CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 79 YEARS
9 418979 000012
No. 394 June/July 2025
DRIVING OUR HISTORY REPORTS FROM CAR AND BIKE ENTHUSIASTS AROUND NEW ZEALAND — OUT DOING WHAT THEY LOVE BEHIND THE WHEEL 1927 MODEL DM1 DELAGE
New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95
MARKETPLACE VEHICLES FOR SALE INCLUDING VW COMBI DRIVING OUR HISTORY
CONTENTS Issue 394 June/July 2025
FEATURES 10 12 12
A French Connection
20
18 20
A Love Story on Wheels
Marketplace
40
Highland Fling
22
Andrew Berry’s 1936 Chevrolet coupe Behind The Wheel – A French Connection Trevor Kempton gets to grips with the beast that is Brian Walker’s 1927 Model DM1 Delage.
Revving up the conversation, A behind–the–scenes WoF night at VTNZ A Love Story on Wheels Saving the Whale Peter Cooper goes in to bat for an endangered species
26 31
Rally Snippets 31
Jim Toohey Memorial Rally 2025 –
32
Scenicland Rally – 15 Rivers – West Coast Branch
33
Otago Back Road Adventure – Otago Branch
34
National North Island Easter Rally – Waikato Branch
36
Highland Fling – Manawatu Branch
38
60th Maunga Moana Rally Celebration
George Begg Festival
Canterbury Branch
– Taranaki Branch
36 COVER
COLUMNS 5
From the Editor
48
Trade Directory
6
VCC Branch Events
49
President’s Message
7
Mailbag
50
National Office News
9
Timelines
51
Festival Update
39
Archivist News
52
Branch News
40
Marketplace
66
Passing Lane
46
Swap Meets & Rallies
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated
Far North Beach Picnic with Rosco Pennell and his Citroën. Read more in our Branch News section starting on page 52. Photo: Murray Cormack
National Office
Phone 03 366 4461 (9.30am–1.30pm) Email admin@vcc.org.nz
Postal Address PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
Address 12 Aberdeen St, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Website: www.vcc.org.nz
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
4 Beaded Wheels
Find us on facebook Vintage Car Club of New Zealand
The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) is the worldwide organisation dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of historic vehicles and related culture. The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc) is a founding member of FIVA. VCC Life Member Rod Brayshaw is the New Zealand delegate to FIVA and also a member of the FIVA Technical Commission.
PHOTO JOHN MCDONALD
FROM THE
EDITOR During the South Island Easter Rally I was able to look over some superbly restored vehicles. It appears that some had been recently completed, and some were older restorations but, even so, still looked very impressive. Each restoration tells a tale, and the back story can be fascinating and intriguing. Tales of bits going missing, lost or even stolen or just misplaced. There can be many differences in the methods restorers use during the restoration. Many years ago, about 45, I recall standing in a space not much bigger than a single car garage under the house I was visiting. The detritus of past restorations surrounded me. There were tools, old parts and used consumables all over the dirt floor, much of which
Beaded Wheels Publisher
The Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXXVI No. 394
Typesetting and Design
RGB Design & Print Ltd, Christchurch
Editor: Kevin Clarkson Sub Editors: Judith Bain, Rosalie Brown,
Mark Dawber, John McDonald, Greg Price, Charles Rushbrook
by the way, could not actually be seen because of the stuff all over it. There was a workbench with only enough space left to enable the resident to work on the current activity that would take the restoration to the next stage. There was evidence that spray painting had taken place within the confines of the garage and it seemed that all cleaning operations also took place within. There was rudimentary engineering machinery available, a small bench drill and a small, well worn, lathe. There seemed to be no order, and it was hard to imagine how good restorations could spring from such beginnings. Like the Phoenix from the ashes, from this garage came a
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steady stream of restorations of such quality as I had only rarely seen in those days. Those restorations were superb in all respects. The mechanicals were as new (sometimes better!), the colours were right, the period accessories were appropriate, and the vehicles always went extremely well and never broke down as far as I recall. When I asked the restorer how he was able to ensure such quality of restoration I was given a simple piece of advice. The trick, he said, is to take each part of the vehicle one bit at a time and work on that part and restore it to absolutely the best condition that you can. I have also seen similar top quality restorations issue forth from workshops where everything has its place
and the floor is swept and there seems to be organised processes at work. While, in my view, that is the ideal, I am sure there are many restorations that are carried out in workshops that could be described as being between these two extremes. Whatever the work style though, I am sure that the level of satisfaction on completing a good restoration would be the same. What I am leading up to here is to thank those of you who have sent restoration articles in to us and to ask that you continue to put pen to paper and record for history all of the triumphs and tribulations of your hard work.
