Magazine of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Otago Branch Inc.
March 2020
Mid-Week Run to Woodside Glen The Otago RoadRunner is the official newsletter of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Otago Branch Inc. Views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Otago Branch Inc.
Professional recolouring of all leather car seats, interior panels etc. Protect and enhance the look of your car interior with our unique quality service Ring Rodger for a No Obligation appraisal now Phone 455 4065 BROCKLEBANKS Leather Dyers Over 50 years serving Otago
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CHAIRPERSON
Nicola Wilkinson
markandnicolaw@gmail.com
476 4004
TREASURER
David Ross
vccnzobt@gmail.com
455 8800
SECRETARY
Marion McConachie
bmmcconachie@xtra.co.nz
453 0404
HOUSE MANAGER
Bill Partel
thepartels@gmail.com
489 4033
PROPERTY OFFICER
Bill Veitch
w.veitch@xtra.co.nz
489 1626
EDITOR
Eleanor Harrison
eleanor.harrison@otago.ac.nz
479 8280
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Colin Winter
wolseley2@xtra.co.nz
456 4382
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Kevin Mason
027 2286431
488 5198
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Andrew Roxburgh
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Ken Pledger
CLUB CAPTAIN
488 3866 kmpledger@outlook.com
4882808
LIBRARIAN
Moira Cunningham
453 5777
TROPHY STEWARD
David Ross
455 8800
VEHICLE REGISTRAR & VIC
Bill Partel
489 4033
VEHICLE REGISTRAR & VIC
Bruce Murray
487 7281
VEHICLE REGISTRAR & VIC
Bill Veitch
489 1626
ARCHIVIST
Marion McConachie
453 0404
PARTS OFFICERS
Bill Partel
489 4033
George Martin
489 3621
David Cunningham
453 5777
Kevin Mason
488 5198
GROUNDS OFFICER
Bruce Murray
487 7281
BRANCH SCRIBE
Marion McConachie
453 0404
HONORARY SOLICITOR
Joe O’Neill
477 6801
THE AUDITOR
Arthur Patton
SPEED LIAISON
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CLUBROOMS 125 Forbury Rd., Dunedin , 9054 Phone 455 0586
P O Box 5352 Dunedin 9054
BRANCH EMAIL
otago@vcc.org.nz
COMMITTEE MEETS CLUB NIGHT
2nd Monday of month 7.30pm Friday 7.30pm to 11.00pm
MOTORCYCLE NIGHT
First Friday of the month
MONTHLY MEETING
Last Friday of the month 8.30pm
PARTS SHED
Friday 7.30pm – 9.30 pm. Wednesday 09.00am – 12.00 noon
ARTICLES FOR NEWSLETTER
Can be forwarded to your editor by the 3rd Wednesday of the month please
VERO INSURANCE APPLICATIONS Please quote Otago “Agent No H0300145— Inspector No 916” LIBRARY ROSTER MARCH 6th Bryan McConachie 13th David McGaskill 20th Moira Cunningham 27th Bill Veitch MAY 1st 8th 15th 22nd 29th
David McGaskill Moira Cunningham Bill Veitch Paddy William Bryan McConachie
Library open 8.00 - 9.30 Friday night APRIL 3rd Paddy Williams 10th GOOD FRIDAY CLOSED 17th Bruce Murray 24th Bryan McConachie JUNE 5th 12th 19th 26th
Kevin Mason Bruce Murray Bill Veitch Moira Cunningham
Welcome to New Members: The Otago Branch extends a very warm welcome to
Colin and Marie Howard – who own a 1966 Hillman Super minx Gary & Leonie Young – who are Ford Model T owners - welcome back
The branch welcome you to the Club. We look forward to seeing you at local and neighbouring events. 4
BRANCH EVENTS (listed in bold)
2020
MAR Fri 6th
Thurs 26th Fri 27th
Motorcycle Group Meeting Sun 1st Wings and Wheels Sat 7th USA Day Sun 8th Best of British Sun 15th Swapmeet & Boot Sale - Gore Branch Sat 21st Scenicland Rally -West Coast Sun 22nd Moped Rally – Central Otago Midweek Run Club Night Sat 28th – Cromwell Swapmeet & Classic Car Display
APRIL Fri 3rd Motorcycle Group Meeting 5th South Canterbury Swapmeet 3-5th Otago Rally 24th Club Night - Speaker tba 30th Midweek Run MAY Fri 1st Tbc Thurs 28th Fri 29th
Motorcycle Group Meeting Restoration Rally Midweek Run Club Night - Speaker TBA
