Beaded Wheels Issue 348 October/November 2017 by Vintage Car Club of New Zealand

CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 70 YEARS

Beaded Wheels

No. 348 October/November 2017

NEW ZEALANDâ€™S FOREMOST HISTORICAL MOTORING MAGAZINE $7.95

9 418979 000012

VCCNZ NATIONAL DAY

BEDFORD AC RESTORATION 1935 ROYAL ENFIELD MOTOR CARRIER

Waikato Welcome: The drive through cheering crowds along Victoria Street, Hamilton.

Byron Husband has supplied this photograph which first appeared in the Weekly News, on 6 August 1947. The issue covers the post war visit of General Montgomery who is seen here standing in a Buick coupe very much overdue for a wash. The car appears to be left hand drive. Does any reader know where the car is now? PHOTOGRAPHS REQUIRED Submissions of suitable prints and information (where available) are welcome. Post or email original photographs or high resolution digital files of historical interest with any available information to: Beaded Wheels, PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. Laserprints/photocopies are not suitable.

M and J Hastie have supplied this photograph of Marsden Motors, Waikari, North Canterbury. This was owned by the Marsden family until 1974.

Photos returned as soon as practicable.

management committee Contact National Office for all queries regarding VICs, logbooks, historic race licences, lighting endorsement, registration of vehicles, address changes, subscriptions, membership cards, speed events. The Vintage Car Club Of New Zealand (Inc.) National Office, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 Email admin@vcc.org.nz

branches ASHBURTON PO Box 382, Ashburton 7740 ashburton@vcc.org.nz AUCKLAND PO Box 12-138, Penrose, Auckland 1642 auckland@vcc.org.nz BANKS PENINSULA 27 Showgate Ave, Riccarton Park, Christchurch 8042 bankspeninsula@vcc.org.nz BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 660, Tauranga 3140 bayofplenty@vcc.org.nz CANTERBURY PO Box 11-082, Sockburn Christchurch 8443 canterbury@vcc.org.nz CENTRAL OTAGO C/- 4B Roto Place, Wanaka 9305 centralotago@vcc.org.nz

2 Beaded Wheels

Please note this information changes annually - these details are valid until October 2018. PRESIDENT Diane Quarrie 06 876 4009 president@vcc.org.nz

REGISTRAR Rod Brayshaw 07 549 4250 registrar@vcc.org.nz

CLUB CAPTAIN NORTHERN REGION Kaaren Smylie 021 664 341 nicc@vcc.org.nz

SPEED STEWARD Tony Haycock 021 662 441 speedsteward@vcc.org.nz

CLUB CAPTAIN SOUTHERN REGION Alon Mayhew 027 202 9491 sicc@vcc.org.nz

BEADED WHEELS CHAIRMAN Kevin Clarkson 021 0270 6525 kevin@vcc.org.nz

SECRETARY/ TREASURER Michael Lavender 03 325 5704 hon.sec@vcc.org.nz

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING comms@vcc.org.nz

Ed Boyd 06 348 4547 mgmt3@vcc.org.nz Tony Bartlett 06 867 9850 mgmt1@vcc.org.nz David Yorke 06 358 8060 mgmt2@vcc.org.nz

ARCHIVIST Don Muller 03 385 6850

archivist@vcc.org.nz

A full list of branch addresses and contact details can also be found on the VCCNZ website at www.vcc.org.nz CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY C/- 94 Mt Herbert Road, Waipukurau 4200, centralhawkesbay@vcc.org.nz EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 2168, Kopeopeo Whakatane 3159 easternbayofplenty@vcc.org.nz FAR NORTH C/- 64 Mangakaretu Road, RD2, Kerikeri 0295 farnorth@vcc.org.nz GISBORNE PO Box 307, Gisborne 4040 gisborne@vcc.org.nz GORE PO Box 329, Gore 9740 gore@vcc.org.nz HAWKE’S BAY PO Box 3406, Napier 4142 hawkesbay@vcc.org.nz

HOROWHENUA PO Box 458, Levin 5540 horowhenua@vcc.org.nz KING COUNTRY C/- 34 House Ave, Taumarunui 3920 kingcountry@vcc.org.nz MANAWATU PO Box 385 Palmerston North 4440 manawatu@vcc.org.nz MARLBOROUGH PO Box 422, Blenheim 7240 marlborough@vcc.org.nz NELSON PO Box 3531, Richmond 7050 nelson@vcc.org.nz NORTHLAND PO Box 17, Whangarei 0140 northland@vcc.org.nz

NORTH OTAGO PO Box 360, Oamaru 9444 northotago@vcc.org.nz NORTH SHORE C/- 7 Godwit Place, Lynfield Auckland 1042 northshore@vcc.org.nz OTAGO PO Box 5352, Dunedin 9058 otago@vcc.org.nz ROTORUA PO Box 2014, Rotorua 3040 rotorua@vcc.org.nz SOUTH CANTERBURY PO Box 623, Timaru 7910 southcanterbury@vcc.org.nz SOUTHLAND PO Box 1240, Invercargill 9840 southand@vcc.org.nz

