We've had a busy time of things lately what adhering to our normal calendar of events plus hosting other club activities. Some of the committee have been beavering away behind the scenes interpreting and tweaking a new Club Constitution which has to be operative no later than May 2026.
Concerning the new Club Constitution plus the one which will be adopted by National Office - life should not change markedly for the average member. Those of us on the Committee certainly have had an extra workload placed on our shoulders. To people on the Committee who have put the hours in wading thru the paperwork - a big 'Thanks' indeed! Not forgetting Peter Butler either whose legal expertise has been a blessing. It will be great to have this big task behind us soon and to quote several people attending the VCC Workshop in Christchurch last March - 'It will be great to get back to simply planning events and driving our cars'.
Hats off too regarding Elwyn and Pauline Pirie's efforts in the Clubrooms Kitchen of late. Elwyn came to us requesting some updated and more functional equipment and this new gear has meant that efficiency in our catering division has been lifted hugely.
For the next BOPVCC Club Nite I've been asked to do a presentation concerning my very rare 1973 Bathurst Homologated Mini Clubman GT. Being a Mini there will be no problem fitting it thru the doors of our clubrooms - however I'm now charged with condensing some 52 years of ownership, racing and rallying by myself and others into a presentation format which hopefully you'll find interesting.
See you at our next Club Nite - Monday May 12th.
Donn
COMING EVENTS APRIL, MAY & JUNE 2025
MAY EVENTS
5 – Café Cliff
12 - Café Cliff
12 – Club Night & Guest Speaker
14 – Mid Month Run – details to be confirmed in the weekly BUZZ
15 – Waikato Branch – Vintage Venture Rally
19 – Café Cliff
25 – End of Month Run - details to be confirmed
26 - Café Cliff, also Committee Meeting
27 – Nog & Natter
30 – Movie Night
JUNE EVENTS
2 – Café Cliff
7 – 8 – Canterbury Branch – The Irishman Rally
9 – Café Cliff
9 – BOP AGM
11 – Mid Month Run
16 - Café Cliff
23 - Café Cliff
24 – Nog & Natter
27 – Movie Night
29 – End of Month Run
30 – Café Cliff, also Committee Meeting
PLEASE NOTE
If there is any change of dates or venues advertised in the KLAXON, you will be advised via the BUZZ of those changes.
FAREWELL from your editor!
In the distant past when I took over the newsletter editors job, Ron Elton was Chairman and Klaxon was then a very small printed and folded couple of sheets of paper. Having some knowledge of NZ Post rules I redesigned it to be a much more comprehensive printed newsletter that did not need multiple folding making it easier to read.
Later I created the present digital version, which at the time caused some angst amongst the few members who did not have internet access. Paul Beck became editor for quite some time, and then the job came back to me!
In the past I also designed and created the BOP VCC's first website.
So it has been a long and interesting road.
Reasons for resigning
1) Very few Members contribute to the Klaxon. Trip reports are a rarity. I am grateful that Raewyn Fenn has been a regular contributor over the years, entertaining us with details of Graeme and her trips. EVERY Member has a story to tell where they found their car, what condition was it in, any work done on it? Sadly few of you will tell your story.
2) There has been repetition of photos/information between Club publications that, in my opinion, degrades Klaxon’s limited ability to be an interesting and informative publication. I wish you all happy motoring.
Bryce Strong
FROM THE CLUB CAPTAIN
Cooler Months, Warmer Drives – Autumn/Winter Motoring with the VCC
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s something truly special about vintage motoring in the cooler months. There’s a certain charm to those early morning starts steam rising off the bonnet, the quiet hum of a well-loved engine warming up, and the anticipation of another memorable day on the road.
Between April and October, the VCC calendar comes to life with a wide variety of events right across the country. From relaxed Sunday runs and local coffee meetups to full-day rallies and region-hosted tours, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get behind the wheel and enjoy what our vintage and classic vehicles were made for driving.
Whether you’re a seasoned rally-goer or taking part in your first club event, the cooler months offer something for everyone. It’s a great time to connect with fellow members, explore new routes, and make the most of your vehicle in ideal driving conditions cool temperatures, open roads, and stunning seasonal scenery.
One of the standout events of the season is our National Day – the Daffodil Rally for Cancer, held each August. This event sees clubs across the country come together in support of the Cancer Society, combining our love for classic motoring with a cause that touches so many. It’s a day filled with community spirit, meaningful fundraising, and of course, beautiful vehicles.
So, whether you're polishing the brass on your veteran runabout or prepping your post-vintage beauty for a long scenic drive, now is the perfect time to check the calendar, pick an event (or a few!), and enjoy the cooler season in style.
See you on the road!
Kaaren Smylie
BOP VCC Club Captain
Courtesy of Brian Pratt
Member request
Howard Tong asks if anyone has access to the Kaimai bush?
