLYS JEEP OVERLAND. My wife and I, together with our extended family, are passionate Jeep owners, with 11 currently, two of which are Jeep Grand Cherokee Overlands, so I can see how the poor boffins at NZTA have become bewildered.

This irked us somewhat, so I resolved to have the Jeepster’s

designation changed to what the data plate says it is. So, after a 20 year ground up restoration, with the Rego on hold, I undertook to rectify the anomaly. Oh no, says NZTA there is no such vehicle as an OVERLAND these days and the best we can do is re-record it as a Willys Jeepster (model VJ3-6). My commiserations to Kelvin Finlay, I’m sure we are but two of many. Willys-Overland Motors (pronounced Will-iss) was formed by John North Willys in 1908 and traded for some 45 years, until it was taken over by the Kaiser Corporation in 1953 and the name Overland was dropped. John North Willys is purported to have said: “I don’t really care how you pronounce my surname, just so long as you buy my cars”.

This was during the 1965 International rally in Dad’s 1923 Ansaldo 4C. The photo was taken by the third member of the team, another uncle, Reg Shields.

They were different times.

My father did get to drive the Ansaldo in the 1972 international rally, with mum Esmay in the front and my brother Lionel and I as kids bouncing around in the back.

Mum and Dad then did the 1996 International. This was the last big drive for dad in the Ansaldo.

The Ansaldo however is still going strong and now I am about to register it for the 2026 rally.

Member, Auckland

PACKING FOR NELSON

David Newbery Member, Otago

With another international rally coming up I guess this has started all the reminiscing

s Keith and Harry Newbery enjoying a teabreak on the road, 1965.

Mike Bryan, Nelson

Sadly all three members of this rally–dedicated team have all pulled over into the passing lane several years ago.

So the big question is, shall I pack a half G’?

John Campbell Snr.

anyway. The Nelson Branch has members living in both Nelson City and Richmond, Tasman, so we usually try to support both Christmas Parades with a variety of vehicles. In 2024 we didn’t because the organizers for both Councils told us we needed a ‘wheel walker’ for each wheel on each of our vehicles!

Ten vehicles would have been 40 walkers (some on sticks, frames and mobility scooters, likely). How ridiculous was this!

When we questioned it we were told it was the H and S rules for parades.... so we cancelled our participation and another colourful and exciting part of the parades was lost. I would be interested in hearing if any other branches have experienced this bureaucracy gone mad.

CHRISTMAS PARADES

It was great to see reports and photos of many of our branches supporting Christmas Parades in our rural towns last season.

But where were the safety wheel walkers beside our vehicles in all these parades? I don’t think I saw one! True, they are probably not necessary anyway — after all, parade vehicles are travelling at less than 5kph and there should be plenty of responsible adults supervising the children

s This impressive Austin featured in Greg Price’s article in Beaded Wheels 393.

HIGHWAY KING

Reference Beaded Wheels 393 article on the Austin Highway King. Greg Price gives a very good coverage of this rare motoring specimen. (I will forgive the inane reference to whitewall tyres this time.) I admit to already being aware of this Austin Motor Co from Grand Rapids, Mich, largely through original ads in Floyd Clymer’s Scrapbooks and also Nick Georgano’s Complete Encyclopaedia Of Motor Cars. Of course there’s not a lot of detail in these publications, but Greg’s information fleshes it all out a lot more.

According to Georgano, there were about 1,000 cars built altogether. However, Greg’s estimate of about 250 of all types is probably more accurate. Whether it was 250

Beaded Wheels 7

Unfortunately, we have lost the use of the facility at Hira and although alternative venues are being investigated nothing will be available for this year.

With the passing last year of stalwart Gordon Dacombe and the involvement of others in staging the VERO RALLY in March, we have not found a new organizing team. It is likely there will be no Nelson trials in 2026 either, let’s hope they can be revived for 2027.

Mike Bryan, Nelson

CORRECT CAPTION

or 1,000, the mere fact that any examples at all have survived is remarkable. The fact that five are still in existence is incredible considering the last of them are well over 100 years old, plus the fact that even that long ago Americans scrapped cars in large numbers. Many of them would still have plenty more miles left but were rapidly being out-dated by more modern technology.

Although, having made that statement, that V12 Austin motor would hardly be classed as old technology then. In fact it was probably the other way round, too far advanced for the time, and coming from a small but high quality company.

This would have been an obscure option to prospective purchasers who, if they wanted a V12 equipped car, would in all likelihood opt for Packard’s Twin Six. Packard being a much bigger name and company, with a much larger advertising budget, plus representation throughout the USA. It is doubly good that one of those five remaining Grand Rapids Austins now resides here in New Zealand...may it continue to do so permanently.

Again, a thoroughly interesting article. Many thanks.

Neil Lucas

8 Beaded Wheels

MYSTERY CAR

These two images by photographer D A Walker, with the reference “Bluebird” on the back, have come to light as a result of research into the history of the Waco QDC ZK-ACV in the background at Taieri aerodrome, Mosgiel. Produced by the Waco Aircraft Company of Troy, Ohio, from 1931, the QDC was the first in a line of 4–5 seat cabin biplanes powered by a range of radial engines. Three of these were imported by aero clubs for commercial operations and impressed into RNZAF service during WWII. ZK-ACV was delivered to the Wellington Aero Club on 19 April 1932 and sold to the Otago Aero Club at Taieri in November 1933. It stayed in the Otago region, having been sold to Rodolph Wigley’s Queenstown and Mount Cook Airways in June 1938, until entering service with the RNZAF Communications Flight back at Rongotai in April 1940. It was scrapped during 1941 with most of the parts being dumped into the sea.

But what about the car, so far unidentified? The bodywork design resembles no known product of any recognised coachbuilder, yet the shape, finish and panel fit, long before the days of fibreglass, look far better than the average

backyard special builder could achieve. The panniers with their bottom-hinged doors within the wheelbase are an intriguing feature, and the single access door is on the passenger side.

From what can be seen of the dashboard, it has a comprehensive array of instruments and controls, and the rear body shape and mudguards are reminiscent of the postwar Allards. As well as a vintage type Motometer, the radiator cap sports what appears to be a small propeller and dummy radial engine, suggesting the owner has some sort of aviation connection.

One suggestion is that it’s a Voisin, at least one example came to New Zealand in the 1930s, but the radiator shape is nothing like the normal Voisin which is much more along the lines of a Bentley.

Thank you Cathy and Glyn Clements for a wonderful National Motorcycle Rally, and for the article in BW393.

However the picture of three motorcycles on page 25 is not of Trevor Barnes, who has a yellow helmet. Well spotted as a Honda 400/4 though. The other CB400 entry was Colin Grant, so presumably the photo was of this even more handsome gentleman.

Re travelling on gravel roads, I was one who finished up going straight on at Valley Road (missing sign). When a fellow rider said “follow me” I did so, to find the gravel but we continued on to come back on course after the checkpoint. A good road and a good ride though. So there were Brad Govan, myself and one other who proceeded on gravel.

Trevor Barnes

CAPTION DETAIL

Risking being labelled pedantic, I would like to offer a correction to the caption in Beaded Wheels 392 page 16, “Jumbo Goddard at Mt Cook in Vauxhall 30-98”.

So what is, or was, Bluebird?

Suggestions, positive identifications and other comments would be appreciated.

The 30-98 was not being driven

by Jumbo as he was in his three litre Bentley and had lent his Vauxhall to friends, maybe the Kiel family.

John King, Member Waitemata Branch jdking.bhaven@gmail.com

The driver subsequently hit a bank south of Franz Josef after losing control on the gravel road, severely damaging the right hand side; end of rally for them.

NO HAPPY VALLEY

There will be no Happy Valley Trials staged by Nelson Branch this year.

As an aside, Jumbo had a look at our engine at Mt Cook, noting

Packard 326 roadster, with actress Leatrice Joy.

the copious amount of oil around the engine, then inviting me to see how oil-tight his engine was.

to pre-register but book your accommodation early as beds are filling fast.

I was told the secret was Dow Corning 732 RTV silicone sealant and after explaining I’d never heard of it in New Zealand, he promised to send a tube on his return to Oz. It duly arrived and was viewed with much interest by the local vintageants.

Another date for Murchison is October 4, 2025. 10am–2pm, Bring your old vehicle along.

Huge car display at the Rec Park, gold coin entry, raising funds for the NBS Helicopter.

No registration required, roll up on the day.

The remainder of the ‘72 rally was an unforgettable experience, enjoying many great moments in the company of Jumbo. The Internationals since have paled in comparison.

Mike Bryan, Nelson

Alastair Jones, BOP

MODEL T DELIGHT

I bow to John Stokes’ superior knowledge of the possible date of the Wanganui hoons photograph on page two of the FebruaryMarch issue. My estimate of “late 1920s” was pure guess work.

Checking our records I found that my uncle Jim, the rear seat passenger, was married in 1928, so hoonery would have been “outlawed” by then. The WC79 number plate indicates 1925 or earlier, which is therefore likely, unless the car’s registration was not kept up to date. From the photograph, can anyone suggest a likely date of manufacture of the car?.

Ronald Mayes, Member, Rotorua Branch

ANOTHER REASON TO GO TO VERO FESTIVAL OF MOTORING

For those planning to attend the VERO rally in Nelson in March 2026, there will be an added bonus for those with time to delay their returns home. Two weeks later, at Easter 2026, the Murchison area will be holding its 150th Anniversary celebrations and there will be lots of exciting activities staged from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 April, 2026. An historic parade, including many veteran, vintage and special interest vehicles will be staged on the Saturday afternoon, followed by a huge park up of vehicles at the Recreation Park. You will be most welcome. Sunday includes, fun, family activities, historical reenactments, stalls and a market day. No need

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

At the risk of dominating mailbag, a couple already sent, I must write again to give a counter point to Stuart Neill’s viewpoint on our club tagline. I have discussed my point with him more than once previously, in person, in fact on occasion I’ve stayed with him in Dunedin on a rally, but I feel he continues to miss the point when he wants to change our tagline to Driving our Motoring History’. My bit... for what it’s worth!

At the risk of upsetting my old friend of nearly 50 years, Stuart Neil, I have to disagree with his take on our byline in issue 393.

History is all around us and it is the foundations on which we build our future. New Zealand has a much more recent history than say Europe, but we still have a wealth to appreciate. Many of our more popular VCC outings incorporate places of historical significance, churches, colonial buildings, old homesteads, museums and maraes where we meet interesting local historians and hear and view the history of the area. Pioneer costuming, photos and stories all help to bring history alive for us.

When we visit in our old cars, we place them back where they once were, in the environment they were designed for. We are able to appreciate our old wheels in an historical setting as well as showing our young ones the way we were. In ‘Driving our History’ we are not just driving our old wheels but we are helping to make their wider history better appreciated and understood by all. Driving our History is what we should be continuing to support.

TIME LINES 1905

120 YEARS AGO

VETERAN VEHICLES

Charles Rolls showed that he was a man of speed as well as ushering in the world’s best car. Trialing a Swiss 100hp, four-cylinder 15,685cc Dufaux for a place in the 1905 Gordon Bennett race proved a fruitless exercise. Sadly the monstrous Dufaux didn’t survive the trials. So Rolls drove a Wolseley into ninth place behind three Richard-Brasiers, two Fiats, and three Mercedes. “The right man in the right place”, quoted a puzzingly cheerful reporter, “as Rolls has more racing experience than any other competitor”.

1925

100 YEARS AGO

1950

75 YEARS AGO

1975

50 YEARS AGO

1995

30 YEARS AGO

VINTAGE VEHICLES

After driving a Packard single-six a prominent British MP, described it as docile as an angel, but goes like the very devil.

It’s uncannily silent, a miser on petrol, steering is no heavier than a wisp of cigarette smoke and climbs like a mountain chamois. In short it does most things better than you’d think possible. And all for under £900. As the advertising said – “Packard owners never have to apologise for their cars. They know that only Packard can build a Packard – the most imitated car in the world today.”

PW VEHICLES

T J Donaldson of Wellington was extolling the 37.5mpg economy, halved maintenance costs and ability of his fleet of twin cylinder 8hp Bradfords to survive a lot of hard work on Wellington’s hills. Customers could buy their Bradfords from Jowett Motors NZ, Auckland, or Archibalds Garage, Christchurch.

P60 VEHICLES

British Leyland had just gone bankrupt. Too many factories, too many workers, too few cars, too many models but still they added to the list and luckily for us one was the sparkling 16 valve, 2.0 litre, 127bhp, 190km/h Triumph Dolomite Sprint.

True, they’d used the long tail 1300/1500 bodyshell, but to the uninitiated it looked like mother-in-law’s Toledo shopping basket and therein lay the fun.

P80 VEHICLES

The new Holden Astra was touted as the car with environmental strengths due to employing a catalytic converter, featuring German expertise, to clean the exhaust emissions.

A car with attitude, the advertisement continued, using environmentally friendly synthetics, no asbestos, and a reduction in noise pollution. Yours for $25,995.

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

Mike Bryan, Nelson

Beaded Wheels 9

ANDREW BERRY’S

1936 CHEVROLET COUPE Words and photos Andrew Berry

This story started out immediately after WWII in Temuka, South Canterbury.

My maternal grandparents, Robert Charles (Bobby) and Gertrude Walker, bought an ex-state house in Maude Street, Temuka. My mother was born there in early 1946.

It remained their family home until Bobby died in 1984 and Nana Gert in 1996.

Bobby had an interest in all sorts of vehicles including a Vauxhall Velox and an Indian motorcycle. But best of all was a 1936 Chevy coupe in Regatta Red. The local kids called it the Red Terror but Bobby called it Scarlett. In July 1957 Bobby sold the ‘36 coupe and it passed from family ownership. On the day it was sold, Bobby had two photos taken of it in front of their

10 Beaded Wheels

family home … one with him standing next to the car and the other with Nana Gert in the driver’s seat.

I have a love of cars, just like my grandfather. I drag race a 1965 Chevy Nova at Meremere and have a 2017 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack as well. During the first Covid lockdown in 2020, we came across the 1957 photos of the car in Maude Street. I had them colourised by the experts at the New Zealand Police Museum. The car looks magnificent.

To honour my grandfather and keep that legacy alive I decided to find and restore a 1936 Chevy coupe. Bobby’s original car appears to have disappeared long ago and many readers will know that there aren’t many 1936 Chevy coupes just lying around.

After nearly two years of looking, I found a ‘36 coupe in Canterbury. It had been registered in July 1982 to a doctor in Coromandel. The second owner found it there in a shed and purchased it and transferred it to Canterbury. All the mechanical work had been completed on the original

207ci stovebolt engine and transmission.

The interior was in poor condition and the body had been stripped but not repaired.

Importantly, the car had a current WoF and registration.

By this time Auckland was in lockdown so I couldn’t travel to see the car before purchasing it. Through friends in the Dodge Challenger Owners group, I arranged for one of them to go and check the car out. That friend took along his friend called Steve. Little did I know this was Steve Allan, from Steve Allan Customs, who would eventually complete the restoration.

The car was duly purchased in March 2022 and transported to Steve Allan Customs in Rangiora. After an initial assessment of the condition of the car, Steve had the go-ahead to start the restoration. The guidelines were that we wanted to restore it to as close as possible to original while recreating the car pictured in the 1957 photo.

I had never been involved in a car restoration before but I knew to expect regular

boards, new rear spats and a new interior in brown leather (not originally offered in the ‘36 coupe) were a few things that were expertly done by Steve and his team.

In the meantime I had travelled down to Temuka to see family friends and lo-andbehold, the family home in Maude Street was for sale. By a stroke of luck I met the real estate agent and shared the family story of our connection to the home.

In July 2023 word came that Steve had pretty much finished the restoration and so arrangements were made to head down to Temuka with the car to recreate the July 1957 photos. The real estate agent I had met on a previous visit arranged for the area in front of the Maude Street house to be clear to park the ‘36.

On 21 July, 66 years after the original photo, Steve Allan transported the coupe down to Maude Street and we recreated a piece of family history. This was the first time that Mum had seen the car and

invoices. What I didn’t expect was how Steve and his team kept me involved in the restoration. Every couple of weeks I would get phone calls and a written summary of the work done. Reading that, I knew week to week what was being achieved. Steve sent hundreds of photos over the course of the 18 month restoration. I visited the shop three or four times at various stages to see progress in person and always came away excited by the progress.

The big decision around colour was when the restoration had to become public knowledge within our family. The intention had always been to surprise my Mum with it once the car was done but we also needed to have someone confirm the colour as it was in 1957. Regatta Red was the red on offer for the ‘36 coupe but there was no guarantee that was what was on the car in the 1957 photoo … so Mum was brought into the loop and Steve arranged for us to head off to PPG in Auckland to get the right shade of red.

Although most of the original parts were with the car, some things needed to be made from scratch. New running

thankfully we had got the red just right as she remembered. A little tribute to my grandfather Bobby on the glovebox… his name and number painted on there as it was on the door of his coal delivery truck in the 1920s. We then took the car up to the cemetery where my grandparents are buried and paid our respects. A perfect day.

The restored ’36 Chevy coupe is now in Auckland and has had a fair bit of use including attending local car shows. I’m sure my grandfather would be thrilled with how this project has come out ….

I certainly am.

Andrew recently joined the Auckland Branch after the restoration of his 1936 Chevy coupe. Andrew has owned a variety of cars including a XW Falcon wagon, Ford Lightning, Dodge Challenger and his current drag race car, a 1965 Chevy Nova. Andrew enjoys cars that maintain their originality and makes sure that his cars are regularly driven. A particular enjoyment is car club runs and sharing the love of cars.

Andrew Berry

Beaded Wheels 11

D THE WH EE L

Photo Dicon Joseph

HIN BE

A French Connection BRIAN WALKER’S 1927 MODEL DM1 DELAGE

Words Trevor Kempton, photos Martin Van Raalte, Brian Walker and Dicon Joseph It is often said that the French see innovation as an exercise in creativity.

They find it simple to complicate and hard to simplify. Nevertheless, France was regarded as the centre of excellence for high performance automobiles from the turn of the 20th century until the Great Depression, this innovation and individuality in style and appointment has arguably remained to this day.

Beaded Wheels cap winner 12 Beaded Wheels

Louis Delage was a successful manufacturer of both utilitarian and prestige models from 1905. He relied on sales to finance a very active racing programme. In 1914 Delage won the Indianapolis 500 and in 1924 captured the world land speed record. In the same year he also launched a 180 hp 2 litre V12 motor. It was a work of art and, installed in an advanced chassis, took voiturette performance to a new level.

Delage peaked in 1927 when his 1.5 litre straight eight 15-S8 won the very first World Constructor’s Championship. The model was still winning internationally in the hands of Richard Seaman in the late 1930s and remained successful on British racetracks into the 1950s. Six were made. All have survived. However, as was all too common, Delage’s’ obsession with racing and the Great Depression took him to near bankruptcy, saved only by the company merging with Delahaye in 1935.

Which brings us to Brian and Ann Walker’s 10-year labour of love – their 1927 model DM1 Delage. Brian’s father was a keen collector and fettler of Ariel motorcycles. These genes passed to Brian who over the years maintained and added to this collection.

Brian is also no stranger to older cars, having owned a fleet of mid-‘30s Chrysler products, a Ford Model A and a 1910 Darracq.

A little over 10 years ago Brian decided to set himself a new challenge. He sold most of his motorcycles and set about looking for something special from the vintage era with enough performance to minimise issues with modern highway traffic. At the time he was prepared for a lengthy restoration period and gave himself a 10-year window. As a past telephone faults technician, tradesman fitter and turner and spring manufacturer with a comprehensive home workshop he was confident Beaded Wheels 13

s

he had most of the skills necessary to cope with a resurrection if necessary.

