#0097
July 2020
PO Box 458, LEVIN 14 Tiro Tiro Road, LEVIN
Patron
Tom Hayes
06 367 9445
Chair
Des St Clare desstclare@gmail.com
0274 191412
Deputy Chair
John White
06 368 3299
Secretary
Glenn and Stephanie Peach
04 364 3115
Treasurer
Jackie Job
06 368 2565
Club Captain
Bruce Lawrie
04 293 6803
Branch Delegate
Michael Gaffaney
04 905 2402
Committee
Derek Ransom Bob Barton Warren MacMillan John White Colin Brooks Peter Collins
06 368 1011 06 367 8216 06 362 6156 06 368 3299 04 298 5458 06 368 8656
Custodian Groundspeople
Andrew Judd Wayne Thrower Julia MacMillan
06 368 6891 06 368 5611 06 362 6156
Spares Team
Callum Farmer callumfarmer77@hotmail.com Rex Williams Mike Khull Bob Barton Jeff Fox Colin Brooks Robert Cammish
06 364 7238
Library Archives
Don McLaren Pauline St Clare
021 1172418 0274 191412
Spark Editor
Mark Gibson gibbos2@outlook.com Bob Barton
021 1786335
Spark Distribution VIC Team
06 367 0613 06 363 5633 06 367 8216 06 362 6013 04 298 5458 04 905 0772
06 367 8216
Verdon Heath, Ivan Horn, Jeff Fox, Mark Morgan and Mike Khull Meeting Branch Night - 1st Wednesday of the month at 7 30 pm Committee Meeting - Last Wednesday of the month at 7 30 pm Working Bee - Saturday following Branch Night at 9 00 am Spare Parts - Open Saturday following Branch Night Club Bank Account No - 03 0667 0269227 00
Well, we have passed the shortest day of the year and the weather is at its coldest. Finally, after lockdown, the club was able to hold its first club night in 4 months and despite the bitterly cold night it was well attended by 64 members. All braved the weather to attend a very friendly night ending with a social chat over supper. Fortunately for all the clubrooms were opened early and the heaters were turned on so the room was lovely and warm. Our next club night is the AGM on 5 August 2020. If you would like to stand for a position of office or would like to nominate someone for a position, make sure that you have filled in the form and passed it to the Secretary. I am also looking for 2 more volunteers for the organising of the Horowhenua Heritage Trust Day Parade on 28 February 2021. This promises to be a great event with many benefits to the club so if you would like to be involved let me know. The idea of running a small meeting with a representative from a bank or someone that can explain the banking systems has only produced one inquiry. I would need at least six people to make it worthwhile so if anyone is interested please give me a call. This meeting would probably be at the clubrooms one afternoon. Our monthly working bee (social morning) went well with 28 members present and 2 visitors from the Wairarapa. The library was a hive of activity with Bev and Pete helping to sort out the new boxes of books recently received. I would like to thank all those that attend the working bees and the wonderful job that they do in cleaning and maintaining the clubrooms to such a high standard. Special thanks to Norm McBrearty who is always available to help Pauline with the printer. I would also take this opportunity to welcome our new members, Roderick and Joy McLeod to the club. It was nice to see Trevor Hayes at this month’s meeting. Trevor has been a long time member but has been unable to attend meetings whilst working. Hopefully, we will see more of him now that he has retired. As we have been in lockdown and haven't had any events over the last few months there is not a lot to talk about, but I hope to see you all at the AGM, until then keep warm and stay safe. Regards
Des St Clare
Des St Clare
Roster for August 2020 Bill and Pauline Keast, Bryan and Denise Keen, Peter and Bev Kelly, Roderick Kinghorn. If you are unable to make it for either kitchen duties on Club Night, 5th August, or for the Working Bee on Saturday morning 8 th August, 9 am till 12 noon, PLEASE let me know on 0274 191412 or desstclare@gmail.com.
Speaker for August 2020 This month is our belated Annual General Meeting, there will not be a speaker this month. Supper will be served after the meeting.
______________________________________ _________________ From: admin@vcc.org.nz <admin@vcc.org.nz> Subject: Spam reminder Hi Everyone Just a reminder that there is always spam going around. I will never send you a voice/audio message. I always try to clearly identify what I am .sending and it should always be signed off by me. Please remain diligent. Cheers Julie Cairns-Gee Administration Manager VCC National Office
The Night Owl Rally The Night Owl has received a makeover this year and will be an afternoon event. This is to permit as many members as possible to attend, being our first event back from Lockdown. Meet at the clubrooms at 1.30pm on 26 July. See the Club Captains Report.
