Beaded Wheels Magazine Issue 371 August/September 2021

CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 75 YEARS

No. 371 August/September 2021

New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $7.95

VINTAGE ADVENTURES ON THE HIGHLAND FLING 9 418979 000012

1939 DIAMOND T TRUCK FORD GT40 MAGAZINE OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND

These photos were supplied to Beaded Wheels by Kevin Casey from Dunedin. Information supplied with the photos tells us the salesman’s usual route to this homestead in Tarras was across a paddock. A drainage ditch had been dug since his last trip! He never noticed it so consequently it was Clydesdales to the rescue.

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. 371

Issue 371 August/September 2021

Editorial Committee

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

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

FEATURES 11 Dannevirke Shed Suprise 14 A Tale of Two Caddies 20

A dream fulfilled Brian Stewart’s GT40

14

1924 Cadillac

25

Fun with Number Plates

26

Behind The Wheel 1939 Diamond T Truck

30

What They Said … 1945 Jowett Javelin

32

The Inaugural Highland Fling

38

First Rally Clive Somerville’s 1959 Triumph is on the road...

42

Rally Snippets 42 Hadstock Driving Tests – Banks Peninsula Branch 43 Brian Parker Memoria Rally – Far North Branch 46 Irishman 2021 - Canterbury Branch

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.

Correspondence & Editorial

26

1939 Diamond T

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 October/November:

COLUMNS 4

President’s Message

4

As We See It

5

VCC Events

6

National Office

7 Mailbag

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.)

12

The Way We Were

36

Book Review

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

Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring Update

Highland Fling

32

47 Marketplace

Editorial Copy 25 August 2021 Advertisements 10 September 2021

National Office Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 Email admin@vcc.org.nz

44

10 Timelines

53

Swap Meets & Rallies

56

Trade Directory

58

Idle Torque

70

Passing Lane

36 Awards 37

Captain’s Log

41

Archivist News

Marketplace

47

Address: 12 Aberdeen St, Christchurch, New Zealand.

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.

Reproduction of articles must be at least 12 months after original Beaded Wheels publication date. Beaded Wheels reserves the right to digitally store all published material for archival purposes.

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COVER The Inaugural Highland Fling brought a new off-highway adventure to club members in May this year. Ian and Jacqui Goldingham’s Sunbeam started the event a lot cleaner that it finished! For more photos and reports see page 32. Photo Nicola Midgely

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 By now all members will have received the Club’s annual accounts that showed a small operating surplus of $8,465.08 which, when added to the Vero profit share and interest on investments, recorded a further healthy profit this year of $63,211.39. The day to day running of the Club is well managed and the budget is closely monitored.

In the mail-out you would also have received your voting papers for a notice of motion for on-line membership. This is an important step in our Club’s evolution and is endorsed by the Executive and Management Committee. I urge members to take the time to complete this postal vote.

Congratulations to the Management Committee who were elected un-opposed. The workload of the Management Committee is increasing with every year and it is timely to remind our members that we are all unpaid volunteers.

The new integrated accounting and database system for National Office has been installed and is now successfully operational. The decision to upgrade the systems is a demonstration of our commitment to be as efficient as we can in our service to branches

and members. It is a work-inprogress however and Stage 1 of the 4 stage implementation plan has now been completed.

I thank our National Office staff who have approached this new initiative with enthusiasm.

I would also like to record a huge vote of thanks to Murray Trounson who has spear-headed this massive undertaking.

After several delays due to Covid-19 and the election, I am pleased to advise that just after the National AGM, representatives from the Federation of Motoring Clubs and the VCC have a meeting organised with the Minister of Transport at Parliament and we’ll be discussing a wide range of issues.

Our National Day – the Daffodil Rally for Cancer - is going full steam ahead under the direction of Kaaren Smylie. I know a lot of members and branches were disappointed that it had to be cancelled last year.

Support for this year’s event has been tremendous with 95% participation from our branches.

Our last one raised $60,000 so let’s make this year the best one ever!

Entries for the Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring are steadily coming in. The team has put together an event to suit all

types of vehicles. The roads are made for motoring and the route plotters have done a fantastic job. There will be interesting destinations and a variety of topclass entertainment every night.

The world famous Festival of Lights at Pukekura Park coincides with our festival. Entries close 31 August 2021.

Looking ahead this coming year: we will continue with our update of the systems and services at National office; we have started making preliminary investigations regarding replacement of the National Office building in Aberdeen Street Christchurch; the introduction of on-line membership will be implemented (pending of course a successful vote); we plan to investigate the possibility of online voting; hopefully a new logo for the VCC will be introduced; and of course the Vero Festival of Historic Motoring in January 2022.

The Club is celebrating its 75th anniversary in August in conjunction with the AGM being held in Christchurch (where of course the Club started).

Members are encouraged to drive their Club eligible vehicles to Christchurch to make this a special event. The AGM gives members a broad overview

of our current direction and financial health. It is your chance to raise your concerns and participate.

When the Club was formed 75 years ago it was a very different club to that of today. We now have a huge variance in the type of vehicles and members. I believe this has become one of our greatest strengths and why our membership has continued to hold steady. I look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you.

Diane Quarrie VCCNZ National President

AS WE SEE IT The Beaded Wheels committee has always been very stable with very few comings and goings over the years. Hopefully the reason for that is that committee members enjoy doing it and can take some pleasure out of having a part in producing a magazine for members and subscribers that they can be proud of. In any event we have only had a total of 37 committee members over the 53 years of publication. Late last year, after 18 years of service, Marilyn McKinlay retired from the committee, leaving a gap to be filled.

I am pleased to advise that Greg Price has come on board. Greg will already be a familiar name

4 Beaded Wheels

to readers as he has been the author of a number of Behind The Wheels articles, among other things. I’m pleased to say that he is going to continue with his Behind The Wheel efforts, even if the cars do not have whitewalls! When it comes to cars it could be said that he has a slight Ford problem. His father was a car dealer in the late 1940s and used to bring home many of the latest models so he was indoctrinated into cars from a very early age. His first car was a 1937 Austin Seven followed by a succession of other marques as well as the obligatory V8s. His ideal car was always going to be a Ford Mk I Zephyr, preferably a convertible and he bought his

first 1953 Mk I Zephyr in 1966.

In 1973 this was followed by another 1953 Mk I sedan, which he still has. Subsequently many other vehicles have come and gone - but some Fords remain.

He has been a free-lance writer since 1995 when he commenced contributing a monthly column, cartoon strip and the occasional feature to New Zealand Classic Car magazine and others. We welcome him to the Beaded Wheels editorial committee.

Kevin Clarkson Chairman Beaded Wheels

VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS

Heading for the highlands – entrants in the Inaugural Highland Fling follow the leader on an adventure filled weekend.

See page 32, Photo Jacqui Goldingham.

AUGUST

11 13-15 14 15 18 18 18 19 21 21 22 22 24 25 25 26 28 29 29 29 29

Bay of Plenty Canterbury Nelson Wairarapa Auckland Northland North Shore Ashburton Auckland Gisborne National Banks Peninsula Bay of Plenty Rotorua Wellington Otago Rotorua Banks Peninsula Gisborne Marlborough North Shore

SEPTEMBER

4 Banks Peninsula

4 Far North 4 Waimate

5 Ashburton

5 Gisborne

5 Northland

5 Wairarapa

5 Wellington 12 Northland 9-14 Bay of Plenty

12 Auckland

12 12 12 15 15 15

Gore Nelson Rotorua Auckland Bay of Plenty North Shore

Mid Month Run National AGM Club Run Back of Beyond Rally Mid Week Tourers Dargaville Mid-week Run Midweek Tourers Quizco with Sth Cant.

Golden Anniversary Dinner Annual Dinner Daffodil Rally for Cancer Gebbies Pass Hillclimb Daffodil Delivery Midweekers Run Kapiti Mid-week Run Mid-week Run Sulphur City Rally Mid Year Lunch Club Run Marlborough Mud Trial Daffodil Day

Brooklands Levels Farther’s Day Rally Swapmeet Opening Run with Sth Cant.

Navigator’s Trophy Run Motorcycle run Peter Smith Memorial Rally Sunday Run Club Run Nth Island Club Captain’s Country Style Tour Annual PW/PV /P60/P80 Rally Opening Run Nelson trials Club Run Mid-week Tourers Mid Month Run Mid-weeker Tourers

17-19 17-20 18 18 18-19

19 19 25 25 26 26 26 26 26 26 29 29 30

E. Bay of Plenty North Shore Manawatu Waikato Taranaki

Run to Paeroa Spring Tour Vintage Rally PW-P80 Rally Rubber Duckie Motorcycle Rally Taupo Breakfast Run Wanganui Sunday Run Central Otago Blossom Festival Rally Wellington Tom’s Tour Ashburton Spring Rally Auckland Club Run Banks Peninsula Opening Run Bay of Plenty End of Month Run Canterbury Annual Veteran Rally E. Bay of Plenty Club Run Rotorua Mid-weekers Run Wellington Kapiti Mid-week Run Otago Midweek Run

OCTOBER

1-3 Otago 1-3 West Coast 2 Manawatu

2 Southland

3 Northland 8-10 Canterbury

9 Far North 10 Northland 10 Waikato 12 Gore 13 Bay of Plenty 13-16 C. Hawke’s Bay

9-31 Central Otago 2 30 King Country 30-31 Banks Peninsula 31 Gisborne

NOVEMBER

1-3 Central Otago

3

4 5-6 5-7 5-7

6 6-7 6-7

6

6

7

7 12-14 12-14 13

Wanganui Far North Wellington Nelson Northland Canterbury Sth Canterbury Waikato Otago Southland Banks Peninsula Northland Banks Peninsula Canterbury South Otago

National Veteran Rally Journey through Time Wigram Revival Club Run

Founders Prince Henry Tour Club Night Trial Dargaville Trip Annual Rally Biennial Rally Far North Tour Annual Vintage Rally Safari Weekend Veteran Rally Taieri Tour Commercial Rally Hawkswood Sprint Motorcycle Run Monte Carlo Rallye Show Weekend Tour Annual Clutha Rally 50th Celebrations Arrowtown Motorcycle Rally Dargaville Mid-Week Run Annual Motorcycle Rally Swap Meet Mystery Run Gold Medal Motorcycle Rally Run to Tahaenui Fete Novelty Run Vintage/Veteran/ Commercial Run Swap Meet Veteran Rally Annual Motorcycle Rally

Dunvegan Motorcycle Rally Franz Josef Car Show Swapmeet 13-14 Southland Vintage/PV Rally 17 Northland Motorcycle Run 20 Auckland Swap Meet 20 North Otago Open Day 20 Waimate Club Run 20 Wairarapa Kairangi Hill Climb 21 Gisborne Auction Night 21 Wanganui Mid-week Run 21 Sth Canterbury Extended Mid-Week Run (Central NI Run ) 21 Waikato 16-17 Canterbury Girder Fork MC Rally 22 C. Hawke’s Bay 16-17 Banks Peninsula Peninsula Hillclimbs 27 Canterbury 17 North Otago Tea Pot Rally 17 Wanganui Sunday Run 17 Rotorua Club Run NATIONAL EVENTS 17 Taupo Club Run 2 August National Day - Daffodil Rally for 2 20 Northland Mid-Week Run Cancer 23-25 Sth Canterbury Mt Cook Rally 29-31 October - National Veteran Rally 24 Auckland Hunua 100 Rally 16-21 January 2022 Vero International festival 27 Rotorua Midweekers Run 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.

Members whose invoice is unpaid at the time of the March 2022 Executive Meeting will be struck off, as per the constitution, and will lose any previous continuous membership.

Please advise National Office if you have changed your address, email address, phone number, or sold/ purchased any vehicles.

If you intend to resign it would be appreciated if you notify the office by 31 October 2021.

You will be able to pay directly into the Club’s bank account, or via credit card, via a link in the email with the invoice. Cheques are no longer accepted.

You must use your full membership number as the payment reference for internet banking.

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

6 Beaded Wheels

BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS Branches around the country have held their annual general meetings and as a result there are a number of new committee members. We would like to welcome all the new committees and thank all those who stood down for their assistance over the past years.

The work that the committees put in to running the Club and assisting with the work undertaken by National Office is greatly appreciated.

upon by both NZTA and our members to assist with issues that arise.

DO WE HAVE YOUR CORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS? The club is moving to use email as a more economical

and efficient method of communication with our members. If you have not received any emails from our national office then please email us on admin@vcc.org.nz with your membership number and correct email address.

CLASSIC,

AND VINTAGE

VETERAN

G FOR 75 MOTORIN

YEARS

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

No. 368

CLASSIC, VINTAG E

AND VETERA

N MOTORING

March 2021 February/

Beaded Wheels Beaded Wheels

THE HISTORIC VEHICLE AUTHORITY OF NZ Did you know that the Management Committee has a very good working relationship with NZTA, and they officially recognise The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.) as the Historic Vehicle Authority of NZ? Rod Brayshaw is the Club’s Registrar, and is often called

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

No. 358 June/July

FOR OVER 70

FOREMOST HISTORICAL

MOTORING MAGAZINE

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

ER P6 V8 1972 ROV

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

NEW ZEALAND’S

9 418979 000012

Membership cards will be forwarded to financial members in November. Members who have not paid by 1 November 2021, will show as unfinancial.

Reminder notices will be sent before Christmas, and again in January, and branch secretaries will be advised of their unfinancial members.

000012

Renewal invoices will be emailed to all members in late August or early September 2021, for the subscription year 1 November 2021 to 31 October 2022. For those that still don’t have an email address in our system, the invoices will go out in the post.

If you don’t receive your invoice, let your branch secretary know before the end of September.

NATIONAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Club’s Executive Meeting and Annual General Meeting will take place in Christchurch on 14 August 2021. The Executive also meet on 13 August. The Executive is made up of one delegate from each branch plus the Management Committee members. Your delegate will report on the proceedings.

The minutes of the Executive Meeting are distributed to each branch secretary and all members will receive minutes of the AGM, branch office details and a calendar of events as an insert in a future issue of Beaded Wheels.

If you are entering this event you MUST have a valid Vehicle Identity Card (VIC). Please get your VIC application, renewal application, or change of ownership submitted to your branch well in advance of the registration close off for the event. Do not risk disappointment by leaving it to the last minute.

9 418979

SUBSCRIPTION TIME

VERO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF HISTORIC MOTORING

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 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.

1937 PACKARD COUPE

I read with interest Greg Price’s article on the 1937 Packard coupe in issue 370. When I read his comments in the final paragraph, Other Oddities, I was reminded of the pale green Packard in Dominion St Takapuna, where I went to high school between 1962-’67, the car that Greg refers to. I often admired the car as I Ieft school in the afternoon. It was well kept and probably registered and running at the time. With my limited knowlege of Packards I regarded it as a ‘35-’36 120, but I’m frequently wrong. In my last 18 months at school, I began to notice minor deterioration in the car and the grass was growing under it.

During the ‘70 – ‘90s I would occasionally visit Dominion St and see the car which had now significantly deteriorated and by the late ‘90s was beyond economic restoration. During this century the house was removed or demolished to make way for home units and the Packard disappeared.

Now the sad bit, on May 23 1966 the coastal collier Kaitawa sank with all hands near Pandora Bank near Cape Reinga. Allegedly the Packard’s owner was a crewman on the ship, and his parents kept the car on the lawn awaiting his return. I can’t authenticate this, but it is an interesting tale, and I wonder if someone got the bits of the Packard.

John Stokes (the Mauku one)

LOOKING FOR “DAFF”

I am seeking to find more of the history of a custom built 1941 Indian Scout that I have bought fairly recently, and in particular I’d like to contact the guy who modified it into its current form in the 1970s. His nickname was Daff, and I met him at Cooks Beach in the summer of 1982. I was riding an army Scout myself,

and I met Daff, who had ridden down for the summer on this bike, along with his companion and girlfriend who were on a fully chopped Scout. They were holidaying at a bach on Marine Parade at the original northern end of the Cooks Beach subdivision. I recall Daff being a tall rangey dude, clean shaven with long hair in a pony tail. In the flush of my youth, I remember him as an old guy (heck, he was probably only around 28 or 30) so I’m guessing he’d be around 70 years old now.

I would also appreciate any other information about this bike.

Sadly most documents relating to this machine were lost in a shed fire a while back. However I know it was registered into the civilian fleet in January 1948 to someone in Hawera, which is where it remained until the 1960s. It has had several owners since, mostly in the Waikato.

I realise these kind of modified bikes aren’t really a vintage enthusiast’s bag, and in fact may be anathema to many of your readers. Most of these old customs were gathered up a few years back and restored to original to within an inch of their lives. This one has, however, survived in its current form as built in the 1970s. Historically it’s a wonderful snapshot of that fairly brief era in New Zealand bike culture when these old Army Indians and Thunderbirds were getting hacked up into something wild and very cool.

I feel privileged to have finally ended up with a bike that made a huge impression on me so long ago. So if any readers can shed a little light on this bike’s provenance, or can put me in touch with Daff, or any of his friends or relatives I’d be very appreciative.

Arthur Harsant, Thames Email: anharsant@slingshot.co.nz

s s0The custom built 1941 Indian Scout

JUST THE FACTS, PLEASE

Greg Price might well be proud of his predilection for white sidewall tyres, but does he really need to castigate Shane Backhouse no fewer than four times in the one article for daring not to overprimp his 1937 Packard 115-C Junior Sports Coupe (page 24, Beaded Wheels 370)?

American manufacturers obviously thought such things added to their products’ appearance, and included artists’ interpretations of them in their catalogues, but whitewall tyres are not at all prominent in street scenes of the day, even in the major US cities. Here in New Zealand, where the RHD Packard has presumably spent most of its existence (it would have been nice to have learned of such things instead of the author’s ignorance about Packard Merlins), no contemporary photographs show anything but plain tyres.

I know I’m critical enough of the colours some people choose for their vintage cars, but in the end the final result is up to the individual owner.

John King, Waitemata Branch

NIT PIKIN’

It’s Nit Pikin’ time. With reference to Beaded Wheels 370, Don Muller’s article on S Smith & Sons Instrument Makers. I found the entire item very interesting and informative. Much of the history of that part of the British motor industry now falls into place. Only one puzzle though.

The paragraph referring to the Royal appointment of S Smith & Sons is written in a way that

seems to indicate that Queen Alexandra was King George V’s wife. Unless I’m reading it wrong, it suggests he married his mother! I always thought Queen Mary was his wife - the present Queen’s grandmother.

Now to the ‘37 Packard 115 coupe of Shane Backhouse. I say good on you Shane for holding out against fitting white wall tyres. As you can see, I obviously am not one of those people with a fixation about fitting them. I do agree that they look smart and dress up a car helping with its bling. But, are we now in this age perhaps in danger of giving future generations the impression that nearly all prewar cars wore white wall tyres.

If we are, then this could not be further from the truth. Sure, cars at the top end of the market and owned by the well off would have them. Then if you went back down thru the market to the lowest priced you would only see the occasional car wearing them-usually a demonstrator or ex demonstrator which had been dressed up to get foot traffic through the agency showroom. However, by far the majority of cars then, say 90%, had black walls. I was born in 1952 so wasn’t around during that time, so how do I base my claim? Simple, look at any period photo of any busy streets and observe how many cars have white walls. Not many, but the few that do really stand out.

Better still, as most people can go online nowadays, if you have the time, or the inclinination, try YouTube. I have found heaps of footage of city traffic from the different eras - not a lot of white walls, until the 1950s perhaps.

I do this from time to time and

Beaded Wheels 7

MAILBAG

it’s almost the nearest thing you can get to time travelling! It’s also amusing to read some of the inane and daft comments afterwards. Apart from wanting to keep my cars looking reasonably authentic with the use of black walls, there’s another reason. White walls are damn difficult to keep clean and presentable. Sure that’s not a big problem if you don’t use your car much, but I like to use mine regularly. That, I suspect, is why not many people used them on ordinary lower priced cars back in the days when they were in service. So there, enough stirring from me for now.

Neil Lucas

THANKS FOR EARLIER RESPONSES

Colin Miller’s letter in Beaded Wheels 370 reminded me that I hadn’t thanked Colin, Scott Thomson, and Morris Wright for their informative responses.

As a consequence of those responses I spent time (quite a bit) looking for and at YouTube clips of South Island car racing in the ‘50s. There’s a salutary lesson to be learned though, as the photographer identified his photos from 1952, but my informants corrected that to 1954, based on records they still had from their attendance.

I attach another photo from my collection, apparently on a family trip between Christchurch and Kaikoura. I know who the people are, but I would appreciate any info or speculation about the cars involved. That trip is likely to be later than the era of the cars.

Chris Bond, bondy25a@xtra.co.nz

ROYAL CAR ENTOURAGE

I have just received the latest copy and have to say it has set me on the path yet again. We need great people like John to keep documenting history since NZTA no longer holds information on file.

My late father purchased a 1952 Austin Sheerline 125, originally from the Dunedin area. He restored it, and he would say it was used for the Queens tour to New Zealand in 1953/54. As I am looking at selling this beast it would provide me with some closure to have the history documented prior to sale.

Over the past 10 years I have tracked down quite a wee story, and like all puzzles am missing the one link. I located a video of the Royal visit through the streets of Dunedin, and from this I have a clear photo showing a Sheerline, split window, original number plate 400-025.

Does anyone out there know how I can confirm the owner and match the Vin/Chassis numbers to those original plates?

The ownership period missing is between 1954-1970. I also believe the driver at the time, became the owner after it sat in his home garage in Dunedin for a number of years. The car sales in Dunedin remember that it was traded in by a Belgian gentleman who bought a Rover 110 around the 1970s and he was the last owner prior to Dad purchasing it in the 1970s.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS OLD GIRL?

About 40 years ago I went past the cottage that some of our early family had lived in around 1920 at Otaki. An old 1937 Terraplane was sitting forlornly on the front lawn adorned with mould, lichen and leaves. I enquired with the occupiers as to the plans they had for the car and found they had none, and that it would assist them if I took it away. I did that shortly after, towing it to Bulls where I garaged it out of the weather. It sat there

for a time until I was approached

by Dick Haycock (whom I knew) as to my plans for the car, I said I had none and he could take the car.

The question I have now after all of these years is what happened to the old girl? Did someone restore it? It would be nice to know there was a good ending for this old car.

Byron Husband 06 357 5921 Palmerston North

Humber Super Snipe, a Wolseley and probably a Chrysler on the Desert Road

Here’s hoping that an interested member can help me complete this jigsaw puzzle.

Nancy Stronach nancy.stronach@xtra.co.nz

1930 Wolseley Hornet

INFO WANTED

Picnic stop on a family trip between Christchurch and Kaikoura.

