Monthly Newsletter of the Wairarapa Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand March 2022
Delegate Report - March 22 Executive Meeting This meeting was held electronically by ‘Zoom’. For those of you who are not technology savvy, this was like a video conference call run over the internet. Much cheaper for the branches and in theory, easier for the participants. I had connection issues and ended up doing it from an office in town rather than the comfort of home. All this is by way of explaining that I was about an hour late joining. However, I don’t think I missed anything too important, because the meeting had just started receiving reports, after dealing with the usual minutes and roll-call and correspondence etc. The report on the changes at National Office was interesting and contained a number of changes that I am sure we will find helpful. Murray Trounson and his team have been working for over a year to upgrade and digitise many of the processes that are involved in providing the service to members. • The issuing and renewing of the VIC cards was a huge job that had been impacted by Covid. Since August, the National Office has processed 357 new cards, 212 renewals and 90 DOMAS.
1
• Streamlining the Long Service Award process and reconciling the 50 and 60-year records. • Automating the issuing of Historic Racing Licences and Log Books. • Setting up secure payment links for credit card payments or internet banking. We take this for granted nowadays with the demise of cheques, however it seems that it is neither simple or quick to set up. • Setting up an ‘On-Line’ membership application form to include payment options and communication with the branches. This is due to go ‘live’ this month. They are soon to add other forms that will make the Branch Secretary’s job much easier. This was followed by about 20 reports, including from the North and South Island Captains, Beaded Wheels (can we have younger cars on the front cover and articles?, can we have larger font?) , the Speed Steward, Archivist, Insurance & Vero Festival The Registrar’s Report includes a number of notices to the Branches that I will not bore you with here, but will pass on to our committee, but you may find it interesting that our database now includes 26,126 vehicles. The Registrar was asked if we could propose that Russia is removed from FIVA, but apparently this has already been done. Also, motorcycles registered before 1975 (I think it was) do not need a lighting endorsement. The National Day is planned to go ahead this year again with the Cancer Society on 21st August. Kaaren Smylie will be sending out details shortly. After the adoption of the reports, the meeting had two Notices of Motion to discuss. The first was from Hawkes Bay seeking to change their name to the Hawkes Bay Vintage and Classic Car Club. After discussion, the vote was for asking them to withdraw the motion. There is nothing in the Club constitution that prohibits branches from using a promotional or trading name in addition to their legal name. Thus we could have Wairarapa Branch of the Vintage Car Club Incorporated TRADING AS Wairarapa Vintage and Classic Car Club if we wanted to. The second NoM was to include grandchildren as joint members. It was decided, after discussion, to ask for this to be withdrawn also. The rationale was that we have Junior Membership that should encourage young people to join in their own right. We could reduce the cost of Junior Membership and branches could waive the half branch levy if cost is seen as a barrier. It was also suggested that reducing the fee to $20 for the first year may provide an incentive. Branches to discuss. As a note: there have been 537 new members accepted since 1st April last year. General Business concluded the meeting. The new Branch Portal is due to go live shortly and this will be for the use of Branch Secretaries and the Club Management only as it includes all the confidential and suppressed information about members. If you are one of those who perhaps did not want
2
everyone to know about you, please give some thought to why you ticked ‘confidential’ on your application form. It is now possible for the details of your vehicles to be confidential, while your address and telephone number can be available to other club members only. You will need to notify National Office if you want to change. Also. You may want to update your vehicle list and this can be done through the portal by the branch. The Proposed New Logo was next. The President did not allow any discussion but instead asked each delegate in turn to say how their branch had voted. The branches voted 18 to 10 against the proposed new logo. Even with 7 votes in favour from the Management Committee, Diane was clearly very disappointed at the outcome. On-Line Membership: we were shown how the application form looks like on the website and taken through the process. If a branch subsequently rejects that application, it may be forwarded to another branch or their money is refunded in full. The Calendar of National Events for 2023 and beyond was next, starting with the National Motorcycle Rally in Southland in February. Auckland will host the National Veteran Rally in February in the Frankton area. Wellington will hold a Rally (Vintage Only) in March in association with the 150 years of the Union Steamship Company. Wanganui is hosting the National Commercial Rally at Labour Weekend AGM 2023 – Nelson are thinking about it 2024 Otago will host the Veteran Rally We were also asked if there was a willingness to hold another International Rally following the success of the more relaxed format this year. Dianne is to talk to Vero shortly. If there is anyone who would like more detail on any of these matters, please give me a ring or drop me an email. - Tina Goodin
Note on the Wairarapa Branch logo vote. The majority of members chose not to vote. Of those who did, more than three times as many voted not to change. At the March meeting, the branch committee therefore agreed the following: Our branch does not support the logo change. The logo should be changed as a result of Club Modernisation, not as a precursor to it. Priority should be given to other areas, for example the member application form.
