Beaded Wheels 385 December 2023/January 2024

CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 77 YEARS

No. 385 December 2023/January 2024

New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95

BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A

9 418979 000012

1925 LAGONDA DRIVEN BY A VISION SCOTT O’DONNELL

TRAVERSÉE

DU PARIS DRIVING OUR HISTORY

Messrs HJS Mitchell and I Wintringham after a trip through Tophouse, St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes, in the early days in an Allday & Onion car. Photo supplied by VCC Archivist Don Muller. Photographs Required: Submissions of suitable prints and information are welcome. Post or email original photographs or high resolution digital files of historical interest with any available information to: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz or Beaded Wheels, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Laserprints/photocopies are not suitable. Photos will be returned as soon as practicable.

NATIONAL OFFICE

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand 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 George R. Kear 027 221 4332

president@vcc.org.nz

CLUB CAPTAIN SOUTHERN REGION Mark Wilkinson 021 168 6068 sicc@vcc.org.nz REGISTRAR Neil Beckenham 021 588 536 registrar@vcc.org.nz

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Diane Quarrie 027 333 1329 pastpresident@vcc.org.nz

SPEED STEWARD Ray Sanders 021 632 563 speedsteward@vcc.org.nz

SECRETARY/ TREASURER Vacant

EDITOR, BEADED WHEELS Kevin Clarkson 021 0270 6525 kevinclarkson@vcc.org.nz

Andy Fox 03 314 3763

mgmt1@vcc.org.nz

Murray Trounson 03 339 8830 mgmt3@vcc.org.nz COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING comms@vcc.org.nz ARCHIVIST Don Muller 03 385 6850

archivist@vcc.org.nz

Rebecca George CLUB CAPTAIN NORTHERN REGION 021 293 7714 mgmt2@vcc.org.nz Glyn Clements 021 0833 4081 nicc@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 3144 bayofplenty@vcc.org.nz CANTERBURY PO Box 11-082, Sockburn Christchurch 8443 canterbury@vcc.org.nz CENTRAL OTAGO C/-114 Shortcut Road, Luggate, RD2, Wanaka 9382 centralotago@vcc.org.nz CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY C/- 448 Tukituki Road, RD1, Takapau 4286 centralhawkesbay@vcc.org.nz EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 2168, Kopeopeo Whakatane 3159 easternbayofplenty@vcc.org.nz

FAR NORTH C/– PO Box 312 Kaitaia 0441 farnorth@vcc.org.nz GISBORNE PO Box 307, Gisborne 4040 gisborne@vcc.org.nz GORE PO Box 329, Gore 9740 gore@vcc.org.nz HAWKE’S BAY PO Box 3406, Napier 4142 hawkesbay@vcc.org.nz HOROWHENUA PO Box 458, Levin 5540 horowhenua@vcc.org.nz KING COUNTRY C/- 923 Taringamotu Road, Taumarunui 3994 kingcountry@vcc.org.nz MANAWATU PO Box 385 Palmerston North 4440 manawatu@vcc.org.nz MARLBOROUGH PO Box 422, Blenheim 7240 marlborough@vcc.org.nz NELSON PO Box 3531, Richmond 7050 nelson@vcc.org.nz

NORTHLAND PO Box 17, Whangarei 0140 northland@vcc.org.nz NORTH OTAGO PO Box 360, Oamaru 9444 northotago@vcc.org.nz NORTH SHORE C/- 7 Godwit Place, Lynfield Auckland 1042 northshore@vcc.org.nz OTAGO C/- 125 Forbury Road, Saint Clair, Dunedin 9012 otago@vcc.org.nz ROTORUA PO Box 2014, Rotorua 3040 rotorua@vcc.org.nz SOUTH CANTERBURY 19 Redruth St, Timaru 7910 southcanterbury@vcc.org.nz SOUTHLAND PO Box 1240, Invercargill 9840 southand@vcc.org.nz SOUTH OTAGO C/- 1931 Breakneck Rd, RD 4, Balclutha 9274 southotago@vcc.org.nz SOUTH WAIKATO PO Box 403 Tokoroa 3420 southwaikato@vcc.org.nz

TARANAKI C/- 7 Leatham Ave, Strandon, New Plymouth 4312 taranaki@vcc.org.nz TAUPO 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 5840 wairarapa@vcc.org.nz WAITEMATA C/- 8 Jean Place, Stanmore Bay, Whangaparoa 0932 waitemata@vcc.org.nz WANGANUI PO Box 726, Whanganui 4541 wanganui@vcc.org.nz WELLINGTON PO Box 38418, Wellington Mail Centre, Lower Hutt 5045 wellington@vcc.org.nz WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH PO Box 547, Warkworth 0941 wellsfordwarkworth@vcc.org.nz WEST COAST C/- 143 Ward Street, Cobden Greymouth 7802, westcoast@vcc.org.nz

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 1993 are club eligible. Or just join us and grab a ride with another member.

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

Visit www.vcc.org.nz and get motoring with us today.

See opposite page for your nearest branch

CONTENTS

Issue 385 December 2023/January 2024

FEATURES 10 12 Traversée du Paris

20

18 20 24

Adelaide Chronicles

18

Driven by a vision

24

COLUMNS

Traversée du Paris Tony Haycock takes a spin through the streets of Paris.

Driven by a Vision Stuart Francis interviews Scott O’Donnell

31

2026 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring

Family Road Warriors The bonding power of motoring adventures Space Oddity Honda’s Stream tilting trike scooter

37

Ford Model A Tour

38

A Real Christmas Tale

40

Rally Snippets 40 Nelson Biennial Rally 2023 41 Hunua 100 – Auckland Branch 43 South Waikato Country Run – Waikato Branch

COVER

5

From the Editor

36

Book Review

6

President’s Message

44

Archivist News

6

National Office News

45

Marketplace

7

Awards

50

Swap Meets & Rallies

7

Timelines

52

Trade Directory

8

VCC Branch Events

55

Branch News

9

Mailbag

66

Passing Lane

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated

Adelaide Chronicles Our Morris Minor Adventure

Ugliest car in the world?

34

45

Keeping it in the Family - literally!

Behind The Wheel – 1925 Lagonda 12/24 Tourer.

28

32

Marketplace

The Phantom TRW

Always willing to take one for the team – Greg Price forsakes his beloved Zephyrs for a spin in this 1925 Lagonda, read more on page 12.

Photo John McDonald.

National Office

Phone 03 366 4461 Email admin@vcc.org.nz

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

Address 12 Aberdeen St, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Website: www.vcc.org.nz

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

4 Beaded Wheels

Find us on facebook Vintage Car Club of New Zealand

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

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

FROM THE

EDITOR

Michael Hedgeman and Greg Price put the Lagonda through its paces for this issue’s Behind the Wheels feature — is there a vehicle in your branch you would love an excuse to drive?

I sometimes ask myself the rhetorical question “what do members want to see in their Beaded Wheels? I usually answer said question myself by thinking that, well, if members didn’t like the content then they would tell me, and probably, knowing how members think, leave me with no possibility of my not understanding that member’s views. I can’t argue with that but for the most part members seem to like Beaded Wheels which is just fine. (By the way not everybody wants to see the end of Branch News so hold off on those letters to Mailbag!) I recently did hear of a member (unknown to me) who reputedly never reads his copy of the magazine.

Unbelievable, I know! I can only assume that he, for it

Beaded Wheels Publisher

The Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXXV No. 385

Typesetting and Design

RGB Design & Print Ltd, Christchurch

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

was a he, is too busy working to take time out. My advice to that member would be to slow down and take time to smell the roses. And read Beaded Wheels!

A comment was made to me recently that our last issue had a number of articles featuring motorcycles (three, actually) and raised the possibility that the balance between other vehicles and motorcycles could be slightly askew. He could be right, but the fact is that when we were preparing the last issue we were a bit short on articles of any kind, thus we lacked the ability to make sure we had the range of articles that we normally would and so keep things in balance.

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

Advertising Enquiries

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

Phone 64 3 332 3531 Rate schedule available on request.

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

To fix this we need your help.

The more stories we have available to choose from the better, as we can then offer a balanced magazine that is likely to appeal to a wide range of readers. I am sure there are many in the Club who are able to write about their experiences, or maybe about one of their vehicles, or possibly a fellow club member’s vehicle. Articles could cover a restoration, cars with an interesting history and even technical articles will have their readers.

Members may wonder why most of our Behind The Wheel stories are about Canterbury vehicles. The short answer is that is where Beaded Wheels is based and if we need a story, we have the people on

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) $52* inc GST Australian subscription (6 issues) NZ$112* Other countries (6 issues) NZ$185* Digital subscription (6 issues) NZ$39 available from vcc.org.nz or issuu.com. *Payment by credit card incurs additional bank fee processing charge of 3%

hand to fill that need. Greg Price has been our go-to person for this over the years and a great job he is doing too, but there must be members in the rest of New Zealand who are able to do a Behind the Wheel story for us. The recipe is simple – get a writer together with a car belonging to a fellow club member, go for a drive and tell us about it. Simple! The cars are out there – the writers too. Let’s get some stories in from other branches. Who knows, you may even win one of Beaded Wheels much coveted caps!

Kevin Clarkson Editor Beaded Wheels

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

CLOSING DATES FOR FEBRUARY/MARCH

Editorial Copy 5 January 2024 • Advertisements 10 January 2024

Beaded Wheels 5

LATEST CLUB INFORMATION

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE It is now December, and the year is coming to an end. I hope that many of you have been out enjoying the events that your branches have been putting on over spring.

One section of our club that often gets overlooked is classic motor sport. New Zealand has created some great drivers over the years, some that have gone on to international fame. Most started behind the wheel of a standard road car, or a New Zealand built special, showing great Kiwi creativity along the way. As a club we encourage all forms of motoring, which includes speed events, throughout the country.

We are fortunate to have a great relationship with Motorsport New Zealand which allows us to run a VCC class on the back of some of their popular classic series. In doing so though, we need our own speed stewards to oversee our races on the day.

At present we are struggling

to find enough people to fill speed steward roles. If you enjoy motor sport and would like to help out, can I ask that you contact Ray Sanders, our National Speed Steward. With a little bit of training, you can help keep these racing events going and enjoy a free day at the track.

After our first Management Committee meeting in October we released a discussion paper for all Branch Secretaries and Delegates covering the changes we are working on for our new national constitution. These were sent out early to allow plenty of time for discussions before our next Executive Meeting at Christchurch in March. Much of our current constitution will not need changing but our current governance structure is not fit for purpose which is why the Executive have been working on updating it. Better governance is a clear objective within the new Act. Please speak with your Branch Delegate if you have

questions about this as they need your feedback in order to represent your branch at this meeting.

Just before this goes to print Registrar Neil Beckenham and I will be attending a meeting with the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association (LVVTA).

This year Neil has been asked to stand for a vacant position on their board. Our club has had a very strong and long-standing relationship with the LVVTA and as they are assigned more tasks from NZTA it is imperative that we work alongside them to help maintain the use of our vehicles on New Zealand roads. It is our hope that Neil will be appointed at this meeting.

While in Wellington we will also be meeting with NZTA. Again, this relationship is very important to us as a club and we hope to reinstate the regular bi-annual meetings we used to have with them. Over the years these slipped by the wayside

VCCNZ MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

CLUB CAPTAIN NORTHERN REGION Glyn Clements 021 0833 4081 nicc@vcc.org.nz

EDITOR, BEADED WHEELS Kevin Clarkson 021 0270 6525 kevinclarkson@vcc.org.nz

PRESIDENT George R. Kear 027 221 4332

CLUB CAPTAIN SOUTHERN REGION Mark Wilkinson 021 168 6068 sicc@vcc.org.nz

Rebecca George 021 293 7714 mgmt2@vcc.org.nz

REGISTRAR Neil Beckenham 021 588 536 registrar@vcc.org.nz

mgmt1@vcc.org.nz

president@vcc.org.nz

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Diane Quarrie 027 333 1329 pastpresident@vcc.org.nz SECRETARY/ TREASURER Vacant

SPEED STEWARD Ray Sanders 021 632 563 speedsteward@vcc.org.nz

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

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

the subscription notices to those members with a Spark email address.

If you haven’t received your invoice, let your Branch Secretary or National Office know asap.

Linda Duffell

Karen Proctor

Office Administrator

Mgmt Committee Liaison Officer

The office has been very busy with members’ subscription payments, telephone calls, membership applications and VIC applications over the past few months.

SUBSCRIPTION INVOICES

VIC applications continue to stream in and we are running at processing times of four to six weeks from receipt of the completed application at National Office.

We did encounter some issues with the emailed invoices being rejected as spam by some email providers, predominantly Spark. After some extensive discussion with Spark we resent

6 Beaded Wheels

Andy Fox 03 314 3763

Membership invoices for the year 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2024 were emailed and posted to members in September.

Membership cards were posted to financial members in early November.

Members whose renewal invoice is unpaid at the time of the March 2024 Executive Meeting will no longer be a member as per the constitution and will have their membership cancelled and lose any previous continuous membership.

If you intend to resign it would be appreciated if you notify the National Office.

as staff came and went from their office. It is encouraging that we have been given this opportunity to sit down face to face again.

On behalf of you all I would like to thank Linda and Karen for all their efforts in our National Office. With over 8,500 members the office is a busy place, their skills and pleasant manner mean nothing is a problem to our office team.

The Management Committee is grateful for their efforts in keeping the club ticking along admirably.

From the Management Committee I wish you all a good Christmas and trust that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

George Kear VCCNZ National President

ARCHIVIST Don Muller 03 385 6850

archivist@vcc.org.nz

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

VCC VERO INSURANCE SCHEME

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

CHRISTMAS OFFICE HOURS

National office will be closed on Friday 22 December and reopen at 9.30am Wednesday 27 December 2023. The office will be closed for the New Year public holidays only.

Beaded Wheels office will be closed from 5pm Friday 15 December. The office will reopen on Tuesday 13 January.

TIMELINES NEW FACE JOINS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Our 2023 AGM saw an influx of new members joining the Club Management Committee. We intend to introduce them over our next few issues.

Glyn Clements is our new North Island Club Captain. A member for 50 years, having joined the Hawke’s Bay Branch as a 15 year old school boy back in 1973.

He was Hawke’s Bay Branch Secretary and Delegate 19781980, was in Wellington Branch in 1981 and then Manawatu Branch in 1982 where he was Club Captain. He moved back to Hawke’s Bay in 1983 and served as Club Captain, then Chairman during the 1980s, and was Branch Historian during the 1990s. Glyn has also been a member of the Wairarapa and Central Hawke’s Bay Branches.

Now retired, and living back in Manawatu, Glyn is currently the Club Captain for the Manawatu Branch and wife Cathy is Secretary. Glyn is keen on all aspects of vehicles catered for by the Club, be they car, bike or commercial - from veteran to P80.

Glyn’s aim is to get more members behind handlebars and steering wheels, not computer screens and keyboards, and to also promote more inter-branch activities.

Glyn invites you to consider being part of the upcoming North Island Tour.

Glyn Clements VCCNZ North Island Club Captain

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

Borich, Stipe Stowers, Mervyn Fitness, William Holt, John (Paddy) Hillier, Lawrence Patterson, Colin Terrill, Greg Webster, Les Gardiner, Robert Pettengell, Barry Pettengell, Hilary

50 YEAR

60 YEAR

Ballantyne, Robert Dewhurst QSM, Norm, Wood, Chris Johnson, Robert

Auckland Auckland Northland Northland Northland Waikato Waikato Waikato Wellington Wellington Wellington

Auckland Auckland Auckland Waikato

1903 Daimler 22 wagonette c1910.

Medlow Bath, NSW, Australia.

1903/04

120 YEARS AGO

1923/24

100 YEARS AGO

1948/49

75 YEARS AGO

1973/74

50 YEARS AGO

1993/04

30 YEARS AGO

VETERAN VEHICLES

Great Britain may well have been on target to reach the grand total of 14,000 cars and 8,200 motorcycles giving a total of 22,200 registered motor vehicles, but there was only one that people were talking about. It was, according to some, the finest motor-car yet made. Constructed by the Daimler works it was a nine seater car designed for comfort. It produced 22 horse power – a force never reached by the chariots of Roman Emperors!

VINTAGE VEHICLES

It may have been on the way out after just seven years, but the nobly labelled “Patrician Among Touring Cars”, the Stephens Salient Six, was still enthusiastically promoted by Partell and Boag and Reillys Central Produce Mart in Dunedin and John Burns and Tench Brothers Christchurch.

For £550 buyers were promised a car that had distinction of appearance, balance, low centre of gravity, body stability, no side sway, no vibration, ease of control and flexible power.

Depreciation wasn’t kind to defunct brands though and by 1926 a Stephens Salient Six was for sale with just 8000 miles for £195.

PW VEHICLES

After resignations, court cases and allegations of political favoritism, Australia’s own, the Holden was here. Even by 1948 standards, it was fairly utilitarian. Six cylinders, 2150cc, 60bhp, ohv, three speed column change, one central instrument, and room for six. Its saving grace was simplicity and light weight. It wasn’t great, but after two Holdens covered 600 miles averaging 35mph and 37mpg, it was judged good enough.

P60 VEHICLES

Selling second to Todd Motors’ popular Hillman Hunter, beating the Valiant and making it into the top ten selling cars in New Zealand with 1542 sales, the Avenger’s makeover ensured a new lease of life. A 1.6-litre engine replaced the 1.5-litre one, now available with a four-speed automatic. Upgraded Supers got 69bhp engines, the Alpine got 81bhp and twin carburettors.

New was the Alpine GLS Auto with a heated rear window, remote controlled mirrors, wood cappings and a vinyl roof.

P80 VEHICLES

Twenty years after the demise of the 2002 Touring hatchback BMW launched a new hatchback, the E36 3 Series. Available with two engines, a 101bhp (75kw) 1.6 litre or a 1.8 litre with 138 bhp (103kw) which would accelerate to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds and do 130mph (209km/h). Many settled for the 1.6 which got to 100km/h in 12.3 seconds and topped out at 117mph (188km/h). Just quick enough for supermarket expeditions!

Developments in the motoring world this month in history.

Compiled by Graeme Rice QSM

Beaded Wheels 7

VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

Is two wheels more fun than four? This group think so as they ready for the off on the Manawatu Branch Motorcycle Rally. Photo Bryan Abraham.

DECEMBER 3 Auckland 3 Canterbury 3 Manawatu

Christmas Picnic Annual Vintage Rally Sunday Jaunt/Christmas Run 3 Marlborough Christmas Outing 3 Nelson Club Run 3 Otago Moped Rally 3 Waikato Motorcycle Run 3 Wellington Children’s Christmas Party 6 Nelson Gordons Mystery Run 6 Wanganui Restoration of the Year 6 Wellsford/Warkworth Midweek Picnic 9 C. Hawke’s Bay Christmas Function 9 Gore Christmas Run 9 Wanganui Christmas Parade 9 Waikato Club Run 10 Auckland Motorcycle Run 10 Central Otago Christmas Function 10 Gisborne Club Captain’s Wing Ding 10 Horowhenua Christmas Dinner 10 Northland Christmas Lunch 10 Otago Christmas BBQ 10 Waikato Motorcycle Run Santa Claus 10 Waimate Christmas Picnic/Run 10 Waitemata Christmas Dinner 10 West Coast Run to Stratford’s Tractor Museum 10 Wellsford/Warkworth Christmas Lunch 13 Bay of Plenty Christmas Retirement Run 14 Auckland Christmas Dinner 15 Canterbury Christmas Social 16 Far North Christmas Lunch 17 Canterbury Old Cars Bikes & Coffee/ Children’s Christmas Party 17 North Shore Car Show 17 Rotorua High Tea Run 19 Wellington Christmas Barbecue 21 North Shore Christmas Function

26 Canterbury

Boxing Day Run

JANUARY 1 Ashburton 1 Auckland 1 Banks Peninsula 1 Manawatu 1 South Canterbury 1 Wanganui 1 Wellington 2 Canterbury 6 Far North 7 Canterbury 7 Waikato 7 Wairarapa 10 Banks Peninsula 10 Wanganui 14 Waikato 17 Auckland 17 Waikato 19 Wellington 20 Far North 20 Gore 20 Nelson 20 Waimate 20-22 Wanganui 21 Canterbury 21 Central Otago 21 North Shore 21 Otago 21 Rotorua 21 Wanganui 21 West Coast 25-29 Otago

New Year’s Day Run New Year’s Day Run New Year’s Day Picnic New Year’s Day Picnic New Year’s Day at Fairlie Gumboot Rally Taihape New Year’s Day Picnic Motorcycle New Year Run Taipa Show & Shine Picnic Run Blue Smoke & Pedals Coastal Run Pomeroy Trophy Club Picnic Club Run Mid Week Tourers Run Wednesday Wander Monte Carlo Rally Saturday Picnic Picnic Run Golden Bay A & P Show Kickstart Motorbike Rally Vintage Weekend OCBC Swap Meet Club Run Jackson Rally Lakefront Car Show Burma Rally Christmas Lunch NATIONAL VETERAN RALLY & 70th Dunedin Brighton Run 27 Ashburton Annual Rally 27 North Otago Moped Run 27 South Canterbury Ladies Run 27-28 Wellington Biennial Motorcycle Rally 28 Marlborough Waihopi Valley Trip 29-31 Otago Prince Henry Tour

FEBRUARY

3-4 Banks Peninsula 3 EBOP 3 Southland 4 Waitemata 5-7 Marlborough

Skope Race Meeting East Coast Rally Southland Rally Stan’s Steam Run National Vintage Only Rally 6 Marlborough Heritage Day, Brayshaw Park (including display from National Vintage Only Rally) 9-11 Banks Peninsula Classic Motor Racing Southern Meeting Levels 10 Auckland Annual Veteran Run 10 Far North Northern Captains Run 10 Waimate Wallaby Rally 11 Ashburton VTNZ/VCC Car Show 11 Manawatu Veteran Rally 11 South Canterbury Chairman’s Run 14 Taupo Club Barbecue 15-17 Hawke’s Bay Art Deco 16-17 Nelson Moutere Hop Weekend 17 Horowhenua Auction 17 Nelson Murchison A & P Show 17 North Otago All British Day 17 West Coast Stockton Mine Tour 18 Ashburton Chairman’s Run 18 Horowhenua Shannon Car Show 18 North Shore Posh Picnic 18 Rotorua Club Run 18 Waikato Club Run 18 Wanganui Sunday Run 18 Canterbury Old Cars Bikes & Coffee 21 Auckland Mid-week Tourer’s Run 21 Waikato Wednesday Wander 25 Taranaki Mini Vin Rally 23-25 Waikato Motorcycle Tour 24 South Canterbury Open Day 24 Waimate Scooter Run

NATIONAL EVENTS 25-29 January 2024 National Veteran Rally 5-7 February 2024 National Vintage Only Rally 29 March –1 April 2024 National SI Easter Rally

This list does not contain all branch events – 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.