SOUTH OTAGO C/- 1931 Breakneck Rd, RD 4, Balclutha 9274 southotago@vcc.org.nz SOUTH WAIKATO PO Box 403 Tokoroa 3420 southwaikato@vcc.org.nz TARANAKI C/- 297 Huatoki St, New Plymouth 4310 taranaki@vcc.org.nz TAUPO PO Box 907, Taupo 3351 taupo@vcc.org.nz WAIKATO PO Box 924, Hamilton 3240 waikato@vcc.org.nz WAIMATE 4 Harris St, Waimate 7924 waimate@vcc.org.nz

Please note this information changes annually - these details are valid until October 2018

WAIRARAPA PO Box 7, Masterton 5810 wairarapa@vcc.org.nz WAITEMATA C/- Embroidme, 23E William Pickering Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632 waitemata@vcc.org.nz WANGANUI PO Box 726, Wanganui 4540 wanganui@vcc.org.nz WELLINGTON PO Box 38-418, Petone, Wellington 5045 wellington@vcc.org.nz WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH PO Box 547, Warkworth 0941 wellsfordwarkworth@vcc.org.nz WEST COAST C/- 17 Loris Place Greymouth 7805 westcoast@vcc.org.nz

Beaded Wheels

Issue 348 October/November 2017

Publisher

FEATURES

THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ (INC.) The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXVIII No. 348

Editorial Committee Kevin Clarkson (Chairman), Judith Bain, Bevars Binnie, Rosalie Brown, John Coomber, Mark Dawber, Marilyn McKinlay.

Material for Publication Reports of restorations, events, road tests, historical and technical articles should be submitted to beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz. Email of text and photos is preferred, digital photographs should be high resolution eg 300dpi. Alternatively mail your contribution to PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141, typed or neatly printed, double space on one side of paper only. No payment is made to contributors. The opinions or statements expressed in letters or articles in Beaded Wheels are the author’s own views and do not necessarily express the policy or views of The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc).

Glyn Clements takes a trip down memory lane, see page 14.

Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz

Advertising Address Classified and Display Advertising to: PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. Phone 64 3 332 3531, Fax 64 3 366 0273 Rate schedule available on request.

Bedford DIC2

Cop Bikes

VCCNZ National Day

Replica War Era Fire Tender

Behind the Wheel of a 1935 Royal Enfield Motor Carrier

1942 Harley-Davidson WLD 750cc

VCCNZ Archive

We’re 40 and going strong!

Business as usual Report from 2017 VCCNZ AGM John L Goddard Trophy

Back Issues Available on request to PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.

Correspondence & Editorial Contributions Phone 64 3 332 3531, Fax 64 3 366 0273 PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.

COLUMNS

Subscriptions Beaded Wheels subscribers change of address to PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Phone 03 366 4461, Fax 03 366 0273 Annual subscription (6 issues) $45* inc GST Australian subscription (6 issues) NZ$76* Other countries (6 issues) NZ$136*. *Payment by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing charge of 3%

This Canterbury Branch MG joined thousands of other vehicles around the country at the VCCNZ inaugural Rally for Cancer, see page 16.

President’s Message

As We See It

VCC Events

National Office News

Typesetting & design by RGBDesign Printed by Spectrum Print Ltd, Christchurch.

Mailbag

Closing Date for December.January Issue

Captain’s Log

Timelines

The Way We Were

Soapbox

Mutterings of a Mature Motorcyclist

Brass Notes

50 Year Awards

Marketplace

Swap Meets & Rallies

Idle Torque

Passing Lane

Production

Editorial Copy Advertisements

24 October 2017 10 November 2017

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) National Office Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 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 Copyright Information 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 (Inc)” as the source. Beaded Wheels reserves the right to digitally store all published material for archival purposes.

This convertible 1935 Plymouth from South Canterbury is looking for a new home, see marketplace page 41.

COVER Like us on facebook Beaded Wheels

President of the Cancer Society’s Taranaki Centre, Debbie McKinlay, pictured at the New Plymouth National VCC Day event. The 1906 Cadillac Model K belongs to Veronica Oliver, Taranaki VCCNZ Chairman, and her husband Steven. See page 16 for a round up of activities around the country. Photo: Megan Muter Beaded Wheels 3