It is with regret I have to inform the club of the death of, Barbara Boswell, Ray Boswell’s wife. By the time Spark is printed the funeral will have been held. It was on Monday 13 July at Bowlers Chapel Levin. All our thoughts are with their family. An email notification was sent to members on 11 July.
Des
Hi members, Bob and I have organised a club outing. This is to the Royal NZ Army Engineers Memorial Museum at Linton Camp. We visited there today for a reconnoitre! Very interesting! The museum is a trust and receives no Defence Department support, therefore a charge of $5 per head is requested. The visit will be limited to the first 24 members. This is due to space constraints. If necessary we can repeat the trip next year. They will not do weekends, so the date will be September 16 at 2 pm at the museum. The Army wants the minimum of cars, so it is proposed to take our large moderns up, seating 5 per car! I will have to collect names prior and email them details for security reasons. Bob and I thought our program should be, lunch at Murrayfields CafĂŠ at 12 midday, meet up, get into selected cars with a view to arrive Linton at 1.45pm. The tour will take about 2 hours, back to Murrayfields to collect our cars and home. We need to announce this one at the July meeting. Names and entry fee to me by September meeting please. I will then sort the security and payment side of things. Cheers, John White Phone 06 368 3299
THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ INC HOROWHENUA BRANCH Notice is hereby given: That the Annual General Meeting will be held in the Branch Clubrooms, 14 Tiro Tiro Road, Levin on Wednesday 5 August 2020 at 7.30pm
Stephanie and Glenn Peach Secretary
AGENDA 1 Apologies 2 Confirm 2019 AGM Minutes 3 Matters Arising 4 Chairman’s Report 5 Treasurer’s Report 6 Appointment of Financial Reviewer 7 Election of Officers 8 General Business - Presentation of Annual Awards Election of Officers Chairman Secretary Club Captain
Deputy Chairman Treasurer Committee
Nomination Form – Office Bearer for Year 2020 – 2021 I nominate ________________________________________________ For the position of __________________________________________ Proposer _________________________________________________ Seconder _________________________________________________ I accept nomination _________________________________________ Nomination forms to be returned to the Secretary, to arrive no less than seven clear days prior to the above date: Please email horowhenua@vcc.org.nz or to the Secretary Stephanie Peach, 51 Paul Faith Lane, Te Horo, OTAKI 5581.
Hello all, In response to some queries regarding accommodation options here are a few pointers to help you decide where to stay. Our Official accommodation providers are the Plymouth International Hotel and the Auto Lodge Motor Inn. However there are a number of other fine hotels within the central city confines of New Plymouth and most with good off street parking. However when making your booking it would be advisable to ask if they have sufficient off street parking. There are a number of motels close to and further away from the venue. The venue location is the TSB Stadium which is located within the confines of the New Plymouth Race Course accessed from Coronation Avenue. When searching for accommodation choose a site with a map and accommodation options to give you an idea as to proximity to the 2022 IFHM venue which is also alongside magnificent Pukekura Park where you will be able to take in the Festival of Lights in the twilight. I would strongly suggest that when making your booking that you do it through the accommodation providers own web site. I say this from personal experience that sites such as Expedia and Trivago can be quite frustrating if you need to alter your travel arrangements for any reason. I have also been aware of the frustrations of some who have booked through internet agencies prior to Covid-19 forcing us to postpone for a year. The hotels and motels also tell me that they would prefer that people book direct as they naturally have to pay commission to Expedia etc so bearing in mind the effects of Covid-19 we wish to support them wherever we are able. They also inform me that they are much more able to cater to your individual needs whatever they may be. By all means check out the discounts available then ask them direct for their best price. Usually you will be pleasantly surprised. For those travelling from overseas I have just yesterday been able to secure a source of loan cars and once I have all the details of contact / conditions etc I will notify you individually. The Arrangement will be strictly between the owner and the visitor. Hopefully many of our overseas visitors will bring their own vehicles and use them to tour other parts of NZ while you are here. We would love to see vehicles from different parts of the globe here making a truly international event. Regards Mark Masters Secretary 2022 IFHM
Bob Barton encourages members to get out and spend some time with our senior members
Hec and Shirley Newton have been members of our club for twenty years or so, it was their very good friends Peter and Nolene Creighton that introduced them to the Vintage Car Club in Palmerston North. Hec and Shirley then became members of our branch. Hec bought his beloved car, a 1939 Dodge D12 and both he and Shirley travelled the length of New Zealand from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South including Stewart Island. They have enjoyed every minute of it. Over the years, Hec has been, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Welfare Officer and Committee Member. Shirley has helped Pete and Bev in the Library for many years. In the early years, Hec also did a spot of singing with the Coasters in Paraparaumu and enjoyed the black and white makeup, the Al Jolson songs and he also managed to squeeze in ten years of Pantomimes. He tells me, with a big smile, that he always played the Bad Guy!!!!! Hec and Shirley now have their medical problems so we don't see very much of them, they don't get out as much but for all that, they are still very happy and still occasionally call in to the club rooms to see us. These are two very well respected members of our club. Sit down and have a chat when they next call in and let them know they are always appreciated.
