Greetings members, to the August edition of your Rivet. Terrible news to hear of Fay Chamberlain’s passing. A eulogy for Fay is in this edition. This month, I have embarked on a project that I thought I would never undertake-that of sharing with readers my journey into the VCC. Why do I appear so hesitant, you may well ask? Simply this– I do feel rather uncomfortable writing about myself. I would much rather have someone else undertake this, if in fact at all. But I have finally succumbed to doing what several members have said to me, “ You are so bloody persistent in pressing others, so why not yourself?”
Putting my story into print started when the Classic Car Club asked me if I would open up my garage doors so they could take a peek inside. Now the date they requested was the same day as our last Sunday Run, so a quick call to Captain Wayne to suggest that he may like to consider having the run out to my shed where a collection of vehicles from the Classic, or correctly known as the Collectible Car Club, as well as mine, would be on show. Wayne readily accepted. I then invited the Sunbeam Car Club and Military Vehicle Club, both of which I am a member of, to attend. An arrival time of 1.30 pm at the farm was set. But just as I was at home sitting down to my Sunday lunch at noon, I had a phone call from the packhouse that there were many classic cars parked along the roadside waiting for the gates to open. Bugger, I thought, there goes my poached egg lunch! The Collectable Car people had got the time all wrong, so I duly left the table and went down to let them in. I must confess that I was a tad disappointed that they arrived and left before many of our VCC members had ( at the correct time), so our members missed out on viewing the Collectable Cars and meeting the people. Never mind, the Sunbeam and Military members arrived at the pre-determined time and stayed on. I hope that those who attended enjoyed themselves.
The Collectable Car Club is a very personable and friendly group of people with approximately fifty members drawn from the lower North Island. Thirty arrived on the day. They were, in the main, somewhat surprised when I told them that many, probably most, of our VCC branch members seem to gravitate more to post-1950 and beyond vehicles, as evidenced by my own collection, rather than what our name suggests, vintage vehicles. Hence, the very reason why I advocate a name change to Vintage and Classic Car Club, which divided opinion among many of our members when I wrote about this a year or two back. Outsiders often get confused by our name. But I did point out to them we do indeed welcome classics and slightly modified vehicles, although there are restrictions in place for national events. What we do offer is a nationwide structured club with a large membership. This is what attracted me to the VCC, the Sunbeam, and the Military Vehicle Clubs in the first place. I am somewhat disappointed that the Chrysler Restorers Club, which I used to belong to, is primarily Auckland-based and does not cater for those outside of the Northern parts of the country. I must confess that the Collectable Car Club does interest me somewhat, and I will most likely join up with them also, to find some grouping with those whose interest lies in cars of any year and make, to complement my other motoring interests.
For as long as I remain your Editor, I will retain the words on the front page of the Rivet, ‘We welcome all Vintage and Classic Vehicles’ At least I am trying to get the message out there. In any club or business, branding is so essential, and I firmly believe we miss out here. A shout out for our hard-working member, Dale Whittaker, who was the recipient of the ‘Volunteer of the Month’ award in the RCP for her work for the Blood Donor Service. Well done, Dale. That’s all from me this month. Yours in cruising, Editor Ian.
Chairman's Report — August 2025
Yesterday, along with Ian and his family, we farewelled Fay Chamberlain with a lovely service at the Westmere Presbyterian Memorial Church. From the large number in attendance it showed just how many people Fay and Ian have touched throughout their lives. There was also a good procession of vintage cars which followed the hearse up to the cemetery. RIP Fay.
There was a good turn out for the Sunday run which I missed as I was up in Cambridge for the AGM of the NZ Classic Motor Cycle Racing Register. This was held at the Waikato VCC Clubrooms so I was able to have a look in their Parts Shed and chat with some of the Waikato Branch members. We were also given the opportunity to look though Ross Bros Museum, an incredible racing and muscle car collection. The Ross brothers are behind C&R Developments which is an earthmoving business and there is also another incredible collection of rather large yellow things with tracks and scoops, which sits behind an unassuming sliding door and will be sure to leave you in awe. You enter the earthmoving section through a doorway in a disused excavator bucket and are greeted by one of the world’s largest bulldozers, a Komatsu 575A-2 Super Dozer nicknamed the ‘Neighbourhood Bully’. If you are up that way go and have a look. I am sure you won’t be disappointed. Even the ladies were interested!
