CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 78 YEARS
No. 387 April /May 2024
New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95
VCC NATIONAL VETERAN RALLY
9 418979 000012
A FAMILY AFFAIR
MARKETPLACE FIND THE VEHICLE OF YOUR DREAMS
SUMMER MOTORING A BIG COUPLE OF MONTHS FOR VCC MEMBERS DRIVING OUR HISTORY
This photo of a 1924 4 cylinder Buick was supplied to Beaded Wheels in 2014. We have no other information in our files and are interested to see if readers can provide any details. Please email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz
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 027 519 9642
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
Are you looking for an autumn adventure?
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
Do you need an excuse to get your old wheels 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.
PETER COOKE, FAIRLIE, SOUTH CANTERBURY, IN HIS 1910 REO. 2024 VCCNZ NATIONAL VETERAN RALLY ARMSTRONGPHOTOS.CO.NZ
Visit www.vcc.org.nz and get motoring with us today. See opposite page for your nearest branch
All vehicles, cars, trucks and motorcycles over 30 years old are club eligible. Or just join up and grab a ride with another member.
CONTENTS Issue 387 April/May 2024
FEATURES
Cranking up the nostalgia in Otago…
Leap of faith
20
37
41
Marketplace
11
The Horrid Motor Track
12
Behind The Wheel – 1927 Essex Boat Tail Speedabout
20
Leap of Faith
22
Two Boys, One Dad and a Quattro
26
A Vintage Maxwell
28
Deco Done and Dusted
30
Rally Snippets 30
Coast 2 Coast Tour – Nelson Branch
31
Daffodil Rally – Taranaki Branch
32
Josephville Hillclimb – Gore Branch
34
2024 National Veteran Rally including Founders Prince Henry Tour
70th Dunedin- Brighton – Otago Branch
38
National Vintage Only Rally – Marlborough Branch
39
Burma Rally - Wanganui Branch
39
Summer Racing -Banks Peninsula Branch
22
Audi Quattro
COLUMNS 5
From the Editor
50
President’s Message
6
VCC Branch Events
50
National Office News
7
Mailbag
52
Festival Update
10
Timelines
53
Trade Directory
40
Archivist News
54
Branch News
41
Marketplace
66
Passing Lane
49
Swap Meets & Rallies
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated
37
COVER It goes faster if we all lean forward! Driver Allan Dippie, Dunedin, with Ollie GibsonPinn and Sophie Gibson-Pinn (rear), 1913 IHC Autowagon during the 70th DunedinBrighton field tests. See P37 for a full report and some amazing photographs from Armstrong photography.
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
The 1912 Ford Model T entered by Lynne Heron from Gore Branch leads a fleet of club veteran vehicles at this year’s National Veteran Rally hosted by Otago Branch. Exactly which emissions standards will be applied to the country’s fleet of veteran vehicles?
I’m not sure when or if we will eventually get 12 month Warrant of Fitness inspections (WoF), but if we compare the age of the fleet now it is far younger than when I was young. Back then I and my mates got around on old bangers that we had to repair before we could even present them for a WoF, let alone the do repairs that came after being rejected. We all knew how to deal with loose kingpins, enough anyway to get a pass for a while! Currently 24-year-old cars qualify for a 12-month WoF and I would presume that some of those do get rejected because of lack of maintenance. Interesting that in seven years 30 year old newly club-eligible vehicles will be on 12 month WoFs. I find it a bit worrying that the Warrant of Fitness inspection, part of New Zealand’s vehicle safety history for many many years, is perhaps morphing
Beaded Wheels Publisher
The Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXXV No. 387
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
into something more than being solely concerned about vehicle safety requirements. It appears that if your vehicle number plate is not the officially issued one then a fail for your WoF can result. I am assuming that the authorities are getting ready for number plate recognition technology in order to catch more drivers exceeding the speed limit. Apparently this technology may not work if your number plate is mounted vertically as on some motorcycles, or perhaps you have a non-compliant plate for some reason. Vehicles exceeding the speed limit is indeed a safety issue, but it is the driver that is in charge of how fast the vehicle goes and it is a bit of a stretch to say that number plate recognition ability is a vehicle equipment safety issue. What other non-safety requirements will they add on to the WoF next?
We now find that the Motor Trade Association (MTA), the union for motor garage proprietors, has recently released a document which includes a section on exhaust emissions. They were recommending exhaust emissions testing for WoFs. This could make sense for modern vehicles that have had to meet a standard when new (except for a popular brand of German made ‘wagen, apparently!) but when it comes to our club eligible vehicles exhaust emissions testing to meet modern standards is a farce and, as there were no standards in place back then, there is no standard they can be checked against. They certainly have no hope of meeting modern emission standards. And, once again, exhaust emission quality has little to do with vehicle safety equipment requirements. Obviously, any exhaust system
that is loose or leaking is still, quite rightly, a reason for a WoF fail.
Correspondence & Editorial
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Copyright Information
Contributions Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz Phone 64 3 332 3531, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140.
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Beaded Wheels subscribers change of address to: PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Phone 03 366 4461, Email admin@vcc.org.nz Annual subscription (6 issues) $52* inc GST Australian subscription (6 issues) NZ$112* Other countries (6 issues) NZ$185* Digital subscription (6 issues) NZ$39 available from vcc.org.nz or issuu.com. *Payment by credit card incurs additional bank fee processing charge of 2%
My view on the MTA, possibly jaundiced, is that anything they recommend is not likely to be in the vehicle owners’ interest but rather is more slanted to providing more work for its member garages! The MTA’s suggestion has not yet been taken up by government, and it may never be, but we need to remain ever vigilant about governmental and other bodies lest they come up with ever more inventive ways to either get our vehicles off the road or charge us more money for their “services”!
Kevin Clarkson Editor Beaded Wheels
The contents are copyright. Articles may be reproduced complete or in part provided that acknowledgement is made to “Beaded Wheels, the magazine of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated” as the source. Reproduction of articles must be at least 12 months after original Beaded Wheels publication date. Beaded Wheels reserves the right to digitally store all published material for archival purposes.
CLOSING DATES FOR JUNE/JULY
Editorial Copy 29 April 2024 • Advertisements 10 May 2024
Beaded Wheels 5
VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS
A record breaking number of motorcyclists took part in this year’s National Veteran Rally hosted by Otago Branch. Two Canterbury Branch members that made the trip south were Brad Govan, 1914 Humber motorcycle, seen here leading Graeme Sword, 1914 Triumph. Photo Blake Armstrong / Armstrong Photography
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
APRIL
27 Nelson
5-6 Waikato 6 C. Hawke’s Bay 6 Far North 6 Nelson 6 South Canterbury 6-7 Ashburton 6-7 Rotorua 7 Canterbury 7 Nelson 7 Wellington 9 Southland 11 South Canterbury 13 Canterbury 13 North Otago
Mooloo Meander Afternoon/Twilight Rally Brian Parker Rally John King Memorial Swap Meet Wheat & Wheels Rally Overnight to Ohakune P Rally Sandy Bay Hillclimb Sunday Run Probus Visit Midweek Run Scooter Run Gerald Lynch Blosse Motorcycle Rally 14 Ashburton Veteran & Vintage Only Run 14 Auckland Ladies Run 14 Gore Frank Robson & Clearwater Capers 14 Hawke’s Bay Club Run 17 Auckland Midweek Tourers Run 17 Waikato Wednesday Wander 20 Wanganui Motorcycle Rally 21 Canterbury Autumn Run/OCBC 21 North Shore Car show 21 South Canterbury Chairman’s Rally 21 Taupo Club Run 21 Waikato Venturers Run 21 Wanganui Sunday Run 25 Canterbury Malvern ANZAC Run 26-28 Manawatu Highland Fling
NATIONAL EVENTS
28 Northland 28 Wanganui
Run to Quail Crossing Gardens Swap Meet Park-up Event
MAY
4 Ashburton 5 Waikato 5 Wellington 8 Taupo 9 Banks Peninsula 9 South Canterbury 11 Canterbury 11 Far North 11 Southland 11 Waimate 11-12 Nelson 12 Far North 12 South Canterbury 15 Auckland 15 Waikato 18 Northland 18 Southland 19 Canterbury
Swap Meet Road Runners Run Sunday Run AGM AGM Midweek Run Rural Run AGM Waimea Motorcycle Rally Three Passes/Gorges Ladies Run Mother’s Day Run PV Rally Mid-week Tourers Run Wednesday Wander Motorcycle Rally P60/P80 Rally Ross Butler Grasskhana/ OCBC 19 North Shore Garage Raid 19 Taupo Club Run 19 Wanganui Sunday Run 19 Waikato Club Run 25 Gore Night Run 26 Auckland Expert’s Rally 26 Manawatu Post Era Rally 26 South Canterbury End of Season Run 26 Waikato Motorcycle Run
26 Wellington 30 E. Bay of Plenty 30 Southland 31-2 Canterbury
JUNE
2 South Canterbury 2 Wanganui 2 Wellington 6 South Canterbury 8 Waikato 9 Northland 10 Bay of Plenty 12 Waikato 15 Banks Peninsula 15 Nelson 16 Taupo 16 Otago 17 North Shore 19 Auckland 19 Waikato 20 Ashburton 23 Nelson 23 North Shore 29 Far North 30 Ashburton
Ladies Rally AGM AGM Irishman Creek Rally All British Run Annual Rally Sunday Run AGM Double 50 Rally AGM AGM AGM Autumn Fling Club Run Brass Monkey AGM AGM Mid-week Tourers Run Wednesday Wander AGM AGM/Restoration of Year Bus trip to Hamilton Molloy Trophy Solstice Run
JULY
6-7 Wellsford-Warkworth Winter Woollies Wander Weekend 6 Gore Annual Dinner & Prizegiving 13 Nelson Club Run 18 Ashburton Annual Dinner
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.
25 –27 January 2025 National Motorcycle Rally hosted by Manawatu Branch
15-21 March 2026 Vero International Festival of Motoring hosted by Nelson Branch
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
6 Beaded Wheels
by the Branch Secretary before 10th of the month prior to magazine publication.
While Beaded Wheels makes every attempt to check the accuracy of the dates published in this column we advise readers to confirm all dates with the individual branch concerned.
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.
1930 Austin 7 tourer at the head of the line up at the opening of the Haast Highway, 1965.
HAAST OPENING
I am proud to have been granted custodianship of the 1930 Austin 7 tourer (Chummy) owned and restored by the late Les and May Nye. The car was passed on to Ken and Judith Brown of Cromwell who have given me the task of keeping her and using her. The wee car comes with documented history. We know what crate she was in, when invoiced from the factory, the ship she came out on, first owner. Letters from factory and agents accompany her. We also know she was the first car through the Haast in November 1965. We have now come across another epic journey and for this I would like everyone’s help. Apparently, in 1967 someone made an offhand remark to Les Nye about ‘old cars not being up to it’. Les was not one to leave a remark like that unchallenged so in February 1967, Les and Ray Shaw, another local VCC member, set off. They left Dunedin just after midnight and motored to Invercargill, Queenstown, Haast, Greymouth, Murchison, Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch
and back to Dunedin stopping only for food and fuel. It took them 39½ hours. The trip was documented on a tape recorder and we have the transcript of that made by Les. What I would like to know is, if this is the first documented non-stop trip around the South Island? There may be some others who did it but the time frame is important. The date would be between November 1965 and February 1967. If anyone can advise me I would be grateful as at this time I think this may be the first documented recording of that journey. It would be another feather in the wee car’s book. Thanks for all your good work in Beaded Wheels, David Mills Member VCC Otago Branch Email: mrdavidmills@gmail.com
RESPONSE TO FOMC SURVEY
I’m a relatively new member of the VCC and my focus is motorcycles, specifically Japanese bikes. I own (at last count) 15 and have over the past 10 years restored about another 20 which I have provided to mostly friends in New Zealand - I don’t run a business anymore
but consider myself to operate a moderately successful hobby, making enough money to cover my extra living and travel needs on top of my meagre pension. I completed the Federation of Motoring Clubs (FMOC) survey because I recognized it is critical that governments of all stripes don’t ever underestimate the contribution that older cars, trucks and bikes make to the economic, social, cultural and emotional fabric of New Zealand. The Richardson Collection in Invercargill is the textbook example of the impact of this culture on New Zealand as a whole – known worldwide for the integrity and quality of its displays and its impact on the City of Invercargill. The contribution of our chosen hobby though, pales in comparison with the more obvious car and bike circuit racing, dirt track, drifting, karting, motocross, rallying, jet boating and dozens more forms of motorised competitive activity. On top of that activities encompassing restoration of imported vehicles — examples of which are seen pretty much every day somewhere on a road in New Zealand. While I’m a bike guy I love seeing old vehicles being used regularly while my thing is big enormous yank tanks with enough fins to populate an aircraft factory, I love them all. Did I mention I also love Holden Toranas, Datsun 1600s, Morris Minors, all Falcon GTs, Cooper S and many more? If I was to guess I’d suggest that the second-tier motor vehicle industry (not including regular vehicle sales and servicing) makes a contribution to New Zealand likely second only to that enjoyed by the UK – and certainly per capita New Zealand out-distances the United States and Australia by a considerable margin. I spend some time each year in Canada, they could only dream about the additional economic impact of these activities on their economy. I agree with Garry Jackson, FOMC Chair, that the research
findings cover a wide range of operations. When I calculated my own actions, I realised that, though simple, my contribution to the tax base was significant. Import costs, GST, couriers, NZ Post, local suppliers, parts and petrol to name a few add up. All of this persuaded me that I needed to complete the survey and get active with politicians demanding that they listen to my issues. Too often Kiwis just accept the status quo, many times without understanding how their small contribution adds to the pie. Critically, the results of the survey, while from a relatively small sample, are still valid. Why? Well I can think of one difference between myself and some others. I could see that a regular member, maybe with one old car or bike really couldn’t see how their values and costs affected the totals across the country – after all it’s a minor cost – maybe registration, a WoF now and then, some petrol for a run once or twice over the summer and that’s about it. And I can’t be bothered — it’s another survey… Thankfully, many people took the time to complete the survey to put some numbers on the true economic impact of our ‘hobby’. Unrealistic values? Not in my mind. Al Gill Otaua, an outer suburb of Waiuku 2682
(Editorial note: Letter abridged) THE HARDY ANNUAL – ANNUAL WOF INSPECTION
I recently rewatched the Shawshank Redemption movie which broadly speaking, coincided with the WoF reissue for my historic vehicles. One of the main characters in the movie, Red, regularly went before the parole board seeking release saying he was now rehabilitated and was going to be a good boy. He was regularly rejected. Eventually, after 25 years, he told the board exactly how he felt and, to cut a long story short, was approved for parole.
Beaded Wheels 7
I am privileged to be the caretaker for several significant historical vehicles. The cars are regularly serviced and in good working order. Sometimes the only mileage travelled between the six monthly WoF inspection is the 10 kms there and back from the garage issuing the $75 WoF! VCC AGM minutes have consistently recorded for many years that a change to annual WoF inspection is before NZTA for consideration. If VCC presented documented information that highlighted the actual distance travelled by our vehicles between inspections, a fresh submission to NZTA may result with an APPROVED decision, as was Red’s. This information is already recorded when the vehicle is inspected so it should be an easy task to extract it. But has it been submitted with our previous requests? A mileage limit would need to be applied that prevented abuse of the concession. With the introduction of Road User Charges on all vehicles imminent, I see this being an easy and cost-effective change to administer. I have attended many VCC meetings and am unaware of any survey of this nature by the national body being undertaken. Such information may assist our cause. Bruce Hutchinson Member Bay of Plenty Branch
TRIUMPH TRW
It was great to see Derek Upton’s article about the Phantom Triumph TRW as it brought back so many memories. Back in the day, in the UK, I owned a couple of TRWs and from my experience they were by far the best and most reliable Triumph twins* I ever owned. I first acquired a bog standard Mk3 (twin coil) TRW in 1981, (built in 1964 according to the plaque on the chain guard) from a friend who had bought it from the Army Surplus sales. The only problem I noted was the frame was bent, it would veer off to the left if you let go of the
8 Beaded Wheels
handle bars. Screwing down the steering damper tight and leaning a bit to the right took the pressure off on long journeys. What I liked about it was it would just keep coming back for more punishment. On most of the journey to work, it was pegged in all gears, and flogged un-mercilessly in second gear up Farleigh Castle Hill. Once I got used to the biased handling, I was regularly able to deck both footrests on smooth corners. The engine was simplicity itself to work on, designed to be squaddie proof, needing minimum maintenance. The bottom end was very similar to the almost forgotten early post war 3T twin Triumph, utilising clamped crankpins and onepiece conrods with white metal sleeves for big ends. To line up the three pieces of the crank (an inner and two outer flywheels) you drove a dowel through holes in the flywheels and then clamped up the crankpins. The camshaft ran across the front of the engine with the followers directly acting on the valves, the inner pair of valves were the inlets and the outer pair exhausts. The small inlet valves were fed by an equally small, nearly oval in places, inlet tract squeezed between the cylinders, connected to a 20mm carb. The valve spring chamber acted as an engine breather incorporating a one way valve in the cover. The engine could get a bit clattery when really hot or as one friend remarked, it sounded like a pair of skeletons making love on top of a tin shed (the clean version).
I subsequently acquired the remains of a Mk1 (magneto ignition) TRW which somebody had tried to turn into a chopper. They fitted apehanger handlebars, a Bantam petrol tank, small lightweight mudguards, welded a 2ft length of 1½ inch bar on the front engine mount on which they attached the remote gear change and rear brake pedal and footrests. Finally covering everything with a ghastly lurid shade of Dulux yellow household paint. I decided to turn it into a green lane/ trials bike, stripped down to the minimum with a 21 inch front wheel, trials tyres fitted and slightly lowered gearing, it was fantastic. Unfortunately its minimalistic styling, scruffy mud splattered appearance and slightly noisy exhaust, attracted too much attention from the local police, who became increasingly frustrated that they could not find anything wrong with it. One officer nearly knocked me off the bike when he was trying to overtake to pull me over. I pulled into the next layby and he thanked me for waiting! I then spent the next 15 minutes explaining it was perfectly legal not to have lights. I had years of fun with both machines but stupidly sold both of them before emigrating. Stuart Francis Member Southland Branch
* I used to wheel and deal in bikes, I owned a number of Meriden’s pre-unit finest which invariably broke down, blew up or threw me down the road.
70TH DUNEDIN – BRIGHTON AND THE NATIONAL VETERAN RALLY JANUARY 2024
Our heartiest congratulations and thanks to the Otago Branch on the running of their Dunedin-Brighton run and also the National Veteran Rally on the Friday. Both events were well organised with 83 entries. What a great effort by all. Our little motor was hopeless on the big hills, but motored well on the Taieri Plains. The Saturday run to Brighton was a bit of a disappointment for our wee car, but we arrived there with a bit of assistance. Next year’s National Veteran Rally is to be held in Blenheim. Sorry no hills, but more grape vines than you would have seen in a lifetime. Thank you one and all, hope to see you all next year. Earl and Rose Preston 1903 Curved Dash Oldsmobile
MG INFORMATION WANTED
This is a very early MG my deceased father-in-law Desmond Clive Reid used to own. The registration 244650 is clearly shown.
Any member who would like share notes on this MG would be welcome to email me. Rob Sintes robsintes@hotmail.com
FIRST LICENCE
My father’s first driver’s licence, dated 6 October 1920. He was 15 years and 7 months old. Interesting that there were already more than 7,800 licensed drivers in Auckland. Marsden Robinson
LAGONDA
I read with great interest the article in BW 385 regarding Michael Hedgman’s 1925 Lagonda 12/24 tourer. The article mentions an 11.1hp Lagonda in the Southward Museum. That car is actually an 11.9 hp of 1923 and is a roadster with a dickey seat. Len Southward rescued this car from the side of the road in late 1950s and stored it. He eventually sold it to Trevor Parkinson (Wellington Branch), who carried out a restoration. I purchased the car from Trevor in 1963 and upgraded it to a higher standard and removed its over-tyred look by fitting 3.25 X 19 motorcycle tyres for a more original look. This car, like the 12/24 tourer, was also unable to have the body separated from its supporting angle iron frame, it being all riveted together. In 1965 my younger brother and I participated in the 1965 6th International VCC Rally from Christchurch. We completed
the rally without any problems over the two weeks. On arriving in Christchurch initially and going to the registration office I found that no one involved with registration had absolutely any idea, or knowledge about the car. (Lagondas were large powerful cars weren’t they?)! The first day’s run was to Mt Cook with an average speed of 35mph to be achieved. My maximum driving speed being 30mph! My car was really more like an overgrown Austin 7 and was more like a late veteran rather than vintage. It looks quite different from the 12/24 cars; the headlights are on top of the front guards for a start and they are the same lights as used as park lights on Andrew Anderson’s very large Napier. It was at this rally I first met Barry Robert, and his wife, from Auckland with his 1925 12/24 Lagonda tourer which was almost identical to Michael’s. At this stage I was aware there were supposed to be ‘various parts’ for a car in Dunedin. Obviously this was Michael’s car but was unaware in what condition these parts were in or what percentage of a complete car these represented. Over time my investigations revealed that mine was the only 11.9 roadster and of course eventually one of two, 12/24 tourers in New Zealand. Through the Lagonda Club UK I learnt of a handful of 11.9s in the UK and it appears this 11.9 was the only one known to exist outside of the UK. I learnt there is one 11.1hp of around 1910/12 in Australia and it is quite different front and rear and is even smaller. In late 1995 I had water leak problems with the water manifold seal where it sits on top of the engine block. The motor has no detachable head (same as Michael’s car) and had two studs down through the manifold. The front one screwed into the top of cylinder no. 1 and the rear attached the same way but onto cylinder no. 4. On tightening the rear one the whole top of the cylinder came away. #%^*@!, remember,
no detachable! Motor stuffed! Eventually through Barry Robert and other various contacts I learnt of a motor in England. The car’s chassis had been cut in half some time before WWII and the front half with motor, placed in a barn. Many years later it was discovered and a chap who lived close by rescued it and stored it. From there he packed it up and shipped it to me in New Zealand. That was another story as I didn’t have an import licence. Customs advised me it had arrived but it would not be released and as there was no import licence it would go up for auction. “That’s ok,” I said, “as there is nobody in this country with any interest in it. I would bid 10 shillings for it.” Cheaper than what Customs would be charging me to uplift it. After much running around and a sob story they eventually released it for a small sum as it had no value to anyone else in the country. A couple of weeks later I received a letter from Customs saying if I did it again I would be prosecuted. That didn’t worry me of course as I had my motor! By this stage (I was 22) I was more interested in chasing girls, and the one at that time eventually became my wife. I had no time to install the motor as I was too busy so decided to sell the car for funds to get married, and I would not have storage for it either. Len Southward heard I wanted to part with it and the imported motor was still in its box. Len offered me a very generous price and he again became the owner of the car. It used to be in his museum at Paraparaumu but I have not visited there for some time so don’t know if it is still on display. I joined the Wellington Branch in 1962 when I was 19, at about the same time as Roger White, Dale Conlon and one or two other teenagers. We moved to Hawke’s Bay in 2001 taking only one car and around 2007, when I had been unwell, I relinquished my membership. A pity, as now I would have been a member for over 60 years. I do not now own
any eligible vehicle. The last car I restored was a 1963 Hillman Super Minx convertible which went to Clinton, Otago, about six years ago. Peter Tucker peter.r.tucker@gmail.com Ph 027 441 8878
RENAULT CLARIFICATION
I notice on page 38 of Beaded Wheels 385 the information in the caption of the photograph is a little unclear. it could possibly be taken as all three brothers were part of the business Renault Frère’s, but in actual fact it was Marcel and Fernand who were the original shareholders. Translation from Dossiers Chronologique Renault Tome 1, P6 by Gilbert Hatry and Claude Le Maître. “On New Year’s Eve 1898, it’s the presentation to friends, the first orders. On February 25, 1899, the Renault Freres company was formed by Fernand and Marcel who each contributed 30,000 F. Louis was neither founder nor partner - did his brothers judge him too young? It will take him ten years to gain undivided power, but in the meantime Fernand and Marcel will have disappeared.” Neil Bieleski VCC Auckland Branch
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?