Bob
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE HOROWHENUA BRANCH OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ HELD AT 14 TIRO TIRO ROAD, LEVIN st ON WEDNESDAY 1 July 2020 AT 7.30PM PRESENT: Chairman Des St Clare welcomed 64 members to the first meeting since Covid19 shutdown. A moments silence was observed for Raewynn Lawrie. APOLOGIES: Michael Wintringham, Julie Riepen, Murray Doreen, The Hunts, Bruce Jacob, Winton Cleal, Aaron Burns, Bev and Peter Kelly, Gerald Harvey, Sharon Meredith, Robert Cammish. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Taken as read and approved Colin Geange /Callum Farmer. Matters arising- nil CORRESPONDENCE:
VCC Head Office o Request for National Events Calendar and list of Branch Officers o Club Membership List, 133 memberships (joint and single) giving a total of 174 people o A reminder about SPAM. Head Office will never send a voice / video message o Registration for AGM and Executive Meeting in Whanganui, 14-16 August. o John L Goddard Trophy nominations– distributed to committee FoMC Wheel Torque – distributed to club by e-mail. Beaded Wheels requesting events data. Kerry Geertson – Heritage Weekend. rd Manawatu Branch Rally 23 August. Andrew Judd/ Pete Collins
TREASURER: Jackie read out her report, and a breakdown of the Swap Meet. Pete Collins / Glenn Peach CLUB CAPTAINS REPORT: Bruce thanked the members and club for the support he and his family had received. 1.
2.
July 26th, 2020. The Daytime (Night Owl), first car away 1.30 pm. Verdon assures us all that there is no tricky stuff, and that local residents will not have an advantage. This event is open to all vehicles, irrespective of age, they only requirement is room for a “navigator”. The event will return to the club for afternoon tea, ensuring members are home before its dark. Sunday August 23, 2020. The Cancer Society Daffodil Park Up at New World Levin. This is on from 10.00 am and is a great chance to get our cars out and
3. 4. 5.
show them to the public as well as helping raise money for a fantastic cause. Club rooms will be open for a cuppa after the event There will be a Sunday run in September, most likely ending up at a museum. Tararua Trundle: This will be on either the 3rd or 4th Sunday in November. Xmas Dinner: Planning under way for December 6th. Jackie / Des
SPARES: Callum had nothing to report.
Colin / Des
LIBRARY: Please use it. Peter endorsed a novel (My Friend The Chauffer) from 1905 Andrew J / Colin G GENERAL BUSINESS:
John White is taking over from Michael Gaffaney as Delegate to National Executive. Bob Barton is taking over from Peter Nightingale (after 20 years) as scribe to Beaded Wheels. Not to be confused with Spark Editor. Internet Banking Help. Des has had 1 enquiry, if there are anymore please give Des a call. th Horowhenua Heritage Week: Event 28 February 2021 Tom Hayes gave an overview of this new annual event. He suggested it would be similar to what the club did for the RSA’s special year. Des spoke of Kerry Geertson request for 5-6 club members (non-committee) to work with him to organise a parade and static displays at the club rooms. Give Des a call. Next months meeting will be the AGM. Still time to stand up or be nominated. All positions available, however we do need a Spark Team, and second nomination for Club Captain. Happy Birthday to Des for last Friday.