2nd Ashburton Swapmeet
JUNE Fri 5th Sun 14th Thurs 25th Fri 26th
Motorcycle Group Meeting Branch AGM and Pot Luck Lunch Midweek Run - Midwinter Lunch Club Night – Speaker TBC
JULY Fri 3rd Tbc Thurs 30th Fri 31st
Motorcycle Group Meeting Branch Annual Dinner Midweek Run Club Night – Speaker TBC
VCC NATIONAL EVENTS 2020 28th March 10-13th April 15th August Tba August Tba September 16 -18th October
Nat Exec Meeting - Wellington National North Island Easter Rally – Horowhenua entry forms with branch secretary National AGM & Executive Meeting – Wanganui National Day National Vintage Rally – Central Hawkes Bay/Hawkes Bay National Veteran Rally – Gore
2021 January 17 -22nd International Rally -Taranaki area March National Exec Meeting August National AGM - Canterbury TBA National Motorcycle Rally – (Wairarapa bid – tbc Aug 2019 AGM)
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BEST OF BRITISH SUNDAY 8TH MARCH See poster on page 20. Marshalls are still needed for this – please contact Nicola Wilkinson as soon as possible.
MIDWEEK RUN THURSDAY 26TH MARCH Meet at the clubrooms at 1pm - depart 1.15 sharp Bring your own afternoon tea - will find a café somewhere if weather is not suitable for picnic Club Night Friday 27 March 7.30—8.00 pm Guest speaker for Club Night.... A manager, train driver, will talk on rail safety, freight and new plans for rail.
A new fence at the Clubrooms recently appeared over the course of a week thanks to Kevin Mason, Bill Partel, Bruce Murray and Bruce Christie. 6
In the Driving Seat Members will be taking part in a number of car trials and displays this month - either for the branch or with their respective one make clubs. First up on the 2nd of March is the Wings and Wheels display at the Taieri Airfield where the branch will be putting on a display. The following weekend starts with the Great USA Day on Saturday the 7th March while the Best of British is on Sunday the 8th. Following the Best of British is the South Island Club Captains tour which a number of Otago branch members have entered. I know that Alon and Tracey will have arranged a fantastic tour for you and that you will see some spectacular scenery. I hope that you all have a wonderful time and safe travels. As mentioned last month, the National Executive meeting is being held in Wellington on the 29th March. There will be time available during the monthly branch meeting at the end of February to discuss items of business that will be coming up, however you are welcome to phone or email me if you are not able to be at the meeting. I will be on holiday from the 10 th - 25th March and will be checking my cell phone and emails from time to time. There will also be time during the branch meeting to go over anything last minute. Nicola
Oamaru Moped Rally 15 February
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OTAGO VINTAGE CAR CLUB RESTORATION TROPHY / ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS The main function of the event is to encourage all financial Otago Branch members to present their restored, VCC club eligible vehicles, and for all club members to witness and celebrate the occasion, and generally have a fun day.
All entrants will be required to present their vehicle at the venue and provide a restoration resume with the vehicle. At the completion of the formal procedure, all entrants may join with other members in a non-competitive restoration run. *This is the only qualifying requirement for the issue of the Restoration Achievement Award, which will be presented later in the day. Please Contact Branch Secretary for the appropriate paperwork that needs to be completed before the event if you are bringing a vehicle for consideration of the Restoration Trophy. As soon as possible.