I am sure I will not be the first to comment on Stuart Francis’ letter under the above heading. I am surprised at his comments, particularly his scepticism about the figures quoted. As Garry Jackson has pointed out in his response, there are many private and public collections, collectively representing very large numbers of vehicles. Taking Invercargill alone, Stuart must surely be aware of Bill Richardson Transport World, Classic Motorcycle Mecca and E Hayes Motorworks. Between them these account for over 700 vehicles of various sorts! As for the monetary aspect, I have looked through the vehicle log books I still have and, over the last 11½ years, I have driven around 86,750 kms and spent around $13,250 on fuel and $29,000 on servicing, repairs,
Beaded Wheels 9
TIMELINES Rego and insurance. This amounts to around 7,550 kms annually, over double the figure Stuart finds unbelievable, although I will admit that the running costs are surprisingly low at just $3,650 per year. I put this down to most of my vehicles having been Post 80s and therefore reliable, cheap and economical! David North Member Gore Branch
ORGANISERS BOOK AHEAD
Recently I took part in the very successful inaugural Coast 2 Coast Tour organized by the Nelson Branch. The organisers did a great job of ringing ahead and arranging lunch and dinner bookings with cafes and pubs, as needed. I was talking with the owner of one hotel, where we were dining, and she said how happy she was that nearly 40 participants and had rung ahead and reserved their tables. Recently another car club... with several old cars and 30 odd people, had dropped in on her, unbooked, on a busy Saturday night, and were not happy when they couldn’t all be fed together now! This serves as a reminder to tour organisers, please remember a bit of courtesy and ring ahead. Thus retaining the good name of the Vintage Car Club as well as making for happy participants and operators! Mike Bryan Chair, Nelson Branch
APPRECIATION FOR OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
In the hustle and bustle of daily operations, it is easy to overlook the invaluable contributions of administrative professionals. Yet, behind every smoothly running organisation, there lies a team of dedicated individuals who ensure that everything runs like a well-oiled machine. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation for the outstanding administrative support received from Linda Duffell and Karen Proctor in Head Office. Whether it’s managing memberships, coordinating events, handling inquiries, or ensuring paperwork is in order, your attention to detail and tireless efforts make everything run smoothly. Whether my contact was by email or a phone call, your positive attitude, and your willingness to assist wherever needed create a welcoming and efficient environment for me in my first year as a Branch Secretary. Please know that your contributions do not go unnoticed. Thank you both for all that you do, day in and day out. Your hard work and dedication make a world of difference and the Club is truly fortunate to have such an exceptional admin team. Cathy Clements Branch Secretary Manawatu VCC
VEHICLE IDENTITY CARD (VIC) RENEWALS Processing times for VIC/Domas applications and renewals through the VCC National Office is currently around 4-6 weeks. Please ensure you allow sufficient time for renewals if you are planning on attending a Vintage Car Club National Event.
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Wairarapa Times, 1925
1904/
120 YEARS AGO
VETERAN VEHICLES
At the end of the London trials a bewildering array of prizes and awards were handed out, but the most significant were as follows; Quietest car, the Stanley Steam Car, closely followed by the Oldsmobile; Cleanest engines at the surprise inspection, the Cadillac and Clyde; Best condition at the end of the trial – first the De Dion, second the Oldsmobile, with a Clyde third and a Peugeot fourth.
1924/
100 YEARS AGO
VINTAGE VEHICLES
James Jenkin of Queen Street, Masterton advertised two “New Model Rover Cars” - cars of “High Quality and Design.” Puzzlingly Mr Jenkin went on to list the £600, four or five seater, 40bhp, 50mph, 14hp. It could well have been termed new as the original 14hp, launched in 1912, had a postwar makeover. Likewise the £265, two cylinder, air-cooled 8hp four seater had its engine enlarged from 998cc to 1135cc. It still delivered about 14bhp and an absolute maximum of 45mph. Both were offered complete with electric lighting and self-starters.
1949/
75 YEARS AGO
PW VEHICLES
In reality Sydney Allard’s big V8 P1 four seat saloon was his last throw of the dice and his biggest selling model, with 559 built. Unflatteringly referred to as reliable, chunky cars with bags of personality, the P1 variant proved it’s effectiveness by winning the 1952 Monte Carlo Rally, the first time a manufacturer had won in a car of his own make. And he beat Stirling Moss.
1974/
50 YEARS AGO
P60 VEHICLES
Triumph’s mixed blessing, the Stag, completed 10,000miles in the hands of a motoring writer who found it reliable and a source of considerable pleasure. At the end of his stint he claimed the Stag had some notable effects on him. One, he’d grown his hair longer, two, he wore more outlandish ties, three, he wore racier hats and behaved as though he’s 20 years younger. “This can only mean, he said, that I am enjoying the car immensely.”
1994/
30 YEARS AGO
P80 VEHICLES
Toyota took the unusual step of breaking new ground with the launch of its Recreational Active Vehicle, or RAV4 as it became known. Available with five speed manual or four speed automatic gearboxes, the RAV 4 also offered two or four wheel drive. If the original short wheelbase two door version lacked elegance, that was rectified with the launch of the fourdoor long wheelbase model Developments in the motoring world this month in history. Compiled by Graeme Rice QSM
Brooklands, First Meeting Cars at start of Horsley Plate race in 1907. ©Chronicle / Alamy Stock Photo
THE HORRID MOTOR TRACK BY MARY, LADY MONKSWELL
Our last issue featured Stuart Francis’ article on the origins of the Brooklands Circuit - this sparked keen historian, John Stokes from Mauku, to delve into his library where he uncovered the following opinion of a very well connected Lady Monkswell. It would appear all did not quite relish the opportunities the newly installed track offered.
OUTER CIRCUIT AND FINISHING STRAIGHT The original circuit, which opened in June 1907, was designed by Col. H.C.L. Holden to comprise a large banked oval circuit bisected by a finishing straight. In order to ensure safety at high speeds, the 2 ¾ mile long track was 100ft wide with two long straights joined by two sections of banked curve up to 30ft high. The track was built from unreinforced concrete which proved not to be robust enough and required continual repairs. The Finishing Straight is a convention borrowed from horse racing (along with terms such as Paddock, Clerk of the Course and handicapping) designed to bring the excitement of the end of a race to the crowds centred around the grandstands and Clubhouse.
“Saturday, July 13th. We went down to the Barnes’s at Fox Holm near Weybridge. Mr and Mrs Locke King came to dinner. They have been building this awful motor track and are so hated by their neighbours, many of whose houses they have simply ruined, that hardly anyone will speak to them. I was rather uncertain whether I had better go and see this horrid motor track, but as they offered to take me in the Fox Warren motor I thought it would be stupid of me not to go. I was well rewarded for going by having a nice talk with Mrs Wilfred Ward, the clever Roman Catholic (formerly Miss Hope Scott) who has written novels (One Small Scruple, Out of Due Time, and others). I made her acquaintance, first at Mrs Cave’s, at Ditcham, long ago. The motor track is a perfect nightmare. It has cost more than £150,000 to construct; a great oval of cement 60-100 yards wide and more than 2½ miles round. It is for motor races. Within it stands a ruined farm and cut down trees, mere desolation. A more unenjoyable place to come to on a hot Sunday afternoon I cannot imagine. The beautiful Surrey landscape looks down into this purgatory of motor stables and everything that motors require, seats for thousands of spectators cut in the side of the hill. There were some twenty of these snorting beasts, and Mr and Mrs Locke King were there looking most depressed. But as she offered to drive me round in her motor I got boldly in and sat by her on the ‘box’. She put it to 43 miles an hour—I felt my eyes pressed in by the air at that terrific speed, and I could hardly breathe. I went round again in the Fox Warren motor, much slower. I find I don’t care to ‘go round’—what I like are the lanes and roads and views, and the getting to one’s destination so quickly and easily. The enormous size of the arena, almost like a great Roman work, and the controlled strength of the motors, prevents this great horrid place from being vulgar. I might have felt differently last week when 20,000 spectators arrived, and 1,200 motors. No wonder the neighbours thirst for Locke King’s blood.” From A Victorian Diarist: later extracts from the jounals of Mary, Lady Monkswell 18951909, edited by the Hon. E.C.F. Collier. 1946
Beaded Wheels 11
HIN BE
D THE WHE EL
12 Beaded Wheels
A CLASSY-LOOKING SPEEDSTER, IF EVER I SAW ONE! Graeme Shaskey’s 1927 Essex Boat Tail Speedabout
Words and photos Greg Price, historic photos Neil Shaskey
It’s not often that I encounter another car enthusiast who has owned their classic longer than me, (and by some nine years) but also has the same two identical car badges. And the coincidences don’t end there, either!
Beaded Wheels 13
14 Beaded Wheels
Canterbury Branch members will more than likely be familiar with this well-rallied example from the Hudson-Essex stable, as will many other members from outside the region who frequently attend rallies and runs. Editor Kevin spotted this at the start of the Canterbury Branch Annual Vintage Rally and, after talking to Graeme’s son Neil, decided it was a very suitable candidate for a BTW article. Neil had been able to borrow the Essex on the day because Graeme was otherwise occupied with the Pikes Peak Special. My first encounter with this car was some years back, also on a VCC rally, when it parked behind me at the rally conclusion venue, Sparks’ Museum in Rangiora. I thought at the time, ‘I could see me hooning around in that.’ Of particular interest to me at the time was the ‘boat tail’ rear end, so-called because it looked like the front of an upturned dingy. If you saw that in front of you it simply meant that you weren’t going fast enough! There’ve been other so-called boat tail cars, but the ‘boat’ part was right way up, and was generally of wooden construction. Boat tails were quite common in the late 1920s – early 1930s it would seem, consistent with the need for speed, perhaps, or at least look like you were going fast? But for those who can’t be bothered checking out the detailed history of the marque on the interweb, here’s a brief summation, courtesy of motoring author Ronald D Sieber, whose book Classic Speedsters tells you everything you needed to know, and then some.
ABBREVIATED HISTORY OF HUDSON ESSEX On 24 February 1909, department store owner JL Hudson donated US$100,000 to a motor company and scored the naming rights – Hudson (what else?). In addition, the company benefitted from starting up between two recessions, so supplies then were plentiful, and so too were interested customers. A Roy D Chapin and Howard E Coffin, formerly of the Olds Motor Works, Thomas-Detroit, and Chalmers-Detroit, were at the helm of this new concern. George W Dunham and Roscoe B Jackson, also from Olds, had joined up, together the team brought a raft of confidence to this new motorcar’s success. And successful it was. After one year of building its Model 20, between 4200 and 4500 runabouts had rolled out the door, a testament to selling just what the customer wanted—a low-cost car that worked. Quite a first-year achievement. Along with the selection of models that were typical of this era, including a Model 33 roadster, Hudson also trooped out a Mile-A-Minute roadster. The Mile-A-Minute was a true speedster in that it presented in cut down speedster style. It had a raked steering wheel and laid-back seats, and it was minus the passenger-compartment body panels when compared to the Model 33 roadster. Plus, the Mile-AMinute had smaller wheels. To sum it all up, the Mile-A-Minute was a “stripper” in the true speedster tradition of the period. This car no doubt gave birth to the expression—“Goes like 60.”
THE INTERIM YEARS Hudson steadily increased market share as it first competed with Ford for a piece of the low-cost market of four-cylinder cars, and then inserted itself into the automotive middle sector with upmarket models using the Hudson Six. This began in 1913, and by 1914 Hudson was all about six-cylinder cars. Steady growth allowed Hudson to expand into its Alfred Kahndesigned factory in Detroit by 1916, where sales doubled to 25,000 units that year. Hudson cars had been raced since 1912 as a way to test components and engineering practices, but factory support to achieve records really came on in 1915. Their Hudson Super Six, the first six with a balanced crankshaft, had a long-stroke 3.5” x 5.0” l-head design, displacing 289 cubic inches and producing 76 horsepower at 3000 rpm. The Super Six earned a reputation as being a contender as the company campaigned at various board tracks as well as hill climbs, setting records and winning laurels for endurance records and road race finishes. Hudson track speedsters were known as scrappers that could well achieve a second or third-place podium, which thus placed them on the leader board, but they were more often in the middle of the pack rather than at the front.
ESSEX LEADS THE WAY In 1919 a new model, the Essex, was introduced as a way for Hudson to re-enter the low-cost field. The four-cylinder Essex, displacing 179 cubic inches and using an F-head arrangement for its valve train, would compete directly with the likes of Ford and others who dominated this sector, and the larger Hudson would continue to go up against middle-market contenders with its Super Six 289. Essex steadily worked on its quality with product innovations that it adopted from its parent, Hudson, but not all improvements improved. For instance, after adopting the Super Six in L-head configuration in 1924, which had a diminished 145 cubic-inch capacity when compared to the 179-inch four, Essex had replaced a
Beaded Wheels 15
Hakataramea Pass, Irishman 1983.
powerful and dependable four-cylinder engine with a wimpy six—a faux pas. Nevertheless, Essex was the first in its market sector to offer a hard top, which meant that there was now a low-cost sedan for the budget minded in addition to the usual selection of phaetons. Hudson and Essex increased market share to become third in combined sales by 1925, and by 1928 had total sales of over 300,000 units.
THE ESSEX SPEEDABOUT AND SPORT ROADSTER The 1927 Essex Speedabout was a street speedster that sold when the Roaring Twenties wave was cresting, and car sales were, well— swell. The Speedabout used the Essex 110.5-inch wheelbase chassis, rear-wheel brakes, and weighed in at 2,115 pounds. Its rear deck eschewed the usual rumble seat for a stylish boat-like tapered tail. Included in its $700 F.O.B. was a lowered sporty windshield. By 1929 the Essex Speedabout would have four-wheel mechanical brakes, parking lights, a lay-flat windshield, and a rumble seat incorporated into the boat tail. Wire wheels were now standard, and a strange three-speed transmission was tried out for this model, a one-year wonder that pleased the engineers but must have puzzled the customers with its 1-3-2 shift pattern. 1930 was the end of the line for the Essex Speedabout.
In the beginning, and why Mum wasn’t allowed to know about it.
16 Beaded Wheels
The year 1930 was also a reset for Essex models, and in 1931 they came forth with a one-year-only Essex Super Six Model E Sport Roadster. Its 175 ci inline-six produced 60hp, which would be upped to 70 hp for 1932. The Essex Sport Roadster, also referred to as a Speedster because of its boat tail, rolled on a 113-inch chassis, had one spare—now mounted on the running board, and used a conventional 3-speed transmission. It weighed in at 2400 pounds. Alas, as fun as it looked, the model was dropped after one year, but not before New Zealand scored a few of the earlier versions.
NEW ZEALAND HISTORY Graeme is not too sure of the full history of when this car first arrived, or who initially owned it, but with its rear boot opening, he thinks it may well have been one of several bought by a local freezing works, as they were used to carry dogs around – as evidenced by the loop thingies (shackles) on what was left of the rear flooring in the back. (Clearly not a forerunner of prototype seat belt anchorages for the kiddies, then?) At some point it ended up with local identity Garry McVicar, (now deceased) who in 1964, sold it to Graeme for the princely sum of £19, which was about the norm for something of that vintage back then. Graeme had advertised as ‘wanting to buy’ and Garry McVicar responded to his advertisement. Would you believe Graeme still has the original receipt dated 19 June 1964? Garry told Graeme at the time that the Chrysler motor was for ‘doing wheelies around the Papanui roundabout’. I can remember buying a 1926 Austin 12/4 for £30 in 1965, and I could have bought an Austin 12/4 tourer from the same chap for £65.00, but I lacked the necessary folding stuff – as did many of us back when we’d first left school. I also had the opportunity to buy a 1927 Essex sedan in the late 1960s for £50 but didn’t, for the same reason. Graeme tells me that he initially kept the Essex at his brother’s place, because he didn’t want his Mum to know he’d bought it. That was probably because it wasn’t quite a ‘box of bits’ but close. For instance, it had only three wire wheels, and one wooden spoked
International Rally Nelson 1972.
wheel with a hardboard disc. There was no motor or gearbox either. It also had a large hole cut in the firewall having once been powered by a Chrysler motor at some stage. Graeme dismantled the car at his brother’s place and it became apparent that a total restoration was required, and this included the fitting of a 1930 motor with Ford Mark One Zephyr shell bearings. (I reckon this would explain why the motor runs so smoothly, and is yet another of the coincidences I alluded to earlier) It has an up-draught Marvel ve carburettor which Graeme describes as being ‘unmarvelous’. Some period correct wire wheels were also obtained and fitted. Graeme believes that the wire wheel option (Buffalo Wire Wheels) was available back then for an additional US$25. Graeme carried out about 70% of the restoration work himself. The restoration was not completed until 1972 – just in time for the International Rally in Nelson. He also attended the inaugural meeting of the New Zealand Hudson Essex Terraplane Club, and became one of the original founder members. He also attended the 50th anniversary celebrations in Nelson, the year before last. He’s attended numerous Irishman and other rallies over subsequent years. He recalls some criticism about the wisdom of his taking a newly restored car on an Irishman Rally, but then, wasn’t that what Essex had intended for their Speedabouts back then? Perhaps that is why he opted not to fit whitewall tyres as they’d get a bit dirty in the mud? (Had to mention them, didn’t I?) On the open road the Essex gets along at around a respectable 80 kph. In response to my asking about parts availability, Graeme said “Not a problem, yet. People give me stuff – take it away” they say.
THE TEST DRIVE It was a near perfect, fine and warm day, on which to take this grand old lady out for a spin – topless, of course! In the pre-drive perusal of the car itself, immediately noticeable is the way the wire wheels are affixed to the hubs. Not by the traditional wheel nuts or bolts, but rather with what had to be the forerunner of ‘knock-on’ wheels. What I initially thought were the wheel hubcaps, turned out to be the wheel retaining caps. A socket-like tool is used to tighten
Snap. With a friend, still in Canterbury Branch.
each wheel on to a splined hub. Also noted is that this is the fourwheel brake model – which work well in traffic. Of particular note though, is a restoration mistake Graeme made when restoring his car all those years ago, which was that he used the wrong front seat base. The original roadster base has rounded corners to facilitate easier entry and egress, whereas the seat base he used has rightangled corners which makes getting in and out of quite difficult, to say the least. Suffice to say that I had to basically stick my butt in first, then lift one leg up against my chin, followed by the other leg, then slither around to face the front, then pushing my legs down into the foot well. Graeme followed suit. Maybe it’s an age thing? But then, with a vintage vehicle like this Essex, what’s a bit of discomfort getting in and out of it? A small price to pay, for sure. And, would you believe it starts instantly with the first pull of the starter? Better than many moderns I can say with confidence. Although not obvious from the gear lever, it does have the dreaded crash gearbox, but with Graeme’s encouragement, I did have a quick drive around the grassed area at The Groynes picnic area (our photoshoot location). I’d also had the opportunity to observe Graeme’s driving enroute, and even he managed to elicit some noise from one or two of his gear changes, so I thought ‘what the heck?’ I must’ve done something right as he even suggested I drive it back to his place. But, I was content with my drive in the park, (dodging the doggy droppings – we’d stopped in the dog park.) and I proudly announce that I shifted from first to second gear without any crunching! The Essex gets along very nicely in the traffic, and I obliged with the left turn hand signals when required, having ensured that there was no bus hiking it along on the left hand side before extending my arm out. In any event that silly cyclist shouldn’t have been trying to overtake us when I was indicating a left turn! The balanced motor ran very smoothly, and the Autovac (which I hasten to add does NOT have an electric fuel pump secreted therein) worked well. There were the customary noises associated with vintage car motoring which are usually gearbox whine related. Graeme basically uses first gear to get going, then changes into second gear pretty much straight away. Once in third gear,
Beaded Wheels 17
Third generation of the family rallying the car.
it can be almost at a standstill before changing down becomes necessary. Being familiar with the neighbourhood around where he lives, Graeme has got anticipating the light changes down to a fine art. Anticipating the changes means arriving at the lights as they change to green. All too quickly we were back at Graeme’s place and the adventure was coming to an end.