I believe Ian’s cars also surprised a number of members. Thanks Ian for the opportunity to view them.
Due to a power cut at the clubrooms last night, the August club night with a very good speaker, has been postponed until next week, Wednesday 13th August.
See you all then.
Cheers
Bill
Club Captain’s Report— August 2025
I write this full of man flu and wrapped up in all my warm gear while still cold. It was going through my work place last week and as normal, I get sick on a week I have lots on, but will not be doing anything this week as I don’t want to pass it on to anyone.
This month is the Daffodil Rally on Sunday 24th starting and finishing at the VCC Club rooms in Patapu Street. Register from 12:00pm, and still only $15 per car, the briefing will be at 12:45. All cars will be heading out at 1:00pm. It is a scatter run this year so you choose where you go as you try to answer as many questions and get as many points as you can in the 2 hour time limit.
September’s club night on the 3rd is the Shiny Parts Auction so please sort through your house and shed and find some nice things to put in the auction. This is always a good night and if you are lucky you may walk away with a bargain.
A big thank you to Ian Higgins for letting the club view his car collection for the July run. It was a shame that the other car group mixed up their times so we didn’t get to see their cars. I knew Ian had a lot of cars, but to see them all at once was a real surprise just how many he has. To see that they all had current Registration and WOF’s so he could use any of them when ever he liked, was even better.
Wayne
Sunday Run to Editor Ian’s
By Editor Ian
I have covered the reasons in the Editorial why I suggested to Captain Wayne that it would be an opportune time to visit my shed and view not only my collection, but those of the Collectable Car Club, Military Vehicle Club, Sunbeam Car Club and our branch vehicles. By my count, over 120 people (sixty-five vehicles) arrived at our property to enjoy an afternoon of viewing our common interest and chatting away the afternoon. As I said in my editorial, it was disappointing that the Collector Car Club had to leave before many of our members arrived. Still, I will mention some of the more ‘interesting’ vehicles in which they came, plus some photos. The ones that stood out for me from the Collectable Club were a Daimler Dart V8 and a Chrysler Valiant Ute (well, I had to mention a Chrysler). There was another black sedan parked up in front of the office block, which I think was a Mercedes. Forgive my lack of knowledge regarding some makes of cars, but no doubt someone will fill me in on whether I am correct. Likewise, a lovely red Aston Martin (?) out front caught my eye among those vehicles I had not seen before. No doubt some would not have seen the Military vehicles and Sunbeams on show. I do have a soft spot for these, being involved in both clubs. Not to forget, of course, our own branch members’ cars, which are equally as desirable as any others on view, but we have all seen these many times.
I hope that members enjoyed the day’s viewing as much as I did hosting the visit. I have run out of room in the old, converted chicken shed where I now store my cars. I have no interest or desire to allocate another building to house anymore. I guess, though I have said this before, and recently ended up with another couple, a V8 Sunbeam Tiger, a very rare 1966 car, and another Chrysler V8, the last of the 300 series. This converted and restored chicken shed holds a special meaning for me, as it was one of the many breeding units where my late father housed some of his pedigree Rhode Island Reds. Sentimental. I spent many hours in this shed with him
Sunday Run to Editor Ian’s
Mr Editor’s Journey in the VCC
Well, here goes, my VCC story. I have always loved cars, right from a little bloke, and before I took any interest in girls, although this was not reciprocal with many unfortunately. Ah, well, never mind, as the saying goes. I certainly remember my very first car, a 1957 Hillman Minx, which I had slightly ’hotted up’ and removed the muffler when tearing around town with a carload of mates, leaning out of the windows and pestering any young ladies who were bold or silly enough to squeeze into the car ended when I was pulled over and ticketed by the traffic officers on more than one occasion. The fines curtailed my stupidity. I often used to contemplate what my reaction would have been if any of my daughters were subjected to such loutish young guys! Unprintable. Never mind, once this phase was over, I purchased a lovely 3.3-litre Velox, then a sporty Vauxhall Ventora 3.3, which I owned until I married Colleen, my first wife. Once our family started, a larger car was required, so a Chrysler Valiant fitted the bill nicely. I owned this for many years and retained it when newer models were purchased. One vehicle that I wish I had kept. But in later years, I bought a 1973 Chrysler Limousine, which had been displayed in Southward's Car Museum for sixteen years. This was when I had become a VCC member, and I still have the car, which replaced the earlier Valiant I sold. Before this, I owned several mainly new V8 Holdens, retaining the first one to this day, a 1990 wagon, which is my preferred car for VCC events.