The Restoration awards will be competed for in two sections :
Restoration Achievement Award
This award will be issued to all entrants who have entered a club eligible vehicle for the event, irrespective of whether the vehicle has been restored, or an original vehicle ‘tidied up’. To qualify for acceptance, vehicles must have been returned to use, warranted, registered and/or licensed, if applicable before the 31st April 2019. There is no judging associated with this award. The award will be presented to all entrants to acknowledge the commitment and attainment of the member in making a club eligible vehicle roadworthy. Applications for Restored Vehicles which are not registered to be roadworthy will be considered on application.
Restoration Trophy Award
It will be totally at the discretion of the owner to enter a restored vehicle for judging and to compete for the Restoration Trophy. To qualify for acceptance for the Restoration Trophy, the vehicle would have undergone a significant restoration, in addition to the requirements in the previous section. The judging will be carried out by appointed branch members, at a time suitable to all parties and would be based on the finish, presentation and accuracy of the vehicle. The judges will report to the Chief Judge who will adjudicate on any matters arising. The trophy award will be issued to the vehicle judged with the greatest aggregate of points above a ‘bench mark’. Any vehicle failing to meet these criteria will not be considered for the trophy. The recipient of the Restoration Trophy will be announced at the Branch AGM. No correspondence will be entered into. All Restoration Trophy entrants will receive a Restoration Achievement Award. 8
Entry Conditions The main objective is to have a simple, fair, equitable event with minimal rules, however it has been found necessary to incorporate the following: The term vehicle is intended to cover all VCC of NZ eligible vehicles. The Restoration Awards cover the period to 31st April 2020 All entrants will be required to ‘fill in’ and return an entry form, with the historic details of the vehicle, together with before and after restoration photos. These documents will be retained by the Branch to form an informal historic register of our member’s vehicles The owner of the vehicle must be a financial member of the Branch. All entrants will be required to present their vehicle to the event, and may participate in the restoration run. All vehicles presented must have a current WOF and registration - non compliance will be considered on application Once a vehicle has been submitted for either of these awards, it may not be re-submitted for a minimum period of 10 years, unless there are some substantiated reasons (ie vehicle rebuilt following a major accident or damage). Guidelines The vehicle can be rebuilt mechanically leaving desirable original body, frame or paintwork. The vehicle could be completely rebuilt where necessary in every way including having parts, panels, and running gear renewed. A vehicle could be restored using parts from vehicles of a similar model and age. A vehicle would not be discounted if the owner had used the services of others to work on parts of the vehicle, because it is not our aim to have the membership completely competent in all skills required for restoration. A vehicle can be completely rebuilt where necessary in every way, using all the original parts where practical. A vehicle can also be constructed from parts recovered from other donor vehicles of a similar model and age, bearing in mind the final accuracy. Replica Vehicles According to a Club decision a vehicle built entirely or mainly from new parts would be considered a replica and would for Club purposes be dated from the date of manufacture. E.g. New parts of a 1960’s vehicle used in 1999 would constitute a replica dating from 1999. Accordingly this vehicle would not be club eligible until 2029. NB: It is also the wish of the Branch Committee that all those vehicles presented for the Restoration Award will also be made available for the Otago Branch display at this years Autospectacular on a date yet to be advised Further information will be supplied. 9
Some of our members have been out rallying at various branches over the last few weeks: - the Wallaby Rally in Waimate – Congrats to Stu Neill – 1st Post Vintage: Gore Festival Rally, Southland Rally, and a new event for the Moped riders with the Wee Wheelie Wander in North Otago. Nevin and Kelly posted some nice photos on Facebook from a run they did recently around Peel Forest. Hopefully we will have some reports for these events.
Upcoming Events at other branches - Entry Forms
If you would like a copy of entry forms for events that are happening elsewhere, there should be a copy in the clubrooms or contact me for a copy. I have a pile of different ones at the moment as we head into a busy few months of motoring. Entries usually close within two weeks of the event.
Highlands Festival of Speed – 4-5th of April
I have received a copy of the entry form and supplementary Regs for this event at Cromwell. Please let me know if you would like a copy of these.
Best of British Day – Sunday 8th March More Marshalls are still needed. Please contact Nicola Wilkinson
Library Roster: We have had a few members pull out of the library Roster.