8 Beaded Wheels

While Beaded Wheels makes every attempt to check the accuracy of the dates published in this column we advise readers to confirm all dates with the individual branch concerned.

A valid Vehicle ID card (VIC) is required for any vehicle entered in a National VCC event. Visit www.vcc.org.nz for more information on how to obtain a VIC for your vehicle.

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

from around New Zealand.

Still missing for the New Zealand collection is a two cylinder engine, radiator and the gearbox diff combination. What lies out there?

Doug Wheeler Eastern Bay of Plenty branch

ID NEEDED

THORNYCROFT

The location of this Thornycroft is a mystery as it appears to be at a park or similar with the stone pillars as for a gateway at the roadside. I have searched hillside parks and cemeteries using Google Earth for similar land forms and stone pillars with no success. Hopefully a reader can assist in identifying the location.

The origin of the photo is unclear. It was sent to me from a fellow veteran enthusiast in the UK who, when questioned, said only that it came from New Zealand.

The number plate middle symbol, if a dot, would indicate being from the years 1929-30.

However it could be a star, making it 1927-28, but those numbers were yellow in colour and one would expect a slightly darker tone to the image. The years 1956-61 also had a star in the central location, but for the age of the truck, it is unlikely to be of this plate period. I have no record of such a vehicle being held in a New Zealand collection at that time.

As for the vehicle, it is not in showroom condition, with wear evident on the deck edge. It is also missing the chain cover.

This model of Thornycroft was produced up to the outbreak of WWI when the chain drive incorporating a common diff and gearbox housing was abandoned in favour of a a live axle and diff, with the gearbox being placed closer to the motor.

The metal spoked wheels of this pattern would indicate a manufacturing date of 1912 through to 1914.

There are not many photos of such chain drive Thornycroft in New Zealand but the cab building style of other photos does not match this photo. Most of the other photos have sign writing as identifiable features about the cab.

The bonnet is short so would indicate the 16 hp two cylinder engine, the four cylinder 30 hp engine being more popular in the longer wheelbase trucks.

This same four cylinder engine design continued on into WWI production in the early J model lorries, then becoming upgraded to 40hp.

There is a complete example in operational condition in Melbourne and the chassis and wheels for another in England.

Also the parts from five such vehicles that I have gathered up

I was wondering if anyone had an idea of what car this is. I believe it may be a 6-cylinder Oakland tourer and the photo taken around 1915? My great grandfather Archibald Page had a car such as this and I’m wondering if this photo is the Oakland.

Chris Carey Lincoln, Christchurch captain.carefree@gmail.com

MORRIS 8 MEMORIES

The recent article on the Morris 8 Sports and one or two letters later from owners brought back memories of my own first car, a 1938 tourer, similar with a back seat and a near vertical ugly rear end. A motorcycle was my preferred transport back in the ‘50s but a vehicle to tow, yes tow, my pre war 250 BSA to local race meetings was required.

I recall the price was £100.

The hood bows were badly damaged, as were the side curtains. I think the policeman I bought it from may have had an oops so it was an open model until repairs to the hood hardware were completed. Alan McIndoe, a local upholsterer, replaced the hood and side curtains. He also added a nut and bolt self-made towbar to tow my dad’s home-built wooden trailer.

The first out of town event was at Long Beach North of Dunedin. The BSA went well, but locals will recall the steep gravel climb from the beach, which

proved too tough for Morris and trailer. I recall Club member Pat Leopold pulled the trailer up with his V8 coupe.

It was 1957 when I entered the same old BSA at Cust, home of the New Zealand Grand Prix back then. Dad’s trailer was no lightweight but the Morris managed the Easter weekend.

Sadly my bike didn’t by not finishing the 250 lightweight event – valve problems.

Morris 8 problems, well mine anyway: with cork axle seals I needed to avoid parking on steep angles and also ran the diff oil a bit lower to keep the brake linings dry. The doors popped open on a rough road corners. I also had problems with crownwheel bolts breaking, the heads would pop off. I machined new studs,and even all those years back I recall the steel was SD 50. Some sort of axle steel, certainly better than the Mowog ones.

Our senior Club members will remember the radiator leak repair Soldrit, fine silver powder in a small cardboard container with a press on tin lid, I think I found it more successful than Bar’s Leaks.

Eventually it was time to upgrade, the Morris was a clean swap with a Golden Flash BSA, sold to finance the next tow car, a ‘39 Vauxhall J. Bill Veitch

ERRATA

Article “A Survivor” regarding the 1913 Morris Oxford published in Beaded Wheels 383, August/ September 2023.

Unfortunately the car in the photograph was incorrectly identified during Beaded Wheels production.

The car on the right is No 192, restored by Norman Findlay in Napier in the early 1960s. The car on the left is number 332.

Beaded Wheels 9

THE PHANTOM TRW A RIDE THROUGH MEMORY LANE From notes by Derek Upton aka Big End Knocks As I reflect on the journey that has been my life, one memory stands out vividly against the backdrop of time: the encounter with the TRW Triumph during my national service days. It was 1952 when I received what one might ironically call an “invitation” from the King for my two years of national service. It was less of an invite and more of a mandatory summons. Fresh out of an apprenticeship and enjoying a decent wage, the prospect of a reduced income in the service was anything but appealing.

Yet, the alternative – a run-in with the military police – was far less desirable.

After enduring five months of rigorous training, I found myself in Germany, a fully trained anti-aircraft gunner with the 22 LAA Squadron RAF Regiment. It was here that my path crossed with the TRW Triumphs, the first of their kind issued to the military, and serendipitously, I had a civilian motorcycle license. I quickly maneuvered myself into the position of caretaker for B Flight’s four gleaming new machines.

The TRW was a marvel – a 500cc side valve twin, designed to a unique Ministry of Supply specification. Its aesthetic was striking, with a nacelle headlamp and a charming blue/grey paint job, a nod to its Trophy competition model lineage, albeit with an unusual engine. These motorcycles, replacing the wartime models with girder forks, were a joy on and off the road, able to navigate any 10 Beaded Wheels

terrain with the ease and grace of a ballerina – a perfect match for any adventurous soul.

One of my most memorable rides on the TRW was also nearly my last. During a convoy run on the autobahn, I was relishing a high-speed run along the length of the convoy when disaster struck – the chain broke, wrapping around the sprocket and locking the wheel in a solid, unyielding grip. The resulting slide was a spectacle, they said, and by some stroke of luck or perhaps sheer determination, I managed to ride it out, coming to a stop in an upright position. It was a heart-pounding reminder of both the thrill and danger that came with riding.

Over the years, my fascination with the TRW never waned. I entertained the idea of importing one to New Zealand, where I had seen only one TRW in six decades. The rarity of this machine turned it into a legend among motorcycle enthusiasts, a phantom that we’d all heard about but seldom seen. Rumours swirled about a mysterious Triumph with a peculiar engine, said to be hidden in the depths of a southern barn or smuggled into the country on a fishing boat. These stories fueled my curiosity and kept the legend of the TRW alive in my heart.

A GLIMMER OF HOPE About 15 years ago, a new lead emerged – a TRW being restored by a military machine enthusiast. I visited the restorer, only to find the bike painted in khaki, destined for a private museum.

However, the original navy blue paint on the petrol tank, complete with a service number, sparked a new chapter in the mystery.

I was also able to locate and donate a new cylinder head, the original being battered with missing fins. My wife, adept with computers, discovered that the number was a Royal Navy registration, shedding light on the bike’s unique colour and possibly its clandestine journey to a farm down south.

The story took another turn when I learned that some fishing boats brought back from England might have carried this phantom Triumph. The thought that this TRW might have been a ‘reverse press gang’ loot, smuggled aboard a fishing boat from Portsmouth and then clandestinely brought ashore in New Zealand, was thrilling. It painted a picture of a daring midnight escapade, a trophy brought home but hidden away due to the lack of proper paperwork.

This motorcycle, a symbol of my youth and a testament to the adventurous spirit, remains an enigma. Its whereabouts are unknown, but its legend lives on, a phantom that rode through my life, leaving a trail of excitement, mystery, and a touch of nostalgia. In the company of fellow motorcyclists, the tale of the TRW is often revisited, a shared bond over the love for these machines that have, in many ways, defined parts of our lives. As I muse over these memories, I am transported back to those days, feeling the thrill of the ride, the wind against my face, and the Breaded Wheels half page 2023_1.pdf 17/01/2023 10:42:24 indomitable spirit of the1 Phantom TRW. AM

LAC Derek Upton, Lüneberg Heath, 1952 L-R: Derek Upton, Ray Wayman, Corporal McRobb.

*Shipping out of COKER USA monthly

HALF PAGE FOR COKER

18 Parkwood Place, East Tamaki, Auckland

HIN BE

D THE WHE EL

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY – literally!

Words Greg Price, photos John McDonald. Restoration photos Michael Hedgman

12 Beaded Wheels

Michael Hedgman’s 1925 Lagonda 12/24 tourer How many of us can boast now owning what was once their father’s car, and can also confidently claim that at least one of their children may take it on when the time comes?

Well, Michael Hedgman can!

Until recently, whenever I heard mention of the name Lagonda, I immediately thought of those large English luxury saloons from the Bentley, Alvis and Rolls-Royce stables and the like, so it came as quite a surprise to spot Michael Hedgman’s little gem on the front cover of Canterbury Branch’s November 2023 The Hub, (having taken out the People’s Choice award at the All British Rally!) especially as it was captioned as being a Lagonda.

Editor Kevin and I decided that it was a ‘must do’ for a Behind the Wheel. The only problem was that a looming editorial deadline, coupled with Michael’s limited availability at that time for the customary interrogation and photoshoot, necessitated a panic trip out to his place of residence in North Canterbury at very short notice. Fortunately, our own photographer extraordinaire, John McDonald, was able to make himself available at short notice. The whole exercise came together nicely, just like the Westpac merger did back in 1996 – the same year as this car was completed, and also (more importantly) in time for Ian and Michael to compete in the Pan Pacific International hub rally.

What is also important to note is that this particular model is most likely one of about only six remaining world-wide, and reportedly the only surviving running example in New Zealand.

There was however, an earlier non-runner 11.1 model two-seater roadster at Southward’s Museum but it is not known if it is still there. Thus, it was a special privilege to be able to get up close and personal to such a unique car. But, first up, a bit of the history of the marque.

ever fly-off handbrake, which is on Michael’s car and takes a bit of getting used to!

During WWI the Lagonda Company made artillery shells.

After the end of the war the 11.1 continued with a larger, 1400 cc, engine and standard electric lighting as the 11.9 until 1923, then the 12/24, with Michael’s car coming off the line in 1925.

The first of the company’s sports models (the ones that I remember) were launched in 1925 as the 14/60 with a twin-cam 1,954 cc fourcylinder engine and hemispherical combustion chambers. The car was designed by Arthur Davidson who had come from Lea-Francis.

A higher output engine came in 1927 with the two-litre Speed model which could be had supercharged in 1930. A lengthened chassis version, the 16/65, with a six-cylinder 2.4-litre engine, was available from 1926 to 1930. Their final car of the 1920s was the three-litre using a 2,931 cc six-cylinder engine. This continued until 1933 when the engine grew to 3,181 cc and was also available with a complex eight-speed Maybach transmission as the Selector Special. However if you want to learn more about the Lagonda marque, then look it up on the interweb! Suffice to conclude though, that the marque name survives today, having been subsequently acquired by Aston Martin.

HISTORY OF LAGONDA The Lagonda Company is now a British luxury car brand that was founded in 1906 in the UK in Staines, Middlesex, by Americanborn Wilbur Gunn (1859–1920), a former opera singer. He became a British national in 1891 and worked as a speedboat and motorcycle engineer in Staines. He named the company after the Shawnee Indian settlement ‘Lagonda’ in modern-day Springfield, Ohio, the town of his birth. This is a glacially eroded limestone gorge of much beauty. Historically, the area played a major role in the Treaty of Easton and the aligning of the Shawnee tribe with the British during the French and Indian War. (Ian Hedgman visited this place with other Lagonda aficionados after the restoration of his Lagonda.) Wilbur Gunn had built motorcycles on a small scale in the garden of his house in Staines with reasonable success, including a win on the 1905 London–Edinburgh trial. In 1907 he launched his first car, the 20 hp, six-cylinder Torpedo, which he used to win the Moscow–St. Petersburg trial of 1910. This success produced a healthy order for exports to Russia which continued until 1914. In 1913, Lagonda introduced an advanced small car, the 11.1, with a four-cylinder 1,099 cc engine, which, by 1914, featured a panhard rod suspension and a riveted uni-body and the first

Beaded Wheels 13

BACKGROUND TO MICHAEL’S CAR Indications are that this particular Lagonda spent most of its early life in and around Dunedin, starting in Green Island, and seemingly ended up in a yard behind a business in Milton from whence one James Annis bought it in 1939 albeit with a sick motor and in an otherwise dismantled state, which was why it was at the wreckers. The car was returned to running order and the Annis family travelled in it to Christchurch, stopping over in Morven on route on Christmas Eve 1939. The family slept in the car utilising the fold down seating!

Fast forward to 1973 and once again the Lagonda changed hands. The well-known proprietor of the Christchurch Motorists’ Shop Fazazz, Gavin Bain, passed it on to Michael’s father, Ian, who started the rebuild, from what was described as being a lot of boxes, but seemingly complete with all parts. However this proved not to be so. Michael was aged just two at this point – which was a bit young to do any serious assisting with the rebuild, but as the work progressed, Michael was not averse to any photo opportunities that arose, as evidenced by the picture of him sitting astride the chassis when aged about five or six.

For those mechanically minded, the motor is an ‘F’ head - one of those of which the cylinder head cannot be removed! It has overhead inlet valves and side valve exhaust. So one can imagine the fun boring the block from the base of the engine, without penetrating the top of the engine! In actual fact, this complicated work was carried out by another Canterbury VCC member, Dave Backhouse, whose son’s 1937 Packard coupe previously featured in Beaded Wheels #370. Modifications at that time included upgrading the up-draught Zenith carburettor to an SU model coupled to a six volt electric fuel pump.

As would be expected, the woodwork needed to be totally replaced, and Southland Beech was the wood of choice. Interestingly, this Lagonda has an angle iron chassis more akin to a Meccano set, and is not of the traditional solid frame type usually seen on 1920s cars.

Michael’s Dad confirmed that while there was a separate chassis as such, the fact that the body panels were riveted to the chassis with ‘Tinmen’ rivets, (look it up!) meant that, once attached, the

14 Beaded Wheels

body could no longer be removed from the chassis – a sort of early version of the monoque design. One Bob Scott, ex Creswell Motors clad the body and made the mudguards and, utilising a roof skin from an Austin A30 and a Humber 80, manufactured the rear tub section. The upholstery was made from at least six New Zealand leather hides, and a new hood was fitted to the newly constructed hood bows made by Ian, who also prepared the body for eventual painting with (don’t tell anyone!) a Ford Laser or Telstar colour from the 1980s! Well, that would seem appropriate, since the Lagonda has an early Ford style transverse spring on the front?

And, if you’re interested, it has two quarter-elliptic springs at the rear, similar to an Austin Seven! Barry Robert from Auckland who owned a 12/24 also was extremely helpful with measurements and patterns over many years!

But suffice to say it really was a ‘ground up’ restoration as evidenced by the time taken — 1973 until completion in January 1996! And, given the detail and finish this car can only be described as a Labour of Love.

Probably the best aspect of the restoration was (in my opinion, for sure!) that the re-registration exercise was a simple matter of going to the local Post Office and registering it. Imagine the certifiers who would most likely have absolutely no knowledge whatsoever of this type of car construction, trying to come to grips with the unique construction method, not to mention the ‘modifications’ to the drive train to facilitate ease of motoring! From where I sit (and from my experiences with re-certification) Ian and Michael definitely dodged a bullet there!

ON A FINE EVENING IN NORTH CANTERBURY Upon arriving at the Hedgman residence, the first thing I noticed was that about six years ago my wife and I had viewed the property across the road and now I lamented the fact that had we done so, this exercise would have entailed a simple wander over to a neighbouring property, as opposed to a lengthy drive in the country. No matter, the proposed purchase property lacked sufficient garaging at the time, and we all know that adequate garaging is a prerequisite for any classic car enthusiast, albeit with some accommodation attached.

Michael had raced home from work that day and had already put the Lagonda outside on the apron, and it looked great in the afternoon sunshine, hood already lowered, and ready for anything – within reason. Given the ‘fly off’ handbrake idiosyncrasies, my now infamous handbrake turns were off the table.

As capturing the photographic images was the first priority, and to remove the temptation of my doing wheelies in his driveway, Michael drove us to the nearby sports ground, with John seated in the back, and Editor Kevin trying to keep up in his Porsche! The judder bars in and around the sports ground gave the Lagonda’s suspension a good try-out, but suffice to say I wouldn’t like to take any of them at speed. But I can confirm that the Lagonda’s turning circle is way more impressive than my Mk I Zephyrs at 41' 6"! Which brings me to another coincidence – Michael’s Dad Ian bought this Lagonda back in 1973 – the same year I bought my Mk I Zephyr!

THE TEST DRIVE Once the necessary photos were taken, it was time to get behind the wheel, to experience first-hand what this magnificent vehicle had to offer.

Having spotted the dreaded ‘gate change’ configuration atop the gearbox, I initially thought that this would be yet another missed opportunity to go for a hoon, because I feared damaging the gears with the ‘crash’ (non-synchromesh gear) changes. I was therefore relieved to observe Michael seemingly having no problems shifting through the gears effortlessly just like it was a normal synchromesh box. This is because it is! Michael’s father Ian, had

also lamented the fact that a crash gearbox did not endear itself to effortless vintage driving, so early on in its life some modern internals were fitted within the original casings, along with a modern clutch mechanism, which when viewed from underneath, look original, but internally, provided the smoothness of a more modern ride. A very practical classic in other words and with all the original parts remaining in storage.

Initial observations on the way to the sports ground were that, the instrumentation was nicely laid out on the flat dashboard – on the passenger’s side! Possibly to facilitate conversion to left hand drive in the event that the Americans wanted a few of them back in the day?

There was the obligatory ‘eight day clock’ on the far left, and next to that was the speedometer, complete with odometer and trip meter. Ignition was cunningly concealed beneath the dash fascia, giving the impression of how you might hot wire a modern vehicle.

Fortunately there were no members of the local constabulary in the immediate vicinity to question the suspicious starting process.

If things get too hot, there is a Wilmott Breeden calormeter (temperature gauge) atop the radiator, which gives a reasonably accurate indication of the engine temperature – except when you go over the speed humps.

Note to self, next time, wear more suitable footwear, so one’s foot doesn’t vacate the shoe mid clutch operation! Aside from that, clutch operation was relatively smooth, and gear changes were effortless and quiet. Releasing the handbrake was also novel in that it only requires the lever to be flicked backward. If needed both the rear sets of brake shoes operate from the foot brake and a gentle pull back on the fly-off handbrake lever! What still takes a bit of getting used to is the accelerator being in the middle, between the clutch and brake pedals, which means extra care when contemplating racing away at an intersection, lest one inadvertently stamps on the brake! Which, by the way, I didn’t do!

