Beaded Wheels Issue 372 October/November 2021

CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 75 YEARS

9 418979 000012

No. 372 October/November 2021

New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $7.95

BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A CHRYSLER COUPE 1942 WL HARLEY-DAVIDSON MAGAZINE OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND

Alastair Jones has supplied this image of three vehicles on Paekakariki Hill. Any further information gratefully received.

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 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 03 339 8830 mgmt3@vcc.org.nz

Please note this information changes annually - these details are valid until the next AGM

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. 372

Issue 372 October/November 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 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 Contributions

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

Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz

FEATURES 9 That Ox on the Morris Badge 11 Vintage Motoring for Senior Citizens 14 17

Production

24

Behind The Wheel 1930 Chrysler 77 Royal Coupe

28

A Tale of Two Veterans

30

AGM Weekend 2021

34

The Origins of a Car Making Obsession

37 41 43

Betteridge’s Basement Upcycling for my dotage den

4

President’s Message

4

As We See It

5

VCC Events

6

National Office

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

7 Mailbag

Postal Address: PO Box 2546,

12

10 Timelines The Way We Were

Address: 12 Aberdeen St, Christchurch,

33 Award

New Zealand.

40

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.

Like us on facebook Beaded Wheels

1942 Harley-Davidson

20

Provenance is everything

COLUMNS

Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.

9

Rally Snippets 37 Milling Around - Central Otago Branch 38 Balcairn Trial– Banks Peninsula Branch

Closing Date for December/January:

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.)

Rover 12 (1912-1915)

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

Editorial Copy 25 October 2021 Advertisements 10 November 2021

Morris

20 1942 WL Harley-Davidson

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%

You Never Forget The First Ones A Story of a Braddy and A Huddy

Archivist News

1930 Chrysler

42

Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring Update

44

Book Reviews

24

45 Marketplace 51

Swap Meets & Rallies

53

Trade Directory

55

Idle Torque

66

Passing Lane

Marketplace

44

COVER A Covid 2020 lockdown lash-up, George and Fraser Kear in the MG Ford compete with gusto at this year’s Banks Peninsula Branch Balcairn Trial. For more photos and reports see page 32. Photo John McDonald

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 Here we are again in the throes of Covid-19 Level 4 lockdown, we’ve done this before and we will get through it this time.

approved an amendment to the Club Bylaws to facilitate the introduction of online membership applications.

It was so disappointing that our National Day Daffodil Rally could not go ahead as planned due to the lockdown.

Although some branches have reluctantly decided to cancel, other branches have decided to postpone the event to another date later in the year.

I also had a meeting on 17 August with the Minister of Transport, Michael Wood, along with Harry Duynhoven from the Federation of Motoring Clubs (FOMC), Tony Robinson, who is the President of the NZ Hot Rod Association, and Nicole Botherway, who is the Senior Manager Safer Vehicles from NZTA. Topics covered included 12 month WoFs, CoFs for historic military and heavy commercial vehicles, parade permits, biofuels, and WoFs for veteran vehicles. I was able to show Minister Wood some examples of our VIC card and he was very receptive to our representations with the result that there will be ongoing collaborative meetings between our group and NZTA.

I have recently attended meetings with both the New Zealand Transport Agency and the Minister of Transport.

George Kear and I, along with Rod Brayshaw who attended audio visually, met with four representatives from the Vehicle Standards Division of NZTA. This was a very productive meeting in which we were able to clear up some misunderstandings and there was agreement to put together a memorandum of understanding which will sit in the background as a base document. Members of the Vehicle Standards Division of NZTA intend to visit National Office to have a look at our VIC system, as do the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Authority (LVVTA).

The Club’s Executive and AGM meetings were held recently in Christchurch, hosted by Canterbury Branch. A big thank you to the organisers Marilyn McKinlay and Katryna Shaw. At the AGM I acknowledged the special occasion as we celebrated the Vintage Car Club’s 75th anniversary. The Club has grown from that small group who started it in 1946 into a multifaceted organisation with 8,500 members, 36 branches and 26,000 vehicles in our database.

I am pleased to advise that the Notice of Motion to change the constitution to allow on-line membership applications was passed with 93.64% in favour.

Disappointingly, only 16.79% of the membership voted.

Subsequently the Executive

Looking back over the last 75 years, the Club has achieved a huge amount in terms of what we provide to our members. I firmly believe that our strength is our diversity of vehicles and interests which in turn has allowed us to grow our membership base and be financially sound. It also means that branches have the necessary members to provide, operate and maintain clubrooms and facilities. That large membership base also allows us to get a “foot in the door” in dealing with government agencies and regulations so that we continue to have a say in determining our future.

This is obviously written along the same lines as the one Barry has done. He has sold all the ones he had printed so was unable to provide a review copy, probably no point anyway as it is already out of print! Denis’s point in ringing me though, was more to advise me that he had done this exercise, and he felt that this is something that maybe should be done for every branch in New Zealand. After all, it is part of our early motoring history. I agree with him and think that it would be very worthwhile for

any budding historian in each of our branches to put together the early motoring history of their area. Should a member embark upon such an exercise then don’t forget to lodge a copy of the completed work with the VCC National Archive. Don Muller will look after it there and it will always be available to any member wishing to do some research.

I am pleased to advise that we have reached the minimum entry numbers for the Vero Festival of Historic Motoring so it is full steam ahead. Should the Festival have to be cancelled because of Covid-19, entrants will receive a full refund.

At the meeting I was delighted to award the John L Goddard Trophy to Kevin Casey and a special Presidential Award to Ron Hasell.

As was to be expected, there was vigorous debate on the proposed new logo. The end result was that it was felt that members had not had enough time to view and discuss the logo presentation. The vote was therefore postponed until the March 2022 Executive meeting to allow for some tweaking to the design and more consultation to take place.

However – the next 10 to 20 years will likely see huge changes

in the makeup our members. Of our current membership base of 8500, nearly 17% are over 80 years of age. That means in the next 5-10 years we will realistically lose 1400 members.

A further 38% of our members are aged 70 to 79 which means we could lose another 3000 members over the next 10 to 20 years.

27% of our members are aged between 60 and 69 and only 19% of our members are under 59.

The sobering figure is that 80% of our members are over 60.

Our current rate of recruitment of new members will not be enough to ensure that we keep our membership base at a sufficient level to maintain the Club and branches viability.

We have to consider the big picture and the possible implications of any decisions made. To be a coherent force we must have the same name across the whole Club. While we are an historic club, we can’t be historic in our thinking. We must look forward – not back.

Like the dinosaur – if we don’t adapt the Club will become extinct.

Keep safe out there and be kind.

Diane Quarrie VCCNZ National President

AS WE SEE IT You will see in this issue a review of Auckland branch member, Barry Brchall’s book about early Auckland and the vehicles, garages and personalities involved in the motor trade back then. A great read which I thoroughly enjoyed. The review copy now resides in the VCC National Archive at Christchurch.

Coincidentally I had a call a few weeks ago from Denis LeCren, a member of the Nelson Branch.

Denis informed me that he had recently written a book titled Early Nelson Motor Businesses.

4 Beaded Wheels

Lest those who have been writing letters about 12 month WoF to mailBag get too excited, I can advise that the ongoing

discussions with the appropriate government departments, as mentioned in the President’s message above, did NOT happen as a result of their letters, but because we have been hammering away at this and other issues for some time!

Kevin Clarkson Chairman Beaded Wheels

VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS

This Mustang attracted plenty of attention during the Wellsford/ Warkworth Winter Woollies Wander in early July.Photo Chris Harvey

OCTOBER

3 7 9 9 10 10 10

Northland Northland Far North Nelson Northland Waikato Wairarapa

Motorcycle Run Afternoon Run Open Day Run to Maitai Dam Club Run Kairangi Hill Climb New Members/Daffodil Rally 12 Gore Auction Night 13 Bay of Plenty Mid-week Run 13-16 Ctrl Hawke’s Bay Extended Midweek Run (Central NI Run ) 16 Nelson Posh Picnic & Restoration of the Year 16 Waikato Motorcycle Run 16-17 Canterbury Girder Fork MC Rally 16-17 Banks Peninsula Peninsula Hillclimb 17 Gore P60 Run 17 North Otago Tea Pot Rally 17 North Shore Club Run 17 Rotorua Club Run 17 Taupo Club Run 17 Wanganui Sunday Run 17 Waikato Road Runners 20 Auckland Midweek Tourers 20 Northland Midweek Run 23-25 Sth Canterbury Mt Cook Rally 24 Auckland Hunua 100 Rally 24 Canterbury Grasskhana 24 Manawatu Sunday Run 27 Rotorua Midweek Run 28 Otago Midweek Run 29-31 Central Otago National Veteran Rally 29-4 Rotorua Spring Tour 30 King Country Journey through Time 30-31 Banks Peninsula Wigram Revival 31 Bay of Plenty End of Month Run 31 Horowhenua Club Run 31 Wellsford/Wkwth Rotorua Branch Visit 31 Gisborne Club Run

NOVEMBER

25 Otago 26-28 Canterbury

3 5-6 5-7

27 27 28 28

28 Gore 28 Wairarapa

1-3 Central Otago

5-7 5-7

6 6-7

6

6

6

7

7

7

7 10 12-14 12-14 13 13-14 13-14 14 14 14 17 17 20 20 20 20 20-21 21 21

21 21 21 21 21

Founders Prince Henry Tour Wanganui Club Night Trial Wellington Annual Rally E. Bay of Plenty Ohiwa Campout with Gisborne Branch Nelson Biennial Rally Northland Far North Tour Canterbury Annual Vintage Rally Sth Canterbury Safari Weekend Waikato Veteran Rally Otago Taieri Tour Southland Commercial Rally Banks Peninsula Hawkswood Sprint Bay of Plenty Swap Meet Gore Ladies Run Northland Motorcycle Run Bay of Plenty Mid Month Run Banks Peninsula Monte Carlo Rallye Canterbury Show Weekend Tour South Otago Annual Clutha Rally & 50th Celebrations Southland Arrowtown Motorcycle Rally South Canterbury All American Weekend Auckland Ladies Rally Rotorua Club Run Waikato Gypsy Rose Club Run Auckland Mid Week Tourers Northland Dargaville Midweek Run Auckland Annual Motorcycle Rally Canterbury Annual Motorycle Rally Ctrl Hawke’s Bay Veteran Rally North Otago Swap Meet West Coast Art Deco themed weekend Central Hawke’s Bay Sunday Run Gisborne Run to Tahaenui Fete, Nuhaka Manawatu Sunday Run North Shore Club Run Otago Commercial/Veteran Rally Wanganui Sunday Run Sth Canterbury Vintage/Veteran/ Commercial Run

Sth Canterbury Wairarapa Bay of Plenty Gisborne

28 Waimate

Midweek Run Swap Meet (Rescheduled due to Covid) Christmas Party Gold Medal M/C Rally End of Month Run Navigator’s Trophy Run Josephville Hill Climb Mangatainoka Vintage Car Day Mystery Run

DECEMBER

1 Wanganui

2 Northland

4 Northland

4 North Otago

5 Waikato 7-9 Ashburton

8 Northland

Restoration of the Year M/C Run A&P Show Display Windsor Rally Venturers Club Run Oakley Pre Christmas Tour Dargaville Christmas dinner 8 Central Otago Christmas Dinner 11 Ctrl Hawke’s Bay Christmas Party 12 Gore Christmas Run 12 Northland Christmas Lunch – clubrooms 12 Waikato Motorcycle run 15 Waikato Wednesday Wander

JANUARY

1 Ashburton New Year’s Day Run & BBQ 1 Banks Peninsula Little River Picnic 1 Manawatu Len Haycock New Year Day Run 1 Sth Canterbury New Year’s Day Fairlie 1 Wanganui Gumboot Rally, Taihape

NATIONAL EVENTS

29-31 October - National Veteran Rally 16-21 January 2022 Vero International festival of Historic Motoring 3-6 February 2023 National Motorcycle Rally www.sporty.co.nz/nationalmotorcyclerally

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.

21 Waikato Swap Meet 22 Ctrl Hawke’s Bay Veteran Rally 24 Rotorua Midweekers Run

8 Far North for any A valid Vehicle ID card (VIC) is required Kickback Picnic vehicle entered in a Kerikeri National VCC event.

Visit9 www.vcc.org.nz Gore Picnic Run for more information on

9 how North Tour Kauri Museum to Shore obtain a VIC fortoyour vehicle.

13 Waimate Orienteering Run

29 Ashburton Annual Rally Beaded Wheels 5 30 South Canterbury Ladies Run

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.

Payment may be made directly into the Club’s bank account, or via credit card using a link in the email you will receive with your emailed invoice.

As you already know, cheques are no longer accepted.

For those who still do not have an email address we will send a paper copy, but expect this to take much longer to get to some of you, due to postal delays being experienced with Covid lockdown levels and the backlogs that have built up.

You must use your full membership number as the payment reference for web banking and credit card payments, as it is set out on the subscription invoice.

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

NATIONAL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING/ BRANCH OFFICERS AND CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AGM minutes, executive meeting minutes, branch officer details and calendar of events – a copy of these will be distributed with our December issue.

NOTICE TO VIC APPLICANTS National Office is currently catching up on a backlog of applications created during the Covid-19 Level 4 and Level 3 periods, and the loss of a staff member. Do not leave it to the last minute to apply for a Vehicle ID Card, as things will take longer than usual due to this backlog and other unusually high demands on National Office staff at present.

VCC VERO INSURANCE SCHEME

CLASSIC,

AND VINTAGE

VETERAN

G FOR 75 MOTORIN

YEARS

Beaded Wheels Beaded Wheels CLASSIC, VINTAG E

No. 368

No. 358 June/July

To transfer between branches please complete a transfer form.

This can be obtained from your branch secretary.

Telephone 03 366 4461 email admin@vcc.org.nz www.vcc.org.nz Office Hours Mon – Fri 9.30-3.30pm

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

FOR OVER 70

YEARS

2019

NEW ZEALAND’S

CHANGE OF ADDWRESS

BRANCH TRANSFER

N MOTORING

March 2021 February/

BAY HAWKE’S ACTION IN IDSON VETERAN LEY-DAV • 1920 HAR Rally Action From Around

ER P6 V8 1972 ROV

Please advise the National Office if you have changed address, phone number, email address or vehicle ownership.

AND VETERA

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

A reminder that financial membership of the Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated is a requirement to be insured under the VCC/Vero Insurance Scheme.

VCCNZ ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Invoices have now been emailed (or posted) to all members contact your branch secretary if you have not yet received your invoice.

6 Beaded Wheels

Always enclose the expiring/expired ID card, and if the vehicle’s appearance has changed, send two identical photos of the vehicle as it looks now, as per the specifications on the application form (Colour, 3R, 9cm x 13cm). Make sure the photographs conform to the required specifications, or else the application may be rejected and returned. Photographs of cars or commercial vehicles should be a three-quarter view.

MAGAZINE

FOREMOST HISTORICAL

MOTORING MAGAZINE

$7.95

MEGA MOTOR ING

GE CAR CLUB OF THE VINTA 9 418979 000012

If you intend to resign it would be appreciated if you could notify National Office by 30 September 2021.

We now have a new system for sending bulk emails such as subscription invoices and newsletters from National Office. These emails will be from nationaloffice@vccnz.nz Please do not delete them, if possible add this address to your safe senders or address book.

Our day to day administration email remains: admin@vcc.org.nz

000012

At the end of September VCC members will have received an annual account for membership from the period 1 November 2021 to 31 October 2022. If you have not received your invoice by early October, please contact National Office on admin@vcc.org.nz as soon as possible. Membership cards will be printed and forwarded to financial members in November.

NEW BULK EMAIL

National Office sends out a renewal notice advice three months before the Vehicle ID Card (VIC) is due to expire. These will be emailed in the future. If the vehicle’s appearance has not changed from the photograph on the original ID Card previously issued, then forward the expiring/expired original ID Card and the signed renewal form to your Branch Vehicle ID Card Signatory for processing.

9 418979

SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW DUE

IS YOUR VEHICLE IDENTITY CARD (VIC) CURRENT?

OF NEW

ZEALAND

New Zealand

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.

Print or Digital subscriptions for Beaded Wheels ar now available online - visit vcc.org.nz/beadedwheels to organise a gift subscription today.

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.

1927 HUDSON SUPER 6 ROADSTER PLATE EG2861

This is a shot in the dark.

Many years ago my father purchased a car that had been forgotten about and was found in a building that was being demolished in Auckland, not far from the ferry terminal. Over a number of years he restored it.

The car was the only one of its type in New Zealand. (My father had started work in the early 1930s as a mechanic and was very clever.) I did the odd bit of machining of some parts. In 1982 the car was sold at Turners Car Auctions. My father had offered the car to me, and I would have liked it, but to avoid family problems I suggested that he sell it and take my mum on an overseas trip.

I have some photographs of the car as it was found, plus some others and the newspaper cuttings about the actual sale. I don’t know if it is still in New Zealand but if it is, there is a possibility that someone in one of the 36 branches around the country knows of it. I would be pleased to make contact and share the items that I have.

Alan Skinner alandavids@xtra.co.nz (preferred) phone 09 4471466

CAMBRIDGE SERVICE STATION

Full marks to Greg for inflating the pro’s and con’s of white wall tyres. They certainly look great on the most elaborate American models from the ‘30s and ‘40s.

For the rest though I agree with Mr Lucas. I thoroughly enjoyed Bob Hayton’s tale of two Caddies, so interesting is a story that combines old vehicles, people and locations in equal measure.

Of particular interest was the durability of the model 341A seven seat Cadillac, not only did it provide family transport and

then later tow a horse float to some considerable destinations.

Then to become a tow truck with the Cambridge service station and then probably the hardest work driving between Cambridge and Auckland.

I own a 1938 Packard Eight that was bought new by Prevost & Co Ltd Wellington. Edward Brown purchased it from them in July 1947. Its use while there is unknown. In 1958 the Packard was sold to a Mr Marimus C Welten of Victoria Rd Cambridge.

My Dad bought the Packard in 1961 from Arthur Waters Ltd, Manurewa.

Nigel Coghlan coghlans@orcon.net.nz

POST AGM THOUGHTS

As I was driving home after attending the AGM weekend some thoughts occurred to me.

Online membership will be so much easier than the paperbased system, particularly as it will no longer be necessary to be sponsored by two existing members. I wondered what the next online initiative might be.

It occurred to me that emailing VIC applications should be fairly simple to arrange, and sending in a digital photo of the car would solve the problem of getting prints of the correct size as the photo could simply be dropped into the correct place on the form and sized appropriately.

I was also musing on the discussion over the proposed new logo, the complaints that the tag line “driving our history” does not apply to motorcyclists and the explanation from the Management Committee that the stylised wheel was intended to cover all the types of vehicle members might drive (or ride!).

Then it came to me in a flash, this “inclusivity” does not extend

s Gordon Taylor is looking for advice to get this 1967 Morris back on the road.

to the name of the Club. It is, after all, the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand. Perhaps, after all, in the quest for inclusivity, the name does need to be changed.

Congratulations again on a great magazine.

David North Member Gore Branch

AT A LOSS

GREAT MAGAZINE

Reading the latest Beaded Wheels 371 reminded me that I had meant to congratulate you and the team on the latest tweaks to layout and typography. The magazine is now much easier on the eye and the text much easier to read than was the case a few issues ago. In particular, the Timelines column is now laid out in a much more logical and easy to follow way. Well done everybody!

I very much enjoyed the article

by Brian Stewart about his Ford GT40 replica. I have seen the car and met, and talked to Brian about it several times.

The car is a great credit to him, David Brown and his team and everybody who has contributed to the car’s construction. It is certainly a fabulous looking car and sounds glorious.

However I was not aware of how protracted and difficult a gestation it had. When the Authentic Reproduction Vehicle (ARV) category was introduced I was very sceptical that anybody would be able to meet the requirements for a road-legal vehicle but I imagine that this car is just what the originators of the category had in mind. I hope that this article will stimulate other owners of ARVs to share their stories with your readers.

David North Member Gore Branch

I am desperately seeking help in getting my 1967 Morris FG K30 truck back on the road.

Although it was the smallest model made in the FG range, with a carrying capacity of 30 cwt (1.5 tons) VTNZ have it on their records as having a gross weight of 3501 kg, 1 kg over 3,500 making it a heavy goods.

This is the problem. If it was classed as a light goods I could get it complianced and a WoF but to go down the heavy goods requires specialist welding for brake testing and other costs before I even go back to the testing station - estimated at $2k! The guys at the testing station have been very helpful, strongly advising me not to go down that route, but their hands are tied. They also suggested I may be able to get it assessed by an authorised engineer to re-designate the GVM. I have tried all the local ones and no one can help. I have contacted LTNZ but they are intransigent.

They said I should contact the manufacturer to see if they can provide a written statement of a lower GVM. Morris of course are no longer with us. I have also contacted the Morris Commercial Club but they cannot help - this is not a problem owners experience in Britain.

So I am at a loss. All I want is to get this lovely little old truck back on the road but

Beaded Wheels 7

MAILBAG

the bureaucrats have won.

Any help would be very much appreciated.

Gordon Taylor gordonandpenny@gmail.com or 022 432 8113, Nelson

It is always great to read Beaded Wheels especially when the President’s Message includes mention of a very healthy profit.

Ken Braddon (Abridged)

MYSTERY SOLVED

CAN YOU ID THIS?

The cover of Beaded Wheels 371 solved a problem I have had identifying the black limousine used in the dvd copies of the Downton Abbey television series. The badge on the radiator was difficult to read but I now realise it was a Sunbeam. I am still stumped identifying the bluey green two-tone car that often follows the lovely black Sunbeam in Downton films. My guess is a Bentley?

This photo is of a motor that has turned up here in Hawke’s Bay. We are hoping by publishing this in Beaded Wheels somebody will identify it, and then a home can be found. I have more photos if required, contact me directly via email for more information.

WHERE IS IT NOW?

in the future he would let me know as I would possibly wish to buy it back. I had previously restored a Sunbeam 500 motorcycle and that same friend purchased it and looked after it well. Its present whereabouts is unknown but would also be of interest to me. Its last known registration was 97.649.

SEARCH FOR MG TD REG 815.909 / AF1122

I am searching for a 1952/3 MG TD I owned and restored in the early 1960s. The car was in average condition when purchased but ran well enough.

However soon after purchase a crankshaft web broke and that prompted the full reconditioning of the engine along with meticulous restoration of bodywork, upholstery, paintwork, electrics and fittings.

Some three or four years later, in what now can only be described as a period of mental aberration, I sold the car to buy a Ford Anglia 105E. The only mitigating excuse I can offer is that after a number of skiing trips to Queenstown, including one when the absolute lack of accommodation resulted in two of us sleeping overnight in the car, I concluded the Anglia would be a more practical means of transport.

In 1964, I think, I sold the car to a friend, Murray Campbell, who spent many miles with me going to and from ski fields and golf courses in the MG. We both lived in Wellington at the time and with the sale was the verbal agreement that should he ever come to sell the car

8 Beaded Wheels

Digby Young digbyyoung52@gmail.com

I left New Zealand in 1966 to work in Wales. On returning in 1969 I looked my mate up and found that he had not used the car for some time. To my dismay it had not been under cover and had a good crop of long grass surrounding it. I offered to buy it but he declined on the basis that he hoped to restore it at some stage. That never happened and my friend subsequently died of cancer. I have been unable to trace or find out what happened to the MGTD or the Sunbeam 500.

When I purchased the MG it had the registration number 815.909 on the pressed steel yellow number plates. In 1964 registration plates changed and the MG registration became AF1122, on black aluminium plates.

There are one or two aspects that are unique to the Sunbeam and the MG TD and would help in their identification.

CADILLAC SPARKS INTEREST

I was very interested to read about the Caddies and Mrs Kay, whom I met. Leonard (Len) was coach for our footie team at Korakonui School during WWII when our family was domiciled there while Dad was in the desert and Italy. We stayed in Jim’s (Len’s uncle) farm cottage for free. Old Jim also provided free manuka for Mum’s coal range on which she cooked while it heated the one room.

