Beaded Wheels 395 August/September 2025

CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 79 YEARS

9 418979 000012

No. 395 August/September 2025

SUNDAY MUDDY SUNDAY MARKETPLACE VEHICLES FOR SALE INCLUDING 1936 CORD WESTCHESTER

New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95

BEHIND THE WHEEL 1953 LEA FRANCIS SPORTS

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

Photograph supplied by Russell Barnard. Unfortunately no other information is available but we were equally impressed by the scenic backdrop and the running repairs by the two intrepid travellers.

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 76063, Northwood Christchurch 8548. 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 (Incorporated).

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 39 Fairfax Ave, Penrose, Auckland 1061 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

CONTENTS Issue 395 August/September 2025

FEATURES 10 10

Lea–Francis

18

16

Tracing the tracks of a Chrysler 77

18

A tale of two Nortons

20 22

A tale of two Nortons

Marketplace

31

Balcairn Trial

Behind The Wheel – Last of the line This stunning Lea–Francis catches John McDonald’s eye.

Making the dream a reality Paul Elwell-Sutton’s 1926 Renault MT Doctor’s coupé An origin story Leigh Craythorne uncovered a wee gem in the Canterbury Branch library

25

Rally Snippets 25

Wanganui Annual Rally – Wanganui Branch

26

Balcairn Trial – Sunday Muddy Sunday – Banks Peninsula Branch

28

National South Island Easter Rally – Canterbury Branch

29

South Island Club Captain’s Tour – Otago Branch

26 COVER

COLUMNS 5

From the Editor

40

Trade Directory

6

VCC Branch Events

41

President’s Message

7

Mailbag

42

National Office News

9

Timelines

43

Branch News

30

Archivist News

58

Passing Lane

31

Marketplace

38

Swap Meets & Rallies

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated

Jason Roberts, winner of the Standard Short Wheelbase class by one point from car owner and co-driver Brad Govan at this year’s Banks Peninsula Branch Balcairn Trial. See report page 26.

Photo: John McDonald

National Office

Phone 03 366 4461 (9.30am–1.30pm) Email admin@vcc.org.nz

Postal Address PO Box 76063, Northwood, Christchurch 8548, New Zealand.

Address 4 Meadow Street, Papanui, 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 (Incorporated) is a founding member of FIVA. VCC Life Member Rod Brayshaw is the New Zealand delegate to FIVA and also a member of the FIVA Technical Commission.

FROM THE

EDITOR

A thirsty beast; 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II.

When I write about EVs some members seem to assume that I have something against these.

That is far from the truth. In fact, I encourage all those who desire one to get one. The favourite choice of buyers currently would appear to be plug-in hybrids, and I can see why. They appear to be the best of both worlds.

Let’s look at history. In the beginning when people wanted to go somewhere they walked or rode an animal such as a horse and shipping depended on sails.

Then, in the early 19th century, it was steam powered trains and shipping that moved people and stuff around. In the late 1800s the internal combustion engine (ICE) came on the scene and for the next 125 years or so became, and still is, the dominant means of propulsion when people or stuff needed to go from one place to another. Development of the ICE engine over that time was rapid and these motors were being used in all forms of human activity from tiny motors on model airplanes to gigantic motors such as used in shipping

Beaded Wheels

today. The internal combustion engine is everywhere. As a result, the motor industry as a whole is the largest industry in the world today.

There has always been electric (battery) propulsion of course.

For example, those early cars, which never really got established in any meaningful way. We have always had battery operated forklifts and milk was often delivered in a battery– operated milk float. However, it’s not until recently that battery performance has meant that battery operated cars trucks and motorcycles, and even racing cars, could be a viable option to the internal combustion engine.

But — there are clouds on the horizon. An electric car has no exhaust emissions while it is being used so can be regarded as good for the planet but the emissions during the battery manufacture are horrendous.

With current battery content and technology a huge amount of dirt has to be dug up to get enough of the lithium, copper and other products for just

Correspondence & Editorial Contributions

The Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXXVI No. 395

Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz Phone 64 3 332 3531, PO Box 76063, Northwood, Christchurch 8548.

Typesetting and Design

Advertising Enquiries

Publisher

RGB Design & Print Ltd, Christchurch

Editor: Kevin Clarkson Sub Editors: Judith Bain, Rosalie Brown, Mark Dawber, John McDonald, Charles Rushbrook

Classified and Display Advertising to: Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz Postal: Attn Beaded Wheels Marketplace PO Box 76063, Northwood, Christchurch 85480.

Phone 64 3 332 3531 Rate schedule available on request.

one car. This, plus the battery manufacture process, results in pollution - it just happens to be somewhere else from where the battery powered vehicle is being used. NIMBY syndrome anyone? I hear about the fire risk, and with many more battery– operated cars out there the fire risk has increased greatly.

Apartment living increases the risk as more cars are parked in the buildings. Shipping these cars is also problematic as we hear about shipping fires.

I don’t think it is an issue yet, but insurance availability and premium problems may arise in the future. Claims about fast five–minute–charging and high mileages are dubious to say the least. Plus, the extra electrical grid power needed to recharge batteries will eventually be an issue. I am also perplexed about why we taxpayers have to stump up for the EV charging stations that will need to be built. After all the petrol service station in the past, and currently, have never had any taxpayer subsidy and they seem to be doing okay.

The good news is that necessity is the mother of invention and new technologies will likely solve these problems at some point in the future. Just don’t talk about subsidised hydrogen, wind farms and solar farms - unless you have done your homework.

Back Issues

Copyright Information

Available for purchase from admin@vcc.org.nz

Subscriptions

Beaded Wheels subscribers change of address to: PO Box 76063 Northwood Christchurch 8548.

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%

Again, do not assume that I am against electric cars — I am not. I think a car that can work for you and needs no petrol is a great thing — for at least two reasons. Firstly, it must be good not to have to gas up the tank at great cost every week. Secondly, the more electric vehicles there are means that there is more petrol/diesel left out there for me to burn up in my ICE vehicles!

That’s a win/win! Go on, go out and buy one!

Kevin Clarkson Editor Beaded Wheels

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 OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER Editorial Copy 26 August 2025 • Advertisements 10 September 2025

Beaded Wheels 5

VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

Northland: Dick Thorburn demonstrates his replica 1896 Ford Quadricycle at the Northland Branch Ford Farm outing

AUGUST

2 Waimate 3 Manawatu 3 South Canterbury 6 Hawke’s Bay 10 Banks Peninsula 16 Nelson 17 Banks Peninsula

Garage Raid Sunday Jaunt Trials Young Driver Day Midweek Run Hadstock Field Tests Club Run Annual Awards/ prizegiving Luncheon 17 Canterbury OCBC* 17 Central Otago Weekend Run 17 Hawke’s Bay Club Run 17 Taupo Breakfast Run 23 Auckland Flares & Flowers 23 Wellington Daffodil Rally for Cancer 24 National Day Daffodil Rally for Cancer 28 Ashburton Midweek Run 28 Central Otago Thursday Muster 28 Otago Midweek lunch Run 31 South Canterbury Daffodil Day Run

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.

NATIONAL EVENTS 15-21 March 2026 Vero International Festival Nelson Region

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SEPTEMBER

3 Nelson Mystery Lunch 6 Central Hawke’s Bay Vintage Run 6 Waimate Swap Meet 7 Ashburton Opening Run 7 Canterbury Women & Young Drivers Rally 7 Central Otago Weekend Run 7 Far North Father’s Day Run 7 Manawatu Sunday Jaunt 7 South Canterbury Opening Run 11 South Canterbury Midweek Run 12–14 Nelson Biennial Rally 13 Banks Peninsula Brooklands Race Meeting 14 Central Otago Weekend Run 14 Gore Opening Run 14 South Canterbury Continental Run 19-21 North Shore Spring Tour to Napier 19–20 Taranaki Rubber Duckie Motorcycle Rally 19–21 North Shore Spring Tour to Napier 20–21 Manawatu Vintage Only Rally 21 Canterbury OCBC* 21 Otago PV/PW/P60 Run 21 Wanganui Sunday Run 25 Ashburton Midweek Run 25 Central Otago Thursday Muster 27 Ashburton Spring Rally 27 Manawatu Swap Meet 27 Central Otago Blossom Festival Rally 28 Auckland Annual Ladies Run 28 Banks Peninsula Opening Run 28 Canterbury Annual Vintage Rally

OCTOBER

4 King Country King Country Scenic Tour 4 Southland PV/ PW Rally 5 Gore P60 Run 9 South Canterbury Midweek Run 10 Ashburton Commercial Run 10–12 Canterbury Swap Meet 11 Manawatu Motorcycle Rally 11 Nelson Club Run 12 Central Otago Weekend Run 12–18 Central Hawke’s Bay Coromandel Adventure 18–19 Auckland Nunua Spring Run 18–19 Banks Peninsula Gebbies Pass/Little River Hillclimb 18–19 Canterbury Girder Forks Rally 19 Canterbury OCBC* 19 North Shore Club Run 19 Taranaki Potters Paddock Gymkhana 19 Wanganui Sunday Run 25–27 Manawatu Inter–Branch Campout 25–27 South Canterbury Mt Cook Run 30 Ashburton Midweek Run 30 Central Otago Thursday Muster 31–2 South Canterbury Safari Weekend

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.

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 (Incorporated) or the publishers. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

a 1948‑1950 Trophy or Grand Prix. A while later my son returned the book and advised that Pete had passed away and his wife was offering the bike for sale. Before I could travel

If you have any information about this machine please contact me on the details below.

HUNTING A DEEMSTER

I am a freelance automotive historian and writer on yesteryear cars here in Perth, Western Australia. I have recently been made aware of the scant remnants of a British-built Deemster car in Perth which we understand might have been here in the 1920s. This would make it an extremely rare car here that few of us in the VCC of WA had even heard of.

There was a Deemster car advertised in The Age, Melbourne, in June 1928, so it seems that, perhaps, a few of them came to Australia.

It would appear that the Deemster I am referring to might have been on the roads here in Perth in that 1920s era.

However I have spent thousands of hours researching the 940 new-car dealerships between 1896 and 2007 here in Perth, but the Deemster brand name has not appeared on the lists of cars sold at any of these dealerships.

I understand that there is a Deemster in Christchurch, New Zealand which was restored in recent years. If any reader has information I would appreciate contact.

A John Parker, ajohnp2@dodo.com.au

SEARCHING FOR AN MG

During my recent conversation with the team at Auto Restorations, Christchurch, they suggested I try your magazine to find information about a 1955–56 MG TF 1500, which I have been trying to locate.

had disposed of the fuel tank and other items. It was never a GP but I have been told it was built as a race bike by Syd Jensen from components he had brought back from the UK. I’m hopeful that some readers may be able to dispel or confirm this claim or provide information with regards to the missing race bike components.

Don Ammon 119 Eighty Eighty Valley Road/ Wakefield RD1, 7095 Phone 03 541 9391

s Gary Handley is looking for more information on this 1955 MG.

TENCH BROTHERS INFORMATION

Information I have is as follows: 1. Purchased from an Auckland dealer, not sure but think it could be Manukau Motors Greenlane.

down to inspect the bike it was withdrawn from sale after a family member expressed interest.

2 Registered under my name, Gary Claude Handley, Matatoki, Thames, around 1959.

Much time passed and I assumed I had missed out but early last year I was offered it again and given a photo of it in

I am looking for some leads on Tench Brothers records. Tench Brothers, Christchurch was established in 1921. Their first franchise car make was Talbot and in 1926 they took on Singer.

Maybe some readers have some knowledge of Tench Brothers or their records?

3. Sold to Keith Madgewick., Turua Thames, around 1962.

(He has since passed away) 4. Colour, deep red, with red leather upholstery.

5. Wire wheels on Michelins.

6. Chrome tappet cover and air filters.

7. Master fuel line switch.

8. White fibreglass removable hard top.

9. Registration #: 279 312.

If anyone has any information can they please contact me on the details below. Thanking you in anticipation Gary Handley gcandsm@xtra.co.nz or Phone 027 487 5997

SEARCHING FOR HISTORY

A couple of years back my son was living at Greenstone on the West Coast. He sent a picture of a late ‘40s Triumph motorcycle belonging to a neighbour, Pete MacEwan, who was trying to identify its components. I loaned him a Triumph motorcycle book and suggested it could possibly have an engine from

s Don Ammon is seeking more information about the history and original parts of this 500cc Triumph, shown here as it may have appeared in its original racing condition.

its former state as a race bike.

My enthusiasm was piqued when I saw the large fuel tank of a Grand Prix. After a delay I travelled down and finally gathered up the bike. As in many cases, the condition was not as hoped. Nevertheless it is an interesting project and provided the basis for creating a replica Grand Prix model. Unfortunately, the prior owner, who converted it to its present form as a road bike,

I purchased a 1934 Singer chassis # 52528 , with a Le Mans special body, from an ex-New Zealander’s estate. The Singer UK factory records state #52528 was shipped to Tench Brothers Ltd in Christchurch on 5 March 1934 as a passenger chassis — which means without a body.

I am looking for any records on this chassis, such as what body it received or what purpose it was used for. Was it used by

Beaded Wheels 7

Tench Brothers for any of their racing cars?

The previous owners’ records state that he had owned two vehicles of prior ownership by Tony Tench, maybe this was one of them?

I have tried to contact New Zealand Singer Owners Club (who reportedly had a Tench Bros. sales ledger) with no response. New Zealand Transport Authority cannot find any record of this chassis number in their registration records (records only held for vehicles still registered in 1995, by which time the vehicle is suspected to have been in Australia).

James Murchie jmurchie@ozemail.com.au

YEARS IN REFURBISHMENT.

In 1986 Safe Air donated a Bristol Freighter to Founders Park, Nelson. It sat untouched until early 2006 when Alex Ferguson volunteered to refurbish it. I was one of several who helped out at the time.

Jump ahead two decades and the aircraft was looking pretty sad. Upon retirement, I considered volunteering as a community service and dedicated every Tuesday morning to maintaining the vision. Finally, after several years, a combination of engineering expertise and financial resources was required. The initial contribution was provided by my friend John Kelly, while the second came from the Founders Park book fair, with additional support from the Nelson Civic Trust.

Despite a severe illness, John

LOOKING BACK

These two photographs have come from an elderly chap who remembers riding in the the car at the age of four and a half. His father, Tom Clements, restored it to about 50% and sold it to a person in Timaru around 1952. No further details are available about the vehicle.

Tom Griffin

8 Beaded Wheels

successfully assumed the role of project manager and delivered an exceptional performance, sadly passing away just six days prior to the public unveiling of the exterior phase. We had done a lot of work on rebuilding the engine cowlings and rudder, and Cartel did the exterior prep and paint.

The team we have assembled continues and heading towards 2026 we will be refurbishing the cockpit and cargo bay. Please visit Founders Park and admire this valuable asset when you are next in Nelson.

Founders Park, Bristol Freighter.

There is a great video on Youtube. Key word- Bristol Founders Tuku 25.

Roy West Nelson Branch

CENTRAL OTAGO BRANCH CHANGES

As from August this year the Central Otago Branch will not be sending correspondence, or the branch newsletter Puff-n Stuff by post. It has become too expensive, (also precludes up to date information) and time consuming to continue this.

There will be a formal letter sent to the remaining members still receiving post advising them to forward the e-mail of a contact, or their own e-mail address.

Graham Taylor Secretary Central Otago Branch

Damien Carey is looking for information on this family Ford Fairlane.

COINCIDENCE!

FORD FAIRLANE INFO

I would like to thank Mrs. Strider for sharing her story with us. It was a delightful change from the the usual letters.

We’ve been trying to track down my grandfather’s Ford Fairlane 500 from around 1960. Any ideas on where we could start looking would be gratefully received. A photo of the vehicle is above.

Two days before I received my Beaded Wheels in the post I acquired a 1967 Mercedes saloon, 115 200d, as a project, the body looks much the same as the one she has and the colour is the same.

My wife and I also met when we were very young back in 1964. we are too old now to go long distances but do like attending runs with our fellow North Otago branch members.

Clive Blunden North Otago

Damien Carey Damien.Carey@icloud.com Ph 021 193 3819

DASHED UNFRIENDLY DON’T YOU THINK?

While culling out my ‘misc’ file recently I came across this thought–provoking letter dated 2 June 1903 to The Times (of London): Mind you, if you’re into musical comedy you may

1905 FN Four, photo Atlasnew.

1905

TIME LINES

120 YEARS AGO

VETERAN VEHICLES

FN’s star exhibit at the Paris Motor Show was the world’s first in-line four-cylinder motorcycle. Not everyone was impressed, the French Automobile magazine regarding the 362cc 5hp four cylinder as a curiosity – not a practical motorcycle at all. They obviously didn’t notice the telescopic front forks or the shaft drive. The “Four” would enjoy a 20 year production run.

recognise the tongue–in–cheek style of the chap who, with Sir Arthur Sullivan, created the famous Savoy Operas of the 1880s and ‘90s.

Actually it brings to mind my first–ever contact with an ancient motor car. On a sunny summer day in 1947, when I was nine, a wealthy neighbour of ours in South London, one Cecil W. Rowe, took my dad and me for a ride in his 1903 twin cylinder Renault landaulet, freshly washed and polished after wartime storage. As I remember it was finished in maroon, black and yellow with vertical stripes around the sides, brightly burnished brass carbide head and sidelights and an irresistibly tempting ‘serpent’ horn. But the feature that really caught my young eye were the solid–tyred sprung–steel wheels, the spokes of which seemed to follow each other around. My enthusiasm was so obvious that Mr Rowe promised to take me on the VCC London– Brighton Emanicipation run that November. Alas, it wasn’t to be: the poor man caught a chill and the Renault stayed in its shed.

After Mr Rowe’s death it was sold to a Captain Watters-

Westbrook whose family may still own it. I remember seeing it again in the ‘60s in an exhibition of historic cars at Earls Court.

Pity I didn’t take a photo, but I’m pretty sure the plate No. was DLH 202.

All this - and not a mention of an Austin! Yours in slow motion, Peter Fry Wellington

PS: From up my sleeve for later perhaps, a first hand account of the inaugural London-toBrighton run of 1896 related to me 50 years ago by Ransome Cooper of Paraparumu, then in his 90s. His uncle, he told me, was a Mr Petter and their car bore that name…

HAVE YOUR SAY IN OUR NEXT ISSUE! We love hearing from our readers! Whether you have a story to share, a question to ask, or a photo you think others would enjoy, drop us a line for our Mailbag.

