Southland VCC March 2017

March 2017

Southland Branch - Vintage Car Club of NZ Inc. PO Box 1240, Invercargill 9840

Next Meeting: Ariki Lodge, 46 Ariki Ave, Otatara 7:30pm Thursday, 30th March, 2017

9

12

Rumour

March 2017 November 2004

1

Office Bearers 2016/2017 215 7136 217 9393 217 9667 southland@vcc.org.nz Treasurer Sheryn Warren 2170524 Club Captain Brian Dunick 218 2434 Bulletin Editor Dave Harris 215 6068 or 0272016722 dcharris@southnet.co.nz Southland Branch website www.sporty.co.nz/southlandvintagecar VCC website www.vcc.org.nz VCC forum www.trash.co.nz/vccbb

Patron Chairman Secretary

Wayne Nicoll Donald Ward Janet McCulloch

Social Roster Bar Duty

Bar Open 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm

25.03.2017 01.04.2017 08.04.2017 15.04.2017 22.04.2017 29.04.2017 06.05.2017 13.05.2017

2

Tony Warren Trevor Wilkey Lex Simpson Brian Dunick Ron Irwin Russell Jenkins Peter Pryde Tony Warren

March 2017

Rumour

From the Editor I am preparing this Rumour early as I am off on holiday to Australia with my brother. We will be going to both the Phillip Island Historic Motor Race Meeting and the Australian F1 Grand Prix over there. We are staying with a friend who has several old cars, in Australia, United States and New Zealand, so I expect most of the rest of the time will be spent doing things associated with old cars. Tough, but someone has to do it.

My biggest car activity in the last month was taking part the Evolution Motorsport Classic SpeedFest at Teretonga. I ran my 1975 Johnston Formula Ford in the Formula Libre class. This was the 23rd Speedfest I had run at, having missed just two. The car behaved reasonably well but I just couldn’t run to the times I had late last year with a lack of grip being the main problem. The only problems I had were a minor carburettor issue (just tighten the screws holding the top on) and with the wire to the starter solenoid, which first fell off and then broke off at the terminal. However our races were generally a bit of a shambles at the start due to the differences in the ability of the various cars to leave the grid quickly. The slower cars at the back generally were able to get away quicker than the faster cars at the front and this made for severe congestion at the start. There was a Vintage Car Club class at this meeting but to run in this your car needs to be pre 1960. I wouldn’t want to be racing with them as there is far too much difference in speed and this was demonstrated in testing on Friday when we actually ran with them during our first run. Wisely the organisers split us for the second run.

Dave Cover Photo: Some of the car s in Esk Str eet at the star t of this year ’s Veteran Rally.

Rumour

March 2017 November 2004

3

Chairman’s Report As I write this Tony Warren and I have just returned from the National Executive Meeting that was held in Auckland. First of all a special thank you to Mac and Carol McGarry who put a roof over our heads and drove us around Auckland.

The main thing to come out of the meeting as far as we are concerned is that the Southland Branch will be hosting the 2018 Easter Rally. Unfortunately, due to time restraints this was not able to be discussed at a Club meeting.

A few weeks ago several of our members had heard a rumour that the Otago Branch had withdrawn their bid to host the South Island Easter Rally in 2018, a few phone calls later and the rumour was confirmed. So a dedicated team led by Glenys McKenzie made some enquires into the logistics of the Branch running the rally and it was decided to place a bid with Head Office, after a short presentation by myself at the National Executive Meeting, it was voted on and passed.

National Office are looking into having a National fundraising day to raise money for charity, this will be in the form of a rally for all classes of vehicles and possibly calling it Rally for Cancer.

There have been 247 50-year badges awarded.

In India the Government is looking to ban vehicles over 15 years old to try and lower pollution, I hope our Government doesn’t follow suit.

Thanks to Bruce Marshall and his band of helpers for running the Veteran Rally, pity about the weather. Well done Ray McCulloch for winning the Rally.

