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Monthly Newsletter of the Wairarapa Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand April 2021
From the Chair Greetings All, It seems such a long time since I wrote for last month’s Zenith – it just shows how much has been happening. Our cancellation of the Motorcycle rally was a huge disappointment not only for the organising committee, but for all those who had booked to come. Fortunately, we came back to Level One in time for about fifty ‘bikers’ to come anyway and at their request, the middle route of the rally became ‘The Ride’ followed by a barbeque on the Saturday night at Willie and Sharon James’ place. Most then stuck around till the following week and enjoyed three runs to Castlepoint, Mangatainoka and Cape Palliser respectively. All rounded off with dinner at the Masterton
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Club on Wednesday night. We have also said farewell to Neville and Beth Taylor who have sold their house and moved to Matamata. I think and hope that it will be a case of ‘until we meet again’. The Wairarapa Branch owe them a great debt of gratitude for their contribution over the years as recorded on our honours board (which, by the way, has been extended to last a few more years.) Last Saturday, Earl and I travelled to Wellington for the national Executive meeting. The meeting covered some of the same material as the AGM in Wanganui in that there was more discussion on the mechanics of on-line membership and progress on branding (logo) for the Club. We also looked at how Special Interest Groups (e.g. marque clubs) could affiliate to the Vintage Car Club. This is an area that will require more work and consultation, but hopefully will be ready by the AGM. We are looking forward to getting our cars out in April and so, although we do need rain, we hope it doesn’t fall on those days! Happy motoring, - Tina Goodin
From the Club Captain Another successful Gymkhana has been run this year - the winner was Alec O'Hara, with Paul Furkert in second place. The vehicles competing were as different from each other as chalk and cheese; from a 1926 Ford Model T to a Mini to a Series 1 Land Rover. So it was all down to driver skills and made it very interesting to watch the performance of different makes of vehicle, We had a visitor from Levin who was so impressed he is going back to get his club to run one. The weather was kind to us and the course was well set out. You could see drivers improving with every lap they did. No mishaps, but Phil & Liz Brown's Morris 10/4 sounded like it had taken a tooth out of the crown wheel! A well run event where everybody helped - and a tasty sausage sizzle too. Big thanks to Simon and Sandy for another excellent event. I have decided to combine this year's Captains Run with the Wellington VCC run to White Rock. This is a great way of meeting new people and maintaining links with our neighboring VCC clubs. Please note the date change to Sunday 18th April Details in the Club Events section below - Hugh Hunter
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Recent Events Stretched Gymkhana Words and photos - Kevin Ball
Thirteen cars enjoyed excellent conditions on the grass, with Alec O'Hara taking a narrow win. Some new cars made an appearance, Alec fronting in a smart little Austin 7 Sports (which sadly refused to fire, resulting in a quick trip home to get the Mini), and Frances Pointon, who made it into the top four in his 1926 Ford Model T. Malcolm Fleming, in a MGTF also got as far as the top four. Ian Stewart arrived in his faithful old Morris Minor, bearing a 1991 Times-Age page with a photo of him competing in a similar event. He was fifth that time, but not progressing beyond the top 6 on this occasion.
Runner-up Paul Furkert was his usual enthusiastic
He'll be back ... Alec's little Austin 7 refused to fire.
self in the Land-Rover
Francis Pointon gives his 1926 Model T a bit of a
Malcolm Fleming throws the MG into a corner.
hurry-up
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First outing for Simon O'Hara's 1933 Dodge Fast
Philip Brown (1933 Morris 10/4 special) negotiates
Four
a tricky turn
They reckon the Citroen 2CV can traverse a
Ian Stewart in action in his Morris Minor
ploughed paddock with a load of spuds aboard. With a suspension like this that's not surprising
A Rare Morgan Visit Words and photos - Kevin Ball English schoolboy John Williams was just 16 when he fell in love with a little three-wheel sports car. Sixty years on and half way round the world, Englishman John, now 76, his wife Jill beside him, toured Wairarapa in the self-same machine on Saturday. The occasion was a consolation run for entrants following the cancellation of the national vintage motorcycle rally this month. More than 60 bikes turned out for Saturday’s run, which included lunch at Martinborough.