A non-standard carburettor on the Sunbeam, while the MG has a number of nonstandard features, with one in particular that will no doubt disturb MG purists. As part of the reconditioning the dashboard was replaced with figured timber and the central instrument panel was replaced with a rectangular matt black chrome edged panel. The rear brake lights and the front parking lights were rewired to act as turning indicators controlled by a three way lever switch on the dash board adjacent to the horn button.

As for the structural and bodywork components of the vehicle, every member was stripped back and repainted.

The bodywork colour was as close to British Racing Green as the shop could manage.

Len’s two boys were at Koro’ and Brian played footy. Len gave us oranges at half time break and on gymkhana days on his farm put down a free hangi. Old Jim had a decent ‘29 Graham-Paige to take Mum to town once a week to shop for necessities such as Bycrofts crackers, and butter.

I still recall Dad walking up the path with his kitbag in 1945.

Bob Rout Invercargill

The engine reconditioning was carried out by Trevor Dunning, a skilled mechanic and a doyen of Dunedin’s motoring world at the time.

The car was still in my friend’s possession in Wellington around 1970/71. I am uncertain when or if he sold it or if it simply became part of his estate. The car’s registration at that time would have been AF1122 unless it had been allowed to lapse.

So there it is. The sad tale of a poor decision made over half a century ago. Any assistance from your readers in finding out the fate of MG TD AF1122 or indeed Sunbeam 97.649, would be much appreciated.

Errol Chave Phone: 03 4738 260, 027 652 6633 Email: chave@xtra.co.nz

THAT OX ON THE MORRIS BADGE

By Alan Gulleford As I understand it, the Morris badge depicts an ox crossing the River Isis in Oxford. The Coat of Arms for the City of Oxford includes this badge at its centre. This gives us a hint about the various names of Morris models such as Cowley, (presumably from Cowley Road in Oxford), Isis from the river, Oxford from the city, but not the Minor or Major. Apparently most heraldic badges use Bulls but Oxford is happy with its ox. There are of course differences between oxen and bulls, where oxen are just a little less complete than bulls. (There’s a hint in there phonetically.) The ox on the Morris badge is not necessarily as happy as it once was though. The badge on Morris cars changed when the Bullnose was replaced by the Flatnose in 1927. On reading Early MG by PL Jennings I came across the following comment; “Like the Morris

Garages, the ox on the Morris radiator badge seemed to resent the change in radiator shape. In the Bullnose days it was usually a happy-looking animal, placidly standing with its tail hanging down. When the radiator was changed, the ox became an angry, charging animal, with its tail curved over its back.”

The authors understand that the real reason for the change was that in the mid ‘20s it became common practice for Morris Motors to depict their badges in bold silhouette instead of bright colours or half tone in their advertisements and other material. This resulted in a certain loss of definition and it was no longer clear that it was the tail that was hanging down between the ox’s legs.

So there you have it, PC was alive and well 94 years ago too.

 



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

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

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

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

 



Beaded Wheels 9

http://momentcar.com/

TIMELINES

Subaru FF-1

1901

120 YEARS AGO

1921

100 YEARS AGO

VETERAN VEHICLES

The progressive Doctor Volkman of Oxford purchased a car from the Star Cycle Company in Rangiora. After getting driving lessons he assured his patients he would be able to travel at speeds up to 30mph and get to them at lightning speed. The machine, made by the Eadie Manufacturing Company, Redditch, England, was described as based on a Benz pattern and powered by a 2¾hp De Dion engine of the latest, water cooled, type.

VINTAGE VEHICLES

A 288ci (4720cc) 76bhp Hudson car, purchased by the Commonwealth government for the Prince of Wales visit in April 1920, cost over £2,000, was later sold to a private buyer for £2,500.

A tidy profit of £500. Lavishly finished with gold mountings, the car was soon sold again, this time for £4,300 – a record for a second-hand car, according to the reporter.

1946

75 YEARS AGO

1971

50 YEARS AGO

PW VEHICLES

Riley’s elegant and rapid RMB 2½ litre sports saloon was introduced in October 1946 with the 16hp, twin SU, four-cylinder engine which would eventually get enough urge to reach 100mph.

Sitting on a new chassis with a 9 ft 11 inch wheelbase, seven inches longer than the RMA 1½ litre, both cars had the torsionic independent front suspension.

P60 VEHICLES

Subaru launched their new Leone with three equipment levels – DL, GL and GSR. With the longitudinally mounted flat four motor sitting above the front wheels conversion to a fourwheel drive was a straightforward matter. The four-wheel drive FF-1 which, in 1972 was offered as a station wagon completely turned the four-wheel drive market on its head. Initially there wasn’t a Hi-Lo option, but it was a great all road vehicle and a genuine mould-breaker.

1991

30 YEARS AGO

10 Beaded Wheels

WHATEVER YOUR PASSION Award Winning Restorations Mechanical repair and rebuilding. Panel repair and creation.

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

P80 VEHICLES

Twenty years later, 4WD Subarus were almost dominating the ski-field car parks, performing admirably in the rally circuits and building a competitive image. Christchurch racing driver Trevor Crowe marketed the Crowe Sport 2.2 litre Legacys.

For $42,000 you got a full body kit, leather trimmed sports seats, Momo steering wheel, lower stiffer suspension and a tuned extractor exhaust, all sitting on Michelin 60 tyres.

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

F ROM BENTLEYS T O BMWS

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

VINTAGE MOTORING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS WORDS AND PHOTOS JOHN HENDERSON

I guess the older members of the club may castigate me about this article but at 82, I probably qualify as an older member myself.

Having been in the club over 50 years and owning a lot of old vehicles I am at the stage in life where my reaction is not as good as it was, but I still want to go out on the odd rally so what to do?

Unfortunately most of my previous vehicles needed a lot of patience and anticipation as regards stopping and travelling in modern traffic.

Many years ago I started with a beltdrive Baby Triumph which was followed by a model P Triumph. I made a move into cars with a 1921 Oldsmobile tourer. Over subsequent years the list grew to include a lowlight Minor, Jowett Javelin, Morris 8 sports and two Morris series E. I was told about the Oldsmobile location by the late Maurice Cross in Timaru, who informed me this vehicle had been lying behind the Mayfield Garage for many years.

The body had been taken off and disposed of and the car used as a tow truck. I purchased it for $25 then restored it completely, including building a new body. My wife Ann and I took it to the International Rally in 1980 at Rotorua, which turned out to be a great motoring event.

So on to the present day where I decided it was time to upgrade to something more modern but within the Vintage Car Club eligibility rules. Something less stressful

and I did say to Ann no buying any more cars until the ‘52 Morris Minor sold. Yeah right! This 323 Mazda came on the market, I looked at it, loved it and, bought it. It is a 1986 1500cc 4 cyl Limited model with basically two owners, no rust and original throughout. These vehicles were stock standard around-town cars with a top speed of 160kph and capable of 0-100 in 12 seconds. Of course the modern grunt cars do this a lot quicker. At least we can stop in a hurry with disc brakes on the front.

The only minus is no power steering, but with the front tyres at max pressure it is not too bad. Good arm exercise.

There were a couple of jobs needed initially. It had an oil leak from the base of the distributor which required a new O-ring, a new distributor cap, and no doubt there will be other little things over the months ahead. All par for the course in old motoring. Of course then we had to sell the Morrie. Ann did not approve of three cars in the garage.

So if you see us on a rally just realize it is a new start for us so say kon’nichiwa not sayonara.

I have been in the Canterbury branch forever. To find a photo of me with a car is not easy but here I am with our Morrie sports after it was finished. This one I completely restored, building a new wooden body also bought an old treadle sewing machine to do the hood. It’s a begger when you are hard up.

John Henderson

Beaded Wheels 11

THE WAY WE WERE

9 SEPTEMBER 1951

YALDHURST SOCIAL MEET

s

s Slow Race. L to R. Andrew Anderson’s 3/4½ Bentley driven by Buddy Turtill, V8 Cadillac, very early Vanguard, Arthur Moffatt, the Kennedy Austin ex Bob Blackburne who was rejoining the Fleet Air Arm back in the UK. Joe Maxwell in the Cockram Wolseley, Geoff Williams’ Austin 12/4.

Tool kit inspection. Dave Barker, Joe Maxwell, Lockhart, Bob Blackburn, Ron Green and Arthur Moffat with Austin racer, Geoff Williams’ Austin 12/4 behind. ▼ Jack Newell, Wolseley in field test.

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

by Andrew Anderson

ANDREW ANDERSON VCCNZ FOUNDING & LIFE MEMBER

12 Beaded Wheels

It was decided that a suitable farewell function for Bob Blackburn’s departure to rejoin the Fleet Air Arm and his resignation as President would be a social meeting at the Yaldhurst Domain. Having completed my time at the old firm, I was trying to earn some real money for my great OE (overseas experience) by doing a winter stint at Lake Pukaki hydro, driving a lathe for the Ministry of Works. So I wasn’t there myself but got Buddy Harding to get my Bentley there.

Bob used the occasion to hand over his much-campaigned Austin 7 racer to its new owner, Arthur Moffat.

s Ron Green provides reverse gear for Arthur Moffat’s turn in a square field test. ▼ Joe Maxwell in Cockram Wolseley at Carlton Mill Bridge start.

50 Pururu street Rotorua 073479728

NZs Largest Dip Stripper Full Car Bodies . Car Parts . Alloy Castings Mag Wheels . Fuel Tanks . Engine Blocks

kiwimetalpolishers@gmail.com South Island freight available

Beaded Wheels 13

Jowett Bradford van in vintage motor show.

Photo: Harlequin9 - stock.adobe.com

YOU NEVER FORGET THE FIRST ONES A STORY OF A BRADDY AND A HUDDY WORDS DAVID MCCARTHY

I could hardly credit the coincidence. I was leafing through a favourite UK classic car magazine and found, side by side, features on two unlikely partners, a Bradford van and a Hudson 112. My first two cars! Now years later the memories flooded back from days every keen motorist remembers, the struggle to get on the automotive ladder, and the gambles taken to achieve it.

The Bradford, rather quaintly considering its limitations, has retained a certain lustre, probably beyond its deserved place in our motoring world, and examples are often shown by dedicated enthusiasts at classic car shows. As for the Huddy, a development of the Terraplane on a more modest scale, there are still nice ones around, though they are oddities.

14 Beaded Wheels

The Bradford was a utilitarian van designed and built to get British tradesmen mobile in the post war era. I inherited mine from my older brother Tom for £40 ($80) when he was working on an Ashburton farm, as he had gone upmarket to a Volkswagen. Older brothers featured for many of us in that era of hand-me-downs, including cars. At that time I was teaching in Lower Hutt, and to reach the overnight ferry at Lyttelton in the pre-tunnel days meant

crossing the Port Hills, a trip that could test any flaws not apparent on easy flat driving. Even Tom rated it enough of a challenge to follow me over in case there were problems with such things as radiators, but there weren’t. In my mind’s eye I can still see the little van being hoisted high over the Hinemoa and lowered into the hold. I was a real motorist at last!

I had loved cars from an early age, especially the big Americans of the 1930s and 1940s of which there were a large variety in the rural areas where we lived. Later there was the weekend parade around Cathedral Square which featured many Ford V8 coupes (the usual stars of such events), some Chevs and similar, as well as the popular Morris 8 sports and even the occasional Zephyr convertible. Max Merritt, the rock’n’roll star of Christchurch in that era, had one as I recall. Our family once had an impressive 1929 DeSoto, first owned by my grandfather, but when it finally pleaded for retirement, and American cars were virtually unavailable, Dad switched to English cars, initially an Austin A40. The big yanks had the pulling power and the suspension for more comfortable trips on our often-testing roads, and also stylish dashboards, steering wheels and grills. The big motors and interior setup appealed, but I was not to know then that their day was coming to an end here, through a complicated series of events.

But if a big American car was the dream, the Bradford was the reality. It was a faithful servant, a product of its time. Crushing financial restrictions on importing cars post war meant bringing in small-engined cars, which gave a greater supply for agents and allowed increased price margins. But the government of the day took a set against American cars in favour of English ones to help get Britain moving again. Never mind that the American fleet had just recently saved New Zealand from a possible Japanese invasion.

The government did get into some hot water soon after, when it was revealed that it had bought several large Chryslers for its own use while denying others, especially the transport industry such as cab drivers, the same opportunity.

My version of the Bradford had an ash wood frame, which produced its fair share of crashing from the back doors, especially over obstacles such as railway lines and road ruts. The major problem for them by the mid ‘60s though was lack of speed. I had the mortification of being hauled over by a traffic officer one morning for travelling too slowly through the Stokes Valley gorge, which at that time of day carried a lot of traffic. The memory has sometimes softened my frustration at excessively slow drivers over the years. I couldn’t tell the traffic officer the truth. Once achieving 40 mph the Bradford (top speed 50 mph on a perfect day, even though some early English testers claimed more) became quite difficult to control on a tight road, the steering being a weak point in terms of feel at any time. In an emerging world of Zephyrs, Holdens, Falcons and Vauxhall Crestas, not to mention the sprightly Mini and its offshoots, we were out of our depth. The brakes could trap the unwary. They used a Girling rod system similar to a pre-war Ford 10, and they failed once when I was approaching a pedestrian crossing. Braking could be agonisingly slow and driving with that in mind kept the speed down at the best of times.

The Bradford was based on a pre-war Jowett, without much time for redesign. The beauty of it was its two cylinder opposed “boxer” engine, of just over 1000 cc, closely related to the 4 cylinder Jowett Javelin. The Javelin, designed during the war years (its modern appearance based on a Lincoln Zephyr design with more than a few hints of the Lancia Aprilia), was revolutionary in war-torn 1947 Britain. Most British and American cars continued prewar-based styling at that stage. An example of the handsome

Le Mans winning Jupiter sports version was owned by a fellow college student, to the great envy of the rest of us.

Virtually all production of Javelins and Bradfords had ceased by 1954 after a disastrous 75 per cent drop in exports the previous year and the sale of Briggs, the company who constructed the bodies, to Ford. The Javelins, and to a lesser extent the Bradfords, had attracted criticism of the transmission, but the Javelin was an imaginative car for that era and it retains a strong following.

By the 1950s the Bradford had done a stirling job but the public wanted more sophisticated performers. That sweet little Bradford motor, a Jowett staple tracing its roots to 1906, never failed to start (starting handles were essential then of course) and never let me down, not altogether the expectation among cheaper older cars of that era. It is the abiding memory of my first car.

My girlfriend (later wife) rather appreciated the quirkiness of the Bradford and even when the back of her seat gave way on a date, she accepted it was another of its foibles rather than any ill intent from the driver. One night a large vehicle wanted to share a road-works lane with us. The damage was only to the mudguard but rather to my dismay the insurance company opted to write it off.

The Hudson came to me via a local policeman who was fettling it for use after a long period off the road. Word was passed on in the pub (where else?) that it was available for around the Bradford insurance price and it might suit me. A yank tank - too good a chance to pass up, especially after the owner sang its praises.

The Hudson 112 was quite well known in Britain, hence that article in the English classic car mag. Hudson had been pioneers in the States of CKD kits sent to their own factories in England and Europe for assembly. Though little known then, the Hudson 112 was heavily promoted here in 1938 with nationwide radio and newspaper advertisements including the familiar mystery-cararrival buildup. The suppliers were Dominion Motors and other Austin dealerships. The coming of war and its after effects drastically shortened their marketing life compared to the superseded Terraplane, which was well known and respected. It had been decided, rather oddly, that the Terraplane name, used since 1934, was now out of date. The 112 was the wheelbase, and the car was pitched as cheaper than the Terraplane had been, and was more economical. There were two versions, and there were also Hudsons with 118, 122 and 129 inch wheelbases, the top line running a V8.

There were coupe versions of the 112, and a rare convertible. It is claimed that only three of these were built in 1938, one being the pace car for the Indianapolis 500. The deluxe version was over £600 ($1200) and had leather upholstery, an 8 day clock and a built-in radio, among other extras, at a time when radios were rare. Our family cars didn’t include one until 1958.

The selling angle was the economy (up to 25 miles to the gallon) for the size of the 6 cylinder motor which developed 85 bhp. It had a price that started at about £435 ($870) which brought it much nearer to smaller European car rivals than most new American cars at that time. An Australian road test timed the standard car doing a respectable zero to 50mph (80kph) in 13 seconds (versus the Bradford at 47 seconds), and the car had several innovative features, most notable being a dual braking system. Hydraulic brakes were not new, though some were more reliable than others.

Hudson sought to reassure owners by including an automatic mechanical back up system if the hydraulics failed. This was operated by the brake pedal through an emergency connection to the handbrake cable. There was a column gear change (mine had been altered to a floor gear change Terraplane box), quite innovative then, and if you wanted to spend up on the deluxe version, an Electric Hand semi-automatic column change developed by Beaded Wheels 15

Hudson with Bendix. It was similar to the British Wilson pre-select gear change in principle. Hudson marketing emphasised space for three front passengers, not possible with a floor shift. The Electric Hand also appealed to drivers who struggled with manual shifts in pre-synchromesh cars. Significantly, Hudson provided a separate manual gear lever attached under the dash so that if the electric wizardry failed it could be quickly fitted on the floor for physical changes. A veteran American observer recalled recently that he saw several Hudson Electric Hand models in that era and every one had the floor lever permanently fitted. The forward opening hood was another major selling point, somewhat unusual in US cars.

Hudsons, when they were still Hudsons, had a good reputation here and elsewhere for their go anywhere ruggedness, reliability and innovation. Things like oil-bath clutches with corked plates, and modern suspensions kept them in play.

But whereas Hudson, and associate brand Essex (also popular here) had been claimed to be the biggest six cylinder sellers worldwide during the 1920s, the brand was under pressure by the time the 112 appeared. In fact it could not be said to be a commercial success, sales in the US of Hudsons in 1938 dropping sharply to close to 70,000. Had the company, like most of its peers (including Jowett), not picked up wartime engineering contracts from the Government, it might not have resumed post-war, when it struggled for survival before exiting on the back of the disastrous Hudson Jet, a compact car before its time.

Though not mentioned in New Zealand press releases, the 1939 model Hudsons also had Autopoise - another company innovation with an absurd name. It was basically an extra stabiliser bar

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

system added to the front suspension, which acted on the wheels to keep them tracking true in high winds, rutted roads and if a sudden puncture occurred. Or so the theory went.

There was delay in getting my Hudson on the road because nobody had crucial parts for the valve train. It was eventually found that Vauxhall car and Bedford truck bits fitted. My Hudson had a rough exterior, but it was very reliable and very comfortable with a nice burst of power, totally foreign to the Bradford.

But its best days were behind it. After a few early trips I knew better than to set it any serious tests. It didn’t track quite truly, and I was later shaken when it was alleged that that was because it had once crashed off Paekakariki hill into a large tree, killing the driver. Its one major fault was how the lights would occasionally, but suddenly, fail. I had to crawl briefly under the car on the driver’s side and adjust a wire that restored them, but during that time you were vulnerable, especially on a twisty road. Strangely, a satisfactory cure seemed to elude any expert I consulted, short of a complete rewire, which would cost more than the car was worth.

Time to move up to the modern world and my first European, a Fiat 600 and about as far from a Hudson 112 as it was possible to get. An alleged friend sold it to me, and I found on arrival of the papers that it was a 1959 model, not the improved 1961 as he had claimed, the exteriors being identical. He was off-hand about this and because of employment relationships I didn’t press as hard as I should have. Lesson learned – be wary of some of their owners.

Lock ring Heavy and light.

Now available

Beaded edge Wide range 30x3 to 895x135 Split Rims Motor cycle rims

Well base Rolled edge.

All sizes

NEED A TOW? At Classic Towing we are car freaks and cater for like-minded enthusiasts all over New Zealand.

We tow anything from veteran - vintage - classic vehicles, race cars and bikes to Mum and Dad’s daily drivers.

Imported Vehicles We work with all shipping companies to pick up your imported vehicle and work closely with different compliance companies to remove the stress factor.

tow of the month

We specialise in project and restoration vehicles and work alongside many of the greats in the creative world of fabrication, panel shops, mechanical wizards, Auto Electricians and Pin stripping artists, just to name a few.

PHONE 0800 15 0800 • brent@classictowing.co.nz • classic towing.co.nz 16 Beaded Wheels

ROVER 12 1912 - 1915 Words Neil Farrer

At first the Rover company made single and two cylinder vehicles until Owen Clegg designed an innovative car with a four cylinder motor of 2297cc rated at 13.9hp. Quoted from The Autocar May 1912: “In these days, when mere cheapness of design and production form the only shrine at which many manufacturers of the popular type of car worship, it is refreshing to turn to a chassis in which there are many evidences that the designer has a keen perception of the requirements of the owner-driver, and a profound experience of what a motor car should be and accomplish.”

Owen Clegg joined from Wolseley in 1910, and set about reforming the product range. Short-lived experiments with sleeve valve engines were abandoned, and the 12hp model was introduced in 1912. This car was so successful that all other models were dropped, and for a number of years Rover pursued a one model policy.

Side valves were employed, and as the cylinder head was integral with the cylinder block, the valves were removable through screwed caps above their heads. Incidentally these early monobloc cylinders called for some nice foundry work because the exhaust gallery, in common with the inlet porting, was also integral. The valve stems and tappets were enclosed by a pair of easily detachable cover plates.

The lubrication system was of the variety known as splash. A large gauze-covered sump in the base of the crank chamber could be easily refilled from an exterior orifice placed in a convenient

position, and the oil level could be checked with a dipstick – one of the earliest uses of this device. Driven by skew gears from the end of the camshaft was a vertical shaft running down to an oil pump in the sump. This pump was easily detachable from beneath and served oil up to four troughs directly underneath the big-ends of the connecting rods, which had small scoops to pick up oil for their bearings. These scoops splashed oil thoroughly in all directions, and the oil was collected in suitable galleries, then from them fed by gravity to the main bearings of the crankshaft and camshaft.

During WWI, the company made motorcycles, lorries to Maudslay designs, and, not having a suitable one of their own, ambulances to a Sunbeam design. (See Beaded Wheels Number 65 report on Rover-Sunbeam Ambulance) Engines of this size were not common in 1911. This new model of medium size could carry up to five people in comfort, it was relatively speedy with an acceptably low petrol consumption, and proved to be very popular. It also had a low road tax in Britain.

It became the sole production model and gave the company a financial boost. WWI 1914-1918 impacted sales as the company rapidly changed to production of armaments and vehicles suitable for the armed forces.

More information on the Rover company and most of the models produced can be obtained from local or National Library Services. I have drawn most of my information from The Rover

by George Oliver and The AutoCar, reports of 1912, 1913, 1914 and October 1942.

Beaded Wheels 17

The Car Information from The Rover book and The Autocar reports

It was a simple and straightforward design featuring an extremely tidy-looking four cylinder engine, a separate three speed gearbox, and final drive by open propeller shaft and underslung worm diff. It had internal expanding brakes on the rear wheels (hand-brake) and a transmission brake of the external contracting type (foot-brake), semi-elliptic springs at front and rear, and a new style of radiator that was recognizably Rover.

Press reports of the day praised the engine as being quiet and smooth, pulling strongly, and the car could cruise in the 30 – 40 mph range.

There were a number of small advances between 1912 and 1914.

The Autocar of October 1913 reported that there were a number of different body types, two seater and four seater coupes, a landaulette, and in October 1914, a delivery van. Electric lighting was a new thing (an extra), so was a spare wheel, and with electrics and a starter motor, things we take for granted today. In 1915 the engine was changed slightly from thermo-syphon cooling, by adding a new screw propeller which was a primitive water pump, and this enhanced the cooling of the engine.

The company produced a Colonial model mainly for export to Australia and other countries. It had with higher ground clearance, larger wheels and a different differential. Note that the recommended tyre pressure was 70lb in the front and 80lbs in the rear wheels, making the ride very firm. (On my car I maintain 50 lb pressure in the front wheel and 45 lb pressure in the rear wheels).

The models seen in New Zealand are basically the UK versions.

After the end of WWI Rover continued to manufacture the 12 until 1923, but for the last couple of years it had a four speed gearbox.

Currently there are a small number of Rover 12 vehicles on the road in New Zealand. They have been rebuilt/ restored by the owners. At the Veteran Rally in Timaru in 2019 there were three Rover 12 vehicles there — all different in body styles but with similar mechanicals. It was a great chance to see three cars running and compare performance.