UNUSUAL FEATURES Maybe not all that unusual, but they were to me, and so they get to be mentioned. First up is a nifty feature which is a lockable gearbox. No, not because it jams in gear, but because it has a small key and lock at the base of the gearstick, which locks up the shift mechanism. How’s that for innovative for the 1920s? One just has to be careful not to kick the end of the key off - as someone else did when using the car. (Not me, I hasten to add!) Further, those slats on the grille are for regulating the airflow, and they are controlled by pulling the large lever protruding out of the passenger’s side of the dashboard. Speaking of the dashboard, working from the left hand side, the first small lever is the ignition, and beside it is the light switch. The large one under the dash is the air-conditioning (Opening and closing the vent on the scuttle.), then the
SPECIFICATIONS Engine:
161 ci, 55hp 6cyl side valve
Gearbox:
3-speed, non-synchromesh (crash)
Carburettor:
Marvel model ve (unmarvelous!)
Wheelbase:
110.5 inches
Tyres:
5.25 x 21 inch
Petrol Gauge: A period piece of wood, printed with measurements, and as supplied by (probably) Chevrolet, back in the day! Overall Rating: PCR(Pretty cool, really)
18 Beaded Wheels
centrally-located instrument panel, which has an ammeter, and oil pressure gauge, a fuel gauge (not working, hence the period wooden ‘gasoline’ gauge marked ‘Ford Universal, Chevrolet Six, and Austin Seven’ – no mention of Essex, but it works well anyway.). Then we have a hand throttle, a choke, and the starter. The electric wipers on the top of the windscreen are a later modification/addition. The handbrake lever is contained within the space beside the driver’s feet. I didn’t even contemplate one of my infamous handbrake turns as I had momentarily forgotten where the lever was in my excitement. If you need to know how hot it is running, there is a calormeter atop the radiator, and at night, this is illuminated by the strategically located park lights on the scuttle. (Well, that’s what Graeme reckons, and I think he’s probably right.)
AND THOSE IDENTICAL BADGES? Interestingly, the Christchurch badge (see headlight tiebar on title page photo) which features a pre-quake cathedral were gifted to both of us on different occasions by individuals who thought we’d appreciate them, and we both did, of course. The other badge is the 1972 VCC International Rally badge. Graeme actually went on that rally, whereas I was given my badge in 1991 by a work colleague who thought I didn’t already have enough badges on the front of the Zephyr.
OTHER STABLEMATES? Would you believe that Graeme is an EV fan? That’s EV as in Essex Vehicle, of course! His Dad’s first car was an Essex, and he’d told Graeme all those years ago to ‘get something similar’ so he did. His brother had also told him to ‘buy an Essex’. Now, in addition to the boat tail, Graeme has an Essex tourer, an Essex Special (replica), a 1929 Essex-based Dover pickup, a 1927 Essex coupe (which is the current project) and a 1954 Hudson Jet.
FUTURE PLANS “Continue to enjoy it.” Says Graeme. His family certainly do, and on a recent occasion, the whole family went to The Groynes where everyone had a turn driving it, including a granddaughter, Jordan, who has also taken it on VCC rallies recently, including the Young Drivers’ and Women’s Rallies, and Jordan even noted that “It broke away a few times on the bends”. Go that girl, I say. Son Neil, currently Canterbury Branch’s Chairperson, also takes the Essex out for regular runs – clearly he doesn’t have the problems of entry and egress that we older drivers seem to experience?
EPITAPH Sadly I learned at the conclusion of our interaction that, Graeme’s wife, and the Essex’s co-owner, Kay, had passed away only a few months ago, and that Graeme still mourns the loss of his “Very good navigator, who was very keen on vintage motoring, donning her crash hat and wet weather gear whenever the opportunity arose. She is sadly missed” he told me. I cannot imagine the devastation of losing a life-long partner, especially one that had shared your interests to such an extent. On behalf of myself and the Beaded Wheels readership I extend my condolences to Graeme (and his family), and also convey my sincere thanks for the opportunity to enjoy a few miles in your Essex Boat Tail Speedabout, at such a sad time.
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 46 years and 51 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
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Overland Jump Wanganui.
LEAP OF FAITH Words and photos John Stokes, Mauku
It was interesting to read John McDonald’s article Family Road Warriors in issue 385. I don’t know if Mr Mcdonald included the Overland when he referred to Mr Midgley’s cars as being “grey porridge”, but if he did, he was being kind. The late New Zealander T T N Coleridge in his book Our Motoring Heritage referred to these Overlands as “the end and inordinately dull”. Cecil Clutton and John Stanford in their book The Vintage Motor Car described them as “deplorably crude”. Some Americans knew them as “the Toledo Vibrator”. Having said that the Overland Fours of the 1920-’26 period were an attempt by Willys-Overland to compete with the Model T Ford, the initial cars were the Model 4 released in 1920 and succeeded by the Model 4A sedan and coupe in June 1922. Mr Midgley’s Model 91 was released in the USA in March 1923, the major difference to the previous models being an increase in bore size to 3½ inches to raise bhp to 30 from 27 in the earlier cars. Although never rivalling the Model T in production, some 364,000 were built in the USA, probably a few tens of thousands in Toronto, Ontario, and some in the Crossley factory in Stockport, England. Some of the English cars were fitted with Bullnose Morris engines for tax purposes. The Overlands sold worldwide.
The car was totally conventional for its time with a four cylinder side valve engine, three speed crash gearbox, and an ordinary differential. What was unusual, and to my knowlege never emulated, was the Triplex three point suspension. It was made in two parts, the lower part consisting of a regular semi elliptic flat spring, while the upper part was a semi elliptic flat spring with scroll ends. The central part of the spring was treated as one, being being attached to the axle in the usual manner: the ends, however had a peculiar appearance, because the upper and lower halves of the spring were of different shape. The scroll end of upper part was supposed in itself to absorb many of the small road shocks. The spring was loosely attached to the chassis at each end by means of a double shackle, made necessary by the double action of the spring. The tendency to flatten out increased its length, thus calling for a foward motion of the front and a backward motion of the rear ends, while the different lengthening action owing to the difference in the lengths of the two parts of the spring itself, resulted in turning about a different point. The rear suspension was a similar idea, but without the lower springs, however I could be corrected about that. The car had an unusual caster
angle of five to nine degrees. The alleged benefit of this set up was that you would get the riding benefits of a 110 inch wheel base car from a 100 inch wheelbase car. However, some thought the springs were prone to breakage. So how to sell this idea? Enter Calvin C Eib. Mr Eib was a Willys-Overland executive who conceived the idea of having the car jump over a hurdle at horse race tracks and county fairs. He consulted with Willys-Overland engineers and after lots of calculations, two ramps were constructed and successful tests were carried out. The promotion was rolled out widely in the USA, Canada, England, Australia, and at least once here in Wanganui as is shown in the photo. Hatricks, the Wanganui river boat people, at the time had the Overland master agency for much of the North Island. The springs allegedly absorbed a blow of 42,014 ft/lb intensity on landing. We are fortunate in this era to have the benefits of YouTube. Search “The Petrol Horse-car stunts (1920)” and you will see a very short clip of the stunt being performed. The writer acknowledges issues 64, 69 and 115 of The Knight Overland Starter, magazine of the Willys-Overland Knight Registry in preparing this article.
Overland Jump USA.
Overland front spring set up. Ramp plans.
Overlandchassis.
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½
– Breaded Wheels half page 2023_1.pdf 1 17/01/2023 10:42:24 AM
*Shipping out of COKER USA monthly
HALF PAGE FOR COKER
18 Parkwood Place, East Tamaki, Auckland
TWO BOYS, ONE DAD AND A QUATTRO
Andrew Marshall and family crunched the numbers, wrote the business case, and came up with that winning Audi formula…
Words and photos Andrew Marshall As the father of two teenage boys who were addicted to Top Gear, cars and restoring classic cars were big items of discussion around the dinner table – in fact second only to mountain biking. Our youngest was very keen for Dad to buy a car to “do up” which he was going help with. I had to explain that this was a crazy idea and that the closest his Dad had come to doing up a car was changing a tyre and one failed attempt to fit driving lights to his 1984 Madza 323. As chance would have it, we ended up on a wet, miserable day attending the first Wheels at Wanaka in Easter 2019, following the completion of another mountain bike race. The boys were very interested in all the cars, whereas I was keener on watching all the earth moving equipment that was assembled and meant to be working in a demonstration area, but due to the rain, was all parked up. With all the cars and bulldozers inspected and mother/wife, Justine, getting tired of being out in the rain, we decided we would call past the parade ground before we left the show. Our timing coincided with the celebration of 100 years of tractors in New Zealand with a grand parade of vintage tractors. We all loved watching the huge range of different tractors all sporting their different branded colours, driving on rubber or steel wheels or tracks. It was this moment that set the ball rolling for me getting seriously involved in the classic car culture. This came about when I said to the boys –“ I have no knowledge on how to
22 Beaded Wheels
do up a car, but I do know where one of those old tractors is and some people who may able to help us get it going”. So the next weekend it was off the my uncle’s place to have a look at the 1937 McCormick Deering T20 tracked tractor that has been in my family from new, but not run for at least 50 years. The following weekend we turned up again with Ian McKinlay, a VCC Canterbury Branch member who helped prove to us and more critically my uncle, that we could get the old tractor moving again. At this stage you must be wondering what an 87 year old tractor has to do with a classic, iconic motor car. Once we had written up the business case to restore the tractor, yes you read correctly, we needed to write a business case to my uncle to put down on paper what we were committed to do to get the tractor going again before he would allow us to put it in his workshop. What followed was a whole winter of cleaning, repairing and more cleaning. After six months we had success when on another very wet day like the one in Wanaka six months earlier, we persuaded the tractor to run. It was during the restoration process a lot of talking was done between Ian from the VCC and my uncle, when we all learned about fuel pumps, magnetos, pistons, spark plugs, governors and all the other things that are needed to work together to get an engine to start and run. But more important than the mechanical lessons we got from Ian and Uncle Jim, were the history lessons about farming all those years ago. Then Jake asked me the question that must lead so many 50-something year old males to buy a classic car. “What was your
Beaded Wheels 23
dream car when you were growing up Dad?” Now for someone like me for who, up until this point a car was simply a tool for me to get to where I wanted to go, you would have thought I would not have had one. But you would be wrong, as for some reason I loved rally racing and the rally car that stood out to me was the Audi Quattro. So, I told them both that my dream car was the Audi Quattro which did not mean much to them. This was until I showed them a picture of an Audi Ur Quattro coupe. Then, thanks to Jeremy Clarkson and the Top Gear team they knew what I meant. This was followed very quickly by the next challenging question: “So why don’t you go and buy one Dad? “ For a conservative quantity surveyor who was about turn 50 and can count on one hand the number times he has made any large spontaneous purchases, this would have been an easy question to answer, by simply saying it would be complete waste of money. What would I do with it anyway? Except I didn’t. I said I might have a look and at that time there were a couple around. This included one in Nelson. This was kind of handy as Justine and I were about to ride the Nelson Taste Trail with some friends. So once the ride was finished, I had arranged for us to call into the owner’s place just to look at his car. This would be the first time I had seen one up close, never mind drive one. We finally found the place in the back blocks of Golden Bay. The owner reversed the Quattro out of the shed and to my absolute delight Justine commented that she thought it looked really awesome and she liked it. I could not believe my luck. Then we were off on a hair raising test drive by the owner who really knew how to drive the 1980s 4wd, turbocharged Group B rally icon. After getting back to his farm in one piece we were allowed to take the car for a much quieter drive by ourselves which cemented our decision that this would be the car that would catapult us into the New Zealand car culture. Little did we know that through it we would go on to meet so many great new people.
Accident day.
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Following a full inspection of the car by myself (who knew nothing about what I was checking for, and who was completely relying on friends to view photos that I had taken during the inspection to ensure that what I was buying was okay) and a night to think things over, we confirmed the deal the next morning, once again in pouring rain. Then it was the big eight hour drive home from Golden Bay to Christchurch – and what a drive it was. I would have to say it really ranked up there for me. This was topped off with the look of absolute astonishment from my two sons when I turned up at home with our own 1984 Audi UR Quattro. The transition from the euphoric high of my purchase and drive home to being the custodian of classic car was very abrupt, when I went out to check on it that night and found a pool of red fluid had leaked out of somewhere. This was the start of many away-from-home stays for the car in other people’s workshops while things were fixed or more to the point stored in workshops around Christchurch while I waited for parts to arrive to allow the fixing to be done. In fact since I have owned the Quattro, I am sure it has spent more time with others than with me. The list of issues has been many and varied. Replacement brake accumulator, cam belt, water pump, starter motor, heater core. Repairing window regulator, electrical mirrors, ignition system and rebuilding of digital dashboard, and recoring of radiator. Along with multiple electrical issues those names sound like foreign language to me. Oh and I almost forgot the rust repairs. The upside to all this work is that I have meet many amazing trades people who helped me sort all these issues. In the middle of this repairing and with encouragement from Ian and Marilyn McKinlay, Justine and I decided to attend our first VCC activity and what better way to start than the International rally in New Plymonth in February 2022. We got from Tai Tapu to Russley BP service station, a 30 minute drive from home and after filling up we could not get the car to start. The AA man came out said he loved the car. Once he found the starter motor he gave it a wee tap and away she went and it looked like we were all good again. Until it would not start in Kaikoura and then again in the queue waiting to get on the ferry. By now Justine was really going off this classic car Commencing repairs. motoring idea. Never mind. As I was waiting in the queue and Justine was buying us a Subway, I realised if I held the key a certain way the car would start no problem, a great result. It was then of a great surprise to discover smoke coming out of the steering column on a side road on the way from New Plymouth to Whangamomona i.e. in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone reception. We stopped, the smoke seemed to disappear, and then we made sure the fire extinguisher was moved from
“What was your dream car when you were growing up Dad?” the boot into the passenger footwell. Then the car started again and we carried on. We reached Whangamomona with no more internal fireworks but again could not start. Now not only was Justine a little over it, but I was ready to give up the classic car gig too. But then someone told me all I needed to do was lift my bonnet and everybody would come to help us, and they did. It was amazing. We managed to get it going and take it to an awesome young guy in New Plymouth, somehow related to a VCC member, who was able to sort out that we had some major ignition switch issues and wired up a by-pass system for us to get home without setting the car and ourselves alight. The New Plymonth event was awesome by the way. With one big VCC event under our belts we decided to give the VCC Targa time trial event in Nelson a go. With lots more repair works completed, what could go wrong? Following picking up fuses and wire to connect the Rally Safe device to the car, I was waiting at the Moorhouse Ave/Durham Street lights and bang – got rear-ended. Luckily no one was hurt, but no VCC Targa for us. Just a long twelve month wait to get our classic back on the road following some major rear end reconstruction. Thank goodness for great insurance. After all this time, money, highs and lows of the last three years of being a newcomer to car culture, I have learnt so much, been introduced to so many great people from throughout New Zealand and the rest of the world. I now understand that car culture is all about people and the cars are just the reason for us coming together and having adventures together. At least I can now report that the Quattro is rightfully residing back in our own garage and we are happily awaiting the exciting journeys ahead.
Andrew Marshall I am a newcomer to the car scene. As a carpenter, I have always been interested in the restoration of buildings. Hence I have joined the new interest with an old passion and along with my sons, am enjoying tackling new restoration projects as they find their way into our shed. This is resulting in me meeting lots of new people, learning new skills, and seeing a lot more of New Zealand’s back roads and racetracks on VCC events.
Beaded Wheels 25
A VINTAGE MAXWELL Words and photos Donald L Wright
This story is about an affair with a 1921 Maxwell motorcar that has spent some 80 years in and around the country village of Annat, located west of Sheffield on SH73 in Canterbury.
Donald L Wright is a semi retired arable farmer and 50 year member of the VCC. He has a keen interest in the maintenance and innovation of machinery including vintage vehicles for over 65 years. Latterly this has extended to the ongoing restoration of a 1921 Maxwell roadster. Other interests extend to flying and maintaining a Piper Cub aircraft, community service with Malvern Lions, and reading, with an emphasis on biographies and historical vehicle engineering.
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It is also about the people who have assisted with the car’s continuing restoration, and their professional ability to adapt and create parts that are not even available in the Vintage Car Club swap meets or parts sheds. The social aspect of a rural Men’s Shed has considerable influence over acceptable restoration, lubricated with a good Scottish dram complemented with pure Annat/Waddington water, all part of mature rural dwellers. I find it remarkable that to date it appears there is no other surviving 1921 Maxwell with a roadster body the same as this hidden gem. The Maxwell was a genuine barn find in Ellis (Jim) Searle’s shed on Searles Road, Annat, around 1959 by my father George Wright. It was originally imported and sold by Todd Motors to a W D Abrahams of Whitecliffs in 1925. I am thinking it may have taken time to convert to right hand drive and ship to New Zealand accounting for the missing three years. Jim Searle had acquired it about 1940 and driven it extensively. George rounded up the author at the age of 10 to steer this acquisition home from Jim’s dilapidated farm shed. Over the years the car had been the resting place for
a multitude of obsolete farm equipment gathering leaves, dust and dirt. My mother could not believe her eyes just what was entering the front gate under tow, and there certainly were some comments that were not at all helpful, especially when parked beside the newly purchased 1955 Chevrolet family car. There was a certain mystique, aged and used smell about the car in its very dilapidated state. A simple roadster with wooden wheels and black fold down hood. Unfortunately, the original rear axle had been replaced with one from a Whippet with smaller size wheels. Folklore has it that the original was discarded as it was considered poorly built. A basic restoration including new hood, side curtains, paint and a replacement Oakland rear axle, including the wooden wheels, was carried out around 1961. The Maxwell, considered roadworthy, had been entered in the Canterbury Branch Irishman Rally around 1962 with my father George driving and Pat Keating navigating. Pat Keating incidentally, the late Patron of the NZ Vintage Machinery Club, was a huge figure amongst the Canterbury vintage movement. A true gentleman in every respect. The Machinery Club grounds
at McLeans Island Christchurch is named after him. Irishman must have been quite a challenge for the Maxwell’s occupants after an extremely cold winter night in the Irishman Creek Station woolshed. No doubt there was the best Scottish antifreeze on hand to help offset the cold, but the story has it these two Maxwell competitors were blasted with dust and gravel by a vintage Bentley! This was the enthusiast’s turning point, the focus was now on these old English racers. The Maxwell was given the push to the back of George’s shed behind some recently purchased vintage Bentley parts acquired from Andrew Anderson’s Hackthorne Road shed. Here was my opportunity to learn, experiment with, and enjoy vintage engines and the Maxwell prior to me being licensed to drive. Once one could drive there were more important and faster cars that had appeal! Beside a few family events, friend’s parties, and a Lion’s Club event the Maxwell was yet again pushed to the back of the shed. At this point there was a lot of restoration work required to just get it on the road, plus the interior woodwork was collapsing.
The mechanical state was poor especially the adapted Oakland rear axle. The worst feature was that the rear wooden spokes were also about to collapse. It was time to call in Vern Jensen (Aotearoa Wooden Wheels) to replace the spokes. The workmanship of Vern is nothing but amazing. When the hub is removed, they remain intact. After applying marine varnish, enthusiasm leapt to another level, energising me to move forward with a worthwhile project. Next step was to dissemble the car and sand blast, this is where a ground up job was started. Good friend Bob Scott of Waddington, who has vintage car restoration in his DNA, took this on board and replaced all the crumbling body woodwork. I took all the mechanical parts home; the idea was to clean up and rebuild or replace where necessary. Being a farmer and having experience with agricultural machinery, maintenance, and fabrication, this job seemed straightforward enough. I started on the replacement Oakland differential which was not in particularly good shape. A tooth was missing on the crown wheel and all four bearings were worn out almost making this mission impossible. Pipes Engineering in Annat was a good starting place and how appropriate,
but better still Graeme the owner, made a statement ‘we can fix anything in Annat you know.’ Talk about enthusiastic – yes, he welded a tooth back into the crown wheel. Time will tell but from all accounts the Men’s Shed team ‘rubber stamped’ the implant! Graeme also built up and re-bushed all shackles, steering joints, and front kingpins. I am full of admiration for my Annat engineering expert. Axle bearing replacement was next. Graham Gibson a retired Darfield Service Station owner and a Men’s Shed participant believed there maybe some of these large rollers in the Canterbury VCC parts shed at McLeans Island. As luck would have it, and a bit of guidance from that team, Graham dug out from the depths of their bearing rack four almost new bearings. Simply put ‘a monumental find’. Wow — this is pure vintage excitement. This now completed the parts for the diff and with Graham’s guidance we meshed the pinion successfully into the crown wheel. A small step that meant a lot to me as an ever so slightly bent agricultural engineer. Taking that a tad further, my son Stephen wound up his heavy industrial farm lathe and turned out a couple of cast brake drums to replace the worn Oakland steel misfits. Beaded Wheels 27
My lathe experience was back in 1965 at a school workshop. I was in awe as how Stephen rolled out these masterpieces of brake power. A true father son moment! To complement the lathe experience, I needed a set of alloy hub caps as there were only two with the words Maxwell written across the nut-like face. The other two had, of course, Oakland written on them. Enter local, Rex Walker, a talented Waddington back shed engineer, who spends most of his time building small traction engines and associated small farm implements. Out came four beautifully built hub caps made from blank alloy, all threaded, machined out with an original sized nut cut out with Maxwell written across the face. When I thought that was over, he took the old Oakland hubs and copied the original Maxwell front to match the rear. Rex, your talent is simply incredible. Again, Bob Scott has been a godsend with preparation and painting. His advice and tutoring have made remarkably interesting shed evenings where, together with others mentioned, we have sorted Maxwell issues and anything else that was wrong with the world. Just simply a true ‘summer wine’ experience — the journey is the exciting bit. I now had an opportunity to clean up and paint the chassis. This seemed simple enough and after six coats of spray painting, I was slowly getting it together. My thoughts were that I should have a go with this two-pot mix on the mechanical bits and then progress to painting the body. Finding a dust free, warm, but not too hot, environment then adjusting the air/paint viscosity mixture brings a whole new meaning to the word difficult! That is without filling panels and sanding smooth. I now have deep respect for these tradesmen, and patience is certainly a virtue. There
are results I am proud of but there is a long way to go! More Men’s Shed meetings – oh but there’s politics, Irishman Rally, the council, farming, the weather and just where are we motoring to next? This is why my restoration is at a snail’s pace. Who cares — sometimes not even me. The next step was – how do I find out how the rear brakes operate from the pedal, important one would assume. No real answers from ‘the shed’ again, we were side tracked into another boy’s vintage car high-country adventure. A sudden thought provoked a visit to Kathryn Smith’s shed. She had a Maxwell completely restored. Camera in hand, problem solved, together with a few other forgotten components that need positioning, including the speedo drive off the front wheel. Another eureka moment that extends enthusiasm for vintage restoration and understanding of just how clever the engineering was in 1920. At this point Kathyrn suggested I write this story and, given her passion for vintage autos, I felt it was a duty. One gains a feeling of accomplishment, respect, pride, and fellowship with mates second to none. My wife Jenny has always been there with words of inspiration and encouragement, attending rallies and events despite how cold these old cars can be with the air conditioning always on full cold! As for Annat, it was an historic town back in the late 19th century that had a church, hall, shop, school, police station, railway siding, creamery, and the most important pub, where the Cobb and Co horses were changed. It now has few residents, one defunct streetlight, a heap of talent and if you blink whilst passing through you will certainly miss it.
