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CLUB OFFICERS

PATRON; GrahamMock(deceased)

CHAIRMAN EricFoley 073787006 chairman@taupovcc.org

SECRETARY ElaineTaylor 0272324792 secretary@taupovcc.org

TREASURER JohnSearle 0277036374 treasurer@taupovcc.org

CLUBCAPTAIN TBA

MAGAZINEEDITOR GraemeDoree 0272496974 editor@taupovcc.org

COMMITTEE

MurrayStanley 021352333MaureenRansley 073776360 AndrewBirkbeck 02102632124

NonCOMMITTEEPOSITIONS

ARCHIVISTS June&GrahamMock 073787513

BEADEDWHEELS& BRANCHREPORTER GraemeDoree 0272496974

CLUBROOMHIRE EricFoley 073787006

LIBRARIAN TBA

RALLYSPONSOR TaupoBrakeandClutch 073787429

SPAREPARTS TonyMannington 073771598

CLUBROOMSCUSTODIAN OwenDuncan 0274 482-484

VICCERTIFIERS KelvinTrim 073789055 BarryHoffman 0274435479

Club Breakfast - First Sunday of each month At Café Lacus at the Landing 650 Lake Terrace, Wharewaka, Taupō. Special menu for Club Members. IMPORTANT: Please let Owen know by 3pm Friday if you will be there phone Owen on 0274482484. Please be seated by 8:30 am.

PETROLHEADS

The December coffee morning will be at the Hub, Huka Falls Road Wednesday the 17th , at 10 am. Meet at the Club Rooms at 9.30 for 9.40 departure. See you there! Thanks and Regards, Barry.

Chairmans Report August 2025 Ladies Day Vero National Rally Update Parts Shed Update Spanner Man

Chairman’s Report

Eric Foley / Graeme Doree

Chairman’s / Editors Report

November 2025

For most of the month of November our esteemed leader was AWOL. Well not really AWOL as he did ask permission to go. We didn’t want him too but he went anyway. Eric and Terri have spent most of November in Brisbane catching up with family which is always a great thing to do before christmas. Here’s what he had to say.

Chairman’s Report (or lack thereof)

Pecking out this months report is fraught with difficulty as Terri and I spent much of the month in (and around) Brisbane. The trip was primarily for Terri to catch up with some of her family. Brisbane was warm (33 degrees is warm) and stormy. The day before we left Brisbane we stayed at a hotel near the airport. Terri’s brother who, lives in south Brisbane and her sister in north Brisbane experienced severe thunderstorms and severe hail. Would you believe 11 centimetre hailstones ? I’ve seen photographs of them and the damage they caused to Gerrards house. Hailstones through the concrete tiles and hence through the kitchen ceiling.

Smashed solar panels and Nova roof looking like a colander.His house is one of many badly damaged. Meanwhile, at the airport, not a drop of rain. Weird ! As a result of my absence I am unable to report on any of the branches activities during the month. However, I would like to draw your attention to events in the “Pending” file.

On Saturday 6 th December we have the Christmas Parade commencing at 10.00. Assembly will be in Rifle Range Rd opposite the Fire Station from 9.30. Again, I must apologise for my absence as we will be away at a family pre-Christmas function in Hamilton. I would also remind you of the VCC Christmas Lunch at the club rooms on

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

Sunday 14 th December.

This is a Pot Luck meal specifically designed to keep costs down for members. Dining out is getting toward $100 per person and catering in is not a lot less these days. Bring along your favourite dish, be it meat, vegetable or dessert along with your preferred beverage and enjoy the afternoon.

Early in the new year it is my plan to distribute copies of the proposed new constitution which we must register by April 2026. We can then hold a very brief Special General Meeting, adopt the draft and send it off for registration. Whew !

In the meantime, I would like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a pleasant New Year. I hope you all manage to enjoy some family time.

Regards

Eric

The club has soldiered on with a run to Waiotapu on the most magnificent day weather wise. A good turnout of members made for a great gathering for lunch with plenty of chatter. It would appear that on the other days when we had activities Mother Nature had other ideas. The remaining 2 events, Club night and Petrolhead Coffee and Cars got precipitated on from a great height. The club night picnic was called indoors and as always Wairakei Golf Club was nice and cosy inside. Only one classic car as you will read later on.

I would like to thank those of you who have appreciated my contributions to this monthly publication. I am always willing to use your photos and stories and would love to hear from you. I am also open to ideas and construtive criticism on ways to make it more enjoyable.

Lynette and I have been made to feel very welcome in this club and will continue to support the many activities it provides.

We are really looking forward to the National Rally in Nelson in March and will extend our trip to visit family and friends after it has finished.

Like Eric, Lynette and I would like to extend a very merry christmas and a safe and happy new year.

Ed.

