Issuu

August 2020

CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY BRANCH of the VINTAGE CAR CLUB of NZ (Inc) Lamb Country Branch Email: centralhawkesbay@vcc.org.nz

POSTAL ADDRESS

CHB Branch of the Vintage Car Club (Inc) c/-18 Wilder Street ,Waipukurau, 4200

Club Nights

7.30pm 3rd Wednesday of every Month

Winged Chrysler Cars Made History—by Robert Tate—Automotive Historian and Researcher When you look at the history of the Road Runner Super-bird model and the Dodge Daytona for 1969 and 1970, they looked like they were designed for racing. The models offered great styling with hidden headlamps, along with a good looking front nose design which was admired by most consumers. 1969 and 1970 were great years for racing fans. For example, 1970 was a good year for NASCAR, and the Plymouth Road Runner Superbird Models created a lot of interest and performance on race tracks. For 1970, Plymouth manufactured 1,920 units of the Road Runner Superbird model, which attracted many racing fans including Richard Petty, who was a big Plymouth fan.

1969 and 1970 Chrysler winged cars leading a race

Winged Chrysler Cars Made History—by Robert Tate—Automotive Historian and Researcher The Super-bird model offered a 440 engine or the popular 426 Hemi.

John L Smith

The Road Runner was a high-performance car named for the famed Warner Brothers animated cartoon bird, which was also used on the Super-bird models as well. On a historical note, a Chrysler engineer named Jack Smith was instrumental in making the Road Runner a success.

The 1970 Super-bird model was manufactured in a hardtop series only with a great looking vinyl roof design. The body design was developed with an aerodynamic look that Chrysler engineers wanted both for the consumer market and racing as well. Seven body colours were available, along with great looking bucket seats. Automotive historians have said that the 1970 Super-bird was factory-built with a custom-like process that was given special detailing during the time of manufacturing. The sticker price for a 1970 Super-bird was $4,298, and one of the main attractions was the popular rear end winged design with the popular cartoon Road Runner graphics. Some automotive historians said that the 1970 Plymouth Super-bird and 1969 Dodge Daytona models were two of the first muscle cars to factor in great looking aerodynamic bodies. The 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona model was a great looking vehicle and became extremely popular on racetracks across America. It was based on the design of the Charger R/T, which was another popular model. It offered aerodynamic styling features and featured a four-barrel 440 Magnum rated at 375 horsepower. It was a huge sales success for Dodge. Automotive historians have said the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona model was built especially for the Daytona 500. It offered hidden headlamps, a front spoiler and a bullet-shaped nose; its rear end winged design excited race fans. The Dodge Daytona model changed everything when it came to racing with its 20% higher aerodynamic efficiency. Historians said that the Daytona was one of the fastest cars on the track in 1969 with its 440 engine, and the 23-inch stabilizer wing on the rear deck became extremely popular with Dodge fans. Jack Smith, trained as a mechanical engineer, joined Chrysler in 1957, after working for Studebaker on chassis assignments. From 1952 to 1955, Jack was the head of Studebaker’s successful Mobil gas Economy Run team. At Chrysler, Jack took on management assignments in engineering and product planning. The latter brought him to Plymouth in 1967, where he became manager of the team that conceived the Road Runner. When Jack retired from Chrysler in 1980, he was the Chief Engineer of Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Economy Planning. In retirement, Jack was on the development team for the Chrysler Technology Centre in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Jack Smith or, to be more precise, John L. Smith died at the age of 94, on September 15, 2017, at home, quietly. His wife, Laverne, reported that he had wished to have no memorial service or funeral. He 2 maintained full mental health until the end.

John L Smith

Saturday 8th August 2020—CHB Annual Twilight/Night Rally—organiser Bruce Poole

Waipukurau and Beyond 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 club for soup and toast during the event. Dinner and prizegiving will be held at the end of the run in a licensed venue in rural Central Hawke’s Bay. You are advised to fuel up before the start. Please bring a torch.

Rally Organiser Bruce Poole 18 Wilder St, Waipukurau 4200. Phone: 06 858 9940 Mobile 027 244 9090 E-mail: brucepoole1930@gmail.com

Entries closed on the 31st July

Regulations for the Event 1. Entrants must be current financial members of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand or guests of a financial member of the VCC. 2. The event is open to all vehicles as recognized by the club, which must be up to the club’s accepted standards regarding cleanliness, general and mechanical condition. The organiser may refuse to start any vehicle, which in his opinion fails to meet that standard. Modern non-competitive vehicles will be accepted as entries. 3. The rally organiser reserves the right to disqualify any entrant whose conduct in his opinion is likely to bring discredit to the event or to the club. The ruling regarding any matters in respect of the running of the event will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. 4. The New Zealand Road Code Rules must be obeyed at all times. 6. The organiser reserves the right to add supplementary regulations or instructions at any time during the running of the event.