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The 1937 Morgan Supersport, powered by a Matchless V-twin motorcycle engine, was a bit rough when John bought it. Over the years he has steadily restored it to the current point where it could be argued that it is better than new.
Today the machine is the centre of attention wherever it goes -- and it goes plenty of places. John and Jill regularly rally the bike, trailering it to such events as New Plymouth’s Rubber Duckie and Hamilton’s Mooloo Meander. In England the power-to-weight ratio made them successful racers, in competition with racing sidecars. Home today is Auckland – “but don’t worry,” says Jill -- “we’ve had the jab.”
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A Future Classic The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand, Wairarapa Branch, was founded at a time when an eligible 30 year old car would have to be pre war, and entry level vehicles were commonplace. Austin 7’s, Morris 8’s, Y type Fords, no WoF’s to worry about, and a price tag well under £100. Choose your weapon! Last Sunday a Morris 8, admittedly in fine fettle, went under the hammer at Webb’s for what seems to be very reasonable $9,200, and a 1939 Ford Y is advertised on Trade Me for an eye watering $23,000. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/ford/anglia/listing/2998412710
Lot closed - Price Realised incl. BP:$9,200 Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000
We continue to attract new members to the Wairarapa Branch, over a dozen since I became secretary, but they are invariably of a mature age, and come with expensive cars or motorbikes. I’m guessing that the average age has increased by thirty years in the last fifty. So, it seems that these facts may be related. Where does a young potential member acquire an eligible car in running order to enter our popular and interesting club events? A vehicle that will not break the bank of someone just starting out on working life or with, maybe, a young family to support? A base from which to expand their technical knowledge and experience. The owner of maybe such a car has recently approached Frank Lipinski. She has for sale a two owner car, nearly 40 years old, with just 200,000km on the clock. WoF and Rego are current, but expire next month, and the car will need a certain amount of work to keep it in roadworthy condition, but it is essentially sound according to Frank. The fact that it’s Japanese will doubtless put some people off, but to have survived this long must in itself be a sign of its pedigree. On the same theme, a popular and recurring subject was brought up at a committee meeting recently, how to get future generations interested in our club and cars. A few words with a parent last week gave me an idea. Neither her nor her husband is technically minded, but her teenage son takes great interest in dismantling bits of machinery and (hopefully) rebuilding them. Maybe we could hold an event either at a weekend or in the
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school holidays at the clubrooms when youngsters could come to the club and discuss our cars. This might lead to a special rally, each car being navigated by a novice? I’m sure there are plenty of ideas in the club, and maybe some of you will put your hands up and help to stage something of this nature? I’d be pleased to hear from you! By the way, the car mentioned above is a 1984 Mitsubishi Mirage 4 door saloon. It’s available for inspection in Carterton. Michelle, the lady owner, is adamant that she doesn’t want it to become a paddock car, and I get the impression that she is more interested in securing its future on the road rather than recouping her outlay. Michelle can be contacted on 06 379 6515. Frank has seen the car, and maybe you’d like to ring him first for information on 06 379 7167, Very best wishes for Easter, Mike D’Alton, Secretary Editor's Note: Currently there are just over 100 1980-1990 vehicles on Trade Me, selling for about $3,000 or less. The list includes some interesting ones such as BX Citroens ( 3 in fact), 1990 Ford Capri convertible, 1989 Volvo 740, 1981 Ford Cortina, 1987 Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg (173 HP), 1990 Mazda MX5, 1988 BMW 318 Coupe, 1990 Ford Laser TX3 Coupe, 1986 Mercedes Benz 500 (W126), 1981 Holden Commodore These are all runners and many have current WOFs, so while some may need a bit of attention, it is a relatively low cost entry into the classic/vintage car world, particularly if also a VCC member with all the support that entails.
