CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR OVER 70 YEARS
No. 355 December 2018/January 2019
NEW ZEALAND’S FOREMOST HISTORICAL MOTORING MAGAZINE $7.95
TESTING A RARE
TURNER 9 418979 000012
Tackling the 2018 TARGA
VELOCETTE
DOUBLE KNOCKER MAGAZINE OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND
This photo is of the Beary family taken in Christchurch in 1918. I am interested to find the identity of the motorcycle combination. The apparent horizontal bar across the handle bar is; I believe, a stabiliser from the bar to the headlamp. Maybe it is a Douglas but do not know enough to be sure. Any help will be appreciated. Information to David Macready, Villa 185, Summerset Falls, 31 Mansel Drive, Warkworth 0910, New Zealand. Ed note: Bevars Binnie advises readers that the motorcycle is a circa 1916 - 18 Excelsior Big X. The “apparent horizontal bar across the handlebars” is exactly that, and while it was sometimes used as additional bracing for the headlight mount, it is an integral part of the bars themselves. Search for 1918 Excelsior Big X on the internet and you will find any number of photos, youtube videos and articles.
Contact National Office for all queries regarding VICs, logbooks, historic race licences, lighting endorsement, registration of vehicles, address changes, subscriptions, membership cards, speed events.
NATIONAL OFFICE
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 Email admin@vcc.org.nz
VCCNZ MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
CLUB CAPTAIN NORTHERN REGION Kaaren Smylie 021 664 341 nicc@vcc.org.nz CLUB CAPTAIN SOUTHERN REGION Alon Mayhew 027 202 9491 sicc@vcc.org.nz REGISTRAR Rod Brayshaw 07 549 4250 registrar@vcc.org.nz
PRESIDENT Diane Quarrie 06 876 4009 president@vcc.org.nz
SPEED STEWARD Tony Haycock 021 662 441 speedsteward@vcc.org.nz
SECRETARY/ TREASURER Michael Lavender 03 325 5704 hon.sec@vcc.org.nz
BEADED WHEELS CHAIRMAN Kevin Clarkson 021 0270 6525 kevin@vcc.org.nz
Ed Boyd 06 348 4547
mgmt3@vcc.org.nz
Tony Bartlett 06 867 9850
mgmt1@vcc.org.nz
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING comms@vcc.org.nz ARCHIVIST Don Muller 03 385 6850
archivist@vcc.org.nz
Please note this information changes annually - these details are valid until October 2018
VCCNZ BRANCHES A full list of branch addresses and contact details can also be found on the VCCNZ website at www.vcc.org.nz 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 CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY C/- 3 Fergusson Avenue Waipukurau 4200, centralhawkesbay@vcc.org.nz EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 2168, Kopeopeo Whakatane 3159 easternbayofplenty@vcc.org.nz
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FAR NORTH C/- 2534 Kaitaia-Awaroa Road, RD 1, Kaitaia 0481, 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 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
CONTENTS
Beaded Wheels Publisher
The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.) The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol CCCL No. 355
Issue 355 December 2018/January 2018
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).
Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz Advertising Enquiries
Classified and Display Advertising to: PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz Phone 64 3 332 3531, Fax 64 3 366 0273 Rate schedule available on request.
FEATURES 14
Swapmeets are in our DNA
16
350cc Velocette Double Knocker Reborn
21 22 26
Wheels Down – long-time Bentley enthusiasts touch down in the Wairarapa
Back Issues Available on request to PO
34
Behind the Wheel of a 1960 Alexander-Turner Mk I
Correspondence & Editorial
40
Contributions
Phone 64 3 332 3531, Fax 64 3 366 0273 PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz
30
43
41
Light My Fire – part II of Kevin Casey’s series on the origins and intricacies of the world of spark plugs 2018 Targa Rally Review
16
Early New Zealand Motoring Publications
30
Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.
Rally Snippets 40 60 Years On- Waikato Branch Celebrations 41 Far North Tour 2018 - Northland Branch 41 60th Hunua 100 – Auckland Branch
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 incurs additional bank fee processing charge of 3%
Production
Typesetting & design by RGBDesign Printed by Spectrum Print Ltd, Christchurch.