ChairmansClubRun(WithouttheChairman)

Thismonthsrunwasashortdriveof70kmsendingattheWaiotapuThermal WonderlandCafé.14carsstartedfromtheclubroomsandheadedouteaston someinterestingroads.Noroadworksbutafewonelanebridgeskeptthedrive interesting.Abeautifuldaymeantthetopsoffforacoupleofcars.Apleasant surprisewhenwegottotheCaféwasHughandAdriennearrivedintheir beautifulMercedes(withthetopdown). Theydidnotparticipateintherunbut itwaswonderfultohavethemjoinusforlunch.OnceagaintheCaféwentabove andbeyondwithadesignatedparkingareaforourcarsandastaffmember watchingoverthemwhilewehadourlunch.Thiscaféisaverybusyplaceand thestaffdidagreatjobofgettingusallfeedandwateredinanacceptabletime.

Our very own parking paddock. The café provided staff to oversea the cars while we had lunch. Great hospitality

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car

Great to see Hugh and Adrienne turn up for lunch in the Marc. It’s her favourite car.

CLUB NIGHT. Wednesday 12th

As a change we decided to have club night as a pot luck dinner by the lake starting at 5.30. This would be a great social event and be over before dark so others who don’t like to drive at night could attend.

As luck would have it mother nature decided the lawns needed watering and the lake needed filling. For the 2 days prior it precipitated heavily and a decision was made to move the event to the club rooms, albeit at late notice.

Only 4 couples turned up but made the most of each others company. We will try this format again in the New Year so hopefully have a better outcome.

Coffee and Cars Wednesday 19th.

Another great turn out of people but only one classic car. Like our pot luck dinner, mother nature decided to fill the lake again and the day was very wet. Wairakei Golf Club once again provided great service and great food and catered for us well . Now the only down side of this inclement weather is that you put your lights on to be safe. That’s great in your modern because when you stop it beeps at you to tell you to turn them off.

Unfortunately MK2 Zephyrs do not have that feature. When Brian went out to go home the lights had been left on and the battery protested. A quick ask of the golf club and he had a staff member come help him get going again. Firstly with an emergency battery pack. This turned out to be flat as well. The staff member then went and got his ute and some jumper leads and Brian was away again.

First attempt with an emergency battery pack. No good, it was also flat.

Taupo Torque | Taupo

South Waikato V.C.C. 2025 T.T.T.Rally

Held on Sunday 30th November at their club rooms at Litchfield just north of Tokoroa. A fine morning greeted Neil & Lorraine Chave, Alma Aspin & Keiron and Graeme & Lynette Doree for our joint run up to Litchfield. A nice drive in amazing hot conditions to arrive at around 9am. A large number of cars carefully parked in a small area around the club rooms. The club rooms are an old bank and I believe is a heritage building. You can see it from SH1. It has a bright red door just over the railway lines from the sheepskin shop.

A good range of vehicles with the two vintage/veterans being the 1912 Calthorpe and a 1909 De Dion Bouton. Both exquisite examples. One Model A Tudor rounded off the early models. Some very nice open top vehicles including an unlucky Riley Roadster. Just before the start of the rally he couldn’t find his keys and inspite of a search by most people there, they could not be found. Just goes to show if you know what your doing you can start your old car. No steering lock so a quick wiring re route and he was away.

Vehicles set off at 2 minute intervals with around 135kms to travel. Lots of back country roads and a great run through some forestry blocks made for a great drive all be it a bit dusty. A quick midway stop at the Waipapa Hydro Dam had us throwing darts to gain more points for our final result.

A good part was the silent checkpoints. We were told they would only be in the forestry drives of which there were two stages in all. Lynette and I thought we had done very well to spot 21 only to be told at the end there were 41. Top score was 35.

From Waipapa we set off to Whakamaru were we could stop for lunch, coffee, gas or a pit stop.

Off again through the second of the forestry drives to end up back at the club rooms.

Unfortunately by this time the skies had opened up and those open topped vehicles had to put the tops up. Our unfortunate participant in the Riley not only didn’t have his key, he didn’t have a rag top either.

Prize giving at the club rooms out of the rain with BBQ sausages and some yummy cakes to satify the hunger.

This was a great rally and it’s just up the road. Will pencil it in again for next year. It’s always on the last Sunday in November.

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club

Alma Aspin and her passenger Keiron cruising out the back. I know your car is German but you are meant to drive on the left. Just saying.

WHARERANGI PATIENTS OUTINGS

We were recently approached by Wharerangi Rest Home to see if we would show off our cars and take some of the residents for a quick ride around the block. This was short notice and despite attempts to get participants it is just the wrong time of the year. We have expressed an interest in doing this maybe in February so look out for it.

A Short History of the MGB Roadster and Mine

By Rod Campbell

The MGB Roadster, launched in 1962 by the British Motor Corporation (BMC), quickly became a symbol of affordable British sports car motoring. With its sleek monocoque body, 1.8-liter engine, and crisp handling, it offered a spirited drive that appealed to both enthusiasts and everyday drivers. Over the years, the MGB evolved to meet changing safety and emissions standards, but it never lost its charm or its loyal following.