8 Beaded Wheels

I enclosed two photos one of which shows a Humber Super Snipe, a Wolseley and probably a Chrysler on the Desert Road just before WWII, on a staff trip to the Chateau. The owner of the British cars was a Taihape sheep station owner, and the Chrysler is believed to have belonged to one of his staff.

The second is of a 1930 Wolseley Hornet, restored in the 1980s by the late Peter Ettles of Porirua.

Peter sold the car around 1990, and I am wondering what became of it.

I agree with Ken Braddon about the car query in issue 367 that the car he refers to is a Sunbeam Talbot, either a Ten or a 2-litre.

Bernie Quin, Lower Hutt

SIX MONTHLY WOF

HISTORY INFORMATION

The time has come to put pressure on NZ Transport to wipe out six monthly WoFs on vintage cars and motorcycles.

In my view this would not apply to vehicles that have had major modifications, such as hot rods which have had high powered V8s with turbos fitted and other modifications.

These pictures are the only two I have. They were taken on Woodbury Common, Exmouth England in early May 1949, just prior to loading the car onto the SS Mataroa for our relocation to New Zealand. We arrived at Port Chalmers, Dunedin later in 1949. Unfortunately my father was killed in a work related road accident in August 1950 and the car was sold in Dunedin that year. I was too young to be aware of the precise year or model but have always remembered the registration number. The car has probably long gone but it would be great to know any history.

The application should be only for vintage and veteran vehicles 40 years and older.

I would estimate that 90% of these cars barely do 200 km in six months. Owners could be required to be a member of a club. The vintage vehicles are looked after by their owners and we don’t drive unsafe vehicles.

WoF examiners know less about these vehicles than the owners do. Perhaps WoF checks could be made a requirement when there is a change of ownership.

Ray Thompson, Westport

SIX MONTHLY WOF

Wise words from G Walker in Beaded Wheels 368 regarding six monthly WoF renewal, fobbed off by an obtuse editorial reply.

Well done Mr Walker for backing up your case with a comprehensive table on international requirements in the April issue. Once again, the Editorial note does nothing to promise any dynamic action on the subject.

prefer the VCC to concentrate our resources on clearing up this anomaly rather than introducing a new logo?

Come on guys and girls, let us know what meaningful representations you have made recently! My old lady doesn’t need to be woken twice a year just to trundle down to the garage.

Stan Brandish Consultech@xtra.co.nz

Mike D’Alton, Wairarapa

Given the choice, I wonder what proportion of members would

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

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

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Beaded Wheels 9

adobe.stock

TIMELINES

E type Jaguar

1901

120 YEARS AGO

1921

100 YEARS AGO

1946

75 YEARS AGO

VETERAN VEHICLES

Motor-Bicycles were promoted as costing between £45 and £50 for one of the best makes. With 1¼ to 1½ hp motors of the proven De Dion type, and enough petrol for 50 to 70 miles, the running costs would be just a penny for every five miles. Economy with vengeance!

VINTAGE VEHICLES

After being stuck in the Bealey ford on the Waimakariri river for three hours, a group of intrepid motorists carried on to Hokitika where their Buick was dismantled and thoroughly overhauled.

The electric starter and lighting weren’t affected from the long immersion and their entire 900-mile tour was completed.

PW VEHICLES

Commentators were slightly startled by Sydney Allard’s 3917cc, Ford V8 engined personal car with its new styling which featured a low sloping radiator, faired in headlights and the rear wheels covered in. “This is a reminder”, they said, “that time marches on and each body style will have frontal aspects reminiscent of the less lurid American cars.”

1971

50 YEARS AGO

P60 VEHICLES

Sir William Lyons, probably one of the most successful car makers, competitions overseers, stylists, image builders and market analysers who ever hit the automotive world, celebrated his 70th year by seeing the sensational 5.3 litre 272bhp V12 motor launched. Initially installed in the new, enlarged Series 3 E Type and fed by four Zenith carburettors it would propel the Series 3 from 0 - 60mph in just seven seconds.

1991

F ROM BENTLEYS T O BMWS

WHATEVER YOUR PASSION Award Winning Restorations

30 YEARS AGO

P80 VEHICLES

Almost 40 years after its demise, the proud name of Indian was supposed to be attached once more to a series of new machines and the faith of the 58,000 regular riders of Indians and the 135,000 members of the world-wide Indian Owners Club was finally rewarded. Or so it seemed.

In spite of two models being announced – the Indian Warrior TT and the Indian Chief GBA (or God Bless America) both powered by 1285cc engines, company owner Philip Zanghi failed to get production going and was finally convicted of securities fraud, tax evasion and money laundering.

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

10 Beaded Wheels

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.

DANNEVIRKE

SHED SURPRISE WORDS AND PHOTOS KEVIN BALL

In the wilds out the back of Dannevirke there’s a farm shed. It’s big, but nothing special. No sign announcing its purpose and no welcome mat for visitors.

An Indian lurks in a thicket of petrol pumps.

But for the fortunate ones invited through the front door there’s an amazing experience.

The interior is packed with museumquality exhibits relating to trucking and motorcycling, including one exhibit that dates back to 1896 and the earliest days of motorcycling.

I was invited to join a party of motorcycle enthusiasts being led by fellow Masterton Henley Men’s Shed member and BMW bike enthusiast Peter Tibbs. Mention of a steampowered motorcycle made the invitation irresistible. The party of 23 were all in cars, due to wintry conditions.

The museum, a former timber mill, is on the property of Allen Mills and is run by his sons Justin and Scotty. “It a hobby that got out of control,” explained Justin, welcoming the visitors. Just how out of control it got becomes obvious when you enter the building through a re-creation of the original Harley-Davidson motorcycle factory. (Harleys and Indians abound in this two-wheeler heaven).

A trio of huge Kenworth trucks stop you in your tracks. They are finished in remarkable artwork (no touching, please).

One even has a large bulldozer chained to its flatbed. All are as they might have appeared ex-factory.

There’s a forest of petrol pumps (including some from Australia bearing some unfamiliar names) and stacks of fuel and oil drums, all lovingly repainted. Signs and other memorabilia decorate the walls. Veteran and vintage Indians and Harley-Davidsons pop up here and there. There’s a huge Harley drag-racer, a cruiser the size of a small car, and one veteran car awaiting restoration.

An artist’s impression of Sylvester Roper and his steam bike.

A millimetre-correct working replica of the Roper steam bicycle.

Stairs lead to a theatre, where one can watch vintage films, and a deck overlooking the main floor of the museum, including those Kenworths.

The star of the show, for this writer at least, huffs away in another room, its home for the past six months. For the convenience of museum exhibition it runs on compressed air, but Allen tells me the Roper steam bicycle has been successfully fired up.

That’s a process that takes half an hour and which gives you an eye-popping half-hour at 50 mph before reloading. Remember that this was 1896. It is perhaps no surprise that inventor Sylvester Roper died of an apparent heart attack while riding this machine.

According to Wikipedia, the original Roper steam velocipede was built by Sylvester H Roper of Roxbury, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, sometime around 1867–1869.

It is one of three machines which have been called the first motorcycle, along with the Michaux-Perreaux steam velocipede, also dated 1867–1869, and the 1885 Daimler Reitwagen. Historians disagree over whether the Roper or the Michaux-Perreaux came first. Although the internal combustion Reitwagen came many years later than the

two steam cycles, it is often labelled as the “first motorcycle” because there is doubt by some experts whether a steam cycle should meet the definition of a motorcycle.

After his initial prototype of the late 1860s, Roper built a new and revised version in 1894, based on the then state of the art safety bicycle frame type. The display bike is one of two built by Kiwi craftsman Nigel Webber, originally for the American market.

They are millimetre-correct in every detail, down to the brake, a single polished spoon that presses against the front tyre, rather in the manner of pressing one’s shoe against the tyre. The shoe option looks a better bet.

There’s a mountain of information and films on the Roper steam bicycle on the internet, for those who would like to know more.

Sadly, the Mills museum is not yet open to the public, and might never be. But if you know somebody who might know somebody have a quiet word, you might just get invited to have a look at this jewel in Dannevirke’s crown.

Beaded Wheels 11

THE WAY WE WERE

MG on Worsleys Road.

Worst bit of the Old Coach Rd – Motukarara.

Continuing our series on the origins and very early events of the Vintage Car Club as recalled

by Andrew Anderson

12 AUGUST 1951

INVITATION MUD PLUG TRIAL Hoping for a similar mud bath to that which we had endured the previous year, we invited the Canterbury Car Club to our usual steep stuff as against their very flat run in 1950. Alas we couldn’t have had a drier winter and, as the photos show, absolutely no mud. However we did provide our usual very exciting territory so the lack of mud was probably all for the best.

ANDREW ANDERSON VCCNZ FOUNDING & LIFE MEMBER

12 Beaded Wheels

I have only these two photos of CCC cars and have no memory of our contingent. Amongst the spectators however, there were the brothers John and Richard Palmer, sons of the Ford

agent from Rangiora, Palmer and Doak Ltd, just left College and of course Ford mounted.

It was the first contact in a very constructive connection for our Club.

VCC OF NZ AND TONY BRUGES We have already met Tony in previous issues and his attic in regular use as our clubrooms from the death of his father Jack and inheritance of his spacious Victorian house in Kidson Tce on Cashmere hills. What I haven’t explained is that old Jack and Tony’s much younger mother were

divorced, then Tony and his mother set off to Germany in the late ‘30s with his stepfather, a senior officer in the German embassy.

So he spent the war in Germany, an experience not to be envied.

On war’s end his mother got back to New Zealand and took up residence in Wellington.

Tony went to his father in Christchurch who, as an old friend of my father’s, enlisted me to make some youthful contacts. He got him a good apprenticeship with WJ Scott Motors, whose then chargehand Lisle Lester was to drive his later acquired 30/98 in all

Mechanical Restorations Vintage & Classic Spares (1980) ENGLISH AMERICAN CONTINENTAL AUSTRALIAN JAPANESE

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

his speed events. My youthful contacts were, of course, the club but he also kept in touch with his mother and spent all spare time not vintage involved, in Wellington. We were not the place for intellectual or romantic associations which Wellington amply provided.

Hence Rob and I were delighted to provide suitable support to him at his marriage, and spent a weekend in Wellington happily.

were no more as, obviously, VCC members clumping around the house would be a marriage destroyer of some magnitude.

Tony kept our relationship intact by building a spacious top storey on his garage in which we could still congregate.

Tony, I’m pleased to say, is still with us, and last year shouted me an excellent lunch and a great time of reminiscence.

However our attic clubrooms

101 Harman St PO Box 9164 Christchurch 8149 New Zealand Phone 03 338 4307 email office@veterancarrims.co.nz

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A TALE OF TWO CADDIES

Another day in North America.

WORDS AND PHOTOS BOB HAYTON Charles Dickens wrote his epic novel A Tale of Two Cities against the grim backdrop of the French Revolution as well as life in 19th century London and Paris. At the time depicted, in 1844 the Auckland Cucksey family progenitors, James and his wife Mary welcomed into their lives in Greenwich, London, a son Alfred and a brother for Henry. In 1867 at the age of 23, Alfred was setting his sights on a better life on the far side of the world. He duly arrived in the port of Auckland in September of that year on the clipper ship Siam after 105 days at sea, to join his married older brother Henry who was at that time running a music salon in Queen Street. Alfred initially tried experimenting with uses for flax, but after a while went to the Thames goldfields where he was credited with discovering a new method of recovering gold from tailings. In 1870 he married Catherine Margaret Williams with whom he had three children. By 1874 Alfred had returned to Auckland and gone into trade, taking over a grocery business in Wakefield Street. Later, in 1881, he was to buy land to build a home and general store on the corner of Stokes and Mt Eden Roads, on the edge of a growing city.

By 1886 Alfred was providing postal facilities at these corner premises as well and then, soon after the turn of the century, he rebuilt and further extended the property with five shops. This was now popularly known as Cucksey’s Corner and had by then become the terminus for the trams coming up from Queen Street to Mt Eden. Margaret died in 1901 and Alfred married twice more

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(to Emily Shipway in 1911 and Charlotte Eleanor Smith in 1919) before he himself died in 1922 following a period of ill health.

He left behind a widow and just one surviving son. Alfred had been very active in local affairs and by then had become known locally as ‘The Father of Mt. Eden’. There had been a daughter, Eleanor (Nellie) born 1871 who married late and died rather young in 1918. Also two sons, Alfred James born in 1872 who had also died young in 1920 and Edward Henry born in 1877. The years 1918 to 1920 were the time of the world-wide Spanish ‘Flu epidemic, which affected life in New Zealand so badly. The remaining son, Edward Henry was later nick-named Nudger because of his habit of nudging punters with a wink and a tip to back a certain horse.

He was clearly something of a character – an accomplished singer, champion amateur cyclist, race-horse aficionado and interested early in all forms of motoring. It is said that he imported the first Indian motorcycle into New Zealand in 1905 and later had probably the first local Citroen Traction Avant car. In 1908 Nudger married Mabel Thomas in Christchurch. He was the respected proprietor of the Helensville Hotel in 1912, then is recorded as applying to renew his licence as the publican of Opotiki’s Masonic Hotel in 1920.

Evidently prosperous, at the time of Alfred’s death in 1922 Nudger and Mabel were away on an extensive rail and motor touring trip to the USA and Europe, taking delivery of a Cadillac car in America, which they also used in the United Kingdom and on the Continent. Being childless, they had adopted their young niece

Cuckseys and friends, Yosemite.

Nudger, Mabel and Dorothy in North America.

Dorothy (who thus changed her name from Plumley to Cucksey), following her own parents’ untimely death in the epidemic of 1918. Dorothy was at that time a boarder at the Sonning School for Girls in Hamilton, which was in time to become Diocesan.

Later, during the heady days of the mid-1920s and now living in Auckland, they set off again by sea in 1927 for a world tour with, by now, seventeen-year-old Dorothy in tow. However not before ordering a Cadillac 7-seat limousine to be picked up in Detroit when they arrived there.

They sailed from Auckland aboard the USS Co. liner RMS Aorangi in early May, travelling via Suva and Honolulu, finally arriving at Vancouver, Canada, at the end of the month. It was here Nudger purchased a three-year-old left-hand drive 1924 Cadillac V63 7-seater touring car to transport them until picking up their new motor car in Detroit. Spurning the use of travellers cheques or other forms of more secure credit, Nudger is reputed to have carried their travel funds in a money-belt, in the form of gold nuggets! No doubt an ounce or two would have been required to secure the car. At least our man went prepared, as the V63 Caddie was later photographed in the States carrying a New Zealand number board.

Photographs taken at the time allow a fair idea of their tour route in the Cadillac. This seems to have been from Vancouver, through Seattle and south along Old Highway 99 (now largely the route of Interstate 5), following inland from the west coast to Portland and via the redwoods to Santa Rosa, a visit to San Francisco and nearby Stanford, then inland to Yosemite, south to Los Angeles and then eastward. They crossed the Mojave Desert, then the Colorado River on the Needles-Topock bridge following Highway

Nudger with pony in Te Awamutu.

66 (Route 66, with its route markers and information, was formally established in November 1926), until turning at Williams to view the Grand Canyon. Back on 66 through Flagstaff, it is more than likely that the Mother Road (as the recognised transcontinental route at that time), took them through Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Amarillo, Oklahoma City and St Louis to Chicago – almost the same route that had been followed by Nudger and Mabel, but by train on the Santa Fe railway, some five years earlier.

On arriving in Detroit their new car was not ready, so it was decided to have that one sent on directly to New Zealand. They continued the trip in the tourer by way of the Canadian cities of London and Hamilton to Niagara, thence past the top of the New York State Finger Lakes and Jacob’s Ladder, to Boston in Massachusetts. Washington DC and then Atlantic City. Then to New York where they embarked on the RMS Scythia (a single funnel, 20,000 ton Cunard liner built by Vickers in 1920) on its August sailing and whose trans-Atlantic route to Liverpool had a stop at Cobh (Queenstown) in Ireland. Their tour of the United Kingdom was extensive, taking in all the principal sites of England, Wales, Scotland and also Ireland. Dorothy saved mementos from her many visits to theatres and events in London, whilst Nudger attended the British Grand Prix at Brooklands in October 1927 and the Lord Mayor’s Show in London, in November of that year.

Although it is unclear where they joined the ship, the family finally departed Europe aboard RMS Macedonia which left England around New Year 1928. This was a twin screw, 11,000 ton, Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O) ship built by Harland & Wolf Ltd at Belfast in 1903, which at that time was operating on the India and Far East Run. They certainly visited Monte Carlo and

Beaded Wheels 15

Mabel and travel stained Cadillac.

other popular towns such as St Tropez and Cannes in the south of France. There is circumstantial evidence to suggest that they motored to the CÔte d’Azur and then went aboard at the ship’s regular port of call of Marseille. The V63 would most likely have travelled with them and certainly did arrive back in New Zealand to be re-united with the family. In the meantime photos show that the world tour continued, with a further stop in Singapore before arriving in Hong Kong. From there our three travellers made a transfer to the Eastern and Australian Steam Navigation Company (E&A) vessel TSS Tanda (a 7,000 ton ship built in Scotland in 1912 as the Madras). This vessel was on a regular Australia to the Far East run, leaving for Shanghai and the southern Japanese ports of Kobe and Yokohama before returning to Hong Kong. It then went on with calls at Manila in the Philippines, Borneo, the Timor Sea Torres Strait islands and east coast ports in Australia.

By the end of March 1928 they were home again. Not to the familiarity of Cucksey’s Corner though, as their new life beckoned in Auckland where Nudger took over the Prince Arthur Hotel located near the present day Skytower. It was here that they took delivery of the new right-hand-drive 1928 model 341A 7-passenger limousine car direct from Detroit. At some time in the early 1930s, Nudger and Mabel moved south to look after the Te Awamutu Hotel located on the corner of Sloane and Alexandra Streets. This building has long been demolished and nowadays its former site is occupied by shops. The row of shops in Mt Eden, which still stands today, were inherited from his father and were retained by Nudger until his death, no doubt providing a comfortable and steady income.

Both cars were well known around Te Awamutu in the 1930s, being often seen on family outings and at race meetings. The tourer was famously used on occasion to transport foals and other livestock in the back-seat area, or to feed out hay on their small Te Awamutu farm, with the jump-seats folded away. It would be seen loaded with gear and towing a horse float to race meetings around the North Island - Nudger was a successful owner and very keen follower of flat, steeplechase and harness racing. Bill Grant,

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father of the late Waikato Branch member Barrie Grant, used to drive the car for the Cuckseys while he was working on the Joe Storey farm at Te Rahu. On one occasion in 1938, when he was pulling a loaded two-horse float to Cambridge races, Bill was told

by Nudger “Take care, Boy! It’s the best car you will ever drive”.

‘Boy’ was at the time father of four sons! It is also on record that Nudger and Mabel used one of the Cadillacs to complete a tour of New Zealand in 1930 or ‘31, driving the Taupo to Napier road before the 1931 earthquake and going as far south as Invercargill.

In all of the records, correspondence or memorabilia available there is never any suggestion that either car caused any trouble while put to use by the Cucksey family.

From time to time both cars were taken for a lube to Advance Cars Ltd in Te Awamutu by Nudger, where Ron Patterson was a young apprentice designated to do the job. Late Waikato Branch member, Grant Patterson, who was later to own the 1924 tourer, recalled that his father was not very interested in helping with the lube job when it was required, no doubt having had his fill of its complexity in earlier years. Grant has recorded that his mother Jean also worked for the Cuckseys in the pre-war years as a maid at their Te Awamutu hotel.

Dorothy married Leonard Kay in 1932, going to live on their Korakonui farm near Kihikihi. In time it was Leonard’s brother Alan that took ownership of the 1924 V63 tourer, which was last seen on the roads around the area in the 1940s and later on his property at Arapuni. It was here that Barrie Grant, riding round the district in 1952 on his LE Velocette motorcycle, and on the lookout for a suitable old car to buy for weekend work, first saw the tourer in a rather poor state. He just had to have it and persuaded his father to lend him the necessary money until he could repay it from his apprentice motor mechanic wages. Father and son, together with the local carrier Paddy Kempthorne, then set about bringing the car back home to Ngahinapouri. As soon as he saw it, Bill Grant recognised the Caddie as the car he had driven before the war.

Barrie immediately started to pull the car apart, doing more of a clean-up than a restoration. He had it running by 1956 and drove around the paddocks with it in chassis form. Then he and wife Lynn moved into Hamilton and the car was now destined to sit in Bill’s Rotokauri scrap yard, protected by an old bus body. 1959 came around and Barrie had the chance to purchase a Cadillac V16 limo, which he could not refuse. This car is now on display at the Nelson Classic Car Museum (formerly WOW) following a more recent full restoration. A year or two passed and with an impending business move to Tokoroa for Barrie, something had to go. Fortunately Fred Ryan, a locomotive driver with NZR, came into the picture and in 1962 bought the V63, restoring some parts of the car and gathering some further historical information. After earlier restoring a 1930 Cadillac 353 service car (ex Webbs Motors of Raetahi and later part of Newman’s fleet) Fred Ryan’s son Danny eventually gained ownership and in 1990 set about completing a thorough nut and bolt restoration of the V63 tourer.

The painstaking work was undertaken by Danny and Fred, with help from Barrie Grant in rebuilding the engine and gearbox.

Ivon Ryan prepared and painted the chassis, Graeme Parkinson repaired or remade parts and gave assistance with assembly work, John Curtis assembled the wooden components and Rob Bouwknegt did the painting with a finish of green over black. All this activity enabled the car to be started again in 1996, for the first time in 40 years. With a mere 200 miles on the now restored speedometer, Danny and Vicki Ryan (together with Fred Ryan and Vicki’s parents, Les and Eve), drove to Christchurch for the VCC 50th Anniversary Rally, arriving home three weeks later having covered a further 2,000 relatively incident free miles. The V63 Caddie was later taken to the colonial village at Mystery Creek near Hamilton, where it was photographed with Danny and Vicki, for use on the Vintage Car Club’s Royal & SunAlliance Rally 2000 poster and programme.

By 2007, with room needed as the Ryan workshop was filling up with too many projects, the Caddie found a ready Hamilton buyer in Grant Patterson whose parents we have seen had previous experience with the vehicle and the Cucksey family. Grant and his wife Anita used the car in local VCC and Cadillac Club events, as well as on local coffee runs, while also carrying out finishing work and substantial research into its previous ownership and history.

Among the information that Grant uncovered with his fastidious research were details of the original manufacturing data from the GM archives. Known correctly as a 1924 V63 Cadillac 7-seater tourer, the car has chassis and engine number 63-A-1626 (number 1626 off the production line) and it still has the original motor. This is a 314 cubic inch, 90-degree, L-head V8 with balanced crankshaft.

