Beaded Wheels Magazine Issue 370 June/July 2021

CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 75 YEARS

No. 370 June/July 2021

NEW ZEALAND’S FOREMOST HISTORICAL MOTORING MAGAZINE $7.95

‘66 MUSTANG 9 418979 000012

MANANUI COASTAL HILLCLIMB 1922 ESSEX FOUR ROADSTER RESTORATION MAGAZINE OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND

Photo taken in Stratford in 1914. The car is a 1913 Morris Oxford, serial number 192, purchased new by A W Reid from the first shipment to arrive in New Zealand. He is seated in the car beside one of his sons, Robert Reid. The registration number is SD1, which stands for Stratford District 1, a number he allocated himself. This car was found derelict on a Hawke’s Bay farm in 1960 by Norman Findlay who painstakingly restored it. A photograph of the car in its current immaculate condition was submitted to Beaded Wheels 367 by Norman’s son Glynn Findlay. Photo courtesy of the Puke Ariki Collection - New Plymouth Museum. IAN: PHO2009-290.

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 13140, Christchurch 8141. Laserprints/photocopies are not suitable. Photos will be returned as soon as practicable.

NATIONAL OFFICE

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 Email admin@vcc.org.nz

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

VCCNZ MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT Diane Quarrie 06 876 4009 president@vcc.org.nz SECRETARY/ TREASURER Christopher Leith 03 358 5378 hon.sec@vcc.org.nz CLUB CAPTAIN NORTHERN REGION Kaaren Smylie 021 664 341 nicc@vcc.org.nz CLUB CAPTAIN SOUTHERN REGION Alon Mayhew 027 202 9491 sicc@vcc.org.nz

REGISTRAR Rod Brayshaw 07 549 4250 registrar@vcc.org.nz SPEED STEWARD Tony Haycock 021 662 441 speedsteward@vcc.org.nz BEADED WHEELS CHAIRMAN Kevin Clarkson 021 0270 6525 kevin@vcc.org.nz Tony Bartlett 06 867 9850

mgmt1@vcc.org.nz

George Kear 03 347 0315

mgmt2@vcc.org.nz

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING comms@vcc.org.nz ARCHIVIST Don Muller 03 385 6850

archivist@vcc.org.nz

Murray Trounson mgmt3@vcc.org.nz

Please note this information changes annually - these details are valid until October 2021

VCCNZ BRANCHES A full list of branch addresses and contact details can also be found on the VCCNZ website at www.vcc.org.nz ASHBURTON PO Box 382, Ashburton 7740 ashburton@vcc.org.nz AUCKLAND PO Box 12-138, Penrose, Auckland 1642 auckland@vcc.org.nz BANKS PENINSULA 27 Showgate Ave, Riccarton Park, Christchurch 8042 bankspeninsula@vcc.org.nz BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 660, Tauranga 3140 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/- 73 Porangahau Road, Waipukurau 4200 centralhawkesbay@vcc.org.nz EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 2168, Kopeopeo Whakatane 3159 easternbayofplenty@vcc.org.nz

2 Beaded Wheels

FAR NORTH C/– 50 Davis Strongman Place, RD3, Kerikeri 0293 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/- 53 Huia Street, Taumarunui 3920 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/- 21 Mornington Road, Balaclava, Dunedin 9011 otago@vcc.org.nz ROTORUA PO Box 2014, Rotorua 3040 rotorua@vcc.org.nz SOUTH CANTERBURY PO Box 623, 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/- PO Box 39029, Egmont Village 4361 taranaki@vcc.org.nz TAUPO PO Box 907, Taupo 3351 taupo@vcc.org.nz WAIKATO PO Box 924, Hamilton 3240 waikato@vcc.org.nz WAIMATE 4 Harris St, Waimate 7924 waimate@vcc.org.nz WAIRARAPA PO Box 7, Masterton 5810 wairarapa@vcc.org.nz WAITEMATA C/- 9 Marlborough Ave, Glenfield, Auckland 0629 waitemata@vcc.org.nz WANGANUI PO Box 726, Whanganui 4540 wanganui@vcc.org.nz WELLINGTON PO Box 38-418, Petone, Wellington 5045 wellington@vcc.org.nz WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH PO Box 547, Warkworth 0941 wellsfordwarkworth@vcc.org.nz WEST COAST C/- 1999 Kumara Junction Highway, RD 2, Hokitika 7882 westcoast@vcc.org.nz

CONTENTS

Beaded Wheels Publisher

The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.) The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXXII No. 370

Issue 370 June/July 2021

Editorial Committee

Kevin Clarkson (Chairman), Judith Bain, Bevars Binnie, Rosalie Brown, John Coomber, Mark Dawber.

Material for Publication

Reports of restorations, events, road tests, historical and technical articles should be submitted to beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz.

Email of text and photos is preferred, digital photographs should be high resolution eg 300dpi. Alternatively mail your contribution to PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141, typed or neatly printed, double space on one side of paper only. No payment is made to contributors. The opinions or statements expressed in letters or articles in Beaded Wheels are the author’s own views and do not necessarily express the policy or views of The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc).

Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz Advertising Enquiries

Classified and Display Advertising to: PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.

Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz Phone 64 3 332 3531 Rate schedule available on request.

Back Issues Available on request to PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.

FEATURES 12 A Cunning Tale

Greg Terrill catches a Mustang

14 18

The Daimlers and the Duke

24

1937 Packard 115-C Junior Sports Coupe

28 32 38

Correspondence & Editorial Contributions

Phone 64 3 332 3531, Fax 64 3 366 0273 PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.

Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz

Subscriptions

Beaded Wheels subscribers change of address to: PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140.

Phone 03 366 4461, Fax 03 366 0273 Annual subscription (6 issues) $45* inc GST Australian subscription (6 issues) NZ$76* Other countries (6 issues) NZ$136*. *Payment by credit card incurs additional bank fee processing charge of 3%

Production

Design: RGB Design & Print Ltd, Christchurch Print: PMP Ltd, Christchurch.

Closing Date for August/September: Editorial Copy Advertisements

25 June 2021 9 July 2021

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) National Office Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 Email admin@vcc.org.nz

Postal Address: PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.

Address: 12 Aberdeen St, Christchurch, New Zealand.

From Conception to Completion 1922 Essex Four Roadster

42 44

14

1922 Essex

The Racing Sunbeams in New Zealand - No 2 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Car 1914 The Longest Time 1938 Ford V8 restoration Rally Snippets 38 Country Roads Rally– Taupo Branch 39 Irish Womans Rally – Waikato Branch 39 38th Castrol Motorcycle Trial –Wanganui 40 Mooloo Meander 2021 – Waikato Branch 41 Central Otago Wanderings

24

1937 Packard

Stirring the Seven Senses The Manunui Coastal Hill Climb Easy Riders Taking the scenic route to the National Veteran Rally Irish Woman’s Rally

COLUMNS 4

President’s Message

4

As We See It

5

VCC Events

6

National Office

7 Mailbag 8 Awards 10 Timelines 31

Book Reviews

35

Archivist News

36

39

Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring Update

47 Marketplace 52

Swap Meets & Rallies

54

Trade Directory

56

Idle Torque

68

Passing Lane

69

Notice of Motion

Marketplace

48

Website: www.vcc.org.nz Copyright Information

The contents are copyright. Articles may be reproduced complete or in part provided that acknowledgement is made to “Beaded Wheels, the magazine of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc)” as the source.

Beaded Wheels reserves the right to digitally store all published material for archival purposes.

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COVER 2022 Vero International Historic Festival of Motoring Rally Director, Greg Terrill, is knee deep in preparations for next January’s motoring extravaganza. Last month he headed to New Plymouth in his Mustang (pictured outside the Len Lye Centre) which he will have at the festival. More information about the car on page 12.

Photo Bruce Hutton, QSM FPSNZ.

The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) is the worldwide organisation dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of historic vehicles and related culture.

The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc) is a founding member of FIVA. VCCNZ Registrar Rod Brayshaw is the New Zealand delegate to FIVA and also a member of the FIVA Technical Commission.

Beaded Wheels 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE It’s that time of the year when the Club’s financial statements are being prepared for reporting to all members. There is still some final work to do, but I can advise that there is a small operating surplus of approximately $8,000 this year, favourably compared with a budgeted deficit of $36,000 and the actual deficit last year of $19,000. Revenue from investments and Vero profit-share added to the bottom line for a final surplus of approximately $63,000.

To say the recent introduction of a new computer system for National Office has widely exceeded our expectations is not an over-statement. Like anything, it is a work-in-progress and there is still more to do however Stage 1 of the 4 stage implementation plan has now been completed.

As I have mentioned before, we are so lucky to have Murray Trounson driving the process.

The countdown to our National Day is on with three months to go. It was so disappointing not to be able to hold this event in 2020 but this year it will be bigger with more branches participating.

The organisation is full steam ahead under the direction of Kaaren Smylie and all branches have received information and art-work for the event. Kaaren is

on hand to offer assistance and advice to get the branch events up and running. A new initiative this year is that participating branches will be given an allowance of $300 towards any advertising in local community newspapers.

Remember – as well as donating to the Cancer Society, our National Day plays a huge role in publicising our Club nationally and locally. Please get behind the event with enthusiasm – branches will reap the rewards, both in terms of their donation to the Cancer Society and increased public awareness which leads to new members.

At the March Executive Meeting the proposed logo was presented and received with enthusiasm by the delegates present. Some tweaking has been made to the design and a presentation will now be emailed out to branches so that members can have a look at the proposed logo and provide feedback.

Entries are now flooding in for the Vero Festival of Historic Motoring in New Plymouth. The team are also receiving enquiries from overseas but whether any will be able to attend (excepting Australians) is too early to say at this stage. Wherever I travel throughout New Zealand I am

told by members that they are really looking forward to the event.

In July Members will be posted the Club financial statement and reports and will be asked to vote on the Notice of Motion for online membership (which is also published in this edition of Beaded Wheels). This is an important step in our Club’s evolution and is endorsed by the Executive and Management Committee and I urge members to take the time to complete this postal vote.

Incidentally, our new integrated database system means that we can now look at the possibility of introducing on-line voting in the future.

With regard to the work around the VCC accommodating special interest groups, a draft Notice of Motion was discussed by the Executive in March. Both Tony Bartlett and I (who have been undertaking this task), feel that it needs more work and is not ready to go forward for voting at this coming AGM. Geoff and I recently participated in the inaugural Highland Fling based in Taihape. Organised on behalf of the Bay of Plenty Branch by Kaaren Smylie and Alistair Jones, it was a superb event and well received by all

who participated in it. We are constantly being told that our older members don’t drive their vintage cars anymore. I would estimate that out of the 115 drivers, around half were in their 60s, 70s and 80s. They had a ball – telling me it was like it used to be in the early days of the VCC. The Club is celebrating its 75th anniversary this coming August in Christchurch in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting. The normal two-day event has been expanded to include a rally day on the Friday.

Members are encouraged to drive their club eligible vehicles to Christchurch to make this a special event. For those that want to attend but need to fly in, Canterbury Branch are organising rides so that members don’t miss out. More information and the registration form will be coming out soon.

I look forward to seeing you at the AGM but in the meantime take care out there.

Diane Quarrie VCCNZ National President

AS WE SEE IT Recently I attended a Ride Forever motorcycle course provided by Ornsby Motorcycle Training. This course was designed for experienced riders and in this case was organised

by Canterbury Branch member, Peter Barnett, and was attended by eight Canterbury Branch members. The Ride Forever courses are an ACC initiative and the statistics show that taking such a course can lessen the likelihood of having an accident.

We started at 9am and finished about 6pm. There was a couple of hours of classroom stuff and the rest was riding, mainly rural roads, while being observed by the instructors. We had two instructors so a ratio of four

4 Beaded Wheels

riders per instructor. It seemed as if it was pretty much one on one as we were wired for sound so were getting constant feedback from our instructor. In my case I have over 60 years of experience riding motorcycles and some of the others were as long, or nearly as long, in years of experience. All were seasoned riders who were no strangers to motorcycling. In my case I had assumed that, while I possibly may learn something, I really knew quite a lot about riding …. or so I thought! At the end of the course I was surprised to have to admit that I had learned a great deal about safe riding from the instructors (who were younger than me!). The course was great

value and it was a very enjoyable day. I thoroughly recommend the course and would encourage others in the club to take the offer up should it arise in the future. I believe that Peter has plans to arrange this some time and I’ll even go again myself!

It is a pity that there isn’t, as far as I know, a similar course for car drivers because if there was then I would recommend that all of our members take such a course with the objective of improving their driving habits. In particular teaching them; not to follow the car in front so close so that cars behind are unable to pass and get between our cars, rather than having to pass a great long

queue of vintage cars, about travelling too slowly in cars that quite obviously can travel at or close to the speed limit without any issues, about failing to pull over to let the vehicle behind pass rather than impeding their progress by steadfastly hogging the road at a speed slower than the tempo of the traffic around them. If we could fix those three issues then the regard the VCC is held in would be immeasurably improved.

Kevin Clarkson Chairman Beaded Wheels

VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS

The club calendar just got a whole lot more colourful with the successful running of the Inaugural Highland Fling.

Congraulations to organisers Kaaren Smylie and Alistair Jones - a full report will follow in our August issue.

JUNE

2 Wanganui AGM

3 Sth Canterbury AGM 3 Waitemata AGM 4-6 Canterbury Irishman Rally

5 Gore End of Season Run 5-7 Waikato Double 50 Rally

6 Northland Motorcycle Run 6 Sth Canterbury All British Rally

6 Wanganui Annual Rally 8 Gore AGM

9 Hawke’s Bay AGM

9 North Otago AGM 9 Waikato AGM 10 Sth Canterbury Midweek Run 12-13 Otago Coast to Coast Tour 12 Nelson Club Run 12 Wairarapa Winter Wander 13 Auckland Motorcycle Run 13 Canterbury Restoration of the Year 13 Central Otago AGM 13 Marlborough Visit to Joanna Scott Art Gallery 13 Rotorua Prizegiving Run 13 Northland AGM 13 West Coast AGM 14 Bay of Plenty AGM 14 Wairarapa AGM 15 Bay of Plenty Midweek Run 15 Central Hawke’s Bay AGM 16 Auckland Mid Week Tourers 16 Gisborne AGM 16 Northland Dargaville Midweek Run 16 North Shore AGM 16 Waikato Wednesday Wander

17 Ashburton AGM 19 Banks Peninsula Night Trial 19 Manawatu Twilight Rally 19 Wellington Mid winter night trial 20 Canterbury AGM 20 Marlborough Motorcycle Run with Nelson 20 Nelson AGM & Restoration of the Year 20 North Shore Club Run 20 Otago AGM 20 Taupo Club Run 20 Waikato Club Run 20 Wellington Colonial Cup Rally 20 West Coast Rosco Sporting Trials 24 Otago Midweek Run 26 Auckland AGM 26 Far North Molloy Trophy Run 26 Sth Canterbury Night Trial 27 Ashburton Solstice Run 27 Auckland Club Run 27 Bay of Plenty End of Month Run 27 Gisborne Club Run 27 Horowhenua Mid winter Club Dinner 27 Nelson AGM & Restoration of the Year 27 North Shore Joint Club Run with Auckland 27 Wairarapa Mid-winter Lunch 30 Rotorua Midweekers Run

JULY

3-4 Wellsford/Wkwth Winter Woolies Wander

4 Northland Motorcycle Run 10 Waitemata R’oil Can 11 Nelson Club Run 11 Northland Club Run

11 Rotorua

11 17 18 18 18 21 21

Central North Island Swap Meet Wairarapa Gravel Challenge Otago Annual Dinner North Otago Mid-Winter Dinner Waikato Club Run Wanganui Sunday Run Auckland Mid Week Tourers Northland Dargaville midweek run

Waikato Wednesday Wander Nelson Mid Winter Dinner Auckland Club Run Banks Peninsula Balcairn Trials Gisborne Club Run Wairarapa Garage Raid Rotorua Midweekers Run Otago Midweek Run

21 24 25 25 25 25 28 29

AUGUST

1 Northland Motorcycle Run

8 Northland Club Run 14 Nelson Club Run 18 Northland Dargaville midweek run 25 Rotorua Midweekers Run 26 Otago Midweek Run 28 Rotorua Sulphur City Rally 29 Banks Peninsula Mid Year Lunch

NATIONAL EVENTS

22 August National Day - Daffodil Rally for Cancer 16-21 January 2022 Vero International festival of Historic Motoring

This list does not contain all branch events (eg midweek or small club runs) Check branch newsletters for up-to-date details of smaller events.

This column is compiled from the VCCNZ National Calendar of Events, and events as listed in each branch newsletter. Any deletions, additions, alterations need to be notified to Beaded Wheels by the Branch Secretary before 10th of the month prior to magazine publication.

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.

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.

Beaded Wheels 5

NATIONAL OFFICE Contact National Office for all queries regarding VICs, logbooks, historic race licences, registration of vehicles, lighting endorsement, address changes, subscriptions, membership cards, speed events.

There is one notice of motion a copy of which appears on page 69 of this magazine.

JOHN L GODDARD TROPHY NOMINATIONS Nominations are now open for this prestigious trophy. Please give some thought to placing a nomination to a worthy member. Full details in Beaded Wheels 369

CHEQUES NO LONGER ACCEPTED Please note as of 1 May 2021 we are unable to accept payment by cheque for VCC or Beaded Wheels invoices.

USE YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER When corresponding with National Office please quote your membership number.

CLUB WEBSITE

VCC ID CARD/AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT REQUIREMENTS See your branch secretary about these and lighting endorsements. A VIC change of ownership form can be processed by the National Office. All applications must include photos.

VERO INSURANCE Don’t forget the VCC Vero Insurance Scheme for discounted premiums.

Remember we have a website. www.vcc.org.nz You can obtain the latest information on Club discounts for the Cook Strait ferries, and download forms for Vehicle Identity Cards, Historic Race Licenses, VCC Membership, Beaded Wheels subscriptions, to name a few. Copies of the Branch Manual and Vehicle Identification Folder are also available.

Kingpin sets Rear axles Engine gaskets Water pumps & kits Gearbox gears Clutch plates Suspension parts Clutch covers Steering joints Carburettors Crownwheel & pinions Fuel pumps & kits Spark plugs Brake & clutch cables Electrical fittings Pistons Wiper motors (vac) Steering box parts Engine bearings Valves, springs, guides Shock absorbers Speedo cables Wheel cylinders & kits Ignition parts Master cylinders & kits Timing gears & chains Shackles Lenses (pins & bushes) Engine mounts Ring gears & pinions MECHANICAL RESTORATIONS VINTAGE & CLASSIC SPARES (1980) RD 7 • Fordell • Wanganui • Phone/Fax 06 342 7713

CLASSIC,

6 Beaded Wheels

VETERAN

G FOR 75 MOTORIN

YEARS

CLASSIC, VINTAG E

AND VETERA

N MOTORING

Beaded Wheels Beaded Wheels No. 358 June/July

Telephone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 email admin@vcc.org.nz www.vcc.org.nz Office Hours Mon – Fri 9-5pm

Beaded Wheels is the voice of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) and its 36 branches covering the length and breadth of the country.

The efforts of our members continue to foster and ever widen the interest in this segment of our country’s history. It is to these people, who appreciate the fascination of age, the individuality and the functional elegance of vehicles from a bygone era, that this magazine is dedicated Beaded Wheels – Our long established title may have readers wondering about its

MAGAZINE

GE CAR CLUB OF THE VINTA

OF NEW

YEARS

2019

FOREMOST HISTORICAL

MOTORING MAGAZINE

BAY HAWKE’S ACTION IN IDSON VETERAN LEY-DAV • 1920 HAR

ER P6 V8 1972 ROV

000012

The Club has 100-year vehicle badges available for purchase at $50 each. They are only for vehicles that are 100 years old and have a valid VCC ID Card approving the vehicle’s age as more than 100 years since the date of manufacture. For further details, please refer to the Branch Manual, section 40G, or contact the National Office.

FOR OVER 70

March 2021 February/

NEW ZEALAND’S

TRANSFER BETWEEN BRANCHES Complete a transfer form available from your branch secretary.

Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.) National Office, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140

No. 368

9 418979

COOK STRAIT FERRY Members of the VCC can obtain a discount with Interislander and BlueBridge. Full information on how to book is on the Club’s website www.vcc. org.nz

AND VINTAGE

E $7.95 G MAGAZIN L MOTORIN T HISTORICA S FOREMOS NEW ZEALAND’

100 YEAR VEHICLE BADGES CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please advise the National Office if you have changed address or vehicle ownership.

ENGLISH AMERICAN CONTINENTAL AUSTRALIAN JAPANESE

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

9 418979 000012

NOTICE OF MOTION

Mechanical Restorations Vintage & Classic Spares (1980)

MEGA MOTOR ING

ZEALAND

Rally Action From

Around New Zealan d

1966 NISSAN PRINCE SKYLINE MAGNETOS AND , MORE… MAGAZINE OF THE VINTAGE

CAR CLUB OF

NEW ZEALAND

origin. By way of explanation beaded edge wheels use beaded edge tyres that are kept in place by reinforced rubber beads, which fit into the rolled edges of the wheel rim. This style of wheel was a distinctive feature of early motoring, being used on early bicycles, many pre-1924 cars and most motorcycles until 1927.

In March 1955 The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand adopted the title Beaded Wheels for their club magazine which was the successor to the monthly Guff Sheet.

$7.95

MAILBAG

LOOKING BACK

The editorial committee reserve the right to ­publish, edit or refuse publication of any item ­submitted as comment. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily express the policy or views of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) or the publishers. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

SUGGESTIONS

HISTORY SOUGHT

I always look forward to receiving my copy of Beaded Wheels, which I have been getting for the last 45 years. I have to say that, over time, it just keeps getting better both in content and the format. The only downside, if you could call it that, would be it has cost me a fortune reading the marketplace section and buying cars over that period of time.

In October 1997 my late husband, Stan Matthews, bought a 1957 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire, registration ON985, photo attached from Tony and Anne Mason. Tony accepted Stan’s offer over the phone, and drove down from Auckland to Gisborne the next day. He and Anne stayed over while we learnt the intricacies of the new car.

However, I do have a small gripe.

I have just finished reading the latest April/May edition, and the article Graham Taylor has written re workshop trucks, which I enjoyed. What I would have liked to have known is what his family did, what business do they, and his family own, where does he live and how long he has been a member?

A footnote at the end of the article with this info would have been helpful. Maybe also one on Dave Richardson’s motorcycle.

In direct contrast, you did a great job with the Citroën article by Alastair Jones, telling us all about him. Also with mailbag letters, what region the writers are from?

Keep up the good work.

Steve Roy, Otago

Tony had been based in Gisborne for his Air Force training during WWII, and although Grummans played a part in his training, he became a navigator on Catalinas in the Pacific. As I recall, there were two occasions when he was shot down and managed to extricate himself from the plane. Tony and Stan were both aware that Sir Keith Park had owned an Armstrong Siddeley, and of the many other links the marque had with aviation.

Stan passed away in 2012 leaving the car to me. I am now in the process of preparing to sell the car. I had hoped to provide a detailed history of its ownership since 1957. For privacy reasons, the NZTA are unable to give me names of previous owners. They tell me they have a record of

s Stan Matthews, bought a 1957 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire, registration ON985, in October 1997.

Photo taken in Wanganui 1942 of my father Joe Thomas with his first car, 1923 Essex. Bruce Thomas four owners. Stan, Tony and I are presumably three of those.

I would be very interested in finding the original owner if possible, and look forward to any information Beaded Wheels readers may have.

Karen Matthews, Gisborne email jaks1@xtra.co.nz M 0274 713 998

OP SHOP TREASURE

I am a VCC member, am about to get an Austin 7 special on the road, and am building a replica 1930 Riley Brooklands.

We recently moved house from Wellington to Kapiti so I am busy setting up a new shed to work in.

Part of moving was a giant clean out so we took a lot of things to the op shop. Of course you can never visit an op shop without leaving with something new so I came away with an old Specto 8mm projector. In the box with it were two old film reels.

and tried the first film. It seemed to be someone’s home movie of the 1957 and 1958 Ardmore New Zealand Grand Prix. Kind of amusing seeing as I was doing this in my new shed I am using to build old cars!

I made a film about it and put it on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Mq-m5nMI3ng There are some people visible in the film with a child and at the end it features the Huka falls (I think?) and what looks like a geothermal area so possibly shot on their way home?

I was wondering if someone might recognise the people in the film at all Simon Jansen, Kapiti email jansens@asciimation.co.nz

I fixed and cleaned the projector,

s Taken from the film, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq-m5nMI3ng

Beaded Wheels 7

MAILBAG

MYSTERY SOLVED

Many thanks for the copy of the letter/photographs from Chris Bond. I can ID the photos as follows, all the cars competed in the 1954 Lady Wigram Trophy race, from the top: 1K en Wharton in the supercharged 1.5 litre V16 BRM. He finished third. A sound never to be forgotten and never equalled.

2T ony Gaze in a 2.0 litre HMW Alta, the first car raced in New Zealand with two-stage supercharging. He finished second.

3R oss Jensen in an Austin Healey 100. He withdrew after 14 laps with a broken rocker arm.

4H ec Green in the extraordinarily self-built RA4, the finest special produced in New Zealand or anywhere.

He retired after lap 42 with an engine issue.

5R ay Archibald in his Jaguar XK120. He finished sixth on the lead lap.

The race was won by Peter Whitehead in his privately owned 2.0 litre supercharged Ferrari Type 125, the first Ferrari seen in our country. I must admit to cheating a little with the ID. I still have my original programme.

