VCC TAUPO TORQUE JUNE 2022 by Vintage Car Club of New Zealand

TA U P O V C C M A G A Z I N E

JUNE 2022

1976 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

A NCH

B– N. Z

V I N TA G CAR

TAUPO

CHAI R MAN’S & C APTAIN ’S REPOR T • JOHN SE AR LE’S 1976 ALFA ROM EO AL F E T TA G T • CAR BAD GE OF TH E M ON TH : F I AT • AR T CO RN ER • SOM E PH OTOS F R OM AB R O AD - SAN D POIN T, ID , USA • TAUPO V CC 2022 EVEN T C ALEN D AR

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

Coming Events for Taupo VCC 2022 JUNE Wednesday 8th

Club Night 7.30 pm

Sunday 19th

Club Run – Breakfast Run

JULY Wednesday 13th

Club Night Mid Year Pot Luck Christmas Dinner

AUGUST Wednesday 10th

Club Night 7.30 pm

Sunday 21st

Daffodil Run for Cancer

Club Breakfast - First Sunday of each month NEW VENUE! At The Huka Hub Café, Huka Falls, next to the helicopters. Special menu for Club Members, $15 - 2 x eggs any style and a small coffee. Or order off their regular menu. IMPORTANT: Please let Owen know by 3pm Friday if you will be there: 07 378 8327. Please be seated by 8.30 am.

June 2022 T

July 2022

August 2022

JUNE 2022

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

COVER

Coming Events for Taupo VCC 2022

Taupo Vintage Car Club Officers

Printing Tips

Chairman’s Report

Captain’s Report

13 Car of the Month:John Searle’s 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT 17 Art Corner 19 Car Badge of the Month: FIAT 23 Some Photos from Abroad Sandpoint, Idaho, U.S.A 27 Car Humour 29 Buy/Sell/Swap Cover: John Searle and his 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT.

30 Taupo VCC 2022 Event Calendar

CLUB NIGHT The second Wednesday of the month at the clubrooms - Hickling Park, AC Baths Ave, Taupo. CLUB DAY Third Sunday of the Month. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the articles and materials presented in this magazine are those of the authors and/or reference sources, and do not necessarily reflect the views held by the Taupo Vintage Car Club or The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand. Our intention is to stimulate discussion and enthusiasm among the VCC membership and the wider community. All photos, product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners.

JUNE 2022

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

Taupo Vintage Car Club Officers Taupo Vintage Car Club, PO Box 907, Taupo 3351

PATRON Graham Mock HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Bob Pettigrew • Graham Mock • Joe Ridley • Eric Foley CHAIRMAN Eric Foley 07 378 7006 chairman@taupovcc.org SECRETARY Elaine Taylor 027 232 4792 secretary@taupovcc.org TREASURER John Searle 027 703 6374 treasurer@taupovcc.org CLUB CAPTAIN Owen Duncan 07 378 8327 captain@taupovcc.org MAGAZINE EDITOR Dean Packwood editor@taupovcc.org COMMITTEE Murray Stanley 021 352 333 George Holliday 027 2167050

Peter Lockie 027 839 4296 Maureen Ransley 07 3776360

Non COMMITTEE POSITIONS ARCHIVISTS June & Graham Mock BEADED WHEELS SCRIBE Neil Chave CLUBROOM HIRE Neil Chave LIBRARIAN Trish Jefferies RAFFLES Trish Jefferies RALLY SPONSOR KIRK Automotive SPARE PARTS Bruce Jefferies CLUBROOMS CUSTODIAN Owen Duncan VIC CERTIFIERS Bruce Jefferies Kelvin Trim

JUNE 2022

07 378 7513 07 376 5262 07 376 5262 07 378 4774 07 378 4774 027 200 2570 07 378 4774 07 378 8327 07 378 4774 07 378 9055

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Printed Mag Available Printed copies of our monthly magazine, Taupo Torque, are now available from Copy Solutions in Taupo! We email the magazine to Copy Solutions each month, so if you would like a copy, you can visit Copy Solutions in Taupo and purchase one of the following 3 options:

Black and White A5 Booklet $2.99 + GST

Full Colour Cover, Black and White Internal Pages, A5 Booklet $4.99 + GST

Full Colour A5 Booklet $12.99 + GST Copy Solutions | 30 Tamamutu Street, Taupo 3330 | P. (07) 378 6278 Note: Prices correct at time of publication, based on page-count, and may be subject to change. JUNE 2022

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

Printing Tips Although you can print this magazine to A4 (either actual size or scaled to A4), this magazine has been set up in A5 format. This allows you to print 2 pages up on an A4 or even a booklet if your printer supports it. If you open the magazine file in Acrobat Reader, and select file>print, under Page Size and Handling (see image below), you can print multiple pages per sheet. Click File>Print>Multiple>Pages per sheet> 2 If your printer supports printing both sides of the paper, you can also print a ‘Booklet’. Which allows you to print, then staple and fold up into an A5 magazine.