Beaded Wheels Got a story to tell?
Here at Beaded Wheels we are always on the lookout for a good article for a future issue. To encourage you to put pen to paper two lucky authors or photographers per issue will win a limited edition Beaded Wheels cap. Email your articles and ideas to: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz High resolution digital photos are preferred. Please contact our Editor, Kevin Clarkson, if you wish to discuss an idea for an article. Phone 021 0270 6525 or email kevin@vcc.org.nz
Our lucky winners of the Beaded Wheels caps for this issue are Andrew Marshall and Bill Sheddan 28 Beaded Wheels
DECO DONE AND DUSTED Words and photos Mark Dawber
Greg Price wrote in his article last issue about my Studebaker that Mark and son Will intended to take to the 2024 Art Deco Festival in Napier – well we made it and thanks to the Beaded Wheels article met plenty of Stude’ friends along the way. The previously mentioned 4.3:1 differential didn’t get fitted but Will did adapt a Weber downdraft carburettor to the manifold, and this proved good enough to give a 25% improvement in economy over the inefficient aftermarket updraft unit. The timing of the Beaded Wheels article meant that I received a few phone calls from Studebaker owners in the lower North Island asking us to visit on our way through. The first was Ric Ashby of Carterton who has a 1930 Studebaker Director Model GL sedan. He was entered for the Art Deco event but a mix up with his accommodation booking meant he was unable to go. Another we visited was Michael and Vicky Harding near Waipukurau who have a sedan version of our Model GE which Michael restored in the 1980s. They did attend Art Deco though in their large and imposing 1926 Sunbeam 25hp landaulet which has been in Vicky’s family for several decades. In Havelock North we
Saturday parade David Lane’s 1930 Studebaker President. Photo Julie Blanning-Carne
Dawber Studebaker Friday evening Marine Parade. Photo Bad Company NZ
visited Doug and Barbara Bixley who have a magnificent 1931 Studebaker President Four Seasons roadster which Doug restored in the 1980s. He was generous enough to produce a restorable fuel gauge – our lack of one was another thing Greg wrote in the article. After leaving Christchurch on Monday afternoon 12 February, Thursday 15 February was arguably the more important day of our trip when we caught up with several descendants of the Studebaker’s original owner, the wife of a prominent local businessman. The car was first registered on 30 July 1930, 19 months after it arrived in December 1928, and just a few months before Hawke’s Bay’s devastating earthquake and subsequent fires which happened on 3 February 1931. They were pleased to see the car and expressed regret that when it was restored and on the road in the 1990s the then owner (now deceased) had not made contact with them as at the time some of the original owner’s children were still alive. On Friday we took part in the Hawke’s Bay Branch run to a local homestead, Matapiro, about 25 miles out of town. In the afternoon Will took the car to the house of a great grandson of the original owner where he did some maintenance, and cleaned it up for display that evening. We drove into town late afternoon, not sure just what was to happen but were fortunate to get a prime parking spot in Marine Parade opposite the Soundshell where the entertainment was happening. It was superb evening, warm and
with little wind, and there were thousands of people around, many seated out on the beach waiting for the much-anticipated air display. A cruise ship was in port so there were plenty of foreign visitors and the Studebaker’s parking spot meant it became the backdrop for many photos. Saturday was the big parade day and afterward the 200 or so cars were parked all along Marine Parade, apart from the feature marque MGs (of which there were about 22, all pre WWII models), which had their own area next to the Soundshell. The rest of Saturday was spent talking with people and looking at the many impressive cars. Some may think that the ‘flasher’ models – Packards, Auburns, Rolls-Royces, Bentleys and Bugattis and others – dominated the entry but there was a good mix of more plebian models, Austin, Morris, Ford etc, to give a balance. We arrived back in Christchurch on Monday 19 February having driven just over 1,000 miles with the car consuming fuel at 15-16 mpg, cruising at 55 mph on the speedo which the GPS tells us is 50mph, with the engine running at 2500 rpm. Would we do it again? Will certainly enjoyed it and expressed interest in a repeat performance. He did most of the driving and of course all of the car preparation and maintenance. For those with Facebook access there are many photos on the Hawke’s Bay Photographs page.
s Saturday parade Diane Quarrie (Immediate Past President VCC) 1923 Studebaker roadster. Photo Clive Holland
s Friday evening Marine Parade. Photo Noel O’Riley ▼ 7.30am Monday southward bound Kaikoura Coast. Photo Mark Dawber
Beaded Wheels 29
RALLY SNIPPETS NELSON BRANCH INAUGURAL
COAST 2 COAST TOUR
Words and photos Mike Bryan, Nelson Branch
The brainchild of Nelson Committee members Gordon Dacombe and Joanne Hoffman, the inaugural C2C Tour took place in February over three days. The plan being to tour from the East Coast near Blenheim, to the Tasman Sea at Greymouth, using as many gravel and off the highway roads as possible. Challenging – maybe, successful – without doubt! Seventeen vehicles, almost all vintage or PV, with the majority Model As, lined up at the Marlborough Branch clubrooms on day one. The Molesworth track was closed as a fire precaution so the group headed over Taylors Pass, out to Seddon, through the vineyards of Yealands Wines and then regrouping at the Grassmere Salt works. Kaikoura was the next stop, then a visit to a nearby private car collection. Winding down the Inland Kaikoura Road via Mt Lyford we were able to view the Roden Cars test track, before another gravel road took us from Waiau across to the highway and into Hanmer Springs for an early night.. for most. On day 2 everyone assembled at the Hanmer pools before ascending steeply up Jacks Pass and into the Rainbow. Dry and dusty. Everyone was happy to see Lake Tennyson, but the cold wind encouraged us to push on up a steep climb and on to a sheltered DOC hut for the lunch break. The weather was excellent for touring, not too hot, the wind moving most of the sandflies! We then continued through an amazing high country panorama of scree covered mountain sides to tumbling rivers fringed by beautiful beech forest as we headed further inland. The gate onto the station was passed and all too soon we were at the exit toll gate, where our $60 per vehicle charge had been pre paid. This
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fee from us, and the several motorbikes and SUV vehicles we saw, has helped maintain the private track in very good condition. We exited before St Arnaud, then turned off onto another gravel road through Top House before descending through the Golden Downs forests and out to Kohatu for a welcome coffee at the cafe. Tapawera, where most gassed up, was our next stop before heading further inland on the Sherry River and Dry Weather Roads, passed lush farms and through replanted forestry, to emerge at Glenhope before regrouping at Kawatiri. Who said Model As don’t breakdown...? A Nelson car had returned to Tapawera on the back-up vehicle’s rope and a Hudson had mysteriously replaced an Essex with tyre problems! The day wasn’t over yet as the cars headed into Lake Rotoroa, over the Braeburn track and out for a well deserved dinner at the Hampden Hotel in Murchison. Most called it an early night, while a couple worked on repairing fuel and other problems. Our final day was misty and cooler but as everyone headed up the Matakitaki Valley, taking a quick stop at the historic Horse Terrace bridge and hall, the sky cleared to a beautiful blue which made a lovely contrast to the lush green of the bush. And into it we climbed, up steeply through six easy fords to the top of the Maruia Saddle at 580 metres. Time there for a break before the
quick descent out to Frog Flat and out for a comfort stop at Springs Junction. The Rahu Saddle climbs quickly but soon there is a picturesque cruise downhill and out to the ‘town of first light’, Reefton, where 900 Motor Caravan Association members were gathering for their National Rally that weekend! After lunch we were guided by Bruce and Zoe from the West Coast Branch and proceeded to Ikamatua, then looped inland and finally turned off into Nelson Creek and a quick break at the lovely sheltered domain. The final miles led around the southern side of Lake Brunner, through Mitchells, out
onto the West Coast highway at Kumara, before proceeding into Greymouth. The evening dinner and the presentation of a few ‘trophies’ and certificates to all, was held at the Paroa Hotel, near Shantytown. Here several members who had carried seawater across from the Pacific, ceremoniously poured it into the Tasman! A great trip, with only the Model A not finishing... nothing else major, a few tyre problems, fuel and electrical hiccups and an Essex taking up smoking, but all agreed it was a great first C2C.
Words and photos Colin Johnston Wellington Anniversary Weekend
Taranaki Branch has been able to add their contribution to the National Rally For Cancer promotion that most other branches throughout New Zealand were able to hold in August. Because of other failed attempts to hold an event in August our branch decided to hold this event in January to take advantage of better weather. On 21 January a Posh Picnic and Motor Show was held in the Tasman Prospect grassed area beside the popular coastal walkway and iconic Wind Wand in New Plymouth. This area has a high family pedestrian and cyclists count with plenty of people out and about.
Thirty cars turned up with members dressed for the occasion and the Cancer Society collected donations from the public of just on $1,000.
DAFFODIL RALLY TARANAKI BRANCH JANUARY EVENT
The majority of that amount came from the huge commitment from members Nyall and Jolene Simkin who gave rides for a donation in their beautiful 1908 and 1920 Rolls-Royce motor cars. A very special thanks to all members who brought their cars out. Their Posh Picnics and their beautiful displays of silver tea pots and the best china made this a day for the public to see a bit of a bygone era.
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JOSEPHVILLE HILLCLIMB 2023
Words and photos Evan Henderson, Event Organiser
On Sunday 26 November 2023, the Gore Branch held its annual Josephville Hillclimb on an area of the old state highway that now runs through the Mitchell family farm. With racing permit inhand and course maintenance completed on the preceding days by South Roads, all necessary preparations set the scene for a terrific event.
Kent Larson, E-Type Jaguar, took home the silverware.
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Early forecasts were promising, but as we all know those are unreliable at best. However, on this occasion the Met Service and the weather gods were in agreement, and the day delivered plenty of sunshine with hardly a breath of wind. With eight entries – a slightly disappointing number and down once again on last year – most of the regulars were back for more with one notable exception in that 2022 winner Neil Longman couldn’t make this year’s event. Entries came from far and wide; with Mapua (Phil Benvin), Alexandra (Willie Henderson), and North Canterbury (Kent Larsen) demonstrating the geographical spread. However, we are always looking for more outside competition, so please spread the word as this is an annual event that we would love to run again next year (more on that below). Radios and timers were tested, the relevant competitor paperwork was completed, and all cars were scrutinised in preparation for racing. The drivers’ briefing was delivered on schedule and practice runs were completed without any mechanical issues. The traditional break for lunch was held after practice, with drivers exchanging a few stories before it was time to put the pedal to the metal! Racing was tight as always, and by day’s end there was a new champion. With an outstanding time of 27.86s. Kent Larson in his E-Type Jaguar took home the Stewart Quertier Trophy for overall winner and the Alec McLennan Trophy for best performance. A big thanks to Kent for joining us and taking away all our trophies! Neil McDonald won the Barry Clearwater Trophy for best New Zealand home-built special, despite a few car problems and only completing two official runs. Congratulations to both competitors. Phil Bevin and Willie Henderson in their respective Jags continue to deliver the goods year on year, both clocking personal bests. Once again it was Phil who came out on top, and as his driving skills continue to improve the XK 140 will be difficult for the red Mk2 to catch!
Peter Pryde in his Ford Anglia.
Hamish Allan, Triumph 2500 managed 36.7 on his second run.
Neil McDonald, Munro special.
Jaguar Mk2.
Terry Inder, bashing around in the Datsun 180B.
Terry Inder made significant gains on 2022 in the 180B, but there is still some work to do before returning it to its best. Keep working on it Terry, I know you can do it. Special mention also goes to Peter Pryde in his Ford Anglia and Hamish Allan in the Triumph 2000. Both made the trip from Invercargill, and it was great to see such classics not only competing, but posting some very good times. And last but not least, the little white Datsun didn’t perform quite as well as last year – with a fuel float level problem causing issues off the start line – although once fully engaged the car still went well for what it is.
The Gore Branch would like to thank the Mitchell family for the use of their property, South Roads for sweeping the track, the Eastern Southland Car Club – and in particular Earl Hewlett for their time and equipment – along with the event steward, flag marshals, time keepers, health and safety officer Rhonda Wilson, and all others who helped make the day a success. I trust everyone enjoyed their outing, and hopefully this isn’t our last year!
Phil Bevin putting the XK 140 through its paces.
Beaded Wheels 33
2024 NATIONAL VETERAN RALLY Hosted by Otago Branch 25-29 January 2024 Words Nicola Wilkinson, photos Blake Armstrong,
ARMSTRONG PHOTOGRAPHY NZ
Otago Branch is famous in veteran motoring circles for their annual Dunedin-Brighton Run. This year the branch also hosted our National Veteran Rally over the same weekend – it was brass and goggles at every turn for enthusiasts and onlookers…
Car 10 1913 IHC Autowagon driven by Allan Dippie from Dunedin.
Our long-planned and much anticipated weekend devoted to veteran motoring started on Thursday with registration of the 83 entrants including 20 motorcycles followed by the Noggin and Natter at the Edgar Centre which was our venue for the evening functions. The National Veteran Rally was held on Friday starting in the car park at the Sunnyvale Sports Centre which is out of the CBD and part way to the Taieri Plains so over the hills that Dunedin is renown for. From here the entrants travelled over to Mosgiel to proceed through two of the retirement villages that are based there. The residents had been advised that we were coming so were waiting and loved seeing the vehicles drive past. Leaving the retirement villages behind we wound our way through the North Taieri countryside to the field test and lunch stop at the Outram Rugby Club. After lunch we had arranged a visit through some private gardens which included a display of gigs and alternative transport. Alan Meredith, a long-time supporter of the Brighton Rally, had put together some footage on early Brighton Rallies. Over dinner we were able to look back on yesteryear and reminisce of days gone by when spectators crowded on to the streets to watch the vehicles drive by. No traffic management or health and safety back then in the ‘60s. Joining us for all or part of the weekend were some overseas visitors. Two from Ireland and two from Australia who were travelling with a couple of the entrants plus one, a classic car and motorbike enthusiast from the Netherlands who happened to “be in the right spot at the right time” and turned up at registration with the hope of just being able to see the vehicles. He was rapt 34 Beaded Wheels
to take part on the Friday as a navigator. As Foort-Jan said to me afterwards this was a special occasion and one of the highlights of his journey around New Zealand. All of them have a special memory to take back home with them with the Irish couple hoping to incorporate visits to their retirement villages as part of their vintage rallying. The next day was the 70th Dunedin–Brighton Rally which is being covered by a separate article in Beaded Wheels. The Prizegiving dinner for both events was held on the Saturday and we were fortunate to have Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich join us for the evening and present some of the awards. Before we started with the prize giving, we arranged for the 70th anniversary cake to be cut by Colin Winter, Nevin Gough and Chris Read – current custodians of three of the cars that participated in the first Dunedin–Brighton rally in 1954. Colin Winter (Otago Branch) and Earl Preston (Marlborough Branch) were also presented with their 60-year Membership badges and certificates by South Island Club Captain Mark Wilkinson. On the final day most of the entrants enjoyed a barbeque lunch at the home of Margaret and Travis Michelle before they started to head back home, or for some another three days of veteran motoring with the Prince Henry Tour. Thankfully the weather held for the majority of the weekend with very little rain. I was thanked for the free car wash early Saturday morning when we had a major hailstorm however this had passed through by the time the vehicles were lining up at First Church before driving to the Octagon for the public display. Photos from the weekend via https://www.armstrongphotos.co.nz
1903 Darracq driven by Gavin Hunt and Annette from Ashburton being followed by 1915 Ford Model T driven by Robert & Myra Herron from Mosgiel. Peter Cooke, Fairlie, 1910 Reo with passenger John Dawson.
1914 Buick, Robert Wood and Roger Stewart from Christchurch.
1912 Ford Model T, owned by Paul and Lynne Herron and driven by new members Paul and Lynley Katon from Gore.
1900 Wolseley driven by Colin and Judy Winter from Dunedin.
2024 NATIONAL VETERAN RALLY Organiser’s Choice Stephen Kidd Entrant’s Choice Rosemary Preston
1913 Darracq 1903 Oldsmobile
Concours
1913 IHC
Allan Dippie
McIvor & Veitch Prize for First motorcycle – Boyd Wilkinson 1914 Bradbury motorcycle with sidecar (a one -off prize solely for this weekend) FIELD TESTS 1 Jason Roberts 2 Boyd Wilkinson 3 John Gray OVERALL WINNER Boyd Wilkinson 2 Jason Roberts 3 John Foster
1913 BSA motorcycle 1914 Bradbury motorcycle with sidecar 1915 Ford Model T station wagon 1914 Bradbury motorcycle with sidecar 1913 BSA motorcycle 1910 Humber motorcycle Beaded Wheels 35
National Veteran Rally: 1915 Hupmobile driven by Kelvin Findlay from Ohoka overtaking the 1911 Brush, Brett O’Rourke & Gayelene Skinner from Waimate.
National Veteran Rally: 1905 Rolls-Royce, John Kennedy from Martinborough.
National Veteran Rally: 1914 Bradbury and side car, Boyd Wilkinson and Neil Steel – Dunedin.
FOUNDERS PRINCE HENRY TOUR Words Marion McConachie This three-day tour followed on from the National Veteran and the Dunedin-Brighton events and attracted 15 cars and one motorcycle. On Monday morning Nevin Gough briefed entrants for the three days ahead. The route kept us off the state highways as much as possible resulting in a few gravel roads each day. We headed south over the Taieri Plains before heading to Kaitangata. Refuelled we headed off towards Balclutha, and Waipahi. The team of three Rolls-Royces diverted to Tuapeka and managed to secure a crossing of the Clutha River on the Tuapeka Punt. We discovered some nice roads running parallel to SHI that took us to Pukerau. Here Paul Herron opened the sheds of Robin Dickson’s estate for entrants to check out the veterans in various stages of construction. Destination for the night was Gore. Tuesday morning and our lunch stop was Curio Bay via the River Road, Wyndham and Fortrose. At Fortrose Nevin Gough’s Model T limped onto the backup trailer after having suffered diff issues. Some of the entrants were offering the organisers and backup crew rides in their vehicles. I had a ride with Phil Boult in his 1913 Overland roadster and really enjoyed the open-air experience. The afternoon run headed to Owaka for the night. On Wednesday morning we detoured into Pounawea. Heading toward the coast some took the road to Nugget Point Lighthouse while the rest of the team headed north toward Kaka Point and then Balclutha. The afternoon was spent travelling along the coast road to Toko Mouth and Milton returning around the back of Waihola past Sinclair Wetlands and to Mosgiel for prizegiving. Tom and Chris Stephens were presented with the winner’s trophy by South Island Club Captain Mark Wilkinson. This was a great group of people to tour with. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to share some rides in these amazing vehicles. 2024 Prince Henry overlooking Tautuku Bay. Photo Marilyn McConachie
36 Beaded Wheels
Stephen Kidd, Otago, 1913 Darracq.
70TH DUNEDIN-BRIGHTON Words Marion McConachie photos Blake Armstrong Approximately 80 cars and bikes were assembled at First Church, Dunedin before heading to the Octagon for the official send-off by Mayor Jules Radich. Some cruise ship visitors happened by and thoroughly enjoyed the display. Vehicles departed for their run via Caversham Valley through Green Island and on to Brighton. The faster, more motorable vehicles were given the option to drive up the coast, enjoying the stunning views to Taieri Mouth and back. At Brighton the entrants were put through their paces with three field tests. After lunch some onlookers were given the opportunity to have rides around the field in vehicles including the 1918 American LaFrance, 1900 Wolseley, and a 1913 IHC Autowagon. Local members who own more than one veteran vehicle invited family members or friends to come along and drive their extra vehicles. Nevin Gough had his 1914 Buick, 1915 Model T station wagon and 1918 Model T delivery van on the run. Stephen Kidd had the 1908 and 1914 Talbot, and 1908 Little Briton entered, Colin Pearce had his 1911, 1912 and 1914 Sunbeams and the 1911 Indian motorcycle all driven by family members. At 20 we had more motorcycles on the run than we have seen for many years. Entrants from as far north as Palmerston North attended with good local support. During prizegiving it was noted that Gough’s Buick, Chris Read’s 1914 Delage, and Colin Winter’s 1900 Wolseley were on the first Dunedin–Brighton Run as was the 1910 Clement Bayard owned by the McKenzie family of Invercargill. It is great to see members encourage the younger generations to participate in this event.