Colin Miller, Wellington

8 Beaded Wheels

FILLING IN THE DETAILS

As an ex Dunedinite I read Beaded Wheels on a regular basis and the letter in mailbag from Ann Jeffries through John Stokes requesting information on the Model T Ford piqued my interest.

After consultation with Ford experts here in Australia the consensus is the body was built by Tarrant Body Works, Melbourne, Victoria.

John McLean, Curator (retd) Motor Museum of WA

“FLAT EARTH CLUBS”

On behalf of all, especially those from the “flat earth areas” I would like to sincerely thank Alister Jones, Kaaren Smylie and their band of helpers for a really enjoyable few days.

chains next time. We are looking forward to a heads-up where the next fling will be so we can book our accommodation.

So folks remember to bring your

Dave Inwood, Canterbury

Thank you again to all the organizers and helpers.

We have just returned from the inaugural Highland Fling.

The weather was mostly good.

We travelled on great vintage roads - with views from the high points we have never seen before.

All participants were fed and watered in a friendly atmosphere with great camaraderie and bagpipes playing.

Having to put the chains on really made the rally - especially for the lady in the Sunbeam who wanted to learn how to fit chains. So she helped us... and is halfway there.

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

Jones, Alistair McQuarrie, Walter Barnard, Neil Maegaard, Keith Millar, Gary Pettigrew, Alexander

60 YEAR 50 YEAR

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TIMELINES

1921

autoevolution.com

Fiat’s first new model after WWI was the 501.

F ROM BENTLEYS T O BMWS

WHATEVER YOUR PASSION 100 YEARS AGO

Fine car that the 1460cc, 22bhp, Fiat 501 was, it did not prevent a minor scandal erupting around it. A Christchurch customer ordered a 501 from W B Scott Ltd in October 1919 for approximately £600. By November 1920 the customer had cancelled the sale owing to non-delivery, in spite of similar cars selling for up to £775, and also claimed £200 in damages. W B Scott argued they weren’t responsible for the delay as there was an outbreak of Bolshevism at Fiat and workers refused to release their 30 cars for delivery. Scott’s won the case.

1946

75 YEARS AGO

On 25 June Austin boss Leonard Lord was the last Austin employee to sign his name on the new gold, ohv, 2.2 litre Sixteen selected as the one millionth Austin. Registered as GOF 100, the cars either side, a 10hp registered GOF 99 and a 12 hp registered GOF 101, were balloted off to Austin workers. In 1906 120 cars were made. Twenty-seven years later the production totalled 337,000. Remarkably another 663,000 cars were produced in just 13 more years.

1971

50 YEARS AGO

Following their 2nd, 14th and 21st placings in the Heatway Rally, which earned them the Team Prize, Skoda embarked on a nationwide advertising campaign listing 28 reasons to buy this example of skilled Czechoslovakian engineering. Among the list were; carpets, radial ply tyres, reclining seats, reversing lights, twin braking circuits with front discs, four speed wipers, a steering lock and concealed fuel cap release lever.

1991

30 YEARS AGO

Unlike the all-Australian line up offered by General Motors, Ford’s offerings were more cosmopolitan, consisting of models sourced from Europe, Japan and Australia.

Smallest at $17,995 was the Mazda based Festiva, claiming 800 kilometres from one tankful of gas, 1.3 litre Laser at $20,995 with multi-valve technology, or the Capri 1.6 five speed manual starting at $34,595.

From Europe Ford offered the Sierra GLX station wagon at $34,495, with Ford Australia playing it safe with the Falcon 30th anniversary model at $1200 less than the Sierra. Topping the range was the Fairmont with power windows starting at $35,695.

Graeme Rice’s compilation of developments in the motoring world this month in history.

10 Beaded Wheels

Award Winning Restorations Mechanical repair and rebuilding. Panel repair and creation.

Premium Spray Painting. Precision Engineering. Vehicle Servicing WOF. Vintage/Classic Cars and Motor Cycles.

Contact George Kear: +64 3 366 9988 e: george@autorestorations.co.nz w: www.autorestorations.co.nz 52 Stewart Street, Christchurch, New Zealand.

 



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

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

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

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

     



A CUNNING TALE WORDS AND PHOTOS GREG TERRILL, RALLY DIRECTOR OF THE VERO INTERNATIONA FESTIVAL HISTORIC MOTORING

On a Wednesday evening in April 2019, my wife, Gaynor, asked why was I looking at Mazdas for sale on Trade Me. I replied that an MX5 would be a cheap VCC eligible car to replace the Mk2 Daimler we had just sold.

The short reply I got left no doubt that an MX5 was not suitable.

Being quick thinking I asked, “what car do you like?”.

The reply was “early Mustangs”.

Next day I found two Mustangs on Trade Me in New Plymouth and arranged viewings for Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Telling Gaynor of these plans got a mixed response and she explained the difference between what cars she liked and what car she would like.

On Friday we travelled to New Plymouth to have a look at the first car. Immediately we were impressed as it was in much better condition than we expected, so we agreed on a deal, we would transfer money and pick up the car next day at 1.30pm. As a side note, while talking to the couple selling the car it turned out the seller knew and had played cricket with Gaynor’s brother in Dunedin.

Now the fun begins. Trying to transfer money highlighted that we didn’t have online access to all of our bank accounts, No problem we thought, we will go into the bank in the morning and sort this out, however we then discovered banks aren’t open in New Plymouth on Saturdays.

12 Beaded Wheels

Saturday morning at 5am a cunning plan was hatched so at 6.00 we left for Hamilton, 9.45 am we are at the bank at The Base shopping centre, 9.55 transfers complete then around to our place, have a coffee. Feed the cows and then back to New Plymouth just in time for our scheduled pickup.

Now we are the proud owners of a 1966 Mustang notch back. The 289 V8 engine, new suspension, and new interior provides comfortable motoring and highway speeds. More importantly the sound of the rumbling V8 is exquisite.

The history of this car as I know it is that ownership changed from its Californian owner in 2010 and it arrived in New Zealand in February 2011.

As you can see from the photos it was in a pretty rough state when it arrived. A full strip down was undertaken with many new parts fitted and it appears it was first registered in New Zealand in Feb/March 2015.

It was then sold in Feb 2018 and Gaynor and I bought it in April 2019. Keep an eye out for the Mustang at the Festival of Motoring in January 2022.

SAVE THE DATE Daffodil Rally for Cancer SUNDAY 22 AUGUST 2021

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

www.vcc.org.nz

Com

e and the fu join n

All a vehi ges and cl are es typ welc es om e!

Beaded Wheels 13

Photo: John Bissett, Timaru Herald

FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION

1922 ESSEX FOUR ROADSTER WORDS AND PHOTOS PHIL KIDD

Those who know me will be aware that I have an attachment to Essex motor vehicles. In 1958, on my way down to the sea scout boatshed in Petone I spotted a man with his head under the bonnet of an old car. I cheekily parked my pushbike against his fence, walked in (dressed in my scout uniform) and asked if I could watch. This gentleman (who I later learned was Jack Hargreaves) was tuning his recently restored car, and was doing stuff under the bonnet that was incomprehensible to me then. He explained what he was doing to this nosey young stranger, and it made a lasting impression on me.

Not long after that, in November 1958, I heard about a whole lot of these old cars that had arrived and were parked on High Street, Lower Hutt, following what I later learned was the inaugural run from Upper Hutt of the recently formed Wellington Branch of the New Zealand Vintage Car Club – of which co-incidentally I am currently Chairman. Jack’s son Ron married one of my wife’s friends and he later delivered to me part of the book of notes Jack had made when he restored the car. I also subsequently learned that the windscreen to complete the restoration was supplied by a fellow VCC member, Gavin Croft.

Cutting a long story short, my friend Bob Douglas and I embarked on many trips around the country looking for Essex Six parts to restore my 1928 Essex Super Six coach and his 1928 Essex Super Six coupe (which I subsequently bought from him many years later). We came across other parts not suitable (Essex fours) and donated these to Peter Tucker. When Peter and his wife Elizabeth (who was a neighbour and classmate from Lower Hutt) planned on moving to Hawke’s Bay he called to say his collection of Essex Four parts including a completely stripped down tourer, and literature,

14 Beaded Wheels

were for sale. Around 1996 we completed the transaction and he delivered said items to be stored on the mezzanine floor in the barn – ready for later?

s Woodbury car – note side lights.

s Whew – got back home. Almost all there.

s After much head scratching we concluded that the picture shows the very first of the sixes and from here on it will be about getting the proportions right according to the eye-o-meter.

s Then work started on the rear tub which is constructed from 20mm box section. The seat rear was moved back 100mm to provide a more comfortable riding position.

s First cut.

s Body and tub ready for assembly.

s Second cut.

s Panel welded to guard and side frame.

In the meantime the ’28 coach was sold (after 36 years) to make way for the 1919 Essex Four and this was restored and on the road in 1998.

In 2012 Coral and I received an offer we could not refuse on our home, and embarked on planning for a new home on the vacant lot right next door. First priority (naturally) was to construct a proper workshop and shed prior to building the house. Boxes and boxes of parts were moved in and stored while constructing the new house. In 2014 we moved in and started landscaping.

Later the same year I got a call from John Southward suggesting it would be worthwhile to call into the museum to view a possible project which turned out to be the restoration of the 1922 tourer (Jed) now in the proud ownership of my brother-in-law and sister Peter and Barbara Stubbs. The refurbishment of Jed was completed and it debuted in time for the 2015 Hudson Essex Terraplane Club AGM in Dannevirke.

The time had come to properly sort out all the boxes of parts, both Essex Six and Four, and catalogue them. During this process, at the next AGM at New Plymouth, Bruce Leask announced he was selling his very nice black 1919 roadster and spares. Suffice to say the sister car to my phaeton became a stablemate.

All the parts collected over the years were now relatively organised and stored on pallet racking ex Coral’s work, including the chassis that came with all the parts from Peter Tucker.

The problem with storing the chassis is that it was hooked up sideways on the pallet racks and was a visible reminder every time you entered the shed that here was a car in the making.

An idea started to take shape. Perusing one of the trusty collection of auto memorabilia, the American Motor Family Album, I kept coming back to a picture on page 136 and so the journey began.

To fund the project I reluctantly decided to sell the roadster I had bought from Bruce. This went to a very good home in Auckland. The advertisement got an interesting response from a person in the South Island who said he wasn’t ringing about the car but had a complete car that could be used for parts if that was of interest. He was clearing out his father-in-law’s property and had removed the shed that had collapsed over it and another vehicle (a Hudson I think). Subsequent emailing of photos resulted in bringing back from Woodbury (just north of Geraldine) the car depicted above. On the trip back Pete Stubbs and I picked up the five newly-made 24 inch wheels and rim keepers from Gary Morton at Christchurch. It was a very long trip after the Kaikoura earthquake, having to make 27 stops for roadworks each way from Christchurch via Springs Junction to Picton. We stopped north of Springs Junction to allow traffic to pass and checked the load to find that quite a bit of the rotten woodwork and some of the body had disappeared.

Beaded Wheels 15

s Chassis assembled.

s The interior complete.

The project got under way properly with a major repair to the steering wheel, stripping it back to component parts, filling borer holes, sanding and varnishing. Then came the body mock-up.

It turns out that the car I’m copying doesn’t measure up properly with the body and chassis I’ve got. After much head scratching I concluded that the picture shows the very first of the sixes and from here on it will be about getting the proportions right according to the eye-o-meter. I had a lot of assistance from friends John Appel, Peter Kenward, Roger White and Ray Betteridge determining the right shape by eye-balling from all angles before settling on the final shape The original concept required two major considerations.

1. The car had to stop – therefore four wheel brakes hydraulically operated 2. The car had to cruise comfortably – therefore needed overdrive.

It was decided to use 1928 Essex brakes and the backing plates were modified to take mini slave cylinders. The nearest replacement front axle (and tie rod) with almost the same track, spring mountings and king pin placement was from a 1946 Chevrolet 1.5 ton pickup truck. The setup of the front springs to get the ride height right was done by Archer Springs in Rotorua. With some modification the 1928 king pins were fitted and original bearings fitted with appropriate packers and spacers to accommodate the wire wheel hubs. An enormous amount of time was spent getting this part right. Rear brakes necessitated the removal of the external braking system backing plates and machining the ’28 rear plates to fit. Modern seals were installed.

The Laycock overdrive (from a Volvo) was modified to accept a short jackshaft from the original gearbox. It took many hours of setting up to position the unit correctly and brackets were fabricated to bolt to the chassis. Two driveshafts were manufactured in Lower Hutt and balanced. Because the ’28 Essex brake setup had the handbrake operated by rods over the footbrake there was no ability for a hand brake to be operated hydraulically. A carden-shaft system using a disk gripped by a brake component from a Yamaha quad bike was modified and installed, with the ability to be operated directly from the original handbrake set-up.

The engine was fitted with higher compression pistons designed by a gifted engineer, John Veneberg, that were made by JP Pistons in Australia and took only three weeks to arrive. The block was bored, new stainless valves machined and hard inserts installed.

Main and big end bearings were scraped to fit properly requiring only a light scuff to remove years of oxidation. A camshaft thrust washer was made and the camshaft installed, which previously was seized tight. Both the head and block were very lightly machined

16 Beaded Wheels

s And now the hood.

flat. It was decided to retain the original carburettor. The sump needed the bottom cutting out to remove some very sizeable dents and then welded back in place. In addition the tappet cover was modified to provide better oiling of the inlet valve stems. All of this took place in early 2018.

Then came the fun part – making the body and replacing all the woodwork.

The scuttle was dismantled, paint and rust removed and treated with deoxidine. Milled macorocapa left over from building the house was used to make the wooden frame using the rather rotten original timber as patterns. The original tourer door skins were good enough to use (after some panel replacement), and a reshaped frame made to accept those doors after cutting them down to shape. Routing the frames correctly to take the door catches turned out to be quite tricky and several jigs were made to achieve this. The seat rear was moved back 100mm to provide a more comfortable seating position.

Then work started on the rear tub which is constructed from 20mm box section. The guards were mocked up over the wheels to ensure correct placement of the upper section to keep the proportions right – a painstaking process which took many sheets of cardboard. The boot lid frames were then made out of the same material.

It was now possible to make the framework to attach the mudguards. Firstly they were cut square to the frame, then the internal sides were cut and shaped over a jig, and wire edged with a tool made to do this. The sides were then bolted to the holes tapped into the frame, the guard was mounted and the new section to widen the guards welded in.

To say there was a bit of panelbeating to do was an understatement. Without the assistance of my good friend John Appel the finished job would never have come out the same. The final work on the guards could not be done until new running boards and valances were made. The running boards and their supports were made by a young lad just out of his apprenticeship and they came out superbly, as did his manufacture of the new, much larger capacity, fuel tank and all its fittings.

Then came the job of fitting the new tub, along with mounting and spot welding the firewall and scuttle back in position, fixing by nail to the frame and hinging the door frames in place. The body was now complete.

Next came making the tin ware for the rear tub which was done by the same firm. As is the modern practice these items were glued in place. In between times the windscreen pillars were shortened by two inches.

It had been decided that a departure from the original concept would be made by installing a folding hood. The hood mechanism

s Almost there.

I had came from a much larger car, and to make sure it could be made to fit a wooden mock-up of the hood bow mechanism was made in plywood. After ensuring the plywood mechanism would fold both up and down (after much trial and error) some four inches was cut out and the frame welded back together.

Meanwhile new replacement hood sockets were made by Ross Wilson in Hunterville. His craftsmanship is absolutely amazing.

New hood bows were made by making a template and cutting southland beech strips, gluing these and shaping to fit the sockets, checking many times to ensure the shape from the windscreen to the rear flowed satisfactorily.

In between times the radiator surround was stripped of paint and rust removed using many applications of deoxodine. All removal of rust on all the bodywork was time consuming, but the panels retain their original shape, which cannot be guaranteed with many other alternative processes such as sandblasting. A lot of time was expended in getting all the panels metal finished but the end result was definitely worth it. Special thanks must be made to John Appel for his superb work on the guards. The number of heat shrinks we did between us had to have been in the hundreds. A lot of effort went into making sure the front and rear guards were in line with the running boards.

Previously two headlights had been made out of three and I was extremely fortunate that the sidelights from Woodbury needed only minor work. The headlight rims needed a lot of straightening before they and all the other bright work (instrument bezels, ignition switch levers, bonnet clips, tail light surrounds and hub components) could be sent off to the platers in Geraldine. Their work is to be highly recommended.

The original windscreens I had were in a sorry state so it was decided to make a new one-piece screen instead of the original two-piece where the joins were exactly mid centre of the driver’s line of sight. Again, our friends at R J Mullins (who had done the body fabrication) were able to bend the channel I imported from Australia but only if we could make some packing guides for their former. This done, it was then a relatively simple matter to roll the frame to fit the curve required for the scuttle shape for which I had made a template. Thanks to Basil Gowenlock for eziflowing the joins to make the windscreen. Then it was a matter of holding the frame against the windscreen pillars and setting out the requisite screw positions, drilling and tapping and then turning up in the lathe stepped threaded rods to secure and provide an anchor for the wind wings. I had been looking for wind wings without success for several months. I mentioned this in passing when visiting another member of the Wellington Branch – Martin Ferner, who, in his nineties, is restoring an Alvis when his friend, Jack Watson, said “make sure you come back at the same time tomorrow”. I did, and Jack handed me a box with

s Yours truly – with passengers.

four wind wing brackets in really great condition and said they were mine. Unfortunately they were all for the same side, and two needed cutting and re-handing by silfossing them back together.

They really enhance the look of the car.

The chassis went for a gentle sand blast and was painted on a rotisserie in two pot black. The rest of the running gear had been painted, springs re-bushed and reamed then painted. Now it was assembly time including making and the installation of the master cylinder bracket and running the hydraulic lines. Again this was finicky and time consuming as all the brackets and flaring had to be made as well. All fittings are stainless steel. The fuel tank went in and the vacuum tank got a thorough make over and painted, as did the horn and many other sundry parts.

After all the work done to date it was a pleasure seeing it all come together.

After some five different colour test pots were tried a final colour was chosen. It is called stahl blue and following advice given me by Basil I etch coated, primed and spray painted the body in one K acrylic, the black in two pot. The car was painted outside during the Covid 19 lockdown.

Then followed wiring and installation of LED lights and a system put together by Mike Curry where the sidelights and taillights can be operated by an indicator switch as well as their primary function. A stop light was incorporated. The headlights are brilliant and it is great to be able to see by comparison with the original. Running the wires took three whole days. I was lucky when on the Burma Rally in Wanganui the previous year, I had spotted an old style column-mounted stalk switch for an overdrive and this is now mounted on the steering column on the other side of the indicator switch.

Next step was to go to David Wilkens who did the hood on the 1919 phaeton in 1997. The job he has done is absolutely fabulous and the attention to detail quite amazing and is favourably commented on all the time.

Finally the car is almost complete but the matter of compliancing still needs to be taken care of. Because of the modifications it is deemed to be a low volume vehicle.

I had to apply to the Vintage Car Club for an Authenticity Statement. Luckily I had the original plates and other evidence needed so was able to present this documentation including detail of all the modifications made to the vehicle inspectors and this was accepted, a warrant of fitness issued and a set of plates for the newly registered vehicle – and all by lunchtime.

Just in case you are wondering, I estimate the total time expended somewhere between 5,000 and 5,500 hours over three and a half years and total cost enough to buy a new car – and I have!

Beaded Wheels 17

THEAND DAIMLERS THE DUKE

With the recent passing of the Duke of Edinburgh, it is timely to remember his first visit to New Zealand and the magnificent Daimler cars built especially for the Royal Tour…

WORDS JOHN STOKES

At 10am on Wednesday 23 December 1953 the Royal Yacht SS Gothic berthed at Auckland’s Central Wharf. Aboard were Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. When the newly-crowned Queen Elizabeth II stepped ashore, it was the first time that a reigning monarch had set foot in New Zealand. Steps behind her – as he would be for the next 68 years - was her royal consort, Prince Philip. So began the 39-day royal tour of New Zealand.

In spite of the rain that day, thousands lined Queen Street to welcome the royal couple as they drove by to a civic reception at Auckland Town Hall. The car in which they travelled was one of six Royal Daimlers purchased specially for a royal tour – but not this royal tour.

Five years earlier, in March 1948, it had been announced that King George VI and the Queen were to visit the South Pacific, including New Zealand and Australia in March the following year.

It was proposed that Daimler cars should play a leading role in the tour transportation plan for both New Zealand and Australia.

The relationship between British royalty and Daimler had its beginnings in 1897 when the first English-built Daimler was demonstrated to the Royal Family. In 1900 the first royal Daimler, a 6hp car, was delivered to HRH The Prince of Wales at Sandringham.

At this point the Prince became an ‘automobilist’ – a great coup for the Daimler company. Following the death of Queen Victoria the Prince became King, more Daimlers were purchased and the Daimler company could claim “By Appointment to HM The King”.

So began the royal Daimler tradition.

18 Beaded Wheels

Opposite: All-weather cars. Crowds lined Queen Street to welcome the royal couple in a rainy Auckland.

Upper Left: In better weather, the the Queen and Prince enjoyed the open cars.

Left: Taken in Westport, this is a really unusual image as the car in which the royals are travelling is showing its registration plate; royal protocol is that a car being used by royals do not require evidence of registration.

Above: One of the two closed Daimler limousines is loaded aboard an RNZAF Bristol Freighter for repositioning during the royal tour.

Back then it was unusual for the Royal Family to venture abroad, apart from to Europe, but as new methods of transportation evolved touring the Empire became more possible. In 1939 George VI and Queen Elizabeth travelled to Canada and the United States. In 1947 the Royal Family toured South Africa. That was to be followed by a visit down under in March 1949 and many New Zealanders became ecstatic at the prospect of seeing the Royals in our homeland.

HOOPER-BODIED DAIMLERS Following the success of Hooper-bodied Daimlers on the African tour, orders were placed with Daimler of Coventry for six such cars to be built for the New Zealand tour, and another six for Australia.

The chassis – being the frame, suspension and wheels, the engine and transmission and body work forward of the firewall – was to be the new 150 bhp DE36 type. The motor was a 5460cc straight8, connected to the famous Daimler fluid drive and pre-selector gearbox. The wheelbase was a massive 12ft, 3 inches – indeed the Daimler DE36 was the largest car the British motor industry had ever built. The fuel economy of these huge cars, at 10 to 12 miles per gallon, was not a consideration.

Once the chassis were completed by Daimler, they were transported to the Hooper Body Works in London. Hooper had been building car bodies since the beginning of the twentieth century, mainly for Daimler. (In 1940 Daimler had acquired the Hooper company, but Hoopers continued to build bodies for other makers.)

For the New Zealand tour, the body styles decided upon were two open tourers or phaetons, known as all-weather cars, two landaulettes (with a collapsible rear roof section) and two fully-closed limousines. Australia ordered two all-weathers, three landaulettes and one limousine.

The colours for these immense cars were to be royal blue and black with fine red (vermillion) pin stripe between, which picked

out the style lines. The all-weather cars were trimmed in dark red leather throughout, with red carpets and fawn hoods. The closed cars had dark blue leather upholstery in the front and grey cloth in the rear. Some of the motor industry’s newest luxuries were included, such as electric windows and partitions in the closed cars. Two landaulettes and two limousines were equipped with HMV radio sets, with unobtrusive aerials mounted under the floor.

Once the cars were completed at the end of October, two of each style of the 12 cars were taken to Buckingham Palace for inspection by the Royal Family. A press and trade display of the magnificent craftsman-built, hand-finished Daimlers followed. As it transpired this was an event never to be repeated for Daimler.

Once inspected, the cars were driven to the London docks for the start of their journey to the antipodes. Also aboard were thousands of pounds worth of spare parts for the Daimlers, in anticipation of the worst happening.

No sooner had the ship departed than King George became ill, and following medical advice, the tour was postponed. The ship with the six aristocratic Daimlers arrived in New Zealand in early 1949 and they were placed into storage at the Public Service Garage.

It was not until 1950 that the King was declared fit to travel, but it was too late to organise a tour for that year. 1951 was impossible too, because of the planned Festival of Britain. So it was decided to reschedule the tour for 1952.

However the King’s health again deteriorated. Rather than cancel the tour it was decided the newlyweds Princess Elizabeth and Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, should tour in his place. But days after their departure from Britain, George VI died on 6 February, and the tour was, of course, abandoned.

The King is dead. Long live the Queen.

Elizabeth II’s coronation was in June, 1953. One of the priorities of the Royal calendar was to make the long-awaited tour of New Zealand and Australia. It was re-scheduled for the southern summer of late 1953, early 1954.

After almost five years in storage the dust was blown off the six Royal Daimlers that had been waiting patiently for the arrival of the King. The cars had been maintained, although the hoods for the all-weather cars had deteriorated. In April 1952 a message was sent to the New Zealand High Commissioner in London to purchase replacements from Daimler.

A little later, the New Zealand government learned that Hoopers had developed a one-piece, removable transparent top, made of Beaded Wheels 19

Perspex, for use on the open all-weather Daimlers. Two were ordered for the New Zealand cars and these arrived from England in time for the new tour dates. Fitting these proved more difficult than expected. Just one of the two all-weather cars was fitted with one, while the second remained an open car.

The value of each DE36 Daimler was given as £6,500. As for the support cars to be used by Royal staff and the media, the dated Daimler DB18 saloons that had been sent at the same time as the coach-built Royal Daimlers were disposed of when the original tour was postponed. These were replaced with more modern 2½ litre Consorts, but even these were now obsolete. Some Consorts were used on the tour and others were replaced by the latest Daimler, the Conquest, each valued at £1650. The Daimler fleet was joined by a Humber Pullman landaulette (valued at £2000), a Humber Imperial saloon (£2000), six Austin A125 Sheerlines (£2200 each), twelve Humber Super Snipes (at £1300 each) and a Vauxhall Velox (£800). Also joining the fleet was an open Land Rover (value unknown), with a specially-designed rear for the Royal couple to stand in as it drove amongst the great crowds of enraptured New Zealanders expected to turn out to greet the Royal couple.