Acceleration was smooth and surprisingly good, and before I knew it we had reached about 30mph albeit still in 3rd gear, but promptly decelerated as we’d left John behind chatting up some young girls riding horses – or rather, were they chatting up John?

Either way I believe he was contemplating taking some shots

Beaded Wheels 15

WHAT OTHER NEAT STUFF DOES THIS CAR HAVE? In the photos you will note that each door has a seemingly fold down panel, which cunningly disguises the place where the side curtains are kept for each door! Disappointingly I’d thought those removable sections were drink trays!

There is also a rear fold out screen for the rear seat passengers which can be pulled up into place and then drawn back to provide some protection from the elements. This can be utilised with the roof up or down. The roof, incidentally, can be raised or lowered in less than a minute (True! I kid you not! I timed it!), and only one person is required. Another interesting fact is that the radiator is a German Silver one piece radiator, in that the polished shell is fitted to the honeycomb grille, and thus cannot be removed. So, think telephone numbers if ever a replacement was required! It also has four-wheel brakes, as Ian believed that safety rated higher than originality in this instance.

And, as mentioned earlier on, it has a fold down seat to enable the sleep overs previously described. The original upholstery was air inflatable which would have made it feel like sleeping on a Lilo.

OTHER STABLE MATES?

SPECIFICATIONS Engine:

Gearbox: Wheels: Suspension: Electrics: Carburettor: Overall rating:

Four cylinder 11.9 F-type motor 69mm x 95mm, 1421cc Updated four-speed with synchro on 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

Artillery type spoke with 4:50x19 tyres Front transverse leaf, rear quarter elliptic Six volt, magneto SU with electric fuel pump OOOTB (One out of the bag!)

with the horses included and the Lagonda – something about horsepower, I think?

So utilising both roadside grass verges, I executed a U turn and motored back to where John was waiting. The rather unique handbrake system precluded my now infamous handbrake turns, as it would have involved reaching over and forward and grabbing at the lever, while holding the steering with the other hand, which would have been exceedingly awkward, so I didn’t. At that point I happily handed the wheel back to Michael (with the rest of the car still attached to it), content that I hadn’t inflicted any damage to the Lagonda. It’s relatively easy to determine how an owner is feeling about letting someone else drive their pride and joy, by viewing the whiteness of their knuckles as they grip the door tops! In any event, it’s also easier to observe the idiosyncrasies of a vehicle from the passenger seat, and make notes accordingly, rather than try to balance your clipboard against the steering wheel while driving over speed bumps! (Speed bumps in rural Mandeville? Whatever next?)

Then it was a short trip back to Michael’s home, where we were afforded a demonstration of raising and lowering the roof.

16 Beaded Wheels

Stashed away in the garages are Michael’s first car – a 1956 Austin A30, and another of his father’s cars – a 1972 Daimler!

There is also a 1927 Chevrolet two-door sedan which is the next project on the books, or ‘one day’, as Michael puts it! Also stashed in the garage is another almost complete Lagonda, ‘starter project’ in case he needs any bits!

THE FUTURE? Michael’s son recently drove the A30 to the All-British Day – his first excursion in a manual car, and reportedly did very well having had only a few practice tries around the local neighbourhood beforehand. While the young lad is more interested in 4WDs, his older sister already has her eyes on the Lagonda, and with the ‘modifications’ to the drive train, taking it for a spin occasionally should become a breeze! So, don’t expect to see anything from the Hedgman fleet for sale any time soon.

CONCLUSION Michael’s Lagonda is a unique practical classic, and is a credit to his dad, Ian, who did much of the original work, and also to Michael who has been keeping it up and running for the past 20 or so years. Long may the family continue this legacy.

I grew up around cars, motorcycles and scooters, starting with Austin 7s and Morris 8s. 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 convertible and a sedan) owned for 50 years and 45 years respectively. I like anything with wheels especially if it has whitewall tyres! The wish list still includes an E-Type Jaguar. What I can’t get to own I like to write about.

Greg Price

Beaded Wheels 17

THE MORRIS MINOR NATIONAL RALLY – ADELAIDE 31 MARCH TO 3 APRIL 2023

ADELAIDE CHRONICLES OUR MORRIS MINOR ADVENTURE Words and Photos by Anita van der Velden

Earlier this year Brian and I were lucky enough to be visiting Adelaide. More exciting was our participation in the South Australian National Rally celebrating 75 years of the Morris Minor. To add to the excitement, we were given the use of a gorgeous 1957 two door 948cc convertible. In Morris Minor terms you can’t do better than that!

FROM FACEBOOK COMMENT TO CONVENTION I noticed an advertisement for the Rally on Facebook. On the link, I commented that we would love to come but there was no way we could ship one of our Morris Minors to Australia. A reply came back very quickly from Mark Gauci of the Morris Car Club of South Australia “we can lend you a Morris Minor.” Given the event and Mark’s generous offer we were determined to attend.

The anticipation was almost as good as the event, involving not only bookings but also deciding what to take. I had to balance the need for items like my three kilo rocker cover racer against my desire to pack all of my outfits and shoes.

Meeting Mark and his wife Margie a few months later we realized that not only was he incredibly generous and kind, but he was also very busy! As one of the organizers (in charge of sponsorship and marketing) of such a big event he was in his back shed with several other club members filling goodie bags when we arrived. He declined our offer of help, and instead, introduced us to our mode of transport for the next few days, the immaculate 1957 Morris Minor, Monti.

18 Beaded Wheels

There were definitely some nerves as we negotiated our way through an unknown city to our accommodation and the next morning we spent time finding our bearings and planning the best route to the convention venue.

We arrived in style with the top down and then made a complete hash of putting the roof back up (only our second practice so please don’t judge). Everyone we met seemed so helpful and our struggle to correctly lock the roof back down was soon over as Mark’s brother Patrick (Club President) was nearby and able to give us a hand. Patrick had lent his Morris Minor ute to another Kiwi couple, Murray and Teresa Littleton, who we knew from a previous Rotorua event. Over the next few days we met many lovely people and created some great connections, Many of the cars, vans and utes had non-standard engines possibly more than is the case in New Zealand. Perhaps this may be due to the higher distance they need to travel. The high standard of the vehicles in the event was definitely comparable to those in New Zealand. Around 130 cars were involved which made for a great spectacle.

The Bend Raceway – what started out as a polite tour of the circuit gradually descended into a battle of the fastest.

Mark Gauci and his rare Morris 8 soft top ute.

Patrick Gauci with his Morris which was winner of the Most Popular Original Lowlight sedan.

Anita and Brian taking to the Adelaide Roads.

The rally included visits to the Australian Aviation Museum in Port Adelaide and the Birdwood Motor Museum. On Sunday we drove to a vineyard called The Cube. For all events outfits that reflected the year of our cars were encouraged. Given the size of my costume cupboard, this rounded things off nicely for me.

The last day was spent at Mt Lofty and later on we had an incredible opportunity to drive on the iconic 7.7km The Bend Raceway circuit. Our Minors were declared the largest in number and the slowest cars ever to enter the track. That didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits and there was definitely some jostling going on especially as the non-standard engine owners took the opportunity to stretch their legs a little. This was all captured on the drone footage making for some sensational video.

Facebook might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if it wasn’t for that one comment all those months previously, along with Mark’s generosity, none of this would have happened.

We returned to Adelaide sorry to be saying goodbye to our trusty Aussie Morris Minor but reflecting on a fantastic experience. The car hadn’t missed a beat. Great memories, plenty of photos and even a Best Dressed Award on the shelf in our lounge. These little cars are just made for big adventures – we can’t wait for the next one.

▼ Back home again. The Adelaide badge makes a nice addition to the collection on my 1959 Morris Minor sedan.

Anita lives with her husband Brian in Rangiora, North Canterbury. She grew up around vintage cars. Her father owned several, one being a rare 1951 3.5 litre drophead coupe Jaguar. She and Brian currently own three Morris Minors and are forever taking them on adventures, repairing them, planning additions or changes and searching marketplace for more to buy.

Between work, sport, and family they squeeze as much time driving them as they can.

Anita van der Velden

Beaded Wheels 19

TRAVERSÉE DU PARIS Words and photos Tony Haycock

20 Beaded Wheels

I’m sitting in Patrice and Marie’s lounge, friends in the suburbs of Paris.

Just back from a drive of their 1937 Peugeot 302, a car which Marie’s father bought new in 1937 and hid from the Germans during the Occupation. When the car you have is the only one in the country, the chance to try an identical one is something you make the most of. More so when this is the car that you first saw and said “I want one of these… some day.”

We are having a glass of champagne before lunch when Patrice asks “So, Tony, how is it that you are able to take a car from the Citroën Conservatoire for the weekend to do the Traversée?” A good question… how is it that I find myself on the other side of the world, able to take a car from a museum and then join 700 other old cars on a drive across Paris? Certainly, it isn’t something I ever thought would happen to me.

Firstly, a little background information. Despite the common belief, in France, just like New Zealand, if you want to take your vintage out for a drive there is nothing to stop you from doing that, whenever you want to. Indeed, on more than one occasion my friend Dominique and I have, on a whim, taken his 1932 Citroën AC4 for a drive to the boulangerie for bread or more importantly, the local brewery for a cold beer on a hot summer afternoon.

However, many cities in Europe have restrictions on driving in the centre for anything which doesn’t meet the latest EU emission standards and Paris is no exception. A rule not aimed at vintage cars, they are more an unfortunate collateral victim.

▲ Outside the museum.

Twice a year, Vinciennes en Anciennes, one of the largest car clubs in France, arranges the Traversée du Paris. The restrictions are lifted for a day and 700 cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, mopeds and even tractors (yes, really!) from veteran to youngtimers (the term universally used in Europe for 1970/80s collector cars) descend on the city to take advantage of the chance to drive past some of the world’s greatest monuments and landmarks.

Back in January the head of L’Aventure Peugeot Citroën DS, who I had met last year at the Citroën Conservatoire, posted on Facebook that he was preparing for the winter Traversée du Paris at the weekend. I put up a cheeky comment “Got a spare car I can borrow?” and thought that would be the end of it. Then, to my complete surprise a couple of minutes later I got a message from Xavier. Of course he had a car I could use. A quick conversation then took place as there were one or two obstacles, the largest being that I was not going to be in Paris in five days time. However I would be there for work in the summer and if the dates worked, the offer still stood. Five months later, the dates did work and there

▲ Avoiding the chaos of the auto route.

▲ Dominique’s 1932 Citroën AC4 meets her new weekend garage-mate.

Where else would a 1950s Citroën truck line up beside a Bentley Turbo?

Beaded Wheels 21

▲ Powering under the Eifle Tower. Photo Dominique Le Leuch.

I was, having a very pleasant lunch with friends before heading to the nearby Citroën Conservatoire to collect a 1956 Citroën Traction Avant 11BL for the weekend.

French Autoroutes (motorways) are no place for old cars. The speed limit is 130 kph and everyone does. The slow lane is trucks nose to tail, all on their governors at 90 kph and you really don’t want to be in the middle of them. Better for us in our little Traction to take the Route Nationale (RN), which was once the main road to Paris and early on a Sunday morning is lacking in traffic. We need to get from Dominique’s place in Verneuil-en-Halatte (north of the city) 70km south to Chateau Vinciennes, the start point for the Traversée. While we could have taken the Autoroute, the cruising speed of the Citroën made that a pointless exercise and the RN was anyway, a far more scenic drive. With 700 cars entered you might have thought, as I did, that we might have seen some other cars heading for the start. However Paris is a large metropolis and it was only when we were a couple of minutes away from the Chateau that we saw our first fellow entrants, an MGB and a Jaguar XJS so we knew we were heading in the right direction.

Turning into the access road to the chateau the view changed completely. A queue ahead of us suddenly and seemingly from nowhere formed, consisting of hundreds of cars. Clearly the organisers have done this before. Despite stopping each car as it drove in to give the crew a bag with important things like a rally plate to attach to the front to the car, and more important, the route book, the traffic kept flowing and we were soon ready to go. Dominique was in charge of navigation and interpreting while I tried to follow his instructions as we set off to traverse the city.

I’m very fortunate that my work takes me to Paris every year and I have explored much of the central city on foot and from a sightseeing bus. To be driving through it on a quiet Sunday morning in the archetypal French car of the immediate pre- and post-war period is something which I never thought I would get the opportunity to experience! Needless to say we made a more than a few photo stops along the way, and not all of them were at the request of the Kiwi pilote! The local navigator was also keen to soak up the atmosphere of the city and record it for posterity. But I really was not expecting to get a decent shot of us and the car with the Eiffel Tower right behind us. And when we got to the Place de la Concorde there had to be 200 other cars there all keen to talk, dodge hordes of camera-wielding tourists and soak up the atmosphere of a place which is usually teeming with traffic. Definitely not a place to stop in your old car to talk old car crap with fellow automobilistes.

The next surprise (especially since I didn’t actually get time to have a close look at the route-book before we started) was to find us doing a loop and to suddenly have the Arc de Triomphe looming up ahead. I’ve spent many an hour over the years observing the traffic from the footpath on the outside, and from above on the occasion when the queue for the lift wasn’t too long. In 30 degree heat when you’ve been walking all day 284 stairs is the kind of challenge I don’t always need. This is no ordinary roundabout… 12 roads feeding in, ten lanes deep, no road markings and traffic entering has priority. I have always said I will be perfectly happy to never have to take on that particular piece of road, but on this occasion there seemed no other option. So after a photo stop (including a quick session with a model and the official event photographer) we drove in. Of course we then missed our exit and had to do another circuit, surrounded by others who had done the same thing, before ejecting ourselves in Avenue Victor Hugo and a sense of accomplishment! ▲

Running the gauntlet of 1001 tourists. An unscheduled detour to Montmartre. Photo Dominique Le Leuch.

22 Beaded Wheels

▲ Even the lunchtime trade displays were works of art.

As the morning progressed we had few unplanned detours and as we were getting closer to the finish, with Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur Basilica ahead, we decided to see if we could recreate (at a slower speed and less noise) the final scene “C’était un Rendezvous”, from the ultimate car movie. Now I am sure many of you have experienced the suicidal tendencies of tourists when you drive your vintage car down the main street of Arrowtown. Let me assure you these people are mere amateurs compared to the tourists of Montmartre when attempting to navigate the narrow lanes in a Traction. Dominique got out of the car to get a photo himself and as I stopped, we were swamped. It almost reached the stage where we were having to physically move people to be able get going. I think that day we had the most photographed Traction in the world!

The end point of the Traversée was at the Parc de l’Observatoire de Meudon, atop a hill with possibly the best view of the city of Paris which can be had. Among the trees there was ample room for the 700 participating vehicles to park up and enjoy a wine and a long lunch, with more of that talking that car people worldwide do.

Without doubt this was a day which for me will go down as one of the best ever. If I died that night I would have died happy. Life doesn’t get much better than this – a city I love, in a car which was ideal for the event… and the traffic jam on the Peripherique as we made our way home, among hundreds of fellow enthusiasts and with a great friend alongside. I would love to do it again next year, and hopefully with Maria in the car as well. Here’s hoping we can make it all happen. And if not, c’est la vie…

A VCC member for almost 40 years and 25 years on the Executive, Tony grew up with the VCC. He and partner Maria have an eclectic fleet of cars between them, from a veteran Renault AX or two, to a 1980s Porsche 944 with the 20s, 30s and 70s well represented as well. Tony’s family predilection to vintage Chevrolet and Maria’s family to Buick seem a strange route to a shared Porsche and the Chevrolet truck which Tony learned to drive in.

Tony Haycock

Beaded Wheels 23

DRIVEN BY A VISION AN INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT O’DONNELL Words and photos Stuart Francis

After the recent George Begg Festival Stuart Francis requested an interview with Scott O’Donnell to discuss his passion for motorsport, the George Begg Festival, Transport World and the Classic Motorcycle Mecca.

The actual interview covered all the issues Stuart planned to discuss but also gradually turned into an absorbing masterclass on the economics of tourism and its effect on Invercargill.

Born in 1966 Scott O’Donnell was raised and educated in Invercargill, gaining a commerce degree from the University of Otago in 1987. He worked for Telecom for five years in accounting and management positions before moving to the UK working in the banking and telecommunications sectors. Scott returned to Christchurch to work for tech entrepreneur Dennis Chapman.

24 Beaded Wheels

Scott married Jocelyn Richardson in 1995, they have three children (Harrison, Cameron, and Isabella). Scott and Jocelyn returned to Invercargill in 1995 after Harold, Jocelyn’s brother, died in a car crash, Harold was being prepared to take over the H W Richardson Group (HWR) when Bill Richardson, his father, retired. HWR is a Southland success story with a long association with the region. The Richardson family started in the carriage business in 1878 and moved into construction and transport.

Scott undertook a number of roles in the HWR from 1996 before becoming managing

director in 2006 after Bill’s untimely death.

During his 10-year tenure as MD the group doubled in size, employees tripled to nearly 2500, it became a national player in petroleum, rural transport and waste, and moved into Australia. Current annual turnover is near $3 billion.

Stepping down in 2016, Scott became chief executive of the group’s property company and the group’s acting chief executive during Covid-19. Scott is a director of all 48 HWRG companies, chairman of Blue Sky Pastures and on the board of Motor Sport New Zealand.

Jocelyn as owner and director of the HWR is heavily involved in the family business, she was awarded the NZ Order of Merit in 2023 for her service to business and community development.

Jocelyn and Scott have been crucial to the Invercargill Central Ltd initiative between Invercargill City Council and HWR to rebuild the central business district and promote Invercargill as a great place to live.

The museums are owned by the Transport World Trust, with Jocelyn and Scott the sole trustees and are funded by receipts and commercial arrangements with the HWR.

RACING HISTORY SF: How did you get into motor racing?

I was six weeks old when my parents, Merle and Keith, took me to Teretonga Park for the first time. They were long-standing members of the Southland Sports Car Club.

Father was the head gate-man for many years and at four years old I was responsible for opening the track crossing gate.

At 17 I took part in my first official event “the Drummond flying quarter”, a test of top speed on a rural road. I returned to motorsport after University.

I have a passion for endurance racing, particularly competing offshore, with some success including finishing fifth in the Bathurst 12 hour race, taking on the Nurburgring and Silverstone 24 Hour races.

I teamed up with Allan Dippie, Lindsay O’Donnell and Bruce Stewart to take on the Nurburgring 24 Hour race in 2008. Alan, Lindsay and I have continued to compete together in different events over the years including the current four round South

s Transport World - Art Deco Front.

s George Begg Festival, pedal car race.

s Porsche 996.

Island Endurance Series (Scott & Allan were three hour series champions in 2022).

I was one hour Series champion (Class A & B) in 2023. I have had multiple wins in the Historic Touring Car series in NZ with the Mondeos and in the Pre-78 saloon class with the Capri. I have also teamed up with Liam Lawson for a GT race at Highlands.

2023 GEORGE BEGG FESTIVAL SF: Now the dust has settled what issues have emerged?

The Transport World events team (part of the Transport World Trust) worked hard to make the event a success but there is always room for improvement.

The date clash with the Otago Rally and the Australian F1 weekend definitely affected the numbers of competitor and spectators.

We are working with the 2025 Otago Rally organisers and Wheels over Wanaka team, to hold the events on successive weekends to create a very attractive premium three weekend package of motorsports events in Southland and Otago. To fit in, the 2025 George Begg Festival will move to the slightly later dates of 10 to 13 April.

Comments were made about the cost of entering the event and the entry cost for spectators. From the outset it was unashamedly modelled on the Goodwood Revival with competitors and spectators asked to wear period clothing. It was promoted as a premium event with excellent facilities for competitors and spectators, significantly different from the usual club and national events held at Teretonga.

s George Begg.

Beaded Wheels 25

The competitors had tented accommodation for their vehicles, with fuel and tyre supplies on hand. Spectators had access to the bar, disco and food outlets and children’s play areas in the pits. During the lunchtime breaks a series of demonstrations and entertainment were put on: motorcycle display, Begg racing cars driven by past drivers, car display, children’s pedal car racing and tractor racing. Begg machinery and vehicles were also on display.

SF: What improvements are you contemplating?

After the successes of the Ford and Porsche only races it’s been decided to extend the idea. Italian cars will be the theme for the next event, with Ferrari, Alfa Romeos and other Italian brands having their own races. The intention is to work with the owners, clubs and tour operators to organise event packages, starting in Auckland, picking up owners on the way down and taking in the George Begg Festival and the other events.

SF: How is George’s love of motorcycles being represented?

We hope to organise a race or speed trial for the types of machine he rode and competed against, this is work in progress. We would also like to locate the Matchless and Norton Begg specials he built.

Transport World.

BILL RICHARDSON TRANSPORT WORLD The private collection of trucks was started by Bill Richardson.

After his death his daughter Jocelyn decided to turn it into a public attraction. The purpose built Art Deco style building, housing over 300 exhibits, opened to the public in 2015. The flagship of the collection is the Texaco Art Deco fuel tanker.