Brian had a short dalliance with a Vauxhall 23/60 in Australia before being offered the Delage by the late Nick Langford, recently arrived in Dunedin from Melbourne. It was incomplete but included chassis, motor, transmission and little else. Brian loved the idea of a Delage, thought that it had sufficient challenge and did the deal. He knew that he would be scouring the internet for parts but felt confident that what he couldn’t find he could make.

Brian concedes that he underestimated the challenges, but hey, what’s new?

The history of the car is uncertain, but it is known to have been imported to Australia and sold in Brisbane. It is thought to have been fitted with a seven-seater Weymann patent fabric limousine style body. This was most likely fitted in the UK from where it was exported. Brian thinks that the Weymann body may not have lasted well as they were susceptible to rot, and he suspects the white ants would have enjoyed the change of menu. The engine and transmission were over–engineered for longevity but given their condition on strip down, Brian is guessing it may have been thrashed as a farm hack possibly in tropical North Queensland sugar country. ▼ Body building.

14 Beaded Wheels

Hood up and ready for a day motoring, photographed courtesy of Phil and Debbie Craigie at their home in North Taieri.

s s As purchased.

s Cad drawing of hood frame.

While Delage’s utilitarian models came with bodies, the prestige models came ready for the body of your choice. Brian did six to eight months research on body styles but finally chose in much the same way as most prestige car buyers in 1927; from a book. Nick Langford had one called Motor Bodywork by Herbert J Butler and Brian chose ‘Plate V’ then had it enlarged as a workable set of plans and elevations.

The body Brian chose is an open sports tourer design with occasional rear seats for two separated from the front compartment by a boat-like mahogany deck hinged at the front and tilting to allow entry through the rear doors. The rear of the body has a hint of boat tail with a rear hinged lid covering the compartment intended to

s Motor fitting.

take the full-length fabric hood and folding frame. Some scaling was necessary to ensure the correct look and fit on Brian’s chassis.

Brian trusted Auto Restorations with construction of the timber framed aluminium clad body. Paul Bowman from Outram created the mudguards and the one-piece fabric tonneau cover while John Martin from Cromwell looked after the mahogany woodwork and trim and Ian Ingram tackled the leather upholstery. A little patience was required but as they say, “good things take time”.

Brian is delighted with the outcome. Both front and rear windshields are typically French; elegant but complex. Brian built these from scratch with some parts cast locally and they are testament to the skill and perseverance he applied to all aspects of the build.

The collapsable tonneau cover frame was probably the biggest test of Brian’s perseverance. He designed it in-situ and as he points out, has the bucket of steel scrap to prove it! He got it literally 99% of the way there. It fitted into its compartment beautifully but extended to 75mm short of the windshield or vice versa so Brian handed it to Richard Aimers, a past work acquaintance with a CAD programme and with just a few very minor adjustments to the geometry, voila!

The Delage is powered by an elegant looking 3.2 litre six cylinder OHV engine developed from an earlier four cylinder unit of conventional layout. The inlet manifold is integrated within the cylinder block and head castings and the side-draft carburettor ▼ At the Craigie residence, hood up.

bolted up directly to the side of the block. The original carburettor had an SU type piston which controlled mixture with five separate jets set to open as it lifted. Set-up was critical and each carb was individually tuned during factory testing and the selected jet sizes stamped on the engine plate. The carburettor was also water cooled. Tuning beyond the factory proved difficult enough to cause owners to abandon the original carburettor and fit a Zenith side draught unit. Brian didn’t have the original so went straight to the aftermarket option.

The crankcase and 10 litre capacity sump are an integrated structural unit fitted snuggly between and bolted directly to the splayed chassis rails. One might expect motor vibrations to transmit to interesting places, but it runs particularly smoothly; no doubt due to a very effective crankshaft mounted harmonic balancer. If you are looking for the sump plug, look instead for a tap with a tapered brass valve.

Removal and refitting of the motor and gearbox are challenging.

There are but a few millimetres between the rear of the block and the firewall and positioning the motor between the chassis rails is akin to fitting a Parisian matriarch’s foot into a shoe half a size too small!

Interestingly the car was supplied with magneto ignition when many competitors had already moved to coil systems and Delage chose vacuum systems to operate the fuel pump and even the fuel gauge as well as providing power assist for the brakes.

The clutch is a Delage design with a forward operating clutch plate while the gearbox is a heavy-duty non-synchro four speeder.

Reverse requires the gear lever to be pushed directly forward past the first gear position. Yes, reverse can be engaged if changing into first enthusiastically, but Brian noted that “you’ll only try that once”!

Suspension is by conventional leaf springs all round with friction dampers while the vacuum assisted braking is cable operated through 16 inch drums. It’s uncertain just how long Delage expected the cars to s Aftermarket Zenith carburettor in situ.

s Oil filter detail. ▼ Engine bay detail LH side.

Beaded Wheels 15

s Brian ‘manouvering’ close quarters, Olveston, Dunedin.

s Dash and footwells.

s LH front door upholstery.

s Engine plate.

s

Windshields and rear seating detail.

last but just in case each drum has a replaceable steel lining. The handbrake operates through the foot brake linkages.

Brian is purist to a point. He has carefully evaluated the car’s strengths and weaknesses and has set about balancing retention of the car’s defining characteristics, and the requirement for it to tour reliably over significant distances on New Zealand’s highways.

The motor underwent an end-to-end overhaul with new pistons, connecting rods, timing mechanicals and valves. A new crankshaft has been built including the harmonic balancer while the main bearings were changed from white metal to shells. Brian built new gearbox selectors and added fore and aft lip seals. A new crown wheel was made to provide a 15% taller final drive ratio as used on the sportier DMS model. This was made in Australia and organised through the previous owner. The rear axles were re-designed by Brian, primarily to take sealed bearings.

A number of other components have also been modified to accept modern bearings and seals to reduce maintenance. Brian has also installed a modern distributor with auto advance to eliminate the need for manual spark control. He likes the ‘tick tick tick’ of an electric fuel pump and has retired the original vacuum device. The Delage has a handsome set of instruments but strangely no temperature gauge. He has added one which shows that the temperature sits steady on 80 degrees in all operating conditions. And a reversing camera is proving useful! General Motors have influenced the rebuilt through adoption of a mid-60s Holden cam profile and use of a V8 Chev rear crankshaft seal while the paint is a modified Holden shade applied by Dunedin’s Mark Lungi.

ROAD TEST Brian graciously gave me the opportunity to experience this machine from the driver’s seat. I had no idea what to expect from a 98-year-old car. For a six-footer, getting in is not quite as straightforward as the car’s size suggests it might be. However, with practice it can be done gracefully by lightly kneeling on the seat with the inside leg, swinging the outer leg from the running board

16 Beaded Wheels

SPECIFICATIONS Engine

Inline ohv six, seven main bearings, 75 x 120 mm, 3180cc, 62bhp @3200rpm.

Carburettor

Original; Smith-Bariquand licence–built by Delage this car; Zenith 42 THG

Ignition

Original; Bosch high voltage magneto this car; Bosch coil ignition

Clutch

Dry single plate with ball thrust bearing

Gearbox

Four speeds and reverse – shaft drive

Steering

Worm and nut

Suspension

Front – rigid axle with half cantilever springs and friction dampers Rear – semi elliptic springs with friction dampers

Brakes

Mechanical drums with servo – Perrot system at front.

Parking brake operates on all four wheels

to the foot well and then flicking the inside leg into the footwell allowing the derriere to sink into the upholstery. Access to the rear seating requires a little more gymnastic skill.

Starting is by floor mounted pedal and is a no-fuss operation with the motor settling into a quiet ‘ticker-ticker’ idle. The clutch has a silky smooth uptake but it is the gearbox that dates the car although I suspect it is relatively quiet for 1927. I learned quickly that driving this car is a collaborative experience. It works at its own pace and there is no rushing it. Having said that it is helpful to be decisive and confident with it. The flexibility of the motor is key to being able to progress smoothly. Its ability to pull away from almost standstill in second and third means that gear changing is the exception rather than the rule, especially on the streets.

The steering couldn’t be much heavier at slow speeds, and this combined with a 12.5m turning circle means that low speed manoeuvring is best planned well in advance. At higher speeds on the open road the steering could be described as comfortably firm but not light. The car’s long wheelbase contributes to great directional stability and there are few road conditions which would disturb it. However, the spring rates, especially on the rear, seem more suitable for the heavier limousine and makes the ride for rear passengers a little hard.

The brakes require the decisive and confident approach I have already talked of. Pedal pressure rivals that required to slow the 1952 MO Oxford van I once owned but the pedal sits snugly against the steering column and was likely designed for a narrower foot than mine. It has an almost two-stage feel about it as the vacuum booster comes in. Brian uses the well positioned handbrake to slow the car at times as a matter of convenience.

My overall impression of the car is that it will be at its best eating up the miles running at a good steady clip; the duty point which Brian has always had in mind. Driver and passenger comfort is well catered for but the rear seats live up to their ‘occasional’ status.

This project has not been without it’s trials and tribulations.

However, Brian remains remarkably philosophical. He has searched for and imported parts from 14 countries noting that the greyhound radiator cap was the first thing he started looking

Wheels/tyres

Rudge 62 spoke wire type with 6.00 x 20 tyres

Length/width

4.9m x 1.65m

Unladen weight

1500kg

Turning radius

12.2m

Speed

Maximum for this car – 125kph.

s Driver’s position and windscreen detail.

for and the last thing he found. He has derived great satisfaction from the re-engineering he has done and his re-creation of original mechanical componentry where necessary.

Brian is by nature careful and considered. Having spent about equal time researching and building, he knew exactly what he wanted and kept his eye on the prize as he overcame the inevitable issues. He feels certain he wouldn’t attempt another similar project. However, he has created something very special. Ann and Brian have already done 3,500 miles in the car including motoring to Napier for the Art Deco festival. They have plans for many more adventures and in Brian’s words “I don’t expect this car to ever be as clean as it was the day I finished it.”

Born and bred in Invercargill. Dad was a motor mechanic. I grew up in the golden age of the Japanese 2 stroke and have a modest collection of restored 1970s Suzukis which are regularly rallied in VCC events. I have moved into four wheels over recent years with the purchase of a Mk II Jaguar and a Daimler SP250 allowing wife Carol to take part in VCC activities in the comfort to which she has become accustomed. My lust for these models is linked to motor racing at Teretonga Park and drivers Ray Archibald and Lawrence Brownlie.

Trevor Kempton

Beaded Wheels 17

Revving up the conversation A behind-the-scenes WoF night at VTNZ Words Colin Sweetman, Ashburton Branch, photos Colin Sweetman, Trevor Begg A few months ago, one of our members had his vintage car rejected for a WoF at our local VTNZ testing station.

It was clear that the inspector did not have a grasp of the seat belt requirements for a 56 year old car which had been fitted with the same seat belts from new. After rigorous discussion, the car was passed but not before the rear seat belts were also initially rejected.

On behalf of our member, we lodged a formal complaint with VTNZ which resulted in a meeting between the Area Manager and our member.

What developed from this with our subsequent discussions was an offer from VTNZ to host an evening on their premises after closing where our members could bring some sample cars for inspection and enable our members and the inspectors to have discussions regarding the WoF requirements for these cars.

The evening commenced at 5.30pm after they had closed and couldn’t have gone better. We had just over 40 members in attendance and it started with VTNZ shouting pizzas and drinks for our

18 Beaded Wheels

members. We then gathered around the WoF bay and they allowed us to get up close to the inspectors and even in the pit to look closely at the inspections taking place. There were numerous discussions taking place both ways throughout the process. We bought our PA system along so all watching could hear what was going on. The inspectors gave a running commentary.

Our sample cars were a 1927 Dodge (two wheel brakes), a 1937 Oldsmobile and a 1969 Rover P5B. VTNZ had their local inspectors as well as their Area Manager and Technical Advisor from Christchurch. Garry Jackson, President of FOMC, also attended.

All in all it was an excellent night and in our minds a very positive initiative and something that could well be replicated by other branches. I would have to say that the VTNZ staff were very friendly and at the end of the evening they agreed that they had also learned quite a bit about the older cars from our members. It was quite refreshing to see the willingness to listen to us and their positive attitude.

Shipping out of of COKER USA monthly

0800 900 764

18 Parkwood Place, East Tamaki, Auckland, New Zealand

www.cokertire.co.nz

Beaded Wheels 19

Beaded Wheels cap winner

THE CLASSIC STRIDER JOURNEY

A LOVE STORY ON WHEELS Words and photos Elisabeth Smits (Mrs. Strider)

It all began with a dream. Or perhaps, more truthfully, it began with a magazine.

Fred had picked up the June 2011 issue of Classic & Sports Car magazine. It had an article titled “101 Ways to Live the Classic Dream.” We read it and the idea took root like a seed in spring. A dream, really. To take our beloved 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220S on a journey around the world.

We weren’t quite sure what we were getting ourselves into. We had no sponsors, no mechanical background, no support vehicle.

Just each other, our car, and an old-fashioned sense of adventure.

Fred was always the dreamer. But more than that, he was the doer. While others would smile and say, “Wouldn’t it be nice,” Fred would start ordering maps and emailing strangers on the other side of the globe. For nearly three years, we researched everything:

s Working on Abel.

20 Beaded Wheels

routes, visas, insurance, customs regulations, how to replace tyres in the Atacama Desert. We spoke to pioneers like Kevin Clemens, who did 80 days around the world in his own 220S, and followed the footsteps of others preparing for epic rallies.

In truth, we were preparing to leave our home in Wellington, New Zealand—for five years. That meant leaving our children and grandchildren, risking breakdowns, bureaucracy, corrupt borders, and the occasional highway robbery. But none of that deterred us.

We rebuilt Abel from the ground up. It took 18 months. We added only the bare essentials for safety. Abel, named after Abel Tasman, the Dutch explorer who discovered New Zealand, was soon joined by Zambezi, our little tent trailer. Light, compact, and lovingly fitted with electrical hookups, she would become our home on the road.

We took off from Los Angeles in August 2014, following a quick round of goodbyes and a flood of nervous excitement. California welcomed us with sunshine and a string of car shows—Laguna Seca, Pebble Beach, Monterey—and our very first interview with Gary Anderson from the Mercedes-Benz Club of America.

That moment would change everything. Suddenly we weren’t just travellers—we were the “Classic Striders.”

That’s what people started calling us—Mr and Mrs Strider. And we took it to heart.

Fred and I were teenage sweethearts. We were born on the exact same day, one year apart. And, believe it or not, we never fought.

“The driver is always right,” Fred would say with a smile.

From the Arctic Circle to Antarctica, we did it all in a car that turned more heads than a Ferrari. “It’s like a big black magnet,” Fred used to say, and he was right. Abel brought people to us— curious mechanics, fellow travellers, old Mercedes fans, and wide-eyed children.

s

…risking breakdowns, bureaucracy, corrupt borders, and the occasional highway robbery

In 2019, we came full circle, returning to New Zealand after five years and over 130,000 kilometres. We had driven across five continents—unsupported, unafraid, and completely in love with the world, and with each other.

But our journey didn’t stop there.

We continued travelling, off and on, until 2024. Nearly 11 years on the road. Then, while in Germany, towards the end of our Classic Strider journey, Fred fell ill. He received wonderful care in hospital there before we were able to fly him home. On November 30, 2024, Fred passed away peacefully at Hutt Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was 75.

I lost my husband, my co-pilot, my Mr Strider. But I am grateful beyond words for the life we shared—the roads we travelled, the

Palace, Morocco.

mountains we climbed, the laughter we carried, and the dreams we dared to live.

To everyone who supported us — whether you waved from a roadside, welcomed us into your homes, sent a message, or joined us at Fred’s farewell — thank you. You made this journey what it was.

But it’s not over.

As we go to press I am returning to the Netherlands soon, to where Abel and Zambezi are stored. It’s time to bring them home to New Zealand. Because the dream doesn’t end here. The wheels still turn. The stories are still alive.

For Fred, for love.

s Our campsite at Panajachel, Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala, 19 April 2016.

Beaded Wheels 21

Saving the Whale Words and photos Peter S. Cooper, Auckland Branch

A few years ago Peter Cooper received a call from Michael Greig, Waitemata Branch, asking if he might be interested in adding another motor scooter to his collection.

Never one to pass up a promising lead, Peter asked for more details —only to discover a rare survivor in need of saving. What followed was an unexpected restoration project, which Peter takes up in his own words below.

“I used to own it,” Michael said, adding, “but then I sold it to my neighbour around ten years ago and it’s just sitting in his garage.

He wants rid of it...”

I asked what capacity the engine was and Michael thought it might be a 150cc machine. This piqued my interest, as I’ve been looking for an older 150-200cc twist ’n’ go scooter for my partner to ride at VCC and other events, such as The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. Yamaha had offered its 180cc and 200cc Riva scooters during the 1980s, so I was hoping that it would have been one of those once-popular machines.

Somewhat disappointingly, the scooter in question turned out to be a 1984 Yamaha Beluga 80 that was complete, albeit showing its age. As Michael was keen for me to have it, I asked him what the seller wanted for it. The reply came back saying that a donation to charity would suffice, for which I transferred some much-needed cash to the Auckland City Mission.

I duly drove my trusty 1984 Ford Sierra 2.0L wagon and trailer from Waihi in the Waikato to Auckland to pick up the Beluga, and its appropriate documentation. It was an easy trip to and from the Big Smoke, something the car, trailer and driver have done over many years.

22 Beaded Wheels

FIRST IMPRESSIONS Once I unloaded, I had a good look at what I had just acquired, noting the following: The overall physical condition of the scooter was reasonably tidy, having had a touch up respray on the outside of the front leg shield panel and headlight/instrument panel assembly sometime during its life. Apparant as well was that the mountings on the rear rack for the rear indicators’ welds had broken and would need a repair or replacement, and the seat would need to be reupholstered.

The clips that held the two rear body panels together were missing.

The overall mechanical condition of the scooter – the engine spun freely on its kickstarter and had plenty of compression. The brakes worked. The tyres just needed air. The suspension seemed to be okay and the scooter’s steering operated okay; The fuel in the tank was stale after years of storage but there was plenty of two-stroke oil in its reservoir.

Did it run? You bet’cha.

After downloading a service manual for the Yamaha (I highly recommend having such literature on hand), my first order of business was to see if I could get the scooter to run.

After doing the usual checks that the magneto produced spark and the spark plug was working, the fuel tank was drained and fresh fuel was added. In addition, I made sure that the two-stroke oil injector was working and that there was sufficient oil in the reservoir.

Using an external battery, the scooter’s engine spun over and quickly fired up, albeit rather roughly. With the engine running, I was able to check lights, indicators, horn and rear brake.

Everything seemed to work as it should excepting the brake, which made some pretty horrible noises when applied.

Having sat for so long, I thought it would be worthwhile to give the carburettor a thorough clean. Once serviced and reinstalled, the engine sounded a lot happier and revved cleanly.

BRAKES AND SUSPENSION GET ATTENTION My next task was to sort out the aforementioned brake noise, which meant removing the muffler to allow the rear wheel to be taken off, something that is a common procedure on Japanese scooters. With both muffler and wheel removed, it appeared that there was some minor corrosion in the brake drum that was easily removed with some sandpaper.

While things were apart, I used the opportunity to degrease and pressure wash the Beluga’s engine, install a new set of brake shoes and internally clean and repaint the muffler (often a necessity for two-strokes, due to residue build up). Once completed, everything was reinstalled and the brakes adjusted.

Now that the back of the machine was seen to, I focused on the front end. There was some play in the leading link suspension that was easily cured with an injection of some fresh grease – yes, the

Beluga has grease fittings that need to be attended to regularly. I also used the time to install a fresh set of front brake linings and adjust everything to work correctly. This included having to reset the brake’s return spring that had weakened a bit through age. It’s now working like new.