ROYAL FEVER And turn out they did!

After more than five years of high anticipation of royals gracing our land, great masses assembled to welcome them everywhere they went on their 39-day visit, beginning that rainy day in Auckland. Indeed, at 9pm on Christmas Day, potentially the entire British Commonwealth was tuned in to New Zealand as the Queen delivered from Government House in Auckland her first Christmas broadcast since her coronation. It was a speech of historical importance. “…the Commonwealth bears no resemblance to the Empire of the past. It is an entirely new conception, built

20 Beaded Wheels

on the highest qualities of the spirit of man – friendship, loyalty and the desire for freedom and peace.” She continued with “To that …I shall give myself, heart and soul, every day of my life…”.

And she has done so. As has her husband Prince Philip. This is written before his funeral and, for most, the obituaries that will be given to the Prince will reveal his largely unsung contributions to society made over that time.

But, I digress. Back to the Daimlers and the Royal Tour….

Day to day the six magnificent Royal Daimlers were positioned to be ready for the arrival of the Queen and Duke at their next destination. From Auckland they travelled to Waitangi, and then back down through Auckland, there was no harbour bridge in those days – to the Waikato. Understandably, the Royals enjoyed horse racing but just four of the twelve Daimlers sent down under for the Royal tour had been fitted with radios. “Good lord old chap!” the Prince protesteth. “We would enjoy listening to the gee-gees.”

Above and opposite left: the magnificent Hooper-bodied DE36 Landaulette displayed at Southwards Museum, Paraparaumu. This car has travelled less than 20,000 miles. Right: the second Laundaulette was converted to a hearse, and remains in that configuration displayed at MOTAT in Auckland.

“Your wish is our command!” On the next occasion that the Prince rode in that Daimler, an accessory HMV radio had been fitted.

It is also this writer’s understanding that Prince Philip, a little frustrated with the slow pace of the journey to the Waikato, asked “may I take the wheel”? We also know that, while in Auckland, he drove one of the two all-weather cars on an unofficial journey.

The Prince always enjoyed fine cars.

The selection of the body style each day of the tour was made based on the type of occasion and the weather forecast. The car Her Majesty was riding in would fly the Royal Standard from the roof, with the royal arms mounted in front of it. On the open all-weather cars the Standard was flown from the right-front fender, with the shield in front of the radiator. While each car was registered, the car the Sovereign was riding in would have its registration plate removed or hidden from view. After a while it became known that our gracious Queen always sat on the right side of the car. No doubt that knowledge influenced on what side of the street well-wishers would gather.

On New Year’s Day the royal guests visited Cambridge, inspected the Karapiro Dam and continued to Rotorua. From there they flew to Gisborne, where the Daimlers awaited, and flew again that day to Napier. Such were the logistics of the royal tour. They continued by rail from Hawke’s Bay to Palmerston North, making stops en route, where the Daimlers would always be awaiting them. The following day, the crimson and white royal train – emblazoned with the royal crest at the head of the engine – travelled towards Ruapehu and Taranaki, Marton, Wanganui, Patea, Hawera and

New Plymouth for the night. Seemingly everyone in Taranaki had gathered that night to greet the Royals at Pukekura Park, where the Land Rover was used for the ceremonial drive.

From there they flew to Wellington for a six-day stop over.

In those days Wellington’s airport was located at Paraparaumu on the Kapiti Coast. From there the Daimlers took the couple to Wellington, much of the route lined by crowds of admirers and well-wishers. The Daimlers became a regular sight around the capital as the royal couple travelled from one destination to the next. The royal Land Rover was used at Athletic Park where 35,000 school-age children and their parents had gathered. But, usually it was the Daimlers in which the royals were driven, including to their tour of a motor car assembly plant. A visit to such a place was highly unusual for royals but the Ford works in Seaview,

Beaded Wheels 21

A Very Lucky Survivor Following the tour, this all-weather car was converted into a hearse, then was purchased by Daimler doyen Gordon Somerville and sadly became the victim of a fire. A restoration began before the car was shipped to Western Australia and its rebuild continues using remains from cars from the Australian leg of the royal tour.

essentially an American-owned business to boot, was visited for more than an hour.

On 16 January the royals flew from Paraparaumu to Woodbourne, beginning the South Island portion of the tour, and the Daimlers were positioned to receive them. Later that day they flew to the very English city of Nelson. As the Daimlers entered the city centre, it looked as though all Nelsonians were there to greet them. The West Coast was the next destination, followed by the train journey through Otira and Athur’s Pass to Christchurch.

The Daimlers took them to the Christchurch guard of honour and the start of a four day stay in the city. Days later, continuing by car south from Christchurch, the motorcade was recorded to be travelling at 70 miles per hour to make up time following a delay at Burnham military camp. It is unknown if Prince Philip was the one setting the pace.

On 25 January, following a three-day rest in the country, the royal train whisked the Queen and Prince Philip to Timaru, Oamaru and to Palmerston. In each of these towns the Daimlers took them to their engagements. At Palmerston the 37-strong Dunedin Ladies’ Brass Band greeted the royal guests but, as the Queen and Duke came in to view through a floral archway, their music faltered as

Driving with the Daimler Pre-Selector Transmission From 1930 through to the end of the 1950s, Daimlers were equipped with the Wilson pre-selector gearbox, which was coupled to the engine by Daimler’s famous fluid drive. The operation is similar to an automatic, except the driver decides when the gear will change, not the car.

Unlike an automatic, on the floor are three pedals; the one on the left is not a clutch pedal – it is the gear change pedal.

The gear selector is a small quadrant on the side of the steering column. The car is started with the gearbox in neutral.

The gear selector lever can be moved up and down the quadrant, but the car will just sit there idling in neutral until the gear change pedal is depressed. First gear is selected by moving the lever to 1 on the quadrant then stamping the gear change pedal. It is always wise to have the right foot on the brake at the time – while the car is now in gear, it won’t stall because of the fluid drive. Foot off the brake, give her some boost on the accelerator and the car will smoothly begin to drive. Pre-select 2 on the quadrant and, when you actually want second gear, simply stamp the gear change pedal.

When you stop, just use the brake pedal – the car won’t stall.

It is that easy and smooth. That’s just perfect for a royal tour car.

22 Beaded Wheels

each player’s eyes followed them – but the music continued. As the royal party was leaving the Ladies’ Brass Band struck up again but their “feminine instincts proved too strong and the playing faltered to a halt and the women downed instruments and rushed forward. The Queen rewarded them with friendly words and a smile…” Perhaps that amusing incident illustrates best the jovial atmosphere that accompanied the Queen and Duke throughout New Zealand.

Three days were allocated for the royals in Dunedin before the Daimlers carried them to Milton, Balclutha, Gore and Invercargill.

At Bluff, on the day of their departure from New Zealand, the farewell ceremony was tremendous. As well as the Prime Minister, the Governor General, their wives and other dignitaries, thousands waved from temporary grandstands as the Gothic set sail for Australia.

Kiwis returned to their homes. The Daimlers went back to the Public Service Garage in Wellington. The long-awaited and highly successful Royal Tour was over.

THE SURVIVORS Throughout the tour there was never a hiccup with any of the Daimlers. Daimler was, after all, the marque chosen for reliable as well as dignified transport. But, what happened to the cars after the tour?

In his book Royal Daimlers Bryan E Smith says that “From time to time at the Royal Mews a letter is received seeking corroboration that an enquirer’s vehicle has a royal history. Such correspondence is, of course, courteously dealt with, but more often than not the writer’s claim to be the owner of a one-time royal Daimler cannot be sustained.”

With the assistance of Mark Bearman from Perth, WA, the Daimler Club, and former Public Service Garage supervisor and now researcher, Russell Walsh in Wellington, finding the 12 cars that comprised the royal fleet for the 1953-54 tour of New Zealand and Australia has proven relatively easy.

Dealing with the Australian cars first (only because that is easier).

When the original tour was postponed in 1948, the Australian government decided to sell two of the cars, even before they arrived in Australia. It is not known why, but they (all-weather 51703 and landaulette 51708) were diverted to the Maharajah of Mysore, India. So just four cars were used for the Australian tour.

Two of the four (all-weather 51702 and limousine 51707) have not survived. However their parts are being used for the restoration

1953-54 ROYAL TOUR DAIMLERS

Body Style

Australia All-weather

All-weather

Landaulette

Landaulette

Landaulette

Limousine New Zealand

All-weather All-weather Landaulette Landaulette Limousine Limousine

Daimler Chassis No 51702 51703 51704 51708 51705 51707

Hooper Notes Body No 9427 Did not survive 428 Sold to India 9494 National Museum of Australia, ACT 9495 Sold to India 9496 Recently for sale, northern NSW 9499 Did not survive

51709 51706 51711 51712 51710 51713

of one of the New Zealand tour cars, 51706. The second landaulette 51705 was sold by its long-term funeral director owner of Rockhampton, Queensland who had used it as a mourning car.

The buyer, located in Taree, northern NSW, offered it for sale again in 2020; it is unknown if the car was sold.

The third landaulette 51704 was discovered in rural South Australia by the National Museum of Australia (NMA) which purchased it and transported it to Canberra. It was in a complete but dilapidated condition. The NMA completed not a restoration but an exciting conservation project on the car, which is now displayed at the museum in the Australia capital city.

Just months after the New Zealand tour concluded, the government called for tenders on four of our six cars – two would be retained for further service.

R Shattock of Huntly won the tender for both all-weather cars, 51709 and 51706, paying £1400 each for them. Soon after, 51709 was sold to Max Wallace, who farmed in Tiritea, Manawatu. He also purchased one of the perspex roofs for his car, but could not get it to fit – so he used it to grow tomatoes under. Sadly 51709 was destroyed in a fire and the remains were buried.

The second all-weather, 51706, was purchased in 1957 and converted to a hearse. It was employed transporting deceased Gisborne residents to their final resting place until 1973. That is when Gordon Sommerville, the well-known president of the Daimler and Lanchester Owners Club, parted with $500 and became its new owner. The following year, when stored in the Geraldine Motor Museum in Canterbury, it was badly burned in a fire. But it rose from the ashes - Mark Bearman’s father purchased it and began a full restoration. Sadly, Mark’s dad died before the project was completed, so Mark had it transported to his home in Western Australia, where the project continues to this day, aided by parts of Australian cars 51702 and 51707.

The limousine 51710 – one of the two excluded from the 1954 tender process – was kept for future use by the Prime Minister

9429 Destroyed in fire 9430 Under restoration in Perth, WA 9497 Displayed at Southward Museum 9498 Now a hearse, displayed at MOTAT 9500 Displayed at Geraldine Motor Museum 9501 Privately owned in Oregon, USA

and other VIP visitors. That car is currently privately owned and is displayed, co-incidentally, at the Geraldine Motor Museum. The second limousine 51713 was sold in the tender round for £1750 to Hamilton man AA Martin. It has since been sold to a new home in Oregon, USA. The two landaulettes survived and are now the most accessible of the royal tour cars anywhere. 51712 was sold in the 1954 tender round to Dr Robert L Greenwood, of North Auckland, for £1630. The following year, this car was also converted to a hearse. The work was carried out by coachbuilders Revelly, Ellis and Collingwood for Auckland funeral directors W H Tongue & Sons. Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) acquired it in 1982 where it remains displayed in its funereal configuration to this day.

The other landaulette 51711 was the second car retained by the government, for use by the Governor General. It was used during the 1956 Royal Tour and for official functions at least until 1962. Then in 1963, with just 19,012 miles recorded, it was sold to Southward Engineering for the forthcoming Southward Car Museum north of Wellington. There it remains displayed, still it its immaculately original, low mileage and going condition.

The spare parts were purchased by the Wellington Daimler agents Williams & Adams. I understand that most of those found their way to the Southward Museum.

Acknowledgements: Daimler and Lanchester Owners Club – Mark Bearman (Perth) – Russell Walsh (Wellington) – Nathan Pharaoh (National Museum of Australia)

John Stokes A member of Wellington Branch for five years, John Stokes records his motoring pedigree.

I enjoy reading, researching and writing about motoring history and am the author of two books documenting the history of Ford in New Zealand, (but I am not a one-eyed Ford nutter).

John is the owner of two old Fords plus a 1985 Audi quattro coupe.

Beaded Wheels 23

HIN BE

D THE WHE

EL

SHANE BACKHOUSE’S

1937 PACKARD 115-C JUNIOR SPORTS COUPE

WORDS AND PHOTOS GREG PRICE

Why a Packard? Well, as the advertising blurb back then said “Ask the man who owns one!” so I did, but I had to wait nearly 57 years before I got the opportunity to actually do so, but it was worth the wait!”

Back in 1964, which was a couple of years after the previous owner of this magnificent machine bought it, I had a crush on a young lady whose father had a couple of decrepit 1936 Packard sedans, resplendent with twin side-mounted spare wheels, parked down beside his house in the Auckland suburb of Mt Eden. They had been lying in state (yes, they were already in a real state, condition-wise) but I never plucked up the courage to actually knock on the door and ask if either was for sale. In any event I

24 Beaded Wheels

wouldn’t have had a clue as to how to get them going, but dreams are free, right? As luck would have it, the owner’s daughter became known to me through work, and I quickly established that the cars were NOT for sale. Damn! But over subsequent years I passed the house frequently and the cars remained there untouched for many years. I don’t know what happened to them. But there was just something about how they looked, even in their sad state, that acted like a magnet to my fascination with the marque – in part, attributable to my years at boarding school perusing old National Geographic and Saturday Evening Post magazines’ car advertisements in the school’s library.

Which brings me to Shane’s coupe. It was previously owned by one Roger Hill and it also became disused and was laid up under Roger’s house in 1971, where it remained until 2003. In the interim 33 years it accumulated a significant coating of coal dust from Roger’s basement coal storage bunker, but at least it was

First time in daylight for 33 years

sheltered from the weather, a factor which contributed to the car remaining in fairly good nick. Once Roger decided to let someone else have a turn at being custodian of it, he approached Shane’s dad (Dave), but he had too many projects on hand at the time, so Shane seized the opportunity with both hands and became the proud owner of this quite rare Packard Junior Sports Coupe. But before I detail the restoration process we need to first look at a bit of history surrounding the Packard Motor Company.

BRIEF PACKARD HISTORY According to an article on 1937 Packards published in an issue of Special Interest Autos, February 1982, Packard had a sensational year in 1937, having produced so many cars and made heaps of money. It was the new eight-cylinder model that supposedly did the trick a couple of years earlier, and as a result the company was accused by some of abandoning the luxury market, where its straight eights had dominated. Packard was one of several independent auto makers which included the likes of Studebaker, Nash, Hudson and Hupmobile. Packard was well known for its luxury cars, which many a movie star lusted after and in fact were frequently photographed alongside. Clark Gable and Bette Davis spring to mind. However, Packard was eying up the mid-priced market and decided to go for it. The wheel base was chopped by five inches – the difference being entirely in the length of the hood, and the newly developed six-cylinder engine was fitted. The twin side-mounted spare wheels were also a casualty of the rethink. But where other car makers had tended to be innovative with the likes

of a turret top (for example) Packard retained the old-fashioned fabric insert on the roof, and didn’t introduce an overdrive option until some years later. Despite lagging behind the likes of General Motors et al, the 1937 Packard sixes still had class, it still looked like a Packard, rode like a Packard, and sold exceptionally well, in fact some 65,000 cars for 1937. Unfortunately Packard’s reign as top seller (among the independents, anyway) was short-lived. The recession of 1938 knackered everyone’s sales, Packard’s included, but they managed to hang on to first place among the smaller manufacturers for one more year. Studebaker then introduced their low-priced Champion, while Nash offered a high-styled car with a narrow, tall grille that was clearly inspired by the LaSalle.

Packard fell to third place, and two years later it dropped to fourth, which it occupied for the company’s remaining years.

WWII of course put paid to the plans of most if not all car manufacturers in the USA. By 1941 Packard was heavily involved in military work, more than any other manufacturer, turning out Rolls-Royce Merlin aircraft engines, (I never knew that!) as well as the great V-12 Packard marine engines that powered the Navy’s legendary PT boats. This, coupled with a public perception that Packard no longer had the ‘massive’ look, being lighter and shorter, meant that they lost ground to Buick. However the Packard Clipper saved the day a wee bit, but…enough of the history. There is a very comprehensive book entitled Packard – A History of the Motorcar and the Company by Beverly Rae Kimes, which tells you everything you might want to know about the Packard Motor Car Company, and then some.

Beaded Wheels 25

THE REBUILD On getting the car home to Christchurch, the first job was to wash off the 30-plus years of accumulated coal dust and other debris associated with basement storage. Turns out it had been painted green at some stage, but the original colour was a cream/ off white, if the wheels were anything to go by. Then came the removal of the body from the chassis which was facilitated quite ingeniously by setting up a lifting device to the house’s upstairs veranda, and lifting the body up while the rolling chassis was moved out of the way. The chassis was completely disassembled and sent away for sand blasting and powder coating. Meanwhile Dave tackled the woodwork while the body was sitting on a purpose-built jig. Incidentally this was the last year Packard used wood in its body work. During the rebuild a parts car was sourced from West Melton and provided some of the necessary mechanical odds and sods that were in better condition than those on the coupe. The body was placed back on the chassis for a trip to the painters for gap finishing. Once that was completed, the body went back on the jig while the chassis was reassembled with the nice restored bits. All this work had taken up nearly seven years, due to some issues with an earlier panel beater, so another tradesman was entrusted with the completion of the work. In 2008 they both decided to move into top gear with the restoration, with the intent to attend the 2012 Vero International Rally. The freshly painted body (Cherry Black) was bought home on the evening of Friday 3 September 2010 – the day before the first major Christchurch quake. Fortunately, but unlike many other Christchurch classic cars and motorcycles, there was no damage. The next job was to refit the body to the chassis, using the same ingenious method as before, but with more padding to protect the paintwork. My thoughts on hearing about this were that they were lucky they hadn’t been carrying out this work in one of those Auckland-type leaky buildings with the clip-on patios, lest the whole lot crashed down on the newly restored classic! But Dave’s house has some super-strong pillars holding the veranda in place so no problems were encountered.

The race was now on to get the car finished so Shane and family could attend the Wanganui-based Vero International Rally in 2012. This necessitated fast-tracking the VCC Vehicle Identity process – a requirement for attendance at the Vero Rally. Shane finally got to drive the Packard for the first time, just three days before the rally! One of the hiccups during the rebuild was that a well-meaning professional responsible for relining the clutch plate had made it too thick, thus upon assembly there was no clutch. Unlike most cars, because of the Packard’s criss-cross chassis, gearbox withdrawal was not possible without completely removing the motor. Then Shane introduced some Kiwi ingenuity and made a couple of modifications to the clutch pressure plate (spacer washers) which gave him a modicum of clutch movement, which was enough to enable participation in the rally, and most importantly, getting there and back. Remedial work is planned for some future date, but as both he and Dave have adapted to driving with the modified clutch (as had I after my test hoon down the road) the obtaining of a round tuit is awaited in the interim.

The rally trip seemingly went without a hitch save for a failed Mexican-made condenser. The rally’s activities included a trip to Fielding, and some local excursions around Wanganui. A particular highlight for Shane and his family was a chat to, and a photo opportunity with, Nick Mason who is Pink Floyd’s drummer. Nick and his wife had been invited guests of the VCC at the International 2012 Rally. Way to go, Shane! ‘Another Brick in the Wall’.

26 Beaded Wheels

Once back in Christchurch, the next notable occasion was winning the Canterbury Branch Post Vintage Restoration of the Year trophy for 2012. The coupe looked magnificent outside the Cutler Park hall with snow on the ground.

The only outstanding work (aside from the clutch) is the fitting of the wide white wall tyres that father Dave wants to fit, but Shane is adamant that they will not be going on the car in his lifetime! Seriously Shane? They would really set it off, but in the end it’s your car and while Dave’s membership of the ‘White-Wall Tyre Appreciation Society’ is quite safe, yours has unfortunately lapsed (lol).

THE TEST DRIVE Once again, I’m really grateful to be entrusted with getting behind the wheel of someone else’s pride and joy, and particularly in this instance. First up was to familiarise myself with the flight deck instrumentation, which is nicely presented on the woodgrain dash. The NZ Police were on the Cutler Park grounds for dog training, and when I saw how far out of reach the handbrake was, I was tempted to ask one of them to assist with reaching the lever which is located about 10 feet under the front dash – the long arm of the law and all that. However Shane helpfully pointed out that reaching through the steering column made it much more accessible to us shorties.

Because of the clutch issues, when I first let out the clutch, probably in this instance using too much throttle, there was a little shuddering, but then we were off and away, and then I muffed what should have been an easy shift into second gear. Never mind Shane, the bits and pieces of the gears are easily retrieved by draining the gearbox oil. (Just kidding!)

Once out the gate and on McLeans Island Road, the Packard accelerated away quite quickly and smoothly and before I knew it we were at the 80kph limit. Steering was very direct for a 1930s steering box, and the suspension was also very smooth. This was probably due to it having independent front suspension, which was a rarity on many 1930s cars. As I couldn’t easily reach the handbrake for one of my now famous handbrake turns, I opted for a quick visit to Orana Park, which meant in one gate, tight right turn and out the other. This time I took off in second gear which was shudderless and surprisingly smooth. Then it was back in the Cutler Park gate and over the tree-rooted drive, to where Dave was anxiously waiting our return.

Another hour or so and I would have probably mastered the clutch thing so I can see why Shane is more interested in driving the car, especially after some seven years of hard restoration work.

But I can also see why these cars appealed back in the day, as they oozed opulence, even these smaller straight-sixes, most of which had wide white walls (hint, hint).

If you don’t believe me, check out some of the advertisements on Mr Google. You cannot fail to be impressed. Cabin wise there was ample room for three across the front bench seat. His whiteknuckled gripping of the door frame while I was driving was only slightly off-putting, I’d have to say. (Just kidding again, Shane!).

The interior had been nicely upholstered in period style fabric and certainly looked the part. Hiding in behind the glovebox was a modern radio/CD player, with the FM aerial cunningly hidden under the vinyl roof – which was where the original radio aerials were located.

As the photos depict, this is not the ‘two boot’ model, rather it has a rumble (dickey) seat and a boot! And just to cap things off,

Shane managed to source a Packard Flying Lady hood ornament to sit atop the radiator grille. This Flying Lady was supposed to represent a combination of perfection in motion, speed, power and grace. It was an extra-cost factory accessory popular on all series of Packards from 1924 until WWII. It certainly does all that on Shane’s car.

WHY IS THIS PARTICULAR EXAMPLE RARE? This 1937 coupe model is known as the 115-C six. According to one set of statistics, there were 41,882 of these built out of a total of 109,518 units that year. However, the recorded production records are a bit iffy, as elsewhere production of the 115-C is given as being 65,400 out of a total of 122,593. But we can be assured that reportedly only six of these Junior coupes came to New Zealand as factory right hand drives. Two had rumble seats, and four were businessman coupes – as far as Dave and Shane have been able to ascertain. Shane and Dave are quite certain that this is the last remaining survivor of those six Junior coupes. It is unknown exactly how many Junior coupes were manufactured in right-hand drive configuration, but there cannot have been many which may be why lots of American Packard enthusiasts want to buy Shane’s one. The previous owner’s condition of sale to Shane was that he was never to on-sell it in his lifetime. While the previous owner has since moved on to that highway in the sky, Shane currently has no plans to take up any of the many offers to buy and it is not hard to comprehend why.

OTHER ODDITIES Not being a Packard aficionado but otherwise a fan of the marque, I can still remember the handful of sightings of other 1935-1937 examples in my travels. For instance, there was an unregistered green sedan, with side-mounted spares, and rear view mirrors atop the guards, in the front yard of a house opposite a Takapuna high school in the 1980s. Also the famous Craw Packard Museum on Waitakere Drive in Titirangi had several examples. This museum is now located near Whangarei and is owned by his son, I believe.

SPECIFICATIONS: Engine: 6-cylinder in line, L-Head, 4 main bearings Bore & Stroke: 3 7/16 inches x 4¼ inches Displacement: 237.0 cubic inches (3.88 litre) Max. bhp @ rpm: 100 @ 3600 Comp ratio: 6.3:1 Induction system: Chandler-Groves AOC-2 single bbl (1¼ inch) downdraft carburettor; AC camshaft-driven fuel pump, automatic choke.

Electrical system: Delco-Remy, 6 volt (now 12 volt, with alternator) Clutch: Semi-centrifugal, single dry plate, 9 ½ inches, mechanical foot pedal.

Transmission: Selective sliding gear, Differential: Hypoid. 4.36:1 semi-floating Steering: Worm & double tooth roller, centre point linkage Brakes: 4-wheel hydraulic Chassis & Body: Welded I-beam, X-type, composite steel & wood.

Body type: 4-passenger sport coupe.

Suspension: Front: independent coil springs Rear: semi-elliptical leaf springs.

Tyres: 6.50 x 16 (should be white walls, Shane!)

Performance: Top speed 78-80mph

Cruising speed 60-65mph

Acceleration, 0-50mph 14.4 seconds Standing quarter mile: 22 seconds (not allowed to test on this occasion) Fuel consumption: 18 mpg.

Overall rating: PDGR (Pretty Damn Good, Really!)