Submissions for the October/ November issue close 26 August 2025, Email us at beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz — we’d love to hear from you!

1925

100 YEARS AGO

1950

75 YEARS AGO

1975

50 YEARS AGO

1995

30 YEARS AGO

VINTAGE VEHICLES

A French suggestion that speed limits should be abolished, and the maximum speeds be calculated on the distance required to bring the vehicle to a halt attracted support from The Scientific American magazine. “So long as it is the inability to stop in time which causes most accidents and the reason for all speed laws,” they wrote, “lets go back to the cause of the problem and stipulate that every car must be driven at a rate that ensures it can be brought to a standstill in a given distance.”

PW VEHICLES

A young lady by the name of Mrs Sybil Lupp made the fastest time of the day at the Otago Sports Car Club’s Norwood Street – Bethunes Gully – hill climb. Her supercharged MG beat Ted Reid’s Morgan and J Cullen’s MG TA for top honours in the up to 1500cc class. S Ribinson won the over 1500cc class in his Citroen, followed by two Ford V8s.

P60 VEHICLES

Two Harris Mann styling exercises received mixed receptions. One was the ill-fated Triumph TR7, joined later by the TR8. A respectable number were sold once B/L’s typical modifications to improve reliability were made. The second was destined to be the Austin, Morris or Wolseley 18/22 Princess, although a financial crisis resulted in the Morris and Wolseley labels being dropped.

P80 VEHICLES

BMW got it right with the retro, but very seductive, Z3 echoing design themes from the 1938 328 sports car. Based on a modified E36 Compact the new roadster, ironically styled by 40 year old Joji Nagashima, the Z3 would be offered in a wide range of engine sizes, from 1.8 to 3.2 litres.

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

Beaded Wheels 9

Last of the line

IMPRESSIONS OF A LEA-FRANCIS SPORTS Text and photos John McDonald

HIN BE

D THE WH EE L

Management at Anglo Motors, Wellington, would surely regard 25 March 1953 as a better than average workday. As the importer of our featured car there would be some jubilation that the Lea-Francis 2½ litre Sports built in 1952 had finally sold. Not to a local purchaser, but to Aucklander Bob Keely who, with his mother, had travelled to Wellington by the NZR overnight express to collect it.

10 Beaded Wheels

In a fit of unswerving confidence they then drove the 450 miles back home the long way, via the west coast. Post-war roads left a lot to be desired, with copious shingle sections, and Bob is quoted as recalling the Lea-Francis was not particularly suited to New Zealand country roads with their sharp corners, poor banking and corrugations.

Many roads in the United Kingdom some 58 years prior to 1953 were of a similar standard, though that is not our present interest.

August 1895 was significant for both Richard Lea and Graham Francis, who entered partnership as Lea & Francis Ltd. Like others of the period, such as Rover and Singer, their intention was to manufacture bicycles, be it of the advanced and relatively expensive

Bob recalled the Lea-Francis was not particularly suited to New Zealand country roads of the 1950s with their sharp corners, poor banking and corrugations.

type. Niche market or not, their product gained a reputation for quality and reliability, propelling their decision to engage in the construction of motor cars in 1903. Disappointing sales of their three cylinder upstart (no doubt hastened by its oddest feature of three foot long connecting rods), led to more promising results with the production of motor cycles from 1911 until 1920. Cars were also manufactured by Singer Cycles under licence for Lea-Francis using the Singer name, the Singer connection rooted in Richard Lea having been an employee before leaving to branch out on his own. Another attempt making their own light car in late 1922 was more successful, with a 10 hp ohv Meadows engine, being lively,

dependable and popular. Some good competition results were achieved, such as in the 1924 RAC Small Car Trials with a win in the Best Overall Performance category. The firm’s first serious sports car, the 12/40 L Type for 1925 and produced until 1935, had wider appeal than the previous light cars. 1931 saw the introduction of their own six cylinder ohc model, the Ace of Spades, and from 1928 the heavily developed sporting Hyper. Inclusion of a supercharger for this market being a first for a British production car. Putting Lea-Francis and the Hyper on the sporting stage was the major race win by Kaye Don in the Ulster TT of 1928.

Beaded Wheels 11

s Instrumentation is comprehensive, keyring hints at owners other motoring affiliations.

The Great Depression of the 1930s caused further economic turmoil within the company, Francis had left in 1924 and Lea resigned in 1931. 1936 saw the company placed in receivership, but revived in 1937, becoming Lea Francis Cars Ltd under new management, with two entirely new 12 hp and 14 hp models designed by Hugh Rose, who had been responsible for the Riley Nine engine.

Both had four cylinder pushrod overhead valve engines operated by two high camshafts, cubic capacities of 1.5 or 1.6 litres, and four speed synchromesh gearboxes. Manufacture of these models ceased in 1939 to concentrate on the war effort. Car production recommenced in 1946 with warmed over pre-war designs. The 14hp Sports of 1947-49 had underpinnings of beam axles and mechanical brakes, with the twin carburetor engine managing 85 mph.

Specifications may be considered as greater than perceived, as a small number of the Sports version chassis became the basis for the first Connaughts. Building on the old Sports 99 inch wheelbase, the new 2½ litre 2/4 seater Sports featured here became available from 1950 to 1953. With a wider body, torsion bar front suspension and hydraulic brakes from 1952, it also had useful occasional rear

12 Beaded Wheels

seats, unlike comparative offerings from the Jaguar XK120, Alvis TB21 and Riley Roadster.

Always on a financial knife edge, production halted in 1954 after only 77 2½ litre Sports examples had been built. A company decision was made to produce the Fuldamobil Nobel bubble car, however the success of the BMC Mini proved that idea unworkable and somewhat frivolous. Perhaps the same could be said of a stillborn prototype using a Chrysler V8 engine. The Earls Court Motor Show in 1960 was the Lea-Francis swan song, on display the Lynx, a 2+2 roadster with the dubious distinction of attracting little interest and no orders. The motor manufacturing parts of the company were placed into receivership in 1962.

Brief history lesson completed it’s timely to gather some static impressions on this last of the line survivor. On approach the unique grille, chrome of course, draws immediate attention.

The eyes focus on the central circular badge, trying to discern the beast or animal depicted. Another history lesson beckons.

Well before the advent of AI (artificial intelligence) someone had artfully combined both fish and unicorn, the reasoning being the probability each appeared on the founders’ family crests. Merging the images cemented the merging of their surnames. Further, the fish is traditionally associated with smoothness, speed and flexibility, reflecting the car’s ability to do likewise, while the mythical unicorn symbolizes purity, nobility and magic, indicating commitment to high standards and exclusivity.

In profile our subject presents as distinctive, in a pleasing manner with the coachwork an harmonious mix of curves and straight lines, hinting at acknowledging the past, yet with a nod to the future. Distinctive but not offensive are keywords here, the rear spats helping to delineate this model’s point of difference. To the rear the simplicity is broken by the outline of the spare wheel cover, access rendered by

s Original owner Bob Keely at the wheel, 2025.

unscrewing the central imitation knock off spinner. There is no boot to mar the sloping lines, hood and tonneau cover being housed in the small area behind the rear seats. The car has a quoted luggage capacity of 15 cubic feet if unoccupied by passengers. The hood framework is permanently attached to the coachwork.

Access to the engine is via a T key, the bonnet bisected along its length with just the one side accessible at a time. Immediate attention tends to focus on the four separate rocker arm covers, the two camshafts being located at the top of the block. No plastic oil filler cap here, rather a beautifully machined knurled and threaded affair, clearly embossed “oil filler”. One on each side. I was acutely aware of the mechanical operation of the various components, linkages are clearly visible, with “fly by wire” functioning many years in the future. Simplicity by 2024 standards is enhanced with just three fuses considered adequate.

An unexpected surprise on opening either door was the lack of a conventional sill, which proved to be a bonus to aid entry and exit. No detachable side screens either, the conventional wind up windows contrasting with the Sports nameplate which is usually associated with a more spartan specification.

Instrumentation is comprehensive, all with period white facings, speedo and rev counter by British Jaeger and right where they should be, in the driver’s direct line of sight. Ancillary gauges for water temperature, amps, oil pressure and petrol are to the left in a two up/two down configuration. Prominent above the transmission tunnel is the gearbox remote, which ends with a short shaft topped by a ball. Falling readily to the drivers hand, there’s no willowy wand for gear selection here. Passenger comfort is enhanced with an open glove box with a Lucas crested reading light above. Heating is a simple non-directional affair, reliant solely on any warm air emanating from the engine compartment.

Road impressions start with the seats, which not only look comfortable but prove to be so, being surprisingly snug in relation to the windscreen, and expectations of exposure from the cut away doors failed to materialise. Backrests are shaped to hold the occupants securely during touring and moments in extremis. It’s a pleasant place to be. Excellent ride comfort and road noise was well suppressed, the engine note subdued and unstressed through most of its working range. Overall this is more a Grand Tourer than a Sports, more at home covering the miles at a good average speed in relative comfort rather than a firmly sprung sprint.

Current owners Tony Reid and Sandra Frame have been custodians since 1980. Forty-four years on Tony recalled they purchased it at the 1980 VCC International Rally in Rotorua, so there is genuine sentiment entrenched by now. There’s certainly plenty of patina apparent, reminiscent of a caring but not cosseted ownership. In 1980 it was not looking so desirable, while generally unmolested the original red leather interior had been replaced with black vinyl, and the aluminum body sported some corrosion. Stripped to bare metal by Rod Brayshaw, repainted in the original rich cream and with the red leather reinstated, the end result still attracts attention after all these years, refreshingly proving not all cars of the 1950s wore gloomy colours.

Tony and Sandra have motored more than 40,000 miles in the Lea-Francis (or LeaF as UK enthusiasts refer to it), are understandably members of the Lea-Francis Car Club (UK), the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand of course, and having more than one classic, the MG Car Club and the Triumph Car Club. The four seater capability has proven a useful bonus for family outings over the years, and their travels have covered most of New Zealand, either for sheer pleasure or taking part in rallies. This year’s mileage alone for example has been accrued between Auckland and Cromwell,

Beaded Wheels 13

proving some measure of the depth of their enthusiasm. In contrast it has also lapped the racing circuit at Ruapuna Park, driven by Tony and Sandra’s son Aidan (supervised of course!) during a Driver Familiarisation Course.

I’ve always been puzzled by the registration plate LF1952, not unusual for a personalized plate but highly unusual for the so called “permanent plates” issued in 1963/4. Tony had a chuckle when prompted for the answer. “I simply wrote to Motor Registration in Palmerston North at the time and asked if the plate was available. They replied that when it comes up for issue we’ll send it to you”. And they did, just like that!

Tony’s care of this unique survivor includes a weekly run, which over the years and age of the vehicle has resulted in surprisingly few extensive repairs. The four speed floor change gearbox (of Armstrong Siddeley origin) has a reputation for the destruction of first gear around 70,000 miles, and this example obligingly confirmed that. Echos of similar antics from Austin A90 Atlantic and others was known in period, starting in second gear becoming de rigueur. A new head gasket was required as one would expect, but nothing of any major consequence aside from tyres, servicing, batteries and other consumables. With original sized 600 x 16.00 cross plies still available new, there has been no need, nor desire, to change to radials.

With Tony and Sandra happily enjoying their LeaF, up in Devonport first owner Bob Keely, now 92 years old, was on a mission. Observing a photo of what he believed to be his former car participating in the VCC South Island Rally in Marlborough in 2008, he wished to contact the current owner. Suffice to say the physical connection was made during the MG Car Club Centennial in Auckland earlier this year, Bob was able to relive his memories from all those years ago. He recalled paying about £1200 for the LeaF, which itself was a step up from his previous diet of MGs, models TA, TC and TD. His time with the Lea-Francis was brief, but obviously made a lasting impression. One can only wonder whether its replacement, a bright red Jaguar XK120, was so clearly remembered.

SPECIFICATIONS Engine:

4 cylinders, 2496cc developing 100 bhp at 4,000rpm,

Gearbox:

4 speed, floor shift, synchro on top 3

Suspension:

Independent (front), semi elliptic (rear)

Brakes:

Drum, hydraulic

Tyres:

600 x 16.00

Chassis:

Pressed steel channel with pressed cross members

Coachwork:

Aluminum over a wood frame

Weight:

(Unladen) 23 cwt

Turning circle:

32 feet

Length:

14 feet

Width:

5ft 3 inches

Height:

4ft 6 inches

Acceleration:

0-50 mph 8.7 Seconds, max speed: 85mph (est)

Have you got a story to share?

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 Bill Veitch and Katherine Welsh 14 Beaded Wheels

Shipping out of of COKER USA monthly

0800 900 764

18 Parkwood Place, East Tamaki, Auckland, New Zealand

www.cokertire.co.nz

Beaded Wheels 15

CHRYSLER 77 Words Bruce Poole

A couple of weeks before Christmas 2023, I received a call that sent me down an unexpected road. The voice on the other end belonged to Byron Husband of Palmerston North, who used to run a sandblasting business in Rangitīkei Street.

He recalled working on my 1930 Chrysler 77 Roadster back in February 1969 — likely the guards and seven wire wheels.

That wasn’t all he remembered. Byron had a photo of a Chrysler 77 parked in Makuri, a quiet settlement between Pahiatua and Pongaroa. My Chrysler had spent decades in Pongaroa, having been gifted in 1952 to Mrs Pearl Gandy for her 21st birthday. She often travelled to Pahiatua via Makuri, so the connection piqued my interest.

I met Byron over Christmas to look at the photo. But the car in the image wasn’t mine — it featured rear guard spats, enclosed

s Water wheel near Makuri to generate power for Milton Seymour Alpass.

There were electric lights all along a long drive.

16 Beaded Wheels

front guards, and the name “Alpass” written on the back. Different vehicle altogether, it seemed, but equally intriguing.

I’d recently prepared a framed photo of my Chrysler being towed from Pongaroa in 1964 by Dick Bassett in his own Chrysler 77. I was planning to donate the photo to the Pongaroa Hotel, and thought I’d use the trip to dig a little deeper into the Alpass name.

At the Tararua District Council, I spoke with Hayley Pocock, who handles the region’s historical records. A few days later, she sent through a treasure trove — eight pages on Milton Seymore Alpass, a well-known local identity nicknamed the “Bachelor Butter King.” He operated two large butter factories, owned multiple farms, and sat on the board of the Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka.

He was also the likely owner of that Chrysler 77 roadster — along with a 1928 Dodge, a 1928 Chrysler 70 tourer, and possibly a 1931 Packard 840 Victoria.

Byron then unearthed more photos, including one of a water wheel that once powered electric lights along Milton Alpass’s long driveway. The wheel is long gone, but the stories persist.

The trail continued to Bede Milton James Alpass, Milton’s son, and eventually to his daughter, Professor Fiona Alpass at Massey University. After spotting a notice on the university’s information board, Fiona reached out to Byron — bringing more early photos,

PHOTO SUPERCARS.NET

Tracing the tracks of a

 



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

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

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

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



   including one of a beautifully restored Chrysler 77 roadster with the name Croft on it. That led to another thread: Gavin Croft, who had owned the until his passing. Roger White, who kept the car ticking over, car told me it had sat in a shed for 20 years before going to Gavin’s

daughter, Julie Croft, in Auckland.

Ray Crombach, president of the Chrysler Club in Auckland, confirmed that Julie had joined both the Chrysler Club and the North Shore VCC. She’s since taken the Chrysler out on club runs and is getting support from members to iron out front-end shimmy and other quirks. Julie kindly shared the car’s original ownership papers.

The documents revealed that Milton Alpass owned the car from March 1935 to July 1951. Then, in 1955, it passed to Alan George Beck and his wife until 1957. As it happens, I used to mow Mr Beck’s lawns in the mid-1950s and remember seeing the car in his garage.

There are other Chryslers still in the fold too. Reg Kilbey had a 1929 Chrysler 77 roadster in the late ’50s. His granddaughter has it now. Reg once recalled visiting the 1929 Earls Court Motor Show and seeing a Chrysler 77 there — complete with filled-in guards and rear spats, just like the Alpass car. Could it be the same vehicle?

Not all stories end so well. Roy Charman of Auckland remembers a friend — a young apprentice mechanic — who owned a 1931 Packard Victoria but couldn’t afford to run it. In the early 1960s, he sold it for £25, and it was shipped off to Japan as scrap.

s Mr Milton Alpass, born 1859 died 19.8.44. 1928 Chrysler 70 tourer, 1927 Dodge tourer (note number plates). Known as Batchelor Butter King.

What started as a simple call has grown into a remarkable journey — full of forgotten photographs, unexpected connections, and some truly wonderful people: Professor Fiona Alpass, Hayley Pocock, Herb Hind (who linked me to Fiona), and especially Byron Husband, who set the wheels in motion.

If anyone in the Palmerston North area has information about the Beck or Hellawell families — or Albert Martyn of Timaru — I’d love to hear from you.

The Chrysler 77 story is far from over.

Beaded Wheels 17

Beaded Wheels Cap Winner

A TALE OF TWO NORTONS Words and photos Bill Veitch

s Bert Rosson, Dunedin, winning the 20 Mile Beach Championship, North New Brighton Beach, March 1941. Note pie crust tank.

It was 1936 when Dunedin based Josh Mewhinney, the wellknown motorcycle racer and tuner, imported an International 490 Norton, built to racing specs, from the Bracebridge Street factory in the UK. Not known is whether Josh imported the bike direct or the New Zealand agent brought it in.

Bill England was a lad working for Josh at his premises, 449 Princes Street, so it was his job to uncrate this overhead cam (ohc) machine. This was in late 1936 or January 1937. Josh discovered the inlet valve open so he immediately wrote a very stern letter to the factory, telling them they should know better than to send such a very special motorcycle to the other side of the world without putting the motor on compression, valves closed. The Inter was taken to the Milton straight, south of Dunedin, and with tea towels as flags and using a stopwatch over a measured distance, it ran a very disappointing 83mph. Josh, by the late 1930s, was past racing so Bert Rosson, a local competitor, was to be the rider for the few years before WWII. The place to be over Easter was Cust in North Canterbury, where the New Zealand Motorcycle Grand Prix was held each year. Bert was listed as number 22 in the programme but didn’t

s 1936 Norton International to racing specs, just been taken out of the crate after shipping from UK.