Neil Farrer

1914 Rover 12 Delivery Van My vehicle originally had a four seater car body that was in a sad state. The late Ces Smith of Hawke’s Bay Branch decided to rebuild it as a delivery van which Rover produced in the UK in 1914. The engine, gearbox, worm drive diff, chassis and scuttle were the bones of the rebuild, along with a considerable number of parts from other cars. The body was sold to Wilbur Brown for his restoration. Little use was made of the vehicle once it was put back on the road in 1990, several owners used it mainly for display. When I purchased it I wanted to use it. First thing was how to start the van and drive it — I needed driving lessons and there was quite a bit of minor repair work to do. The water-pump, a new innovative feature on the car, had to be rebuilt. A new timing chain was fitted as one broke, (one chain does valve timing and the other chain the water pump and magneto) and minor repairs were made to the magneto. Re-timing was a major task that Ian Chamberlain sorted. The van drives nicely now, and I do not

have steam coming out of the radiator through overheating.

The van body was excellently made and only needed some sound-deadening to make driving more comfortable. The bench seat accommodates two people comfortably, with plenty of space in the back.

Two doors at the rear with the top lifting up and bottom half folding down, gave a further 500mm platform.

Initially I thought that the engine was lacking in power, and with a crash gearbox changing up and down can be interesting. I drove it to Raetihi for the 100 year celebration of the Parapara Highway, returning by the Wanganui River Road, a total of 190km that day. No speedo, but my GPS gave me speed and distance travelled. Going down from Raetihi to Pipiriki was interesting with limited braking, I often changed into second to use engine braking, earmuffs essential with a howling gearbox. Other adventures on rallies continue to make life interesting.

Mike Whall - Christchurch

1914 Rover 12 Engine Number QH4612 We purchased the car from Brian and Gwen Black. Brian had a significant collection of Rover 12 parts, chassis and engines, most of which have been shared with other Rover enthusiasts. Brian had restored/rebuilt my car over three months and then it was used extensively by a

18 Beaded Wheels

number of drivers including us. Problems were later found with the steering, fixed by making wedges and placing these between the springs and axle beam. Tyres have been a problem but we purchased new ones from the UK. The car is rallied extensively, and is now starting to show signs of wear, so more work is required.

Trevor Carston – Nelson

Rover 12 Landaulette I have been interested in Rovers for many years and was a foundation member of the Nelson Rover Car Club.

Our interests became more focused while on a veteran rally in Canterbury driving our underpowered three wheel veteran which required my wife to get out and help push it up an incline. Brian and Gwen Black saw our problem and offered a complete rolling chassis and correct mechanicals plus many other parts to suit a 1912 Rover Clegg 12, including engine number QB829. After many hours of research we decided to reconstruct a body in the landaulette style.

Over the next four years we built a wooden frame, mudguards, did the paint work and upholstery. The body was constructed using cedar, ash,

oak, mahogany and South Island beech. The driving seat is covered in leather while the rear compartment is a combination of leather and velour. All brass fittings, lamps and fittings were restored by Trevor, including hat boxes, suitcases, vases, crystal decanter and other accessories.

Neil Farrer, 1914 Rover 12 delivery van

Since the 2012 Vero international Rally in Wanganui repairs have been made, including a motor rebore, new pistons, a timing chain, a starter motor and indicators.

In early 2013 the Rover attended the National Veteran Rally in Invercargill without missing a beat. Now it is our intention to take it to Taranaki for the 2022 Vero Festival of Historic Motoring.

Trevor Carston The car as entered in the 2012 Vero International Rally at Wanganui.

David Oakley – Ashburton

Rover 12 two seater Engine # QH4615, Chassis #5106 The bones of the car were purchased from Wilbur Brown after I noticed it in the back of his workshop in Warkworth.

A start had been made on building a roadster body with some of the wooden framing completed. An original rear body tub was there, and patterns which were useful when fabricating new mudguards.

Much of the running gear was there, including a useable differential worm wheel and pinion.

A start was made on the restoration two years later after enlisting the help of Dave Patterson, a retired panel beater, without whose help it would have taken many more years to complete.

Two other sets of spares were acquired from which I obtained

the missing steering box, and a useful clutch assembly.

Despite some misgivings I opted to restore the car making as few modifications as possible, using the original wet clutch and worm drive differential, but a starter motor was fitted. An original Rotax generator could not be found so a modern alternator was fitted. 1914 was the first year electric lights became available.

David Oakley, Rover 12 two seater.

I opted to use 30 x 3½ beaded edge tyres as they are readily available.

The car motors well, and is in the Rover tradition of sedate, reliable, quality vehicles, aimed to be sold to respectable middle class and professional people.

Mike Whall 1914 Rover Clegg.

Beaded Wheels 19

1942 WL HARLEY-DAVIDSON WORDS AND PHOTOS STUART FRANCIS

Back in 1973, in the UK, my mate Dave Evershed bought a very nice 1947 WLD which attracted a lot of attention. Spurred on by this machine and fanciful thoughts about being the next Peter Fonda I started looking around. Most machines on offer were far too expensive or too far away. Dave spotted one in Northamptonshire that seemed to fit the bill.

20 Beaded Wheels

I bought my first Harley-Davidson in 1974 for £325 after some haggling. It was a second-hand WLC (Canadian Army 750cc sidevalve V-twin).

I quickly discovered it had had a hard life, needed some work and the suicide foot clutch fitted was not normal. With the mechanicals in better order and a nice electric blue paint job I thought I was the bee’s knees. I had several adventures with this machine, including five weeks of commuting to and around London on a three-speed hand change, suicide foot clutch machine with virtually no brakes. However my last big trip on the machine, to the Isle of Man (IoM) for the 1975 International Six Day Trial, proved to be a challenge. I lost second gear (of three) on the way to the IoM and the generator started to fail later in the week. I still have flashbacks of trying to keep up with my mates riding along Marine Drive, on sidelights, one wet and windy night. Stupidly I sold the machine, plus another basket case WLA, shortly after my return from the IoM when somebody made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.

Fast forward to 1992. I heard through the Trowbridge grapevine that a local character had acquired some wartime HarleyDavidsons. Always regretting the sale of my first machine I hot-footed around to his place, whereupon he whisked me away to his secret storage shed hidden away in a remote village on the edge of Salisbury Plain. The story emerged that he had been working in Saudi Arabia and came across a scrapyard full of relatively new vehicles. Tucked away in one corner was a stash of dilapidated old motorcycles, including two Knuckle Head (EH) and seven WL 45ci Harley-Davidsons in civilian trim. He was told they were a group of machines suppled during the war as outriders for the Saudi Royal family.

The Knuckle Heads had unfortunately already been sold but all the 45s were still there, previous potential customers having

WL MODELS been put off by their appalling condition and part dissembled state. I quickly realised they were civilian models and with a bit of selective picking could put together the good basis of a WL. After a bit of horse trading, including a running Triumph TRW and some money, I acquired my kit of parts.

With copies of the US Army parts list and workshop manual to hand I stripped the machine down and took stock of what had to be done. All the engine and gearbox bearings were well worn and required special tools to repair them, the cycle parts were complete but had seen better days and would require some welding and panel beating, and the tanks needed some repairs. On the plus side all the civilian bits, deep mudguards, 16 inch wheel rims, handlebars and lights were there.

About nine months after buying the Harley I was temporarily transferred to Portland Naval Base for two years and I quickly discovered my digs were a half mile away from one of the country’s leading 45 HD experts, Ian Cottrell. As money allowed I farmed out the crankshaft, crankcase and gearbox rebuild to Ian, while I got on with the cycle parts.

The WLs are substantially built and under-stressed, designed for the wide open roads and rugged long distances of the USA rather than twisty English country roads. It takes a long time to wear out a WL but once it is worn it is a long process to properly rebuild them.

All of the principle bearings are caged roller types. To take out wear they are honed and lapped out by hand until they can take the next largest oversize roller, available in ½ thou increments, a tedious and time consuming task even with the right tools.

I finished the first rebuild in 1997 and completed the tedious registration process, made that much more difficult because it was originally imported and HDs of that era did not have frame numbers (and officially didn’t until 1969). Initial running revealed only a couple of small teething problems which were easily fixed.

I took great care running the engine in, previous experience with side-valves has taught me that it takes some time for high spots in the bore (adjacent to the exhaust) to bed in.

I brought the machine to New Zealand when I emigrated in 2011.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

The engine of the WL is a 45 degree side-valve design, which is reliable though not particularly efficient in comparison to overhead-valve designs. The small twin flathead design was popular in applications needing reliability more than power. However the Ricardo squish head design gave the engine reasonable performance, producing 17bhp at 4000rpm. The early models had cast iron cylinder heads which were superseded by aluminium ones in 1942.

The three-speed hand change gearbox is substantial, and the crossover drive makes it strong and compact with little overhang on the input and output shafts. The clutch is on the left-hand end and output sprocket on the right-hand end. Later machines had a four speed box as an option, and the Servi-cars had an additional reverse gear.

The six spring clutch is enormous and when properly set up and relatively free of oil is bullet proof. The only problem is if the machine is left sitting on its side-stand the oil gradually drains into the clutch from the gearbox. A good clean out normally fixes the problem but the plates gradually become contaminated and become more difficult to recover. The proper clutch pedal is a heel and toe rocking arrangement with a friction damper and over centre spring so the clutch can be left open while putting your left foot down. A suicide clutch is like a car clutch pedal.

WL was Harley’s middle weight side-valve machine, the basic model was launched in 1937 as a replacement for the model D. WL 45 was the backbone of Harley’s line-up for the next 15 years.

Serving in modified forms as military motorcycles in WWII, and in numerous two and three-wheeled version police machines.

It was succeeded by the unit construction K class in 1952, although the engine remained in production until 1973 in the Servi-Car. WLA military model differed from the civilian model in a number of ways, different wheels, modified mudguards, a heavy-duty luggage rack (for radios), ammo box, leather Thompson submachine gun scabbard, skid plate, leg protectors, windshield, modified crankcase breather and changed lighting. The excellent 45 Restoration Company catalogue list over 40 military parts and some sources even believe the fork legs were two inches longer.

WLC was built in Canada for the Canadian armed forces, it is very similar to the WLA. The main difference is interchangeable wheels which required some modifications to the front forks.

WLD – the sportier WLD was typically referred to as the Special Sport Solo and employed a higher compression ratio. Wheel sizes, styling and trim were nearly identical to the EL and later FL, but a shorter wheelbase and less weight made for more nimble handling.

WLDR and WR - were AMA Class C flat track and TT racing machines.

The primary drive cover is actually a dust cover designed to keep dust, stones and rocks out but it was never designed to be oil tight. The duplex chain is lubricated by a tapping off the oil pump and by adding or subtracting washers under an adjustment screw more or less oil can be delivered.

The Harley-Davidson has ‘fly-by-wire’ controls, the throttle and advance and retard are operated by piano wire. In the end of each handlebar is a slot through which a pin protrudes. The pin engages with a slug which is locked to the piano wire that slides within the handlebar. The twist grips have spiral slots cut into the bodies which mate with the protruding pin. Turning the twist grips pushes the slugs up and down the handlebar slot.

The Linkert M88 is a butterfly carburettor, more like a car carb. The military air-cleaners are enormous, they initially used a vertical tube about four inches in diameter standing about 12 inches tall, and then a rectangular one of similar size, both with oil-bath filtration. These air-filters are so large they look like they come from a small truck. The civilian air-filter is a circular copper gauze element under a dome directly attached to the carburettor.

The oiling system has separate delivery and return pumps. The right-hand side of what looks like a petrol tank is actually the oil tank, a clam shell that fits on the outside of the actual petrol tank that goes through the frame like a flat tank. As the engine warms up and oil circulates the oil tank warms up, great in winter but a bit of a pain in high summer. The heat can also dry out filler and paintwork leaving spidery cracks. The system has controlled leaks to oil the primary and rear chain and a timed crankcase breather that emits a small quantity of oil. The simple oil system loves to wet sump if left for any time, draining the sump is recommended after any appreciable time.

The machine originally came with a single saddle. An optional extra was a dual saddle/seat, a large peach shaped arrangement with handles on the back, which given my larger size I thought would be ideal. After a number of years riding around I changed over to a single saddle, so much more comfortable and easier to mount.

Beaded Wheels 21

The front forks are short leading-link spring-controlled with sliding friction dampers, the rear legs are substantial, far stronger than girder forks. The HD forks were admired by George Brough who fitted a copy of these to Brough Superiors under the trade name Castle.

REFURBISHMENT Shortly after I had finished the initial restoration it became plain that the paintwork I had spent so much time on was rather naff and was very susceptible to petrol damage. The main problem seemed to be the antirust paint primer I had used, it was not up to the job and also reacted to some paints. It was a ball aching job chasing the rust break-outs over the years. Worst affected were the petrol and oil tanks which were also petrol damaged. Modern petrol seems to be a very effective paint stripper, with spilt and leaking petrol taking its toll. The original clear coat had no resistance, and attempts over the years to try better products failed, with only modern two pack paints being able to resist it.

The repainting process was a tedious journey taking much longer than expected. The mudguards were blasted back to bare metal revealing that some of my original welding needed tidying up and some enthusiastic panel beating might reduce the gallons of filler I had originally used! The first coat of primer revealed several areas that needed filling, so I became locked into a process of filling, rubbing back, paint and repeat. After several cycles I thought it was time for the topcoat, at which point all the paint defects seem to leap out, somehow magnified. A number of further cycles of filling, rubbing back, paint, taking out smaller and smaller imperfections before an acceptable standard was achieved. However along the way there were a couple of twists, I used a good quality industrial antirust primer, which provided an excellent base for the topcoat if the primer was allowed to dry out fully. Too quick a top coat, or a top coat over primer that had been touched during rubbing back, could and did produce reactions which meant more rubbing back.

I took a different approach on the tanks, hand rubbing them back as I did not want grit in them. I went through the same process of filling, rubbing back, paint and repeat until I finished up with an acceptable finish. I then put them out in the conservatory to thoroughly dry out before getting a local car painter to give them a clear coat of two‑pack paint.

The fuel tap is built inside the tank and operated by a rod, with a knurled knob that emerges just in front of the petrol cap. The lower end of the rod screws into a seat in the bottom of the tank.

Once worn these valves are notoriously leaky, I installed a petcock after the valve, which has improved things no end. Petrol dripping from the carburettor had slowly damaged the paint on the primary chain-case. I had the primary chain-case epoxy powder coated which is petrol proof and better suited to the gravel and muck likely to be encountered down there.

Another mistake I made with the initial rebuild, because of financial constraints, was reusing and painting the front fork springs. They soon became very tatty shedding small clouds of paint and not adding to the overall look. I did think of plating the existing springs but was concerned about hydrogen embrittlement. The reasonable price for new chrome plated springs settled the argument. Replacing the springs was much more difficult than expected, I had to make up a spring compressor to get them to fit.

Rebuilding the clutch was relatively simple, with a new set of friction plates and springs. However the rear friction plate, part of the clutch main body, needed a new friction disc riveted in

22 Beaded Wheels

place. After going to some lengths to make a proper riveting tool for the hollow rivets, the final rivet cracked the new friction disc.

Fortunately a local clutch and brake shop was able to bond a new friction disc in place.

I always use straight 40 oil — I know the old adage to use straight 50 for summer and straight 30 for winter but the mild weather down here, and only occasional use in good weather, negates the extremes. Ian Cottrell believed these machines were appreciably noisier on multi-grade oil. Not wanting to restart the great oil argument but my attitude is if it has a roller/ball bearing bottom end then straight is best, and if it has shell bearings then multi-grade is best.

RIDING Starting from cold, after turning the petrol on by unscrewing the tank mounted knob, I always give it full choke using the fiddly little lever behind the civilian air-filter and kick it over twice without the ignition on. Move to half choke, retard the ignition to half way, switch on the ignition and a good swing normally brings it rumbling into life. Push down the rear pedal of the left hand foot clutch with the heel of your boot, disengage the clutch and the left hand can then push forward to select first in the gear gate. Easing open the throttle, slowly advancing the ignition and rocking the foot clutch forward usually results in forward motion. It takes a bit of practice to get it right, particularly on rough or sloping ground where with only one spare foot you cannot hold it on the rear brake.

I was lucky that I learnt early in life with a suicide foot clutch and then the proper heel and toe rocking clutch pedal.

Accelerating away it quickly becomes time to change into second by disengaging the clutch while closing the throttle then firmly moving the left hand gear lever rearward into the second gate, re-engaging the clutch and opening the throttle. Undertaken slowly and deliberately it is a peaceful process, try and do it quickly and it can become a graunchy experience. Selecting top (third) is just the same. With a very broad spread of torque and an effective advance and retard, gears can be selected earlier than most of their OHV counterparts.

First gear is little used as it is very low so most riding is done in second and third; second can easily be used for pulling away. Once in third out on the open road there is usually little need to change down as it will happily chug up most hills with a little retard.

For stop start riding around town I tend to leave it in second and concentrate on avoiding lane swapping vehicles with better brakes.

They are quite good for a heavy machine of that era but they are no match for modern brakes. The more substantial rear brake drum with a sprocket (that stops the drum from belling) is better than the front brake. Unfortunately both are prone to fade (while being a boy racer on my original machine I had the experience of the front brake lever fading all the way back to the handlebar, while the rear brake pedal faded to the floorboard).

Slowing down is similar to changing gear but with the added complication of braking so that every single appendage is involved in the process with the added complication of revving the engine at each down change to get a clean change. If you have the space it is quite satisfying braking and changing down cleanly, however you are usually braking hard or coming to a halt. I tend to leave the bike in top, concentrating on braking and trying to slip it into first while coming to a stop.

Once out on the open road the excellent Harley-Davidson front forks, the low pressure 16 inch tyres, footboards, good sitting position and well-proportioned sprung saddle, all soak up the bumps to give a very comfortable ride. On smooth roads the

handling is quite good (I regularly used to scrape the footboards on my original machine) but things can get a bit exciting if you try and push it too hard through a bumpy corner, even with the steering damper screwed down.

Swift acceleration is not its forte, it gradually builds speed but is also reluctant to lose it, the broad band of torque keeps pushing on. The long-stroke engine with small valves and conservative valve timing runs out of puff over 60mph, the military version has a warning sign telling riders not to take it above 65mph. However, flat on the tank downhill on the Fosseway (an old Roman road) I once saw 75mph but things were getting a bit exciting at that point.

The machine is well suited to the roads and traffic densities here in rural Southland. The other sensation experienced is one of solidity and reliability that the over-engineered HD projects, a quality rarely felt with other machines, with the exception of BMWs. So how does it stack up against other allied medium/heavyweight machines of that wartime era — having been lucky enough to ride some of these machines the answer lies in the intended use. If you wanted to travel from Invercargill to Christchurch on main roads the HD would be the first choice closely followed by the Indian 741 with probably the Royal Enfield WD/C 350 sidevalve at the back of the queue. However if you wanted to go into the unsealed backroads around Bendigo then the Matchless G3L, closely followed by the Velocette MAF or Ariel W/NG, would be the first choice with the HD and Indian being at the back of the queue.

I would love to try a BMW R 75 outfit as I think it might be at the head of the queue for both scenarios.

HD HEROES

Searching through some old photos I found these two of me with my first HD. The first photo was taken at the 1975 ISDT in the IoM where I was marshalling. The photo was taken by an American photojournalist who could not believe it was being used for every day transport.

The second photo was with David Evershed, taken the morning we were delivering his WLD to Leeds (250mls away) after selling it. Dave’s WLD

was initially attached to a sidecar and had the optional 3 speed box with reverse. One of Dave’s mates decided to try out the reverse, succeeding in lifting the sidecar going backwards.

Beaded Wheels 23

HIN BE

D THE WHE

EL

IAN & LINDSAY LAMB’S 1930 CHRYSLER 77 ROYAL COUPE

A GRAND OLD ROYAL LADY FROM DETROIT WORDS AND PHOTOS GREG PRICE

Looking at recent pictures of Detroit City, particularly the derelict eastern areas and the former Chrysler factory, it would be fair to say that this magnificent old girl has lasted far better than much of the old industrial city in which it was manufactured all those years ago – 91 years ago in fact.

A REAL BARN FIND?

Anyone who has watched that YouTube programme Barn Find by Haggarty, will have seen his many excursions into the outback of America where the host seems to unearth (for the car aficionados et al amongst us) a treasure trove of classic cars, very often many that have been lying dormant for years and years.

Very often too the usually aged owner is not willing to part with any of their treasures and what is particularly sad is the fact 24 Beaded Wheels

that most of those cars will never see the highways again. On the other hand, some similar programmes like Fast N’ Loud’s Gas Monkey Garage will (pre-filming, usually) tempt an owner to part company with their once pride and joy and the vehicle is then trailered back to the workshop for a restoration, or a brief facelift. In recent times, host Richard Rawlings unearthed a 1930 Chrysler Royal coupe but opted to simply put it through an auction,

s Free flow exhaust headers. ▼ Modern indicators.

as is where is. Apparently their filming schedule precluded any additional work being done pre-purchase. I am a big fan of Fast N’ Loud, particularly the episodes when some gem vehicle from the past is located and salvaged to once again grace the highways.

But I digress. Ian and Lindsay’s Majestic Chrysler Coupe also languished somewhere unnoticed for some 63 years before being purchased in 2004 by Roger Berry from New Zealand – who just happened to be a friend of the Lambs.

THE EARLY DAYS

When the 1930 Chrysler 77 Royal coupe was first produced it featured hydraulic internal brakes and a floor-mounted gearshift for the four-speed transmission. Part of Chrysler’s success was their racing pedigree. Their cars appeared at Le Mans, Spa and in the Mille Miglia since 1924. In 1930, two model 77 roadsters raced at Spa in Belgium. A Chrysler driven by Stoffel and De Costier finished 5th behind three Alfas and a Bugatti. The Chrysler 77 series was named because Chrysler guaranteed a cruising speed of 77 miles per hour and a top speed of 90 miles per hour! Power was supplied by a 100 horsepower six-cylinder motor. The Chrysler Building in New York City was completed in 1930, and the Art Deco styling

▼ Left hook, of course.

is shared with this 1930 Royal coupe. Sadly the original factory is now derelict, unlike this classic.

Ian and Lindsay’s coupe started its life as the personal car of J F Oates, a dealer principal of Chrysler Motor Cars in Birmingham, Alabama, and racing-car driver. He clocked up 3,500 miles in it before selling it on to Eugene Winkler on 24 April 1930. As an aside, Eugene Winkler is no relation to Henry Winkler of The Fonz – Happy Days fame, as that Winkler family (Fonzie’s mum and dad) did not arrive from Germany until 1939. Eugene was obviously a Chrysler fan as he traded in his 1926 Chrysler F58 and got US$610 off the price of the 77, the cost of which was $2,100 before the trade in was taken into account. According to an original receipt, Mr Winkler had the car repainted in 1937, along with fitting two new running boards, a new top, and something else (couldn’t read the bad handwriting) and the all-up cost was US$127.80. Possibly it was being kept outside hence the need for a repaint and new roof perhaps? Mr Winkler last registered the car in 1941. The history from then on in is pretty much unknown save for it being shipped from California (according to the pink slip) in October 2004. There is speculation that Eugene enlisted for WWII, but was killed and never returned home. This would Beaded Wheels 25

▲ Motor never been removed.

▲ Original upholstery. ▼ Sub-machine gun compartment.

▲ Ian Lamb.

explain why much of the original car documentation, including the original instruction book with Eugene’s name written inside, was still with the vehicle when purchased in 2003. That documentation was supplied by someone in Northport, New York in October 2003. Seemingly that was a Walter Simendinger, who may well have obtained the Chrysler from a deceased estate, perhaps?

In any event the car was eventually shipped from Los Angeles on 30 November 2004 in a container with two other vehicles, arriving at the Port of Tauranga on 13 December 2004. Tuatara Management Ltd in Auckland arranged the shipping.

is genuine. I say that because Eugene seemingly averaged about 8,400 per year, so after 11 years the odometer would be showing just over 92,000 miles, which is consistent with all the other documentation. So what are the chances of finding a 91-year-old car, that still hasn’t been around the clock, and has all the paperwork to prove it? Fortunately whoever was sorting out Eugene’s estate (if in fact he did die during the war) recognised the value of the original paperwork and kept it with the car – whereever it was stashed away.