From time to time, I come across examples of father and son co-interest and ownership of vintage and classic vehicles, and Shane and Dave fall neatly into this category. I’m sure that there are a lot more out there, and there needs to be if there is to be any future for classic car ownership. Hopefully Shane’s resoluteness about no whitewalls on his car will be as forceful as his reaction should any bureaucratic noddy try to restrict or otherwise prohibit his ability to drive this classic 1930s coupe.

At the commencement of this write up, I asked the question “Why a Packard?” In this case the answer is pretty obvious, to me anyway. Hopefully you’ve reached the same conclusion.

Beaded Wheels 27

THE RACING SUNBEAMS IN NEW ZEALAND - NO 2

ISLE OF MAN TOURIST TROPHY CAR 1914 WORDS ANDREW ANDERSON PHOTOS THE LATE LUCY WILLS VIA ANDREW ANDERSON

As acquired from Fuggles with works road equipment

Late in the day of 21 September 1913, all those British side valve proponents, after seeing George Boillot’s last victory in the 3 litre Peugeot, “the apotheosis of the Henry design and perhaps the finest racers that ever came out of that famous factory”, went home to do some hard thinking.

Some, like Laurence Pomeroy senior, went home to “get some old drawings off the shelf”. Louis Coatalen (Director of Sunbeam) however, had other ideas.

With the Coupe de L’Auto formula going down to 2½ litres, Peugeot, like Sunbeam, sold off their 3 litre cars and started work on a 2½ litre design. One of those cars went to Jacques Menier in France while another was bought by Henry Royce to study and was kept by him until the start of WWI. The third went to Louis Coatalen, obviously in extreme secrecy, and was totally stripped and detailed drawings were made, scaling up perfect copies to a 3.3 litre version for the revived RAC Tourist Trophy (TT) race.

Coatalen had designed, built and driven special cars for the 1906, ‘07 and ‘08 TT races for Humber and Hillman. The new RAC formula for the revived TT was only two items, an engine capacity of 3310cc (weird) and a minimum weight of 2408lb. The race, over the 40 mile Isle of Man (IOM) circuit, involved 16 laps spread over two days on 10 and 11 June, and attracted Sunbeam plus eight other manufacturer’s entries, 24 cars in all.

Coatalen had had to consider up-scaling his copy design to TT spec, but also up to the 4½ litre capacity limit required of the GP de L’ACF in Lyon for 4 July 1914. For this latter up-scale some serious redesign and modification was done, especially to the valve gear and lubrication system. Thus four cars went to the IOM, three being pure copy cars, and the fourth, IOM2, race car 15 for Dario Resta, had all the GP car modifications as a flying test bed.

28 Beaded Wheels

That 21½ cwt minimum weight allowed Coatalen to design a TT chassis and running gear which was perfectly able to cope with the massive power increase delivered by the 4½ litres for the very fast Lyon GP circuit. The TT cars had engines set back in extra long subframes which were all predrilled for fitting larger engines.

Actual engine sizes were: 3 litre Peugeot, 78x156 mm T T Sunbeam, 81x160 mm, suitable for both copy and

modified car GP Sunbeam, 94x160 mm, same engine height but longer.

The modified designs involved two-bolt conrods instead of the four-bolt copy ones. On that first day’s racing the Guinness brothers kept ahead of the field, but Resta suffered a conrod bolt failure and IOM2 was out with a hole in the crankcase and a smashed conrod and piston. Kenelm Lee Guinness finally won, with brother Algernon going out with a mechanical failure. Back to Wolverhampton with all four cars and IOM2 left there for a good looksee at the whys and wherefores of the damage. The three copy cars, complete with 4½ litre engines and deeper radiators, were then off to Lyon, arriving with only one practice day left.

The 4 July start had the cars off in pairs, Sunbeams matched to the desmodromic valved and front wheel braked Delages, and proving quicker off the mark. Mercedes were back with a no less than a five car team to a 1, 2, 3 victory, with Goux fourth in Peugeot II and Resta fifth in Sunbeam II. Chassagne’s Sunbeam I was out

with conrod bolt failure, and Guinness was out too with a broken piston. Back to the Works for super spec rod bolts and the three GP cars were off to America for Indianapolis and board track racing just as August brought WWI. The war years thus had only three copy TT engines and radiators in the racing department, and IOM2 with new super rod bolts and a sheet brass patch riveted over the exit hole, but basically everything racing was in America. Come the war’s end, Sunbeam’s face at the odd organised event could only be IOM2, and we find mention of a TT ‘beam at Liverpool speed trials on 16 May 1921 driven by C V Cozens which got two places, including a first. On 4 June 1921 HOD Seagrave got ftd at Holm Moss Hill Climb. Since the three copy cars were still just bare engines and radiators, this could only be IOM2.

All the war-time aero engine work developed a growing interest in aluminum alloys, and with the Sunbeam/Darracq merger of 1920 the whole racing program involved eight cylinder all-alloy engines of 3 litres capacity.

All of which saw IOM2, like its 1913 predecessor, duly equipped with guards and running boards supporting a battery box and lights, sitting at R F Fuggles at Bushey Heath. It was snapped up by young C W F (Bill) Hamilton who was in the UK to help his father consult London medical specialists unavailable in New Zealand.

was spent setting Irishman Creek into shape, and building and equipping a workshop; Bill was very wary of that riveted brass patch on the Sunbeam’s crankcase.

He was determined to completely strip down and check over the whole engine before venturing to the 1925 Muriwai meeting in February. All duly done, Bill and his mate, Andy Irving, with Brescia Bugatti drove up, won the Motor Cup and Light Car Cup respectively and drove home again. Bill also achieved his first Australasian Speed Record at 101.3 mph.

As told last issue Matthew Wills arrived and purchased Opawa Station in March 1925, and with a strong wish to smother brotherin-law Bill, made contact with Fuggle for one of the 3 litre straight eight cars, and received, just in time, the very car in which Chassagne had won the 1922 race. So a threesome team went north for 1926, with Bill not the least bit worried about his opposition who was in a later car. For not only had he obtained from Sunbeams a crate full of their remaining 1914 TT and GP spares, he had done some aerodynamic work on replacing the original big bolster tank with a new smaller one in a streamline tail, and replaced the original Claudel Hobson carb with a set of twin Zenith carbs that cured the idling problems caused by the Claudel.

In the main 50 mile race Bill managed to lead for the first lap

Bill Hamilton had just bought Irishman Creek station of 23,500 acres in 1921. He sold his Bugatti when his father’s health prompted his engaging the previous owner/manager to look after the station for him while they took off to stay with Bill’s sister Kitty and her husband in London. At a loose end, and seeking a replacement for the Bugatti, he didn’t take long to find Fuggles, and a welcome invitation to spend a weekend in the country with an old friend complete with IOM2, to meet Peggy Wills, the elder sister of Matthew and Lucy, who we met over the Coupe de L’Auto car.

They clicked, went for a tour of Scotland with friends in a Sunbeam and a Harley-Davidson combo, were married in October 1923 and returned to Irishman Creek on P&O Moldavia in November, with the Sunbeam to follow on a later ship. 1924

until Wilson, in his first drive in the big Stutz in anger, started to feel at home in it and opened up, while Matthew, likewise getting the feel of the eight cylinder car, opened up and made real use of his four wheel brakes to pass Bill and close up on Wilson. And so it ended, 5 litre Stutz beats 3 litre 1922 Sunbeam in spite of its brakes, and 1922 beats 1914.

In the Bill Evans Handicap Bill beats the lot then returned home to really get to grips with the workshop. He made up a set of alloy pistons with a higher compression ratio and much reduced reciprocating weight, which allowed maximum revs up from 2800 with the iron pistons, to some 3200rpm, at which the very long stroke got piston speed pretty high. A lot of fast practice runs over those shingle roads led to a final collapse of the central main ball bearing

s 1925 Aust. Speed Record 101.3mph.

Beaded Wheels 29

s Preparation for 1925 Muriwai and a new workshop for this. Stan Jones (riding mechanic), Bill Hamilton, Jim Bain, Bill Bain.

which, in turn, broke the crankshaft at the centre. The crate of spares had this massive new ball race and Bill set about welding the shaft and getting it reassembled, improving the oil feed to the bearing races in time for the 1927 race.

Bert Shorter entered the ex-Count Louis Zboroswki 2 litre Miller.

From Australia came Hope Bartlett yet again, this time with a 1922 2 litre Sunbeam GP car.

The big race lacked Matthew’s eight cylinder 1922 TT car, which had dropped a valve in practice, Shorter’s Miller, which had thrown a rod, and Meredith’s eight cylinder Bugatti with various ailments.

Bill started behind the Strasbourg car but soon overtook it and led for a couple of laps before his main oil pipe fractured well down the beach and he was out. The Strasbourg 2 litre was no match for the Stutz which just crossed the finish line before its crankcase disintegrated.

For 1928 Matthew Wills gave up and sold the 1922 car to George Henning, who duly lined up for the big race as did Bill with IOM2, Wilson with the Stutz, now totally rebuilt by Mason-Porter, the Miller now owned by Keith Cutten and thus properly rebuilt and repaired, Bauchop with the Thomas Special, Charlie East from Sydney with a type 37 Bugatti and Hugh Carter with a Mercer.

The revived Stutz got a lead, being really pushed by the Miller, with the rest some 40 seconds later, but the Miller lost its earth wire, and Cutten didn’t find the problem in time to rejoin the fray, so Wilson could relax a bit, but only a bit, as Bill was only four seconds behind. Both the East Bugatti and Carter’s Mercer were well back, and Henning dropped a valve in the eight cylinder car, wrecking one cylinder block and holing the crankcase. So IOM2 came in second in 36 minutes 28 seconds to Wilson’s final 35 minutes 56 seconds for his third win, thus keeping the New Zealand Motor Cup.

On 3 March Bill and IOM2 had a great day of racing at Oreti Beach in Southland, including another electrically-timed Australasian Flying Mile record at 109.09 mph and on 17 March Bill beat Andy Irving’s Bugatti at Waikouaiti.

For 1929 Peggy’s parents gave the Hamiltons a trip back to UK, and she, having sold her much campaigned Alvis in New Zealand, went looking for a replacement and bought a second hand 4½ litre Bentley. In June they both took the car to Le Mans to see the Bentley 1,2,3,4 exercise. Bill decided to enter the 1930 Brooklands’ Easter Meeting and Bentley Motors allowed him to use their workshop to prepare the car, resulting in three wins and much fame. But the family’s return with the Bentley saw IOM2 in very reduced circumstances.

Bill however decided to reconvert the old car to a touring car, and over time built a light tubing body frame, suitable guards, fitted lights and modified a four branch exhaust and under body pipe. Re-spoking the wheels, and changing to well-base 20 Inch tyres from the original beaded edge ones, gave it quite a modern look for the ‘30s. However by 1938, with Bill’s contracting and machinery taking all his time, IOM2 languished in the back of the shed, till, as per that Autocar article of 6 February 1942, in 1940 John Farnsworth bought it from Bill and set about finishing its rebuild and tidying it up for regular use, until, quote “Increasing pressure of work”. It has gone to a good home.

Alas it didn’t. It went to Andy MacIntosh of Invercargill, proprietor of a wrecking company, and regular type 13 and 23 Bugatti owner and competitor who, not long after its purchase, was blipping the throttle as if it was a Bugatti until number one rod let go and almost carved off the front of the crankcase. The super bolts didn’t let go, the little end parted company with the rest of the rod, which simply carved up the case and knocked a chunk off a corner of the cast iron block too.

30 Beaded Wheels

BOOK REVIEW

Straight Eight Automobile Engine

s 1926 New twin carbs

A DETAILED HISTORY OF THE STRAIGHT-EIGHT AUTOMOBILE ENGINE

Author: Stephen Moore Self published by author as PDF on USB stick, 868 pages, 300,000 words.

Price of USB is $65 plus P&P from https://www.straight-eightengines.com ISBN: 978-0-473-54810-0 Review by Roy Hughes

s Welded shaft with new alloy pistons

s John Farnsworth in the car back as a sportscar.

Andy “Mac” promptly gassed off the front and rear axles and sold them complete with Rudge wheels as trailer sets, and the frame became a local pig pen. The complete subframe, radiator, oil tank and a pile of odd bits and pieces were returned to Irishman Creek by Bill’s nephew Dick Georgeson and stowed in the garage attic until that first Irishman Creek Rally at Easter 1955, when Bill donated the bits to the Club. These were duly collected by me in a 40/50 Napier and stowed under my garage until a Club committee under Bob Turnbull and Graham Hall decided what to do with it all. I wrote to UK owners Stanley Sears and Sir Francis Samuelson for help. The committee finally decided that the Club itself couldn’t do anything about it and at the Executive Meeting on 2 November 1957, Rob Shand moved that my offer to take it all over and restore the car be accepted, seconded Bert Tonks and carried.

My story is quite another one and will be told in due course but for this story IOM2 is a bundle of bits, less frame and axles.

Describing this lengthy history of the straight-eight engine as detailed has to be the ultimate understatement. While it offers far more than many may feel they need to know about this particular engine configuration, overall it provides an enthralling and informative review of a half century of the development of the motor industry.

Written in a concise and easily read style it is a precise and comprehensively researched reference work of enormous depth and breadth - 434 reference works are listed in the bibliography. While the vast majority of straight eight engines were manufactured in the United States and Canada, production elsewhere in the world is also covered, country by country, including Norway, Japan, the USSR, and even Switzerland.

What would be a large and expensive book if printed has been published as a PDF on a USB stick. With 300,000 words

on 846 landscape pages, it is also easier to read on screen as the print can be magnified and charts, illustrations and diagrams scaled up.

Included are the histories of the nearly 300 automobile manufacturers from AAC to ZIS who used straight-eights, along with 567 engine specification tables, and the specifications for all Continental, Lycoming, Gordini and S.C.A.P straighteight engines.

But far more than just a listing of manufacturers this history also details the competition successes achieved in the 1920s and ‘30s when straighteight powered cars effectively dominated at Indianapolis, Le Mans and a range of other racing events, right up until the early 1950s. Another chapter is devoted to the technical development of the engine, its advantages and disadvantages, with every component described in concise detail from crankshafts through carburettors to spark plugs.

But perhaps the most unexpected benefit of Stephen Moore’s five years of research and compilation of the many fascinating facts about an engine is the detailed insight he provides into how economic events and government impositions, such as taxes and tariffs, have had a determining impact on the development of the world motor industry.

Ed Note: Thanks to Andrew Anderson for providing his regular contribution to our The Way We were column for this issue. Due to space considerations we have held this over for publication in our August issue.

Beaded Wheels 31

THE LONGEST TIME WORDS BRYAN O’BRIEN PHOTOS BRYAN O’BRIEN AND RON TAYLOR

32 Beaded Wheels

In the winter of 1995 an ad appeared in the local paper. “Ford V8 Sedan in need of a tidy up and new interior.” I had been working from my home doing auto upholstery since 1993, so this could suit me as an entry back into the old car scene, from which I had been absent for a number of years.

THE JOURNEY

THE QUICK TIDY UP

During my teen years a lot of my mates had Ford V8s, mostly jalopies in those days. I was always envious of them as their cars had heaps more get up and go than mine ever did. My father was a devout Mopar man and was adamant that I should not own a Ford V8.

The ad for the ‘39 caught my attention so I made an appointment to view the car. Off I went, rose coloured spectacles on. As it happened I couldn’t see the forest for the trees. The car appeared to have a certain patina about it. Faded hawthorn green paint, worn tyres, minor dents, dull chrome and remains of the original interior trim.

The car had been in storage since 1988 - 89 when it had been driven to Hawke’s Bay from Dunedin by the previous owner, who had apparently inherited it from his father in the early 1980s.

The rego, warrant stickers and ownership papers seemed to verify this. The current owner/vendor intended for it to be a retirement project but had since changed his mind and was asking $4,000 (as is where is). The asking price was a bit over the top for those days, but when I considered that I could deal with the interior myself, and the fact I was capable of other repairs, the end cost would be about its market value.

The car had not been changed into the person’s name as the format for registered owners had by this time changed to the present system. I simply filled in the old papers to prove ownership of the vehicle for reregistering.

A hot rodder from Palmerston North had been showing a bit of interest but was hedging over the price. I decided in for a penny, in for a pound, and I told the guy I would pay the four grand if I could hear it running and be able to drive it around the block.

The call came a week later for the big road test. I arrived to the sound of the V8 running. Both front pipes were burnt through and it sounded like a stock car. I would have thought it was very cool if I had still been in my teens. I hopped in the driver’s seat and took off down the drive with a hiss and a roar.

As I changed it up into second gear the leaking water pumps showered the distributor with rusty water, it was now running on about five cylinders. The steering box had lumps in it, the clutch shuddered like an earthquake and only the handbrake worked.

Well I drove it around the block, bought it and towed it home.

What have I done? The old man would have been horrified.

Like any kid with a new toy I was keen to clean things up and see what I had. A box of parts revealed various nuts and bolts, some scruffy dented hub caps, the remains of some scuff plates, stainless strips for the door cards, and remnants of the original cotton headlining.

I obtained a catalogue from Ajays Ford Parts and duly started buying bits and pieces, which would hopefully get things moving to get it back on the road as quickly as possible.

It was about this time I managed to track down and contact the previous owner who was still residing in Hawke’s Bay. He told me they had partially pulled the car to bits, done some panel work and had it painted in Duco (old nitrocellulose lacquer) after stripping it back to bare metal. He got transferred to Hastings with his job and put the car back together in a hurry to drive it to the North Island.

He then sold it to the person I purchased it from.

I made up a new headlining and windlace, then started to tidy up the inside, when to my dismay I slipped with the screwdriver hence removing a large chunk of paint. On close inspection, I found the paint peeled off easily. A bare metal repaint with no etch primer.

I started to look around the rest of the car with more attention to detail, the result was not good, a clean shirt with a dirty singlet.

The sills and running boards had been fabricated from galvanised iron showing some ugly bird crap welds. Cleaning the boot floor of underseal resulted in several large holes appearing. In addition the boot lid did not line up with the radius of the body around the channel. The engine mount radius rods had parted company from the recess in the chassis due to cracking and metal fatigue, hence the shudder in the clutch. It was time to make some decisions about my newly acquired asset, (or was that a liability?).

THE TURNING POINT I had not intended to restore another car at this stage in my life, but the pros and cons had to be considered.

If I just patched it up, it would still be a jalopy that I would never be happy with. Time to bite the bullet. Guards, doors, bonnet, grille, boot lid, glass all removed. Drive train, front and rear axles as well, then the body was lifted off the chassis.

The car was now in many bits awaiting plenty of attention, and was officially a project. Nothing much was achieved over the next few years as business and work commitments kept me fairly busy, and spare time was just a memory. The car, now in parts, was put into storage to languish for a rainy day.

Beaded Wheels 33

Before restoration

After restoration

In 2005 I shifted my business to new larger premises in the local

All new brake lines were made up and fitted with cupro-nickel

industrial area, with renewed motivation on the horizon. I started to farm out bits and pieces for various repairs and panel work to competent tradies I had been able to come into contact with.

In 2008, another hurdle, daughter diagnosed with terminal illness and passing away in 2010. In 2011 another distraction in the form of a 1937 Plymouth coupe. The car was known to me from the early 1970s. Although it had been pulled to bits for a tidy up in the late ‘70s, it had been done to a reasonable standard compared to the ‘39 Ford.

Another 25 grand bites the dust, but I had to have it. In six months it was back on the road and I now had something to use while I concentrated on the resurrection of the ‘39. Unfortunately, the coupe only led to further procrastination and the ‘39 was destined to be shelved once again.

tubing, all brake shoes relined and drums machined, new hoses all round, new master cylinder and wheel cylinders fitted, new handbrake cable. Steering box dismantled and rebuilt with new parts, worm, bearings, spacers, sector shaft and peg.

Engine stripped, cleaned, measured, fitted with new bearings on conrods, crankshaft had previously been ground. New gaskets, water pumps, clutch and pressure plate, starter generator and distributor rebuilt, new fuel pump and carb fitted. New front pipes and exhaust system replaced, cracked manifold replaced. Speedo sent to New Plymouth for repairs and calibration.

Body shell sandblasted exposing numerous rust holes which resembled kitchen sieve. Taken to body shop, floors repaired and sills replaced. Body two pack etched, filled then surfaced. long blocked with 150 grit guide coats applied and dry blocked with 320 grit, powder dye applied then rubbed with 400. Top coated with two pack PPG system, Ford Australia (Sherwood Green), bumpers and over riders rechromed, stainless mouldings sent to Lower Hutt to specialist in reshaping, repairs and polishing. Original gauges restored by Robinson Instruments Auckland.

Doors, boot, bonnet etc now in primer assembled back to body for correct gaps, then drilled and dowelled to ensure correct positioning at final assembly after top coats applied.

With body now back on the chassis all glass along with new wiring loom fitted and tested. Engine running now. While body parts were being top coated, I couldn’t resist driving it around the block sitting on a kitchen chair tied to the door posts. Great fun after all those years.

With all upholstery now done, final assembly was started and completed in 2019. Was then complianced by AA with its original black plates.

Now restored after 24 years the maiden road trip was Napier to Rotorua and return with the early American V8 club at Easter.

The 80 year old car travelled the Napier/Taupo highway with minimal gear work over the two mountain ranges. It handled reasonably well, although was only shod with crossply tyres. Fuel consumption was good and she drove like a new car.

THE FINAL CUT Enter Terry Melsop of the early V8 club who had heard through the grapevine about the ‘39. It was Terry’s enthusiasm that finally prompted me into action.

The chassis was stripped right back, sandblasted and painted with industrial durepox two pack etch primer. Front and rear assemblies dismantled, checked for wear and parts replaced where necessary, eg new shackles and bushes, reset springs, heavier main leaf fitted to front suspension, rebuilt Armstrong shocks adapted into original brackets. Rotaflow rear shocks retained. The only other modifications were indicators and deluxe steering wheel. The six volt system retained.

I couldn’t resist driving it around the block sitting on a kitchen chair tied to the door posts.

34 Beaded Wheels

Postscript: Bryan recently sold the car to Ron Taylor in Auckland who has the car in regular use.

ARCHIVIST NEWS Our club archive is located at the VCCNZ National Office in Christchurch and is open to visitors on Friday mornings. It contains a wealth of historic material, a lot of which has been digitised. It is well worth a visit or if you have any queries do get in contact with our archivist Don Muller phone 03 385 6850 or archivist@vcc.org.nz.

S. SMITH & SONS INSTRUMENT MAKERS G.B. Many will be familiar with Smiths motor instruments such as speedometers and other automotive gauges, as these were a common fitment in English vehicles.

I have always admired a 460 page catalogue published by S Smith & sons titled Motor Accessories, Smiths MA. Published about 1920, it is in excellent condition and has impressive photos and artwork, some in colour, of the massive collection of Smiths manufactured products. Also included are products they had exclusive selling rights to, as well as motoring tools and accessories they retailed for other manufacturers. The Smith’s MA logo, as seen on all Smiths instruments stands for Motoring Accessories. According to a note in the book it was donated by a W L Miller from Ashburton in 1962. It doesn’t say who it was donated to and we don’t know how it came end up in the VCC Archive.

S. Smith established their speedometer business in 1899.

Prior to 1910 speedometers were

an extra accessory for a motor car, only the wealthy could afford a car, and to keep up with the latest technology they had to have a speedometer fitted to their car. The first speedo that Smiths manufactured was for King Edward VII. This obviously created a worldwide interest as there is a page in the catalogue naming 21 Kings and Queens from various countries plus 105 names indicating nobility, such as Dukes, Earls, Lords, Viscounts, Sirs, Ladies and Archbishops who had also purchased Smith’s speedos. There is also page dedicated to the Royal Appointment to S. Smith & Son for their work in timekeeping instruments and speedos by HM King George V and Queen Alexandra, complete with the two Royal Coats of Arms.

In 1913 Smiths built Speedometer House at 179-185 Gt Portland St London for their HQ. It had a floor space of 80,000 square feet and employed 650 staff. Here they manufactured numerous items such as, speedos, motor clocks, carburettors, starting and lighting systems, mechanical and electric horns, Smith’s Double quick jacks, and foot pumps, to name

some. During WWI the whole of the factory was dedicated to the war effort making over 8,000,000 fuses, gun mechanisms, speedos, carburettors and aviation instruments. In 1915 over five acres of land at Edgeware Road, Cricklewood were purchased to build the largest factory in the British Isles. It was 250,000 square feet and employed over 2750 staff. The weekly output was 3,000 speedos, 2,000 motor clocks, 1,000 gauges, 2,000 dynamo lighting sets, 2,000 carburettors and 2,000 horns.

In later years KLG spark plugs, ML Magnetos and Jaeger UK were purchased by Smiths. Around 1930 Lucas and Smiths came to an agreement that they would not compete with each other in certain areas and Lucas took on Smith’s non-instrumentation assets while Smiths became the dominant supplier of instruments for the British motor car and motorcycle industry.

My first experience with Smith’s instruments was when, as a young lad, I saved my pocket money and bought a Smith’s speedo for my bicycle. My objective was to make the speed pointer rotate as far clockwise as possible, and put as many miles as I could on the odometer. Apart from a few cable breakages, it worked well. I still have the speedo, with many miles on the odometer.

Don Muller Archivist archivist@vcc.org.nz

Beaded Wheels 35

VERO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF HISTORIC MOTORING

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Words Greg Terrill, Festival Director

REGISTRATION FORM

men’s or women’s fit and a range of colours.

Online registration is now open at www.historicmotoring.co.nz While getting our online registration has taken longer than I envisaged, the result is far easier and quicker to use both for you the entrants to register and for our secretary and treasurer as far as reconciling entries with money received.