Wednesday 19th August 2020—Central Hawkes Bay Branch Dinner and Meeting To be held at Waipukurau Club—10 Russell Street—Waipukurau Arrive for refreshments from 6.00pm—Meal at 6.30pm followed by the Meeting at 7.30pm Main & Dessert—$25.00 per person—Please pay on arrival—Eftpos available. Main:

Roast Beef with gravy and Horseradish sauce or Chicken Hotpot Potatoes Peas, Roast Pumpkin, baby spinach, baby beets, roasted walnuts Mediterranean pasta salad.

Dessert:

Fruit Crumble with Custard and Whipped Cream. If you have any dietary needs, please advise when you book your meal.

Please contact Eva Gollan 06 858 9105 or nga-oki@xtra.co.nz by Sunday 16th August—No late bookings. Eva is required to forward food orders and numbers attending to the restaurant a few days before. PLEASE NOTE: The CHBVCC branch will make payment for any late dinner cancellations or no shows, then an invoice will be sent to the member/members concerned. Bruce Poole CHB Branch Chairman.

Friday 28th August—CHB Cancer Society Daffodil Day The local Cancer Society runs a street stall each year to gain some much needed funds for the work they do in the district. For some years now, the CHB Branch of the Vintage Car Club has assisted them in the main street with vintage cars and personnel. It will be important to them to raise a few dollars to keep their activities strong for the next year. The VCC Daffodil Day has been cancelled due to the COVID epidemic from where additional good donations have been made to the cause for the past couple of years. We need eight or ten older cars to park in Ruataniwha St on Friday 28 th August from 8.00am which helps in the visibility to the cause. The venue this year will be from the old Chemist Shop on the sunny side of the street. It may be possible that we could take some passengers for a ride around the block in exchange for a donation to the Cancer Society.

Contact Bruce 06 858 9940 or Rod 06 858 9562 if you are prepared to help. 4

CHB VCC

Events Calendar Date

August

September

October

November

Date

Sat 8th

Bruce Poole's Twilight run (competitive event)

14th-15th16th

VCC National AGM at Wanganui

Mon 17th

Committee meeting at Bruce Poole's residence, 18 Wilder Street, Waipukurau. Sun 23d

Manawatu Post Covid Rally, see July Tourer.

Wed 19th

Branch Dinner and Meeting:

Fri 28th

Daffodil/Cancer day. Ruataniwha St. See Pg 4

Sun 6th

Daffodil run to Taniwha. Starts at 11.00am from Tavistock place in Waipukurau

Onga Onga Spring Fair and MarSun 20th ket—10am to 4.00pm

Wed 16th

Branch Dinner and Meeting Venue TBA

Sun 27th Rotorua Swap Meeting

Mid-week adventure to Wairarapa organ- 23rd— 14-15-16th ised by [Rod and Scarlett] 26th

HB VCC Safari @Labour weekend

Wed 21st

Branch Dinner and Meeting: Venue TBA

TBA

Manawatu Swap Meeting

Sat 14th

CHB A&P Show: Display and gymkhana [perhaps]

National Classic Motorcycle Club 21-22-23 Rally

Wed 18th

Sat 21st

Branch Dinner and Meeting: Venue TBA Veteran Rally Organisers Digby Young, Mike Perry and Rod McKenzie

TBA

Branch Christmas Party (venue to be confirmed)

TBA

Christmas Parade—Waipukurau

January 2021

TBA

Beach Run —(volunteers please)

Feb/March

7 Days TBA Marlborough (Maybe a flight in a Bomber)

December

Other District's Events

2021

“Top-of-the-South Island” adventure to

International Rally Taranaki January 16th to 21st—2022 For more information go to www.historicmotoring.co.nz

CHB Branch of the VCC—Elected Members for 2020—2021 CHAIRMAN Bruce Poole brucepoole1930@gmail.com 06 858 9940 027 244 9090