FAST FORWARD TO ITS NEW ZEALAND HISTORY

THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTATION

I guess that one of the bonuses of buying a vehicle that has been laid up for over 60 years is finding that much, if not all, of the original documentation pertaining to the original sale is still with the car. In this case, that included the original vehicle order dated 4 April 1930, and the sale invoice dated 25 April 1930. There is also the receipt for the paint job and running board replacement dated 9 October 1937. But most importantly, there was the original driver’s instruction book in really good condition (well, it ought to have been since it seemingly only had some 11 years usage). It is a first edition copy dated July 1929, with Eugene Winkler’s name handwritten on the inside cover. Also handwritten on the next page is a bit more of its early history, for example by November 1932 it had covered 16,791 miles. On 22 June 1935 the brake linings were taken off and inspected, and a new battery was fitted on 17 December 1939. When the battery was fitted, someone carefully recorded the amp readings and volt readings, which meant that someone was checking the charging output before or after the battery replacement – just like the AA does now when you call them out to your roadside breakdown.

With Eugene covering 16,791 miles in the first two years of his ownership, and the odometer now reading 98,000, and also that it was apparently laid up in 1941, it is pretty evident that the mileage

26 Beaded Wheels

The Chrysler was not running when Roger Berry acquired it.

The Lambs purchased it from Roger in 2007 and one of its first outings was to the Canterbury Branch McLeans Island Swap Meet, which was when I, along with many others, was able to see it up close and personal. Sitting there on the Lamb’s swap meet site it was a huge drawcard and Ian eventually had to put a note on it to the effect that it was not for sale!

As Maxwell Smart (of TV’s Get Smart series) would have said, ‘Would you believe that the motor has never been out of this car?’

Which is pretty good really when you consider that it had covered just 98,000 miles (157,715 kms) since new, and the Lambs have clocked up a further 12,000 miles (19,308 kms) already.

Ian has added a new roof, which is a hard-top covered with fabric, and a radiator, but otherwise the car was in good condition when he bought it. He has replaced the carburettor with a more modern example that has an adjustable jet, and as the exhaust manifold kept cracking, he managed to score a set of free-flow headers off Trade Me, and they certainly look the part, too.

The paintwork applied in 1937 is still looking good and Ian cleans it with a combination of kerosene and linseed oil, ‘which brings it up nice and shiny’ – to quote Ian. Lindsay insisted on the retro-fitting of seat belts, and Ian has also fitted modern directional indicators, and a tow bar for their caravan. In the ‘30s, hand

SPECIFICATIONS: (ex the Driver’s Instruction Book) signals were the order of the day, but today they often confuse other drivers, especially when only a part of the hand is utilised.

The original velour upholstery has lost a bit of the fluffy stuff in some places, and the driver’s seat needs an auxiliary cushion as the original springing is a tad tired.

PERIOD ACCESSORIES

Even in 1930, this Chrysler came with four-wheel hydraulic brakes. It also has a wind-up windscreen (just a couple of inches to let the air in!) and a wind-down rear window to allow better communication with the folk sitting in the rumble seat. On the passenger side, there is a compartment for your golf clubs, or a Thompson sub-machine gun if you want to play at being Elliot Ness of the Untouchables. (Another aside, apparently gangsters did not drive these Chryslers preferring the Ford V8s for their power).

On either side of the dickey seat are small compartments for the revolvers, or tools, since handguns are banned. There’s no heater, and while it was originally wired for a valve radio, it does not have one. It does still have its original art deco style door handles and window winders, which complement the original patina.

ECONOMY?

As Mrs Audrey Forbes-Hamilton (of the To the Manor Born television series) once intoned about how much petrol her aged Rolls-Royce consumed, and adapted for this Chrysler, “If you own one of these you don’t worry about the cost of petrol!” Ian tells me that it is not cheap to run despite being one of the first cars to have a downdraft carburettor for better fuel consumption. With its 16 gallon (60 litre) fuel tank, stopping at the gas station is not much fun. At $2.20 per litre and rising that’s going to hurt alright.

THE TEST DRIVE

Once again, given that Ian had offered me the opportunity to take it for a hoon around the neighbourhood, he let it slip that it had a crash gearbox, so I opted to let him drive while I took some notes. Given the fact that the old girl had lasted some 91 years already, I didn’t want to hasten her demise with my fumbling gear changing techniques. As I’ve previously said, I learnt about crash gearboxes in the 1960s when I owned a 1926 Austin 12/4, and the previous owner had given me a fully reconditioned gearbox for it with the instructions, ‘Learn to change gear with the box that is currently fitted, and when you’ve mastered the technique, swap it for the reconditioned one’. Ian hadn’t bought a spare reconditioned gearbox along with him on the test drive day, thus it was safer to let him show me how easy it was – which he did. So much so that apart from observing the double-declutching, each change was as noiseless as a fully synchromesh box. Given it was left hook, and I was perched in front of the dash panel where the steering wheel ought to have been, not to mention the absence of any pedals under my feet, it took a bit of getting used to not having a wheel in front of me to steer around the sharp bits, or ease off on the corners. I had no idea if it was safe to corner at those speeds!

Notwithstanding that, my apprehensions were unfounded as Ian motored around the countryside as happy as the proverbial pig in the sloppy brown stuff. The old girl pulled well under acceleration and went where it was pointed. First gear is only to get it moving when either on an upward slope or towing a heavy trailer (or caravan) so starts were made in second gear. The Armstrong power steering seemed quite direct from where I was sitting with little play (wandering) evident. We achieved 30 mph quickly which

Car Serial Number: C114HW Engine Serial Number: IN13203 Cylinder bore: 3 3⁄ 8” Stroke: 5” Number of cylinders: 6 NACC Horsepower Rating: 27.34 Piston displacement: 4.4L (268.4 ci) OTHER SPECIFICATIONS: (There are nearly 4 x A5 pages of specifications in the handbook! So I’ll just show the usual ones here.)

Brake horsepower: Wheels: Tyres: Overall length: Gearbox: Carburettor: Overall rating:

93bhp 18 inch wood, artillery type, with demountable rims (split) Balloon cord, heavy duty 6-ply 6.00 x 18 177 ½ inches without bumpers, and 189 ½ inches with bumpers 4-speed forward and one reverse all non-synchromesh (crash!)

Downdraft (non-original replacement, with adjustable jet) M (magnificent!)

is actually just under 50mph as per the tumbler-type speedometer which gave a steady albeit incorrect reading.

Surprisingly there were few, if any, rattles and the ride was smooth, remembering its 91-year-old suspension. The brakes were effective when required so it would be suitable in busy traffic, as if anyone got in the way, you could simply butt them off to the side of the road and carry on unimpeded. I was conscious of keeping an eye out for any significant potholes, lest I got bounced up and made contact with the non-existent headlining as there was only the chicken wire above my head. Getting in and out was a bit awkward, (maybe it’s an age thing?) as I was trying to avoid sliding off the aged velour upholstery, or stepping on the running boards, but then, that’s what they were for, weren’t they?

Having first seen this car in 2007, just after Ian acquired it and took it to McLeans Island Swap Meet, it was really great to finally get up close and personal, and get to cruise around the countryside in it. It seriously impressed me when I first laid eyes on it, and after 14 more years she still is an impressive, somewhat magnificent vehicle, and still largely unmolested.

THE FUTURE?

Both Ian and Lindsay have no intentions of parting with the Chrysler anytime soon as it is quieter than most vintage cars, to name but one attribute. It also has style and grace which I can attest to and it is very hard not to like this magnificent old lady from Detroit. There’s an old adage that goes “They are only original once.” Thus its attraction is in its originality, and to restore it would be a real shame because it looks great just like it is. (Or, ‘It’s not broken so why try to fix it?’) Fortunately Ian and Lindsay are of the same view!

I grew up around cars, motorcycles and scooters.

Significant milestones in the hundreds of vehicles that have graced my garages over time included a 1959 Cadillac Fleetwood (owned over 16 years) and currently two Mk 1 Zephyrs (a sedan and a convertible) owned for 48 years and 43 years. I like anything with wheels especially if it has whitewall tyres!

The wish list includes an E-Type Jaguar. What I can’t get to own I like to write about Greg Price

Beaded Wheels 27

John Martin with Studebaker.

A TALE OF TWO VETERANS and of younger owners WORDS AND PHOTOS GRAHAM TAYLOR

The arrival of the latest Beaded Wheels inspired me to contribute something about two of our Central Otago Branch members’ veteran car restorations – John and Wendy Martin’s 1915 Studebaker SD 4 cylinder roadster, and Murray and Jenny Pryde’s 1909 De Dion BQ, also a four cylinder but a four seater.

▲ Murray Pryde with De Dion.

28 Beaded Wheels

The Pryde’s car has history going back to the original Hubbard family ownership in Timaru. It was purchased by Jenny’s father, Doug Pedlow, in the late 1950s from Arnold Hubbard, pretty much in bits. Doug started the restoration but the many missing parts stalled him and he changed to a veteran Ford Model T. The De Dion was donated to the Southward Car Museum in the late 1960s, where it ended up in storage. Murray being a vintage car enthusiast from the 1960s, made a point of seeking the car out on various trips to the North Island, and became interested in buying it as Southwards were more interested in restoring later model cars at the time. Around 2011 the De Dion arrived in Wanaka and the long process of re-building it had begun. The challenge was the rear transaxle and drive shafts, as there were a lot of missing and mis-matched parts. Trying to keep oil in that transaxle was a challenge too ( I suspect the original lubricant was a heavy sticky grease), there were no oil seal housings as we know them now. That problem having been overcome, the guards, bonnet, chassis and wheels have been painted and the motor overhauled. The car is largely assembled, with the seats ready for upholstery. The inlet manifold is being re-designed to suit the

carburettor which sits low down on the front right side of the engine as the fuel is gravity fed.

A lot of the missing brasswork has been remade when it could not be found, and where it was found some was at eye-watering prices. But then it is partly explained

by Murray saying he has found only two other similar cars, one in the UK and one in Perth. He has seen both of these cars.

Murray would like to acknowledge the substantial help he has had from other enthusiasts, especially with engineering problems.

The Martins’ car was purchased recently and is now in Cromwell, registration on hold, in a partially restored state with an assembled chassis and running gear, but with the bodywork and guards to do.

The Studebaker was a Christchuch car, purchased from Percy Ralston. It is uncertain who the first owners were but the Weastell and Stevenson names appear on different papers. The car was one of three that were restored at the same time to give some efficiency to the re-build. There were enough body parts to serve as patterns.

John decided that he wanted to tackle the metalwork and this is coming along well.

He has benefitted from a demonstration given by George Page, a veteran Hupmobile restorer from Arrowtown, on the use of

INSTRUMENT REPAIRS

▲ Studebaker.

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

▲▼ De Dion.

MDF as a useful metal former. Once the guards and valances have been completed he will concentrate on the hood bows and turtle deck.

These cars are only six years apart but the advances in technology and mass production are evident; I would use the words ‘cute’ to describe the De Dion and ‘sophisticated’ for the Studebaker, (electric start and lighting).

‘The why’ is also important as we have seen with our Olympian’s, inspiration is the start of any journey. In Murray’s case it was to rescue a rare and interesting veteran

with family connections. John and Wendy wanted a suitable veteran that both could enjoy as his Royal Enfield is a single seater.

Both restorers are doing as much of the work themselves as a challenge, they have both had their rewards; the standards are high, and I have witnessed real progress.

The Central Otago Branch is hosting the National Veteran Rally in October; both the Martins and Prydes are involved in the organisation, and if the October date seems tight at the very least there will be two more veterans on display at this colorful event.

Bruce Chaytor Ph 021 631 700 or Nicolette Prangley 021 166 8374 nap.chaytor@gmail.com 5 Gibbs Place, Kinloch RD1, Taupo 3377 Beaded Wheels 29

AGM WEEKEND 2021 The Club’s 75th AGM, organised by Canterbury Branch, was a great success.

The weekend kicked off with about 50 cars enjoying a Special Anniversary Run and Shed Raid on friday afternoon. The route showcased some of our city’s earthquake recovery and history before heading through the tunnel to Lyttelton, where a collection of well-presented cars and motorcycles was admired.

The productive Executive Meeting commenced on friday night and concluded on Saturday afternoon. The Annual General Meeting on Saturday morning

went well with lots of discussion. The AGM was opened by Life Member Norm Dewhurst who stepped in at the last minute when our original speaker came down with laryngitis. National President Diane Quarrie presented the John L Goddard Award to Kevin Casey and a Presidential Award to Ron Hasell. Diane also made a special presentation of a one-off 75 year badge to Life and Founding Member Andy Anderson to recognise his 75 years of involvement in the Club. Andy’s address to members was thought provoking and is reproduced in full on page 32.

Members not on the Executive enjoyed a bus tour on Saturday afternoon. The

enjoyable Saturday evening function had a black and white theme and was supported by many Canterbury and Banks Peninsula members. MC for the evening was Royce Baker who kept things moving along. On Sunday there was a chance to show off the Canterbury Branch clubrooms with Old Bikes, Cars and Coffee followed by a barbecue. Teams on the barbecue and in the kitchen whipped up a feed for about 125 hungry mouths. However, the real event was the kitchen clean up… a water pipe burst on the dishwasher and spurted water over the whole kitchen! Not funny, but hilarious.

▲ Canterbury Branch members Marilyn McKinlay (left) and Katryna Shaw (right) were the organisers of this year’s national AGM. They received a certificate of thanks for Canterbury Branch from National President Diane Quarrie.

▲ Two veterans – the Brush car and long time Canterbury Branch meber Ivan Hibberd.

30 Beaded Wheels

Management Comittee 2021.

Rear L-R: Kevin Clarkson, Beaded Wheels Chairman; Murray Trounson; George Kear; Tony Bartlett; Tony Haycock, Speed Steward.

Front L-R: Christopher Leith, Secretary/Treasurer; Kaaren Smylie, Club Captain Northern Region; Diane Quarrie, President; Alon Mayhew, Club Captain Southern Region; Rod Brayshaw, Registrar.

Kevin Casey JOHN L GODDARD TROPHY Since 2008 Kevin Casey has written 29 articles for Beaded Wheels.

The articles have been various in nature and on matters of interest to our readers.

They are well written, comprehensively researched and substantial. In all of the articles Kevin has delved into the subject matter to a great depth to the extent that the articles can be regarded as the definitive accurate facts on the subject.

Following the publication of Kevin’s articles members frequently tell me of the enjoyment they get from reading his works.

As evidence of the quality of his work we occasionally get requests from car clubs throughout the world for permission to reprint articles in their newsletters/ magazines.

Ron Hasell PRESIDENTIAL AWARD At the AGM Ron Hasell was presented with a Presidential Award for his almost continuous and still ongoing service to the Club and both the Canterbury and Banks Peninsula Branches since 1962.

Listed below are the many positions in which he has served over the years. One outstanding contribution to the Club was the setting up of the insurance scheme for club vehicles which has been of a significant benefit to our members and club since its inception.

The scheme was originally set up when it was difficult to obtain insurance on old vehicles where the major insurers of the time would not give cover. At the 1965 AGM, as a Management Committee member at that time, Ron was appointed to investigate insurance possibilities for club vehicles, and subsequently managed to set up a scheme with his then employers, Phoenix Insurance. Since then the scheme has been of huge success for our Club, giving the following benefits: low cost vehicle insurance and discounts

THE ARTICLES ARE

Issue 294 Oct 2008 Reminiscing with Jack Kane Part 1 Issue 295 Dec 2008 Reminiscing with Jack Kane Part 2 Issue 310 Jun 2011 The most expensive sparkplug ever made Issue 317 Aug 2012 1920s American Companion Cars Issue 319 Dec 2013 All That Glitters Issue 320 Feb 2013 On Carriages and Cars Issue 323 Aug 2013 V8s Before Henry Issue 324 Oct 2013 V8s Before Henry part 2 Issue 325 Dec 2013 A Claytons Restoration Issue 326 Feb 2014 The Mascot Story Issue 327 Apr 2014 The Mascot Story part 2 Issue 328 Jun 2014 The Mascot Story part 3 Issue 329 Aug 2014 The Mascot Story part 4 Issue 330 Oct 2014 The Mascot Story part 5 Issue 331 Dec 2014 The Mascot Story part 6 Issue 332 Feb 2015 Spinning To Oblivion Issue 333 Apr 2015 Shake Rattle and Roll Issue 334 Jun 2015 Behind The Badge Issue 335 Aug 2015 The King Of Fuel Gauges Issue 337 Dec 2015 She’s a Honey Issue 338 Feb 2016 Harry’s Story Part 1 Issue 339 Mar 2016 Harry’s Story Part 2 Issue 340 Jun 2016 The Asking Garage Issue 342 Oct 2016 Behind The Badge part 2

Issue 343 Dec 2016 A Dodge Phoenix Issue 354 Oct 2018 Light My Fire – Spark Plugs Issue 355 Dec 2018 Light My Fire – Spark Plugs part 2 Issue 356 Feb 2019 Light My Fire – Spark Plugs part 3 Issue 357 Apr 2019 Light My Fire – Spark Plugs part 4

on other policies, commission payments to branches, annual profit share payment to the national body and sponsorship of major events. (Phoenix Insurance became Sun Alliance and then Vero Insurance.)

Credit should be given to Ron for his foresight in setting up the scheme in a way that has contributed large amounts of funding to our Club over so many years.

The following is a list of Ron’s history of service: 30 Oct 1958 Joined VCC 1962– 1964 Elected member of a Canterbury Branch subcommittee 1966 – 1974 Management Committee member 1974 – 1978 National Speed Steward 1970 – 1974 Canterbury Branch Treasurer 1975 – 1976 Canterbury Branch Chairman 1978 Foundation member Banks Peninsula Branch 1981 – 1984, 1999 – 2002 Banks Peninsula Branch Chairman 2003 – 2009 Banks Peninsula Branch Committee member 2009 to date Banks Peninsula Branch Secretary

Ron has also acted as organiser and secretary for every speed event which has been run by the Banks Peninsula Branch since 2009.

He received his 60-year membership award in 2019.

Beaded Wheels 31

Founder and life member of the club Andrew Anderson delivered a thought provoking address at this year’s National AGM Three quarters of a century! You can take it as gospel, a bloody long time. Full to overflowing with yarns, stories, fables, legends and memories both dim and clear and thus requires a caveat with acknowledgement to the late Lewis Carroll.

The time has come the walrus said, to talk of many things.

Of stories false and truth forgot, which egoism brings.

That some recorded facts are naught but flying pigs with wings!

With that firmly in mind we have to address ourselves to the task of ensuring that our Club and its real purpose, our lovely machinery, are all still on the road for the next 25 years to our century. Years that history tells us we’ll see the destruction of many of our national institutions and characteristics.

Covid’s great predecessor was no clever virus but kept striking for a full further 300 years after its first catastrophic arrival from China in the 14th century. It destroyed the economic basis of the age, serfdom and replaced the securities of faith and tradition with all kinds of nameless fears and insecurities. Just like it, Covid will certainly live on as palpable fear for a very long time and added to this is the rising of overwhelming fear and insecurity of climate change. To overcome all this and build ourselves to a secure century, the challenge is in the environment of a still at least nominally western nation.

Most of the obstacles of achieving this are right here in this very room. Selfsatisfaction to the point of smugness. A great club? Greatness is always a work in progress. As soon as you view it as a fait accompli it’s gone and mediocrity, authority, rules and regos and that fatal word impossible raises its ugly head.

True greatness lies in the steady and continuous setting of impossible goals and achieving them. Then just set the next one!

Going back to the very first time your long-suffering executive invited me to address an AGM back in 2013, I have been stressing the vital need for challenge, usually from the aspect of the club as a whole - which of course was silly of me for it must begin with each of us as individuals. The ‘impossibles’ of today, while very different from those of our distant past, are still 90% a matter of personal misgiving 32 Beaded Wheels

A BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL? self-doubt at best and sheer apathy at worst! For each and every member there can be very few impossibles, to simply fully participate in and enjoy the events and services of the Club and your branch and work to change those if you feel them to be insufficient or inadequate All clubs are two-way streets and they come to meet you and you must actively go to meet them, simple as that.

Our Club is a national one and you’re all direct members of a great team of 9000 primarily. Indirectly, depending on where you live, you also belong to a branch of that Club that is dedicated to look after and foster the full range of the Club’s goals and aspirations and conduct its local activities. With memberships from 1200 down to just two digits these 36 units do just that. If you live in Auckland or Christchurch, you have some choice as between sportier or more sedate branches, but all provide all aspects. Do they? Our current position as the authority goes way back to when, at Rob Shand’s inspiration, we became the first truly national organisation. We were unique. The trade union movement, the automobile association, the stock exchanges, you name it were all a series of separate parochial units. It is the New Zealand way.

Constitutionally we set the impossible goal of beating the New Zealand way and we achieved it all those 70 years ago. But the word impossible raises its head again rather often in recent years. It is essential that we convert it into one of those pigs with wings. I recall it being said often and vigorously of Kaaren’s original proposal for the Highland Fling. Let her huge success with Alistair’s vigorous assistance be our guiding star.

For all clubs must necessarily do things.

What do we do? We toddle. Branch runs, annual rallies, even our Festival of Historic Motoring is a toddle. Which brings us back to that vital concept of Greatness.

How great are we? Our Presidential report clearly states that our membership quote “has continued to hold steadily at 8,452 in August”. The three branches whose newsletters I receive regularly, note quite a number of new members every month.

At a rough guess about 30 new members for each year for three branches equates to at least 90 over 36 of them. So that is what we lose annually too.

At least two branch captains have recently noted to me the fact that with the 30-year rule they can’t get these members and cars out to their events. The cause is so obvious. The 30-year cars are virtually moderns to drive with which the toddle is boring. You offer them a competitive Targa and you will have them in droves, and you’ll be really doing something.

That’s what those wings of our logo are all about really driving our machinery!

Probably at least 80% of our members don’t deserve the wings!

The new suggested tagline “Driving our History” is a key to get allies in what will be a vicious battle for survival, and we will need every ally we can get! Ask me about them.

Forget all that silly argument about names; classic, historic etc. Everything from 19th century one lungers to 1991 Toyotas are simply “our lovely machinery” and to keep it all on the road, it will take all the clout of that Authority designation! The New Zealand way being what it is here, I suspect our climate attackers will be local and attack us branch by branch and by acting as part of a great national of New Zealand Authority, you will keep them at bay.

If you start even thinking as a parochial unit, they will win. Ranged against our machinery, is fear of the unknowable consequences of climate change with the background fear of our clever Covid lurking. You can’t be too strong a national authority to cover all that.

I have no desire to make my century, but I sincerely hope you all make this Club’s one! ▼ Andrew enjoying the club atmosphere at Cutler Park during Canterbury Branch Old Cars, Bikes and Coffee on the Sunday following the AGM.

Mechanical Restorations Vintage & Classic Spares (1980)

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

50 YEAR

Butler, Ross

Canterbury

CAST IRON WELDING

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

THOMAS ROWE MOTORING ENGINEER ltd

6 RD Palmerston North PHONE

06 324-8707

ENGLISH AMERICAN CONTINENTAL AUSTRALIAN JAPANESE

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

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

MAKE CHRISTMAS LAST A WHOLE YEAR WITH A

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

Please send a subscription for 6 Issues - New Zealand $45* (inc p&p) 6 Issues - Australia NZ$76* 6 Issues - Elsewhere NZ$136* Payment by

Visa/Mastercard only (Amex & Diners not accepted) Processing by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing charge of 3%. NZ Post money orders not accepted.

Credit Card Expiry Date: __ /__ /___

Card Number

Send Renewals to: (if different to delivery instructions) Name on Card:

Cardholder Signature:

Subscribers Name:

Magazine Recipients Name:

Telephone:

Telephone:

Email:

Email:

Address: Postcode

Email to: Address: Postcode

beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz

Or order through our website – just go to Beaded Wheels subscriptions at vcc.org.nz

Post to:

FREEPOST 1757, Beaded Wheels, PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141

THE ORIGINS OF A CAR MAKING

OBSESSION WORDS AND PHOTOS JIM BENNETT

During 1961 my older brother Cliff had acquired a Ford 10 midget racing car from Dunedin car dealer Sid Cottle, father of racer Barry, with a little encouragement from me, his kid brother. The only condition was that I take over his project to build an Austin Seven special for which he had been collecting parts.