Bringing on the next generation in the Read 1914 Delage.
Taieri Mouth. Robert Wood, Christchurch, 1914 Buick.
Casey Lyons, Invercargill, 1910 Humber.
Beaded Wheels 37
Sun drenched scenery and cars cars cars VCC National Vintage Only Rally Marlborough 2024.
NATIONAL VINTAGE ONLY RALLY Hosted by Marlborough Branch 5-7 February 2024 Words and photos Linda Laing Forty-three entrants from as far away Auckland and Otago gathered at the Marlborough clubrooms to start our weekend. The variety of cars was impressive including Austin, Alvis, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Buick, Delage, Essex, Sunbeam, Plymouth, DeSoto, Rover, Cadillac and of course several Ford Model As. On Tuesday entrants met at Patchett’s Green for Marlborough’s annual Heritage Day celebrations and the public were amazed at the variety of cars on show. The field tests were held early to try and avoid some
of the day’s heat, and the period fashion show was held inside the museum to keep participants cool. Wednesday was rally day and our route took us through some sun-drenched Marlborough scenery with magnificent views of the mountains and the golden hills and the occasional glimpse of the sea. Most of the roads were in reasonable condition but unfortunately our route was cut slightly short due to a bush fire a few days before. Seddon School catered for lunch and a local motorcycle enthusiast willingly opened up his shed for everyone to view. A slow trip back to Blenheim in the afternoon, allowed plenty of time for a relax before meeting in the clubrooms again for an enjoyable dinner compered by Andy Fox from the National VCC Management Committee.
The clubrooms were open again on the Thursday morning for anyone dropping in and of course the boys opened up the spares sheds. Good company, good motoring and good food, what more could we want. Everyone here enjoyed it and we think our visitors did too.
Amazing variety of cars at the VCC National Vintage Only Rally.
Rallying through Marlborough’s golden hills VCC National Vintage Only Rally 2024.
38 Beaded Wheels
Burma lunch stop.
SUMMER RACING Banks Peninsula Branch Words Don Gerrard
BURMA RALLY Wanganui Branch Words and photos Ian Higgins Wellington Anniversary Weekend
The Burma is one of Wanganui Branch’s annual main events scheduled for an Anniversary weekend that is choc-a-block full of car related activities which start with a Meet and Greet at the clubrooms on Friday evening. Saturday was the annual Wheels on Victoria car show where Victoria Avenue in the Whanganui CBD was closed off to vehicular traffic. This allowed hundreds of vehicles from veteran to classics, hot rods to muscle and sports cars, motorcycles, military vehicles, commercials, racing cars and moderns, to park up for the crowds to drool over. Sidewalk stalls and bands added to the carnival atmosphere. This was followed by our Classic Car Cruise around Whanganui which raised over $1,000 for the local Cancer Society. Sunday was Burma Rally day. Around 80 entrants departed from the historic Cornmarket Reserve on Somme Parade, heading into rural Brunswick. From here entrants circled back onto the upper reaches of Somme Parade, where the timed section and silent checks finished. We crossed the historic Dublin Street Bridge over the Whanganui River and headed up SH4, (the Parapara Highway). This leg was quite a long way. We followed the famous Whanganui River up to Upokongaro, a small settlement just north of our city, entrants encountered 40 kilometres of winding sealed road up to a turn off aptly named Fields Track. Veering off onto Burma Hill Road our, now hungry and thirsty, contestants welcomed the lunch stop at a farmer’s property nestled among towering hills. After lunch, brave contestants tackled the infamous Burma Hill. The day was fine enabling this downhill section to be undertaken without any real problems. Just extra care required as this is real VCC country, metalled and a little dusty. The route meandered through the mainly sealed rural area and the delightful Mangamahu settlement, through Fordell and Okoia and eventually back to our clubrooms. Our evening prizegiving was at the Wanganui Golf Club. Overall winners were Peter and Robin Hadley from Whakatane in their 1947 Ford jailbar pickup. Monday was a public holiday in our province and club stalwarts Bruce and Jenny Ardell organised a lovely run out to Fordell to a local’s beautiful home and garden.
Burma winning vehicle, 1947 Ford jailbar pickup.
Peter and Robin Hadley, Whakatane Burma winners 2024.
The February racing action started with the two day Skope Meeting at Ruapuna. Twenty-eight competitors, the biggest VCC entry for years, included a couple of Formula Junior cars, the return to the track of the Zephyr 260M single seater with new custodian Brian Reid and a rapid Nash Metropolitian of Jared Dacombe. Roger Greaney brought his historic Lotus 20 down from Napier, and the evergreen Austin A35 of Des and Kris Ward from Masterton was also going well. Another new car was the delightful Lotus Elite of Peter Swaney which became faster as the weekend progressed, and the battle of the specials, Bill Cowie’s Holden versus Phil Thomson’s Daimler V8 raged on. Tony Steer piloted his ‘68 Terrapin with gusto, hounding the Ashworth Daimler SP250 all weekend while Mike Crehan was kept busy tweaking the Shade Tree Special after its recent recommission. At the conclusion of the meeting, we raised our glasses to Peter Leversedge, and the ‘49 Stuart Special, after competing at his final Skope Meeting having enjoyed an extensive and diverse racing career since 1962. Rob Cope-Williams, a seasoned competitor and track commentator, presented a splendid trophy in memory of his father Bill Cope. Bill was an enthusiastic competitor in the post-war years in the UK alongside great names like Sammy Davis and Freddie March. In true amateur fashion, Bill would drive his Austin 7 racer to and from the track, a sentiment mirrored by our recipient of this award, David Owen in his C Type Jaguar Replica. The following weekend the competition moved to Levels Raceway at Timaru where Paul Coghill in his Jaguar Special was the man to beat and Graeme Hamilton in the ACE III did exactly that! Kevin Stevenson showed he has lost none of his expertise with a return in the Shade Tree Special and Doug Moody showed us a masterclass in the wet in Saturday’s race winning him The Bruce Pidgeon Memorial trophy. The third meeting at Teretonga was also hotly contested with Tracey Barrett in the Lotus 23B Replica chasing the Coghill Jaguar, with the Stanton Corvette and David Owen’s road-driven C Type all getting in on the action. John McDonagh kept the Mistral flag flying against David Clearwater’s Furore II, all collecting valuable championship points before the next round at the Festival of Speed at Highlands Park in April.
Roger Greaney made the trip from Napier to give his Lotus a bit of a run.
Beaded Wheels 39
1927 Hudson Super Model H & J. Dykes 1927.
1936 Chrysler 8 National Service Manual.
CURRENT AFFAIRS BUT WAIT – THERE’S MORE In the last issue, I covered some of the resources at the VCC Archive that are helpful to those who are in need of a wiring diagram for their vehicle. I will continue on the same theme and cover some more books on this subject, plus other books that have useful hard-to-find technical information. The first is the National Service Manual which is a great source for information on American cars. At the Archive we have a number of volumes from1926 to 1930, my own collection of these covers 1931 to 1953. All car models have a nice wiring diagram, as well as a short technical two-page section on each car. You may have seen these books, they have red/ brown leather-bound covers, are very large and heavy, not ideal for photocopying. Some measure, 310mm W x240mm H x 150mmD, with over 2000 pages and weigh 7kgs. They were quite common; I am sure your VCC branch library has a copy or two. They were used by garages for servicing in the early days.
While searching the Internet for the history of these books, I came across a site with over 1171 scanned pages of these books, ranging from the 1920s to the 1930s. Copy/paste the following into Google, ”National Service Manual: National Automotive Service: free” and select the search icon. If it’s American and between these dates, I am sure you will find what you a looking for. The second book that many of you will be familiar with is, the Dykes Automobile and Gasoline Engine Encyclopedia. 1910-1940. These books are a wealth of technical information about cars, they have a limited selection of car wiring diagrams, but have nice clear diagrams of the common models. Every library and swap meet would have some of these great books. How many of you have ever seen a Dykes with a front cover? Up to now, I had only ever seen a Dykes, in plain blue, without a cover. I was on holiday in Queenstown recently and visited Alan
ARCHIVIST NEWS Don Muller Archivist archivist@ vcc.org.nz Ph 03 385 6850
40 Beaded Wheels
Meredith, who had arranged a visit to Chris Read, a VCC member at Arrowtown, who kindly donated some quality books to the VCC Archive. Amongst them were two Dykes and some screwed up paper. On ironing out the paper, (thanks Marlene) and a bit of careful repair, revealed a nice 15th edition 1927, front cover to match one of the books. It now sits pride of place on the top shelf in the Archive. Murray Trounson came into the Archive the other day, looked up and said “Wow, you have a Dykes with a front cover”! Thanks, Chris, for the books. Two other good books for technical vehicle information are, British Repair Manual, cars and Trucks.,1947, it is a mini workshop manual. Another good book on American cars, 1940-1954 is Chilton’s Automobile Repair Manual, which is similar to a later version of Dykes without wiring diagrams and includes modern items such as numerous auto transmissions, overdrives and power brakes, as well a technical section on common American cars. There
are also many other technical books at the Archive with helpful information. You can see, we have a good selection of vehicle wiring diagrams from 1912 to 1953 that hopefully will be helpful to members. If you require any assistance, give me a call. Some time in the future, I will try to compile an inventory of all the 100s of diagrams and where to find them, in the numerous books and online. As always, all the above all books and information are from items stored at the VCC Archive.
National Service Manual, leather bound.
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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FOR SALE
1928 DODGE FAST FOUR. Starter motor rebuilt, DAIMLER SOVEREIGN XJ6 SERIES 3. Colour red. carburettor rebuilt, new fuel pumps,electronic Registration on hold. Suitable for full restoration. ignition,new spark plugs, excellent tyres, wooden Previous owner removed vinyl roof and interior spokes, includes wooden trunk and some spare head lining. Health reasons for sale. Phone Noel parts, Burgundy colour, Black guards and roof. 03 614 7861 for further information $18,500. Neil 021 100 8978 jorosanowski@gmail. EARLY ‘20 s CHEV MECHANICAL PARTS and panel com MEM GISBORNE parts. Contact South Canterbury VCC Barry Smith CARBURETTOR RECONDITIONING including 027 307 9631 SOUTH CANTERBURY classic and performance makes. 40 plus years ROVER 10 PARTS 1930-32. I have a large range of trade experience. Free advice. Contact Graeme mechanical parts from crank cases, heads, hubs/ Tulloch, Tulmac Carburettor Specialists on 027 drums, clutch etc etc, too much to list here. All dry 612 2312 or (Levin) 06 368 2202 stored for many years. Ph 07 579 9621 evenings or ron.elton@kinect.co.nz for more details. Parts COACHWORK F or all your coachwork, woodwork in Tauranga. MEM BAY OF PLENTY and timber rim steering wheels for your veteran, 1937 BUICK REAR PARTS axle assembly complete, vintage or commercial vehicles contact Designs drive shaft, brakes, springs. One pair of front N Wood, John Martin, 11 Bell Avenue, Cromwell. fenders (not well type) with internal valances, good Phone/fax 03 445 0598, 021 109 1309 or email and solid. Sensible offers. Phone 07 362 8075. martin_jw@xtra.co.nz MEM CENTRAL OTAGO MEM ROTORUA CHEVROLET 4 CYLINDER ENGINE AND GEARBOX. Similar to 23A Oldsmobile. 1938/39 Chev cylinder head, valves, rockers, cam shaft, crown and pinion. Oldsmobile parts 1937/38 annd some other years. Ph 0274 905 403. Located in South Auckland.
WIRE WHEELS 15 INCH in good condition x 4. Silver painted with 165x15 tyres removed from MGA. 48 spoke $500. Email: bwalker96@gmail.com or phone 0274 327 238.
VINTAGE CAR REPAIRS
THE HOROWHENUA BRANCH VINTAGE CAR CLUB
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 CITROEN GSA. NO RUST. ENGINE IN TOP CONDITION. Bonnet perfect. All new pads. Front right hand mudguard has been pushed up a few inches and needs pushing down. New 24 piece set of hydraulic set to line up again. Set goes with car. Has 3 spheres as new. If interested please forward phone number and seller will contact you. Contact: brian.mchugh@xtra.co.nz COMPLETE GEARBOXES, all manual: Morris 1935 to 1939, Chevrolet 1930s, Chevrolet 1952, 105E Anglia, Triumph 13/60, Chrysler Valiant, Austin A40, contact South Canterbury VCC. Barry Smith 027 307 9631 SOUTH CANTERBURY
WELCOMES EVERYONE TO THEIR
ANNUAL SPARES DEPARTMENT MID WINTER SALE FROM 9 AM ON 15 JUNE ALSO ON THE 15TH JUNE FROM 1 PM IN THE OUR CLUBROOMS OUR FIRST COLLECTABLE, MEMORABILIA AND SHINY PARTS AUCTION.
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
CYLINDER HEADS CHEVROLET BLUE FLAME , Chevrolet 1942 onwards, Vauxhall DX, Pontiac 1927–1931, Holden, Ford V8 Flatheads, approx 1926 Buick semi complete. Has crank, pistons and PENRITE OILS W e carry a large range from head. Contact South Canterbury VCC Barry Smith vintage to modern engines. Gearbox, diff, 027 307 9631 SU dashpot and water pump grease. SOUTH CANTERBURY M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS info@mscoombes.co.nz We can alter or make driveshafts with fabric components to take modern universal joints and BALANCING BALANCING BALANCING, yokes, as well as performing dynamic balancing. We can balance most vintage and single We also carry a large range of driveshaft cylinder engines, fans, driveshafts etc. Work components for cars, trucks, industrial and is carried out on a modern digital machine. marine. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz info@mscoombes.co.nz Beaded Wheels 41
1937 RAILTON. 113 hp. Brakes work very well. Engine, gearbox & diff. recon. Tyres new. Leather seats. Reg & WoF. 25 miles on clock. Drives very well. Cruise at modern car speed. Previous owner for over 50 years. Marketed by Rushmore Motors on behalf of the owner, Ph 027 2245 045.
1929 CHRYSLER 70. R estored to superb original condition. Owned for over 30 years. New tyres. Plenty of spares. Rego on hold. Three owners. Not used enough. $42,500. For more info ph Graeme 021 962 253. MEM NORTHLAND
1960 HANSA LIMOUSEN F lat 4 front wheel drive. Restoration completed 2016, new upholstery and hood lining. Comes with workshop manual, parts book & spare parts. Registration on hold. Welcome to view. Phone Russell Barnard 03 349 8869. MEM CANTERBURY
1929 DA DODGE DELUXE. V ery original car with two family owners. 81,000 miles of use. Twin spares. Original upholstery in excellent condition. More photos available if required. $30,000. Ph 03 217 8481, Invercargill. MEM SOUTHLAND
BUICK SPECIAL DELUXE 1951 2 door pillarless Riviera, body style 4337 263 eight, 3 speed manual. Original condition. WoF & Reg. Great car to drive, very reliable. Price by negotiation. Phone 021 272 2664. MEM WAIMATE
1934 ROLLS-ROYCE 20/25 Mulliner body sedan. Fully restored and put on road 1985. In storage since 2014, Rego on hold. Drivable but will need work for WoF after this time. Owner lives overseas, contact me for further details. $65,000. Inspect in Blenheim. Patrick Pascoe 027 442 1786. MEM MARLB
1954 AUSTIN HEALEY 100/4 BN1. Rare New Zealand new car, matching numbers with original ownership papers. Full ground up restoration 1990. Hood and tonneau cover like new. Near new Michelin radials. serviced regularly during my 23 year ownership, very reliable new WoF & Reg. $72,000. Ph 027 616 1214. MEM GORE
1961 SP250 DAIMLER DART. Iconic ‘60s classic, 2.5L V8 engine fibreglass body sports car. Body off restoration with upgrade to B spec chassis, certified upgrade from steering box to rack. Seats, dash, door cards reupholstered to high standard. Matching engine number, orig factory diff plus front & rear disc brakes and 4 speed gearbox. Vehicle Reg & WoF. $70,000 ono. For info/photos contact Steve 021 185 9965, sstilby@outlook.com
DODGE LIGHT TRUCK, 1 923 in near-pristine condition. Former hearse (Wyndham, Southland) until 1962. Total mileage under 25,000 miles. Hearse parts, frosted windows, original photo and documented history available (current ownership 50+ years). Expressions of interest invited. Bruce Ph 027 375 7590, b.gilkison@xtra.co.nz
1929 OLDSMOBILE restoration project, from right to left! Complete chassis, front, rear, axle and wheel assemblies, rims, rigs, bumpers. Radiator, complete engine, gearbox, driveshaft, diff, petrol tank and vallance over and spare tyre mount. Four guards, bonnet, four sedan doors, lights. Ph 0274 905 403. Located South Auckland
1930 MODEL A FORD PHAETON. Owner has paperwork for VCC authenticity + permission to reuse old black plates. Brakes working. Engine goes well, slight noise. Good Gemmer steering box, gearbox & diff. Needs rewire, no rust in body. Old hood, side curtains, parts of hood bows. No Reg or WoF. Requires compliance. As is – where is. Marketed by Rushmore Motors on owner’s behalf. Located Te Aroha, ph 027 2245 045.
1936 WOLSELEY 25HP SUPER SIX SERIES 2 Paintwork showing its patina but still sound, motor done approx 5k since major overhaul inc. relined clutch. Interior very good condition with seats & door panels reupholstered, orig headlining. New WoF/Reg. $30,000 ono Ph Derek 021 390 518, email derekbrehaut@gmail.com MEM NORTH OTAGO
42 Beaded Wheels
Offered for Tender Motorcycles, Parts & Car LOT 1
LOT 3
LOT 6
LOT 4
LOT 1 - Yamaha motorcycle 1970s era. No registration, with new spare parts including new tyres and used directional indicators. Restoration project. LOT 2 - Indian motorcycle 1970s era. These motorcycles were made by Motori Minarelli. No registration. Restoration project.
These items are offered to VCC members only
LOT 5
LOT 3 - Triumph 1963 500cc. NB. Registration on hold, licence plate missing. Complete and in good used condition.
LOT 7 -Triumph Trident cylinder head with inlet manifold, spacer collars and air filters. In good condition.
LOT 12 - Assorted used Triumph twin cylinder engine/parts. Incomplete. Suitable for parts only.
LOT 4 - Triumph 1947 3T 350cc. NB. Registration on hold. Very original complete condition.
LOT 8 -Early Villiers single cylinder engines. Incomplete. Suitable for parts.
LOT 13 - Assorted new Triumph parts including foot peg rubbers, speedo surround, shock absorbers and seat.
LOT 5 - Triumph 1947 Speed LOT 9 - 3 X Triumph tyres and Twin 500cc. Complete and in very one mounted rim. good condition. NB. Registration LOT 10 - 2 X Zundapp engines on hold. etc, incomplete. Suitable for LOT 6 - Morris Oxford 1965. parts. Complete vehicle but has rust LOT 11 - Excelsior engine with and untidy. Suitable for parts reduction box. Incomplete. car or full restoration. NB. Suitable for parts. Registration on hold.
LOT 14 - Restored Triumph parts including mudguard stays, stand, rear mudguard, petrol tank, seat base, body panels, oil tank, battery support, and rechromed headlamp surround. LOT 15 - Triumph T25 crankcase and assorted parts some of which are restored.
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated invites its members to participate in the tender of a collection of motorcycles, motorcycle spare parts and a car generously bequeathed to the club.
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
All lots sold on an as is where is basis and do not come with any guarantees or warranties.Inspection by appointment only. To arrange viewing, phone 021 588 536. The tender process will close at 4pm on May 17, 2024. More information and details will be shown on the official tender document. LOT 2
Tender documents are available from your Branch Secretary or National Office via email. Contact: admin@vcc.org.nz
MARKET PLACE
1958 PLYMOUTH SAVOY NZ New original car. Current WoF and Reg. 3 speed, 6 cylinder engine. Had the car for over 20 years, time for a change. $42,000. Any enquiries phone or txt Tania / Brian 021 1056 123, tgallaghan@outlook.co.nz
HUMBER 1933 16HP S almon & Sons body with a Tickford Hood. This rare 4 seater sports car is a delight to drive. Won the Restoration of the Year in 2010. Email: bobandree74@gmail.com for photos or phone 03 352 1449. MEM CANTERBURY
1922 FIAT 501S in excellent mechanical condition. FORD CORTINA GT 1965 2 DOOR. Becoming a It has been fully restored and has excellent rare car now with a good history. Owned for a provenance. Good starter and easy to drive. Has very long time and been kept up to speed with a full range of spares with new WoF and rego. WoF and mechanical work. Rego on hold. A Ph Gerald 0274 352 402 for more information. Cortina enthusiast dream. Ph 027 567 3874, email MEM CANTERBURY whareateafarm@xtra.co.nz MEM MARLBOROUGH
1992 MUSTANG 5.0 GT CONVERTIBLE Unmolested one owner car, purchased new Santa Monica, CA April 1992. Carefully maintained with documentation and some spares. Current WoF and Rego. Sadly, health forces sale. $17,500 ono. Garaged Tauranga. Ph 0220 1737 98 peter@ peterwithers.co.nz MEM BAY OF PLENTY
PLYMOUTH COUPE 1937, r estored condition motors very well. Completely rebuilt and been back on the road in 2008. Reg and WoF. Car is available to view in Palmerston North. Asking price $36,000. Ph 06 355 5953. MEM HOROWHENUA
44 Beaded Wheels
VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ halogen bulbs. Replace your existing bulbs without rewiring the headlamp assemblies. Up to 100% brighter than your existing Tungsten bulbs. Will fit most reflectors fitted to Pre & Post war cars and motorbikes. Also available in single filament 55 watt P22 & BA15 bases for use in spotlamps and mechanical dip reflectors. Most bases and configurations available in 6v & 12v. Further info: Norm & Jan Sisson, sole NZ Agent. Phone 027 311 6563, Amuri Motorcycles, 2C Birmingham Drive, Christchurch. Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz
1940 INDIAN FOUR. R estored ten years ago. Very original, last registered Indiana, USA, 1977. Hard plastic Buco saddlebags, luggage rack, optional low level exhaust,chromed front and rear crashbars, large fibreglass topbox. Very rare, appreciating classic motorcycle. POA. Ph 021 146 0578, rjbullock38@gmail MEM NELSON
1922/23, TWO SEATER ESSEX 4. R easonable offers please on this meticulous restoration. Motor rebored, new upholstery. All wood frame rebuilt. Ownership verified. AA certified chassis. Spare block & gearbox, on unused 24 inch tyres. Ph 021 159 8319. MEM SOUTHLAND
1957 VAUXHALL VELOX O riginal condition 89,668 miles. Runs and drives like new. Garaged for the last 16 years. Due to age and health I must sell. New brakes, tyres, battery, too much to list. No WoF or Rego. $6,500 firm. For more info ph Ted 020 418 48147, Te Kuiti.