Meeting Closed 8.05 pm Followed by Social get together.
Brucie’s Burblings Hopefully as a country we have dodged a bullet where Covid-19 is concerned. For some the Level 4 isolation was a chance to catch up on projects around the house or in the shed but for others it was a very stressful time especially those who live alone and were missing out on personal contact with friends and family. As a club and as individuals we should keep these people in mind, a quick phone call can really make someone's day. I called 20 odd members who once they found that I didn’t want something and was only ringing to see they were okay, were more than happy to have a yap for 20 minutes or so and thanked me for the call. We intend to get the rally programme up and running again with the Night Owl on 26 July. This year it was decided to hold the event in daylight primarily so as many members as possible could take part and not feel threatened driving an older car at night and in possibly poor conditions. If your club car is not ready for the road don’t let that stop you, come along in a modern and have some fun. Meet at 1.30pm at the clubrooms. There will be NO Straight Line Navigation! A cuppa will be put on at the clubrooms at the conclusion. Again, this year we will run the Tararua Trundle in November and are in the planning stages for the Christmas Luncheon. Also worthy of note the economic impact Napier has suffered due to lack of cruise ship visits and tourists which I have no doubt will affect the Art Deco celebrations in February 2020. I think our new normal may be quite different to what we were looking forward to at this time last year. Charge up the batteries and let's have some fun.
Bruce
I have finally given the T a run, as it is at this point. I need to do some carb adjustments. The holdup has been the spark plugs and the head gasket that was ordered in March from the US. I have borrowed a head gasket from Andrew Heffey and fitted it. The parcel has now finally arrived and I can return a new gasket to Andrew and fit the plugs which I needed. A tip here if you want to see what condition the plugs are in: First clean and set the points gap. Then clean the threads and put a smear of oil or grease on. If you have a tester, check them. If no tester, fit them and after dinner go out to the shed and turn the lights out. In my case, start the car and watch the fireworks display of sparks when all the porcelain leaked!! This week I decided to giver Peter Roe a call and see if I could look at his collection and do this report. He was happy with this and showed me his pride and joys that he has collected over the years. I think Peter’s primary interest is in motor bikes however he has retired now and let his family run the well established apparel factory. This has always centered round the motor industry. He has lived in this area all his life. Peter is
from a pioneer Levin family that has a rich history with the very early beginnings in the Horowhenua. This goes right back to the early saw millers that used the local trees to not only build Levin but also Wellington. His Grandfather Frederick Roe was the Publican of the Weraroa Hotel, a huge pub close to the railway station. Peter himself has lived in his present house since 1973 and the small farm supports a number of sheds in which is a rare collection of BMW, Porsche, Mercedes and motor bikes. His beloved Riley is also stored here. All are up and running and Peter starts each one up each month. Over the years Peter has attended most of our events and never misses the Ted Green annual motorcycle rally. He and his business have always been generous in assisting the branch with donations such as motorbike bibs and club room Hi Vis clothing and more. Due to health issues he has decreased involvement but still attends club nights. Another visit was to Jeff Fox who was working on club building values for insurance purposes and has just finished rebuilding an MGB motor and transmission. His shed looked far too tidy with all the motor bikes lined up to one side. This is all a bit of a worry! However it was soon revealed that his next door neighbour Jerry Harvey has now acquired a 1927 Ford AR AA truck. This is the very first of the two ton models to come on the market. It has many features that were different to the later model 28, 29, 30 and 31 years. This includes the bonnet, wheels, battery holder, hand brake, the chassis, 3 speed gearbox and is a rare find. The other two later models in our branch are
owned by Ivan Horn and Dave Hobbs. The commercial wing of the branch is flourishing. This model followed the one ton TT that I have. Jerry has also nearly finished a fire engine that lived its life on Great Barrier Island.