Here are some more informative links and videos to help: • Printing Multiple A4 Sheets on One A4 Sheet in Adobe Reader

• Printing PDFs from Acrobat Reader • Get Adobe Reader

JUNE 2022

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Chairman’s Report

Eric Foley Chairman’s Report for May 2022 The recent AGM was a relatively quiet, hour-long affair with about 40 members present to receive reports and elect officers for the coming year. The financial affairs of the branch are in good stead with approximately $30,000 in the bank, good secure tenants, and no major, looming expenses. The only change in officers was the election of John Searle as Treasurer to replace Maureen, who wanted to stand aside after several years in the role. We are all grateful for the work she put into the Treasury function and her efforts in other areas such as kitchen duties, hall cleaning, etc. Maureen and Peter Lockie were elected to the committee to replace Marty and Brent. One new initiative that did come about was the suggestion of a monthly, midweek gathering of members to have a chat and “chew the fat.” These meetings will be held in an ever-changing list of coffee shops and are going organised by Barry Hoffman. More information about this venture will be circulated to all members in due course. The first committee meeting of the new management team has been held, albeit without John, who was recovering from Covid. Peter and John are welcome additions, and I look forward to their input into our activities. A few days after, the A G M 15 cars set off on the Chairman’s Run, which this year was to National Park. The weather was a little unpleasant when we set out, and I must admit I was quite chuffed at the turnout. Inclement weather often leads to poor participation. The motorcade called into Turangi to collect any local participants, but that proved to be unnecessary. We pressed on via Rangipo and Lake JUNE 2022

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

Rotoaira to a tavern at National Park. The service was excellent, the prices reasonable, and the food delivery prompt. Members were most complimentary about the food. Unfortunately, in the couple of hours we were ensconced there, the weather worsened, and the drive home saw constant use of the wipers.

The poor weather at National Park was not surprising as this settlement is New Zealand’s highest urban township at 825 metres above sea level (compared to Taupo’s 350 m) and the forecast for most of the North Island that day was lousy. I would also take this opportunity to remind newer members that use of a club car in weather like that is not necessary. The use of a “modern” is perfectly acceptable. About half of the vehicles on this run were SUV’s as photos of the tavern carpark will show. Aside from John’s bout of Covid, our Patron, Graham Mock, remains unwell and has been unable to attend club events. I have no doubt this bothers Graham considerably. I am aware that some of our colleagues have been visiting Graham, and I am sure he would love to see more of us. June has also been assisted in various ways to ensure that a range of small household chores are completed. Eric

JUNE 2022

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Captain’s Report

Owen Duncan Captain’s Report for May 2022 With the AGM done and dusted for 2022, we look forward to the next 12 months’ events and hope you enjoy them as much as we do in making them possible. Welcome to John Searle, as he takes on the role of treasurer, and Peter Lockie is new to the committee. June 5th at 8.30 am starts events with breakfast at the Hub. Don’t forget to ring or text me for your booking before 3 pm Friday before breakfast. Judging by the last turnout, it is going to be popular with the members. Feedback was very positive, and everyone had a great meal. There was plenty of parking, and they had the log fire going. The special deal for $15.00 is a small coffee with eggs any way, toast of your choice, plus one side – a hashbrown, or mushrooms, or bacon, or halloumi, or lamb pattie, or salmon or spinach. The coffee will likely be served in a takeaway cup as they do not have enough small crockery cups. Or, if you wish, you can purchase from the menu. JUNE 2022

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

Tuesday, June 7th, brings something new. Petrolheads Coffee Break is to be held this month at Lava Glass Café at 10 am. Barry Hoffman is the organiser of this get-together which is open to anyone. Come along in your classic or vintage car, or simply turn up in your daily drive. Should you require any further info, call Barry on 027 443 5479 or give a call me a call. This is going to be a monthly event with a different venue each time, so check your emails for details. Wednesday, June 8th is Club night starting at 7.30 pm. We will have Libby O’Brien talking to us about her role as Community Engagement and Development Manager for the Taupo District Council, leading a new team of people with a passion for changing the way they communicate with - and work with - communities across the Taupo District. Sunday 19th Tony Mannington and Chris Smith have the breakfast club run sorted. This will depart from Mobil Service Station at the airport roundabout at 8.30, so gas up, grab a coffee, and attend the briefing before departing at 8.45 for a run around town. The run will finish at the clubrooms, where breakfast will be ready for you. The cost for your breakfast delights is $10 per person. I have been asked by many of the members who participated in the last Club Captains Run I arranged a couple of years ago if I would put together another trip to Wanganui. I am quite happy to do this, so I am looking for expressions of interest from members wanting to come along. The run will be Auckland Anniversary weekend which is from 27th to 30th January 2023. By leaving Taupo on Friday the