Life is great but gravel roads make it more interesting.

Donald

4

March 2017

Rumour

Cleaning Our Clubrooms At our January meeting I informed members that volunteers were required for the cleaning of our club rooms. I again repeated this request at our February meeting. To date, the response has been very poor. Two people are required each month, to vacuum the floors, check the cleanliness of the toilets and have a general tidy up in the building. For two people, these jobs take approximately a couple of hours. No two people will be expected to do this job more than once a year. This system has worked well for the last few years and will continue to do so, if we get the volunteers. There is a list on the notice board at the club, so if you can help, please put your name on the list.

The alternative to this system is that we pay someone to come in and clean the building. This would open up a large can of worms when you consider all the other volunteers who work for our club. Any enquiries, please phone Trevor Wilkey at 03 212 8971.

Twin-Engined Mini Moke David Hart had his twin-engined Mini Moke at the February Club Meeting. This car was built as a factory prototype for a light 4WD vehicle for the British military. There were 10 prototypes but these were not considered a success and did not go into production. David’s car has 1275cc engines front and back with the front motor driving via a Morris 1300 4 speed manual gearbox and the rear driving via a Morris 1300 4 speed automatic gearbox. Originally both gearboxes were manual. Both engines are fitted with two SU carburettors.

Rumour

March 2017 November 2004

5

Veteran Rally After the reasonable weather of the preceding week it was a cold and windy Saturday morning as 14 Veteran cars and motorbikes gathered in Esk Street for the 2017 Veteran Rally. Among the entries was the Club Darracq on its first outing since major motor and side curtain repairs.

After negotiating several sets of traffic lights (interesting on a fixed drive motorcycle) the rally carried on out North Road to Moores Road where the timed section began. This finished at Thornbury and the run continued on to Fairfax via Limestone Plains Road, then to Riverton, finishing at Taramoa Bay. Unfortunately one motorbike didn't make it. The Bay area looks quite different without the iconic Soundshell.

The field tests were then held, including the old favourite of lighting the lamp without sounding the horn, and attempting to drive forward one complete revolution of the front wheel. Greg Elder's large Cadillac moves 10 feet per revolution.

Tony Warren had a test drive of Wayne Nicoll's Cadillac and was heard to say he hadn't enjoyed himself so much for ages.

With the weather not improving everyone then headed for home, with some enjoying a lovely afternoon tea (thanks Louisa) at the Clubrooms prior to the prizegiving. The overall winner was Ray McCulloch on the 1911 Abingdon King Dick.

All in all an enjoyable outing. The Grandkids in the Darracq certainly enjoyed it.

Gerry

6

March 2017

Rumour

Veteran Rally 2017 Results McKenzie Challenge Cup – Best All Round Performance Model T Ford Paul Herron 1911 Ford Model T Ray Lindsay Memorial Trophy – Best Performance by a Four Cylinder Vehicle Nevin Gough 1918 Model T Winner of the Cliff Beer Trophy – Class 1 Road Section Wayne Nicoll 1908 Cadillac Runner up – Class 1 Road Section Nevin Gough 1918 Model T Overall Winner of the W. G. Nicoll Trophy – Motor Cycle Ray McCulloch 1911 Abingdon King Dick Winner of the D W Jordan Cup – Motor Cycle Field Tests Casey Lyons 1912 Humber Runner up – Field Tests Greg Elder 1917 Cadillac V8 Tourer Type 55 Publicans Choice Cup – Concours Paul Herron 1911 Ford Model T North Road Car Sales Trophy – Motor Cycle Concours Tony Warren 1911 Singer No 1 Roadster Winged Hard Luck Trophy Greg Eunson 1902 Ariel Overall Winner of the 2017 Veteran Rally Ray McCulloch 1911 Abingdon King Dick Ray McCulloch receiving the winners trophy from Chairman Donald Ward P6 Ray McCulloch with his Abington King Dick and Greg Elder in his Cadillac.