Closing Date for Feb/March Issue Editorial Copy Advertisements
5 Jan 2019 10 Jan 2019
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) National Office Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 Email admin@vcc.org.nz
COLUMNS 4
President’s Message
32
Mutterings of a Mature Motorcyclist
4
As We See It
5
VCC Events
32
Brass Notes
6
National Office
39
2021 VERO International Festival of Motoring - Rally Update
7 Mailbag 10 Timelines
43 Marketplace
11
Book Reviews
12
The Way We Were
29
50 Year Awards
49
Swap Meets & Rallies
54
Idle Torque
66
Passing Lane
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.
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COVER From the late 1940s, Jack Turner built a series of one-off specials, and prepared racing cars, including building his own engines. Greg Price grabs the opportunity to test drive a locally owned MkI Turner and discovers what all the fuss is about.
The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) is the worldwide organization 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. VCCNZ Registrar Rod Brayshaw is the New Zealand delegate to FIVA and also a member of the FIVA Technical Commission.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
In October members of the Vintage Car Club had the opportunity for the first time to be part of the annual Targa event, travelling the same route as the rest of the participants in a unique time trial. They had to maintain an average speed through the special stages, so the course became an exercise in precision driving as opposed to a speed event. This coparticipation was the brainchild of Rod Corbett who put a tremendous amount of time and effort into organising the VCC sides of things. I would like to congratulate him for his foresight and vision which has resulted in new members for the Club and generated good publicity wherever they went. Rod also involved members of lower South Island VCC branches who supported with their own car displays and marshalling assistance for both VCC and Targa car parking at lunch and evening service stops. I believe this worked very well. Thank you to Southland, Gore, South Otago, Otago, North Otago and Central Otago branches for getting behind this. Open to all VCC eligible cars, the event will be based in the North Island next year. I believe that as a Club we need to look at more ways we can co-participate with an existing event, becoming an integral part
of and enhancing it. Art Deco Weekend in Napier is another example of this working so well. One of the key objectives of the Club’s Strategic Plan, which was adopted several years ago, was the development of education modules for schools. We are looking for a member (preferably with education based experience) who would be willing to take on the role of Education Development Advisor to oversee the development and introduction of these components. One of the first steps would be to seek funding through the many charitable trusts and foundations to assist with seeking professional support in developing the various elements required for the modules. I am pleased to advise that, following the decision made at the Executive Meeting in August, a 60 year award badge has now been struck which will also be issued retrospectively to past recipients via their branches. In total there have now been 34 60-Year awards and 346 50-Year badges. It has been a privilege and an honour for myself and members of the management committee to present these awards at branches throughout the country. As mentioned in my last Beaded Wheels column, an additional
part-time person was required to cover the extra work-load in our National Office, and I am pleased to welcome Julie Orwin to the position. Due to both our staff being named Julie, she will go by “Jo” to avoid confusion. Geoff and I have recently returned from the National Veteran Rally hosted by Nelson Branch. Jim and Kyra Wareing and their team are to be congratulated on their organisation. The Prince Henry Tour was held prior to the rally and a post-rally tour was going to Golden Bay so it was a very full couple of weeks for those that were able to do all three events. I would say that at least half the drivers were in their 70s and 80s and I congratulate them for still continuing to use and drive their vehicles. It was also good to see many younger drivers as well although sadly, I was the only woman driver. One of the things that I and others in the Club have stressed over the years is that we must use every opportunity we have to get the public on-board and enthused with our vehicles. It really struck me at the public displays we had for the Veteran Rally vehicles, that the general public (of all ages) are still really interested in our old vehicles. I know that it starts to get hard when you are asked the same questions time and time again
about your car or motorbike, but remember it is your enthusiasm and passion that will come through every-time and maybe lead to a potential new member or, at the very least, make them a bit more patient and sympathetic when they encounter us on the roads. As 2018 is coming to an end, I would particularly like to thank those members who put up their hands time after time to organise events for us or to stand on committees. They are the backbone of our Club and they are our greatest asset. Winston Churchill said “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”. I would like, on behalf of Geoff and the whole management team, to wish all our members and families safe travelling over the holiday season and best wishes for Christmas and the coming year.
Diane Quarrie VCCNZ National President
AS WE SEE IT In this issue, the final edition for the year, we have some meaty content, including: three pages of mailbag contribution, always a sign that people are taking an interest in their club. Our features include a story by Greg Price on Dave Richardson’s rare Alexander Turner car; fascinating information on early motoring magazines in New Zealand by Barry Birchall; Stuart Francis’s story on a modified Velocette and how it is footing it in big events, with additional observations from the Isle Of Man Classic TT by Velocette Guru, Ivan Rhodes.