It runs morse chain instead of fan belts and has two water pumps.

The 4-wheel braking was original when the car was delivered to its first owner, a Detroit newspaper magnate, in December 1923.

Unfortunately, at a far-too-early age, Grant became very ill and passed away in 2013, leaving the V63 in the care of Anita, where it remains today.

During the research carried out by Grant, clues were uncovered regarding the possible fate of the second Cucksey car, the 1928 Model 341A limo. Nudger died in 1954 (remarried to Tui after Mabel had preceded him in 1937), but it was probably during WWII that it was purchased from him by Alfred & Edward Brown, colourful proprietors of Cambridge Service Station in a location on the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets now occupied by the town’s Z fuel outlet. It is said that their tow truck had been requisitioned for the war effort, so they used the Caddie to do breakdown towing work.

Alfred’s son and Waikato Branch member Terry Brown can recall riding in the car as a small boy in the late 1940s. Dennis (Dinny) Kelly had the car for quite a while later in the 1950s to run in his Cambridge to Auckland service car operation alongside a Packard Clipper, a run which was later replaced by a NZ Railways bus service. This led to a sale to Russell Plaw who farmed on Victoria Road in nearby Hautapu, where the Caddie was used on local roads and at times about the farm property. Elaine Heaslip (now Budd), also living on Victoria Road, is shown as the limo’s owner in November 1964, but she may have had the car earlier than that.

Elaine was the daughter of Russell Plaw and upon marriage built a home with her husband on land sub-divided from the family farm. 1964 was also the year when those permanent silver/black number plates were first issued in New Zealand, so Elaine’s car got a new number and from then on wore DB2686.

Not driven very much by Elaine, the car was sold again locally and later advertised for sale for a substantial amount in the American motoring press by the next owner, Denis Arnold of nearby Fencourt. Apparently it was not sold to the US as it came into the hands of Colin Higgins, a second-hand car dealer with a couple of small yards in Cambridge, who at that time lived on Taylor Street. He subsequently sold it in 1979 to a New Zealand Cadillac enthusiast, Denis McLachlan of Oxford in Canterbury.

Fortunately, at a time when he was president of the NZ Cadillac/ La Salle Club, Denis maintained quite comprehensive records of the many Cadillacs he was able to locate around the country and is certain he obtained the 341A from Higgins for the sum of $1,000. He also recorded it had a Fleetwood limousine body with cloth roof and a towbar fork on the back suitable for a hay rake.

Perhaps more likely though, this fork would have been fitted by the Brown brothers during their breakdown towing days. After doing some preparation work, Denis set out to drive the car to the South Island. On the Desert Road traffic enforcement claimed he was clocked downhill at 78 mph; luckily, this seemed so unlikely to all concerned that he was not ticketed. His good luck did not last however, as the journey home was terminated prematurely at Kaikoura with wheel problems: the car subsequently arrived at Oxford on a trailer. Denis claims that he purchased the vehicle with the intention of restoring it for his own use, it being still registered by him for the road at least during the 1981/82 period.

But after starting the restoration, by the mid-1980s he had sold the limo to David Merryweather of Auckland for whom he completed further work before the car was sent north again.

Now, Cadillac enthusiast Danny Ryan comes back into the picture. While undertaking full restoration of the V63 tourer, he was contacted about the limo. It was now at Gulf Motor Bodies Ltd in Auckland, restoration work having come to a standstill. The owner, it appears, had lost interest. So, the 341A was purchased

by Danny from David Merryweather in 1993 as a partially restored project intended for future completion. It still carried those silver/ black plates of DB2686 at that time, indicating that it was indeed the same car. Having done no further work on the vehicle over the intervening years and with too many projects in the workshop to complete, Danny felt that it needed to move on again. The new owner in 1998 became Phil Dunstan of Queenstown, so back it went again to the South Island.

Phil makes no claims to be a mechanic, limiting his involvement to building a double garage to work in at Wanaka and, with the invaluable help of the late Robert Duncan, hiring different people to complete all outstanding work required. This included finishing the bodywork and rebuilding the engine, which initially would

Beaded Wheels 17

Dorothy Kay reunited with the Cadillac in 1996.

1928 Limo at Skippers Canyon.

1928 Limo at Wanaka Museum May 2012.

not run well. Eventually it was found that factory timing marks were incorrect. Having solved that little problem, the car is now nice to drive, cruising comfortably at 55mph despite its low ratio differential. Somewhere along the way the silver/black number plates have become mislaid so the limousine is now registered as AGE182, although Phil would be keen to see it return to its earlier identification if this proves possible. Finished in dark blue with upholstery in Bedford cord, it is used occasionally for weddings or pleasure motoring, residing mostly now at the Warbirds and Wheels Museum in Wanaka.

The story would not be complete without mention of a couple of events which have occurred around the Waikato in more recent years. In 1996 Danny, Vicki and Fred Ryan took the V63 to Te Awamutu specially to visit Dorothy Kay. She had so willingly provided them access to historical information and photographs from the car’s past over the preceding five years to assist with the restoration. One surely has to wonder what would be passing through her mind as she once again rode around town in the very same vehicle as on that great touring adventure with her relatives almost seventy years previously. Dorothy has now passed on, but

her help has ensured that a good legacy has remained for posterity.

Ten years later, and once the tourer had passed to Grant Patterson’s care, members from three later generations of the Cucksey family were to enjoy a similar experience. Harold (grandson of Eleanor) and his wife Brenda, together with their son Brian and his wife Pip came down to the Waikato to be treated to a ride of reminiscence around the district. Shortly afterwards the V63 was out again, this time to do wedding service for Brian’s nephew Sam Cucksey and his new bride Katrina, driven on this occasion by Danny Ryan.

Both cars now live quietly in rather dignified retirement with time to reminisce, as we tend to do in old age.

So, there we have it, The Story of Two Caddies that enjoyed various adventures, spent a lot of time together, then apart and briefly back together again, before continuing on different journeys.

They have given transport, interest, satisfaction and pleasure to a large range of different people whose lives are intertwined by an involvement and admiration of these two great surviving vehicles.

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Beaded Wheels 19

A DREAM FULFILLED WORDS AND PHOTOS BRIAN STEWART

Dad initially owned a Ford Pilot V8, followed by a succession of Zephyrs (MKI through III) and, after being treated poorly in a Chrysler dealership, two MKIVs, then a Falcon, a Cortina, and finally a Ford Laser. Consequently, when I became a keen follower of motorsport I showed a strong bias towards Ford. With the announcement of the GT40 back in ’63 I avidly followed the exploits of the car and its drivers in the motor magazines of the day. Here was a car to lust after.

At age 13, the Le Mans victory in ‘66, especially with a couple of Kiwis at the wheel, was, in my young eyes, the pinnacle of motorsport achievement. I guess the dream started back then. A particular photograph, a rear view of a couple of MKIIs dicing with a gaggle of other cars, including a pair of P4s and a couple of MKIs, through the esses in ‘66, stuck in my mind for many years. The GT40 remained a firm favourite throughout its racing career, and, although I also had a very soft spot for the F3L (P68) when it was introduced, the yearning for a GT40 was still strong for some years after they ceased winning races. However, being on the other side of the world to major sportscar action, I was resigned to the likelihood of never seeing my dream car in the flesh, let alone owning one. Desire gradually faded and the GT40 slipped well down in my consciousness for a couple of decades.

All that changed in 1990. Unbeknown to me an original GT40 was residing in New Zealand. I was at a classic race meeting in Dunedin and, there it was, a GT40 – in the flesh! All the memories came flooding back and I took as many photographs of it as I could. The car was chassis number 1078, and had been brought to

s 1078, Dunedin Street Race, 1990.

20 Beaded Wheels

s CCDsQrstGT4 0.

New Zealand by AC/DC’s Kiwi drummer, Phil Rudd. It was doing a farewell tour of the country’s classic race meets before heading back to the UK with new owner Ted Rollason. Unfortunately the car hit a kerb and bent a wheel in its first race and was side-lined for the rest of the meet. However the flame was alive again, and was fanned by a copy of Ronnie Spain’s seminal GT40 book found in a Timaru bookshop at half price.

A couple of years later I came across another GT40 – this time in Gulf livery. Upon asking some questions I discovered it was a kit-car. I was flabbergasted. At the time I had no idea one could build one’s own GT40. Some years further down the line I spotted a GTD in Essex Wire livery for sale in Christchurch. I took a trip up to look at it and found that although it was a beautifully put together car, at six foot four inches I simply could not fit into it. I was gutted.

My partner Carmen and I had been together about a year and she was with me at the time. Rather foolishly she said, “If you like them so much, why don’t you build one?” Wow! Talk about being given a green light… It is a comment she has regretted to this day.

Deciding that I would indeed build a GT40 the search began in earnest. A 1969 Ford 351 Windsor V8 engine cropped up not too far from me and, based on my reasoning that, if a 351 was good enough for the GT40 based Mirages and AMGT-2, it should be good enough for me, I bought it and stowed it in the garage. Next step was to closely examine the available kits. I discounted GTD as I had already established that it would not give me enough interior room. Closer to home was DRB in Queensland and Roaring Forties (RF) just out of Melbourne, and GT40 NZ. In 2000 Carmen and I managed a side trip to RF while we were visiting Tasmania, and I came away very impressed. So much so that I was on the verge of sending away a deposit when I spotted an article in New Zealand Classic Car magazine. The article covered all the current makers of kit cars and bespoke replica cars currently operating in

s Engine assembly. Scorpion roller rockers and AFR 185 heads.

s My mono early on.

s Wheels after.

s Anti-rust undercoat.

New Zealand. Among the photos was one of a GT40 built by Classic Car Developments (CCD) in Invercargill.

Invercargill was just two and a half hours south of me, so I rang the number and arranged a time to visit with Dave Brown at CCD. He didn’t have a car on-site, but was part way though putting together his second monocoque, destined, funnily enough, for RF. Being built from original Ford drawings, it looked just the business and, after much discussion, Dave convinced me that going mono and as original as possible was a much better option than going spaceframe. We talked money and I calculated I could get a fair way through a decent mono for similar money to what I would have given RF. I agonised over the decision for some considerable time, but finally, in June 2001, I sent my deposit off to Dave.

Bad timing. Within a couple of months the firm I had moved to in late 2000 looked like it would go under and I jumped ship before the inevitable collapse. Such is life. There followed a period of 12 months of uncertainty as I contemplated my circumstances and sought new employment. However, as Dave had already started on my mono, we came to an agreement whereby I would drip feed CCD money as and when I could afford it, and progress would continue on my car.

In the interim I read all the books I could find, scoured the internet, and talked to any GT40 enthusiast who was willing to share tidbits of information. As a result I was able to identify and source many parts that would assist Dave in progressing my build.

In this respect I was very lucky to be living in New Zealand at a time before bureaucracy forced many car wreckers to clean up their yards. Thus, I was able to relatively easily source such items as dash eyeball vents, demister grille, dash switches and warning lights, door hardware, interior mirror, wiper motor, wiper, washer bottle, handbrake lever, and a host of other original fitment goodies that would either bolt straight in or could be suitably modified. When I say relatively easily, that still involved travelling the length and breadth of the country visiting various wreckers, knocking on doors

s MKII rear clip.

of farms that had promising wrecks lying in paddocks or under trees, and visiting as many swap meets as I could.

I gained meaningful employment once again, but kept drip feeding money to CCD as the arrangement seemed to suit both Dave and me well. Over the ensuing 15 years progress was very slow and, at times, very frustrating, with parts purchased overseas often taking many months to turn up. Any spare funds I accumulated went towards stripping down and rebuilding the 351 under the watchful eye of a local engine specialist, and sourcing a manifold and a set of 48 IDA Webers. eBay became my friend, with searches created for ZF transaxles, CAV ammeters, Stewart Warner 240A fuel pumps, and aero engine oil coolers, among other things. The greatest success was scoring a 1971 ZF DS25-1 transaxle out of a very early Californian Pantera for what would be considered a very good price in today’s market.

Based on the 1966 picture burned into my memory I had decided I liked the look of the MKII rear, and that dictated bodywork and what wheels I should get. Magnesium was discounted as being too expensive and more difficult to maintain so, after much searching and numerous blind alleys I chose Halibrand wine glass style three piece wheels from Image Wheels in the UK, and Avon CR6ZZ tyres to fit.

The wheels looked great but I was not keen on the sharp delineation from the rim to the centre. I dabble a little in oils on the side and was able to exchange a painting for a set of laser cut inserts that were bonded into the wheels to give a more original look.

Around this time Carmen and I decided a holiday was in order so we combined a trip to Europe with a visit to the Le Mans Classic in 2006. There we got to meet many of the wonderful folk in the GT40 Enthusiasts Club and, through their generosity, we were both lucky enough to be offered our very first rides in a GT40. The high speed trip down the Mulsanne Straight is an experience one does not forget.

Beaded Wheels 21

s BodytrialQtted.

s Top coat.

Once back in New Zealand I was informed by those in the know that Bill Hough in Massachusetts had worked on the original cars back in the day and was the man to ask about bodywork. I contacted Bill and he was very good to work with. He was willing to make a MKI front clip with single nostril, doors and sills, and a MKII rear as I requested, but pointed out that the MKII rear clip moulds he had were very old and would need some work to get them into shape.

A deal was done and work commenced. I’m not sure how old Bill’s moulds were, but when the bodywork finally arrived dimples made by the rivets holding the periscopes in place on the rear deck were plainly visible and a little bird later told me that the rear clip was cast off an original MKII race car. No idea which car, but a nice link with the past if true.

Brake calipers (Girling 18/4 and 16/4) and discs (AP racing vented) were ordered from BG Developments in the UK and Raceparts respectively and arrived very quickly. The engine was eventually finished, and the transaxle finally turned up (after languishing in a Los Angeles warehouse for two years), so both were promptly delivered to CCD, along with the body that I had prepped as far as I could. Dave and the lads had made significant progress, with the mono being almost complete, many of the suspension components made, and a myriad other little things organised.

With the roof made and fitted, and most body parts trial fitted, the engine and transaxle were also trial fitted, along with available suspension components. It was starting to look like a car, but at this stage we decided the mono was ready for paint, so everything was removed again.

I reiterate that all the above took place quite slowly over the space of some 15 years. In the interim CCD had built two other GT40s, was working on a third, and had supplied one other car and numerous monocoques in various stages of completion, all to 22 Beaded Wheels

s Loom in.

overseas clients, and I felt that my project was being left behind somewhat. However, by October 2017 I was ready to cut back on my work hours and commit more time and money to getting the car completed. As a result, I came to an arrangement with Dave that John Shand (who had played a huge part in getting many of the CCD GT40s together, but was no longer with the firm) and I would spend a couple of days per week in the workshop. John was otherwise committed until early 2018 so I pottered away on things I was able to handle by myself, with some guidance from Dave, and from John when available.

Once John was fully on board things started to really progress.

By this stage the body was all painted and we could begin final assembly. As anyone who has restored or built any car will know, “final assembly” is a very loose term, with most components being put on, taken off, then put back on and taken off again at least twice, and sometimes three or four times.

The first major job was re-installing the engine and fitting the eight inch twin plate clutch and transaxle. Then, with the alloy fuel tanks installed, we could plumb up the fuel system and check for correct function and leaks. The SW pumps made the correct noises, but one leaked, so needed stripping down and new gaskets fitted.

Next it was on to the electrics. An original style loom from Andy Booth at GT40 Gold Parts (along with numerous other bits and pieces) was laid in and connected up with an Autolite regulator, a refurbished Autolite alternator from a 1969 Falcon GT, and an original distributor retro-fitted with a Petronix electronic ignition module. Power was supplied by a sealed 12V gel battery installed at the front of the passenger footwell.

Still a long way to go, but with fuel, electrics, and a cooling system in place, what else would you do but try to start it? After a few slow turns it coughed into life, but only on 6 cylinders. A bit of

s Body colour on. The car in the background is a very original recreation of a car driven by Denny Hulme, being built for a UK client.

s Rear hubs, before

s GaugesandswitchesQtted.

s Front suspension.

a play with the HT leads got it on 7, then some tweaking of one of the carbs had it running on all 8. Not bad for lying idle for over ten years. It was tempting to start it every time I revisited the workshop, but sanity prevailed and we got on with other, more pressing tasks.

The pedal box was fitted as far forward as it could possibly go to accommodate my lanky frame. Everything between the front bulkhead and the pedal box was a tight fit, so it was with a huge sigh of relief we were able to get all the plumbing and, more importantly, me, fitting. I wanted to use the original style handbrake lever and actuating mechanism, and with the pedals so far forward it required some extra fiddling with routing the cable and the making of a custom pulley to get it to all in place and working well.

Front and rear suspension was completed and fitted up with Koni 8212 coil-overs, then the steering rack with MGB internals was fitted.

Front and rear hubs were machined, as were disc bells. Once that lot was assembled the car was put on its own feet. Probably about time as the tyres on the wheels of the build stand had perished and collapsed as soon as we tried to move the rig.

The interior was then fitted, having been made to original specifications and with reference to original photographs, by a very clever local upholsterer in Dunedin. With the seats in, the 4-point harnesses could be installed and windscreen and mirrors fitted and adjusted.

The final task was manufacturing the rear axles. These started life as Rover P6 units that were cut in half and a custom axle welded in and machined to accept VZ Holden Commodore SS inner CV joints. OK, they’re not Rotoflex couplings, but MKIIs had CVs and I’m happy with the look of the end result.

With the axles fitted the next step was to go for a drive so on Friday, 1 March 2019, a little over 18½ years after I embarked on

and after.

this crazy journey, the car moved under its own power. Woohoo!

Noisy little sucker it is too. The next week we fitted the extinguisher system and then took it to the local race circuit for a bit of a shakedown.

I’d like to say it performed faultlessly, but it didn’t. We had incorrectly put a ballast resistor in the circuit for the Petronix ignitor (I was originally going to run a twin point distributor) and hadn’t thought to remove the ballast. This ultimately caused a severe misfire that was easily rectified by simply bypassing the ballast. Another electrical gremlin made the gauges inexplicably all suddenly stop reading momentarily from time to time and the speedo would not work. Other than that, it handled very well, pulled like a train, and elicited much favourable comment from other folk at the track.

The following week I trailered it home and left it in the hands of Roy Macdonald to get it certified, warranted and registered, having been already approved by the Limited Volume Vehicle Technical Association (LVVTA).

So – dream fulfilled. Despite looking a little like XGT-2 the car is not a recreation of any particular GT40, but rather is an incarnation of my ideal GT40. It is mostly MKI, but with a MKII tail and rear subframe, and MKII style CV joints instead of rubber doughnuts.

One major concession to modernity I have made is the installation of an electric water pump (a) to keep it cool in stop/start city driving, and (b) to increase interior room by doing away with the usual bulkhead bulge. Overall, I am very pleased with the result.

Would I do it again? Probably not. It has come in at roughly five times my original (2000) budget and has taken far longer than I ever anticipated. While it seems like just yesterday I put down the deposit, looking back, some steps along the way have dragged by agonisingly slowly. Indeed, there were times when the frustration Beaded Wheels 23

s The business end.

became so great that I considered pulling the plug on the whole thing, but I’m glad I persevered. To date we have covered a little over 5000 miles in it, with relatively few issues other than what you might expect from a completely scratch-build sports car. However, a quick pre-departure check of fluids, nuts, bolts, catches and hoses is an essential part of every journey.

What’s it like to drive? Much like the originals – very noisy (sounds like a bag of spanners when you hit a bump and the exhaust is very loud), hot, and it leaks like a sieve in the rain. However, the seats are surprisingly comfortable, it has bucket-loads of torque, and it holds the road beautifully. An interested group of onlookers gathers and numerous questions are a given wherever we stop.

A huge vote of thanks to my long-suffering partner Carmen, to Dave Brown for allowing me the flexibility of build to suit my circumstances, to CCD’s team of craftsmen (Neville, Phil, Neil and Petrus) who willingly tackled any problem I presented them, no matter how difficult, and lastly, to John Shand, without whose help the car would likely still be sitting on a build stand gathering dust.

24 Beaded Wheels

s Testing at Teretonga race circuit.

Originally born and bred in Timaru, Brian is a retired marine biologist who lives in Dunedin. He has always been keen on cars and learned how they tick by blowing up his first car, an Austin A30, and having to rebuild it. Rebuilds of a Citroën Big 15 and a MKIII Zephyr followed, simply to get them running better. Other cars of interest have included a Prince B200, MKIV Zodiac, Lancia HPE, Rover SD1 Vitesse, and Sierra Sapphire Cosworth.

Brian enjoys working with his hands, and when not tinkering with the GT40, has renovated a 120+ year old Speights home with his partner Carmen, and does realistic oil paintings, some of which feature cars.

Brian Stewart

FUN WITH NUMBER PLATES WORDS AND PHOTOS MICHAEL TAYLOR

Until 1988 the only fun you could have with New Zealand number plates was to hang them on the wall of your garage.

As many readers will know, New Zealand issued national plates for the first time in 1925, replaced annually until 1941, and then every five years (1941, 46, 51, 56 and 61) until the decision was made to issue permanent number plates from 1964. These were the silver on black plates (two letters and four numbers for cars, four or five numbers for motorcycles).

Enter the first personalised plates, well sort of. In the mid to late ‘60s you could reserve the next set of numbers that suited you, and for the cost of the plates (10 shillings), you could get the next set of the date of the year of your car that came up. I have EY 1922 and EY 1938 for the two Packards I’ve owned since the ‘60s. In those days rego went 1 July – 30 June for everyone, so to keep your rego alive you had to pay for the month of June each year. (No WOF was required).

Sometime in the late ‘60s I started collecting old New Zealand (and a few other) number plates. They are becoming harder to get nowadays. However, even within the last few years I have picked up paired plates from the ‘20s and ‘30s in junk and antique shops around the countryside.

In 1988 the current black on white reflectorised plates were issued. At this time someone realised there was money to be made from personalised plates. There was and still is.

My first number plate venture in the modern (post 1988) period was in 1996 when I imported a 1990 Mercedes 560 SEL (found for me by a car dealer friend who was buying Range Rovers in England). It came from the Isle of Man, rego 560 CMN. (The CMN was C prefix, MN for Isle of Man). I bought 56O CMN (Note that the zero became an O, as the New Zealand zero has a slash through it). I still have it.

For almost 25 years we had a small share in a house in Provence.

One day about 2008, in the town market, there was a caravan making number plates. I got one for what was then my daily driver, CSH 208. A few years later, also in Provence, I found a shop which produced my current daily-driver’s Provencal plates, JWF 88, with Provence Cote d’Azur regional emblems.