president’s message

At the time I came up with the concept for our National Day I was unsure whether it would be successful and in the back of my mind hoped that we could get $20,000 for our nominated charity. I am so pleased to advise that our National Day – the Daffodil Rally for Cancer has raised $40,000 for the Cancer Society. A big thank you goes to our members and organisers who have got in behind this new initiative and supported the event. For the first time for decades the VCC has pulled together as one club. Over 2,000 vehicles were involved – mostly from Club members but also enthusiasts from one make clubs and the public. Another positive outcome from the day is that many branches also gained new members. We will be asking branches for feedback from their events in regard to what worked and what didn’t. Some branches went the extra mile with add-ons such as morning teas, lunches, raffles and other initiatives which greatly increased their individual totals. I hope that next year we will be able to get every branch to participate. I think that this event has the potential to grow into something that we in the Vintage Car Club can be very proud of and that we can do on a continuing basis. Our AGM has been and gone. Thank you to Marlborough Branch for hosting the event and it was great to see a good number of members from that branch and also neighbouring Nelson attending. The only change to the Management Committee is that we have a new North Island Club Captain, Kaaren Smylie, and she has made it her priority to visit all North Island branches over the next year. It was disappointing that only 19% of our members voted in relation to the two notices of motion. Both were lost. There was a discussion on the wording of the P80V category which highlighted that there are different interpretations on the rule. It was agreed that the Management Committee look at putting forward a new notice of motion to more clearly identify that all vehicles must have turned 30 years before they can be accepted. Unfortunately the Rally Director for the 2021 International Rally in New Plymouth has resigned. Some of the Management Committee will be travelling to New Plymouth at the end of September to 4 Beaded Wheels

attend a special meeting of the branch to discuss options regarding the future of the Rally. I would like to take this opportunity to most sincerely thank Colin Johnston for his enthusiasm and drive to get this event underway. I hope that Colin will still be able to be involved in the organisation of the event in some way should it go ahead. I will advise branches of the outcome of the Management Committee’s decision as soon as I can as I am aware that many people are looking to make plans or are working towards completing a restoration in time for the event. I was very pleased to announce that the recipients of the John L Goddard trophy were the Beaded Wheels Committee of Kevin Clarkson, John Coomber, Judith Bain, Marilyn McKinlay, Mark Dawber, Bevars Binnie and Rosalie Brown. A welldeserved award. Management Committee member David Yorke gave a thought-provoking presentation to the meeting regarding successful events not organised by the VCC. Discussion followed with various suggestions regarding the future of our international rallies. David will facilitate a small committee who will now make some recommendations to the Executive Meeting in March 2018 regarding the direction of our national and international events. I was reading an article recently about millennials getting into car collecting. Roughly speaking millennials are the generation born between 1977 and 1995 and they have their own idea of what vehicles are worth owning and preserving. The vehicles that fire their imagination are more likely to be pickups, SUVs and performance cars from the late 1960s to early ‘90s. They like to collect cars that were popular when they were kids or in high school. Apparently millennials are also more interested in going places in their vehicles rather than working on them. This set me to thinking about what relevance this will have to the future of our club. I also wonder what the VCC would have been like today had we stopped eligibility at 1960? I know that some of you think that should have happened, others the reverse. One thing for sure though, our club wouldn’t be in the strong position it is today if it had cut off at 1960 resulting in smaller membership numbers and vehicle fleet. We are the Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand – when does a vehicle (no matter what its age) stop being historic? Does that mean that we never have a final cut-off …. food for thought! Diane Quarrie VCCNZ National President

as we see it

It was an unexpected pleasure to have the John L Goddard Trophy awarded to the Beaded Wheels committee at the recent AGM in Blenheim. Three of our committee members were present to accept the award on behalf of the whole committee and those not present will have their certificate and badge presented at a suitable occasion. An abridged version of the citation can be found on page 33. The John L Goddard trophy is the premium VCC award and we are humbled to be the 2017 recipients. As award recipients we acknowledge the legacy of previous editorial committees and their commitment to producing a quality magazine worthy of the VCC. We would like to acknowledge all those who have contributed to the ongoing success of Beaded Wheels. Mention was made in the citation of the “stickability” of committee members and this has been the case over the history of Beaded Wheels as there have only ever been 36 (including the current crop) since the very beginning of Beaded Wheels in 1953. Frequently the word “classic” and how it applies to our club eligible vehicles is bandied about. Everyone has an opinion about what constitutes a classic and maybe some of them are right! What is certain is that common agreement on what is or is not a classic is never going to happen. I believe that there are vehicles out there that by design, past use or provenance could properly have that tag applied to them. I am not going to list them because others would have an opinion that would vary from mine. Who is to say either of us would be correct? To say that a vehicle is a classic just because it is over 30 years old is a nonsense. It might be a classic but age is not usually the determinate factor on its own. A member might drive a Morris 1100 and he may call it a classic and he is entitled to his opinion, just as you are to yours. If he calls it a classic, then in his eyes it is indeed a classic. Until that unlikely day when we have a consensus of opinion as to what constitutes a classic vehicle then you may use any term you wish to describe your car and if that term is “classic” then go for it! Kevin Clarkson Chairman, Beaded Wheels

This list of events is compiled from the VCCNZ National Calendar of Events, and branch events as listed in each branch newsletter. Any deletions, additions, alterations need to be notified to Beaded Wheels by the Branch Secretary before 10th of the month prior to magazine publication

VCC National Events 2018 24 March

30 March–1 April 30 March–2 April 1-7 April

National Executive Meeting, hosted by Wellington Branch North Island National Easter Rally hosted by Waikato Branch South Island National Easter Rally hosted by Southland Branch South Island Club Captain’s Tour

OCTOBER 1 1 6-8 8 12–15 14 14 14 14 14–15 14–15

Marlborough Waikato Canterbury Wairarapa Nelson King Country Southland Manawatu Waikato Canterbury Marlborough