Merchandise is to be pre ordered and paid for before the Festival starts and will be available with your Festival pack, which you can pick up on the afternoon of Sunday 16.

CARS TO BORROW We have received a request from five couples from Canada who have been to previous rallies in New Zealand and would like to borrow five cars for the Festival (Covid permitting). If you are able to help with this please contact our Festival Secretary Mark Masters, festivalsecretary@vcc.org.nz and he can give you contact details.

GRAVEL ROADS Our route plotters, Amber and Nick have done a fantastic job with the roads we will be travelling on. On Monday, Thursday and Friday where there are gravel roads, they have also given you alternative instructions to use if you want to stay on the sealed road.

The Wednesday motoring takes you around the coast to Opunake.

There are a couple of hundred metres of unsealed road which follow the coast. This is a sand base road and will be less damaging than travelling over any usual road works.

MEALS, MERCHANDISE AND FESTIVAL PLAQUES To be pre-ordered before Festival starts - Meals cannot be ordered once the Festival is underway

Once entries close an order form will be sent to each entrant for each of the following.

Meals A full description of meal menus and prices for the evenings of Sunday 16, Monday 17, Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 will be included. You can choose as many meal nights at the Festival HQ or none and dine elsewhere if you so wish.

Merchandise There will only be a limited range of merchandise available. We have ensured that this is top quality and of a practical nature ie polo and tee shirts will be available in European sizing, 36 Beaded Wheels

Extra Festival Plaques

Each entry receives one Festival plaque. If you require an extra one, you can order it on this form along with any meals or merchandise. Extra Festival plaques are to be pre ordered and paid for before the Festival starts and will be available when your pick up your Festival pack, on the afternoon of Sunday 16.

Pre-ordering and pre-paying ensures we can secure these items at the very best rates, with no unsold goods left at the end of the event. This also ensures that the caterer doesn’t run out of food on any night or have large quantities of food left that would be wasted.

STREET PARTY EXTRAVAGANZA Thursday 20 4pm – 8pm

Inglewood First are in top gear organising this for us. For 13 years they have organised a similar event for Americana where they dress the streets and shops in an appropriate manner to fit this era of vehicles (mainly ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s cars from America).

For our event Inglewood First have taken on the challenge of a wider age of vehicle, and as such, would like us to dress for the day in clothing that is appropriate for the era of our vehicles. The Festival Committee request that you dress up, join in and enjoy the Street Party Extravaganza.

Travelling at night back to New Plymouth after the Street Party Extravaganza We recognise that veteran vehicles with no lights, or very poor lights might have concerns.

It is anticipated that veterans and slower vehicles will be first into Inglewood to park up for the Extravaganza, which means you will be the first to leave at the conclusion of the event at 8pm.

Inglewood to New Plymouth is 12 miles (18km) so with daylight saving, there should be no problem getting back to New Plymouth before its dark.

In an effort to reduce any congestion we will be asking the more motorable vehicles with good lights to take the slightly longer route back to New Plymouth via SH3a.

FESTIVAL MOTORING FORMAT On each of the motoring days (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) your day will start from either Devon Street East or Devon Street West in the city, and have the option of a short or a long run. As we don’t want to disrupt early traffic, no vehicles will leave from the TSB Stadium (racecourse) in the morning.

There is no set morning departure time from New Plymouth each day. However, you will be given a time when you will need to be at the lunch stop/ destination as well as an estimated travel time. We have deliberately introduced flexible start times so that you have time if you want to stop and admire any of the attractions along the way.

The Destinations Monday 17 Destination Tikorangi Wednesday 19 Destination Opunake Thursday 20 Destination Stratford / Whangamomona Thursday Evening Street Party Extravaganza.

Friday 21 Destination Hawera Tuesday 18 Competitive day(optional): The competitive aspect is timing only. Separate routes for the following classes of vehicles; Veteran, Vintage, Post Vintage, Post War, P60, P80, Motorcycles and Commercials. Starting points for these routes are all different and will be from places of interest. If preferred have a rest day today or take time out to enjoy the sights of Taranaki.

VERO INTERNATIONAL

FESTIVAL OF HISTORIC MOTORING 16-21 JANUARY 2022

ENTERTAINMENT There will be a variety of top-class entertainment each night in the TSB Stadium, except for Thursday 20.

ON YOUR WAY HOME Why not make a month of motoring and attend some other events at the conclusion of the VERO International Festival of Historic Motoring? I have outlined two for your interest.

Whanganui Branch Burma Rally Immediately after, make your way two hours south of New Plymouth for the Whanganui Vintage Weekend in conjunction with the Whanganui Branch’s Burma Rally. This event starts on Saturday 22 January. This is the day following the conclusion on the VERO International Festival of Historic Motoring.

Art Deco in Hawke’s Bay From Whanganui, travel across to Hawke’s Bay for the Art Deco event. Each year the Hawke’s Bay Branch have featured vehicles and for 2022 it will be Ford V8s 1932 – 1945.

On Thursday 17 February there is an event for the featured vehicles and a welcome dinner for all entrants and on Friday the branch holds a rally for all VCC eligible vehicles as well as functions on Saturday and Sunday morning Note: Only pre-1946 vehicles are eligible for Art Deco Trust events ie Saturday’s parade and parking on Marine Parade during the event.

CONTACT For any enquiries regarding the VERO International Festival of Historic Motoring, please contact.

Festival Secretary, Mark Masters, festivalsecretary@vcc.org.nz

R REGISTE D AN TODAY *

WIN 2 FINALE TICKETS

*Complete your registration and

pay before 30 June 2021 and be in the draw to win two free tickets to the festival finale.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN ENTER ONLINE OR DOWNLOAD THE FORMS AT

historicmotoring.co.nz

A round up of notable rallies and events from around our branches

RALLY SNIPPETS

s First cars away -Taupo Country Roads Rally.

TAUPO COUNTRY ROADS RALLY Taupo Branch March 2021

Words Neil Chave Photos Dean Packwood It was a superb autumn day for the Taupo Country Roads Rally, and just under 30 cars arrived for the 8.30am briefing by the rally director Murray Stanley. The rally took us on a Taupo town tour with plenty of clues then a section of tulip navigation to see whether or not we were paying attention during the tutorial. After this section we were all introduced into reversing our cars in a large circle without leaving the seal and if the navigator was able to complete the test instead then more points were awarded. Then there was a quick stop for morning tea back

s Taupo Rally Category Winners.

38 Beaded Wheels

at the Taupo clubrooms before heading off to stage two that took us out into the rural backblocks of the Taupo district.

The silent checks kept us all very alert and we all arrived at the Tirohanga School for lunch. The rally then offered our visitors a scenic trip back to town to enjoy even more of the local highlights. In the evening we hosted 50 for the formal rally dinner and the overall winners were Dave and Glynis Waghorn of Wellington (previously Taupo members) driving their Jaguar XJS V12.

The prizes were presented by our main sponsor Mark Kirkcaldie from Kirk Motors

Taupo. We were again delighted to have a large contingent from Wellington Branch and this group did well with category prizes. The Hard Luck prize was awarded to our local member John Harvey whose Ford Prefect stopped just a matter of metres before the finishing line. All due to a fuel blockage. On the Sunday morning our parts shed was open for sales.

s Rally Director Murray Stanley’s briefing.

s Waikato: Stop over to inspect the site where filming of the Lord of the Rings tv series had taken place recently.

s Wanganui: The winners of the Trial, Glyn and Cathy Clements with their Honda CX500 combo.

IRISH WOMANS RALLY

38TH CASTROL MOTORCYCLE TRIAL

Waikato Branch March 2021 Words and Photo Trevor Appleby As can be expected the number of entries was well down on last year. At our monthly meeting on Tuesday 2 March it was elected to proceed, at this stage with five entries. Another cancellation was received, so four entries total.

Saturday 6 March After briefing we were ready to go.

Pieter Deutz Ebeling’s Standard only got 100 yards out the gate before it had issues. He struggled back to the school and jumped into his ute. The run took us up to Rangitoto Station. Those that have done it before know it is a great run, 33kms from leaving the tarseal to the top.

We arrived at the woolshed to have a cuppa and lunch, then on up to the airstrip for superb views. Back down and Nathan, the lead vehicle took us on another track, until it ran out so we retraced our steps back to the road to get us back to the tarseal. We did another side trip up to another airstrip with more good views.

Away again to the tarseal and heading for home. I cut this short and got back to the school and proceeded to get Pieter’s car going, a fuel issue as it turned out.

s Waikato: Mike and Leslie Adams in their 1928 Riley.

Sunday 7 March We delayed the start by 30 minutes to wait for sunshine and left the school at about 9.30am. Four cars all going today.

Through Kaiwhio Farms and down to where Amazon did the filming of the next Lord of the Rings series, on through to Kaiwhio Dairies and up to my farm.

The tracks were all very wet and a bit of ingenuity was required to negotiate. At my farm boundary we were fortunate to have the neighbours 25 plus water buffalo at the fence. These girls are very big and menacing with their horns. Some parts of the farm proved too wet to negotiate, so we went back to the road and round to the neighbours where the buffalo were, through the farm. We then crossed the main road to a deer farm. Good tracks and we saw thousands of deer and elk with really good views from the height we were at. On to the next neighbour’s farm where the clay tracks, plus going downhill caused a few anxious moments sliding round banks. We all made it and back over a bridge to get back on the road to Ngaroma.

Up on to the Archer farm and Rustys Roost hut for a cuppa and lunch. More rain, but nice and dry in the hut. Due to the weather and tracks, we headed back to the tarseal to more shingle roads to get back to the school. Four cars all made it no problems. A nice two days motoring for pre 1931 vehicles.

s Waikato: Pieter and Johanna Deutz Ebeling in their revitalized 1924 Standard SLO4.

Wanganui Branch Words Toni Jenkins

Photos Graham Bailey The 38th Castrol Motorcycle Trial was held in excellent conditions with 35 entries. The riders travelled up the Whanganui River Road to Raetihi for lunch at the school, then returned down State Highway 4 through the Paraparas to our clubrooms. Spectators watched the start and finish, giving something of a carnival atmosphere.

Glyn and Cathy Clements won the Trial with their Honda CX500 Combo, receiving only five penalty points for the entire run. Robert Hood, a well-known sidecar champion, won the classic class on his Triumph three cylinder. The Coleman Cup for the best performing Wanganui member was won by Sam Wilson on his 650cc AJS.

s Wanganui: A very cheerful Verdon Heath with his MZ.

Beaded Wheels 39

Gathering for Mooloo

MOOLOO MEANDER 2021 Waikato Branch 10 April 2021 Words Bob Hayton

Photos Robert Young Watery sunshine would best describe what greeted the 60 entrants for this year’s Mooloo Meander. A couple probably took one look at the forecast and went back to bed, but the rest were made of sterner stuff, packed the wet gear and made for the clubroom rendezvous. What a great sight they all made with their varied and colourful bikes lined up around the property.

A briefing about ever-present dangers while riding on country lanes followed a period of respectful silence in memory of Les Diez, one of the Mooloo Meander founding group who had such foresight some 27 years ago. One wonders whether they could have anticipated the success

all these years later of their early enthusiasm for what is now the pre-eminent annual classic motorcycling event in the region.

Paul Whitehead was first away on his diminutive 1924 round-tank BSA, followed at half minute intervals by a veritable flood of machines, Nortons, Enfields, Triumphs, Hondas, Ariels, Velocettes, BSAs, BMWs and the rest, all making for Karapiro and the open roads beyond. The Mooloo is not named a Meander for nothing – we wandered and meandered our way south past the hydro lakes to Arohena, twisting and turning to Wharepapa and Wharepuhunga before the first of the light rain appeared on the horizon. Korakonui and Tokanui were behind us before it came back again, this time in earnest. Fortunately we arrived at our lunch venue in time to protect most

of us from the worst of it. The homeward leg was a wet affair.

For some the social side is the best part of this annual event, and this was well covered with the welcome at the Prince Albert on Friday evening, followed by the Saturday evening meal in our clubrooms preceding the prizegiving.

RESULTS Veteran & Vintage Don Green Post Vintage Alice Leney Post War Robert Simpson Post 60 Jeremy Lambert Post 80 Adrian Collins Combo & 3 Wheel John & Jill Williams Invitation Graeme Cartwright 1st Lady Jo-Ann Termaat Hard luck Peter Alderdice, Mike O’Kane, Wayne Johnson 1st Waikato Robert Simpson Overall Winner Jeremy Lambert

CAST IRON WELDING

Powder Spray Process, Cylinder Heads, Manifolds, Cooling Fins, Castings, Mechanical Repairs & Rebuilds

THOMAS ROWE MOTORING ENGINEER ltd 6 RD Palmerston North PHONE

06 324-8707 40 Beaded Wheels

CENTRAL OTAGO SOUTHERN WANDERINGS

INSTRUMENT REPAIRS Taking in the view

20-21 February 2021 Words and photos Graham Taylor Graham Taylor launched his 2021 motoring adventures in January with a run to Clyde and the historic Como Vineyard.

This set the tone for a summer of sightseeing.

Over the weekend of 20/21 February there was quite a bit of action at Mandeville; steam traction engines, a rare Rodgers steam locomotive and a static and flying display of De Havilland aircraft.

We had a visit to the Smiths’ De Havilland restoration facility where we were guided

by Maeva Smith through some of the projects, including a DH88 racer which was the inspiration for the Mosquito. We went on to see through John Tremaine’s extensive car collection, which included some relatively late models, likely to soon to become quite scarce as time moves on.

Cheryl and I had a diversion to Fiordland and then to the Gore Rally via the Southern Scenic route. This rally introduced us to some new routes.

In March I led a small tour group to Greymouth, stopping at Methven on the Thursday, then continuing via Arthur’s Pass, Mahinapua and the Treetop walk on

Friday. The Scenicland Timbertop Rally on Saturday attracts people and cars from all over the South Island and at least one from the North Island. The West Coast Branch made the most of their stunning scenery and varied roads for the 84 or so cars this year. After about ten years back in the VCC, I find that at the Scenicland and the Gore rallies one seems to meet up with quite an active family of members from all over the South Island.

Wheels at Wanaka has grown in size and variety, and this year featured Land Rover, with a large and varied display and also the London-Singapore Oxford found on St Helena and resurrected to make a star appearance at Wanaka. Enthusiast’s cars included the Pork Pie Minis, Targa cars, and almost everything else imaginable from converted La France fire engines to raceabouts, to a BMW Isetta mini car.

Wheels also features tractors, earthmoving machinery, trucks, demonstrations, and a tractor pull. The largest, and with the most variety, of any similar show that I am aware of.

s Jarrod Dacombe was sure to attract a gathering to look over his DeLorean.

s Something French. It would take a whole album of photos to show the variety at Wheels at Wanaka. This was of the VCC French section.

Experienced expert technician available to refurbish or repair your automotive and marine instruments

Bruce Chaytor Ph 021 631 700 or Nicolette Prangley 021 166 8374 nap.chaytor@gmail.com 5 Gibbs Place, Kinloch RD1, Taupo 3377 Beaded Wheels 41

STIRRING THE SEVEN SENSES

THE MANUNUI COASTAL HILL CLIMB WORDS KEVIN BEESLEY

This speed event, staged jointly by Waitemata Branch and the Historic Racing and Sports Car Club, with timing assistance courtesy of the MG Car Club, catered for all the senses.

The pleasantly rural Manunui Coastal Estate, a lifestyle retreat near Pakiri about 70 minutes drive north of Auckland, offers sensory reward enough with or without the presence of historic motor vehicles. North facing on the side of the ridge rising behind the Pakiri settlement, with bush clad slopes and stunning views over rolling green farmland out to the white sands of Pakiri Beach and the ocean beyond, it is a glorious location for a hill climb.

Generous cloud cover on 28 March, the day of the contest, held the temperature

down to a pleasant level, and a stiff breeze from the north-east was fresh with the salty tang of the nearby coast.

The course is over about 1.2 kms of the tar sealed road into the estate, rising about 100 metres in elevation through a series of corners and gradients. It is challenging, and testing of each competitor’s sense of balance and orientation. Immediately from the start line the road ascends steeply for 250 metres or so, then veers sharp left into a modest decline before a sweeping right-hander of increasing severity, then

s Bright and shiny start line-up. Photo: Jacqui Goldingham.

42 Beaded Wheels

.onwards and sinuously upwards to the finish.

“We are aiming to get four runs in,” declared Max Jamieson, Clerk of the Course, at the drivers’ briefing. That may not sound many, but there were 31 contestants to get through, which requires a pretty slick operation. Waitemata are quite good at this sort of thing and activities progressed smoothly, despite a minor hiccup early on with the timing gear.

In the end, three runs including the practice were undertaken. Time for the fourth run was curtailed by a delay in proceedings during the third following an unscheduled departure from the course by Peter Boel in his 41C Lotus, and the location of an unfortunate tree that impeded further progress. Peter could take some consolation, though, from the excellent time of 61.85 seconds he posted on his second run. The Lotus was rather crumpled. The fate of the tree is uncertain.

Shortest time of the day went to Nigel Russell in his 1960 1098cc Sadler SJ. Nigel’s sense of proprioception was jolted somewhat about two thirds into his practice run when he slid off the road, ran through a coprosma bush and over a large rock it was

s Cresting MG. Lawrence Poolman and his 1934 Special. Photo: Jacqui Goldingham.

Terry Roycroft and Bugatti Type 35A in rural setting. Photo: Stuart Elliot.

s Ray Ferner relaxed in the 1931 BSA. Photo: Geoff Austen.

There was no sparing of the prancing horse.

The 1953 166MM Ferrari at play. Photo: Jacqui Goldingham. s Mike Courtney fires away in the Ford. Photo: Stuart Elliot.

concealing. This was a moving experience for the rock, which was displaced several centimetres from its original position, and a removing one for the Sadler’s left hand front wheel, which found itself separated from the rest of the vehicle.

The powers that make motorsport their care move in mysterious ways, though.

Soon thereafter, Steve Sharp and his Lotus 7 made a similar excursion through the same long-suffering coprosma and, missing the rock because Nigel had shifted it, Steve went on to register FTD at a course record 57.84 seconds.

Chris Fraser came in second, he and his 1975 Lola T342/FF achieving 60.39 seconds, a tad over his event winning 59.07 seconds at this hill climb last year. A whisker behind in third place at 60.46 seconds was Tony Olissoff in his diminutive 998cc Emeryson Elfin.

Fastest VCC car was Ralph Watson’s wonderful creation, the much modified, rotary valved 1931 BSA FW32, which, in the capable hands of its now owner Ray Ferner, proved what a formidable competitor it is, coming in at 62.02 seconds. The auditory impact of this vehicle as it exploded away from the start line endowed the word “blat” with a whole new dimension.

Hamish Andrew in 1958 Speedex Silverstone, Peter Benbrook in 1959 Gemini Mk 2, John Hudson in 2002 BMW and Noel Woodford in Gemini Mk3A all posted commendable times.

When it comes to good times, though, the prize went to Rob Scott, who was on his maiden event in his 1939 Austin Big 7 Special, a project that has been many years in the realisation. Also noted with large grins were Brendan Lamain campaigning his Triumph TR6, Rob Moston in the always well-presented C Type Jaguar, Graham Brayshaw at the wheel of his trusty 1954 Mk 6 Buckler, Lotus 11 mounted Tony Bushell, and Morley Faulkner in his delightfully sculptured 1964 Triumph Spitfire.

Mike Courtney’s 1936 Ford Model A ‘CeeGeeEss’ look-a-like and Rod Rattray’s ’63 A40 Farina added variation and although poles apart in every way, registered similar performances.

MG was the most numerous make, being ably represented by Lawrence Poolman’s 1934 Special, Kevin Andrew’s supercharged J2, and models B, Midget, TD and TC. The sight and sound of Lionel Roger’s Type 59/50S Bugatti is certain to thrill those privileged to witness this magnificent vehicle in action and, with Robert McNair campaigning it this time on

s Kevin Andrew, J2 MG and the start crew.

Photo: Geoff Austen.

Lionel’s behalf, it did not disappoint.

Robert blasted off the line in fine fashion but diplomatically ensured his fastest time, at 77.19 seconds, was suitably below Lionel’s best last year of 68.60 seconds.

Terry Roycroft’s 1925 T35A Bugatti, however, retired hors de combat after displacing an element of its suspension.

As to sense of touch, the exquisite 1953 Ferrari 166MM Scaglietti of Warren de France takes the cake. This gem is the real deal and of such beauty, such shape, as to be positively tactile. You know you shouldn’t, but you want to stroke it, to run your hands over its curves. It burbled quietly up to the line then growled purposefully as it accelerated away. Despite its provenance, Warren didn’t spare the prancing horse. A joy to behold.

It requires considerable planning and effort, but the location is a winner.

Waitemata Branch will be doing what it can to restage the Manunui Coastal Hill Climb and stir the senses again next year.

Beaded Wheels 43

The mates at the summit of Danseys Pass.

EASY RIDERS WORDS AND PHOTO ALLAN HARDACRE

Allan and Dennis and John and John and eventually Judy, journey to the National Veteran Rally in Gore.

A plan was hatched by John Callesen to take the 1918 Cadillac and as a travelling companion our 1915 Dodge roadster to Gore for the 2020 National Veteran Rally on the 16-18 of October 2020 and thence on to the Prince Henry tour based in Te Anau. In true Callesen style the route was not going to be straight forward and of course the weather in October is not always the most predictable or clement for veteran motoring. The ladies decided that this was too hardcore for them so Dennis Milne dug out his winter woollies to come along as co-driver in the Dodge and John Hastilow from Christchurch was to join John in the Cadillac in Blenheim … Good, everyone happy?

The Dodge left Palmerston North on time to catch the Bluebridge over to Picton but unfortunately the Caddy had to stay behind to attend to a sudden petrol tank leak. Was this fright at having to keep up with a Dodge? A slightly bleary-eyed John turned up at about 2.00am in the morning and after a briefish kip and a solid breakfast we all set off in the misty rain up the Wairau valley to Reefton. Thankfully this was the only mechanical glitch in somewhere around 2600 miles of motoring.

At Reefton the rain was very persistent and quite wet. The good things about Reefton were the very friendly motel owner at the Lantern Motel, the good meals (and beer) at the local pub and later the gin dishdillery (sic) where we stopped to buy some treats for the other halves at home.

44 Beaded Wheels

HOKOTIKA As we moved west the rain became denser and more horizontal and it was generally decided that we had to stop off at Blackball for some restorative fluids (for the drivers that is).

As we went further west the weather became … well more West Coast like. For the run between Greymouth and Hokitika it was impossible to determine rain from sea spray, the windage on the Dodge was quite exciting as well … not! It was good that Dennis was sitting on my left (the down-wind side) otherwise he might have given up then and there. However, after a glass of wine and a surfeit of the local delicacy, whitebait pizza. Away from the coast the weather improved, the mood of the team picked up, and by the time we were heading into the hills we were enjoying a beautiful day. Our route eastwards followed the Bealey River and on up into the breath-taking scenery at Arthur’s Pass. With the hood up on the Dodge I was a bit nervous about the destructive looking beaks of the Keas that mobbed us when we stopped for the morning coffee, but all was well, like the tourists up there they also just wanted to admire the cars.

A stop for cheese, delicious cheese, at Geraldine and if you are down that way you must stop to buy some, no lots, of their epicurean cheddar and gruyere. Then it was on to accommodation in lovely warm sunny Timaru, with a visit to Dennis’ son Mat and to Gavin, another keen vintagent. Gavin had a collection of Dodges, clearly a man of impeccable taste though his latest purchase was a Chrysler, but that is OK, they’re from the same stable.

s Veterans in Gore.

s In the Eglington Valley perfect conditions for a photo shoot.

After a couple of nights in Timaru we headed inland in rapidly cooling weather. The plan was to travel up and over Danseys Pass and stay the night at Danseys Pass pub, a really great place to stay with a fantastic atmosphere if you are down that way. However, with the rapidly decreasing temperature and no garaging at the pub we were a bit nervous about leaving the cars outside in well below zero conditions so we limited our stay at the pub to a warming beverage originating in Scotland and pushed on to a warm motel in Ranfurly. The next day it was on to Gore for the rally. The drive was again in brilliant but very cold weather. As we crossed the Rock and Pillar range at about 10:30 in the morning each of the irrigation sprinklers was surrounded by ice from the water spray. It is beautiful country down that way when the weather is good made even more spectacular in the spring by the flowering broom and gorse in the gullies.

VETERAN MOTORING AT ITS BEST As we dropped down into Mosgiel the temperatures became less wintery and a lot more springy. Longbourne Lodge, just out of Mosgiel, is a cracker place to stay and the owners made us most welcome. We had a lazy day there pottering around with the cars in the sunshine making sure nothing was about to fall off while John C went to the airport to pick up his wife Judy who joined us for the rest of the tour. After our rest day in Mosgiel it was off to Gorrre. The closer we got, the cooler it got. Getting out of the car for a driver servicing stop just before Gore one of the driver’s door hinges on the Dodge broke (the only failure on the trip). Arriving in Gore at the clubrooms, I asked about finding/borrowing a welder when Paul Heron, the rally organiser, ran me off to his workshop.

The hinge was welded and painted and back on the car in less than

s A close encounter of the 4th kind, Craig Marshall in the fearsome American LaFrance streaks past.

s Visiting a West Coast icon - Formerly The Blackball Hilton.

an hour. Pretty damn good southern hospitality. After the requisite amount of barbequing and blether at the Gore clubrooms we were up in the morning for a show and skite session in the centre of Gore and then a run to the Marairua Farm Complex just south of Gore.

Although the house was not all that elaborate on the outside, it was in very good condition and very original, the grounds were superb and looked fantastic with all of the cars lined up in the sunshine.