In July 2010, I purchased my first ‘collectable car,’ a 1937 Plymouth sedan from our fellow VCC members, Dave and Lyn Austin, which I still have, albeit today in a somewhat modified version, with modern Chrysler 300 parts lurking under the Plymouth’s skirts. Hooligan, some may say, including wife Frances. It was after purchasing the Plymouth that we joined the VCC. The late Ed Boyd was so very helpful and welcoming, showing us the ‘ropes’ of the branch and organisation. I wonder if this welcoming gesture continues for new members today? He was such a charismatic person. I think that we as a club do not follow this to the same extent that Ed did. Frances and I used to consider that the VCC was somewhat cliquey at times, but this appears to have improved over recent years. Still, it is a great club which I immensely enjoy.
Other vehicles quickly arrived in my expanding shed. A 1956 Imperial, 1955 Willys Jeep, 1968 ‘hot’ Chrysler 300 from the States, 1970 ‘hot’ Sunbeam Imp, 1975 ‘hot’ Chrysler Charger, and a 2001 Chrysler Prowler, which we brought back from the States when on a Fletch Classic Car tour. In later years, a few more found their way into my shed, including some later model ones, a 2013 Dodge Viper from the States, a 2016 Dodge Hellcat, and a 2001 Jeep Wrangler, which I had painted in military green. Two recent additions were a 1966 Sunbeam Tiger and a 2015 Chrysler SRT. My favourite? Well, I do like driving the old 1990 Holden wagon, especially at VCC events. The Chrysler SRT is the ‘nicest’ car to drive, though. The Viper and the ‘hotted up’ 1968 Chrysler 300, perhaps the most fun. On Military Club runs, I enjoy the lifted 2001 Jeep. Goes most places. And the newly acquired Tiger is my pick for Sunbeam car events. This is a very rare and number-matching car, being one of four imported new by Todd Motors. Powered by a 260 Ford V8, it is quite rapid being so light. These were pulled from production when Chrysler purchased Rootes Group, and could not fit any of their V8s into the small-bodied Sunbeam.
If I could have a motoring wish granted, that would be to have some mechanical ability to work on my cars. I have none to speak of. I recall the late Trevor Roberts saying to me once, “For f sake, Ian, just leave the bloody repair work to someone who knows what they are doing. Not you.
Mr. Editor’s Journey in the VCC
This was when I tried to undertake a repair job myself, which I botched. Advice taken, Trev. I decided then to leave it to expert mechanics and focus on what I know I can do best- tending to chickens, marketing and office duties. Now I have retired, so I assist my son, Dave, and ‘play’ around with cars and various car clubs. Plus, of course, spending more time with my wife Frances, my family, dog Missy, caravaning, and trips up to my Taupo Bach.
Of course, I remain at this point, your Editor for the Rivet and Beaded Wheels reporter, or scribe, as some refer to it. I made myself unavailable for election to committee for our VCC branch at the last AGM. I had been on the committee for several years, so I considered it was time to move aside and contribute my time for our branch with the Editor’s role until members elect someone else. I believe that our officials should be changed after a few years in any role, with the possible exception of treasurer. Member Sarah Howells has kindly offered to deputise for me should I not be able to have the Rivet available on time for publication. I thank you for offering Sarah, and will show you the ropes before long. Thank you for reading my story. I believe our branch is in good heart, but we must continually question ourselves to ensure we're doing things correctly and encouraging new members, particularly the younger set. Our image is not always inviting to some. A name change would help, in my opinion. Editor Ian.