Rumour

March 2017 November 2004

7

Wed Run - 1 March, 2017 It wasn't too bad a morning when we left the racecourse gates for the monthly run. As the day progressed the weather got warmer so we ended up with a lovely day .We travelled out through Hedgehope, Glencoe and onto the main road just before Mataura. After crossing over the bridge we headed towards Wyndham by going along the ridge of the hills where we had a lovely view of the Fonterra plant and Edendale. The lunch stop was the Edendale tavern where we had a lovely lunch which the 41 people enjoyed. Thanks very much Barry and Viv for a lovely day out. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

Louisa, Allan and Fay

Bill Skeggs’ newly restored Austin at the start of the March Wednesday run.

8

March 2017

Rumour

Wed Run - 5th April, 2017 Starts Racecourse 10.15am (note early start). Lunch $15.00 payable at start.

Choice of Roast or Hoki, Chips & Salad Please advise your meal choice when phoning Janice or Colin 217 3472

by Sunday 2nd April.

March Branch Meeting Roy Shanks will have his 1915 Ford Model T at the March meeting and will tell us all about it.

Rumour

March 2017 November 2004

9

Evolution Motorsport Speedfest 2017 As most of you will know, there is a Vintage Car Club section in the annual Evolution Motorsport Speedfest held each year in mid-February. Did you see the old gent in the paper who had raced at Teretonga on the first day the track was used 60 years ago? He is one of ours. Number 85 is his racing number this year. (His age) This is a class for sports and racing cars which, when we run with Motorsport NZ, must be pre 1960. Provision is however made for vehicles not too far removed from these specs to be included in our races, as long as the VCC Clerk of the course (me) and the Motorsport Clerk of the course agree.

For this event we also have our own Permit, Scrutineer, (Graeme Williams) and Speed Steward, and are subject to the regulations in our branch manual which vary from those of MSNZ. Best of all our Historic Racing License is $23 and lasts five years. A MSNZ license is hundreds and lasts one year.

This year was the 25th running of the event and the boys made an extra effort to get people to it. The result was outstanding. Whereas we sometimes struggle to make a decent field, and have at times combined with the Formula Juniors when they have had low entries, this year we were rewarded with a field of 23!

This combined with perfect weather all three days made it a year to remember. The usual two or three races within a race continues to keep it fun for all, and with 18 of the field entering with their Historic license, at $50 each entry money, a cheque for $900 is winging its way to our coffers as well.

Ferg

10

March 2017

Rumour

Rumour

March 2017 November 2004

11

Russell’s Ramblings The late Graeme Lindsay’s Briscoe engine Darracq is in the Geraldine Machinery Museum. The original rotary valve engine was in the Vintage Car Club parts shed some years ago.

Dave Birss drove the Club’s 1907 Darracq service car on the Veteran Rally. The vehicle was running well with the newly fitted self-starter a success.

A 1911 Indian single cylinder is be fettled at Ray McCulloch’s workshop.

The bike, which belongs to Colin Pearce of Dunedin, has not run for some years.

Local enthusiasts Errol Brown (650 Norton), Robbie Eunson (1929 Cotton), Greg Eunson (1930 Calthorpe) and Tim Eunson (1925 Royal Enfield) competed in the National Vintage Motorcycle Rally in Waitomo.

The Indian Prince owned by Robbie was used in the after Rally Tour. All had a trouble free rally. This compares with 48 Southlanders taking part in the first National Vintage Motorcycle Rally held in Blenheim 40 years ago. Errol had his wife on the pillion and they had an enjoyable time. He said the rally was well organised.

The BSA and Singer veteran bikes in Peter Pryde’s showroom were not sold.

Enthusiasts Michael and Rhys Wilson and Francie Winteringham competed in the Pukekohe Classic Festival during Labour weekend. Michael was 3rd overall on his 1937 Rudge. Their other Rudge having gearbox and valve problems.

Ray McCulloch had a ring from John Hayman who had seen an Abingdon King Dick frame for sale on EBay Australia. This was frame number 1970. Ray’s is frame number 1969.

