SIDE CURTAINS
SIDE CURTAINS The magazine of the
ROTORUA VINTAGE AND VETERAN CAR CLUB
DECEMBER 2020
WE ARE ON FACEBOOK ! www.rvvcc.org.nz
NOVEMBER CLUB RUN
SIDE CURTAINS - December 2020 The magazine of the ROTORUA VINTAGE AND VETERAN CAR CLUB
Clubrooms: Neil Hunt Park, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua Postal: PO Box 2014, Rotorua Email: rotorua@vcc.org.nz Website: www.rotoruavintagecarclub.org.nz Vero Insurance: Phone 0800 658 411 and quote your VCC membership number Club Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of month (except January), 7.15pm for 7.30pm start OFFICERS
Chairperson - David Tomlinson Secretary - Dennis Whimp 021 731 678 Treasurer - Terry Fitzpatrick Club Captain Terry Wadsworth Asst. Club Captain Fleur Tomlinson Committee Bob Mackay Ronald Mayes Kevin Scott Lois Thompson Neville Harper
CONTENTS Chairman’s Report
2
From The Secretary
4
Tribute to Reg Munro
6
Lakefront Car Show 2021
8
November Car In The Room 10 Coming Events
12
Mid Weekers - Bob Mackay bob.mackay@clear.net.nz Side Curtains Editor - David Tomlinson rvvcc.editor@gmail.com Beaded Wheels - Ronald Mayes Librarian - Dennis Kenny Asst Librarian - Ronald Mayes Asst Librarian - Roger Couchman Cards/Flowers - Doreen Green
Cover Photos Front - The “Bus Park” - November Run Back - November club events
CLUB CAR PHOTOS
If you want your club car photo on the clubroom wall then get in touch with Doug Green, and he will organise a time and place for a photo shoot. It would be good if we could have all member’s car photos on display. Side Curtains December 2020
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Chairman’s Report
- November 2020 by David Tomlinson
It is with great sadness we have to record the passing of long time branch member Reg Munro. Reg and his little red Sprite were on the cover of the April 2019 edition of Side Curtains, and again on the May 2020 edition. Reg and his family have had a very long and deep involvement in the branch, and we pass on our condolences to Annette and the Munro family. As perhaps the oddest year in almost all our lives draws to a close, we only have two events left on our calendar, our December club night, and our High Tea club run the Sunday after. Although 2021 will not see the end of the terrible circumstances that have made this past year such a trial, lets hope things do improve worldwide, and we and the rest of the world can slowly return to a semblance of normal. We will start 2021 with our annual Lakefront Car Show on 24 January. This year’s event had over 450 cars present. The 2021 event does not clash with the annual Kumeu Show for the first time, and with the lack of other events in recent times it is very possible we will have an even higher turnout. Lets hope for good weather, and I urge all branch members to bring a long a car or two (or three!). It was recently reported that Terry Wadsworth bought a little Triumph Toledo 1500 which he took on our November club run. Before the day was over I had bought it off Terry, and it is now in my fleet, and being tortured with weekly bunny hops by Sean as he embarks on the learning to drive process. Its a great little car. As a result, even with my 1933 Rolls-Royce still a short way off being back on the road, I am going to try and break my record 2
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of six vehicles at the car show, and have seven there on the day. Quite a few members had multiple cars there this year. From February we should return to our normal program, with the first club run of the year being the BBQ Run. Midweekers will start again also. Please note that the “Belated Spring Tour” has a revised itinerary running during the week now from 14 March to 19 March 2021, further details in this issue. It is important if you are interested in being a part of this tour you let Bob Mackay know as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. Our November club run had a good number of cars take part, including new member Ken Thomas’ 1973 Citroen which attracted a large crowd looking it over before we took off. Sadly, the “cover star” of last month’s issue of Side Curtains did not make it out of Neil Hunt Park with a drive train related issue. I hope it is not to serious and we see it again soon. Neville Harper organised the run, with a challenging quiz which most people used electronic assistance to solve! The run ended up at Golden Springs to a big collection of mostly Ford Zephyrs, including two amazing Australian made Mk2 utes. The cover photo of this issue is of a discussion at a stop point on the run as to whether or not 7 club cars in a row constituted a “bus” to be allowed to park in the demarcated bus stop! And the night before we had a very good turn out for the Xmas Social, ably catered by Angie and her team, with a new “pass the parcel”, and a very good night had by all. The midweekers run, which I had been (over?) selling hard at club night ended up being a trial by water, there is an item about the run later in this issue. Lastly, I had to be in Hamilton on the same day as the “Diner Breakfast” and amongst many cars there were a “mint” Hino Contessa 1300 and a LHD 1915 Saxon Model B roadster. Now how often do you see those, let alone in the same place?! Side Curtains December 2020
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FROM THE SECRETARY by Dennis Whimp Our latest new members: Neville Nicholson - 1936 Daimler streamline saloon that has an interesting history. John and Gayla Newson - 1979 Daimler Sovereign Joelene Hossack - 1971 Morris 1100 Mark 2 We extend to you a very warm welcome and look forward to seeing you at our meetings and events. The branch provides name badges to new members. If you are an existing member and need a replacement badge, please let me know. The cost is $15.00. Please wear these badges to all branch events as it is great to get to know one another. I see that Dennis and Pam Kenny are downsizing their fleet. They have sold the 1959 MGA twin cam coupe that was advertised in the last Beaded Wheels. Their 1953 MGTC that they have owned for 44 years is also for sale. And Bill and Adele Skelton are also downsizing with the 1934 Austin 7 Ruby for sale. They joined the club with this vehicle 49 years ago. Kevin Scott’s 1936 Ford Deluxe sedan has been sold to Mosgiel so he will be looking for a replacement. I followed the car out of town and the new owner was honking along. 4
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A few years ago on the way back from the branch Pirongia trip, we had lunch at Colin Pinkerton’s Iron Park farm on the outskirts of Te Awamutu. On Sat 5th Dec. he had a clearing auction of all the contents of his agricultural museum. There were 367 lots and almost all sold. The 1920 Dodge truck made $19,500, the 1939 Buick special made $35,000, the 1928 Ford Model A pickup did not make the $20,000 reserve and the 1909 De Dion Bouton did not make the $55,000 reserve. There were lots of tractors and most went for between $1000 and $2000. For you number plate collectors, groups of 10 to 20 averaged out at $15 each plate.