18 Beaded Wheels

feature in the results for 1937. In 1938, as number 16, the Norton broke a conrod on lap 15. Until then he was in front, averaging 70.9mph, so the Inter must have been performing well against 36 entries before this serious fault occurred.

Cust records show that 1939 was another retirement on lap 19.

While leading by four minutes, the magneto points spring failed.

In 1940 however, a second place, just 12 seconds behind R. Lawton of Wellington on a Velocette, was a fine effort for a race lasting two hours and 15 minutes.

When WWII broke out the New Zealand Army impressed any motorcycles they required. Fortunately the non-road-legal Norton was not taken. The second owner was club member Clyde Walker, but things being as they were in those hard times meant the Norton saw little use.

In 1945 the well-known rider and tuner, Earle Smither, took over the Inter and raced it in many events around Otago and also Southland’s Oreti Beach. From 1947 to 1949 Earle was procuring parts from the great UK Norton tuner Francis Beart. We still have the early handwritten letters from him.

They start out as “Mr Smither”, but later it was first name business, “Dear Earle”. In one letter to Earle, Francis explained a shortfall of pounds paid for parts sent, with his exact words being “If it helps you work the difference in price off in food parcels of chocolates, honey, sugar and cheese” This was in February of 1949. Beart offered and sent many Norton tuning tips to Earle. Also available from him was a replacement cylinder and cylinder head with square cooling fins, 11 inches in size.

As well as the Norton, Earle owned a 1947 Triumph T100 he had purchased new from his then employer, Allan Crighton, the local Norton and Triumph dealer.

He raced the T100 successfully with the cylinder head reversed, carburettors out front and straight exhausts to the rear. It is thought he may have been one of the first to do this conversion.

By the mid-1950s, the Norton became race obsolete. It was sold to Noel Mains, who would also later become the owner of the T100 as well, when Earle ran a motorcycle repair business in Dunedin’s Filleul St. These bikes were used in various competition events by Noel with little success, so the Inter was left at Allan Crighton’s shop for sale at the price of £40.

With no interest being shown, Noel took it home, completely dismantled it, and, with a hacksaw, removed all the beautiful cooling fins from both cylinder and head. The intention was to turn the bike into a drag racer and run it on alcohol but this never eventuated.

This naked looking engine was left in Crighton’s window when I purchased it thinking that it may be useful one day.

Some years later classic racing became popular, and as I knew where almost all of the parts were, I assembled it back to almost original condition, less the cooling fins. Used with alcohol, it ran fine until an original Norton head and cylinder became available.

The Inter was back in use and at the Cust Renewal in 1983 and 1986 it returned to where it was last used before WWII, certainly exceeding the 83mph achieved when it was new.

Norton number two is also an International 490 model, two years newer at 1938. and was originally a road legal model. The original owner is not known, but the Cust programmes for 1951

s Earl Smither Waikouaiti Beach.

s Bill Veitch at the 1999 Cust Reunion meeting.

and 1952 show local Dunedin rider Cecil Wright as the then owner and rider. The race models and road models were very similar, consequently the road going models were often stripped to be used in competition.

Local man Jack Crawford became the owner after Cecil and there are only one or two photos of Jack racing on the beach.

For many years the bike was stored in a damp garage. When Jack died, these two Nortons were displayed at his funeral, then his was returned to the garage to gain even more rust and deterioration. Jack left the Inter to his two sons who had little interest in it, so it lay for many years until I located, not the original road parts, but identical lamps, generator, and accessories to put it back on the road.

Before 1951, owners were not known, however in one of the 1949 New Zealand Motorcyclist magazines it stated that one “Cecil Wright has purchased a Manx Norton from Jim Swarbrick, well known Christchurch competitor and Isle of Man rider”. The term Manx was incorrect and this International was the only Norton Cecil owned, he previously raced Ariels at club events in Otago.

Bill Veitch Well known to motorcyclists throughout New Zealand, Bill was the second generation owner of motorcycle dealership McIvor and Veitch, Dunedin – still a mecca for motorcyclists around New Zealand. Bill has been successfully racing bikes since an early age and has only recently hung up his racing leathers. He is a long time member of the VCC Otago Branch, Otago Motorcycling Club and Ulysses Club.

Beaded Wheels 19

From childhood in the early 1950s, I’d dreamed of owning a vintage or veteran car. The dream was reinforced every time I saw one of these vehicles — it was love at first sight, every time.

Making the dream a reality 1926 RENAULT MT DOCTOR’S COUPÉ Words and photos Paul Elwell-Sutton

After a lifetime of dreaming and upon reaching retirement age, I began trying to make it real. I started trawling TradeMe and specialist sites in Europe and the UK. Being fluent in French, I had no problem navigating French sites. In 2014, I found an ad for a 1932 Rosengart LR6 cabriolet on the French site La Vie de l’Auto, which I had been visiting regularly along with Le Bon Coin.

I decided instantly to buy it.

The vendor, a retired carrossier* in his 80s, was computerilliterate and hard to reach by phone. Eventually, we seemed to have a deal, but he withdrew at the last minute. He didn’t want the car to leave France due to its rarity.

Rather disappointed, I returned to La Vie de l’Auto and came across a 1926 Renault MT located in a tiny rural village in southwest France. Though a rare model with Doctor’s Coupé coachwork, the vendor, a retired prefab kitchen factory owner, was willing to let it leave France. The purchase was completed just before Christmas 2014.

I hired GT Logistics of Auckland to ship the car to New Zealand, and it arrived at Lyttelton port in February 2015.

I had contacted Tony Haycock, the then VCCNZ Speed Steward and a French car enthusiast, prior to the car’s arrival for assistance with the insurance valuation. He was enormously helpful, both with valuation and getting the car complianced and registered with *A coachbuilder or body repair specialist

20 Beaded Wheels

VINZ at Christchurch Airport. We had to go through the process twice, but without his help, it would’ve been a nightmare. Tony even wrote up the story for the May–June 2015 issue of Classic Driver.

I hired a self-drive vehicle transporter in Haast, where I live, to move the car around Christchurch and then back home. Once home, problems began to surface, the engine burned oil, fouled plugs within a few kilometres, the dynastart was erratic, and several mechanical parts were worn or malfunctioning.

Although the vendor had supplied photos of a full restoration from a basket case pulled from a field, the mechanical rebuild had clearly been minimal, more of a cosmetic refurbishment.

The chassis and bodywork, however, had been properly restored with oak framing.

A few months ago, friends of the former owner visited me in Haast, but the weather was too wet for a ride, so I only ran the engine for them.

The car had been part of a private museum collection alongside Jaguars, Corvettes, Mercedes, and Citroëns. Getting it roadworthy again involved enormous effort, generous help from fellow enthusiasts, and not a little money.

Special thanks go to: • Tony Haycock (VCCNZ) • Adam Cowan (vehicle transporter)

• Neil Bielski (technical advice and custom parts) • Alan Gotlieb (restoration and electrical expertise) • James Polden (brought new con rods from the UK) • André de Graaf (trailering the car after timing gear issues) • The Vintage Aviator (magneto point replicas) • Auto Restorations (major engine work) Auto Restorations completely rebuilt the engine. New pistons were made in Australia. One con rod was cracked and replaced with better webbed NN rods sourced from a UK vintage Renault member. James Polden delivered them during a visit to the UK — talk about serendipity!

HISTORY AND SPECIFICATIONS The car’s build records from Archives Renault confirm the engine, chassis, gearbox, and front axle are original. The rear axle may have been changed. The car was built on 19 January 1926.

Key features: • Early round Renault badge (pre-lozenge era) • First Renault with four-wheel rod-operated brakes • Long-stroke 950cc side-valve four-cylinder engine (~15hp) • Comfortable cruising at 40kph • Engine cooling via rear-mounted radiator and sealed cowling • Dynastart starting and fixed-timing magneto ignition • 3-speed non-synchro gearbox and leather cone clutch • Longitudinal leaf front suspension and rear transverse leaf • Single right-hand door; thee seats inside • Turned aluminium dash with basic instruments and toggles • Fuel tank above driver’s feet, gravity-fed carburettor • Pearlescent green paint (non-original but attractive) • Approx. weight: 830–850kg laden

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS The driving experience is surprisingly pleasant, smooth engine, easy handling, and strong low-end torque. Third gear suffices on flat roads. Hills require downshifting, but the engine handles it calmly. Brakes are adequate at best; caution is advised. The complexity of vintage Renault brake linkages is legendary.

To date, I’ve driven about 3,500 mostly trouble-free kilometres.

I check the car thoroughly before every outing, once or twice a month, up to 100km per trip.

Maintenance includes regular oil changes (every six months), using Shell Rimula R4L. Gear and steering box oils are from Aegis Oil’s vintage range. I use regular petrol with valve protection additive.

Still to come is a proper rebuild of the steering box, which is barely accessible and a day-long job to remove.

Despite the challenges, I haven’t regretted buying, restoring, and driving the car. It is the happy fulfilment of a dream.

Beaded Wheels 21

An origin story…

Written in 1988 by Rob Shand Founder member

Frank Blandford’s 1925 OM at the mailbox after 300 miles of tough country, Easter 1957. Frank was accompanied on this trip by Dave Barker and possibly one other. The OM is currently in the ownership of Peter Shaskey.

Canterbury Branch Librarian, Leigh Craythorne, came across the following story in the Branch Library. Written in longhand (a dying skill?) Rob describes in his own words some of the facts that in more recent years may have passed into myth surrounding the early Irishman rallies.

Even the old-timers are getting a little hazy about this and so Alan Parris very wisely asked me to answer the question and come up with a few reminiscences of happenings at early Irishman Creek Rallies. Irishman Creek Station, so called after the plant Wild Irishman (Matagouri, or Discaria Toumatou, if you want to be really technical), owned by C W F Hamilton, was the hub of South Island motor racing activities in the 1920s when Mr Hamilton – later Sir William hereinafter referred to as Bill – prepared with assistance from Stan Jones of Jones Motors, Fairlie, his 1914 TT Sunbeam to compete in the beach races in the North Island and at Invercargill. Bill is more famous for his development of the jet boat propulsion unit – more later. Bill’s brother-in-law, Matthew Wills, who had a farm Opawa, at Albury, later imported the 1922 straight 8 TT Sunbeam in an effort to “beat Bill”. In the early 1930s Bill travelled to England, there acquiring the 4½ litre VDP Bentley (now owned by Willis Brown)

22 Beaded Wheels

with which he did a hat–trick at Brooklands at the Brooklands Automobile Racing Club Easter Open meeting in 1930 by winning three successive races. Bill was always very modest about his successes, saying in respect of the first race that he had a good handicap, in respect of the second race that he had an even better handicap and in respect of the last race that the car went better than anyone expected.

Therefore by the early 1950s Bill Hamilton was New Zealand’s most famous racing driver because Amon, Hulme and McLaren were as yet unknown. At this stage club activities were relatively few, decidedly mundane and those of us who were interested in long distance high speed driving over shingle roads were looking for somewhere to go. What better place than Irishman and what better reason than to pay homage to the modest Bill. That, quite simply, is how Irishman was born. I find it difficult to remember the names of all involved in planning the first one but I do know that Andrew Anderson,

Duncan Purse, Frank Blandford and Warner Mauger were somewhere around and were certainly supporters of the idea. I have often chuckled over the last 15 or so years when I think of the simplicity of the early Irishman runs and am quite sure that we were fortunate to enjoy the best of it.

Instructions to competitors were brief, something like — “prepare for four days back country motoring on shingle roads.

Be completely self-sufficient in respect of fuel, oil, tyres, food and bedding. Some accommodation may be available in the woolshed.” The omission of the term liquid refreshment or booze was intentional for obvious reasons — our view was that the boozing could be done when the driving was over. The route selected would give the maximum mileage on shingle roads, the maximum number of river fords and allow for us to arrive at Irishman in time to prepare an evening meal, after which festivities began in the woolshed. As it was only about 15 miles to the Lake Pukaki Hotel

(Tekapo was dry in those days) somebody would have “run the cutter” and most of us had our bed warmers (large bottle of rum).

At the conclusion of festivities everyone would find themselves a spot on the floor and dive into their sleeping bag. Until 1959 Irishman was run at Easter time so that weather conditions mostly were a little kinder. As South Canterbury Branch were running a National Rally at Easter 1959 we shifted Irishman to Queen’s Birthday weekend.

On the first visit in 1955 two interesting observations were made. One, a workshop on the property was locked, windows blanked off and “no admittance” notices posted around it. This was all very mysterious and we wondered what secret weapon Bill was devising, as munitions had been made at Irishman Creek during the last war and also at Jones Motors in Fairlie. The other momentous event was brought about by my asking Bill if I could have a look round some of the other buildings out of idle curiosity. I was an optimist, I had thought that there perhaps may be some relic of the 1914’ Beam lurking in a corner. The 1914 Sunbeam had disappeared either during or just after the last war to Invercargill, where the engine blew up. After but a very short wander round a loft I found a silencer with a peculiar front end and was convinced it was from the Sunbeam. Bill confirmed that it was and, accompanied

by Anderson, the search was renewed. I cannot remember what else was found, if anything at that stage, but enthusiasm was fired and negotiations began with Bill to see if he would donate the remains of the engine to the club. The engine had been recovered from Invercargill by Bill’s

nephew Dick Georgeson, of gliding fame, but the whereabouts of the rest of the car was, at that stage, not known. In retrospect the first Irishman was significant for more reasons than one because it led to the restoration of a famous Edwardian racing car, the establishment of an event which is still enjoyed by real motorists and the subsequent unveiling of the jet propulsion unit which was being developed in the locked-up workshop.

Sometime in the early 1960s the venue was changed to Braemar Station by Lake Pukaki, I believe because the VCC had become persona non grata at Irishman as a result of the accidental burning down of a building. Some jolly times were had at Braemar when it was managed by big John Robertson, but when the land company sold the property in the late 1960s Irishman was in danger of extinction and I think it was Warner Mauger who approached me to see if it could come to Strathconan. I was both delighted and honoured and have enjoyed every one. That then, is the brief history of Irishman, probably with some omissions, for which I apologise but those of you who have copies of Beaded Wheels covering the period will be able to turn them up and read the first-hand reports of events.

No potted history of Irishman would be complete without references to some of the incidents and some of the characters.

Undoubtedly the greatest character from the Irishman Creek era was mine host of the Lake Pukaki Inn, the late Ian Wardell, (Short Change Inky to all VCC members).

No matter how carefully you counted your change as Ian was counting it out to you, he would still short change you. His classic remark, on the occasion of a drinking horn between Christ College old boys and the rest when one of the Christ College old boys defected, was “We have had the spewers and the flakers, but we’ve never had a piker.”

In the early Irishman days more often than not there would be a good entry from Otago Branch and we used to anxiously await their arrival, which always gave a boost to festivities. If there was no sign of the Otago contingent by about 11pm it was customary to send out a search party in the original spirit of the VVA. I remember on one occasion, a starlit s The Warner Mauger Fiat 501S – stretching its legs on the open roads in 1957. freezing night, encountering

there were rumblings of discontent from Veteran owners who postulated that the “Blood and Guts Brigade” were running an event which was quite impossible for Veteran cars… the Dunedin contingent somewhere around Omarama and observing the rear seat passengers of the Bramwell 14/40 Vauxhall sitting level with the top sides of the body and obviously damn near frozen to death.

I was curious as to why they had so much luggage with them but my curiosity was not satisfied until the following morning when I strolled out of the woolshed into about 30 degrees of frost and observed the whole of the rear seat compartment (squab removed) packed with bottles of beer which were frozen solid. A pretty good example of competitors being self-contained.

At a quite early stage there were rumblings of discontent from veteran owners who postulated that the “Blood and Guts Brigade” were running an event which was quite impossible for veteran cars. While this was ignored by the great majority, it irritated the irrepressible D’arcy Nicholson from Timaru (more commonly associated with his Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Mercedes-engined monster), who quietly motored to Christchurch in his one-lung veteran Cadillac, started with the rest of the entrants on Saturday morning and successfully negotiated the whole route, including the MacKenzie Pass and upon arrival at Irishman announced that it was a breeze.

On one occasion at Irishman, the gliding club (of which Bob Blackburn was a member) had a camp at Simon’s Hill and no doubt inspired by the mischievous Bob decided to have a stir on the Sunday morning when most participants would be sleeping heavily.

The manoeuvre was apparently extremely

Beaded Wheels 23

well executed as the first pass over the Irishman woolshed by a Tiger Moth drew the company almost in its entirety out into the open where they peered up into the sky, possibly somewhat blearily. The second pass saw the Tiger Moth produce handfuls of small flour bombs which had a quite devastating effect on the gazers.

Oddly enough, aircraft have featured quite prominently at Irishman over the years and the next occasion was when Bain was motoring his 3-litre down that lovely long stretch from Balmoral Camp to Irishman. To his horror and consternation there appeared in the rear view mirror an aircraft propeller, accompanied by the rest of the aircraft travelling along the road behind him. When it became obvious that the tube had no further extension George Wright lifted the Auster and hung his front wheels above Bain’s windscreen. The 1984 run to Strathconan witnessed Frank Renwick do some propeller trimming on his Jodel when landing downhill in a damp paddock. He applied the brakes because all of a sudden one of the fences was rushing towards him.

These odd things happen at Strathconan.

George Wright had an almost similar experience some years ago and the poplar trees along the drive have a quite impressive

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

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score-sheet of damaged and demolished vehicles resulting from the poplar trees constantly moving into the carriage-way.

On another occasion we had the pleasure of seeing Jim Sullivan demonstrate the Harvard but in a more restrained manner, which illustrated Jim’s respect for large quality machinery.

Once Irishman became established at Strathconan everyone assembled in the homestead on the Saturday and Sunday nights and Shand’s Patch was held on the round-the-house circuit on the Sunday afternoon. Apparently news of the Saturday and Sunday night functions spread quite rapidly and it was not long before one perceived an increasing number of “visitors” or “tourists” who would trundle down in their A.M.O.’s purely to participate in the social side of the affair. This to me was absolutely nauseating and completely out of character with the spirit of Irishman. The solution was quite simple – we returned not only to the spirit of Irishman, but to the practice of Irishman and held festivities in the woolshed. The only feature which disturbed me about using the woolshed was the fact that the walls are not as substantial as those of the homestead and on several occasions were in imminent danger of

collapse when assailed by the contestants in the traditional game of Stone-Age Rugby.