3
RECENT EVENTS Midweek Social Run The weather wasn't the greatest for Val's midweek run to the the Gladstone Inn, but the company more than made up for it. Seventeen people sat down to an excellent meal and a cool beer after a leisurely cruise from the clubrooms to the Gladdie. Computer problems reduced the event to a follow-theleader one, but nobody seemed to be unhappy with that. School visits are out at present, due to Omicron, but Val is planning more midweek runs to various eateries. Watch this space - Kevin Ball
Garry Wall and John and Rae Kennedy relax at the Gladstone Inn.
They made it, though neither Peter nor Nola Groves is in the best of health. Peter's daughter Margie chats to run organiser Val Ball.
4
Remembrance Run A picnic lunch at Mt Holdsworth was a pleasant end to Pat Dutton's Remembrance Rally. The event, won for the second year in a row by Club Captain Hugh Hunter, took the 19 cars on a circuitous route around the back streets and environs of Carterton. Wet underfoot conditions put paid to a planned gymkhana event along the way. Rob Jones' wife Sonia is trapped in Australia, so her mum Judy Collard took over navigation duties in the big blue Leyland P76. They took home the raffle prize. - Kevin Ball
Rex Porter Memorial Rally Report & Photos by Kevin Ball A magnificent restoration, Terry Mathers' 1955 Peugeot 203, took overall honours in this year's Rex Porter Memorial Rally. This eye-catching silver saloon is the result of 12 years work and more than $60.000. It was a rust-bucket when he bought it, but you'd never guess it today -- it's in better-thannew condition. Terry, from Lower Hutt, imported a host of parts from France for the restoration. His navigator for the rally was Judy Wood.
5
They also won the RG and R Elwin Cup for best performance post-war car The pair finished a single point ahead of Barry and Linda Wells, in their 1973 Triumph Stag. The Stag also took out the Churchill Cup for best performance by a post-60s entry. Linda won the Roy Elwin Navigators' Plate Trophy for the navigator for the straight-line section.
Barry & Linda Wells in their 1973 Triumph Stag
6
The Jones Cup, for best performance by a post-vintage car, went to Mike D'Alton and Jim Barr in Mike's lovely 1934 Bentley roadster.
The rally, organised by Chris Giles, took the cars from the clubrooms to Pongaroa, for a lunch stop, and return, ending at Hood Aerodrome, coinciding with a fly-in of Tiger Moths. An excellent dinner and prizegiving was held at the Carterton Golf Club rooms. Also a special occasion for Jim and Linda Laird who received their 25-year membership award at the dinner.
On Sunday morning Val and Kevin Ball provided a breakfast of bacon, eggs and sausages for those still hungry after the dinner
7
Malcolm and Gina Fletcher, from Greytown turned up in an MG Midget, appropriate as their first-name initials are M and G. Gina wore MG earrings in celebration.
The sight of a 1972 Mercedes 350SL convertible towing a trailer raised some eyebrows. Not passing campers, but Brett and Sue James from Waikanae enjoying their rallying. Sue is confined to a wheelchair and there's not enough space in the Merc boot for it. This way, both can participate. Total distance covered by the rally was 140 miles (225km) of which 20 miles (30km) was gravel Full results are on our website here Thanks: To the hardworking team who put the rally together- Val Ball who organised all the catering and rally packs, and Graham Hodder, Hugh Hunter and Kevin Sullivan. Rally marshals on the day, Jane Giles, Jane D'Alton, Barbara Barr, Jim Laird and Earl Goodin And to our sponsors: Parts World, Masterton Parkview Motors Mitre 10, Martinborough Clarative Media ( a number of our members cars were in their recent film production)
8
Recent Visits Two car clubs held their nationall rallys in the Wairarapa over the last month, the Model T Ford Club and the Sunbeam Car Club. Kevin Ball covered both events. Model T Ford Club Forty-five of New Zealand's oldest cars in New Zealand have spent the week in Wairarapa. The occasion was the Model T Ford Club's annual meeting and rally. The meeting was held in the grounds of Cobblestones in Greytown, with the cars on display there. Sadly, because of the Covid pandemic, the public was excluded from the occasion. However cameraman Kevin Ball was allowed in and took the attached photographs. The T, produced from 1908 to 1927, has been voted the most influential car of the 20th century. They were displayed in Martinborough on Tuesday the 15th, converged on Cobblestones on the 16th and went on show in Masterton the following day. On the Friday they took back country roads to Eketahuna