Going back a few years to the late 2000s, I realised that I had a set of 1938 New Zealand plates. Those now grace my 1938 English bodied Hudson (149 425).

My next restoration (2016) was my 1930 Packard Victoria, largely made from spare parts, and created rather than restored. I had a set of 1930 New Zealand plates, and these are now on the Packard (134 4O2).1 (Note that again the zero is now an O.) I recently read the Beaded Wheels article about either finishing or passing on projects you can’t finish before you shuffle off this mortal coil. I felt quite smug in that I have only one restoration project left and hope to finish it soon. It is a 1922 Fleetwood bodied Packard Twin Six (V12) that I imported about 13 years ago. I have some 1925 plates to put on it.

With a bit of imagination you can have fun with number plates, not only your old or historic cars. If you are lucky you can extend the fun to your modern too. And all the spare ones can go on the wall.

Happy Number Plating.

In Britain, original number plates are now greatly valued on historic (and other) cars, this is because every car has always had its rego number from cradle to the grave. A car first registered in 1901 still has its original number (so long as it’s had continuous registration).

I would imagine that this has only become important since the historic vehicle movement got under way after WWII. There is now a very active trade in plates, historic and personalised, in Britain.

1 Note that if you want to put old New Zealand plates on your historic vehicle, current New Zealand plates have a slash through the Zero: You Must Get an “O”, not a zero (0).

s EY 1938 and EY 1922 plates for the two Packards I’ve owned since the ‘60s.

Beaded Wheels 25

HIN BE

D THE WHE

EL

ROY AND SHIRLEY GRAINGER’S

1939 DIAMOND T TRUCK THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY! WORDS AND PHOTOS GREG PRICE

Invercargill’s late Bill Richardson was famous, not only for his magnificent truck collection, but also for the fact that he purportedly never sold any of them – except this one!

If this truck looks in any way familiar it is probably because you may have seen it featured on the cover of Steve Reid’s Vintage Trucks and Commercials book, which was part of his Kiwi Collections series. For my part my formative years were spent perusing comics of the era which quite often had classic American trucks scattered in among the characters to add to the storyline. I vividly recall early Superman comics and New Zealand’s own Zane Grey’s King of the Royal Mounted series often had Diamond T trucks involved in their story lines somewhere. Diamond T trucks were probably favoured by the artists because they were relatively easy to sketch, with their separate grilles, single headlights mounted on the front guards, and traditional lines. Whack a canopy on the back and you’ve got the ideal vehicle for concealing something nefarious.

In reality though, Diamond T trucks were a popular American workhorse, and the larger variants had a strong presence in WWII. 26 Beaded Wheels

Bill Richardson (1940-2005) for those who didn’t know, “was a loving family man, successful businessman and avid truck collector”. During his lifetime he amassed a private collection of over 170 trucks. Eventually his passion culminated in becoming the largest private automotive museum of its type in the world.

Definitely worth a trip to Invercargill if you haven’t already seen it, and allow at least two full days, because the former classic motorcycle museum from Nelson has now been relocated down to Invercargill.

WHAT WAS IT ABOUT DIAMOND T TRUCKS? Back in 1905 – when automobiles were just beginning to make an appearance – Charles Arthur Tilt of Chicago, USA made the first Diamond T vehicles. Reportedly, the company name was created when Tilt’s shoe-making father fashioned a logo featuring a big T (for Tilt) framed by a diamond, which signified high quality. The company’s hood emblem on trucks was a sled dog in harness. He started out with cars but ultimately became well-known for his beautiful trucks. Tilt had a vision and wanted people to think of class and quality when they thought of Diamond T – which wasn’t the usual blurb about truck brands! In 1927-28 Tilt designed stylish

medium and heavy duty trucks that sold out consistently, despite the depression. They were marketed as the “World’s Handsomest Motor Trucks”. Handsome they are. The 1930-50s were the heyday of Diamond T trucks and it’s easy to see the attraction they had for Bill Richardson – and Roy and Shirley Grainger.

Over the 56-year history of the company, about 250,000 stylish Diamond T trucks were sold. White Motor Co. bought Diamond T in 1958 and then merged it with their Reo Division to form the Diamond Reo Division. The last of the Diamond T trucks were built in the 1966 model year.

What I didn’t know was that a handful of Diamond T trucks were sold new in New Zealand. However Roy’s example came in as a chassis, front cowl, bonnet, scuttle, front guards, running boards and wheels. Boon & Co made the cab which is the DeLuxe model.

In 1939 it was bought new by Rowley & Sons, a building company in Leeston, Canterbury. However it was quickly commandeered by the army and painted army green (or light brown depending on whose version colour chart you might be using) over its original light blue. It was based in Belfast (Christchurch) and apparently only used for the odd trip to get fuel. After the war it was purchased

by a demolition business and painted dark green. A few more owners saw it later paired up with another Diamond T truck and swapped for a 1956 or 1957 Chevrolet.

It is not known precisely when Bill Richardson got his hands on this one, but while he was hunting down further trucks for his museum, he became aware that, in order to get his hands on an elusive Diamond T breakdown truck, he had to take all four of the trucks then on offer, and that included this particular example.

Thus, as Bill already had one of these, he was open to letting this one go. Of course as Bill was often offered old trucks for his collection, he had a policy of not selling any of them on lest he got a reputation for on-selling items, and thus possibly adversely affecting the supply going forward. However Roy heard that this truck was possibly for sale, and lusting after his own Diamond T truck, he trekked off down to Invercargill to see Bill. Seemingly it was more of an interview by Bill of a prospective owner. As it eventuated, Roy passed with flying colours and so in 1987 he became the proud new owner.

Beaded Wheels 27

THE RESTORATION The truck was not running at the time of acquisition and Roy thinks that it probably hadn’t been started for over 10 years.

During the next 13 years Roy set about the ground-up restoration. There were some parts missing, such as those magnificent headlights, over-riders, bumper, bonnet catches and stays and the like. Roy believes that one or two of the missing items had maybe found their way on to Bill’s other Diamond Ts. Auto Restorations (Christchurch) were commissioned to make the chrome bonnet strip. As the over-riders were missing, Roy asked Bill if he could borrow a pair from which to fabricate another lot. Bill subsequently got four over-riders cast and provided Roy with a pair but would not accept any payment for them. On subsequent occasions when he would cross paths with Roy, Bill would say to people, “This is the only old truck I’ve ever sold”!

When it came time to paint the project, Roy initially considered repainting it in its original light blue, but decided on the dark blue it is now – which does really look the part. And so it was that on 3 February 2000, the dreaded certification process was completed and it was road-legal once again.

Remembering that this is essentially a workhorse it is fairly spartan inside with basic brown vinyl pleated seats, and there is no inside door trim, rather the inside panel is painted the same colour as the exterior. The centre instrument console features six gauges which include speedometer, temperature gauge, gasoline, ammeter, clock and oil temperature. These gauges surround five chrome knobs which are labelled spark, choke, lights, throttle and start. Being centred on the dash lent itself to either right hand drive or left hand drive configuration without having to re-design the fascia panel. Ignition is via the traditional turn-key.

One of the knobs operates the scuttle vent (or original-type air conditioning). The wheels feature bright red paint with chrome centres and hub caps with Diamond T on each and, noted in the photos, Roy parked it with the writing horizontal to the ground.

28 Beaded Wheels

On the back, the wooden deck has removable sides and backboard, so it can be used as a flat deck, should you want to exceed the allowable load limits. When new, it was designed to carry a 2½ ton load, but supposedly could handle up to four tons. The original building firm owners reportedly carried four ton of cement from the Leeston rail yard back to their depot, but apparently only did this the once to test the claim, as Diamond T guaranteed to make good any repairs incurred with the up to four ton loads. Having regard to the pristine condition of the flat deck and surrounds, not to mention the paint and chrome finish, one wouldn’t really want to carry anything other than your picnic stuff on a Vintage Car Club commercial activity. The wooden storage compartment under the deck on the driver’s side has a horse shoe on the lid – a testament to the horses also located on the Grainger Estate. And you’ve gotta love the instructions on the scuttle! For example, it tells you to tighten the inner wheel nuts first on the rear wheels.

Like anyone would try to access them after the second wheel was fitted? Another gem was to use brake fluid in the brake reservoir, not engine oil. There must have been a lot of idiots about back in those days. Mind you, as an aside, my old 1949 Morris Oxford’s workshop manual’s first instruction for removing the cylinder head was, (wait for it…) raise the hood. Imagine lying underneath trying to undo the cylinder head bolts with arms extended up both sides of the motor!

POST RESTORATION ACTIVITY Roy and Shirley have enjoyed quite a few outings in the truck post restoration and have scored themselves a few trophies on the way. These included a Restoration of the Year event, and a Peoples’ Choice award at a concours rally. They drove it down to Oamaru for another rally, but it was trucked down to Invercargill for the 2007 Bill Richardson Memorial event.

The Diamond T is in good company. It is garaged with a 1929 Graham Paige, a very nice red 1936 Dodge roadster (resplendent

SPECIFICATIONS: in wide white wall tyres!), a 1971 Ford Falcon XY ute, a 1962 Liteweight caravan and a 1962 Ford Fairlane compact. Hiding in another garage are three Mustangs of varying vintages, one of which is a 1966 example.

THE TEST DRIVE Having owned a 1926 Austin 12/4 back in the 1960s, which had a crash gearbox, which I eventually wrecked while learning about double declutching, I was reluctant to possibly damage Roy and Shirley’s magnificent truck – so I instructed Editor Kevin to carry out the test drive while I took notes. That way I could blame him if anything went wrong.

The Diamond T started first pull and idled quietly. First gear, which is really only for starting off when fully laden, was selected but quickly changed to second once we were moving off down the long country driveway. Amazingly Roy had entrusted both of us with their pride and joy, probably on the assumption that if we had absconded with it, he could quickly have caught up with us in one of the Mustangs, while we were trying to select third gear!

When we arrived at the gate, there was no traffic coming in either direction so we opted for a left turn and a circuit of the rather long block. Lumbering would be the term I would use to describe the pace of our travel, remembering that this was a workhorse, but unlike my recollections of the comic depictions, there were to be no high-speed runs on this occasion. That was the magic of cartoon depictions – you could make the vehicle look like it was going fast with some lines drawn going backwards in the picture.

Kevin eventually mastered the noiseless gear change thing and we toured sedately around the countryside for 10-15 minutes or so. The ride was surprisingly smooth, and the usual truck-type whine was slightly evident throughout the drive. There was good acceleration from the higher gears so changing down to a lower gear was fortuitously seldom required. I presume it would be reasonably comfortable for a longish trip, which of course the

Engine: 6-cylinder Hercules side-valve, 118 hp

20hci 5 (3 4 0hcc) Transmission: Warner four-speed manual (non-synchromesh!)

Di erential:

Thelargeroundthinginthemiddleofthebackaxle Wheels: Dual-wheeled on the rear Tyres: .0x7 2inch 0 Maximum Speed: ( Don t know! Kevin wasn t game to Roor it! ) But the plate reads 55mph Tare: 1900kgs (the only concession to modern dimensions) Overall Rating: PGA (Pretty good, actually!)

return trip to Oamaru would have been. All too soon we were back at the Grainger farm where Roy was anxiously awaiting our return. Well, he wasn’t actually, rather he was tending his rubbish fire, for which he had a permit, I hasten to add. “Oh, you’re back already?” he was probably thinking. We left the truck parked outside its garage and opted for the nice afternoon tea provided

by Shirley – having toured through the other garages on route.

OTHER EXAMPLES OF THE MARQUE I know of at least one other Diamond T truck in the Vintage Car Club (a nice red example) and as we know the Bill Richardson collection is now the biggest private museum collection of its type in the world (Bill Richardson Transport World), and features no less than six of the seven Diamond T Trucks that Bill owned in his lifetime. Now you know where the seventh one went.

Keep on Trucking!

Greg Price

Beaded Wheels 29

XXII Rallye De Monte Carlos 1952 Arrivee a Monaco.

WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT THE

1945–54 JOWETT JAVELIN WORDS AND PHOTOS GRAEME RICE

It can be helpful, and sometimes amusing, to look back to see what the motoring press had to say about new vehicles at the time of their release to the public. Graeme Rice takes us back in this retrospective journey.

There’s something rather poignant about a company which, for over 35 years, produced a succession of steady, economical and reliable cars, well suited to their hilly Yorkshire landscape, that under new ownership launches a race winning, high performance six-seater with an advanced specification intended for export markets.

In late 1942, with both Jowett brothers dead, new managing director Calcott Reilly was aiming high, preparing for the post-war motoring boom and hunting for a bright young chief engineer who could help Jowett achieve their share of that.

Initially reluctant to make the move, 30 year-old Gerald Palmer was enticed north on a salary of £500 with the brief to design a new breed of Jowett. In fact, a new breed of high performance saloon.

Interest in the new car was intense, with The Motor of August 1944 scooping the story that the new Jowett was already being road tested.

This was followed up in September 1945 when Autocar reported; “Jowett have been allowed to make an experimental prototype which incorporates a number of interesting new features. It will continue the Jowett reputation for roominess, but to this characteristic has been added up-to-date speed, streamlining and springing.”

If this aroused high expectations, then Jowett’s announcement of May 1946 really set tongues wagging; 30 Beaded Wheels

“Jowett’s Chairman has announced a new design of car – the Javelin. Described as a streamlined, generously proportioned six-seater in which fine acceleration and performance have been achieved with careful use of light alloy materials which give a very favourable power to weight ratio.”

William Boddy, Editor of Motor Sport magazine, reported in the November 1946 issue; “The Jowett previously has never been a high-performance automobile, but the new “Javelin” appears to be in this category.

The old-established Bradford concern has had the happy idea of putting a 1,485cc version of its flat-four engine into a new chassis with 8 ft. 6 in. wheelbase, torsion bar i.f.s. damped by hydraulic telescopic shock-absorbers, an 8½-in. ground clearance, and with integral pressed-steel Briggs Motor Bodies saloon coachwork. The Jowett “Javelin” weighs 18 cwt. Dry, does 50 in 3rd, and goes along effortlessly at about 70 mph in top gear. This is unquestionably one of Britain’s more promising small saloons.”

Eight months later, Bill Boddy was able to test a Javelin and was no less enthused about the new model; “The Jowett Javelin is an astonishing car and a credit to the British technician. At last we have a saloon car which can hold up its head when it encounters the Continentals. Realise that this very brisk newcomer is of a mere 1,500 cc, has ample room within for six persons, and is no more different in appearance than the more

modest pre-war American cars, and you will, as we do, enthuse over this refreshing newcomer from Bradford. Conducting our usual tests we got highly commendable results. There was a moderate wind and the surface was dry. The flying 1/4 mile was covered at 72.6 mph downwind, and the mean of the best two runs, one in each direction, was 70.42 mph. The car was still accelerating somewhat at the end of the run and we would put its absolute maximum at 75 to 77 mph. The speedometer showed 80 m.p.h. on one occasion. The

Javelin saloon a lap ahead of a BMW, and two laps ahead of an MG, in the 2-litre touring class, the Jowett having averaged over 67 mph, defeating, also, Citroen and Lancia cars.”

They summed up their report saying, “Britain can be justifiably very proud of its Aston-Martins, which were third, fourth and fifth and of the Jowett Javelin saloon which, in its first race, won the 2-litre touring class, covering 114 more miles than its nearest rival, an MG.”

best standing 1/4 mile occupied 22.6 sec. and the best 0-50 m.p.h.

14.6 sec.

These figures well portray the liveliness of the Javelin, as reflected in the excellent averages of which the car is capable. It ranks as one of the really fast A. to B. motorcars with extreme ease and safety. “ Boddy concluded his test by suggesting the Javelin was an ideal car for a sporting motorist who needed a sporting car that was both weatherproof and thief-proof, or one who had an Alfa Romeo 2.8 which needed a sporting companion for everyday use.

And a sporting car the Javelin was proving to be, with class wins in the Monte-Carlo Rally and Spa 24 Hours.

Motor Sport in March 1949 reported; “Of the class winners, every praise should be bestowed on T. C. Wise’s Jowett Javelin saloon, from Glasgow, which, heavily-laden, got through to win the 1½ litre class by 11.8 marks from Gatsonides’ 1949 Hillman Minx saloon, and another Jowett Javelin, handled by R. Smith. Thus Jowett’s faith in “horizontal opposition” and torsional suspension is justified and the reputation of these popular modern 1½ litre cars is materially enhanced.”

TC Wise also expressed surprise at the Javelin’s ability to cruise at 70mph and climb and descend the mountain passes at average speeds of 45 – 50mph.

In their August 1949 edition Motor Sport were once again able to wax lyrical about the Javelin’s performance in the Spa 24 Hours where the Javelin won its class, averaging the sort of speed that would leave most 1949 1½ litre cars gasping for breath.

A normally straight faced Motor Sport reporter struggled to contain his pride that a product of the humble little Yorkshirebased firm should unexpectedly not only win the 2 litre touring car class, but do so “splendidly.”

“But perhaps the Jowett Javelin saloon driven by Hume and Wisdom put up the best show of all, at the 24 Hours of Spa, for it covered a greater distance than any other 1 ½-litre car in winning the touring-car category. It was a virtually standard car, greatly hampered by wide gear ratios, but with slightly increased compression-ratio, careful assembly of the flat-four engine and reduction of weight by leaving out some of the interior furnishings. It averaged over 65 mph for 1,573.92 miles, beating the fastest H.R.G. by 10 miles.” “Wisdom and Hume,” they wrote, “had a normal Jowett

The Motor 1949 road test of the four-cylinder 1486cc, 50bhp, four speed, column change Javelin hints at the dilemma faced by road testers unused to having to slot such an all-round capable car into one convenient pigeon hole, reminding readers that; “This year the Javelin gained public recognition in the competition world by winning the 1½ litre category in the Monte Carlo Rally and more recently the fastest touring car category in the Spa 24 Hour race.”

“After a 2000 mile road test of this new 1½ litre car priced at £928 incl PT, offering outstanding performance, economy and comfort on rough roads we have, a car capable of exceeding 75mph, able to accelerate from 0 – 30mph in 6.2 secs; 0 – 50mph 15.3secs; 0 – 60mph 22.2 secs and which still covers 100 miles on between three and four gallons of petrol depending on the average speed required. It also offers a commendably large space with armchair comfort for four and possibly six. Such a combination of features is hard to find in the motoring world.”

Similar sentiments were expressed by the 1952 Motor road test of the £1261 De Luxe Javelin with the 52.5bhp engine, closer gear ratios and woodgrain dashboard.

“In writing of the Jowett Javelin De Luxe one is immediately faced with a problem. Should one regard it as a 1½-litre sports saloon possessed of unusual roominess and comfort with a very modest 27 mpg appetite for fuel? Or should it be treated as a 1½-litre touring car in which quite unusual performance has been obtained with no sacrifice of economy?”

“Only one other make of saloon tested by us since the war has bettered the Javelin’s maximum speed and none has equalled its 0 to 50mph figure for acceleration through the gears. It’s nearest rival in these key figures was neither so economical nor as roomy.”

Sadly, by 1954, and after 23,000 Javelins had been made, it was all over. In their book The Complete Jowett History, Paul Clark and Edmund Nankivell acknowledge the well-known issues of gearbox failures and crankshaft web breakages that contributed to Jowett’s downfall. They also noted that the survival of many specialist car makers like Riley, Sunbeam, Triumph and Talbot depended for survival on merging with bigger companies. Jowett would have struggled to survive alone.

Beaded Wheels 31

HIGHLAND FLING TAIHAPE, NORTH ISLAND

SATURDAY RUN WORDS AND PHOTOS GAVIN LADBROOK

It was a bonny day as we headed north with the old Dodge on the trailer as far as Picton. We were loaded with all the spares that we thought we might need, along with kilts and bagpipes.

Yes, Gavin Ladbrook and John Campbell were on their way to the Highland Fling!

Our Cook Strait crossing was flat as a pancake, the run out of Wellington was good until we hit a traffic jam; 1¼ hours at less than two mph due to roadworks. Then a hole in the radiator from damned stones, so out with the water and we kept topping it up for the rest of the weekend. We tried stopping the leak with every way known to man. Despite slight technical issues we had an excellent rally on some of the back roads and tracks around Taihape.

Some of those roads are as steep as the proverbial goats backside.

Everything was organised very well, right down to the 4x4s to pull the vehicles without chains up the steep bits.

Quite a lot of people got in the spirit of the Fling; there was much dressing up in Scottish attire and some arrived with bagpipes. John was in his element playing his bagpipes at full noise in the car as we arrived at pit stops to everyone’s enjoyment (he was also heard at any other opportunity that arose). The venue was a great one with atmosphere and good meals. I take my tam-o-shanter off to the organisers for having a good well-run rally. After the rally we carried on to Turangi to stay at our backseat scotsman’s lake house for two nights and enjoy a darn good rest that was definitely needed. We shot down to Horopito to check out some parts and I found a parklight I was looking for. Next day we headed homewards, radiator still

32 Beaded Wheels

Photo Kevin Topham.

leaking, so ground pepper was put in and this blocked the tubes completely so no cooling at all! So lucky our backseat scotsman Ron was in his modern car by now, so the Dodge was on the end of a rope all the way to Sanson, believe me it’s a long way. After that it was on a trailer all the way back to Timaru.

All and all we had a great time and a lot of fun with great mates. Now we are all geared up and looking forward to Irishman. If you have a vintage come and enjoy one of these runs.

ADVENTURING IN THE HIGHLANDS

Photo Jacqui Goldingham.

LEILA BENTON (AGE 14)

Beaded Wheels 33

Photo Brian Pratt

SUNDAY RUN – A SOUTH ISLANDER’S PERSPECTIVE WORDS AND PHOTOS ANDY FOX

We South Islanders had heard rumours about the locals in the Taihape area. That they were so tough, that they had barb wire on their chests, and shaved with chainsaws, and the men were even tougher! Twenty-six cars from the South Island went to find out if it was true.

Being ANZAC day, we started with a minute’s silence, followed by it being broken by a cat being castrated, or the bagpipes as some people would know it.

We were informed that the day’s rallying would have more undulating roads than the day before, and undulating was a flash name for hills, plus the area had twice the amount of

34 Beaded Wheels

rainfall than the same period of the previous year. And Alistair was right. Tai-happy (sic) has the most amazing steep hills with roads to match. First was traveling up to the top of a high point, where we were treated to spectacular views, fantastic autumn colours and weather that didn’t quite know what it wanted to do. This gave us shafts of light coming through the clouds, highlighting the bright green of the farming scenery, with the oranges and yellows of the autumn colours. Vintage motoring doesn’t come much better than this. Oh and a number of seemingly mad old people driving a most amazing eclectic group of old cars, that range in condition from mint to the other end of the spectrum “is that able to get a WOF” (Kermit’s Model A) with the appropriate period, bearded, missing toothed drivers. Added to this was a gaggle of long haired, ginger orange roughies hiding their bald patches with tartan tam-o-shanters.

