The voice of the vintage car
The Bay of Plenty Vintage Car Club monthly magazine August 2025
CHAIRMANS CHAT
COMING EVENTS
NEW MEMBERS
DAFFODIL RALLY
JULY CLUB NIGHT
ITEMS FOR SALE
JULY MID MONTH RUN
JULY END OF MONTH RUN
UP COMING VCC EVENTS
MOVIE NIGHT
MINISTRY of TRANSPORT WOF UPDATE
Please Note the Special Meeting taking place 11th August at 7pm.
Motions of special meeting are:
Club re-registration under the 2022 Incorporated Societies Act.
That the Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer are contacts for the register of the Incorporated Societies.
That the club approves the new Branch Constitution, as circulated.
Parts shed will open at 6.30pm
Normal club evening commences at 7.30pm.
The club extends a warm welcome to the following new members
Brian Gray Email. briangray@gmail.com
Brian has: 1974 Toyota Corolla Saloon
1968 Holden Monaro Coupe
John Dynes Email. jdd@tdhaulage.co.nz
John has: 1951 Chevrolet Saloon
1982 Ford F100 Ute
Nigel Rawlings. Email. nigel.rawlings@ymail.com
Nigel has: 1956 Chevrolet Belair
1961 Chevrolet Belair
DAFFODIL RALLY FOR CANCER SUNDAY 24th AUGUST
A HUGE REMINDER TO GET BEHIND OUR
DAFFODIL RALLY FOR CANCER
This rally is this month so please get there and support your club
Thanks to Kaaren Smylie, Ford NZ has got behind this campaign and are donating considerable effort to support us as are various other businesses
It’s up to all of us to make this the Best Daffodil Rally Ever.
Entry Fees: Car display $10. Rally and prizes &10
Hot food, teas and coffee available
What a fantastic start to the July club events.
Club night brought a special evenings entertainment with Bob Hyslop’s recently completed (the day before) Chrysler Valiant Charger and Graham Meredith’s Chrysler Valiant Charger Road and Track R/T E37 being presented. Unbelievably, both managed to be squeezed onto the club room floor. (Yes! they didn’t fall through the floor!!!!)
Donn White interviewed both guys and it transpired that Bobs 1972 Chrysler Valiant Charger 770, in pieces, almost never made it into Bobs collection, its saving grace was that the floor pan was in great condition and that all parts were there.
The Charger was assembled at the Todd Motors Petone Plant and was purchased as a project in Katikati with Bob having to buy a container to store all the parts in.
It took a full 12 months or so to restore including the modification and overhaul of the 265 Hemi engine and a few other changes plus a set of sought after mags. An after-market inlet manifold to take triple DCOE Webers and extractors were added.
The automatic transmission was replaced by a three speed floor change manual gearbox driving 2.92 : 1 ratio limited slip differential.
Road and Track R/T striping and Hemi 6 Pack decals were fitted to coincide with the installation of the triple webers. Amazingly the tuning of the webers was only completed the day before the club night presentation. All in all, a wonderful effort by Bob.
Graham Meredith’s Chrysler Valiant Charger Road and Track R/T E37 was built at Tonsley Park, Adelaide, Australia on 2oth March 1972 with Graham being the owner from May 1991.
This car is number three of the four imported by Todd Motors and was built with the following option codes.
A66: R/T striping on front guards. Blacked out Bonnet with Waist. Boot Lid Stripe. Blacked out rear panel.
A95: Three spoke steering wheel. R/T Guage Set. Black Interior.
R73: 11 Transistor AM Rotary-dial Radio. (Has been updated. Still trying to find an original)
E37: 265 cubic inch inline Hemi Six Cylinder 9:7-1 Compression.Ratio engine. Rated at 248hp.
X-Rayed Engine Block. Heavy Duty Conrods with Floating Gudgeon Pins. Clevlite Bearing Shells. Heavy Duty Valve Springs with Dampers. Mild E37 Cam Grind.
Factory Tuned-Length Extractors. Triple 45mm DCOE Webers on Factory Inlet Manifold.
Twin Plate Clutch Pack. 3 Speed Track Pack Gearbox. 3.23-1 Ratio Limited Slip Differential.
The E37 model could be ordered with any model Valiant but ended up being only on the Chargers. Of the R/T range 134 were built. Of the E37 Spec-770 Chargers,124 were built having an upgraded interior and did not have R/T striping and dash.
Eds Note.
Riveting evening thank you Bob and Graham
And a great interview by Chairman Donn White. It must be noted that 100 chairs were set out in the hall with a very limited number remaining empty = Hugh Turnout.
Also what a way to finish the evening with another fantastic supper supplied by our own chefs Pauline and Elwyn Perie.
Many thanks to you and your helpers.
Later type improved head/ compression BMC B series 1622cc engine in excellent condition barely run-in. Asking $1000. Contact Steven Belcher M. 021 1756009 ___________________________________________
ITEMS WANTED —————-
The Smylie 1930 Model “A” requires a new gearbox. The second gear is very worn and has corresponding damage on the cluster gear.