JUNE 2022

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

27th, this will give us two full days to take in the many points of interest the Wanganui district has to offer. The accommodation for the last trip was top class, and I will need to arrange this asap, so give me a call. An exciting program has been planned for the rest of the year, so I hope you can come along. Many of these events will be organised and run by our club members, adding their touch. I have listed below other events that may be of interest: Saturday July 9th 10 am Toy Shed Open Day. 106 Riri Street, Rotorua Saturday July 9th from 9 am Mangakino Lake Hop Rotorua Swap meet Sunday July 10th 105 Paradise Valley Road, Rotorua Saturday August 6th Palmerston North Swap Meet & Car Display Manfield Park, Feilding Give me a call if you have any thoughts for club nights or club runs, don’t be shy now. That’s it from me, so drive safe and stay safe. See you out there Owen

KIRK Automotive Servicing and Repairs to All Makes and Models Auto Transmission Service and Rebuilds Mark Kirkcaldie 35 Raywood Cres, Taupo Ph: 027 200 2570

Our fully equipped modern workshop facility offers a reliable, accurate and affordable solution to all your reconditioning and machining needs. Includes high performance race/street, general automotive, motorcycle, marine, light and heavy diesel and industrial. We offer extremely quick turn around times and can pick-up or deliver if required Brian Henson / Scott Murray 19 Matai Street Ph; 3773570 Fax; 07 3773572 Email; Engines@hmltd.co.nz

Taupo Auto & Marine Trimmers

16 Manuka Street 07-378 6969

grant@taupoautomarine.co.nz www.taupoautomarine.co.nz

 2x standard life cycle  Environmentally responsible  42 mth standard warranty Now available from Partmaster

8 Oruanui Street, Taupo ph 07 378 9644 www.partmaster.kiwi

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Car of the Month: John Searle’s 1976 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT

by Murray Stanley

You can’t be a true petrol-head until you’ve owned an Alfa Romeo. Well, that’s according to Jeremy Clarkson anyway. If that truly is the case, then our Club’s new Treasurer, John Searle, has been a certified petrolhead for a very long time indeed. John and his wife Gail acquired their Alfetta GT way back in 1976 while doing part of their OE in South Africa. Back in those days, Alfa was assembling cars there, and John purchased his car brand new with the purpose of bringing it back to New Zealand. There were no annoying compliance hassles back in those days. All you needed was to have owned the car while overseas for two years, and that was that. John picked up his freshly landed car at the Wellington wharf in 1978 and was driving it home within just half an hour. The Alfetta range was introduced in 1972 - originally debuting as a Berlina (Sedan), but was later produced as GT & GTV coupes. Ital Design produced the JUNE 2022

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

timeless and beautiful coupe shape. In Italian, Alfetta means “little Alfa,” and it was available with a variety of engines. John’s car has a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre engine fed by twin Dellorto carburettors. Amongst the main improvements over earlier Alfa models was the use of a rearmounted gearbox/differential transaxle system for a 50:50 weight distribution. To complement this transaxle design, an equally impressive type of rear suspension was used in the form of a De Dion tube, which helps to reduce un-sprung weight in comparison with a live rear axle. The De Dion design also has a significant advantage over modern, fully independent suspension. There are no changes in camber as the axle’s load is changed, allowing for better traction and reduced wheel hop. The designers also further reduced the un-sprung weight by moving the rear brakes inboard.

John is a semi-retired mechanical engineer who has spent his career working in industries associated with pulp and paper and geothermal energy. During his long career, the family at one stage moved to Tasmania for a few years, and as the Alfetta was a member of the family, it went along for that trip as well. Like any car from

JUNE 2022

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

the 1970s, rust was an ongoing issue, and it has had two comprehensive body and mechanical rebuilds - as well as an interior refurbishment. Apart from the model-specific difficulty of selecting second gear (due to the complex gear linkage), John has not experienced any of the typical Alfa unreliability issues. One issue, however that did arise recently was the car failed its WOF at VTNZ because the eagle-eyed inspectors believed that the metal VIN tag had been removed and subsequently re-attached. Evidently, the rivets securing the tag looked too new! John doesn’t know when exactly this happened but thinks it was probably done while the car was away being painted. But when he began the process to rectify this issue, it was discovered that there was a one digit difference between the VIN tag on the car and the VIN number in the MOT system. The “quick & dirty” inspection/certification on the Wellington wharf way back in 1978 was suspected to be the JUNE 2022