The collection is gradually evolving into a transport museum with wider appeal as Jocelyn and her sons add their own collections of vehicles and exhibits - seven letter series early Fords (Pre model T), VW Kombis , Minis, Citroens and the World of Wearable Arts collection.

WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE COLLECTION? The museum is hosting a series of displays to keep the collection fresh, recently it was Jocelyn’s collection of VW Kombi vans, currently it is caravans and the next attraction is Roger White’s GT Falcon collection. These exhibits have been so popular the display periods have been extended to four to six months. We have recreated the American “Drive in movie nights”, running films like American Graffiti with the audience sitting in the luxury of American convertibles.

Jocelyn recently purchased a very rare 23 window barn door VW Kombi from Mexico which is now on display.

The restoration and conservation facilities have now been co-located at the site, Darren Robbie’s team have their hands full, with the long-term restoration of a spectacular 1935 Airflow

Classic Motorcycle Mecca - 1913 Henderson 4 Cylinder Model B.

Chrysler and restoration of a 1937 Ford V8 convertible. The remains of a Cadbury’s Ford model T delivery truck (well past restoration) is being sectioned to become a display in a new chocolate shop.

The rusted out shell of a VW Kombi is also being sectioned for a display. The team also maintains a fleet of road legal American convertibles.

The collection is being reviewed to identify items for disposal, looking at: duplicates, the viability of the restoration projects, and vehicles that no longer fit in the collection. The aim is to create space and funding for new acquisition and restoration projects.

Visitor numbers are back to Pre-Covid levels at about 40,000 a year.

SCOTT’S RACING CAR COLLECTION PORSCHE

FORD

Porsche 997 GT3R (2012)

Ford Telstar (2L) Group N, (1994 & 1995)

Porsche 991 GT3R (2017) Porsche 996 GT3 (2004)

Ford Mondeo BTCC V6 (Andy Rouse) (1994) – (Radisch driver which won WTCC)

Porsche 996 GT3RSR (factory) (2004)

Ford Mondeo DTM class 2 (Wolf) 4WD Super Tourer (1995) – converted to 2WD

26 Beaded Wheels

Porsche 997 GT3R - with support team.

Ford Mondeo BTCC (Prodrive) (2000) Rydell was 3rd Ford Capri (1974) GP1

Ford Capri GP1.

The Sturgis collection was based on American, British and European machines, with Brough Superiors, Vincents, HarleyDavidsons and Indians on display, plus a host of less well known makes. Scattered amongst the collection are some true gems like a pair of unrestored Indian camelbacks.

The collection is evolving, with some Japanese machines, like Graeme Crosby’s Moriwaki Kawasaki now on display. The jewel in the crown is the display of John Britten’s machines on loan from the Britten family. It started off as an alcove display but has now grown into a major exhibit, with the Britten documentary playing on loop in the adjacent cinema. The other unique display is Ivan Mauger’s collection of speedway and long-track machines.

Begg’s Bunker was added in 2020 to hold the Begg racing cars prior to the George Begg Classic Speedfest and display story boards about George’s life and achievements. It became a permanent exhibit, slowly morphing into a racing car collection. The recent departure of the Begg FM2 and McBegg, to their owners, has been made up for by the loan of the Porsche 919 display Le Mans car.

The collection’s future direction is being considered, we have recently appointed Malcolm Hodgkinson as curator to formulate a development plan.

Visitor numbers are back to Pre-Covid levels with about 20,000 a year, the place is packed during the Burt Munro Challenge.

THE FUTURE Jocelyn and Scott have invested heavily, through Transport World, to create two world class museums and the George Begg Festival. Scott wants to develop the George Begg Festival into the Australasian version of the Goodwood Festival. During the interview it became clear that Scott’s and Jocelyn’s underlying goal was to draw visitors to Invercargill to sample the excellent facilities, enjoy themselves and to contribute to the local economy.

Classic Motorcycle Mecca - A collection of 1920s American motorcycles.

CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MECCA When Tom Sturgis decided to dispose of his Nelson Classic Motorcycle Collection due to ill health in 2016, Jocelyn and Scott as Transport World trustees, took the bold step of buying the whole collection as they saw it as a perfect match to the truck and car collection.

Three hundred motorcycles, sidecars and three-wheelers, staging, works of art and memorabilia were transported to Invercargill, involving 15 trips in a specially converted car transporter. Meanwhile a large shop and an old nightclub, in the heart of Invercargill’s city centre, were remodelled to take the collection.

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

MISC

ALFA

Hyundi TCR. (2018)

Alfa Romeo 105 replica GTA

Walkingshaw V8 supercar LS 7L engine (2005)

Alfa Romeo 105 replica GTA(M)

BMW Mini

The day to day maintenance is undertaken by Curtis Williams, Specialist pit crews are hired for each race meeting.

BEGG

Begg 650 (1965) Begg Twin Cam (1968) Begg 018 (1974)

Alfa Romeo 105 GTV

Words and photos Bill Cockram

Following a Mailbag letter in issue 384 relating to the Singer Airstream, interest in this lost cause of motoring suggests it’s worth expanding further on the story of an Art Deco curiosity.

Many makers on both sides of the Atlantic played briefly with what today we might call a fastback shape. Chrysler did it with the Airflow, SS made the Airline, and most other companies persuaded themselves the vogue for streamlining derived from aviation practice was a fashion they couldn’t ignore. Singer’s Airstream joined the line-up, and for a brief two or three years in the mid-1930s, the public was spoiled for choice in the Art Deco idiom.

Bill Lyons of SS (later Jaguar) is reputed to have regarded his Airline as his least favourite creation, and yet in many ways it was possibly the prettiest of the Art Deco lot; even if the front of the car didn’t know what the back of the car looked like.

28 Beaded Wheels

Singer chose an outside stylist, Fitzmaurice, to conceive the Airstream and planned to make a few hundred. At £300 they failed to ignite sales, and Airstream chassis were allocated back to conventional Singer body styles of the day.

The Airstream failed despite having a quite impressive technical specification. Singer were wedded to overhead cam motors, and its 11hp engine was one of its bigger ones. It had a four-speed transmission with a fluid coupling, and a selectable free-wheel on the tail of the gearbox. The clutch had to be deployed only when starting from rest. It had hydraulic brakes and independent front suspension, both uncommon in the British car industry of the day. It could be ordered with “Startix”, although

Photo Alamy.com

UGLIEST CAR IN THE WORLD?

the New Zealand car was not. Startix was a system that automatically re-started the motor in the event of a stall. It had hammock type front seats, and a sliding sunshine roof in a wooden framed aluminium body. This feature alone in the British climate probably contributed more to the accelerated decay of the cars than any other element. Ace discs over the 16 inch wire spoke wheels with fake centre wheel spinners was also a part of the Art Deco specification. The hinged panel at the rear isn’t a boot, but just a slot that contains the spare wheel. There is a small amount of storage behind the seatback which hinges upwards from the shelf beneath the rear glass. Many British cars of the time had front-opening windscreens, and Singer did the same with the rear screen, further contributing to the invasion of moisture and wood rot.

As mentioned in my earlier letter to Mailbag, Tench Brothers in Christchurch sold this car to Mrs Martha Garstang of St Martins.

Research suggests she had interests in a couple of real estate companies. Given the self-promotion that is characteristic of real estate agents, it’s not hard to imagine that the Airstream might have been purchased with a view to having a conspicuous profile for Mrs Garstang’s business. Be that as it may, it was on a used car lot in Christchurch within a year and from there its trail is lost. In 1947 another newspaper advertisement shows it was still running and available, and then nothing until turning up immobile at Sefton owned by the late Trevor Chambers.

New scraps of information emerged after the request for history in Beaded Wheels, and that is that the Airstream had been bought by Rex Russell who owned a car-wrecking business in Christchurch. My informant is certain Rex

“ to get the car running … something that had not happened in their more than half century of ownership. ” bought it for the value of four good tyres that the car carried at the time, and that he gave the rest of the car to an employee, Alan Davies. It was Davies who disposed of the car to Trevor Chambers at Sefton. This slightly alters the narrative as I heard it which previously suggested that the car had broken down at Sefton and been pushed into the back of the local garage before being acquired by the Chambers family. Another respondent recalls an identical car, also seen with a wrecker in the Hutt Valley in 1958. Before the advent of the roll-on ferries, cars didn’t move quite so freely between the islands, and certainly not for wrecking. This suggests at least one other Singer Airstream had come to New Zealand.

So essentially two decades are missing. It is likely the car had little use through the war years and was distinctly old-fashioned when modern unitary construction cars started to emerge from the Post-war British industry in the later 1940s. It is probable it

Beaded Wheels 29

stayed somewhere in Canterbury through the 1950s and early 1960s until emerging for wrecking.

I first became aware of this car in the 1980s. Trevor Chambers enjoyed trailering it to a few car displays as a curiosity piece. Even Singer club members from the UK visited to see the oddity, and doubtless broached the subject of buying it. But it has continued to sit under cover in a variety of lean-tos and sheds since 1965.

Last year, wondering whether the car still existed at Sefton and knowing Trevor had died, I sought out the Chambers family and suggested with their permission, I attempt to get the car running … something that had not happened in their more than half century of ownership. Trevor’s son kindly let me attempt this, and we agreed to share the minimal cost that this amusing exercise was likely to require.

As it had been occasionally turned on the crank during its long storage, the motor was not seized. Everything critical came apart surprisingly easily. The dismantled block and head were faced after being put through a reconditioner’s cleaning bath and everything went back together. The gearbox was dry and its main bearings were rusted and gritty, but a little sloshing of petrol around the innards freed them up before draining and replacing oil. This was purely an exercise it getting it to move under its own power, not a restoration. Conservation of what remains is a better term.

When I rigged up a temporary petrol supply and checked for a spark with one plug removed, the motor attempted to start on first push of the button, which was unexpectedly encouraging.

Given I live on a hill, it was necessary to make sure at least the handbrake could be made to work, and once the decades of muck were cleared away it became apparent the hydraulics could be made to work too for minimal cost.

Having unexpectedly achieved a car that would safely move and stop, I was encouraged to see what else could be conserved.

The scuttle had slumped several inches due to frame rot in the A posts and the main wooden rails that support the body along the chassis were crumbling. Indeed borer have done their worst in most places. The cheap way to ensure the slumping of the structure didn’t get any worse was to remake the original ash supporting planks in rigid 18mm ply. Fortunately enough of the original wooden rails remained to make an educated guess at their shape and alignment. This gave something solid from which to ease the slumped scuttle and A and C posts back into position, and the location of new vertical support pieces back to sound timber.

As a result, all four doors now locate on their catches; albeit with a bit of lift-and-push involved.

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.

30 Beaded Wheels

The car has now been returned after a diverting few months of fiddling and fettling. And given that the only other example is a non-runner in a museum in Norfolk, I am probably the only person alive who can claim to have driven a Singer Airstream … even if I did only get as far as third gear along my driveway.

The Beaded Wheels team is always on the lookout for a good article for future issues. To encourage you to put pen to paper two lucky authors or photographers per issue will win a limited edition Beaded Wheels cap.

Email your articles and ideas to: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz High resolution digital photos are preferred. Or contact our Editor, Kevin Clarkson, if you wish to discuss an idea for an

article. Phone 021 0270 6525, kevin@vcc.org.nz Our winners of the Beaded Wheels caps for this issue are: Rodney Anderson and Heather Cheer.

With his feet firmly under the desk, Festival Director Ray Robertson takes time out to share his aspirations for the 2026 international rally for the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand.

2026 VERO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF HISTORIC MOTORING NELSON

Words Ray Robertson Welcome to the first of what will become a regular update as we work towards the 2026 Vero to be held in Nelson mid-March 2026.

Firstly, let me introduce myself. I joined the VCC in Nelson 50 years ago on 8 November 1973 following a fortuitous meeting with Len Southward at the 1972 VCC International Rally in Nelson. Len was to become a good friend and a significant encouraging influence on me at the tender age of 18 years.

I have been involved in many aspects of the branch and have always enjoyed being part of events in some way or other.

I am the editor of our branch newsletter, Crankcase, which I have been producing for the past seven years.

I have a number of cars, one of which is a 1923 Gray coach which belonged to my grandfather. This car, which took me 36 years to restore, has the most sentimental attachment for me.

Being the first car my family owned, and I am only the second owner, and having five generations of my family involved with the car is very special.

Having just retired in February this year from my role of Facilities Manager at a private surgical hospital where I managed a 10-year redevelopment of the hospital I felt now was the right time while still in work mode to contribute to the 2026 Vero as its Festival Director. It is a very exciting event for us in Nelson as many of the older members have often fondly ecalled the 1972 Rally.

THE MAIN EVENT

Photo ©Nelson Classic car museum

Since my appointment we have assembled a organising committee consisting of Treasurer, Secretary, Festival Rally Controller, Route Plotters, and Communications Officer. Once their appointments are confirmed we will introduce them to you.

We cannot confirm the exact dates just yet, as one potential activity may well influence the finish date. Suffice to say the festival will be held over six days between 15 – 21 March 2026 give or take a day. The festival has moved away from the January period as Nelson is always inundated by tourists and holiday makers. The Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council were very keen for us to hold the event in March when there is less stress on all services and facilities and the weather is usually very settled, with gentler temperatures than the heat of summer. Great festival weather!

The festival will be based at the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson with much of the rallying and other activities held throughout the Nelson Tasman Districts.

Following the success of the 2022 Taranaki Vero, the Nelson Organising Committee is content to utilise a similar formula of rallying, entertainment and catering with some time in the programme for you to enjoy the region. We want to provide you with a no pressure, laid-back festival and definitely a fun event.

We have engaged a website development group and our communications officer is working on the website and logo designs at present. We expect a draft programme to be out in February 2024.

Nevertheless, we have a lot of balls in the air at the moment and as information or developments are finalised, they will be communicated to you via website, Facebook, branch secretaries, and direct to your email addresses. In the meantime, you can email any enquiries to the Festival Director: festivaldirector@vcc.org.nz

Beaded Wheels 31

The new car has arrived, Les Midgley about to board his 1923 Overland tourer.

FAMILY ROAD WARRIORS THE BONDING POWER OF MOTORING ADVENTURES Words and photos John McDonald

I had never regarded my late grandfather Les Midgley as a car enthusiast. Ardent fisherman certainly, and while he owned a series of cars they fell more into the category sometimes unkindly referred to as “grey porridge”.

There was certainly no link with American mechanical and chemical engineer Thomas Midgley Jr, who played a major role in developing leaded petrol (tetraethyl lead) and some of the first chloroflurocarbons (CFCs) better known as Freon. Perhaps somewhat fortuitously Thomas Midgley Jr died before the ozone depleting and greenhouse gas effects of CFCs and the serious consequences of lead in the atmosphere became known. While his environmental impact and legacy has been generally characterized as negative, he was, on his credit side, granted more than 100 patents over the course of his career.

Having established that Thomas Midgley Jr and I are not related, we return to Les. As his grandson I’ve treasured for many years two period photographs relating to his ownership of a Willys Overland tourer,

32 Beaded Wheels

purchased new in September 1923. He’s depicted in the first standing alongside, the front number plate CH338D clearly legible. These early plate numbers were issued by the Christchurch City Council, pre-dating the national green plates with the New Zealand prefix commencing 1925.

The second photo shows four occupants in the same vehicle, two dressed for a pending monsoon, my grandparents less so. There is a prominent CAA (Canterbury Automobile Association) logo on the windscreen, and with a quantity of gear strapped to the running board this suggests more a Grand Tour than a local drive.

This ties in with a recently found article in the Christchurch Press newspaper of 19 December 1924, headed “The Lakes Tour”. Columnist “Roadster” (who appears to be the paper’s motoring journalist) filed

s Ready for the Grand Tour, Les MIdgley at the wheel, wife Winifred nearest camera in the rear, other passengers unknown.

a report on the road conditions experienced

by Mr L B Midgley during his fortnight tour of the Southern Lakes covering 1000 miles. “Driving an Overland and with three passengers, he left Christchurch for Timaru and Dunedin. The worst portion of the Main South Road was that between Dunsandel and Rakaia”.

Further notes describe the Cromwell to Kawarau Gorge section as “badly rutted”, and it was somewhat awe-inspiring to learn they drove over the Crown Range, the highest road in the country, the Overland reliant on just two wheel brakes and a prayer.

The Lindis Pass was, without exception, the worst route encountered. “Mr Midgley described it as 60 miles of awful road – a nightmare all the way… the surface was no better than a cart track, and a bad one at that, full of ruts and mud. It took nine hours of running time to get through the Pass.”

Somewhat surprisingly no mechanical issues or punctures were experienced during the tour. Motorists were however advised to take chains with them, and the trip was recommended to all who were looking for superb scenery.

In closing Les summed up “It was truly the best holiday I have had in my life” and “I shall never forget it”.

Almost a century since it was purchased the original receipt for the Overland was discovered amongst my late mother’s papers.

It’s a rather small item, the brief details disclose Mrs L B Midgley paid £289/10s for an Overland car on 27 September 1923.

The sale was made by the South Island Distributors, South Island Motors Ltd, a twopence stamp (signed) is in situ, and the bottom line notes “Our only Official Form of Receipt”. If there was any warranty information or owners handbook they no

▼ Cousins, from left: John MIdgley, Oliver Midgley, John McDonald and Michael Midgley during the 2021 Irishman Rally.

longer exist, but would never the less make interesting reading.

While the Overland is long departed, my grandparents also, I would like to think their experience with an early car may have been an influence on my lifelong vehicular interest. Indeed, Les and Winifred’s only son John (Jack) enjoyed tinkering with a Model A later in life, and this in turn rubbed off on his sons John, Oliver and Michael Midgley, who are well known in the Vintage Car Club with their trio of Model A Fords. Although living throughout both islands all four cousins finally managed to participate as individual entrants in the 2021 Irishman Rally. And maybe, just maybe, we drove some of the very roads our grandparents had driven on their South Island Tour almost a century ago.

▼ Overland’s original receipt from South Island Motors.

Beaded Wheels 33

SPACE ODDITY

WE CHECK OUT HONDA’S UNUSUAL STREAM TILTING TRIKE SCOOTER

By Peter S. Cooper

34 Beaded Wheels

The 1980s could be considered Japan’s glory days of motor scooters.

Each manufacturer brought out a wide range of 50cc and larger capacity machines to suit a wide variety of needs and tastes. One of the more unusual machines from the era was the Honda Stream.

Developed to be a top-end ‘personal luxury scooter,’ the TB07/ NV50 Stream was a licensed design, based on the UK engineer George Wallis’ tilting trike concept that many who read this publication would remember was used on the ill-fated BSA/Ariel 3 moped of the early 1970s. The scooter has a pair of rear wheels and powerplant unit that remains in constant contact with the road while the main bodywork and single front wheel tilt like a regular two-wheel machine. The design had earlier been licensed to Daihatsu for its 1974 Hallo delivery scooter, a handful of which were imported new into New Zealand. A few of those unusual machines are known to still exist.

While Honda’s design differed from Wallis’ original torsion bar configuration – using a single coil-over shock and a kind of universal joint at the rear – the result was suspension that worked well and allowed a smooth ride, befitting the Stream’s premium position in the marketplace. According to an article in Iceni CAM magazine, while the then 79-year-old George liked the design and finish of the Honda product, he felt that the Japanese company missed the point of his use of torsion bars and that felt that the rear tread width was way too narrow. He added that there was insufficient luggage capacity and it ‘felt wobbly’ to ride.

The Stream was launched in May, 1981 in Japan and it appears that the UK also got the model, albeit in small numbers. The model remained in production until 1984 selling, it appears, in limited numbers.

Our test example is an unrestored early production, very low km model that I imported from Japan for my collection. Interestingly, the date code on the original tyres was ‘Week 7 1981.’ These have since been replaced with modern rubber with a very similar tread pattern. Even the battery appeared to be OEM spec, so my best guess is that the original owner parked it up after a year or two of use, having dropped it while riding – there are some scratches along the right-hand side and the original parking brake handle (really!) was broken on one side.

Refurbishment primarily centred around getting the fuel system completely cleaned. The tank was quite rusty, the on-off fuel tap was corroded and clogged, as was the carburettor. Once the former were put back into decent order and the carb went through an ultrasonic bath, the scooter fired right up and ran smoothly with fresh fuel and a new sparkplug. Gee, I love the reliability of Japanese machines...!

All the lights worked perfectly, albeit some bright spark (pun intended) in Japan put a single pole bulb into a dual pole socket in the right-hand front parking light/turn signal. A new, correct dual-filament bulb from my stock in the workshop sorted out the problem.

ON THE ROAD

Sitting in the rather plush single seat, one is faced with the handlebar/instrument panel that has the horn, indicators and high/low beam switches on the left-hand side, with start button and light switch on the right. The parking brake and ignition switch are located below.

The central instrument cluster includes lights for high beam, low oil, indicators and parking brake, along with fuel gauge and speedometer. Everything is easy to reach and read, with a pair of antenna-like rear vision mirrors to keep an eye on traffic behind.

The odd-shaped, lockable front cargo bin (boot?) has a 5 kg capacity, while the handy glovebox is rated at 2 kg. There is a hook under the lockable seat for securing a helmet.