Fantastic.

The petrol-head, red haired barbarians from the south, all members of the flat earth society, ie we live on the Canterbury plains, loved the potholes, gravel, mud and were first to get stuck as well. This sniff of Irishman-like conditions saw them enthusiastically fitting chains in record time, trying to impress their North Island cousins. These compatriots seemed a little less enthusiastic to cover their pride and joys in mud and muck, but by the end of the weekend the northerners were partly converted, I think.

The organisers had done a great job of taking us down roads we would never find if we weren’t on the Highland Fling. The ravines we crossed were very impressive, with one having a 90

Photo Terry Costello

Photo Terry Costello

Photo Jacqui Goldingham

Photo Brian Pratt Photo Terry Costello

Photo Brian Pratt

Photo Deidre Rennie

Photo Colin Johnston

Beaded Wheels 35

BOOK REVIEW

book then moves on to the first (’pre-letter’) model the C-300 which successfully used the famed Hemi motor in the road cars and for a successful NASCAR campaign. New models followed every year and each one gets a chapter, setting out the differences in styling, engineering and performance.

Advertising campaigns and a reasonable amount of technical detail are present too. Virgil Exner’s style was a major influence on the look of the earlier 300s, although his successor Elwood Engel had an impact on the later cars which looked somewhat less flamboyant.

CHRYSLER 300: “AMERICA’S MOST POWERFUL CAR”

Photo Jacqui Goldingham

Author: Robert Ackerson Published by Veloce (who supplied the review copy) as part of their classic reprint series.

ISBN 978-1-845849-61-0 Review by Mark Holman

Photo David Howard

metre fall to the bottom. A sigh of relief was heard as we crossed these bridges getting to the other side safely.

Late morning was a section of paper road which took us down a muddy track that made us, in true ANZAC spirit, feel like we were down in the trenches. Mud and wet, with hills all around.

For the second time in two days chains were fitted to my car, and the mud and excitement level became elevated. Helping others fit chains and take them off again, plus helping pushing to get cars unstuck. All part of the vintage spirit.

The field tests in the afternoon saw some sun with about 50 cars taking part. One Ford Model T, carting a barrel of Waikato draft on its deck, had its left rear wheel collapse during a hard right hand turn, which inspired a muted cheer from the crowd.

It came to a stop in the middle of the cloverleaf course, which meant that a group of 15 people had to cart it off, like a seagull with a broken wing and a trip to the Model T hospital will no doubt be required.

The evening function saw Rod Corbett promoting the vintage section of the Targa Rally, and taking home several packs of oil.

Spirited bidding saw $1,000 being paid for a Highland Fling corflute sign, the proceeds going to help fund the event next year. Thank you Tom. Loved every minute of it. Will we be back next year? You bet!

36 Beaded Wheels

We’ve been told for years that the age of the printed word is dead, but more independent booksellers are opening their doors in New Zealand and publishers like Batemans here and Veloce in the UK keep the faith by continuing to bring out excellent new motoring books. And, in Veloce’s case this extends to reprinting some of their back catalogue.

This is a case in point. Robert Ackerman’s full story of the Chrysler 300 from 1955-65 was published in 1996 but has now re-appeared as a large softcover book with 160 pages. It starts with Heritage, such as the Chrysler-powered Cunningham race cars and Kiekhofer’s tuned sedans that competed in the Carrera Panamericana. The

The 300s were never produced in big numbers, with the 1964 K model being the biggest seller but even that was only 3647 cars in the model year. In most years a convertible was available as well as sedans and one thing the cars never lacked was strong performance! From extravagantly-finned cars like the 1957 C model to the more restrained look of the last of the line in the mid-’60s (but still billed as ‘Chrysler’s fiery-spirited full-size sports car’), each one is worth a look as an example of how the US market trends were reflected through these cars.

With an excellent selection of photos, including one with a dachshund puppy in the boot of a 300F to demonstrate how much room there was, this is an enjoyable read for any Chrysler enthusiast.

AWARD Congratulations to the following member who has recently receuved his 50 Year Award.

50 YEAR

Protheroe, Warwick Raymond

Ashburton

CAPTAIN’S LOG Something resonates within us all when it comes to the art of giving, and the enormous pleasure we get from helping our fellow man.

An illustration of this is the South African view of the community which they refer to as Ubuntu or humanity towards others. As human beings, and as a social clan, we have this need to live within supportive environments where we are nurtured and can thrive together, and where there is a strong commitment to the wellbeing of the community.

Many of our VCC members share this same feeling of Ubuntu and year around continue to offer their time and energy for the good of their community to various hospices, hospitals and retirement villages, as well as many charities in their local areas. One of the beneficiaries of the benevolence of VCC members is the Cancer Society.

For the past several years our branches have united and participated in a national day to raise money for our nominated charity, the Cancer Society.

Planning for 2021 is now in full swing, with the many branch organisers well advanced with their plans.

our VCC National Day, The Daffodil Rally for Cancer. On that day members will get the opportunity to demonstrate the generosity of our VCC members nationwide.

This year the response from branches to this event has been tremendous, and I am thrilled to report we have 95% participation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the respective branch organisers for their support and enthusiasm.

I am quietly confident we will get a fantastic, combined result, with the number of you who are participating.

A special thanks must go to Rosalie Brown from the Beaded Wheels office. Rosalie has been a huge help to me and all the branches with her input into this event, working tirelessly behind the scenes collating all the advertising material for the branches.

Everyone will appreciate our National Day is not only a great opportunity for our branches to raise funds for a very worthy charity, but to market ourselves to the wider population, with the focus on attracting new members.

Sunday 22 August 2021 is

NORTH ISLAND CLUB CAPTAIN’S COUNTRY TOUR In Beaded Wheels June/ July you would have seen an advertisement for the North Island Club Captain’s Country Tour. This is event is set for the month following our National Day. In the latter part of 2020 my South Island colleague, (SICC) Alon Mayhew, along with his wife Tracey, ran another one of their many fantastic tours, this time at the top of the South Island.

It is now my turn to give members the opportunity to tour on the country roads of the Waikato and King Country. From my own personal experiences, I believe what members recall about tours and rallies is; a) the food, b) the accommodation, and c) the motoring, and truth be known, probably in that order.

My co-organiser for this tour who has set the routes is none other than Mr Alastair Jones (aka the Highland Fling Rally fella). He says…” following in the tyre tracks of previous successful tours, this year’s Club Captain’s Tour is focussing on making it sociable, enjoyable, and interesting. To ensure these

Kaaren Smylie North Island Club Captain

requirements are met it has been decided to limit entries to enable interaction between all participants. We have chosen to travel on roads with interesting sights to provide discussion or debate at the evening gatherings. The last day will be over roads in the wop-wops with no refuelling points, so participants will need to tickle their carbies up for maximum economy and carry a little bit of extra fuel. However it will provide a great talking point at the final dinner in Taumaranui, and provide unforgettable memories for the participants to take home.”

Therefore it is “Welcome to My Tour” folks, not “Welcome to my nightmare” when you start your engines in Tauranga on the morning of 10 September, and begin your motoring adventure towards outback Waikato and the King Country.

This country tour will be about enjoyment and fun with likeminded people. There will be no tricky questions or high average speeds to maintain so you will get the opportunity to enjoy motoring in your vehicle.

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 Beaded Wheels 37

FIRST RALLY WAIRARAPA MOTORCYCLE TRIAL WORDS AND PHOTOS CLIVE SOMERVILLE

Where is Carterton?

AttheridersbrieQngofthe 2021 Wairarapa Motorcycle Reliability Trial, Branch Chairman, Willie James, said, “…and I would like to thank Clive for coming down from the Waikato for…” I interrupted. “To be clear, I wasn’t sure where Carterton was, and it was much to my chagrinthatspentsixhours in the car last night.”

My interjection received a warm chuckle. This, and the welcome, set the precedent for hospitality and support during the weekend’s endeavours.

Growing up I loved hear tales about my Grandad riding the Wall of Death; going over the Wall in Whangarei and spending his 21st in hospital, how a smaller 2-stroke bike was easier to ride, only needing to go about 30mph to put on a show.

My favourite story was of his having saved £225 from theWallandstuzngthe money in his breast pocket he caught the train from HuntlytoAuckland,taxiedto White’s of Newmarket, and purchased a new Triumph SpeedTwinotheRoor.The shop owner admonished him for carrying £225 in his pocket on the train. The TriumphT)5 ( wasaQnebike with a maroon tank – he proudly rode it home.

38 Beaded Wheels

Not feeling quite up to pre-unit bikes, and not having a breast pocket as large as Grandad’s, but still wanting to honour his memory I bought my 1959 Triumph (5TA) 18 months ago.

It is blue, or black, with a frame number from 1959, a later engine and a smattering of parts from the 1960s. I’ve enjoyed learning about it, and after a number of mechanical and electrical misadventures, the bike has recently been running well.

Disappointed to have recently missed my local Mooloo Meander because of a wiring short, and frustrated at having to ride in a support wagon I decided to finally crack my rally duck and entered the Wairarapa Motorcycle Reliability Trial after choosing it based on three criteria: 1. Next up in the calendar 2. For motorbikes 3. In the middle of the North Island*. *Erudite readers will see the folly in this assumption.

With the event drawing near I decided to try and learn what it was I had entered. I read older event reports in branch newsletters online that threatened 500 kilometres of Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay back roads and gravel. I hadn’t ridden gravel since spending holidays and weekends on North Waikato stations as a kid, learning to ride on friends’ bikes. So on a crisp Waikato morning I picked out Piakonui Road and rode in both directions twice, remembering to get up on the tank for front wheel traction, and back in the seat for rear wheel grip. Having gotten lost on the Paratu Roads on the way home I was nervous about my navigation skills and was wondering what might have rattled loose on the corrugations. Finally home, a quick whip around the bike found only a few fasteners that needed attention. I was feeling better about the upcoming reliability trial.

On the Friday before the weekend a workmate overheard me trying to hire a motorbike trailer and offered their motocross one, looking a little shocked when I said I was going to Carterton they said. “I hope it gets there and back ok.”

Perhaps this should have been a warning about my geographic assumptions. I picked up the trailer, loaded the Triumph and headed down SH1. Six hours later I checked into my AirBnB owned by a tall and broad ex RAF and RNZAF

Yorkshireman. He learnt of my itinerary and said he’d hold the room for me on Sunday. A strong vote of confidence.

The morning of the event I headed up to Clareville and unloaded the bike, which had survived the trailer and the night out and started easily. I taped route instructions in my newly fitted rally route holder and confessed my error in estimating where Carterton was. Just after 9am 12 bikes, including route planner Glyn Clements on a Honda CX500 with sidecar and wife Kathy, headed out to pick up our lucky 13th rider – Howard Sims who’d needed to replace a fuel cap on his Harley trike and met us at Te Ore Ore. It was a good collection of bikes from the ‘50s to ‘80s, with Simon Byrne’s BSA Victor special attracting my attention.

Everyone ran well, with the odd nut or bolt needing a tweak. We drove through beautiful sheep and beef country still looking dry from the summer with rivers low and pastures brown and short, arriving at Pongaroa for elevenses. I was sent to read the plaque by the double helix inspired sculpture and was thrilled to learn that I was in the hometown of Maurice Wilkins of Watson, Crick and Wilkins DNA and Nobel Prize fame.

I enjoyed riding the winding, hilly, changing, often not very cambered roads, and enjoyed seeing sheep flocks in the hills, a change from Waikato dairy pastures. We arrived in Dannevirke for lunch at the Black Stump before heading to the base of the Ruahine Range and the old dairy factory to meet local farmer Russell Phillips. We were given a tour of his herd homes, 40 million litres of new ponds, we tasted sugar beet and were given a tour of his extensive collection of American muscle cars and his Americana themed shed. He had until a couple of years ago received tour parties, and well themed sections of the shed resembled workshops, diners, tech colleges and bars.

With dusk approaching I took the opportunity on the last 24 miles of the day to give the Triumph a spirited run, with the justification of burning off the plugs. The run went along the Manawatu River past the Tui Brewery and into Pahiatua where we were hosted at the Post Office Hotel.

That evening over dinner I was overjoyed to learn I had won the BSA Challenge Cup. A trophy that started existence in 1927 in the Wellington Motorcycle Sports Club for a Two Day Winter Reliability Trial and after hiatuses had been adopted for the Wairarapa Motorcycle Reliability Trial

… when I said I was going to Carterton they said “I hope it gets there and back ok.”…

event. I shared my news with a family group chat text channel, my wife asked how on earth I had won a reliability trial?

I suggested driving a really long way to an event was maybe a contributing factor.

The Triumph had been faultless though.

Regardless, I was honoured, proud and grateful and thought fondly of what Grandad may have said. I promised the other riders that I would return with a cohort of Waikato riders to defend the title next year. I was advised that the winner of the trophy had to submit an article to Beaded Wheels.

After demurring early from the evening festivities I took off my boots and prepared for bed. I had packed ear plugs after reading a trip report that noted snoring and shared rooms, however my roommate, Kevin Sullivan riding a BSA Spitfire was a gentleman and not a snorer. Refreshed in the morning we were met by the threat of a northerly system with heavy rain and gales. After morning briefing agreed we’d

Beaded Wheels 39

s Picking up a bit of mud on the Piakonui/Paatu Roads - prep run.

s Rugged up for the rough weather.

Outside Tui Brewery.

40 Beaded Wheels

s Bike prep.

s Visit to Russell Phillips’ collection.

s Pitstop around Pongaroa.

s To the victor go the spoils - Clive (left) and Willie James.

proceed on the planned route but take it very easy. The ride back stayed mainly dry with a great switchback climb out of Makuri and past the expansive new pine plantings, into Pongaroa, and then Eketahuna. Sensing a gust coming across a paddock and through the trees, I was able to practise flattening myself against the tank and leaning into the wind.

Knowing I had another six hours to get back home I bid farewell to our party who planned to lunch in Eketahuna.

They asked, “Clive, where is Carterton?”

I sheepishly pointed south and asked if I was right. With warnings of wind at the bird sanctuary and advice to take the Masterton Bypass I was sent off.

Our weekend was well timed as the rain and wind really set in as I neared Carterton and I was glad to have the bike back on the trailer. It was a memorable first ever rally, and I look forward to returning next year.

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.

– THE UNSUNG HEROES– UTILITY VEHICLES FROM THE 1965 HAAST RALLY

I have just completed a 30 minute slide show, featuring photos and memorabilia from past VCC International Rallies, for the August AGM to be held in Christchurch, where we will celebrate 75 years of the VCC of New Zealand. While searching the thousands of photos from the various events, I was looking for something that stood out from the rest that I could use as an article. I came across some interesting photos, some of which may not have been previously published in Beaded Wheels.

I know the 1965 Haast Rally has been well documented in the past, but the photos I have chosen are the unsung heroes of the Haast Rally, the utility vehicles; Shell provided all entrants with free petrol for the whole rally using coupons, there

was a large petrol tanker as well as a mobile tanker, Firestone with its tyre service van as well as providing one of the two baggage trucks, IGA and General Foods with the food truck and food.

Both I McLachlan and Murray Mahan each provided the field kitchen with five ton trucks, and Maugers Garage with their repair/ breakdown crane, to name some.

There was a total of 14 trucks in the daily convoy.

The person in charge of the logistics of the field kitchen was Sam Slyfield, the South Island Manager of the Pennzoil Oil Company, which sponsored many early Pennzoil Rallies in the South Island with oil and petrol. The first such rally was the 1957 Rangiora Veteran and Vintage Rally. He also supplied Pennzoil products to all of the Haast entrants.

Sam was the deputy organizer for the 6th International Rally (Haast) in 1965, as well as being in charge of the field kitchen. His job was to ensure that the field kitchen processed the 33 tons of food that was made into 26,000 meals at 13 locations over 14 days all ran smoothly. Sam didn’t own a vintage car, but enjoyed being involved with the VCC. Included is a great photo of the first night’s stopover at Mt Cook village, with Mt Sefton and the field kitchen/cookhouse tent in the background where the rally stopped for two nights.

These photos emphasise the mammoth task that was undertaken to feed all of the entrants during their 13 nights away.

Recently I had an enjoyable evening when 40 members from the VCC Canterbury Branch motorcycle section visited the Archive. It was standing room only. If you would like to visit the Archive please call me.

MICHAEL WORTHINGTONWILLIAMS MBE 1938-2021

At the VCC Archive we receive many monthly publications, both commercial magazines as well as various club publications, mainly International. One excellent

publication is, The Veteran Car Club of Great Britain, The Gazette, which is always full of interesting articles. In the latest issue, it was sad to read the death of Michael Worthington-Williams MBE on 8 February 2021.

Members will have read many of his enjoyable articles, in both car and motorcycle magazines.

Those of you who read The Automobile, (which he contributed to for 35 years) will be familiar with his columns, Finds and Discoveries and Automobilia. At one time he was contributing to 24 publications. He attended the Beaulieu Auto Jumble (swap meet) 48 times. From 1982 to 2007 he travelled 250,000 trouble free miles in his 1927 Austin 20 sedan (Arthur). He has had many awards and has been on numerous veteran/vintage vehicle committees.

He was awarded the MBE for Services to Automobile History in 2018. If you would like to know more about Michael, there is plenty of information on the Internet.

Don Muller Archivist archivist@vcc.org.nz

Beaded Wheels 41

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

RALLY SNIPPETS

sJoeElder(OHCMorrisMinor)inhisQrstcompetitionouting.

HADSTOCK DRIVING TESTS

Banks Peninsula Branch Words Michael Williams Photos John McDonald A firm surface on the ancestral acres at Hadstock and a good entry, with some new competitors, augured well for a pleasant day of motorsport, but alas, we have become victims of our own success. Because of the tremendous prestige that has become attached to the winning of this important motorsport event, a taint of scandal was evident before a wheel had turned. It saddens me to report that three members, John Foster, Neale Elder and Jason Roberts, thought they could bribe the judges with gifts of wine, and in John’s case, a slice of apple cake at lunchtime. John even put Citroen chevrons on his headlamp. Surprisingly, and correctly, they thought I was the organiser most likely to be corruptible, and although I pleaded with my fellow timekeepers to take a few seconds off the times of the three I was out-voted by the other morally pure timekeepers. I expect that Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley faced this sort of pressure too.

Last year’s winner, John Foster, on his lovely Triumph 500 Rickman Matisse was far too good for the cars, so in true BP style we

s Avon Hyde (BMC Special) holding on for 2nd place overall.

42 Beaded Wheels

decided that he wasn’t allowed to put his foot down as he cornered.

John accepted this handicap graciously, to atone for his earlier win I suppose. New competitors this year included Dean Mooney in a Saab 99, Brendon Cook in a Peugeot 504, Kevin Mercer in a Morris 8 raceabout and Joe Elder in the family Morris. Malcolm McGibbon, with works driver Colin Hey were driving a custom made Honda off road racing thing, complete with independent rear brakes. Avon Hyde and Brad Govan were looking confident, and the French fwd equipe were already sneering at the rosbifs.

There were five events this year, three of the horribly complicated cambelt type, the ever decreasing circles, and the traditional slalom. You were allowed two attempts at the first four, with the fastest time counting towards your final score. As is traditional, consistency is the key at Hadstock, and of course some courses suit some cars more than others. Avon Hyde is the perfect example of consistency, and many of us watched the lines that he took before our own attempts. Surprisingly, Brad Govan, normally known

s Courtney Chamberlain (Jaguar XK120), placed 1st in the women’s section.

s Brothers William and Harry Dawber (Pontiac mostly) showed much improved form this year.

s Far North: Brian Parker Run vehicles.

s Ross Butler (MG TD) showing LHD is an advantage on left hand turns.

s Far North: Brian Parker Run, lunch.

for sliding sideways through the finishing cones whilst swearing loudly, was a model of calm consistency, and his final placing of 3rd reflected this new approach. The other surprise was the Pontiac raceabout of the Dawber brothers. This spartan creation normally runs on 4 or 5 cylinders, but this year all 6 were firing, and some very skilled driving was achieved by Harry and Will, as they threw the great chassis round the cones with considerable skill. The same could be said for Craig Keenan in the Jag XJ as he produced some enormous fishtails, involuntarily or otherwise. Kevin Mercer in his Morris 8 raceabout was looking quite impressive, given the lack of power, until various mechanical ailments ended his day prematurely.

Giles Gill won a stage in his Morgan 4/4 (i.e has 4 wheels), but got wonderfully and creatively lost in most others, as did Andrew Roxburgh in his Citroën L12. Ross Butler in a lhd MG TD managed to get consistently lost without winning a stage and of course blamed the steering wheel for being in the wrong place. The Pidgeon Bugatti looked and sounded wonderful as Michael gave it a thorough and competent workout.

So consistency really was the winner on the day, and Colin Hey, driving the Honda thing was first, with 232 points, Avon Hyde a very close second on 233 points, and Brad Govan third, with 236 points. Proving yet again that fwd is good on grass, the editorial Citroen wallowed into 4th place with 239 points, just ahead of the MX5 of Mark Cummings with 240. The Ethics Committee had a quick meeting down at the pub following close of play, and unanimously decided not to prosecute the three miscreants, thereby happily ending the day for all.

Will there be more bribery next year? Some of the organisers hope so. Will a vehicle with independent rear brakes be allowed to compete? We’ll have to wait and see.

BRIAN PARKER MEMORIAL RALLY Far North Branch Words Dave Duirs

This rally commemorates Brian Parker, one of our founding members who died very young. Fifteen eligible, and a handful of modern, cars with folk from Whangarei and Dargaville met on the old wharf at Totara North, once a busy port with a large saw mill and ship building history, at the head of the magic Whangaroa harbour.

Inland to Otongaroa with the mighty Taratara rock to the left, the route turned into Fern Flat Road, which is still very much as it was a hundred years ago as it twists and bumps its way down through heavy bush to the Peria valley and the lunch stop at the Bush Fairy Dairy. In the hippie era this was a meeting / trading spot for the alternative folk nestled amongst traditional dairy and sheep farms. It is now a focal point for locals, and they went to a lot of trouble to provide lunch and live music for the crews.

Winding through Fairburns and Kaiaka on to Kaitaia, the route showcased the modern northern industrial area and took in the main street and some of the older urban spots before heading back into the hills via good gravel roads back to the East coast and Matthews Vintage Museum. Our quiz showed up keen new member Max Allen, in his Renault Fuego, as winner. A dinner and social time at the clubrooms concluded a great day out.

The roads were great, the company spot on and most of the vehicles behaved but one decided to drop a radiator hose and, as usual, help was at hand and after some magic taping and a refill it was all go.

