“Dripfeed” NEWSLETTER OF THE BANKS PENINSULA BRANCH OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF New Zealand (INC) VOLUME 45, No 3 april 2022. Editor: Michael Williams 10 Selwyn Parade Lyttelton Ph 328 8043, email mimiandmichael@yahoo.co.nz
Chairman: Secretary:
Club Officers: Craig Keenan 322 1006 Ron Hasell 942 1105
Branch Address: 27 Showgate Ave, ChCh 8042 E-mail: bankspeninsula@vcc.org.nz Noggin & Natter: 2nd Thursday of the Month • Noggin 7.30 pm at the Papanui RSA. Upham Room – enter either from 55 Bellvue Ave or the first entrance on the left on Harewood Road (Papanui / Main North Road) • Thursday 14th of April. • We look forward to seeing you there. Supper is provided.
From the Editor: As the world, and thus our motoring world returns to a version of normal, we are able to actually plan future events, and even report on a past event, so we are now able to look on the bright side of life, as Eric Idle of Monty Python fame sang. Traditionalists will be pleased to know that the idea of a new logo will not proceed, as eighteen of the twenty eight branches who bothered to vote voted against it. In our branch, there were fifty four against and ten for Welcome to new member Kristopher Ward, with an A35 Racing Saloon, a Targa car, in case cynics amongst you wondered how something as slow as an A35 could ever race anything.
Richard Foster, a founding member of the Banks Peninsula branch, died recently, and the branch extends its sympathy to his wife Kate, son John, and other family members. Richard donated the branch his collection of Beaded Wheels magazines, going right back to the first numbers, and his collection of our Dripfeed, also going right back to the very first one. This is a valuable resource for the branch generally, and especially for me and future editors, as all the snippets from past editions that I have previously included are thanks to Richard’s generosity and foresight. Richard’s obituary below is from Gavin Bain. The Irishman Creek rally is on this year, albeit in modified form. However, the situation might change between now and then, but the organisers are perhaps planning for the worst while hoping for the best.
The bargain basement Mk 2 Jag of Beloved Leader Craig did indeed survive the trip from New Plymouth, and Craig has started to go down the inevitable rabbit hole of Mk 2 restoration by getting some wire wheels. The next steps will of course be to paint it that factory colour, Go Faster Red, add a wooden steering wheel and a fictitious racing history, and behold; a typical Mk 2. Craig Pidgeon has recently bought a 1980 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus, which combined in a supposedly marketing coup, the names of three great marques. Sales did not reflect this, but this model had some similarities with a Hillman Avenger, which is what attracted Craig to the car. With a 2.2 Lotus motor developing 150bhp, it was a very successful rally car and in 1980 they were 1st 3rd and 4th in the RAC competition, which was the forerunner of the WRC. It’s one of the few in NZ, and Craig does not intend to rally it, but might be persuaded to enter in our next Pomeroy trophy. An interesting point of view was expressed by Bill Cockram in the Soapbox section of the latest Beaded Wheels, in which he argues that the Idle Torque section is dull and repetitive, and of very limited interest, as all the reports are much the same, and someone picking up a copy in a bookshop wouldn’t know any of the people mentioned. Plus the standard of writing, to put it tactfully, is varied. In reply, Kevin Clarkson, the editor, says that Idle Torque is a vital part of Beaded Wheels, that the standard has improved and that they don’t mention food, pubs and a good time was had by all type clichés. I had a quick look at the twenty four Idle Torque reports, which includes sixty six photos. Nineteen of the photos did not include cars, there were eighteen references to food consumed, and eleven of the articles, nearly half, didn’t mention a car at all. And the fact that only twenty four of the thirty six clubs can find someone to write something indicates a certain lack of interest. Until Don Gerrard stepped into the breach with his well written reports, we hadn’t had an Idle Torque contributor for years. I think the format certainly needs to change.
Future Events. Yes, there are some. Autumn Fling, Levels Raceway, 14th of May. Entry details from Ron.
