I rather took to Pat’s story of her Minor being used for a wedding car. I think its the personal stories that make our boring old”” (and not so old) vehicles come to life.
I know Olive brings a smile to my face each time I take it out for a spin
Dennis Burns Editor.
Cover.
Pat’s adorable Morris Minor and the story of the love hearts on the roof lining, later in the Magazine
Club Night 5th May
Club Night
Not until 7th July
In the meantime we have the AGM on 8th June and Winter Wander on 22 June
Guest Speaker Grant Morell - Railway Modeller
Welcome to May’s report.
The month started with a marvellous line up of Morris Motor Cars outside the clubrooms.
With winter closing in it was a little bit of a challenge as the daylight diminished. Many thanks to all of the owners
and the wonderful stories behind each unique vehicle. The added bonus was to have original registration and purchase documents to view.
Thanks go to Dave Patten for his brief history of William Richard Morris who built his first car in 1912 and formed WRM Motors. This was the beginning of the Morris legacy. I think the Morris group may have pipped the MG’s for the number of cars participating. The evening concluded with a couple of short videos and a very enjoyable cup of tea with plenty of chatter.
The next outing was the Club Captains run organised by Hugh Hunter. Cars assembled in the Martinborough Square for a briefing and then headed out towards Hinakura and onto Moeraki Road, finishing at the Gladstone Inn for a meal and refreshments. A very pleasing turn out of vehicles and their respective owners. It was a perfect day to go motoring in the country and enjoy the all the sights and flavours of rural life.
Thanks to Hugh and his team for putting a successful outing together.
Easter buns and chocolate eggs have also been the order of the day. Relaxing with family and enjoying their company makes this time of year very special.
I am still finding and eating the odd chocolate egg that was missed by the Grandchildren on their Easter Hunt around the garden.
Mays club night is back to having a guest speaker.
Grant Morrell from Carterton is talking about the model railway he is building and the history behind this particular railway.
We then have the The combined Motor Cycle and Motor Car Reliability run to Wanganui on the 3rd of May.
Kevin Sullivan has put an overnight run together for both bikes and cars to enjoy.
Last years was a winner, so if you have not booked a bed, please contact him to see if there is still space. (ph 022 377 8443) or email direct with this link
kevsully52@gmail.com
The account details are:- Wairarapa VCC03-0687-0323649-001 Surname in the reference please.
Don’t forget to attend the Annual Branch AGM in Greytown on Sunday the 8th of June.
If you wish to stay on for the meal afterwards, please make sure you have informed Kevin Sullivan
Detailing how many are attending and make payment to the branch account.
Wairarapa VCC - 03-0687-0323649-001 – Surname in the reference please. ( $42.00 per head )
June’s Winter Wander is on the 22nd of June, which is part of Matariki long weekend. We are in contact with Papawai Marae to see if we can involve a trip to the Marae as part of their day’s activities. An opportunity to learn about the significant history of the Pa and have an astronomy lesson at the same time. More info to come.
I finish with a short quote
Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.
Cheers Graham
Events 2025
May
Saturday 3rd May
Motorcycle Reliability Trial
Sunday 4th May
Hawkes Bay Branch Swap meet
Saturday 24th May
Post Era Rally - Manawatu Branch
Sunday 25th May
Tui HQ British and Euro Car Day
Mangatainoka Motors show and Shine
June
Sunday 1st June
Annual Alpine Classic Auto & Cycle Show
National park
Sunday 8th June
Club AGM
Sunday 22nd June
Winter Wander
July Gravel Challenge
August National VCC AGM 24th August Daffodil Run
September Spring Rally
October New Members Rally
November Gold Medal Motorcycle Trial & Mangatainoka Vintage Car Day
December Club Christmas Function
Save the Date
15th - 21st March 2026
VERO International Festival of Historic Motoring
Being held in the Nelson Tasman region by the VCC, details can be found on the Festival website https://www.historicmotoring.org.nz/
Monthly
1st Monday of the Month - 7:00pm Club Night
2nd Tuesday of the Month
Committee Meeting
3rd Saturday of the Month
Parts Department open
Each Tuesday morning following club-night. The 3rd Saturday of the month, from 9:30am - 12noon
Pat’s Morris Minor
I was just about to finish college at 15 and really had no idea what I wanted to do until one Saturday a lady in a Morris Minor van pulled up outside Mum and Dad’s dairy which became the engraving shop years later.