Beaded Wheels 43

VERO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF HISTORIC MOTORING

Festival Update Words Greg Terrill, Festival Director Planning for the VERO Festival of Historic Motoring is ramping up, with only five months to go until the festival starts.

In June we ran an incentive for entrants to register early. This was well received and there was a notable boost in registrations.

The lucky winner of this was Don Roy from Hamilton. A similar incentive was arranged for those entering in July.

INGLEWOOD STREET PARTY This event is a great way to lift the VCC image, it is free to the public and attracts over 10,000 people. The street party will be open to the public from 4-8pm. A number of marquees will be setup for for relaxation, eating, children’s play areas and completed with clowns, magicians, 15-20 food trucks and live music.

ACCOMMODATION Accommodation is still available, however if you haven’t booked yet we recommend you get in asap. Remember our sponsors, Plymouth Hotel and Auto Lodge and don’t forget to tell them you are attending the VERO International Festival of Historic Motoring.

VEHICLE IDENTITY CARDS (VIC) It is mandatory for entrants to have current VIC for their vehicle.

This must be done before the start of the festival, so it is important to get this sorted now and don’t leave it to the last minute and risk missing out.

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.

44 Beaded Wheels

ENTERTAINMENT The entertainment for four nights has been finalised with the following artists confirmed: • Marian Burns and the McSweeney Brothers (Irish theme) • Tom Sharplin with Suzanne Lynch (C’mon/Happen Inn theme) • Howard Morrison Quartet Take 2 (kiwiana theme) • Shane Corteze with the Class of 58 show band (rock and roll theme or a night at the high school prom).

CAMPER VANS We have just confirmed that there is space available at the New Plymouth Racecourse for self-contained campervans only. Please note there are no facilities or amenities available on this site and racehorse trainers do arrive nearby from approximately 5.00am each morning. The cost is very reasonable. For further information please contact the Festival Secretary, Mark Masters. festivalsecretary@vcc.org.nz

INSURANCE If you are looking to rearrange or obtain new insurance for your vehicle or home and contents, remember that VERO offers competitive rates for VCC members.

If you have any queries regarding the Festival, please contact the festival secretary, Mark Masters, festivalsecretary@vcc.org.nz.

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: Brian Stewart, Bob Barton

Daffodil Rally for Cancer SUNDAY 22 AUGUST 2021

WARKWORTH/ WELLSFORD AUCKLAND

d Come an un join the f d

NORTH SHORE WAITEMATA EASTERN BAY OF WAIKATO PLENTY BAY OF PLENTY

an All ages s types vehicle ome! are welc

MANAWATU WANGANUI HOROWHENUA

GISBORNE TAUPO HAWKE’S BAY

CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

It’s the Vintage Car Club’s National WAIRARAPA NELSON WELLINGTON Day and across New Zealand, MARLBOROUGH hundreds of vehicles will be on the WEST COAST road or on display to raise money for your local Cancer Society.

CANTERBURY To find out more about your local Daffodil Rally for Cancer, and the details of the local coordinator, please visit...

www.vcc.org.nz

NORTH OTAGO

ASHBURTON WAIMATE

SOUTH CANTERBURY

CENTRAL OTAGO

SOUTHLAND

OTAGO

GORE

SOUTH OTAGO

IRISHMAN ‘21 WORDS AND PHOTOS JOHN MCDONALD Any thoughts of deterring numbers by starting this yearseventinAlexandra were well and truly thwarted, with entrants numbering a near record 165. Banks Peninsula member Vaughan Morrison was the Saturday organiser, and an early start in the darkness of Centennial Park was the forerunner to some eight hours spirited motoring. St Bathans, Danseys Pass and Meyers Pass, all came and went before the late afternoon QnishinFairlie.Harry Orpwood, Canterbury Branch, was Sunday’s organiser, and kept entrants on their toes.

From Fairlie to the Haldon Rd, then over the challenging Benmore Hydro Track and down to the Benmore damQnishingjustoutside Oamarama. The traditional Shands Patch driving tests, won this year by (again) Alan Wylie. Andrew Mehrtens was declared the winner, with Bob Scott runner up. The event was blessed by a frostless, though at times misty, weekend. Irishman conditions are never the same two years running. What is consistent, namely great motoring and unfettered camaraderie, conQrmsthepopularityof this long running event.

Follow the leader, Sunday morning on the Benmore hydro track.

Picturesque St Bathans village, unwitting hosts to the VCC and Brass Monkey crews.

Far from home, Rolls-Royce pauses at the summit of Danseys Pass.

Running adjustments are best carried out before fording the river.

46 Beaded Wheels

s Aquatic 1928 Dodge Victory 6 St Bathans bound.

s Shands Patch time trial, 1914 Ford in action.

s Michael Pidgeon, 1922 Fiat 501S, against the clock.

sEssexleadsModelAtowardsthe summit.

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, maximum of three insertions per advertisement.

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.).

FOR SALE ‘28 CHEV 4 MOTOR DISASSEMBLED $ 450 ph 021 321 904, Auckland.

1982 CLASSIC TVR TASMIN 280I c ompletely original convertible, 2.8l Ford Cologne V6 fuel injected engine, 4 speed gearbox, 4 wheel disc brakes. A great example of the wedge design era of the late ‘70/’80s. Totally original interior. Phone Neville 06 845 3333.

MEM HAWKE’S BAY 1X BENDIX SCINTILLA MAGNETO, 1 x Lucas RSI new winding, 1 x Bosch D4 new wdg OVLD, 1 x Bosch D4 good spark. Phone Neil 021 0233 3948 M EM CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY 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 MORRIS SERIES Y 1 0 cwt flat deck truck. 1500cc side valve engine. Good resaleable order. Black number plates. Rego lapsed. Also complete spares truck and five near new 18” tyres to suit. $2,000 Phone Gavin 03 308 2291.

M EM ASHBURTON OAKLAND MOTOR, circa 1925. More details on 021 161 0455.

M EM GISBORNE OVERLAND 75 MOTORS (2), circa 1916. More details on 021 161 0455.

M EM GISBORNE TYRES – STOP PRESS. – A ll future orders for new classic and vintage tyres from USA will be increased by 10%. Existing stock at old prices.

Most sizes available, crossply, black and whitewall, some second-hand. Phone Jack 03 352 6672 or 0274 322 041.

MEM CANTERBURY 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.

GOT VIBRATION PROBLEMS?

Advisenationalozceofanychangesof address or sales/purchases of vehicles

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 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 MAGNETO AND COIL WINDING SERVICES Magneto repairs, coil rewinding, work guaranteed. We buy and sell magnetos of all types except aircraft.

728 Waimutu Road, RD2 Marton 4788.

Phone Warwick 06 327 3849, 027 281 8066, walandlynn@farmside.co.nz

MEM 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

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

REAR AXLE AND ONE HALF SHAFT. Make not known, spring hangers at approximately 45 degrees. Threads UNF most likely from USA. $75.

Phone Terry (04) 577 0616 or 021 052 6310, email mathersterryjudy@gmail.com Prefer collection from Lower Hutt.

MEM WELLINGTON

FOLDING BED Fits Hi-Ace or similar van, bolts to left-hand side panel, stores vertically with mattress to inner panel. Opens to a double bed. Frame well made with brazed square tubing. Size 185cm X 98 cm X 30 cm. Folded Size W 58cm with 23 cm allowing gap for mattress. Phone 09 445 6483, email jbryvelo@gmail.com MEM AUCKLAND

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

1953 JAGUAR XK 120 3.4 Restored to original condition. Have a Production Record Trace Certificate. Current reg and WoF. Runs well.

All reasonable offers will be considered. Phone 027 222 6548, email klodge@xtra.co.nz MEM WAIMATE

1969 TRIUMPH HERALD 13/60 CONVERTABLE A very tidy cars that runs well, Reg, WoF and VCC VIC also comes with manuals and spares. Info/photos on request. Tauranga. $8,000. Phone 021 0222 5723, email bandcpratt@hotmail.com MEM BOP

VETERAN PARTS Jaeger instruments, bonnet catches, Smiths speedos, coils, gaslights, speedo drives, bulb horns, 5 Austin wheels, Klaxon horn, Bosch dual mags, Rushmore light set.

Phone 07 348 4227 MEM ROTORUA

DE DION BOUTON BOOK AS NEW Rare publication, very informative and a collectible publication. Enquiries of interest to 0274 345 636

MEM ASHBURTON

1976 MGBGT Only two owners. New Zealand new.

Overdrive, leather front seats. Driven and serviced regularly. $14,500. Located central North Island.

Phone Michael 0274 148 145 MEM BANKS PENINSULA

1960 LOTUS SEVEN S2 A genuine Cheshunt car, originally Ford 100E powered, now Ford 1500.

Documented owner/early race histories. Car has been modernised. Owned over 50 years, seeking a new owner within NZ. View in Wairarapa.

Reasonably priced historic Lotus at $35,000.

Contact Kinane Dawes on 0274 550 041

LICENSE PLATE TOPPERS popular from 1930s1980s. Stainless steel, NZ place names, vehicle names or logos fit either on top or underneath your classic or vintage vehicle number plate. 21cm long and the letters 23mm high. Can be made to order. Contact peter.alderdice@me.com or 021 743 906

MEM AUCKLAND 48 Beaded Wheels

FORD CLUBMAN 1946 Clean and tidy.

Reconditioned motor and new radiator.

Offers Michael White 027 824 7715 Blenheim

MEM MARLBOROUGH

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. $19,500. Phone Philip Jeeves 022 025 9924 MEM CANTERBURY

MARKET PLACE

WAIRARAPA VCC PARTS SHED: Jaguar S1 and 2 parts incl heads, carbs, generators, starters, power steer pumps, water pumps, auto gearboxes, block, lights, gauges, alloy wheels, mufflers and more. (complete motors or cars also available from Club member, please enquire). Large range of seal beam h/lights. Contact Frank, 06 379 7167; Jeff, 06 377 4622, j.percy@xtra.co.nz or Barry, 06 377 1152, ljandbjwells@gmail.com MEM WAIRARAPA

VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ halogen bulbs.

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

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

Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz

VINTAGE CAR REPAIRS

1926 ESSEX TWO DOOR SEDAN Total restoration.

Reg & Wof. Great family car. Stops well. Location Rotorua. $16,750. Contact Rushmore Motors Ltd 027 2245 045. See Trademe.

All Classic and Vintage Car restoration.

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

Unit 1 11 Penn Place, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch

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

VINTAGE AND VETERAN CAR MARKETING. I maintain a database of buyers and sellers of veteran, vintage and post vintage vehicles, placing buyers and sellers together. Free to list.No hidden costs. No computer, no problem. Just call me.

Whether buying or selling a veteran, vintage or post vintage vehicle, contact Les at Rushmore Motors Ltd. Phone 027 224 5045. Inc. Sat. vintagecars@xtra.co.nz Free catalogue available.

Finance may be available on most vehicles.

PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS FOR VETERAN, VINTAGE, 1974 TRIUMPH 2500 TC Original paint. Excellent CLASSIC & ODDBALL ENGINES. condition Reg and WoF are current. $6,500. Phone We can supply piston sets for most makes and 07 552 4637, mobile 027 369 3536 MEM BOP models. All piston sets come complete with rings and gudgeons.

VINTAGE ENGINE SHORT BLOCKS We have over 700 listings at competitive We can in most cases rebuild your short prices. block using modern shell bearings, M S COOMBES LTD new pistons and rebuilt oil pump.

344 ST ASAPH ST, CHRISTCHURCH Please contact us for more information.

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

WORKSHOP MANUAL in mint condition. Genuine Luton Factory Edition for Vauxhall H 10-10 $30 ono Phone 03 352 7457 MEM CANTERBURY

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, maximum of three insertions per advertisement. 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

1939 CHEVROLET MASTER 85 Beautiful unrestored low mileage car with original ownership papers.

Original interior, headlining and leather seats in great order. For safety, new period wiring loom fitted. New radial tyres. New WoF, + years Rego upon sale, free delivery South Island. $25,000. Phone Pat Hurley 03 208 6105, evenings MEM GORE

1948 AUSTIN 16/4 Full body off restoration, new upholstery, new tyres. Rego on hold. Must sell. $10,500 ono. Phone 07 543 2629 MEM BOP

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

1915 OVERLAND 81 TOURER Imported to New Zealand from USA. Fully restored in New Zealand. 3500cc rating 4 cylinders, electric start, excellent condition. $30,000. Phone Denis 027 472 3051, email d_vbonham@hotmail.com EM NORTH SHORE M

1967(?) BULTACO EL BANDIDO 360 MX Not used for many years, needs new flywheel centre and key. Barrel has three broken fins. As is offers wanted. Phone 03 467 9893 MEM OTAGO

1933 AUSTIN 7 Great wee car and goes well. Rego on hold. In great condition, it is in shed all the time.

View Waikari, North Canterbury. $9,000. Phone Don 0274 376 709 or email angusgaskell9@gmail.com MEM CANTERBURY

1935 MG PA I have owned this car for 33 years.

Motor reconditioned Oct 2010. Excellent condition always professionally serviced. New wire wheels.

Complete with wet weather gear. Phone Vince 07 855 4819 MEM WAIKATO

1967 TRIUMPH TIGER 90 350CC Engine just had rebore and shaft grind. Rego and WoF. Matching engine and frame numbers. A nice tidy, reliable, orginal bike. Phone 03 437 0774 or email roberthuttonnz1@gmail.com MEM NORTH OTAGO

1961 PEUGEOT 403 SEDAN Regular use. Good body. Recent total enamel paint. Good upholstery, replaced carpets, renewed inner door linings door rubbers and window seals. Good engine, running gear and tyres. Many spares. Expressions of interest to Dave Duirs 0274 068 812 MEM FAR NORTH

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

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS

HOLDEN EH PARTS including 2 Hydramatic Gearboxes one excellent, one for parts. Also diffs, carbies, bellhouses, distributors, wiring looms with speedos attached, hubcaps. Reconditioned 202 head, 2 motors needing rings 173 and 202.

EJ tailgate in good condition. Many other parts Phone Martin 03 443 8152 MEM CENTRAL OTAGO 50 Beaded Wheels

BOSCH DR4 MAGNETO does spark but would benefit from full overhaul $250, plus shipping.

Phone 027 277 2108 MEM AUCKLAND

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

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 Ph 03 359 0565 or 0211 289 252 or www.vintagefordparts.co.nz

MEM CANTERBURY

1962 PASX VAUXHALL VELOX Full strip and 2 pot epoxy repaint in original colours. Engine, clutch, brakes, radiator overhauled. Asking $25K ono.

Spare front windscreen, rear axle, g-box, gaskets and many mechanical/electrical spares included.

Contact Consultech@xtra.co.nz Blenheim.

Consider P5B or Valiant deal. M EM MARLBOROUGH

1924 CADILLAC TOURER, V8, MODEL V63 Restored in 1996 with very little mileage since, a very good example of this model. Rego on hold.

Side curtains and spare parts included. Very interesting history back to 1927. $70,000. Phone or email Anita 0273030477 grant.anita@xtra.co.nz

MEM WAIKATO

1965 TRIUMPH 2000 Present owner 25 years, MODEL A FORD REBUILT SHOCK ABSORBERS, fully documented restoration, overdrive, mild as original. With exchange $210 each, or $240 performance mods, recent clutch and brake outright. Arms and all connecting parts available. overhaul, current rego & WoF, exceptionally Postal delivery extra. Phone Jack 03 352 6672, clean and tidy, $18,000. Phone Paul 027 513 4726 0274 322 041 Christchurch. MEM CANTERBURY

MEM BOP

1939 STUDEBAKER COMMANDER COUPE 6 cylinder side valve (220 ci). Good condition. Rego & WoF. Based in Invercargill. We understand there are only two of these in New Zealand. For enquiries and requests for more photos, please contact lizmck@yahoo.co.nz. $42,500.

M EM SOUTHLAND

1919 DODGE BROTHERS ROADSTER restoration project. Chassis and spring sets, front and rear axles, brake drums, wheels, firewall scuttle, front and rear guards, radiators, multiple motors and gear boxes, manifolds, carburettors, windscreen, instruments, lights, hood bows. Offers. Phone 06 877 5468 M EM HAWKE’S BAY

1936 MG SA SALOON UNRESTORED in used condition. Current WoF and Rego. Brakes recently completely redone, new tyres and carpet. Creates much interest at VCC meetings particularly as it is in original condition if a bit worn. Offers over $45K Phone 03 365 1938 MEM CANTY

1984 FORD SIERRA GHIA 2.3 V6 First registered in Rotorua in 1985. Four owners including one dealer. Was stored in Matamata for 16 years with rego on hold. Has been back on the road for 12 months. Very original car with no rust. Auto with power steering. WoF, rego and VIC. $9200 ono.

Phone 021 280 1586 MEM WAIKATO

1915 BRASS MODEL T FORD Full restoration.

Ex. cond. Reg & WoF. Self-starter/hidden battery charger, side curtains, new rubber front mat.

Original body panels. Concours winner. USA upholstery kit with diamond pleating. Motor rebuilt 10-12 years ago. 1600 miles. POA. Invercargill. See Trademe. Ph Rushmore Motors Ltd 027 2245 045

1929 MODEL A FORD ROADSTER PICKUP. Older restoration and in ex. cond. Model C motor and folding top. Reg & Wof. Great to drive. Very original. Location ChCh. Priced at $39,995. See Trademe. Ph Rushmore Motors Ltd 027 2245 045

1930 WILLYS KNIGHT 66B R estored to excellent condition.

Current WoF & rego.

All offers considered. Phone 027 222 6548, email klodge@xtra.co.nz MEM WAIMATE

Beaded Wheels 51

MARKET PLACE WANTED

1947 OLDSMOBILE 6 cyl distributors and carbs.

Phone Russell 021 0245 7984. MEM BOP 1955 MARK 1 ZEPHYR ZODIAC must be original condition Phone 027 631 9999 or email linda.judson@gmail.com AUSTIN PRINCESS GEARBOX, o r motor and gearbox. Contact Ian, 07 552 5021 or 027 430 4745.

MEM BOP CUCCIOLO BIKE 48cc pup in good order with handchange gears preferred. Sprung forks and balloon tyres. Ph Richard 03 383 2077.

MEM CANTERBURY

1957 PORSCHE ENGINE P81187 with Hirth roller bearing crankshaft. Original engine to my car.

Contact Kip Colvey 03 574 2356 or 021 965 356.

MEM MALBOROUGH

DIFFERENTIAL PARTS for 1935 Austin Ruby Particularly crown wheel and pinion or a complete back axle Phone 027 278 5635 or 03 572 8762, email m.jobberns@gmail.com MEM MARLBOROUGH

WANTED FOR THE ABOVE CAR a 1946 Vauxhall J 14/6: a pair of bumpers both front and rear.

Any condition. Phone Jimmy Spicer 027 2468 715 Waipukurau or email rustypatch.wpk@xtra.co.nz

MEM CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

DOUGLAS 1929 D irt Track girder fork and motor parts. Rudge 1930 Dirt Track countershaft with clutch and motor parts. Ph Ian 09 238 6833, 021 105 8132, earlyridersnz@gmail.com MEM AUCKLAND MORRIS MINOR UTILITY wanted to buy, must be in top roadworthy condition. David Oakley, ph 021 370 956, 03 308 7323, d.oakley@xtra.co.nz MEM ASHBURTON NUMBER PLATE FRAME for a 1938 Chevrolet coupe. This mounts on the rear wing as opposed to later types mounted on the bootlid. Phone 03 541 9391 Nelson. MEM NELSON PETROL TANK FOR MK 1 CONSUL - must be good condition. Phone: 027 631 9999.

REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS wanted for 1938 Standard Ford V8. Ring Richard 03 383 2077.

BRONZE 1¼” SU CARBY a s fitted to late 20s/ early 30s English cars MGs, Rileys etc. Measures 6” long overall and with float chamber mounting offset to the left as in the photo. 60mm between mounting studs. Complete or not. Email humber23hp@gmail. com MEM CANTERBURY

WANTED LUCAS 6 VOLT LIGHT pre 1940, similar to the one in pic, apparently these were used as instrument light in spitfires during the war. Phone Ian Moore 021 0256 7438 MEM ASHBURTON

TAILLIGHT LENS WANTED for a 1936 Desoto Air Stream same as pictured or a pair similar. Phone 0274 431 498 or email gaylebrydon@ hotmail.com.

Kit Brydon MEM NELSON

HOWES & BURLEY brass side and tail lamps as pictured for my 1911 Fiat. Phone Bruce on 027 725 010 or 07 573 6197, lorien@farmside.co.nz MEM BOP

STEEL FUEL LINE with seam for 1929 Model A. Connects filter to carb. Steel tyre valve caps engraved Schrader Canada. Phone/text Paul 027 419 7128. MEM SOUTH OTAGO VANGUARD 6 FOUR SPEED GEARBOX, s et of selector forks and shafts or parts suitable gearbox.

Phone 03 541 9391, Nelson MEM NELSON 1965 FORD MK 3 ZEPHYR FRONT and rear bumpers. Must be straight with good chrome.

Phone Steve 0276165211 or email mrcrimpy11@ hotmail.com MEM WEST COAST

RENAULT 4CV in reasonable condition.

Ph 021 102 8717. MEM HAWKE’S BAY. WANTED TRIUMPH PARTS t o complete 1906-7 motorcycle, and gearbox for Alldays matchless motorcycle. email veterantriumph@gmail.com

MEM NORTH SHORE WANTED WWII MOTOR BIKE INDIAN, BSA, Matchless, Flying Flea in nice condition would also consider a vintage motor bike restored.

Ph 027 356 0671, email darylstyles@hotmail.com

AUSTIN RUBY WHEEL from late Ruby +38 with the Big 7 back axle. It hasn’t got the slotted stud holes MORRIS MINOR 1000. Later type ribbed (key shaped holes) of the normal 7. You could have case gearbox complete. Must be in good one at home or in club spares and not know it. condition. Ph Sam. 06 343 6477 or 027 235 5687 Phone Rob 027 443 3927 MEM WAITAMATA

MEM WANGANUI.

52 Beaded Wheels

FUEL TANK WANTED for International AB 110 1965 wellside utility, size: 990mm long width: 320mm depth: 240mm. Contact Bob 09 827 5400 or 021 265 3847 MEM AUCKLAND

SWAPMEETS AND RALLIES

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

16th - 20th February 2022 Contact 0272177790 or artdecorally@gmail.com

Hawke’s Bay VCC invites Early Ford V8’s to take your turn in the spotlight!