PANEL AND PAINT With the mechanicals and suspension cleaned up and serviced, it was time to give the bodywork some much-needed attention. I saw this project as a refurbishment and not a restoration. Firstly, the scooter was reasonably tidy to begin with and, secondly, the scooter’s not particularly valuable or rare, so a total restoration cost would end up being many times whatever it’s actually worth.

That said, I decided to tidy up the body panels and maintain as much of the Beluga’s originality as possible. This can sometimes be more challenging than a restoration, but well worth the effort.

Having played around with repairing scooter panels over the last eighteen years or so, I have gotten pretty good at plastic welding cracked ABS. It’s pretty straightforward, using acetone and what as known as a slurry of acetone and dissolved scrap ABS plastic. This becomes sort of a light paste that can be used to reinforce the repairs and usually works well.

Both of the main rear panels had some minor cracking that was dealt with in the above manner. I also used the opportunity to remove the metal lower panels from the side units to allow me to effectively sand them, as both had a lot of surface rust. This required me to carefully drill out the rivets that attached the metal bits to the plastic panels and thankfully this was done without dramas.

Beaded Wheels 23

I also noted that the steel outer legshield and instrument panel top were in need of a tidy up, and these were removed from the chassis, accessories removed and stored and then the panels were sanded and prepped for painting.

Getting an accurate match for aged paint is relatively easy in the 21st century, as long as there’s a clean surface to start with. In the Yamaha’s case, I used one of the side panels and one of the steel lower side panels to have my paint supplier scan and match the original white and charcoal colours.

The crowd I deal with seems to enjoy the challenge of matching some of my collection’s oddball paint hues, and do an amazing job. As I’m only doing a few small touch ups, I ordered a couple of aerosol cans of each colour for the Beluga and the results were excellent. I was able to mask off some of the original paint on the rear side panels and blend in the new white, ensuring that the level of gloss between the two closely matched.

Once all of the repainting was completed, all of the parts and accessories were reinstalled and the scooter reassembled.

NEXT STEPS As previously mentioned, the welding on the rear rack where the indicators are mounted had broken and the decision was made to change them for an original JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) taillight/indicator unit. One was found on Yahoo in Japan at a reasonable price and was installed in place of the originals. This not only solved the issue mentioned above, but looks a lot cleaner, aesthetically.

At the same time, I sourced a new 6 volt battery and indicator relay, as both decided to have a slow death. Interestingly, couriers are charging a premium for delivering unsealed lead acid batteries, and it was cheaper for me to drive to Auckland to pick one up!

With the rear indicators sorted, I decided to get a matching set of JDM front units via the same source, which were installed after minor changes to the wiring. The result is visually more integrated than the EU/North America/Australasia-spec ones and work just as well. I installed a replacement cargo rack at the same time.

ROAD-LEGAL AGAIN While I was working through the Yamaha’s refurbishment, I spoke with the person I use for compliance work on my motorbikes and scooters to ensure I provided the correct information required to legally put the scooter back on the road. The machine already had an NZTA VIN plate, which made things a lot easier.

All of the steps were completed and with a final check of the machine, I took it down to be re-complied. Needless to say, the Beluga flew through the process and with a fresh WoF, new number plate and twelve months registration, I was ready to take it home.

FINAL TOUCHES The last thing on the refurbishment list was to have the seat reupholstered. Fortunately, there’s a local motor trimmer who does excellent work and reasonable rates, who made the seat look like new again.

CONCLUSION So what’s the result of all my efforts? The proof is that I rode the Yamaha Beluga on the 2024 Southern Scooter Challenge, a 220 km charity moped ride from Bluff to Queenstown.

The fourdecades old machine ran like a watch and easily completed the event, in spite of some very trying weather conditions.

Finally, for those who may still want to know if my partner will ever be riding a VCC-eligible 150cc+ capacity twist-‘n’-go’ scooter? All I can say is, “Watch this space...”

24 Beaded Wheels

Road Testing the 1984 Yamaha Beluga 80 The CV80 Beluga was one of the more unusual Yamaha models produced during the 1980s. Along with American Malaise Erainspired styling, the scooter features a six volt electrical system when even some of the lowliest 50cc Honda scooters had switched over to twelve volts. Why the Japanese company persevered with six–volts on an electric-start scooter remains a mystery.

A BIT OF HISTORY: Introduced in Japan in 1981 in both 50cc and 80cc forms, the Beluga, sold in some markets as the CV80 or Riva 80, was introduced in Europe, Canada and Australasia in 1982 and the USA in 1983. Our featured example has an ADR (Australian Design Rules) compliance plate, dated 1982 and was sold new in New Zealand a couple of years later.

The 80cc two-stroke engine produces a lowly 4.7hp, which seems pretty pathetic when compared to its competitor, the Honda’s NH80 Elite, that produced a claimed 6.5hp at a rather low 6000rpm. What this translates to is a top speed for the Yamaha limited to 60kph (GPS confirmed) vs the Honda, which road testers of the day said was around 10 kph faster.

On the plus side, the Beluga’s engine seems to be under– stressed, which makes for leisurely riding. It’s equipped with a vacuum operated

automatic choke with enough hoses to extend the aforementioned Malaise Era theme. When in good condition, it works effectively. There is also an injection system for twostroke oil, minimising exhaust smoke and adjusting output to engine load.

Transmission is via a CVT, which was something fairly new in the scooter world at the time.

However, it does seem to be over-geared for a small engine pushing a relatively heavy (89kg) scooter. Perhaps this was to try to overcome the model’s reputed lack of fuel economy?

A revised version was introduced a couple of years later that featured an uprated engine producing 6.9hp, with a commensurate increase in top speed (74kph) and drop in fuel economy (around 60 mpg, according to some road tests).

It was produced until 1987.

AMENITIES The instrument panel features an 80 kph speedometer and a fuel level gauge, along with warning lights for main beam, turn indicators, low engine oil and when the ignition switch is in Start function.

The ignition switch is conveniently located on the top of the legshield on the right-hand side. It locks the front fork when not in use, along with detents for off, start and running.

The left side of the covered handle bar has switches for the horn, turn indicators and dip/ main beam, while the right had side has the twist throttle and switches for the electric start and lights on/off.

Braking for the drum brakes is handled via a pair of handlebar levers that are well-positioned.

There is a cargo tray mounted on the inner legshield that’s

SPECIFICATIONS Engine Air-cooled, two-stroke single with auto choke and oil injection, 4.7hp (early model); 6.9hp (updated model), both at 6000rpm Starter Electric, kick Torque 4.8 lbs-ft (early model) Bore x Stroke: 49mm x 42mm

handy for storing gloves, perhaps a small satchel or a newspaper and not much more.

Under the lockable seat is a 4.7 litre fuel tank and a separate 1.1 litre oil tank. For some unfathomable reason, access to the lock is somewhat hampered by the ‘80s dual seat. My best guess is that the location was based on the 50cc Beluga that came with a shorter solo seat.

There’s also a helmet lock on the cargo rack that uses the ignition key, as does the seat lock.

RIDING IMPRESSIONS To start the Yamaha, one needs to turn the ignition key to the Start position, with a green light showing on the instrument panel. This allows the rider to use either the electric start or kick start to fire the engine. It has an electronic rev limiter as a form of safety device. This system seems to be unique to Yamaha, as the other Japanese manufacturers use a brake light switch interlock.

Found on a number of the marque’s scooters and moped ranges from the era, it seems like unnecessary complexity.

A push on the start button with a fully-charged battery or a couple of kicks usually starts our test example. Once running, the ignition key is turned to the right and the scooter is ready

Transmission: CBT Compression Ratio: 6.8:1 (early model) Dry Weight: 89kg (early model); 92kg (updated model) Seat height: 755mm Colors: Chappy Red, Clean White, Crystal Silver

for action.

Twisting the throttle, the Beluga moves off slowly compared to modern 50cc machines and steadily picks up speed. Again, this is most likely due to heavy CVT weights and overall gearing.

The scooter’s top speed of 60kph is easily achieved and can be held on gentle inclines.

The ride is quite smooth on its fairly soft suspension. There’s no noticeable dive when the brakes are applied, so everything is in pretty good condition. Cornering is pretty good with the modern tyres the Yamaha has, and the braking, is well within the capabilities of the machine.

Overall, it’s a pleasant scooter to ride and ideal for short trips. The only downside is that being an 80cc it requires a WoF. Most parts are still available from a number of international sources, although items like the engine control module for the starting system and bi-metal choke actuating valve are almost impossible to find.

As mentioned in the main article, the Beluga proved itself to be an excellent cruiser on the 220km Southern Scooter Challenge.

Beaded Wheels 25

2025 GEORGE BEGG FESTIVAL Words Stuart Francis Photos georgebeggfestival.nz

George Begg played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s Golden Age of motor racing, creating 18 very successful racing cars between 1963 and 1974, which competed nationally and internationally. George also moved to the UK to work with Bruce McLaren on the M6 and M8 Can-Am cars, returning to New Zealand after Bruce’s death.

The Transport World Trust and the Southland Sports Car club, created the George Begg Classic Speedfest, back in 2020, to honour the memory of George Begg. The second meeting in 2023, was renamed the George Begg Festival by the Transport World Trust. Local businessman, Scott O’Donnell (see sidebar), and the Transport World team developed the event into a true festival.

Recruiting a number of international and national stars raised the national and international profile of the event. The meeting was themed with some separate races wholly for Fords and Porsches.

From the outset the George Begg Festival has been unashamedly modelled on the Goodwood Revival with competitors and spectators asked to wear period clothing. It has been promoted as a premium event with excellent facilities for competitors and spectators, significantly different from the usual club and national events held at Teretonga. All the competitors had tented accommodation for their vehicles, with fuel and tyre supplies on hand.

Spectators had access to the bar, disco and food outlets.

The 2025 meeting carried on where the previous event left off, while moving to a slightly later date to fit in between major events at the Central Otago Highlands racing circuit and the Wheels at Wanaka automotive show. This year’s theme was Italian racing and road-going machines, with not only dedicated races 26 Beaded Wheels

but owners groups taking their vehicles on demonstration laps during the lunch breaks. Greg Murphy topped an all-star cast of drivers including: Paul Radisich, Kayne Scott, Jonny Reid, Brett Riley, Hayden Paddon, Charlie O’Brien, Emma Gilmore, Brendon Leitch, Steve Richards, and Andrew Waite.

The race festival atmosphere started at the entrance with a giant poster of George on the side of the control tower, officials wearing white dust coats, and the circuit and pits dressed, where possible, to look like a period venue. Spectators and competitors were encouraged to attend in period costumes, plenty of flat caps, tweed jackets, posh frocks and period mechanics overalls were on display. There was a light hearted feel about the whole event, with the competitors definitely enjoying the event.

GEORGE BEGG FESTIVAL RACES With 11 different groups each getting a practice session, a qualifying session and planned four races, over the weekend, a one off Drummond Dash, and a series of lunchtime demonstrations, it was a packed and varied programme. Events kicked off on Friday morning with practice in the morning and qualifying in the afternoon. The morning practice was enlivened by one car

blowing its engine and catching fire just as it turned onto the main straight. The slightly singed driver was ok, the fire was put out quickly, and there was a small delay while the track was repaired.

By late Sunday morning, due to some mechanical breakdowns and incidents, the programme was running behind schedule and some groups only got three races.

HISTORIC VEHICLE RACING ASSOCIATION (HVRA) (35 entries) two scratch races and two handicapped races. Martin Dippie, Porsche 911, won the first scratch race with Gary Johnstone, Jaguar XJS, Gavin Jackson, Triumph TR7, close behind. Gary Johnstone, Jaguar XJS won the second scratch race with, Dale Chapman Fiat X1/9 and Oliver Stench, Ford Escort Mk1, close behind. The first handicap race was won by Andrew Giles, MGB GT, followed

by Luke Richardson, Alfa Romeo GT, and Mark McGuiness, Ford Falcon. The second handicap race was, won by Dennis Chapman Fiat X1/9, followed by Howard Kingsford-Smith, Morris Mini, and Wayne Graves, Porsche 911.

VINTAGE RACING CARS (15 entries) – Royce Bayer in his Lotus 23B won all four races, with Mike Barrett in another Lotus 23B or Australasian super star Brendon Leitch in a Mallock Mk6, snapping at his heals. The VCC National President, George Kear, in his Kato Special, came a creditable 10th three times.

PRE 78 CLASSIC SALOONS & PRE 78 CLASSIC SALOONS HANDICAP (30 entries) - Event organiser Scott O’Donnell, Ford Capri, won the first race, the handicap race was won by Scott Johnstone, Ford Cortina, and the third race was won by Bruce Farley, Vauxhall Viva, HISTORIC TOURING CARS (1982 – 2000) (28 entries) – Kane Lawson in his Holden Commodore won the first two races and was second in the third and fourth races. Steve Kelly, BMW 320i, took second in the first two race and first in the third and fourth races. Event organiser Scott O’Donnell took third in the final race and also took the fastest laps in races three and four.

ITALIAN ONLY (NO GTs) (22 entries) - Dale Chapman, Fiat X1/9, won the first race then came second in the following race and Mathew Wales, Alfa Romeo Guilia, came second in the first race then won the next race.

DRUMMOND DASH* (26 entries) – was won by Dale Chapman in his FiatX1/9 closely followed by Ari Pettigrew in his BMW Mini Cooper.

It was a relay race with a driver change over, solo drivers were allowed to enter but took a time penalty. *George’s racing cars were regularly tested on the road through the small village of Drummond.

THE ITALIAN JOB – BMC & BMW Minis (16 entries) – the BMW Minis dominated the field with three different winners Josh Cooper, Ari Pettigrew, and Hayden Paddon. Howard Kingsford-Smith was fastest of the BMC Minis.

POST 2000 TOURING CARS (11 entries) – Darrell Breen, Ford Falcon, took two first places and a second, Hayden Knighton, Ford Falcon V8 Supercar, took a first, Harry Wilson, Ford Falcon V8 Supercar, took two seconds, Chelsea Herbert took two thirds and Kevin Underwood, Ford Falcon V8 Supercar, took a third.

GT AND GT3 (19 entries) - Andrew Waite, Ligier JSP3, took all three first places, Glen Brazier, Lamborghini Huracan, took two seconds and a third and Tim Miles, Lamborghini Huracan, took two thirds.

FORMULA 5000/FORMULA ATLANTIC (15 entries) – a real crowd favourite, the sound of the five litre V8s powering up the main straight would make even Greta Thunberg smile. Steven Ross won all three races in his McRae GM1 and Kaleb Ngatoa set the fastest lap in all three races, before retiring in the third race.

PARADES During the lunchtime breaks there was a series of parades.

The first was road-going Ferrari headed by a pace car to contain the more enthusiastic owners. The second was classic Italian motorcycles: Ducatis, Moto Guzzis, Laverdas and by far the slowest machine on the track, a 1955 Model D, Lambretta scooter! The third was Begg’s racing cars driven by past drivers and Formula Libre machines. The fourth was other road going Italian cars, with Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Maserati and Fiat, exciting the senses.

The final parade was historic rally cars. In between the runs Transport World’s beautifully restored 1948 Bedford Invercargill City Transport bus took guests for laps of the track.

GEORGE BEGG George Begg grew up on a farm in the deep south of the South Island New Zealand, quickly realising he was more suited to engineering than farming. He took up motorcycle racing, while an apprentice, quickly moving to national level events competing on a 1953 Manx Norton 500cc. George left New Zealand in 1955 to

Beaded Wheels 27

compete at the Isle of Man, Manx Grand Prix on a AJS 7R 350cc, gaining finisher’s medals in the Junior and Senior 1955 Manx Grand Prix. George returned to New Zealand in 1957 after his best friend died in a racing accident.

George established an agricultural engineering business on the family farm in Drummond. After a shaky start he developed a device to treat sheep for footrot. They sold like hot cakes and he had further success with tractor attachments. With his company on a firm footing, he was looking around for an interest and finding a copy of Racing and Sports Car Chassis Design by Mike Costin and David Phipps, he wondered ‘could he build a racing car?’

The first car, the Begg 650, was built using whatever parts were available and powered by a BSA A10 650cc motorcycle engine.

Built in the Drummond workshop dubbed “George’s Toyshop” and

tested along the straight highway in front of the workshop. The car looked sophisticated compared to most other home-builds and soon proved very effective at hill-climbs and small race meetings.

As the agricultural business improved George joined forces with Spencer Allen forming a new company, Begg & Allen, giving him a stronger foundation for his motor racing activities. George always wanted to build cars in Europe and a chance conversation with Bruce McLaren led to him working for McLaren in England.

George worked on the M6 Can-Am cars then the M8. After the deaths of McLaren and his business partner, Spencer Allen, George returned to New Zealand.

George became interested in Formula 5000, embarking on a two year racing programme contesting as many rounds of the European F5000 Championship as possible. Initially taking the FM5/01 to

SCOTT O’DONNELL

Scott O’Donnell is the driving force behind the George Begg Festival. A very successful business man, and champion of the Invercargill CBD rebuild, director of the HW Richardson Group, and is on the board of Motor Sport New Zealand. Scott is an accomplished racing driver competing nationally and internationally, with a passion for Porsche endurance racing. He has a collection of 14 racing cars, an eclectic mix of: Porsches, Fords, Alfa Romeos, Beggs, a Walkinshaw V8, a Hyundai, and a Mini. Scott entered four different classes Scott and his wife Jocelyn through their trusteeship of the Transport World Trust have established two world class museums, Transport World the purpose built Art Deco style building that covers a whole city block, housing over 300 exhibits mainly heavy goods vehicles, a collection of “letter series” Fords, and VW campervans. Plus the Classic Motorcycle Mecca that boasts over 300 pristine veteran, vintage and classic machines.

28 Beaded Wheels

Europe it was replaced by the George’s final car, the 018 design F5000, it was a simple design based on the experience gained in Britain. A ground breaking car that was clearly a match for the European designs, it did however have some niggling problems.

With escalating costs and Formula 5000 finishing at the end of the 1975/76 season, the Begg team decided to retire.

George built a total of 18 racing cars starting with the Begg 650. George built Formula Ford, Can Am, and a series of increasingly sophisticated F5000 cars that stood up against those being produced in Europe. (For the definitive information on each of the cars consult Michael Clark’s excellent book A Tribute to George Begg – The man and his cars).

George returned to his first love, classic racing motorcycles and found it had changed out of all recognition. Squeezing himself back into leathers in 1979 he became a major player in Classic motorcycle Racing. George returned to the Isle of Man in 1985, 40 years after his first visit, for the Manx Senior Classic, he returned again in 1987 to take part in the Classic parade at the TT and finally in 1988 for the Classic Manx. He created an open-cradle frame for his short-stroke Manx engine, which was later replaced by a Matchless G50 engine, competing in a number of races in New Zealand and Australia before hanging up his leathers.

George also wrote four books: Bruce McLaren’s biography Bruce McLaren Racing Car Constructor, his autobiography A Classic World, a restoration book When the Engine Roars, and a biography of Burt Munro – Burt Munro: Legend of Speed. George also restored the World Fastest Indian now on display at E Hayes & Sons.

George retired to Queensland, where he became involved in a number of charity projects, raising $640,000 for a Cot Death Fellowship appeal. George died in 2007, leaving behind a rich legacy of automotive engineering.

TERETONGA Teretonga circuit is 2.64km long and roughly shaped like a capital B with the bottom loop considerably bigger than the top.

The 800m long main straight puts focus on horsepower while the continually turning infield puts a real premium on handling which makes for entertaining racing. Teretonga was, until very recently, the world’s southernmost FIA approved racing track, the circuit has been used and developed since the 1950s; in the 1960s it was one of the Trans-Tasman Series circuits that the F1 greats competed at.