If any member has a gearbox or gears in a decent condition for sale, Please contact ROBERT SMYLIE directly M. 022 0430834
A sunny day heralded the start of the mid month run with 17 vehicles complete with 17 eager navigators meeting up at the Wairoa River Bridge at 10am for morning tea and paying their $2 entry fee into the sweepstake.
At 10.30 we set off driving up through the Minden and other back roads before heading back onto SH2 at Wainui South and began travelling to Waihi Beach RSA, all the while, answering 31 questions for the sweepstake.
At the RSA we met up with the group from Thames vintage car club who were joining us for the magnificent buffet lunch and enjoyable get together.
It was a fun run with an entry fee of less than a club night raffle and with the fun prizes awarded to Helen Duggan, Jane Perkins and Robin Elliott. Many thanks to Raewyn and Trevor Hughes for a great run.
For us the run started on Saturday afternoon with a phone call from George and Lynn Howard, we were invited to join them in doing the rally in their ‘29 Dodge Brothers DA. We said yes!
This was our first trip in a vintage car and leaving from George and Lynns we travelled in convoy with Paul Papp also in his ‘29 Dodge Brothers DA to the clubrooms.
After catching up with fellow members, we set off with our instructions along with about fifteen other vintage, classic and modern cars and two motorcyclists.
Included in the rally were two members of The Far North Branch, Margaret Cornwall and Graeme Moore, who now reside in Rangiora. Margaret and Graeme, friends of Kay and Knud Neilsen, travelled with them in their classic Ford Escort.
Two club members squeezed into a Fiat 500 to assist in the navigation not naming Paul Papp as one of them... and the bulging Fiat took off to take on the challenge that lay ahead with the Dodge hot on their tail.
In team DA we had two navigators competing for best navigator with Graham busily converting kms into miles to suit the Dodge speedo.
We had an interesting journey through Pyes Pa, lakes commercial district and beautiful country side. Residential, industrial and a route full of roundabouts, 31 in total.
There was chaos at one roundabout with cars and motorbike all going in four different directions.
Eventually sorting out the confusion, we picked up on directions again, arriving at Mclaren Falls Park Pin Oak Flats to the smell of barbequed sausages cooking, courtesy of Elwyn and Pauline Pirie.
The weather was brilliant and there was plenty of banter about our morning journey mishaps. With everyone enjoying a successful day we departed for home.
We had calls from the “nameless” member suffering four temporary breakdowns on his way home earning the hard luck trophy for the day.
Very enjoyable day, see you on the highway. Graham and Helen Meredith.
George’s note. Thank goodness for hearing aids, I turned them off at the start of “The confusion rally” run and just did my own route, don’t think they even noticed haha.
Great run thank you Donn with special thanks to Pauline and Elwyn for the superb barbeque.
Is it my imagination, or is the comradery of the club getting even better.
Had that comment from a few members!
The South Canterbury Branch is holding a Celebration Event Feb 2026
Contact organiser Nola Day, South Canterbury Branch.
Manawatu Branch Information Sheet/Entry Form for Vintage Rally
20/21 September 2025 (2 Day Event)
Our committee member Alan MacKenzie advises a classic motorcycle event on Saturday 2nd August, a must for all VCC bikes to attend and organised by Adrenalyn Motorcycles. Tauriko. Contact Simon 075758358 or Alan MacKenzie 027 5647785.
The Vero International Festival Of Historic Motoring Entries for 2026 Are Now Open
There are four weeks to go until entries close on 31st August 2025
For those that have been struggling with entering online, Email Karen, Festival Secretary Email. festivalsecretary@vcc.org.nz
Or write to: 2026 VERO International Festival of Historic Motoring. PO box 3358. Richmond 7050.
The Link for Registration is: https://historicmotoring.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?
u=8912abd62a6981a27ab2ce66a&id=6e568c2031&e=025631e0a6
Please be advised that if you are waiting for your VIC to turn up before you can enter, then this is not necessary! You can register online and select ‘I don’t have a VIC yet’ -
Notification from National Office is that they have been inundated with vehicle applications, therefore the current processing time is a minimum of eight weeks. If you require a VIC for the Vero Rally, then note on the application that a VIC for that rally is required
July movie, kindly supplied by Graham and Helen Meredith, featuring Robin Williams “R V” was a hilarious road trip comedy that had the movie goers in stitches of laughter.
Right on que, the film pause at the ice cream interval caused the projector DVD player to refuse to restart, this was reminiscent of the old time cinema screening and brought on more laughter from the patrons. However by the time the ice creams had been consumed and with the intervention of Jane Perkins, the film continued. All in all, a great night .
Next movie, 29th August, is Breakfast at Tiffany’s, a romantic comedy kindly supplied by Jane and Keith Perkins. BYO evening meal starts 6pm, movie start 7pm.