I became part of that following when I found my own MGB. I’d been searching for a car with the right specs wire wheels, overdrive, and as close to original condition as possible. When I came across this one rust-free and beautifully preserved I knew it was the one. It ticked every box, and then some.

Of course, it wasn’t perfect. It was scruffy, filthy, and came with very little history. So I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I started by changing every fluid, from the steering rack to the radiator, and all the way back to the differential. At least now I know it’s up to date with general servicing. But let me tell you changing the gearbox oil on these early models is a nightmare. And the door window rubber seals That job took a year off my life.

Bit by bit, I brought it back to form. I replaced the torsion bar bushes, headlight seals, and a few other odds and ends. Now, with a fresh 12-month WOF, it’s finally ready for the road.

Safety First

While the MGB Roadster offers timeless charm and driving pleasure, it’s important to remember that it was built in a very different era of automotive safety. No airbags, no ABS, and minimal crash protection mean that regular maintenance and cautious driving are essential. I’ve made sure mine is roadworthy with a fresh WOF, and I always double-check brakes, tires, and lights before heading out. Enjoying a classic is all about balance, preserving the thrill while respecting the risks.

Driving it is like stepping back in time. There’s a mechanical honesty to the MGB no power steering, no digital distractions , just you, the road, and the sound of that eager engine. It’s not just a car; it’s a connection to a golden era of motoring.

Though production ended in 1980, the MGB Roadster lives on in garages, clubs, and winding roads around the world. For me, it’s more than a classic , It’s a dream realized, and a joy to drive every time I turn the key.

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage

Taupo Torque | Taupo

Thank you Rod for this. Next year I will be publishing an article sent via Chris Smith about MG Tuning. It’s very informative.

No parts shed or ladies day in December. Next one January 29th

Parts Shed

A good turn out of visitors with a few sales to make the day. Lots of interesting parts held with new bits arriving all the time. If you have something you need then come down or ring Tony or Graeme and they will try to help if they can.

LADIES DAY CRAFTS AND COFFEE.

By Heather Duncan

Wow, we had an outstanding turnout on Thursday. Over the day we had a record number of you coming and going, some simply for a chat and others with a variety of crafts. Nice to see those ladies knitting woolen strips for the charity blankets, you are very generous buying the wool, and your time. Elaine advises that the next container will be sent off to the cold European countries in June. And, of course Bev’s little teddies she makes to give away for the kiddies in need.

It’s nice to catch up with you all and see how you’re getting on with your projects. Don’t forget to bring along the finished product to show us.

Once again the boys came up after their time in the parts shed and mingled with the group. The combination of the two events seems to be working quite well, and our members are starting to get to know each other better.

Maureen brought along with a dear friend of hers who is crocheting a blanket with wool she dyes herself. A very clever lady and I hope she comes along again so she can share some secrets.

The next ladies day will be the last Thursday in January, we won’t be meeting in December, the parts shed won’t be opening either. Remember you don’t have to bring along craft, just come along for a cuppa and chat, or lunch.

Thanks to everyone who brought along some munchies, and to whoever made the ginger crunch can I please have your recipe, it was delicious. Thank you.

Have a great and safe Christmas and New Year everyone. Keep safe, safe driving if you’re out and about. See you all in 2026.

Heather

CLUB LIBRARY

Did you know that the club has a very well stocked library of quality publications on motor vehicles. Some generic, some specific but all high quality books which members are welcome to borrow. Contact any committee member and we can arrange pickup.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS.

A very warm welcome to David Wall and Ken Ireland. Not sure of their cars but all will be revealed in due course. We hope you can join in the fun in the furture.

CLUB CHRISTMAS FUNCTION

CHRISTMAS PARTY INVITATION

SUNDAY, 14TH DECEMBER 2025

At the Vintage Car Club Rooms

Midday

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

Taupo Christmas Parade.

It’s Christmas Parade time again folks.

There is to be a Christmas Parade on Saturday, 6th December commencing at 10.00 a.m.

The route will be along Lake Terrace, up Ruapehu St, left into Tamamutu St and on to Tongariro North Domain.

( If you wish to escape the turmoil you can exit up Tongariro St)

We will assemble in Rifle Range Rd opposite the Fire Station from 9.30 and then proceed to the parade assembly point.

I am hopeful of a good representation from our members.

See you on the 6th Eric

PS Don’t forget to decorate your cars with something festive.

LOCAL FUNDRAISER AT KINLOCH

The Kinloch volunteer fire brigade are having the fundraiser mention below and would love to have a display of classic cars to get the public along. If you can help please and wish to put your car on display be there by 8am. .

Taupo

The club is indebted to the continued support from the following sponsors.

Please support them when you can.

Taupo Torque

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