I quickly volunteered to go and serve her only to quiz her about the van, she was a herd tester and the van came with the job, so I thought great that’s what I could do, not that the job struck me as perfect especially having to get up at 4 am to head for the cow shed, the lady kindly suggested I go out with her weekends to learn all about it .
However after three weekends of arriving home with acid burnt holes in my jeans my mother was getting a bit annoyed at all the clothes I was ruining and she couldn’t afford to keep buying new ones, so that temporarily ended my little dream of the Morrie van.
From Pat Dutton
The story of the roof lining in my Morris Minor came about when my niece asked me if she could have it as her wedding car , I was really chuffed that she wanted it so getting close to the date I decided to give it a makeover I polished and painted everywhere and getting into the interior I looked up at the roof lining and gasped it had some small holes in it here and there.
I couldn’t afford to get it redone so I bought a packet of hearts and stuck them over the holes, added a few more here and there and it looked amazing, covered the seats with white silk material and put the ribbon on the front as they do but had to put them reverse way around to tie them on thinking to myself hope it’s not unlucky doing that, now 13 years later they are still very happily married!
Cheers Pat
Garage Raid(s)
Rolls Royce’s in Martinborough
It has been a while since the club has held a garage raid so it was good to have such a large number of club members attend.
The first visit was to Lyn and Bob Cumming’s sheds in Martinborough.
The main car of interest was the 1930 20/25 Rolls Royce GSN30. The 20/25 was part of a series nicknamed the Baby Rolls and aimed more at the quite wealthy and not just the very wealthy market. In 1930 our car still cost the buyer £999.00, even without the bill from the coach builder.
The car had been imported to New Zealand in the 80’s with a completely different body. The previous owner had done a complete restoration including rebuilding the body in the style of a Park Ward drop head coupe.
Others cars to be seen in the two sheds were a 1935 Rover 10, 1972 Rover P6b V8 and an Almac TG. Observant members may have noticed a couple of old motor bikes as wellincluding a 1976 R750/6 BMW.
The Almac is unique as it was built by Almac cars in Upper Hutt and was the first to be built with the Almac chassis. It closely resembles an early MG but was not meant to be a exact replica. Being the prototype, it has the No 1 chassis number.
Bob Cumming
What made the day more interesting was the large number of club cars that came along. Special mention must go to Jim Laird’s lovely, newly acquired Packard that he had driven down from Auckland just the day before.
Next we did the short run across Martinborough to John and Rea Kennedys. Their property was worth a visit on its ownnestled amongst the vines and with a impressive house and a shed for the three Rolls Royce’s
Garage Raid(s)
All three cars have a long and interesting history and John and Rea’s adventures since owning the cars would be impossible to cover in this article but I will attempt a very short summary here.;
1905 - Rolls Royce Light 20 Isle of Man Replica
It is a four cylinder 4118 cc with a four speed gearbox ( direct drive in 3rd )
Johns friend Ryan showed us the procedure for starting the car and it ran beautifully.
This car is the oldest Rolls Royce in the Southern Hemisphere. Its two sister cars raced in the Isle of Man TT in 1905 and won the race in 1906.
1913
- Radley Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Austrian Alpine Contest Car
Six cylinder 7428 cc Four speed gearbox.
Delivered to legendary aviator James Radley in 1913 at a cost of £1450.00 which included the coachwork by RadleyMorison.
It was driven by Radley in the Austrian Alpine Contest in 1913 and repeated in 1993, 2003 and 2013.
Since John and Rea have owned the car, it has had a complete restoration in 1988 and was returned to its original state with special fittings for the Alpine contest. They have travelled over 250,000 km in it since 1993.
1922 - Rolls Royce Silver Ghost
Six cylinder 7428cc ( Two cast iron fixed head monoblocs } Drum brakes on the rear only
This car re-traced the Austrian Alpine trials route in 1987 and then re-enactments in 1993 and 2013. It also took part in the Australian Bicentennial Rally in 1988 travelling nearly 8000 km in the Australian out back.