The following day, Sunday, was a teams driving skills day in the show grounds with public participation invited. However, it gradually became so impossibly cold that we tootled off early to go find somewhere warm, preferably also selling warming fluids for drivers.

The day after the veteran rally we visited the Bill Richardson Transport Museum in Invercargill with Greg Elder, owner of a very smart red veteran (1917) Cadillac. There are around 300 truck and passenger vehicles on display in the museum including almost every Ford model made and about another 300 vehicles in the motorcycle section. We made a grand day of it and I’m sure that all of you who have visited there will agree with us that the displays are amazing.

The move to Te Anau for the Prince Henry Tour resulted in a change in the weather for the better, the sun shone, the birdies tweeted, little white clouds floated about and life was again good for touring in a veteran car. Dennis Milne had returned home and John Hastilow became a Dodge co-pilot, a welcome change from the 1912 Cadillac he left in Christchurch he said ... or perhaps that was just to make me feel good. Te Anau felt like an abandoned town when we got there with some bars, restaurants and motels closed and there were next to no tourists. But it was good for us as it made the driving so much easier, but we really felt for the business

Beaded Wheels 45

s John Callesen seeking John Hastilow’s advice regading the purchase of the new GMC truck for his business, Graham brothers (grey) and Dodge (blue) light trucks on the left.

s A racy red REO.

owners. The lack of tourists also made the rally day driving up Lake Te Anau and then following the Eglington Valley up to the Cascade picnic area (at Lake Gunn) a real pleasure. No buses to worry about, just touring along in the dappled shade of the beech trees, this day was just magic as you can see from the photo of the Dodge up near the Mirror Lakes picnic area.

Our return to the north was via Roxburgh, Clyde, Cromwell and the Lindis Pass to Twizel. Luckily, we just missed a fatal accident on this road, a head-on. A single guy was watching a movie while driving, the movie was still running on his phone ... but he wasn’t when they pulled him out. Luckily the occupants of the other car survived.

After a night in Twizel we headed to Christchurch via Burkes Pass and Fairlie. On the steep bits down the pass the Dodgy boys were keen to keep a good gap between the Cadillac, at over a tonne heavier than the Dodge and with little engine braking from the V8 the Caddy takes some driving down the hills, and I was not going to be the auxiliary brake. After Fairlie the wind got up and by the time we met SH1 it was also raining with extra traffic, diabolical b----y traffic. After a couple of nights in Christchurch with John Hastilow, we headed straight up the coast with a night in Kaikoura.

Yes, it was a pretty epic journey of around 2,600 miles but at the end the drivers and the cars were still very happy and still good friends. We remember the stops for morning coffee in the cafes in small towns on the way, chatting with the people we met about

Beaded Wheels

writers wanted Here at Beaded Wheels we are always on the lookout for a good article for a future issue. To encourage you to put pen to paper two lucky authors or photographers per issue will win a limited edition Beaded Wheels cap.

46 Beaded Wheels

s Veterans parked up in Gore.

the cars and having to convince some that yes, we’d driven these old, old cars all the way from Palmerston North. We remember the great hospitality from club members at Gore. So, thanks to John C for organising this and thanks to our companions and co-drivers on the journey, Dennis Milne, John Hastilow, and of course Judy Callesen.

Alas we are not in the position to provide financial recompense for services rendered but we are sure you will be compensated by the satisfaction of seeing your words and photos in print.

Email your articles and ideas to: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz High resolution digital photos are preferred.

Please contact me if you wish to discuss an idea for an article.

Kevin Clarkson, Chairman Beaded Wheels Editorial Committee.

Phone 021 0270 6525 or email kevin@vcc.org.nz Our lucky winners of the Beaded Wheels caps for this issue are: Phil Kidd and Don Gerrard

MARKET PLACE Terms and conditions CLASSIFIED RATES Due to space limitation, classified advertisers should refrain from the use of dashes, spaces, logos, blank lines and formatting. All classified rates include GST. The 65 word limit includes contact details. Advertisers requiring ads longer than the standard 65 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 Member of Vintage Car Club: No charge for text or photo classified advertising. Members must be financial and identify their Branch. Limited to one free advert per issue.

Non Member: $21 for first 40 words or part thereof, thereafter 15 cents per word (max 65 words per advertisement).* Text in a Boxed Ad : $24 non-members* Colour Photo Ad in Box: $56 non-members, enclose a clear photo and an SAE if return required.* Advertisements should be typed or clearly printed.

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* Casual (per issue) 3 Issues (per issue) Full Page $900 $720 Half Page $530 $390 Horizontal ¼ Page $270 $216 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 3% Beaded Wheels makes every effort to ensure no misleading claims are made by advertisers, responsibility cannot be accepted by Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) for the failure of any product or service to give satisfaction. Inclusion of a product or ­service should not be construed as endorsement of it by Beaded Wheels or by the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.).

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

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

Advise national office of any changes of address or sales/purchases of vehicles

FOR SALE 1923 HUPMOBILE MOTOR R3 4 CYL PLUS PARTS 8 generators, Delco, Remy, Bosch, Lucas, 3 starter motors, 1 vintage long shaft. 1 REO magneto, 2 x 8 inch glazed headlights, 1 brass honeycomb core radiator. Ph 03 323 8759, ivanehibberd@gmail.com

MEM CANTERBURY

1927 STUDEBAKER BIG 6 A ll parts available including original engine, spare front axle, steering column, springs, manual service sheets. Bodywork and woodwork in poor condition. $2,000 ono.

In Nelson. Photos available on request.

Phone 03 548 6897 email cgbarrow@xtra.co.nz 1930 MODEL A CHASSIS Has not been modified, no rust, reasonable offers please. Phone 021 106 1370.

MEM WAIKATO 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 1936 PLYMOUTH FULLY RESTORED W as concours winner when completed. Immaculate condition.

Offers. Phone Russell 03 349 8869 M EM CANTERBURY 1946 FORD CLUBMAN H as reconditioned motor.

Plus 2 SV motors, and one gearbox. Offers. Phone Michael 027 824 7715 MEM MARLBOROUGH MGB CENTRE LOCK WIRE WHEELS 60 SPOKE X 4 Need refurbishing. Offers. Phone John 09 528 5134

MEM AUCKLAND

SERIES E ROAD TYRES X 4 brand new, never used. Been kept in dark storage since purchase. $250 each (freight extra). Contact Hemi Te Rakau phone 027 371 4896, HemiTerakau@outlook.com

MEM WEST COAST

6 VOLT HORN, works well. Suit 1950s plus vehicle.

Phone Graham 06 378 7422 or 021 0822 8746

MEM WAIRARAPA

DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS We can alter or make driveshafts with fabric components to take modern universal joints and yokes, as well as performing dynamic balancing. We also carry a large range of driveshaft components for car, trucks, industrial and marine. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz USED TRUCK PARTS off early English, Canadian and Landrover. Enquiries with your contact details to PO Box 2011, Stoke or email historictransportmuseum@gmail.com with details of parts required. Higgins Park, Wakefield, Nelson.

BALANCING BALANCING BALANCING, We can balance most vintage and single cylinder engines, fans, driveshafts etc. Work is carried out on a modern digital machine.

M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz HUBCAPS – a ny problems contact me. I now produce either hubcap skins or complete hubcaps. These are top quality replicas.

Pressed not spun to the closest possible original specifications. I can manufacture any model that uses the skin system plus many others provided they do not exceed 10½ inch in diameter. For more information phone Dave Patten Replica Manufacturing (2003) Ltd, Phone 027 247 7956, 160 New York Street, Martinborough. dave.patten@wise.net.nz PENRITE OILS W e carry a large range from vintage to modern engines. Gearbox, diff, SU dashpot and water pump grease.

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

GOT VIBRATION PROBLEMS?

T he crankshaft pulley/balancer/damper may be the cause. Rubber perishes over time. John at Harmonic Damper Rebuilds can rebuild your pulley like new. He has a proven system to re-rubber and re-sleeve dampers. Most can be rebuilt as good as new and save you money and engine repairs. 027 666 3350 or 07 863 3350 damperdude@gmail.com VALVES exhaust quality stainless for vintage engines. Available in blank form or machined to size required. George Calder, 307 Hoon Hay Rd, Christchurch. Phone 03 338 5372 or email gandkcalder@gmail.com

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

Beaded Wheels 47

MARKET PLACE

1952 MORRIS MINOR. V ery original. Has four new tyres, original motor. Complete brake rebuild.

Most interiors still original. New carpet. Reg and WoF $6,500. Phone John 03 387 0387 or email annhen39@gmail.com MEM CANTERBURY

CHEV 1939 MASTER 85 (STRAIGHT AXLE).

Immaculate condition. Maroon with beige leather upholstery. Blue Flame motor, 12V electrics, high ratio diff, fully rebuilt. Receipts and photos available. Workshop manual, handbook and parts list. New exterior sunvisor included. Phone Ian 07 863 3554, ianverrall@outlook.com MEM BOP

1962 AUSTIN HEALEY 3000 BN7 Triple carbs, centre shift, two-seater MkII. Factory hardtop.

Many mods make this Healey a delight to drive.

For further information and photos contact John Bain phone 027 274 5279, fazazz@fazazz.co.nz Fazazz The Motorists’ Shop Ltd Christchurch.

MEM BANKS PENINSULA

MODEL A FORD REBUILT SHOCK ABSORBERS, as original. With exchange $210 each, or $240 outright. Arms and all connecting parts available.

Postal delivery extra. Phone Jack 03 352 6672, 0274 322 041 Christchurch. MEM CANTERBURY

AUSTIN J40 PEDAL CAR NUMBER 16132 restored paint and panel work professionally done with some new repo parts. Dummy motor. Seldom offered for sale. Offers over $6,500. Phone Grant 027 378 6149 MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY

1929 CHEVROLET INTERNATIONAL SEDAN, superb original condition, RHD built in Canada.

WoF and rego, genuine Fisher body, wire wheels, whitewall tyres. Original straight six, 3200cc engine, Canadian manufacture stamped on block.

Six volt electrics, new battery. Ph George 027 216 7050, citylad333@hotmail.com MEM TAUPO

1986 TOYOTA COROLLA 1.6GL LIFTBACK. Completely original, first (lady) owner for 30 years, then us. 176,000kms. 1600cc, 5-speed manual.

VIC, Rego & WoF. Fun to drive (suspension tuned

by Chris Amon), reliable, economical. $4,500 ono.

Phone David North 021 172 3281 or email northd14@gmail.com MEM GORE

1953 CITROËN TRACTION AVANT BIG 15 Very tidy car, runs well. Painted 10 years ago, has a few marks. Original red leather interior very tidy, some splits on rear seat. Based in Napier. $40,000 ono.

Phone Phil on 021 137 5285 MEM HAWKE’S BAY

1929 OLDSMOBILE TOURER Great car to drive, with powerful straight 6 motor. Older restoration with usual signs of wear and tear on paintwork.

Brown vinyl interior is tidy. Hood in good condition and has cover for when down. Based in Napier. $35,000 ono. Ph Phil 021 137 5285 MEM HAWKE’S BAY

1939 SERIES E CONVERTIBLE. E x. Cond. New carpets. WoF & Rego. $17,500 ono. Hk 03 429 2727

.M EM WEST COAST

1958 MORRIS 1000. Four door sedan. Reg & WoF. Newly restored. Current ownership 28 years.

Looks good in pink and runs well. $12,500 Phone 07 346 0458 MEM ROTORUA.

1954 CITROEN LIGHT 15. Good condition, few kilometres since mechanicals fully overhauled.

Repainted and reupholstered. Michelin tyres.

Reliable car with no rust or other serious issues.

Currently registered but no WoF. Car and owner in Waikato. Offers $17k. Call Peter on 027 932 0624 or pentecostchristian2@gmail.com MEM NORTH OTAGO

48 Beaded Wheels

MARKET PLACE

PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS FOR VETERAN, VINTAGE, CLASSIC & ODDBALL ENGINES. We can supply piston sets for most makes and models. All piston sets come complete with rings and gudgeons. We have over 700 listings at competitive prices.

M S COOMBES LTD 344 ST ASAPH ST, CHRISTCHURCH Ph: 03 366 7463 E: info@mscoombes.co.nz RILEY ONE POINT FIVE/WOLSELEY 1500 Various N.O.S. body panels. Phone Colin 06 878 5969

MEM HAWKE’S BAY RUSHMORE MOTORS ARE MARKETING: 1 910 Hupmobile, rest. 1924 Overland tourer, rest.

1926 Essex 6 sedan ex. rest. 1926 Buick Master 6 in unrestored original cond. 1928 Studebaker Dictator, (been in the one family for 70 years), Ex USA. 1930 Humber, good cond. 1936 Morris, 15,000 original miles. 1939 & 34 Ford V8 sedans, good cond. 1963 Studebaker, good cond. 1964 Rover in good cond. Vintage pedal cars, NZ made. Vehicle transporting trailer. Many more vehicles available.

All vehicles above (except the 26 Buick) are Reg & WoF. Ask for our free emailed brochure. If you are selling, listing is free. Phone 027 2245 045 inc a/h.

TYRES – NEW CLASSIC AND VINTAGE M ost sizes available, crossply, black and whitewall.

Some second-hand. Phone Jack 03 352 6672 or 0274 322 041 MEM CANTERBURY

VINTAGE CAR REPAIRS

All Classic and Vintage Car restoration.

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

Unit 1 11 Penn Place, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch

VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ halogen bulbs.

Replace your existing bulbs without rewiring the headlamp assemblies. Up to 100% brighter than your existing Tungsten bulbs. Will fit MAGNETO AND COIL WINDING SERVICES Magneto most reflectors fitted to Pre & Post war cars repairs, coil rewinding, work guaranteed. We buy and motorbikes. Also available in single and sell magnetos of all types except aircraft. filament 55 watt P22 & BA15 bases for use 728 Waimutu Road, RD2 Marton 4788. in spotlamps and mechanical dip reflectors.

Phone Warwick 06 327 3849, 027 281 8066, Most bases and configurations available in 6v & 12v. Further info: Norm & Jan Sisson, walandlynn@farmside.co.nz

MEM sole NZ Agent. Phone 027 311 6563 , Amuri VINTAGE ENGINE SHORT BLOCKS Motorcycles, 2C Birmingham Drive, Christchurch.

We can in most cases rebuild your short Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz block using modern shell bearings, new pistons and rebuilt oil pump.

VINTAGE AND VETERAN CAR MARKETING. Please contact us for more information.

I maintain a database of buyers and sellers of M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, veteran, vintage and post vintage vehicles, placing Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: buyers and sellers together. Free to list.No hidden info@mscoombes.co.nz costs. No computer, no problem. Just call me.

Whether buying or selling a veteran, vintage or VELOSOLEX NEW AND USED PARTS f or your Solex. post vintage vehicle, contact Les at Rushmore Contact Gary phone 0274 342 934 or garymt1941@ Motors Ltd. Phone 027 224 5045. Inc. Sat. gmail.com MEM CANTERBURY vintagecars@xtra.co.nz Free catalogue available.

Finance may be available on most vehicles.

1969 MORRIS 1800. Interior immaculate, shed

Phone Grant 341 5100 or 027 223 9474 granttvin@gmail.com

stored 25 years. Suitable for restoration. Phone 027 4164 211

FREE ADVERTISING*

$21 Text only advertisement.

Up to 45 words including phone number, no photo. Additional words over 45 up to a maximum of 65 words, 15 cents per word.

Classified advertising in Beaded Wheels magazine is free *for all current financial members of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Inc buying or selling club eligible vehicles or parts. Our standard advertising charges apply for all non-members or members wishing to advertise commercial services. Email your advertisement to beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz or complete the form below and post to Marketplace, Beaded Wheels, PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. See page 3 of this issue for deadline for receipt of advertisements for our next issue.

$54 Text and colour photo advertisement.

Up to 45 words including phone number. Supply a colour photo of your vehicle. Include SAE for return of photo, digital photos may be submitted to our email address: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz

I wish to advertise in Beaded Wheels. Payment where required must accompany your advert.

WANTED

I am a current financial member of the VCCNZ and wish

FOR SALE

to advertise for FREE. My VCCNZ Membership number is

Name (block letters) _________________________________ Phone ____________________________________

______ ⁄___________________

Advertisement text (45 words)_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Non-VCCNZ members Payment by

Internet Banking

Card Number

Non-members If possible include vehicle location in your description

Credit Card Visa/Mastercard only Payment by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing charge of 3% Card Expiry Date: ____/____/ ____

Name on Card: ______________________________________________________________________ Cardholder Signature: CONDITIONS OF FREE ADVERTISING •

• •

Free advertising is limited to one advertisement per financial member of the Vintage Car Club of NZ per issue. Members must state their membership number when submitting the advertisement.

Advertisements must be of a non-commercial nature.

Advertisements must be resubmitted for each issue they are required to appear in.

• •

_____________________________________________________

The recommended length of advertisements is 45 words – the • maximum space available is 65 words. Beaded Wheels reserves the right to edit all copy.

• Advertisements will be published on a first come, first served basis. While every attempt will be made to include your advertisement in the issue immediately following receipt – limited space may mean some advertisements will be held over until the following magazine for publication.

•

All free advertisements will automatically be listed on the VCCNZ website.

Advertisements must be submitted in writing, by email (preferred), post or fax. Photographs will only be returned if a stamped addressed envelope is supplied by the advertiser. Digital photographs may be supplied by email in .jpg or .png format, send a high resolution file to achieve best results.

Payment by cheque not accepted.

Payment where required must accompany your advert. Email beadedwheels @vcc.org.nz for Internet Banking details. Post payment & advertisement to marketplace, P O Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. VCCNZ members must be financial and state their branch to receive free advertising.

Beaded Wheels 49

MARKET PLACE

NEW MODEL A FORD SHOCK ABSORBERS. Precision manufactured in NZ. They are fully adjustable and work as per the originals, $322 each. Spark plug reducers available either 7/8” to 14mm or 18mm to 14mm. Phone 03 359 0565 or 021 128 9252 or www.vintagefordparts.co.nz

MEM CANTERBURY

FUEL TANK LINER Stops and protects against leaks and weeps. Contact: peter.alderdice@me.com, or 021 743 906 M EM AUCKLAND

PARTS FOR A CHEVROLET 1929 TO 1931 Headlight glass Twilite 10 inch, rotors, points, brushes, generator and starter, distributor caps. Most are brand new. Phone 0274 345 636

M EM ASHBURTON

VETERAN SPEEDO DRIVES A ustin steel Dunlop wheels, 5 oil tail lights, gas headlights, DR4 dual mags bulb horns oil and grease cups Rushmoore electric light set. Phone 07 348 4227 MEM ROTORUA

1957 ARMSTRONG SIDDELEY SAPPHIRE Original, unrestored condition. Rear seatbelts added.

In regular use. New WoF. Popular wedding car.

Comes with spare 1954 Sapphire handy for parts.

Interesting provenance. $25,000 ono. Phone Karen evenings 027 471 3998 or email jaks1@xtra.co.nz

MEM GISBORNE

1980 TRIUMPH TR 7E Later model with 5 speed gearbox. Overall excellent condition. Considerable work recently done on motor, including rebore, head overhaul and oil leaks fixed. Space now required for my next project. Phone Philip Jeeves 022 025 9924 MEM CANTERBURY

1934 ALVIS SILVER EAGLE. Immaculate restoration. Reg and WoF. Model SG 16-95. For full details, pictures and price contact Rushmore Motors Ltd. 027 2245 045 inc a/h.

1964 WOLSELEY 6/110 C urrent WoF & Rego. Rust free. Very tidy original condition. Been sitting in shed for 15 years 56,206 original miles, 3 speed overdrive $12,000 ono. Welcome to view Oamaru Phone Chas 03 434 9035 MEM NORTH OTAGO

RALEIGH 1927 250CC. Frame number J11822.

2x engines 1928 and 1 with no #, 2x gearboxes.

No other parts other than what is shown in the photo. A great project. $2000 ono or would swap for veteran BSA parts. Ph Chris 027 658 3537, chris.parker.chch@ gmail.com MEM CANTERBURY

CHEQUES NO LONGER ACCEPTED 1 934 MG PA 2-SEATER A unique opportunity to take over this restoration project. Five new wheels and tyres, 4 guards and running boards, extensive new parts, inc new leather trim and seat kit by Collingburn UK. One of only 1396 2-seaters made.

Reg on hold. Photos/part list available. $32,000.

Email parts@mgcarco.com MEM BAY OF PLENTY 50 Beaded Wheels

1935 MG PA 4-SEATER o ne of the only 498 4-seater MG PAs originally made. Four new wheels and 5 new tyres, guards and running boards, many second hand parts, and an assembled new wood kit that incl foot wells, inner rear panels and new fuel tank. Reg on hold. $20,000. Photos/part list available.

Email parts@mgcarco.com MEM BAY OF PLENTY

Please note as of 1 May 2021 we are unable to accept payment by cheque for Beaded Wheels advertising.

MARKET PLACE

WANTED

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Please advise National Office of any changes of address or sales/purchases of vehicles.

Email admin@vcc.org.nz or post details to VCCNZ, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140

1962 1963 FB VX490 LEFT FRONT MUDGUARD EMBLEM Phone Peter 021 212 6088

MEM CANTERBURY

BRAKE CABLES for a Vauxhall/Bedford 1935/6 14hp Light six, model ASX or ASXC, or let me know of any other parts you may have. Email blunden@ slingshot.co.nz or phone 03 439 5207 or 021 184 2435 MEM NORTH OTAGO CLOCK AND WATCH MAKING/REPAIR TOOLS. I am a keen member wishing to expand my vehicle restoration skills into clock restoration/repair.

Any and all tools associated with this work are sought, ideally I’d like to purchase a full collection.

Phone Neil 027 320 7525 MEM HAWKE’S BAY FORD V8 FLATHEAD MOTOR c omplete or one that is suitable for reconditioning. Any model considered as would a rough vehicle with motor.

Phone Peter 0274 733 137 MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY MIRROR CLOCK WANTED t o suit 1936 Chrysler/ Plymouth. Phone Owen 03 349 9197 or 027 375 4866 MEM CANTERBURY

260M ZEPHYR for sale for the first time in 20 years.

The car is in great racing condition or could be used as a collectors piece. One of Canterbury and NZ most iconic historic single seaters. Its historical value is endless. All offers considered Phone Mark 021 337 600. MEM BANKS PENINSULA

MORRIS 1100CC MOTOR CAPABLE OF BEING RECONDITIONED. Contact Ray 06 858 8165 or 027 281 1518 MEM CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

PARTS TO COMPLETE RESTORATION OF INDIAN 741 MOTORCYCLE f lywheels, camshafts, ignition/ light switch, dash panel cover. Ph 027 244 0788.

MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY

PISTON AND BARREL for BSA D7 175cc consider 125cc up. Phone/text Ray 021 261 5524 .

MEM HAWKE’S BAY

SINGLE TAILLIGHT LENS. DeSoto AirStream Kit Brydon 0274 431 498. gaylebrydon@hotmail.com

MEM NELSON

SOLEX CARBURETTOR WANTED to complete restoration. Type 40 or 35 MOH. Either parts or complete carburettor. Phone Peter on 027 611 9835 or Email; peter@chatsford.co.nz MEM OTAGO SUNBEAM RAPIER HARDTOP M ust have Reg & WoF, not interested in projects. Would consider any series. Phone Kelvin 027 497 5208 or email kwcb01@gmail.com.

MEM WAIKATO TRIUMPH RENOWN OR RILEY 2 ½ OR WOLSELEY 18/85 i n good motoring condition. Phone Alan 027 656 4632 call or text MEM BANKS PENINSULA 12V GENERATOR TO SUIT A 1926 AUSTIN HEAVY 12/4. P hone Paul Hicks 09 425 7015, email hicks. family@xtra.co.nz MEM WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH WANTED STANDARD VANGUARD UTE PHASE 3 tidy one preferred. Phone John 027 457 0719 .

WOODEN WHEELS m ade for your metal­ work. Steam-bent felloes, any shape spokes.

New beaded rims available in some sizes. Phone Vern Jensen 06 323 3868, 16 Osborne Terrace, Feilding, sandvo@callsouth.net.nz MEM

1925 FORD MODEL TT ONE TON TRUCK PROJECT. Has body built along with the deck, needs finishing.

Motor can be turned over on crank handle and it ran well when last run. Parts there to near finish job. Can’t crank it now due to health so need to sell. Can email photos, phone Bob 03 324 3044 or 027 324 3012. No voice messages please, text preferred, I’ll phone back. MEM CANTERBURY

WATANABE MINILITE STYLE WHEEL wanted as per photo. 14 x6 inch, 4 stud 4.5 inch (114.3 mm) PCD. Would also consider a pair or set of similar style wheels. Phone 021 0642400 or email john. mcdonagh@lincoln.ac.nz MEM BANKS PENINSULA

VELOCETTE 350 OR 500 COMPLETE BIKE, project or parts. Any condition. Any year. Phone Bill Irwin 03 548 8743 or +64 21 672 559 MEM NELSON

MEM STH CANTERBURY

WOLSELEY 6/110 preferably a MK 2 in the South Island, would also consider a Vanden Plas but not interested in one with the Rolls engine. The closer to Dunedin the better. I only want to look at a very sound car with good paint and interior, minor mechanical repairs would not be an issue and would consider one with a lapsed registration.

Phone Trevor Johnson 03 4710632 cell 027 284 8611 email trevor.dot.johnson@xtra.co.nz with details.