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Upcoming Club Rallies and Events Sunday April 18th Club Captain's Run We will be joining Wellington VCC on a run to White Rock Meet at Clareville Clubrooms at 9.00am After a briefing we will proceed to Featherston to meet the Wellingtonians at the Royal Hotel about 10.00am Lunch will be at White Rock Station shearers quarters, kitchen and toilets available. BYO lunch Return to Clareville clubrooms for afternoon tea. Allow for a round trip of 100 miles, with about 30 miles of gravel. If you are planning on joining this run, please let Hugh know: j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz This will help get an idea of numbers. Saturday May 8th/Sunday May 9th Motorcycle Winter Reliability Run Starts at VCC Clareville Club rooms 8.45am Saturday 8th May for briefing etc. The run will be taking in a loop up into the Hawkes Bay and return whilst staying in a reasonable Hotel en route $ 25 - $40 per head with an interesting collection to view as well. No sleeping bags required. Organiser: Willie James jwilliej600@gmail.com Entry Form on our website: https://www.sporty.co.nz/wairarapavcc/Upcoming-Events-1/2021-Wairarapa-VCC-MotorcycleWinter-Reliabil Tuesday May 25th Mid-week Social Run, with lunch stop. Organised by Val Ball. Details to come Saturday June 12th Winter Wander. Organised by Hugh Hunter & Simon O'Hara. Details to come Sunday June 27th Mid-winter Xmas Lunch at the Clubrooms. Details to come
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Club Nights Monday April 5th (Easter Monday) Instead of a normal club night, Simon has organised an afternoon run to The Greytown Hotel - see details above. Monday May 3rd Activity organised by Hugh Hunter - details to come Monday June 14th Branch AGM and Awards
Events Calendar for 2021 Your committee has prepared a calendar of all club events planned for the year. Copies were emailed out to everyone in February. However changes do happen, so the current version can be found on the our website Home Page: https://www.sporty.co.nz/wairarapavcc and printed copies will be available at Club nights
Welcome to New Members Recent new members: Andy Bull. Catherine Bannon. Kaylene Wilson Les and Ali Cockeram. A big welcome to you all, 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.
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Other Notices and Events Saturday/ Sunday 17/18 April Wanganui VCC 38th Castrol Autumn Motorcycle Trial The Trial Convener, Bill James, 4 Eaton Crescent, Wanganui, 4500. Phone (06) 345 2447 Mob 027 353 2190 heatherandbilljames@gmail.com Entry Form Here: www.sporty.co.nz/wairarapavcc/Upcoming-Events-1/2021-Wanganui-VCC-AutumnMotorcycle-Trial-1 Saturday 8th May 2021 Waipukurau and Beyond CHB VCC Twilight / Night Rally Rally Organiser Bruce Poole 18 Wilder St, Waipukurau 4200. Phone: 06 858 9940 Mobile 027 244 9090 Email: brucepoole1930@gmail.com Entries Close 30th April 2021 LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!! The CHB VCC Twilight/Night Rally starts at 3.15pm at “Pioneer Corner”, Tavistock Place, Waipukurau. The first car away will leave at 3.30pm. There will be a visit to a hotel for soup and buns during the event. Dinner and prize giving will be held at the end of the run in a licensed venue in Central Hawke’s Bay. You are advised to fuel up before the start. Please bring a torch. Entry Form Here: www.sporty.co.nz/wairarapavcc/Upcoming-Events-1/2021-CHB-VCC-TwilightNight-Rally-1 Sunday May 9th Back to Basics Swap Meet Organised by the Hawkes Bay VCC at the Meeanee Speedway, 67 Sandy Road . $10 entry Targa 2021: 5 Day Event: Sunday 24th October: Arrive to overnight in New Plymouth
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(Subject to finding a suitable venue we may have our usual VCC get together Sunday afternoon for our own meet & greet, scrutineering & RallySafe installation, but the Taranaki VCC clubrooms are out of town & don't have suitable parking. Otherwise we'll do it all on Monday, which may suit entrants travelling from afar, to arrive in New Plymouth later on Sunday).