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We also have Part 2 of Kevin Casey’s excellent dissertation on Spark Plugs, “Light My Fire”. We have received very positive feedback about Part One and having read Part Two I suspect that will continue. Andrew Anderson’s “The Way We Were” continues to give readers an insightful look at the origins of our club. These articles along with all our regular contributions, add up to a packed issue with lots of good reading for the holiday period.
Beaded Wheels can now be purchased online from issuu. com. If you google issuu beaded
wheels you will find a link to the latest issue of the magazine. To look at the full issues there is a charge of AUD$6.50. This gives our subscribers and nonmember readers an opportunity to look at Beaded Wheels online rather than hard copy. As happens with the book stand copies the magazine will not be put online until 14 days after members have received their copy, thus protecting member’s ability to peruse the classified advertisements before the public get to see them. Maybe you would like to take the opportunity to post the link from issuu on your Facebook
page or any other social media you are using should you wish to draw attention to something in the magazine to your followers. The Beaded Wheels committee wishes readers safe motoring and all the best for 2019.
Kevin Clarkson Chairman, Beaded Wheels
VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS
Rotorua: Line-up of MGs and Sprite (and a Buick.)
DECEMBER
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Vintage & Veteran Only Posh Picnic/Christmas Tea 8 Far North Christmas Rally 8 Sth Otago Toko A & P Show 9 Auckland Pre 1950 M/C Run 9 Canterbury Children’s Christmas Picnic 9 C. Hawke’s Bay Christmas Party 9 Gore Christmas Run 9 Marlborough BBQ 9 Otago Christmas BBQ 9 Waikato Christmas Run 9 Wairarapa Christmas BBQ Lunch 12 Auckland Mid Week Tourers 12 Central Otago Christmas Barbeque 14-19 Ashburton Pre-Christmas Tour 16 C. Hawke’s Bay Reliability Trial 16 Central Otago Sunday Run Omakau 16 Hawke’s Bay Christmas Club Run 16 Marlborough M/C Christmas Pot Luck 16 Nelson Christmas Picnic Run & BBQ 16 West Coast Club Christmas Lunch 16 Nelson Christmas BBQ & Run 16 North Shore Christmas Party & Pot Luck Dinner 18 West Coast Morning Tea Shantytown 19 Waikato Wednesday Wander 26 Canterbury Boxing Day Run 30 Manawatu Sunday Run
JANUARY 1 Ashburton New Year’s Day Run 1 Auckland New Year’s Day Run 1 Banks Peninsula New Year’s Day Picnic 1 Manawatu New Year’s Day Picnic 1 Wanganui Taihape Gumboot Rally 1 Wellington New Year’s Day Picnic 13 E Bay of Plenty Chairman’s Run 13 Marlborough BBQ 13 Waikato Blue Smoke & Pedals 15 West Coast Morning Tea Shantytown 16 Auckland Mid Week Tourers 16 Waikato Wednesday Wander 18-21 Wellington Club Captain’s Safari 19 Far North Picnic Run 19 Nelson Golden Bay A & P Show 19-20 Gore Overnighter 19-21 Wanganui Heritage Weekend 20 Banks Peninsula Afternoon Tea 20 Otago Jackson Rally
20 Waikato 20 Wanganui 24 Otago 26 Ashburton 26 Otago
27 Manawatu 29 Gore
Gymkhana Burma Rally Mid week Run Annual Rally Dunedin-Brighton Veteran Rally Sunday Picnic Tuesday Ramble
FEBRUARY
1-3 Banks Peninsula Skope Racing Ruapuna 2 E Bay of Plenty East Coast Rally 2 Southland Southland Rally 2 Taupo Open Day & BBQ 3 Manawatu Veteran Rally 8–10 Banks Peninsula Enzed Racing Levels 8-10 Gisborne Three Rivers Rally 9 Auckland Annual Veteran Run 9 Nelson Swap Meet 9 Waimate Wallaby Rally 10 Wellington British & European Car Day 15-17 Hawke’s Bay Art Deco Rally 15-17 Marlborough 26th National Motorcycle Rally 16 Far North Ian and Mary’s Gymkhana 16 Gore Festival Rally 17 Central Otago Sunday Run Cromwell 17 Nelson Pot Hunters Rally 19 West Coast Morning Tea Shantytown 20 Auckland Mid Week Tourers 20 Waikato Wednesday Wander 23 Gore Diggers Run 23 North Otago All British Day 23 Wellington Twilight Run 23 Wellsford Wkwth Swap Meet 24 Gisborne Club Run 24 Manawatu Sunday Picnic 24 West Coast Club Run 26 Gore Tuesday Ramble
10 Gore 16 West Coast 17 Central Otago 17 Gore 17 Nelson 17 Waikato 19 West Coast 20 Manawatu 20 Waikato 24 Gisborne 24 Wellington 31 Manawatu 31 Waikato
Frank Robson Run Scenicland Rally Sunday Run Wakatipu Swap Meet Club Run Vintage Venture Morning Tea Shantytown AGM Wednesday Wander Club Run Gymkhana Sunday Run Ladies Rally