MEM OTAGO

RETRO VISOR, ROADSCOPE n ames that these rear view mirrors made to fit by suction cup to the car windscreen were known by. Made of fibreglass & others from sheet metal. Used for looking through caravans when under tow. I would like to acquire one in any condition. Phone/text John 027 659 5280 or email 100e@xtra.co.nz MEM CANTERBURY Beaded Wheels 51

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

SWAPMEETS AND RALLIES

We are Celebrating

75

years of historic motoring

EARLY BI RD

Banks Peninsula Branch Of The Vintage Car Club Of New Zealand

SAVING

$25

DISCOUNT OF F YOUR ENTRY IF BOOK

BY JULY 31STED

affiliated To The Federation Internationale Des Vehicules Anciens

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) In conjunction with the

Annual General Meeting and Executive Meeting Rydges Hotel Conference Centre, Christchurch 13, 14, 15 August 2021 We have a full programme of events planned and a special function to mark this milestone in our Club history on the Saturday evening.

Register now to join us for part or all of the weekend – we look forward to celebrating 75 years of our club’s motoring history with you.

Saturday 14 August

Sunday 15 August

75th Anniversary Run (9.30am from Rydges Hotel) 7.30pm Executive Meeting 9.00am AGM Executive Meeting to follow 1.30pm Supporters Bus Tour of Christchurch City 6.30pm 75th Anniversary Dinner and Function From 9.30am Old Cars, Bikes and Coffee morning at Canterbury Branch Clubrooms, Cutler Park, McLeans Island, Christchurch 11.30am Barbecue Lunch

Register online at: www.vcc.org.nz

Saturday 13th November 2021 Plan your own start point/time/route to achieve maximum points for your particular vehicle/crew/equipe.

Programme Friday 13 August

Organised by the Banks Peninsula Branch, and capturing the spirit of the original Rallye, the 7th southern Monte will occur on

You may choose to motor from or after the stroke of midnight on Friday 12th to a late afternoon checkpoint on the 13th .

Start point – anywhere south of Mangatainoka Brewery.

Finish – the French enclave of Akaroa, Banks Peninsula.

Competitive motoring is restricted to the day of the 13th. Individual and Equipe Awards are again at stake.

Saturday evening function in Akaroa is part of the event.

Registrations close 31 July 2021

ENTRY FORMS AND ADVICE Email giles@ ravenslie.net Phone 027 361 6927 or Text

This event is hosted by Canterbury Branch VCCNZ ORGANISERS Marilyn McKinlay: bmm45@uclive.ac.nz and or Katryna Shaw: katryna.shaw@pacificradiology.com

CANTERBURY BRANCH

CLOSING DATE FOR ALL ENTRIES, 11TH OCTOBER 2021

BOOK NOW

8, 9 & 10 OCTOBER 2021 Cutler Park – McLeans Island Road Friday/Saturday 9am-4.30pm, Sunday 9am-2pm

N O R T H I S L A N D C L U B C A P TA I N ’S T O U R

CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

COUNTRY le S ty

9 - 14 SEPTEMBER 2021

Join us on this fun weekend and visit the Mecca of Vintage Motoring of New Zealand

Day 1

Tauranga

Day 2

Cambridge

Day 3

Taumarunui

Admission Friday, Saturday and Sunday $5 per day or $10 for a three day pass Accompanied school children free

Day 4

Whangamōmona

Day 5

Taumarunui

Day 6

Home

Tauranga CAMBRIDGE

Taumarunui Whangamōmona

For information email swapmeetsites@gmail.com

www.theswapmeet.org.nz 52 Beaded Wheels

for entry forms Contact

Kaaren Smylie North Island Club Captain

Mobile: 021 66 43 41 Email: nicc@vcc.org.nz

24 YEARS AT MANFEILD

Undercover Swap Meet & Car Show Saturday 2nd October 2021 – Held in the Manfeild Stadium SELLERS $20 |

BUYERS $10

|

CHILDREN UNDER 12 FREE

PUBLIC ENTRANCE VIA SOUTH ST FROM 8AM. STALL HOLDERS AND SHOW CARS ENTRANCE VIA KAWAKAWA ROAD FROM 7AM

CONTACT JOHN IRELAND 027 449 1271

THE 40th ANNUAL

ON SUNDAY JULY 11TH 2021

Car Show Enquiries: Bob Mackay Ph: 07 332 3849 Email: bob.mackaynz@gmail.com

THE ULTIMATE TIME TRIAL 2021 Central North Island from Taranaki to Hawkes Bay Two event options on closed tarmac roads 5 Day Time Trial: Tuesday 26th to Saturday 30th October 2 Day Time Trial: Friday 29th and Saturday 30th October Refer: www.targa.nz for details.

Contact: Rod Corbett rod.corbett88@gmail.com 027 433 8772 Photo: Proshotz Photography Beaded Wheels 53

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105 HARROW STREET DUNEDIN 9016 54 Beaded Wheels

TRADE DIRECTORY

Done the old way – the right way COPPER – NICKEL – CHROME

Specialist in restoration of Vintage and Classic cars and motorcycles

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

Specialists in the non-aggressive cleaning of automotive, motorcycle and marine parts Paul Greenslade Phone 027 252 7836 (027 BLAST EM) EMAIL: s2sblast@gmail.com www.s2svapourblast.co.nz Greenhithe, Auckland

Hamco

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0800 862 476

EMAIL stephen_winteringham@hotmail.com

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IDLE TORQUE A round up of events, personalities and branch gossip from VCCNZ branches around the country

▲ Ashburton: PV/PW Run Le Bons Bay.

ASHBURTON

ISLA JONES

On 21 February we had a run with a slight difference where some who usually drove tried their hand at navigating while the usual navigators drove. It was a busy weekend so our numbers were low. Eleven cars and two motorbikes attended this short run of 31 miles.

We had some cars on display at the Methven Show on 20 March. An ideal opportunity to promote the branch and show off the cars. We also have a display at the Plains Railway at Tinwald on their open days.

The PV/PW Run on 20 March went to Banks Peninsula, staying overnight at Duvauchelle. There were five cars and 12 people on the run with our first stop at Leeston at the old railway shed where John McLachlan has his collection of old tractors, cars, trucks, motorbikes and horse drawn carriages. He has two Cadillacs that were sent out to New Zealand to be cut down to trucks, but the war had broken out so they were left as cars and ended up in Invercargill as mail cars. John’s father acquired them later, and John and Debra used them for their wedding cars. We enjoyed a lovely drive along the Summit Road to Le Bons Bay for afternoon tea and then onto Duvauchelle for the night, with a beautiful dinner at the hotel next door.

On Monday 5 April we had our Easter Run with 28 cars taking part in the 32 mile run across the Canterbury Plains to Mayfield.

AUCKLAND

▲ Ashburton: 1918 Cadillac.

▲ Ashburton: 1930 Cadillac.

JOCELYN MCALPINE

Sadly the Hawke’s Bay Veteran Run and Art Deco succumbed to another Covid lockdown, however some activities took place and John Morrison won the sponsor’s prize with his 1908 Sears Auto Buggy. The National Motorcycle event in Masterton was also cancelled, but 25 members still headed off enjoying doing their own thing on their bikes in the Wairarapa. The 15th Model A Rally in Gisborne was able to go 56 Beaded Wheels

▲ Ashburton: 1912 Cadillac, John McLachlan’s shed at Leeston.

▲ Auckland: Jack Nazer 1938 Buick Straight 8.

▲ Auckland: Gavin Welch 1942 HarleyDavidson WLA.

▲ Auckland: Jim Boag 1913 French Unic.

▲ Banks Peninsula: Branch members absorbed in the detail of the Rodin FZed.

▲ Central Hawke’s Bay: The run was also to celebrate 51 years since our Chairman Bruce Poole rescued his 1930 Chrysler 77 roadster.

▲ Bay of Plenty: An eye catching car at the Tauranga Jazz Festival Parade was Graeme and Bronwyn Walker’s 1964 Daimler SP 250. Photo Donn White.

▲ Bay of Plenty: Tony Fraser caught out checking the rear view mirror in his 1926 Delage on the way to the Highland Fling Rally. Photo Deidre Rennie.

▲ Bay of Plenty: Club Captain Ken Frew ( left) along with North Island Club Captain Kaaren Smylie presented Alistair Jones with his 60 years membership badge. Photo Donn White.

▲ Canterbury: Eric Page steps from his self restored Ford T centre-door at our monthly Old Bikes Cars and Coffee gathering at Cutler Park.

▲

▲ Canterbury: A new deep water well being drilled at Cutler Park, replacing old well services used since the park was established.

Canterbury: Tony and Annette Meikle’s 1957 Vauxhall Cresta at monthly OCBC (Old Cars Bikes and Coffee) held at Cutler Park monthly.

Beaded Wheels 57

ahead with 119 vehicles attending, and going over some very Model A type roads.

ANZAC weekend saw eight Auckland teams travel to Taihape for the Highland Fling.

We still managed a mid-week event organised by young Ryan Winterbottom where he noted that Jack Nazer’s lovely 1938 Buick Straight 8 has 8 cylinders but is not a V8. Jack, a former saloon car champion, has recently had a race meeting at the Taupo circuit named in his honour.

Tracey Winterbottom and family organised our Vintage Muster, which had to be cancelled last year. A new innovation on trial was drawing the top six place getters out of the hat to find next year’s plotters.

We had decided to hold a stand alone gymkhana, rather than combining it with our annual Christmas picnic. It finally happened in April, and a variety of vehicles had great fun on members’ Mike and Billie Courtney’s paddocks. Our thanks to them for the use of their property, and congratulations to overall winners Russel and Jocelyn McAlpine.

A new acquisition for Jim Boag – a 1913 French Unic. After some minor tinkering Gavin Welch now has his 1942 HarleyDavidson WLA running as he would like.

Murray Firth has his c1910-’16 Cooper Little Wonder shearing shed engine working.

BANKS PENINSULA DON GERRARD We welcome new member Alistair Robinson from Auckland with his two 1930 Talbot AO 70s, a 1935 Talbot BA 75/95 and a 1929 Austin 7.

Late in March, 40 members headed for the Lyford Hills, North Canterbury, to tour the Rodin complex, home of extraordinary state of the art race-car technology and manufacturing, amongst other things.

Here, founder David Dicker, together with a talented team of young engineers, create and sculpt what can only be described as world-class products. Working from a base of purchased Lotus T125 Formula One parts, the Rodin FZero race car and FZed road car (perhaps destined for Le Mans) have been developed with mind-blowing precision and craftsmanship, using 3D carbon and titanium printers, carbon fibre autoclaves and plasma coaters. These ultra-light rocket ships are then tested on the private test track that surrounds the complex, reputed to match many of the major car manufacturers’ facilities. A superb day out.

58 Beaded Wheels

In early April a good turnout of competitors took on the Highlands Park circuit in Cromwell for their annual Festival of Speed. For a few it was their first time at the venue, and they soon found out how technical and demanding the 4.1 km track can be, especially in torrential rain, but all survived to tell many tales. Special mention must go to Stephen Aldersley who drove his Jaguar C Type Replica from North Canterbury to Cromwell, put in a great weekend’s racing and drove home again. A memorable event and one worth adding to next season’s calendar.

Planning is well underway for this year’s 7th Monte Carlo Rallye on 13 November.

Entries have already been received, with some interesting vehicles and teams looking for line honours during a weekend of hilarious motoring. See the advertisement in this issue.

BAY OF PLENTY

DONN WHITE

We have all enjoyed a two-month window with Covid-19 having had minimal effect on planned outings and events.

Our March club night was a huge affair as Alistair Jones was formally presented with his 60 years membership badge.

After receiving his badge from our Club Captain Ken Frew, Alistair entertained us with some funny stories from years gone by. A pleasant surprise for most of us the same evening was the announcement that Alistair is our new branch Patron.

Our annual Shiny Parts Auction was held during our April club night, although proceedings were held up a little due to power failure. In the meantime members improvised by parking their cars with headlights switched on close to the open doors, which meant that our club captain and secretary could continue the monthly meeting. Once the power was back on the Shiny Parts Auction got under way in earnest, and a good tally was achieved by the end of the evening.

More than 50 cars participated in a street parade promoting the annual Tauranga Jazz Festival. The cars were then parked prominently not far from the Jazz Festival activity, and attracted considerable public attention.

A number of our members are heading to Taihape to participate in the Highland Fling Rally which has been largely organised by Alister Jones. More than the usual amount of effort has been put in with planning for this event. Last year it was

postponed at the eleventh hour because of the lockdown associated with Covid-19.

CANTERBURY

TONY BECKER

The small but steady flow of new memberships rolls on, bringing some interesting additional vehicles to the branch lately, including 1929 Chrysler sedan, 1912 Unic tourer and 1911 Napier. Notable too is the increasing number of easier-to-drive types appearing in the hands of older folk, particularly noticeable on multi-day runs.

Not all branch activity happens on the road though. First Sunday of any month is Ground Crew Day when the expansive Cutler Park enjoys extra hands to tidy up or prepare makeovers by a small but dedicated band of garden warriors. The Park recently benefited from a new water supply well, replacing others that have served since establishment days. A brand new kitchen for our clubrooms is another worthy necessity. Apart from receiving a flow of valued spare parts, the Parts Shed Boys periodically receive complete project vehicles. Worthwhile keeping an eye on Parts Shed rolling stock. Giving pleasure to retirement village residents is one of our regular activities. Several groups parade or give closed circuit rides and are always highly appreciated by folk who, after all, grew up with our hobbyhorses. Our static gathering for Old Cars, Bikes and Coffee each third Sunday of the month is proving popular, in fact some arrivals are rarely seen at other events. Winchester Swap Meet, always popular for Cantabrians, enjoyed its usual friendly atmosphere due to recent Covid-19 restrictions having affected others. The annual Rear-wheel Brake Rally attracted 17 entries, and travelled 45 miles on a superbly autumnal day, with similar conditions for 9-90s run to South Rakaia Huts and Ashburton.

Anzac weekend offered a rally to Malvern, the last decent time away before winter arrives.

CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY JOHN FOOT Our March event attracted 22 cars and 40 members for a run to Pongaroa, over some less travelled gravel and sealed roads for lunch at the Pongaroa Hotel, with the option of a fully sealed route for those who didn’t want to do gravel roads. The run also celebrated 51 years since our Chairman Bruce Poole rescued his 1930 Chrysler 77 roadster from the area. It brought together some of the old identities of the area with a

▲ Central Otago: Early morning line up on Arrowtown’s Main Street.

▲ Central Otago: Peter and Julie Drummond (1936 TR3A) at Arrowtown Autumn Festival parade.

▲ Central Otago: Lunch break at Taylors.

Horowhenua: Peter Thompson’s Motorbike Museum stop off on the Ted Green Rally.

▲ Horowhenua: Swapmeet. ▲

Horowhenua: Club Captain, John White, helping Don McDonald with his 1927 Norton Model 16H at the Ted Green Rally.

▲ Hawke’s Bay: Admiring the 1899 Stanley Steamer.

Horowhenua: Verdon Heath enjoying the BBQ at Peter Thompson’s Bike Museum on the Ted Green Rally.

▲

▲ Hawke’s Bay: General view of part of Mr Taylor’s collection.

Horowhenua: Swapmeet.

Beaded Wheels 59

▲

lot of memories being shared. After lunch Bruce presented the hotel with photos of the car before and after restoration. The return trip was on sealed roads through Makuri, Mangatainoka, Woodville and Dannevirke. Two couples took part as prospective new members, one with a Porsche and the other with a Mercedes.

Monthly runs and club night meetings are still being well attended, but sadly the April event had to be postponed at short notice (due to a double booking at the venue) and will now be held in May.

CENTRAL OTAGO

DON YEAMAN

Our annual Golden Times Rally, which is held as part of the Arrowtown Autumn Festival, was held on 24 April. The first cars began arriving about 8.30 am and by 9.30 am we had nearly filled both sides of Arrowtown’s main street. While we were picking up our rally packs and having a warming cuppa on the Green the street was filling with spectators who came along to photograph and admire our array of cars.

We covered the whole range from veteran through to a 1980s van, from Model Ts to Mitsubishi, with many of the owners dressed to suit the era of their vehicle. The first vehicles were away shortly after 10.00 am, each following their chosen long or short route.

Lunch was a BYO picnic hosted by John Taylor and his wife on their beautiful property at Dalefield. We all parked up and took advantage of the time to view, with envy, John’s shed and his collection of vehicles and memorabilia. We also used the time for taking photographs, and having a more leisurely look at some of the other entrants’ cars without all the public spectators about.

After completing the What’s It quiz we all headed back to Arrowtown, where we parked in a designated area beside the market stalls. Once again the public came to admire, photograph and ask questions about our pride and joy. A number of the cars then joined the parade before returning for the presentation of plaques and certificates.

GISBORNE

RODNEY CLAGUE

The week leading up to and including Easter saw Gisborne inundated with 125 Model A Fords taking part in their 15th National Model A Rally. While our branch was not involved in the running of the rally, some members assisted with several

60 Beaded Wheels

duties, including acting as marshals, locating suitable items for display at their headquarters, and suchlike. The weather was good and Gisborne received several pats on the back for a great weekend.

Our end-of-the-month run took us on a shed raid, firstly visiting a collection of motorcycles, including a 1920 Triumph and a 1929 Indian Scout as well as a couple of Ducatis. This was followed by a visit to a real barn find, a 1929 Model AA Ford which was last registered for the 1960-61 year. While not in mint condition it nevertheless has a great patina, which it is hoped will not be ruined by a concours restoration. Prior to our arrival the owner had taken his grandkids for a jaunt down the driveway and back on it. We look forward to this vehicle joining our ranks in the future.

Work continues on the upgrade of our parts shed, and it won’t be long before our collection of parts will be stored in a more accessible manner on the upgraded shelving.

GORE

JIM MCFADZIEN

We welcome new members Mike and Lorrain Marston with a 1948 Vauxhall 12.

Covid-19 has put paid to a lot of events, as John Parish found out when organising the Diggers run on 20 February. Some of the older RSA member had the brakes on, numbers were down, but still a run to the Balclutha RSA was enjoyed by all.

Rain hit Gore early on our 54th Annual Festival Rally on 27 February but then out came the sun for the 44 entrants.

Instructions took crews through Gore streets, once over the Mataura River, great open country running to the town of Tapanui, then downhill to the Pukerau Domain, the driving tests and lunch. The overall winner was Katy Parish in her photogenic Alvis TB 21.

Our Frank Robson and Clearwater Capers runs were combined for four vintage and 10 other vehicles. Greg Elder took us through a loop, Mandeville then the Waimea Valley, Wendonside, finishing at his property at Riversdale. Winners, Star McDougal and John Parish, were given two packs of frozen whitebait. Greg’s generosity saw all entrants receive a pack also and Neil McVicar an extra one for his 96th birthday.

Stallholder numbers were well down at our annual swap meet, but a lot of gear changed hands.

Four Gore members had placings in the recent Combined Rally.

A milestone was achieved by Barry Newland who was presented with his 50-year badge.

HAWKE’S BAY

HELEN BALL

Our branch has been steadily growing in strength over the past few months, but as we welcome new members, we have sadly also had to farewell a few of our longstanding members who have passed away.

Monthly club nights are offering some interesting speakers, and the ever popular Friday Kitchen is drawing large numbers.

It is a credit to the well-organised chefs and crew for their ability to cater for some 60 to 70 people each month.

Our Club Sunday Runs vary from visiting exquisitely planned and planted gardens, to viewing amazing private collections, and looking through local bus or trucking businesses. Always very well supported by our members. The most recent was to view Kevin Taylor’s car and motorbike collection. Fifty-six club members attended the run and enjoyed the outstanding collection of classic and vintage vehicles. Overall favourite would have be the original 1899 Stanley Steamer.

A collection was made at the door with $275 going to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Napier.

The monthly Mid-Week Run is on a small scale with the run time never more than an hour, and again, these have a high participation rate. The format is slightly different however, as an annual roster is drawn up with regular participants offering to organise the month they sign up for. This results in not just variety, but a chance for club members to help out as well as have fun.

Our annual Labour Weekend Safari has over a dozen cars booked at the time of writing, and this year will take place in the Wanganui area. There is a swap meet arranged for May.

HOROWHENUA

BOB BARTON

Our Ted Green Annual Motorcycle Rally on 21 February had a good assortment of motorcycles from vintage to modern. Graeme McKenzie, our motorcycle guru, again pulled out all the stops, and put together a great run around the Horowhenua back roads, with silent checks (challenging questions) all the way around. An organised lunch stop at the Peter Thompson Museum of Motorcycles and Memorabilia included a barbecue by

▲

Manawatu: Branch cars on display at the Kimbolton Sculpture Festival.

▲ Marlborough: Marlborough members relaxing at Middlehurst Station.

Marlborough: Club President Kelly Landon Lane at Middlehurst Station. ▲

▲ Manawatu: Cars from the Manawatu Branch on display at the Feilding Coach House Museum Old Skills Day.

▲ Northland: Our monthly motorcycle run attracts a good turnout.

▲ Manawatu: Vern Jensen (member of the Manawatu Branch VCC) and helpers demonstrate wood bending techniques for wheels.

▲ Northland: Discussion on bikes and ride

▲ North Otago: Diane Quarrie, Lyndsey McLeod, Len Withers, Brian Perkins, John Bringans, and Branch Chairperson Rebecca ▲ North Otago: Diane Quarrie and Ivan Main.

George.

North Otago: Diane Quarrie, Charles and Mary North Otago: Diane Quarrie, John Adamson and Wangda North Otago: Diane Quarrie, Neil and Nonie Rooney.

Walsh.

Kent ▲

Beaded Wheels 61

▲

▲

yours truly and my very good friend Merv Edwards. Peter gave a talk about his collection of motorcycles, and of the people he has met over the years. The route covered 86 miles and ended at the clubrooms in Levin, where the winners Basil and Bev Gowenlock, riding a postwar BSA, received the Ted Green Plate.

Heritage day on Sunday 28 February was unfortunately cancelled at 9 pm on Saturday evening, (Covid strikes again). We were due to have seen four Model T racers, together with a fleet of custom cars, branch vehicles, and agricultural machinery, along with some heritage items. Our Patron Tom Hayes thanked all our members who put it all together on Saturday and pulled it all down on Sunday.

Our annual swap meet was on Saturday 20 March with over 150 stall holders, and the public came out to spend. Our spares man, Callum Farmer, opened up the spares department and had brisk sales all day.

MANAWATU

KING COUNTRY

MARLBOROUGH

Another couple of busy months have passed by, with some very interesting runs being held. It was decided by committee that the events page be printed inside the front cover of our Vintage Viewpoint, as well as inside the back cover. This was brought about because committee members were being rung on a regular basis by members wanting to know runs were coming up. Not a bad idea, as it is then easy to find in both places. No excuses for not knowing what is on the calendar!

There was a run to Middlehurst Station in the Awatere Valley. Two of the locals gave an interesting account of the history of the place, and also gave an insight into life on a station.

The motorcycle section were out in force for the Nelson Swap Meet and also for their monthly run, which took them up the Wairau Valley to the small That’s Fabulous Cafe just west of the Wash River.

Seventeen riders took part, as well as the back-up vehicle and another motorcyclist who opted for their newly acquired Jaguar convertible. Some then opted to stop at the Wairau Valley Tavern for refreshments on their way home. The run to Havelock was well attended, with a number of machines coming out that have never been seen before.

We welcomed four new members over the last two months , and it is pleasing to see some younger folk joining up. It is also pleasing to see that they are prepared to

NORMA DOUGHERTY

Visit to the Windmills at Grant Fraser’s Workshop.

Rob Wheeler organised this month’s rally to the home of Sheryl and Grant Fraser where we saw their lovely home perched high on the hillside over looking the Wanganui River. There was a good attendance by our members Ivan and Alison Stevens, Dave Caddy and Vicki and their two children, Julie and Wayne Gilbert, Norma Dougherty, Rob Wheeler, Sheryl and Brian Goodwin Weston and Annette Kirton. Robin and Graham Croy also came along but some how missed the visit to Fraser’s. We went down to his lovely, clean and tidy workshop to see his many windmills. Grant’s hobby is windmills.

There were many parts of windmills being constructed. Grant gave an interesting insight into the various types of windmills and their different components.

Planning has begun on our Journey Through Time Rally on the 30/31st of October. Entry Forms will be available soon.

The RSA has been booked for the dinner on the Saturday night. The route for the rally is being finalised by Ivan and Wayne.

The Friday night meal will be an informal get together at the RSA also from 6pm.

62 Beaded Wheels

BRYAN ABRAHAM

We held our annual Ruahine Ramble in early March. The outing took participants out through Feilding, Halcombe and Kimbolton, to a lunch stop at the Apiti Pub, followed by a drive back to the city along the Pohangina Valley East Road.

Back at the clubrooms Club Captain Esther Williams made a presentation to Bruce Poole of Central Hawke’s Bay Branch to acknowledge his attendance at 51 of the Manawatu Branch’s Ruahine Rambles.

In March a good number of members displayed their cars at the annual Kimbolton Sculpture Festival.

April saw some members heading south on an outing to George’s Café, just a little south of Levin. On the same day a number of members put their cars on display at the Feilding Coach House Museum as part of the Old Skills Day, where Vern Jensen was demonstrating wood bending skills and techniques for wheels.

▲ Nelson: Jim and Kyra Wareing’s Chrysler leads the Gordon and Annette Dacombe through the splash on Redwood Lane Nelson.

CARROLL WIBLIN

▲ Nelson: Lunch Break Semi Circle of cars Faulkners Bush Nelson.

▲ Nelson: A line up at the Top of the Quarry.

▲ Nelson: Lunch Break on the Quarry Run Nelson.

▲ North Shore: Members enjoy the Posh Picnic in the garden of Couldrey House.