The car has travelled an estimated 400,000 km 250,000 km or more in John’s ownership.
The day finished for some of us with a pleasant lunch at Palliser estate. The vineyard allowed us to park-up in front of the restaurant.
A very nice way to finish an enjoyable day.
Bob Cumming
Club Captains Run
Sunday 13th April , an assortment of 16 cars departed from the Martinborough square in nice mild weather.
by Hugh Hunter
It was the first run for a couple of members new vehicles being Francis Pointons 1923 Essex and Kevin Sutherlands series one Land rover. Terry Mathers model A gave us a glimpse of how motoring would have been in early days.
An enjoyable run.
The run went to Hinakura and we turned left at the Hinakura Hall on through farmland, road was in good condition and all the gates were open, then on down the Admiral hill and finished at the Gladstone pub.
Club Captains Run - Winner
by Hugh Hunter
A short history
I purchased my 1929 Model A Fordor sedan Model 60 B. Back in 1969 the car was originally from Christchurch. Sometime between 1935 and 1960 it moved to the Hutt valley. In June 1964 it was purchased by the road man based full time in the Akatarawa’s as grader operator. The feature that attracted me to this car was the vinyl roof covering down around the back window. It is a all wooden body which was very rotten. The restoration took from 1969 to 1975.
I paid $50.00 dollars which included towing it with no back axle from Upper Hutt to Ngaio.I was told I had paid to much and once the body was dismantled it would never fit the doors,I did all the rust and panel work at the Wellington polytechnic evening class which was run for the vintage car club which undertook to fill the class with 20 students. There was always a waiting list. Before that I had never welded or done panel work.
Every piece of wood was replaced by a fine furniture person in conjunction with me at three weekends this was one of the best good fortune I had.
Since then I have travelled over 100,000 miles around lots of back roads. I went through the Nevis Road in April 2011 with thirty water crossings.
Great memories over that and many other for wheel drive roads.
Terry & Judy Mathers with Cousin Annne
1928 Model A Blue Sedan
MOTORCYCLE RALLY SUCCESS
A weekend ride to Whanganui to their annual motorcycle rally resulted in success for the Wairarapa entrants. Dave Henwood, riding his BSA B33 was first in the Post War class and third overall, Mike D’Alton was fifth and Post 80’s winner on the Honda CX400, Steven Haines 6th and Post 70’s winner on a Triumph Tiger.
The set speed of 29MPH confused Simon Byrne somewhat, but nevertheless his pretty 1949 BSA B33 was awarded the cup for ‘Best Post War British Single’.
The overall winner was local man Verdon Heath, who readers may remember as the successful Citroen 2CV driver in our Stretched Gymkhana competitions.
The rally was run on secondary roads to the west of Whanganui, and was followed by an exciting and picturesque run on Sunday through some beautiful countryside awash with autumn colours.
No doubt Kevin will be using some of these roads in the reliability run.
4 awards were given to Wairarapa members recently
Simon Byrne (best single cylinder bike)
Stephen Haines 1st (classic class)
Dave Henwood 1st (post war)
Mike Dalton (1st post 80)
Remembering and Celebrating Jim Farley
The Wairarapa Vintage Car Club are sad to record the passing earlier this year of one of our most senior members, Jim Farley, at the age of Ninety Two.
Jim has been a member for twenty five years, and was a regular attendee of the club before Covid and poor health meant that he had to take a back seat.
If you know Jim’s cars, you will no doubt be pleased to hear that his 1915 Trumbull will remain in the family, but if anyone is interested in the 1926 four door model T, this is available.
Please let me know and we can put you in touch with his son Ian,
Rest in Peace Jim
2025 Daffodil Rally for Cancer – Sunday, 24 August 2025
Join us from Kaitaia to Bluff as the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (VCC) unites for another awesome nationwide rally in support of the NZ Cancer Society. The yellow daffodil will be proudly displayed across the country, symbolising hope, unity, and our shared commitment to raising vital funds for cancer research and support.
One Day. One Cause. One Club.