APRIL
6 Banks Peninsula Pomeroy Trophy 6 Sth Canterbury Swap Meet 6 Waikato Mooloo Meander 7 Gore Ladies Run 12-14 Otago Otago Rally 13 Far North Brian Parker Memorial Rally 13 North Otago Lynch Blosse Motorcycle Rally 13 Waikato Twilight Run 13 Wanganui Autumn Motorcycle Trial 14 Nelson Ladies Rally 17 Waikato Wednesday Wander 19-21 Ashburton National SI Easter Rally 28 Manawatu Sunday Run 28 Wellington Dawn Breaker Rally 28 West Coast Club Run
VINTAGE CAR CLUB NATIONAL EVENTS February 15 – 17 2019 26th National Motorcycle Rally Hosted by Marlborough Branch March 7-13 North Island Club Captains Tour
MARCH
2 Manawatu Ruahine Ramble 3 Gore Clearwater Capers Run 7 Southland Veteran Rally 7-13 National NI Club Captain’s Tour 9 Canterbury Clipon Run 9 Far North Historic Adventure 9 Taupo Lake Taupo Rally 9 Wairarapa Rex Porter Memorial 9 Wellsford Wkwth Are We There Yet Rally 10 Auckland Annual Vintage Muster
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. 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.
Beaded Wheels 5
NATIONAL OFFICE Contact National Office for all queries regarding VICs, logbooks, historic race licences, registration of vehicles, lighting endorsement, address changes, subscriptions, membership cards, speed events.
Membership Cards
Membership cards were distributed early November, to all members who had paid their subscription by 31 October 2018. Christmas Hours
VCC SPEED EVENTS 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, please keep an eye on the expiry date and if it needs renewing please complete the Historic Race Licence Renewal Form and forward it, along with $23 and a new one will be issued.
I wish to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy and safe New Year. The National Office will close on Friday 21 December and reopen on 3 Thursday January 2019.
Discounts on INTERISLANDER and BLUEBRIDGE Ferries
All financial members of the VCC of NZ are eligible for a discount with Interislander and Bluebridge. Membership cards must be shown to receive the discount. Full information on how to book is on the Club’s website www.vcc.org.nz or from your branch secretary. For Interislander bookings use the Group Bookings option. The codes are as follow: INTERISLANDER – WH5465 BLUEBRIDGE – ANTIQUECAR
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR VCCNZ MEMBERS At the March 2018 Executive Meeting, the President highlighted that the Club Constitution stipulates that the Executive approve new members and the cessation of membership. It refers to membership being cancelled by the Executive if it is one month in arrears. As the Executive only meet in March and August, the reports can only be approved at those times.
VCC Vero Insurance Scheme
Please remember that to be insured under the VCC Vero Insurance Scheme, you must be a fully paid up financial member of the Vintage Car Club of NZ. VCC Identity Cards – Renewal Applications
Please note that all VCC Identity Cards (VIC) have an expiry date. This expiry is upon change of ownership or 10 years from the issue date. Your vehicle must also be as described on the VIC. A renewal form personalised for each VIC is distributed by the National Office to current financial members approximately three months before expiration.
Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.) National Office, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 Telephone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 email admin@vcc.org.nz www.vcc.org.nz Office Hours Mon – Thur 9-5pm
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Even if your vehicle has had no changes this form must be checked, current mileage advised, signed and forwarded to your branch, along with the VIC (if the photo correctly shows your vehicle in its present state), or three new photos, as stated on the form. Upon receipt at the National Office the VIC will be reissued and will be valid for a further 10 years unless there is a change of ownership or major changes to the vehicle during that time. It is compulsory for all National and International VCC Rallies that vehicles entered must have a current VIC. If you have sold your vehicle, please notify the National Office.