On one occasion Moya was unable to find the Bradford top radiator hose traditionally used as the ball in Stone-Age Rugby, and can claim to have added one more use to Simon Bond’s impressive work detailing one hundred and one more uses of a dead cat, by substituting a dead cat wrapped in newspaper instead of the Bradford radiator hose.

Recollections of Irishman would not be complete without mentioning “Are you there Moriarty?” and the mirth which it has provoked, nor would it be complete without mentioning the musical virtues of Bruce Pidgeon and Lindsay Wogan. When you go past Irishman on the smooth sealed road just give a thought to that little team (Bill Hamilton – 1914 TT Sunbeam, Lucy Wills 14/45 Talbot, and later Andy Irving – Bugatti and Matthew Wills – 8-cylinder Sunbeam) leaving the area for a 1200 mile drive to Muriwai over mostly shingle roads and damned rough ones at that, and rejoice that all of their cars are extant and in good hands.

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RALLY SNIPPETS

WANGANUI ANNUAL RALLY

s Winning car. 1928 Ford Model A.

Words and photos Ian Higgins It was a fine but coolish morning for our Annual Rally for 2025. The Cornmarket Reserve, located on the city side of the Dublin Street Bridge, was the starting point, an ideal location close to all facilities. It was good to see members of the public viewing the motoring masterpieces of yesteryear. Drivers’ briefing took place at 9 am and the first car was away at 9:30. Club Captain Rob O’Keefe and his wife, Linda, were out on the route, placing silent check signs in intentionally difficult-to-spot locations to keep navigators on their toes by spotting and recording the car makes printed on them. Entry numbers were lower than anticipated, with only 36 cars registering, well down on the usual numbers for this event.

The route took entrants along Taupo Quay, through Castlecliff streets, past the first manned checkpoint and out to Rapanui via Tayforth Road. A gravel section was encountered on Handley Road leading onto Maxwell Station Road, marking the finish of the first timed section.

Turning right onto SH3 and motoring up to Waitotara, the intrepid travellers

turned right after the Waitotara Bridge, where the second timed section began.

Another section of gravel road loomed ahead after Block Nine Road entered Henson Road. Several twists and turns later, the timed section concluded on Moumahaki Road.

From here we continued to the Waverley Border rugby clubrooms.

The afternoon section was a noncompetitive one, taking the homewardbound entrants out through the back blocks of Waverley towards the beach, then through a gravel section, onto Lower Ihupuku Road, and eventually turning right onto SH3. From here the route eventually took us to the former Kai Iwi township, where we turned onto Rangitatau East Road and twisted and turned our way through a lovely series of typical Wanganui area back country roads. Once at Blueskin Road, then turning into Kaikokopu Road and Aramoho, we arrived back at our clubrooms in Wanganui East for afternoon tea and socialising. Our well-stocked parts sheds lured several into looking for that hard-to-procure item.

s Annual Rally winners. Chairman Andrew Dittmer, right, presenting the trophy to Lee and Karen Taylor.

The Rally Dinner and Prizegiving was held at the Wanganui Racecourse Centre.

RESULTS Veteran. Chris Lawrence, Waiuku, 1913 Ford Model T. Vintage. Lee and Karen Taylor, Whanganui, 1928 Ford Model A. (Overall Winners) PV. David and Glynis Robinson, Whanganui, 1939 Ford Deluxe.

PW. Ken and Annette Foot, Feilding, 1958 Humber 80.

P60. Bruce and Jennifer Ardell, Whanganui, 1967 Chrysler Valiant.

P80. George and Leigh Buchanan, Inglewood, 1983 Daimler.

Beaded Wheels 25

Despite encouragement from official James Palmer, marker 16 remained tantalisingly elusive.

SUNDAY MUDDY SUN Words Michael Williams, photos John McDonald

Sunday Muddy Sunday, to paraphrase U2, seems the best way to describe our 31st Balcairn Trial at the Fleming’s farm in North Canterbury. Abundant recent rain had turned the paddocks into a primordial ooze, so the organisers decided on seven short sections which would involve minimal use of our reliable towing vehicles

The sight and sound of the mighty leviathan … is one of the great spectacles of the day s It was a clean victory for overall winner Lance Braid!

26 Beaded Wheels

from the Canterbury Landrover club, who have been pulling hapless Austin 7s out of the Flemings mud for years. This year, one of the Landrovers got well and truly stuck, and it took three others to pull it out, so that gives you some idea of what the doughty competitors had to look forward to..

There were 25 drivers, mostly driving some sort of generic Austin 7 Special, with a couple of Ford Specials, an original Morris Minor and the inimitable Pontiac Special, driven by the Dawber brothers. The West Coast contingent were out in force, and one keen lad left Westport, discovered the Lewis Pass was closed, so turned round and came all the way over Arthurs Pass. They breed them tough on the Coast. The scoring system is based on seeing how far you can go before your car “ceases forward motion”. The first six sections have a maximum of 20 points and the final one is worth 40. The first cars away have a decided advantage, so there is a cunning system to rotate the starting order.

Each section wends its weary way up a slope, which gets both steeper and slipperier as progress is made. Passengers help at this stage, and a skilled bouncer, preferably of All Black proportions, to aid forward motion, is a decided advantage. The sections are named: Fleming’s Flanders, Robson’s Desire, Newell’s Nemesis, Fendalton Road, Scotland’s Joy, Jelf’s Shelf, Moore’s Majority, all with historical significance lost in the mists of time, but in honour of past or present members.

In general, the lighter the car and its occupant, the better it goes, and so the custom built A7 Specials, weighing very little, do

Balcairn Trial, July 2025

Thomas Mauger fearful of pursuit.

DAY tend to dominate, but this year, Bruce Washington in a Ford 10 Special was well up, the leader board. Brad Govan A7 Hawke (owner), and Jason Roberts (works driver) battled throughout the day, with Jason ahead by one point at close of play. Brad did, as usual, win the coveted Valve Bounce Award. The Dawber Pontiac deserves special mention. The sight and sound of this mighty leviathan, which is a 1928 Pontiac chassis with an engine, a gearbox, a seat and a steering wheel, ploughing into a swamp at maximum revs is one of the great spectacles of the day.

An extra hazard this year were the falling marshalls, who, like the cars, sometimes ceased forward motion, as the Skellerup Red Bands didn’t provide enough grip at crucial moments, and the occupants gracefully slipped over on the muddy hillsides, to the amusement of the crowd.

As always, competition for the coveted Old Boot is always close, and often comes down to a point or two, but this year there was a clear winner. Lance Braid, in his A7 Special was the winner, for the second year, so The Old Boot goes back to Hokitika. Griffin Tucker, A7, Bruce Washington, Ford 10, and Alan Giles, A7 Special, were all second equal. Being a fairly relaxed branch, we were taken by surprise when yet another trophy, The Best Performance by a Saloon was handed back.

Last won in 2002, we were unaware of its existence, but were happy to present it to Andrew Roxburgh, getting a works drive in a Ford Prefect.

Many thanks to Revered Leader James Palmer and his hard working team for another marvelous day of motoring.

Austin based special being willed upward.

Debatable if an Alfa Romeo badge helped escape Balcairn’s gravity and gradient.

Beware the dreaded sideslip of Test 7.

Beaded Wheels 27

VCC National South Island Easter Rally (Including the 50th Anniversary of the naming of Canterbury Branch Cutler Park facilities) Words and photos Julie Sword and Debbie Morison A pleasant welcome and registration afternoon was held in the Canterbury Branch clubrooms at Cutler Park on Friday where the comprehensive rally packs were picked up.

Saturday (rally day) — While on our way to Cutler Park for the start, the weather was a bit cloudy but luckily there was very little rain during the rally. Tea and coffee was available prior to the rally briefing, where we were told of the silent checks in the form of discs and the task was to find them and identify the animals depicted. We were notified of one change on the routes due to a road closure. First away, the long route through Lyttelton, Gebbies Pass to Lincoln for lunch followed by the medium route heading towards Leeston via Burnham and Springston.

Lastly, the short route taking in Rolleston and surrounding areas. All of the rallies

s Field tests.

s George Lee, 1904 Alldays and Onions

28 Beaded Wheels

s Paul Ainsworth 1926 Harley-Davidson J.

had so much to see with many new subdivisions going ahead on the outskirts of Christchurch. The lunch time stop was at the Lincoln Events Centre with its very nice facilities for us to use. The afternoon rally was the same route for everyone, starting with a parade through

the Lincoln main street. A number of the locals ventured out to see the cars and bikes, then we headed around the outskirts of town including more new subdivisions on the way back to the clubrooms and a sausage sizzle finished off a great day of motoring.

The Sunday rally started at the Papanui Club, so entrants were able to get breakfast, tea and coffee before the start. We had a short rally, led away by the veterans and motorcycles who stayed in front through the Summerset Rest Home.

I am sure the residents enjoyed seeing some older vehicles such as those which they may well have owned. On leaving we travelled around the western suburbs to finish at Cutler Park for the five very well organised field tests. To finish the weekend we went to the Hornby Club.

Around 180 members enjoyed an amazing meal and the prize giving. We were lucky enough to take home three certificates.

The rally committee provided us with a very well organised rally, which I am sure was enjoyed by everyone who attended.

s

Colin and Jo Deaker, 1973 Triumph TR6, at the start of the tour. Photo Tony Pomfret

▼ Fiordland Military museum. Photo Mark Wilkinson

South Island Club Captain’s Tour Words and photos Alistair and Loralei Pegg, Nicola and Mark Wilkinson

The tour began with a short briefing and pizza dinner, hosted at the Otago Branch clubrooms. Having been members there in a previous life, it was nice to visit again. Unfortunately, after two days travel down from Motueka our ’56 Oxford expired in Dunedin. So, it was off to find a rental car and a friend’s driveway for the offending vehicle to park. An MG from Nelson spat the dummy here also, and a Westminster from the North Island lost its brakes. So, a bit of carnage before the rally even began. Early in the morning entrants gathered at Unity Park for a photo shoot.

At Lawrence, the first town stop, it was noticed there were more boarded up shops than when we last visited, but it still provided an ideal place for an ice cream.

Then the rolling hills of the back roads to Gore were great to drive with little traffic.

Gore Branch members were invited to the happy hour and dinner. Here we began the organisers ‘Minties Moments’ and the ‘Wooden Spoon award’ in which funny happenings or misdemeanors were reported and discussed with reasonable hilarity. This was to set the tone for our regular evening get togethers.

The next morning motoring began with a driver briefing, once again at the Gore clubrooms. Here it was decided that an 8.30 gathering was “too early” for many, and a self-starting format commenced.

We followed an interesting scenic route, with a stop at Riverton in the sunshine for lunch. From there we motored

towards Manapouri, and to Te Anau for the evening.

Monday was our free day with no travel.

Many joined in visiting a large private military vehicle and hardware collection in the morning. Others took in the town, visiting the trout observatory, and generally trying to keep dry as the rain came down in torrents on and off throughout the day. An impromptu dinner was held at a local restaurant that night.

Tuesday we were off again bound for Alexandra. Beautiful country back roads were taken for the most part, including a dramatic drop into Ettrick, before crossing the Roxburgh Dam and then on to Alexandra.

From Alexandra the next morning we travelled through to Clyde via back roads, then onto Cromwell. Many stopped off at

Highland Park raceway, particularly as one of our number was booked to do laps there as a birthday present from his family, completed in a five litre Mustang. Then it was in to Omarama for a pitstop and finally Twizel for the night. Heavy traffic heading to Wanaka for Warbirds through the Lindis Pass and cold temperatures, a less than balmy eight degrees greeted us on arrival. We looked around town and took in the display of heavy vehicles that were used on dam projects.

Thursday, an overcast morning found us cruising some of the canal roads, admiring the engineering marvels and scenery. Another casualty occurred, while departing Twizel, the organiser’s MG decided to spit out a frost plug. Luckily no obvious damage was done except the inconvenience. Thankfully they had offers of help and rides from many members and completed the rally back to Christchurch. Arriving in Methven mid afternoon allowed a quick wander about town before happy hour. Two hard luck prizes were distributed to ourselves and the MG couple, both from Nelson branch, and thanks given to the rally organisers for their exemplary work.

Good Friday breakfast with many in attendance was the perfect time for farewells. A great event – hearty congratulations to the South Island Club Captain team.

s Jim and Kyra Warring travelling through the Lindis Pass. Photo Mark Wilkinson

Beaded Wheels 29

ARCHIVIST NEWS

TED LOVERSIDGE (1933–2019) A gentleman of craft, passion, and performance

During the clean up ahead of our move to the new Archive and VCC National Office, I came across a collection of 15 beautiful sketches of vintage car accessories on A3 sheets, dated December 1995. These were drawn by Ted Loversidge.

Edward Richard “Ted” Loversidge was a man whose talents spanned the technical, the artistic, and the mechanical.

Born in 1933, Ted’s life was a celebration of craftsmanship— whether at the draughting table, behind the wheel of a classic MG, or with a pencil in hand

sketching scenes that captured the spirit of vintage motoring.

I first met Ted in 1961 when I joined the New Zealand Post Office as a telegraph technician.

Ted worked just a floor above me as a draughtsman, where a school friend of mine also worked and introduced us.

He would tell me stories of the MGs he owned and raced, the NAs, the PAs, and others that had passed through his skilled hands.

His knowledge of these cars and his enthusiasm was infectious, especially for prewar MGs. Ted’s garage was a haven for MG enthusiasts, a place where history was preserved and stories were shared. Many VCC members and others have commissioned Ted to produce a scaled set of plans of veteran/ vintage car bodies, for their new sporty restorations. In 1975 Ted’s 1935 six-cylinder supercharged MG featured on the front cover of Beaded

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

30 Beaded Wheels

Wheels Feb/March # 92. The photo was taken at Wigram, at the first historic car event, January 1974.

He was a gifted artist, and many of his illustrations have graced the pages of Beaded Wheels, over the years. Andrew Anderson’s wife Mollie, who ran a recycling business in 2005, wrote a number children’s books, featuring a hare and a hedgehog to help bring to the children’s attention, the importance of recycling, these books were illustrated

by Ted. His drawings weren’t just technically accurate, they were eye catching. Some of his sketches of car accessories from the Archive are shown here.

The sketch of the expedition Bentley and the majestic radiator mascot with the explorer looking into the distance were a design sketch

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.

study for entrants of the 1995 Antipodean Antiquarian Expedition (Spine Run). Unfortunately, the lovely explorer radiator mascot never made it to production.

Around the rim it says “Are we nearly there said….”, however his sketched letterhead for the above event appeared in Beaded Wheels.

I am sure that my early interest in old cars was inspired by Ted, he was a true gentleman of the motoring world, his legacy lives on.

As the VCC Archivist, life can be busy at times. The various duties can be time consuming, some taking days to complete.

The shift from the old Archive to the new one has taken a very long time and there is still a long way to go to get the job done. It is with regret, that one only has so much spare time, so I have decided to discontinue writing the Archive News articles in Beaded Wheels. Thank you to all the people who emailed or phoned me about bringing back their long-lost memories.

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 (Incorporated) 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 (Incorporated).

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 (Incorporated) 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 (Incorporated).

FOR SALE ABOUT 1930 FORD MODEL A HARDTOP COUPE. This is a complete restoration project. Located Roxburgh. For details contact Alistair 021 234 4578.

1979 MAZDA B1600 - no gearbox very rusty.

Austin A50: very rusty. 1953. Approx Morris Oxford: very rusty. 1955 Wyvern: very rusty Ph Gavin 021 222 7918, 03 4822 485.

MEM OTAGO

VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ halogen bulbs.

Replace your existing bulbs without rewiring the headlamp assemblies. Up to 100% brighter 2X 4.40 – 4.50 21 INCH FIRESTONE TYRES w ith than your existing Tungsten bulbs. Will fit most approx. 4.8mm of tread left. $475 each. Two reflectors fitted to pre & post war cars and 4.50 – 4.75 21 inch Excelsior tyres with approx. motorbikes. Also available in single filament 7.1mm of tread left. $250 each. Age unknown.

55 watt P22 & BA15 bases for use in spotlamps Been removed off a Model A Ford. Price Includes and mechanical dip reflectors. Most bases and tubes. Located in Invercargill. Phone 021 314 956. configurations available in 6v & 12v. Further

MEM SOUTHLAND info: Norm & Jan Sisson, sole NZ Agent. Phone 027 311 6563, Amuri Motorcycles, Christchurch.

BACKCOPIES OF ‌BEADED WHEELS. Some may Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz be available from 1960 onwards at $ 1- each. Also at site 612 of the Mcleans Island Swapmeet. Phone VAUXHALL PC CRESTA PARTS, bonnet, boot 03 338 5210 or 020 4168 6892 (text preferred). lid, doors, grille, chrome trim, and various

MEM CANTERBURY mechanical parts. All parts in dry storage in New Plymouth. Open to offers. Ph les 021 084 82 323, bognuda63@xtra.co.nz MEM TARANAKI BALANCING BALANCING BALANCING, We can balance most vintage and single FORD THAMES R/F GUARD AND BONNET $100 cylinder engines, fans, driveshafts etc. Work each. 1937/38 DeSoto restore or parts $600 is carried out on a modern digital machine. ono. Bradford engine $300 ono. Ford 10 engine M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, and gearbox. Vanguard glass and parts ask.

Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: Phone Bruce 03 214 0426. MEM SOUTHLAND info@mscoombes.co.nz MOTORCYCLE LEATHER CLOTHING AND BOOTS Jacket size 42/107, trousers size 38/97, boots size 8. All in very good order and quality.

Ph 03 693 9093. MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY

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

STUDEBAKER GE 27/28 Parts: One engine not complete, two gearboxes, two diffs. One 23(?) Diff. $=Scrap metal value or swap for GL 1930 bits, in particular distributor Delco Remy model 669J Serial 11672 also A/C petrol pump part 855228 on pump 5402 or buy. Ph Roger 027 265 4965, rjm1978@outlook.co.nz

MEM NORTH SHORE

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

1966 WOLSELEY 16-60 Vehicle has been sitting in a shed in Tauranga for over 20 years. In un-restored condition. Leather upholstery needs work. Walnut dash. Open to offers. Call Roger on 027 459 3920 for more details.