Weka
To begin with a little bit of history of the Panther and P&M Motorcycle Company. They made motorcycles from 1900 to 1967 and were famous for their light and heavyweight Sloper Bikes. The Red Panther was a depression motorcycle which was made from 1932 to 1948, in both 250 and 350cc engine sizes. In total 18,000 were made of which the 350 model represented one third of that number. My story begins in the Wairarapa winter of 1984, with my late Grandfather, Richard Mangham from the well known Mangham and Colman Motorcycle Racing Families. Members of this extended family raced Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycles on grass tracks, racing across New Zealand, Australia and the United States of America in the 1920’s and 1930’s. I continue on with my father and a very young Callum aged about 5 or 6, as you will see in one of the photos. I started earlier than that, around about 2 or 3. Anyhow once rescued from under a line of Macrocarpa trees on an East Coast farm,
the remains of a 1936 Red Panther Model 30 350cc was saved. These remains were made up of the forks, frame, fuel tank and engine. This engine was in pieces in the barn, and not complete. It was accompanied by a Sturmey Archer gearbox from a different motorcycle. There was also a modification to the frame, maybe it was used as a farm bike in later years. Also in the barn was a complete but un-restored post-war BSA C11, however the owners planned to restore it so would not sell. Once safe, it was to spend the next 14 years in my grandfather’s shed. Like the BSA’s I started playing around with in the school holidays. I first started on the ‘36 by removing old paint and treating any rust before repainting. This kept it safe for the next few years, until the passing of my grandfather. In a moment of pure genius my father gifted it to me on my 21st birthday. Once in hand things started to move, with the first job being able to get as much information as I could find. The second, a list of what I had, and a longer list of what I was missing for the ‘36. So the hunt was on, but soon there would be two, because around about 2008 and 09 Alton Harrison and Jeff Fox found four British motorcycles. They were in a hedge row, in the Foxton Beach area. One of the bikes was a rough looking 1947 Red Panther Model 70 350cc. I subsequently purchased it from Jeff.
Like the Model 30 there was a lot of the Model 70 missing. All it consisted of was the rough frame, forks, front wheel and a rough looking engine. The engine was so rough that while pulling the engine down the palm of my hand passed through the crankcase! With two un-restored Panthers in the shed, the hunt was on! From Upper Waiwera in the Far North to Middlemarch in the Deep South and any place in between, I was looking to pick up a lead. Included in this were swap meets as well as overseas contacts. By 2020 the restoration of the Model 70 was under way with work proceeding slowly. There was only the correct Miller Generator (DM3G) missing from the major parts still to be found. As for the Model 30, the hunt for the front and back wheels along with the timing case cover is still on. I was also after the correct prewar Miller Generator (DM3G). The restoration of this rare beast is well under way, with only the above slowing her down. However one must add, that at the time of writing, I have struck ‘Red Panther Gold’ in other words, parts on the West Coast of the South Island. Not only have I picked up a complete running motor for a Model 70, but also a set of crankcases. These are six numbers off the original 1947 motor’s numbers! Unbelievable! With other bits and pieces this has led to me finally deciding after talking about it for years, to get the ball rolling to join The Panther Owners Club in the United Kingdom. With any rare vehicles, one learns quickly that sometimes there can be one step forward with two steps back. This is especially true when it comes to the Model 70 having tested my patience once or twice! However restorations would be boring if they were plain sailing. Safe travelling everyone.
Callum
Phelon and Moore manufactured motorcycles in Cleckheaton, Yorkshire, England from 1904 to 1967 particularly those under the Panther marque. They became identified with one particular design of motorcycle which had a large sloping 40-degree single-cylinder engine as a stressed member of the frame. This design spanned the entire history of the company, starting with a 500 cc model and ending with a 645 cc model. The sloping stressed member concept was patented in 1900 by Joah ("John") Carver Phelon and his nephew Harry Rayner. Phelon and Rayner made the first chain-driven motorcycle in 1900. They could not afford to put their first bike into production, so sold the design to Humber for royalties and that design was produced by Humber until 1907. After Harry Rayner died in a car accident, Joah Phelon went into partnership with Richard Moore. Phelon and Moore also produced a range of lightweight machines, also generally carrying the name Panther or Red Panther, using their own four-stroke single engines and Villiers two-stroke engines. The Red Panther was famous for being the cheapest complete bike available in the thirties, priced at a fraction under ÂŁ30. In 1934 a 250 cc Red Panther won the Maudes Trophy. The early postwar models (both Lightweight and Heavyweight) were fitted with air/oil damped Dowty "Oleomatic" telescopic forks.