Sunbeam Car Club From racy V8 Tigers to racy Rapiers and agile Imps to family saloons the New Zealand Sunbeam Club turned out in force for their 50th annual meeting in Masterton on February 26. Around 30 cars made an impressive showing at the Solway Copthorne, hub for the week-long celebration. The branch held their first AGM in Hamilton in 1972. Wikipedia tells us the Sunbeam name was registered by bicycle manufacturer John Marston in 1888. He began building cars in 1901. The motor business was sold to a newlyincorporated Sunbeam Motor Car Company in 1905. Sunbeam motorcycles were made from 1912. In-house designer Louis Coatalen, was a motor racing enthusiast. Sunbeam manufactured their own aero engines during the First World War. Engines drew Sunbeam into Grand Prix racing and participation in the achievement of world land speed records. In spite of its well-regarded cars and aero engines, by 1934 a long period of particularly slow sales had brought continuing losses. Sunbeam was unable to repay money borrowed for ten years in 1924 to fund its Grand Prix racing programme, and a receiver was
9
appointed. There was a forced sale, and Sunbeam was picked up by the Rootes brothers. Rootes had intended to sell luxury cars under the Sunbeam name, but almost four years after their purchase, in 1938, the two brothers instead chose to add the name Sunbeam to their Talbot branded range of Rootes designs calling them Sunbeam-Talbots. In 1954 they dropped the word Talbot, leaving just Sunbeam. Sunbeam continued to appear as a marque name on new cars until 1976. It was then used as a model name, firstly for the Chrysler Sunbeam from 1977 to 1979, and, following the takeover of Chrysler Europe by PSA Group, for the Talbot Sunbeam from 1979 through to its discontinuation in 1981. Tauranga man Earl Otway brought his beautiful 1964 Sunbeam Alpine Special coupe to the AGM. The only car of this model in New Zealand, it gets the Special tag because of its extra power, 97.5hp from its 2267cc 4-cylinder engine. No doubt it appreciates the extra power, because it weighs in at 1 1/4tons. Most eye-catching of the cars were a group of Triumph Tigers. With Ford V8 motors these were very popular, but only remained in production for three years. After taking over the company Chrysler refused to use a Ford engine and didn’t have a V8 that fitted. Accordingly, they dropped the line. Because of their relative scarcity Tigers can sell for between $15,000 and $25.000. The Sunbeam Rapier became a successful rally car, with podium places in five successive Monte Carlo Rallies and a 2 – 3 finish in two Mille Miglia rallies. There are 13 convertible models in New Zealand. A third, familiar, group were several Imp variants. These cars, assembled in NZ by Todd Motors, include the GT (Australia), Hillman Husky van, Commer Imp van, Singer Chamois, Singer Stiletto and Hillman Californian. The standard Imp had an 875cc alloy engine, which gave a lively performance. The Sport model had the same engine but with twin carbs, high-lift camshafts, an oil cooler and brake booster, a performance boost that made it a successful rally car. More importantly, it was designed by tall and large people to comfortably seat people of larger proportions, despite its diminutive appearance.
Despite the names, they'r e all Imps
A rare beast, Earl Otway, from Tauranga, with his Alpine Coupe Special
10
Upcoming Club Rallies and Events Club Outings & Rallies Wednesday 23rd March Midweek Social Run The run will start at the club rooms car park at 11a.m We are going to a new venture in Masterton where you can have a lunch meal for $15.00 a head, drinks available and if you choose you can picnic on the grass area. We need to know how many are coming, please get back to Val Ball by the 21st of March. Our Rex Porter winners are planning on coming over for the run. If you just want to join up for Lunch then let Val know and she will tell you where to meet up with the group. Val Ball 0279577426 or 3771236. Sunday April 10th Captains Run Be at the Clubrooms from 9.30am for a 10am departure Saturday 7th/Sunday 8thMay Motorcycle Reliability Run Details to come Sunday 12th May Winter Wander Details to comer
Club Nights Monday April 4th 7.30pm at the Clubrooms Damian Pivac from Cruise Martinborough talking about Classic Cars and where they could fit into with the Vintage Car Club Monday 2nd May Details to come Monday 13th May Club AGM
11
Events Calendar for 2022 Your committee has prepared a calendar of all club events planned for the coming year. As things sometimes change, the most up to date version can be downloaded from the club website here Printed copies will be available at Club nights
Welcome to New Members Recent new members: Graham Fordyce, who is rejoining after some years working in China. He is looking for a 1920s Ariel to restore. Paul Greet, transferring from Auckland. Paul has a 71 Alfa GTV, several motorcycles and a magneto workshop in his shed A big welcome to you, we look forward to you joining us in the various activities of the club. If you have not received a name badge please contact Mike D'Alton (mickyjdalton@yahoo.co.uk) to arrange this. The cost of the badge is $20 each.