Julie Cairns-Gee National Office Manager
The Constitution must apply. Members are invoiced in early September for payment by 31 October. If they have not paid by the March Executive Meeting where the approval of the Membership Status report is undertaken, then anyone who wishes to be reinstated after this time will be required to re-join and would lose any continuous service. This still allows late payments up until the March Meeting, which is six months after the initial invoice is distributed, and four months after the payment due date.
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 to foster and ever widen 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 pre-1924 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 publish, edit or refuse publication of any item s ubmitted 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.
Swap Meets
I’ve been going to swap meets for around 50 years, throughout New Zealand and, with my good mate Brian, Australia and even USA occasionally, selling, buying, trading or just looking for that missing bit of Indian memorabilia to complete my cabinet displays. The general trend is an overall decline in the availability and quality of parts mechanical and particularly veteran era parts. Swap meets are swamped by all manner of other goods (household junk) which may help bring Joe Public through the gate, but may not help our club movement in the long run. There is one exception, the Hororata Swap Meet which I have just returned from. Congratulations to organisers John, Dave and team for a simple, no household junk swap meet. Comments from many of the other ‘old farts’ I talked to were around what will happen to my shed full of bits when I fall off my perch. (Your missus already has a skip ordered.) Well here’s the solution: 1 You need to realise you are not going to live to 360 years of age – the length of time required to restore all those projects in your shed. 2 If you really want the next generation to follow your hobby, the next time they visit, make a compulsory rule: turn off all electronic things. Talk and engage them in your man shed projects, cars, motorcycles. 3 Hororata Swap Meet is
less than a year away. start sorting and labelling some of that surplus stuff now (while banana boxes are still available). You can turn it back into cash. 4 Bring some of the next generation to the swap meet with you – they could even mind the stall for you, while you look for new stock. 5 Is there an old fella in your street that is getting towards the end of the perch and might welcome some help to clear his shed? This could ensure mechanical parts get recycled rather than go to the dump. Go and talk to him now, while you have time. And remember, if you find any Indian parts in the shed, ring me on 027 221 3100 and maybe I can help you clear them quickly! See you at Hororata 2019 Terry Meadows, Kaikoura
Automotive Magazine Index
A few issues ago I read with interest that someone was asking for copies of the British vintage magazine The Automobile. Several years ago, I received around nine boxes of magazines containing various quality British classic and vintage magazines going back to the early ‘80s – two of those boxes contained copies of The Automobile from 1983 to 1993. I have documented most of these and they are now included in my massive detailed car magazine index with 40 other titles going back to 1947. Everything is documented in a very meticulous manner with cross references to other makes or people.
To get a greater appreciation of this resource I invite members or marque representatives to come and see it at my family home in Upper Hutt. There would be a small donation to access the information. I am also happy to come and talk to branches but must limit that to those in lower North Island at present. I welcome any questions and feedback. Julian Walls Tel 04 528-8532 or text Mob 0274 192 717 Julian.walls@xtra.co.nz
La Salle Parts
Parts from a vintage Cadillac project, and a VCC vehicle identity card dated 1990 in the name of Mr K P Silke, of Nelson, have turned up in the Wairarapa branch parts department. The car is a 1927 La Salle Model 303 roadster and the parts may have been sent somewhere to be rechromed. It may have been owned at one time by Rick Walczak, of Carterton. The photo below is from the VIC card, identification number VV0666. Inquiries to Wairarapa branch reporter Kevin Ball at 06 377 1236, evenings. A Matter of Precision
In Beaded Wheels 353 Frank Metcalf wrote of a motorcycle previously owned and researched by the late Lew Wyatt, and now in the Marlborough Branch’s museum. After asking the question “what is it?” he came to the conclusion
that it is a Precision motorcycle, manufactured in England for F E Baker by the Sun Works and sold in Australia as a Precision motorcycle. However, I think there is another feasible answer to that question that needs further research, and that is that it could be an Australian built motorcycle. Until Robert Saward’s excellent 1996 book A-Z of AustralianMade Motorcycles 1893-1942 most English experts believed that Australia did not have any sort of motorcycle building industry in the early 1900s. According to them, any bike that was thought by Australians to be of Australian manufacture was most likely to be a British built bike that had a different name painted on the tank when it was marketed in Australia. Rob Saward conclusively dismissed that idea by describing hundreds of different motorcycles manufactured and/or assembled in Australia, although there certainly were a few that were just renamed British bikes. Most were marketed in Australia, but there is some evidence that a few were exported. There is no direct evidence that has been found in the motorcycle, or other, literature of the 1911 – 1918 period showing that F E Baker, or Precision, made complete motorcycles, or that they were made for them by others. It is only in the 1970s and ‘80s that the sheer number of circa 1911 – 18 motorcycles in Australia with some Sun frame