Howard is a Member and has a 1975 Harley Sportster. His other interest is hunting and he is seeking access and a safe place to park his car anywhere along the Kaimai’s. If any one knows of someone that he could contact he would be most grateful, as he is super keen to hunt anywhere! If you can help please phone him on 021 028 22079.
FOR SALE
Large car cover (say Nissan 370Z) indoor/outdoor, never been out of bag, $30.00
8 piece 5mm to 12mm SDS masonry drill set , never used. $20. S.I.L. has no further use for them Alastair 576 1124
Chain jack, can lift up to 3 tons. Operated by a continuous lowly geared chain . Minimum height 9.5 inches maximum 13.5 inches.
See at club night or in spares shed and make an offer to Neil on 0274 440628.
This is my P80 VCC car here in the UK. I owned the earlier model, a 1990 12 valve back in 2000 when I 1st landed in UK and adored it, but sold it on when I returned to NZ. I have searched high and low ever since to get a replacement car and in early January purchased this car. It is probably the most luxurious ever produced by Ford in Europe, a Ford Scorpio Ultima, the highest trim level. All Scorpio's were built by Ford Germany.
The engine is a 2.9ltr 24 valve V6 Ford Cosworth fuel injected masterpiece, driving the rear wheels through a 4 speed auto so smooth you don't know it has changed gear unless you keep an eagle eye on the rev counter!
Thirst: 11.5 litres per 100km if driven carefully! Range: 600km approx
Rego cost: $NZ790 pa ! Original cost: £28300 ($NZ 62,260 at todays exchange rate, approx.)
The interior can only be described as heaven on earth, full leather heated ventilated seats front and rear with 8 way power adjustment in front, 4 way in rear, but the best thing of all after the sound of that 24 valve V6 on song, is the sound system in the car. It gives the utter delight of making you think you are in the orchestra pit at a major event!
I am the third owner in 30 years, and the car has done only 51,600km in it's pampered life ! Put in storage in 2004 when the original buyer was no longer able to drive, sold on to a fellow who bought it sight unseen in 2018 who wanted to remove the engine for a Sierra Special, but when he saw the car and how immaculate it was, put it in his garage and drove it around his private roads often. Zero rust in the car, a wonder considering the salt of English roads in winter ! Original paint, but needs 2 touch-up's from scratches in storage. Regards to all Max
1904 MAUDSLAY ‘Big Maude’ 9.6 Litre 60HP Racer
Old Maude was definitely for Mr ARMSTRONG ! The couple who owned it were very interesting ! Two American la France fire engines recently sold here, both ripe for converting to veteran race cars. One was 14 litres, the other a 9 litre, prices from memory £24,000 and £16,000, both start price on auction ! Money is no object for a lot of people here in UK.
More—FROM OUR UK CORRESPONDENT MAX
Carsweareunlikelytosee hereinNZ!
British Salmson S4C In 1929 the French Salmson company started a British branch, as a radial aero engine maker for the British Empire market. Taken over by British sports car racer Howard Martineau in 1930, they renamed it British Salmson Aero Engines Ltd and extended the licence deal to include local production of cars from 1934. The
British S4C had the same twin-overhead-camshaft, 1471 cc, four-cylinder engine and chassis as its French parent, but the gearbox was updated to include synchromesh on the top two ratios. The coachwork was to a British design and was available in four-door saloon, sports saloon, open tourer and drophead coupé versions bought in from Ranalah or Newns. Two engines were offered, the single carburettor 12/55 and the tuned, twin carburettor 12/70. The latter was claimed to take the car to 80 mph (130 km/h). About 230-250 are estimated to have been made, of which about 20% still exist..
This is a proper British, factory, hand-built Marcos, which still retains the Dennis Adams 1964 style. Rear wheel drive from a Rover ‘A’ Class 3.9lt, naturally aspirated, v8 engine with 16 overhead valves providing 190bhp at 4750rpm, with a kerb weight of 1020kg, provides 060mph in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of around 140mph from a 5-speed manual gearbox. All Marcos cars from this model onwards were Factory, Hand Built to Customer Specifications. Only 101 Mantara were factory built 3.9 v8’s.
1996 Marcos Mantara LM 400 Spyder
HUMOUR
Mecon Limited Laser-Prep
Cleaning with out chemicals or abrasives, it is an eco friendly and cost effective way compared to other methods such as media blasting or paint stripping.
It can remove light rust off delicate car/engine parts. It will easily clean a metal head gasket— previously impossible with conventional cleaning methods.
Benefits are - no harsh chemicals, no abrasives, no expensive set up cost (as with media blasting), no loud noises during the process, no hazards as with high pressure equipment, very precise cleaning and no clean up cost!