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The contents are copyright. Articles may be reproduced complete or in part provided that acknowledgement is made to “Beaded Wheels, the magazine of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated” as the source. Reproduction of articles must be at least 12 months after original Beaded Wheels publication date. Beaded Wheels reserves the right to digitally store all published material for archival purposes.
CLOSING DATES FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
Editorial Copy 25 June 2025 • Advertisements 09 July 2025
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D THE WH EE L
Photo Dicon Joseph
HIN BE
A French Connection BRIAN WALKER’S 1927 MODEL DM1 DELAGE
Words Trevor Kempton, photos Martin Van Raalte, Brian Walker and Dicon Joseph It is often said that the French see innovation as an exercise in creativity. They find it simple to complicate and hard to simplify. Nevertheless, France was regarded as the centre of excellence for high performance automobiles from the turn of the 20th century until the Great Depression, this innovation and individuality in style and appointment has arguably remained to this day.
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Louis Delage was a successful manufacturer of both utilitarian and prestige models from 1905. He relied on sales to finance a very active racing programme. In 1914 Delage won the Indianapolis 500 and in 1924 captured the world land speed record. In the same year he also launched a 180 hp 2 litre V12 motor. It was a work of art and, installed in an advanced chassis, took voiturette performance to a new level. Delage peaked in 1927 when his 1.5 litre straight eight 15-S8 won the very first World Constructor’s Championship. The model was still winning internationally in the hands of Richard Seaman in the late 1930s and remained successful on British racetracks into the 1950s. Six were made. All have survived. However, as was all too common, Delage’s’ obsession with racing and the Great Depression took him to near bankruptcy, saved only by the company merging with Delahaye in 1935. Which brings us to Brian and Ann Walker’s 10-year labour of love – their 1927 model DM1 Delage. Brian’s father was a keen collector and fettler of Ariel motorcycles. These genes passed to Brian who over the years maintained and added to this collection.
Brian is also no stranger to older cars, having owned a fleet of mid-‘30s Chrysler products, a Ford Model A and a 1910 Darracq. A little over 10 years ago Brian decided to set himself a new challenge. He sold most of his motorcycles and set about looking for something special from the vintage era with enough performance to minimise issues with modern highway traffic. At the time he was prepared for a lengthy restoration period and gave himself a 10-year window. As a past telephone faults technician, tradesman fitter and turner and spring manufacturer with a comprehensive home workshop he was confident Beaded Wheels 13
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Terms and conditions CLASSIFIED RATES Classified advertisements are limited to 45 words including contact details. Advertisers requiring advertisements longer than the standard 45 words, or who require typography or space, must apply display rates. The advertising department reserves the right to edit or return classifieds not meeting the criteria. All classified rates include GST Member of Vintage Car Club: No charge for text or photo classified advertising for club eligible vehicles. Members must be financial and identify their Branch. Limited to one free advertisement per issue. Maximum insertion of the same advertisement in up to three issues (must be resubmitted for each issue). Advertisements of a commercial nature are not eligible for free advertising. Non-member: $25 for first 45 words or part thereof. Text in a Boxed Ad: $30 non-members* Colour Photo Ad in Box: $60 non-members, enclose a clear photo and an SAE if return required.* Advertisements should be typed or clearly printed or submitted through vcc.org.nz/beadedwheels. Advertising Email address: beadedwheels@ vcc.org.nz Advert and Payment: to arrive not later than 10th of month preceding publication. Payment by Credit card or Internet banking (for Internet banking details email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz). DISPLAY RATES* (gst exclusive) Casual (per issue) 3 Issues (per issue) Full Page $976 $780 Half Page $530 $425 Quarter Page $295 $234 All display rates quoted exclude GST and are for finished digital artwork supplied. Artwork can be arranged at an extra charge. Deadline for copy 10th of month preceding publication. Beaded Wheels will consider articles of a technical nature for inclusion in its editorial space. Beaded Wheels however regrets that it is not able to offer editorial space for advertisements nor for the promotion of products. Marketplace advertising cancellations received in writing prior to advertising deadline will be refunded in full. Where possible Beaded Wheels will refund 70% of the advertisement cost for any cancellations received after the booking deadline. *Payment by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing charge of 4% Beaded Wheels makes every effort to ensure no misleading claims are made by advertisers, responsibility cannot be accepted by Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) for the failure of any product or service to give satisfaction. Inclusion of a product or service should not be construed as endorsement of it by Beaded Wheels or by the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.). No liability can be accepted for non-appearance of advertisements and the text of all advertisements is subject to the approval of the editor who reserves the right to refuse any advertisements which are not compatible with the aims, objectives, and standards of Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) In accordance with the provisions of the Human Rights Commission Act 1977 Beaded Wheels will not publish any advertisement which indicates or could reasonably be understood as indicating an intention to discriminate by reason of sex, marital status, religious or ethical beliefs. Advertisers should take all care in drafting advertisements as they could be held liable, as well as Beaded Wheels and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.).