If you can spare a few hours on a Friday evening every 5-6 weeks please let us know. Thanks. VIC Applications – please note - VIC Application forms have been updated again. When completing these forms please ensure that you have the most up to date form titled Sept 2019 – Check the VCC website. –These continue to be updated as procedures change etc. NNB: Please if you are planning to enter a local event, and running late with entry forms, please contact the organizer by phone or email to let them know you are coming. They need to know numbers for printing the instructions, and catering purposes for some events. Spare Parts Shed – Parts shed is usually open every Wednesday morning, and Friday evenings when the clubrooms are open. Reminder – see if you can effectively recycle your parts before scrapping them. NO TYREs by request. The nearest AED defibrillator to the clubrooms is on the outside wall of the 4 Square shop on corner of Bayview Road. Please make a point of familiarising yourself of its location – Never know when it might be needed. 10
SOLD OR SELLING YOUR VIC’D VCC VEHICLE ENSURE YOU SEND VIC CARD ALONG WITH CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP DETAILS TO NATIONAL OFFICE – Remember this paperwork is the property of the National Club – this is their way of keeping records of Vehicle ownership etc. Vero Insurance Scheme - Just a reminder, the VCC Vero insurance scheme is set up for those with current VCC membership. If you become unfinancial you will no longer receive discounted insurance premiums. My Vintage - www.myvintage.co.nz is a new online marketplace devoted to all those people who are passionate and enthusiastic about Old Cars and other old vehicles. KIWI FUEL CARD For those folks who have a Kiwi Fuelcard this is a fantastic offer! If any members would like to find out how to get a kiwifuelcard and are unsure how to go about it, please feel free to contact me. Kaaren Smylie nicc@vcc.org.nz 075764180
OTAGO RALLY 4-5TH APRIL
- MARSHALLS NEEDED
Its that time of year again! The Otago Rally will be held on the weekend of 4-5 April and I’m writing to enquire whether the VCC would be prepared to provide marshalls for 1 or 2 stages that weekend. In particular, SS 16 McIntosh Road (same stage as last year) on Sunday 5th April. Onsite from 12.45pm to 5.00pm approx. Minimum of 4 needed (ideally 6). If there were more people available we could definitely use them – possibly early on Saturday morning? PLEASE CONTACT BRANCH SECRETARY - ASAP IF YOU ARE ABLE TO HELP WITH THIS. INTERISLANDER & BLUEBRIDGE FERRIES DISCOUNTS FOR TRAVEL
Following on from FOMC’s AGM in Taupo in May 2019 we have been able to arrange ferry discounts which cover both the Interislander and Bluebridge for FOMC club members through the MotorSport NZ Discount Booking Agent (MSDA) Tony Hirst. The arrangement includes the following: 1. All bookings made through MSDA are fully flexible discount rated and payment is not required until one week prior to departure. 2. All bookings made through MSDA are fully refundable providing cancellation is made 24 hours prior to departure. 3. All rates are the best available at the point of booking. To receive these rates and conditions the bookings need to be made by contacting Tony Hirst on 021 726 711 or email: tony@cookstraitcrossings.co.nz Make sure when booking to mention you are part of the Federation of Motoring Clubs. Some of the FOMC Executive have used the services of Tony Hirst already and found the rates and service offered by MSDA to be of a very high standard and therefore FOMC are recommending our members support the services offered by MSDA.