This cleaning can be done in your garage if required as it is plug and play! Cost is dependant on size of job and location (if it cannot be delivered to us)
For applications on Mould, Welds and pre-welds, Food
BOP
VIC Application forms
PLEASENOTE:The application form for a Vehicle Identity Card has changed from a 7 page application to 15 pages. The extra pages relate to explanations regarding whether you receive a “DOMAS” or a “VIC”, depending on the state of the Vehicle at the time of the application. Go to wwww.vcc.org.nz, and in the panel on the LHS is the option “RESOURCES/ DOWNLOAD” accessing that will show “VIC Application”. Print the required pages and note the requirements for the photos. It is suggested that you complete all the pages and then contact either RON ELTON - 07 5799621 or GEORGE HOWARD 020 40427624 beforesending the photos to Nat. Office Christchurch. This is to ensure the photos are as required and don’t get there before the paperwork, which in almost all cases has to be checked against the vehicle to make sure there aren’t any errors. Either of the VIC Officers are there to assist not hinder!
BOP VCC COMMITTEE 2024-2025
CHAIRMAN DONN WHITE 0274 764465
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN JOHN WHITCOMBE
SECRETARY MICHAEL THORMAN (JANE) 07 544 4291, 0274 742625
TREASURER KEITH PERKINS (JANE) 027 5781231
CLUB CAPTAIN KAAREN SMYLIE 021 664 341
COMMITTEE
ALASTAIR JONES (GWEN) 07 576 1124
COMMITTEE BRIAN PRATT (CINDY) 07 5447952
COMMITTEE ELWYN PIRIE (PAULINE) 027 491 4600
COMMITTEE ALAN MACKENZIE 027 564 7785.
COMMITTEE GEORGE HOWARD (LYNN) 020 40427624
COMMITTEE DOUG BROWN 021 668117
OTHERELECTEDOFFICERS
PATRON
ALASTAIR JONES (GWEN) 07 5761124
HALL HIRE KAAREN SMYLIE 021 664341
PARTS SHED JACK ANDERSON (MERILYN) 07 5766346
PROPERTY MANAGER JACK ANDERSON (MERILYN) 07 5766346
FACEBOOK/WEBSITE DEIDRE RENNIE (TONY) 021 665 875
WELFARE MERILYN ANDERSON (JACK) 07 5766346
KITCHEN CO-ORDINATOR ELWYN PIRIE 027 4914600
HON. SOLICITOR PETER BUTLER (MARION) 021 423 453
VIC CERTIFICATION RON ELTON (KERRY) 07 5799621
VIC CERTIFICATION GEORGE HOWARD (LYNN) 020 40427624
SAFETY OFFICER BRIAN PRATT 07 5447952
LIBRARIAN PET ER WITHERS 0220 173798.
NAME BADGES MICHAEL THORMAN (JANE) 07 544 4291
GREETING NEW MEMBERS BRIAN PRATT 07 5447952
KLAXON EMAIL: klaxoninfo@gmail.com CLUB WEBSITE: www.bayofplentyvintagecarclub.com
SECRETARY EMAIL: bayofplenty@vcc.org.nz FACEBOOK bay of plenty vintage car club (Public page) For Club enquiry's at anytime contact Kaaren Smylie 07 576 4180 or 021-66-43-41
BOP VCC—Operational Information
The Club Rooms are 29 Cliff Road. Mail to C/o 11 Ridgemount Terrace, Welcome Bay, Tauranga 3112
Key contacts are:
Chairman– Donn White 0274 764465
Patron Alastair Jones 07 5761124
Secretary– Michael Thorman 07 5444291
Email: bayofplenty@vcc.org.nz
Club Captain Kaaren Smylie 07 576 4180 Email: kaaren@smylie.co.nz
Monthly events—
Club night (except January) - 2nd Monday, start time 7.30pm
Mid week run — Wednesday following the club night
End of the month run Held on the last Sunday of the month.
Committee Meeting — Last Monday of the month
Noggin ‘n’ Natter Two locations alternate months see below
Coffee Mornings - Every Monday Morning at 10:00am
Noggin ‘n’ Natter is held on the last Tuesday of April, June, August, October, December at 6pm at Rainbar Restaurant, 30 Gravatt Road, Papamoa
Noggin ‘n’ Natter is held on the last Wednesday of May, July, September, November at 6pm at Tauranga Citz Club, Corner of 13th Avenue and Cameron Road, Tauranga
If your birthday falls in this month please remember it is your turn to provide a plate for supper. Thanks to last months birthday people for their food.
Please remember to wear your name badges to all events. BADGES ARE FREE TO NEW MEMBERS if they need one.
LIBRARY HOURS The library is open whenever the Club is open. Members wanting to search for or return books should ask a Committee member to open the library. We accept good clean car service manuals, or books that relate to automobile history or travel for our library
PARTS SHED—Clean out your sheds and bring those surplus parts down. They may be just what someone else needs Parts shed open most Monday morning. Contacts are Jack 07 5766346 or Colin 027 2629161