COMMITTEE Lynn Cross secross@xtra.co.nz 06 858 9814

SECRETARY Ken Lyons Ken.lyons@xtra.co.nz 06 858 8093

Gary Weaver weave@xtra.co.nz 06 858 9908

TREASURER Kaye Carswell wpkmotors@gmail.com 021 124 3620

Iain Gollan/Eva nga-oki@xtra.co.nz 06 858 9105

CLUB CAPTAIN Rod McKenzie rod.mckenzie.wpk@xtra.co.nz 06 858 9562

Neil Malcolm pat.neil2016@gmail.com

V.I.C. (I.D. Card) CO-ORDINATOR John Foot jsfoot@xtra.co.nz 06 858 8301

PUBLICITY/WELFARE OFFICER Sandra Cross secross@xtra.co.nz 06 858 9814

BLEAT EDITOR Joyce Calder joycecalder@gmail.com 022 166 1403

Targa NZ & the Vintage Car Club vcc.org.nz Rod Corbett 0274 338 772 rod.corbett88@gmail.com

invite you to

“The Ultimate Time Trial 2020” 13th—18th October 2020

targa.nz Peter Martin 0274 525 643 peter@urg.co.nz

North Island—starting & finishing in the Auckland area An outstanding opportunity for some spirited driving while matching set times for Special Stages. Not a race, but rather a test of precise driving & time keeping. Open to all road legal cars 30 years or older, street or race car alike. No special car modifications are required. 6

Diane Quarrie—National President presents John Foot with his 35 year membership Badge

John Foot awarded his 35 year membership badge

35 Years

From Left—Diane Quarrie National President, Lynn Cross retiring CHB Branch Chairman, Bruce Poole 2020 newly elected Chairman.

John Foot joined the Auckland Branch of the Vintage Car Club in 1985 and held the position of Club Captain and also served on the Committee.

In 2001 John retired and he and Shirley moved to Cambridge, transferring to the Waikato Branch where he also held the position of Club Captain and served on the Committee. During their time in Waikato, John and Shirley set Branch calendar of events and organised many, including 50/50 annual rallies, PV rally and Commercial Rally plus lots of branch monthly runs. John was elected onto the Management Committee of the VCC as North Island Club Captain in August 2008 and served until 2012. His time on the Management Committee was the time I really got to know John and Shirley. In his role as North Island club Captain John oversaw many National Rallies and had a significant part in revamping the Club Manual with regard to National events. Since moving to the Central Hawkes Bay Branch John has served on the Committee and is still the Branch VIC co-ordinator. Up until recently John and Shirley motored their 1937 Buick extensively throughout NZ taking part in amongst other things six Vero International Rallies and multiple National rallies. As North Island Club Captain John and Shirley also organised North Island Club Captain tours as well as participating in many as entrants. They are renowned rallyists. These days they motor in a more modern club eligible vehicle but still put in big miles travelling throughout NZ to events. Although this is an award for length of membership, John’s contribution to the club both at National level and Branch level has been very significant and to me John and Shirley embody what the Vintage Car Club is all about.

“Congratulations John and Shirley Foot”—you are both a very hard working team. 7

John Foot CHB Branch presents National President Diane Quarrie with her 35 year membership Badge At the recent AGM of the CHB Branch—John Foot presented our National President Diane Quarrie with her 35 year Membership Badge. Congratulations on this very memorable occasion, and for many years of hard dedicated work as outlined in this profile. Diane joined the Waikato Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand on the 1st March 1984 then at the Branch AGM in 1985 Diane was elected as the Branch Secretary, a position she held for approximately two years. In 1986 Diane and Geoff transferred to the Hawkes Bay Branch and Diane was elected Branch Chairman for four or five years and for ten years Diane was very heavily involved with the Napier Art Deco Trust organisation. At the 2006 National AGM Diane was elected onto the Management Committee, a position she held for nine years. In 2007 Diane was presented with the Presidential award. John Foot at the CHB Branch of the VCC AGM—15th July 2020

Diane has been involved in organising three National North Island Easter Rallies and a National Veteran Rally.

In 2011 Diane and Geoff transferred to our local Central Hawke’s Bay Branch. Diane was Chairperson for the very successful 2012 Vero International Rally held in Whanganui. And if that wasn’t enough Diane was elected as National President at the 2015 National AGM. Diane still owns her first car which is an Austin A30. Diane also holds a fulltime job as well as holding the position of National President of the VCC of NZ (Inc). At the conclusion of this very memorable occasion Diane thanked her husband Geoff and family members for their continuing support.