Hadstock Gymkhana, 29th of May. Yes it’s on again thanks to the generosity of the Chamberlain family, and the paddocks should be nice and slippery by then. Last year the winner was Colin Hey in a Honda Hotrod with independent rear brakes. Generously, we have allowed Colin Hey, and owner Malcolm McGibbon to enter again, but the independent rear brakes are banned, and eagle eyed spotters will be lurking behind all cones, ready to pounce. It’s the same for John Foster who I hope will enter again on his impressive Triumph Matisse, but is banned from putting his foot down. The BP branch is consistent in its policy of penalising success. Brad Govan has put a 3 wheeler BSA steering box in the mighty A7 Hawke, and says it’s made a very positive difference, so if he can remember to take his calmness pills, should be a real threat to the old master, Avon Hyde. Even if you’re not competing, come and have a look, as it’s a very entertaining event, with mud and or wet grass a great leveller, which is why competitors get two turns, as red cones get very confusing. To get there, turn into the Leeston Road from Springston, then right into Bethels Road just before the
Selwyn Bridge. Proceed for about 2km until you see the VCC sign on your left, and turn into the paddock. Scrutineering is at 9.00am for those without a wof.
Past Events. Skope Classic, Ruapuna. Postponed from February,for obvious reasons, the 32nd event roared into life, and we had 22 entrants in the Murray Maxwell VCC field. Graeme Hamilton and the ACE 111 were back after an extensive rebuild, (although Graeme looked much the same), and the car went well all weekend, with a 2nd place in the last race. Russell Yates had the hot MGB out and the battling Barrets were there with their brace of Loti. There were three Mistrals, and a new entrant , Andrew Downs, with his 1963 Ford Beowulf, put together in 1963 and with significant racing history, but not racing on Saturday or Sunday. Another new entrant was Tim Stace (son of the illustrious Jeremy), driving a 1960 Austin Healey 3000 Mk 1.and he had a trouble free weekend as he got to grips with his first track outing in the Healey. A car that always impresses me is the Chrysler ’62 Six, a fearsome single seater based around a 3.8 Chrysler motor fed by triple carbs and sitting on a 1929 chassis. Murray Frew the fearless driver, sits on it rather than in it, and must have the best biceps at Ruapuna. Wonderful car. Even more wonderful was the 1939 Delage D6 3L, owned and driven by Mike Crehan. This was the first serious outing for the Delage, and Mike was understandably nervous. Things got off to a bad start, when Mike began to put on his well matured racing overalls that he hadn’t worn for years, only to find that his well matured figure no longer fitted into the allotted space, and all the front fastenings burst. Too many trips to the Mapua bakery? A desperate dash into town to buy some new ones meant that Mike was not his normal calm and poised self when racing began, and early lap times reflected this as he got to know the car and find its limits. But throughout the weekend the Delage ran faultlessly, the lap times came down significantly as Mike discovered he could get to 180k at the end of the straight, and the car attracted a great deal of attention. So as Mike returns home to a Spartan regime of lettuce leaves, lentils and herbal infusions,, he can be well pleased with the Delage’s first competitive outing. Russell Greer in the Stanton Corvette was as always far too fast for everyone else, but in one of the races he started from the back, and it was marvellous to watch him weave through the field, passing Russ Haynes in the Holden Special at the chequered flag with centimetres to spare..John McDonagh, Mistral, Bill Cowie, Spangeralli Holden and Bryan Ashworth, Daimler Dart had great battles with honours fairly even. Bill.was the fastest down the straight, John was best at the twisty bits, and Bryan had the best spin of the day, an honour he wasn’t really looking for. Mark and Tracey Barret battled all day in their respective Lotus 23Bs, and after Tracey’s car did a head gasket, Mark roared to victory in the final race of the day, but had trouble getting his helmet off afterwards he was so elated.The Don Gerrard Mistral won the shiniest car of the day award and less desirably, the prize for randomly stopping in odd places round the track. With no incidents at all, this was a great weekend of racing, with a good field, and huge thanks to Ron Hasell who as Clerk of the Course made sure everything ran smoothly. Thanks also to Bryan Smith in his new role as Speed Steward. It’s not always an easy job, and he rose to the challenge. And thanks also to Don Gerrard for organising the display of competitive vehicles. We were able to do 5 demonstration laps each lunchtime, which was great fun for all concerned, and excellent publicity for the branch. Photography by John McDonald