Lifting the seat up, one finds the four litre fuel tank and separate two-stroke oil tank. There’s a door underneath the front of the seat which is where the 12V battery is located. Interestingly, there’s a trap in the fuel system below the fuel tap to catch any nasties. I have added an inline filter just ahead of the fuel pump (yes, the scooter has a fuel pump, as the fuel line needs to travel in a long U shape to reach the engine).

Starting involves turning the key from its Lock position and pushing on the Start button. Usually, the Stream starts up on the first spin and settles into a smooth idle. There is a folding kick start on the left-hand side, just in case. When the switch is put into Lock, the scooter’s bodywork is locked upright, as well as applying the rear brake.

Push the parking brake down – making sure that both feet are planted on the ground, otherwise the scooter will fall over! – give the right-hand throttle a twist and you’re off. As an aside, when I first got the Stream going, I found that there is drive to both rear

Beaded Wheels 35

BOOK REVIEW wheels. I have read some reports that it only powers on the righthand wheel, but that appears not to be the case.

Acceleration is leisurely, but steady, reaching NZTA’s Moped Class legal top speed of 50 kph at an acceptable rate. Grabbing the levers for the drum brakes slows the machine down effectively, although the leading-link fork arrangement can make the front of the scooter rise under heavy application.

Unlike Mr Wallis, I found that when leaning into corners the scooter feels quite stable at any speed, although one can really feel the unsprung weight of the pod containing the engine/driveline and rear wheels. It’s just different, for lack of a better term. Low speed u-turns are easily done, with application of a little rear brake and careful use of the throttle, as with a two-wheeler. I’ve found that placing my feet on the forward, angled part of the footboard makes for a very stable, comfortable ‘Boulevard Ride’, (a term used

by Chrysler in the USA).

The Stream can climb hills at reasonable speeds that are not much different from most of its 50cc contemporaries. Considering that there’s all of 3.8 hp and 50ccs on tap, it’s fine for riding in modern traffic.

LEGACY

The Stream was followed in 1982 by the Joy, a lightweight trike scooter targeted towards women; the Just, which was a kind of sportier (?) version that was also sold in North America as the Gyro; The Road Fox, a chopper styled variant that made it to North America as the Gyro S; and the Gyro delivery trike, which has sold in huge numbers, with a variety of body configurations in Japan.

Many found their way onto our shores as second-hand imports.

While the Stream was never a market success, its Gyro commercial cousins are still being manufactured today, albeit with 21st Century updates, such as fuel injected, four-stroke engines.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: Power: Transmission: Starting: Brakes: Tyres: Weight: Length: Wheelbase: Rear Tread: Seat Height: Top Speed:

49cc single-cylinder two-stroke with oil injection 3.8 hp @ 6000 rpm CVT automatic Electric, kick Drum 3.00-8 74 kg 166.4 cm 122 cm 30 cm 66 cm 50 kph

SOURCES

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Gyro http://www.icenicam.org.uk/articlesa/art0153.html

WE’VE GONE DIGITAL

Beaded Wheels 36 Beaded Wheels

MOTORCYCLE ROAD TRIPS ACROSS NEW ZEALAND Ride 20 Breathtaking Routes Kim Johnston Soft Cover, 280 x 215mm RRP $44.99 (on sale from 12 October 2023) Published by White Cloud Books Reviewed by Greg Price 20 years ago, the author’s parents, Stepfather Mike Lester and Mother Carole, started South Pacific Motorcycle Tours, which hires top quality motorcycles to international and local riders. This book highlights 20 such tours – five North Island and 15 South Island road trips, together with points of interest and places to stop for refreshments and/or photo opportunities. Interesting too, is that the foreword was written

by John Munro – the legendary Bert Munro’s son. Author Kim Johnston has travelled most of the routes in her book herself, and the others are based on her parents’ experiences travelling New Zealand on motorcycles.

I can wholeheartedly endorse the recommendations for some of the trips having

experienced them personally, albeit in cars mostly, but some on my motorbikes – in a couple of instances on a late model Triumph similar to the author’s.

The book has a section on tips and hints for safe riding, and while there is no general warning about motorhomes stopping in the middle of the road for photo opportunities (except on the Milford Sound trip) there is one about keas nibbling your seat on South Island trips! The routes featured in this book focus on sealed roads, while additional ‘detours’ on back-country roads are included for the more adventurous. Each featured tour provides information as to distance, time allowed and some also feature things to watch out for, such as cafes, hotels, and items of interest. There are also the author’s views as to why that particular ride is such a great one.

There are quite a few motorcycle tour ride books about, but this is one of the better examples, as, if nothing else, it is likely to motivate you into dusting off the riding gear, check over your motorcycle, and get out there on the road to experience one of the recommended tours. If you can ride but don’t have a motorcycle, then Kim’s parents’ company will sort you out. This is a very good guide for motorcyclists who are keen to get out there and see the country. And if you aren’t, then reading this from cover to cover from the comfort of your lounge chair is the next best thing – with a window open, of course!

A free digital copy of each new issue of Beaded Wheels is now available for all members of the Vintage Car Club.

To get your free digital issue of Beaded Wheels respond to the email sent from National Office on Monday 20 November.

All VCC members will still receive their printed copy in the mail. This offer is only open to members of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand

MODEL A TOUR 16th National Model A Rally Methven, New Zealand 4-10 March 2023 Words and photos MAFCA member Wes Hartley - Busselton, Western Australia

The 16th National Model A Rally was hosted by the Canterbury Chapter of Model A Ford Club of America. Over 200 participants, including a smattering from Australia and the UK, accompanied by 103 Model As descended on Methven keen for a week of frenetic activity.

Despite initial concern for several participants coming from areas heavily impacted by adverse weather, the drivers were not deterred. This was evident as the first day of the Rally, planned as an era fashion Show and Shine, was completely washed out. The only significant activity was vehicle concours judging in freezing conditions under the welcome cover of an agricultural warehouse.

The delay in proceedings resulted in many impromptu conversations with visitors and locals alike.

The following morning participants were greeted with blue skies, bright sunshine and snow-capped mountain peaks. It was now time to seriously get things underway. The day unfolded in the best British tradition with a visit to Bruce McIlroy’s magnificent Bentley and Rolls-Royce Heritage dealership, where they exclusively restore and service motor vehicles from 1907 Rolls-Royce motors through to the present day. Not deterred by the previous day’s rain, period dress was in great abundance as participants paraded their vehicles, posed for photographs, engaged in impromptu picnics on the luxuriant lawns while drooling over some of the most magnificent motoring machinery ever built.

Entrants then motored the short distance to Winchmore Gardens, a magnificent 170-year-old colonial estate, with its exquisite mid-Canterbury gardens, sheltered by a wide variety of lush and verdant trees. Participants sat at small tables throughout the garden, being entertained by live music, parading in period fashion, while sipping champagne, eating cucumber sandwiches, cakes and other delicacies, finishing off with tea.

The Tuesday run had Model As weaving their way over a variety of back roads, through farms and small hamlets. Encountered along the way were rural delights, such as having to pause for cows meandering their way from milking, guided across the road by temporary electric fencing wires keeping them in check. Road rules valid to the present day require stock to have priority, even for Model As. A short time later, around another bend, a mobile butcher expertly worked on a recently deceased beast, strung out on a large supporting frame. Not the average experience when motoring on a freeway.

Neatly-attired participants eventually arrived at the historic Terrace Station, full of New Zealand’s early colonial history and architecture. Magnificent gardens, detailed libraries of museum

quality, in addition to rough-hewn buildings full of traditional farming equipment and blacksmith’s forges. Again, it was as if we were being transported back in time.

With the weather behaving itself, Wednesday was a day of challenge as Model As made their way up the rough, narrow, shale-surfaced roads, most without any safety barriers, to the lower reaches of Mt Hutt skifield area. In conditions that would put many modern all-wheel drive vehicles to shame, slow and steady in 1st and 2nd gears we arrived at our destination. The views were magnificent and the sense of achievement, quite palpable. The descent was slow progress, as brakes soon began to overheat. The experience was all the more memorable, as the driving experiences replicated what it would have been like to drive in the 1920s and 1930s before present-day road infrastructure existed.

Some entrants preferred Plan B, namely the gymkhana, that had been delayed from the very wet first day, where skills were put to the test in all manner of manoeuvres, while other participants chose to visit the variety of nearby towns.

Thursday was the compulsory run day, with instructions to have plenty of fuel for both cars and participants. It was a magnicent sight as 100 Model As made their way through Hakatere Conservation Park and Ashburton Lakes, and areas that were utilised in the filming of scenes from Lord of the Rings.

We finally arrived at the huge Lake Heron Station, covering 60,000 hectares in the wilds of the Mid-Canterbury region of the South Island. Rough shale roads and crossing fords of fresh mountain streams, replenished by recent mountain snows. So isolated is the area that in winter access is often restricted to light aircraft or helicopters to bring in supplies. This was underlined when sudden heavy rain had participants beating a hasty retreat to the station’s airline hangar in order to have their picnic lunch.

The return journey had the novel approach to mustering sheep as a fleet of Model As at 3mph on both sides of the road gently assisted local farmers get their flock from one side of the road to the other.

As we motored on over more than 120 miles, most of the Model As looked like they had been to a motorised hell and back. However, the exhilaration of the day could not dampen our spirits, with yet again, the Model As triumphing over diversity.

The rally finished with a superb evening event and farewell breakfast the next day. As Australian members, my wife Beverley and I express our appreciation to the MAFCA Canterbury Chapter for once more embracing us and allowing us to experience a very particular way of engaging in Model A motoring.

Beaded Wheels 37

An 1898 Voiturette type A. In 1898 Louis Renault built his first car, the Voiturette, a two seater with a direct-drive gear box. The following year he founded Renault Freres with his older brothers.

National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Louis Renault

‘A REAL CHRISTMAS TALE’ RUE LEPIC MONTMARTRE 1898 Words and photos Rodney C Anderson

Louis Renault going up and down one of the steepest and highest hills in Paris on 24 December 1898 in an automobile is one of the best-known Renault stories, being mentioned in nearly every reference to the marque.

Over time there have been many re-tellings of the story.

Excerpts from some of those follows: ‘The adventure began on December 24, when Louis Renault climbed Rue Lepic in Paris, at the wheel of his “Voiturette”. ’ (Renault Regie Nationale) ‘Louis demonstrated this car to some friends on Christmas Eve 1898, and although he may not have intended at that time to become a manufacturer, he soon received requests from friends to build replicas…’

(The Beaulieu Encylopaedia of the Automobile Volume 3 Motorcars 1885 – 1968 – G N Georgano) ‘… on Christmas Eve 1898, Renault drove up the steep Rue Lepic, Montmartre in Paris with his voiturette, equipped with a revolutionary direct-drive transmission which was quite a feat for its time. That 38 Beaded Wheels

same evening, he took 12 firm orders for the vehicle.’

(Grand Prix History.org Renault Freres) ‘… On 24 December 1898, he won a bet with his friends that his invention with an innovative crankshaft could beat a car with a bicycle-like chain drive up the slope of Rue Lepic in Montmartre. As well as winning the bet, Renault received 13 definite orders for the vehicle.’

(Wikipédia) ‘… à la fin de l’automne 1898, et il fait ses débuts ‘‘en public’’ le soir du réveillon de Noel. Venu avec son véhicule retrouver une douzaine d’amis, Louis le fait essayer a ceux-ci au cours de la soirée …’

(Toutes les Renault par Rene Bellu Des Origines aux années 80 1977)

Turning to the surrounding facts, Rue Lepic starts at Boulevard Clichy, just round the corner from the Moulin Rouge, and leads up to the highest part of Montmartre – one of the most famous areas in Paris.

At the top adjacent to Place du Tertre there is a small plaque mounted high on a wall commemorating the occasion that led to the creation of the Renault Empire and the birth of the French automobile industry.

In the preceding months, Louis was constructing a car to test his idea of an ‘arbre différentiel’ – a shaft – from s Plaque at Palace du Tertre. the motor to drive the wheels - the système Louis Renault.

In this period, drive from the motor to the wheels was commonly obtained by chain or belt. For example, the drive from the Daimler motor to the rear wheels on the Model No. 1 Peugeot is by chain, whereas the drive from the Benz motor to s Louis at his lathe. the rear wheels in some models is by belt with fast and loose pulleys on a cross countershaft with the potential for the belt control to turn over its pivot swapping the gears!

Working non-stop in his workshop for almost three months, Louis went around the test car one more time that Christmas Eve, checking the pressure in the recently fitted Michelin pneus (tyres) before knocking off, scrubbing up and getting ready to go out on the town with his mate, Paul. ‘… et là 24 décembre 1898, Louis Renault alla réveillonner avec son frère Marcel dans un bar de la rue du Helder, ou il rencontra son camarade Huge’ ‘Louis invited a few friends round to see how it would s Les repas est excellent les vins sont fins la conversation animée. tackle the steep Rue Lepic in the Montmartre district of Paris.’

(Renault Regie Nationale) The reputed context is the boys getting together that Christmas Eve with the attendant merriment, food and drink and generally having a good time in an establishment in Rue du Helder. ‘… an evening of festivity Louis Renault celebrated together with a dozen other people at a cabaret in the Rue du Helder. Louis Renault came s Louis Renault on the way out. in his voiturette’.

It did not take long for the car to become the centre of attention which in turn led to Louis being asked to take one of them for a ride. And before he knew it everyone was lining up wanting to celebrate Christmas Eve with a ride up Rue Lepic in the Louis s Outside the Restaurant in Rue du Renault car.

Helder. ‘… Let’s celebrate in a Louis Renault car’. … ‘Alors cette pétrolette Renault. ’ One by one they sat up on the car and one by one ‘… the little car climbed the gradient up to Montmartre …’ with most placing orders for a replica of the Louis Renault.

There are various accounts of who was present that Christmas Eve: Messrs Grus, Cabarrus, Duc, Huge, Jean Perrier, Madame de Guerne, and Tomagno and un notaire Me Vian are all mentioned along the way. A Maître Viot is mentioned in one of the stories as being a friend of his father who is also said to have been Louis’ first customer. ‘… Maître Viot, a friend of his father asked if he could take a ride. Louis Renault seated him in the seat beside him and drove in the direction of the Butte Montmartre. His s Louis & Maître Viot. voiturette climbed the Rue Lepic, completely dumbfounding passers-by and on returning to the restaurant, Maître Viot took out 40 Louis and placed them on the table. Here was Louis’ first customer.’

There is another storyteller that writes an old friend of his father bought Louis’ little car.

‘The story of this car, designed and produced in just three months, reads like a real Christmas tale. ‘(Renault Regie Nationale) A wonderful story set in Montmartre Christmas Eve 1898 that was expanded in 1955 by St Loup in Renault de Billancourt and occasionally regurgitated.

Whatever happened that Christmas Eve in 1898 the fact is that the Louis Renault ‘… became the foundation stone for a huge industrial empire…’ (Renault Regie Nationale) – an empire that is described by Charles de Gaulle in his mémoires as the first and finest factory in France.

Rodney C Anderson

Described by M. Henri Malartre founder of Le Musée de l’Automobile de Rochetaillée as à grand amateur des automobiles de Dion Bouton et Peugeot. Rodney enjoys living in the fairy-tale setting of a French chateau dating back to the 11th century and more recently a cottage in Melbourne where he grew up waiting to return to his home in Guildford WA. All the while continuing to study the history of the origins of the automobile. In October 2017, he discovered the ‘Louis Renault’.

Beaded Wheels 39

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

Ford Consul 315 required a bit of a breather.

Sunday non-competitive run entrants.

NELSON BIENNIAL RALLY 2023 Nelson Branch Words Mike Bryan

With only days to go and forecasts of torrential rain over the country, the organisers were looking at each other and the sky..... what the heck if it’s wet it’ll just add to the spirit of vintage motoring.

Most gathered at the Murchison Bowling Club for the Meet and Greet on Friday evening with vehicles rolling in from Ashburton, Canterbury, West Coast, Marlborough and the host branch, Nelson.

Overnight rain had left the greens more suitable for a game of water polo but by the Saturday morning the skies were clearing and 36 vehicles were ready for a competitive day of motoring, punctuated by interesting visits. Everyone toured north from Murchison, entering the Gowan Valley and meeting up at member Mike Lyall’s bach at Lake Rotoroa for morning tea. Mike was presented with his 35 year badge in front of the more than 70 participants.

Now the real fun was to begin. Organiser Rex Smith flagged the entrants away in groups of about six to avoid congestion and Branch Chairman, Mike Bryan, led everyone onto the Braeburn track behind his red Fiat suitably adorned with flashing lights and warning signs. This gravel road is quite narrow and winding with several water crossings so safety was paramount.

The Model As and higher cars were happily splashing through the creeks which were all up considerably on their normal level but there were only two drownings with a Triumph 2.5 and a Consul 315 requiring a bit of drying out. Once the Mangles Valley was reached the instructions took the tour up into the Mataki Valley, with the questions continuing until the lunch stop at the Mataki Lodge. After lunch it was only a short run to the new hop farm being developed on Mt Ella.

The competitive part of the day concluded with field tests conducted by Gordon Dacombe and Paul Lewis before everyone returned to Club Murchison for dinner. The Pegg family took the shield home to Nelson and first time rallyists Rachel and Les Limmer, in their one family owner Toyota Corolla, took home second prize. A cup was available for visitors too and taking first prize were first time rally entrants, Vonnie and Geoff Brunning

40 Beaded Wheels

from Westport, in their 1962 Vauxhall. Runner up from the visitors was Mike Hol from Marlborough in his Jaguar, likely the newest car on the rally. Lloyd Ewing from Nelson had the oldest car, the 1919 Buick.

The Hard Luck prize was jointly awarded to Marlborough entrants the Knowles in the 2.5 and the Nicols in the 315. Most entrants had wandered back to their accommodation by 9pm and were likely lulled off to sleep by the patter of overnight rain.

Sunday was a non competitive touring day and 15 vehicles had elected to take part in the run up the Matakitaki Valley to the Horse Terrace Bridge.

After a break and a walk back to the bridge the red Fiat once again led the tour in light drizzle up and over the Maruia Saddle.

We passed through six water courses, most of which were not up excessively, and the only stoppage was to allow Herb Fox in the Bentley, time to roll a few stones out of the way. The first three cars, Mike’s Fiat, Rod Thrower’s A and the Peggs’ Jowett had just bounced over them.

The top is marked at 580 metres altitude. We stopped to take count — something wasn’t quite right, we’d started with 15 cars today and now we had 17, two members of the Canterbury Model A Club returning from their weekend rally in Nelson had tagged along.

Ten minutes later we were back out on SH 65 at Frog Flat half way between Murchison and Springs Junction. Time for a quick cuppa and some fond farewells.

HUNUA 100 Words Tracey Winterbottom

1917 Dodge.

Auckland Branch’s flagship annual event is the Hunua 100, the name coming from its early roots – a rally of 100 miles and finishing at a local Hunua destination, “Lyons Farm” in Lyons Road.

This year was our 65th running of this event. As plotters, our guiding principles were: • a route which uses rural scenic less travelled roads • a competitive run for those who enjoy the challenge of navigation and timekeeping, but to do this without people getting horribly lost, or even better – not knowing they have even gone off course! a touring option with instructions that are easily followed • and provide plenty of reassurance that you are in the right place silent checks that tell us you travelled the right (or perhaps • wrong) course, rather than prove you can read a sign sideways at speed behind a bridge

•

instructions suitable for those who are reading instructions from a roller (usually those on two or three wheels).

The end result – 100 miles of motoring through Franklin and Waikato, lunch at Te Kauwhata and finishing in Hunua Village.

Auckland does include some great vintage motoring roads and on a long weekend the mass exodus of the general population ensures traffic is minimal. Even the weather played ball, although not clear skies, the views from the tops of the hills were impressive, reminding me what a great piece of the world we live in. Starting from Drury, entrants motored through the back roads of Franklin and Tuakau to cross Tuakau Bridge and then through Murray Road, a gravel road which could do with some love and attention

1922 Paige Daytona.

Beaded Wheels 41

currently but the views are stunning. Across the river again, and then on to Te Kauwhata via Island Block Road and Falls Road.

After lunch we used Kopuku Road to get back to SH2 which is very quiet these days due to the new expressway, then it was Lyons Road and through the Hunua area to finish in the village.

Entries ranged from a 1917 Dodge, through to a 1989 Volvo.

A good representation in the Vintage class – Model As, a pair of Essex, Cadillac, Paige and Austin. Three motorcycles consisting of a Harley-Davidson combination, a BSA Rocket with two up and a Triumph Thunderbird.

We had two out-of-town entrants; Alan Sharpe motored up from Ngaruawahia in his 1917 Dodge, completed the rally and went home again, and regular supporters from Waikato, Paul and Carol Fussey who attended the weekend in their 1954 Morris Minor convertible, the balance of the field made up of Auckland members.