Top: Dodge Viper V10 and Sunbeam Tiger V8.
Above: Jeep Wrangler “Padre” and Chrysler 300 V8 8.8 litre supercharged. Bottom: Holden Commodore V8.
MANAWATU BRANCH - VINTAGE RALLY
2 DAY EVENT - (OPTIONAL)
SAT 20TH / SUN 21ST SEPTEMBER 2025
OPEN TO VINTAGE VEHICLES 1919-1931
IMPORTANT INFORMATION!
FORMAT - SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2025
9.00 am Meet at the Manawatu Branch Club Rooms, 684 Kelvin Grove Road, PN -
Tea/Coffee available
9.30 am Rally Briefing
10.00 am First Car away
Run length - approx. 100 miles (45 miles of gravel)
NO FUEL available enroute
Bring your own picnic lunch OR Country Pub lunch available at your own cost
Run will conclude at the Manawatu Branch Club Rooms for Prize Giving and “Bangers & Mash” Evening meal
BYO Drinks
We can cater for GF/DF dietary requirements. Any other dietary requirement PLEASE SELF-CATER
FORMAT - SUNDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER 2025
9.00 am Meet at the Manawatu Branch Club Rooms, 684 Kelvin Grove Road, PN -
Tea/Coffee available
9.30 am Rally Briefing
10.00 am First Car away
Run length - approx. 100 miles (5 miles of gravel)
FUEL available enroute
Bring your own picnic lunch or Cafes/Bakeries in Marton available at your own cost
Run will conclude at a Country Pub mid afternoon
Camping accommodation is available at no charge at the Manawatu VCC Grounds. YOU WILL NEED TO BE A SELF CONTAINED CAMPERVAN / CARAVAN as there are NO shower facilities. Toilets and Kitchen facilities are available for use.
The Manawatu Branch Swap Meet is the following Saturday - 27th September 2025 (note new date), so if anyone wishes to stay on for the week we will organise a couple of runs and a couple of shed raids if sufficient interest.
ENTRANT NAME __________________________________________________
VIC MEMBERSHIP NO. ________________EXPIRY DATE ______________
We are able to cater for GF AND DF ONLY. Any other dietary requirements PLEASE SELF CATER circle
I will be attending BOTH days YES NO
I will be attending SATURDAY only YES NO
I will be attending SUNDAY only YES NO
I wish to camp at the Manawatu VCC grounds YES NO
I intend to stay on for the Manawatu Branch Swap Meet and events YES NO
Please send completed Entry Form to Organiser: Cath Clements - PO Box 232, Feilding - or email to cbz1@xtra.co.nz Cath - 027 286 2927. If you haven’t received an email confirmation of entry by the closing date, please contact the Organiser. *ENTRIES CLOSE FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2025
107 Rapanui Road Westmere
Farm shop opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8am to 5pm
Saturday 8am to 1-30 pm
Bates Watchmakers
130 Victoria Ave, Wanganui
Phone/Fax 06 345-2235
Email: bateswatch@gmail.com
Watch Specialists for Whanganui
Sales & Repairs
Mainstreet’s Top Shop Award Winner
WANGANUI ELECTROPLATING CO. LTD
‘NZ’s Finest Automotive Platers’ 68 Wilson Street Wanganui
Acknowledged experts on all types of Vintage and Post Vintage Nickel and Chrome Plating.
For all your METAL FINISHING REQUIREMENTS
Copper, Brass, Bronze, Antique Finishing and Metal Polishing Phone Dave on Wanganui 06 345 5042 or 021 057 6726 for prompt and efficient service.
Obituary Fay Chamberlain
By Hinemoa Ransom-Boyd
We farewelled Fay at Westmere Memorial Church Tuesday 5th August, the church Fay knew from the age of 6 then joined again much later in life.