Other Notices and Events
Saturday 19th March Horowhenua VCC Swap Meet Levin Showgrounds Events Centre, 14 Tiro Tiro Road, Levin Enquiries Ivan Horn: 021 108 7142 henrya@xtra.co.nz Saturday 9th/Sunday 10th April Wanganui Branch 39th Castrol Autumn Motorcycle Trial Details and entry form on our website here Enquiries: Bill James heatherandbilljames@gmail.com
National Motorcycle Rally 3 February - 6 February 2023 Hosted by the Southland Branch Details: https://www.sporty.co.nz/nationalmotorcyclerally
12
Offers to Members Bluebridge and Interislander Specials Both Bluebridge and Interislander are offering special prices for VCC members. Details can be found on our website: Click Here
Classic Tyres Hamilton based Tyreline can provide access to a full range of Michelin tyres More information and catalogue on our website Click Here
Market Place - Buy, Sell or Swap If you want to advertise something here, send an email to: editorwaivcc@gmail.com FOR SALE A rare Austin 7 Special, built in the style of an early Bruce McLaren car, is offered for sale. It began life as a 1937 Austin Ruby but has been given an aluminium two-seater body. The car was built by noted local rally driver Kevin George, who has assembled a "100% reliable" motor. The car has a competition logbook, having competed at the Admiral Road hillclimb. That motor "makes it fly" says George. The car comes with two racks of spare parts, including enough parts to build another motor. An A-frame is included for ease of transport. The car can be seen at 115 Ngamutawa Road, Masterton.
13
For Rent - Secure Storage Shed Space
Indoor or outdoor storage.
Long or short term rental available.
Discounts for long term and VCC members.
Access flexible and by arrangement.
Car, boat, caravan, campervan, farm machinery, etc. No household goods.
Have a look at Trade Me Listing #3332441379 for indicative prices. Phone Paul on 021-252-0409 with any queries. Wanted to Buy An older vehicle that is user friendly i e that will cruise at 95 – 100 kph For example, a 1934 Chrysler, Dodge, Desoto or Plymouth coupe. Contact: DAVE GOODMAN, Tauranga. Ph. 027 4427325 dave-goodman@xtra.co.nz Recent Arrivals at the Parts Shed Full running gear for Morris 1000 and most body panels, (we already have a wide range of Morrie parts ). Check out our stock of sealed beam headlights. Please contact Frank, Jeff or Barry for any parts enquiries (contacts details below) The Spare Parts Shed is open on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 9.30am to 12 noon, and the first Tuesday in the month from 9am to 12 noon, You can also contact Frank for a private appointment.
PLEASE NOTE To access other club newsletters go to www.vcc.org.nz. Scroll to ‘news from our branches”. Hard copies of newsletters are no longer mailed out.
Wairarapa Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Clubrooms: A&P Showgrounds, Chester Road, Clareville Postal Address: PO Box 7, Masterton 5840 Branch Website: www.sporty.co.nz/wairarapavcc Club Night: First Monday of the month (except January) and June (second Monday) at 7.30pm. Spare Parts: Open each Tuesday morning following club night and the 3rd Sunday in the month 9.30am -12 noon. Committee meet: Second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm
14
2021/22 Committee and Office Holders Chairperson: Tina Goodin - 020 410 99552, tina.goodin@hotmail.com Secretary: Mike D’Alton - 021 137 2395, secretarywvcc@yahoo.com Treasurer & Vice Chair: Graham Hodder - 06 308 9087 027 226 3738, g_jhodder@xtra.co.nz Club Captain: Hugh Hunter - 06 306 9847, j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz Publications: Chris Giles - 021 433 995, chris.giles64@gmail.co.nz Social Convenor: Val Ball - 06 377 1236, wtakevin@xtra.co.nz Librarian: Pat Dutton - 06 379 7918, betyjo29@gmail.com Spares: Frank Lipinski - 06 379 7167 Custodian: Earl Goodin - 0204 062 4986, tina.goodin@hotmail.com Motorcycle Liaison: Kevin Sullivan - 022 377 8443, kevsully52@gmail.com Dave Patten - 06 306 9006, dave.patten28@gmail.co Beaded Wheels Scribe - Kevin Ball - wtakevin@xtra.co.nz - 06 377 1236 Spares Frank Lipinski - 06 379 7167 Barry Wells - ljandbjwells@gmail.com - 06 377 1152 Jeff Percy - j.percy@xtra.co.nz - 06 377 4622 Vehicle Inspectors Francis Pointon - pointonmotors@xtra.co.nz - 06 378 6710 Graham Reidy - g-a.reidy@xtra.co.nz - 06 372 7855 Hugh Hunter - j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz - 06 306 9847 © 2022 Wairarapa Branch Vintage Car Club
15