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Items Copied from the Federation of Motoring Newsletter Feb/Mar 20 NO THREAT YOU TO PHASE OUT FOSSIL FUEL VEHICLES By Roy Juges, FOMC Submission Secretary Earlier fears of a zero future for heritage motoring as the Government imposed its Climate Action Plan are proving to be pessimistic so far. Contrary to many promises and predictions the much fanfared Zero Carbon Bill contains no provisions that could be applied to phase out or even limit the motoring fraternity’s continuing use of fossil fuels. Fundamentally all it effectively does is establish a Climate Change Commission to prescribe solutions to the climate change problem and set targets for reducing emissions. But the new Act will also require that Commission to curtail programmes designed to achieve those targets if they may cause adverse economic impacts. As economics pundit Bernard Hickey has said: “The Zero Carbon Act itself does not change a single setting in the policy apparatus that would reduce climate emissions. All it does is create a group of advisors who will then have to depend on the Government and Parliament to create new tools and twist the dials on those tools.” Even a ban on the import of fossil fuel vehicles proposed by the Ministry of Transport was totally rejected by the Government. Despite the Ministry’s contention that forbidding fossil fuel vehicle imports from 2035 onwards would result in a net $2.26 billion economic benefit, Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter confirmed that any fossil fuel ban was “not something we’re investigating right now”. A Ministry of Transport briefing document from March 2018, pointed out that France, the United Kingdom, Norway, Holland and Germany are requiring new cars to be emission-free or low emission by dates varying from 2025 to 2040. But our Government has decided against imposing similar restrictions because New Zealand is too far behind other countries in updating its vehicle fleet, and those lower-income Kiwis not able to afford new or used electric vehicles would be left with too few mobility options. Meanwhile the forerunner of the new Climate Change Commission has already advised the Government that New Zealand lacks sufficient sustainable generation capacity to power a new fleet of up to four million electric vehicles as well as meet all the existing demands for electricity. In a report submitted to the Government last year but initially withheld from the public, the Interim Climate Change Committee (ICCC) warned that massive over investment in wind turbines would be needed if fossil fuels are phased out and New Zealand’s power generation capacity became totally renewable. The economic effect would be a projected 14 percent increase in domestic power charges while the price to industrial users would be 39 per cent higher. It would seem a currently unaffordable multibillion dollar investment in New Zealand’s power generation and 12
supply networks would be required if Environment Minister James Shaw’s dream of 95 per cent electric vehicles was ever to be realised. Unless of course we shut down the Tiwai Point smelter, increase coal imports from Indonesia, and all cook our evening meals on backyard barbecues. Despite the FOMC’s previous concerns about the impact of the Climate Action Plan on the ongoing use of heritage vehicles and collectable classics there appear to be no significant plans at present which would curb the continuing enjoyment of our hobby. But as is already happening in the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia there is always the potential for regulatory restrictions to be imposed on the use of older vehicles. SEEKING REDUCED WOF AND REGO COSTS FOR HERITAGE VEHICLES by Roy Hughes, FOMC Submission Secretary Following on the last revisions of the motor registration and WoF regimes it has been the policy of the FOMC to seek further reductions in the costs and inconveniences incurred by classic and heritage vehicle owners. Because most collectable vehicles cover only limited mileages each year we are pressing for 12 month rather than six month WoF inspections. We are also contending that as probably most vehicles aged between 30 and 40 years are no longer daily drivers they therefore should qualify for vintage registration. But in concurrence with the policies of the Vintage Car Club the FOMC wants to ensure any beneficial changes do not also result in new limits on our unrestricted rights to use older vehicles on public roads, or any other more onerous requirements. In the United Kingdom vehicles built or first registered more than 40 years ago are now exempt from the previously required MOT check, the British equivalent of our Warrant of Fitness, as long as no ‘substantial changes’ have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years, such as replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine. And there is no vehicle tax or registration fee payable if a vehicle was built before 1980. But this tax exemption must be applied for and can be described as putting a vehicle into the ‘historic tax class’. However exempt vehicles must still be kept roadworthy and owners can be fined up to £2,500 and allocated 3 penalty points for using a vehicle in a dangerous condition. In the Australian state of Victoria the club permit scheme allows members of recognised vehicle clubs to make limited use of historic vehicles on the road network. The fee is only $153.90 for 90 days usage per year or $79.60 for 45 days usage, compared with up to $800 for normal registration. Vehicles must not be driven for more than 90 days in each 12 month permit period and are issued with specific club permit plates and windscreen labels. In general, the Club Permit Scheme applies to vehicles 25 years and older. The CPS requires owners to be financial members of a club, 13