15 Marlborough 15 Otago 15 Waikato 18–25 Nelson 18 Waikato 17 West Coast 20–22 Hawke’s Bay 21–22 Auckland 22–24 Sth Cant 25 Marlborough 26 28 28 28-29

Otago Sth Waikato Waikato Wairarapa

29 Ashburton

Run to Wairau Bar Kairangi Hill Climb Swap Meet New Members’ Rally Biannual Rally Journey Through Time Vintage/PV Rally Swap Meet Club Run Girder Fork M/C Rally Nelson/Marlborough Biennial Rally at Nelson Motorycle Run to Picton PV/P60/P80 Rally Motorcycle Run Mount Cook Tour Wednesday Wander Morning tea Shantytown Safari Hunua 100 Rally Mt Cook Rally Fish & Chip run to Picton Foreshore Mid-week Run Dam Run Veteran Rally Peter Chisholm Memorial Rally P60/P80 Run

29 Canterbury 29 Gisborne

NOVEMBER

3–5 Northland 4 Otago 4 Southland 4 Wellington 5 Banks Peninsula 5 Canterbury 5 Sth Cant 5 Waikato 5 Wairarapa 5 Waitemata

Veteran Annual Rally Club Run

Far North Tour Taieri Tour Commercial Rally 60th Annual Rally Peninsula Run Annual Motorcycle Rally Motorcycle Rally Veteran Rally Stretched Gymkhana Chelsea Chelsea Walsh Hill Climb 10–12 Gisborne Visit to E BOP 11 Canterbury Vintage Rally 11–12 Southland Arrowtown Motorcycle Rally 11 Sth Otago Clutha Rally 12 Ashburton Jim Lawton’s Run 12 Banks Peninsula Hawkswood Spring 12 Bay of Plenty Swap Meet 12 Horowhenua Tararua Trundle Rally 12 Marlborough BBQ run to Okiwi Bay, on to overnight stay at Waitata Bay 12 Nelson Kaiterteri Run 15 Waikato Wednesday Wander 17 Wairarapa Peter Chisholm Memorial Rally 17–19 Auckland M/C Rally & Swap Meet 17–19 Canterbury Show Weekend Tour 18 C. Hawke’s Bay Veteran Run 18 Otago Commercial/Veteran Rally 18 Nth Otago Swap Meet 19 Horowhenua Tararua Trundle Rally 19 Sth Cant Vet/VV /Commercial Rally 19 Taranaki Potters Paddock Gymkhana 19 Waikato Swap Meet 21 West Coast Morning tea Shantytown 25 Ashburton Commercial Run 25 Wairarapa Gold Medal Motorcycle Rally 26 West Coast Club Run

VCC Events

26 26 26 26 30

Banks Peninsula Canterbury Gisborne Sth Waikato Otago

Ruapuna Homestead Run Ladies Run TTT Rally Mid Week Run

DECEMBER

2 North Otago 3 Otago 10 Ashburton

10 10 14 17 14–19 18 17 26

Canterbury Otago Nelson West Coast Ashburton West Coast Nelson Canterbury

JANUARY 1 1 1 1 7 20

Ashburton Banks Peninsula Canterbury Waimate Canterbury Central Otago

21 Otago 25 Otago 27 Ashburton 27 Otago 28 Canterbury 28 West Coast

Windsor Rally Moped Rally Vintage & Veteran Workers Picnic Children’s Christmas Picnic Christmas BBQ Christmas Light run Fish n chips Run Pre-Christmas Tour Morning tea Shantytown Christmas Picnic Boxing Day Run New Year’s Day Run Little River Picnic M/C New Year Run New Year Day Parade Picnic Run Swap Meet & Cromwell Classic Car Show Jackson Rally Mid Week Run Annual Rally Dunedin-Brighton Veteran Rally Veteran Picnic Run Club and New Year Run

F EBRUARY 2–4 Banks Peninsula Skope Racing, Ruapuna 3 Southland Southland Rally 3 Estn BOP East Coast Rally 9–11 Banks Peninsula Enzed Racing, Levels 10 Waimate Wallaby Run 11 Wellsford/Wkwth Gymnic

While Beaded Wheels makes every attempt to check the accuracy of the dates published in this column we advise readers to confirm all dates with the individual branch concerned.

Find out more about the Vintage Car Club Join our enthusiasts as they motor their classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. Visit vcc.org.nz to download membership application forms or contact your local branch directly for application forms and details. See page 2 for contact details of your nearest branch. Beaded Wheels 5