1994 BMW R1100GS (74,200 km) and 1997 BMW R850R Special Edition (71,800 km). Two classic BMW oil heads, both with panniers, manuals, service records and receipts. Not perfect but close, given ages. Selling both to fund classic car purchase. Prices negotiable. Phone 021 108 1516, email rgbell9@gmail.com MEM WAIKATO
HONDA MVX 250F T his unusual machine is in exceptionally good condition. Engine and gearbox have been professionally rebuilt by a Honda technician using many Japan-sourced new parts. Includes orig toolkit, copy of the comprehensive workshop manual and parts list. Receipts and photos available. $16,500 ono. MEM WEST COAST
MARKET PLACE
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
46-48 FORD BITS FOR SALE Glass for indicators 1952 MORRIS MINOR CONVERTIBLE. F ully etc, chrome headlight surrounds, plus other bits restored body, new upholstery and hood, new also this bench seat has ashtray and leather hand tyres and body rubbers. Many receipts. Spare bit on the back, happy to send photos via email parts 60,485 miles $18,000 ono. Ph Val 027 222 Jess 021 029 01186. MEM TAUPO 3413, valmax@xtra.co.nz
Complete parts and restoration history.
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
A variety of spare parts. Ground up restoration. Engine only done 50 kms (last running Oct 23). POA. For further information / viewing phone Adrian Gray 0274 381 628, adriang@aorangicustoms.co.nz
1911 WILLYS OVERLAND 45 TORPEDO
Mem S outh Canterbury
VINTAGE TRUNKS made to order or stock sizes. Dust proof and waterproof. Phone Allan 06 844 3959 or 0274 469 331 Napier, acjones760@gmail.com MEM 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
APPROXIMATELY 200 AUTOMOTIVE BADGES of various brands to be sold as one lot. Ph Kevin Hardie on 021 0283 2545. MEM SOUTHLAND
1964 DAIMLER V8 MK2 NZ NEW, 4 OWNERS . There is no doubt this car attracts attention and is a great classic to drive. History and extensive mechanical records available, travelled 5,400 miles since $10k full recondition by John Finlay Motors, Chch. Excellent chrome work & interior, tyres are on 5 wires, cruise control, factory tool kit. Personal plates are included. $42,000 ono. Ph 027 538 2202, g_wood@xtra.co.nz. MEM CANTERBURY
1952 MORRIS COMMERCIAL. S tripped to chassis and sandblasted including cab. Brake system overhauled. Wheel bearings as needed. Parts to complete asssembly on hand. Runs well. Offers. Mbl: 027 432 2154, goughspraying@xtra.co.nz MEM CANTERBURY
1973 TRIUMPH DOLOMITE, runs well reg on HD250 LATHE 550MM C-C 250MM OVER BED , hold, needs some tlc, $3,800 ono. Ph 03 214 0426. as new condition, fully equipped with 3 & 4 jaw chucks, stand & tools. $3,950. Cash on pickup at MEM SOUTHLAND Luggate. Enquiries to 4jimbryson@gmail.com Beaded Wheels 45
MARKET PLACE
1934 ALVIS CRESTED EAGLE i n exceptional condition and used regularly including several trips from Auckland to the South Island. Very reliable and comfortable travelling. Up to date WoF and Rego. Excellent value at $40,000 for this rare car. Ph Fran 027 410 8270.
1929 WILLYS WHIPPET 96A c olonial-bodied coupe. 1936 PACKARD 120B 4.2L STRAIGHT 8 fully Only three in New Zealand. Ruatoria Police car, restored. See TradeMe listing for photographs and recovered from Ōpōtiki, restored in Gisborne. details. $65,000. Albany, Auckland. 0274 303 010. Spare engine and plenty of parts. Current Rego MEM NORTH SHORE and WoF. $20,000 ono. Matt/Karen 027 309 7899. MEM GISBORNE
1928 CHEV 4 TOURER C omplete car, partly restored, new panels and parts, aftermarket parts, a lot of spares. Some woodwork to do. Ph Jack 021 100 3444.
1930 AUSTIN 7 SALOON very original owned 1940 AUSTIN 8 SEDAN. Rego on hold. Good since the 60s. Goes well, new tyres. Trailer loads original order. Offers around $5,000. Ph 027 288 of parts plus a reconditioned engine. $15,000. 1105. MEM TARANAKI Email austinbee@hotmail.com or 027 241 4994. MEM WANGANUI
BSA B33 1952 T his bike has done 41,500 miles since being restored some years ago. It has been rallied throughout New Zealand and is still in very good condition with the magneto being overhauled two years ago. It has current WoF & Rego. $8,500 ono. Contact Peter 027 491 3387 or paspiller@xtra.co.nz. MEM WAIKATO
1967 MGB ROADSTER, 1800C M ark 1 body. We 1948 SINGER 9 ROADSTER fully restored 1980. need a special classic sports car enthusiast to take OD 55877. Loved family tourer. Needs attention over ownership of our MGB. We have enjoyed it for to deferred maintenance of engine, brakes, oil 20 years and at 82 I am fading, while the car is in seals. Steering nut replaced plus one spare. Reg on top condition. History sheet available at leroydc@ hold. Spare parts including NOS for other Singers. xtra.co.nz. $25,000 ono. Don 07 849 7268. $15,000 ono. ChCh viewing, ph Jackie 021 886 467. MEM WAIKATO MEM CANTERBURY
1965 JAGUAR 3.4 M OD Very good condition. Receipts. Recent engine, P/S, full brake overhaul, partial panel and paint, front seats reupholstered, 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
1922 WILLYS KNIGHT MODEL 20A M ust go, we are downsizing! Reg, WoF, & VIC. Going pretty well. Magneto overhauled in 2022, new windscreen, radiator recored. Lots of mechanical parts. A great wedding car! $18,000 ono. Ph Brian 06 753 3313, E: aliebolly@hotmail.com. MEM TARANAKI
46 Beaded Wheels
1971 FIAT SPECIAL c reated mid eighties from a 125S embodying all mechanicals. LTSA modification declaration, motor sport logbook. Rego on hold, sold with WoF and Rego or negotiation as is. Offers on $3,500. Phone 03 541 9391. MEM NELSON
MARKET PLACE
MODEL T TRUCK worm drive, shaft & bearings & crown wheel. Looks to be in good condition as per photo. Ph Sean 021 440 749, email sean@shal.co.nz MEM TAUPO
WOODEN WHEELS m ade 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
VETERAN PARTS , Claudel FZR alloy carb, claudel bronze, ZR6 Bosch mag, Bosch DF4 mag, Dependence tail lights big and medium, Marmon tail light, French SJS Bevlift jack, alloy steering wheel. Ph 07 3484227. MEM ROTORUA
1963 FORD ANGLIA. A s is where is. A suitable 1968 MG MIDGET MKII. A great project for next project. Lots of spares included. Not registered. international rally. No WoF or Reg since 2018. Mk1 Cortina motor. New clutch. Minilite wheels Runs well, reliable engine. Chassis will need some and tyres. $6,000 ono. Phone 021 0254 0044. work to reregister. Open to sensible offers. Hood MEM TARANAKI in good condition, can throw in vehicle cover. Ph Christchurch, 027 492 7029 or email noble.family@ xtra.co.nz for more pics.
FUEL TANK LINER, stops and protects against leaks and weeps. Contact: peter.alderdice@ me.com 021 743 906. MEM AUCKLAND
15” WIRE WHEELS - REMOVED FROM MGA. Good 165R15 tyres, wheels in good condition. $500. Phone Barrie 0274 327 238, or email barriewalker96@gmail.com MEM CANTERBURY
1988 TOYOTA COROLLA HATCHBACK. Only 116,000 km, goes well and only used for the odd VCC run in the last four years. Paint work has some touch ups but very clean and tidy car. $4000 firm. Contact Ron Christchurch 027 353 7040, email rowdynz@gmail.com. MEM CANTERBURY
1937 AUSTIN 7 RUBY This car was restored by Classic Auto Restoration Services Lower Hutt and registered with unique plates JD1937 in October 1979. Four owners and done 24000 miles. I’ve owned car since May 2016. Has current WoF & Reg. Offers. Phone David 027 211 9941, treescapefarm@outlook.com
omplete with Lees 1955 MK1 JAGUAR 2.4 C ream with red upholstery, MARK 2 ZEPHYR MOTOR. C current WoF & Rego. Two family owners since new. marine manifold. Includes starter motor, inlet Engine reconditioned. Always garaged. Asking manifold, carburettor and engine mounts. $700. price – offers over $25,000. Ph 027 288 1105. Ph Alan 027 459 5292. MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY MEM TARANAKI
1928/29 RUGBY Originally a four door saloon, now cut down, original number plates and on the held registration list. Motor is non-functional. Separately: Front mudgaurds, headlamps, front apron, new head gasket, refubished water pump, starter motor plus various other components. Handbook, workshop manual. 021 1422 046 Christchurch.
Beaded Wheels 47
WANTED
LAND ROVER SERIES 111 1975 service manual, any condition as long as I can still read it. Thank you, 021 184 2435, blunden@slingshot.co.nz. MEM NORTH OTAGO
PONTIAC ENGINE OR ENGINE BLOCK / PARTS. 6 cylinder to fit 1938 Pontiac. Ph 020 406 91381. MEM SOUTHLAND
SATAM PETROL PUMP DOORS WANTED .rusty, damaged anything considered to complete this pump. Also after pump globes and petrol station signage. Ph Ron 027 280 3088, email: oldbikebits@yahoo.co.nz MEM BAY OF PLENTY
ONE WHEEL CENTRE COVER a nd hex screw cap for our Ford Cabriolet 1988 convertible. Ph Alan Wills 021 0870 0692. MEM CANTERBURY
STEERING WHEEL WANTED FOR HZ HOLDEN. Also need five HQ Holden wheels. Phone Russell 022 636 9961. TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLE from the 1930s wanted. Must be complete and in good condition. Prefer Tiger 90 or similar. Ph Ian Grant 027 243 9965, iangrant@xtra.co.nz WANTED EARLY, PRE 1967 BANJO type diff for a MGB. Phone/text 027 332 6874 or email amisfieldbay@gmail.com MEM OTAGO WANTED FOR 1926/27 TRIUMPH MODEL P or N. Fuel/oil tank caps with three prong bayonet type fitting, a rear foot brake pedal, hand gear change lever, chain guards. Ph 03 437 0774, roberthuttonnz1@gmail.com MEM NORTH OTAGO
VETERAN BRASS AMERICAN SPEEDO ASSEMBLY. A complete unit or individual items. Speedo, WANTED TO BUY ROADSTER OR TOURER s cuttle Steering arm swivel, cable, cog drive. 0–50 or for speedster project anything considered, just 0–60 as per photo. Contact Graham Wiblin. the upper portion would do. Contact Keith CHB Ph 022 198 2573, myschacht@hotmail.com member keithhopping@gmail.com PANTHER PARTS WANTED S earching for an M95 MEM MARLBOROUGH petrol tank with cutaway bottom section as per TRIUMPH TIGER CUB. P referably complete and photo, the elusive Enfield 8” half hub rear wheel 1963 or later, but will consider anything. Also and top pivot Burman BAP or BAP-H gearbox or BSA Bantam 125cc D1/D2 crankshaft. Anything parts, in particular the mainshaft, 11½” LOA. David considered. Email jgoconnor@xtra.co.nz or 021 Broadhead 021 324 762 dbroadhe@xtra.co.nz 105 5836. I am in Christchurch. MEM AUCKLAND TYRES o ne 21x700 or two similar size as matching pair to help with restoration of early ‘20s Hudson 1939 CHEVROLET MASTER DELUXE PARTS. Super Six. Ph 022 683 4977, murch49@hotmail.com Looking for a set of running boards in good MEM NELSON condition, grille, tail and headlights, any parts considered. Phone Jim 0274317084 jimdwyer@ xtra.co.nz MEM CANTERBURY WANTED MOTORCYCLE PROJECT. At least 500cc 1979 DATSUN 200B REAR BUMPER in good and ‘30s era preferred but anything interesting condition with or without rubber strip or end caps. that can be ridden on open roads without holding Electric sender unit for the oil pressure gauge. up traffic when finished. I don’t have enough years Two wheel centers. Phone Ces 06 241 0454, email left in me to have to chase lots of rare missing tqman66@gmail com MEM TARANAKI parts but no problem with anything that can be re-made easily. Anything from an SS100 down! CYLINDER HEAD FOR A 1934 ASX VAUXHALL Ph Bill 03 548 8743, 021 672 559. MEM NELSON 14/6. Mine is internally cracked and cannot be repaired. I would like to have this car motoring again. Please can anyone help me? I need another cylinder head. Ph. Vince 021 269 2820 or Naomi Please advise National Office of any 021 265 0600, email vinomi88@gmail.com changes of address or sales/purchases MEM FAR NORTH of vehicles. AUSTIN HEALEY 100/4 STEERING BOX a nd Email admin@vcc.org.nz or shaft (undamaged) with stator tube if possible. post details to VCCNZ, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 kruisn@icloud.com or Bryan on 021 855 225. MEM FAR NORTH.
UPDATE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS
COMMER KARRIER 1954, 1 4hp truck. Front wheel brake cylinder wanted. Ph Martin Gibbs, 021 186 5105, Levin MEM HOROWHENUA I’M LOOKING FOR the front indicator housings for a 1955 Buick Special. If you can help, please contact Kevin Casey on 03 453 0818 or caseyleadlights@xtra.co.nz MEM OTAGO
48 Beaded Wheels
1930 CHRYSLER 70 - 2 hubcaps to replace stolen ones as per photo - Bruce 027 2484 665 or email bruce3401@gmail.com MEM MANAWATU
MEMBERSHIP NUMBER
Please quote your membership number in any correspondence or phonecalls with National Office.
VCC.ORG.NZ
SWAP MEETS & RALLIES NORTH SHORE BRANCH VCCNZ
Open Day and Car Show
All vehicles entered in National And International Rallies must hold a current VehicIe Identity Card (VIC).
NORTHLAND BRANCH VCC
SWAP MEET 28 APRIL 2024
SUNDAY 21 APRIL 2024
HERITAGE PARK SH 14, MAUNU, WHANGAREI
Gates open 9.30 – 3.00
Entry $6 per person or passenger Gates open 8am Driver and display car free entry (stall holders setup from 5.30am) $10 for a stall VCC Parts Shed $25 for a commercial stall. Opens 9am Food and drink outlets on site
All members of VCC Branches and One-Make car clubs are cordially invited to join the North Shore Branch of the Vintage Car Club for:
Contact Peter Lovatt 021 193 0948.
Car Show Coffee Cart Tours of the restoration and storage sheds All day sausage sizzle – with real snarlers
Prizes
Masons Road, Albany
Just turn up at any time on Sunday, ideally in your club eligible vehicle, any time on Sunday 21 April
AWAT U CC MAN
BRANCH
LL A N TTHH NATTIIO A N O A N 2299
HOSTED
BY V
E L C Y C MOTOR Y RJAanLuLary 2025 7
25-2
5 MAY 2024 SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH VCC
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
NEW CONTACT FOR BOOKINGS
Saturday
6 APRIL 2024 NEW VENUE.
ORARI RACECOURSE (Site holders 7am) Public from 8.00am Held wet or fine
VCCNZ Ashburton Branch
SWAPMEET
Saturday 4 May 2024 National Rally Based out of Manawatu Branch Clubrooms Palmerston North
Followed by 4 days of Hub Tours 28 – 31 January
Entry Forms out in July 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 Beaded Wheels 49
LATEST CLUB INFORMATION
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The first quarter of 2024 is over but we still have plenty of motoring events planned before winter weather affects our motoring calendar. It was pleasing to see that while there is so much talk about our events getting smaller the National Veteran Rally followed by the Dunedin-Brighton had a record turnout. There were also 40 plus cars on the new Canterbury Branch Brooklands to Brighton run for vehicles over 100 years old. Our South Island motor racing events were all well supported with 30 cars entered in the Vintage Car Club class for the Skope Classic weekend in February. With the National South Island Easter Rally approaching I would like to remind members that a Vehicle Identity Card (VIC) is required for attending any National event. If yours has expired please allow plenty of time for the office to process your renewal. There is a process that must be followed and with close to 100 vehicles attending such events the office and Vehicle Technical Committee
cannot work though 50 renewals when they are left to the month prior. Reminders are sent out three months before your VIC expires so there is no excuse for leaving it to the last minute. As I write this we have just completed a very successful annual March Executive meeting in Christchurch. This was run more like a conference weekend with reports being presented, guest speakers and a dinner. Branch delegates attended from 27 of our 36 branches. The main topic under general business was our constitution and what structure our governing body will be managed under going forward. I am pleased to say that the majority of the branches had held discussions at local branch level prior to attending which allowed for greater participation and better feedback from members. As per the direction indicated from the workshops held at the Exec 2023 meeting a vote for change was agreed on. This now gives us the mandate to make changes to our constitution to
allow for this. This is not such a scary process as the majority of our constitution will not need to be altered and going forward it will allow branches to have a more regular input on what is happening at a national level through the new six Branch Representative positions being created. More details will be provided to make sure that each member is aware of what is changing and a first draft document will be presented at the next Executive meeting in August for branches to review and provide further feedback on. The Notice of Meeting for this years AGM to be held in Tauranga is opposite. Along with this is a notice for the election of officers for the Management Committee. With so many new committee members appointed last year it would be fair to say that we are just getting our feet under the table seven months on and as such all the current committee are standing again. We still have a vacancy for a Secretary/Treasurer position that has been unfilled for the past two years. We are very fortunate
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
Andy Fox 03 314 3763
Murray Trounson 03 339 8830 mgmt3@vcc.org.nz
NATIONAL OFFICE NEWS
a request for nominations for the Management Committee positions.
Office Hours Monday to Friday 9.30am to 1.30pm.
JOHN L GODDARD TROPHY NOMINATIONS
admin@vcc.org.nz DELAYED PROCESSING TIME FOR VICS
DOMAS/VIC applications and renewals continue to arrive at National Office in their droves, resulting in our processing times remaining around 4-6 weeks from receipt of the completed application at National Office. If you are planning to attend
50 Beaded Wheels
Linda Duffell
Karen Proctor
Office Administrator
Committee Liaison Officer
an event that requires a VIC please ensure that you send applications or submit your VIC renewal to National Office at least three months prior to the event. NOTICE OF AGM
On page 51 you will find a Notice of the AGM along with
On page 51 you will find a notice calling for nominations for the John L Goddard Trophy. More information is available in the Club Manual, which your local Branch will have available. UNKNOWN BANKINGS
National Office has received several deposits with either insufficient information to enable us to allocate them to members accounts or payments
to have Linda in our National Office as a qualified accountant so the emphasis for this role is more based around a secretary position. I am pleased to say that the survey circulated re the 2026 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring has shown that over 600 members are keen to attend. This has provided the organising team with numbers to plan around. It is encouraging that we have so many members who want to get out and enjoy a weeks motoring and socialising with like-minded club members. A big thank you to all who participated in this. Can we now ask you to register your interest on the website so that you can be provided with regular updated and entry forms when they are available.
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
from members for rallies/branch events. We would love to be able to apply these payments to the correct members/branches. Please contact National Office with details of the payment made if you suspect that a payment you have made has not been allocated correctly. 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.
NOTICE OF MEETING The Vintage Car Club Of New Zealand Incorporated National Office: PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Telephone: 03 366 4461
The Annual General Meeting of the Club will be held on Saturday, 10 August 2024 at Hotel Armitage & Conference Centre, 9 Willow Street, Tauranga, commencing at 9.00am. Rule 8: ELECTION OF OFFICERS Nominations for the Management Committee must be received in this office by 5pm 15 June 2024 accompanied by a current biography and photograph of the nominee and their association with the Club. The biography shall contain the name, address and occupation of members nominated for each position. Not less than 75 clear days before the Annual General Meeting the Management Committee shall cause notice to be given to all members intimating the date for closing nominations for the offices of:
President Club Captain – Northern Region Club Captain – Southern Region Secretary/Treasurer Beaded Wheels Editor Registrar Speed Steward Three Other Members of the Management Committee
nominator and seconder. Only a Member who has served at least one year upon the Executive of the Club shall hold the Office of President. Members shall be eligible for election to the Management Committee if they shall have paid all monies due by them to the Club and have been financial Members of the Club for at least six months prior to nomination. If the number of candidates for the Management Committee exceeds the number of respective vacancies to be filled, an election shall take place. Job descriptions are in the Club Manual. Contact your Branch Secretary or National Office.
and shall invite nominations for such offices to be forwarded in writing to the Secretary/Treasurer to arrive not less than fifty-five clear days before the date appointed for the Annual General Meeting. Every such nomination to be signed by the Member nominated, their
MANAGEMENT C OMMITTEE 2023-2024 PRESENT OFFICERS PRESIDENT HON. SECRETARY/TREASURER
G Kear (vacant)
CLUB CAPTAINS – NORTHERN REGION SOUTHERN REGION
G Clements M Wilkinson
REGISTRAR SPEED STEWARD BEADED WHEELS EDITOR
N Beckenham R Sanders K Clarkson
THREE OTHER MEMBERS OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
A Fox, R George, M Trounson
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
AWARDS Congratulations to the following members who have recently been awarded their 50 and 60 Year Awards.