Stuart Francis Born in the UK in 1955. An early interest in engineering led to owning and restoring old motorcycles. Worked for the UK MoD as a Naval Weapons Engineer. Fell in love with NZ on my first visit in 1994. Married Ann-marie from Invercargill in 1998. Immigrated in 2010, with my collection of motorcycles and carried on acquiring and restoring old motorcycles. Started writing when editing the local VCC branch newsletter.

Beaded Wheels 29

ur o g n i “ Driv

Histoy”

Everyone! welcomwehat

er No matt ehicle v kind of ive you dr

It’s the Vintage Car Club’s National Day and throughout New Zealand, hundreds of vehicles will be on the road or on display to raise money for your local Cancer Society.

30 Beaded Wheels

To find out more about your local Daffodil Rally for Cancer visit:

www.vcc.og.nz

RALLY SNIPPETS

JIM TOOHEY MEMORIAL RALLY 2025 From the backup’s perspective

Held in March each year this run is in memory of Canterbury Branch member, the late Jim Toohey. In 1974 Jim planned a run from Christchurch to Rotherham in North Canterbury. Sadly, he never made it to the rally as he lost his life in a tragic motorcycle accident on the Friday night. A tight knit bunch of motorcyclists from Canterbury branch have carried on with this run named after him.

Canterbury Branch Words and photos Royce Baker On 14 March 25 Canterbury Branch members, including one pillion, plus backup vehicle complete with driver and navigator, set off on the 51st Jim Toohey Memorial Run on a brilliantly fine autumn morning to adventures unknown on the West Coast of the South Island.

With a hiss and a roar, the 23 riders, and pillion Jill Abel hanging on tightly to husband Roger, took off in a shower of dust at exactly 9am from Cutler Park never to be seen again by the support vehicle until a well-earned coffee and cheese scone break at Springfield Café. Phew! We made it in time. It was then down with the coffees and off for the hills. Porters Pass the first hurdle then the notorious Arthur’s Pass – well it used to be notorious but not any longer now that we have the Viaduct and the shelter over what once was known as Candy’s Bend. However, riders and drivers alike still need to tackle these sections with some caution due to the steep gradients.

Down through Otira then a right-hand turn at Jacksons and over the bridge through Inchbonnie and on to the Moana pub for lunch. What a great setting with lovely views overlooking Lake Brunner on a sunny cloudless day.

Jan and I in the backup vehicle eventually caught up with everyone again at our Friday night’s accommodation at the Punakaiki Beach Motor Camp. There was some jostling for beds, but organiser Paul Ainsworth had this sorted with all being

well accommodated in suitable lodgings. team as we headed off on the homeward The snorers being segregated in single journey via the Inland Kaikoura Road. units — this pleased us all immensely. The Fantastic riding for those on motorbikes, hotel at Punakaiki looked after us all very plenty of bends for all to enjoy, going past well with great food and some neat outdoor the turnoff for Mt Lyford ski field and to areas for dining and socialising on a fabueventually bring us out at Waiau. Then lously warm night. Nothing to report of through Rotherham, Red Post Corner and any misdemeanours (what happens on to the final farewell at the Red Post Café tour, stays on tour). in Culverden. Up to now we had no bikes A beautiful Saturday morning and on the trailer but as I commented “we’re we were under starters orders (Paul not home yet” and sure enough, Jan and Ainsworth) to meet outside the hotel I had got not too far out of Culverden and ready for a 9.30am take-off to our second there was Philip Jeeves on the side of the night’s destination of Blenheim. A slight road frantically waving us down. Philip deviation in the route was needed for a was most displeased as his usually reliable re-fuelling stop in Westport and it was BMW performs faultlessly but today it then on to Berlins, in the Upper Buller let him down. The Beemer was cutting Gorge, for a coffee before tackling the long in and out from two to one cylinders and journey through to Blenheim, including a not performing as it should. On the trailer lunch stop in Murchison. The bikers loved this ride with plenty of ups, downs and lots of twisty bends.

A short stop was made at the old Wairau Hotel to exercise the legs once again, and to wet the whistle, before the last push through to Blenheim, a short distance of about 15km. We all managed to find the overnight stop at the Admirals Lodge motels – very nice and comfortable it was too. Needless to say there was s Paul Ainsworth presenting trophy to Russell Lane. another night of fun and frivolity in Blenheim. it went, and we headed to Philip’s where Another early start was required on it was deposited in the “naughty boys” Sunday morning as we were to meet up corner in his workshop. The bike is now with the Blenheim group at Brayshaw sorted and back to good health.

Park by 9.30am. They were to join us for This was a memorable weekend was the ride to our brunch stop at The Store with the Jim Toohey Memorial Trophy ably at Kekerengu and this swelled our team won by Russell Lane . to about 35 riders. They all enjoyed the I’m sure Jim Toohey would have trip down there and so did we in the approved of his Memorial Tour 2025. backup vehicle - no pickups required at The bikes may have been a lot younger this stage. The Store is a great spot with and the riders mostly a lot older, but the magic views out to the Pacific Ocean. camaraderie would be just the same.

Then it was farewell to the Blenheim

s Moana lunchbreak.

Beaded Wheels 31

West Coast: Alan Weir (West Coast) in 1930 Ford Sedan going round Hawks Crag in Lower Buller Gorge.

West Coast: John Canning between his 1965 Daimler V8 (front) and Craig & Liz Keenan’s (Banks Peninsula) 1962 Mk2 Jaguar - on Broadway, Reefton.

West Coast: Les Price (Marlborough) 1963 Humber Hawk leading the way at Hawks Crag in the Lower Buller Gorge, Alan Giles (West Coast) on his 1971 Suzuki T500 bringing up the rear.

West Coast: Nimmo Family (West Coast) in “Aunt B”, our oldest participating vehicle, a 1923 Buick, heading up the 17 Mile Bluff on the Coast Road, almost home.

West Coast: Local member Alan Coleman, 1930 Model A, on Atarau Road between Ikamatua and Blackball.

West Coast: Russell Greer (Marlborough) contemplating the rally route using the boot of his 1973 Holden XUI GTR as a table .

32 Beaded Wheels

SCENICLAND RALLY 2025 – 15 RIVERS Words Judy Hay, photos Stewart Nimmo West Coast Branch

The 2025 Scenicland rally was well supported. Entries all gathered in the Greymouth Council car park for briefing in the sports hall. There was a good turnout (60 originally entered almost equally divided between local and away members) with a variety of vehicles attending the rally.

The weather was kind as Tanya Gibson (Mayor of Greymouth) set them off. Well most? The one and only motorcycle got its throttle cable strangled by an errant cable tie!

With the weather getting better by the hour, the route took us up to Reefton and through the Lower Buller Gorge to the junction with SH6, then it was down the spectacular Coast Road back to

Greymouth. With no designated lunch stop, entrants were able to stop off at one or more of the towns or interesting landmarks.

Blackball, Reefton, Berlins, Westport, Charleston and Punakaiki were all visited at some stage.

The rally finished in Greymouth and the prize giving was held at the Union Hotel attended by over 100.

Congratulations and thanks have to go to our organisers and sponsors who without their support event would not have been as successful or enjoyable.

Special thanks to Murray Trounson, VCC Management Committee, presented Nick Harrison with his 50 years badge.

OTAGO BACK ROAD ADVENTURE Words and photo Marion McConachie

At our 2024 AGM Nevin Gough was nominated onto the Otago Branch committee.

His first goal was to arrange an event for veteran and vintage vehicles that would take them off the main roads and on to a bit of gravel over a two day period and so the Otago Back Road Adventure was born.

Nevin advertised this event via social media, branch newsletters and word of mouth during any branch events that he attended. When the overnight venue was announced entrants started arranging their accommodation. Entrant numbers from throughout the country, and even Australia were a pleasant surprise for Nevin.

On Saturday 22 March 26 cars and their crews arrived at the Black Sheep Café in Mosgiel for briefing. Examples included Model T, Model A, Chev, Buick, Nash, Overland, Dodge, Hudson, Chrysler, and Delage. The first ford was a crossing in Gladfield Road where Willems’ Chev narrowly missed showering the photographer with water. On the highway to Sutton they detoured to view the Salt Lake before travelling the gravel road to the west of Middlemarch.

The afternoon included the narrow roads of the Moonlight and Nenthorne area to Macraes gold mine. The plan to visit the Golden Point Historic Reserve was cancelled due to Macraes mining staging an open day to celebrate 35 years of operation at the site, resulting in some roads being closed. From here the rally turned back downhill towards Hyde and into Waipiata Road at Kokonga.

Everyone managed to secure accommodation in Ranfurly and this turned out to be a good venue.

Rain overnight and in the morning helped to dampen down the gravel roads to be travelled on Sunday. These took the cars out to Naseby and back towards Hyde and over narrow tracks that took them back to Middlemarch. With overcast skies they travelled east and just past Sutton turned in towards Pukerangi, where the Taieri Gorge train finishes. Here they crossed the railway tracks and headed into Barewood Station on a private road with a steep descent into Deep Stream. Along this track some needed to take extra care on the slippery, narrow and very muddy sections as they crossed the stream and ascended the other side of the valley. One Model T needed a tow out of a sticky situation. Once back onto more solid ground part of the group decided to take a more direct route into Outram via Lee Stream School and Clarks Junction.

The more adventurous continued onto Lee Flat Road, across Lake Mahinerangi, through a stretch of forest onto Waipori Falls, and down the narrow gravel Waipori Gorge through to Berwick and Mosgiel. A convivial prize-giving dinner that evening was held at the Black Sheep Restaurant.

A roaring success means Nevin is already planning his next Back Road Adventure for 2026.

Otago Back Road Adventure

Beaded Wheels 33

NATIONAL NORTH ISLAND EASTER RALLY EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANSER 2025 Waikato Branch Words Tracey Hayward photos by Nigel Watts

s Glenn and Marion Morris, Auckland, 1928 Model A with Stephen and Tracey Winterbottom from Auckland as passengers.

This year the Waikato Branch hosted the National North Island Easter Rally from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 April. The weekend’s activities were all planned around three days of relaxed rallying and being able to enjoy the picturesque scenery the Waikato has to offer.

There were 50 cars entered covering branches from Northland, Wellsford/Warkworth, North Shore, Auckland, Waikato, South Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Manawatu and Horowhenua.

Easing into Friday and the beginning of our Easter Weekend activities we jumped in the cars, Dad (Joe Bruntlett) and Carey-Ann were in Dad’s 1928 Plymouth and Wayne and I in our 1962 Commer Cob. Our first stop was lunch at the Juke Box Diner before heading to the clubrooms in Cambridge where we were welcomed with afternoon tea and our rally packs.

At 4pm we headed off on our first event of the weekend a twilight rally “A little bit me, A little bit new”. Driving around Cambridge was a nice way to get back into the groove of rallying with no added pressure of looking for silent checks or answers to questions. I must admit there were a few of us who were a bit rusty and minor mistakes were made, but it was all laughed about later as fault was solely from inside the cars.

While at times it may have been a little damp, I think we all managed to stay dry with only our cars getting wet. After the conclusion of that days’ rally, the first minor casualty was Dad’s Plymouth which lost all power going up the hill in Duke Street.

This is a steep street and not a place you would want to stop by choice. Dad and Carey-Ann told me it was rather scary with cars

▼

1961 Morris Minor is driven by NICC Glynn Clements and wife Cathy. s 1911 Calthorpe driven by Waikato members, Chris and Shirley Hawkings.

right behind them and no way to push it safely up the hill. The only option was to get the car on to the footpath, not easy with the big kerbs here. Once it was somewhere reasonably safe, Dad could have a look to see what was going on. With a bit of a jiggle Dad managed to get going but had to forfeit the rest of the rally to get the car back safely to the clubrooms where a more in-depth look could be undertaken. It was concluded that it has some bad wiring and that more attention was required. Thankfully the Plymouth was

34 Beaded Wheels

1959 Bel Air Chevrolet driven

by Sharman and Patsy Orr from Waikato 1993 Mercedes driven by Geoff and Diane Quarrie from Hawkes Bay.

able to have pride of place on the hoist in the workshop over the weekend where her battery could be charged, and after a temporary fix on Saturday morning, she successfully completed the rest of the weekend’s activities. At the conclusion of the day’s rally we enjoyed a barbecue dinner at the clubrooms.

Saturday morning at 9.45am was rally briefing, and we were told that three different rally routes had been prepared depending on the age of vehicle, so the advice was to read your own instructions for the route chosen and all would be fine. Somewhere this got lost in translation resulting in some getting lost and confused and not knowing where they were or where they were meant to be headed.

There was no doubt that the scenery was beautiful, and I got lost in the moment and was in my own little world to which I can attest is a great place. As navigator I sometimes had to be gently reminded “what’s the next instruction, please?”

Lunch was at the RSA in Matamata and with Anzac Day on the horizon there were some wooden homemade poppies for the garden available to purchase, these were very popular. The afternoon section took us from Matamata, travelling out the back of Te Aroha past Wairere Falls and past the 1963 DC-3 plane crash memorial site. We continued on some

more amazing country roads back to the clubrooms for afternoon tea. One section of the road was completely flooded, but by driving slowly we got through.

Sunday was a relaxed shorter day starting from the clubrooms.

The activities kicked off on a theme of crafting an Easter hat following which we joined in a parade. Best women’s hat, Patricia Dawson and best men’s hat – Wayne Hayward. The next activity was the gymkana for those who wanted to test their hand/eye co-ordination and skill level, followed by a short rally to view attractions around Cambridge. I really enjoyed reading the history about the different places we passed. I was having a great time reading it out and learning at the same time.

It was back to the clubrooms for lunch and time to get ready for the Grand Finale Dinner that was being held at the Cambridge Town Hall. This had been extensively decorated with a Roaring ‘20s theme – members dressed up, the women looked stunning and the men dapper. Amazing entertainment was provided by country singer Glenn Carley.

Entrants were grateful for the team effort which made this Easter Rally such a great success.

Beaded Wheels 35

HIGHLAND FLING 2025 Words and photos Harry Jackson-Vile, Manawatu Branch

It was a clear, brisk morning when over 100 keen motorists arrived at the Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka to begin a widely anticipated event. The Highland Fling is a rally I look forward to each year. Manawatu Branch was holding it for the second time and countless hours had been devoted by the organiser, Derek Haycock. Members were standing by their cars and chattering

View from the author’s 1928 Dodge, descending Akitio forest road behind the Haycock Chevrolet.

36 Beaded Wheels

to one another in the crisp air were here for a weekend of vintage motoring at its finest. They would not be disappointed. Entrants and their vehicles would endure the challenges that their ancestors had, travelling over rough and poorly maintained roads throughout Wairarapa and the Manawatu.

On the first morning of the rally we made the hour’s drive to Mangatainoka over the Ruahine Ranges. The climb over the saddle was a bit tough for the old girl but we made it over into Woodville and began our drive south to the Tui Brewery. There was a fair amount of fog but it soon dissipated and we arrived safely at the brewery with half an hour to spare. There were all sorts of pre-‘32s parked up, but the most common was the Ford Model A, usually the most popular vehicle at these rallies. The atmosphere was mostly filled with chatter and laughter until a spirited motorist whipped out the pipes and played us a tune or two. At the driver’s briefing Derek informed us that already three cars had not made it to the start and were currently being tended to or trailered. The all-clear was given and we motored away on the first instructed route. If you were to see us driving through the countryside with no modern buildings around you might you think you had somehow travelled back in time to the roaring ‘20s!

Talking of steep roads, there was a noticeable whine of second gear when climbing. That whine is something most vintage enthusiasts find comforting, but I have heard of some people whose cars need second gear with just the sight of a slight incline. After the first hilly bits were conquered, there was a descent which took us deep within the valleys. The slopes varied between an undulating grade and abrupt crags which retreated up the sides of the ravine.

The ridges were either dotted with clusters of native bush or had quite barren surfaces. While driving those winding roads dotted with potholes and linked with one-lane bridges, we noticed that every so often there would be a loud popping noise that echoed throughout the valley. It sounded like someone firing a gun,

s

Morning tea stop at Otapawa Station. s

Rear view of the Andrews Hudson navigating an impressive road.

perhaps it was a feral bushwhacker taking potshots at passing cars?

No, just a Model A, seemingly with ignition problems!

The morning tea stop was at Otapawa Station at Tiraumea, owned by the Robbie family. The cars were parked in front and around an impressive ten bay woolshed. While we chatted several bulls in a nearby paddock voiced their annoyance of not being able to join in. After the stop, we made our way through the farm and continued with our adventure. We passed several colonnades of poplar trees and a small, attractive waterfall. The lunch stop was at the stunning Akitio Station. The over 4,000-hectare station has a great history, harking back to when it started operating around 1870. After lunch, we trundled past the beach for several miles, stopping at some great viewpoints to admire the Pacific Ocean. On the drive back to Pahiatua, I spotted several hawks, a hare, multiple plump chickens, and what I thought was a pheasant at first, turned out to be a turkey wandering down the road just past the famous Herbertsville pub. There sure is a diverse range of creatures in that area. We arrived back safely with only a few cars needing to be trailered.

The second day of the Fling was much the same sort of terrain as that which had been driven in Wairarapa, but this time in the Manawatu. It was another early start to the day and the driver’s briefing was at the Feilding Coach House Museum. Luckily, we had another clear morning with far reaching blue skies and not too

The Bird Model A tailing the Lawrence Model T speedster.

many clouds. We got there in time even though we had a leaking carburettor problem that we hoped was solved with a quick change to another carb.

The route that day would be filled with more farm tracks, loads of gravel roads, and heaps more fun. Of the 80-something vehicles that turned up the day before, near that number were on the rally today. We spent the first hour or so following Nigel and Michele Fraser in their well motored 1927 Chevrolet Indy speedster. We hit the first gravel road in the first half hour so it was apparent that the Frasers would be adding some dust and grit to their breakfast sooner than expected! Speaking of dust, on the way to Waituna West, we noticed a crop duster that had landed and was refuelling. He soon took off again and started on a paddock. It was not long before he finished and started heading to another field. We waved out the window at him as he did quite a low pass, and to our surprise he noticed and dipped his wing back at us!

Soon enough we were off the tar seal and back on the gravel again. Each car was getting pretty filthy at this point. Fortunately, the Dodge was handling the descents on the gravel quite well, with Chrysler Lockheed hydraulics, it was quite easy to navigate some of the steeper bits. Unfortunately, the brake fluid built up pressure in

the master cylinder until the pedal was unable to be pushed down and all four wheels began to lock up. Luckily, we came across a side road, safely pulled off, and tried adjusting the cam tensioners on each drum. Our friendly Tail-End Charlie arrived and suggested a quick bleed by loosening the main line to the rear brakes from the master cylinder. It released a powerful squirt of fluid, then we retightened the line and the problem was solved for the time being!

We made it to the morning tea stop at an abandoned schoolyard before heading towards Rangiwahia.

The first farm we drove through was called Twin Bridges, owned by the Brown family. It was fantastic to drive over the tracks and through the paddocks. We got a good view of some classic New Zealand farm scenes on our little tour, and it was rewarding to see such landscapes. We passed through Rangi and arrived at Apiti at around midday and made quick work of our lunch. Vehicles lined both sides of the main street and it was really a sight to behold.

After a viewing of the cars and a chat with others, people started to slowly disappear. A several mile scenic drive around Apiti’s beaut countryside looped us back from where we stopped for lunch and another route started. The afternoon farm, owned by the Corpe family, had tracks that were superb, and they did a great job of testing the suspension. After exiting the farm, we came across a skeleton on a tractor. He looked like he was enjoying himself, much like us! After putting 20 litres of gas into the Dodge at the lunch stop, we thought we’d be good to get home on that. Alas, no, and around eight miles from Feilding we came to a stop on the on the side of State Highway 54, near the township of Cheltenham. We checked the tank — sure enough it was drier than a pretzel in a tanning bed, and the carb was leaking like a porcupine’s raincoat!