He had already upgraded it with a Ford Eight engine and said that he would assist me and fabricate the body work if I paid what it cost him for the Ford engine.

I was then 14 and with an after school and Saturday morning job at Dunedin Electroplaters thought I could fund this.

As Cliff was a panel beater I felt that we could achieve a fair result. He had books including How to Build 750cc and 1172cc Racing Cars and Racing and Sports Car Chassis Design both of which I had studied at length.

The following year we had the chassis on its wheels and I had begun my final year at King Edward Technical College where I was studying School Certificate engineering subjects. The Austin chassis had been boxed to stiffen it. This entailed welding a steel strip to the underside of the top-hat section side members. Reset springs and a dropped front axle had already been done to lower the chassis. At the rear, spring 34 Beaded Wheels

mountings were welded to a Ford 8 axle housing to locate Austin Seven quarter elliptic springs. Radius rods were fitted on the axle housing as well as mountings to a cross member on the chassis.

Cliff was having some work done by an engineering business on parts for his midget and he told me that one of the staff said that they may be looking for an apprentice in the New Year. The new owners of this business were successful motor sport competitors. One of these, Gerald Hoare, had built what may have been the first quarter mile dragster in New Zealand, while staff member John Martin had built a very quick Triumph drag motorbike. I could not imagine a better place for a budding car constructer to serve an apprenticeship.

I was on their doorstep on my way to high school the following Monday with my school reports to hand. This was something of a surprise to the owners

as they claimed that they hadn’t really discussed this position seriously. However they interviewed me and at my suggestion permitted me to start work, part time, after school and during the August holidays as a trial. I never mentioned to them that the electroplaters were reducing part time staff and I needed a job to pay Cliff for the Ford 8 engine.

As my toolmaking apprenticeship progressed so did work on the car as I gained more engineering skills. A tubular frame to attach the bodywork was made and I created a light tubular structure for the driveshaft tunnel, which extended to the front corners of the chassis, to add torsional stiffness. I had read somewhere that this is what Colin Chapman had done for his Austin Seven based Lotus Mk3.

By now I was driving my first car, an Austin Seven Ruby, on which the brakes were rather pathetic. To remedy this, on the special I converted the brakes to

FURI being driven by author at Hoopers Inlet hillclimb 1966

▲ 1966 The recently completed FURI at Nelson with the then 19 year old author. ▼ GMC dragster built and driven by Gerald Hoare 1961.

hydraulic operation using Morris Minor brake shoes which fitted the Austin Seven front, and Ford 8 rear, brake drums. The brake backing plates were modified to suit Morris wheel cylinders.

By August 1964 I had registered the vehicle, and with a daylight Warrant of Fitness was able to compete at a Hoopers Inlet hill-climb on the Otago Peninsula.

The only bodywork was a temporary bonnet and radiator surround that was made from scrap perforated aluminium central heating panels used in commercial buildings. A friend called the car Meccano Set 101. As it was made using Ford and Austin parts I used letters from both names to register the car as FURI. At the hillclimb the little car was just a shade quicker than an Austin Healy Sprite, but these times were at the slower end of the field.

A few months later Cliff had the bodywork from the scuttle back completed,

while I had fitted lights and cycle guards.

This was in time for me to drive the car to Kaitangata and compete at a grass track meeting on a farm at Wangaloa. On the way the engine was found to misfire when working hard but this was cured by calling at racer Bob Scott’s Kaitangata garage where he gave me a replacement second hand fuel pump and helped me fit it. The car completed all the races but with a stock 24 hp engine it was not very fast.

A little later Cliff loaned me his Ford Midget to compete in the beach racing at Nelson. This was New Year 1965. The performance of this car encouraged me to upgrade the FURI engine. A Ford 10 block was obtained which was rebored and the camshaft ground to a competition profile.

With new pistons, using the crankshaft, cylinder head and other bits from the Ford 8 engine along with a couple of SU carburettors, we were ready for a Waitati hill climb held that March. Enthusiasm

exceeded ability and the car nudged a bank on a tight corner which re-arranged the front geometry somewhat. I was still able to drive it home but the steering was a bit dodgy.

During repairs I thought that the car could be improved by using a swing axle front suspension similar to early Lotus and Buckler cars. A stronger Ford axle was cut in half, and by inverting the front spring mount on the Austin chassis a low pivot for this arrangement was achieved.

This reduced camber change on corners compared to most of the vehicles which used this form of suspension. The steering had to be substantially modified and as the tie rods were now in front of the axle centre-line this resulted in the radiator also being mounted further forward. As a result the appearance of original style radiator surround looked wrong. This suited me as I preferred a more modern

Beaded Wheels 35

appearance. Cliff relented and created a “Lotus clubman style” nose for the car.

While the body was being completed I talked Cliff into to selling me an aircraft cabin blower which he had and was unlikely to use. Fabricated brackets and manifolds for this were sent to a painter and were completed in time for another Hoopers Inlet hillclimb. It was fastest in the up to 1200cc class and was third overall.

About eight weeks later, at Nelson for New Year 1966, the car started five races and gained a first and a third. I was pleasantly surprised to be invited to participate in the race for the 15 fastest cars.

We were about half way through the main race on day one, when a lack of bump stops caused a rear radius arm to fail resulting in a damaged axle housing and a broken differential pinion shaft.

Upon return to Dunedin I was given a ‘34 Ford V8 differential from which I used the centre section. This was convenient because the Ford 8 one was too low geared due to the additional power of supercharging the engine. I spent the rest of my annual holiday at my workplace fabricating an independent rear suspension setup using the Ford rear hubs and outer part of the axles.

I entered FURI for a Teretonga club day after attending to some rear suspension issues encountered at a Taieri Airport grass track meeting. This was the first time I had raced on a sealed race track. In practice the Ford V8 diff ratio was found to be too high when using the original Austin 16 inch wheels. I had fitted 13 inch wheels on the front and when these were swapped to the rear the gearing was spot on. The only down side was that these rims were quite narrow and the car over-steered to such a degree that a report of the event in Motorman mentioned the “spectacular driving style of Jim Bennett”.

The following year I competed with FURI at ten speed events carrying out improvements to engine cooling and fitted 13 inch wheels all round (with widened rims). I also purchased a close ratio Ford 10 gearbox from Bob Scott which made the car more competitive. It usually finished within the top four fastest times at gravel surface hill-climbs and was often the fastest car in the up to 1200cc class. It performed creditably at grass track races and a beach race meeting at Karitane with one win per day at a number of events.

By 1967 the engine was becoming quite worn so I built another using the best parts from my old motor and other bits from Cliff’s midget supplies. An engine block, 36 Beaded Wheels

▲ Supercharged Triumph drag motor cycle of John Martin in action. The supercharger on the bike was previously fitted to FURI. This bike Is on permanent display in the transport section of the Otago Toitu Early Settlers Museum. ▼ FURI being driven by author at Hoopers Inlet hillclimb 1966.

▼ Author driving Ford Midget Hoopers Inlet hillclimb 1967. (Allan Dick image)

which had been re-sleeved, was obtained for “the price of a jug of beer”. I ported the block and fitted larger inlet valves.

Apprentice’s wages meant that corners were cut with consequences to follow.

Teretonga beckoned again and I was able to slip stream the fastback bodied Daimler SP250 of Eddie Lippart’s for several laps. I eventually overtook him exiting the Loop and promptly spun the car exiting the next corner because I was off the best racing line. The FURI did a 270 degree spin and stayed on the track ending up facing the correct way. We hadn’t lost too much speed so I was off after the Daimler again, but before I could get close there was a great whomp just as I was about to change gear. We were part way down the main straight with the engine doing 6,000 rpm and it cried enough!

I had used the crankshaft and connecting rods originally from the Ford 8, along with used main bearings which I had shimmed to take up some slack. Removing the sump revealed that the crankshaft had broken into four pieces. Pistons and rods had flailed around creating mayhem inside. The motor had stopped so suddenly that the flywheel bolts had all sheared off.

The block was ruined. Lesson learned.

A couple of months later I was required to do National Service in the Army, which curtailed my hobbies for several months.

I competed with the Midget at a couple

of events around this time. My five year apprenticeship was completed and the following year I married my girl friend Thelma. Subsequently family priorities and house ownership brought motor racing almost to a halt for the next 12 years.

The FURI, powered by a 100E engine, was still driven on the road occasionally and I eventually fitted it with a Vauxhall Wyvern engine, modified by using an MGB profile for the camshaft, twin SU carbs, re-machined and ported cylinder head etc.

I loaned the car to Cliff and later a cousin for a time and they used it as a daily driver.

Performance was about the same as the supercharged Ford and it was reliable.

The FURI was sold in 1973 to help finance the construction of a new house for us. Building and racing this car was great fun gaining me a lot of experience with both engineering and motor racing.

A number of life-long friendships were made during this time. Skills acquired encouraged me to try again some time later to see if I could do better. But that is another story.

Footnote: This first FURI is still in existence.

It was part of the Banks Peninsula Branch VCCNZ static display of vintage racing and sports cars at Ruapuna Skope 2021. It is currently undergoing restoration.

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

RALLY SNIPPETS s Central Otago: Midweek adventures.

MILLING AROUND Central Otago Branch Words Graham Taylor

Fantastic beasts and where to find them. Living in the Luggate area and fairly well acquainted with its history as the hub of the Upper Clutha District, I was part of the branch’s Wednesday group who were invited to check out the interior of the old Luggate flourmill.

This was opened in 1861 by Anderson and McIntosh to process oats, and later wheat, from the rich farmland of Mt Barker and Hawea Flat with one hundred bushels to the acre not uncommon. To quote from The Wanaka Story, “there was cause for

rejoicing when the new flourmill was opened at Luggate. It was built of stone three stories high”. Their advertisement read, “The mill is fitted with the latest machinery, and the utmost care will be exercised in the milling”.

In anticipation of the opening of the mill, large crops of wheat were grown throughout the district.

Our part on Wednesday was at the invitation of the mill’s owners Upper Clutha Transport, formerly WM Reid & Co 1905, then Reid’s Transport, to have a look through the former mill as it had been used as a workshop and parts storage for the transport company. My memory of the mill in the 1950s recalls that Reids were

also agents for Rover and Citroën cars at the time my father was agent for Austins at Hawea Flat and Bill Manson the Ford dealer in Wanaka. The shelves revealed little treasure, a Landrover cylinder head, some gaskets, bearings, bolts, and some early equipment. Most of the spares were for Volvo trucks. The shelves were made of oil and petrol boxes with well preserved Plume and other logos. These along with some of the old pulleys and tools were retained for future displays by Upper Clutha Transport. Hopefully the mill will have a new life as it is one of very few, and the only substantial historic building in the Upper Clutha District.

Beaded Wheels writers wanted

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.

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.

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: Bryan Abraham, John Henderson Beaded Wheels 37

BRAGGING RIGHTS THE BATTLE FOR BALCAIRN 2021 Banks Peninsula Branch Words and photos John McDonald

A fairly dry course greeted the organisers this year, so some regular stages weren’t used, and the dreaded Stop/Start was introduced to a couple. There was a good entry of 27 drivers, with a few new cars too, and the organisers had set out six events, rather than the usual five.

It was great to see Bill and Ben the Hot Rod men (aka the Molyneux brothers) in their matching Model A raceabouts, and Griffin Tucker was in the ex Graham Sword Bond/Morris Minor lowlight creation, a disastrous combination if ever there was one.

When Graham was competing, this tragic hybrid normally scored one or two, as it seldom got off the line, but this year it got a few fives and sixes, so some top level tuning had clearly taken place.

There was a new Morris 8 special driven by Kevin Mercer, and a Ford Prefect based offering courtesy of Warwick Marshall. Peter and Josh Thwaites had brought the E Type Cockroach down from Blenheim, and Alan Giles from Greymouth was in the ex-Avon Hyde Austin. Thomas Mauger, in the A7 that grandfather Warner put together many years ago was looking competitive, and told me he’s been coming to Balcairn as a spectator since he was about six, when he was a Mauger minor.

When Josh Thwaites effortlessly scored the maximum on event one, Flemings Flanders, the old hands looked thoughtful, and when father Peter did the same on Jelfs Shelf, it looked as though this was to be the year of the E Type Cockroach. But Thomas Mauger 38 Beaded Wheels

Knocked up during the 2020 Covid lockdown, this Model A based creation from the Molyneux brothers in full flight.

was already looking good, and of course the evergreen Avon Hyde was taking no prisoners. The Stop/Start on the final hill at Jelfs Shelf, did its job, and only a few got a maximum score. To watch the Dawber Pontiac plunge down the first hill on Jelfs Shelf, wheels locked and gaining speed was quite inspiring and the crowd loved it, showing their appreciation in their usual good natured banter.

Stage three, The Swamp, was great if you were an early runner, and a few lucky drivers got 20, but as the ruts deepened, progress slowed, and the Land Rover club were kept busy on towing duties.

One of the wonderfully unfair things about Balcairn is starting order, as often so much depends on it, and this stage proved that, with even the lighter cars getting stuck. There was quite a steep inverted V entry to the pond, and many cars bottomed out, leaving wheels waving in mid air, as exhaust pipes bore the brunt. George Kear wasn’t having a good day. The MG/Ford special he whipped up in his shed over lockdown was running on three, he slipped over in the mud, and his car kept getting stuck. To add insult to injury, son Fraser beat him on a few sections.

After lunch we went up yet another hill to a section we’ve only used once before. Section one was in a nicely muddy clay bottomed dam, with navigation a key component. Andrew Roxburgh in the Marshall Prefect achieved some alarming angles and required some very technical skills from two Land Rovers to extract him from the primeval ooze, and yet again, as the course cut up, the scores went down and the Land Rovers worked harder.

Hold my beer!

“Drive it like you stole it”, the Stevenson Austin under pressure.

We can do it!

The Dawber Pontiac runs down a marker post.

The same could be said for the next stage, which involved zigzagging across a sloping paddock with a bog down the middle.

There was a way through, but there is a bit of lemming in many competitors, as they cheerfully plunged thoughtlessly into the deepening ruts, and yet again, the Land Rover lads continued to show their skills. Avon Hyde, Thomas Mauger and Brad Govan showed that you could get to 14 or so if you applied some logic to the task in hand.

The final stage, Newells Nemesis was far too easy last year so the dreaded Stop/Start was used to keep egos in check. It proved most successful with no one, not even the big guns getting 20.

Some didn’t even manage the first turn, so the field was well spread out. Play over, the cars were trailered to the Anglers Arms in Sefton, where excuses were made, organizers blamed, and to hear the results. And they were convincing. A major victory for Thomas Mauger with 127 points, well clear of the rest of the field.

Avon Hyde was 2nd, with 103, and Allan Giles and Josh Thwaites shared 3rd, with 99 points each. It’s the first time Thomas has won the coveted Old Boot Trophy, following in the footsteps of Uncle Phil and grandfather Warner. Three generations competing in the same event is rather special; Thomas was thrilled with his victory, as were his parents, who were there to cheer him on. We look forward to seeing Thomas and his grandfather’s car defend the trophy in 2022.

Dave Trompetter swinging into the corners.

Beaded Wheels 39

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.

A TALE OF EARLY AA TROPHIES Whenever someone new visits the VCC Archive, I always make a point of showing them the two early Automobile Association cups that have been on loan from the Automobile Association to the Archive since early 2000.

One is dated 30/12/1910 and the other 15/3/1912.

First a little history on the original cup which was presented by Star Engineering of Wolverhampton England to the Canterbury Automobile Assn, as it was then known, (CAA) in 1908 for the Private Owners Class and was known as the Star Silver Cup and cost 105 Guineas. The rules

▲ N C Gilchrist. winner of the 1910 CAA Cup driving 15hp Talbot.

▲ N C Gilchrist, winner of the 1912 CAA Cup, driving a 26hp Minerva.

▲ Star Engineering Silver Cup.

40 Beaded Wheels

for the Canterbury Automobile Assn Reliability Trial were that, the Trial was timed from start to finish with points deducted for every minute the car was at rest. The objective was to make a nonstop run for each of the motoring days. An observer travelled with each entrant and deducted points from the 1000 points given at the beginning of the Trial. There was also a gold medal presented for the best fuel consumption.

Both of the cups were won by the same person, Neil C Gilchrist from Oamaru whose father was John Gilchrist 1830-1906, the 1st Mayor of Oamaru in 1866 for one year. He lived on 300 acres at Brookfield, a 17 room homestead at Waiareka west of Oamaru, which stayed in the family until 1965. Brookfield was used as a function centre, where in 1970 a 60th Anniversary dinner was held during a reenactment of the rally. Today it is known for its garden tours, Brookfield Gardens. Over the years the 1910 trial from Christchurch to Dunedin return, has been re-enacted in 1970, 1980, 1990 and 2010.

In the early 1900s Neil Gilchrist entered a number of reliability events with some success riding a 3 ½hp Triumph motorcycle.

In 1909 he was placed second in the CAA Reliability Trial driving a 15hp Talbot. On 30 December1910 the CAA Reliability Trial was a run from Christchurch to Dunedin and return, a distance of 503 miles with 12 cars entered. Neil C Gilchrist entered and won the Star Silver Cup plus the CAA cup for first prize, which is one of the cups featured in this article. He was driving his 15hp Talbot. On 15 March 1912 the CAA Reliability Trial was run from Christchurch to Hanmer

return (the long way) a total of 303 miles with 24 entrants. Once again N C Gilchrist Esq, was successful and won the event, this time driving his new 26hp Silent Knight Minerva. He won £150 plus the Star Cup, £30 plus the 2nd CAA cup that we have at the Archive as well as a gold medal. The inscription on the CAA cups reads, “Canterbury Automobile Assn, Private Owners Reliability Trial, 1st Prize awarded to 15Hp Talbot Owned and Driven by, Mr Neil C Gilchrist Esq, Dec 30th 1910,” the 1912 cup is similarly inscribed.

The rules stated that if the cup was won twice in succession or three times with intervals the winner would permanently retain the Star Silver Cup. At a meeting of the CAA on 27 March 1912 N C Gilchrist offered to donate a 50 guinea cup, to be known as the Gilchrist Cup and to be awarded at CAA Motoring Reliability Trials, with the following rules: Open to private owners of vehicles; driven by the owner; having highest aggregate marks for reliability and petrol

▲ N C Gilchrist, Star Silver Cup winner, 1912 Silent Knight Minerva.

consumption per ton miles; should be the winner.

The Star Silver Cup was donated to the AAC in 1952 by Neil’s sisters along with the two CAA first prize cups which are proudly displayed at the Archive, I assume the Star Silver Cup is still retained by the AA?

▲ Mt Cook camp with the field kitchen tents and Mt Sefton in background. Ron Jacobs, 1923 Ansaldo.

many years. For more detailed information about these rallies please refer to Beaded Wheels 68 Feb 1971 pages 14-17 for the 1910 Reliability Trial and Beaded Wheels 201 April 1993 pages 34-36. for the 1912 Reliability Trial. Both these issues are well documented with entrant and diary information. Copies are available on the club website at vcc.org.nz An update to the Unsung Heroes in Beaded Wheels 371, I have had many phone calls. I was pleased to hear from Derek Upton who was one of the field kitchen staff. I mentioned to him about the camp and field kitchen tent at Mt Cook under Mt Sefton, his reply was, yes, the tent was fine for a while, until a strong gust of wind blew the tent down. Driving tent pegs into a glacier is not the best place to erect a large tent. David North from Gore Branch informed me that one of the Gore Branch Patrons, Neil McVicar, was the Shell tanker driver at the 1965 Rally and is still very active in local VCC events. I also sent a copy of the Beaded Wheels report of the 1965 Haast Rally to a member to read to his unwell father. It was nice to renew old memories.

If you would like to see these cups at the Archive, please give me a call.

LEITH NEWELL

Leith Newell, one of our great motoring historians, wrote many interesting motoring articles in Beaded Wheels over

Don Muller Archivist archivist@vcc.org.nz

PROVENANCE IS EVERYTHING THIS 1958 WOLSELEY HAS IT IN SPADES Words and photos Lee Brehaut Our 1958 Wolseley 1500 (Wilma as it is known), was bought to use on Wolseley Club runs while our 6/90 Wolseley is being fully restored. It came with the original ownership papers which indicated it had been in the same family in Masterton from 1961 to 2000. We bought this car in 2016 and I have developed a strong attachment to it. Having the same car for such a long time indicated to me a similar emotional attachment by the original owner and so began my search several years ago to find the family of Myrtle Lee. I wanted them to know their old car was much loved and still on the road. My research came to a halt when I found a death notice which I felt was Myrtle’s.

As time has gone by my interest in finding any relatives has been rekindled.

An approach to the Wairarapa Times Age earlier this year resulted in an article being printed with a photo of the car and my email address. I F=fairly quickly received a response giving me Mrs Lee’s daughter’s name. This clue brought me to the possibility that this lady may be in a retirement home in Levin. I then emailed a number of retirement homes with as much information as I had available, including the newspaper article, asking if they had a person of this name and if so could they show her the article. Blow me down! I got a response within a couple of hours. A staff member at one of the rest homes saw my email and personally knew the Lee family and immediately alerted Mrs Lee’s granddaughter in Christchurch.

Her email read “Good News! My grandmother Myrtle Lee owned your car and I still have a few old photos of it from when we were young children, as well as some stories. I will see if I can find them and send them to you. It is lovely to see the car so well loved - our Granny took such great care of it until it was sold.”

Since receiving this email in March we have now travelled 1350 miles in the

Wolseley (spending only $300 on petrol), attending a bi-annual Wolseley rally in the Wairarapa. Our intention was to take a bigger car bought especially for that rally, but with unknown engine issues unable to be resolved in time, and the 6/90 project still a work in progress, it was Wilma’s time to shine. This then gave us an opportunity to meet up with Myrtle’s grandson Peter, in Masterton while on the rally, and granddaughter Julie in Christchurch on our way home to Oamaru.

Between us all we now have all ownership records, a copy of the purchase docket, (bought in 1961 for £845), and early photos. We can now add photos of both grandchildren standing beside it and have heard stories of trips to the beach, picnics and memories of them travelling in their Granny’s car as children and of Grandad’s hats in the back window.

We were told that over a period of time the car was garage stored and only brought out for a wash and a test drive to ensure the battery was still in good order. This being the case, we are now reasonably confident the mileage, having clicked over 100,000 miles on our trip, is original. A subsequent owner had the car reupholstered and painted in its original colour scheme.

Looking into the future, the car will continue to be well loved, cared for and driven regularly for a good few years yet.

From supermarket car parks and the like to sitting parked anywhere or just being driven, it draws great comments, thumbs up and waves, and reminds people of (often shared) happy memories of their own experiences with Wolseleys and in particular 1500s.

Mt Taranaki in background.

Lee and Julie Wenham.

Beaded Wheels 41

VERO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF HISTORIC MOTORING

You will remember that in June we ran an incentive for entrants to register early. This was so well received with a notable boost in registrations, that we ran a similar incentive in July.

REGISTRATIONS.

While registrations closed at the end of August, we will still accept late entries, so if you are yet to decide on whether to enter or not, there is still time. Don’t miss out on what will be a great event and quite possibly the last of this type of VCC event in the foreseeable future.

At the time of writing, the vintage and post vintage era of vehicles make up the largest groups currently registered.

COVID CANCELLATION POLICY

The recent level 4 Covid lockdown is a reminder to us that Covid restrictions can eventuate at any time.

The Festival Committee has always been aware that the International Festival of Historic Motoring could be affected by a Covid outbreak. Discussions with the VCC Management Committee prior to the current lockdown, have resulted in the decision being made that if the VERO International Festival of Historic Motoring is cancelled due to Covid, a full refund of entry fees will be provided.

CAMPER VANS

A reminder 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 VEHICLE IDENTITY CARDS

Please remember that it is mandatory for entrants to have a current Vehicle Identity Card (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. The forms for applying for an VIC are available on line from the VCC website. If you have any problems down loading or

42 Beaded Wheels

completing these forms, please contact your branch secretary for assistance.