Maurice Wasley Trevor Harris Cameron Keown Peter Hutton John Hood
Earl Preston Colin Winter
50 YEAR
60 YEAR
Manawatu Marlborough Marlborough Taranaki Taranaki
Marlborough Otago
JOHN L GODDARD TROPHY FOR ACHIEVEMENT
Members of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand are invited to nominate a fellow member for this annual award. The nomination should be for any member who they regard as having been involved in a significant achievement. It may be a particularly significant restoration, a memorable motoring journey or an important historical article or series of articles published in Beaded Wheels or some special service to the Club. Nominations should be forwarded to: John L Goddard Award, Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140.
NOMINATIONS CLOSE 5 JULY 2024 HELP US TO HELP YOU Please include your membership number in all communications with National Office including payments to the National Office bank account. This can be found on your membership card in the top right-hand corner.
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
Beaded Wheels 51
NELSON 15–21 MARCH 2026
CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 77 YEARS
CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 77 YEARS
CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 77 YEARS
Beaded Wheels
No. 382 June/July 2023
Beaded Wheels
No. 380 February/March 2023
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FESTIVAL UPDATE Like Taranaki in 2022, the 2026 Vero Festival Committee’s aim is to attract a minimum of 10 percent of our members to enter — on our current membership, 845 entries. You will have all by now received the emailed national survey request, along with National President George Kear’s Beaded Wheels follow up asking you to complete the survey if planning to attend. Initial responses are indeed encouraging with nearly 8% of our membership responding affirmatively to planned attendance at the 2026 festival. The information received is extremely valuable in furthering the next phases of our planning. Along with the survey data, our respondents have not only offered well received words of encouragement but also suggestions and preferences they feel could add to the festival’s attraction. The organising committee has taken these on board and will endeavour to accommodate as many of these suggestions as possible. Fifty years on, a common thread has been — can we capture some of the essence of the 1972 13th International — we can make no promises, but we will certainly give it a damn good try!
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FESTIVAL WEBSITE Our website, – historicmotoring.org.nz – is now live with further pages being added over the next month or so. Please log on and register your interest to receive regular updates and news about the 2026 Vero IFHM. The website has links to the following: Vero IFHM facebook page, Nelson Branch VCC, Nelson Visitor Centre, VCC National Website, Nelson Branch VCC Instagram Site, VCC Ferry Deals.
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ACCOMMODATION Whilst the Festival committee will not be directly involved in accommodation bookings (these will be the entrants responsibility) we will however be working to provide a accommodation list and are in discussions with a group of preferred accommodation providers. Ray Robertson, Festival Director 52 Beaded Wheels
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DRIVING OUR HISTORY
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Beaded Wheels 53
BRANCH NEWS
Ashburton: Branch secretary Colin Sweetman (right) Aimee Cosgrove Cancer Society (center), Renier Matthee (left) handover the donation from the car show
ASHBURTON
Ashburton: Branch Patron Diana Ross presenting David Cornelius with his 35 year badge.
Auckland: Vincent at Peter Alderdice home.
Auckland: Humber
54 Beaded Wheels
TREVOR BEGG
We welcome two new members: Brian Richardson with a 1974 MGB GT and a 1979 Toyota Prado; Ron Cross with 1970 Valiant hardtop and 1975 Triumph 2.5PI. On our New Year’s Day run branch Patron Diane Ross presented David Cornelius with his 35 year badge. Our Annual Rally had a good turnout with Michael and Judy Kingsbury taking overall honours. We held a car show at the VTNZ yard on a Sunday in February. This was sponsored by VTNZ, with the proceeds of just over $1000 going to the Ashburton Branch of the Cancer Society. There were 100 vehicles from veterans to moderns as well as a fire ladder truck on display, and many spectators came along to have a look. The Chairman’s Run held on 18 February attracted 25 vehicles on a run to the Mount Somers area. Things have been busy in our Parts Shed with good sales most months, and reasonable numbers coming along for a catch up and a yarn. More shelving has been installed and a lot of parts have been tidied up. A lot of parts have been donated by members and non-members, including quite a lot of Model T parts from long standing Ashburton member Kevyn Begg. Many thanks to Kevyn’s family for these parts. Our condolences go to the family of Ted Allen. Ted gifted a very large model
toy collection with display cabinets to the branch 18 months ago.
AUCKLAND
JOHN STOKES
Just under 100 cars and motorcycles attended the New Year’s Day run to Kaiaua. About two weeks later a successful motorcycle tour went to Peter Alderdice’s home where the rare Militaire motorcycle engine was started up. A beautifully restored Vincent was also on display. In February the motorcycle section heard Tim Gilbert speak about his sidecar racing while his BSA A10 and chair were on display. Roslyn Lowe has bought a 1933 Austin Seven box saloon. Norm and Pat Dewhurst had a successful trip to the National Vintage Rally, the 1925 Essex roadster taking the Age Mileage trophy. John Towers is making good progress with his 1925 Humber which will be restored as a survivor car. John has researched a bit of its history and found that the original owner, a lady, wouldn’t pay the extra money required for the option of front wheel brakes. Turnout was down on the branch veteran run because it would have clashed with a major Model T event. The 12 entrants and 11 starters toured the back blocks of the Franklin district. The long route was won by John and Janice Gardner in the Roy Sharman 1915 Talbot, while the short route was won by the branch Renault Charabanc.
In conjunction with HCCNZ 12 members displayed veteran vehicles at the annual Ellerslie Concours. The most interesting vehicle in this display was David Porter’s newly restored 1902 Locomobile steamer. David has owned the car since 1970, having bought it from the grandson of the original owner, Mr Allen. David is still researching the car and would like information on its early history.
BANKS PENINSULA DON GERRARD We welcome new members: Hayden Crocker with ‘72 Datsun coupe, ’66 Prince B200, ’92 Nissan Centra; Peggy Barrett with ‘70 Cortina GTE, ‘77 Datsun 120Y SSS; Stu Barclay with ‘39 Austin 7 Ruby, ‘55 Morgan Plus 4, ‘77 Mini Clubman,’74 Hillman Avenger. January is Pomeroy Trophy month and this hugely popular event this year attracted 45 competitors. In play were a vast array of interesting machinery, from various models of the ‘big cat’ family to a ‘65 Pontiac Bonneville and almost everything in between, including a rare DKW and a DeLorean. The usual series of tests again proved popular, only catching out a few overzealous entrants, with Craig Pidgeon taking overall honours in his Sunbeam Lotus. Class B went to Paul McCulla’s Peugeot 205GTI, and the Sharp Family Spirit of the Day Award went to Jeremy Evans in his ‘59 Bentley SI. Classic racing is covered in Rally Snippets.
BAY OF PLENTY
KAAREN SMYLIE
Last year wound up with our annual restoration award, and this year the winner was a 1939 MG TB owned by Rob and Lyn Douglas of Katikati. Runner up was the 1969 Riley Elf MK III of Donn White. This car featured prominently in the recent Mini Nationals staged in Nelson. John Bauer has recently completed building a McGregor Clubman 7 car, and he brought the vehicle along to a recent club night to show us and gave a talk covering technical aspects of the build, including details of the various challenges that he faced. We were very impressed with his engineering skills and the superb end result. Sadly we have had no fewer than six members pass away recently. These people can never be truly replaced but their passing rams home the fact that we, like
Banks Peninsula: Pomeroy Trophy - always a good test of braking ability! Photo John McDonald.
Banks Peninsula: A rare sight - the lovely DKW of David Whitfield at the Pomeroy. Photo John McDonald.
Banks Peninsula: The ‘Aircraft Carrier’ of Harry Dawber hit 115mph in the Pomeroy Trophy. Photo John McDonald.
Banks Peninsula: The Citroen CX GTi Turbo 2 of Michael Williams working the suspension hard. Photo John McDonald.
Auckland: David Porter’s Locomobile 1902.
Beaded Wheels 55
Bay of Plenty: Restoration Awards Runner Up was the 1969 Riley Elf from Donn White’s Mini collection. Donn White Photo Bay of Plenty: New member John Bauer brought along his recently completed McGregor Clubman 7 to club night. John did most of the work on the car himself. Deidre Rennie Photo
CANTERBURY
Bay of Plenty: The winning car at the recent Restoration Awards - the 1939 MG TB belonging to Rob and Lyn Douglas getting the once over from judges Alistair Jones and Ron Elton. Donn White Photo Canterbury: Kevin and Canterbury: Shona Clarkson, Overall Lunch stop in Winner of the Branch Oxford. Annual Rally.
Canterbury: Lunch stop in Oxford on the Canterbury Branch Annual Rally.
Canterbury: Pegasus Town picnic in January.
56 Beaded Wheels
any other VCC branch, need to be mindful concerning recruitment of new members. Tauranga, as many readers will know, is still a desirable retirement venue and we are fortunate to inherit members from other branches. Other people also join up here after retiring as they figure that they have a little more time on their hands. Our committee is aware that there are a number of people in our catchment aged in their 30s and 40s who are interested in motor vehicles. Often these people happen to be the sons, daughters, or friends of our existing fraternity. We are also very much aware that we have to sustain a VCC branch that has appeal to these potential members, who in the main have an interest in Japanese and muscle cars from the 1980s and 1990s.
COLIN HEY
We’ve been enjoying summer events since Christmas, starting with the Boxing Day run to the nearby Groynes Reserve. Perfect weather made consuming the Christmas leftovers in the company of good friends a real treat. This year our formal branch Picnic Run in early January was held at Pegasus Town (20km north of the city) where we joined the with the Pegasus Radio Sailing Club, which ran a regatta on the artificial lake which is a feature of the town. A great turnout of 75 cars and a couple of motorcycles assembled at the “beach” at one end of the lake on a stunning day to watch the regatta and to provide a public car display that was well received by the community. Many also took the opportunity to have a hands-on experience sailing model yachts. Our Branch Annual Rally was held on 24 and 25 February, and with nearly 80 entries the organisers and helpers were kept very busy. The rally was run on the Saturday and took everyone to the Oxford Museum and art gallery after visiting a very keen Ford Falcon collector on the way. Field tests were held at Cutler Park on the Sunday, and the 25 trophies were awarded after a very nice lunch in the clubrooms. Beaded Wheels Editor Kevin Clarkson and wife Shona were the overall winners with their Rover P6 3500. I hope he thinks it’s appropriate to publish a photo of his own efforts in this issue of Beaded Wheels! (Ed note: The editorial team thought it was entirely appropriate).
CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY
HEATHER CHEER
At the well-attended Christmas dinner at Oruawharo homestead, VCC Past President Diane Quarrie presented Long Service Awards and Central Hawke’s Bay Branch plaques to the following members: Bruce Poole - 60 years, Hank Hurley - 50 years, Rod McKenzie - 50 years, Neil Cox - 50 years, Ian Franklin - 35 years, Tony Prebensen - 35 years. Congratulations on your dedication to vintage motoring. Seven members attended the Gumboot Rally in Taihape at New Year, reporting back that a great time was had by all. The January beach run to Shoal Beach was enjoyed by those able to go. The following day several members attended the Wheels With Attitude event in Dannevirke. Several members took part in Napier’s Art Deco, with two cruise ships helping swell the numbers who enjoyed the vintage car parade. February was our gymkhana day held at the Elsthorpe Domain, put together by Seton Thomsen and Ian Gollan. It was a very enjoyable, fun day which was well attended. Three activities in the morning, then it was a lunch break, followed by great fun in the afternoon’s challenges. Cones were placed around the paddock and blindfolded drivers had to negotiate the course aided by their passengers’ directions with the aim of not hitting the cones. This was hilarious, with Sandra and Lynn Cross performing a 360 which was the highlight of the day. Winners overall were Barry and Lyn Smales. It appears that no divorces resulted.
CENTRAL OTAGO
DON YEAMAN
The New Year started off well with our annual swap meet in January. The past few years we have, together with the local Alpine Street Machines Club, held this swap meet on the day following the very successful Cromwell Classic Car and Hot Rod Festival. This has proved to be quite a successful format. There was a good turnout of vendors selling a large selection of parts and other motoring paraphernalia, and of course our parts sheds were open. We were very happy with the results. Our first mid-week run for the year on 22 February was over to Arrowtown, where 30 odd members met at St John’s Church to learn about the Baskets of Blessings. This is a Charitable Trust run by volunteers who make up and deliver meals, food parcels and gift baskets to locals who are
Central Otago: Karl Wood’s 1905 AO De Dion (photo by Murray Pryde).
Central Otago: Karl Wood’s 1905 AO De Dion (photo by Murray Pryde).
EBOP: East Coast Rally – Wolseley, Landcruiser, Chev Apache, SUV, MkI Zephyr all set to go.
struggling from unexpected life predicaments. After lunch at the Hole in One Café at Millbrook Resort, where everything was being spruced up in preparation for the New Zealand Golf Open, the group continued on to Karl Wood’s place to view his significant collection of veteran cars and motorcycles. I was unable to attend this run but by comments that were passed on to me and a report by our Past Chairman Noel Hassad, everyone was extremely impressed by the collection. Included in it were three pre 1910 Rovers, a 1913 Humberette and two De Dion Boutons, one of these had apparently been in the same family for about 118 years before Karl obtained it.
Central Otago: Swap Meet January 2024.
EBOP: East Coast Rally – Vincent Comet. One of four bikes on the rally.
EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY
BRUCE SEDDON
Our annual East Coast Rally was on the first Saturday in February, and it was a pleasure to enter the car park at our base and encounter little space left for late comers. It was great to have rally entries of more than 40 cars again after several years of light attendances. There was a real buzz in the hall before departure, and support was well spread between local and visiting branch members. Participants had a choice of a cleverly crafted competitive set of instructions and questions, or more relaxed touring directions. Both presented the area’s scenic beauty to best advantage, sending cars, motorcycles, and trucks around the Coastlands suburb, to Whakatane’s waterfront, through town, uphill behind town, on to Kohi Point scenic reserve (which affords spectacular
Beaded Wheels 57
EBOP: East Coast Rally – a full carpark.
Far North: Cars and people assembled for Kaeo run.
Far North: Trucks from Kaeo run.
Gisborne: Three Rivers Rally entrants; 1930 Ford Model A Sedan, Gavin and Deanne Bartlett; 1955 Riley Pathfinder, Ron and Dorothy Hopps; 1926 Chrysler, Roger and Marianne Gillingham.
views ranging 40km to west), south to Kawerau, north to islands in the Bay, then east towards Opotiki and beyond. The rest of the route then sent us around much of the area we had seen from above – Ohope, Ohiwa Harbour, Taneatua, then returned to our rally base on the west side of Whakatane. Overall winners of the rally were Gavin and Deanne Bartlett and their two young sons from Gisborne in their Model A. The bi-monthly breakfast meeting and car show at Thornton’s Bar and Eatery the day after our rally was well attended by VCC cars and classics out to enjoy the sun. Eastern BOP members were successful in the Whanganui Rally – Peter and Robyn Hadley 1st in class and first overall in their 1948 Ford jailbar truck, Steve and Joy Growden first in P80 class.
58 Beaded Wheels
Gisborne: Three Rivers Rally: 1977 Triumph Spitfire, Steve and Lesley McCann, EBOP; 1974 Ford Capri, Les and Gail Costar, EBOP; 1959 Ford Zephyr, Phil and Margaret Leaming, EBOP.
FAR NORTH
MURRAY CORMACK
Our Branch was very saddened by the recent passing of two members, George Richardson and Trevor Kotlowski. Both had been enthusiastic supporters. Three events in January saw our members active. We joined our local hot-rod club for their annual Show and Shine at Taipa, a great day for all car enthusiasts. The annual beach picnic was once again at Ruth’s Beach and enjoyed by a good number of us, despite some strong winds testing the sturdiness of our gazebo. The monthly Caffeine ’n’ Classics at Taipa was well supported with a great turn-out of vehicles. February saw a sizable number of members and guests treated to a run based around Kaeo before heading to Whangaroa Sports Fishing Club for lunch. Then it was back to Kaeo to coincide with the arrival of a number of vintage trucks celebrating 100
years of truck transport in the Far North. Our local members Terry Rogers and John McGee were resplendent with their 1933 Fargo, as well as a 1956 A5 Bedford with a 1970 TK Bedford as a stable mate. It was pleasing to see these vehicles displayed as part of our activities, as vintage trucks are often not fully appreciated in our motoring history. We wish club stalwarts Warwick and Penny Woollams all the best with their relocation to the Waipu area from their Kerikeri kiwifruit property.
GISBORNE
RODNEY CLAGUE
January 28 saw a display of eight branch vehicles at a live day at the East Coast Museum of Technology, including the Carlton car and the branch Morris commercial truck. Will Coop added to the display with one of his collection of National
stationary engines, while Phil Dodds offered children rides on his military BMW motorcycle and sidecar. Altogether a good day, with several people dropping in for a chat about the Carlton car. February 3 saw three cars attend the East Coast Rally in Whakatane, while Graeme Revell continued on to Hamilton to attend the KW100 show at Mystery Creek where over 800 Kenworths were on display. Whakatane has a myriad of roads to rally on, and we found ourselves visiting Opotiki, Kutarere, Taneatua, Waimana and other places, with lunch at the Nukuhou hall. As always a scrumptious dinner was served before the prizegiving, at which Gisborne’s Gavin and Deanne Bartlett and family won the vintage class in their 1930 Ford A Town sedan. The biggest news was left to last when Gavin and Deanne were declared the overall winners of the rally. The following weekend saw 16 entries in our 13th annual Three Rivers Rally, this year organised by Tony Bartlett. Named the Tahunga Tee-Off, the run initially took us around the outskirts of the district before heading via Pehiri to the Tahunga Golf Club for the lunch break. Cyclone Gabrielle had done a lot of damage to some
of the roads, with many potholes, especially on the gravel sections. After lunch Gordon O’Neill set up a “putting green” at the rear of the parked vehicles — the grass had been mown, but not up to putting green standards (at least there were no cow pats on it), so a tennis ball was used instead of a golf ball. At the prizegiving dinner Gavin and Deanne Bartlett again won the vintage section in the Model A and were declared as overall winners of the rally. Phil and Margaret Leaming (Whakatane) won the Post War and P60 class in their 1959 Ford Zephyr, Colleen Williams and Lynsey Bartlett won the P80 class in a 1992 Toyota. Another successful weekend.
GORE
BILL SHEDDAN
Inclement weather put paid to a good turnout for the Rod Bell-organised Picnic Run, however 11 cars and 22 hardy souls enjoyed the January event. After a drive around Gore’s scenic hinterland, the shortened run finished at the clubrooms for lunch and the judging of the Christmas quiz, with David North having the most correct answers.
Gore: Evan Henderson receiving prize for overall winner, Gore Festival Rally. Gore: Mini Clubman getting wet while owner Gil Edmunds shelters during lunch stop at Wyndham.
Lunch at the Riverton Lodge Hotel followed by a return visit to Riverton’s museum (Te Hikoi), took care of January’s Tuesday Ramble. With the ever-changing exhibits and promotions, the museum is always interesting and worthwhile to visit. Thirty-eight cars attended the branch’s annual Festival Rally, with 17 of them belonging to neighbouring clubs. Overcast conditions with a bit of drizzle didn’t detract from an enjoyable meandering drive to the Wyndham Reserve where we participated in the field tests prior to lunch. About half-way between Gore and Wyndham is the first stage of a consented 83-turbine wind farm. This, currently consisting of 10 turbines and opened in November last year, was the optional destination on our return to the clubrooms. Closer to the wind farm the last 20 miles or so was a narrow and twisting gravel road with lots of blind corners. Interesting until a few others and I encountered a milk tanker going in the opposite direction. Scary, but worth it because after the steep climb to the turbines the view up the valley to Gore was impressive.
Far North: 1933 Fargo at home in Kaeo with John and Terry. Gore: The Alvis drop head coupe of Katie and John Parish.
Beaded Wheels 59
Hawke’s Bay: Craig Morgan winner of best dressed young man.
Hawke’s Bay: Art Deco Street Parade.
Manawatu: Veteran Rally cars parked up at Harrisville speedway while the crews take a break for lunch.
Prize-giving preceded the evening meal with Evan Henderson taking out the prize for overall winner.
HAWKE’S BAY
ESTHER SMITH
As I write this many of our members are coming down from a high as we recover from the Art Deco effect. The 120 entrants to our Art Deco Rally came determined to enjoy themselves and they had a blast. It was a great event that the branch can be very proud of having organised so well. The wider Art Deco Festival was also back and locals and visitors turned out in their thousands to watch the 200 strong car parade through Napier on the Saturday morning. The cars in the parade were led by this year’s feature Marque, MG, later displayed near the Soundshell, while the rest were parked in the surrounding cordoned off streets. An incomparable display of pre 1945 vehicles literally sparkling in the Hawke’s Bay sunshine, while their occupants picnicked along the
60 Beaded Wheels
Hawke’s Bay: Cars ready to start the Art Deco Rally.
Horowhenua: Mark Morgan’s Chev parading.