Luckily for us, the Tail-End Charlie, manned by North Island Club Captain Glyn Clements and his wife Cath, pulled in behind and had ten litres to spare. With gas in the tank, we hopped in the Dodge and pulled the starter — nothing happened. A dust buildup was the problem, so with some delicate tapping we managed to remove enough grit from the starter contacts to fire it up. Mobile again we headed for a gas station in Feilding and filled up the tank again.

The dinner and prize-giving was a much enjoyed occasion, and the haggis ceremony was one to remember. There were several kilt– wearing men which looked quite authentic, and was appropriate for the occasion. We landed ourselves a hard luck prize for running out of gas. It was well-received as who doesn’t want a new car cleaning kit? A great team of people put much effort into making this event possible. The entire weekend was fantastic, and so many memories were made. There’s nothing like driving vintage cars on unfamiliar terrain, making memories and sharing stories, and most of all, celebrating what our country and the Club has to offer!

Beaded Wheels 37

Greg Davidson and Quentin Handley from Tauranga in Greg’s 1931 Ford Model A racer at the Bell Block Hickford Park ready to proceed on the timed trial.

60TH MAUNGA MOANA RALLY CELEBRATION Words and photos Colin Johnston Taranaki Branch 21-22 March 2025

It was time to celebrate 60 years of the popular Maunga Moana Rally that the Taranaki Branch have held each year since 1964. Our annual rally was born after the very successful first rally that this branch had ever held in 1962 which was followed by the branch’s Vintage Car Rally at Easter 1963. These rallies were the beginning of this annual event that would enable us to have lasting friendships with entrants built up over those years from all over the country. Our current secretary/treasurer, and a first year member of our branch, Rob Thomson, was the rally organizer for the first Maunga Moana rally in 1964 and was secretary for this, the 60th.

The celebration rally drew entrants from Auckland, Tauranga and Masterton along with local Taranaki members making up the 42 entrants.

The weekend started on the Friday evening with rally registration and a special treasure hunt that took entrants who wished to participate to six different points in New Plymouth to collect information representing six decades of the Maunga Moana Rally.

s Mike and Michelle Whitelock from Masterton in Michelle’s 1936 Morris 8 Sports that was previously owned by her father and Taranaki member the late Ian Bleakley from Hawera.

38 Beaded Wheels

A draw took place at the celebration dinner to determine the winner which was won by Ali and Brian Bolland.

The road timed event started at the Hickford Park in Bell Block. The rally took vehicles on a scenic tour out into the eastern s 1924 Velie tourer, Wayne and Carrie Roberts, and 1929 Dodge, Danny and Taranaki countryside with Sharyn Hurley, at the lunch stop. beautiful sweeping views of central North Island from a top of the ridges. These views are rarely seen travelling along the main highways. The 80 mile morning course was planned with speed changes that eliminated the need for manned checks. The precise timing used, down to seconds, has been developed by Peter Croot of New Plymouth. The lunch stop was held at the Dudley Hall in Inglewood. The afternoon section was shorter and ended on the outskirts of New Plymouth.

The celebration dinner at the Plymouth International Hotel was attended by Glynn Clements, North Island Club Captain, who participated in the rally and presented 50-year badges to members Anthony Wilson and Doug Surgenor.

The rally was won

by Dave and Jocelyn Crompton in their 1962 Citroen ID19, taking home five trophies including the Castle Cup for overall placing. Nyall and Joelene Simkin won the Colleen s The overall winners of the 60th Maunga Moana Rally, Dave and Moore Trophy for first Jocelyn Crompton receiving six class two person crew and was miniatures including the overall second overall. winner’s miniature by Colin Johnston, Taranaki Branch Chairman.

ARCHIVIST NEWS

MORE FROM THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ ADVENTURES

THE CLUB EXCURSION LOG 1946-1955

s Start of 21 mile race Wigram 1950; Delage, Chrysler, Austin, Vauxhall, Bentley, OM.

they stayed until a replacement axle was sent from Invercargill.

Excursion Four: 25 May 1947. The first of many trials/ hill climbs at venues such as, Coes Ford, Taumutu (Lakeside), Governors Bay, Summit Rd, Lake Bryndwr, Birdlings Flat, Wigram, Tai Tapu, Sefton, Leeston, Leithfield, Springfield and more.

These events included novel driving tests such as, fording a river, clutchless gear changes, acceleration test over 75 yards, a slow moving test, a figure eight, driving blindfolded, time trials and a paper trail. This saw eight bags of sawdust being thrown from Rob Shand’s MG TA, which the entrants had to follow. But after a slight breeze, the trail was soon lost, so entrants had to ask some small boys who were present, “Have you seen any racing cars pass by?”.

At the end of an “excursion” they often had a Pint and Prattle, which included the occasional beer froth blowing competition. There are also numerous stories of their unfortunate mechanical breakdowns. They attended commemorative processions such as the Canterbury

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

(1950) and the Leeston (1951) Centennials, as well as the Ashburton 75th (1953). They also had outings with the Canterbury and MG Car Clubs.

This is a brief summary of the book. My next job, when time permits, will be to scan the book. The last few months have been extra busy with planning and packing for our move into the new National Office and Archive premises.

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 Norm Blandford, James motorcycle.

s Happy road sweepers, John Greenslade, Len Harrington, Rob Shand, Keith Newberry, John Cunningham, Andrew Anderson.

Preparing the Summit Rd for racing Sept 1948.

Leeston Hotel, April 1949. Rob Shand in MG TA, Bill Clark, Tony Bruger, Harry Newberry, Frank Blandford, Andrew Anderson, Keith Newberry, Tom Clements, Selwyn Jackson.

s

In the last issue, Beaded Wheels 393, I introduced the fascinating book, The Official Record of all Excursions made by the Vintage Vehicles Association, (VVA / VCC), years 1946-1955.

I consider this treasured book to be the most important record we have at the Archive.

With its 186 pages of incredible detail of their events and results, plus 210 photos, it is impossible to convey the full content of their early adventures of in two issues. Here are a few highlights.

The first VVA Annual Tour was from 31 December 1946 to 12 January 1947. V2 (a 1919 Dodge) J Reeves and two other cars travelled from Christchurch to the Homer Tunnel. This was not open to vehicular traffic so they walked the 19 miles to Milford Sound. They stayed the night and returned to their cars the next day in the pouring rain, having had no food. Now that’s what you call hardy! On their return to Christchurch the Dodge broke an axle at Marion Camp, (a Public Works Department camp near the Homer Tunnel). It was towed 110 miles to Lumsden, where

s 1950 Canterbury Centennial Parade. Godfrey Hall & family in the Talbot, Ford T, Andrew Anderson’s Panhard.

Beaded Wheels 39

MARKET PLACE

Terms and conditions CLASSIFIED RATES Classified advertisements are limited to 45 words including contact details.

Advertisers requiring advertisements longer than the standard 45 words, or who require typography or space, must apply display rates. The advertising department reserves the right to edit or return classifieds not meeting the criteria. All classified rates include GST Member of Vintage Car Club: No charge for text or photo classified advertising for club eligible vehicles. Members must be financial and identify their Branch. Limited to one free advertisement per issue. Maximum insertion of the same advertisement in up to three issues (must be resubmitted for each issue). Advertisements of a commercial nature are not eligible for free advertising.

Non-member: $25 for first 45 words or part thereof.

Text in a Boxed Ad: $30 non-members* Colour Photo Ad in Box: $60 non-members, enclose a clear photo and an SAE if return required.* Advertisements should be typed or clearly printed or submitted through vcc.org.nz/beadedwheels.

Advertising Email address: beadedwheels@ vcc.org.nz Advert and Payment: to arrive not later than 10th of month preceding publication. Payment

by Credit card or Internet banking (for Internet banking details email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz).

DISPLAY RATES* (gst exclusive) Casual (per issue) 3 Issues (per issue) Full Page $976 $780 Half Page $530 $425 Quarter Page $295 $234 All display rates quoted exclude GST and are for finished digital artwork ­supplied. Artwork can be arranged at an extra charge. Deadline for copy 10th of month preceding publication.

Beaded Wheels will consider articles of a technical nature for inclusion in its editorial space. Beaded Wheels however regrets that it is not able to offer editorial space for advertisements nor for the promotion of products.

Marketplace advertising cancellations received in writing prior to advertising deadline will be refunded in full.

Where possible Beaded Wheels will refund 70% of the advertisement cost for any cancellations received after the booking deadline. *Payment by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing charge of 4% Beaded Wheels makes every effort to ensure no misleading claims are made by advertisers, responsibility cannot be accepted by Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) for the failure of any product or service to give satisfaction. Inclusion of a product or ­service should not be construed as endorsement of it by Beaded Wheels or by the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.).

No liability can be accepted for non-appearance of advertisements and the text of all advertisements is subject to the approval of the editor who reserves the right to refuse any advertisements which are not compatible with the aims, objectives, and standards of Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) In accordance with the provisions of the Human Rights Commission Act 1977 Beaded Wheels will not publish any advertisement which indicates or could reasonably be understood as indicating an intention to discriminate by reason of sex, marital status, ­religious or ethical beliefs.

Advertisers should take all care in drafting advertisements as they could be held liable, as well as Beaded Wheels and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.).

40 Beaded Wheels

FOR SALE 19” WIRE WHEEL 3 STUD X 5. S ome minor rust but otherwise good condition $500 Corran.

Ph 021 565 688. MEM CANTERBURY 1928 CHEV PICKUP. $21,000. Reg and WoF. Recent motor overhaul. Removable folding top.

Engine and gearbox reconditioned. New tyres.

New kingpins. Good going order. Three spare gearboxes. Location Temuka. Marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd 027 2245 045 inc a/h.

AUSTIN SHEERLINE PARTS. I have a pile of spare parts left over after restoring my car. From two spare parts cars. Located in Waikato. The shed where they are is being sold, so they must go. Any offer. Ph 027 622 5838 MEM WANGANUI CITROEN RADIATOR, APPROX 1925. S ingle outlet at top and double lower outlet tubes.

Good radiator shell and V-shaped core. Standard 8 two door car 1947/48, suit restoration or parts. Contact Gavin Smith, ph 03 308 2297.

ASHBURTON BRANCH PARTS SHED 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 FORD CORTINA 1969 MK2 E xcellent condition.

Low mileage car, recently been recommissioned.

Blue with black interior trim. Has current WoF & Rego. $16,900. Ph 027 273 2767.

HILLMAN DOORS 1956 $ 150 each, grilles 54,56,58, $300 each. All brand new! ‘73 Triumph Dolomite, drives okay rego on hold, needs some tlc $2800. Three Dolomite projects, 3 regos, plus trailer load of parts $2000 ono. Bradford engine $300. 1955 Desoto hood, doors and guards.

Ph 03 214 0426.

MEM SOUTHLAND SET OF 4 REMINGTON 15” w ide whitewall tyres in good condition with approximately 80% tread. $1000 ono. Happy to send photos by text or email.

Ph Arthur 021 610 196. MEM EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY 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 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

VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ halogen bulbs.

Replace your existing bulbs without rewiring the headlamp assemblies. Up to 100% brighter than your existing Tungsten bulbs. Will fit most reflectors fitted to pre & post war cars and motorbikes. Also available in single filament 55 watt P22 & BA15 bases for use in spotlamps and mechanical dip reflectors.

Most bases and configurations available in 6v & 12v. Further info: Norm & Jan Sisson, sole NZ Agent. Phone 027 311 6563, Amuri Motorcycles, 2C Birmingham Drive, Christchurch.

Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz SET OF 5 ONLY, 19 inch wire wheels to suit a 1929 DA Dodge. Stipe Borich 021 727 024. stipeborichnz@gmail.com MEM AUCKLAND SINGER 9 ROLLING CHASSIS, e ngine no A3-476T, dismantled recon motor, twin-carbs, extractors, radiator, gearbox, tank etc. May have history.

Offers. Mike 0274 535 073, mikeruss@xtra.co.nz

MEM NELSON TALBOT 1930 2.2 LITRE CHASSIS, e ngine gearbox and differential having been rebuilt. Good set of wheels and new tyres. This car is chassis number 29011, number 11 of the 18hp Talbot production and is probably the earliest 18hp to have survived.

Mechanically as it left the factory. New fuel tank.

Shell main bearings, white metal big-end bearings in con-rods. New pistons, new waterpump. This is the same specs as the Talbot 90s that won on handicap at Le Mans in 1930, just 9 inches longer. $20K or offer. Ph Alistair 021 643 557 or zamahani@yahoo.co.nz.

MEM WAITEMATA 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 THE HOROWHENUA BRANCH OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB Welcomes everyone to their 3rd Annual Spares Department Mid Winter Sale From 9am on Sunday 15 of June ( Not Saturday).

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

JAGUAR 1978 XJ6 SLE Nelson built, KZ1229.

Leather ½ Dralon seats. Factory vinyl roof. Air conditioning, chrome wheels, gold line on side.

Speedo in KM/H. Only 42 were built? Was my late wife’s car used every day. Good condition. Owned 33 years. $10,000. Ph John 04 528 4618. MEM WGTN

MERCEDES 1967 200D, r uns and drives very well, tidy through out, shed stored, rego on hold, please contact 022 495 8216.

MEM NORTH OTAGO

FORD PREFECT 1960 , 40,780 miles. 107E OHV 4 speed. Five new tyres. New brake cylinder in rear and overhaul brakes. New bushes front and rear suspension. Runs very well has just done 100 mile rally no problems. $12,500. Phone 06 755 0950, 022 498 0276.

1946 AUSTIN 8 V ery good condition, rego and warranted with factory built sunroof, many parts. $8,500. Phone 06 278 6822. MEM TARANAKI

1930 FORD MODEL A ROADSTER. NZ new. Ground up restoration. All mechanicals replaced or repaired. Travelled 2,200 miles since restoration.

Repainted in Ford colours. New upholstery. A true time capsule restored to original with many extras.

A beautiful car. $42,000 ono. Ph Ross Herrick 021 510 302 Warkworth.

1946 VAUXHALL J14. Six cylinder 1781cc, seventh owner. First reg in New Zealand 21 June 1948. 150,798 miles.

Good tyres. For sale as is. Sale due to health.

Phone 027 2468 715.

MEM CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

MG BGT (1974). O dometer showing 34,632 miles (second time around!). WoF expired 10 Jan 2024. Rego on hold. Mechanically good.

Body needs repair and repaint. Interior needs to be refurbished. Previous owner added power steering and central locking. $7,500. Contact Martin Chapman 027 326 5119. MEM BOP

1954 WOLSELEY 4/44. Runs well and reliable.

WoF and rego, certified seatbelts. $8,000 ono.

Ph Jeremy 0211 520 922. MEM WAIKATO

1930 MODEL A FORD two door Tudor. Fully restored in 1980s. Bodywork good. Kept in good order mechanically. Current WoF and Rego. Heaps of spares to go with it. Current owner for 45 years.

Phone 027 297 5024. MEM ASHBURTON

FORD CAPRI XR2 CONVERTIBLE COUPE 1992.

4 seater, 4 seatbelts. Good tidy original condition.

Only 130,000kms. Has factory hardtop. Current WoF and Rego. $7,000. Contact Dave Inwood cellphone: 027 307 7634. MEM CANTERBURY

TALBOT 3 LITRE 1935 BA75/95. G eorges Roesch design, built by Talbot, London. Body off rebuild.

New wood frame. Engine, preselector gearbox and diff rebuilt including new parts. Original seats in leather. Will have WoF and Rego. $110K Ph Alistair 021 643 557, zamahani@yahoo.co.nz Photo from 2019, before completion. MEM WAITEMATA

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

Beaded Wheels 41

SPORTS CAR/ROAD RACING BOOKS from the ‘50s - ‘80s in good condition.

Will sell all or individually.

R oad Racing at Watkins Glen - Henry Valent (1958) Niki Lauda - Meine Story (1986) Enzo Ferrari - 50 Years - Casucci (1982) The Racing Driver - Denis Jenkinson (1969) Car Driving As An Art - S.C.H. Davis (1954) Maserati Road Cars - Crump & de la Rive Box (1979) 1928 FORD MODEL A SPORTS COUPE, this car has Sports Cars - Freeman (1955) been garaged its whole life, completely rust free Sports Cars in Action - John R. Bond (1954) with a new WoF and Reg, excellent condition, paint Road Race - Chris Jones (1977) work in excellent condition inside and out, contact Sports Cars and Competition Driving - Paul Richard, 027 484 5354.

Frere (1963) Abarth - An Incomplete Guide - Pat Braden & Greg Schmidt (1983) Twenty Four Hours at Le Mans - J.A. Gregoire (1958) Road Racing at Watkins Glen - Henry Valent (1958) Sports Cars in Action - John Bond (1954) TXT 021 719 480 for pricing or more info.

MEM CANTERBURY VETERAN BOOKS AND PARTS WORKSHOP MANUAL Sunbeam books, phone 07 348 422.

ROTORUA MEMBER ASSORTED PARTS FOR SALE Triumph gearboxes 1 x 13/60, 1 x 1500 Toledo $150. Herald steering racks, early and late, $100. Herald Vitesse GT6 steel road wheels, $20 and $30. Herald diffs 4:1 $150. BMC 1275 cylinder head complete, $150. Austin 7 Ruby wheels x 2 blasted, white new tyres, $220. Chev 1937 on new head and tappet cover gaskets $150. Jaguar Mk2, 5, 420 complete steering inc manual box and idler, $150.

Jaguar front coils, upper and lower suspension arms with uprights bolt on hubs, as new discs, $300. Lucas generators C40 & C43, $40. Lucas magneto (4 cyl) 4VRA LH rotation exc condition, $150. Smiths 4½ inch black faced tacometer, 8 cyl impulse 0–6500, $200. Smiths 4 inch black faced tacometer 6 cyl impulse 0-7000, $100.

Harley-Davidson 2008, 1200 sportster chrome coil over shocks NOS, $200. Phone 03 541 9391.

MEM NELSON

Beaded Wheels CLOSING DATES FOR BEADED WHEELS 395 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER ISSUE

Owners in NZ Spare Parts Club Inc

We supply parts for all Jaguar and Daimler models from the XK120 through to the XKR.

MG SPECIAL, Inspired by a 1930s MG K3 built by Grant Kern in the 1980s, MGB 5 bearing 1800cc For 50 years we have successfully engine. Riley rear axle with LSD documented helped enthusiasts. Contact us first race history and build list, eligible to race in VCC class, road. Rego on hold. $19,500. Ph/text for all your Classic Daimler & 027 435 0979 or email protheroe@xtra.co.nz Jaguar Spare Parts. We also supply

MEM ASHBURTON

via indent orders, placed monthly.

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

PENRITE OILS e carry a large range from vintage to modern W engines. Gearbox, diff, SU dashpot and water pump grease. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz

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

Business hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 8.30am to 2.00pm

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

Editorial copy - 25 June 2025 Advertising - 10 July 2025 1911 MODEL T TOURER Fully restored in 2013 to immaculate condition. Soft top and brass work are all new. Full overhauled engine however it has not run for 3 years. Ph: 021 0271 0610. MEM CANTERBURY 42 Beaded Wheels

SUNBEAM RAPIER early ‘60s ex museum last 30 years good body motor turns over no running $5500 ph John 022 051 5253. MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY

1924 AMILCAR MODEL CS. A beautiful example of this early French race car. See Beaded Wheels edition 285, page 12, April 2007 for an article on this vehicle. Will come with transport trailer. $40,000 Phone Steve 021 410 263.