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

reason for the incorrect VIN number being recorded into the official system. Apparently, official records are impossible to change, so the Alfetta needed to be re-complied to enable it to be formally issued with its new VIN number. As can be imagined, John is not a huge fan of VTNZ! The Alfetta is not John and Gail’s only vintage car. They also own a very nice black 1963 Daimler V8 saloon (MkII Jag shape), but if they win Lotto, they will be looking at buying a Ferrari 250 GTO – or failing that any classic front-engined Ferrari powered by a V12. In the meantime, they are bringing themselves right up to date with the keenly anticipated arrival of a Tesla Model 3.

Parts department hours are better than ever: 7.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday 8.00am to 1.00pm Saturday

Parts and Services offer a comprehensive parts and service solution for your car, van, ute, truck, trailer, caravan, fifth-wheeler or campervan. We’re all about smart servicing – that means getting the parts that you need, and servicing your vehicle to your satisfaction every time.

Still at; 1 Miro Street, Taupo Web; partsandservices.co.nz Phone; 07 378 2673

JUNE 2022

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Art Corner

1955 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. Original oil on canvas by NZ Artist, Don Packwood www.donpackwood.co.nz

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

* Vehicle Servicing * WoF * Brakes

Classic! Vintage! American! English!

Dave Morton Ph. 378 8448 Tuwharetoa Street Service Lane dam.auto@xtra.co.nz

LAKELAND GLASS TAUPO PROUDLY OWNED & OPERATED FOR OVER 25 YEARS

WINDSCREENS, CHIP REPAIRS, ADAS CLASSIC CAR RESTORATION, HEAVY HAULAGE / COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC - HOME GLAZING, FORESTRY & RURAL

Find us: 39 Miro St, Taupo Monday to Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Car Badge of the Month: FIAT

by George Holliday

Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino - FIAT

The Badge From the early 20th to the early 21st century, when the most recent redesign was carried out, FIAT has over 25 logos on the bonnets of its cars, and the logos above JUNE 2022

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

are the most well-known. In general, the emblems were very similar to each other and were grouped by year. From 1921 to 1931, the badge was oval, until 1968 it was vertical rectangular, until 2003 it was oblique, and then the round logo alternated with the text. Currently, the emblem contains only an inscription – a red name on a white background.

Brief History Fiat’s story begins in 1900 when Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Agnelli opened the first Fiat factory in Turin, Italy. Agnelli founded the car company with a group of local investors, calling their newest venture Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (FIAT), or Italian Automobile Factory of Turin. Their first factory was quite small, employing only 150 people on a daily basis. However, the tiny automaker proved successful in its home country, which cleared the way for Agnelli to establish the first Fiat factory in the U.S. in 1908. Fiat remained one of the best-selling cars in Europe for the next 100 years, especially in its native Italy. It survived Mussolini’s reign during WWII, developing new, innovative technology that ventured out into railways, commercial trucks, and even airplanes. After the war, Fiat looked to expand its offerings to the U.S. once more, rebuilding many of its former operations in the States. Fiat Group currently produces vehicles under twelve brands: Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Ram Trucks, and SRT. In 1970, Fiat employed more than 100,000 workers in Italy when its production reached the highest number of 1.4 million cars in that country. The European Car of the Year award was awarded to the Fiat Group twelve times over the last forty years, more than any other manufacturer. Fiat Automobiles models won nine of these awards. Fiat models awarded the title: • • • •

1967: Fiat 124 1970: Fiat 128 1972: Fiat 127 1984: Fiat Uno JUNE 2022

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

• • • • •

1989: Fiat Tipo 1995: Fiat Punto 1996: Fiat Bravo/Brava 2004: Fiat Panda 2008: Fiat 500[52]

Fiat Chrysler Automotive is currently the seventh-largest car brand in the world. Fiat is also manufactured in other parts of the world, including Brazil, Argentina, Turkey, India, China, Serbia, Japan, France, Mexico, and Thailand.

By George

JUNE 2022

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

INVITES YOU TO

“Top of the South 2022” photo: proshotz photography

the ultimate time tRial 2020

Join us for the drive of a lifetime! Discount entry fee available for VCC members in VCC/VIC eligible, road-legal cars. No special car mods (roll cage etc), required.

Not a race, but an exercise in precise driving and time keeping to maintain a set average speed through all closed tarmac stages.