NOVEMBER MID-WEEK RUN
by Bob Mackay
(Wet Picnic Run!) The day will be remembered but not for the planned picnic but the horrendous rain that almost stopped it. Being my day off I take no responsibility for the day that every one enjoyed. I am thankful to Angie for arranging a run even though it was impossible to do in the weather of the day; for those that stayed home (who could blame them) they certainly missed on those superb Angie scones. Morning tea lasted about one and a half hours before Adelai decided to split the group, leaving the sensible members to continue morning tea until they ran into lunch time and taking the rest of us to the trampers shelter at Lake Okataina. The rain got worse, even in the modern car the wipers could not cope with the intensity so one car turned round and went home. Eight of us carried on, I kept hoping that the weather was not going to bring the bank or a tree down while we were in here, no phone coverage and a long walk out. Side Curtains December 2020
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Tribute to Reg Munro It is with much sadness that we record the recent passing of Reg Munro, one of the branch’s foundation members who remained active in club affairs until very recently. Reg joined the club in the era when we met in Roy Fleet’s garage and he was on the original committee for 4 years, one of which was as Club Captain. His beautifully restored 1929 Austin 12/4 was accepted as a club vehicle in 1970 and was extensively rallied throughout NZ over the next 50 years. It was also used for weddings, transporting dignitaries and New Year’s parades. Reg reluctantly sold it late last year as he was no longer able to get under it and do all the maintenance necessary for a wellused vintage. In 1970, Ian Mathias donated a cup for the most active member and Reg and Roy Fleet each had their names on it twice in the first four years. And “Team Munro” which included Annette went on to win almost every trophy we had. They had a number of Austins over the years, with the 1959 Austin Healey Sprite sports roadster a favourite. Reg purchased it in 1980 and was still driving it around town a couple of months ago. Just over 12 months ago it was the car in the room, with Reg explaining in his dry humorous way the history. Reg was a very skilful auto electrician and mechanic and was very happy to pass his knowledge on. His casual writing career started as regular posts for the original Side Curtains, then as Beaded Wheels reporter, as librarian and as a “Handy Hints” writer to numerous motoring publications. Some of the articles were very technical and picked up and repeated 6
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in overseas magazines. The very first article back in 1972 summed up Reg perfectly. Handy Hint to get a Stove Enamel Finish on Small Parts Wait until the wife is out. Paint part with Epiglass Black. Heat oven to 300 deg. Place part in oven and leave to cool for 2 hours. Air house out and use air freshener to disguise the smell before wife gets home. Part will have no brush marks, but you might! On the south wall of the clubrooms is an Austin red wheel with the clock in it. Reg, along with another member, presented it to the club many years ago and each time I look at it, I will remember him. His enthusiasm for older cars has rubbed off on the family with son Ross and grandson Jason both branch members, as is Reg’s sister and brother-in-law, Keitha and Roger Couchman. Our sympathies go out to all of the family.
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Rotorua Vintage & Veteran Car Club Inc proudly present the
9th Annual Rotorua Lakefront Car Show 10am - 2pm, Sunday, 24th January 2021 ALL CARS, BIKES AND COMMERCIALS WELCOME! The venue is the Rotorua Village Green at the Lake Front, off Whakaue Street. This is an informal car show open to any individuals or clubs to display their vehicles. Drivers will be asked for a gold coin donation upon arrival. All monies raised will be donated to St Johns Ambulance Rotorua. Car clubs are welcome to display their vehicles in a group. During the day drivers and their companions can enjoy their own picnic lunch under the trees, or take advantage of local eateries, including Rotorua’s “Eat Street” which is at the southern end of the show area. Rotorua’s famous markets will be in operation adjacent to the Car Show, as well as other holiday attractions.