LIKE SPORTS CARS? R entAClassic.co.nz requires casual assistants in Queenstown, Wellington and Auckland, for storage, preparation and handovers of 1 – 2 cars. Suit affable personality with flexible schedule, max 20 hires pa. Good rates, training provided. Mechanical skills a bonus! Contact Stephen Tanner, Owner info@rentaclassic.co.nz

1988 HONDA NX650 56,000 miles – just used on events club. Tidy and reliable with electric start.

WoF and rego new when sold. Ph 022 051 5253 or text john. MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY

2006 MAZDA NC ROADSTER MX5 2 000cc. $13,000. Automatic six speed .Only done 104,000 kms. Imported in in 2017 and well serviced.

Professionally fitted rear spare for long range motoring. Reg & wof. Location ChCh. Marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd. 0272245045 inc a/h.

1961 AJS MODEL 31 650 cc. In good running order with current WoF & Rego. $10,000 ono. Phone 09 437 1969 or email Martinsalter47@gmail.com

MEM WHANGAREI

1917 HARLEY-DAVIDSON SILENT GREY FELLOW 1000cc restored 2019 has a VIC sold with new WoF and rego $60k. Phone 021 743 906.

MEM AUCKLAND

VEHICLE MARKETING BY RUSHMORE MOTORS. arketing professionals. 45 years in M business. We offer a free service to vehicle sellers, catering for all older vehicles. From our database of over 600 prospective NZ buyers, we endeavor to match sellers with buyers. If selling, and would like your bank balance enhanced, give us a call. 027 224 5045 inc a/h. To view all vehicles, go to Rushmore Motors NZ on Facebook.

BSA B31 1951 model owned 36 years. Well sorted and great to ride. Engine rebuilt 2021.

Has 21 inch front wheel, original 19 inch wheel and guard included. Ridden and rallied regularly. $6750 ono. Email, call or text for full spec sheet and photos. Viewing welcome. Ph 027 443 8046, ollie.d10@gmail.com MEM WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH

1925 BUICK $29,500. NZ new. Ownership papers to 1935. Have receipts for work done inc. repaint.

New fluids, tune up and work- over $4,000. The car is very tidy but not showroom condition. It starts and runs well. Small fault with the left rear wheel. Sits on 70kph nicely and will reach 80 kph.

Sold WoF and reg. Location Christchurch. Recent work. Reconditioned vacuum tank. Upgraded fan hub. Reconditioned wiper motor. Valve clearance done. Carburettor overhauled. Exhaust manifold machined to suit head. Marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd 027 2245 045 inc a/h.

NORTON DOMINATOR 600 cc. Excellent order with completed repair work. Matching serial numbers.

Rego lapsed but has original rego papers and last rego number plate. All paper work on repairs and fitted new parts available. All offers considered.

Phone 021 131 6699. MEM TARANAKI

1956 INDIAN TRAILBLAZER r ebuilt and converted to 12volt. Fitted with indicators. Based on Royal Enfield Super Meteor 700. Sold in USA as Indians.

95% of parts available from Hitchcocks UK. Current WoF & Reg. Easy starter and cruises well.

Selling due to cash problems. $12,000. Ph 03 732 7060 email gen4use@gmail.com MEM WEST COAST

1963 HONDA CB77 305 SUPERHAWK. Very tidy old Honda. Starts and runs well. The engine is very good and the tyres are almost new. It will need to be re registered. I have the ownership papers and original black plate $7,500 ono. Ph 021 103 1167, ericmcph@gmail.com MEM NELSON Beaded Wheels 43

MARKET PLACE

1930 MODEL A FORDOR An older restoration in FORD MODEL T 1926 This car has been fully great order. A good reliable motoring car. Have restored to original and is surplus to requirements. owned for 30 years. Deteriorating health has It goes really well as it has been lifted a little.

MEM OTAGO led to downsizing. $28,000. Ph Lyle 03 324 2525. $30,000. Ph Graeme 027 242 0861.

MEM CANTERBURY

1957 MGA imported from South Africa and body off restoration 2020. New paint, upholstery, hood, wheel hubs, and tyres. The car has the later 1600 engine and a new five speed Mazda gearbox, original with the car. $40,000. Phone 03 443 8868.

MEM CENTRAL OTAGO

1926 FORD MODEL T SPECIAL COUPE 1930s Ford factory running gear installed mid 1950s, all bolted on to Model T springs. Model A axle housings, 17” wires, hydraulic brakes, 3 spd column change g/box, 17 stud 2200cc 8 cyl sv. Ford engine, factory bumpers $42000. Ph 07 847 5648, 021 033 5979. MEM WAIKATO

1974 ROVER V8 3500S Rare 4 speed manual.

Motor rebuilt in 2015. The car took part in a Targa Rally. Current WoF and Rego. Little bit of rust in bottom of driver’s door. $9,500. Ph Peter 027 492 9375 MEM WHANGAREI

1990 PEUGEOT 405 SRI R are NZ-new example in silver. 2.0L fuel-injected, 5-speed manual. Tidy condition. Classic French styling with everyday usability. Ideal entry into vintage motoring. $4000 ono. Located in Christchurch. Phone/text 022 633 9364.

1969 VOLKSWAGEN KOMBI VAN L eft hand 1981 FIAT X1/9 1500CC, 5 speed manual, 186,000 1964 SUNBEAM RAPIER SERIES 4 V ery good drive, registered & warranted goes well very tidy Kms, NZ new. Targa top, painted rosso metallic, condition current WoF & Rego. Vehicle has condition $62,000 phone Richard 06 857 8799. interior and paint in great condition, very tidy had extensive restoration work upholstery, throughout. Well maintained. Fun to drive, paint, wood dash, tyres are excellent. Selling as

MEM HAWKE’S BAY economical and reliable. Owned for the last 31 downsizing $21,000 ono. Contact John 021 957 032. years. (selling one of the family). Genuine reason MEM NORTH SHORE for selling. $15,000 ono. Marlene 03 385 6850.

MEM CANTERBURY

1928 CHRYSLER MODEL 52 4 cylinder 2 door car. 1952 AUSTIN SHEERLINE. 4 door sedan. 4 speed 1930 CHEV INTERNATIONAL, ¾ restored. Has Fully restored. Present owner 18 years. Extremely manual. Current WoF and Rego. Interior walnut donor vehicle, collectively both form a complete good condition. Engine fully reconditioned inc dashboard and leather seating original. Restored car if all restorative work was completed. Work new radiator 2 years ago. New front & rear glass. to ex condition through 1996. History of QEII visit done to the wooden frame, roof. Engine and Brakes fully overhauled. Located in Blenheim. in 1953/54. Many spare parts available. Contact drive train fitted to vehicle. Most underseal and Phone 03 578 9390 for more info and a reasonable Nancy 027 310 9105, nancy.stronach@xtra.co.nz. chrome works restored. Photos on request. offer.

MEM MARLBOROUGH

MEM SOUTHLAND Ph Matt 027 457 9877, oscarsranch@me.com

OHOKA, CANTERBURY 44 Beaded Wheels

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

4 AX RENAULT CYLINDER PLUGS 16 INCH DIAMETER PLYMOUTH RIMS New $45 each. Bob Hayes phone 027 221 1588, and matching hubcaps. Have been sandbobandree74@gmail.com MEM CANTERBURY blasted and primed. Ph Garry Mulqueen, 03 208 9232. MEM GORE

STEEL DASHBOARD. T ype of vehicle unknown but possibly a vintage vehicle. $120.

Contact: Arnold Van Zon. Ph 0272 753 336

MEM NORTH SHORE

MODEL A FORD SHOCK ABSORBERS New Zealand made, as original. The latest manufacture now available. Arms and all connecting parts as required. Phone Jack 03 352 6672, 0274 322 041 Christchurch.

M EM CANTERBURY

SU DOWNDRAUGHT CARB. 1¼”, DA3 stamped BUICK STRAIGHT 8 head gaskets and rocker on body. Comes with vertically mounted 60mm cover decal Fair and reasonable offer accepted. fuel bowl and lid. Has 1930s type main jet unit Ph 021 610 196.

MEM EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY but is interchangeable with H or H2 type jets.

In good condition. More photos available. $150 ron.elton@kinect.co.nz MEM BOP

We can supply piston sets for most makes and models. All piston sets come complete with rings and gudgeons.

We have over 700 listings at competitive prices.

M S COOMBES LTD 344 ST ASAPH ST, CHRISTCHURCH Ph: 03 366 7463 E: INFO@MSCOOMBES.CO.NZ

VINTAGE TRUNKS made to order or stock sizes. Dust proof and waterproof. Phone Allan 06 844 3959 or 0274 469 331 Napier, acjones760@gmail.com MEM

PICNIC BASKET V

intage Art Deco style.

Good order. Offers and enquiries to gisborne@vcc. org.nz GISBORNE BRANCH

DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS

ASSORTED BUICK STRAIGHT 8 PARTS in very good or reconditioned condition. Fair and reasonable offers accepted. Situated in the Bay of Plenty.

Ph 021 610 196. MEM EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY

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

Vintage Car, Ferrari, or any Special car! NJOY12 M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, $300 or $350 if you want the Ferrari! Contact Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: Roger email: white.house.stokesvalley@xtra.co.nz

MEM WELLINGTON info@mscoombes.co.nz

Beaded Wheels 45

WANTED

VAUXHALL VICTOR 3.3 FD PARTS WANTED .

FD series was from 1968-1971. I am after the internal light cover, hub caps and fuel pump and fuel filter bowl. Contact Mark 027 599 4613, mark.p.bradley@hotmail.com MEM CANTERBURY

1929 CHRYSLER ROADSTER WANTED AS SEEN IN PHOTO. Does anyone know the where abouts of this car? It was sold in the late ‘60s or early ‘70s in Taupo. it belonged to Denis Amor. Please contact Carl Amor (son) carl@aqualuma.com or phone 61 414 752 203.

WANTED MOTORCYCLE PROJECT. I’m looking for another project. European or British sporting single or v-twin. ‘30s era preferred but anything interesting that can keep up with modern traffic.

Anything Italian is also of interest. Does anyone have a Model-X Matchless or JAP 1000? Ph Bill Irwin 03 548 8743, 021 672 559.

MEM NELSON

1925 AUSTIN 12 ROADSTER PARTS WANTED. Exterior/interior door handles, ampmeter, windscreen wiper, generator, short radiator and surround. An 1¼” SU carb, rear hood window, valances and dash light. Please phone Mark 027 807 2221 MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY

MEM SOUTHLAND

ARIEL PEOPLE, HELP PLEASE: F or my 1951 VH 500 single, I need the 23T sprocket and sliding member.

Please contact Mike on mike@warnassociates. co.nz or 027 525 8836 MEM NELSON

FORD MODEL AA TRUCK PART s. Most parts required! Brian Connor, 027 488 5019, karinya@xtra.co.nz MEM CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY LAND ROVER 1948 – EARLY 1950S, preferably canvas roof model. Must be in good running order and condition. Ph 027 578 1231, perkinskj@xtra.co.nz MEM BAY OF PLENTY ROLLS-ROYCE 25/30 hp good used complete engine. Contact Steve 027 271 0865, email janiceandstevewinter@gmail.com MEM BAY OF PLENTY

STEERING DAMPER KNOB – W ebb or Panther As BSA SLOPER PARTS NEEDED I desperately need per photo. And any other girder fork or Panther an intact rocker box for my 1929 500cc ohv, either HWT miscellaneous parts. And anything else. bare, or complete with rockers would be great. VETERAN TRIUMPH PARTS WANTED TO BUY or Possible exchange for Burman CP parts. David Please either phone Bevan 021 159 8383 or email swap. Also have Ariel 1928 and 1927 projects and Broadhead 021 324 762 dbroadhe@xtra.co.nz bevanw58@gmail.com. MEM ASHBURTON model P/N parts projects to swap 021 088 06141

MEM AUCKLAND

MEM WELLINGTON CHEVY 1939 BUMPER OVER-RIDERS. Preferably in average/good condition. Phone Alistair MGB WIRE WHEEL COMPLETE DIFFERENTIAL. 027 202 5007, email Chevy39@xtra.co.nz May be interested in other parts as well. Contact

MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY Dion 021 027 020 99 MEM NORTHLAND

HONDA S800 (CAR) AIRCLEANER mounting plate.

Contact 027 201 0565, w.veitch@xtra.co.nz

DASHBOARD CLOCK FOR FORD V8 1935-36 wanted, going or not or part of. I also have to give away 1925 Hupbmobile steering box, and shaft too good to throw away. Ph 022 487 1132. MEM NELSON

1932 FORD TUDOR SEDAN model B/18 door and quarter glass or a pattern to copy, also window channels,felt etc, or anything else relevent to door windows. Dale 021 734 273

FIAT 500 TOPOLINO A 1938 Wanting an early side valve engine or a block.Also a copy of a workshop manual and parts catalogue. Contact Phil Reed 027 027 208 8633 philreed@hotmail.com

WANTED FOR A 1939 MASTER CHEV COUPE w ith straight front axle correct steering drop arm, drag link, new tie rod ends. Or info on what it should have, also two boot struts. Ph Neill 021 182 4885 or 03 385 4100, email ncwheelerahotmail.com

MEM OTAGO

SWAP MEETS & RALLIES

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

h

ty Branc

of Plen VCC Bay

T E E M P SWA Both competitive and touring routes are offered For further information and entry forms contact the Rally Secretary: Leon Salt 027 423 8122 email: brendda@xtra.co.nz

S 9

ASSIC C

liff Rd C 9 2 • m p 1 am –

Taura

e 027 476 1481

ion phon Further informat

EFTPOS AT THE GATES 46 Beaded Wheels

ARS

25 0 2 r e b m e v unday 2 No nga

E & CL VINTAG

Join us for a weekend wander across a mix of sealed and gravel roads enjoying our varied scenery

& CAR SHOW

ADMISSION $10 per person $15 family

53rd

OTAGO BRANCH

DUNVEGAN MOTORCYCLE RALLY

MMXXV AUTOMOBILE ANCIENNE

EARLY BIRD

SAVING

$25

DISCOUNT OFF YOUR ENTRY IF BOOKED

BY JULY 31ST

3 OCTOBER – 5 OCTOBER 2025 You are invited to register your interest in the above event. This is a well established over night event with a strong emphasis on participation. We encourage all those who haven’t entered before to join us and experience the great roads Otago has to offer.

For information email Trevor Kempton

catjkempton@gmail.com or contact Trevor on 027 221 5208

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

Saturday 15th november '25 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.nz

CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES 17TH OCTOBER 2025

10th, 11th and 12th October 2025 McLeans Island Road, Christchurch Entry $10.00

(One fee covers Friday–Sunday)

Children FREE NO DOGS ALLOWED www.canterburybranchvintagecarclub.org.nz Beaded Wheels 47

TRADE DIRECTORY

MARLBOROUGH MAGNETOS

UPPER CLASSICS NEW ZEALAND

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

Hard-to-get parts manufactured

Coil Only service for DIY assembly

Magdyno and Maglita units restored

Curiosities investigated

☎ 027 577 8328

Contact Paul Radmall at paul@magnetos.co.nz

▼

▼

▼

CARBURETTOR SPECIALISTS

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

Specialising in Weber, Holley, SU, Stormberg, etc

40 YEARS TRADE EXPERIENCE FREE ADVICE

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

INSTRUMENT REPAIRS

RESTORED CARS MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA First published in 1973.

Most back issues are available. All vehicles featured are restored or in original condition.

Events, How To’s and Australian motoring history are a specialty.

Experienced expert technician Bruce Chaytor ph 021 631 700 Nicolette Prangley 021 166 8374

Our readers want their cars in top motoring order for summer, it’s time to advertise your services with us.

Put your company in front of every member of the Vintage Car Club (and a whole lot of other readers as well). With an expanding readership you can discover an economical way of reaching a new audience. Our trade directory advertisements starts from just $70 per issue. Phone 03 332 3531 Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz

BOOK YOUR COMPANY’S TRADE DIRECTORY ADVERTISEMENT TODAY 48 Beaded Wheels

PH 61 3 5476 2212 RESTOREDCARSMAGAZINE.COM

CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 78 YEARS

CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 78 YEARS

No. 390 October/November 2024

“A BIT OF A WORKOUT!”

TRIALS ACTION MARKETPLACE

No. 389 August /September 2024

New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95

New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95

CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 79 YEARS THE ANNUAL TREK SOUTH

IRISHMAN 2024

No. 392 February/March 2025

New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95

BEHIND THE WHEEL

VEHICLES FOR SALE OF A ‘71 VW BEETLE INCLUDING MG TF AND ‘54 STUDEBAKER ROADSTER

9 418979 000012

Winter is workshop time –

VISA – MASTERCARD AVAILABLE Eddie Ford Publications P/L 29 Lyons St, Newstead Vic 3462, Australia.

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

MARKETPLACE

FIND THE VEHICLE OF YOUR DREAMS

PASSING OF ANDREW ANDERSON – LAST REMAINING VCC FOUNDER 9 418979 000012

13 Fleming Street, Onehunga, Auckland

nap.chaytor@gmail.com 5 Gibbs Place, Kinloch, RD1, Taupo 3377

9 418979 000012

Repairers and Restorers of Vintage and Classic Instruments Speedo Cables repaired or made new to order

Subscription Rates

Australia 6 Issues $69 or 12 issues $135 New Zealand 6 Issues AUD$117 or 12 issues AUD$231 Overseas 6 Issues AUD$150 or 12 issues AUD$297

MARKETPLACE VEHICLES FOR SALE INCLUDING EDELBROCK SPECIAL

BEHIND THE WHEEL

OF A 1965 SUNBEAM TIGER DRIVING OUR HISTORY

BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A HEALEY ELLIOT

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

LATEST CLUB INFORMATION

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

With the passing of April and May we can look back on the successful events run over this period. Jorden and I attended the South Island Easter Rally celebrating 50 years since the naming of Cutler Park, the Canterbury Branch grounds.

The Waikato Branch held the first North Island Easter Rally in a number of years. While the numbers attending were down on previous years for both rallies the entrants all enjoyed the weekend events.

Canterbury managed a break in the weather enabling us to motor with the hood down and, from the images posted on the Facebook page, Hamilton also was spared from the storms up and down the country. From all reports the Highland Fling event in Palmerston North was another great success for those attending, again with fewer numbers than normal.

We are seeing this decline in numbers up and down the country with the cost of living ever increasing.

Accommodation and fuel costs today make travelling away a big commitment for entrants, but the smiles on the faces of those who do make the journey, and hearing the laughter from different groups around the room, shows me that all is not lost. We are a club of motoring enthusiasts but it’s the friendships and the people we

s We are a club of motoring enthusiasts but it’s the friendships and the people we meet along the way that bring us all together. Photo Stewart Nimmo, Scenicland Rally 2025.

meet along the way that bring us all together. A big thank you to the volunteers from these branches for putting such great events on.

Next year the Club’s largest rally for some years is being held in Nelson, the Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring.

From what I have seen this is stacking up to be another great event. Yes, the entry fee looks expensive, but the organising committee have done everything in their power to keep it under the level of inflation since the last event four years ago. With entries now open I urge you to make the commitment and sign up for another week of great motoring, meeting up with old friends and seeing what Nelson has to offer.

Kaaren Smylie our National Day Coordinator has also been hard at work. She has secured Ford as a national sponsor for our Daffodil Rally for Cancer.

Ford is truly the best partner to have on board, and they have promised to get all their local dealers involved. With their help

this year is going to be bigger than ever, helping promote our Club and raise funds for a good cause. Don’t forget that funds raised in your region stay in your region. There will be new members as a result so please jump in and help your branch welcome these to our Club.

Progress is being made with relocation plans for our National Support Office. The required resource consents have been submitted to council; the inside has been given a fresh coat of paint and most of the office and archives are packed up ready to move. We are now just waiting for the tick from council which we expect will be soon, enabling the team to be in our new home mid-June, before the cold really sets in. We have to thank the team responsible for selling our old building. By deciding to take it to auction they achieved a sale price 62% above our most recent valuation.

Included with this edition of Beaded Wheels is the Notice of Motion for changing our current governance structure.