TWO WIRE WHEELS REQUIRED 1 9 inch diameter, 3 inches wide, holes to suit 9/16 diameter wheel studs, with a PCD of 4 inches. Takes a 3.5 - 4.0 x 19 tyre. Has 47 spokes. Also require at least 4 wheel nuts, 9/16 inch BSF left hand thread. For a 1930/31 Singer Junior. Two solid disc wheels to do a part trade with. Phone Graham Pate 021 280 1586 or gandmpate@gmail.com MEM WAIKATO YAMAHA RD350 (B MODEL 1975) p arts wanted for restoration project. All parts considered. I also have spare parts available for swap / trades.

Ph 021 056 9146 MEM CENTRAL OTAGO

Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts Vintage Bentleys

Sponsored by

Early Ford V8 1932-45 will be the 2022 HBVCC Art Deco Rally Featured Marque OTAGO BRANCH

ANNUAL INVOICES MOVING TO EMAIL The club is moving to use email as a more economical and efficient method of communication with our members.

This includes emailing of annual membership renewal invoices - if you have not received any emails from our national office then please contact us on admin@vcc.org.nz with your membership number and correct email address. Those members who do not have email access will still receive an invoice via NZ post.

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2021 FOUNDERS PRINCE HENRY TOUR

P

CROMWELL-RANFURLY-CROMWELL

50TH DUNVEGAN MOTORCYCLE RALLY 2-3 OCTOBER 2021 This year’s rally will be Dunedin based. The Saturday run will include a visit to Dunvegan Station (south of Clinton) and return to Dunedin for the evening meal and prize-giving.

On Sunday there will be a two hour run taking in the Peninsula.

CEL E

B R AT I O N

Entry forms will be sent to all branch secretaries and can also be requested by writing to “The Rally Secretary” PO Box 5015 Dunedin

1 – 3 NOVEMBER 2021 With three days of Veteran motoring from Cromwell to Ranfurly and return, starting on Monday 1 November following the National Veteran Rally in Cromwell.

Returning Wednesday 3 November.

We’ll be travelling at a relaxed pace, with a backup trailer for peace of mind.

Mark these days on your calendar!

Tour organiser is: Nevin Gough easttaieri@yahoo.com or 021 115 0312

Beaded Wheels 53

THE CENTRAL OTAGO BRANCH

Blossom Festival Rally

SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2021 Come and enjoy some of Central Otago’s spectacular countryside and take part in the Alexandra Blossom Festival Parade if you wish.

Starting at our clubrooms in Cromwell we aim to have a relaxed rally with plenty of opportunities to have a yarn with fellow enthusiasts and the chance to visit our parts sheds.

Entry Forms available from the Rally Organiser

Ewen Duthie

Email: duthie.e@xtra.co.nz Phone 027 838 8324

CANTERBURY BRANCH

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 54 Beaded Wheels

for entry forms Contact

Kaaren Smylie North Island Club Captain

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

NORTH OTAGO SWAP MEET 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

Coinciding with the Victorian Heritage Weekend

SATURDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2021 A & P Showgrounds Ettrick St, Oamaru Public Entry from 8am – $5 per adult Children under 15 FREE Hot Food and Coffee available Enter your Vintage, Classic Car or Hot Rod in the Show & Shine Site Holders entry from 7am – $15 including 1 free entry All enquiries to The Secretary, northotago@vcc.org.nz or Derek Brehaut 021 390 518

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• See the large display of veteran/vintage/classic and feature cars • Get your car parts at the Swap meet stalls, sellers $20 per stall – 8AM TO 1PM • Vintage car rides • Try your skills in the Auckland Rescue Helicopter simulator • Check out our ongoing activities & merchandise on the Vintage & Classic Car Club stand • Free parking including disabled car parks.

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.

Photo: Proshotz Photography

Contact: Rod Corbett rod.corbett88@gmail.com 027 433 8772 Beaded Wheels 55

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105 HARROW STREET DUNEDIN 9016 56 Beaded Wheels

TRADE DIRECTORY

INSTRUMENT REPAIRS

Hamco INDUSTRIES

Motorcycle & Car a Wire Wheel Repairs & Restorations

Experienced expert technician Bruce Chaytor ph 021 631 700 Nicolette Prangley 021 166 8374 Repairers and Restorers of Vintage and Classic Instruments Speedo Cables repaired or made new to order

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

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

We Specialise In • Custom Made Spokes • Speedway Wheels Rim and Frame Lining • Wheel Building & Truing • Complete Wheel Restoration

Vintage – Classic – Modern Craig & Debbie Hambling

Phone 06 324 8345 Mobile 027 231 7864

410 Green Road, RD 6, Palmerston North Day or Night

A subscription to Beaded Wheels will save on the newstand price and guarantee you don’t miss a single issue at the same time.

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

ASHBURTON

ISLA JONES

The Ashburton district is home to Wheels Week, which kicks off on the first Saturday of May each year. There are so many activities now that the events are spread over two weeks. Our swap meet is one of the many things that start it off.

The day dawned damp and cool, but soon turned into a beautiful autumn day for our biggest ever swap meet of about 400 sites with large crowds in attendance.

Sunday 2 May was the Rotary Club’s run which saw 150 cars (veteran, vintage, classics and modern) from around the area meet at the show grounds. A tour of 80 miles took us to the airport then through the old Silver Ferns Freezing Works and farm, which has been bought by Talley’s.

All the border dyke irrigation has been removed and replaced with centre pivots.

We went through the new north industrial area, then zig zagged our way across the plains to end up at the Tinwald Plains Museum. A 1934 Riley Lynx won the most outstanding car in the concours. The most unusual car was a Back to the Future DeLorean.

Relaxed gatherings are becoming more popular and our Caffeine and Classics show with some 70 cars on display was no exception.

BANKS PENINSULA DON GERRARD We welcome new members: 16 year old Joe Elder, 1912 Douglas motorcycle; Dean Mooney, 1973 Saab 95, 1965 Renault, 1974 Citroen D Super; Gregor Kaiser, Triumph GT6 Mk2, Triumph 2000 Mk I, 1956 Morgan Plus 4; Chris Cunningham, and Oliver Going.

We sadly report the passing of Tom Cloudesley, a stalwart and original founding member of our branch. An ardent Packard man with several lovely examples, as well as other marques.

Steady restoration progress is being made on the ex-Clive Dodd 1922 Sunbeam 16/40. Brad Govan is the brave man 58 Beaded Wheels

▲ Banks Peninsula: Pat O’Connell and his MGA have been an item over 40 years. Photo John McDonald.

▲ Banks Peninsula: Austin 7 Hawk and Morris 8 Sports amongst discussion group, Hadstock Driving Tests.

Photo John McDonald.

undertaking the mission with next year’s Irishman the goal.

Our AGM in May saw our current officers returned for another year. Great to see the priceless Use, not Abuse trophy, donated by Bruce Pidgeon, going to young Mark Cummings, who has piloted his Mazda MX 5 with aplomb in a wide variety of events over the past season. The Bruce Pidgeon Memorial trophy was awarded to Russ Haines, who is consistently at the sharp end of VCC starting grids in either the MGV8 or Frangapelli.

Another very successful Hadstock Trial took place in June. You can read about it in Rally Snippets.

The June Night Trial in light rain didn’t dampen the spirits, as competitors navigated urban Christchurch heading for the Port Hills while searching for answers to some rather enlightening questions. Road works and police patrols on the Summit Road necessitated increased concentration before getting into

hill-climbing territory of Gebbies Pass.

The final section was almost an off-road exercise, certainly for the low-slung MG, slipping and sliding along what had become a very water-logged muddy track at Tai Tapu before ending at a nearby hotel.

Awards went to the winning Keenan Team in the Jaguar, Brendan Cook and navigator in the Peugeot 504. Vaughan Morrison and clan picked up the family award.

BAY OF PLENTY

DONN WHITE

A large number of branch members attended the first Highland Fling event and are itching to attend the second. A full report can be found elsewhere in this issue.

It occurred to me while washing the family 1990 Mazda 626 wagon recently that it has become club eligible. When purchased near new, 30 years ago, the vehicle, along with Ford Telstar derivatives, was very much main stream, and there were literally thousands of them on

▲ BOP: Now eligible for the PV 80 Category. The White family 1990 Mazda 626 Wagon which they’ve owned for thirty years. Photo Donn White.

▲ BOP: Just some of our Taj Mahal Run participants enjoying the ambience afterwards at an Indian restaurant. Photo Kaaren Smylie.

▲ Banks Peninsula:

▲ Banks Peninsula: Observers at Hadstock. Photo John McDonald.

▲ Canterbury: Heather Harris with her family’s prize winning entry to Branch Restoration of the Year. ▲

▲ Banks Peninsula: ▲

Banks Peninsula:

Beaded Wheels 59

our roads. Fast forward to 2021 and there’s just a handful of these vehicles left, and they are seldom seen now in car dismantler’s yards either. Japanese vehicles from the 1970s-1990s are now being classified as cool by people in their 30s and 40s, and we cannot forget that these are the people coming along behind us.

Some of our runs of late have been a little out of the square and very enjoyable.

We’ve staged well-supported events such as a Gold Card Morning Tea and a Taj Mahal Run, which finished up at an Indian restaurant. Runs are an integral part of any branch activity, and our recently appointed Club Run Coordinator, Deidre Rennie, is maintaining a good level of enthusiasm with a continual update of fixtures and events.

At the time of writing our Swap Meet Committee, headed by Peter Seaton, is busy brainstorming extra attractions and concepts to bolster our very popular Swap Meet and Car Show which will be staged at our clubrooms in November.

CANTERBURY

TONY BECKER

Our Restoration of the Year produced just two entries. But what entries they were. A gleaming black 1920 Ford T tourer and a gorgeous two tone blue 1961 Holden FB. Both superb winners in any contest and both with interesting stories to share.

The trophy winning Model T, entered by Evan and Janine Perrin, was restored by their father who passed away just two days before restoration judging day. The FB Holden, entered by Heather Harris, is a one-family owned car, saved by another father who also passed away before his stunning family winner was completed.

June’s AGM presented few team changes. Nice to see that two key positions have been filled by women. Katryna Shaw was elected to the role of Club Captain and six-term stalwart, Kevin Sarjeant handed the treasurer’s reins to Robyn Cox. Branch website manager, Tony Craythorne has stepped up to be the Hub editor.

Covid-19 rules seriously impacted the financial year with the loss of our branch’s major income earner, Swapmeet and Display, but well managed branch resources saw us through the year.

Planning for this October’s big recovery event is well under way, with just 40 sites left to sell.

Autumn and winter events have so far gone to plan, with the successful Rural

60 Beaded Wheels

Run, and of course Queen’s Birthday weekend’s annual Irishman vintage rally.

VCC of New Zealand will be celebrating its 75 years Diamond Jubilee as well as the 2021 AGM at Canterbury Branch in August.

CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY JOHN FOOT On Saturday 8 May 50 members attended our Twilight/Night Rally. This year’s event was very ably organised by Ken Lyons, with assistance from Bruce Poole.

The daylight part of the rally finished at the Crown Hotel in Norsewood about 5pm for soup and buns, then at 6pm we headed off for the night section, arriving at the Leopard Tavern in Waipukurau for dinner and prize giving.

Keith and Jean Hopping organised an overnight trip to Makoura Lodge in the Apiti area. Thirty members took part in this event and had great fun in the afternoon with skeet shooting, archery, golf and axe throwing. The evening entertainment was musical, mainly carried out by members.

Our AGM on 26 June was held at the Waipukurau Bowling Clubrooms. A very good attendance with 50% of our 119 members attending. All committee positions were filled, with the only change being to the branch secretary with Ken Lyons being replaced by Brian Connor.

For the June event we met at a private property in Haumoana to view a large collection of cars. The owner gave us a very informative talk on the restoration of their home from a derelict original homestead to the beautiful place it is today.

This was followed by a guided tour around the collection of extremely well restored vehicles. All the vehicles were registered, warranted and regularly used.

CENTRAL OTAGO

DON YEAMAN

Our May Sunday run saw some 12 cars head out to the Royal Hotel in Naseby for lunch. The weather was a bit brisk, but we still had six brave souls in two MGs and a TR2 who managed the trip with the tops down and no heaters. but well bundled up. Some of us decided that a detour to St Bathans for coffee at the Vulcan Hotel would finish the day just right and so it did.

A great run with all cars returning safe and sound.

The Queen’s Birthday run to the West Coast was organised and led by Graham Taylor and his wife Cheryl. Five cars made the rather wet trip over the Haast

to Fox Glacier and their accommodation. Sunday’s weather had improved, so they all made a run to Gillespie’s Beach to view, among other things, the remains of the old mining dredge which are still quite visible. This was followed by a visit to Clark Johnston’s shed and collections.

On the way home on Monday Graham and Cheryl called in to see Barry Wyber, one of our members, to present him with his 35-year badge. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. A West Coast run is always a good run.

EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY

BRUCE SEDDON

At our AGM our guest Kaaren Smylie, North Island Club Captain, presented Neil Barnard with our branches first 50 year badge. Neil is a keen motorbike rider and collector. Our new chairman is Les Costar.

Steve and Joy Growden organised a monthly run that provided interesting roads, which included some good gravel surfaces and ended in a scenic picnic setting. The start point was at Edgecumbe in the middle of the Eastern Bay, and ran out to the coast at Matata, west to Pikowai, and inland from there. We didn’t get onto logging roads, but we certainly used roads heavily frequented by logging trucks and heavy metal trucks. We followed good gravel roads up on to the seal and into kiwi fruit country in the back of Otamarakau and Paengoroa, then back on to gravel to go around the north side of Lake Rotoiti at Okere Falls for a short run south to Okawa Bay on Rotoiti. The run was about 94kms.

We noticed a good gap between cars on the gravel to avoid any dust, and I think the older pre-war cars were happier with their higher clearances. Under these conditions everyone was ok with the pace set by the Model As. The Okawa Bay Reserve had all the necessary facilities, and the passengers of the 16 club vehicles present spread out with lunches on the grass, watched the boating activity on the lake and the fire brigade’s training exercise on an old house further up the road.

FAR NORTH

DAVE DUIRS

I missed the last Idle Torque while enjoying a drive around the South Island where it was great to see plenty of old vehicles in use.

Our AGM saw the good representation of willing members who have prepared a programme to suit our stretched out

▲ Central Hawke’s Bay: Central Hawke’s Bay June run 1930 Bugatti Type 47 Cabriolet.

▲ CentralOtago:FoxGlacier,QueensBirthdayWeekend.

▲ Central Hawke’s Bay: Central Hawke’s Bay line up reasy for the Twilight Night Rally. ▲ Central Otago: May Sunday run to Naseby.

▲ Central Otago: May Sunday run to Naseby. ▲ EBOP-KaarenSmyliepresenting5 0YearMembershipcertiQcate to Neil Barnard. Photo by Brian Milner.

EBOP: Okawa Bay Day Trip – relaxed VCC members

EBOP: Day trip to Okawa Bay – Model As belonging to Phil and Margaret Leaming and Les and Gail Costar.

Beaded Wheels 61

▲

geographical area. Having two club captains enables us to cater for local events which involve less travel and more social contact, and increased use of eligible vehicles requiring shorter runs. This has captured a good number of new members with interesting vehicles and backgrounds.

Cormack’s Fiat, closely followed by Bond’s Model A, won the Rogers’ Mother’s Day Pride of Ownership which concluded with a big turnout for lunch at the Waitangi Golf Club.

Planned by the Cormacks, the Brian Parker Memorial Trophy run with entrants from Whangarei and Dargaville was won by new member Max Allen in his Renault Fuego. A relaxed run that covered great back country areas.

A mid-week run visited the historic Ruapekapeka Pa battle site, which should be a must for all of us as it shows the unique trench/ tunnel battle technique adopted in other later global scraps. Members also appreciate folks who have hosted midweek luncheons in their homes.

EVs are all the rage politically, so who knows which way the VCC movement goes?

The future may well be old bodies powered by batteries or hydrogen or whatever comes up next.

GISBORNE

RODNEY CLAGUE

Our May Meander run organised by Ray and Prim Stevenson took us on a jaunt around the Matawhero, Makauri and Waerenga-a-Hika areas and back through town to their home, where a magnificent spread of eats was presented.

Early June saw Ray Squires and Karen and Lee Tait visit a retirement home (Leighton House) for the residents to view their cars and be taken for a ride around the town. One of our members (and a resident of the home) Alan Douglas kindly showed the crews around the complex, including the lovely views of the Waimata River. Alan had recently sold his 1929 Dodge sedan, and it was seen during the May Meander under control of its smiling new owner.

The end-of-month club run took six vehicles on a jaunt around the Manutuke/ Taurau Valley area before concluding at the clubrooms for afternoon tea.

The annual general meeting of the branch was held on 16 June and resulted in a clean sweep of the committee positions, something that hasn’t happened for many years.

62 Beaded Wheels

Work continues on the parts shed upgrade with the upper mezzanine floor now completed, but a lot more work still needs to be done to complete the project.

GORE

JIM MCFADZIEN

Gore’s night trial saw ten vintage cars and three moderns get instructions which took them through Gore streets, out to the country, and back to the clubrooms to match our distances. We had to count the number of churches off our designated instruction sheet, there being 13 in Gore.

Rod Bell’s Morris Minor ute got closest to the official distance. McVicar Crew got all the questions right. Thanks to the Walsh family for an interesting event.

Fourteen cars took part in the closing run for the 2020-2021 year. We travelled from Gore, almost to Waikaka, back through East Gore and home to base.

Rod Bell made this into a trident run, with a scavenger run one part, a recorded distance run, then a separate quiz about early days of motoring and road rules. Rod explained the road rules very carefully, his explicit explanations gave many of us a different insight into the meanings. Overall winners were Paul and Lynn Herron in their Ford Model A. The combined brains of the Proctors and the Kennedys in the big Rover won the scavenger hunt and the running questions. Des and Janet Brewster won the two-page quiz of early motoring and road rules. We all managed to navigate the layout with the Streets Alive changes currently in Gore.

HAWKE’S BAY

ESTHER SMITH

We had a good attendance at our AGM and all committee and club officer roles were filled except for the Club Captain’s position, however with a bit of arm twisting that role will soon be filled. Paul Anderson and Alastair Chalmers are new committee members, while Ian Elmsly has returned as branch Chairman. A motion was put to the meeting that the name of the branch be changed from the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Hawke’s Bay Branch (Incorporated) to the Hawke’s Bay Vintage and Classic Car Club (Incorporated). The rational is that this name better represents the age of cars that our members now drive and also presents a different face to prospective members. Put to the vote 93.22% of those present voted in favour of the motion. The name change will now be

forwarded to National Office for ratification by the Executive Committee.

Despite some comments that vehicle restorations are now few and far between, people obviously haven’t had their ear to the ground in Hawke’s Bay, where there are many members tinkering away on projects or undertaking full restorations. From Wayne Richards restoring his second Fiat Bambina to Wyn Hulman’s 1932 Auburn, it’s all happening. Our restoration award this year went to Paul and Hilda Boylan with their 1953 MG TD. Paul bought the car sight unseen in 2016 and he has done an amazing job of the restoration.

Our latest event has been a Navigators’ Run, which had many scratching their heads and others enjoying the challenge. A good cup of tea at the end always restores morale so I am sure they will be back for more.

HOROWHENUA

BOB BARTON

Sunday 16 May saw more than 50 of our members attending lunch at the Murrayfield Restaraunt on the outskirts of Levin. Grant Prankerd brought his new restoration project, a Morris, along on its first run.

We had a call from a film company who wanted to use pre 1918 vehicles for a film that they were making in the Wanganui area during May. Peter Nightingale, Ivan Horn, and Murray Robinson supplied the Model Ts, Bernard Scott supplied his Cadillac and Brian Wilton his Chev Ambulance. All enjoyed the day.

Rod Clifton of the Horowhenua Vintage Machinery Club organised a luncheon at Graham Cottle’s farm for the Vintage Car Club, and what a day it turned out to be.

Lots of farm machinery, including tractors, bulldozers, cranes, plus veteran, vintage, and classic cars were present. Well over 100 people turned out, with some having a go at driving a bulldozer, while others tried out the tractors. The food was organised by the ladies of the Machinery Club, and what a spread they put on. Another great day out for old and new members.

Our AGM was held on 2 June, and all branch officers were voted back in. We had a good evening of discussions and trophy presentations, and are looking forward to our Mid-Winter Dinner towards the end of the month.

▲

Hawke’s Bay: Kelvin Taylor’s Collection – Showing the variety of vehicles.

▲ Hawke’s Bay: Kelvin Taylor’s collection –the veterans.

Hawke’s Bay: A friendly face all made from car parts.

▲

▲ Hawke’s Bay: Paul and Hilda Boylan with their award winning 1953 MG TD. ▲ Horowhenua: our Club Captain Bruce Lawrie learning to drive a bulldozer.

▲ Manawatu:NationalPresidentDianneQuarrie ▲ Manawatu:NationalPresidentDianneQuarrie presenting Keith Maegaard with his 50 year badge. presenting Gary Millar with his 50 year badge. ▲

▲ Horowhenua: Vehicles made before the Model T were on display at the Vintage Machinery Day.

Manawatu: Pleasant outdoor dining at the Pongaroa Pub for the PV PWV P60 P80 Rally lunch stop. ▲

Manawatu: National President DianneQuarrie presenting Bob Pettigrew with his 50 year badge.

Beaded Wheels 63

MANAWATU

BRYAN ABRAHAM

At the beginning of May over thirty cars from the Manawatu, Horowhenua, Wellington, Wairarapa and Wanganui branches headed out on the Manawatu PV PWV P60 P80 Rally. The route took the group over the Pahiatua Track to the Pongaroa Pub for a buffet lunch after which the participants headed north to an afternoon tea and prize giving at the Services Club in Dannevirke. After the four winners were presented with their prizes (one for each VCC vehicle classification group), participants headed homeward.

The following week members had the privilege of being able to attend a gathering at the clubrooms to witness Dianne Quarrie present 50 year badges to three Manawatu Branch members – Keith Maegaard, Gary Millar, and Bob Pettigrew. At the same gathering the Acting Chairman Brian Halcox awarded Gary Millar with Life Membership in the branch.

Mid May saw over thirty people meet at the clubrooms for a Sunday run over the Saddle Road to Maharahara to what had been promised to be a remarkably interesting shed. It was a man-cave with something for everyone - three Kenworth trucks parked up in the middle surrounded by motorcycles, vintage bowser pumps, a massive amount of motoring memorabilia and collectables of every description.

MARLBOROUGH

CARROLL WIBLIN

At our AGM we welcomed Catherine Millar as our new Club Captain, along with new committee member John Russell. The rest of the committee remained as is.