CHAIRPERSON
PATRON BOP VCC — ALASTAIR JONES
BOP VCC COMMITTEE 2025 — 2026
DONN WHITE (CHRIS) 0274 76445
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRPERSON N/A
SECRETARY MICHAEL THORMAN (JANE) 07 5444291 0274 742625
TREASURER
CLUB CAPTAIN
COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE
HALL HIRE
LIBRARIAN
HONARARY SOLICITOR
KEITH PERKINS (JANE) 0275 781231
KAAREN SMYLIE 021 664341
ALASTAIR JONES (GWEN) 07 5761124
ELWYN PIRIE (PAULINE) 0274 914600
ALAN MACKENZIE 0275 647785
GEORGE HOWARD (LYNN) 0204 0427624
DOUG BROWN 021 668117
RUSSELL HULBERT (JULIE) 0274 784599 VALUED VOLUNTEERED
KAAREN SMYLIE 07 5674180 021 664341
PETER WITHERS 0220 173798
PETER BUTLER (MARION) 021 423453
PARTS SHED JACK ANDERSON (MERILYN) 07 5766346 0272 873989
PARTS SHED ASSISTANT
COLIN CAVANAGH (JAN) 0272 629161
PROPERTY MANAGER JACK ANDERSON (MERILYN) 07 5766346 0272 873989
NAME BADGES
KLAXON EDITOR
FACEBOOK WEBSITE
WELFARE AND FIRST AID
KITCHEN CO-ORDINATORS
HEALTH AND SAFETY
VIC /DOMAS CERTIFICATION
VIC/DOMAS CERTIFICATION
VIC/DOMAS CERTIFICATION
CLUB NIGHT RAFFLES
MICHAEL THORMAN (JANE) 07 5444291 0274 742625
GEORGE HOWARD (LYNN) 0204 0427624
DEIDRE RENNIE (TONY) 021 665875
MERILYN ANDERSON (JACK) 07 5766346
ELWYN PIRIE 0274 914600
PAULINE PIRIE 027 6669494
RUSSELL HULBERT (JULIE) 0274 784599
RON ELTON (KERRY) 07 5799621
GEORGE HOWARD (LYNN) 0204 0427624
ALASTAIR JONES (GWEN) 07 5761124
JANE THORMAN (MICHAEL) 07 5444291
APPAREL
PROJECTIONIST
VALUED VOLUNTEERED POSITIONS CONTINUED
ASSISTANT PROJECTIONIST
ELWYN PIRIE (PAULINE) 0274 914600
KEITH PERKINS (JANE) 0275 781232
GEORGE HOWARD (LYNN) 0204 0427624
BUZZ EDITOR KAAREN SMYLIE 07 5674180 021 664341
DEPUTY BUZZ EDITOR
MOVIE NIGHT PROJECTIONIST
GEORGE HOWARD (LYNN) 0204 0427624
GEORGE HOWARD (LYNN) 0204 0427624
CLUB CAPTAIN KAAREN SMYLIE
NEW MEMBER GREET AND INTRODUCTIONS
ALASTAIR JONES, KAAREN SMYLIE
BOP VCC CONTACT INFORMATION
KLAXON EMAIL. Klaxoninfo@gmail.com
CLUB WEBSITE
Email. kaaren@smylie.co.nz
www.bayofplentyvintagecarclub.com
SECRETARY EMAIL. bayofplenty@vcc.org.nz
CLUB POSTAL ADDRESS 11 Ridgemount Terrace. Welcombe Bay. Tauranga 3112
FACEBOOK PUBLIC PAGE Bay of Plenty Vintage Car Club
CLUBROOM ADDRESS. 29 Cliff Road. Tauranga. For Club Enquiries at anytime please contact KAREN SMYLIE 07 5764180 021 664341
BOP VCC MONTHLY OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
CLUB NIGHT (EXCEPT JANUARY) 2nd MONDAY 7.30 PM FOR BIRTHDAYS, PLEASE PROVIDE A PLATE ON THE RELEVANT MONTHLS CLUB NIGHT
PLEASE WEAR YOUR NAME BADGE TO ALL EVENTS.
PLEASE CONTACT THE SECRETARY FOR YOUR FREE NAME BADGE
PARTS SHED OPENS 7PM CLUB NIGHTS
COFFEE MORNINGS EVERY MONDAY MORNING 10 AM
MID MONTH RUN
END OF MONTH RUN
WEDNESDAY FOLLOWING CLUB NIGHT
LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
COMMITTEE MEETING LAST MONDAY OF THE MONTH
LIBRARY THE LIBRARY IS ACSESSABLE DURING CLUB HOURS
Held on the third Tuesday of February, April, June, August and October
6pm at The Rain Bar Restaurant. 30 Gravatt Road. Papamoa (Off Fashion Island) -
Held on the third Tuesday of March, May, July, September and November
6pm at Tauranga Citizens Club. Corner of 13th Avenue and Cameron Road. Tauranga Nog and natter is a social get-together at the restaurants listed. -
The library will accept good clean car service manuals or books that relate to Automotive history or travel.
Parts shed. Please clear out your sheds and bring in those surplus parts., they may be just what someone is looking for. The parts shed is open most Monday mornings And club nights from 7pm.