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

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

Beaded Wheels 31

1947 FORD V8 COUPE N Z New. Rust free. Original NZ ownership papers. Original heater & radio – converted FM/AM. Motor relieved block, later model HP oil pump. Ford Pilot mechanical fuel pump. Adjustable tappets, truck bearing pump, C7RA cylinder heads, upper cylinder lubricator Fitted. $70,000 ono. Ph Morton 021 667 444

1967 FORD CORTINA 1.6 LITRE CROSS FLOW V ery tidy, has a reconditioned auto trans. WoF and Rego. No rust. Drives like a new car. Mileage is 145,000. New alternator, twin choke Weber carby.

Great car for post ‘60s vintage motoring, 120 miles. $22,000. Ph Wayne 027 201 2103. MEM SOUTHLAND

1934 AUSTIN 10, green. Original car, has been repainted at some point. Five owners. Engine starts easily and runs very well. WoF to 11/2025, rego to 6/2026. Asking $8k. Ph 021 762 076, grevis@xtra.co.nz

TOYOTA CRESSIDA 1984 2 litre 6cyl ohc.

1964 HILLMAN MINX Current WoF and rego.

Immaculate original condition. All offers $7,000. Phone 027 599 1002. MEM SOUTHLAND considered. Christchurch Email for more photos, bobandree74@gmail.com or ph 027 2211 588.

MEM CANTERBURY

1966 RAMBLER CLASSIC 770. N Z new 136,000m.

I’ve owned it for 12 years. Recon engine and transmission. Beautiful car. Ready for someone to jump in and drive. Ph 027 348 7661.

MEM HOROWHENUA

1936 CORD 810 WESTCHESTER R are factory RHD, original unsupercharged motor with external exhaust, preselect transmission, leather upholstery. Older restoration but still shows well with laser straight rust free body and black lacquer. Drives & shifts as a Cord should.

Current WoF & Reg. $180,000. Ph 022 600 5346 Blackirongraham@gmail.com MEM NELSON

DODGE ROADSTER 1920 PROJECT C hassis, engine, gearbox, diffy have been restored 10+ years ago but full restoration unfinished. Body, doors, bootlid, spare wheel carrier, guards and valances unrestored, virtually all parts available. $7,000 ono. Also other Dodge 4 parts for sale.

Ph/txt John 027 229 0766. MEM CANTERBURY

1934 FORD GPW H ere we have a nicely restored 1943 Ford GPW for sale, engine turns and runs perfectly, undercarriage looks solid with no rust.

Phone Mike 020 8366 4108.

MERCEDES BENZ 280CE COUPE 1978 E lectric windows, electric sunroof, car cover. Cruises smoothly and in lovely order. Mileage 115,000 est.

Odo 15,200. Price $25,000. Ph Tony 027 687 7757.

MEM WELLINGTON

1929 DODGE DA f ull restoration 1979, been converted to 12 volts, excellent condition for its age, drives well, registered and warranted, some spare parts $25,000 ono. Ph Barry 021 042 1354, bushfield@xtra.co.nz MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY

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

32 Beaded Wheels

Owners in NZ Spare Parts Club Inc

1954 PEUGEOT 203 V IC, straight and original car, rust free. Engine rebuilt and upgraded, too much to list. Still to run in. Rego on hold. Michelin XZX tyres, spare engines, clocks, gearboxes. For sale due to change in circumstances. $14,000 ono.

Ph 021 488 083. MEM HAWKE’S BAY

1978 TRIUMPH 2.5 S M anual with overdrive.

Very tidy and mechanically well maintained.

Used for VCC events. 176,000 km. $8,500 ono.

Ph Keith 021 146 2036 MEM GORE

We supply parts for all Jaguar and Daimler models from the XK120 through to the XKR. 1980 MORGAN 4X4, 1 600 Ford Kent engine.

55,368 kms, regularly serviced and in excellent condition. Current WoF and rego expire Dec ‘25.

Wonderful car to drive. Located in ChCh. $48k.

Contact 027 481 3742

1962 LANDROVER SERIES 2A O riginal 88 inch truck cab fully restored with many new parts, includes new brakes, clutch, tyres, NZ new. Runs well, original 2286cc motor. Health issues and no storage. $25,000 present all offers! Photos on request. Ph Rod 021 734 984 southawk@xtra.co.nz

For 50 years we have successfully helped enthusiasts. Contact us first for all your Classic Daimler & Jaguar Spare Parts. We also supply via indent orders, placed monthly.

VINTAGE CAR REPAIRS

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

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 FORD MODEL A 1930 FORDOR DELUXE with Murray body. Owned 13 years, 14,600 miles, previous owner 32 years, 25,000 miles. Full history since 1980. Converted to 12 volt with We carry a large range from vintage to modern halogen lighting, twin side mounted spares, engines. Gearbox, diff, SU dashpot and water external lockup luggage. Very reliable, comfortable pump grease. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph vintage. $27,000. Ph Graham 027 320 7948.

Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email:

MEM CANTERBURY info@mscoombes.co.nz

PENRITE OILS

1937 DODGE D5. E xcellent condition, current FORD MODEL A ROADSTER 1930 Rego YI1014. owner 10 years. 3 speed g/box, 6 cylinder Paintwork, upholstery & canvas in very good 3749cc. Near new radial tyres, bodywork and order. Total mileage 25,364. Current WoF & rego. interior excellent. Sits nicely at 50-60 mph and New front tyres. Garaged. Ph 027 497 7130, handles well. $37,500 ono. Ph Ian 0274 790 682. Palmerston North. MANAWATU BRANCH

MEM HAWKE’S BAY

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

1938 FORD STANDARD SEDAN PROJECT for sale.

Rego on hold. Black plate car. Phone 0210 853 0341, a.webster27@yahoo.com MEM WAIPARA

Beaded Wheels 33

1952 NORTON DOMINATOR 500CC TWIN 1955 AJS TWIN 500 MODEL 20 In good running 1923-24 INDIAN SCOUT 8 0% complete. Has motorcycle. NZ new, matching numbers, fully order, went well at rally in Motueka. Not used good frame and tinware. Offers over $16,000. restored to an extremely high standard. Yet to recently due to ill health. Rego on hold. Open Ph Dave 027 220 4105. MEM NELSON be run in, rear seat is included. Genuine reason to offers around $5,500. Mobile 027 335 0451 for sale. Will not disappoint. Email Graham or email mauricebrown200@outlook.com jag1@xtra.co.nz. MEM NORTHLAND. MEM CANTERBURY

VEHICLE MARKETING BY RUSHMORE MOTORS.

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

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

1930 AUSTIN 7 CHUMMY It is time for ‘Lucy’ to 1953 ALVIS TC21 Good mechanical order with find a new home. Always been garaged. Has a uprated 100hp engine and high ratio diff. Recent new 6v battery, hood cover, handbook and repair work includes total brake overhaul, new servo, manuals. Reg is on hold. Will be sold with WoF suspension bushes replaced, new manifold and 12 month Rego and includes a personalized gaskets and fuel tank removed and cleaned plate A7 I93O. $22,000. In Christchurch. professionally. Sound bodywork. Sold with new Ph Ken 021 164 4848, kenaustin52@icloud.com WoF. $18,000 Ph George 027 925 0117. MEM CANTY

MEM CANTERBURY

MGB 1975 7 8000 miles on the clock, serviced and maintained professionally. Runs well. Up to date WoF and Rego. Comes with service records and WoF sheets for the last few years. For more photos see Facebook market place, $12,000. Phone Rosemary Buglass 027 621 0126. MEM HAWKE’S BAY 34 Beaded Wheels

1995 NISSAN SKYLINE. $ 17,000. Location Waikato.

2.5L. R33 GT, (not turbo) manual. 250 K original miles. Two NZ owners with one dealer, as new tyres, heater replaced, undersealed. New reg and WoF. This vehicle is being marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd. Ph 027 2245 045.

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.

1926 HUPMOBILE 6 A MODEL, WoF till end of August, rego March 2026. New cloth upholstery, 12 volt system, starts instantly, goes well NZ new, RHD. original Canterbury car, cooling system overhaul, four blade fan, radiator recored, carby serviced. 78,600 miles. $22,000 ono, or swap for licensed roadworthy muscle car. Ph Gary 02102 822 327 anytime. MEM HAWKE’S BAY

MAZDA 1500 1986 323. v ery original car still has liquid crystal dash with 160000 original miles .

New warrant and reg. $7000. firm. Circumstances have changed and would like someone else to enjoy the car as I have. Ph John Henderson 03 387 0387. MEM CANTERBURY

MARKET PLACE

1930 MODEL A PHAETON. $ 38,000. Location ChCh. Sold as is, but WoF and rego. Fully restored. All receipts. Fully recon. motor, gear box and diff. Only 40kms. Hood cream and new. 12 Volt. 5 owners since new. This vehicle is being marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd. Ph 027 224 5045.

1937 HUDSON TERRAPLANE COUPE. $69,500.

Location Wairarapa. Full restoration. Immaculate condition. Purchased free of rust and panel damage and with paperwork from date of first purchase. Fully restored as a ground-up rebuild.

This vehicle is being marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd. Ph 027 224 5045.

1951 AUSTIN A40 DEVON. L ocation Motueka. $13,000. Older restoration in outstanding condition. Original OHV engine, 4 speed gearbox.

Column change, fully hydraulic brakes. Five near new tyres. 78,366 miles. This vehicle is being marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd. Ph 027 224 5045.

ROLLS-ROYCE 1930 20/25 DROP HEAD COUPE 1973 DAIMLER SOVEREIGN. 4 .2 litre, tan leather This lovely Rolls was meticulously restored and and only 3 owners. NZ new, no rust and mostly completed in 2003. Including motor, running original paint. Beautifully well maintained gear and fitting a Laycock overdrive. The body example. Ready to enjoy. New WoF and rego. was completely rebuild in the style of a Park Selling on behalf of Dads estate. $15,000 ono.

Ward DHC. WoF and rego. Paperwork confirming Ph Neale 021 295 3628 Christchurch. matching numbers. $70,000. Ph 027 222 6817.

MEM WAIRARAPA

1956 MK2 ZEPHYR. $ 32,000. Location Otorohanga.

All sills rebuilt. Body is straight and rust free.

Mileage 103,000. Electric fuel pump. Motor is quiet, Reg and wof on sale. Paintwork immaculate.

This vehicle is being marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd. Ph 027 2245 045.

1972 MG MIDGET FOR SALE 7 5,000 miles.

WoF and reg, round arch model, 1275cc.

Excellent condition Location Christchurch.

Ph 021 434 271 Hemaltkodikara@gmail.com

1953 DODGE M37 4WD EX USAF AIRFORCE , Rego on hold, new tyres, brakes. New imported wood and canvas from USA. Priced to sell at less than what it owes me at $22,000. Phone David 027 220 4105. MEM NELSON

1938 DODGE FASTBACK, 4 DOOR. Full restoration is required, engine 6 cylinder (seized), 98 Percent complete vehicle, some spares parts. All panels complete with glass. $5,000. Ph Neil 027 213 1186.

MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY

1968 TRIUMPH VITESSE 2 litre (six cylinder) rare New Zealand assembled car in very good condition. WoF & Rego. Professionally stripped to bare metal, repainted to very high standard.

Professionally re upholstered, near new Michelin tyres, rust free and mechanically very sound.

Keeps up with the traffic, $18,000 ono. Phone 021 595 185 for more info. MEM ROTORUA

1928 CHEV. PICKUP. L ocation Temuka. $21,000.

WoF & rego. Recent motor overhaul. Removable folding top (not pictured). Engine and gearbox reconditioned. New tyres. New king pins. Good going order. Three spare gearboxes This vehicle is being marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd. Ph 027 224 5045.

1967 FORD MUSTANG. $ 69,995. Location Nelson.

What can I say. An immaculate vehicle. You wouldn’t see a better example of a ‘67 Mustang on today’s market. Beautiful to drive. Inspection welcomed. A really wonderful car. This vehicle is being marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd. Ph 027 224 5045.

Beaded Wheels 35

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

MG-F, BLACK HARDTOP, glass heated window, light coloured headlining, all in very good condition. Easy to fit/remove. Asking, $1,000. Ph 027 445 2501, 09 430 0665. MEM NORTHLAND

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.

MORRIS COWLEY BULLNOSE engine type CB M S COOMBES LTD c/w gearbox. Engine turns over. 1548 cc. 11.9hp.

344 ST ASAPH ST, CHRISTCHURCH $275 or offer. Contact David 021 979 667.

NORTH SHORE BRANCH Ph: 03 366 7463

E: INFO@MSCOOMBES.CO.NZ

REQUIRE SPARE PARTS? Marlborough Branch has catalogued many spares by part number and model. Visit marlboroughvcc.com for contact details and detailed part lists. This will be updated and added to on a regular basis. General enquiries welcome via email: marlborough@vcc.org.nz

“CLASSIC/VINTAGE” CARPET CLIPS Two 10 litre buckets of these to give away to a deserving home. Contact Wayne Logan, ph 027 346 0069, email waynelogan822@gmail.com MEM NELSON

1914 MODEL T ROADSTER. V ery good condition SMITHS CHRONOMETRIC TACH. 0-8000 with recent total motor and transmission rpm, counter clockwise rotation input, rebuild. As new hood and side curtains. Ratio 2:1. Listed as BSA Super Rocket Refurbished Ruckstell axle and purpose-built 1963. Same as RC 83. Fresh from an trailer also available. Phone or TXT 027 499 6381. extensive Robinson’s overhaul, $750. Phone

MEM AUCKLAND A Wilson 027 683 9947. MEM AUCKLAND

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

VETERAN PARTS, L ucas bulb, horn, boa constrictor, British horn, Bosch mags, Stewart speedo, dual ignition, Bosch mags. Phone 07 348 4227. MEM ROTORUA

DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS 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 for cars, trucks, industrial and marine.

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

36 Beaded Wheels

1929 AUSTIN 7 i n good original condition. Has been prepared to be shipped to Australia, all asbestos removed from parts, and will need to be replaced. Engine needs work, not currently running. Rego on hold. $10,000 neg. View at Marlborough Vintage Car Club. Ph 027 303 8380 or email awoolf.wv@gmail.com MEM MARLBOROUGH

CHEVROLET 1934 MASTER DELUXE. Original barnfind condition. Same owner for 50 years.

(Been in dry storage.) Rego lapsed. Needs restoring. I have front bumper & headlights. Offers Wanted. Ph Alan 027 435 7558.

WANTED

1911-12 RENAULT i n going order able to be shipped to Australia wanted. I am aware of price range and shipping costs. Not interested in renovating. Phone Murray Gibbs, 04 0888 7031, murraygibbs@hotmail. com

BERKELEY PARTS WANTED l ooking for mechanical parts for a 1957 SE328 roadster. I am missing the complete drive line including the front wheels to the differential assembly. I also need A arms and hubs. I only have a mixture of parts that don’t match side to side. Contact Richard, 027 577 1001 or service@ncauto.co.nz MEM WELLINGTON

1938 CHEVROLET HEADLIGHT BUCKETS, and instrument panel, any condition considered.

Ph Sue 027 420 5143, mark.suedunn@xtra.co.nz GLOVEBOX LOCK FOR 1935 FORD V8 CENTRA

MEM GISBORNE has key lock piece each side like wings about 5mm wide. Overall approx. 65mm long about 20mm 1946 FORD V8 COUPE Parts wanted for restoration wide, centre piece about 20mm thick with key or project. Rear valance, left front bumper bracket, without. All same for 1935-38. Phone Grahame centre boot chrome strip or any other parts.

022 487 1132. MEM NELSON Phone Phillip Cook 06 867 7359 or email plcook@xtra.co.nz MEM GISBORNE HILLMAN HUNTER 1972 (OR THAT SHAPE) I am wanting approx 1972 Hillman Hunter, must 450 X 18 TYRES WANTED, n ew or near new. Phone be the 1972 shape. Manual, totally restored or Peter 0274 397 874. MEM OTAGO in great shape. Prefer orange, but will consider AUSTIN 16/4 GEARBOX AND SPACER, a nd two other colours for the right car. Cash buyer. Urgent.

Austin A70 commercial six stud wheel rims which Ph Kerry 021 765 912, kjeffs69@gmail.com have the more modern rim that will take clip on J TYPE OVERDRIVE UNIT a s fitted to Triumph 2500 balance weights, also any Austin A90 Atlantic Contact Steve 027 494 9905 MEM AUCKLAND spares. Phone John Kinvig 0274 524 326, email jakinvig@xtra.co.nz MEM WELLINGTON PAIR OF FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS for Morris Minor 1000, must be in good condition with no leaks and firm resistance both ways.

Ph 022 590 3984. MEM SOUTH WAIKATO

FRONT AXLE WANTED , steering linkages and 20inch wheels as in photo for 1927/30 International truck Model SF 46 or similar for restoration.

Bernie Mason ph 03 572 4803, 021 181 2281.

MEM MARLBOROUGH WHEELS FOR MORRIS MINOR 1000. One, preferably two of the wider type as used on the Minor vans. Phone Roy 027 298 6994, 61motra@ gmail.com MEM NELSON WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR 1967 MERCEDES 110 saloon 200D. Blunden@slingshot.co.nz or 021 184 2435. MEM NORTH OTAGO

RUDGE WHITWORTH WIRE WHEELS. T ype 55 centre – ideally 18” x 4” but would consider 17” or 19” or just rim. Also looking for cylinder head/ cams/cam followers etc for Lagonda Rapier.

Anything considered. Phone 027 414 6626, weldingshoppete@gmail.com MEM HAWKES BAY 1930 DE SOTO SEDAN E xterior door handles (3) Interior door handle (1) Ph 021 726 479 or mark@ langdon.nz

CORBIN 1:1 RATIO, r ight angle, rear wheel speedometer drive and mounting bracket for Model J/JD Harley-Davidson (thought to be the same drive for Indian and others). See photo for replica version. Contact Tony Kay 020 414 85160 or rtpremnivas@outlook.com MEM AUCKLAND

7” HALF HUB BRAKE PLATE WITH SPEEDO GEARBOX B rake plate complete with speedo gearbox and pick up drive gear (14T) wanted for 1938 Model 95 Panther project. Still searching for Amal horizontal carb & 8” Enfield rear hub (½ hub, cush drive). David Broadhead 021 324 762 dbroadhe@xtra.co.nz MEM AUCKLAND

Like sports cars?