Cats at play
Geoff Edwards aims the Gordon-Keeble
Mike Crehan and Delage en route to the Tuckshop
Ace III back in the groove
Talbot Sunbeam Lotus; note number plate
Tim Stace in Donald’s finest
Vanguard Special: Backyard brilliance
Richard Foster 1942 – 2022 Richard Foster, a 70 Year Member of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand, and a Founder Member of the Banks Peninsular Branch, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on the 23rd of March. A private/by invitation service to celebrate Richard’s life was held in the Terrace Station garden on 30 March with the internment thereafter. Some eighty family and friends attended a very moving ceremony. Richard was the son of early VCC member, Hugh Foster and Hugh being a Humber enthusiast, and having restored the 1908 10-12 car, Richard had little option but to purchase a 1924 8 H.P. 2- seater. When I first met Richard he was in his first year as an apprentice at M.S.Combes Ltd, Motor Engineers. I was in my last year at school and had just finished restoring my 1924 8 H.P. Saloon. We struck up an immediate friendship which lasted all these years and we often motored our little Humbers together on Canterbury Branch rallies. Richard had always wanted to go farming but his father, as many fathers did back then, said “ get a trade my boy”. It didn’t take long after completing his apprenticeship before he was farming, mustering, learning about the land and following his dream. His little Humber was his sole form of transport and while working on a large station near Ohai, in western Southland the wee car was regularly used for the 400 mile trip to Canterbury to woo the lovely Kate. Kate Hall was the daughter of Godfrey and Peggy who lived at Terrace Station, Hororata. Godfrey was also a VCC member regularly entering with the family 1911 Talbot, which Richard eventually took over the care of. Richard had ‘no show’ and he had Kate were duly married, producing three lovely sons one of whom, John, also has the old vehicle bug. The first years after Richard and Kate took over Terrace Station were spent bringing the property back to something like its former glory. Kate became immersed in the history of the Station which was originally the home of her grandfather, Sir John Hall, one time Mayor of Christchurch and Prime Minister of New Zealand. Richard continued to use the little Humber, the 1908 car and the Talbot, and subsequently restored a magnificent Edwardian Minerva and later a 1903 6 H.P. Humberette which literally arrived in a number of sugar bags. The restoration of the tubular chassis alone was a magnificent job with every piece of tube having to be replaced. The 8 H.P. and the Humberette were parked on the lawn during the service, being Richards’s first and last restorations. Other Humbers had joined the stable, father Hugh’s 1908 car, a 1915 10 H.P. bequeathed to Richard by an old friend and an elegant 12-25 Saloon from the mid 20’s which had originally been part of the Graeme Hall collection at Halswell in the 1960s. Having deteriorated badly in storage before Richard acquired it, it was nevertheless eminently worthy of saving and Richard was inspired to start its restoration despite his failing health. Richard was a good friend to many, a gentleman and a ‘proper chap’ who will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. GMB
Irishman Creek Rally 2022
4 – 6 June 2022
This year’s rally will start from the Canterbury Branch Clubrooms, Cutler Park, McLeans Island Road Saturday 4that 7.30am. Please be on time as we have a long day ahead of us. To enable us to run such an event within the current covid rules we will not be able to have any gathering indoors with over 200 people. This removes any school halls/barns for lunches and our normal presentation evening. However, since this event is all about motoring, we feel we can carry on without these. Lunches throughout the event will be the responsibly of the entrants. There will be a parking area outside each day for us to gather at. The presentation will be made outdoors in a suitable place as well during the day. Entry packs will be available for collecting at the Thursday Noggin and at the branch on Friday night. We encourage you all to collect these before the start on Saturday to ease congestion. We will be running numbers to be displayed