Members this is our day to shine. A chance to showcase the VCC, connect our branches, and raise essential funds for cancer support. Together, we can make an impact that will last.
2025 Goals:
1. Ensure nationwide branch participation , as we did in 2024
2. Raise $100,000 for the NZ Cancer Society
https://www.historicmotoring.org.nz/register/
FORMAT
MANAWATU BRANCH
POST ERA RALLY - SATURDAY 24TH MAY 2025
RALLY IS OPEN TO ALL PV, PW, P60 & P80 VEHICLES
9 00 AM Meet at Clubrooms, Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North for a tea/coffee before the Rally
9 30 AM Rally Briefing
10 00 AM First car away
● Run length: Approx 160 miles
● Fuel is available
● Lunch venue is at “The Barracks Bar/Restaurant” in Whanganui ($8 - $20 Menu)
● Rally Entry Fee includes a Plaque
● Run will conclude at the Clubrooms for Prize Giving and Dinner
● Please bring your own Drinks for the Dinner (water/tea/coffee will be available)
ENTRANT NAME
NAVIGATOR/PASSENGER: NAME NAME
TELEPHONE ( ) EMAIL
ADDRESS
VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL/YEAR
VEHICLE REGO NO
RALLY ENTRY @$20 PER VEHICLE = $20
DINNER @ $15 PER HEAD - NO. OF PEOPLE = TOTAL =
We are able to cater for GF AND DF ONLY Any other dietary requirements please self cater
DINNER - HOMEMADE PIE / CREAMY MASH / PEAS/CARROTS
Please Select your pie Steak & Cheese No Mince No. Chicken No.
PAYMENT DETAILS: Please make payment via Internet Banking Manawatu Branch VCC 03 0718 0027253 01 Ref: Name, Reg No. (POST ERA)
Please send completed Entry Form to Organisers: Glyn and Cath Clements - PO Box 232, Feilding - or email to cbz1@xtra.co.nz Glyn - Mobile - 021 0833 4081
If you haven’t received an email confirmation of entry by the closing date, please contact the Organiser **ENTRIES CLOSE SATURDAY 17TH MAY 2025)**
THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND
2025 Reliability Trial
The 2025 Reliability Trial will take place on the 3rd and 4th of May. The destination this year is Whanganui. The route will take as many secondary roads as possible and will include a stop at the world renowned Paloma Gardens at Fordell. The gardens have a number of zones containing exotic plants from all over the world. It also has a motorcycle collection that is worth a look. There is a $10 charge to view the gardens and motorcycle collection payable in cash on the day.
Accommodation will be in cabins at the Whanganui Riverside Top 10 Holiday Park.
Once again we are inviting car drivers to participate in this event alongside the motorcyclists.
The entry fee is $20.00.
Accommodation is $48 per person which includes bedding payable in advance.
The event will start from the VCC clubrooms in Chester Road, Clareville. There will be a riders/drivers briefing at 9.30am with the first vehicle away at 10am.
Fill out the attached entry form and email it to Kevin Sullivan at kevsully52@gmail.com
Contacts
Chairperson Graham Hodder
027 226 3738 g_jhodder@xtra.co.nz
Secretary Mike D’Alton 021 137 2395 secretarywvcc@yahoo.com
Treasurer Kevin Sullivan 022 377 8443 kevsully52@gmail.com
Club Captain Position vacant
Committee
Hugh Hunter 027 665 9911 j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz
Pat Dutton 027 711 2735 betyjo29@gmail.com
Simon O’Hara 021 141 2332 simonsandieohara@gmail.com
Francis Pointon 06 378 6710 pointonmotors@xtra.co.nz
Dave Patten 027 247 7956 dave.patten28@gmail.com
Frank Lipinski 06 379 7167
Social Convener Position vacant
Custodian Position vacant
Beaded Wheels Scribe
Zenith Editor
Judi Harding 022 379 9126 editorwaivcc@gmail.com
Dennis Burns 021 428 547 editorwaivcc@gmail.com
Librarian Pat Dutton betyjo29@gmail.com
Motorcycle Liaison
Kevin Sullivan 022 377 8443 kevsully52@gmail.com
Spares
Frank Lipinski 06 379 7167
Graham Reidy 06 372 7855 g-a.reidy@xtra.co.nz
Jeff Percy 06 377 4622 j.percy@xtra.co.nz
Dave Walker 06 379 5008
Vehicle Inspectors
Francis Pointon 06 378 6710 pointonmotors@xtra.co.nz
Dave Patten 027 247 7956 dave.patten28@gmail.com
Hugh Hunter 06 306 9847 j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz
Kevin Sullivan 022 377 8443 kevsully52@gmail.com
Our Information
Clubrooms:
A&P Showgrounds, Chester Road,Clareville
Postal Address: PO Box 7, Masterton 5840 Branch
Website: www.sporty.co.nz/wairarapavcc
Club Night:
First Monday of the month (except January) and June (second Monday) at 7pm.