The competitive rally was reasonably straight forward, I can see that everyone gets the ‘Straight Ahead Rule’ these days, everyone now knows what ‘Keep Left’ means, and following a named road, or ‘Stay on this road’ never fails to catch some out!

With timing, we tried something new by giving a third speed class for the Post 60/80 classes, this has come out of a personal frustration when entering the MGB in events and finding the fast class speed is not really suitable for P60s and younger. It seems this was received positively.

At the finish, smaller numbers meant we could support the local café and everyone was able to converse over some great coffee A couple of hiccups on the day – Merv and Judy Stowers deciding to go home after lunch with a misbehaving MGB, (of course on the way home, it never hiccupped once!) and Norm and Pat Dewhurst returning home before lunch to swap the Essex roadster for the Dolomite rather then risk a generator that was not charging.

The weekend was finished off with a successful prizegiving and dinner in our clubrooms.

RESULTS

Slow Vintage Fast Vintage PV & PWV P60 & P80 Motorcycle Overall

John Morrison Rodger and Val Ball Paul and Carol Fussey Allan and Christine Allbon Paul Tomlin & Peter Alderdice Paul Tomlin & Peter Alderdice

1954 Morris Minor convertible.

42 Beaded Wheels

1928 Cadillac 1930 Model A Phaeton 1954 Morris Minor conv 1987 Mazda MX5 1925 Harley-Davidson JE 1925 Harley-Davidson JE

1969 BSA Rocket and 1925 Harley-Davidson combination.

1962 Vauxhall Velox.

Terry Kitson 1958 BSA Bantam 125

Bikes outside the Tokoroa RSA

SOUTH WAIKATO COUNTRY RUN Words and photos Steve Walter

Riding old motorcycles in the rain has many risks including wet magnetos and fogged up visors. Nevertheless the riders of 22 bikes, including three ladies, got off the couch on a cold wet day and had an adventure on a challenging 200km ride. They came from Whangerei, Mangawhai, Auckland, Rotorua and local. A 1993 Yamaha had electronic issues and failed to start so was parked in the workshop while the rider rode pillion on a sidecar. Intestinal fortitude awards to 87 year old Dave Mayhew, on his very cool Douglas Dragonfly and Terry Kitson who rode his 125cc BSA Bantam the full distance, plus an extra 20km when he missed a sign. One of the hazards is getting lost and alone, as happened

when a group missed a turn entering Tokoroa and split up. A minute’s silence was held for Ted Billet at the start. Ted was a keen sidecar rider from Tokoroa and the originator of this ride 12 years ago. A visit was made to Murray Belfield’s place. We have visited here before viewing progress on his previous project, a ¾ replica of a 1936 German Scorch plane which took 12 years to build. He is currently repairing a 1950s Jodel aeroplane. He has the fuselage in the top of his shed, and the wing spar below, in a cul-de-sac in Tokoroa.

The rally was rounded out with a great evening at the Cambridge raceway.

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

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

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Beaded Wheels 43

Beach Road queue.

s

s Clearing car parks.

GETTING TO AND FROM THE MURIWAI RACES IN 1924 While reading The Radiator magazine of April 1924 I came across this article about the record crowds attending the fourth annual motor race at Muriwai Beach, it was an adventure just getting to the event and home again.

“Although only 30 miles from Auckland, the road was not in very good condition as it was made of a mixture of clay and shingle. Fast traffic in dry weather turned this into a fine powder which, at times, created a cloud of dust so thick it would obscure your vision of the car in front.

To avoid the dust many motorists decided to make an early start, arriving at Muriwai between 6am and 7am This steady flow of motorists did nothing to help the dust problem, other than it occurred three hours earlier.

The cars through the gate, totalled 473, plus those who had made the trip the day before and had slept on the beach, making a total of over 900 cars.

The gate takings were £260, with 5,000 people paying for admission, setting a new record.

All sorts of vehicles attended the motor races, it was not hard to spot these interesting vehicles. One party of younger race goers had secured an old and obsolete chassis and rigged it up with temporary seating.

The driver had the luxury of having a benzine box to sit on, while the passengers hung on desperately to the wooded planks that they had tied to the chassis, trying not to eat too much dust. This same “car” had only one tyre which was half flat and was rapidly disintegrating and shedding pieces en route.

The last 1½ miles from the gate to the beach was through virgin bush and was a single file procession all the way. At the end of the road, there was a clearing for parking 500 cars, however there were twice that.

The day before, wire fences were erected on the beach to define where cars could park above the high tide mark. But an overnight spring tide made the beach a twisted tangled mass of posts, wire and debris.

Once the tide had dropped, it was possible to get the 400 cars on to solid sand for parking.

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

44 Beaded Wheels

After the day’s racing, it was realised that with the incoming tide it would be difficult to get the cars parked on the beach up on the road before the tide came in. The 500 departing vehicles, already on the road from the clearing car park, were at a standstill. It was realised that the tide was progressing faster than the cars were moving, with owners getting anxious.

The main cause of the slow progress was large charabancs (buses) having difficulty negotiating the steep and sandy terrain. All side traffic entry was stopped and traffic started to flow, by 7.30 pm all cars were off the beach unharmed, but it was another four hours until the road was clear. Fortunately, it was good weather.”

The next time you are in a queue for five minutes, spare a thought for these motorists.

There is an interesting list of all the makes of cars that attended the 1924 Muriwai Races. Check how popular your car was.

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.

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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 1929 MODEL A FORD. Needs complete restoration. I am told by an expert member that that should be straightforward, by restoration standards. All major parts present plus spare engine. Can send warts and all photos. Am in Palmerston North. Call Peter 021 180 2819, peter@ cloustons.org.

1930-31 MODEL A FORD BONNET. Paint flaking and a bit of rust but sound. Buyer must pick up from Palmerston North. Offers. phone Peter 021 180 2819, peter@cloustons.org CARBURETTOR RECONDITIONING including classic and performance makes. 40 plus years trade experience. Free advice. Contact Graeme Tulloch, Tulmac Carburettor Specialists on 027 612 2312 or (Levin) 06 368 2202 COACHWORK F or all your coachwork, woodwork and timber rim steering wheels for your veteran, vintage or commercial vehicles contact Designs N Wood, John Martin, 11 Bell Avenue, Cromwell.

Phone/fax 03 445 0598, 021 109 1309 or email martin_jw@xtra.co.nz MEM CENTRAL OTAGO 1930-31 MODEL A FORD WHEELS. Three of. All are rusty but appear sound, except one spoke has cracked at the junction with the outer hub. I am told that this is an easy repair. Offers. Phone Peter 021 180 2819, peter@cloustons.org BUICK 1919 Restored in the late ‘60s. Has been on many rallies and is due for another restoration.

Phone Patrick 027 313 9102, Motueka MEM NELSON

VINTAGE CAR REPAIRS

All Classic and Vintage Car restoration.

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

Unit 1 11 Penn Place, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch

Phone Grant 341 5100 or 027 223 9474 granttvin@gmail.com 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 cars, trucks, industrial and marine. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz FORD CORTINA 2.0 GHIA AUTOMATIC 1982.

Registration KW6745. One out of the box! Totally original condition that reflects its low 31000km travelled. Always garaged and pampered. Interior and exterior in pristine condition. Looks and drives like a new Cortina. Inspection invited. $32,000 ono. Genuine enquiries to tuffey@gmail.com or 021 550 429.

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

1938 HILLMAN. EXCELLENT CONDITION. 1914 Model T. Ex. 1951 Daimler Barker Special 1972 MERCEDES 350 S L convertible, one owner Sports. Ex. 1947 Mercury coupe. Dark green for 36 years. In good order, WoF and reg. Used in color, older restoration in 1984. Runs really regularly. 139.000 miles. Mostly overhauled in well with a few modifications that make it that time. Auto disc brakes, hard top and good more reliable; MSD ignition, electric fuel pump, soft top. Been on a lot of VCC runs over that time. new distributor, reconditioned carburettor, $35,000 ono. Ph 06 758 4244. MEM TARANAKI and new fuel tank. WoF and Rego. $60,000 MODEL T & A PARTS Frontenac Radiator, ono.

Email Erik kerik.k@slingshot.co.nz separate radiator top tank. T truck reduction box

MEM BAY OF PLENTY transmission. Chassis, blocks, heads, crank, fly 2000 BMW Z3 ROADSTER in Topaz blue with black wheel, sumps, drive shaft, torque tube, wheels, trim. Six cylinder engine and auto transmission hubs, tank, dash instruments steering column, regularly serviced for the 17 years of ownership. body panels, guards, axles, springs. Phone Barry Always garaged with hood and tyres in excellent 021 879 713. MEM CANTERBURY condition. 94,000 kilometers with registration MORRIS/AUSTIN 1800 MK3 INTERIOR. Front to July 2024 and WoF to September 2024 Asking seats and rear base are in exceptional condition. $7,500 ono. Phone 09 424 1290 MEM WAITEMATA Rear back is split at the top due to sun damage.

BUICK 38 SERIES 40 Large bulk lot including Door card vinyl covers are excellent. The card itself Straight 8 motor, nose cone including headlights, would need to be replaced. Carpets would need to grilles suspension & brake parts, carburettors, be re coloured but wear and tear is not excessive. boxes of bits hard to find collected over 30 odd This whole package would transform a tired 1800 years. Mostly good condition. A treasure trove. interior. No other parts. Genuine enquiries to Phone Arthur 021 610 196. MEM BAY OF PLENTY. tuffey@gmail.com or 021 550 429.

CROWN CUT WALNUT ex 250 mm wide. I have two lengths at 2100 long, ideal for dash boards and door caps. The lot for $100 Timber is in Feilding.

Contact Keith Maegaard, ph 027 616 7902 or 06 323 4463. MEM MANAWATU

FOR SALE FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION . Books, toys, memorabilia and collectibles of interest to readers of this magazine. See www.justas.nz.

Reply through the website or call. John Brunt, 0211 355 799, 1-8pm Sat-Thurs. (In Kerikeri.)

Beaded Wheels 45

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1928 MORGAN 3 WHEELER 70% complete rolling chasiss body frame. Aircooled V twin SV engines 1H/C bored new piston rings and 1L/C. 50yrs of info tools materials. Owes me 15k. For more information contact Trevor Cook Ph 027 865 2810. cookie67b@yahoo.co.nz

COOPER NORTON MK8 1954 H istoric NZ racing VETERAN PARTS C laudel Hobson RAF Mk1a car. Finished 11th 1955 NZIGP. Won Ultimate Echo carb, Smiths rev counters, speedo, drive kit, Riley Race Ardmore 1957. Last run Hampton Downs instruments, electric clocks, Jaeger speedos/clocks, 28.6.23. Good Condition. Offers. Contact Graeme Fiat speedo, Boa constrictor horn. Ph 07 348 4227.

027 712 8877 or 09 268 8545 brayshaw@xtra.co.nz MEM HAWKE’S BAY

MEM WAITEMATA

1925 WILLYS OVERLAND 93-6 Excellent working order throughout, some minor paint bubbling, some interior trim could be improved, noisy timing gear – I have new part, copy of original owners manual, will have fresh WoF, selling due to poor health. $12,000 ono. Ph 06 752 0041 MEM TARANAKI

1957 CHEVROLET BELAIR 4 door pillarless, standard spec 283 V8 3 speed manual column shift. Lhd imported from USA 2004. Body stripped back/ repainted in 1957 GM colours. New upholstery.

On road since compliance 2021. Lovely car. $78,000 ono. Ph Bill 027 226 5811 MEM STH CANTERBURY

VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ halogen bulbs.

Replace your existing bulbs without rewiring the headlamp assemblies. Up to 100% brighter than your existing Tungsten bulbs. Will fit 1952 AUSTIN A40 SPORTS. P hoto tells it all. From most reflectors fitted to Pre & Post war cars a nuts and bolts restoration we have travelled and motorbikes. Also available in single 18,000 miles trouble free. Ph 09 439 8911 for filament 55 watt P22 & BA15 bases for use full details. See more onTrade me. George Tier. in spotlamps and mechanical dip reflectors.

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

Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz

1969 FIAT 125 Rego EG928, 1608cc. New springs/ shocks fitted, professionally lowered and certification plate in engine bay. Repainted Red. Mini Cooper exhaust, new carpets, steering wheel, stereo, gauges, twin Weber carbs, mileage: 85,893. Offers. Ph Jeffrey Ford 027 313 6964, jefford.ford950@gmail.com 46 Beaded Wheels

THREE MARVEL CARBURETTORS believed to be off Buick. Two completely brass one has cast iron throat they were made to have exhaust heated throat could make one complete carburettor. More photos and information. Any reasonable offer Terry 04 577 0616 or 021 052 6310 or mathersterryjudy@gmail.com MEM WELLINGTON

1934 PLYMOUTH DELUXE SEDAN (INCL SPARES) Restored in Superb condition. Full Leather interior, 2 Pot Paint, Near new white walls, High ratio Diff, 12v electrics. Owned car 30+ years, doesn’t get used enough, so time for a new owner. $45,000 neg Phone 027 263 6946.

1934 MORRIS MINOR C omplete and original.

Restoration project for great little car. Dry stored since 1980. Last registered 1966. Ph Phillip 06 867 7359 or plcook@xtra.co.nz MEM GISBORNE

1930 FORD MODEL A TOWN SEDAN Good condition inside and out. Runs well been regularly maintained. Always garaged. Current WoF and rego. SS luggage rack. Buying another car so letting this beauty go. $30,000 Ph 027 612 7917, bruce73@xtra.co.nz MEM HOROWHENUA

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

728 Waimutu Road, RD2 Marton 4788.

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

MEM RUSHMORE MOTORS LTD can market your Veteran, Vintage or Classic car immediately.

We have great success with most makes and listing a vehicle is completely free. We hold a huge database of prospective buyers and we endeavour to match sellers with buyers. If you have an unused vehicle sitting in your garage and would like your bank balance considerably enhanced, give us a call on 027 2245 045 inc a/h. rushmoremotors@xtra.co.nz

MORE RECENT LISTINGS WITH RUSHMORE MOTORS 1953 SUNBEAM TALBOT. Ex. cond.

1927 RUGBY SEDAN. (PROJECT) 1928 ERSKINE SEDAN 1979 LEYLAND MINI 1000, n eat, very good overall condition, economical, but has to make room for 1929 MODEL A FORD SPORT COUPÉ an 1100. $12,500. Enquiries to gtml@xtra.co.nz in excellent original condition 65,000 miles.

MEM CENTRAL OTAGO 1930 MODEL A COUPÉ . RHD. Ex. 1956 DAIMLER MK2. Ex. 1938 HILLMAN. EX. COND.

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

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

Looking for Vehicle Parts?

Motors, gearboxes, carbs, panels, wheels, accessories, miscellaneous & more. What do you need for your restoration? Contact marlborough vcc. we have sheds full of used parts. email: tandhwin@xtra.co.nz

1914 MODEL T. Ex. 1951 DAIMLER BARKER SPECIAL SPORTS. EX. 1996 HONDA SHADOW VT1100. EX HANDMADE ‘VINTAGE’ PEDAL CARS. Grand-Kids!

1965 JAGUAR 3.4 M OD Very good condition.

Receipts. Recent engine, P/S, full brake overhaul, partial panel and paint, front seats re-upholstered, new seatbelts, some new chrome, new wire wheels. Beautiful in opalescent pale blue and navy trim. Sublime to drive. $48k peterinpuahue@ gmail.com 027 932 0624. MEM WAIKATO

PLUS MANY, MANY OTHER VEHICLES TO CHOOSE FROM. ASK FOR OUR EMAILED BROCHURE.

027 2245 045

RUSHMOREMOTORS@XTRA.CO.NZ

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

Please contact us for more information.

M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz HYDRAULIC PRESS (15 TON) value refacer and seat cutting gear (Wolf). Spark plug testers and cleaner old Vixen. Headlamp beam aligner. 1934 FORD SEDAN R unning driving car. Flathead Reasonable offers. Ph Robert 027 444 1333 V8. Ph 021 294 8521. MEM ASHBURTON

MEM HOROWHENUA

AUSTIN HEALEY SPRITE MK2 PARTS. 2 front guards, bonnet, bottom front shroud, grill, radiator, tail lights, seats, dismantled 948cc. A series engine and gearbox, sundry other parts. Offers. Ph 027 226 0035, skread@xtra.co.nz M EM OTAGO.

A COLLECTORS DREAM 1928, AA Ford Truck For Sale

Flashback to the roaring twenties with this spiffy 1928 QUARTER PAGE ADVERT BOOKED FOR TRUCK SAILE AA Ford Truck. Lovingly restored by Hawke’s Bay Airport for the new terminal, it was used as a display piece. Not currently working but could be made road JUDI GODBOLD worthy again. Pick up from Napier, Hawke’s Bay.

50% O

DEVELOPMENT CONTACT US TOBUSINESS FIND OUT MORE MANAGER –P. 027 271 8187 – WWW.HAWKE’SBAYadmin@hbairport.co.nz (06) 834 0742 AIRPORT.CO.NZ

Beaded Wheels 47

MARKET PLACE

1962 AUSTIN A60 CAMBRIDGE, 6 4,000 original 1935 R.E.A.L. RAILTON 8CYL SPORTS TOURER PLANET JUNIOR + COLLECTABLES AUCTION miles. Recent bare metal respray, faithful old offered for sale to make way for its replacement.

Saturday, 20 January 2024, Lower Moutere, family car. Reg on hold currently, health dictates Well documented history including past owner Nelson Photos/Info: www.jwauctions.co.nz it should move on. $7,000 as is. Ph 027 473 3035, – Ron Roycroft. Travelled 7,000 miles since full John Walker, Auctioneer phone 027 443 2525. rebuild. Authentic in every respect. To inspect neilgamble8@gmail.com MEM OTAGO

MEM NELSON please contact Phil Kidd at prcmk@xtra.co.nz or phone 027 239 4828. MEM WELLINGTON

1990 MITSUBISHI GALANT GLX 1600 5 speed manual. Original condition inside and out. 240k but runs well – daily driver. WoF & Rego. $1500 Ph Brian 027 488 5019.

MEM CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

TALBOT 1913 BOAT TAIL SPEEDSTER 4 .5 L 25hp.

The legendary Weta. An exceptionally well know and reliable running veteran from the estate of the late George Mihiljevich. To view or more details contact John 027 496 6153. Email johncourtney@ xtra.co.nz

DODGE FLATHEAD 6, I have been told it’s out of a 1939 Dodge D11, I don’t know much more about it otherwise. open to offers. Call Jess 021 029 01186.

MEM AUCKLAND

1933 RILEY KESTREL BODY PANELS, r ear mudguards, doors, front and rear windscreens. bonnets. Surplus to requirements. Ph 06 856 6088 or 021 679 527, franklani@xtra.co.nz

MEM CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

PANTHER LWT FRAME – M75 Complete frame, front and rear sections (may need tweak to get together but seems straight), period correct Dowty forks, which have been sprung. Prefer to exchange for Panther HWT parts – 1929 Model 50, 1938 Model 95, post war M100 or what-have-you but may consider outright sale. P&M or Panther parts needed. David Broadhead 021 324 762, dbroadhe@xtra.co.nz MEM AUCKLAND

1979 YAMAHA XT500 US model, low mileage, pristine condition. $11,000. Email Nicolas for more info: nicolas.beaufays@gmail.com MEM WELLINGTON

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

Ph Vern Jensen 06 323 3868, 16 Osborne Terrace, Feilding, gransuz16@gmail.com MEM MANAWATU

48 Beaded Wheels

OUR MAGAZINE ROOM IS BEING CLEARED OUT all for free and to be picked up. Veteran & Vintage 1958-1975; Wheels 1960 onwards; Restored Cars 1973-1998; Motor Sport 1975-1996; NZ Classic Car boxed 1991 onwards. Ph 07 576 1124 for more info.

B AY OF PLENTY BRANCH

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 PENRITE OILS W e carry a large range from vintage to modern engines. Gearbox, diff, SU dashpot and water pump grease.

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

MARKET PLACE

WANTED 1927 STUDEBAKER ERSKINE a ssistance wanted.

I’m looking for a 4-speed synchromesh gearbox to put in this car. I don’t like its crash box. Has anyone done a similar conversion. I would appreciate any advice or suggestions. Ph 027 297 0616, roblovespigs@gmail.com MEM OTAGO 1928 ESSEX COUPE. Full body or any parts thereof needed. I have near-complete rolling chassis and drive train but body parts are in poor condition. Willing to rebuild from parts if full body unavailable. Brian Morris, brianandleonie@xtra. co.nz , Phone 021 2791018. MEM NORTHLAND

FRICTION SHOCK ABSORBERS for front of 1935 TRIUMPH VETERAN PARTS especially those as Austin 10 Litchfield. Similar to photo. Radiator pictured and exhaust box. Phone 021 088 06141, for 1924 Austin 7, 370mm core length. Ph Rob veterantriumph@gmail.com MEM WELLINGTON Spiers, 021 266 22 34 or robspiers63@gmail.com

MEM CANTERBURY

1934 CHEV STANDARD JUNIOR. L eft front guard with or without fender well. Have moulds for glass rear guards and running boards for above car. Ph Denis 022 0799 179, Waikato.