Everyone who knew Fay knew she was Fun and Creative and Cheerful and Bright. Fay shared those talents with our Vintage Car Club too, as the editor of the Rivet, and those of us old enough to have been around for a while looked forward to her cartoons in the Rivet of sometimes unfortunate things that would happen to our members. No computers back them just a typewriter and pen. Fay was our scribe for the national Beaded Wheels for a decade or so too.
From over 40 years of teaching bible at primary school to playing the piano to various rest homes on a weekly basis, it was all voluntary. And of course in supporting Ian first and foremost. Between the two of them, Fay and Ian had true community spirit in sharing their talents. Fay and Ian had been given accolades and awards, but they went away in a cupboard, what was right in front of them was more important. In later years Fay would knit up a storm for Hospice and other places, children’s jerseys and each one would be accompanied by a teddy or something matching, often getting through two jerseys in a week.
In recent years, it’s been Ian going each day to Fay at Jane Winstone to get her motivated as she lost her spark, but as Fay would sit at the piano, which was only a room or so away, the old Fay would come back out and she’d take requests and play it all by ear. Fay played the piano up until 6 days of her passing.
Manawatu Branch
2nd Inter-Branch Camp-Out
Labour weekend 25-26th October 2025
Same format as last year,
Saturday meet at Chelty Pub mid afternoon for a run to Base Camp.
Sunday morning - Gymkhana
Sunday afternoon - Run through a different part of the forest
Monday - head home
If you are interested please advise by Wednesday 13th August to go on the mailing list for updates and an Entry Form.
If we don’t get sufficient numbers by the 13th August then we will cancel the event. (We need to give the good people at Base Camp a chance to hire out the complex to another party if we can’t get the numbers).
Please advise me NOW!
Glyn Email: cbz1@xtra.co.nz
Club Calendar
Club Runs meet at the Clubrooms at 1pm unless stated
August
13th Club Night at 7.30pm. Note date change.
14th and 28th Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre10 at 11am.
24th Daffodil Day Run. Register from 12.00 pm. $15 per car. Briefing at 12.45pm and cars away at 1.00pm.
September
October
3rd Club Night. Shiny Parts Auction. 7.30pm.
11th and 25th Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre 10 at 11am.
21st Sunday Run. Pierre and Sietse’s run includes a short drive and visiting a business of interest, Q-West Boat Builders. Please meet at the clubrooms at 12.30pm, departing at 1.00pm to arrive at our destination around 1.30pm. Upon the conclusion, please return to the clubrooms for afternoon tea.
1st Club Night at 7.30pm
9th and 23rd Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre 10 at 11am. 19th Sunday Run.
Reminder: Don’t forget to register for the Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring. See your latest Beaded Wheels. Entries close August 31st 2025.
Manawatu Classic Motorcycle Club is hosting a motorcycle show on 16th and 17th of August at the Barber Hall, Waldegrave Street, Palmerston North for pre 1940 to present day machines. See the notice board in our Clubrooms for further details.
Ed Boyd Parts Shed
We have an outstanding collection of engines, gearboxes, body parts, spares, new and used, from a vast range of manufacturers. These parts span from the early 1900’s to more modern production vehicles. If you are looking for anything, large or small, to keep your car on the road call us to see if we can assist. You will find our prices unbelievable. Please call or email us:
Dave 06 347 6915 027 555 4201 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz
Chris 06 348 7335 027 443 1184 cgandkrwhite@gmail.com
For Sale: 1927 Essex. (Right) Very original. $12000 ono. Includes spare parts ALSO 1939 Nash 400. ( Below) Great cruiser. $20000 ono. Includes spare parts. Contact Judy 027 254 7601
For Sale: 1947 Austin 8. Complete rebuild engine 2024.All receipts. Includes spares. Original interior. $10000 ono. Phone Grant 027 3278830
For Sale: 1953 Lanchester Leda (right) 4 cyl 4 speed Wilson pre-select, Rego on hold, 58574 m, new tyres, brakes relined, has been running, always garaged, sound body, fair interior. $4000 ono. Barry Cleaver 06 3887871, Taihape
For Sale: 1978 Leyland Marina HDL. Original condition. Health reasons for selling. $6500. Phone Sue Voss 021 296 6210