Russell

12

March 2017

Rumour

Calendar Of Events Southland Branch Events 13th May 20th May

Waimea Motorcycle Run Post war, Post 60, Post 80 Rally

Other Branch Events 1st April 16th April 22nd April

South Canterbury Swap Meet Ngapara—Coal Pit Hill Climb Autumn Festival Rally - Central Otago

Mystery Car Ross Stewart (ross@quidnunc.co.nz) has sent us this photo showing his uncle (left) and his father (right) behind his grandfather’s car at 43 Herbert Street, taken in the ‘30s. He would like to know what make of car it is. Can anyone help? Tail light may be a clue.

Rumour

March 2017 November 2004

13

For Sale 1935 Morris 18/6 a r ar e car in or iginal condition Reg & WoF, heaps of parts. Ph. Dave 032367910, 0220261584.

Model ‘A’ Ford 1930/31 Gemmer 2 tooth steer ing box in excellent condition. Complete set of Model ‘A’ Ford Shock absorbers in good working order. 1930 Model ‘A’ Ford 1930 Cabriolet. On running gear, good body, in need of restoration. A selection of Model ‘A’ Fords for sale. Ph. 03 528 7924 or vintagecars@xtra.co.nz 1952 Ford Prefect. This car was disassembled to the last nut and the rebuild is 90% complete with 90% to go. The car is in Gore. Contact Andrew Moyle on 022 191 4706.

BSA C15 Motorcycle parts - Steve Winteringham 03 218 3228.

1941 Anderson Stationery Engine. In ver y good condition.

Reasonable offer please. Contact Roy Shanks 03 216 6056 1929 Chevrolet Wentworth. 4 door sedan, 6 cylinder . Fully r estor ed but has not been used much since restoration. Rego on hold. Has some spares included. $22,000. Phone 03 218 4921 or 027 203 1595.

1958 Matchless 500. Good, fast r eliable bike. Sold with Rego and WOF. Ride Away $6,000.00. Phone Robert 03 2246160 1948/49 Bedford light utility pick up. Its all ther e but in poor condition and the motor is sized. Make me an offer for the complete truck or I will consider selling parts. Its condition makes it an unlikely restoration project really only good for parts. For further information contact John Clegg at 03 206 6766 or john.eve@es.co.nz 1977 Triumph 2500. 44,480 miles. Automatic. Nice and str aight, interior needs TLC. Only two owners. Rego on hold. Purchased 2006 to restore – didn’t happen. Has owner’s manual. Can be viewed in Ashburton Phone 027 6689964

Wanted 1958 to 1960 AA Badge - John Leisham - 215 6078

Stolen A large number of parts have been stolen off a 1930 Ford Model A in Auckland. Full details are on the VCC forum (www.trash.co.nz/vccbb). If you hear of any suspicious Model A parts contact those on the forum.

14

March 2017

Rumour

Parts Shed The parts shed will be open the afternoon of meeting nights between 1 & 4 p.m.

The following people can be contacted at anytime if requiring parts or information on parts in our Parts Shed.

John Burke 217 8177 Alwyn Hoskins 215 9302 Neil Kidd 216 3788

Library The library will be open on general meeting nights between 7&9 p.m.

Other times by appointment - phone 216 6056 Copyright of the contents of the “Rumour� magazine rests with the VCC of NZ (Southland Branch) unless otherwise stated.

This publication is available by e-mail as a PDF file. If you wish to receive a copy this way please contact the Editor. Pictures are usually in colour! It also comes earlier.

Views and opinions expressed in the Rumour are those of the authors of the articles and are not necessarily those of the Southland Branch of the VCC of NZ, the Branch Executive or the Editor. Mistakes will be corrected if possible if they are pointed out to the Editor.

Your Ad Here This space is available If you wish to advertise in Rumour please contact the editor.

Rumour

March 2017 November 2004

15

rogersmotorcycles.co.nz