▲ North Shore: The Branch Chevrolet Fire Engine is joined by the Helensville appliance at Helensville A&P Show.

▲ North Shore: Guy Williams Ford coupe.

▲ Otago: 2021 Dunedin Brighton Run. Organiser Colin Winter drove the mayor into the Octagon in his 1900 Wolseley – a real crowd pleaser.

▲ Rotorua: group and La Salle at Southward’s Car Museum.

▲ South Canterbury: Members’ vehicles on display at the SCVCC Swap Meet, held at Winchester. ▲

▲ Rotorua members closely examine Studebaker Golden Hawk engine.

▲ Rotorua: Ken Thomas describing his Citroën.

▲ South Canterbury: Trophy winners on the Mid-Island Rally.

help in the running of the branch by going onto committee, helping out in the parts shed and all that that involves, and even museum duties.

We have our usual Noggin’n’Natter on the last Friday of the month, so if anyone from another branch is visiting, you would be most welcome to come and join us.

There are more interesting runs coming up, and of course our AGM on 30 May.

the month which are well attended by up to 12 or more bikes including a side car. The destination is subject for brief discussion prior to departure. Northland roads vary in smoothness from good seal to badly potholed gravel, and the riders take them all in their stride. It adds to the discussion at the final destination whether this is a coffee shop or pub. Everyone is welcome to attend.

NELSON

NORTH OTAGO

RAY ROBERTSON

Two of our Murchison members, Rex Smith and Mike Bryan, took the opportunity to combine a tour of mountain passes (aptly named Blazing Saddles Tour) with a run to the West Coast Scenicland Rally.

While only a handful of local members went, they thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.

A night run to visit, for a second time, the nearly completed 12 year restoration of a 1946 Auster aircraft once again proved to be a draw card. We had a convoy of 26 vehicles, headlights ablaze, heading up country roads to the large workshop where John Kelly has been restoring this plane.

A branch run started with morning tea at the clubrooms, followed by a leisurely two hour drive around the backroads of the Moutere/Dovedale areas. The 34 vehicles arrived at Faulkner’s Bush Reserve for lunch, and to receive instructions for the afternoon’s mystery destination. However it seems everyone was in such a convivial mood that lunch rolled on for a good hour and a half, with everyone very content to suck up the warmth of the day. Our mystery destination turned out to be the Wakefield Quarry in Pig Valley. This quarry produces high-grade lime, construction rock and crushed metals. Being able to drive our vehicles through and up to the top of the quarry was very special, given few members of the public ever get to experience this.

NORTHLAND

TREVOR REILLY

Northland Branch ran another successful swap meet early in April in conjunction with the local Hot Rod clubs. Last year’s swap meet was cancelled because of the Covid lockdown. There was enough to keep interested parties there for the morning, and our parts shed saw a few good sales.

The shelves are still full though, and new donations arrive at each open day.

The motor bike group of the branch have regular runs on the first Sunday of

64 Beaded Wheels

CLIVE BLUNDEN

The North Otago Branch 60th Anniversary Dinner was well attended and was a great success with over 80 members attending. Special thanks to National President Diane Quarrie for being there to give out the awards to our long serving members.

Awards were as follows: 25 Years; Margaret McLeod, Gordon Hay and Norman Fisher.

35 Years: Lindsay McLeod, John Bringans, Brian Perkins and Len Withers.

50 Years: Neil Rooney and Charlie Walsh.

60 Years; Ivan Main and John Adamson.

NORTH SHORE RICHARD BAMPTON Good weather brought out 18 cars, mainly pre-war, for the Posh Picnic, and the well-dressed occupants took a roundabout route to the gracious 1857 Couldrey House in Wenderholm Regional Park. The overriding run instructions stated “take the third exit from all roundabouts”. This resulted in participants passing each other going in the opposite direction on several occasions. Nonetheless all drivers reached the destination, where we were able to park under the trees in Couldrey House garden and enjoy our Posh Picnic. Marika and Arnold Van Zon were the winners of the best costume/picnic turnout. It was great to see Guy William’s 1936 Ford V8 coupe out on its first branch run. It is a very nice car, which has taken him 20 years to restore with much help from others.

The Summer Saunter, having been postponed twice, took place with 11 cars and about 20 people in appalling weather.

Nonetheless the participants bravely drove North to Tutukaka to visit the Packard Museum and the swap meet.

Other branch activities included attendance by a number of vehicles at the Helensville A&P Show, where the Chevrolet fire engine, once a Helensville appliance,

was welcomed by the Helensville Fire Brigade.

A small number of cars attended the Brit and Euro Classic Car Show at Lloyd Elsmore Park on the club stand, with a larger number scattered among the 1,200 cars on show on the one-make stands.

OTAGO

MARION MCCONACHIE

We were having such a busy time with rallying events recently that I missed the April May report.

The Dunedin Brighton Run in January saw 40 veteran vehicles, some from as far north as Canterbury, enjoy a balmy weekend of motoring. Organiser Colin Winter drove the mayor into the Octagon in his 1900 Wolseley – a real crowd pleaser.

One of the Cadillacs had had its tyres and tubes swapped the day before, and in protest all but one had a go at popping on route. So onto a trailer it went. The following week saw the annual Jackson Rally, which focuses on roads on the Peninsula. Major reconstruction is being done on the lower road to accommodate cycle and pedestrian pathways. We are looking forward to seeing it completed.

A group of seven vehicles did an overnight run to Gore via Lawrence in March, and we took the opportunity to visit the Croydon Aircraft Company workshop.

Mrs Smith talked us through the restoration of a variety of De Havilland aircraft, and the types of materials they use. Then a visit to Tremaine’s shed and their collection of Fords. Then it was on to Greg Elder’s to view their cars. That evening we enjoyed a fantastic night at the Gore RSA. The theme was St Pat’s with Irish music. Who could resist the opportunity to join the crowds on the dance floor. Next morning was the obligatory Gore Swap Meet. Then it was back home via the scenic Catlins. What a stunning area on a balmy autumn day.

The branch supported the 35th Best of British at Milton, with some 119 cars and trucks supporting the British commercial and utility marques.

In June we have a Coast to Coast Run with the plan of seeing the sunrise in Dunedin, and then seeing it set at Haast in the evening. Anyone is welcome to join us.

Accommodation in Haast is your responsibility.

We continue to welcome both new members, and members who have transferred from other branches.

David Mills and a small team have been working tirelessly over the last few years on

▲ Taranaki: Chairman Colin Johnston with the winners of the 48th Annual The Waitara Mini Vin Tour Rally, Geoff and Marlene Blackbourn, 1938 Plymouth sedan.

▲ Taranaki: 1924 Chevrolet Superior H Truck that member Nigel Fraser attended the American Truck Clubs 9 Tunnel Tour last year in.

▲ Taranaki: Overall and first Taranaki entrants winners Ross and Joy Jannings with the Castle Cup and Findlay Trophy, Congratulations to them for first time winners of our annual Maunga Moana Rally.

▲ Wairarapa: Bob Cumming with his 1937 Rover 10, oldest car at the nationals.

▲ Wairarapa: John and Jill Williams with the Morgan.

▲ Wairarapa: Francis Pointon gives his 1926 Model T a bit of a hurry-up.

▲ Waikato: Tracey Hayward (on the left) and Carey-Ann Ward. One of the Best Dressed Winners of the Ladies Rally.

Wellington: Ollie West learning young at the Gymkhana!

▲ Wanganui: Various vehicles disappearing into the dust during the Carrick organized monthly run. Some better suited to the road than others...

Beaded Wheels 65

the history of our branch. We are looking forward to seeing the finished product in a few months.

ROTORUA

RONALD MAYES

After Covid-19 delays the 2020 Spring Tour, organised by Bob and Pat MacKay, was held in March. Participants visited a homestead and gardens in Takapau, the Fell Locomotive Museum in Featherston, and the Police Museum in Porirua, followed by two nights in Waikanae, allowing train travel into Wellington. One feature of that stay was the timed return to the motel each day to enjoy live coverage of America’s Cup racing. At The Southward Car Museum the group was photographed gathered around the 1929 La Salle which was donated by our late branch patron Bob Mowbray. On to Taihape and then home for the seven couples in three VCC era cars and four modern SUVs. Winners of the well-attended Chairman’s Run in March, and Night Run in April, will receive trophies – good to see new members and new cars taking part.

The latter include a 1938 Morris Eight, 1951 Armstrong-Siddeley Whitley, 1964 Riley 4/72, 1984 Land Rover and 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6.

At the March meeting Neville Harper showed his rare and immaculate, expertlyrestored, 1958 supercharged Studebaker Golden Hawk. It came from Melbourne late last year, and is at last finished, with some compliancing complications, and even damage, during that process. In April Ken Thomas displayed his 1974 Citroën DS23. That model had been introduced as the DS19 in 1955, the same decade as the Studebaker. The differences in design and thinking between the two countries were extreme at that time.

SOUTH CANTERBURY

SHANNON STEVENSON

The Motorcycle Rally, organised by Neil Manchester, took place on 7 March, taking riders on a route south-west of Timaru via Bluecliffs and Cannington, with the lunch venue being the Cave Arms Tavern.

The Mid-Island Rally was held on 14 March, attracting 35 vehicles. This run took participants south of Timaru, with lunch at the Maungati Hall and adjacent Peace Walk garden.

A number of our members participated in the Caroline Bay Rock and Hop event which attracted several hundred

66 Beaded Wheels

enthusiasts’ vehicles to Timaru. One member, Grant Stewart, entered a number of restored 1950s pedal cars.

Our swap meet at Winchester, held on 27 March, proved popular, with people travelling to it from throughout the South Island. This was the first major swap meet held in the Central South Island for some time, Covid-19 cancelling those from last year.

For the April Noggin and Natter, the guest speakers were Fred and Elisabeth Smits, who gave an enlightening story of their world travels over 2014-2020 with their 1957 Mercedes Benz 220S and tenttrailer.

The National Vintage Rally, held over Easter, attracted more than 40 vehicles built between 1919 and 1931. Several runs were held, with routes headed to Fairlie and Geraldine where vehicle displays proved popular with locals.

Thursday mid-week runs have returned for the winter season, the first of these took place on 8 April.

TARANAKI

COLIN JOHNSTON

It was a great turnout for the 48th Annual Waitara Mini Vin Tour with 27 entries. The rally route was around the eastern North Taranaki area where there are excellent backcountry roads that are ideal for our motoring club. The run always ends at Waitara for a gathering with refreshments. Congratulations to this year’s winners Geoff and Marlene Blackbourn in their 1939 Plymouth.

Our annual Maunga Moana Rally was held in March, and this year was organised

by John Muter. An excellent morning run through road tunnels carved out of the hillsides last century on our way to the back country area of Makahu, where we had lunch. Overall winners this year, and first Taranaki entrant receiving the Castle Cup and the Findlay Trophy, were Ross and Joy Jannings. Vernon Heather and Viv Speirs won the Colleen Moore Cup. Nigel Fraser of Opunake attended the American Truck Club’s 9 Tunnel Tour driving his restored 1924 Chevrolet Superior H truck. He was joined by 11 other trucks. Nigel is also restoring the 1925 Dennis fire engine, which was owned by late member Sue Matthews and had been at MOTAT in Auckland. It is now in the ownership of the Hawera Fire Brigade.

TAUPO

NEIL CHAVE

Our big event in March was the Taupo Country Roads Rally with just under 30 cars entered for a day’s run through Taupo and out onto the great rural roads within the Taupo district. The overall winners this year were Dave and Glynis Waghorn from Wellington driving their Jaguar XJS. Read all about it in rally snippets. In April our club night was a presentation from one of the crewmembers of the Greenlea Rescue helicopter based in Taupo. This service covers a wide variety of rescue work and operates all over the Central Plateau. Also in April we ran a Treasure Hunt event, with a good turnout of members coming along to enjoy an afternoon of looking for a variety of clues. It had participants driving from Motuoapa to Kinloch and plenty in between. Individual items and photos were brought back for judging as evidence of finding the treasure. This was a novel event and everyone enjoyed the challenge.

WAIKATO

HUGH MCINALLY

The Ladies’ Rally has come and gone.

This year’s theme was Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, and congratulations go to all the ladies who put so much effort into their costumes. The rally itself was kept local, with a run around Cambridge visiting all the many grand old villas.

By the time this edition goes to print our AGM will have been and gone. No doubt there will be a new committee with new ideas to keep up with the ever-changing environment that we face. Some members would like to deviate from set rallies to more touring style motoring. As mentioned in a previous report, our committee has created two motoring groups to take care of members that want to tour in similar class cars rather than rallying as such.

One group being cars that can keep up with modern traffic and the other group the slower vintage/veteran group. To date both groups are having excellent turnouts, which only reinforces the need for such groups within the club.

A sub-committee has been formed to run our up and coming major event, the Double 50 Rally. This year the organisers have gone all out to keep the entry form cost down to an unheard of price of $10 for driver and navigator. If high cost has ever been the reason for not entering, now is the time to cast that reason to one side and go on the branch’s webpage, download this year’s Double Entry Form, and enter. See you on the Double 50 Rally.

▲ Wellington: Ian McCullough and Tony Wright in a quandry.

▲ Wellsford/Warkworth: Ford Humber Consul Morrie lineup.

▲ Wellington: Cars at White Rock Station. Photo May Haines

▲ Wellsford/Warkworth: Humber Morrie Plymouth lineup

▲ West Coast: A photo of a line of cars on the Kumara forestry road as participants are told about the logging process.

▲ Wellsford/Warkworth: Stall at swapmeet.

▲ West Coast: a small section of rally vehicles prior to briefing.

Beaded Wheels 67

limits and regulations to restrict danger to horses and pedestrians.

The monthly run was organised by Pat and Sandra Carrick, and it had the simplest instructions I have ever seen. Essentially we were told to drive up Somme Parade until we saw the club flag, and to ▲ Wairarapa: They reckon the Citroën 2CV can traverse a ploughed call into that driveway paddock with a tray of eggs aboard. With a suspension like this at the for afternoon tea. It extended gymkhana that’s not surprising. is one of my favourite local roads, and travels WAIRARAPA KEVIN BALL up the north bank of the Wairarapa Branch was home to 28 Whanganui River into the backcountry.

Rover cars from all around New Zealand It was the most wonderful afternoon of when they gathered for their national rally. old style motoring. There were a couple of Entrants ranged from a 1937 Rover 10 to a notable incidents - one Hillman boiled and 1999 Range Rover. one Riley Elf narrowly missed a goat.

Cancellation of the National Motorcycle At our April meeting guest speaker Jim Rally, because of Covid-19, was a huge Norris, who has a passion for photographblow for the organisers and the entrants. ing and tracking the migration and nesting However, a consolation rally was held and of birds in New Zealand, was very entermore than 60 turned up for one of the three taining, and there was not a peep out of scheduled runs. English schoolboy John anyone for an hour. His presentation and Williams was just 16 when he fell in love the quality of photos were excellent. with a little three-wheel sports car. Sixty On Sunday 11 April the Wanganui Hot years on and half way round the world, Rod club had their occasional River City John, now 76, his wife Jill beside him, Parkup to raise money for charity - this were part of the tour. The 1937 Morgan year for RDA. We supported this event Supersport, powered by a Matchless as usual - there is a great camaraderie V-twin motorcycle engine, was a bit rough between all the car clubs in Wanganui. when John bought it. Over the years he About 20 members displayed their cars to has steadily restored it to the current point the public. where it could be argued that it is better On 17 April we hosted the Castrol than new. Today the machine is the centre Motorcycle Trial. This is reported in the of attention wherever it goes – and it goes Rally Snippets. plenty of places. John and Jill regularly rally the bike, trailering it to such events WELLINGTON RAY BETTERIDGE as New Plymouth’s Rubber Duckie and We are thoroughly enjoying the Hamilton’s Mooloo Meander. freedom experienced in New Zealand – Locals Alec O’Hara (1979 Mini LE) and unlike most parts of the world.

Paul Furkert (1949 Land Rover) battled A number of members attended the it out for honours in this year’s stretched Taupo Country Roads Rally, and as usual gymkhana at Solway Showgrounds. there were fantastic roads and equally Thirteen cars enjoyed excellent conditions fantastic people. David and Glynis on the grass, with Alec taking a narrow Waghorn, who deserted Taupo to live in the win. Frances Pointon, 1926 Ford Model T Valley, returned to steal the top silverware, and Malcolm Fleming, in a MG TF, got as ably supported by fellow Wellingtonians. far as the top four.

The gymkhana was up to the usual low standard, with Roger White setting cruel WANGANUI TONI JENKINS events to challenge every aspect of our At our March meeting local historian motoring skills. Luckily his wife Diane Murray Crawford told us about the first softened the challenge with fantastic, car in Wanganui. This car was of course but slightly naughty, food to share. I beset with challenges, including speed took my grandson who excelled with his tasks. Unfortunately his Pa failed after

68 Beaded Wheels

kicking the kill switch and copped derisive comments from the crowd. A great sunny, funny day.

Club Captain Neale organised a trip to White Rock, which is white. About 35 cars, many from the Wairarapa Branch, enjoyed another sunny day on smooth unsealed roads to the Wairarapa Coast.

Terry Mathers brought his Peugeot 203 to March club night. What a fantastic restoration, a real testament to Terry’s skill and patience.

In April Julia Millen talked about a life where she seemed to seldom live in New Zealand. Riding a Lambretta in Italy in the 1960s, driving and hitchhiking in Spain, Paris, Yugoslavia, Patagonia and even visiting Scott Base, to name just a few places. I can’t wait to read her book Fair Weather Hitchhiker.

WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH

CHRIS HARVEY

Thankfully the Covid-19 restrictions imposed on the Greater Auckland area are over as they have impacted our activities seriously in the last year. The extended Auckland restrictions prompted several of our members to attend enjoyable events put on by other branchees north and south of us which were not affected by the restrictions.

We just squeaked in with our swap meet on Saturday 27 February before the restrictions were re-imposed the very next day.

The swap meet was a success and we raised a good amount for branch funds. We had a good display of vehicles in the paddock alongside the stalls.

Our mid-week beach picnics are now over, and we move to café lunches during winter. Club nights are running regularly again and at the last one we had an interesting talk by Dave Stott. He is an engineer who oversaw the restoration of the old Warkworth Hotel, and is currently working on the infamous High Street intersection which controls access to Matakana, Sandspit and Snell’s Beach.

On Saturday 20 March ten branch vehicles were displayed at the Warkworth A&P Show, and on Sunday 18 April we had a run to Muriwai to see the famous gannet colony, which was almost deserted as most birds had already migrated to Australia.

We now look forward to our main rally of the year, the Winter Woollies Wander on the weekend 3-4 July. Further ahead is the Daffodil Rally for Cancer on Sunday 29 August, from Smale’s Farm in Takapuna

NOTICE OF MOTION

to Matakana, and we hope both events will be well supported by our friends in other branches.

WEST COAST

ELSPIE MITCHELL

2021 Scenicland Rally: It was fantastic that this year’s rally was able to happen following much disappointment when Covid-19 scuttled the 2020 event. The variety of vehicles that arrived for the briefing ranged from the early 1900s through to many more modern classics.

There were over 80 entries, with two thirds from outside the Coast. My favourite had to be the 1919 Buick with its soft-top - a stunner.

For my first rally ever we chose the adventurous Route A, and travelled through the forestry road at Kumara, then wound our way around the back of Lake Kaniere. A beautiful drive, which I am sure those from out of the district would have enjoyed. It was new territory for me, with a stop to enjoy the picturesque Dorothy Falls. When we arrived at the Heritage Park at Hokitika the volunteers had parking well under control, with row upon row of classics perfectly parked.

The Park gave rally participants the opportunity for a cuppa and bite to eat, as well as the opportunity to look at some amazing engines, stagecoaches and vehicles. A ride on the wee model train over bridges and through some lovely bush was a highlight. If you have never been to the Heritage Park in Hokitika think about a visit, as it has something for everyone and is run by a band of dedicated volunteers.

PASSING LANE In this column we acknowledge the recent passing of club members.

Information is supplied to Beaded Wheels by VCCNZ Branch Secretaries.



Blundell, Alan Reon Magee, Jim Meynell, Dereck McKenzie, Alister Renton, Jack Strawbridge, Lester Rozenberg, Anton Veneberg, John



Wellington Canterbury Canterbury Canterbury West Coast Taupo (ex) Wellington (ex) Wellington

TO CHANGE THE CONSTITUTION OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ (INC.)

THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND (INC.) National Office: PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Telephone: 03 366 4461

Explanation of changes required to the Constitution

The Club’s Executive resolved that provision for Online Membership Application be proceeded with so people of all ages, and in particular keen younger people, may be more inclined to apply for membership, enhancing the wellbeing of the Club in the future. To facilitate online membership, amendments to the Club Constitution are required and this Notice of Motion has been prepared in consultation with the branches and given formal status by the Executive so it can be presented to the members for their attention. A Remit to amend the Club’s associated By-laws was also prepared for consideration by the Club’s Executive and was discussed at the March 2021 meeting where it was endorsed with an amendment. The By-Law changes are an integral part of the introduction and management of online membership applications and will be finalised at the August Executive meeting.

PROVISION FOR ONLINE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

We wish to lodge a Notice of Motion for 2021 to alter the Club’s Constitution in accordance with the Club’s By-laws, as follows:

Current Clause Wording 5. Membership 5.1 The membership of Club shall comprise of Individuals who follow the “objects” of the Club and whom the Club accepts as its Members (called “Members”)

There are four types of members namely: a) Members – any persons interested in furthering the interest of the Club. b) Joint Member – Member and spouse (or partner) and/or dependent children up to twenty one year’s inclusive and residing with the member or temporarily residing away from that address while attending an educational institution c) Honorary Life Member – Any Member who shall have rendered the Club outstanding service, which in the opinion of the Club is such that a Member merits the conferment of the status of Honorary Life Membership. (Refer By-laws) d) Junior Membership – Any member 21 years of age or younger who does not fall under the category of ‘Joint Member’, who pay 50% of the current Annual Subscription for the relevant branch they are assigned to and a 50% reduction of the applicable Branch Levy.

5.2 Applications for Membership:

Each applicant for membership must complete and sign the prescribed form of application for membership and be proposed and seconded in writing by two Club Members whose subscriptions are not in arrears. The prescribed form of application shall be in such form, as the Management Committee shall from time to time determine.

After firstly being accepted in a Branch of the Club, the completed form or application shall then be forwarded with annual subscription to the Secretary/Treasurer.

Any person, who agrees with the objects of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Inc., may subject to the Executive committee’s approval become a member of the Club.

continued overleaf

Beaded Wheels 69

Notice of Motion continued

5.3 Rules: a) Each Member on joining the Club shall be issued with a copy of the current rules, the cost of which is covered by their first subscription. b) Each Member shall be issued with a Membership Card that shall be renewed on payment of their annual subscription 11. Subscriptions and Fees 11.1 All Members shall pay an annual subscription to the Club by a date determined by the Executive (refer to By-laws). The amount of subscription shall be determined from time to time by the Executive.

Alter Clause wording to: 5. Membership 5.1 The membership of the Club shall comprise of individuals who agree with the objects of the Club and whom the Club accepts as its members by the determination of its respective branches, and approves as its members by resolution of the Executive, (called “Members”).

There are four types of members, namely: a) Member – any person interested in furthering the interests of the Club. b) Joint Member – The spouse (or partner) of a Member, or a dependent child of a Member, up to twenty one (21) years of age inclusive, residing with that Member or temporarily residing away from that Member while attending an educational institution. c) Junior Member – Any member twenty one (21) years of age or younger who does not fall under the category of ‘Joint Member’, who shall pay 50% of the current Annual Subscription and 50% of any applicable Branch Levy. d) Honorary Life Member – Any Member who shall have rendered the Club outstanding service which in the opinion of the Club is such that the Member merits the conferment of the status of Honorary Life Membership.

(Refer By-laws)

5.2 Application for Membership: a) Each applicant for membership must complete the prescribed form of application for membership, which shall be in such form as the Management Committee shall from time to time determine.

The form may be completed online and submitted by electronic means or may be completed and submitted in paper form; in either case with or without endorsement by a proposer and seconder, being financial Club Members. b) Each applicant shall indicate on the prescribed form of application for membership the Branch of the Club that the applicant wishes to join, and the application shall be accompanied by the prescribed Initial Annual Subscription as determined from time to time by the Executive. (Refer Subscriptions By-law). Once received, each application will be referred to the appropriate Branch. c) Each application for membership shall be processed in accordance with the procedure set out in the Membership By-law and until that process has been completed and an applicant accepted and approved as a “Member” in accordance with Clause 5.1, that applicant retains the status of Prospective Member.

5.3 Rules: a) Each Prospective Member upon acceptance and approval as a Member shall be issued with a copy of the current rules, the cost of which is covered by their Initial Annual Subscription. b) Each Member shall be issued with a Membership Card that shall be renewed each year on payment of the applicable subscription and any applicable Branch levy.

11. Subscriptions, Levies and Fees 11.1 All Members shall pay an Annual Subscription to the Club by a date determined by the Executive (refer to By-laws).

The amount of the Annual Subscription, the Annual Joint Subscription, and the Initial Annual Subscription for prospective members shall be determined from time to time by the Executive. Each Branch shall determine the annual Branch Levy or Branch Joint Levy payable by its Members and the nature and amount of any incidental fee that may be incurred.

PROPOSER: SECONDER:

GEORGE KEAR (05/06206) MURRAY TROUNSON (05/02537)

Voting papers will be posted to all financial members in July.

The Constitution may only be amended, added to or replaced by resolution of 75% majority of financial Members voting by postal ballot.

Please ensure your vote is posted by 3 August 2021.

70 Beaded Wheels

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