Years

John Foot—presenting Diane Quarrie with her835 year membership badge

Chairman's Report—August 2020 The Branch AGM has now been held with one new member on the committee, being Neil Malcolm. He replaces Ruth Parker who has given a good three years to the club. Thank you, and I hope you enjoyed your time with us. On a sadder note, Bruce and Ruth had a very nasty accident whist travelling to Gisborne in their camper-van which is a write-off. They both had a very lucky escape with many bruises, but are both slowly recovering. We wish them all the best. Over the past few months one can be pleased that we had to stay indoors with more than the usual rainfall, and very high winds during the past week doing a bit of damage. The months of July and August are normally the worst, so that is one month gone. Not much motoring done! The Annual “Twilight/Night Rally”, after being postponed in April, is on again on Saturday 8 th August with some new roads, and some good gravel, but watch for spelling mistakes as I’m not much good at this typing carry-on. I am going to have to do a crash course on the computer as my long time helper and granddaughter, Mya, is doing a pre-entry six week course at an as yet un-named Army camp. Due to National Security I am not allowed to know where. This begins for her on 26 th August with early morning starts and 10.00pm finishes seven days a week. It will be full on for her, but she is really looking forward to the challenge. Our local weekly newspaper has noted that the Ongaonga village will again be running their “Victorian Market” in the village on Sunday September 20th. The event was well supported last year with $15,000 being raised to assist with the restoration of the “Coles Joinery Factory” which is a “Category One” listed building on the NZ Heritage list. As last year, a few cars from the branch would be welcome to go out and support the Ongaonga folk. The Tui Brewery at Mangatinoka have sponsored some car events with a “Show and Shine” at their premises for some years now which could possibly interest some of our members. Coming up over the next few months is: [a] a “Ford vs Holden” day on 30th August, [b] a “Vintage vs Brexit vs European” day on 29th November. I went down a few years ago and it was a very enjoyable day. Perhaps one of our Southern members could organise a bit of a run, and sort out some times and places for us to meet. Details are to be found on www.tuihq.co.nz Well, that’s probably enough for the first report of what will be my short term as Chairman, filling in until further notice. Regards to all.

Bruce Poole. CHB Branch Chairman

Left to right: Iain Gollan, Lynn Cross, Ken Lyons, Gary Weaver, Rod McKenzie. Front9 row: Kaye Carswell, Bruce Poole, Neil Malcolm

Rod’s Rattling's—August 2020 The AGM has been and gone with a pleasant evening held where around 35 members attended at Oruawharo. We welcome Neil Malcolm onto the committee, and thank Ruth Parker for her contributions over the last couple of years. She has been involved with co-ordinating the “Daffodil Cancer Day” held at the end of August contributing time and ideas to the cause. The Mid-winter Christmas Run, arranged by Gloria and Laurie Malcolmson, was a successful day starting out with a visit to a huge shed with many racing–type Falcons and Mustangs on show. Some good stories were told of racing at Bathurst and the owner’s contacts with such well-known motor racers as Dick Johnson from Queensland, famous for his exploits on Mount Panorama in years past. There was plenty of chat from the 36 folk who sat down for a pleasant Christmas dinner at the Merrylees’ Hotel afterward. Santa Claus failed to show up, and was likely frightened away by the garb of some of our participants. Coming up on 8th August is Bruce Poole’s “Twilight Rally”. You are running out of time to get your entry in, so do it now if you haven’t committed already. It is a pain in the proverbial when late comers want to enter an event when commitments have had to be made as to such things as catering requirements. And if you don’t believe me, try organising an event that requires commitment from participants. I shall be attending the National Vintage Car Club AGM in Whanganui as your delegate to the meeting over the weekend of 14th to 16th August, and will write a report of the goings on for a following “Bleat”. If there are any issues you think that you would like aired, drop me a note as to what you think may need to be discussed. On Sunday 6th September, the branch is finding its way out to the “Daffodils at Taniwha” for lunch, with a short run starting from our usual starting venue of Tavistock Place. Basil and Diane Stephens have taken on this task and will hand out a set of instructions at the start for you all. It is satisfying to see relatively new members having a crack at getting us safely [and not lost] to our lunch venue. We won’t be attending due to a family commitment. Scarlett and I have just returned from a planning run for the branch “Mid-week Adventure” into the Wairarapa area being held in mid-October. This will be a three day affair and looks like it will be a fun few days. There will be some roads we are sure you are unlikely to have been on in the past. Some details are printed elsewhere in the “Bleat”, so if you are coming on the run, get your motels secured now. The motels we recommend know we are coming and have asked that you PHONE them saying what you are involved with, as you may get a favoured deal.