Horowhenua: Shannon Car Show.
foreshore or frequented the local eateries. Steve and Sue Keys’ 1938 Diamond T Texaco tanker was on display as were two fire appliances that were on the scene during the 1931 earthquake. They were a Dennis N Type fire engine (currently based in Hamilton) and a 1923 Dennis fire appliance restored by a local Hastings Trust. Visitors come from around the country and the world, a few by chance - but for others it’s a pilgrimage. I talked to one man who was almost overwhelmed with delight over the vehicles on display. Our next big branch event is our Back-toBasics swap meet on Sunday 5 May, and in the meantime there are many club events and runs for members to participate in.
HOROWHENUA
BRUCE JAMIESON
Early in the year we took part in the Grand Parade at the AP&I Show in Levin. We were not there to dominate proceedings, but with 11 cars and one motorcycle we showed a good representation of the
kind of vehicles in our club, and we led in about 30 trucks, 100 tractors and 500 livestock around the arena. One of our big events is the Tararua Trundle, and it was very well supported. The route incorporated some minor gravel roads which most of the entrants would not have travelled on before. Gale force winds on the way, but we finished at a lovely sheltered garden near Feilding. Recently we had a club display at the Shannon Car Show. This annual event is open to allcomers and fills the rugby ground as well as the streets around with all manner of interesting vehicles. We were not involved with managing the parking this year, but our display drew a lot of interest from members of the public.
MANAWATU
BRYAN ABRAHAM
January was a quiet month, but early February enticed some 20 vehicles to Feilding for the monthly Sunday Jaunt,
Nelson : Checking out the depths of St Ronan’s Well on the Rainbow Station during the Coast 2 Coast.
Nelson: New roof on the outdoor area, Nelson clubeoom.
which ended back at the clubrooms for a social afternoon and BYO tea. Then mid-February we held our Veteran and Two Wheel Brake rally. Thirteen entrants, including one from Nelson, had a gentle run from the clubrooms north to Sanson for a stop at the Woolshed Café and to check out the heritage trail, which is made up of seven heritage houses from different decades up to the 1960s - all set up and furnished sympathetically to their era. Then it was back on the road for a short drive to Harrisville Speedway near Bulls where participants settled down for lunch before exploring the private museum and taking their cars for a few laps on the speedway track. Branch member Roger Broadbent was the speaker at club night in February. He spoke about his 50+ years in the medical profession - from a student through to being a ship’s doctor through to plastic surgery. The nearly 40 members who
s Marlborough: Avon Valley.
turned up for club night were keen to hear him speak on his career and they were not disappointed.
MARLBOROUGH
LINDA LAING
January’s trip up into the Avon Valley to visit a member’s property was an enjoyable day out in the hills. The property owner set questions for us to answer on the way up to the valley, and a much talked about competition of guessing the use of historical artefacts kept us all busy once we got there. After being given an interesting outline on the history of his property and the area, we enjoyed a good look around his sheds and collections. The National Vintage Rally kept us busy at the beginning of February (see separate report for details). Andy Fox from the VCC Management Committee presented Trevor Harris and Cam Keown their 50 year awards during the Rally.
s Marlborough: Cam Keown receiving his 50 year award.
Heritage Day was held at the same time as the Rally and was well attended by local members. Once again we saw a good turnout of motorcycles.
NELSON
RAY ROBERTSON
Over the January/February period our members have been scattered to every corner of New Zealand; taking part in the Skope at Ruapuna, the National Veteran and 70th Dunedin-Brighton, the National Model T Rally in Ohakune, the Manawatu Veteran Rally, Art Deco Napier, a couple of Regional A and P Shows, as well as our own branch Inaugural Rally the C2C or Coast to Coast. (See Rally Snippets). Adventures aside, a small team has finalised the next stage of our clubrooms improvement program, with the roof going on our outdoor area and doors being made and cut into the side of our new container.
s Marlborough: Fashion parade debutante, Chris Bird.
s Marlborough: Trevor Harris receiving his 50 year award.
Manawatu: Veteran Rally participants lining up on the Harrisville Speedway track before embarking on a few laps of the circuit.
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North Shore: Posh Picnic winner Chris and Rosalind Field and guests.
North Shore: Clive Sandham’s Singer 9 tourer with various tool in the background.
Two committees, the SI National Easter Rally and our annual Swap Meet, have continued to beaver away on their respective events. Sadly we have seen the passing of three long term members of the branch – Kathryn Hurley, Keith Burbidge and John King. We pass on our deepest sympathies to their families. On a brighter note, we welcome the following new members to the branch – Tony Yarral, Dainel Covington, Kate Cooper, John and Carolyn Bolland, Grant Morris, and Lloyd Reid.
NORTHLAND
RAY SANDERS
Northland Branch has had the privilege of lovely warm dry summer, which is a complete contrast to last year’s storms and cyclones. The Branch had no run in January, as this was the time for the annual clubrooms spring clean. They are used by other organisations, including for funeral gatherings and other functions, and we have to keep them in good condition, in spite of their 50 plus year age. Peter Lovatt, our hardworking hall custodian, appreciates the extra help and this year we had about 20 people helping. February saw a run to a member’s shed to see his varied collection of cars, including a 1939 Chevrolet coupe, Riley Kestrel, Riley Elf, Riley Pathfinder, Austin Ruby and a gaggle of Mercedes coupes. The early March outing was a grasskhana organised by club captain
Northland: Gymkhana.
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Roger Billing. It featured various driving tests, including reversing precision, slow driving, hoops on cones and ball-on-spoon. There was much hilarity and dust created, with Peter Meares being the eventual trophy winner for the day. The event attracted some younger members as well as the usual suspects, and the cars varied from a Ford Model Y special through to a 1958 Rolls-Royce. The co-driver in the Rolls was a small white dog who enjoyed doing the events as a distraction from getting excited about the rabbits which normally frequent the paddock. Long may the fine summer weather continue in Northland.
NORTH SHORE
RICHARD BAMPTON
The donation of a number of both machine tools and smaller hand tools by Clive Sandham has kept Clive and other members busy sorting and rearranging what we have already, and installing the new kit, which includes a bandsaw, pillar drill and a neat 3-in-one guillotine, folder and roller. The restoration shed is slowly becoming more orderly and organised as hand tools are categorised and either hung on shadow boards, put on shelves or, after members have ferreted through, dumped. Barry Dew continues to sort an ever increasing source of nuts and bolts and other fastenings – it is great to be able to find the nut or bolt you need. Although missing a few stalwarts who attended Napier’s Art Deco, the Posh
Northland: Working bee lunch.
North Shore: Stuart Battersby holding forth about Grandpa’s Ford Prefect.
Picnic attracted 16 cars, whose occupants arranged tables which groaned under the weight of delicious food. Mike Swanton (last year’s winner) organised a pleasant route through Albany, Redvale, Dairy Flat, Waitoki and Wainui which included a little gravel road, and ended under a huge and ancient Puriri tree on the rural property of Richard and Mary Lloyd. A close competition for the best table appropriate to the age of their car was won by Chris and Rosalind Field in their 1986 Mercedes 420SE. Interesting Wednesday evening talks by members continue with Stuart Battersby recounting the restoration of his grandfather’s 1956 Ford Prefect De Luxe. The brakes on the Chevrolet fire tender have, after several attempts, finally been made to work effectively and the Dennis fire pump is on its way to a new home in Dunedin.
OTAGO
MARION MCCONACHIE
As you will read elsewhere in this edition our branch had a very successful week of Veteran motoring during the National Veteran Rally incorporating the 70th Dunedin-Brighton Run barbeque and then the Prince Henry tour. During this event we also presented Colin Winter with his 60-year award. Well-deserved, as he continues to be actively involved with the veteran motoring section and other activities within the branch. The Jackson Rally was held the week before with about 30 cars in attendance. The entrants were given the option to
Northland: Gymkhana.
Otago: Colin Winter recieving his 60 year Award.
Otago: David Cunningham, Austin on the 2024 Jackson Rally.
Otago: Keith Heineman, Jackson Rally.
take either the top road or low road to Portobello, where they could stop to take in the views and an ice cream break. They returned via the low road to the clubrooms for afternoon tea. A highlight of the run was seeing most of the residents and staff of Marne Street Home and Hospital sitting out on the veranda in their chairs watching all our cars tooting and driving past. Our Thursday run in February saw four cars head to Lake Waihola for afternoon tea. We had the pleasure of watching a school group having kayaking instruction on a perfectly calm summers day. Some reminiscing of their boating experiences. At 5pm someone mentioned ‘greasies’ for tea. We enjoyed fish and chips by the lake before motoring home.
Glade just beyond the Mamaku hills on SH5. A good number of club members then drove on to Te Aroha to see a private collection of cars. All were in immaculate condition, registered and ready to use, and covered a very wide range, including pre-war Fiat Topolino and Lincoln-Zephyr V12, 1947 Cadillac coupe, BMW Isetta, 1968 Daimler, to name just a few, along with late model high-end sports cars. Club members dreamed, and one member’s wife was heard to comment on the refreshing change to see so many immaculate cars and not the often-seen “sheds full of junk!” The lesser-used Waikato back roads gave us very pleasant driving conditions, unlike the heavily trafficked SH5 with its poorly maintained and bumpy surfaces.
ROTORUA
RONALD MAYES
SOUTHLAND JENNIFER SYCAMORE
The branch’s 11th lakefront car show in January was held in fine conditions despite the forecast of afternoon rain. This may have held numbers attending down to 240 vehicles, but regular single-make clubs were there in force. The St John Ambulance Association had a display of their latest vehicles and the two classic ones – Dodge and Bedford CF ambulances from the 1960s and 1970s all the way from the Manawatu. Our February club night featured a presentation by Dennis Brown and Jen Cole of the first half of their Land Rover journey last year from the north to the south of Africa. The month’s club run was not so adventurous, but began in heavy rain from the starting point, the cafe in Fitzgerald
The inaugural combined Veteran and Vintage Rally held in early March started with 18 cars and travelled along roads that suited both styles of vehicles and the one motorcycle registered, a 1911 Abingdon King Dick owned by Ray McCulloch. The run finished at the Invercargill A&P Show where space was given for the vehicles to be on public view. The overall winner was Michael Rickerby in a 1931 Ford Model A tourer. Further results were: Ashley Bell driving 1912 Renault AX was First Veteran Road Section; Michael Rickerby in his Ford Model A tourer first in both Vintage Road Section and Vintage Field Test; concours
Rotorua: Lakefront show.
Rotorua: Lakefront show.
winners Paul Herron 1911 Ford Model T and Wayne Calderwood 1929 Hupmobile. The branch 1907 Darracq has had several outings, starting in both the National Veteran Rally and Brighton Run held recently in Dunedin, and participating in the charity event, Drive A Dream, along with the recent run with the Southland Veteran and Vintage Rally. Future runs scheduled under the combined format will be Post Vintage/Post War Rally and the Post War/Post 60/Post 80 Rallies will now be the P60/P80 Rally.
SOUTH CANTERBURY
SHANNON STEVENSON
The branch has been lucky that Timaru has been a regular stop for the cruise ships over the 2023-2024 summer season, as some passengers attended the branch’s Automotive Nostalgia events, held at the branch clubrooms on Redruth Street. Several members supported Banks Peninsula branch’s Pomeroy Event at Ruapuna on 10 January, the Waimate Branch Wallaby Rally and North Otago Branch’s All British Day. The Ladies Run took place on 28 January. Organised by the Munro family the run took participants via Pleasant Point and Raincliff to Witton Lodge at Geraldine – participants almost getting lost in the expansive grounds, and encountering around 20 eels at feeding time in the adjacent creek. The winner of the prize pinny was Barry Smith.
Southland: Combined Run.
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South Canterbury Branch Open Day: Lex Westoby shows visitors his longterm 1935 Alvis project .
Taranaki: Bill and Elinor Durling waiting to start in the 51st Waitara Mini Vin Tour and were entrants in the first tour held back in 1973.
Taranaki: First place winners of The Waitara Mini Vin Tour, Kevin and Christine Fabish with their 1929 Essex coupé and trophies.
The Open Day took place on 24 February with a number of visitors enthralled with the various cars and project vehicles on display. In late January we were saddened to hear about the passing of 50-year badge holder Lionel Suter.
SOUTH OTAGO
NOELINE MILNE
We welcome two new members, Tom Whiteside and Colin Moir, and look forward to seeing them joining in Club activities. Members have been out and about over the last few months. At the January meeting it was good to catch up with everyone again after the holidays. Member Owen Frew of Milton has recently passed away. He enjoyed club outings in his MkII Zephyr over the years. The National Veteran Rally vehicles made for a wonderful display at the Outram Domain, and several members took the opportunity to see them on a beautiful hot day. Other events have attracted our members including the Southland Rally, Edendale Crank Up, Wallaby Rally, Toko Car Show and British Euro Day. Six vehicles went to the well organised Gore Rally which gave us a good look through the countryside, arriving in Wyndham for the lunch stop. Several came home with placings. Wednesday Runs continue to bring folks out. The annual trip to Central Otago for fruit in February was popular, followed by a local resident’s collection of all sorts in March.
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South Canterbury Branch Open Day: Barry Smith’s 1927 Erskine 50, a vehicle he restored in the early 1970s.
TARANAKI
COLIN JOHNSTON
A very successful Posh Picnic/Motor Show was held in New Plymouth in January to raise money for the National Rally for Cancer event that was held by most branches in August last year. Our branch decided to hold off for the better weather in January. See report in Rally Snippets. At this Motor Show we were able to view an interesting new restoration of a Stanley steam car. It has been restored by member Peter George and the model is 1922, 740B Condensing Steam Car, Number 22362 which caused a lot of interest and admiration, with Peter giving us some fascinating facts. The car was manufactured in Newton, Massachusetts, USA. Another successful Waitara Mini Vin Tour Rally was held in Waitara with 22 vehicles taking part. This rally, which is in its 51st year, has always started and ended in Waitara, and has a very social atmosphere. The easily navigated course takes entrants around the township and out into Taranaki farmlands and along scenic high ridges with sweeping views of the coastline. Over the years the winner has been recorded on an honours board which hangs in the clubrooms and records the member and vehicle. It’s an interesting record of the vehicles once driven and owned by the winning member, with some still participating who were there on the first rally 51 years ago in 1973. The winners this year were Kevin and Christine Fabish in their 1929 Essex coupe. Second place went to Brian and Julie Evans
Taranaki: Grant Bishops 1925 Ford Model T and John Muter’s 1920 Dodge Brothers tourer at the start of 51st The Waitara Mini Vin Tour in Waitara.
Waikato: Veteran run.
(1965 Wolseley) and third place to Leigh and Graeme Buchanan (1983 Daimler.)
WAIKATO
ELLE TERRILL
We’ve had a quiet couple of months with the Christmas/New Year period and are now settling into our regular club nights and runs. The last of our 2023 activities included the Veteran run, with 11 cars travelling 50 miles in the morning with lunch at Otorohanga, followed by viewing a couple of very impressive private collections. The December club night was a potluck barbecue. We had a good turnout of members who enjoyed dinner followed by Christmas cake. Our first event for the year, Blue Smoke and Pedals was held in Cambridge on 7 January at one of our members houses, followed by a barbecue. Our second event for the year was held on 17 January at Karapiro Domain - it was a Wednesday Wander picnic with about 20 people in eight cars coming out despite the forecast of unfavourable weather. The Studebaker is coming along nicely, we’ve had a good team effort working on body alignments and now have the bonnet, radiator and front mud guards aligned. A sprinkling of Waikato members attended Art Deco, participating in the parade, wearing period correct attire and honouring the commemorations and the resilience of the Hawke’s Bay community following the 1931 earthquake. This was particularly important this year given the
three-year hiatus due to covid and cyclone Gabrielle.
got to ride on the train pulled by a diesel shunting locomotive.
WAITEMATA
WANGANUI
ROB CHAPMAN
IAN HIGGINS
Our first event of the year started with the Lochinver Run, which is a weekend away. The club has invited other branches and clubs to join us over the years, and this year it was the turn of the Vintage Austin car club. The group travelled across Lochinver Station to an isolated Maori land block, Wiremu Rahui, having crossed several fords and narrow passes on the way. Real country 1920s motoring. On arrival they were welcomed by Tom and Elizabeth who run Kai Waho, their tour company. Everyone enjoyed the great hospitality and local knowledge passed on to the group by the hosts, and were touched by the beauty of the place. Our Steam Train Run to Glen Afton
Over recent times a father and son combo of Scott and Jack Bullock, Robert Baines, and Hinemoa Ransom-Boyd, have all opened their garage doors to display their prized vehicles and to share with our members, through the Rivet newsletters, their motoring backgrounds leading up to membership of the VCC. It is so pleasing for us to welcome son Jack into our movement, as he has quite recently left his school behind him and joined the workforce. He has already restored a 1965 Triumph Herald and is currently working on a 1988 Hi Lux 4x4. Father Scott has a rare 1959 Triumph Herald coupe and a tough old original 1946 Chev pickup.
was well supported. West of Huntly a Bush Tramway Club runs 5.4 km of track and normally a steam engine. Unfortunately, because of the fire risk over summer and a bush fire the previous year, the steam train could not be run. However this was not a disappointment to the grandchildren brought along by members as they still
Robert Baines is a Taihape identity who owns and operates a busy garage. He has a long history of Wanganui Branch membership, and is a former committee member, including having been Club Captain. It is quite a distance to travel from Taihape, which is part of our branch, to Wanganui. This does not deter Robert even though he is in a wheelchair, the result of a horrific
Wellington: The Three Stooges about to hit the wet roads on the 1926 Harley-Davidson Big Twin and boat-shaped sidecar. How appropriate! Photo: Peter Simpson
Wellington: Willie James (Masterton) considering the possible need for his diving equipment as well as the wet-weather gear. Photo: Peter Simpson
workshop accident years ago. Robert has restored many vehicles, several of which he still has. Currently he is restoring a 1956 Thunderbird with hand controls. This man is a legend. Robert also runs the annual Taihape Gumboot Rally on New Year’s Day. Always a mixture of seal and gravel roads which meander around the Taihape district, with breathtaking high-country views that seem like a step back in time. Hinemoa Ransom-Boyd was married to the late Ed Boyd, a man very well known in VCC circles. Hinemoa has stamped her own mark both into her well-known Whanganui printing business, H&A Print, and to the Boyd Autobarn, a Whanganui motoring museum. She is an inspiring person and a real asset to our branch. The revamped Autobarn is chock full of desirable cars and memorabilia. A fitting tribute to the memory of the late Ed Boyd. Our branch is in fine fettle with regular monthly meetings and Sunday runs. There is a report of our annual Burma Rally in this edition of Beaded Wheels.
WELLINGTON
JOHN STOKES
You can’t beat Wellington on a good day. The year began, funnily enough, on New Year’s Day when around 30 members
Wellington: Model T Men, mid-week at Raumati – Brian Ward (left), Alan Mayo with Alan’s 1926 Ford Model T coupe. Photo: John Stokes Wanganui: Hinemoa’s favourite rally car, a pristine Vauxhall VX 490.
Wanganui: Hinemoa at the Autobarn entrance. Lovely picture of her late husband, Ed Boyd, beside her.
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Wellsford: Swapmeet on 24 February.
Wellsford: Swapmeet on 24 February.
arrived at Te Haukaretu Park at Brown Owl (that curiously named suburb of Upper Hutt) in cars of various ages, mostly old, to enjoy bright sunshine, good company, and a picnic lunch under the shade of the Phoenix palms. Conviviality at its finest and Welly weather at its best. At the other end of January, 41 entrants turned out from all over the country on their bikes for the Biennial Motorcycle Rally. What fabulous weather for dedicated bikies. That morning rain bucketed down from the cloudy sky to test participants’ riding skills on the old twisty Akatarawa Road to Queen Elizabeth Park at Kapiti. In spite of the summery temperatures, no-one had a swim in Kapiti because (as I understand it) they were wet enough. It just shows that you can’t beat Wellington on a good day. The accompanying photos tell a thousand words. Wellington’s great days of summer continued with the sun shining down again upon the annual British and European Car Day at Trentham Memorial Park. There the marque of choice was MG, marking the centenary of that brand, and almost 100 examples were on show. While not a VCC event, the other standout that day came from VCC members attending. Hence the mention. It was a fabulous day.
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.
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The end of February, and time to run the first Kapiti Mid-Week Run for 2024. This was to the Ward homestead, right beside the seaside overlooking Raumati. Thus, our summer continued much as it began – old cars, a barbecue lunch, great company and, of course…. well, you can’t beat Wellington on a good day.
WELLSFORD-WARKWORTH
CHRIS HARVEY
January is always a slow month for us with just a beach picnic and a Club Night dinner. It was rescued from being a carless month at a late stage by a fundraising event on Saturday 27th - Brave the Shave at Leigh. The Warkworth and Wellsford contingents met at a coffee shop at the northern end of Matakana Valley Road for a bite before setting off south and over the Matakana Hill to display on the Leigh School field. You need a reliable engine for the climb and - even more so - reliable brakes for the descent of this monster hill. One of our members and another Leigh local submitted to having their beards shaved and their hair cut short after many years of avoiding scissors, contributing towards the $37,000 raised for the local Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Easton, Rob Manawatu Johnston, Eric Ashburton King, John Nelson Scampton, Ray Northland Suter, Lionel South Canterbury Thompson, Barbara Central Otago White, Noel Central Otago Walker, Graeme Bay of Plenty Wilson, Jim Southland
On Sunday 18 February there was a good turnout of members for a run to the Whangarei Heritage Park which was holding an Open Day. Apart from cars on display, there was all manner of interesting equipment to see - agricultural, medical, astronomical, and more. A pedal-powered merry-go-round showed admirable concern for combatting climate change whilst also giving the cycler a good workout. Saturday 24 February was a beautiful sunny day for our swap meet. Numbers were up on last year when it rained, but we have a way to go to get back to pre-covid levels and the punters were not buying much from the stalls, perhaps a sign of the times.
Wellsford: Swapmeet on 24 February.
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