on entrants cars throughout the event so please have a suitable holder on your vehicle. While back up vehicles are provided all vehicles must be self-sufficient and carry chains for mud or snow and be adequately prepared to cover some distance on back country roads with river crossings. The Irishman Rally is for Vintage and Veteran vehicles only. The winner and runner up will be drawn as per tradition from the entrants participating. All entrants are eligible without exception. The winner and runner up will be joined by a small team to assist with the task of organising the following year’s event. Enter directly through the Canterbury Branch website or print it out and mail to: George Kear, 40 Rossendale Road, RD5 CHCH 7675 Entries close Friday 13th May. Ph 027 2214332 george.kear@gmail.com
Visit to Auto Restorations to See Gavin Bain and Panhard Words by AAA, Photos, captions, Ian Taylor
Behind the Wheel – Again 70 years on. In a recent “Way We Were” I recounted my first public appearance in my 1921 40/50 Napier and that I had entered the 1913 Panhard Levassor entrusted to the hands of Derek Margetts. I showed a photo of Bill Cockram wading through Coe’s Ford as Derek gave me a last drive of the Panhard before taking off on my great OE leaving the car in Derek’s hands. In these, the car saw extensive use, until he acquired his Alpine Eagle Roller. In 1954 Bill Turnbull bought it and was to drive it hard up to his departure to UK in 1960, leaving it in the hands of his twin brother Bob who used it occasionally until finishing his renowned Sizaire-Naudin after which he was to store the car. In February 1997 Bill and his wife made the trip back to New Zealand uplifting the Panhard from Bob’s storage, brought it back with them to UK and set about the extensive rebuild he had started planning way back while still in New Zealand. A really impressive leather upholstery job, and a big square rear tank replacing the scuttle tank gravity feed of my day and a copy of my Napier air pressure pump for the existing cam on the camshaft to pressurize the system. It wasn't quite finished when Bill died and Bonhams put it and Bill’s type 57S Bugatti up for auction on February 19th, 2021. Gavin Bain successfully bids for it, shipped it out here telling me it was on the way! Auto Restorations were duly commissioned by Gavin to finish it off for him to drive it up to visit me with it! Endless problems and in his letter of the 1st of December, Gavin still can't get more than 35 mile per hour out of the car that gave me a timed and measured distance average of 47 mph at night back in 1948. He invites us down to look, see and drive. Ian and I duly arrived at Auto Restorations after confirming Gavin’s idea to advance the fixed ignition mag. Stress that this must be to the point of kick back and then just back it off. And it's worked, the car starts first swing and idles nicely and after a good look at the air pump problems, Gavin has me up to the wheel and acts as mechanic on the hand air pump to keep us going. The right-hand gate change is not standard layout. Low is to you and back and reverse is catch operated back through first, second to you and forward, back through the gate to 3rd and away forward 3.3:1 long cog.
The clutch is a plate one and I didn't expect it to be just as sudden death as a cone one! So, this gave me and Gavin a bit of a bump for a start, but duly remembered thereafter to treat like a cone and all is well. The gears just work like those last 70 years had never been as I drive out of the yard, into the heavy traffic of Opawa Rd, to Port Hills Road and up the box to top along to Chapman's Road, down to 3rd for this left hander and I remember just what a great close ratio third the box has just like a C type Bentley one, and I'm going pretty quickly to snick it up into long cog. The twisty bits around the river feel fine at full chat and I get down to second for the busy Tanner St crossing where a big rig waves me across. Up to top again down Maunsell St and pull up for a full stop at the very busy Garland Road junction. The clutch goes just right as a gap duly shows up and we're off into it and up through the gears and back to Kennedy Place and Auto Restorations. As the photos show Gavin seems calm and relaxed and pleased that I'm not smashing his gearbox and I am having the time of my life!
Note: Now on 810x 90 beaded edge tyres instead of my 815x 105
Andrew’s caption above reads “2nd December1951. My last previous drive of 1913 Panhard-Levassor in Coe’s Ford. Note the scuttle tank filler spout in the dash
There was much to discuss and look at.
Then came the test drive.