Rod McKenzie CHB Branch Club Captain

Extended Mid-Week Run for CHB VCC Wed 14th-Thurs 15th-Fri 16th October, 2020 Scarlett and Rod are putting together another three-day trip, given that the run to Te Kuiti and beyond was pretty popular last year. This year we will head into the Wairarapa area, in mid-October. We will be away for two nights and three days motoring with a few interesting visits and things to see and do. This run will obviously entail some fairly full days of motoring [eg possibly more than 300km per day!], so it will, again, be more suitable for P45, P60’s and P80’s vehicles, but that is not to say that you shouldn’t drive your Vintage or PV vehicle on the run if you know it is up to it. We have done nearly all these roads in our Model T in the past so you ought to be able to cope! You ought to have a good road map at hand when you start the run. You need to start with a full tank of fuel, and we noted that the cheapest fuel was actually in Waipukurau when we drove the route recently. You will need to pack a picnic lunch in the car before you leave home for our first lunch stop. The run will be in the form of a “Tour” and will be noncompetitive. Visits will include shopping and sight-seeing in Masterton and other Wairarapa townships, visiting two Light-houses, lunch at the iconic “Lake Ferry Hotel”, and, culminating with a visit to the Southward Museum near Paraparaumu on Friday 16th. Because they are close together, the Motels we recommend staying at both nights are: South Park Motel, at 55 High St, Masterton. Phone 06 378 2340 [speak to Pat or Dave] Highwayman Motel, at 46 High St, Masterton. Phone 06 377 4144 [speak to Tanya] You are advised to have your bookings done well in advance, but you are free to stay at any other motel or camping ground as you see fit. It is suggested that you phone your booking in [don’t do it on line!] to the motel so you can tell them you are on this trip, and they can place us all closer together at their complex. It‘s obviously more social to have all of us staying at the same venue. You will, of course, need to budget for all of your motel costs, tea/coffee stops, lunches, your evening meals, and other motoring costs, etc. “Initial Instructions” will be printed in the next “Bleat” to get you to our first meeting point which will be in Pongaroa.

11 Putangirua Pinnacles

CHB Branch—Mid-Winter Christmas Lunch—held at Dannevirke on Sunday 26th July 2020—Organised by Gloria and Laurie Malcolmson A Mid Winter Christmas Lunch held at the Merrylees Hotel, Dannevirke was a great Fun day. The weather was fine but cold, which was great after all the rain in the past few weeks. We first visited a huge local shed with many racing type Falcons and Mustangs on show. Some good stories were told of racing at Bathurst and the owner’s contacts with such well-known motor racers such as Dick Johnson from Queensland famous for his exploits on Mount Panorama in years past. After the shed visit Thirty six folk sat down to a very pleasant Christmas dinner at the Merrylees’ Hotel. There was plenty of fun and some interesting costumes and decorated gumboots. Thank you the all who made the effort to dress up and thank you to Gloria and Laurie for organizing this event.

Popeye and Olive Oil won a prize 12 for their outfits.

Wellington Centennial Exhibition 1939-1940â€”written by Keith Hopping A great prompt by Rod has got me to thinking maybe someone else is interested in what I collect or even better still may have that great unique piece in their grandmother's box of shyte out in the shed. So firstly what starts us to collect things, I guess in most cases we notice something close to our hearts is not as common as it once was. In my case as an ex Wellingtonion and also being Patriotic by nature I was driven by one single souvenir plate from the 1940 NZ Centennial Exhibition on my Grandmother's living room wall. I had always been interested in preserving something from Wellington's past (I did once capture a small portion of a mid winter Southerly in a jar) however it later blew off the mantelpiece and escaped through a solid brick wall. So back to the plate on the wall I have no idea what happened to that particular plate but I did see one years later in a junk shop and with this purchase I started what is now a collection of 60 plus items ranging from that plate to ash trays, pin dishes, trio cup saucer plate sets, serving trays all bearing the tower motif. Also other pieces with Captain Cook depicted on Petone beach and quite a bit of paperwork relating to the exhibition. The exhibition ran for 6 months from 8th November 1939 until 4th May 1940 with around 2.6 million visitors. The exhibition had an amusement area complete with a roller coaster and the great hall with trade displays from around the Empire. The complex is shown in a photo attached ( it was adjacent to the now Wellington airport) and covered some 55 acres with the central tower standing 155 feet tall weighing in at 700 tons. One of the few remaining major structures is the plaster statue of Kupe that was on display at the Wellington Railway Station for decades and later moved to Te Papa with a Bronze reproduction now displayed on the Wellington waterfront. It's interesting reading some of the publications promoting the exhibition keeping in mind that war was on the horizon. My collection has been packed away in a tea chest since we relocated back from Timaru 15 years ago with only a few bits on display that I have purchased in the past few years. Not many of you really know me but the few that do will remember that for years I collected and traded insults, not only with friends but also total strangers. This activity became harder and harder to sustain as various equality groups and political correctness became the norm. This being the case I put my efforts into the Centennial bits. Maybe some time in the future we could end a run at our place and go through the collection as the tea chest is unpacked. Not many would know what a tea chest was now!! As I remember there are one or two other things in that chest as well such as a small collection of rubber tyre ashtrays and the odd (best described as non caucasian boy) money boxes could be of interest to some.