Committee meet:
Second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm
Parts Department:
A&P Showgrounds, Chester Road, Clareville
Join Frank, Graham and Jeff for yarn and a cuppa when the Parts Department is open.
In this treasure trove, you might also happen to find any bits and pieces you’ve been looking for.
Located at the clubrooms, the Parts Department is open:
• Each Tuesday morning following club-night.
• The 3rd Saturday of the month from 9:30am - 12noon.
You can also contact Frank for an appointment outside standard opening hours by phoning (06) 379 7167
BOOTLEGGERS
Light-heartedly recounting the days fun activities Editor
The Greytown Ginrunners diary of Bootleggers Run, Greytown 26 April 202
Alright, gather ‘round. The sun’s up, the engines are humming, and the streets of Greytown are buzzin’.
This ain’t no midnight hustle—this is high noon mischief, brought to you by the one and only Greytown Ginrunners.
At the helm? Gina and Mal. Sharp minds, steady hands, and nerves tougher than boot leather. They’ve mapped the route, marked the stops, and now it’s time to make the run. Starting at The White Swan— real respectable on the surface, but if them walls could talk, they’d spill more secrets than a stool pigeon in a pinch. That’s where the Bootleggers Run kicks off. From there, it’s all grit, gears, and gin and a little daylight defiance. From here, it’s wheels down and spirits up. We ain’t just haulin’ hooch—we’re haulin’ history.
So keep it tight, stay sharp, and if anyone asks? We’re just out for a scenic drive. The kind that comes with a twist of danger and a splash of gin. This is the Bootleggers Run raising funds for Lifeflight Trust. We are in Greytown. And we are the Greytown Ginrunners with a fix and lubrication fee at the ready. The Greytown Ginrunners see ourselves as today’s George Remus, using smarts over muscle, see? George was a shyster who played the law like a sax in a speakeasy, turning Prohibition into gold with a slick bootlegging biz. He had the Volstead Act down pat, found the loopholes, and claimed he was peddlin’ medicinal hooch with Uncle Sam’s blessing. It was all brains and lawyering, not brawn, that built his liquor empire. So, our fix and lube fee’s part of the game, capisce?
Gina Jones
• First stop—Greytown Distilling Co, stopping along the way at
• Greytown Art Gallery to soak in a little culture
• Urlar—wine in hand
• Johner Estate, where the vino flows out the dealer door.
• Checkpoint Charlie
• Martinborough Brewery. Hops instead of grapes
• Colombo in Martinborough. Wine’s smooth
• Palliser Estate—refined, respectable
• Palliser Kitchen by Attila.
• A Pause for a spot of morning tea—thermoses poppin’, home baking flowin’,
• Finishing at the The White Swan for one last shindig, a final toast, and a meet-up with the fellow bootleggers
And just like that, the Bootleggers Run winds down—deals done, bottles empty, and engines cooling. All in good fun, all for a great cause.
The Bootleggers Run? Fuggedaboutit—what a day! We rolled outta The White Swan with the goods, made our drops, sipped the best, and raised some dough for the real heroes— Lifeflight. That’s right, even gangsters got a soft spot.
Big thanks to every wise guys and gals who joined the ride, poured the juice, and kept things smooth. You made it one for the books.
Till next time, keep your wheels greased and your glasses full. The Ginrunners are out—for now.