Julie Cairns-Gee

National Office Manager VCCNZ Inc National Office, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 ph 03 366 4461 fax 03 366 0273 email admin@vcc.org.nz www.vcc.org.nz Office Hours Mon – Thur 9-5pm

national office news

National Annual General Meeting/ Branch Office details and calendar of events Members, please find enclosed a copy of the AGM minutes, branch office details and calendar of events. During the AGM weekend the executive meeting was held. A copy of these minutes is held by your branch secretary and your branch delegate will also have reported to the members. 10 Yearly Renewal of Vehicle ID Cards Three months prior to their expiry National Office will send out a renewal advice. When you receive this please check the details are correct and if the vehicle’s appearance has not changed from the original Vehicle Identity Card, forward your expired Vehicle Identity Card and the signed renewal notice to your branch for completion. Please remember, these must go to your branch for approval. If you do not enclose the expired Vehicle Identity Card, or if the vehicle’s appearance has changed, you must send two identical photos of the vehicle as it now looks. Please return your renewal advice as early as possible. Historic Race Licence It is compulsory for any member entering a VCC Speed Event to hold a current VCC Historic Racing Licence and VCC Log Book for the vehicle they are using. If you currently hold a VCC Historic Racing Licence keep an eye on the expiry date. If it needs renewing please complete the Historic Race Licence renewal form and forward it, along with the payment, and a new one will be issued. All application forms for the above are obtainable from your branch, the VCC website or the National Office.

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VCC Membership subscription At the beginning of September Vintage Car Club members will have received an annual account for membership for the period 1 November 2017 to 31 October 2018. To receive a discount payment must be received at the National Office by 20 October 2017. When paying direct into the Club’s bank account please make sure you put your membership number as the reference. Membership Cards will be sent in early November. For those who have not paid nor advised of their wish to cancel their membership, one reminder notice will be sent out. Change of Address Please advise the National Office if you have changed address, phone number, email address or vehicle ownership.

Important Notice to all VCCNZ Members Club subscription notices have been posted to all members - to receive the discounted rate payment must be received at the National Office by 20 October 2017.

Branch Transfer To transfer between branches complete a transfer form. This can be obtained through your branch secretary.

Attendees at the VCC AGM. Minutes from this are included with this issue of Beaded Wheels for all club members.

Beaded Wheels Beaded Wheels is the voice of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) and its 36 branches covering the length and breadth of the country. The efforts of our members continue fostering and ever widening the interest in this segment of our country’s history. It is to these people, who appreciate the fascination of age, the individuality and the functional elegance of vehicles from a bygone era, that this magazine is dedicated. Beaded Wheels – Our long established title may have readers wondering about its origin. By way of explanation beaded edge wheels use beaded edge tyres that are kept in place by reinforced rubber beads, which fit into the rolled edges of the wheel rim. This style of wheel was a distinctive feature of early motoring being used on early bicycles, many pre1924 cars and most motorcycles until 1927. In March 1955 The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand adopted the title Beaded Wheels for their club magazine which was the successor to the monthly Guff Sheet.

mailbag The editorial committee reserve the right to p ublish, edit or refuse publication of any item submitted as comment. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily express the policy or views of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) or the publishers. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

1970 NI Motorcycle and 1971 2nd National Motorcycle Rallies Does anyone have photos of the 1912 Bradbury at these rallies held in Masterton and Wanganui respectively, particularly of it being ridden? It was my brother’s motorcycle, which I rode for him while he rode his 1913 LMC. I find I do not have any photos of the motorcycle at rallies and we don’t seem to have any photos of it in road riding condition. It now has a sidechair and is in the Motorcycle Mecca Museum in Invercargill. I have almost finished putting together my 1930 Triumph CTT and would appreciate anyone with a CTT, or parts thereof, getting in touch with me. Keith Bade 42 Te Kupe Road, Paraparaumu 5032. badefamily@clear.net.nz Vehicle Identified Bruce Cosson on behalf of Biz wants to identify the car in his family photograph (BW347 mailbag). It is a 1916 Cadillac V8 Type 53 seven seat tourer. A powerful and expensive car much favoured by wealthy sheep station owners and service car operators such as Newman Brothers of Nelson and also used on the Akaroa to Little River service. A superbly restored five seat example is in Levin. John Hastilow Research Query I am at present researching the history of South Island Motors Ltd, Wolseley agents for Christchurch and Dunedin. Possibly some of your readers might be able to assist with suggestions regarding the location of photos, company records or old staff members etc. (if any are still with us). This company traded in Christchurch at 145-147 Armagh Street from circa 1920, until new premises were built on the corner of Cambridge Terrace and Manchester Street, we think in 1965-66. This may have previously been the site of the workshop and used car department. The Wolseley Club have been very helpful in providing post earthquake photos of the old building and I have located recent images of the new one. Interestingly, as the result of earthquake damage, both buildings were demolished in June 2017. This firm was sold to the Austin agents