Although it was initially car based it has branched off in recent years to trucks, vans and motorcycles as many car magazines now often feature articles on these. I have created this Automotive Magazine Index over 44 years and it has been my all abiding interest over that time. s 1927 La Salle Model 303 roadster
Beaded Wheels 7
DOHC 350 Velocette after the Pazon ignition had been fitted
350CC VELOCETTE
DOUBLE KNOCKER REBORN At first sight Phil Price’s latest Velocette looks like another well prepared 350cc KTT from his collection, however on closer inspection, if you know about racing Velocettes, you realise that this is a very unusual machine. It is a copy of a 1936 double overhead cam (DOHC) works engine housed in a replica of a 1952 Works semi duplex frame. This extraordinary Velocette is a product of Phil’s long-term friendship with Nick Thomson, Velocette aficionado and engineering guru. Words Stuart Francis
Photos Phil Price
Chris Swallow warms up the DOHC 350 Velocette
16 Beaded Wheels
First outing for the twin cam Pukekohe 2018. Chris Swallow and the creator Nick Thomson
The inspiration for this 350 Velocette came while Phil and Nick were watching Bill Swallow, aboard the 250cc DOHC Eldee Velocette, compete in the 2014 Isle of Man Classic TT. It was becoming clear that the 250s were being side-lined and to be competitive in the 350 class (with ‘later’ model twins and multis now involved) that a very special 350 Velocette was needed. They wanted to achieve a faster lap than any previous Velocette and possibly a 100mph lap, the Holy Grail for a Velocette. Phil and Nick quickly came to some simple conclusions. To attain these goals they needed more power, better handling, better suspension and a significant weight reduction. To achieve this they decided to carry on where the Velocette factory left off, and being Kiwis they decided to undertake as much as possible themselves. Modern practice dictated a higher revving short stroke engine was the way to increase power output. The 350 KTT bore and stroke (73 x 81 mm) never changed throughout its 25 year run (although there may have been an experimental short stroke engine towards the end). After considering the success of Velocette’s short stroke 250s, the success of other British 350s downsized to short stroke 250s and the highly successful Moto Guzzi 350s, they finally decided on a bore and stroke of 80x69mm. To build the ultimate 350 racing Velocette a number of choices had to be made, particularly which engine to use. The Mk VIII is an excellent vintage racer and their own highly tuned machine, with Chris Swallow on-board, is very competitive. However at 145kg it is far too heavy to be competitive on the IoM. An obvious option, given the team’s experience, was an enlarged version of the Eldee Velocette. A further option was to replicate one of the Velocette works double overhead cam models. Phil and Nick decided to copy a 1936 works double overhead cam engine, not the later engine as most pundits would expect. The main reasons for this surprising decision was the combustion chamber was much flatter, as was the valve included angle (more like current practice) and it matched well with the short stroke they intended to use. The bolt-on 1936 cambox design was also much simpler than later integral design. The decision was made to stay as close to the original design and appearance as possible. The only major deviations from the original drawings were, a larger and steeper 34mm inlet tract, increased cylinder bore, a flatter valve-included angle and coil valve springs (so much easier to keep oil tight). They also wanted to rectify a couple of well-known KTT issues, like the timing side main bearing. The KTT oil pump is an interference fit in the timing side crankcase and can distort the main-bearing. So they fitted a smaller outside diameter needle roller bearing and shrunk a steel plug into the pump cavity whilst boring the main bearing housing. The crankshaft is dimensionally a reduced stroke Mk VIII but with one-piece flywheels and main-shafts machined from single billets, the big-end runs on a pressed up parallel pin with expanding plugs and the balance factor is 76%. The one piece I beam conrod, with a case hardened big end eye, was made from a billet by Nick. Ross Pistons supplied part machined piston blanks, which were then machined by Nick to create the valve cut-outs, a squish band round the sides of the dome and a 12:1 compression ratio. Studying current valve-gear practice it was clear that more lift and overlap were required to exploit the higher revving short stroke engine. Cams were made that gave similar valve timings to a late 350 Manx Norton but with 460 thou lift on the inlet and 420 thou lift on the exhaust. The titanium 43mm inlet and 35mm exhaust valves were supplied by Ferrea.