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

Andy Fox 027 519 9642

mgmt1@vcc.org.nz

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

Your Executive Committee have been working on this since the beginning of 2023. A lot of work has gone into looking at what is failing within our current structure and what a new structure would look like to make improvements. This was then handed to our club lawyer to produce the document being put forward, keeping as much of our old constitution in place as possible. The letter attached to the document explains the process that has been gone through to get to where we are now. It is a big change for our organisation and the Executive believes this will sustain our club in a good position for the next 80 years. Please read it and vote when the voting papers come out in July.

George Kear VCCNZ National President

ARCHIVIST Don Muller 03 385 6850

archivist@vcc.org.nz

VCCNZ LIFE MEMBERS Roger White Norm Dewhurst Rod Brayshaw John Coomber

Beaded Wheels 49

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

NATIONAL OFFICE NEWS MOVING TO NEW PREMISES

Over the next few weeks, the National Office will be moving to our new premises. During the move there may be a small disruption with communications and longer response times to queries. We will do our utmost best to minimise any disruption as much as possible.

We apologise in advance for any inconvenience that may be caused. We look forward to welcoming you to our new premises once we are settled in.

VCC VERO INSURANCE SCHEME

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

UPDATE CONTACT DETAILS IN PREPARATION FOR MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS

Please ensure that National Office hold your current email address and postal address

to enable the Membership Subscription Renewal invoices that will be sent out in September to be delivered correctly.

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.

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.

VIC RENEWALS NOW REQUIRE ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS 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 are provided, resulting in delays in the issuing of the new VIC.

If you are entering a National Club event eg Vero International Festival of Motoring, National Vintage Rally or National Motorcycle Rally – we strongly suggest you allow three months of processing your renewal.

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.

Karen Proctor Committee Liaison Officer

LET’S KEEP DRIVING FORWARD Around the country it’s AGM time – an ideal time to raise your hand and get involved with your local branch.

There are plenty of ways you can contribute — no experience is necessary. From administration to helping with grounds or clubroom maintenance, from joining your local parts shed team to lending a hand with rallies or swap meet organisation. There are countless ways to get involved and get more out of your club membership.

Ready to pitch in?

Talk to your branch committee today about how you can help.

50 Beaded Wheels

Be more than a member – be part of the team that keeps your branch humming.

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

Beaded Wheels 51

BRANCH NEWS ASHBURTON

TREVOR BEGG

We welcome new member Roger Scott with a 1926 Ford Model T. It is with much sadness that we advise the passing of Marie Bennett on 11 March following a very short illness.

While Marie was in hospital, her 50-year badge was organised and was presented to her by Branch Chairman Peter Jacob and Secretary Colin Sweetman. Marie

s Ashburton: P60- 80 Run to Lake Clearwater.

Auckland: Cedric Pegrums 1952 Mercedes 220 Ponton.

did a lot of work for the branch, including baking for working bees, and when setting up for swap meets those date scones were something else. Alongside Les she did a lot in the museum over the years.

We also sadly advise the passing of Avis Kingsland. Our thoughts go out to both these families.

The PV-PW run was to Lake Clearwater with seven vehicles attending.

We had an interesting club night at VTNZ Ashburton on 13 March regarding WoF testing for older vehicles. There is a separate article covering this experience in this issue of Beaded Wheels.

Our Veteran and Vintage run was held on 12 April, with 12 vehicles leaving Peter Lambie’s place to travel to the Murdoch family farm at Mayfield.

It was with regret that after so much rain during that first week in May we had to cancel our swap meet because of the wet grounds.

AUCKLAND

s Ashburton: Open Day at the Plains Precinct. ▼ Ashburton: Veteran & Vintage Run.

52 Beaded Wheels

PETER WOOD

It is with sadness that we note the passing of long-time member Pat Dewhurst. Her contributions to our branch and to the vintage car movement will be greatly missed. I am not sure that there was any aspect of the movement that she was not involved with. Only last October Pat was presented with her 50-year membership badge.

Autumn has come and gone again, and the Autumn Tour was a great success, attracting a reasonable number of entrants. The event was won by Rodger and Val Ball in their 1930 Model A tourer. Held on 30 March, this event was a combination of the PV rally and the Vintage Muster because of dwindling participation in the

rallies. On Saturday 29 we had a cook-up called the Thermette Challenge at the clubrooms, where groups of members put on their own dishes, much to the delight and entertainment of those present. A new event that was well received.

On a personal note my 1930 Marquette roadster was purchased many years ago.

Restoration was started and then stopped.

Now retired, I have leapt back into it, and recently fitted the steering box, the exhaust system and have latterly rebuilt the tie rods and drag links.

Several cars and motorbikes attended the National North Island Easter Rally hosted by the Waikato Branch. Locally we had a great turnout for the branch Kaiawa Fish and Chip run.

s Banks Peninsula: Greg Mowatt unleashes the power of the caged Triumph Vitesse 2.5I, Ellesmere Speedway.

BANKS PENINSULA DON GERRARD We welcome new member Grant McKenzie with a ‘76 Triumph 2500 PI, ‘50 Morris LC3 light commercial and a ‘66 Puch SRA 150 motorcycle.

The penultimate round of our Race Series Championship was run at the George Begg Festival at Teretonga in April, with all three classes well represented.

Paul Coory scoring in Class A in his Chev CAE Sprinter, Royce Bayer in Class B in his Lotus 23C Rep, and Kevin Stevenson in the Shadetree MK1 in Class C, all gaining valuable points. A welcome return to our racing grids was the recently acquired, ex-Bob Boult, Edelbrock Special, now in the competent hands of Murray Sinclair.

Brendon Leitch enjoyed a guest drive in Scotland’s Jac Nelleman’s Mallock U2, expertly showing his local experience and knowledge of the Teretonga track.

At the end of March our rescheduled summer Motokhana was held at

s Banks Peninsula: Sue Holt in her ‘drophead’ gorgeous Armstrong Siddeley.

Photo John McDonald

the Loburn property of Jo and Stephen Aldersley, with 19 competitors getting to grips, literally, with the slippery, grassy conditions. New member Sue Holt went serenely about the five field disciplines in her Armstrong Siddeley, Peggy Barrett attacked each test with purpose in her Cortina GTE and Jonte Clark in his Mazda

MX5 showed us all how to put pace and accuracy together. Overall winner Tim Palmer in his Fiat 501 just pipped the other Palmer, James, in his Model A tourer for the Vintage award.

In April we were invited by the Canterbury Speedway Enthusiast’s Club to join in one of their track days at Ellesmere.

s Auckland: Peter Woods’ Marquette motor.

s Auckland: Rally winners Rodger and Val Ball 1930 Model A.

s Auckland: Leo Fowlers 1947 Talbot.

s Auckland: The Marquette restoration underway.

Beaded Wheels 53

t

Bay of Plenty: New Member Grant Fitzpatrick hosted a large group from our branch for a barbecue plus viewing of his extensive Ford collection. Photo Donn White

▼ Bay of Plenty: Rain did not deter the RollsRoyce and Bentley owners participating in a Show and Shine at the BOPVCC Clubrooms.

Photo Donn White

Five VCC competitors took to the dirt and showed a range of techniques in powerslide driving in each of their timed pursuit runs. An entertaining and varied day of competition which will certainly be on our calendar again next year.

BAY OF PLENTY

KAAREN SMYLIE

The summer weather enjoyed in the Western Bay of Plenty through March resulted in club runs running like clockwork. However, by April cyclonic storms from the North put a damper on our events, but there was still a good and regular turn out by keen club members.

Our End of March Run took members to the countryside in the Lower Kaimai Ranges to view a new member’s large collection of mainly 1960s and ‘70s Fords.

Grant Fitzpatrick welcomed a large group who perused an eclectic range, including

s Bay of Plenty: Bert and Helen Dove turned up at the Tauranga Jazz Festival Parade in a newly acquired and very rare 1936 Auburn convertible. Photo Brian Pratt.

many examples from the Ford factory such as Consul 315, Capri, Cortina, Anglia, Zephyr, Zodiac, even a rare Corsair and much less rare Transit van.

Deidre Rennie once again worked tirelessly liaising with the local City Council and Tauranga Jazz Festival organisers and associated Jazz Festival Parade. This was staged in downtown Mount Maunganui and, despite the damp conditions, the Parade was well supported by BOP Branch members and The Tauranga Mini Owners Club. The public were particularly thrilled to witness the cavalcade of vehicles ranging from Pre WWII through to P80.

t

54 Beaded Wheels

Canterbury: Gavin and Annabel Hunt, Ashburton, Rear Wheel Brake Rally, 1903 Darracq.

Unfortunately, the damp conditions persisted when our branch hosted the Rolls-Royce & Bentley Club. They staged a Show and Shine, and were very positive concerning our hospitality and the standard of refreshments provided. The next day our branch was invited to put on a vehicle display at Summerset Papamoa Retirement Village. A good group of hardy souls participated, but the rain refused to go away. Perhaps the winter months will be drier. s Canterbury: Rear Wheel Brake Rally, skirting the foothills of the Southern Alps.

s Canterbury: Richard Garlick, 1922 Buick 4 22-35 tourer.

CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

HEATHER CHEER

s Canterbury: Colin and Matthew Hey, 1909 Wolseley Siddley, Rear Wheel Brake Rally.

CANTERBURY

COLIN HEY

This year’s Brooklands to Brighton Run in early March for all vehicles over 100 years old was well subscribed, with 53 entrants taking part. Some even managed the 30km run without any stops, despite the majority of the route being through urban streets. There was plenty of interest from locals along the way and at the finish point, where the cars and motorcycles were on display until early afternoon. This outing was followed a few weeks later by the annual Rear-Wheel Brake Rally, which visited several old school sites around the Darfield and Springfield areas. Both events enjoyed beautiful weather – ideal for the older machines and their passengers.

Our Annual P-Group rally was run during April and finished at the Little River

Domain at the local community’s annual Pumpkin Festival, much to the delight of the public who flocked to this very popular event.

The Branch also hosted the muchanticipated National South Island Easter Rally during April. It doubled as a celebration of 50 years since the naming of Cutler Park after one of our founder members the late Pat Cutler. A huge effort by the maintenance team had the grounds looking superb, and the rally organising team did an equally impressive job organising the rallies, field tests and the social functions to make the weekend really enjoyable for the 200 people who participated in the event.

The March run began with 20 members meeting in Dannevirke at the Malcolmson’s for morning tea. We then took the rural roads to Woodville and Keith Hartstone’s chainsaw museum, which has 500 chainsaws on display. He’s been collecting for 30 years, and a Sunday family drive would often be to pick up another donation.

They have travelled to the USA and Canada to look at different saws. An excellent museum.

Our lunch stop took us to the Woodville Railway Station, where a group of enthusiasts are preserving rail memorabilia. An interesting talk about the history of rail in the area was given by a retired worker and his son, who is currently an engine driver.

Later we moved on to look at an extensive private railway collection.

The Twilight Rally in April saw 24 cars cover 150 kms towards the east coast, travelling along roads not often driven.

The time trial ended at Blackhead Beach which gave us a chance to stretch the legs. We then drove round the coast to the Porangahau Country Club for a soup

Beaded Wheels 55

s Central Hawke’s Bay: Members gather for the Twilight Run briefing.

s Central Hawke’s Bay: Members listening to Keith Hartstone explain where he found some of his treasures.

Show, Beach Hop at Whangamata, Classic & Vintage Car Breakfast at Thornton, Farming Like Grandad Show at the old Racecourse at Te Teko, National North Island Easter Rally in Cambridge, and a branch run to Henry’s Rod Shop in Katikati. There were also other special events that individual drivers attended

and bun meal. Our last stop was at the Waipukurau Club for a 20-question fun quiz, prize giving and meal.

Several members enjoyed a trip to Hastings to the Super Strike tenpin bowling centre for a social outing.

CENTRAL OTAGO

JOHN GRAY

A wide variety of classic motoring events have been available to our members over the past couple of months.

The branch held its first Central Otago Gold Motorcycle Rally in mid-March. A great entry of 42 motorcycles were split over three routes of varying length, all ending up in Oturehua for lunch. There were three entries from the North Island, with the rest from all over the South Island.

The Otago Anniversary weekend of 22-23 March, saw the inaugural Ayrburn Classic, a Pebble Beach style, Classic Car Show and Concours. This stunning new venue near Arrowtown hosted a fantastic collection of around 200 very high-end classic cars on display.

What may be the final Wheels at Wanaka vehicle extravaganza was held over Easter weekend, with approximately 220 pre-1980 cars displayed, many of which belonged to our local members. The display also included large collections of trucks, Land Rovers, traction engines, and the largest ever assembled collection of Caterpillar earth moving machinery. All display categories undertook laps of the arena several times each day.

56 Beaded Wheels

s EBOP: Farming Like Grandad – old time steel wheels with hard rubber on Titan 20hp tractor.

Our branch annual Golden Times Rally was held on 26 April, as part of the Arrowtown Autumn Festival. Forty one cars and one veteran motorcycle were on display in the main street for a couple of hours before leaving for a very relaxed drive around the delightful Wakatipu basin’s rolling countryside. The lunch stop was at the Coronet Peak parapente landing site and entrants returned to Arrowtown for the prize giving.

EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY

BRUCE SEDDON Recent events have included Pukehina Autorama at Pukehina School, Taupo Branch Country Roads Rally, Mamaku Car

s EBOP: Farming Like Grandad – two horse power transport predated our cars.

such as John Twaddle once again taking his Morris Million to the National Morris Minor Rally at Easter. Some events are VCC exclusive, and others are classic or simply automotive related, but they all attract our attention and are an opportunity to get our vehicles out on the road.

Thirteen cars from our branch were displayed at the Pukehina Autorama, an annual fund-raising event that attracts about 400 vehicles to a fun picnic and country fair day. Our half dozen cars attending the Taupo Branch rally returned a couple of place getters in the P80 section.

Another eight cars lined up in Mamaku in the local car show there. While those shows were on, other members drove to Whangamata to revel in the sights and sounds of the 25th Beach Hop. The highlight of our April events was Farming Like Grandad, run by the Kawerau based Waterwheel Trust. Our Branch join in the farming related and tractor displays each year with a show of cars and a Posh Picnic. The district’s racecourse, no longer used for horse racing, is ideal for this show of rural life as it used to be. We enjoy our contribution to this community event.

Finally, our visit to Henry’s Rod Shop at the far side of Bay of Plenty showed what clever automotive technicians there are in New Zealand who can work wonders with older cars. Especially gratifying is the sight of the younger employees who are being trained to carry on with skills that would otherwise be lost.

s EBOP: Barry & Marianne Spry’s Daimler ( a new addition) at Farming Like Grandad.

FAR NORTH MURRAY CORMACK Our Southern Club Captain Steve Edwards rescheduled the earlier raincancelled beach picnic as our March event at Ruth’s Beach, Taipa. Idyllic weather brought out a good number of vehicles, and with a hearty barbecue, good swimming, and an enthusiastic social catch-up, it all made for a great branch rally.

April saw our feature event, the Brian Parker Memorial Rally. This was always going to be a tussle between machines and Northland’s back country gravel roads which had been damaged by Cyclone Tam. A broken spring in the 1929 Chev, and a flat tyre tested our mechanical ingenuity,

s Far North: The Masons at beach picnic.

reminding us of our motoring history. Mud, potholes, debris and humour, with support from other cars, made for quite an invigorating day. Congratulations to Christine and Murray Squires who were the winners of the event. Thanks to Claude and Margaret Ilton for preparing this feature rally and ensuring its success.

GISBORNE

s Far North: John Rademaker arriving at the beach picnic in his Daimler Conquest roadster.

RODNEY CLAGUE

This year’s Three Rivers Rally attracted 10 entries including one from Auckland and four from Eastern Bay of Plenty. The Saturday run took them from the city environs and around Patutahi and Te Karaka before heading up SH2 to turn left into Rakauroa Road which connected up with Te Wera Road, back to SH2 and then to Matawai and on to Motu for lunch.

After visiting the Motu Falls entrants returned to Gisborne via the Whakarau Road — 39 kilometres of left and righthand bends, and occasional steep climbs, with lots of dust — before linking up

Beaded Wheels 57

s Gore: Gore Branch members strolling around the new Clutha Memorial Hall.

again with SH2 and motoring back to the clubrooms and the end of the rally. The final dinner and prize giving was held at the Forces Café. Sunday saw the outsiders heading back home after a farewell cup of tea at the clubrooms, and the end of a great weekend.

The very interesting slide show based on 75 years of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand from 1946 to 2021 was shown at our March club night. It included all the National and International rallies during that period, with the Gisborne branch being represented at all rallies bar one. The early rally slides contained images of many veteran vehicles, some of which have since been sold overseas. Well worth viewing.

Our May Run set off just after noon taking the entrants out in the country before concluding at the Bushmere Arms for a convivial afternoon tea. The June run will be the Ladies Run, the general idea being that the women do the driving while the males navigate.

GORE

BILL SHEDDAN

There have been lots of Branch activities lately, with all held in fine sunny weather.

Bruce and Pauline Price set out a Branch

s Gore: Roy Buchanan and Allistar Graeve beside Allistar’s 1961 Studebaker Lark.

Run to Balclutha on 15 March to visit the new Clutha District War Memorial Hall.

Their daughter, who just happens to work there, gave a conducted tour around the impressive building. This was followed by a tasty home-baked afternoon tea.

The next day, Sunday, was the branch annual Swap Meet. Thanks to Katherine Welsh and her team of helpers this event continues to grow year on year. This was evident by the lots of useful parts exiting the site from early morning till mid-afternoon.

The Tuesday Ramble saw us motoring to the Beaumont Hotel for lunch. Because of health and safety concerns the planned tour of a local gold mine was cancelled and replaced by a good old natter, after which some went for a look around Lawrence.

The Frank Robson Memorial Run and Clearwater Capers on 5 April, organised by Greg Elder, saw 19 cars and some 45 enthusiasts converge on Greg’s property after a leisurely 90-minute drive. Bill Ainge won

the Frank Robson trophy in his Austin 12/4 and Ken Youngson the Clearwater Capers trophy in his ‘54 Citroën Light 15.

The branch clubrooms continue to be a popular venue for hosting clubs and groups, and with the recent extensive kitchen upgrade and the help of enthusiastic club volunteers have hosted some larger group events. One such event was the National Model T Rally for a meal and refreshments, which all helped the depleted Branch amenity restoration fund.

HAWKE’S BAY

DIANE FRIIS

It’s been a time of great variety in Hawke’s Bay, with activities that have proved very popular. Our mid-week run took the form of Barrie’s barbecue. We had a great run around the rural roads of Hawke’s Bay, and finished at a park in the township of Whakatu, where the district council provides a well-kept and

s Hawke’s Bay: Briefing outside Henry’s Family Pies in Otane before the Wimbledon Tavern run. t

58 Beaded Wheels

Hawke’s Bay: The Wimbledon Tavern, established 1886.

s Horowhenua: Steam locomotive at Woodville.

s Horowhenua: Taking a resident for a ride during our visit to the Charles Fleming Village in Waikanae.

free-to-use barbecue, perfect for a picnic lunch on the run.

At club night, we were treated to a presentation by member Sue Martin on her trip to the Ross Sea on a Russian icebreaker.

What an amazing trip. We heard all about life on board (over 850 sick bags were used, but only one by Sue!), the excellent food provided, and health and safety (like tying yourself into your berth so you didn’t fall out with the roll of the ship). As Sue is a very good photographer, we saw many of her photos of the wildlife on the islands they stopped at – penguins, seals, albatrosses – and the very harsh landscapes.

She also spoke of the explorers who had led the discovery of the Antarctic, and the scientists and crew who are now exploring this fascinating environment.

For our monthly Sunday run there was an entertaining run through the backroads of Central and Southern Hawke’s Bay ending up at the Wimbledon Tavern.