and a logbook entry must be made if the vehicle moves more than 100 metres from its garage address. Any “abuse of the scheme” can result in far reaching implications for the individual and their club such as fines for driving an unregistered vehicle, loss of the individual’s Club Permit, or loss of their club’s authority to operate the Club Permit Scheme, or even cancellation of the entire Club Permit Scheme for all enthusiasts. In New South Wales, for an annual fee of $100, heritage vehicles may be registered under a conditional scheme known as the Historic Vehicle Scheme (HVS) if they are 30 years of age or older and the owner is a member of a recognised historic vehicle club. To be eligible for the much lower rego fee historic vehicles must be as close to original condition as possible, with no alterations except for safety features such as seatbelts and turn indicators. To register a vehicle in the Historic Vehicle Scheme, owners must present a completed application for Conditional Registration, proof of identity, proof of registration entitlement (e.g. an original receipt for the vehicle, which clearly shows the buyer’s name, the seller’s name, address and signature, the VIN or chassis/frame or serial number and the date of acquisition), and a Historic Vehicle Declaration, signed by an official of a recognised and participating historic vehicle club. A vehicle safety check inspection report is also required. Historic vehicles can be used for events organised by recognised vehicle clubs or community organisations, provided an official invitation has been received and recorded by the club in the official minutes, or ‘Day Book’. Historic vehicles can also be driven on a road for servicing or inspections within short distances from their place of garaging. If a longer journey is needed, owners must notify their club and arrange for the details to be recorded in the official minutes or ‘Day Book’. Vehicles registered under the Historic and Classic Vehicle Schemes can be used on public roads for no more than 60 days each year, outside of organised club events, with each day of general road use recorded in their log books. Similar regimes with variations are available to historic and classic vehicle owners in other Australian states. For New Zealand heritage vehicle owners the choice may be whether it is worth surrendering our largely unrestricted freedom to use our collectable cars to obtain a reduction in fees.
OTAGO RALLY 3-5TH APRIL
MARSHALLS NEEDED 14
WOF DISPUTES PROCEDURE by Murray McLean, FOMC executive member and retired vehicle inspector When your classic pride and joy fails its 6-monthly Warrant of Fitness (WoF) check you have 28 days to rectify the problems and have it re-inspected at the same depot at no charge. If it then passes, you are legally back on the road (provided your rego is stillcurrent). But what happens when your vehicle fails and you don’t agree with the WoF inspector’s reason for rejecting it? They don’t know everything - do they? Is their decision final? No, and you do have several options available to you. 1. Ask the inspector to show you the failed item and then if you think they may have made an incorrect decision, ask to see the VIRM (Vehicle Inspection Requirement Manual) which is available online. As all WoF inspection premises are required to have an internet connection in order to issue WoF’s this won’t be an issue. The VIRM has all the legal specifications and requirements set out, and also outlines the various reasons why an item should be rejected and thus fail.
2. If still not convinced after consulting the VIRM, you can ask for the manager or another senior inspector to provide a second opinion. 3. You can go to another inspection centre (but you will have to pay the fee again) and get them to complete a check. If your vehicle passes the second check you have good grounds for seeking positive resolution of the disputed issue with the original inspection centre. Most reputable inspection depots belong to the Motor Trade Association (MTA) or similar, and can provide access to a disputes resolution service through an 0800 phone number. Another avenue for obtaining helpful advice is a Citizens Advice Bureau. 4. The Consumers Guarantees Act also states that a seller or service provider must be given the opportunity to rectify any problems. As part of the requirements imposed to become an Authorised Vehicle Inspection Centre (AVIC), they are all subject to regular audits by NZTA inspectors. Having a disputes resolution procedure clearly displayed in the inspection premises is part of the audit requirements, along with the names of all the vehicle inspectors working for that inspection centre.