Turn One – Hampton Downs
The Formula Junior Diamond Jubilee this spring/summer proved to be too much of an attraction, so Kerry and I decided to make it a “Bucket List” item. In all our working lives we had never taken 5 weeks continuous leave, so it really was special to be able to travel to Australia for the FJDJ rounds at Barbagallo, Sandown and Eastern Creek (Sydney Motorsport Park). The legendary hospitality in WA lived up to its reputation, so we had a truly marvelous time. If we ever get the chance to return – we will! Racing and socialising with the FJ group made the trip very special. The Brabham BT2 survived its container travel, and 8 ½ tenths use on track at all the Aussie rounds, arriving home just before Christmas. Having completed the Aussie rounds, we decided to try and race at all the NZ “Jubilee” rounds. For the NZFMR Kenny Smith meeting we tried out the “Poptop” Toy Hauler (which had been built by Noel Woodford). It provides covered transport for the BT2, and Motor Camp accom’ for us. We stayed at Miranda, which proved to be a most pleasant spot, with excellent facilities and a hot pool to soak in after 8pm each evening. Miranda is just over ½ an hour’s travel from HD, so it proved a good choice. First up was the FJ Dinner. A great success, and a chance to meet some overseas folk for the first time (name tags were most useful), and catch up with many other FJ people. A highlight for Kerry, was to finally meet in person one of her Facebook friends, Stephanie May (Len’s widow). They spent a good part of the evening chatting. We would catch up with plenty of others at the track, which is a splendid part of the FJ movement. The NZ “won’t settle down Summer” continued throughout the race weekend, with rain, wind, sun, and varied degrees of wet track conditions. Most of us had not run on the long
“International” circuit, so practice in the rain only showed us that the new bit was rather wiggly, beginning with a straight, and joining the old circuit with a nasty couple of turns! So dry qualifying was our first run at race pace, for most of the field. There were sufficient FJ’s for two separate races, with the BT2 in Group 2, which was for rear engine cars. I was lucky to be able to follow Phil Foulkes for the latter part of qualifying, and he kindly gave me a tow on one lap so I could post a semi-respectable time. I had looked at the entry list, many of whom I had raced with previously, so reckoned that I was “roughly” 16th fastest out of our group of 22 cars. To my amazement I qualified 7th, only just faster than a large group of cars! With one of the quick cars not on the grid for race one on Saturday morning, I was promoted to 6th on the dummy grid, alongside Robin Longdon – quite an honor for this Kiwi!
Out of the hairpin at Hampton Downs
The FJ “one” race had resulted in one of the cars laying down a long trail of oil, which combined with a damp track, made for really tricky conditions! I finished near the front of a group of 8 cars, all lapping at 2:01 to 2:04, which gave me 7th place in the overall finishing order. After lunch we had fine, hot conditions and a somewhat cleaner track for our second race. I was gridded 8th as the first race had not allowed true lap times to be set, and the order was still jumbled. In this race, the lack of 5 of the quicker cars due to mechanical problems and a bit of a “lolly scramble” start, enabled me to briefly follow the front group. I was then passed by Grant, in the Cooper, and found myself with a reasonable gap to the bunch, so held that spot until the flag. This resulted in another 7th placing, which was still a little hard to believe! Sunday brought a little more normality to the grid for race three of the weekend. There were still some FJ’s out with mechanical problems, so I was gridded in 11th spot, behind Grant in 9th. The unusual occurrence was that the 5th and 7th gridded cars were missing, leaving a long clear space in front of Grant’s Cooper. The track was not dry in many
places (the grid area doubtful), so I carefully watched Grant start to ensure he was accelerating well, before making my own start. Even so, we both started well enough to make up those empty spots by the time we reached turn 1. This allowed us to follow the lead group for a while in the wet/damp conditions, which opened up a gap to the next group. The gap was not closed in the poor conditions, so I short-shifted to the finish line, to hold my place. When the results came out it was another 7th – remarkable as each race had been completely different; about as far from a “stretched out procession” as one could imagine! The last race on Sunday was held in clearing conditions with a partially wet, patchy, track surface. I was again gridded 11th, behind Grant in 