Over 450 vehicles were on display at last year’s show, and the event has been very popular with locals and holiday makers alike. Vehicles have ranged from early vintage to almost new. For further information email info@rvvcc.org.nz or like our Facebook page (Rotorua Vintage Car Club) for any updates. We look forward to seeing you there!
ALL PROCEEDS DONATED TO ST JOHNS AMBULANCE ROTORUA
www.rotoruavintagecarclub.org.nz 8
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CHRISTMAS “HIGH TEA” CLUB RUN SUNDAY 13th December 2020 Be at the club rooms by 11am, first car away at 11.15am Wear your best “bib and tucker” and you may win a prize! Please bring a cup, saucer, plate, chair and a big smile. Price $5 per person Please advise Lois on 345 5767 or Dorothy on 348 6270 for catering numbers
In The Library
by Ronald Mayes, Assistant (Apprentice) Librarian
There is lots of new reading in the library including magazines dating from the 1940s to the 1970s and beyond donated by Reg Munro - great reading! But please keep them in date order... Included are New Zealand Modern Motoring magazines from 1947 to 1951 with fascinating reading about cars and driving during those years, Veteran and Vintage magazine 1956 to 1979 and many copies of the UK weekly Motor magazine. Included are almost all of those from 1970 with all the letters to the editor from readers complaining about the faults in their new cars. Don’t forget old VCC magazines - Reg wrote the Idle Torque column for Beaded Wheels for many years and his Side Curtains articles about the wheel men and spanner men of Rotorua (tall tales and true) bring a smile to the face. And we still seek those very early Guff Sheets and Beaded Wheels, 1 to 36, 43 to 46 and 50 to 60. Side Curtains December 2020
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November Car In The Room - Graham Manson’s 1967 Chev Impala 4 door by Dennis Whimp Graham explained that his son had a 1966 Chev Impala all in bits and that got him thinking that it would be great to get a complete car. He tracked down this immaculate 4 door car to Rotorua, but the owner didn’t want to sell. Persistence paid off and in 2007 he became the proud owner. The car was manufactured in Canada and assembled in Petone. The first owner was in Dargaville and there were 3 subsequent private owners. The mileage was only 104,000 and Graham has added another 10,000. Last year he had the Toy Shed replace the original V8 with a slightly larger V8 crate motor at a very reasonable cost. This is a large car at 5.4m long and with the side mirrors was only just able to fit through the doors at the clubrooms. It had been repainted in 1985 and has a vinyl roof covering with fleur-de-lis emblems and luxury cloth seating which makes for a very smart looking car. It has the two stage power glide transmission and Graham said it drives like new vehicle. Thanks Graham for sharing this with us.
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CLUB NIGHT - December 9th Neil Hunt Park - 7.30pm Car In The Room: TBA Followed by tea, coffee and biscuits.
December High Tea Run
Sunday, December 13th - 11.00am Be at the club rooms by 11am, first car away at 11.15am. Dress in the period attire for your car for a chance to win a price. $5 per head, please see page 9 for more details.
Midweekers
There are no mid-weeker runs planned for December 2020 or January 2021, enjoy the holiday break and don’t forget the Lakefront Car Show in January.
Belated Spring Tour.
Sunday 14th to Friday 19th March 2021
The tour is now arranged and will start with lunch in Taupo before we drive for an overnight stop in Napier. The next day we will visit some places of interest and drive on to Masterton. The following day we will visit the Police Museum before arriving at our motel at Waikanae for a two night stay. We will take the train and spend the Wednesday in Wellington. On Thursday morning we will visit Southwards Car Museum before making our way to Taihape for the final night before returning home. Those that have already committed to the tour should have received full details of Motels that have been selected. For others who maybe interested please contact me for the full details. Bob Mackay, ph 021 595 185 or bobmackaynz@gmail.com Side Curtains December 2020
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www.rotoruavintagecarclub.org.nz The branch website aims to meet the needs of our members, to promote our branch nationally, and to potential new members. If you have any suggestions please contact David Tomlinson. Please also make sure you “Like” our Facebook page to keep up to date.
Contributions to Side Curtains This is your magazine! Please feel free to share anything you think might be of interest to the membership by sending it to the editor, preferably by email, and a picture says a thousand words, so include photos where possible. Members taking part in club runs or events hosted by other branches are encouraged to pen a short piece about their experience to include in the next issue going to print. All items to the editor by the end of the month. 12
Side Curtains December 2020
Photos from Terry & Sandra Fitzpatrick’s travels around the South Island in November 1926 Essex Super Six at a Methven car show. Owned from new by the same family.
1910 Buick at the E Hayes Motorworks Collection in Invercargill. Terry is hoping Dennis Whimp’s car turns out to be at least as good looking as this one!
Hamilton Diner Breakfast - Dec 2020
NOVEMBER CLUB NIGHT
BRANCH CHRISTMAS SOCIAL