13 - 18 oCtoBeR 2020

Not a race, but a test of precise driving and time keeping. No special car mods (roll cage etc), required.

First time ever to the Upper South Island Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October, 2022

Photo : Proshotz Photography

JUNE 2022

rod.corbett88@gmail

Refer to www.targa.nz for details

(Scrutineering, Documentation and Briefing Friday 28th October)

Contact: Rod Corbett

Refer: www.targa.nz for details

DEsIgN: Nz CLassIC DrIVEr

027 433 8772

Please join us for the drive of a lifetime!

Inaugural event - Nelson and Tasman Districts

rod.corbett88@gmail.com

027 433 8772

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Some Photos from Abroad Sandpoint, Idaho, U.S.A

photos by John Matsen

JUNE 2022

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

JUNE 2022

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

JUNE 2022

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

JUNE 2022

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Car Humour

by George

VCC members Car Maintenance Always need a mate to hold the widget

So VCC members can eat and work

Old age (Gender specific)

JUNE 2022

Taupo Torque | Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine

its n i Now Year! h 27t

JUNE 2022

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

Buy/Sell/Swap If you wish to find a missing part or sell something, and would like to include a notice on this page, please e-mail our secretary (taupo@vcc.org.nz), with your request. Automotive items only please.

Rob Sinclair

Vehicle Servicing Car Repairs Vehicle Brakes Car Exhausts Shock Absorbers Towbars Tyres Warrant of Fitness Safety Checks Batteries

28 Oruanui St Taupo Owners: Susan & Peter Wall 07 3783132 Mobile 021 717131

Specialise in; *boat covers *boat canopies *awnings *Tourneau covers etc

83 Tauhara Rd Taupo

Mobile: 0274 496363

Taupo Torque | |Taupo TaupoVintage VintageCar CarClub ClubMagazine Magazine

Taupo VCC 2022 Event Calendar (subject to change)

June 2022 Sunday 5th June �� Wednesday 8th June �� Sunday 19th June �� Monday 20th June ��

Breakfast at the Hub 8.30 am Club Night 7.30 pm Club Run – Breakfast Run Committee Meeting 7.00 pm

July 2022 Sunday 3rd July �� Breakfast at the Hub 8.30 am Wednesday 13th July �� Club Night Mid Year Pot Luck Christmas Dinner Saturday 16th Sunday 17th July � Hobby Expo Monday 18th July �� Committee Meeting 7.00 pm

August 2022 Sunday 7th August �� Wednesday 10th August �� Sunday 21st August �� Monday 22nd August ��

Breakfast at the Hub 8.30 am Club Night 7.30 pm Daffodil Run for Cancer Committee Meeting 7.00 pm

September 2022 Sunday 4th September �� Breakfast at the Hub 8.30 am Fathers Day Show ‘n’ Shine, Wairakei Resort Wednesday 14th September �� Club Night 7.30 pm – Sunday 18th September �� Club Run – Brass Monkey Run Monday 19th September �� Committee Meeting 7.00 pm

October 2022 Sunday 2nd October �� Wednesday 12th October �� Sunday 16th October �� Monday 17th October ��

JUNE 2022

Breakfast at the Hub 8.30 am Club Night 7.30 pm Club Run Committee Meeting 7.00 pm

Taupo Vintage Car Club Magazine | Taupo Torque

November 2022 Sunday 6th November �� Wednesday 9th November �� Sunday 20th November �� Monday 21st November ��

Breakfast at the Hub 8.30 am Club Night 7.30 pm Club Run – Boot Picnic Pow Wow Committee Meeting 7.00 pm

December 2022 Saturday 3rd December �� Club Christmas Dinner Sunday 4th December �� Breakfast at the Hub 8.30 am Wednesday 14th December �� Club Christmas Morning Tea 10.00 am

Club merchandise available on Club Nights. Baseball Cap - $14.50 | Polo Shirt - $38.50 | Bucket Hat - $17.80 Fleece Jacket - $59.00 | Club Lapel Badges and Car Stickers We have most stock available at the club rooms.

Instrument Repairs Bruce Chaytor 021 631 700 Nicolette Prangley 021 166 8374

nap.chaytor@gmail.com

5 Gibbs Place, Kinloch RD1, Taupo 3377

A NCH

B– N. Z

V I N TA G CAR

Taupo Vintage Car Club Hickling Park, AC Baths Ave, Taupo. PO Box 907, Taupo 3351

Taupo Torque is also available online with other VCC magazines via the online digital publisher Issuu. https://issuu.com/vintagecarclubofnewzealand An Issuu mobile app is also available for IOS and Android.

Find us on Google Maps