John Smithâ€”Over 60 years of Collecting Historic Aviation The World War II and other historic planes belonged to John Smith, from Mapua, west of Nelson, who began his private collection as a young man in the 1950s. For more than 60 years an "Aladdin's Cave" of historic planes, including one of only 30 Mosquito combat aircraft left in the world, has remained largely out of sight on a rural Nelson property. The Mosquito at Woodbourne in the 1950s where John Smith When he died in August 2019 aged 84, he left his bought it, disassembled its wings and took it back to Nelson. treasure trove in a large corrugated iron shed, and

the huge job of sorting it out to his family, led by his brother George and his son Rob Smith. But now the rare planes are on a journey that will see some displayed in Marlborough's Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre museum, and one, a P-51D Mustang fighter, potentially being restored to fly again.

John Smith collected planes and parts from around New Zealand, often towing them back to Mapua, near Nelson.

The Mosquito NZ2336 plane and cockpit.

Rob Smith, nephew of reclusive historic aircraft collector John Smith, opens the shed where his uncle amassed a treasure trove of planes including a rare World War II Mosquito combat aircraft. 14

In a lifetime of hunting out and saving old aircraft he amassed a collection which also included a Tiger Moth biplane, Vampire jet airframes, two Curtiss P40 Kitty hawk fighters as well as a huge amount of parts from all over the country. John Smith bought all the TAFâ€™s Mustang spares from Weedons, including engines. Even his family are unsure about what drove his passion, other than a simple wish to rescue pieces of aviation history from the scrap yard. Older brother George, 88, said like most wartime families in England, they grew up near an airbase, RAF Finningley, near Doncaster in South Yorkshire before emigrating to New Zealand. Over the decades aviation collectors, enthusiasts and historians from New Zealand and overseas have made a sort of pilgrimage to Mapua to see the increasingly rare planes, but John Smith remained a reclusive character and potential buyers were left disappointed. Driving into the rambling rural property is entering an unruly aviation graveyard. In front of the modest wooden house there are metal engine casings called nacelles, for the Mosquito fighter-bomber. Nearby, Vampire jet wings lie in the long grass. Rob Smith said when they first started to tackle the enormous sorting job, it was difficult to even get into the shed because of the sheer number of parts, from fuselages and wings to boxes full of engine components.

John Smith—Over 60 years of Collecting Historic Aviation We estimated it would take about three years to tidy everything up and clear it out, and that still could be the case.” Pride of place in the shed is a Mosquito multi-role combat plane used by the RAF and other Allied forces in World War II. Of the 7781 built only 30 survive. One of the fastest operational aircraft when they flew into World War II in 1941, the versatile fighter-bombers were unusual because the airframes were mostly made of wood, which made them relaGeorge Smith, 88, with the P-51D Mustang fighter from his brother’s coltively fast to make and fly. lection which is being sold. Preparation work has begun on the delicate and specialised task of disassembling the Mosquito for its move to Omaka, which will be a homecoming of sorts. John Smith won a tender for the surplus bomber in 1955. It had been stored at the Woodbourne air base since 1952 after being based with the No 75 Squadron at Ohakea. Smith towed it back to Mapua on the back of a trailer after disassembling the wings. The Air Force had removed the guns, and cockpit items but he managed to find authentic replacement parts, including a bomb sight and radio. He even had the massive Rolls Royce Merlin engines running at times; a deafening sound George Smith said could be heard in Mapua township several kilometres away. At Omaka the Mosquito will be displayed alongside one of John Smith's Kitty hawks, nicknamed Gloria Lyons after a Christchurch tuberculosis patient in the 1940s, and the Tiger Moth. Omaka board member Graham Orphan paid tribute to John Smith's foresight to preserve the historic planes and the efforts of his family to honour his legacy. He said visiting John Smith's collection was a privilege and a test. He was just cautious, but if you talked for long enough and he realised you were a genuine enthusiast he would welcome you with open arms. We all wanted him to live forever because as long as John was alive that Aladdin's Cave of World War II treasures would remain that way. Graham Orphan was delighted that the public would have a chance to see the restored Mosquito and other planes at Omaka, which already houses John Smith's Hudson bomber that he gifted to Nelson pilot Bill Reid in 2007. The fate of the Mustang aircraft, which sits in the shed under the Mosquito's wing, is yet to be decided. Unlike the Mosquito, which would need to be completely rebuilt to fly again, the Mustang could be made airworthy, albeit at a large cost as the wings have been cut off and would have to be rebuilt. Rob Smith said there had been interest in the plane, valued at around $1 million, from potential buyers in Auckland and elsewhere. The family would like it to remain in the top of the south if possible. Brian Weir, a Nelson aviation enthusiast who knew John Smith, said he was trying to raise enough interest and money to keep the Mustang in the region. It was one of 30 Mustangs received by the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1945 but the end of the war meant they were put in storage until 1951 when they were used by four territorial squadrons. The majority were withdrawn from service in 1955, with most being sold for scrap in 1958, including a number scrapped in the Moutere. Brian Weir said keeping the Mustang here would be a tribute to John Smith’s legacy.