9th. Surprisingly spots 5 and 7 were again not filled – maybe the drivers were hoping to get going, so had not advised race control that they would not be starting. During our warm up lap I noticed that turn 2 was either wetter than it looked, or had a small amount of oil on it. The track was wet in places and dry in others all around. I particularly did not like the look of turn 10, the last corner onto the main straight, as it was dry until just over half way through, then rather wet to the start of the straight. I made a “dry” start using full throttle, as I thought the starting area was OK. Luckily it proved to be so, and I made my best start of the weekend, passing Grant and following David Innes (Lotus 27) into turn 1. Grant soon re-passed me down the new straight to turn 2, but I was not that far from the leaders. I lost a few car lengths during the lap, and took it quietly through turn 10, only to find Robin in the kitty litter near the exit. Next lap there were three cars in the turn 10 kitty litter! Dave had slowed in the conditions, and I managed to pass him on the inside, into turn two. Then the inevitable safety car deployment occurred. It took some time to retrieve the three cars, and I knew the Sunday races were limited to 15 minutes. I was lying 5th so would have, for once, not minded if the race finished under SC. But it was not to be, and we had one flying lap to conclude the race. Greg Thornton, in the lead, went quite early. The rest of us struggling to maintain no more than 3 car lengths gap to the line. David passed me and Grant in a fast, last lap dash, to leave me 6th at the finish line with Robs (BT2) still some way behind me after that hectic restart. What a weekend! Top ten every race for a wild variety of reasons. I’m sure not to experience that again anytime soon. Prize giving at the end of the weekend went very well. The locally made trophies looked classy, while being very much of the structural/mechanical world. Well done guys! It was great to be able to show our appreciation, of the skills of those at the front of the fields. I’m definitely looking forward to the next round of the FJ Diamond Jubilee at Ruapuna. The hospitality at the last “Scope” meeting I attended was just super, so here’s hoping the real “Kiwi Summer” starts in February.
John W Rapley, 1962 Brabham BT2, FJ.
Unrelated to John’s article, however the BT2 shuffles into line to enter the track at Manfeild for the Classic Racing Series November 2019. Below are several pictures from the same race meeting.
A close study of the document received, may suggest a club car is ‘wanted’ in Kansas City USA! Is it possible the member on sold a ‘too hot to handle’ item? Should assets be seized and the authorities notified? Just before you jump to conclusions, this item was discovered on auction site Ebay. Uncannily this is the very same model and colour Hupmobile owned by our illustrious member. Could it be a sister vehicle from the production line? Of course this item was of such interest to Michael Gaffaney, that he just had to purchase it from the auction. He was successful and claims the one disadvantage of owning a Hupmobile is, they’re so sought after you need to have them securely housed at all times as everyone wants one! He states, if you are unable to provide secure storage, then purchase a Ford! Then again could this be an attempt to acquire the document to conceal evidence of a crime? Is it really worth the bother for NZ$40 to see our member dobbed in?
Many thanks to Michael Gaffaney and his undated version of ‘Mr Punch Goes Motoring’ Volume XI.
Answer later in this issue of Spark
ANSWER
As things slowly return to something approaching normal, we can look forward to the first club night for some months, come this July. Members should also note in their diary’s that this coming Spring we have three Swap Meets back to back. Rotorua - 27 September Manawatu - 3 October Christchurch - 9 to 11 October The Manawatu Motorcycle Swap Meet is on the second weekend of November at the Manawatu Vintage Car Club clubrooms; however the venue is yet to be confirmed. In recent times Spares has been using Trademe to increase sales over Lockdown. We have recently sold a pair of Ford Model T headlights to a Bay of Plenty member who is restoring 1915, 1923 and 1927 Model T’s. Safe travelling everyone.
Callum
Library Merchandise HVCC Dashboard Stickers Iron on fabric badges HVCC blue and white caps Name Badges (fill out form)
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$ 4 $ 3 $10 $12
FOR SALE – 1972 Morris Minor original factory Well Side Utility. 1100 motor. Dismantled and rolling chassis. Requires restoration. Minor surface rust. Container stored. Price negotiable. Contact Stewart Walker (member) Levin. Phone 027 4454156.