mailbag David Crozier in 1968 and S I M Ltd ceased to exist during 1969. I spent seven happy years with this excellent motor firm in Dunedin until its closure in August 1969. During this time I made several visits to the new garage to collect cars. I am particularly interested in photos of both these premises when the firm was trading. Any information would be greatly appreciated. John Gertson, 12 Magnetic St Port Chalmers 9023. phone 03 4728998 email johngertson37@gmail.com Waterpump Help My name is Leon Bester. I live in Cape Town, South Africa and am a classic and vintage car enthusiast. I own a number of cars including a 1926 Chevrolet, 1926 Dodge, 1929 Ford, 1965 Merc and a 1981 Chev Camaro. I have recently purchased a 1929 Dodge 6 in great condition, the only thing missing is the waterpump. My reason for contacting you is because I cannot find parts in South Africa for this car. So am reaching out in hope to find someone that knows of someone or some place that stock and/or sell parts. If you have any information that can help, it would be much appreciated. Leon Bester info@diehandelshuis.co.za PO Box 1023 Bellville, Cape Town South Africa 7530 A Triumphant Campaign May I, through the columns of your esteemed magazine, send greetings of warm affection to the men and women of the old brigade who participated in the Antipodean Antiquarian Automobile Expedition of ‘95. A unique one off event sanctioned by the VCCNZ Inc and organised by Major Kochupp and his enthusiastic chief of staff. It took the form of a quasi-military expedition that set out from Marahau Bay in the Nelson area and proceeded down the Southern Alps to end up on the beach at Riverton Rocks in Southland. The challenges and difficulties along the way were only exceeded by the great humour and fortitude of the brigade members. The most amazing and wonderful bunch of people and machines one could ever wish to be associated with in the journey of a lifetime. Film footage has been recorded of the event and excellent maps produced and presented to all troops for posterity. As well, all received a campaign medal.

I think of you all often with the greatest of respect and pleasure. Yes there has been quite a few holes shot in our ranks over the years, but keep the fond memories always. Best wishes for the future and kindest regards to you all. References Beaded Wheels Nos 214/215/216 The Major phone 03 577 7839 email theriverbank@slingshot.co.nz Beaded Wheels It is always a pleasure to see that little clear plastic pack containing Beaded Wheels sitting in the mailbox. Well presented, this magazine is a credit to the editorial committee. Containing regular reports of branch activities and rallies, we are all kept in touch with news of each other from the far north to the deep south. Our President’s warning of future possible restrictions, as gasoline cars gradually give way to electic, reminded me how important paddock gymkhana events may become. Page 30 of Beaded Wheels 347 (photo repeated below here) clearly shows the value of low cost period specials and the attraction for younger members.

Neale Elder explaining the inner workings of his OHC Minor special to his son during the 2018 Hadstock Trials.

Pat Cutler was way ahead of the game when he was instrumental in the Canterbury Branch obtaining 33 acres of land in 1969 which is now Cutler Park, McLeans Island, Christchurch. Perhaps other branches should also give some thought to securing land for future events. Just in case. Garland Saunders Wanganui Flat Batteries Further to my amateur instructions on how to start a Ford 8 on a frosty morning following my sad experience with a dung cart (BW347) I have always harboured a strong impression that motor car manufacturers over the decades have Beaded Wheels 7

HIN BE

D THE WHE

1935 Royal Enfield Motor Carrier Words and photos Bevars Binnie

It’s strange how things happen. I casually mention to Editor Kevin that if he wanted a Behind the Wheel article about an early motorcycle then I might be persuaded to write one some time in the future, although that would make it a Behind the Handlebar article I suppose. So here I am writing about Jens Christensen’s 1935 Royal Enfield Motor Carrier less than a month later.

have owned and/or ridden well over 100 Veteran, Vintage and Post Vintage motorcycles, including a couple of dozen single cylinder and v-twin Royal Enfields. All of these have been different to ride, but generally a pre WWII bike will fall into one of a few simple categories. These are the pre 1910 early primitive types, the later and more capable Veterans, the competent and more reliable Vintage and the post 1930 bikes which are similar to early post WWII bikes, but with girder forks. Add in British, American and continental differences and you have most early bikes covered. But the subject of this article is something else entirely and falls into none of these categories, even though the large and famous Royal Enfield motorcycle firm made it and used mostly motorcycle components. Royal Enfield History But before we get to the vehicle itself here is a little history. The roots of Royal Enfield can be traced back to the 1840s 22 Beaded Wheels

and the manufacture of sewing needles by George Townsend and Company. By the 1860s they were also making precision light machine parts, and in the late 1880s had added bicycles to their range. In 1892 the business was taken over by Bob Walker Smith and Albert Eadie, who re-registered it as the Eadie Manufacturing Co Ltd. They soon received a contract to supply rifle parts to the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield so formed a new company called the Enfield Manufacturing Company and started marketing some bicycles under the Royal Enfield brand. Around this time they adopted a field gun as their trademark and the advertising slogan “Made Like a Gun”. Despite this they apparently never made guns, just gun parts. The company had a couple of further name changes, but in 1898 it finally settled down as the Enfield Cycle Company, under which name it continued to trade for more than 70 years. In 1898 Enfield started producing quadricycles, and over the next few years made tricycles and motorcycles as well. In