”I reckon it would also make a great movie, and could do for this area what 15 did for Southland)” he said. (The World’s Fastest Indian

Bill Reidâ€”with his Restored 1935 Avro Anson Mk1MH-120 Bomber Inside the glasshouse like cockpit, the heat is stifling and the smell of burnt fuel and old leather is inescapable. Gazing across the camouflaged wing of the 1935 Avro Anson Mk1 MH-120, resplendent with the Royal Air Force emblem, 95-year-old John Beeching is transported back to his former airman's life. Pilot Bill Reid offers Beeching the controls. It's an opportunity the Nelson man has waited three quarters of a century for. "This has been an absolutely Bill Reid, (on the right), owner and pilot of the world's only flying Mk1 Avro monumental day for me," Beeching Anson bomber, flies with World War 2 bomber pilot John Beeching 95, he said. last flew 74 years ago.

After flying 15 missions over Germany in a deHavillard Mosquito during World War II, Beeching went on to fly Avro Ansons post-war as an instructor on blind landings using the beam approach beacon system. The Anson is a British twin-engined, multi-role aircraft first built in the 1930s. During World War II the aircraft undertook coastal reconnaissance, searching for German submarines and U -boats across the English Channel and Irish Sea, and escorting shipping convoys as they came into port. Despite its noise it handled well and was fondly nicknamed 'Gentle Annie'. "All military planes are noisy, you didn't have to worry about creature comforts back in those days and there was no sound-proofing that's why we're all deaf these days," Beeching said. The chance connection between the two men was a day Beeching will never forget. "Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be sitting in an airplane that I flew 74 years ago," he said. "And he let me drive it, which was marvellous." Bill Reid bought his plane from Wangaratta Airworld Museum in Victoria in 2002, where it had been used as a freighter post-war, taking crayfish from Tasmania to Melbourne. "I had to dismantle it and put it in containers because it was such a mess, luckily I didn't know it would take me 10 years or I probably wouldn't have touched it." Bill Reid restored it at the family property outside Wakefield, near Nelson, with the help of a number of people including his late wife Robyn. In 2012, it made its triumphant return to the skies. Too big to store alongside his five helicopters and assorted Warbirds, the plane is housed at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum near Blenheim.

Bill Reid recently got certification to offer adventure flights in his restored beauty. Those interested in a ride can contact Bill at: rraviation@xtra.co.nz The Plane will take up to 3 people at one time, flights are approximately1645minuts and cost per person $1.000.

Sunday 20th September 2020â€”10 00amâ€”4 00pm

The society would like to invite all members of the Vintage Car Club to the SPRING FAIR AND MARKET to be held on Sunday the 20th of September 2020 in the Museum Complex, Old Coles Factory and Main street of ONGAONGA. Reserved parking will be available for your cars in the main street and when full other parking is available nearby. Period costumes will be the theme if desired. Over to you. There will be plenty of food and drink stalls and demos to see so come and have a day in the Historic Village of Ongaonga. View the Museum and Old Coles Factory. Meet old friends and new ones. Give the old car a run and have some fun. Starting time 10 00am till 4 00pm and if the weather is not kind a cancelation will be announced over the local radio. The purpose of the festival is to raise awareness of the Historic Village Museum Complex and the Coles Factory restoration.

If you would like to attend please contact Robin and he will allocate a space for your vehicle.

For any information please contact Robin Mackie on 06-856-6871 or 027-310-8016.

20th September 2020

Targa 2020 VCC Time Trial (Breaking News) The Targa 2020 VCC Time Trial is now being run as two conjunctive events. 1.

The 4 day time trial starting Albany, Auckland Thursday 15 th October 2020,travelling over closed tarmac road stages to overnight in Whangarei, before returning via closed road stages to overnight in Ellerslie Friday 16th October.