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FOR SALE 19” WIRE WHEEL 3 STUD X 5. S ome minor rust but otherwise good condition $500 Corran. Ph 021 565 688. MEM CANTERBURY 1928 CHEV PICKUP. $21,000. Reg and WoF. Recent motor overhaul. Removable folding top. Engine and gearbox reconditioned. New tyres. New kingpins. Good going order. Three spare gearboxes. Location Temuka. Marketed by Rushmore Motors Ltd 027 2245 045 inc a/h. AUSTIN SHEERLINE PARTS. I have a pile of spare parts left over after restoring my car. From two spare parts cars. Located in Waikato. The shed where they are is being sold, so they must go. Any offer. Ph 027 622 5838 MEM WANGANUI CITROEN RADIATOR, APPROX 1925. S ingle outlet at top and double lower outlet tubes. Good radiator shell and V-shaped core. Standard 8 two door car 1947/48, suit restoration or parts. Contact Gavin Smith, ph 03 308 2297. ASHBURTON BRANCH PARTS SHED BALANCING BALANCING BALANCING, We can balance most vintage and single cylinder engines, fans, driveshafts etc. Work is carried out on a modern digital machine. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz FORD CORTINA 1969 MK2 E xcellent condition. Low mileage car, recently been recommissioned. Blue with black interior trim. Has current WoF & Rego. $16,900. Ph 027 273 2767. HILLMAN DOORS 1956 $ 150 each, grilles 54,56,58, $300 each. All brand new! ‘73 Triumph Dolomite, drives okay rego on hold, needs some tlc $2800. Three Dolomite projects, 3 regos, plus trailer load of parts $2000 ono. Bradford engine $300. 1955 Desoto hood, doors and guards. Ph 03 214 0426. MEM SOUTHLAND SET OF 4 REMINGTON 15” w ide whitewall tyres in good condition with approximately 80% tread. $1000 ono. Happy to send photos by text or email. Ph Arthur 021 610 196. MEM EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY VINTAGE ENGINE SHORT BLOCKS We can in most cases rebuild your short block using modern shell bearings, new pistons and rebuilt oil pump. Please contact us for more information. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz PENRITE ENGINE COOLANT A colourless hybrid-organic non glycol based corrosion inhibitor designed specifically for use in veteran, edwardian, vintage and classic car cooling systems. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz
VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ halogen bulbs. Replace your existing bulbs without rewiring the headlamp assemblies. Up to 100% brighter than your existing Tungsten bulbs. Will fit most reflectors fitted to pre & post war cars and motorbikes. Also available in single filament 55 watt P22 & BA15 bases for use in spotlamps and mechanical dip reflectors. Most bases and configurations available in 6v & 12v. Further info: Norm & Jan Sisson, sole NZ Agent. Phone 027 311 6563, Amuri Motorcycles, 2C Birmingham Drive, Christchurch. Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz SET OF 5 ONLY, 19 inch wire wheels to suit a 1929 DA Dodge. Stipe Borich 021 727 024. stipeborichnz@gmail.com MEM AUCKLAND SINGER 9 ROLLING CHASSIS, e ngine no A3-476T, dismantled recon motor, twin-carbs, extractors, radiator, gearbox, tank etc. May have history. Offers. Mike 0274 535 073, mikeruss@xtra.co.nz MEM NELSON TALBOT 1930 2.2 LITRE CHASSIS, e ngine gearbox and differential having been rebuilt. Good set of wheels and new tyres. This car is chassis number 29011, number 11 of the 18hp Talbot production and is probably the earliest 18hp to have survived. Mechanically as it left the factory. New fuel tank. Shell main bearings, white metal big-end bearings in con-rods. New pistons, new waterpump. This is the same specs as the Talbot 90s that won on handicap at Le Mans in 1930, just 9 inches longer. $20K or offer. Ph Alistair 021 643 557 or zamahani@yahoo.co.nz. MEM WAITEMATA CARBURETTOR RECONDITIONING including classic and performance makes. 