1902 they added the Enfield car to their range. This part of the business was put into a separate company called the Enfield Autocar Company Limited in 1906. Unfortunately it suffered early losses and was sold to Alldays & Onions in 1908. In 1905 the motorcycle market was suffering from oversupply and the company made the decision to stop making motorcycles. In 1909 Enfield re-entered the motorcycle market and over the next few years they developed a range of v-twins with the smallest being some 300cc and the largest 770cc. A 2-stroke model was added just before WWI and single cylinder 4 stroke models were added in the mid 1920s, but the company still had a relatively small range of models until the late ‘20s. While most of the bikes were relatively conservative designs, Enfield did make some innovations, inventing the cush drive hub in 1912 in a form that is still used on many motorcycles today. They introduced one of the first dry sump engines on the 3hp 425cc machine, also in 1912. This had a glass oil tank behind the seat downtube – glass so that the sceptical owner could see the oil going round and round. Over the years Enfields were raced extensively with considerable success at the Isle of Man TT and at Brooklands, but their reputation was really for high quality,

Evidently it was nicknamed “The Crab”, perhaps a reference to its looks or maybe to its handling.

rugged and reliable machines and parts. Their two speed countershaft gear was used by a number of motorcycle manufacturers in the late teens and early ‘20s, while Brough Superior and Norton among others used their hubs and brakes. By the late ‘20s Enfield was doing what other manufacturers were doing and made a wide range of models in the hope of having “something for everyone”. Hindsight suggests that doing this at the start of the Great Depression was not a winning formula, but RE managed to survive until many years later. The Arrival of the Motor Carrier In 1935 while the Great Depression was still a major problem Enfield decided to make a Motor Carrier – the subject of this article. From the 1900s carrier bicycles had been made in England as a cheap means of delivering small loads of goods of all sorts. They carried goods in a basket, box or cage arranged somewhere on the bike, but generally over the front wheel or wheels. Many of us who are a bit older will remember these from our childhood, as they were popular with butchers and grocers. Most of these were two wheeled bicycles, but three wheelers with a box over a two-wheeled front end were used for heavier loads. It was a natural progres-

sion to fit a motor to a larger version of this, and these became known as Motor Carriers. Enfield’s Motor Carrier has a substantial pressed steel channel chassis, with a single rear wheel and a two wheeled front axle, which pivots in a single central king pin. A largish cargo box is attached to the axle by leaf springs and turns with the axle. A 225cc 2-stroke motor, as fitted to Enfield’s Model A motorcycle, is used and drives through a 3-speed gearbox. The engine is enclosed under a cover and fins on the external flywheel provide cooling as the box at the front blocks any airflow from reaching the engine. Overall gearing is low, giving a claimed top speed of 25 mph and the whole outfit has a substantial look and feel. The clutch, back wheel and foot operated rear brake are larger than might be expected and appear to be the same as fitted to their larger motorcycles, probably in recognition of the total weight when the box is fully loaded. Both front wheels have brakes fitted and these must be carefully adjusted, as any imbalance will cause an unexpected sharp turn to be executed. There is also a handbrake lever to hold the outfit stationary when being loaded or unloaded. A handlebar is fitted to the rear of the cargo box with throttle and clutch levers

fitted to it. The whole box and front axle has to turn to steer the outfit. It has electric lights, with a battery, a coil and a generator that has the ignition points mounted on the end of it. The basic Motor Carrier cost £45 in England, and a range of different cargo boxes was available, with the smallest costing £2 and a special box designed to hold eight crates of 16 pint bottles of milk costing £10. Enfield claimed that it “could climb any main road hill with a full load” but I am not sure they realised just how much some people would load into the box. Enfield evidently had about 250 chassis made, but it is not clear how many machines were completed. Some chassis were evidently sold to the Dot Motorcycle Company, and an unknown number were scrapped. Only four are known to survive world wide, with the last of these having come to light in the last couple of years. Jens purchased his Motor Carrier from Auckland member Peter Alderdice in 2009, Peter having owned it since the early 1990s. It was originally despatched from the factory as a “chassis complete, less body” and sent to a UK export company called Scholefield-Goodman in Birmingham. It was imported new by Broadway Motors, Enfield dealers of Beaded Wheels 23

Restoring a

1942 Harley-Davidson WLD 750cc Words and photos Bob Bullock

uring the mid to late 1920s, America’s Big Three motorcycle companies, Harley-Davidson, Indian and Excelsior, all produced mid-sized 45ci (750cc) V-twins, which placed them between the smaller single cylinder and larger 74ci (1200cc) twin cylinder motorcycles. The Indian Scout and Harley-Davidson Model D both had side-valve motors, while Excelsior retained their proven ioe (inlet over exhaust) design. Ignaz Schwinn terminated Excelsior production at the large Cortland Street, Chicago factory because of financial concerns regarding the Great Depression in the spring of 1931. Production of the small twins enabled the two remaining companies to produce and market costeffective models over a considerable time span. Harley-Davidson’s 1929 Model D began life rather too cost-effectively however, with the 15hp V-twin motor being shoehorned into the single cylinder frame, necessitating the front positioned 26 Beaded Wheels

generator to be vertically mounted adjacent to the front cylinder. Naturally, Indian riders smiled when referring to the new ‘three-cylinder Harley’. Incidentally, the 45ci twins of both companies soon began to be referred to as forty-fives or simply 45s, as compared to the larger twin 74s or 80s. In 1932 Harley-Davidson redesigned the motor with the generator now horizontally mounted at the front of the crankcase, and redesigned the single front downtube frame with a double-curve to accommodate the new styled motor. This model was designated the R series and continued on with minimal changes for the next four years. In 1937 The Motor Company (as HarleyDavidson were sometimes referred to) debuted their new-look side-valve models following the highly successful 1936 61ci (1000cc) ohv Knucklehead unveiled the year before. Following traditional HarleyDavidson practice, steady but measured changes and improvements were imple-