1979 DATSUN 200B PARTS WANTED. R ear bumper in good condition with or without rubber strip or end caps, Two windscreen washer nozzles, Two hubcaps / wheel centers, Electric sender unit for the oil pressure gauge. Ph Ces 06 241 0454, email tqman66@gmail.com. MEM TARANAKI AUSTIN 10 1946/47 chassis or entire car. Needed to finish the only WWII Austin Tilly in NZ. Ph Philip 027 820 1255 pavery@xtra.co.nz MEM WANGANUI

POWER PAK CYCLE MOTOR parts wanted: Amal FORD CAPRI MK1 OR MK2 – project car in any carburettor parts and decompression lever or condition. Phone 06 278 6937, email ijs@xtra.co.nz complete motor or parts. Ph Barrie 0274 327 238,

MEM TARANAKI barriewalker96@gmailcom

AUSTIN A70 HAMPSHIRE, a ny condition for spares, please phone John Kinvig 0274 524 326 or 04 234 1262, or email jakinvig@xtra.co.nz.

MEM WELLINGTON AUSTIN A70 HEREFORD right front guard plus also front passenger door. Any help would be great. Phone Chris 021 202 6577, 06 842 1177, bushhurst@gmail.com MEM HAWKE’S BAY HARLEY-DAVIDSON 1924 to 1929 26J/JD sidecar frame mounts. Wanting front clamp socket and cap and rear bracket for frame mount. These are for the larger 1 3/8-inch balls. Also require a period appropriate top of guard sidecar light. Contact Tony 020 414 85160 or rtpremnivas@outlook.com

TRIUMPH TIGER CUB ROCKER feed pipe and Acorn nuts to attach to Cylinder Head. Phone or text message Robert, 021 177 3328, email mickeyrat@windowslive.com MEM BAY OF PLENTY

HONDA CBX1000 WANTED. A ny year and condition, running or not. Ph Rory 022 341 0608.

MEM AUCKLAND.

DECAL/TRANSFER, High-resolution copy/scan or original of the Percy Coleman & Co decal/transfer, as shown. I’ve recently acquired a bike that was sold new by Coleman and would like to replicate it. If anyone can help, please contact me at: pteeboy@hotmail.com

MEMBER AUCKLAND

MODEL A FORD COWL BAND WANTED F or ‘30-’31.

Ph Peter 0272 816 050, email Jafa002@hotmail.com

MEM AUCKLAND VETERAN MOTORCYCLE PROJECTS: DRIVING OUR HISTORY I have the following projects I am looking for parts to progress 1910 Blumfield V Twin I require AKD frame forks etc to house this motor 1900 De Dion 2.75 HP. Any tricycle or quadricycle parts.

1901/2 New Werner tank or other parts. 1908 Motosacoche some engine parts and anything else suitable. Ph Karl 027 229 4228 Karlwood35@gmail.

Contact National Office or your Branch Secretary if you have not com MEM GORE

CLUB MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE DUE

WANTED FOR 1964 OR 1965 HILLMAN MINX Series V The chrome letter H for the Hillman name on front of bonnett. Ph Bruce 027 244 9090

received your club membership invoice.

Please ensure all communications with our National Office include your membership number.

MEM CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

Beaded Wheels 49

EN

HE

Closing date for entries 30 January 2024

BRUARY 2 02 4

2024

IM

H

BL

Saturday 2 March – Monday 11 March 2024

Club Captain’s

FE –7

UG

5

SWAP MEETS & RALLIES

• M A R LBO

RO

TOUR ITINERARY Saturday 2nd: Arrive Whanganui Sunday 3rd:

Thursday 7th:

Dannevirke to Masterton

Whanganui -Ohakune Whanganui (via River Rd, Fields Track)

Friday 8th: Masterton – local run

Monday 4th:

Masterton to Feilding

Whanganui to Napier (via Taihape Rd) Tuesday 5th: Napier – local run Wednesday 6th:

Napier to Dannevirke

Saturday 9th:

Sunday 10th:

Manawatu Branch - Ruahine Ramble Monday 11th: Homeward Bound

For entry form and accommodation details please email

Glyn Clements at nicc@vcc.org.nz

NATTER & NOGGIN • REGISTRATION HERITAGE DAY RALLY LUNCH AND DINNER CONTACT: MARLBOROUGH@VCC.ORG.NZ

G ORE VINTA GE CA R CLU B

SUN

MARCH

17

8am – 12 noon -Waimea Street YOU BRING IT • YOU SELL IT • YOU PROFIT

ADMITTANCE  Adults $5  Children free

SELLERS STALLS

$10

 Includes one free entry  Some inside stalls available

 Huge variety of items for sale.  Colouring competition and games for the kids  Opportunity to meet club members and learn about our club.

If you have items you wish to sell, please come along and set up a stall!

CONTACT 50 Beaded Wheels

Katherine: Gerry:

021 261 6986 027 2334634 / 03 2085806

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

NEW CONTACT FOR BOOKINGS

SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH VCC

VCCNZ Ashburton Branch

SWAPMEET

Saturday 4 May 2024 Club Grounds 86 Maronan Road, Tinwald Ashburton No Dogs Allowed • Catering by Ashburton Lions Club

Site Bookings to Cathy Sweetman Email: ashburtonswapmeet@gmail.com Phone: 021-372087

GATES OPEN 7.15AM

SWAP MEET BAZAAR

Site Bookings Phone Michelle 027 284 6422 scvccswapmeet@hotmail.com Committee Chairman Colin Johnstone ph 03 693 9093 NO DOGS ON GROUNDS

Saturday

6 APRIL 2024 SC CAR RACING GROUNDS – FALVEY ROAD – TIMARU

8.00am START Held wet or fine

Swap Meet starts at 7.00 a.m.

Entry: Sellers $10.00 Buyers/Browsers $5.00 Children (under 12) 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 027 423 8122 or wellsfordwarkworth@vcc.org.nz Beaded Wheels 51

C E N T R A L O TAG O B R A N C H VC C ALONG WITH CENTRAL STREET MACHINES

SWAP MEET

SUNDAY 21 JANUARY FOLLOWING THE CROMWELL

CAR SHOW

GATES OPEN

7AM

STARTS

8AM

COME ALONG AND JOIN THE FUN

VCC CENTRAL OTAGO E M A I L B R A N C H S E C R E TA R Y G R A H A M TAY L O R G C . TAY L O R @ X T R A . C O . N Z F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N

L I TA N Y S T • C R O M W E L L

TRADE DIRECTORY

MARLBOROUGH MAGNETOS

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

Exchange armatures available

Hard-to-get parts manufactured

Coil Only service for DIY assembly

Magdyno and Maglita units restored

Curiosities investigated

☎ 027 577 8328

Contact Paul Radmall at paul@magnetos.co.nz

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

BANKS PENINSULA POMEROY TROPHY • CLASSIC MOTOR RACING SERIES LEVELS - TIMARU •

FEEL LIKE A NEW CHALLENGE?

Banks Peninsula Branch is hosting it’s traditional summer speed events. Grab your overalls and Historic Racing License and discover your inner Verstappen.

If competing isn’t your thing just come along and soak in the atmosphere

52 Beaded Wheels

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

Specialist in restoration of Vintage and Classic cars and motorcycles

EMAIL stephen_winteringham@hotmail.com

FREEPHONE 0800 862 476

www.classicchrome.co.nz

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COPPER – NICKEL – CHROME

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Done the old way – the right way

▼

CARBURETTOR SPECIALISTS

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

Specialising in Weber, Holley, SU, Stormberg, etc

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

RESTORED CARS MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

UPPER CLASSICS

First published in 1973.

Most back issues are available. All vehicles featured are restored or in original condition. Events, How To’s and Australian motoring history are a specialty.

NEW ZEALAND

VETERAN - VINTAGE - CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SERVICING ENGINEERING SERVICES MACHINING - BORING - HONING ALLOY & STEEL WELDING

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

FREE ADVICE

CONTACT: LEE WALKER-HOLT 021 036 8635 info@walker-holt.nz TITIRANGI-AUCKLAND

INSTRUMENT REPAIRS

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Australia 6 Issues $69 or 12 issues $135 New Zealand 6 Issues AUD$117 or 12 issues AUD$231 Overseas 6 Issues AUD$150 or 12 issues AUD$297 VISA – MASTERCARD AVAILABLE EDDIE FORD PUBLICATIONS P/L 29 LYONS ST, NEWSTEAD VIC 3462, AUSTRALIA.

PH 61 3 5476 2212 RESTOREDCARSMAGAZINE.COM

Hamco

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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

Mobile 027 231 7864 410 Green Road, RD 6, Palmerston North Day or Night

Beaded Wheels 53

MAKE CHRISTMAS LAST A WHOLE YEAR WITH A

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CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 77 YEARS

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54 Beaded Wheels

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Auckland: Phil and Christine Smith’s 1942 Willys Jeep.

s Ashburton: Great support for our branch Daffodil Day.

BRANCH NEWS

Ashburton: Stuart Wilson’s Sunbeam Rapier was at the Daffodil Day.

▼ Ashburton.Graeme Stevens Club Captain presenting David Oakley Commercial Trophy Spring Rally.

▼ Peter Alderdice and his $40 10 cent pieces.

ASHBURTON

TREVOR BEGG

We welcome new members William Stevens with a 1928 Dodge, Ray Shoebridge with 1968 MGB, and Paul Galletly. We look forward to seeing them along at club events. Unfortunately we have had four members pass away since my last report (Refer Passing Lane in this and the last Beaded Wheels). Our thoughts go out to the families of these members.

We held our Daffodil Day run on 20 August at our club grounds, with a Show and Shine resulting in a great turnout of 170 vehicles from veterans to the latest, and benefiting the local Cancer Society by $3,100. Vehicles on display included an EV, a tractor and a fire engine ladder truck.

Our Opening Run was held on 2 September with South Canterbury Branch joining us at Hinds. The run ended up at the old eight stand woolshed at Peel Station just through Peel Forest. The Spring Rally was held on 24 September. This is a calendar event for veteran cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles, but as it was rather a wet day the only trophy given out for those classes was to David and Marion Oakley in their 1927 Whippet truck. Two motorcycles set off but turned back and went home as it was so wet. On 15 October we had some cars from the Triumph 2000 and 2500 club following their display at the Tinwald Domain celebrating 60 years of these models. These included Triumphs from Christchurch, Timaru and Dunedin.

AUCKLAND

JOCELYN MCALPINE

Acknowledgements to the number of volunteers who go above and beyond to keep the club running. A special thanks to those who have been helping with the ongoing refurbishment of our clubrooms.

Thanks also to the spare parts group, who have had a heavy workload with the donated ‘goodies’ of some of our more senior members who have relocated. Your time and efforts are appreciated.

Our Post Era Rally, plotted this year

by Bob and Debbie Ballantyne, saw the return of Alan and Shaaran Price’s 1949 Chev to the road after being flood damaged. Congratulations to winners John and Janice Gardner in their 1949 Ford Anglia tourer.

Twelve of our ever-intrepid motorcycle members had a very successful trip to Taranaki for this year’s Rubbie Duckie event. Peter Alderdice’s rally entry of $40 was reimbursed to him, recognising his longevity of attendance, in 10c pieces!

It was great to see some North Shore Branch members come along to our Rally Rules night. Those who attended felt it would be helpful for all branches to follow the National Rally Rules booklet.

At our Hunua 100 Garden Party afternoon, 50-year awards were presented to Stipe Borich and Merv Stowers, while 60-year badges were presented to Norman Dewhurst, Bob Ballantyne, and Chris Wood. The Sunday Rally, plotted by Stephen and Tracey Winterbottom, took in some great South Auckland countryside, and was won by Paul Tomlin and Peter Alderdice in Paul’s 1925 Harley-Davidson J combination.

Beaded Wheels 55

s Banks Peninsula: ACE III hounds the CAE Chev Sprinter of Paul Coory at the Wigram Revival, Ruapuna.

s Canterbury:

s Banks Peninsula: Graeme Hamilton works hard to fend off Kent Larsen’s Ex Wiseman E Type Jaguar, Wigram Revival.

BANKS PENINSULA

s Canterbury: 4 cylinder motorcycle display at the Canterbury Branch Swap Meet.

56 Beaded Wheels

CANTERBURY

COLIN HEY

Our veteran motoring season didn’t get off to a very good start, with our annual veteran rally in late September coinciding with one of the wettest weekends for several months. We started in Rakaia, where a run up to Barrhill village was planned. Most of the cars did the trip to Barrhill in their trailers, however Les and Malcolm Nell salvaged the day with welcoming fire in the community centre (formerly the school) and a display of photographs, information about the district and their tractor and car collection to view.

However, top of mind for our branch was of course our annual swap meet on 6, 7 and 8 October. With most of the 500 sites sold and reasonable weather, both sellers and buyers seemed happy, with many goods leaving the grounds with a new owner. Some great car displays, and a wonderful display of 4-cylinder motorcycles, from veteran to the 1980s, by the branch Motorcycle Section capped off the event nicely.

BAY OF PLENTY

KAAREN SMYLIE

Committee member Brian Pratt organised a run to Hamurana Springs.

After visiting the springs and going for a bush walk, members had lunch at a local golf club before heading home in threatening weather.

Some of our members who own Minis participated in the 28th Mini Nationals staged in Nelson over Labour weekend. ▲

s BOP: Highest Points Scorer at the 28th Mini Nationals in Nelson - Donn White is seen here with the owner of Horopito Motors (Smash Palace) - Barbara Fredrickson. Donn has worked solidly on the 1969 Riley Elf for three years and obtained many hard to get parts from Horopito Motors during that time.

DON GERRARD

We welcome back past member Peter Harris with his Austin Healey 3000. At our Annual mid-year luncheon at the Tai Tapu Hotel, National President George Kear presented 35 Year badges to Michael and Craig Pidgeon and a 50 Year award to Donald Wright. This year’s Opening Run in September was greeted with torrential rain as a good mix of vehicles sloshed their way to Homebush, the Dean Family Homestead (near Darfield) since 1851. Set in eight acres of Capability Brown-styled gardens, the historic museum and stables, with vintage farming and mining machinery together with military and sporting memorabilia, made for a great day out.

In October the Wigram Revival Race Meeting was held over two days at Ruapuna and 14 VCC cars took to the grid for the fourth Round of the Banks Peninsula Championship Series. The Barrett’s Lotus 23 Reps were too quick for the more powerful CAE Sprinter of Paul Coory and the 66 year old ACE III of Graeme Hamilton - just a pity that the Stanton Corvette decided not to keep the cooling system supplied with water and was sidelined, Kent Larsen had the ex-Wiseman E-Type Jaguar motivated, just staying ahead of the SP250 of Bryan Ashworth. Great mid-field battles continued all weekend, with the two Mistrals lurking fore and aft of Tony Steer’s MGB and the Spangerelli Holden, until the latter’s back axle cried enough.

s Central Hawke’s Bay: Our visit to a wheel wright in Fielding.

s Central Hawke’s Bay: Rod and Scarlett McKenzie winners of our Vintage Rally.

s EBOP: John Lamont – proud new owner of the Donovan’s Daimler (Les Costar photo).

This was an opportunity for them to catch up with other VCC members who took their Minis to Nelson from all over the country.

Alan and Dawn Webb not only drove their 1967 Morris Mini 850 from Tauranga to Nelson and back but put in a ‘detour’ taking in a solid piece of the South Island before their return. Their trusty 848cc engined car with 170,000 miles on the clock (most of those run up by the Webb family) never missed a beat. Three generations of the Sutton family also attended with Greg and Justine Sutton winning the Best Variant Award with their pristine Mini utility.

Vice Chairman Donn White also drove a recently restored 1969 Riley Elf to the Mini Nationals with his son Sam. At the end of the weekend’s competitions the White family entry had amassed the most points from 155 other Mini owners. Donn and Sam also won the Navigational Trial, and their pristine Elf (the restoration of which was completed just hours before having to make a ferry connection in Wellington) won many admiring glances.

CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

HEATHER CHEER

A quiz challenge, with members from Manawatu Branch attending, was held in Dannevirke for our September dinner meeting. The quiz was won by Derek Haycock from Manawatu.

Seventeen cars, including several from Manawatu Branch, enjoyed the Vintage Only Rally on 23 September. Leaving Waipukurau, we headed towards Takapau, driving through the Ward property for a picnic lunch, after which we were able to pick bunches of daffodils before starting the competitive timed run through farmland east of Central Hawke’s Bay. There were views down into huge valleys, and we finished at the Waipukurau Club for prize giving and dinner. First vintage place went to Rod and Scarlet McKenzie with their 1930 Model A, second went to Dereck and Len Haycock with a 1929 Chevrolet, and third to Greg and Jane Oliver with a 1929 Model A. The nonvintage prize was awarded to Don Robbie and family with their 1969 Ford Zephyr.

The October highlight was a mid-week Manawatu Adventure where 42 members enjoyed visiting museums, gardens and even a Christmas Shop.

CENTRAL OTAGO

s Central Otago: Lunch at Danseys Pass Hotel.

s Central Otago: A small part of Lindsay Pratt’s shed and car collection.

DON YEAMAN

Mid-week runs are proving to be quite popular. The September one was lunch at the Chatto Creek Hotel followed by a visit to Lindsay and Liz Pratt’s shed in Alexandra to view their collection of cars.

What a collection it was, everything from E-Type Jags to Morris Minor and Mini and a lot in between.

Our next event was the Annual Blossom Festival on 23 September. We had about 24 cars lined up on the main Street of Clyde

s EBOP: 1909 Hupmobile on show in Te Aroha’s main street.

Beaded Wheels 57

for the rally briefing and then those who chose to enter the parade headed into Alexandra while those of us who had chosen the longer rally left to tick off our points of interest and gain points by answering the questions. We would have gotten more points if we had answered a few more correctly. The rally ended back at the club rooms for afternoon tea and the prize giving.

On 7 October the Central Otago Branch was invited to join the Alpine Street Machines for a Show and Shine at the Cromwell Town and Country Club. We managed to get about a dozen of our cars there and even managed to win a trophy.

The mid-week run for October was another long one with everyone meeting at the Oturehua Hotel for a break before continuing to the Danseys Pass Hotel for lunch. About mid-afternoon most started the wander back home with various stops on the way, such as the Kyeburn Cemetery.

EBOP

BRUCE SEDDON

In September the annual Rotary Car Show and Swap Meet in Paeroa attracted several attendees from our branch. As always there was a wide variety of cars on display. The same weekend was busy as other members joined a large contingent from North Shore who were on tour through our area. We joined them for an evening meal and next morning on a run to Galatea to visit the Steiners’ two large vehicle and museum collections. We also took the opportunity of having the National Registrar Neil Beckenham on

hand to hold a session going over revised procedures for VIC applications.

Harry and Gay have organized monthly mid-week runs to countryside cafes and lunch spots and these have become favourite little trips for those who Harry describes as unemployed or unemployable (i.e. retired).

The bi-monthly classic car breakfast meet has attracted renewed attendance with a change in venue. An additional grassed area had been prepared by the Thornton Bar and Eatery for parking and display. A sign of the times for this meet was the first display of a Japanese classic – an immaculately presented 1970s Mazda RX3.

Long standing members Peter and Rosalie Donovan have moved from Ohope to a retirement apartment in Auckland near family, and it does not have space for their 1974 Daimler. They have generously donated it to the branch to sell to boost branch funds. The car now has a new owner, and he has already proudly had it out to club events. Thank you very much Peter and Rosalie, and best wishes to John for his new car.

FAR NORTH

MURRAY CORMACK

Our September event was a Father’s Day Rally based in our southern area, and was very well attended with an emphasis on mechanical things. We revisited the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway in Kawakawa, and this time the train, with engine driver Steph Edwards – our very own club member, was able to cross the restored

Long Bridge before stopping short of the tunnel and the balance of the track to Opua. After this we viewed the restoration progress of the twin-screw steamer Minerva, having earlier been given a talk at the site where its two steam engines are being prepared for use. Once fully restored, the 1910 Minerva will add a major link to many Bay of Islands tourist ventures. It was a big and fascinating day that Steve and Steph Edwards had organised, and it was much appreciated by all.

October saw the branch once again in the southern area, in a joint event with Northland Branch for our annual Dunny Run event. This relates historically to the establishment of the famed Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa. It was a very well organised tour around midNorthland on many roads less travelled.

Starting and finishing in Kawakawa, we cruised through several small towns and settlements while reading historical and noteworthy facts provided with our route sheets. It was great to have good numbers and to share the day with Northland Branch members.

GORE

s Far North: Our Branch’s Steph Edwards, engine driver for our jaunt.

s Far North: Far North and Northland cars.

58 Beaded Wheels

BILL SHEDDAN

With the days steadily lengthening and, hopefully, better weather arriving, branch activities are starting to pick up.

Murray Proctor organised a very successful Opening Run in September and in October Matt Cook and son Ryder had the P60 Run venturing out to a DoC camping ground at Piano Flat for a very enjoyable picnic.

s EBOP: Has Galatea ever seen a Pierce Arrow before? (Les Costar photo).

s Hawke’s Bay: A run in the country.