Sadly our secretary, Chris Bird, has lost his partner Sharon after a very brief battle with cancer. We have also lost one of our more colourful members, Brian (Stumpy) Selwin. Stumpy used to whiz around on his Harley, a mobility scooter with large wheels. We have also lost another branch stalwart Ted Maher. Ted was known for his generosity in using his farm vehicles to help with the maintenance of the grounds.

There has been some ill health amongst members, and our chairman Kelly LandonLane is no exception. He has been in Christchurch hospital for treatment of his condition. A number of other members have suffered life-threatening illnesses too and we wish them well.

The Whatamango Bay trip was cancelled and it was decided we would follow the steam train to Seddon where we supported the local market.

64 Beaded Wheels

John Armiger and David Bruce both recently received their 60-year certificates at the AGM. Congratulations to both of them.

We had a recent trip to Stronvar Station in the Waihopai Valley. It is an amazing place and we learned about its history and the diverse ways taken to make it profitable.

NELSON

RAY ROBERTSON

Our Coffee Cruizes are proving to be a popular attraction with attendee numbers growing each event. May Cruize, organised

by Jo and Vern Hoffman, culminated in a coffee and factory tour of the now-famous Pic’s peanut butter factory. The red carpet was really laid out for us, and even though it was pointed out that we may well leave tell tail oil drips behind as a reminder of our visit, Pic’s were insistent we park on the red carpet. Aside from the obvious artistic approach to the factory décor, the whole relaxed and quirky approach to everything is truly nutty, but really does work well.

June Cruize, organised by Allan and Jill Smith, took us out over the Neudorf Hill to the property of Ian and Charle Storrar, where we were treated to a look at their 1923 Model T truck and their fascinating home. Back into Tapawera township to the local hotel for lunch.

A new draft branch constitution was presented to the members for comment at a special general meeting. This will be presented to the membership again for adoption at the AGM. With a significant number of Nelson members heading to the Vero rally, and a number of planned tours to and from it on offer, a co-ordination meeting was held where like thinkers got together, arranged en-route accommodation and ferry bookings. We are very fortunate that a couple of forward planners made block bookings in New Plymouth for the branch some time ago.

NORTHLAND

TREVOR REILLY

The big event in May was our annual Motorcycle Run. This year 69 entries were received, including three sidecar combinations.

Bikes ranged in age from 1924 through to 2020. What an interesting turnout of suspensions, riding positions and paint schemes. The riders were nearly as colourful. The timed riders were set off under the watchful eye of Ron Anderson,

our immediate past chairman, after a full briefing by our motorcycle rep Peter Lovatt. The others set off in a random fashion, even though they were expected to follow the time according to their entry number. It still went well. The set course went west of Whangarei in a big circle with only a short section on the main road. The lunch stop at a local golf club was a time to check out the bikes and riders. They then set off on the eastern section, which went on the Matapouri Road for a while, before heading south via back country roads to visit a collection of stationary engines and other mechanical items. Then back to the clubrooms for more socialising and an evening meal. The tail end Charlie had no bikes on the trailer, with any minor incidents being corrected by the riders themselves.

The AGM held in mid-June shows no big changes to the committee, which has worked well this year.

NORTH SHORE RICHARD BAMPTON The competitive entries for the Northern Raid were low, and a number of cars undertook the touring section.

The competitive participants enjoyed a mix of urban and country driving on the route, and particularly appreciated the straight-line navigation which saw vehicles cris-crossing each other. The outright winners were Alan and Shaaran Price (Auckland Branch) with Chris Field/ Paul Collins being first of the North Shore entrants.

The 1924 Dennis bus drove under its own power out of the storage shed to its latest home in the new shed. The work done in fitting thrust bearings to the kingpins has paid off and driver Colin Austen handled it without the previous substantial effort required to turn the steering wheel.

A good meal, even when it is not free, always brings members out, and 46 members in 25 cars attended the Brunch Run, following a tiki tour through Albany, Bayview, Rosedale, Glenfield and Birkdale to the excellent Ravenhill Cafe in Birkenhead. Colin Brown, driving a Ford Model A roadster, with his local knowledge answered most questions correctly.

The AGM saw the retirement from the committee of two long serving members – Kevin Lord and Paul Collins, who between them have racked up over 50 years of service to the Club. Neil Beckenham also stood down. Chris Field joined the

▲ Marlborough: Stonvar Station – what a beautiful day. ▲ Nelson: Ian and Charle Storrar’s Model T.

▲ Nelson: Nelson cars lined up on the red carpet at Pics peanut butter factory.

▲ Marlborough: Stonvar Station – good High Country roads.

▲ Nelson:Co eeCruizelineupattheTapaweraHotel.

▲ Marlborough: Stonvar Station – so many cars we didn’t know where to put them.

▲ Northland: Early Harley-Davidson.

▲ Northland: Side car combination.

▲ North Shore: The heavy mob compress the Dennis bus springs.

▲

Northland:LoftySalter,Qrstawayona915 4AJS,beingsentobyRonAnderson.

▲ North Shore: Ford Model A of Colin Brown, winner of the May run.

committee as Club Captain, and Barry Thompson has returned to the committee.

The Caltex sign, recently repaired by Caltex, was re-erected by Jim Drummond and Ross Moon.

Tulip directions were used on the June run to guide members to view two collections of cars.

OTAGO

MARION MCCONACHIE

Twenty cars braved the Coast to Coast run on 13 June. We saw the sun rise in Dunedin and enjoyed the brisk frost in Lawrence for morning tea. From Cromwell west we had calm overcast skies, so missed the sunset at Haast. Heavy rain overnight gave us an amazing drive back through the Pass as all the waterfalls were putting on a great show.

Nicola Wilkinson remains as chairperson and we welcome Trevor Kempton on board.

Awards presented at the AGM were: Best Attendance at rallies - Kevin Mason, Best Performance at all events - Gil and Ruth Edmunds, Best Attendance at local events - Bill Partel, Most Meritorious Performance of a Veteran Vehicle - Nevin Gough, Motorcycle Restoration - Bruce Christie -1930 AJS, Car Restoration - Paddy Williams -1948 T26 Lago Record Berlin.

Most determined effort on a veteran/ vintage motorcycle – Max Dewar, Greatest effort in vintage motoring - Nevin Gough Chairman’s Awards – for his determination in getting members attending events Kevin Mason, and David Mills for his drive and enthusiasm to get the branch history to print.

25 year awards - Margaret Drummond, Trish Fowler, Robyn Grey, Peter Faithful, Ross Matthews, Bill Partel, 35 year awards Stewart Gutsell, Bruce Christie, Kevin Casey, Alistair Graham, James Sime, Lindsay Ross Thirty-two members enjoyed a drive to Moeraki for our mid-winter lunch. A lovely view overlooking the harbour with its fishing boats.

We will be combining with South Otago Branch for the Rally for Cancer in August, and also assisting the Cancer Society with the delivery of daffodils the week beforehand.

66 Beaded Wheels

ROTORUA

RONALD MAYES

New members welcomed to the club are making their mark, injecting new ideas (and cars) to the scene. Jo Hossack convincingly won the April Night Rally in her 1938 Morris Eight. Jenny Cole and Dennis Brown have taken over organising the midweek runs and spring tour from Bob and Pat MacKay. Nathalie Descat, Marcus McKee and Les Martin organised the May Sunday run, which had us meandering about the byways of the Ngakuru area with a stop beside Lake Ohakuri. There we had to try to score a goal with a soccer ball, before heading off to the Waiotapu Pub for lunch.

John Newson told us all about his 1951 Armstrong Siddeley Whitley at the May meeting. This was cunningly planned to attract a good turnout, because the branch AGM was to follow his presentation. Mike Thorne, usually seen accelerating into the distance in his Panther Kallista, had his newly acquired 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6 on show in June.

Also in June we had the prize-giving run, a short town and around drive to see a large collection of treasures and welder’s art, progress on Dennis Whimp’s 1930 Buick roadster restoration (shouldn’t be long before we see it in action), and Dennis Brown’s 1962 Humber 90 which is currently receiving its new paintwork.

Other new cars on the scene include Terry Wadsworth’s 1964 Riley 4/72, our chairman’s Triumph Toledo, and yet another Silver Shadow joining his fleet.

Coming up before you read this will be our 40th swap meet. Last year both attempts to hold our main annual fundraiser were cancelled. Later, our spring tour will take members to the far north.

SOUTH CANTERBURY

SHANNON STEVENSON

The Post Vintage Rally was held on 9 May. Organised by the Munro family, the run took more than 30 participants’ vehicles out north of Timaru to Sutherlands, Hanging Rock and Kakahu.

Field tests were held at the lunch stop at Kennedy Park in Geraldine, before an afternoon run returning to Timaru travelling along lightly travelled back roads through Woodbury, Orari and Clandeboye.

The End of Season Rally took place on 23 May, the end venue being Lex Westoby’s property at Springbrook. His sheds are filled with various Alvis and Mini projects.

The AGM was held on June 3.

Presentations were to the following: Parts Shed Trophy – Nelson Bowden, Chairman’s Trophy – Eric Robins.

Restoration Trophy – Bill and Shona Weir – 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air hardtop.

Lyalldale Trophy – Neil Manchester. 25 Year badges – John Campbell, Alistair and Nola Day. There are several changes in committee positions. The Weirs have stepped down after more than 20 years publishing The Tricar. Neil Manchester, Alistair Day and Oliver Irving have also stepped down from committee work. New committee members are Colin Hawke, and Gavin, Michelle and Krystal Munro.

The All British Day took place in inclement weather on 6 June. Attracting 82 vehicles, many from outside the South Canterbury region, the run took participants out North West of Timaru, finishing at Cave Hall.

Thursday mid-week runs have proved successful, these often attracting more than 15 vehicles on routes throughout the South Canterbury region.

SOUTHLAND

RUSSEL MCIVOR

We welcome new members Ivan and Beth Harvey with a Triumph 2.5.

Our annual open day gave the public the opportunity to view members’ cars, look through our clubrooms, library and view the grounds. The parts shed was open for sales which contributed greatly to club funds.

All positions were filled at our AGM except for Social Convenor. With Brian Dunick as our new chairman, the branch is in good heart.

The 2023 National Motorcycle Rally in Invercargill is being organised, more details to follow.

Moto Guzzi bikes were on display at our local motor museum. Mrs Mary Watson’s 1927 Indian Scout with sidecar and washing machine is the latest exhibit.

On the rally scene, motorcyclists went on the annual Waimea Rally. They travelled to Balfour where they had lunch at the local hotel. Publican’s choice was Geoff Johnston 1978 Honda CB750K. Rally winner, Tony Warren 1963 BSA Road Rocket.

The Post War, Post 60, Post 80 Rally was held on Saturday 15 May, in unusual wet Southland weather and finished at our clubrooms. Winners, Owen Davies Post War, Rae Wilson Post 60, David North Post

▲ South Canterbury: 25 year badge awarded to John Campbell by Chairman Ashley Milliken at the South Canterbury Branch AGM – 3 June.

▲NorthShore:TeamphotographinfrontoftherepairedCaltexsign. ▲ South Canterbury: Participants vehicles at All British Day – Cave.

Otago: Waiting for the sunset at Haast ▲SouthCanterbury:GrantStewartassistswithQeld tests, PV Rally, Geraldine.

▲ Otago: 2021 Restoration Achievement Award ▲ Otago: Graham Dalton Cup – Motorcycle 1928 Model A Ford Owner Bob Herron. Bob had Restoration of the Year went to the 1930 R7 AJS had this vehicle in storage for some years. His motorcycle owned by Bruce Christie. This was son Paul restored this for him in recent years and savedfromlandQllapproximately6 0yearsago. it is just back on the road in recent months. ▲ Rotorua: Dennis Brown’s Humber 90. ▲ ▲ Rotorua: Rotorua prize giving – harder to get everyone to look at the camera than small children at a school class photo.

Rotorua: John Newson’s Armstrong Siddeley Whitley.

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80. Overall winners were Owen Davies and Rae Wilson.

The ever-popular mid-week run motored 115kms through southern Southland, a very pleasant run with 50 people participating and the event finishing with a meal at the Invercargill Workingmen’s Club.

TARANAKI

COLIN JOHNSTON

The Midweek June run was organised by members Michael Kruse and Albert Gordge, who asked us to assemble at the New Plymouth Observatory situated on Marsland Hill in New Plymouth. We had a tour of the observatory which houses two huge telescopes, one of which is 120 years old and is still in use. The dome that houses this telescope is made of rimu matched lining and was completed in the 1920s.

We welcome two new members to our branch who have joined from Tauranga.

Rod McCaullum and Vicky Cottan joined us on the mid-week run in their beautifully presented 1956 Mk1 Zephyr car.

An interesting project by Nick and Amber Carter from Patea is underway with their 1925 MG replica of Cecil Kimber’s MG. Cecil was the founder of MG. His was a one off car built for the Land’s End Trial in 1925. The Land’s End Trial was first run in 1908 as the ultimate test of vehicle reliability. One hundred and twelve years later it is still a formidable challenge. The Carter’s engine is rebuilt, upholstery completed, and body is awaiting painting.

Some 38 members braved the rainy weather to attend the End of Rego annual club run up to the Mountain House on the Stratford side for lunch. This is a very popular run and has been held for many years, originally to celebrate the end of registration when all vehicles’ yearly registration expired at the end of June.

TAUPO

NEIL CHAVE

We held our annual run with the Taupo Hospice in May, with a number of cars providing rides for local hospice patients.

This is always well received and the patients enjoyed the opportunity to go for a drive around town.

Our AGM was held in May and saw a number of new faces going onto the committee. Our new Branch Chairman is Eric Foley. We also welcomed Elaine Taylor as the incoming secretary.

68 Beaded Wheels

We had planned a Sunday run to Orakei Korako thermal area in May, but due to a temporary closure an alternative run was quickly organised to National Park with a large group leaving Taupo to travel south via Turangi and over Tongariro National Park towards National Park township.

We had lunch at the Railway Café before heading back to Taupo.

Our club night talk was about the Vehicle Identification Certificate process and how it works.

In June the Brass Monkey run was held and although the weather on the day was initially very wet the skies cleared later in the day for a 4pm start to this iconic event. It was very well supported with over 40 coming along to search for local clues before the darkness set in. The winners were George and Fiona Holliday who will be responsible for setting next year’s event.

We held the ladies’ night in June, and a large group attended the local production of the stage show Mama Mia. This was an exceptional show performed by Taupo locals and was most enjoyable.

WAIKATO

HUGH MCINALLY

Our AGM has been held and at the time of writing this report we have a club without a chairman. Past Chairman Graham Pate has been thanked for his efforts over the past many years. The members discussed the pro and cons of ceasing the production of a hard copy branch magazine. The cost is becoming prohibitive and a zero cost electronic version is inevitable, but when? The incoming committee will need to make a decision one way or another.

The new nembers’ workshop is about three days away from being completed and all locked in. Our 100sqm double high-door shed will be a great asset for members in the future. Over the next few months a hoist will be installed, along with various other pieces of vehicle maintenance equipment. Many of our members are getting past crawling under low lying vehicles, and having a maintenance shed with a hoist for oil changes and other maintenance tasks will be a great asset.

The new committee is currently drawing up the annual event schedule.

I gather from what I hear that many branches are seeing a lower number of members attending major annual club competitive events, but apparently good numbers are attending simple

non-competitive recreation runs. Is this telling the incoming committee something?

WAIRARAPA

KEVIN BALL

A shared rally with a neighbouring branch, a spirited Annual General Meeting and the discovery of a hidden museum were features for the Wairarapa Branch in June.

Wellington branch suffers from growing traffic congestion and lack of good rally roads, so we are happy for them to join us for rallies based on our extensive and excellent back country roads. The latest was our Winter Wander, organised by Simon O’Hara, which took cars from Clareville to a vineyard (closed, unfortunately) and a taxidermist. Lunch was at Kahutara, in a former Japanese prison camp building.

The AGM saw some long-standing members honoured. Tina Goodin remains as chair, while Mike D’Alton stays on as secretary and Graham Hodder as treasurer.

Brian Billing is the new club captain.

A Dannevirke museum, not open to the public, was a major discovery. Run by the Mills family it features big Kenworth trucks with immaculate paint jobs, HarleyDavidson and Indian motorcycles, and a huge number of petrol pumps and other motoring memorabilia. A BMW riders’ group invited along this writer.

WAITEMATA

ROBERT CHAPMAN

The branch exhibited a fine selection of cars at both the Ellerslie Car Show and the Brit Euro Car Day, attracting a large number of spectators. The oldest car displayed was Max Jamieson’s 1925 Delage and the newest was Stan Smith’s 1952 RMA Riley.

A couple of events had to be postponed to later in the year due to Covid-19. The vintage aircraft fly-in to Kaipara Airfield was one of these. We combine with the Wellsford/Warkworth Branch for this event, and this year also invited along North Shore. Unfortunately the airfield is low lying, and the grass runway got waterlogged from the previous week’s rains, so the event was cancelled for a second time.

It will be rescheduled.

At the North Shore Aero Club we held a combined Grasskhana/Treasure Hunt and timed event through wiggle/woggles with the MG Car Club. The emphasis was on fun, exemplified by Kevin Beesley in his Talbot,

▲

Southland: Mary Watson saw plenty of countryside aboard her 600cc 1927 5/6 Indian Scout motorcycle. Mary’s bike was equiped with something that made heads turn ... a washing machine.

Wairarapa: Chairperson Tina Goodin with Torque Hudson winner Simon O’Hara.

▲

Wararapa: Thirsty rally crews find nobody home at the winery. ▲ Wairarapa: Group leader Peter Tibbs checks out the 1896 steam bike replica.

▲ Taranaki: VCC club member Michael Kruse showing the 120 year old telescope and beautiful rimu match lining dome at the New Plymouth observatory on the midweek run.

▲ Taranaki: Cecil Kimber’s 1925 MG replica under construction by Nick and Amber Carter of Patea.

▲ Taranaki: New branch members Rod McCaullum and Vicky Cottan with their fully restored Mk I Zephyr on theirQrstoutingwithus.

who managed to turn his narrow tyres into mud slicks and bury the car down to its axles. Vaughan, his brother, was highly amused until he was press ganged into pushing the car out.

Both of our speed events, the Manuni Hill Climb and the Roycroft Trophy at Hampton Downs, were well attended.

Robert Moston had a frost plug come loose on his Jaguar C type, and Ray Ferner had a rotary valve issue on his BSA, and both had to retire in the Trophy Race. The winner of the Roycroft this year was Grant Laing in his Buckler with Grant Kern in his MG TD second.

A highlight of our monthly club night was the unveiling of Rob Scott’s Austin 10 special. Rob has laboured on the restoration for a number of years. Everyone was suitably impressed with the fine workmanship, and Rob hopes to use the car in our speed events and rallies.

WELLINGTON

RAY BETTERIDGE

The mid-week group went to Speldhurst in Levin for a mid-winter Christmas dinner. They enjoyed a great meal and an introduction to the pleasures of retirement village life.

The Sunday Run group have had a couple of outings with a drive around the South Coast to eat lunch on the rocks near the Hongoeka Pa. Always a spectacular coast with views of the South Island. More recently they were invited to visit Ian Welch’s home where he has an amazing miniature railway around his property.

This was followed by a visit to his full size railway at Mainline Steam in Plimmerton awe inspiring big locos. Ian is always most hospitable and willing to give time to share his passion.

We have had a glorious June and the Ladies Rally was a devious trip to Eastbourne followed by a fabulous afternoon tea provided by the male navigators. The rally win was shared by Cathy, Jenny and Phil. The best plate was baked

by Greg Haines – great muffins.

The next event was the Night Rally but because of a brief glitch in the weather this was called off due to nil visibility plus a lack of competitors.

Our AGM was successfully conducted with all positions filled except the Social Convenor, some would say the most important position.

70 Beaded Wheels

WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH

CHRIS HARVEY

We kicked off our winter activities with a dozen cars supporting the opening of Wellsford Museum’s exhibition of Fifty Years of Fashion in Albertland. Some arrived in period dress and all were impressed by the beautiful clothes, shoes and accessories of the time. It was notable how slim women were in the 1940s and 1950s, probably the result of wartime rationing and no McDonalds or KFC. Morning tea at the museum was followed by a drive to Port Albert for another display of the cars at the Port Albert Hall and then lunch.

On 9 June some 15 cars were displayed at Mahurangi College to pique the interest of students, particularly the budding engineers, in the development of automobile technology over the past century. The display attracted much interest from the students, especially the sports cars and Doug Hamilton’s 1904 Cadillac. We will do it again next year. Maybe this exposure to old cars could lead to a career in car restoration for some budding enthusiasts. The engineering students are working on developing a solar-powered car.

Sunday 20 June saw a dozen or so cars gathered at The Wharf in Warkworth for a run to Leigh as practice for our upcoming Winter Woollies Wander early in July. It was wet, which demanded full concentration on the hilly bits from the drivers of cars with only rear wheel brakes. We overwhelmed the fish and chip shop at Leigh for lunch, then visited club members who had won a pristine red 1965 Ford Mustang convertible, the top prize at a recent Beach Hop.

WEST COAST

ELSPIE MITCHELL

What a delight it was to have the May run in fine weather and with a great turn out of members. A visit was made to Loader’s Shed just out of Kumara, and what an amazing treasure trove of goodies to view. The shed visit was followed by a visit to the Moana Hotel where members enjoyed a leisurely lunch, great company and lots of conversation.

We look forward to a busy couple of months on the West Coast, starting with the Rosco Trials on 20 June, a Car Display in Reefton in early July, and the opportunity to participate in the 70th anniversary of the closing of the mine in Waiuta. Our members will be spoilt for choice of outings over the chilly winter months, so no excuse to stay by the roaring fire.

▲ Wellington: Lunch on the rocks near Hongoeka Pa. Photo Judy Wood.

▲ West Coast: Inside Loader’s shed visited on May run.

▲ West Coast: Lineup of cars outside the Moana Hotel.

PASSING LANE In this column we acknowledge the recent passing of club members.

Information is supplied to Beaded Wheels by VCCNZ Branch Secretaries.



Buick, Mary Wairarapa Copeland, Kenneth South Canterbury Cornelius, Peter Canterbury Cox, Warren South Canterbury Craythorne, Alan Canterbury Francis, Alan Canterbury Frost, John Taranaki Goodman, Richard Horowhenua Nally, Sid Marlborough Maher, Edward Marlborough Main, Ivan North Otago Mitchelmore, Tom Wairarapa Parkes, Sharon Marlborough Perrin, Evan Canterbury Smith, Tom Canterbury



▲ Wellsford/Warkworth: Cars at Albertland museum.

▲ Wellsford/Warkworth: Display at Mahurangi College.

▲ Wellsford/Warkworth: Sunday Run to Leigh.

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