Labour Day Monday 25th October: Scrutineering, Doco & Event Briefing in New Plymouth. (Overnight New Plymouth). Tuesday 26th October: Day/Leg 1 - START, depart New Plymouth & return to overnight in New Plymouth; Wednesday 27th October: Day/Leg 2 - Depart New Plymouth & return to overnight in New Plymouth; Thursday 28th October: Day/Leg 3 - Depart New Plymouth to overnight in Palmerston North; Friday 29th October: Day/Leg 4 - Depart Palmerston North to overnight in Havelock North; Saturday 30th October: Day/Leg 5 - Depart Havelock North & return to FINISH, PRIZEGIVING & overnight in Havelock North. Sunday 31st October: Depart for home after a great week! Targa 2021: 2 Day Event (Last 2 Days of the 5 Day Event above): Thursday 28th October: Scrutineering, Doco & Event Briefing in Palmerston North. (Overnight Palmerston North). Friday 29th October: Day/Leg 4 - Depart Palmerston North to overnight in Havelock North; Saturday 30th October: Day/Leg 5 - Depart Havelock North & return to FINISH, PRIZEGIVING & overnight in Havelock North. Sunday 31st October: Depart for home after a great event! Contact VCC member Rod Corbett for more information: rod.corbett88@gmail.com 027 433 8772 Website: www.targa.nz
Bluebridge Specials for VCC Members Bluebridge is again offering special prices for VCC members. Details can be found on our website here: https://www.sporty.co.nz/wairarapavcc/Other-News-Specials
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Market Place - Buy, Sell or Swap If you want to advertise something here, send an email to: editorwaivcc@gmail.com On Offer Is there someone who would appreciate a beautiful fur stole ideal to wear at ART DECO? It is a light fur, easy to wear, excellent condition, mid brown with dark brown tails. This is a gift to a VCC club member – will only go to a genuine lady who will wear it. Contact: Gaye Pointon Phone 378 6710
Engineering, Welding, Lathe and Milling Work undertaken, specialising in vintage car, motorcycle, machinery repairs. Excellent discounted rates for VCC members Contact Brian Billing (VCC member) Ph 021 242 6240 email; billing.au@gmail.com
For Sale 1936 Morris 12, 4 cylinder. Body, paint and running gear in good condition Contact Ian Palmer 06 378 7892, Masterton. Wanted to Buy 1 or 2 20” wheels for 1930 Model A truck preferably including lock ring Contact Graham 027 444 1170 The Spare Parts Department is open on the 3rd Sunday of the month from 9.30am to 12 noon, and the first Tuesday in the month from 9am to 12 noon, or you can contact Frank Lipinski (06 379 7167) 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
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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
2020/21 Committee and Office Holders
Chairperson - Tina Goodin - tina.goodin@hotmail.com - 0204 109 9552 Secretary - Mike D'Alton - mickyjdalton@yahoo.co.uk - 021 137 2395 Treasurer - Graham Hodder - g_jhodder@xtra.co.nz - 06 308 9087 Club Captain - Hugh Hunter - j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz - 06 306 9847 Committee Val Ball - wtakevin@xtra.co.nz - 06 377 1236 Pat Dutton - betyjo29@gmail.com - 06 379 7918 Chris Giles - chris.giles64@gmail.co.nz - 021 433 995 Earl Goodin - tina.goodin@hotmail.com - 0204 062 4986 Willie James - jwilliej600@gmail.com - 06 372 4890 Simon O'Hara - simonsandieohara@gmail.com - 021 141 2332 Social Convener - Val Ball - wtakevin@xtra.co.nz - 06 377 1236 Custodian - Earl Goodin - tina.goodin@hotmail.com - 0204 062 4986 Beaded Wheels Scribe - Kevin Ball - wtakevin@xtra.co.nz - 06 377 1236 Librarian - Pat Dutton - betyjo29@gmail.com - 06 379 7918 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 © 2021 Wairarapa Branch Vintage Car Club
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