The drive to the camshafts is through a vertical splined shaft with bevel gears top and bottom, then to five gears driving the cams. The gears run on roller bearings and have vernier adjustment for accurate valve timing. Nick made all the gear blanks and Bethanys of Paraparaumu did the final gear cutting. A Morris magneto was used initially but after problems was changed to a Pazon electronic unit for the Isle of Man. Colin Quartly, one of New Zealand’s most experienced patternmakers, produced the engine and gearbox patterns following Velocette practice. Steve Howell, of CH Tooling in Melbourne cast all the magnesium parts. The cambox is, in itself, a wonderful piece of form and function, machined from a solid billet of magnesium alloy to ensure dimensional accuracy and strength. The cylinder head is also a work of art. The enlarged inlet tract has been steepened, the included angle between the valves has been reduced, the combustion chamber is flatter and there is a ¾ inch skull cap around the combustion chamber. These modifications were blended into the original design such that the vintage exterior has been maintained. The team decided to copy the last works semi duplex frame and girder forks, and after some arm twisting, Ivan Rhodes lent them a late works frame to measure up. Nick extensively modified a standard road-going RS frame to duplicate the works construction and bronze welded the final configuration. The effort required for all this, in particular the making of frame lugs, was significant. The Mk VIII swinging arm was copied because it is stronger and better braced than the RS frame version. Nick also fabricated a replica of the final racing girder forks that incorporated needle roller bearings. The steel lugs holding the needle rollers and fork tubes were cast using the lost wax process. The front end is extremely rigid and true, with minimal friction compared to most telescopic forks. The final change was a combined spring and hydraulic damper unit engineered by Robert Taylor. It’s a mixture of Nitro and Ohlins in the unit, a real improvement over the stiction prone friction dampers. The development of the girder fork side links is a story in its own right. Girder forks follow a kind of S shaped curve, with a fairly straight line over the middle of their movement but deviate significantly at the extremes, creating trail variations that can cause handling problems. The team also believed that more trail was needed but the Mk VIII’s front wheel is very close to the front down tube. The late works machines used smaller 19 inch front wheels, which allowed a bit more room to increase trail.
The cambox is, in itself, a wonderful piece of form and function, machined from a solid billet of magnesium alloy to ensure dimensional accuracy and strength. Beaded Wheels 17
HIN BE
D THE WHE
EL
DAVE RICHARDSON’S 1960
ALEXANDER-TURNER Words and photos Greg Price
34 Beaded Wheels
MK I
Having seen this in the flesh … I can understand why David grasped ownership of this with both hands. Back in 1965, a 33-year-old English pop singer named Petula Clark, recorded a catchy hit on the American Warner Bros record label et al (which was red, incidentally) titled ‘Round Every Corner’. Prior to that, sometime in the late 50s early 60s, she bought herself, not just one, but TWO Turner sports cars, one of which was a 803 Sports (plate number IBPC, which purportedly stood for ‘Incredibly beautiful Petula Clark’), and the other one (purchased a bit later on) was painted pink especially for her (plate number PET 1) and was the same as the subject of this particular Beaded Wheels article. (Well, not entirely true as her second car was a 950, but why let facts get in the way of an otherwise good story, right?) Unlike the song title however, there was NOT a Turner ‘round every corner’ as there were only around 670 examples made until Jack Turner made the decision to close down his sports car making factory owing to, among other things, ill health. And, even more interestingly, there were only about 150 Mk 1 Turners ever made, and of the reportedly 83 survivors remaining, David’s is one of the most original existing Mk 1s. In fact, there are now only two Mk 1 Alexander Turners left in Britain. Known Turners in New Zealand amount to (wait for it!) just three! Rocking Horse poo doesn’t even enter into the equation. Which is