The monthly Tuesday Ramble continues to attract good numbers – the promise of a decent lunch always helps – and Gerry Kennedy has a wonderful knack of finding interesting destinations.

By way of a change, the October meeting featured a fascinating illustrated talk by Robyn and Graeme Young about their 10-week tour of the USA and Canada.

HAWKE’S BAY

ESTHER SMITH

The interesting speakers at our club nights have made them a must attend.

Recently, Alastair Chalmers with his Chevron B32 racing car was the star attraction. In August Alastair and his team were one of four New Zealand teams who raced at the 2023 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Meeting held at the historic Laguna Seca Raceway in Northern California. Tony Roberts was another.

Planning for our February Art Deco rally is proceeding well, and entries are rolling in, we are looking forward to having MG as our feature marque as they celebrate 100 years of MG

s Hawke’s Bay: Alastair with his Chevron B32 race car.

MANAWATU

BRYAN ABRAHAM

The Vintage Rally in September took 16 entrants over the Pahiatua Track to Eketahuna, via back roads, on the eastern side of SH2. After lunch at Eketahuna everyone headed home via the road to Palmerston North, following roads which run between the Tararua Ranges and SH2.

After prizegiving back at the clubrooms participants enjoyed a barbecue.

The September club night was a combined dinner and quiz night in Dannevirke with the Central Hawke’s Bay Branch. The evening went very well for our branch – we managed to take the trophy home for the most correct answers for the quiz.

October started with the annual Swap Meet, which is held at Manfield in Feilding. This year holding it undercover paid off, as the weather on the day was fairly soggy.

The annual motorcycle rally was run over two days and was well supported with 20 entrants from six branches.

s Manawatu: Entrants for the Vintage Rally gathering at the starting point.

MARLBOROUGH

LINDA LAING

We started September with a wonderful turnout of some 63 members heading off to Mike Edridge’s at Pelorus Bridge. Mike gave a brief talk about his property and career, before we had a look around his sheds and vehicles. The house and garden area were also open. A great day out.

Marlborough Branch was well represented at the Biennial Rally held at Murchison in September and organised

by Nelson.

A wet and windy day in September saw the motorcycling members head off for a run to Wairau Valley, and despite the weather they managed to get there, have lunch and get home again in one piece.

The following weekend a group of motorcyclists were off to the Hororata swap meet and an interesting collection of finds found their way back to Marlborough.

The new shed-build is about to be started, with the floor slab having been repaired.

s Manawatu: A Swap Meet customer surveying a potential purchase.

Beaded Wheels 59

s North Shore: Bob Maddox beautiful Special.

NELSON

RAY ROBERTSON

See page 40 for full report and more photographs for the Nelson Biennial Rally.

s Marlborough: Alistair Nicholson’s Bedford CDJ3 leads the pack to Mike Edridge’s Pelorus Bridge property.

NORTHLAND

RAY SANDERS

Northland Branch has had a busy couple of months with plenty of activities, starting with a special lunch for the awarding of three 50-year awards. Neil Beckenham made presentations to Paddy Holt (Posthumously), Bill Fitness and Lawrence Hillier. All of these members have contributed greatly to the branch during its history, and in the case of Lawrence Hillier, in a continuing critical couple of roles. Lots to live up to there!

Every year the Northland Branch and Far North Branch combine to hold the Dunny Run, which derives its name from its starting point in the carpark behind the famous Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa. The venue was chosen not for toiletry convenience, but because it is a halfway point between the two branches.

Set this year by Northland Branch’s Steve and Jen Cornwall, the combined parties spent an enjoyable afternoon around the mid north. Next year the Far North team s Nelson: Ready for action on the Nelson Biennial Rally. ▼ Nelson: M ike Lyall receiving his 35 year membership badge from Nelson Chairman, Mike Bryan.

60 Beaded Wheels

s Nelson: Mike Bryan led everyone onto the Braeburn track behind his red Fiat. ▼ Northland: The driver’s gone AWOL in this beautiful Hokianga Harbour vista.

s Marlborough: Member’s bikes.

s Northland: Robert Wade’s 1938 Chevrolet Master deluxe.

will set the route, but the starting point will be the same.

The main Northland event of the year is always the Far North Tour, and this year it took in both coasts, starting with a run across to Dargaville and up through the Kauri forests, a ferry crossing from Rawene to Kohukohu and via various routes to our overnight stop at Doubtless Bay and meal on the Mangonui waterfront. Over half of the attendees were from south of Whangarei, and it is always great to see them returning year after year. Rumour has it that one or two people have only missed one or two of the 51 Far North Tours, so we will be keeping tabs on some of the statistics here.

Northland motorcyclists have had plenty of success on recent rallies too, with both Robert Young and Martin Salter collecting silverware recently.

Long may we continue to keep using our old vehicles!

s North Shore: John Ellis’ replica Gordon England Cup.

s Northland: Neil Mclean, 1930 Ford A roadster.

s North Shore: ‘The BodyBuilders’ Ulster replica.

NORTH SHORE RICHARD BAMPTON

surprised and delighted to see a Model A ute parked on an Austin enthusiast’s drive.

Four garages were visited, showing a wide range of Austins, from chummies, box saloons, early 10s, a Light 16 and several specials. Members were impressed with all the work being undertaken by the Austin squad, particularly the specials, a Gordon England Cup replica and a replica Ulster body under construction. The sunny day also included a pleasant scenic run through Rodney district.

We had a weekend away with 27 vehicles attending as we set off to Tauranga via The Model Barn and a lunch stop in Paeroa, where A J’s Garage (a shrine to V8s) was visited to the evident glee of the Ford fraternity. It was good to meet the BOP Branch members, who provided a great meal and company.

BOP members also joined the run to the Classic Flyers Museum. On Sunday at Whakatane, members from EBOP and Gisborne accompanied the journey to the fascinating tractor museum following which we took the convoy to Rotorua, where Rotorua Branch provided some snacks, good company and interesting vehicles to inspect before dinner at the hotel. All returned home on Monday, although sadly one car failed to proceed, and another two limped home. Another marvellous Weekend Away was enjoyed by the participants Austins were the theme for the very well attended October run, enjoyed even by the Ford contingent, who were

s North Shore: AJ’s Garage in Paeroa

OTAGO

MARION MCCONACHIE

In September a good number of members headed out to Dunback Domain via Mount Cargill for a picnic lunch on our PW, P60, P80 Run with some of our newer members taking part.

The 51st Dunvegan Rally saw another good turnout of motorcyclists from as far north as Canterbury. The time trial took them over Mt Cargill and onto Karitane in challenging blustery conditions. After lunch at the North Otago Branch rooms,

s Otago: Pearce’s 1912 Sunbeam.

Beaded Wheels 61

they headed off on the afternoon run to finish at Camp Iona at Herbert. One casualty on the morning run was Robert Hutton’s Triumph 3T succumbing to electrical problems resulting in him heading to home in Oamaru to pick up his early 1920 Harley to complete the afternoon run.

Our October Midweek run saw about 17 members visit Rod Tempero’s workshop in Oamaru.

Our 51st Taieri Tour was held recently and attracted 42 entries. This event always attracts regular supporters from Balclutha, Oamaru, and Timaru. A good number of younger children were in attendance – they enjoyed participating in the field tests which were held inside the hall at lunchtime. There was a box of various household and garage items that entrants needed to look at and identify. Interesting that the younger ones were unable to identify some of them. Congratulations to Victor Hodge who gained 1st overall in his 1970 Sunbeam Rapier. Andrew Roxburgh on his 1982 Yamaha and Bruce Murray with Trish on the back of the 1954 BSA managed to complete the whole day without getting wet from the thunderstorm that came through in the afternoon.

Planning for the National Veteran Rally incorporating the 70th Dunedin Brighton Run at the end of January is well underway. Entries close on 15 December.

ROTORUA

RONALD MAYES

A feature of the branch’s September Sunday run was meeting members of the North Shore branch and their cars during their spring tour at our chairman’s

workshop in Ngongotaha. Mid-weekers took a longer run than usual that month, to Two-Mile Bay at Taupo where they lunched at the local sailing club.

Cars In The Room at recent monthly meetings have featured some motoring extremes. In August a 1994 Toyota Soarer producing some 270bhp, followed by a member’s recently restored 1926 Buick roadster in September and in October a 1990 Nissan Skyline R32 coupe. In November chairman David Tomlinson presented a lengthy description of his Freestone and Webb-bodied 1933 RollsRoyce 20/25 limousine. It has required some serious maintenance since he bought it a few years ago but is now regularly and reliably in use. Our annual car show will be held on Sunday 21 January from 9am to 2pm at the Rotorua lakefront village green. Entry is by donation to the St John Ambulance Association. VCC and one-make clubs are most welcome.

SOUTH CANTERBURY

SHANNON STEVENSON

The Opening Run with Ashburton took place on 3 September, this year organised

by Ashburton Branch. Starting from Hinds Community Centre, the run took us across to Peel Forest Station on the banks of the Rangitata River.

The Continental Run, organised

by Kevin Manchester, was held on 10 September. This took participants to Mayfield and Methven, where a number of private European vehicle collections were viewed.

We were saddened to hear about the passing of Bernie Fairbrass. Bernie was a keen supporter of our branch activities, initially owning motorcycles, before motoring a number of cars, mostly of BMC and Triumph origin, in later years.

The mid-week runs over winter have proven successful, the final September run attracting 18 members vehicles, taking participants around the surrounding areas of Timaru to reach Fairview Hall.

The Annual Mt Cook Rally held at Labour Weekend attracted 45 entries.

Organised by the Munro family, the rally took participants from Timaru to Twizel via the Mackenzie District, with a number opting for the scenic and gravelled Mackenzie Pass route. With field tests held at Twizel on the Sunday morning, Mt Cook Village was reached by midday – many vehicles attracting the lenses of the tourists’ phone cameras.

An incentive of the branch that is taking place in the summer months, are ‘Automotive Nostalgia’ events at the branch clubrooms, aimed towards cruise ship passengers visiting Timaru. These are led by Colin Hawke, Grant Mitchell and other supporters.

SOUTH OTAGO

NOELINE MILNE

The Branch has farewelled some dedicated members over the last few months. Roger Smaill, who organised several motorcycle rallies, and took part in Branch activities. And Wayne Batt, known to all as Batman, always a great supporter and helper over the years who enjoying motoring vintage style.

s South Canterbury: Participant’s vehicles at Mt Cook Village, Mt Cook Rally

s Rotorua: David Tomlinson’s Rolls-Royce presentation at the November meeting.

62 Beaded Wheels

s South Canterbury: Viewing a Citroën collection at Methven, Continental Run.

s Taranaki: Malcolm Harding’s 1928 Packard Hearse at St Mary’s Church in New Plymouth when owned by Vospers Funeral Servicers.

s Taranaki: Member Patrick Adams with one of his prized art deco Pacemaker transistor radios, from his over one hundred radio collection on show at the branch clubrooms.

s Taupo: Parts Master extraordinaire, Bruce Jefferies, will be a much missed face around the Taupo Branch.

s Taupo: Chairman’s Run

The monthly Wednesday Run in August celebrated 10 years since its inception, and ended with afternoon tea in Lawrence at the Prospector. Our September Run, organised by the Patersons, travelled through Mount Stuart, Adams Flat and Lovells Flat taking in sights as far as the Nuggets, then on to Kaitangata for refreshments. In October Neville King organised an outing to Milton to visit Rex Spence’s Butchery Museum that is set up in the Heritage Park, with much to see in the way of early butchery memorabilia.

Several members participated in the Dunedin Auto Spectacular with the Wolseley and Rover displays.

The 51st Clutha Rally will have taken place by the time you are reading this report. Local members look forward to welcoming entrants along. The destination this year is Lawrence for lunch stop and Beaumont for refreshments and prize giving. Driving the new bridge over the mighty Clutha will be a highlight for those who have not ventured that way yet.

TARANAKI

s Taranaki: Malcolm Harding second on left with the arrival of the 1928 Packard Hearse on the 20/7/2018 from Waihi which was once owned by his father. It is now dismantled and under restoration in Hawera .

COLIN JOHNSTON

Our Branch had a visit from the Club’s Registrar, Neil Beckenham, who gave us a two-hour update on the Club’s VIC/Domas application procedure. There have been

changes in the forms over the years. This meeting was well attended by members with quite a few questions being asked and answered, giving members a better understanding of why we all need to fill in the details and apply for the vehicle identification certificate. This is compulsory for attending National and International rallies, officially dates our vehicles, and registers them within the Club’s records.

An interesting restoration is underway by new member Malcolm Harding of Hawera. Malcolm’s father bought the 133 inch wheelbase 1928 Packard 533 Series Six hearse which was purchased from Vospers Funeral Services in New Plymouth in 1950.

Later it was sold, but Malcolm was able to track it down in 1992, and repurchase it in 2018. He is now the 19th owner. The hearse has now been dismantled with parts lying around everywhere. Fortunately, the registration is on hold. Local member Neil Carter is restoring the wooden frame, and the chrome work has been sent to Whanganui for attention. Malcolm has a lot of historic information on this vehicle.

Patrick Adams brought a display of some of his amazing radio collection to the club night in September. He has collected and restored some very rare radios, and the values caused members to think about

checking their sheds to see if they had any that Patrick would be interested in.

TAUPO

FIONA HOLLIDAY

Sadly, we have lost Bruce Jefferies, one of our well-loved, long-time members and our Parts Master extraordinaire. His passing was unexpected and a great shock to us all.

Our monthly Petrolheads coffee morning continues to attract members and their cars, as does the first Sunday of the month breakfast. We seem to have hit upon a couple of things that our members really enjoy.

Our Chairman’s Club Run took us into the countryside to the Oruanui and Waikite Valley areas, eventually finishing at the Wai-o-Tapu Tavern. (They also sell a lot of honey there). We held a bingo night, which was fun and had an authentic car theme with calls like “through the gate in a Morris 8”, “dirty Gertie number 30” and “1948 first Ford off the production line”.

Chocolate treats for the winners were well received. Also popular was a camera night with a guest speaker who instructed us in the art of taking good pictures of our cars.

On our November club night one of our members, Ray Stone, who is a highly regarded mechanic and has had great

Beaded Wheels 63

Waikato: Graham Boswell handing a Cheque to Van (Events Manager) from Cancer Society Waikato.

Wanganui: Colin and Tracey Mathews’ 1941 Dodge Command car.

Wanganui: Overall winner of the sixth National Commercial Rally, John Shoebridge (Auckland) on the right, receiving his cup from NI Club Captain, Glyn Clements.

Waimate: Like bees to a honey pot – Waimate members find plenty of interest on this trailer.

success in racing and rally cars, gave a very interesting talk. That was one for the boys!

Another one for the boys was a talk about the Goodwood Revival and Bathurst 1000.

We are holding another Hospice Run for the patients at Izard House here in Taupo on 21 November. This is so popular with the patients that they requested a second run this year. We are always pleased to take them out for a run in a car of their choice.

WAIKATO

ELLE TERRILL

September’s club night was a dusk run followed by fish and chips at the clubrooms. Participants were given one instruction and that was to ‘keep left’.

This single instruction sent drivers and passengers on a 25km loop through some of Waikato’s rolling countryside including the (locally) famous French pass, enjoyed by all.

64 Beaded Wheels

The September run was about 80 miles of South Waikato countryside, with a lunch break at the Timber Museum at Putaruru.

A member of the Waikato Cancer Society attended October’s club night to receive a donation of the funds raised by our branch on Daffodil Day. The Cancer Society shared that the funds would be dedicated to the Lions Lodge, which is a 50-room lodge that can be configured to suit couples, families, or singles. It provides meals and transport to and from appointments, and has facilities for recreation, relaxation, and healing, and is a safe place for patients and their families when they need to be close to Waikato Hospital for treatment.

Our workshop crew has been busy sorting tools and hanging these on the walls for easy access. The Studebaker is coming along nicely and was recently running, a significant milestone in the restoration process.

Some of our members have been working to tidy up the grounds at the

Wellington: David and Pauline Gwynne (Mini Cooper).

clubrooms on Thursday mornings. They do a great job, and it is much appreciated, particularly by those of us that have limited opportunities to attend mid-week catch-ups and activities.

WAIMATE MAUREEN CHAMBERLAIN Our October meeting included a fascinating video about Henry Ford and the ‘32 Ford V8.

Despite a cool morning our October swap meet was well supported this year with a good number of sites in use.

WANGANUI

IAN HIGGINS

The big event over the last two months was undoubtedly hosting the 6th National Commercial Rally. I think that the run organisers must have searched for the dustiest metal roads around, judging by the state of my poor old Holden.

Really in keeping with the Commercial theme though.

Wanganui: John and Wendy Bullock, Model A.

Wellington: Andrew and Geoff Neal (1925 Willys Knight) winner, navigator eight years old!

Wellington: Greg Haines (Ford Pickup)

Over the last two months, John and Wendy Bullock, along with Colin and Tracey Mathews, have opened their garage doors to showcase their prized vehicles for our Rivet newsletter, as well as presenting to readers a run-down of their motoring life. John has had a very interesting earlier life, building and racing Motocross bikes both in New Zealand and the UK, as well as working for the Tyrell Formula One Team, which won many European titles.

He returned to New Zealand with his English wife and later joined the VCC. Their much-rallied Ford Model A ute is their prized possession.

Next Colin and Tracey Mathews showcased their mainly military vehicles.

They joined the VCC when they purchased a 1927 Studebaker, but Colin’s love for the green haze of all thing’s military began to shine through. Colin is a dab hand at restoring old military workhorses, both two and four wheelers, as his impressive collection bears witness to. A “tough as teak” 1941 Dodge Command car seems to be their prized vehicle.

Wanganui: Chris Harvey.

We congratulate Ivan Kendall for attaining 60 years continuous membership of the VCC.

WELLINGTON

JOHN STOKES

Cripes! It is the silly season already.

Time to look back on 2023, which started, curiously enough, on 1 January with the New Year’s Day Picnic at Harcourt Park in Upper Hutt. Lots of old cars – lots of people of various ages – lots of convivial seasonal chit chat.

It’s been another good year with lots of great club activities in the offering.

Highlights vary from a night time visit to that hidden gem, the Carter Observatory, a visit to the Fell Locomotive Museum, an advance peek at a fledgling military vehicle museum, the annual grass gymkhana (where members of various ages slide their old cars on wet grass aided by wet cow pats) and, of course, the Ladies Rally combined with the Men’s Baking Competition (which again proved that boys CAN cook!).

The Wednesday runs continue in popularity. The 2023 range included a fascinating visit to MAVtech (the Museum of Visual Arts and Science) in Foxton, a look inside the restoration sheds behind the wonderful Southwards Museum, lunch and a quiz at the magnificent Gear Homestead (just days before it was closed), an inspection of a private car collection in Waikanae and our visit to the gasket manufacturer in Otaki (oh be still, my beating heart!) only tempered by calling in to the Kapiti Chocolate factory (yum!).

Motorbike fans were well catered for too. The wartime Indian 741 bike featured on October’s Club Night was interesting, as was the newly restored 1912 BSA the owner has had since 1960. Bike events included the Rubber Duckie Rally and the Batman Tour – they do like funny names, those bikies.

Beaded Wheels 65

Wellsford Warkworth: Sunday Run to see tractors and trucks on 17 October.

Wellsford Warkworth: The great tractor hunt of 2023.

WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH

CHRIS HARVEY

With winter well on its way out, we have one more mid-week cafe lunch before we get back to our beach picnics for the summer, the first of which will be at Algies Bay on 6 December. Hard on the heels of that will be our Christmas lunch on Sunday 10 December at the Warkworth RSA. It’s hard to believe that almost a year has passed since we held the last one in our clubrooms.

DRIVING OUR HISTORY

PASSING LANE In this column we acknowledge the recent passing of club members. Information is supplied to Beaded Wheels by VCCNZ Branch Secretaries.

66 Beaded Wheels

Wellsford Warkworth: Found one!

Our Sunday Run on 17 September fell victim to bad weather, and the Club Night on 12 October was one with a difference because after the meal we held an auction of workshop tools which had been donated to us by members Lyn & Tony Browne.

Our secretary was cajoled into being the auctioneer, and although he had no experience at it, he did a good job of extracting $465 from the pockets of the members for branch funds. A few items remain unsold and will be put up for sale at our Swap Meet in February.

The Sunday Run on 15 October was to Brian Mason’s farm to view his collection of tractors and trucks. It was interesting to see how they have evolved over the years, especially as far as safety features and OSH is concerned. We finished the day with a picnic at the nearby beach before heading home.

Davis, Charlie Gore Foote, Jim Northland Gibson, Alex Southland Jefferies, Bruce Taupo Jeffery, Don Hawk’es Bay Leech, Russell South Canterbury Olliff, Neil Wellsford/Warkworth O’Hara, David Gore Parrish, Bert Northland

Plaister, Graham Central Hawke’s Bay Prebble, Derek Ashburton

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