SIX CYLINDER K OR D AUSTIN ENGINE (Sheerline or similar) with or without gearbox for “gentleman’s racer” project. Using Austin chassis and would like to keep it Austin, but would consider another large capacity, straight 6 or 8 cylinder. Glen Morgan, 027 605 8204.

MEM OTAGO

RentAClassic.co.nz requires casual assistants in Queenstown, Wellington and Auckland, for storage, preparation and handovers of 1 – 2 cars.

TRIUMPH 500 MOTORCYCLE m id ‘50s gearbox cases in good condition. Swap or sell. Consider complete gearbox. Smith chrono tachometer needle sweep clockwise 1-11 oclock, 8000 rpm as fitted to GP and Tiger 100. Oil tank large capacity deep with surge chamber, hinged cap as fitted to GP, Tiger 100. Phone 03 541 9391. MEM NELSON

Suit affable personality with flexible schedule, max 20 hires pa.

Good rates, training provided.

Mechanical skills a bonus!

VETERAN TRIUMPH PARTS WANTED TO BUY or CONTACT swap . Also have Ariel 1928 and 1927 projects and STEPHEN TANNER, OWNER model P/N parts projects to swap 021 088 06141.

INFO@RENTACLASSIC.CO.NZ

MEM WELLINGTON WANTED 32 INCH X 4 INCH TYRES - u sed or new.

Need to get my current restoration project into a easily mobile state around the workshop. Ph John 027 448 1430. MEM CANTERBURY WANTED FOR 1938 FIAT TOPOLINO A. M etal parts of the rear gearbox mount that holds the upper and lower rubbers. Also any photos of the positioning of the front brake pipes where they attach to the master cylinder. Also after a few other items so any contact with someone who has a car or any parts would be appreciated.

Ph Phil Reed 027 208 8633 email philreed@ hotmail.com MEM SOUTHLAND RIGHT HAND SIDE DOOR wanted to suit 1933 Austin 7, R P saloon, Fields to suit 1927 Austin 7 magneto type Dynamo. Phone 61 040 701 7187 kenburton@aussiebroodband.com.au

ROYAL ENFIELD OHV SINGLE, 1 937-1962 Redditch Models. 250- 500cc. Buy or swap for parts that don’t fit the bikes I have. REORNZ member. Txt/ph 021 177 3328, Mickeyrat@windowslive.com

MEM BOP

Beaded Wheels 37

SWAP MEETS & RALLIES ch

nty Bran

of Ple VCC Bay

T E E M P SWA

& CAR SHOW

ARS

025 2 r e b m e v o Sunday 2 N9 Cliff Rd Tauranga

E & CL VINTAG

9am – 1pm

ASSIC C

•2

e 027 476 1481

ion phon Further informat

EFTPOS AT THE GATES

ADMISSION $10 per person $15 family

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

MMXXV AUTOMOBILE ANCIENNE

EARLY BIRD

SAVING

$25

DISCOUNT OFF YOUR ENTRY IF BOOKED

BY JULY 31ST

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

Saturday 15th november '25 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

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

OAMARU • NEW ZEALAND

Coinciding with the Victorian Heritage Weekend

SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2025 A & P Showgrounds Ettrick St • Oamaru

Hot Food and Coffee available • Book a site, get that stuff sitting in the garage you no longer need and let someone else love it!

Public Entry from 8am $5 Adult, children under 15 free

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

Site Holders entry from 7am $15 including 1 free entry

All enquiries to email: swapmeetnovcc@gmail.com or phone Derek Brehaut 021 390 518,

WAIKATO WAIKATO VINTAGE VINTAGE

SWAP MEET

KARAPIRO DOMAIN, CAMBRIDGE

Sunday 16 November 2025

Gates open 7am • Public Entry $10 • Children under 12 Free • Sites $20 • Organised by Waikato Branch of VCC and Waikato Vintage Tractor & Machinery Club

Enquiries Ph Jeremy Brook 021 152 0922, George Gardner 027 301 5711 38 Beaded Wheels

And for more information visit www.wvvcc.co.nz

CAN

C H C E L E B R AT E S

12 0

y e ar s

SOUTH

TER

BRAN Y R U B

e

of th

first car to Mt Cook Calling all

VETERAN, VINTAGE, AND POST VINTAGE VEHICLES Thursday 5 February 2026 Overnight in Timaru.

Friday 6 February 2026 Timaru to Lake Tekapo.

(Make your own Tekapo reservations now.)

Saturday 7 February

Tekapo • Mt Cook • Twizel

We have the Hotel at Twizel booked (88 Rooms.) These will be booked through your entry form. First In first served, or book your own accommodation NOW.

Contact Nola Day nola.day@xtra.co.nz for enquiries or entry forms from September.

Not on such as grand a scale as the 100 years, but a very important milestone in the motoring world. We have come a long way.

NELSON 15–21 MARCH 2026

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF HISTORIC MOTORING

ENTRIES NOW OPEN

Go to www.historicmotoring.org.nz to register today

NELSON • TASMAN 15 – 21 March 2025 Ensure your VIC is valid for this event Renewals through national office can take up to three months.

Beaded Wheels 39

TRADE DIRECTORY

MARLBOROUGH MAGNETOS

UPPER CLASSICS NEW ZEALAND

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

Exchange armatures available

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Coil Only service for DIY assembly

Magdyno and Maglita units restored

Curiosities investigated

☎ 027 577 8328

Contact Paul Radmall at paul@magnetos.co.nz

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Specialising in Weber, Holley, SU, Stormberg, etc

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INSTRUMENT REPAIRS

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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 40 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

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

IRISHMAN 2024

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BEHIND THE WHEEL

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

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DRIVING OUR HISTORY

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

13 Fleming Street, Onehunga, Auckland

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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

As I write this report we are preparing for this year’s AGM to be hosted in Invercargill by the Southland Branch. With two exceptional museums in Invercargill the branch has offered an extra day before the event to allow members to visit these, something I understand many are taking advantage of.

The financial reports have been sent to all members. It is pleasing to see our club is still in great shape financially. With costs ever increasing Murray and Linda have done a great job of keeping us below budget, as have the team at Beaded Wheels, taking advantage of saving where they can. Our membership numbers remain around the 8,000 mark which is a true reflection that we are the best motoring club to belong to.

You should also have received, and I hope voted, on the notice of motion to change our Club’s governing structure and update our constitution to fall in line with the new Incorporated Societies Act (2022). This has been a threeyear task for your Executive and has resulted in some robust conversations at meetings. This is not a bad thing and shows that many are passionate about our club. It is all part of democracy. I’m afraid at times this has resulted in some very disappointing correspondence

s Club archivist Don Muller and wife Maureen are bringing order to chaos at the new Club Archive.

Beaded Wheels committee members (L-R: Charles Rushworth, Kevin Clarkson, John McDonald) had time to enjoy the atmosphere after their July meeting.

being circulated. I apologize for this. You will never find a solution that suits all with the size of our club but with each branch’s input and feedback your Executive feel we have put forward a structure and constitution that will serve us well in the future. I’m sure many of you like me just want to see this period come to an end so we can get back to motoring which is what this club is all about.

After the AGM the next big national event is Daffodil Day. The UK have their “Drive it Day” where they aim to get as many classic cars out on the road as possible to raise awareness for our passion. Our National Day was set up for exactly the same reason, but also to showcase the benefits of our National Club.

With our 30-year acceptance rule the variety of cars that are eligible is endless so I encourage you to invite as many of your friends and associates to come and join in. While we promote our club, we also raise funds for The Cancer Society which enables the funds raised in your

region to stay in your region.

With The Ford Motor Company on board this year we should break all records. Don’t forget to lock in Sunday 24 August.

While we have not yet heard from the Government about the 12-month warrant review I thought you should all know that no other review has received so many submissions.

With well over 13,000 individual submissions sent in, let’s hope they get the message. It’s a big thank you to all for answering the call to action.

I must thank the team that have been very busy over the past two months with the relocation of our Support Office.

Craig Pidgeon for taking on the task of preparing the new site with wheelchair access, new signage, carpet and paint.

Linda and Karen for organizing the new furniture, Murray for sorting phones, computers and security. I finally got the resource consent to operate across the line in late June and with a big push the office was moved. Don and Marlene have

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

worked tirelessly packing up the Archives over the past three months and with a moving company have shifted the many boxes and cabinets. Now they start the job of setting it all up again at the new building. Andy Fox and I have completed many runs to the dump and Recycling Centre cleaning out the old site for the new owners. If you are ever in Christchurch please take the time to call in and visit the team at the new premises (Monday-Friday 9.30-1.3pm).

We will be holding an opening function on Thursday evening the 9 October, the night before the Canterbury Branch Swapmeet. With many members in town for this event we welcome you all to come have a look through, enjoy a sausage sizzle from the BBQ and a refreshment. An invite will follow.

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 41

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

COMMEMORATIVE AWARDS Congratulations to the following members who have recently been awarded their 50 and 60 Year Awards.

NATIONAL OFFICE NEWS NATIONAL OFFICE AND ARCHIVES HAS MOVED!

The National Office and Archives is now located at 4 Meadow Street, Papanui, Christchurch.

With plenty of on-site parking and a more easily accessible location we look forward to welcoming club members to the new premises.

NEW POSTAL ADDRESS

We have changed our postal address. It is now: PO Box 76063, Northwood, Christchurch 8548.

The previous PO Box is still operational for the interim as we go through the process of updating our documentation with the new address.

NEW PHONE SYSTEM

Our phone system has been upgraded to improve the service and enable more than one person to be on the phone at once. When you ring National Office you will hear our greeting which also advises which number to push to talk directly to the person who can assist with your query. For instance, calling about memberships/accounts, press 1, or if calling about vehicles/meetings, press 2. We look forward to your feedback on our new phone service.

ARE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS CORRECT?

Please ensure that National Office hold your current email address and postal address to ensure you receive your Membership Subscription Renewal invoice.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION TIME

Renewal invoices will be emailed to all members in early September 2025, for the subscription year 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026. For those members that do not have an email address in our system, the invoices will be posted.

42 Beaded Wheels

If you don’t receive your invoice, please let your Branch Secretary or National Office know before the end of September.

Membership cards will be forwarded to financial members in due course. Members who have not paid by 1 November 2025, will show as unfinancial.

Unfinancial members may not receive their Beaded Wheels magazine or Branch Newsletter.

Reminder notices will be sent before Christmas, and again in January, along with Branch Secretaries being advised of their unfinancial members.

Members whose subscription renewal invoice is unpaid will have their membership with the Club cancelled, as per the constitution, and will lose any previous continuous membership.

If you intend to resign it would be appreciated if you notify the National Office by 31 October 2025.

You will be able to pay directly into the Club’s bank account, or via credit card, via a link in the email with the invoice.

Alternatively, payments can be made by online banking. You must use your full membership number as the payment reference for internet banking.

NATIONAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Club’s Executive Meeting and Annual General Meeting will take place in Invercargill on 9 August 2025. The Executive also meet on 8 August 2025. The Executive is comprised of one delegate from each Branch plus the Management Committee members. Your delegate will report back to your Branch on the proceedings. The minutes of the Executive Meeting are distributed to each Branch Secretary along with the minutes of the AGM. All members are welcome to view the AGM

Elwin, Frances Dale, Russell Lambie, Peter Proctor, Murray Fairbank, Doug

Wilson, Neville Shanks, William

50 YEAR

60 YEAR

minutes that the Branches will be provided with.

BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

Branches around the country have held their annual general meetings and as a result there are some new committee members. We would like to welcome all the new committees and thank all those who have retired for their service over the years. The work that the committees put in to running the Club is integral and greatly appreciated by the National Office.

ATTENDING THE 2026 VERO IFHM RALLY – IS YOUR VIC CURRENT?

Please check if your VIC is current for the event period. VIC applications/renewals should be sent 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.

Wairarapa South Canterbury Ashburton Gore Gisborne

Hawke’s Bay Southland

VIC RENEWALS MUST INCLUDE PHOTOS OF IDENTIFIERS

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

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

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

COMMUNICATIONS WITH NATIONAL OFFICE MUST INCLUDE YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER

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

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

Karen Proctor Committee Liaison Officer

BRANCH NEWS

s Ashburton: Restoration of the year winner, John Wells, 1936 BSA.

ASHBURTON

TREVOR BEGG

After we made the tough decision to cancel our Swap Meet things have been a bit quiet in the branch. The mid-week runs seem to be very popular with good turnouts, sometimes including moderns they have a heater. Our Parts Shed is going very well and it’s amazing to see what parts come and go on a Saturday morning.

Patronage has been a bit slower at the Museum over the colder weather, but a few people are still coming.

We held our AGM on 19 June with a reasonable number of members in attendance. All elected positions were filled with two changes, so we welcome Jill Blacklock and John Wards on to the committee, and Kevin Keane as Commercial Convener.

Our Solstice Run was held on 22 June with a good turn out to enjoy a short run in the Wakanui & Seafield area, before returning to the clubrooms for afternoon tea.

We are looking forward to the VCC Daffodil Day run for Cancer, and have had

s Ashburton: Restoration of the year winner.

a very good response from our local Ford agency (Gluyas Motor Group). It’s good to see the local firm being involved with this event.

Our Restoration Of The Year has been judged, and the trophy was presented at our Annual Dinner. Congratulations to John Wells with his very rare 1936 BSA car.

It has a pre-select gearbox that has given him some headaches during the restoration but it’s all go now and has been on two branch runs - well done John.

AUCKLAND

JOHN STOKES (Maukau)

The Branch notes with regret the recent deaths of Brian Hosking and more than 50 year member John Wilkinson. Our condolences to their families.

Jodi Tomlin and Lynda Spicer organised a Pink Ribbon Posh Afternoon Tea in aid of the Breast Cancer Foundation. Thirtyfour people attended and $587 was raised for breast cancer. April club night featured

s Auckland: Glenn Morris and Russel McAlpine at the Posh Afternoon Tea.

ANZAC memorabilia and tales of members relatives in various conflicts.

The June motorcycle section run went to the Meremere Vintage Speedway track where members watched both cars and bikes in action. Peter Cooper will soon be VIC-ing an “Exotic Machine”. Rory King has brought a 1939 BSA 250. Martin Spicer

s Auckland: Motorcycle section watching vintage speedway racing.

Beaded Wheels 43

has been re-elected motorcycle coordinator for a least the 28th time.

Bill Mercer has his 1916 Hupmobile Model N just about ready for re assembly, he has also acquired two RCH engines, RCH being Robert Hupp’s short lived new venture when he left Hupmobile in 1911.

Phil Henley had a rare Mitsubishi EVO 8 stolen from a secure lock up. Other vehicles were also damaged by the thieves, and sadly the EVO has probably been wrecked for parts. Phil is also preparing his 1906 Cadillac for the big Nelson event next year. Richard Green is in the process of re assembling his flood damaged 1930 RollsRoyce 20/25, with the engine and gearbox now back in the chassis. Roy Sharman has sorted the electrical issues with his 1930 Hupmobile cabriolet.

BANKS PENINSULA DON GERRARD We welcome new members Ethan Pidgeon; Oliver Irving; Scott Johnstone with an ‘82 Jaguar XJS Coupe; Rob Brown with a ‘65 Lotus Super Seven; Martin Tillard with a ‘68 VW beetle; Andrew McCall with a ‘71 Ford Falcon XY; Justine Berry with a ‘74 Triumph 1500TC, a TR7, a ‘79 Mercedes W123 - 230, a ‘90 BMW 320i; and Richard Carey with a ‘53 Jaguar XK 120.

Our AGM in May was well attended.

Branch Chairman (and committee member for over two decades) Craig Keenan stood down, with new Chairman Michael Pidgeon taking over. We also welcome to the committee Anne and Rod Corbett, and James Palmer.

s Banks Peninsula: Garage Raid –Stanley Steamer.

Photo John McDonald

The final race meeting of the season was at Levels in May, attracting a bumper field of 18 VCC competitors for the final round of the Championship Series. In the Over 2500cc Class, Paul Coory in the CAE Chev Sprinter was the winner, helped by the retirement of Bill Cowie’s Holden Special and the BBM Special of Hamish Pidgeon.

Royce Bayer in his recently completed Lotus 23 C Rep was flying, and notched up three wins, but his overall points total was not enough to topple those of Mark Barrett’s Lotus 23B Rep to win the 15002500cc Class. Nice to see Russ Haine’s first outing in the Alpine Special, a car originally built and raced by his father, and beautifully restored over many years by Russ. The 0-1500cc group was as always eagerly contested, with Tony Steer in the Terrapin keeping the Shadetree MkI of Kevin Stevenson and the Swaney Lotus Elite at bay. Congratulations go to Kevin Stevenson, overall winner of the 2024/25 BPVCC Race Series Championship.

BAY OF PLENTY

s Banks Peninsula: Garage Raid –De Dion Bouton.

Photo John McDonald

KAAREN SMYLIE

Our branch has had a busy time with formalities concerning the BOPVCC AGM and the finer points concerning our branch constitution. Only one of our officers did not seek re-election for the coming year as retirement beckoned. We are indebted to Brian Pratt’s lengthy term of service as a loyal committee member, and many readers will have enjoyed seeing his photos in Beaded Wheels over the years. Brian intends to still be involved with our branch activities whenever he can. Our large group of willing and

s Banks Peninsula: Keeping it close, Levels Autumn Fling with Daimler Dart, Terrapin, Lotus 20, Shadetree MkI, Alpine Special, Lotus Elite, Mistral, Wolseley & MGB.- Photo John McDonald

44 Beaded Wheels

t

Bay of Plenty: Michael and Jane Thorman are keen supporters of our runs in their Triumph TR3A. Michael here seen taking a call concerning secretarial matters. Photo Donn White

competent helpers still remain on our ‘go to’ list, with the exception of somebody to

s Bay of Plenty: BOPVCC Chairman Donn White delivers his Chairman’s Report at our recent AGM. Photo Deidre Rennie

fill the Health and Safety role.