MERCHANDISE, EVENING MEALS AND FESTIVAL DESTINATION LUNCHES

Merchandise and food are available on a pre order basis as a way to keep the costs at a reasonable level. In the next few weeks order forms will be sent to all entrants pertaining to ordering merchandise and booking meals at the Festival HQ The order form for merchandise will give full details of the products available. The clothing items will have options for size and colour. As the clothing is being supplied by a NZ based corporate clothing distributor, English sizing will be applicable.

These items will be available for collection on site during registration at the Festival HQ on Sunday 16th January.

FOOD PRE ORDERING

Evening Meals – The order form will show evening menus, including desert, and costs for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, evenings. Dietary requirements will be catered for.

Lunches – Lunches can be pre-ordered for Monday, Wednesday and for those who travel to Whangamomona on Thursday. These will take the form of a packed lunch and will be supplied by local community groups.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is still available, however if you haven’t booked yet we recommend you get in as soon as possible.

Remember our sponsors, Plymouth Hotel and Auto Lodge, and don’t forget to tell them you are attending the VERO International Festival of Motoring.

ENTERTAINMENT

In my last report I announced the entertainment programme and the outlined the themes for each night. Now would be a good time to start preparing your costume for each of these nights.

Remember also, for the Inglewood Street Party we request that you dress in the era of your vehicle to add to the ambience of the event for entrants and the public alike.

UPCYCLING FOR MY DOTAGE DEN

BETTERIDGE’S BASEMENT Words and photos Ray Betteridge

After 42 years my wife, Tasi, and I decided to downsize. Our large family home had accumulated the requisite detritus of family progression, so a cull would be necessary if we were to fit in the smaller house. We had some time to plan the move and Tasi said I could have some basement space for myself in the next residence.

I would create a den for my dotage and I had time to prepare, but firstly, I needed to find out when dotage occurs. So I went to our Concise English Oxford Dictionary. This has presided over Scrabble wars for decades with aplomb. I will not tell you what it said, suffice to say that the said volume is now in the recycling bin and, disgusted, I have started this project with some urgency.

First I needed a desk, so down to the basement where currently only mice and spiders live. I gathered some wood — 8x4 and 4x3 Jarrah and 6x1 matai tongue and groove and I soon created a robust desk. The legs looked rather lonely so I returned to the basement and found a rusty pipe and two Model A axles. With these added and some elbow grease it was complete. Now a chair. I had a new office chair I had bought for a song from that Aussie bloke in Lower Hutt (Harvey somebody). It was cheap because the gas strut was defunct so I discarded the whole undercarriage, retaining only the castors.

I then returned to the basement. I collected a Model A crankshaft, a V8 flywheel, five Model A conrods and a Model A diff carrier bearing.

I had soon created a substantial chair. I may patent the design as it has some unique features - too heavy to steal and the castors form a deep and lasting relationship with the carpet.

Well, onwards, some high cupboards had lost their support so I plunged downwards yet again to return with two Model A pistons and a piece of Otis Goods Lift guide rail (everyone has some of this at home). With this made up and fitted the cupboards can now carry vast tonnages and the guide rail doubles as a coat rail.

I had also, on one of my downwards trips, found some spare V8 exhaust valves that proved ergonomically excellent for cupboard door knobs.

Well, onwards again, looking upwards, lighting was limited — a single incandescent bulb. Tasi is big on chandeliers so that gave me some inspiration. I plunged yet again and found a Model A wire wheel (admittedly a bit manky). I slung this up to the ceiling with chains. Sadly it lacked panache. I had a brainwave and ascended, with trepidation, to the lofty heights where Tasi presided and crept in cap in hand. The negotiation went something like this:

“Dearest…you know that Victorian Girondelle that has graced the mantlepiece for forty odd years, well we will no longer have a mantlepiece, perhaps I could use that for my chandelier.”

To my amazement my wish was readily granted (I cringe to think of the repercussions later when the debt is called in).

Now armed with these lustres, a few more baubles from a Shady Lady in Lower Hutt, and some of that newfangled LED stuff I created a 1929 Model A chandelier which is truly magnificent.

I had in my downward travels found four V8, and one Model A, headlight rims. I have 5 Fords so these became picture frames to grace a blank wall.

With the doors painted Ford Blue, it is truly a paradise for discerning automotive afficionados. (I still have half a crankshaft that will make a useful desk light at some stage).

So, my vintage friends, be warned, dotage sneaks up quietly and you need to be on your toes and upcycle those old car parts before your kids fire them off to the tip. Then, with a bit of imagination and lateral thinking you never know what creative skills may have lain dormant for decades!

Beaded Wheels 43

BOOK REVIEWS HUMBER CARS: THE POST-WAR YEARS

Stephen Lewis.

Amberley Publishing 2021.

ISBN 978-1-44569758-1 Reviewed by Mark Holman Author Stephen Lewis obviously is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Humber person, and it shows in the contacts he’s been able to draw on and the material to which he’s had access in putting together this 96-page softcover book.

THE EARLY YEARS OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE IN AUCKLAND

Barry Birchall Soft cover, 251 pages Published by Barry Birchall ISBN978-0-473-57917-3 Reviewed by Kevin Clarkson Barry has covered the subject matter extremely thoroughly and in an easy to read manner.

The book covers the decades from the beginning of the motor vehicle in Auckland right through to the outbreak of WWII. There are many period photographs throughout the book and these really add another dimension and give the reader a hint of the harsh reality of those early motoring days!

He covers a wide range of subjects apart from those early cars. Included is information about the garages, the importers, early publications, regulations, taxes, motor sport and the petroleum industry to name a few. Barry has obviously done some massive research and it shows. Part of the book is devoted to people in the industry and there are many household names there.

A very interesting read and a book that can be picked up and read from cover to cover as I did, or just a section at a time.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and even though I am not from Auckland I still related to the stories and the people therein.

Not a book just for Aucklanders.

To get a copy contact Barry on 09 818 8755 or barrybirchall@ xtra.co.nz. $40 without postage or $50 including P and P.

44 Beaded Wheels

The various Hawks and Super Snipes, together with their up-market Pullman and Imperial versions, were standalone models. Lewis covers their development well, and has included experimental department models, royal tour cars, special bodies for newspaper delivery vans, rallying exploits, overseas assembly and the like. The cars came in two very different guises: referred to here as the ‘Mark Cars’ and the ‘Series Cars’.

By 1967 though, their days were over, partly I guess because of competition from the likes of Rover and Ford Zodiacs.

The latter part of the book deals with the Sceptre, introduced in 1963. Unlike the bigger cars, this was an example of Rootes badge-engineering as the Sceptres largely were based on the Hillman Super Minx (Humber 90) and later the Hunter, with more luxurious fittings as befitted the Humber name. The last Sceptre rolled off the line in 1976; the end of an illustrious marque.

Well written and with plenty of photos and advertising extracts, this is a must for Humber fans but anyone with an interest in post-war British cars is also likely to find it of real interest.

RAY STONE - PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT: There’s No Such Thing As She’ll Be Right

Written and published by Gordon Campbell, 2020.

Hard cover, 474 pages ISBN 978-0-473-53813-2 Reviewed by Mark Holman After his excellent book Master Mechanic (about Bruce Wilson), Gordon Campbell has now given us another very good read about a local motor sport personality who is less wellknown than he deserves to be: Ray Stone. In fact, Ray was so involved in motor sport and performance enhancement in myriad ways that this book is almost a mini-history of local motor racing and rallying from 1960 to the mid-’80s.

Ray’s involvement as a mechanic with racing singleseaters and saloons around the country brought him in contact with drivers as diverse as John Mansel, Paul Fahey, Bill Thomasen and Richard Brocklehurst. Ray was a key member of the Masport and Woolmark outfits, with drivers local and international such as Mike Marshall and Ari Vatanen.

The book also covers his years with John Andrew Ford and the Superford brand.

This book is thoroughly researched, well written and very nicely-produced, with a good selection of photos that remind you of Ray Stone’s involvement with everything from 250F Maseratis and fastback Anglias to GTHO Falcons, Mk I and II rally Escorts and the JPS BMWs at the Wellington street races. And, as a nice extra touch, it comes with a replica of the Boss Andy Superford sticker.

THE ROAD TO THE FUTURE: AN ELECTRIC PIONEER AND HIS MAGNIFICENT BATTERY CARS.

Written and published by Viv Walker ISBN 978-0-473-53813-2 Reviewed by Christine Coomber How timely is this newly released children’s picture book, reminding us that there is nothing new about electric cars powered by battery !

The Road to the Future is historical fiction, inspired by New Zealander Ambrose Reeves Harris, an electrical engineer who had worked with inventor Thomas Edison in the USA, and was so convinced about the future of electricity for transport that he imported 200 electric vehicles into Christchurch from 1918. This was a mere 20 years from the first petrol engine cars arriving in New Zealand.

The book, suitable for the primary school age groups, is initially set in Wellington in 1898 when the first cars arrive from Paris. The story moves forward 20 years to Christchurch, where Viv Walker develops the story through two characters who drive delivery vans in Christchurch. Delivery driver Mr O’Hare bets a hot pie that his petrol engine truck can make deliveries in half the time of Mr Harris’s electric vehicle. Who wins the race?

Viv Walker ‘s delightful illustrations bring the story to life and vividly depict life in New Zealand in the early nineteenth century and the wonders of new technology.

The last four pages are a reference section, including a biography of Ambrose Reeves Harris , photographs of his Detroit electric car, and Walker electric truck (owned today by Orion Energy). This is a book to enjoy with your grandchildren, and should be on the shelves of all school and public libraries.

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 1932 MG. F1 MAGNA. Some restoration work completed, mainly woodwork. Much info on hand.

Pics emailed. $22,000. Rushmore Motors Ltd 027 2245 045 inc a/h.

1929 STANDARD MODEL GUARDS for sale or swap. Front guards in good order, rear guards need repair. Swap for rear hub and brake drum to get me going. Phone Arthur Warren 03 217 9378 or 027 632 2389 MEM SOUTHLAND

Advise national office of any changes of 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

MODEL A PARTS i ncluding petrol tank (lhd), quail BALANCING BALANCING BALANCING, radiator cap and more. Phone Robert 027 444 We can balance most vintage and single 1333.

MEM HOROWHENUA cylinder engines, fans, driveshafts etc. Work CARBURETTOR RECONDITIONING including is carried out on a modern digital machine. classic and performance makes. 40 plus years M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, trade experience. Free advice. Contact Graeme Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: Tulloch, Tulmac Carburettor Specialists on 027 info@mscoombes.co.nz 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 PERSONALISED PLATES , Roadster $1900 ono.

Would suit any delux sports convertible. Phone Hamish 021 144 8811. MEM CENTRAL OTAGO

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

PISTON RINGS FOR SALE in sets or individually MAGNETO AND COIL WINDING SERVICES Magneto in most sizes from 1920s to 1990s. Phone John 06 repairs, coil rewinding, work guaranteed. We buy and sell magnetos of all types except aircraft.

751 5554, email megandjohnny@xtra.co.nz.

728 Waimutu Road, RD2 Marton 4788.

MEM TARANAKI Phone Warwick 06 327 3849, 027 281 8066, TYRES – STOP PRESS – All future orders for walandlynn@farmside.co.nz

MEM new classic and vintage tyres from USA will be PENRITE OILS W e carry a large range from increased by 10%. Existing stock at old prices. Most vintage to modern engines. Gearbox, diff, sizes available, cross ply, black and whitewalls, SU dashpot and water pump grease. some second-hand. Will be at Canterbury Branch M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Swap Meet. Site No.153. Phone Jack 03 352 6672 Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: Cell Phone 0274 322041. info@mscoombes.co.nz USED TRUCK PARTS off early English, Canadian and Landrover. Enquiries with your contact details to PO Box 2011, Stoke or email historictransportmuseum@gmail.com with details of parts required. Higgins Park, Wakefield, Nelson.

GOT VIBRATION PROBLEMS?

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 45

MARKET PLACE

1925 STUDEBAKER STANDARD SIX Deceased estate. Restored before being stored for 25 years.

Good condition upholstery, body paint flaking off.

Candidate for oily rag resto. Motor running, new 6v battery, new coil, plugs, leads, fan belt. Rare car, 4 wheel hydraulic brakes. Dead rego. Don’t know value, open to offers. Phone Craig 027 499 3004. MEM BOP

2 COMMERCIAL VARIANT AUSTIN CHAMPS for sale. One completely stripped with reconditioned motor. The other a parts donor still completely assembled. Only 350 made split between Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. On market due to ill health. Photo is of military version. Contact Geoff 03 541 8537 MEM CANTERBURY

MINI ENGINE WITH GEARBOX AND RADIATOR .

Turns over and was previously running when mounted on a stand as a demonstration at school. $50. Phone/message Allan at 027 372 1563, email cole.makarau@gmail.com.

MEM AUCKLAND

1928 BUICK MODEL 24X STANDARD 6 roadster body, restored rolling chassis. 2x 1928 Buick rolling chassis with full drivelines. 1927 engine in sedan body, 2nd chassis 1928 engine donor. 30 years of collected parts stored undercover, multiple engines, and parts. Bruce Roberts, bruceakroberts@gmail. com for details inc your phone number. M EM NELSON

FLINT TOURER 1926. A ctually badge engineered Rugby model R. 6 cylinder motor, new pistons and whitemetal bearings, new rear body tub.

Everything is there, needs completion $10,000.

Ph Grant 027 378 6149. MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY

1969 MG MGCGT 2,912 cc, 6 cylinders, 125mph.

A rare opportunity to obtain the very collectable 6 cylinder C model. In lovely condition, travelled only approx 5,500 miles on a recond. engine and gearbox. Tartan red , black interior, wires. Contact John Bain Ph. 027 274 5279, fazazz@fazazz. co.nz Fazazz The Motorists Shop Ltd. ChCh.

1928 BUICK MODEL 27X STANDARD 6 SEDAN much loved family car. Completed cosmetic restoration and mechanical as required 23 years ago. Ready for rallying or general driving, an attention grabber wherever you go. Rego on hold. $19,900. Contact Bruce Roberts bruceakroberts@gmail.com for more details including your phone number. MEM NELSON

1987 HOLDEN COMMODORE VL GTS Original car inside AND out. Genuine GTS 5-speed RB30 engine, 1 of 300. NZ assembled specials 156,000 kms, rego on hold. Stored for last 10 years $26,000 Ph 027 839 0935, craythornegavin@gmail.com MEM CANTERBURY

1946 FORD SUPER DELUXE CONVERTABLE, LHD. Fully documented restoration. Current Rego and WoF. Exceptionally clean and tidy. Phone Bruce Jefferies 07 378 4774 Taupo. MEM TAUPO

THE ABOVE PLATE is for a special car, $400, ph Howard Tiddy. 027 236 8386. MEM WAIKATO

SUNBEAM PARTS gauges, air pumps, fuel filter, Daimler gauge, tail lights, Bosch coil, cam followers, m/c gas light and much more. Ph 07 348 4227.

MEM ROTORUA

46 Beaded Wheels

1927 AUSTIN CLIFTON TOURER 12/4 N ew front tyres, new clutch, rebuilt gearbox, magneto replaced with distributor for ease of starting.

Metal trunk mounted on rear luggage rack. Older restoration 1993. Ideal Art Deco Car. $25,000.

Ph Kevin 0274 535 970, ktwest55@gmail.com

MARKET PLACE

SUNBEAM TALBOT MK2A 1952, f or sale as is where is. Due to Christchurch earthquake changed circumstances. Not registered or warranted.

Complete car with rare factory floor gear change conversion. Many mechanical and body spare parts. Garaged for 40 years. Offers. Ph Graeme 027 227 3496

VINTAGE ENGINE SHORT BLOCKS We can in most cases rebuild your short block using modern shell bearings, new pistons and rebuilt oil pump.

Please contact us for more information.

M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ halogen bulbs. info@mscoombes.co.nz WORKSHOP MANUALS, o wners handbooks, Replace your existing bulbs without rewiring automotive books. 1920-2010. Phone 04 567 5979. the headlamp assemblies. Up to 100% brighter

MEM WELLINGTON than your existing Tungsten bulbs. Will fit most reflectors fitted to Pre & Post war cars VELOSOLEX New and Used parts for your and motorbikes. Also available in single Solex contact Gary phone 0274 342 934 or filament 55 watt P22 & BA15 bases for use garymt1941@gmail.com MEM CANTERBURY in spotlamps and mechanical dip reflectors.

Most bases and configurations available in VINTAGE CAR REPAIRS 6v & 12v. Further info: Norm & Jan Sisson, All Classic and Vintage Car restoration. sole NZ Agent. Phone 027 311 6563 , Amuri • Panel making • Wooden body repairs, Motorcycles, 2C Birmingham Drive, Christchurch.

Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz • Bumpers and moulding repair

Vintage Car Club Annual invoices moving to email

• Competitive hourly rate.

Unit 1 11 Penn Place, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch

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.

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, CLASSIC & ODDBALL ENGINES. We can supply piston sets for most makes and models. All piston sets come complete with rings and gudgeons.

We have over 700 listings at competitive prices.

M S COOMBES LTD 344 ST ASAPH ST, CHRISTCHURCH Ph: 03 366 7463 E: info@mscoombes.co.nz

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 47

MARKET PLACE

RTC SINGLE SEATER F rangipani chassis, six cylinder Vanguard engine stroked to 2500cc, Standard Motors 4 speed gearbox with Laycock overdrive. Has competed at all the South Island circuits since the 1990s and is a successful and very well sorted car. $30,000 Phone John 021 169 7885, john@penno.nz

MG M TYPE 1930, project, Registration (MG1) on hold, rebuilt motor, rebuilt wheels, 2 gearboxes, axles, various body valances, petrol tank, dash board and instrument panel, wood frame and guards partially finished, and many more bits, no radiator or surround. Offers over $3000 to Dren Errington ph 03 942 0251 MEM BANKS PENINSULA

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

1937 GRAHAM SUPERCHARGER Super rare, desirable vehicle. Easy to maintain, recent complete brake overhaul. Imported to NZ new and only 4 owners, a very driveable vehicle. $28,500.

Phone 027 558 3581. MEM WAIMATE

2006 MERCEDES BENZ 280 SLK CONVERTIBLE with folding hardtop. 230hp 3L V6, 7 speed tiptronic gearbox. 130,000 km, just been fully serviced. Four new tyres. Reg and WoF to May 2022. $12,500 ono.

John 03 310 7056, coomber@xtra.co.nz MEM CANTY

1999 TRANSIT CAMPER, f or sale or trade with small caravan to tow with 1500, or classic commercial, <$8000. 2.5 L turbo, diesel, manual, 5 speed.

270,000 km. 3 way fridge, fresh & grey tanks, CB. Professional rust repairs. SC until Nov 2023. WoF, EWoF & reg. $22,500ono. Mike 027 753 2038, rootesgpnz@gmail.com MEM NELSON

HERCUS LATHE (SOUTH BEND) 9 ”Swing. Complete with parts list and operating books. Metric/ imperial screw cutting gears, 3 and 4 jaw chucks and tools. 1Hp Vickers motor or original 3 phase motor. John Bryant Email- jbryvelo@gmail.com 09 4456 483 MEM AUCKLAND

FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY for discerning collectors. Rare 1924 Rickenbacker Model C roadster for sale to the right buyer. 6 cylinder, 4 wheel brakes, original factory gearbox & electrics, 117” wheel base. Only known Rickenbacker built as a RHD from US factory. Contact emma.aitken73@ gmail.com or phone 027 565 0686.

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

Postal delivery extra. Will be at Canterbury Branch Swap Meet, site no. 153. Phone Jack 03 352 6672, 0274 322 041 Christchurch. MEM CANTERBURY

1938 JAGUAR SS100 (Suffolk replica).

Manufactured 1988/89, imported by us in 2010.

3.4 litre, 4 speed manual OD on top, 72 spoke enamelled 18 inch wheels, 17000 miles. Inc: aeroscreens, tonneau cover, side-screens, luggage rack, (Not mascot). WOF and reg. Price negotiable.

Mike 0274 329 243. MEMCENTRAL OTAGO

NISSAN RING GEAR for SD22 diesel engine as fitted to 1980 Datsun 220C manual $50. Email: davide.mayhew@gmail.com

1930 DODGE DC 8 BROTHERS 8 Cylinder. Good condition. Current WoF & Reg. Based in Invercargill.

For enquiries and to request more photos, please contact lizmck@yahoo.co.nz. $25.000. MEM

MEM BANKS PENINSULA

48 Beaded Wheels

SOUTHLAND

MARKET PLACE

NEW MODEL A FORD SHOCK ABSORBERS Precision manufactured in NZ. They are fully adjustable and work as per the originals, $322 each. Spark plug reducers available either 7/8” to 14mm or 18mm to 14mm Ph 03 359 0565 or 0211 289 252 or www.vintagefordparts.co.nz

MEM CANTERBURY

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

1937 DODGE D5 SEDAN. Reg and WoF. Clutch renewed two years ago. Brake work three years ago. 12v alternator, electric fuel pump, carb rebuilt 2020. Radial tyres with heaps of tread. A good runner. Used regularly. Contact Rushmore Motors.

027 2245 045 inc a/h.

1926 ESSEX 6 – 2 DOOR COACH. Total restoration.

Reg and WoF. Starts and stops well. Two new tyres, recon. oil pump, new babbit work. $15,750.

Marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd where old cars go to live. 027 2245 045 inc a/h.

PEUGEOT 202 A very nice example and the only one in NZ. Featured in Classic Driver August 2013. Article available on request. 82,357 km. Car imported from The Netherlands. Michelin tyres, new battery (August 2020). Rego on hold, WoF upon sale [202 BH] plate can be sold separately. Offers. Sven Slager, sven@ slager.co.nz 027 769 5919 MEM TARANAKI

1930 HUMBER DROP HEAD COUPÉ $42,000.

Travelled 6,500 miles since 1994. Ex. Coventry works on 27/06/1930. 2110cc, straight 6, OISE or F head. 4 speed right hand gate. 16 RAC hp and 50 bhp, 1550Kg. 4 wheel Bendix Duoservo efficient mechanical brakes. 12V negative earth. Rushmore Motors. 027 2245 045 inc a/h.

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

Photo Graham Bailey

Vehicles, motorcycles or trucks from 1890 to 1990 are club eligible. Or just join us and grab a ride with another member.

visit www.vcc.org.nz for more details.

Beaded Wheels 49

MARKET PLACE

WANTED 1938 DODGE COUPE H eadlamp lens (Riteway), grille center, crankhold cover, wings, outer door handles, ram emblem for bumper. Any other parts you may have. Phone Dave 09 818 5631.

BRASS ERA SPEEDOMETER c irca 1910 – 12.

English make. Preferably in working order. Phone Bruce Hutchinson, 027 472 5010 or 07 573 6197, lorien@farmside.co.nz MEMBER BAY OF PLENTY GENERATOR w anted for 1951 MGTD. Lucas Model C39PV complete with commutator end plate to take tachometer reduction box. Ph John 027 434 2666, email johng@dbay.co.nz MEM CENTRAL OTAGO 12V LUCAS CUTOUT t o suit a late 20s Austin 12/4. Please note that this is NOT part of a a regulator. It is just a cutout. Also looking for advice from anyone who has successfully got a vintage car through the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association Certification process for a vehicle in the VCC category Scratch Built Historic Replica (Period Special C4 ). That is basically a vintage car with a replica chassis. Any help much appreciated.

Paul Hicks, 09 425 7015, Hicks.family@xtra.co.nz

MEM WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH

ZENITH CARBURETTOR as pictured. Sidedraft with 11 ⁄ 8 inch bore. Needed to complete restoration of veteran vehicle. Contact Paul 0274 463 908 or 06 844 2912. MEM HAWKE’S BAY

1963 PLYMOUTH Belvédère LHS front park/ indicater light complète or chrome surround and lense. Graeme Whiteman 0274 366 358 or kamoagain@gmail.com MEM FAR NORTH

1929/30 MARQUETTE b y Buick bonnet. I do not need a complete bonnet. The minimum needed is LUCAS HEADLIGHT GLASS. To complete LISTER SHEARING PLANT PTO driven wanted as left side top panel. Phone Peter 0272 816 050 restoration of my Morris 25. Phone 021 415 850. per photo to suit old Land Rover. Also wanting PTO

MEM AUCKLAND

MEM CANTERBURY unit, attachments, engine governor, winch etc.