mented, especially over the next five years. The Forty-five, now redesignated as the W series, would continue for the next 14 years until the series finished in 1951. The main change was the introduction of dry sump circulating oil systems that replaced the antiquated drip feed total-loss system. Improved highways and interstate roading allowed higher vehicle speeds which in turn required more efficient lubrication systems to keep pace with improved road conditions. Other model improvements included; a constant mesh three speed gearbox, a more robust big twin styled clutch, strengthened tubular section front forks, along with a new frame featuring two degrees less rake and, over the next five years, an inch less trail, self-aligning headstock bearings plus a wider rear frame section permitting fitting of a wider rear brake drum. Motor improvements included fitting deep-finned aluminium cylinder heads, larger inlet ports, inlet manifold and carburettor venturi. Subtle styling changes

began to morph the small twin into the big twin image. Full sized fenders, new style welded steel tanks (right-hand side now contained oil), streamlined cats-eye instrument panel, streamlined toolbox, steering damper and springer fork Ride Control, all mimicked the larger models’ styling cues. The Motor Company recognised that styling and performance updates drew in new customers. These improvements were fortuitously timed and implemented just as America became involved in WWII. HarleyDavidson supplied nearly 90,000 WLA (army) motorcycles mainly to the US Army and Allies during the conflict. The WLC Canadian Army version differed by using the big twin front wheel, front stand and minus the heavy-duty radio luggage rack on the rear fender which was standard equipment on the WLA. The Motor Company bargained hard for army contracts and ended the war with a financial surplus. Indian on the other hand didn’t bargain quite as hard and lost money during the conflict. Their main offering to the war effort was the underpowered 15hp 500cc 741B Army Scout. Indian management had allowed the old State Street, Springfield factory to decline since its mid-teens heyday. This together with a depleted workforce meant that Indian’s war output amounted to roughly half that of Harley-Davidson. England and its Commonwealth Allies, including New Zealand, saw many of the small twins head our way thanks to the US govern-

ment Lend Lease program. The bulk of the Indian Owners Register of New Zealand bikes are naturally enough 741s, where they are well catered for. As mentioned, WL production ceased in 1951 with demand rapidly dropping away, due in no small measure to England’s post-war edict – export or die. Bikes like the Triumph Speed Twin and 650cc Thunderbird targeted directly at the growing motorcycle market in America, really put things into sharp focus. Harley’s WL powered three wheeled Servi-Car which debuted in 1932, continued on until 1973. By that time it had acquired Hydra-Glide oil damped front forks, hydraulic brakes, electric starter and a Delco alternator. It had started life as a package and delivery vehicle, also being found suitable for attending vehicle breakdowns and servicing duties. By the 1960s and ‘70s many municipalities and police departments used them for parking meter or parking warden enforcement duties. Lest the humble forty-fives be typecast as plodding warhorses or utility hacks, it should be noted that they also had a sporting side that deserves a mention. Class C racing began in 1933 after Harley-Davidson and Indian joined forces to initiate the new class of stock motorcycle racing. Riders rode to dirt track race meetings, removed the headlight, front fender and front brake, then commenced racing. They enjoyed the fun of it. Naturally, the factories saw it as a means to invigorate the flat depression-

era motorcycle scene, while not spending large amounts themselves in the process. Class A and B racing involved professional factory sponsored racers and motorcycles, Joe Public never got a look in. All that changed when Class C arrived. By 1938 the action started to heat up with the factories beginning to provide more suitable race bikes, Indian had the Sport Scout, while Harley had the WLDR, eventually bringing out the hotted-up, stripped down WR racer in 1941 – then came WWII. Everything was put on hold for the duration, but soon picked up post-war. The 300lb WR produced about 35hp, sufficient for a top speed of 110mph.

Cylinder barrels showing relieved valve seat to bore area for better gas flow.

Crankcase assembly with timing gears in situ.

Truing flywheel assembly between centres.

Work Begins Moving on to the subject of this article, the 1942 WLD 45ci (750cc) V-twin. Harley-Davidson referred to it as the Special Sport Solo model, only 133 were made, in the six months leading up to America’s entry into in WWII, with the halting of all civilian motor vehicle production and the changeover to military production. The retail price was $365. The sporting package consisted of special iron cylinders with larger inlet ports, relieved areas around the valve/bore section plus larger cooling fins for improved heat disappation. The inlet manifold and carburettor venturi were larger to match the inlet ports. Thinner head gaskets were used in conjunction with the higher compression 6:1 deep-finned aluminium cylinder heads (standard WL heads are 5:1). One

Three speed gearbox. Yellow paint is factory mark. Denotes post 1947 style of “forward for top” shift pattern. Beaded Wheels 27