40 plus years trade experience. Free advice. Contact Graeme Tulloch, Tulmac Carburettor Specialists on 027 612 2312 or (Levin) 06 368 2202 THE HOROWHENUA BRANCH OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB Welcomes everyone to their 3rd Annual Spares Department Mid Winter Sale From 9am on Sunday 15 of June ( Not Saturday). MAGNETO AND COIL WINDING SERVICES Magneto repairs, coil rewinding, magnetos of all types except aircraft. Phone Warwick 027 281 8066, walandlynn@farmside.co.nz MEM WANGANUI
COACHWORK F or all your coachwork, woodwork and timber rim steering wheels for your veteran, vintage or commercial vehicles contact Designs N Wood, John Martin, 11 Bell Avenue, Cromwell. Phone/fax 03 445 0598, 021 109 1309 or email martin_jw@xtra.co.nz MEM CENTRAL OTAGO
JAGUAR 1978 XJ6 SLE Nelson built, KZ1229. Leather ½ Dralon seats. Factory vinyl roof. Air conditioning, chrome wheels, gold line on side. Speedo in KM/H. Only 42 were built? Was my late wife’s car used every day. Good condition. Owned 33 years. $10,000. Ph John 04 528 4618. MEM WGTN
MERCEDES 1967 200D, r uns and drives very well, tidy through out, shed stored, rego on hold, please contact 022 495 8216. MEM NORTH OTAGO
FORD PREFECT 1960 , 40,780 miles. 107E OHV 4 speed. Five new tyres. New brake cylinder in rear and overhaul brakes. New bushes front and rear suspension. Runs very well has just done 100 mile rally no problems. $12,500. Phone 06 755 0950, 022 498 0276.
1946 AUSTIN 8 V ery good condition, rego and warranted with factory built sunroof, many parts. $8,500. Phone 06 278 6822. MEM TARANAKI
1930 FORD MODEL A ROADSTER. NZ new. Ground up restoration. All mechanicals replaced or repaired. Travelled 2,200 miles since restoration. Repainted in Ford colours. New upholstery. A true time capsule restored to original with many extras. A beautiful car. $42,000 ono. Ph Ross Herrick 021 510 302 Warkworth.
1946 VAUXHALL J14. Six cylinder 1781cc, seventh owner. First reg in New Zealand 21 June 1948. 150,798 miles. Good tyres. For sale as is. Sale due to health. Phone 027 2468 715. MEM CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY
MG BGT (1974). O dometer showing 34,632 miles (second time around!). WoF expired 10 Jan 2024. Rego on hold. Mechanically good. Body needs repair and repaint. Interior needs to be refurbished. Previous owner added power steering and central locking. $7,500. Contact Martin Chapman 027 326 5119. MEM BOP
1954 WOLSELEY 4/44. Runs well and reliable. WoF and rego, certified seatbelts. $8,000 ono. Ph Jeremy 0211 520 922. MEM WAIKATO
1930 MODEL A FORD two door Tudor. Fully restored in 1980s. Bodywork good. Kept in good order mechanically. Current WoF and Rego. Heaps of spares to go with it. Current owner for 45 years. Phone 027 297 5024. MEM ASHBURTON
FORD CAPRI XR2 CONVERTIBLE COUPE 1992. 4 seater, 4 seatbelts. Good tidy original condition. Only 130,000kms. Has factory hardtop. Current WoF and Rego. $7,000. Contact Dave Inwood cellphone: 027 307 7634. MEM CANTERBURY
TALBOT 3 LITRE 1935 BA75/95. G eorges Roesch design, built by Talbot, London. Body off rebuild. New wood frame. Engine, preselector gearbox and diff rebuilt including new parts. Original seats in leather. Will have WoF and Rego. $110K Ph Alistair 021 643 557, zamahani@yahoo.co.nz Photo from 2019, before completion. MEM WAITEMATA
WOODEN WHEELS made for your metalwork. Steam-bent felloes, any shape spokes. Ph Vern Jensen 06 323 3868, 16 Osborne Terrace, Feilding, gransuz16@gmail.com MEM MANAWATU
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