1980S HYUNDAI PONY, sedan or ute parts, or whole car, particularly motor, bonnet, and upholstery for restoration project.

Ph 027 435 1325 or 03 3276 701 and leave a message, Barry Browning MEM CANTERBURY

Ph 03 329 5158. MEM BANKS PENINSULA

CUCCIOLO BIKE 48CC PUP in good order MK 1 JAGUAR SALOON in good condition. Also with handchange gears preferred. Sprung 1970s/1980s square AA South Canterbury badge forks and balloon tyres.

Phone for a Timaru car. John 03 3107056. MEM CANTERBURY AUSTIN A40 DEVON p arts wanted. Anything Richard 03 383 Sunbeam Talbot 2077 SINGER GAZELLE 3 SERIES or Austin A40 Farina considered. Also A40 workshop manual reasonably MEM CANTERBURY MK2. Must be registered and have WoF. Please priced. Phone Rex 027 667 7100.

FORD ESCORT SPORT MK2 SPEEDO and rev phone Kelvin 0274 975 208. MEM WAIKATO

MEM MARLBOROUGH counter dash cluster in good order. Contact Greg AUSTIN A40 FARINA WANTED. S uitable for ph 0274 318 058, email elderlea@xtra.co.nz STARTER MOTOR AND GENERATOR FAN for a 1927 Fiat 503. Phone 06 758 8380, tqman66@ restoration any condition. Phone 027 516 1509 MEM GORE gmail.com Royce Bayer, royce.bayer@xtra.co.nz

MEM BANKS PENINSULA

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS

MG TD?

THE SEARCH FOR MG TD REG 815.909 / AF1122

Dashboard non-standard in this MG.

50 Beaded Wheels

I am searching for this 1952/3 MGTD owned and restored by me in early 1960s. See my letter on page 8 for more details or contact me if you can help.

Errol Chave Phone: 03 4738 260, 027 652 6633 Email: chave@xtra.co.nzç

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

SWAPMEETS AND RALLIES STATIONARY ENGINE any type or condition, going or not. Phone Wayne 027 688 6457.

MEM SOUTH CANTY

NORTH OTAGO BRANCH

ANNUAL WINDSOR RALLY

STEERING BOX AND COLUMN W anted for a 1952 A40. Allan Brown 021 306 919 .

MEM NELSON SKILLED TRADESMAN wanted to help long-term owner finish the restoration of my 1963 Aston Martin DB4 Vantage. 1 of 3 in New Zealand.

Patience and experience in the reassembly of classic cars are essential. Working in my home workshop in Maunu, Whangarei. Ideally a semiretired person locally who would like to work 1-2 days a week in a relaxed manner focused on quality. I would also consider a less experienced younger person wanting to gain experience working on exotic alloy bodied classic cars. Please call to discuss various options as very flexible.

Reply to Marcus 021 091 93218 or marcusbishopaston@gmail.com MEM NORTHLAND TWO WHEEL RIMS w anted for P4 Rover 100 in good condition. Phone 021 420 707, Whangarei.

SATURDAY 4 DECEMBER 2021

Entries Close November 24th Departing from Historic Precinct Area, Tyne Street, Oamaru Come and enjoy North Otago’s rolling hinterland Contact Windsor Rally organisers for entry forms Late Entries will be accepted but participants cannot be competitive.

Derek Brehaut 021 390 518 Email:- windsorrally@gmail.com PO Box 360, Oamaru 9444

MEM NORTHLAND

1 – 3 NOVEMBER 2021

WANTED TO BUY A30 OR A35 old school modified that was used as a racing car. Will consider all options 0275 440 406. Graham MEM BAY OF PLENTY

2021   FOUNDERS

BUICK 1938 SPECIAL SUN VISOR WANTED external, also, dash map glass with special etched on it and any other parts. Please phone Merv 09 276 0439, mervyoungltd@gmail.com

MEM AUCKLAND

PRINCE HENRY TOUR P

CROMWELL-RANFURLYCROMWELL

With three days of Veteran motoring from Cromwell to Ranfurly and return.

Start 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!

Organiser: Nevin Gough, easttaieri@yahoo.com or 021 115 0312

CHEQUES NO LONGER ACCEPTED

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!

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

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS

Please advise National Office of any changes of address or sales/purchases of vehicles.

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

Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts Sponsored by

Vintage Bentleys

Early Ford V8 1932-45 will be the 2022 HBVCC Art Deco Rally Featured Marque Beaded Wheels 51

WAIKATO VINTAGE

SWAPMEET KARAPIRO DOMAIN, CAMBRIDGE

Sunday 21 November 2021 Gates open 7am • Public Entry $5 • Sites $10 • Children under 12 Free Commercial sites $50 Organised by Waikato Branch of VCC and Waikato Vintage Tractor & Machinery Club

Enquiries Ph Jeremy Brook 07 824 1641, George Gardner 07 839 1822

For more information visit www.wvvcc.co.nz

COVID This event will not take place if the Waikato is in alert level 2 or above

CANTERBURY BRANCH

NEW DATES

Saturday 26 February 2022 Swap Meet starts at 7.00 a.m.

Entry: Sellers $10.00 Buyers/Browsers $5.00 Children (under 12) Free

8, 9 & 10 OCTOBER 2021 21 0 2 R E EMB V O N 8 2 , 7 2 , 26 Cutler Park – McLeans Island Road Friday/Saturday 9am-4.30pm, Sunday 9am-2pm Admission Friday, Saturday and Sunday $5 per day or $10 for a three day pass Accompanied school children free

Vintage Car Display - Car Parts Old & New - Motoring Books & Manuals Collectibles – Bric-a-Brac Refreshments – Sausage Sizzle – Bacon Butties

Venue: Wellsford/Warkworth Vintage Car Clubrooms Satellite Station Rd –off SH 1 – 3km south of Warkworth All enquiries to 021 277 9010 or wellsfordwarkworth@vcc.org.nz

NORTH OTAGO SWAP MEET 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

For information email swapmeetsites@gmail.com

Hot Food and Coffee available

Check our branch website for up-to-date Covid information

Enter your Vintage, Classic Car or Hot Rod in the Show & Shine

www.canterburybranchvintagecarclub.org.nz 52 Beaded Wheels

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

Swap Meet Gore

TRADE DIRECTORY

Swap Meet And Boot Sale

Personal Service

SUNDAY 13 MARCH 2022

Chevrolet Truck Parts

Run by the Gore Vintage Car Club

Mid 30’s to Early 70’s

WAIMEA STREET, GORE – 8AM START

New Zealand has so many

Hot Food Available

Chevrolet trucks. We supply restoration parts to many.

Admittance Adults $5 Accompanied Children Free

Sellers’ Stalls $10 (includes one free entry) (If you have items you wish to sell please come along and set up a stall) Enquiries to Gerry 03 208 5806, 027 233 4634

Can we be of assistance during your needs for parts?

W O H S Y FAMIL CARS

MEET S WA P

Full

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

Specialising in Weber, Holley, SU, Stormberg, etc

▼

V

E I N TA G

SSIC & CLA

CARBURETTOR SPECIALISTS

▼

Annual

▼

ftp os ILY 2 ER P ION ava x a ER ilab du SO le a lts, 2 N t th x c e g hild ate ren s

oldchevytrucks.com

U.S.A. Based

$15 $ ADM F 10 I E AM P SS

40 YEARS TRADE EXPERIENCE FREE Contact: GRAEME TULLOCH ADVICE Ph: 027 612 2312 or 06 368 2202 Email: tullochfamily@xtra.co.nz ı tulmac.co.nz WHAT WILL BE THERE?

2021 ovember N 7 y a d n Su ranga oad, Tau R f if l C 9 2 - 4pm time: 8am please formation Further in

phone 0274

915 566

hole family t for the w m • A day ou and ice crea castle , ks in dr , od • Good fo and bouncy rs ca ed er ery pow ies.

• Free batt for the kidd

• See the large display of veteran/vintage/classic and feature cars

UPPER CLASSICS NEW ZEALAND

• 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.

ADVANCE NOTICE

National Motorcycle Rally 3 February - 6 February 2023 Hosted by Southland Branch Join us for an action-packed weekend!

Don’t miss out - we advise all prospective entrants to book accommodation early.

Information: www.sporty.co.nz/nationalmotorcyclerally

Stay on to attend the Burt Munro Challenge, 8 - 12 February 2023

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

Feature your business here Advertising in Beaded Wheels puts your company in front of every member of the Vintage Car Club (and a whole lot of other readers as well).

Our trade directory section advertising starts from just $65 per issue. Phone 03 332 3531 or email us at beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz NEW ZEALAND’S FOREMOST HISTORICAL MOTORING MAGAZINE

Beaded Wheels 53

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

Hamco

INSTRUMENT REPAIRS

INDUSTRIES

Motorcycle & Car a Wire Wheel Repairs & Restorations

Experienced expert technician Bruce Chaytor ph 021 631 700 Nicolette Prangley 021 166 8374 nap.chaytor@gmail.com 5 Gibbs Place, Kinloch, RD1, Taupo 3377

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

105 HARROW STREET DUNEDIN 9016

MARLBOROUGH MAGNETOS

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

Exchange armatures available

Magneto Bearings supplied

Coil Only service for DIY assembly

Magdyno and Maglita units restored

Curiosities investigated

Mobile 027 231 7864

☎ 027 577 8328

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

Contact Paul Radmall at paul@magnetos.co.nz

OLD AUTO RUBBER products for the car restorer

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

Specialist in restoration of Vintage and Classic cars and motorcycles FREEPHONE

0800 862 476

www.classicchrome.co.nz

54 Beaded Wheels

EMAIL stephen_winteringham@hotmail.com

PENRITE

LUBRICANTS full range in stock

Listings for over 800 models

VINTAGE AUTO PARTS phone or fax 03 359 8592

Gary and Ruth Arps • PO Box 5369 Papanui, Christchurch 3482

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

▲ Ashburton: Kevin Clarkson presenting 50 year Badge to Warwick Protheroe.

▲ Ashburton: Peter Andrew receiving the Restoration of the Year Trophy from Branch Chairman Peter Jacob.

ASHBURTON

ISLA JONES

We welcome new members: Lindsay and Marie-Louise Winchester, 1928 Auburn and 1949 Riley; Andrew Collis, 1973 Holden HQ; Peter Andrew, 1930 Ford Model A coupe.

One very old motorbike and 35 cars entered our Solstice Run to the Rangitata Mouth and return.

One hundred members attended our annual dinner held on 15 July at the Hotel Ashburton. Warwick Protheroe was presented with his 50 year badge and Peter Andrew received the Restoration of the Year Trophy for his 1930 Ford Model A coupe. Our guest speaker, Dan Francis, the General Manager of Road Metals (and the grandson of the late Bob Burnett), gave a presentation on the history of Road Metals.

He showed a great video about their using barges to take trucks and other equipment over Lake Manapouri to the power house and then driving over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove in 1998. Kevin Clarkson ended the evening with his very interesting presentation on the proposed new VCC logo.

Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru and Waimate Branches joined together, visited five garages of bikes, tractors and cars in the Waimate area, and socialised over a pea, pie and spud lunch; another great raid.

▲ Auckland: 1930 Talbot.

AUCKLAND

JOHN STOKES

New people on our committee are Alastair Moffat and Graeme Crawley. We thank Alan Price for several years of dedicated service.

Peter Cooper, Roy Wigg, Ken Brownlie and Don Gordon have been presented with their 35 year awards. Recent trophy winners include: Alan and Sharaan Price, Partnership trophy; Christine and Alan Allbon, Ladies Rally trophy; Norm and Pat Dewhurst, Rear Wheel Brake trophy; David and Barbara Allbon, Bill Shears trophy for branch service; Barry Birchall, Pride of Ownership; Wayne and Karen Welch, Triers trophy; Rodger and Val Ball Experts trophy; Russel and Jocelyn McAlpine, Gymnic trophy; Rodger and Val Ball, Graeme Crawley Motorcycle Points trophy.

Barry Birchall’s new book The Early Years of the Motor Vehicle in Auckland has sold its first production run and a second run is planned. Both veteran and vintage section meetings have been well attended with a wide variety of topics discussed, as well as members bringing interesting parts and literature to show off. Arthur Atkins brought his ‘29 DeSoto to one of the vintage meetings. The charabanc group has got some new talent with Jeremy Lambert,

Lachlan Rendall and Richard Green joining their ranks.

Motorcycle meetings have been well attended, with speakers Jack Nazer talking about motor racing, Rich Easton the CEO Neurological Foundation, and Terry Doherty an antique pocket watch collector and founding member of the Meremere Dragway. The section recently visited AVSPECS, historic aircraft restorers, at Ardmore where they viewed a number of interesting planes.

Recent vehicle movements have seen Bryan Belcher’s 1913 Overland and 1940 Diamond T move to Wanaka, while the 1930 Packard has gone to Christchurch.

John Campbell’s 1929 Dodge DA has gone to a Kumeu collection, and Roy Sharman’s incredibly original Morris van has moved to Meremere.

Auckland members competed well at both the Waikato Double Fifty and Northland Motorcycle Rallies. Tracey and Stephen Winterbottom took on The Highland Fling, Irishman Creek, and R’Oil Can events all in the space of about two months, with the 1930 Talbot performing very well.

Beaded Wheels 55

BANKS PENINSULA DON GERRARD We welcome new members Allan Horner, 1963 Austin-Healey Sprite; Gary Donnithorne, 1934 Bugatti T57; and Elizabeth Keenan.

Sadly we say goodbye to long-standing branch member Robert Crawford from Hanmer who died recently. A larger-thanlife character of Scottish heritage he will be well remembered for his vivid yellow 1920s Sunbeam and Morgan. Our condolences go to his family.

Gavin Bain has recently acquired two hugely significant cars – an 1899 Benz Velo and a 1913 Panhard-Levassor. Both of these remarkable vehicles have fascinating New Zealand history. The Benz is thought to be just the second car in the South Island and reputedly took part in the first car race in the Colony along Ferry Road in Christchurch, with speeds of up to 16mph.

The Panhard comes with the original 1914 certificate of registration and subsequent ownership papers.

Following the family tradition, Andrew Bain has purchased a very rare 1959 LHD Citroën 2CV, one of the earliest in New Zealand.

Our annual Balcairn Trial in July attracted 27 entrants to combat six challenging stages that kept the big crowd thoroughly entertained, with several out-of-town competitors cranking up the competition. A full report on the event appears on page 38 of this issue.

Many congratulations go to our Secretary, Ron Hasell, who received a special Presidents Award at the recent National AGM in Christchurch. This award is in recognition of outstanding dedication and work carried out by an individual. Ron joined the Club in 1958 and was one of the founding members of the Banks Peninsula Branch in the late 1970s. This award specifically acknowledges his outstanding work many decades ago in setting up the now long-standing, important and hugely beneficial partnership between the VCC and the insurance company which we know today as Vero. A thoroughly deserved award.

BAY OF PLENTY

DONN WHITE

We have enjoyed some interesting and varied runs recently. We started with a visit to one of New Zealand’s trucking meccas, an enormous facility and depot in Matamata belonging to J Swap Ltd. We were whisked into mini vans after parking our vehicles and given a comprehensive

56 Beaded Wheels

tour of the depot. The well-informed staff did a magnificent job of showing us around and explaining all about the historic and contemporary machinery in the quarry. After this we were hosted for lunch at the excellent newly opened Pepper Tree Cafe which forms part of the J Swap Ltd complex.

The writer then organised an End of Month Run which was well supported.

The Run to Virtually Nowhere took in 250 kilometres of South Waikato scenery, and points of interest which are not commonly known or have become almost forgotten.

Lunch was enjoyed at the Okoroire Historic Hot Springs Hotel before people headed back to the Bay of Plenty.

For our August Mid-Week Run Ray Findlay organised an event which took in some scenic roads on the outskirts of Tauranga before we stopped for lunch at the Black Sheep Cafe at Whakamarama.

Our August End of Month Run was being keenly looked forward to as committee member Linda Downie had put in countless hours coordinating the local Daffodil Rally For Cancer. Many other local car clubs had expressed interest in attending, so a big turnout plus a good level of donations seemed assured until the Covid lockdown announcement on August 24 was made. It has been decided to postpone this charitable event rather than cancel it completely. Hopefully a suitable date will be found in the coming months that coincide with our region being Covid free.

CANTERBURY

TONY BECKER

The Club’s National AGM in Christchurch is over and the organisers have finally relaxed. It was socially very successful, with useful business decisions settled or held over. The Sunday highlight brought local and visiting guests together at Cutler Park to enjoy one of our best attended Old Cars, Bikes and Coffee sunday mornings. This was followed by a catered barbecue in our sunny outdoor beer garden successfully put together by the branch committee.

Sub-committee activity included the Parts Shed boys clean-out of late member Ken Macklan’s lifetime accumulation of mostly vintage parts. Also noteworthy was the first running of our repaired fire engine by Mark Drury, Don Bennetts and Roy Adams. The well supported Annual Winter Run started and ended at the Cutler Park Barn, good use was made of its cosy

fire in the damp conditions. Likewise the 9-90s midwinter potluck lunch was held in the Barn. While on 9-90s, Ken James and Bruce Miles led an extensive tour of spring countryside for about 100 members. This ended at John Ackroyd’s Rolleston home to check out his actual Boeing 737, which has been brilliantly converted to boutique accommodation. John also displayed a quality collection of nice cars.

On the home front, much sadness is held for the family of our recently re-elected Branch Chairman, Ross Butler, who passed away soon after his untimely discovery of ill health. Ross, a longstanding stalwart of Canterbury Branch, had held several key roles over many years. Leigh Craythorne has temporarily returned as Acting Chairman. Branch activity includes planning for our Swapmeet and Display.

This vital event is ground and publicity ready with an almost full book of reserved sites. A repeat of last year’s cancellation, though unthinkable, remains threateningly possible.

CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY JOHN FOOT This is going to be a very short report as we have only had one run since our last event due to the fact that the August Cancer Run was postponed. The July Club outing, organised by Wayne McDonagh, took us to Dannevirke for a shed raid. We visited three sheds with a variety of wellpresented vehicles from motorbikes to cars to heavy duty trucks and a huge unbelievable amount of memorabilia. The run attracted a very good turnout of 55 people and 35 cars. It is amazing what people have tucked away in sheds around the country.

Over the last few months I have processed several Vehicle Identity Cards for members in readiness for the International Festival of Motoring in January. Here’s hoping we can get back to motoring soon and that you all keep well and get your Covid shots, I have had both of mine.

CENTRAL OTAGO

DON YEAMAN

Our Sunday Run for August was to Black’s Hotel at Ophir for lunch. Ophir is a little gem of a town located on the eastern banks of the Manuherikia River between Alexandra and Ranfurly. It was founded in 1863 and grew to become the biggest town in the Manuherikia Valley during the gold rush days until the railway bypassed it. It now has a population of about 50 people.

A photo shoot on the Daniel O’Connell

▲ Auckland: Arthur Aitken’s 1929 De Soto.

Banks Peninsula: 1899 Benz Velo, single cylinder. Photo courtesy, Michael Pidgeon.

▲ Bay of Plenty: An added bonus to our July Mid Month Run was a tour of the J Swap quarry at Taotaoroa.

Here our members are dwarfed by the size of the quarry complex.

▲ Banks Peninsula: 1913 Panhard- Levassor, Bill and Bob Turnbull at a 1950s Deans Bush Veteran Rally in the car now owned by Gavin Bain.

▲

▲ Bay of Plenty: Donn White took advantage of the Delta Level Four Lock Down to fettle away in his shed. Here the finishing touches are being applied to a 1968 Morris 1100 engine bay.

Bay of Plenty: Our July Mid Month Run to J Swap Ltd was keenly received. Our group were one of the first to be hosted at the newly opened Pepper Tree Cafe on the Swap complex.

▲ Banks Peninsula: Thomas Mauger, onwards to victory at Balcairn. Photo courtesy John McDonald and James Palmer.

▲ Banks Peninsula: One of the few upsides to lockdown - time to create the new Balcairn conqueror (or attempt to). ▲ Central Otago: Katon’s TR2 leaving Daniel O’Connell Bridge Ophir.

Beaded Wheels 57

Bridge as you enter the town is a must. We had about 16 vehicles in all, ranging from a 1935 Ford V8 pickup to a 1990 Citroën and a couple of moderns thrown in for good measure. Because our branch membership is quite spread out, we started at the clubrooms and then picked up the rest of the group just outside of the township of Clyde before continuing to Ophir, where we increased the town’s population by about 70+% for a couple of hours. We pretty much had the hotel booked out and they put on a great lunch for us. A great time to catch up with everyone.

The Covid-19 lockdown has forced us to postpone our Daffodil Day run which will now be held on the 26 September, the day following our Blossom Festival Rally. That is of course anticipating that we get on top of this latest Covid hiccup.

EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY

BRUCE SEDDON

Our June mid-week run took us to Neil Surtees’ property which is crowded with sheds full of motoring goodness. Neil, founder of Surtees Boats, a significant business in our area, is also a key member of Whakatane Rod and Custom Club, and his sheds contain many examples of his hot rods and brilliant engineering.

Our Night Owl Run, held annually on the closest Saturday night to the shortest day of the year, was a wet night out looking for clues in the dark. Everyone returned safely to the branch base for a pot luck dinner and a check on who had the best answers to the questions posed. It was noticeable that this year most cars running were watertight and had operating heaters.

Is this showing growing common sense along with growing age?

July was crowded with activities to join in. As we do every second month we joined

▲ EBOP: McCann’s rugged up in their Landrover early on a chilly morning.

58 Beaded Wheels

with the Classic Car Club for breakfast at the Red Barn, where Noel and Lois Davies displayed their latest restoration, a 1964 Ford Falcon station wagon.

The following weekend was busy with the Mangakino Hop on Saturday which was attended by a large group of branch members. This lake-side event has grown in leaps and bounds with displays for all tastes – vintage, classics, hot rods, drag cars, bikes, and boats on the lake.

The next day we held our Swap Meet at Paradise Valley Speedway.

Later in the month we had a run to the Rangataiki Plains around the northern Rotorua Lakes, then to the The Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest, and to the Scion headquarters in Rotorua. This is one of Rotorua’s scenic tourist hotspots particularly favoured by off-road cyclists. We enjoyed the drive, the views and the cafe in the distinctive wooden Scion building.

FAR NORTH

DAVE DUIRS

We welcome several new members and hope to see their vehicles participating soon.

Thirteen vehicles joined Cormacks’ southern group mid-week run around Kawakawa, and found that the place is known for more than Hundertwasser toilets and a railway down the main street.

Cormacks also hosted the southern pot luck lunch, enabling some new members to join the social and gastronomical experience with a bit of old car stuff to mix. The northern evening noggin ’n’ natter was changed to afternoon tea at the clubrooms, a good idea during the winter. Chairman Win Matthews had a display of old gadgets, which created some interesting discussion as we endeavoured to identify them. It was good not having to go home in the dark.

Our Annual Dinner and honours lunch at the Mangonui Cruising Club was a great catch-up with Robyn and Warren Mackay deservedly receiving the Clubman of the Year trophy and Matthews Bros Challenge cup, truly club spirited members.

Our contribution and support to the VCC National day and Daffodil Cancer events in Kerikeri and Lions Doubtless Bay were stumped by Covid, frustrating a lot of good folk who planned plenty.

Attending the 75th AGM in Christchurch was interesting, particularly regarding the rebranding proposition, which seems to have quite a strong “hook on” of interest about incorporating renaming. Debate was spirited but the premeeting suggestion of a heated gathering did not eventuate. Thanks to Christchurch for looking after visitors.

GORE

BILL SHEDDAN

Our branch is now in the hands of our new chairman, Paul Herron. Paul is a Model T aficionado and was elected unopposed. He follows our previous chairman Greg Elder’s sterling effort over the past three years. All but two positions were filled on the night, most via prior completed nomination forms which makes running an AGM so much easier.