A 2 day time trial starting Ellerslie, Auckland Saturday 17 th October 2020. This is a totally new event with a significantly reduced entry fee aimed at VCC members who wish to enjoy an outstanding Targa VCC event over a weekend. On Saturday 17th October, both 2 and 4 day entrants travel over closed tarmac roads on the Coromandel to overnight in Whitianga, where all VCC entrants, friends & family are invited to join for a meal together at the Mercury Bay Club, and where we’ll also be presenting some fun par ticipation awards. Sunday 18th October will see all of us returning over closed tarmac roads on the Coromandel to event finish & prize giving dinner in Pukekohe. The Targa VCC Time Trial 4 day & all new 2 day event gives VCC mem bers with VCC/VIC eligible cars an outstanding opportunity to test their driving & time-keeping skills over closed tarmac stages, safe in the knowl edge that they’re all driving in the same direction from start intervals, with nothing coming towards them. It’s not a race, and no special car modifications (roll cage etc), are required. Entries may be limited, so please contact me asap. Rod Corbett rod.corbett88@gmail.com 027 433 8772, For event pricing and further information please refer www.targa.nz

Austin Flying A Enthusiasts Car Clubâ€”11th Bi Annual National Rally 23rdâ€”26th October 2020 (Labour Weekend) The Austin Flying A Enthusiasts Car Club is holding its National Rally in Rotorua and would like to invite any Austin Owners to join us. The agenda for the weekend is: Friday Night: Registration from 4.00pm onwards. We will also be having a small BBQ for anyone who would like to join us. Cost per person to be advised (starting 6.30pm). Please note that this is a basic BBQ (does not include dessert). BYO Drinks. Saturday: Car Display Afternoon activity BBQ Dinner cost per person to be advised (starting 6.30pm) BYO Drinks Sunday: Group Photo Car run to a point of interest Afternoon at your own leisure Dinner and Prize giving If you wish to attend without an Austin, you may join in the car display in a Classic or Vintage Car, all moderns will need to be parked on the road. The photo shoot will be for Austin cars then a group photo with all cars attending. All cars must have a current WOF and Registration if taking part in this Rally. Registration forms are available now. If you are interested in attending or have any questions please contact our 11 th Bi Annual National Rally Organisers via E-mail or Phone listed below E-mails: Phone:

Eventscoordinator@austinflyinga.co.nz Secretary@austinflyinga.co.nz 0274810000 William (Club Captain / Events Coordinator) 09 2967 554 Lorraine (Secretary please leave a message)

GISBORNE 2021—15th NATIONAL MODEL A RALLY—Sunday 28th March—Sunday 4th April

Early Bird Registration is open for the 15th National Model A Ford Rally 2021. This will be held from Sunday 28 March to Sunday 04 April 2021 (Easter Weekend) in Gisborne at the A & P Showground's and Events Centre. Come along and join other Model A enthusiasts for a relaxed but entertaining time in Gisborne. Enjoy the friendly people and experience the ‘Real New Zealand’ driving your Model A. Gisborne is situated on the North Island’s East Coast and is known for its beautiful beaches, vineyards, orchards and good Model A roads. Sometimes referred to as the ‘City of Rivers’, Gisborne is the first City on earth to see the new day’s sun rise. ‘Early Bird’ indicates to the organisers you have chosen to receive your rally information early and avoid missing out on the news as it comes to hand, or tours that may have limited numbers. Don’t wait too long to register as we are limited to 300 entrants.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION FEE $20.00 To obtain your Early Bird Registration Form, email the organising team at:

gisbornemodelafordrally@gmail.com or phone one of the organising team member

David Mossman 0272 350 444 Rob Brown 0274 745 726 Karen Thomas 0274 190 191 Karen Thomas Secretary

Tony Bartlett 0272 725 648 Errol McAlpine 0274 543 983 Kristina Rarere 022 367 5776

For Sale

Wanted Wanted, a front bumper for a 1946 Vauxhall J 14. Please phone Jim Spicer 027 2468 715 or email rustypatch.wpk@xtra.co.nz

1972 Hillman Hunter Excellent original condition Only 47300 miles Polar white with red upholstery. Automatic transmission. Been used on a number of VCC events for a number of years $5500.00 Contact Ray Freemantle 06 858 865.

For Sale

Competing in the CHB Veteran Rally, February 2016

1966 Mercedes Benz 250s 1914 Overland Model 79T Touring

A comfortable reliable touring car, well maintained and comes with a selection of spare parts.

Fully Restored A great motoring vehicle, Spare parts and information Won best restoration award in 2008 at the Willys Overland Club Victoria, Australia.

Interested parties Please Contact Bryan Malcolm, Phone: 06-8585-005 or Email: malcolm-b-j@xtra.co.nz 21

Phone: Neil Cox 021 023 33948