For Sale - 1957 Jaguar Mk 7 M Enquire for details. Deceased estate. Phone Bob 06 368 8020
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FOR SALE – 1974 Hillman Avenger 1600 Estate. One owner since new. Done 100,000 miles, recently turned over. Excellent original example. Owned by a long time Auto Electrician, now retired. If interested contact the Editor who will put you in contact with the Sunbeam Car Club of NZ. Vauxhall Viva HC Magnum 1800 SOHC Project vehicle. This car is rare and has quite good potential as a sleeper. There is quite a lot of panel work to do but the floor pan, is straight and rust free, the rust is cosmetic not structural. All the doors are still in proper alignment with locks and window regulators all working correctly, the car comes with its keys. The car is complete apart from the driver side passenger door glass. Dry stored since 1996. The Viva was last for sale in Spark March 2019. Further available there. Ed
1990 Alfa Romeo 164 3litre SOHC V6 Straight and original, auto, aircon, heated seats, self levelling rear suspension. Hideaway roller blinds for the rear screen, electric windows, it appears to have everything except the factory sunroof. There are no slow Alfa’s, it drives great definitely no slouch. The body is electro galvanised thus rust free. At idle one day the cambelt let go, so it is for sale as is. Price $900 ono.
Both cars must be removed by trailer. In storage in Cambridge. Both dry stored for 15 years. I seek car club members who are interested in projects like these, I would be grateful to speak to anyone who enquires. My name is James Godwin. I can be contacted anytime by phone or email 021 301127 james@grsnz.co.nz More photos are available for anyone who is interested. Best regards. James.
CAR FOR SALE 1968 Wolseley 18/85. 4 speed manual, power steering, one previous owner. Just completed 5 day Wolseley National Rally. Good runner. $5000. Further details from Michael Gaffaney Ph 04 9052402 or michael@gaffaney.com
Kapiti Coast Mid Week Run (last Wednesday of the month)
Wednesday 26 August 2020 Lunch at Boundary Tap and Kitchen, Raumati We’re delighted that the Kapiti runs are able to start again and Trevor Barnes has arranged our first post-lockdown event. We are meeting at Boundary Tap and Kitchen in Raumati for an enjoyable get-together and lunch. Gather from 11:30 for a midday lunch. If you haven’t ever been on one of these runs, please do consider coming and you will be made so welcome. For the Boundary menu see: https://www.boundarykapiti.nz/ and click VIEW MENU They offer starting and share plates and a main menu with gluten free and vegetarian options. Directions to Boundary Tap and Kitchen: Boundary Tap and Kitchen, 3 Raumati Rd, Raumati Beach, Paraparaumu. From the old main road between the Raumati Expressway exit and Paraparaumu, turn onto Raumati Road and proceed to the shopping centre at the far end. There is a large parking area for the Boundary Tap and Kitchen on the right immediately after the pedestrian crossing. The pub is on the corner. Important: Please let Hal or Ann know by text, email or a call whether you are coming BY THURSDAY 20 August as catering numbers are needed by then. Hal 027 4118162: Ann 027 4731136: or 04 5651162 or ann@annandhal.com
This clown obviously supports Trump!
CALENDAR of COMING EVENTS July
26th
Night Owl Rally. Altered this year to allow more members to attend. Meet at 1.30pm at the clubrooms. There will be NO Straight Line Navigation! A cuppa will be put on at the clubrooms at the conclusion. August 5th Horowhenua Branch AGM. rd August 23 VCCNZ National Day – Daffodil Rally for the Cancer Society. A Sunday Car Show in the New World car park. Start at 10am. Advise your friends to bring their collectable cars and ask other clubs to attend please? Return to the clubrooms at the conclusion for a cuppa. Any further detail required, contact John White. September 16th A mid week visit to the NZ Army Engineers Memorial Museum Linton Camp. Meet at Murrayfields CafÊ for lunch at 12midday. Car pool from there. Names and $5 entry to John White ASAP please. Please see further detail under Notices, this issue. This will be great! rd October 3 Manawatu Branch Swap Meet. November Manawatu Motorcycle Swap Meet. Venue/date to be confirmed, possibly at Manawatu VCC grounds. November Tararua Trundle. Will utilise the Easter Rally route. Date and further detail to be advised. th December 6 Christmas Dinner Party. Further to be advised. th February 28 Horowhenua Heritage Trust Historical Society Parade. 2021 Members required for the organisational committee. See Des St Clare or Tom Hayes. Details to be published when further known. This promises to be a special occasion for the entire Horowhenua Branch. th January 16 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring. These to 2022 are the new confirmed dates. The organising 21st committee recommend booking accommodation now. Any enquiries to: Bruce Lawrie Phone 027 4762489
ISSN
the print bureau 06 367 9330