Our branch Annual Dinner was held on Saturday 16 July at the local RSA. The meal was interspersed with the usual handing out of gongs and trophies. Two notable awards were the Beginners Trophy, won

by Andrew and Katherine Welsh in their 1926 Buick, and the Night Trial, won by the McVicar team led by the ever-enthusiastic Neil McVicar. Neil is well into his 90s and enjoys the branch activities as much as ever.

Foul weather, including snow, put paid to June’s Tuesday Ramble, but July’s made

▲ EBOP: Noel and Lois Davies’ newly restored Falcon station wagon at Red Barn breakfast.

▲ Central Hawke’s Bay: 74 KW.

▲ Canterbury: Interior of converted Boeing 737 boutique at Rolleston.

▲ Central Hawke’s Bay: Memorabilia.

▲ Canterbury: Backyard Boeing. 737 converted into luxurious boutique accommodation.

▲ Canterbury: Interior of converted Boeing 737 boutique at Rolleston.

▲ Central Hawke’s Bay: Memorabilia.

▲ Far North Clubman of the Year Robyn and Warren Mackay, presented by Chairman Win Matthews.

Central Otago: Assembling at Clyde for Ophir run. ▼ Far North: Northern afternoon tea. Win Mathews with a selection of old gadgets to identify.

▲ EBOP: Club Fords at Red Barn breakfast. ▼ EBOP: members at Scion HQ in Rotorua.

▲ Far North: ChCh AGM and 75th celebrations. John Forster, left, taxi for Far North Chair Win Matthews.

▲ EBOP: Old and new Fords chatter in the cold.

Beaded Wheels 59

up for it. We assembled at Winton’s Top Pub for lunch and then proceeded to Les and Flora Andrews’ property to view Les’ many and varied collection of vehicles and objects from yesteryear, and Flora’s skill at bobbin lace work. A very worthwhile visit and one worth repeating in the future.

The extensive alterations to our branch kitchen are at the fitting out stage and beginning to show the fruits of the expense and commitment that is required for such a project.

HAWKE’S BAY

ESTHER SMITH

Mid July was Winter Art Deco, this is always a low key occasion. We had a display of vehicles around the Masonic Hotel in central Napier, then gave the public rides around the city streets in exchange for a donation to the Citizens Advice Bureau.

There were a surprising number of locals and visitors who were keen to have a ride.

On the Sunday we had an afternoon run.

We met in the Soundshell which gave the public a chance to see the cars and talk to owners. After the run, organised by Helen and Peter Ball, we ended up at the clubrooms for a high tea.

Our monthly Kitchen Night had a midwinter Christmas theme. Greg and Gaynor Terrill attended and gave a presentation on the upcoming Vero Festival. The planned evening entertainment is not to be missed.

Our mid-week runs have a solid core of attendees and those attending are often a different crowd to the weekend run attendees, which proves that we need a variety of events to cater for our member’s preferences. The weekly Tuesday morning tea, when spares is open, is popular with another group.

HOROWHENUA

MANAWATU

BRYAN ABRAHAM

Although the branch had a fairly quiet couple of months with only one outing there were two General Meetings which between them firmed up a full committee for the 2021/22 year. Preparation is well underway for the annual undercover swapmeet at Manfield Stadium in Feilding early in October. Monthly events have been planned through until the New Year, but with the resurgence of Covid some may well end up on the backburner until 2022.

The branch undertook a Garage Raid to Apiti early in August. The day started with a picnic lunch at the Ashhurst Domain followed by an easy drive to Apiti to check out a private collection of cars, which included Bryan Faloon’s Ford Anglia that he raced in various classes from 1962 until 1967.

▲ Hawke’s Bay: Winter Art Deco-John and Lynn Lees-1929 Chandler.

60 Beaded Wheels

BOB BARTON

We had our “Daytime” Night Owl Run on 18 July, organised by Andrew and Linda Judd. Twenty-four people in 14 vehicles attended and set off from the clubrooms to Waiterere Beach, and then on back roads to Shannon before a straight forward drive to Speldhurst Country Estate on the outskirts of Levin for a cuppa and cake at George’s Cafe.

The winner of the event was Verdon Heath, who answered all the questions correctly. Win Bishop was drawn from the hat to organise next year’s Night Owl Rally.

Linda Gill and Linda Barton have organised our Daffodil Day “Show And Shine For Cancer”. We are hoping for good weather, plenty of vehicles, and a mass of people attending, a report to follow in the next Beaded Wheels.

MARLBOROUGH

CARROLL WIBLIN

We enjoyed a recent trip to the Dudson Scott Gallery. Joanna is a very talented artist and I have long admired her work.

After viewing the paintings it was outside to look at Ray’s cars and projects. After that we had a short drive to the Vines Village for lunch to round off the morning.

Our night trial and noggin ’n’ natter saw competitors line up and brave the chilly evening. Rob Galloway made this an old school event, with lots to look for in the dark. On arrival back at the clubrooms we enjoyed a soup and buns meal.

Daffodil Day is the latest casualty of Covid, along with our biennial Classic Fighters Air Show, which the branch has supported over the years.

Our Annual Prize-giving Dinner was held at the Clubs of Marlborough, and was well attended.

Sadly we lost another member recently.

Denyce Armiger passed away very soon after her diagnosis of cancer. Our hearts go out to John at this sad time. She was a lovely lady who always had a smile on her face no matter what.

We joined the Nelson Branch at Pelorus Bridge for the so-called “Snow Run”. (This is usually held at Lake Rotoiti – hence the “snow”). The Nelson Branch set the challenge for the day. We were given a bag with various veggies, skewers, and other bits and bobs and were tasked with turning them into a car that could be raced down a trailer deck. A lot of fun.

A visit to JEM Aviation at Omaka was attended by 38 members.

NELSON

RAY ROBERTSON

Highlights for the last while have been a joint Nelson Marlborough run to Pelorus Bridge where Nelson Club Captain set the

▲ Hawke’s Bay: Winter Art Deco-Sandra Marsh and Jean Chalmers dressed for the occasion.

Gore: Les Andrews’ 1956 Chevrolet pick-up.

▲ Northland: A group of club members enjoying a trip to the Wairua falls.

▲

Gore: The Ferguson tractor (Tuesday Ramble).

▼ Gore: Some of Les Andrews’ bikes.

▲ Horowhenua: Bob Bartons 1929 OHC Morris Minor Awaiting new tyres.

▲

Manawatu: Included in the collection at Apiti is the late Bryan Faloons Ford Anglia. ▲ Manawatu: Memebers checking out the cars in the Apiti Garage Raid.

▲ Nelson: Ian & Dawn Dymond beside a small portion of their Hub cap and AA Memorabilia Collection.

▲ Nelson: Nelson Club Captain Rob Thompson sets out the rules for the Interbranch Challenge.

▲ Nelson: Paul Lewis’s Mustang was a popular choice at our Annual Cancer Patient Fun Drive Day.

61 Beaded Wheels

inter-branch challenge to build a car out of vegetables, which ended in a draw.

A fabulous Mid Winter Christmas dinner catered by our very own Chef extraordinaire John Appleman and his wife Penny.

A visit to the Cawthron Atkinson Observatory was worthwhile, with awesome views of Jupiter, Saturn, and the globular clusters Alpa Centauri and Beta Centauri.

Jo’s Coffee Cruize was a short half hour run to a retirement village café, followed by a surprise visit to Ian and Dawn Dymonds home to view their amazing collection of hub caps, AA badges and memorabilia. It is very doubtful anyone would have a collection to rival this.

We really get behind the Nelson Cancer Society and Daffodil Rally for Cancer our planning was well advanced with tremendously generous support from local community and businesses, but alas we have had to postpone for a second year.

One of the activities we to run prior to the Daffodil Rally is a run where we take cancer patients for a series of short drives in as diverse range of vehicles as we can.

This year’s cancer patient run was very successful with a marvellous turn out of vehicles, so much so that the patients were spoiled for choice.

NORTHLAND

TREVOR CHAMBERLAIN

Out of lockdown gives the opportunity for our parts shed to open again and the chance for the regular attenders to catch up with what’s been going on in the different garages and sheds around the district.

Some repaints, differential repairs, upholstery recolouring and extensive rebuilds.

Getting parts slowed down work but the couriers have been busy.

The motor bike group were out on their Sunday run a couple of weeks late but the companionship were welcome.

I spent some time while locked down looking again at the VHS tape called Dusty Roads and Southern Skies that was produced after the 1996 Christchurch 50 year rally. We attended in our 1932 Chevrolet sedan and travelled down from Palmerston North for a really enjoyable time. So many cars featured that we do not see these days. Where are they all? Perhaps next year’s Vero Festival will bring them out again. I hope so.

62 Beaded Wheels

Northland yearly Far North Tour is still programmed in and entry forms are out now.

NORTH SHORE RICHARD BAMPTON A well supported run in July, organised

by Paul Collins, took members via a circuitous route to a collection of vintage radios and memorabilia near Stillwater.

Also in July a full film evening, including a cartoon, documentaries and the main feature (a really silly motoring film called Monte Carlo or Bust) was enjoyed by a good crowd of members.

For many years members have been bringing their vehicles along to the branch where other folk have assisted them with helpful advice to keep the cars on the road.

At the recent AGM two members suggested that perhaps a bay could be made available for members to bring their ailing cars in for a longer period than one day so that the more experienced members could assist with any repairs.

This was immediately acted on and the bay next to the new hoist is now bookable for up to four weeks, or longer if no one else requires it. Various tools have been supplied for use in the member’s bay, and the hoist can also be used when needed. John Castle, well known Model A owner, immediately booked it, not for his own car, but for the Ford Model A that has languished for many years in John Higham’s garage. John Castle, Bill Duffy and Robert Brown have stripped the engine down and are already rebuilding it, the mudguards and valances have gone to the paint shop and it will be wonderful to see it motoring again. A fantastic service to our members, and a marvellous gesture by the Ford Model A men.

ROTORUA

RONALD MAYES

Our annual swap meeting at the Paradise Valley Raceway, cancelled last year because of Covid-19 restrictions, was able to be held in July and attracted record crowds, replenishing our coffers and hopefully those of the many traders.

Ninetieth birthday celebrations have been held for Ralph Bennett and Bill Skelton. Ralph had bought a 1953 Humber Super Snipe some months ago to keep his 1938 Buick company but found that, despite being delivered with a valid WoF, he has had to undertake considerable repair and restoration work. This he is doing in his well-equipped garage. The

July midweek run saw a very good turnout to visit his shed and that of new member Martyn Green, who is undertaking a full restoration of his MGB. Our Sulphur City Rally attracts entrants from a large area. Last year’s was cancelled because of Covid, and the 2021 event has been postponed from the August lockdown period until 16 October.

Recent club night cars in the room have featured Mike Thorne’s 1985 Alfa-Romeo GTV6 and very rare 1989 Panther Kallista.

Both have now been sold and Mike created quite a stir of interest when he turned up for the July mid-week run in, not another sporty vehicle, but a gentlemen’s express: a superb Rover P5B coupe in virtually as-new condition. We look forward to soon hearing all about it.

SOUTH CANTERBURY

SHANNON STEVENSON

The Night Trial took place on 26 June.

Organised by the Munro family, the run took participants west of Timaru to Taiko, Cannington and Maungati, the route taking in a number of lightly travelled gravel roads.

Our guest speaker at the July Noggin evening was Murray Trounson, outlining the VCC’s computer systems and proposed logo. Our August speaker was Ashley Milliken, who showed film clips of UK traction engine parades, and repairs on a 2020 model Tesla electric car.

On 24 July a number of branch members travelled to Waimate to support their Garage Raid.

Over July and August, we have been saddened to hear about the passing of several long-term branch members – Warren Cox, Les Wenlock and Dick Edwards. All strongly supported our branch activities and served time on committee, Warren being a past secretary, and responsible for vehicle identification processing, and Dick serving as our Parts Manager. Our thoughts are with their families at this time.

Ashley Milliken’s 1926 Buick, which was a long term, over 25 years, restoration, was subject to a write up in the Texas based Buick Bugle magazine, Ashley subsequently received a literary award for this.

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

The August Covid level 4 lockdown has caused a number of cancellations

▲ North Shore:

▲ Rotorua: Mike Thorne and Alfa Romeo GTV6.

▲ North Shore:

▲ Rotorua: Mike Thorne and Panther Kallista.

▲ Rotorua: Martyn Green’s MGB.

▲ Sth Canterbury: Tony McGillen’s Austin A70 and Ashley Milliken’s Vauxhall EIP at the start of the Night Trial. ▲

Sth Canterbury: Ashley Milliken’s 1926 Buick, feature car for the US Buick Bugle magazine, photographed at Mt Cook in 2015.

▲

Sth Canterbury: Participants wrapped up warm at the start of the Night Trial.

▲ Taranaki: A 1914 Matchless Vee Twin Combination 3 speed Motor Cycle in very original and unrestored condition from the Hall Green Collection on Show in New Plymouth.

▲ Taranaki: Norton Motorcycles all lined up for display at the the New Plymouth Classic Motor Cycle show in New Plymouth.

▲ Taranaki : The very rare 1936 Brough Superior SS 80 motorcycle owned by The Hall Green Collection on display at the New Plymouth Motor Cycle Show.

and postponements, with events affected including our Annual Quiz with Ashburton, daffodil deliveries and the Daffodil Rally.

TARANAKI

COLIN JOHNSTON

The Covid lock down throughout New Zealand affected our branch activities causing the cancellation, just like last year, of our Daffodil Rally For Cancer Motor Show that had been organised to be held in Hawera. In these uncertain times it makes you appreciate it when events are arranged and you can attend, so that you can enjoy the outing with your vehicle and the friendship of the membership of our club.

Over a 100 motorcycles were on display in New Plymouth recently, hosted by our kindred club the New Plymouth Classic Motor Cycle Club. There was an outstanding display of motorcycles including Norton, Triumph, Indian and HarleyDavidson, including a rare 1936 Brough Superior SS80 owned by The Hall Green Collection. This motorcycle was once owned by past member Max Olsson. He purchased the bike from England in a dismantled state with five-shilling postal notes that had to be brought each day in the 1960s from the Post Office. It was before the introduction of credit cards or money orders. The weekend show proved very successful and it was great to see the bikes all lined up together in their respective makes, and to admire the restoration work that the owners have done.

TAUPO

NEIL CHAVE

In August the Taupo Branch sadly lost one of our long term members with the sudden passing of Brent Davidson. Brent was a key member of the branch and had served on the committee for a number of years, being one of the longest serving chairmen. We pass on our sincere condolences to his wife Lorraine and family.

In July we held a club night, although the main event was the annual Taupo Hobbies Expo, where the branch again featured a wide range of member’s cars in support of the weekend. In August we had planned for one of our biggest events of the year, our annual Quiz and Fish and Chips Night, but with Brent’s passing it was felt this should be cancelled. Subsequent to this the country was unfortunately again plunged into lockdown, so all events planned for August and September are

64 Beaded Wheels

now on hold as we await a return to some normality. Regretfully too our support for the annual Daffodil Day fundraising run was cancelled as well as the Taupo Branch’s support with delivery of fresh daffodils to local business and supporters.

WAIKATO

HUGH MCINALLY

As I write the country is in lockdown under level 4 and many of the branch’s events are in limbo.

We had organised an Open Day in conjunction with the Cancer Daffodil Day. The satellite towns dotted around Hamilton (Matamata, Morrinsville, Cambridge and Te Awamutu) had all organised individual rallies for the public to enter, with a $10 entry fee to participate, and all monies going to the Cancer Society.

Its cancellation is a huge disappointment.

The committee may elect to do a belated Cancer Daffodil Day in the future, along with a branch open day. So, did the club manage to raise any money for the Cancer Society? Yes! Prior to lockdown an auction evening was arranged where all members bought along donated unwanted items to be sold. The evening was a great success with a total of $1,100 being donated.

The new club shed has been completed.

The walls have been lined and the hoist installed. I must take this opportunity to thank all the members who have donated equipment for the new shed. I can assure you it is much appreciated by all. Thank you These are difficult times for all. The branch will be watching closely the Covid-19 level and until we are at level two events will not proceed. Before then a decision to cancel or postpone will need to be made for a number of events

WAIRARAPA

KEVIN BALL

Sadly, we had to postpone our Daffodil Rally for Cancer, but another six events went ahead as scheduled.

Newer members must have wondered where they were going when Chris Giles’ Back of Beyond run took them along a goat track, loosely described as a road, between Hinakura and the top of the Admiral Hill road. The run was two rallies in one, with stages either side of lunch, which was held at the Martinborough Rugby Club headquarters. A total of 18 entrants, 17 cars and one motorbike (Kevin Sullivan’s 1969 BSA), took part and 15 of them did both stages. The oldest was Simon

O’Hara’s 1928 Dodge Fast Four. Stage 1 combined winners were Ray and Loris Whitcombe, (1965 Wolseley 6/110) and Phil and Liz Brown, (1952 Daimler DB18).

Both got perfect scores. Stage 2 combined winners were Phil and Liz Brown and Francis and Gaye Pointon (1930 Ford Model A). Both lost only three points.

Overall winners were Phil and Liz Brown.

A garage raid to the property of Daimler enthusiast David Patten in Martinborough attracted a big turnout, including three Veterans – David’s own 1913 TE20 Daimler, Stuart Barton’s Holsman high-wheeler and John Kennedy’s 1905 Rolls-Royce Light 20 racer. David also showed his 30 Daimlers and a selection of the hubcaps he manufactures.

Kids turned out in force for the visit to Eketahuna School. Horns were tooted and kids queued for rides in a Chev Impala and to sit in a Rolls Royce. One boy exclaimed that a Triumph Spitfire was even lower than he was! Nine got into the boot of the Impala.

WAITEMATA

ROBERT CHAPMAN

It is usually a quiet time for most branches over the winter months. Our branch’s prestige event is the R’Oil Can which is held in July each year. Last year it was cancelled for the first time due to Covid 19. So this year it was eagerly anticipated, no less than by the last winners Steve and Megan Cranch, as they had the distinction of holding the R’Oil Cans for two years and were eager to pass them on.

Thirty open-top cars assembled at the start at 7am on a fine frosty morning. The route was down the west coast on mainly gravel roads and across the island finishing in Rotorua. Sorry for lack of detail as we were on roads less travelled. Ron Roycroft cracked a sump in the Bugatti, and Mike Moffit had a head issue, these being the only entrants not making the finish. The delighted winners, Kevin and Elizabeth Andrews, were announced at the dinner.

Our Club Captain Stan Smith arranged a Western Wander with a skeg shoot and lunch. The skeg shooting was cancelled, as there was a minimum of 15 shots per person and as most people only wanted a few shots it was not possible to continue with the event. However, we were still able to continue on a scenic route through West Auckland to the 160 year old Riverhead Tavern. A convivial afternoon was had by all.

▲ Wairarapa: Kids queued to sit in John Kennedy’s Roll-Royce.

▲ Wairarapa: 116 and counting ... John Kennedy’s 1905 Rolls-Royce Light 20.

▲ Wairarapa: Back of Beyond winners Phil and Liz Brown with organiser Chris Giles.

▲ Wairarapa: Daimler fan David Patten with his 1913 TE20.

▲ Wairarapa: Jim Philps prepares his Lotus Super 7 for the Back of Beyond.

▲ Wellington: Terry Mathers Meritorious Restoration 2021.

Wellington: Happy group at the Mid-Winter Feast.

▲ Wellington: Strong German presence at the Mid-Winter Feast.

▲ Wellsford/Warkworth: Brough Superior.

Beaded Wheels 65

Wellsford/ Warkworth: 1937 Austin 7.

▲

▲ Wellsford/Warkworth: Ford Y departing.

Member Hamish Andrews purchased the White Buckler from Dunedin. He intends to race the car in Hooter Events at this stage, and may register it for the road at a later date.

WELLINGTON

RAY BETTERIDGE

Well, we’re in the Doldrums again.

July/August are regularly our wettest and quietest months but just add Covid to the mix and I can’t wait for spring to arrive.

Jenny Jackson organised a Mid-Winter Feast, and 37 people met at Aston Norwood Gardens for this.

The Kapiti mid-week run went to a lunch at Days Bay and then visited a new stop – The Shipwreck Trading Store with a marvellous display of marine artefacts, some for sale.

On July Club night we had Rob Merrifield give an interesting talk about the workings of the New Zealand Railway and the Locomotive Society, and their restoration of an Edwardian railway carriage.

We were lucky to have August club night as it finished two hours before lockdown. Archie Kerr gave a run down on the activities of the very active and growing Menz Shed (and some women).

To finish the night Terry Mathers was presented an award for the Meritorious Restoration of his Peugeot. The award is a new one and Terry is a most deserving first recipient.

66 Beaded Wheels

As I write this we are coming to terms with the sudden passing of Alan Pratt, a long serving and loyal member of the Vintage Car Club.

Well, hunker down and be patient, there’s always plenty to do in the shed.

WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH

CHRIS HARVEY

July was a busy month for our branch, starting with our annual Winter Woollies Wander on Saturday 3 July. It was well supported with 45 entrants from Far North to Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty, and of these 31 were in the competitive division. The rally covered a good deal of our territory, encompassing Puhoi, Port Albert, Mangawhai, Tomarata, Leigh and Omaha, some of it on dirt roads which were in better condition than they have been in past years. We started at the clubhouse on a clear and frosty morning which warmed up nicely, had a lunch stop at Tomarata, and finished in the industrial area of Warkworth. Once again the main trophy was carried off by an entrant from another branch, this time by Erwyn and Audrey Fail of Bay of Plenty in their 1938 Dodge D8 Sedan.

We have enjoyed mid-week lunches at Matakana and at Snell’s Beach, and at our July Club Night we were addressed by Paul Lenihan, who gave an entertaining presentation of the Evolocity project involving his Year 13 Students at Mahurangi College,

Wellsford/Warkworth: Morning line up at the annual Winter Woollies Wander.

where we displayed a range of vehicles to them in June. The scope of the project is not only to design, build and compete with a functioning EV, but to obtain sponsorship and run the project as a business.

Expertise and advice is given by Core Builders Composites in Warkworth, and Auckland University, and the students compile a very detailed portfolio throughout the project.

On Saturday 14 August we paid a visit to the museum at Mangawhai. Seven vehicles, nearly all club-eligible, turned out for the run. There was a Lincoln Continental, a Chandler, two Holdens, a Chrysler, a Plymouth and one modern chosen in favour of an old vehicle because of a small child. The museum displays have been well set out, displaying the history of settlement in the district.

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

Information is supplied to Beaded Wheels by VCCNZ Branch Secretaries.



Butler, Ross Canterbury (Chairman) Crawford, Dr Robert Banks Peninsula Edwards, Dick South Canterbury Haycock, Gladys Manawatu Harper, John North Otago Parkes, Eean Ashburton Wenlock, Les South Canterbury

www.basisnz.co.nz Supplying new parts for Vintage, Classic and Modern Vehicles for over 34 years, BASIS is your established and trusted parts supplier.

Classic Accessories incl. badge bars, goggles and mirrors Door windlaces, push on & tack on, most types and colours Rubber bushes, gaskets, mounts, pedal pads, seals etc.

Shop: 31 High St, Renwick. Marlborough (SI) Address: PO Box 20, Renwick 7243 Phone: +64 3 572 8880 Email: sales@basisnz.co.nz

… is for sale Anthony and Robyn started BASIS from Whenuapai in 1987 as a part time business.

We saw a need to supply restoration parts for Vintage and Classic cars in New Zealand as we needed parts for our own cars. In late 1992 the move was made to Renwick where a retail shop was opened to support the existing mail order sales.

BASIS is a destination shop for many vehicle enthusiasts and is often a stop on the Rally Route for a number of Clubs.

It is not just the vintage and classic car owners that BASIS supplies rubbers, trim and parts to, but also owners of aircraft, boats, caravans and hot rods. BASIS has the parts for refurbishments, rebuilds and restorations.

With a very large stock holding, an up to date e-commerce website and Infusion computer package BASIS is admirably set up for new owners to build on the success of this well known and established business. After 34 years Robyn and Anthony feel it is time to get onto their own projects.

(For details of the sale please contact Mike at EndVision on 021-220-9027) Beaded Wheels 67