HOROWHENUA

BRUCE JAMIESON

Our big event for the year, the Swap Meet, was very well attended by vendors

and the public. Luckily, our clubroom has large verandahs on two sides, and they became very crowded when a couple of showers passed through. While sheltering, many took the opportunity to inspect the clubroom, library and spares department.

We visited the Ryman Retirement Home in Waikanae where dozens of residents come to view the cars. We offered them short trips, and many took the chance to relive some of their own motoring experiences. Branch Chairman, Bill Laney, was asked by his passenger if he would mind calling in to the supermarket so she could do some shopping. Naturally, he obliged!

This visit was arranged by two of our branch members, Winton and Ruth Cleal, who have an apartment at this complex.

They also recently received their 25-year badges. Congratulations to them.

A rather different kind of trip for us was a journey on a vintage steam train, owned and restored by Steam Incorporated at Paekakariki. We booked out a carriage on the train which departed from Wellington, bound for Woodville. Most of us hopped on at Otaki or Levin. The road through the

s Manawatu: Tony Haycock brought his 1922 Citroen B2 project along to the April Club Night.

Manawatu Gorge has been closed for years after major slips, but the railway on the other side of the river has remained open.

The good news is that the new motorway built to replace the old gorge road is scheduled to open in June, so we can look forward to a faster connection to the eastern parts of the country. Our vintage cars might huff and puff a bit getting up the inclines, although there are a couple of reservoirs near the roadside at the top, so the thermosyphon cooling systems could be resuscitated.

MANAWATU

BRYAN ABRAHAM

The February club night was a presentation about the National Motorcycle Rally which had been hosted by the branch the previous month.

Early in March members attended the Julia Wallace Retirement Village for a Park, Show and Ride afternoon for residents.

The March Sunday Jaunt took members to the Rush Collection on the outskirts of Feilding to look at a diverse collection of vehicles and motoring memorabilia.

s Manawatu: Participants for the Ruahine Ramble parked up at the clubrooms before departure.

Beaded Wheels 59

s Nelson: Rob Thompson’s Model T at Founders Park.

s Nelson: Looks like Nelson’s Malcolm Baker has been burning rubber while navigating the Rimutaka hills at the recent Model A rally.

s Nelson: Driver Rachel Limmer and her navigator Jan Newton. Winners of the 2025 Ladies Rally.

very cool and overcast day. The foraging began at 8am when searching for various items started, including memorabilia and general collectibles. Many people eagerly grasped the objects they desired, either held under their arm or put in the back of their ute or trailer, as they later departed.

Others experienced disappointment but remained undeterred and went to the food stalls for a refreshment and rest before continuing their exploration of the wide range of vehicles on display.

Over 30 of our cars attended the Top of the South Car Display at Richmond last month. Members flew the flags and handed out Club information to attendees.

A handful of Nelson cars attended the West Coast Branch Scenicland 15 Rivers Rally. The Coasters put on great weather for the day. Finding 15 rivers that you crossed seemed simple, but with so much to see and do along the way it sorted out the sightseers from the quizzers.

The annual Ladies Rally was held on a

s Nelson: Bargain hunters at the Nelson Swap Meet.

The Ruahine Ramble was well attended with over 30 entries. The prizes were well shared out, with the winner being a Manawatu Branch member, second place going to a Horowhenua member, and the third prize to a Central Hawke’s Bay member.

The March club night took on a different slant than usual, featuring a Shiny Parts Auction.

April started with members displaying their cars at the bi-annual Kimbolton Sculpture Festival. The April Sunday Jaunt took a good turnout of members to a property near Palmerston North, where a wide range of machinery (lots of the Caterpillar brand) was displayed, together with a collection of chainsaws and other equipment. The highlight of the afternoon was when a V12 Caterpillar D397 (which develops 650hp) was started up using a pulley and belt connection from a Caterpillar D2 which served as the starter motor.

60 Beaded Wheels

s North Shore: Open Day.

For the April club night Tony Haycock brought along and talked about his 1922 Citroën B2 project, and April finished with the branch hosting the Highland Fling which saw 85 entrants from throughout the country, and one from Australia.

NELSON

CAROLYN BOLLAND

Vintage car and motorbike enthusiasts gathered at the Nelson Branch carpark at the speedway on Saturday 8 March on a

bright Sunday afternoon with a sporting theme at its heart. The route wound past many of Nelson’s top athletic facilities, popping up quiz-style questions along the way. Back at the clubrooms everyone gathered for afternoon tea while the scores were tallied. The team with the highest score now has the honour of planning next year’s run. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging day with the ladies at the wheel and their partners navigating.

Our latest lunchtime rallies took us to Founders Park and through the Moutere hills admiring the scenic wonders of Tasman Bay.

NORTH SHORE RICHARD BAMPTON Our annual Open Day was again a great success, with a wide range of members’ cars on show, the variety expanded by

s North Shore: Les Paddison’s Ford Zephyrs.

s North Shore: Steve Paddison’s Zephyrs.

s

Otago: Combined Otago Branch and Classic Motoring Club run.

AW – two horizontal cylinders and over 5 litres. Next we went to Steve Paddison’s, where more Ford Zephyrs and Zodiacs were on view. Also there was a V8 requiring considerable work hiding in a corner, and an Anglia and an Austin 10 Special.

After lunch several members continued on to the Auckland University Leigh Marine Laboratory, where they learnt about kina and starfish and saw many interesting exhibits.

OTAGO

s North Shore: 1948 John Deere AW.

the over 200 visiting club eligible vehicles attending. Visitors applauded when the 1924 Dennis bus was driven out of its shed for closer inspection by the public.

Many members and NSVCC owned vehicles supported Silverdale Pioneer Village open day, and this was the first official outing for the 1936 Chevrolet Master which has been restored by members over several years. The Chev can be booked by members to go on our regular runs.

A new venture was Curry Night.

Suggested and ably cooked by Tony Sparkes, some 50 club members enjoyed a choice of curries and poppadoms. The excellent meal was followed by one of Arnold and Marika Van Zon’s slide shows

of a remarkable bicycle ride they took through Cuba and the USA. We were welcomed by Warkworth and Wellsford members to their clubrooms where the rather wet April run started.

First stop was at Les Paddison’s excellent collection of Fords, Mark I, II and III, Zephyrs and Zodiacs, although some were more impressed by his 1948 John Deere

MARION MCCONACHIE

Sadly, our long serving House Manager, Bill Partel, passed away in February – we miss his presence at the clubrooms especially on the Wednesday mornings. Paddy Williams also passed away in February.

Many motorcyclists will remember his involvement in the VCC. The Otago Classic Motoring Club invited us on their monthly Sunday run

s Otago: Line up at the start of the combined run.

Beaded Wheels 61

s Rotorua: Visit to the artillery museum, Scammell Pioneer truck.

seven day tour to Christchurch while two stayed on for the National Easter Rally.

We continue to attract new members to the branch, and some are helping with organising local events which is very much

wife, Fleur, has volunteered to produce a regular newsletter to keep members informed of events.

appreciated.

The Veteran and Vintage rally had 18 entrants, including the branch’s Darracq and our Patron’s 1908 Cadillac. The run took us through Myross Bush, Branxholme to Winton for the lunch stop, then back to the clubrooms for the prize giving.

Malcolm Hodgkinson received his 35-year badge, and presented the branch with the Teams Trophy that he and his two sons won at the National Motorcycle rally.

Members have also attended the 2025 George Begg Festival at Teretonga.

ROTORUA s Rotorua: Sunday run.

in March. This took us to a Man’s Shed in Milton where we were shown around their workshop – they make coffins to order here, which seems to be a growing business. A look around the local butcher’s museum reminded us of how our fresh meat was processed way back then.

Our February Midweek run took us on a visit to a builder of pianos. He is currently building an eight metre long piano for a client overseas. He is self-taught and he makes most of the components himself.

He had a small collection of other pianos which all had interesting stories to go with them.

In April the South Island Club Captain’s Tour started at our clubrooms. A great selection of makes were taking part and it was a picture-perfect Saturday morning for our group photo at a local lookout. Eight Otago branch members joined in on the

62 Beaded Wheels

s Rotorua: Visit to the Waikato Artillery Museum.

RONALD MAYES

Long time member and MG enthusiast Dennis Kenny passed away in February.

He had owned an MG TD and an MGA Twin-Cam coupe, and until recently drove the 1929 M-Type which he had virtually rebuilt (see his article in Beaded Wheels 382, June-July 2023). He and his wife Pam had been heavily involved in athletics in their younger days, particularly the organising of the famed annual Rotorua Marathon.

Recent events have included the annual Chairman’s Run in March. This had us driving around the scenic and quiet country roads north of Lake Rotorua until we struck a traffic jam which stopped everyone for some time. We realised we were in farming country when a large bovine herd was being driven along the road between pastures. Some took a keen look at our cars as they walked by.

In April a non-competitive run showed a good variety of club cars on the highways, travelling to the Waikato Artillery Museum at Mangateparu.

Following the cessation of the branch Side Curtains magazine, our chairman’s

SOUTHLAND

CAROL MCGARRY

SOUTH CANTERBURY

SHANNON STEVENSON The Mid-Island Rally was held on 9 May, organised by the Munros, Manchesters and Hamiltons and supporters, the run taking participants to Capricorns Gardens near Geraldine, and Woodbury.

Also in March was the Motorcycle Rally, organised by Neil Manchester and attracting almost 20 bikes - the run taking riders south-west of Timaru to Bluecliffs, and across to Cave for lunch at the local pub.

A number of members took part in the South Canterbury Rock & Hop weekend, in support of Hospice.

s South Canterbury: Stalls on the racetrack, Swap Meet at Orari.

s Southland: 1908 Cadillac, Wayne Nicoll.

s South Canterbury: Alvan Jones’ 1982 Ford Cortina 2.0 Ghia, South Canterbury Rock & Hop display, Caroline Bay, Timaru.

SOUTH OTAGO

NOELINE MILNE

The McNabbs had a fabulous time attending the National Model A Rally coming home with a well-deserved Best in Show.

A well organised Gore Festival Rally was enjoyed once again with the McCalls having some success in their Plymouth.

March’s Wednesday outing was to Roxburgh, where a picnic lunch was enjoyed followed by an opportunity to purchase some summer fruits.

Afternoon tea was back in Lawrence at the Prospector. The April outing was organised by Allison Ollerenshaw, taking in country views on the way towards Clinton, turning off SH1 to

s

The annual branch swapmeet took place at Orari Racecourse on Saturday 5 April, the inclement weather not stopping thousands of keen bargain hunters and sellers, a number from beyond South Canterbury.

Mid-week runs have restarted for 2025, the 10 April run, organised by Kevin Manchester taking participants south-west of Timaru to Southburn Hall, via Taiko, Cave and Pareora Gorge.

At our April Noggin night our guest speakers were Michelle Bunt and Lucy Mehrtens from South Canterbury Road Safety Trust. For the May Noggin night the guest speaker was No 3 Squadron RNZAF helicopter pilot Andrew Stewart, son of branch member Grant Stewart, along with his wife Nicole Brooke-Stewart, also a helicopter pilot.

South Canterbury: Oliver Irving’s Ford Model A, South Canterbury Rock & Hop display, Caroline Bay, Timaru.

Beaded Wheels 63

s South Otago: Paul McNabb with trophy.

s South Otago: 29 entries for our 50th Anniversary Annual Motorcycle Rally held on 8 March 2025 included John Hayman (front left), Ariel Huntmaster and Bill Veitch, (front right) BMW R60.

take in Waiwera South, then to Owaka for afternoon tea at the local hotel.

The highlight for the Club was the 50th Motorcycle Rally on 8 March. It was very special to have Bill Veitch of Dunedin and Brian Hayman of Rangiora along, as they attended the very first rally as well as many others over the years. John Hayman, who designed the original plaque that is still used today, also took part. Sister Sue was not riding this time, but supported Gary Beaumont with the organising. Following morning tea at the clubrooms the route took riders to Clutha Valley, Tuapeka West, Roxburgh, Millers Flat then Beaumont for the lunch stop. Prize giving and raffle draws back at the clubrooms finished off

s Taranaki - Doug Surgenor (left) being presented with his 50-year badge by North Island Club Captain Glyn Clements.

64 Beaded Wheels

a great event. Overall Winner was Max Dewar, 1955 Norton Dominator.

TARANAKI

s Taranaki - Anthony Wilson (left) being presented with his 50–year badge by North Island Club Captain Glyn Clements at the Maunga Moana celebration dinner.

COLIN JOHNSTON

A very successful 60th Maunga Moana Celebration Rally was held in March. It was centred on the Plymouth International Hotel in New Plymouth. Forty-two entrants took part in the scenic run into the eastern Taranaki countryside. See full report in rally snippets.

Our branch has recently honoured four members who were presented with their 50-year badges. Anthony Wilson and Doug Surgenor were presented their badges by the North Island Club Captain Glyn

s Taranaki - Stuart Craig (left) being presented with his 50–year badge by Taranaki Chairman Colin Johnston at the April club night.

s Taranaki : Members and cars attending the midweek visit to the Waitara Railway Preservation Soc Waitara branch line opposite the site of the Waitara Railway station.

s Taupo: Class Winners 2025: Gavin and Deanna Bartlett (and sons) 1930 Model A sedan, Gisborne. Steve and Joy Growden, 1982 Cortina, Eastern Bay of Plenty. Neil Chave and Rod Campbell, 1963 Rover 110, Taupo, Owen Duncan and Grant Birch, 1934 Chev coupe, Taupo.

Clements at the Maunga Moana celebration dinner. Stuart Craig was presented at the branch Club Night and Graeme Kennedy at the branch AGM by myself as branch chairman as they were not able to attend the celebration dinner. Congratulations to these four members.

The March midweek run took us to Waitara, where we were able to inspect the Waitara Railway Preservation workshops and to hear about the early railway history of the Waitara branch line. This society runs diesel locomotives to Lepperton and back, attracting tourists and locals. They have restored a guard’s van, a passenger carriage and have built an open deck carriage for people to enjoy an open air journey of yesteryear on this popular attraction.

TAUPO

GRAEME DOREE

The big event for us was our Country Roads Rally held on 15 March with 28 entries from eight branches. It was great to see one of our major sponsors complete the run in his 1971 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. A well organised and well-run event that took us through roads less travelled. All classes were represented. The route took us to the northeast of Taupo, with a morning tea stop s Taupo: Gavin and Deanne Bartlett and sons. Overall winners of the Country Roads Rally. at the Waiotapu Hot Springs.

The staff opened up a special a nice refreshing cuppa and a scone, we parking area for us, which was unexpected were off again. Heading west this time and proved a hit with both participants to a lunch stop at the Woolshed Tavern and tourists visiting the attraction. After in Reporoa. A very large carpark allowed us all ample space. On the road again to complete the round trip east to return to our Taupo club rooms for afternoon tea and prize giving. First overall were Gavin and Deanna Bartlett with their two young boys in a 1930 Model A sedan, all the way from Gisborne. A great family who attend a lot of events. They also picked up the longdistance award.

Our next big event is our AGM on 14 May with a few positions to fill. After that a long-awaited Gymkhana event on 18 May, which has been postponed a couple of times due to a clash of events.

WAIKATO

s Wanganui: Lee and Karen Taylor’s Model A. Photo Ian Higgins

HUGH MCINALLY

Well the weather gods were kind to us as the host club for the North Island Easter Rally. A very successful event that you can read about in Rally Snippets.

The next big event is our up-and-coming Annual General Meeting on 15 June. This year’s AGM is rather different, and will be held on Sunday. The day will start with a

Beaded Wheels 65

small run commencing at 10.30am from the clubrooms to a very popular, everchanging motoring collection. Alas, there will be a $5 charge for the museum, but I can assure you it will be the best $5 you will have spent this year. Less than a cup of coffee. Once back in the clubrooms a free finger food lunch will be provided for all, and the AGM will start at 2.00pm.

In the past we have had low turnouts for AGMs, which the committee put partially down to driving at night. This year there is no excuse, and we really do want to see as many of our members as we can get.

For catering purposes we need to know numbers so please let us know if you will be attending.

If, even for a second, you say to yourself, “I should really put some of my spare time back into the branch” then I suggest you contact the present Chairman Graham Pate who will be more than willing to give you a job description on any position you may be interested in.

Please, please give this some thought.

The Waikato Branch needs you!

See you on 15 June at the AGM.

WAIMATE MAUREEN CHAMBERLAIN The year is certainly flying along. We have held our AGM and welcomed our new Branch Chairman, Wayne Hullen, to hold the chair for the next 12 months. Special thanks to Owen Duthie for his excellent job of chairing our branch together for the last four years, and he will be close at hand for some time yet.

A branch life membership was awarded to Keith Blackman who has been a very active member of the Waimate Branch since 1956 and has had continuous service in the parts department since 1979.

Congratulations to Keith, well deserved.

Mid week runs, on the last Wednesday of each month, are continuing with lunch at Royal Tavern before heading away.

The parts shed is being opened on the last Wednesday of the month from 9am to midday. Anyone is welcome to call in for a chat and a cuppa.

The club held the annual Three Passes and Gorges club run recently. A small group of hearty members braved the weather, which turned out to be very pleasant indeed, and travelled the 240km over the Myers Pass, Hakataramea pass and back via the Mackenzie Pass. The morning tea stop was at Cattle Creek hall, and lunch at Mackenzie Pass monument. A very pleasant day out with good company.

Thank you Brett O’Rourke for organising this run.

66 Beaded Wheels

Wanganui: Frank James on his 1979 Suzuki GT 125.

Photo Graham Bailey

Winter is upon us and we are looking forward to planning our local Daffodil Day events.

WANGANUI

IAN HIGGINS

We recently held our Club Night at the late Ed Boyd’s Auto Barn, now operated by his wife, Hinemoa. She has downsized the museum, and many vehicles have been returned to their owners to enable her to use the premises for a local charity. Lots of wonderful memories here.

Long-time member Mike Marshall organised a run into the back blocks of Feilding and beyond, culminating in arriving at Luttrell’s Museum in Pohangina Village. This place is certainly worth a visit.

Full of memorabilia and old vehicles. We journeyed on roads that most of us did not even know existed. Fantastic. After lunch, we went to Ashurst to visit The Black Barn, an American-style museum, containing memorabilia and massive Cadillacs. Quite a revelation.

Our motorcycle division has just completed its Annual Autumn Rally, organised by our branch stalwarts, Bill and Heather James. Overall winner was Verdon Heath from Levin on his 1974 CZ Sport, while Frank James, on his 1979 Suzuki GT 125, won the Coleman Cup for highest scoring local member.

Many of our members and their vehicles attended the Wanganui Road Rodders Annual Park Up recently. A most worthwhile cause, with gate takings going to support the local Cancer Society. Our Rally Secretary, Christine Savage won the Cancer Society Choice with her Citroën 2CV, and

Shane Hobman won the Sponsor’s Choice with his Chevrolet.

Two of our members opened their garage doors for our local branch magazine, for a story on their vehicles and their journey in the Club. Roger Corlett and his wife Christine have amassed quite a collection, including a 1912 Warrick Tri-car.

A most extraordinary 680cc 2-speed delivery vehicle with the delivery tray in the front. Seeing is believing. Another favourite is a 1930 Austin delivery van.

Karen and Lee Taylor are Ford Model T and Model A enthusiasts, with a lovely 1930 Model A and two Model Ts in going order, with other Model Ts awaiting restoration.

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.

Christensen, Jens Elcock, Barry Hadfield, Donald Hardie, Ian Harvey, Des Paterson, Gavin Smits, Fred, Weir, Shona

Canterbury Canterbury South Canterbury Eastern Bay of Plenty Waikato Canterbury Wellington South Canterbury

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 JOHN MCDONALD

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.