Hats off to two of our hard-working members Keith Perkins and Peter Butler, s Bay of Plenty: BOPVCC Committee member Alan McKenzie is often seen on our runs with his 75 who have literally burned the midnight oil year old BSA motorcycle. Photo Donn White concerning the fine tuning of our branch constitution. This has been a much larger particularly suited our convertible and task than initially anticipated, and it will sports car owners. Positive feedback be great to have this finally approved abounded concerning a mid-week run so that we, as a busy branch, can focus dubbed the Whakatane Wander, and an more on our vehicles and the associated end of month run christened a Meander camaraderie. to Maketu. Another Mid-Week Run Club Captain Kaaren Smylie has had took members to the Greenwood Park great responses to recent Mid and End Retirement Village and finished at the of Month Runs. These have fortunately outskirts of Tauranga at Clarke Road Cafe been blessed with fine weather that has in Te Puna.

▼ Bay of Plenty: Graeme Meredith heads off for lunch in his Chrysler Charger during one of our recent End of Month runs. Photo Donn White

CANTERBURY

COLIN HEY

Despite the change to cooler weather, events have continued to be well supported.

Both our annual Autumn and Rural Runs in May achieved good turnouts and offered great motoring and destinations. These were followed by the Restoration of the Year Run in early June, with three cars, an army jeep, and one motorcycle entered for judging after the run. The Jeep, owned

by Arthur Bodger, and the 1926 Harley Davidson owned by Paul Ainsworth were both total rebuilds, completed at home and beautifully presented. This year’s Irishman Rally attracted over 200 entries, and didn’t disappoint anyone. There are a lot of photos and comment on social media and YouTube for anyone interested in seeing what this iconic event offered this year.

After two years of planning and consultation, and at the request of Christchurch

Beaded Wheels 45

t

Canterbury: Paul Ainsworth with his 1926 Harley-Davidson, another total and 100% correct restoration.

International Airport, our lease-holder Environment Canterbury has finally arranged for contractors to fell around 100 old pine trees within our grounds.

The work will begin at the start of July and will transform the front part of Cutler Park. Although we’re expecting significant damage it will provide the opportunity to re-plant large areas with natives and specimen trees which will greatly enhance the Park in future years. Remediation plans are in place, and it is hoped disruption to events will be minimal.

This year’s AGM on 15 June was well attended and a full committee was elected.

As well as the usual operational business, a 10-year draft expenditure plan was adopted, and our updated constitution (which had been circulated for comment well before the meeting) was passed unanimously. The branch is in good health with many new members having joined in the last year.

CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

SANDRA CROSS

s Canterbury: Arthur Bodger’s 1942 Ford GPW Jeep, a total and 100% correct restoration. ▼ Canterbury: Rural Run.

46 Beaded Wheels

In May more than 30 people in 17 cars travelled 140 km through some lovely countryside. Our first stop was at the historic Onga Onga village for coffee before travelling on to the Bibby Family Memorial Church, built in 1911.

Lunch was at the home of Ewan Galloway who builds model planes and enters into many competitions all over the world. Because of the weather he was unfortunately unable to fly any of them, but we were able to see his busy workshop and view his plans for the planes.

The Ladies Run on 15 June was a really successful event with 13 cars. Six men dressed up as ladies to drive their respective spouses. There were some very nice

s Central Hawke’s Bay: The new committee.

s Central Hawke's Bay: Gary Weaver hands over the office of Chairman to Lynn Cross

floral arrangements made in teacups before lunch, where members were able to see and purchase upcycled denim jackets made by J2 Creations.

This was followed by a visit to Jan Gosling’s garden and the concrete garden ornaments which she makes.

At our AGM Lynn Cross became the Chair, with Ella Domper as Secretary and Kaye Carswell as Treasurer – all recycled.

Rod and Scarlett McKenzie are busy organising a Coromandel Adventure in October. This should be another great run for our members.

s Central Hawke’s Bay: Members gathering inside the Bibby Family Memorial Church.

CENTRAL OTAGO

JOHN GRAY

With the outdoor temperatures cooling, driving events have been limited. The May ‘Sunday Run’ was replaced by the branch’s first Quiz Afternoon. Quiz Master John Gray prepared questions covering a range of topics over eight rounds, with 10 questions per round. Interestingly the worst performance across the topics was for the round on Classic Cars. There were six teams of four, and the winners were Four

s Central Otago: From left, Murray and Sue Kennedy’s Morgan, Alf O’Sullivan’s MX5, Jeff Williams’ Bristol 410.

Clowns, Graham Taylor, Lynne Yeaman, Bernice Hassed and John Wilson, scoring 54 out of 80.

The Thursday Muster at the end of May was a driving event to sample the famous pies at the Waipiata Hotel, via the Ophir suspension bridge, Black’s Hill and the scenic Ida Valley. Seventeen participants in nine cars braved the inclement weather, including prospective members from Queenstown, Jeff Williams in his impressive V8 powered Bristol 410, with passenger Revell Buckham. The intended after lunch program of visits to sites of historical interest on the Maniototo Plain, had to be postponed due to the weather, but this gives us another excuse for a return visit in summer.

The June Club Night speaker, was Chairman John Martin, who presented a very informative talk on his trade of traditional Wooden Coachbuilding. He explained how he builds and repairs timber automobile frames, including techniques, timbers used, steam bending of timber, all illustrated by some of the projects he has worked on in recent years.

Beaded Wheels 47

s EBOP – James McCarthy’s Morris 8 tourer newly painted and reupholstered. Photo Les Costar

EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY

BRUCE SEDDON Over winter those events which have dodged the worst of the rain have been well attended. We managed a mid-week café run in May involving a country run through the back roads of Otamarakau and Paengoroa to Okere Falls. This was followed by our bi-monthly Classic and Vintage Breakfast at Thornton on the outskirts of Whakatane. James McCarthy was on hand to display the paint, hood and upholstery improvements made on his Morris 8 tourer.

A prospective member made an impression with his restored Holden station wagon.

Also seen was a Ford Thames panel van — common around town in the day, rarely seen running on the road today.

June was rounded off with a good group of cars driven to Paeroa, where over 30 drivers and passengers enjoyed lunch before heading to Ajay’s Ford V8 Parts store.

When the destination was announced by organisers Lesley and Steve McCann you could see the ladies rolling their eyeballs and the Ford drivers salivating. However, there was something for everyone. Ajay’s specialise in old Ford parts, but they also carry a range of parts and accessories for other American makes as well – and then

s EBOP: Holden Station wagon restored with an imaginative colour choice. Photo Les Costar

48 Beaded Wheels

there is the rest of the shop. Iconic memorabilia, clothing apparel for all sizes and sexes, neon signs, Crown Lynn, Temuka and bone china, Mexican blankets and ponchos, along with a wide variety of diecast and scale model cars, tools, and car books.

FAR NORTH

MURRAY CORMACK

A well-attended and popular Mother’s Day Rally was organised by Winston Matthews and Glenis Muir. The hosts started with morning tea and a viewing at the Matthews Museum. Blessed with sunny autumn weather the rally took us on a comprehensive tour of the Karikari Peninsular. Detailed instructions and silent checks kept us on our toes until we arrived at the Carrington Resort and golf course for lunch.

Our AGM was a very positive affair, with good reports and all positions filled for the

s EBOP – James McCarthy’s Morris 8 with fresh upholstery. Photo Les Costar

management of our branch for the next year. Great to see new members Murray and Christine Squires accepting the positions of Southern Club Captain and Treasurer respectively. Also good to see hard-working Claude Ilton on the committee. New Chairman Tom Deverall is very positive about the prospects for our branch.

A midweek run in June to a Far North Maritime Museum was very much enjoyed.

s Far North Matthews Museum ‘27 Chev displaying past glories Photo Paddy Kelly

s EBOP: Ford Thames Panel Van restored to classic form. Photo Les Costar

s Far North Chairman Tom Deverall (centre) catching up with members. Photo Paddy Kelly ▼ Far North Matthews Museum with tractors and cars aplenty Photo Paddy Kelly

The Rosco Pennell organised Repco Caffeine’n’Classics at Awanui on the third Sunday of the month is well established and appreciated by car lovers.

A brief workshop on rally organisation was conducted by Winston Matthews following the June meeting.

Recent members Dereck and Adrianne Mackay are working hard to get their 1923 Dodge on the road but some parts are proving difficult to locate.

GISBORNE

RODNEY CLAGUE

Deanne Bartlett organised our June event, the Ladies Run, which took in the outskirts of both sides of the city before concluding at the clubrooms for an afternoon tea kindly provided by Deanne.

June 18 was our AGM, during which the election of officers resulted in Phillip Cook filling the vacancy left by the passing of Gavin Leckner late last year, with the existing committee remaining in office for another year.

Plans are in place to celebrate 50 years of continuous membership by Doug Fairbank in July, as well as the presentation of a 35-year badge to Ray Squires.

The team organising our annual Daffodil Rally for Cancer run to Tolaga Bay is well advanced, including discussion with the Local Ford dealer about their sponsorship.

GORE

KATHERINE WELSH

We continue to reap the rewards of our recently renovated commercial kitchen.

In April our branch volunteers hosted the South Island Club Captain’s Tour for a meal. Some 50 people attended the meal as part of the week-long event.

Our April Tuesday Ramble took us to Winton to visit Olly Olsen’s and Bruce Marshall’s (both Southland Branch) collections. One particular item that got the attention of our members was Olly’s 1938 British Bedford pick-up. Olly acquired this locally from Jack Norman in Forrest Hill, who had used it as his farm truck. It was full of dents and Olly is working on its repairs at the moment. He has recently s Gore: Bruce Price admiring the 1929 Pontiac of Olly Olsen, Gore Branch Tuesday Ramble.

Beaded Wheels 49

s Hawke’s Bay: David Murray’s beautiful restoration of his 1966 Morris Minor pickup.

had the 14hp 6-cylinder engine, which was in pieces, rebuilt by Ray McCulloch. Olly hopes to get this vehicle back on the road in time for the 2026 Vero Rally.

Our May Tuesday Ramble took 31 members to the Thornbury Vintage Museum. The collection of vintage tractors and machinery was very impressive. It is well worth a look next time you are travelling near Thornbury.

Our End of Season Run was a pokerstyle run within the town boundaries on 15 June. The 14 cars in attendance followed cryptic clues with no set route, to find cards located at seven stops. From the seven cards they then had to make a hand of five.

Winners were Paul and Lynlet Katon.

HAWKE’S BAY

DIANE FRIIS

Branch activities abound in Hawke’s Bay at the moment. We’ve had runs to three local businesses that were severely affected by Cyclone Gabrielle: two wineries - Shed 530 and Linden Estate - and Plant Hawke’s Bay, a commercial nursery. All three have needed extensive rebuilding but they are now up and running again.

We wish them all well for the future. A run to historic Duart House included afternoon tea and the chance to play croquet on the lawn. Club nights have had some different themes with presentations on Sue Martin’s trip to the Ross Sea on a Russian icebreaker, and Esther Smith’s childhood journey to New Zealand by boat, being shipwrecked and robbed along the way.

Our recent AGM saw Robert Benge elected the new Chairman, and all

50 Beaded Wheels

committee roles were filled. Two major awards were presented: David Murray received the Restoration of the Year award for his beautiful 1966 Morris Minor pickup.

After 40 years on a North Otago farm, restoration began in 2019 and was recently completed. David attended the 2025 Morris Minor Nationals at Easter and was judged second place overall.

Neville Wilson was presented with his 60+ years membership certificate. Neville also has a Morris Minor (1929), which he has owned for many years, still on the road.

I’ve also included a photo of Vic Gould and his partner Alison on the awarding of his

s Hawke’s Bay: Outgoing Chairman Ian Elmsly presents Neville Wilson with his 60 year membership certificate.

s Hawke’s Bay: Vic Gould and his partner Alison on receipt of his 60 year membership certificate.

60-year certificate a few months ago. A wonderful achievement by both.

Our annual Swap Meet was once again a successful fundraising event. If you missed this year’s then why not save the date for next year’s meet – 3 May 2026.

HOROWHENUA

BRUCE JAMIESON

It must be winter. Most of us seem to be hibernating, except when there is a garage raid to attend. These monthly events are always fascinating, and we get more club members going to each one. On one of our recent trips we visited a huge shed full of European cars from the 1960s and 1970s, many awaiting restoration, although there are some finished ones. Rarely seen in New Zealand were some London taxis.

Specially made for the purpose, these are much better than trying to squeeze into the back of a Prius. On another rural property we were shown around a workshop where several restoration projects are under way, but once we were ushered into the mancave it was hard to shift us.

We had a very good number of people attend our Spare Parts Dept Annual Sale.

Many were from out of town, no doubt helped by our advertisement in Beaded Wheels. This was our third such event, and sales went well. A lot of stuff was seen being carried out the door, but when looking around afterwards it was hard to see where it had come from as we have such a lot in stock. If you are looking for something ancient, rare, whole or broken, rusty or not, get in touch with our Spare

The June club night had Derek Haycock give a presentation (photographs and movie) on the 2025 Irishman Rally which he participated in. The month saw the annual Night Trial take participants out on a mixture of sealed and unsealed roads around the Kiwitea and Pohangina areas – participants instructed that they would be expected to return between 11.30pm and midnight. The winner of this trial was Manawatu Branch members Brian and Lyn James.

The month concluded with some members visiting the Radius Peppertree Rest Home and offering residents a short drive in their vintage or classic car.

s Manawatu: Manawatu Branch Post Era Rally winner Pat Henaghan in his 1969 (MK2) Daimler.

Parts Manager, Callum, listed in the front of Spark magazine.

MARLBOROUGH

CATH MILLER

Our last summer outing took 23 members to Butchers Flat. A beautiful day for a picnic, gold fossicking in the river and an ice cream at Havelock on the way home.

Ashwood Retirement Home had asked for a display, and our 12 cars created a lot of interest for both the residents and the staff.

A fabulous afternoon tea was a treat.

ANZAC Day started with a cuppa at the clubrooms before 12 cars and one motorbike made their way to the Wairau Valley Hall for their service.

Our Night Trial (late afternoon) was held in May. An interesting run based on Marlborough land, sea, and air travel had been organised. Some local knowledge came in handy with some of the questions.

We ended back at the Clubrooms for a pea, pie and spud meal as our monthly natter and noggin.

s Marlborough: Shiny Parts Auction.

Our AGM was well attended resulting in a new Treasurer and two new committee members.

A Shiny Parts auction run by the motorbike boys was well attended. Bidding wasn’t fierce but it was a good afternoon’s entertainment and a bit of cash in the kitty.

MANAWATU

BRYAN ABRAHAM

At our branch AGM it was good to see that all committee and other appointed positions were again filled without difficulty.

The big event of the month was the Post-Era Rally, which saw 28 entrants from seven branches participate in a timed run through to Wanganui via the Turakina Valley for lunch at the Barracks Bar and Restaurant (the old RSA). The route back to the clubrooms was via Hunterville and SH54/Vinegar Hill, where the day ended with prizegiving and an evening meal. The winner was Manawatu Branch member Pat Heneghan, with navigator Ken Gray, who finished just 40 seconds early.

NELSON

CAROLYN BOLLAND

We warmly welcome the following new members to our Branch: Wayne Trott with a restored 1930 DA Dodge, Kevin and Glenda Argyle with a 1956 Vauxhall Wyvern and a 1968 Cadillac De Ville, Mark Rumsey with a 1984 BMW 635CSi and a 1990 Lotus Seven, Gary Granger with a 1964 Zodiac, a 1974 Suzuki T500L and a 1985 XT 250 Yamaha.

Branch members recently provided transportation to the New Zealand Photographic Society members from the airport to the Rutherford Hotel for their conference, and also to the Classic Car Museum, in a variety of their vintage vehicles. In return the society will be our official photographers for the Vero Rally.

Our recent Sunday club runs have been a hit. The first was to the beautiful Kaiteriteri Beach on a chilly day, but the determined runners didn’t let that stop them. The second was a thermette run to Cable Bay with the weather gods on our side, making it a perfect day for outdoor fun on a sunny windless mid-winter’s day.

Our AGM is fast approaching, where there will be a change in leadership. Mike Bryan will have served his three-year term as our chairperson. He has been an

s Marlborough: Ashwood Park Retirement Village s Manawatu: Post Era Rally participants waiting for lunch visit. to be served at the Barracks Bar and Restaurant in Wanganui.

Beaded Wheels 51

s Manawatu: Lyn and Brian James - winners of the Manawatu Branch 2025 Night Trial.

exceptional communicator, providing regular advice, insightful commentary, and a wealth of information in our Crankcase magazine. He has forged significant connections within our branch and between other branches and organisations.

Mike regularly travels from his residence in Murchison to Nelson and other regions of our district, as well as throughout the South Island, to attend meetings and events. On behalf of the entire Nelson branch, we extend him our sincere gratitude.

NORTHLAND

RAY SANDERS

The branch has been very busy sorting out the revamped spares storage, and collecting many valuable parts and vehicles from a couple of generous donors. This activity has provided plenty of opportunity

Nelson: Branch members Kevin and Glenda Argyle pictured on a recent lunch run to Hope, with their 1968 Cadillac De Ville.

52 Beaded Wheels

s Nelson: Members enjoying the sun and afternoon tea on the thermette run to Cable Bay.

for sore backs and other ailments, but there have been no complaints.

A recent visit to the “Ford Farm” saw plenty of interest since the owner has a Ford orientated collection, and dirt race track, on a very isolated property near the Whangarei Harbour. The visit was well attended, and one of the highlights was seeing a replica of an early Henry Ford model brought along by one of our members being driven around (see photo on page 6 of this issue).

As a part of our drive to encourage new younger members, our Club Captain, Roger Billing, has initiated a monthly Cars and Coffee meeting at a Tutukaka Marina café.

This event is held monthly and is open to all car enthusiasts from all clubs or just as individuals. We have been encouraged by the diverse turnout, including from younger car lovers

NORTH OTAGO

KATHLEEN PERRY

There was a good attendance of members at the 65th Annual General Meeting of our Branch. All positions except that of Club Captain were appointed on the night, and since then a new Club Captain has been appointed.