• VIRM: https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD FIVA rejects electrifying heritage classics Along with the Jaguar E-Type Zero the Duke and Duchess of Sussex drove away in on their wedding day, various other ETypes, XK120s, Rolls Royces and other higher priced classics are being fitted with electric drivetrains. Because petrol-powered motoring could be under threat in a zero carbon future, enterprising firms are already converting classic cars to electric power. Some of these vehicles are both rare and valuable collectable vehicles so several companies have been granted permission by the type approval authorities to retain the original Vehicle Identification Number, meaning that the converted car remains legally authentic despite having a completely different drivetrain. But the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA, or “international federation of historic vehicles”) is not happy about the electrification of heritage vehicles. A recognised authority on historic vehicles FIVA acknowledges that owners have a right to modify their vehicles if that is their “personal choice”. “However, as an organisation dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of historic vehicles – FIVA cannot promote to owners or regulators, the use of modern EV components (motors and batteries) to replace a historic vehicle’s powertrain. “Conversion of historic vehicles from their original internal combustion engines to electric power doesn’t comply with the FIVA definition of a historic vehicle, nor does it support the goal of preserving historic vehicles and their related culture. In FIVA’s view, vehicles so converted cease to be historic vehicles, unless they are subject only to ‘in period’ changes.” According to FIVA, a historic vehicle is a ‘mechanically propelled road vehicle’ that is at least 30 years old, preserved and maintained in a historically correct condition, not used as a means of daily transport and part of a technical and cultural heritage. “It is not, in our opinion, the shape or body style of a vehicle that makes it ‘historic’, but the way in which the entire vehicle has been constructed and manufactured in its original form” says Tiddo Bresters, FIVA’s vice president. “Hence if any owner, motor engineer or manufacturer chooses to make such conversions to a historic vehicle, FIVA would strongly recommend that any changes are reversible, with all the original components marked and safely stored. In this way, the vehicle may – if so desired in the future – be returned to its original state and may once again become a historic vehicle.”
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Snippets In 1957 Bert Munro announced he was to attempt breaking the open beach record on his 37 year old Indian Scout. Southlanders may have scoffed but Berts two way average was 131.4 mph,five miles per hour faster than the previous record with a speed in excess of 140 mph at the end of the measured half mile. In 1925 Bert sold this Indian and went to Australia,on his return he found the disused bike in a section and bought it back for a pound. Note that Bert became Burt after one of his USA record breaking trips with the same Indian. In 1948 the Auckland Motorcycle Club ran a petrol economy test. The 350cc Matchless ridden by John Dale returned 238 mpg on a machine that would normally be good for around 90 mpg, Issued with special tanks to hold a measured pint of petrol and running on flat roads some of the results were quite remarkable. The above Matchless was highly modified to achieve this result . Average 92 mph over 500 miles. A truly remarkable performance by three stockTriumph Thunderbird 650 models. This was back in 1950 at the Monthiery Track Paris. The top speed attained was 101.78 mph. And another Thunderbird story. In 1956 Johnny Allen from Texas took a super tuned Triumph fibre glass projectile down the salt flats at an unbelievable speed of 214.40. Fora motor of conventional design this was a remarkable achievement. Bill Veitch
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Vintage/Post Vintage/Ladies Run 2020 Sunday 22nd of February saw a good group of members meet at the clubrooms for the start of this run. We combined these runs as it was felt that there were a lot of other events happening, not only in the Otago area, but everywhere over the months of February and March. Was great to see some of the ladies dressed to the Era of their cars. Alistair Graham and Lynley sent us off with a sheet of instructions and some questions to keep us occupied on our way north to the Camp Ground, just north of the Mill House at Waianakarua. The plan was to regroup at Palmerston before heading to the Camp Ground for our picnic lunch. Sadly, there were no Vintage Class entries. We had Eleanor Harrison in her Chrysler as the only Post Vintage Class entrant - hence she gained the trophy for this years event. Andrew and Donna Roxburgh went as her passengers. This worked well for Eleanor as she could quiz Andrew on any untoward engine noises that she