The June Mid-Month Run was held on Thursday 19 June. Participants left the clubrooms and travelled to Hampden via the Coast Road, through Kakanui and to Hampden to enjoy a warm fire, good food and plenty of laughter and friendly banter.

The youngest driver was 66 and the eldest 89. The earliest vehicle was a 1939 Ford Deluxe and the latest a 1990 Nissan Skyline. Also in the mix was a Wolseley, two Morris Minors, a Peugeot, a Mitsubishi truck, a Rover, a Camaro and seven modern vehicles.

North Otago: Mid Month Run June 25.

The Mid-Month Runs continue to be well supported. Picnics during the warmer months and coffee runs over winter.

Organiser John Gale hit the spot again with a run ending at a lovely venue, and the camaraderie from our group made it all the more enjoyable on a still, cold winters afternoon.

NORTH SHORE RICHARD BAMPTON North Shore Branch is in very good heart. At a full house for the AGM all officers’ positions were filled and only 6 committee places needed to be voted for out of 12 nominees. Changes were Tony Sparkes retiring from being Delegate – replaced by Richard Bampton – and becoming the new Treasurer, replacing Ross Moon who was thanked for his seven years’ service. Arnold van Zon and

s North Shore: Martin Howson receives his 35 year badge from Club Captain John Castle.

James Liu retired from the committee to be replaced by Julie Croft, Jim Heffkey and Charles Armstrong. Russell Ness was appointed Club Co-Captain to support John Castle who remains in his role. Martin Howson was awarded his 35-year badge, and Kelvin Hawke his 25-year badge. It was reported that we have a record number of members. Among the trophies awarded, Barb Stubbs collected the Ladies Cup, Terry Costello was The Most Enthusiastic Member, and Owen Sturgess deservedly received the Restoration Trophy for his 1936 V8.

The May run went to Mangawhai where there is a very good museum, which concentrates on the local maritime history.

It is home to the Daring, a 53ft, kauri carvel planked, cutter-rigged schooner built in 1863. Beached during a storm in 1865 she

s North Shore: The Daring at Mangawhai Museum.

s North Shore: The Restoration Trophy Ford V8 of Owen Sturgess, receiving a well-earned round of applause.

laid for 150 years buried in the sands before another storm uncovered her, in perfect condition, in May 2018. The volunteers at The Mangawhai Daring Trust are doing a great job of sympathetically restoring her. Thirty-seven members and 19 cars made the journey, then continued to the Mangawhai Tavern for tasty food and good estuarine views.

OTAGO

MARION MCCONACHIE

Members have been attending events being run by other branches, such as the Golden Times Rally and Irishman.

The Saturday Garage Raid organised

by Kevin Mason was well supported, with members making three visits around Dunedin. Collections varied from motorsport related vehicles from 1930s to modern day vehicles. Then a man cave bar/ lounge and a display of vintage machinery and local history relating to the Lake Waihola area.

The midweek runs have been taking us to local establishments for lunch. These have been well supported with the opportunity for the women to catch up with each other as well. Wednesday morning gatherings attract a good number of members, and it is great to see some good discussion happening among the group.

Plans are ramping up for the Annual Rally for Cancer in August with Ford coming on board as a major supporter of this event. Our display will be based at the Edgar Centre this year.

We have welcomed three new members to our fold over the last couple of months. It has been encouraging to see them already getting involved with our activities.

Hec Browett, a long serving member of 49 years, passed away recently. Until recently he was a regular attendee at club events, especially anything to do with motorcycles, and took an active part in running the branch while serving on the

Beaded Wheels 53

s Rotorua: Prize-Giving — some of this year’s trophy winners.

committee. He also initiated and put a lot of work into recording the earlier history of our branch.

ROTORUA

RONALD MAYES

We mourned the recent passing of club member Dorothy Clouston, widow of Bill.

Both had been very active in the club over many years – membership number of 2567 indicated how early they had joined.

Cars in the Room continue to entertain members at monthly meetings - we are fortunate to own our clubrooms and the doorway is large enough to allow even big cars to enter. In May Brian Old’s 1950 Buick Special coupe with Dynaflow transmission was a tight squeeze through the doorway.

Long time 1938 Buick owner Ralph Bennett was interested in comparing the similarities of its straight eight engine with that of his car. In June our AGM was enlivened with the presentation of Larry Freemantle’s 1999 Toyota MR-S convertible, rescued from some time sitting in a paddock, but now looking good and running well.

The May run was straight down SH5 in heavy traffic to beyond Golden Springs before taking the road to the thermal attraction site of Orakei Korako. It was a competitive run and many and devious were the questions and silent checks on this quiet country road. Lunch was had at

s Rotorua: Brian Old’s Buick fills the room.

the site, but the weather prevented anyone from taking the ferry across the Waikato River to explore the geothermal attractions.

In June we had the prize-giving run, from the clubrooms across to the alwaysenjoyable drive on Paradise Valley Road around Mount Ngongotaha. We finished at the headquarters of David and Fleur Tomlinson’s business, housing their collection of Rolls-Royces, for refreshments and the annual awards presentation.

SOUTHLAND

David Sycamore’s 1971 Yamaha 350R and the overall winner was Ross Pavitt riding a 1962 BSA Rocket Goldstar The post 60 / post 80 Rally on 17 May attracted 23 entries. The first part of the run was a devious route out to Kennington via Lorneville, then to Seaward Downs, followed by Mataura Island, and through Waimahaka to Fortrose, where the field tests were completed. After looping out towards Waimahaka, the route back to Invercargill was relatively simple, coming into town via Oteramika before arriving at the clubrooms. The overall winner was David Sycamore in his 1966 Mark 1 Ford Cortina. Owen Davies was first in the post 80-time trial in his 1989 Eunos roadster.

Last year we revived the competition with the Southland Sports Car Club and held a car trial. This year the Sports Car Club hosted us on 7 June. We met at Teretonga at 4pm and following a safety briefing we headed off into the evening

CAROL MCGARRY

We welcome new members Greg Emmerson, Peter Officer, Justin Reid, Dr Pat Hastilow, Blair Cooper and Paul Searancke. With sadness we note the passing of Archie Donaghy and Allan Black.

The Waimea Motorcycle Run on 10 May saw 12 keen motorcyclists leave for Balfour via the Glenure Summit and continued to Winton, where the weather took a turn for the worse. The publican’s choice was

Southland: Waimea Motorcycle Run, May 2025.

grey skies. South towards Bluff and then east towards Gorge Road turning left at Rimu and crossing the main highway towards Grove Bush. A questionnaire was completed on the way, followed by a couple

t

54 Beaded Wheels

Rotorua: Orakei Korako, just some of the Rotorua cars (the rocks keep the Waikato River out of the car park.)

s South Canterbury: Timaru All British Day, Caroline Bay.

s South Canterbury: Alistair Day and John Foster with the South Canterbury Branch Tōtara Tree, Bushtown Waimate. Alistair and John planted this tree in 2013.

of easy field tests back at Teretonga and a short quiz. The Vintage Car club came first and third, the winners being Mac McGarry and Lindsay Troon who were awarded a very impressive trophy.

SOUTH CANTERBURY

SHANNON STEVENSON Kevin Manchester organised the PV rally which was held on 10 May, attracting over 30 vehicles. The lunch stop and field tests were at Woodbury Domain, and the afternoon venue was Kyle Park Transport Museum at Seadown.

s Taranaki - Mount Taranaki in all its glory with Grant Bishop in his 1937 Dodge on his way to the Stratford Mountain House for our Annual Run and lunch. Photo Brian Evans

On 20 May we were saddened to hear about the passing of Shona Weir, wife of Bill. A keen supporter of branch activities, Shona often helped out behind the scenes, on committee and compiled the Tricar newsletter over many years. On runs she was often behind the wheel of various V8 engined Chevrolets.

The End of Season run took place in late May, attracting more than 20 participants vehicles. It ended at the Bushtown Heritage Precinct at Waimate, where Alistair Day and John Foster re-enacted the planting of

the Branch’s Totara Tree, planted in 2013, and now the height of a house.

The All-British Day was held on 1 June, attracting 96 vehicles, with the run taking participants via Waimate to Morven Domain.

The June AGM was well attended by members and saw lively discussion from the floor. Badge presentations were: 50-year to Russell Dale, 35-year to Michelle Munro, 25-year to Anne Bunt, Phillip Garner, Ross Walkinshaw, Colin Hawke.

Other awards were: Stevenson Trophy to Gavin Ladbrook, Lyalldale Trophy to Lex Westoby, Chairman’s Trophy to Barry Barnes, Navigator’s Trophy to Nola Day, Parts Shed Trophy to Clive Merry.

For the committee, Alistair Day, Gavin Munro and Michelle Munro have stepped down, while Kevin Mercer has joined, all other members continuing their positions.

SOUTH OTAGO

NOELINE MILNE

Following the April meeting Neville King showed a recording of the 1909 re-enactment of the attempted wedding of Percy Redmond (Amy Bock) to Agnes Ottoway of Port Molyneux. The local South

t

South Canterbury: Some of the 96 vehicles on the Timaru All British Day, Morven Domain.

Beaded Wheels 55

Otago Theatrical Society, Museum and Car Club members being involved in some way.

Our May outing saw members visiting the Clutha Views Rest Home to spend time showing residents the vehicles and chatting with those who were able, others were viewing from the windows. Tony Gold’s Anglia was of interest to resident Peter Woodrow who had previously owned the car and he took the opportunity to sit and reminisce.

The June outing was through the Clutha Valley countryside, unfortunately the weather was not great so the expected views over the district were impaired.

The AGM resulted with positions remaining filled as the previous year.

The July outing to the Taieri area included afternoon tea at The Grange in Mosgiel. This venue was enjoyed and recommended.

TARANAKI

s Waikato: Prior to our Branch AGM we visited the newly refurbished C&R Developments private museum. An impressive display of gleaming chrome by anyone’s standards.

COLIN JOHNSTON

We have held our AGM with a small change in the committee. Grant Bishop returns to the committee after a year’s absence, and Brian Evans takes on the role of Club Captain.

Our annual Run to the Stratford Mountain House for lunch again proved popular, with more than 50 members taking advantage while the Mountain was very clear. North Taranaki members started from Inglewood while South Taranaki members started from Normanby. We all met for lunch and it truly was a great way of speaking with fellow members in a very social way. Meeting in the middle of Taranaki is a chance to

s South Otago: Barry Woodrow in Tony Gold’s Anglia at Clutha Views Rest Home.

s Taupo: We acknowledge the passing of our Club Patron, Graham Mock.

catch up with members from around the mountain, and is giving our committee the idea that this sort of activity should be held more often.

Our new member Amy Rijumanads from Waitara has just purchased a 1941 Austin 8 two door sedan. This is a very rare model here in New Zealand and is

named Squirt. It was bought in Turangi and trailered back to Waitara. The car is all set for the road in its very original patina colour of dark green with all upholstery maintained in beautiful condition. This car will compliment Amy’s other vehicle, a 1939 Austin 8 four door saloon.

t

Taranaki - Nigel and Michelle Fraser with their 1930 Chevrolet at the run to the Stratford Mountain House on Mount Taranaki.

▼ Taranaki - Amy Rijumanads from Waitara with her latest purchase, a 1941 Austin 8 two door from Tūrangi in its patina colour and original condition.

56 Beaded Wheels

TAUPO

GRAEME DOREE

Sadly we advise the passing of our Patron, Graham Mock. Graham was a founding member of the branch and has held most positions over the years since 1967. He was 88 years old. He still owned the car he had when he first came to Taupo, a 1924 Durant tourer. RIP Graham.

A busy time over the last two months with the AGM, Brass Monkey Run, and a movie night.

The AGM was poorly attended but went smoothly with all positions returning for another year.

The Brass Monkey Run was held on 15 June in beautiful weather. A turnout of 11 cars left the clubrooms from 3.30pm at one minute intervals for a leisurely drive around the streets of Taupo. A couple of oral questions both at the start and finish tripped up a few people, but now they know. The run took around an hour for most, with 30km travelled. The end of the run saw us at The Local Dinner in Stag Park with a total of 29 seated for dinner.

On arrival a glass of mulled wine was available to all, which was well received and very tasty.

Club movie night was well attended with the showing of The World’s Fastest Indian. Great movie.

WAIKATO

MICHAEL OVERINGTON

The big event for the Waikato branch recently was the AGM which was an experiment to see if it was going to attract more or fewer members compared to other years.

It was held early on a Sunday afternoon at 2pm, rather than in the evening. It also gave members who had a longer distance to travel, ample time during daylight hours, rather than having to travel in the midweek dark. The experiment proved successful as the club experienced a larger turnout.

Our chairman Graham Pate, our secretary Heather Boswell, and our editor Aaron Kearney all stood down, leaving a big hole to fill. Our thanks go out to Graham, Heather and Aaron for their outstanding work and commitment to their roles over many years. Congratulations go to new chairman Les King, new secretary Jayne Bentley, and new editor Michael Overington for stepping up into these roles.

Earlier in the day some 22 cars set off for the C & R Developments private museum which has had a major makeover.

Members all enjoyed seeing the setup of the American style saloon, complete with themed staff, as well as muscle cars, hot rods, racing cars and heavy machinery.

Our next big event is the Daffodil Day club rally with start points from Matamata, Hamilton, Te Awamutu, Cambridge and Morrinsville.

WAIMATE MAUREEN CHAMBERLAIN Keith Blackman was presented with a well-deserved Life Membership of the Waimate Branch by our new Chairman, Wayne Hullen. Keith’s family were in attendance for the occasion, and members took the opportunity to congratulate Keith on his achievement.

The parts shed is open on the last Wednesday morning of the month and anyone is welcome to come for a chat or look.

The last Wednesday also is the monthly run out and about, even in the colder months.

WAITEMATA

ROBERT CHAPMAN

Our May event was to be a visit to a Vintage Aircraft fly in and display. At the last minute this had to be changed so to fill the void we decided on a mid-week concert.

A bit left field but those who attended enjoyed it.

A recent club night saw long-time member John King bring his 1931 Riley Nine along for the rather auspicious occasion of 50 years of continuous ownership. John keeps the Riley in serviceable condition. Who needs a new car when you have a functional and usable vintage?

Another long-standing member, Max Jamieson, let it slip that he has had owned his Delage DI since 1959. Unfortunately, off the road at the moment having new pistons cast in Australia after one split at the bottom ring. Luckily no major damage.

Our June run was a visit to BASiS Classic Auto Supplies, where we were shown the extensive inventory of parts. Their rubber moulding machine was started up and we were intrigued to see Ford pedal rubbers produced from the dies. A number of

s Waimate: President Wayne Hullen presenting Keith Blackman with his life membership . Photo Maureen Chamberlain.

s Wanganui: New branch Patron Neil Farrer.

▼ Waitemata: John Kings Riley Supported by Harold Booths Kestrel and Robert Chapman’s Special.

s Waitemata: BASiS Rubber Moulding Press and Dave the operator.

Beaded Wheels 57

s Wellington: Some of the almost 50 who visited Fraser Engineering.

s Wellington: During the visit, work carried on building fire appliances.

members bought rubber weather strips and mountings. David Adams found weather strip for his Sunbeam. Vaughan Beesley was able to score some badges for his Hotchkiss AM80 and Ansaldo 4CS. After Basis we visited John Hudson’s and his brother’s collection of cars. Quite a mix ranging from a 1904 Sears to a 2004 Vauxhall VX220 though mainly prewar, and all with WoFs.

WANGANUI

IAN HIGGINS

We had a reasonable turnout for our AGM, with our longstanding member Neil Farrer elected as our new Patron replacing the late Alan Bates. Neil has been, and still is, our treasurer for 26 years, as well as having been a Branch Delegate in the past. He is a fountain of knowledge on everything related to our branch, and his financial skills are legendary. He has been undergoing a period of convalescence at home after hospital treatment and we wish him a speedy recovery. We also welcome a new committee, headed by Chairperson Bill James and Club Captain Wayne Gedye.

Monthly Club Nights and Sunday Runs continue to be well attended. One such

58 Beaded Wheels

Sunday Run was followed by a High Tea organised by Eilidh Pitkethley and her family, assisted by some willing helpers.

The ladies’ monthly Coffee Meet is also drawing consistently high support. Strictly no men allowed. Members Sietse and Pierre Zeilstra once again organised a car display at the annual Toy Fair.

Branch stalwarts Dave and Mihi McDermid forwarded a comprehensive write-up for our Rivet about the 17th National Ford Model A Rally, held in Masterton. Eight other devout members with their Model As joined Dave and Mihi on their southeastern North Island sojourn, exploring the area. What legendary old cars these Model As are, along with their legendary owners. Good for them.

WELLINGTON

business employs around 160 staff (and would take on another 20 tomorrow, if they could find suitably qualified ones).

They have about 1,000 vehicles in service in New Zealand, Australia and Fiji and Rarotonga. With fierce and fast-moving Australian bushfires in mind, Frasers have developed a “halo” system which, in the event of being overrun by fire, will drench the unit, including tyres, and provide emergency air to the cab. This was yet another fascinating social event for Wellington club members, proving that club membership is about much more than just old cars.

JOHN STOKES

The Wellington Branch is fortunate to have so many interesting businesses and activities on the doorstep – and such a variety. The May mid-week get-together was to Fraser Engineering, which is a major business hiding away in Lower Hutt and building fire appliances for both New Zealand brigades and export. Almost 50 members took advantage of the invitation to visit and saw 36 chassis of various makes being built into fire appliances.

(There were another 20 unseen, out the back.) For efficiency Frasers have brought almost all the production inhouse – from computer-assisted design to laser cutting, sheet metal bending, painting and powder coating. They even have their own foundry for manufacturing items including hose fittings. Amongst items imported for the units are high-tech ladder systems from Switzerland and high-capacity pumps from America, which are powered by Deutz engines from Germany. This inspiring

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.

Black, Allan Browett, Hec Dewhurst, Pat (Patricia) Donaghy, Archie Hall, David Mock, Graham Quin, Bernie Reilly, Lynora Rooney, Neil Stewart, Errol Woodford, Bob

Southland Otago Auckland Southland Waikato Taupo Wellington Northland North Otago Ashburton Otago

COME AND JOIN US WHATEVER YOUR WHEELS

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

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

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

PHOTO 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.