was not sure of! Andrew also had a drive on the return journey. The only other Lady Driver was Ruth Edmunds in a Mini - Navigator was Gil of course - she gained the Ladies Driver Award. Kevin Mason and Bruce Murray came along in the Cortina. George and Marjorie Martin in their Riley, Gary Tansley and Nova in his Chev Corvette convertible, Bryan and I in the Cortina - it needs a few long runs after having had its motor out. Alistair and Lynley in their MG. A very pleasant afternoon in the sun, with a stroll around the complex, none of us were game enough to test the temperature of the river flowing by. On our return trip to Dunedin some stopped off at Martin’s family property at Hampden for a cuppa and a chat, and to have a look at the tiny homes they have installed on their property. A nice home away from home, where they get views out to sea. The stragglers then stopped at Evansdale - boutique bar for refreshments and a bite to eat. This appears to be a popular spot for travellers. We arrived home to overcast skies. Thanks to Alistair and Lynley for organising this for us. Report by Marion McConachie
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Vintage/ Post Vintage/ Ladies Run 2020
Triumph for sale
Doug has a 1971 triumph 1500 with spare parts for sale. Please contact Doug via his email d.browning@xtra.co.nz
FOR SALE 1947 Austin 10 - incomplete restoration – some parts Contact Barry McHoull – 456 2620 FOR SALE MORRIS Eight Series E 1947 Reg. WOF to 01 Mar 2020 47,700M (76.00Km) Painted Black & Green
Has been reg & wof each year since 1996 and attended various S.I. rallys New battery, 4 new tyres/tubes rims sandblasted and painted. Price $4,400.00 ONO Phone 03 487 7897 e/m alma42@xtra.co.nz 19
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THE ABC. 1919/ 1920 The ALL BRITISH (ENGINE) CO in Surrey UK initially built aero engines for the aircraft industry before moving onto motorcycles in 1912. Granville Bradshaw was the main designer and was involved in producing special parts for the more well-known Douglas. The first ABC produced was a 494cc fore and aft OHV mounted longways in the frame. In 1919 Sopwith Aviation employed Bradshaw to design a new model with a 398cc flat twin set transversely across the frame. Being an aircraft factory, it has been said the beautifully made OHV engine s were leftover ' drone' engines (so what's new) attached to a four-speed gate change gearbox through a bevel box and chain drive to the rear wheel the hub having unheard of at the time a rubber cushdrive. Both front and the rear swinging arm suspension had leaf springs the S/A mounted on roller bearings and together with drum brakes, car type clutch and the option of kickstart and electric lighting this motorcycle was away ahead of its time. The wide tubular frame with footboards even incorporated leg shields with sliding panels to allow fresh air to the heads and cylinders and incidentally these with finely machined cooling fins were machined from a billet of steel. Coming from an aircraft factory all parts were machined and numbered to perfection, production was slow, cost was much more than anticipated when orders were taken pre-production, and it is said only two to three thousand of the motorcycles were produced due to a much higher retail cost and cancelled orders. By 1921 Sopwith had gone into liquidation so it was the end for the British built ABC, however the French aircraft company Gnome & Rhone continued production under licence an improved 494cc model up until 1925. Here in Dunedin there has been seen an enlarged photo of early days motorcyclist Josh Mewhinney astride his ABC with a small 'torpedo ' sidecar at a beach race meeting, probably Waikouaiti beach. In solo form these finely built machines were capable of 70 mph, an impressive turn of speed for the day, and yes, they did pop the pushrods out and onto the roadway at times. Bill Veitch 21
JANUARY MIDWEEK RUN Saw the team of about 20 people, 10 cars and one motorcycle head out to Woodside Glen for a Picnic afternoon tea. All but three cars were club eligible. Photo thanks to Bruce Murray. Central Run The following week on Wednesday 5th February our members joined South Otago members at the Beaumont Tavern on route to Roxburgh for a picnic lunch at the Domain – across the road from the famous Jimmy’s Pies Bakery. Following lunch people were free to explore the abundant range of roadside fruit stalls to purchase any fresh Central Otago stone and pit fruit. Once completed the arrangement was to regroup at the Millars Flat Tavern for afternoon tea. There was a good group of people from both branches and this gave people the chance to get to know each other better. Thanks to Gaynor Falconer for being the liaison person from South Otago Branch.
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Phone: Sue – (Dunedin) 03 489 4033/021 146 4987
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Email: otcl@es.co.nz Postal: 406 Hillside Road, Dunedin Phone 455 5029
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