probably why (being perfectly honest), I’d never heard of either Jack Turner or his sports cars (never mind these very rare Alexander conversions) until Editorial Comittee Chair Kevin Clarkson asked me to pen a Behind the Wheel article on a Turner. I initially thought Beaded Wheels had branched out into occupational reviews (‘Fitter and Turner’ – get it? No? Never mind, just read on). But after some hasty research using Mr Google, I quickly learned that the Turner was in fact a smallish British sports car (of the Kit Car type, and somewhat akin to the Lotus Seven) circa the late 1950s / early 1960s, and that some of them had what was known as an ‘Alexander’ conversion, which, in layman’s terms ‘made them go faster’! Something akin to what Raymond Mays cylinder heads did to Ford Zephyrs! Quoting from the Company’s advertising at the time, it read: “Here is one of the most interesting and exciting sports cars yet produced, a development of the dashing little Alexander modified Turner which won Britain’s most coveted sports car trophy in 1959, the Autosport Championship. Behind the Alexander-Turner are Alexander Engineering Co Ltd, the country’s leading specialists in improving the performance of popular cars, and Turner Sports Cars (Wolverhampton) Ltd, whose considerable experience and success in motor racing has endowed it with magnificent road holding, precise steering and a glass fibre body of unrivalled
Beaded Wheels 35
MARKET PLACE
RUGBY TOURER 1925. Restored rolling chassis and mechanicals. Most body panels in good order, plus spare parts. Offers. Ph Dean 03 693 9016. MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY OVER 60 VEHICLES NOW ON OFFER f rom Rushmore Motors Ltd. Many Model A Fords, 2 x veteran Willys, 1929 DA Dodge, 1928 Willys Whippet tourer, veteran Overland with video clip available, 1939 Ford V8, MG TDs, 1937 & 38 Chevs. Austins, Plymouths, Ford 10s, 59 FC Holden, Morris’s, Ford Y, veteran motorcycles, 1930 Model A Fordor body ex. cond. 027 2245045 any time. SINGER SIX. Four speed gearbox, right hand change, 1930 on but pre-OHC. Also gearbox for 10/26. Also OHC cylinder head for Singer 9 roadster or 10 engine. All free to collector. Brian 03 528 4580 Motueka. MEMBER NELSON
PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS FOR VETERAN, VINTAGE, CLASSIC & ODDBALL ENGINES. We can supply piston sets for most makes and models. All piston sets come complete with rings and gudgeons. We have over 700 listings at competitive prices. M S COOMBES LTD 344 ST ASAPH ST, CHRISTCHURCH PH 03 366 7463, FAX 03 366 7462
PENRITE OILS W e carry a large range from vintage to modern engines. Gearbox, diff, SU dashpot and water pump grease. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch, Ph 03 366 7463, Fax 03 366 7462, mscoombesltd@clear.net.nz TANDEM TRAILER, concrete mixer, tyre change, motor hoist. Pipe bender, roller (2 ft wide). Ph Glen 03 574 2288, 027 574 2288. MEM MARLBOROUGH.
VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ halogen bulbs. Replace your existing bulbs without rewiring the headlamp assemblies. Up to 100% brighter YAMAHA AG175 1979 AS NEW. All paper work. than your existing Tungsten bulbs. Will fit Hard to find like this. Offer. Ph Dean 03 693 9016. most reflectors fitted to Pre & Post war cars and motorbikes. Also available in single MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY filament 55 watt P22 & BA 15 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 03 389 0643 Model Boat Supplies, 38 Ottawa Road, Christchurch 6. Email modelboatsupplies@snap.net.nz Please advise National Office of any changes of address or sales/purchases VINTAGE ENGINE SHORTBLOCKS of vehicles. We can in most cases rebuild your Email admin@vcc.org.nz or shortblock using modern shell bearings, post details to VCCNZ, PO Box 2546, new pistons and rebuilt oil pump. Christchurch 8140 Please contact us for more information. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch, Ph 03 366 7463, Fax 03 366 7462, mscoombesltd@clear.net.nz VINTAGE CAR REPAIRS
All Classic and Vintage Car restoration. • Panel making • Wooden body repairs, • Bumpers and moulding repair • Competitive hourly rate. Unit 1 11 Penn Place, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch
SWAP FOUR BRAND NEW UNUSED 350x 19 tyres for four 400 x 19 in very good condition. Why not re-tyre your Austin 7 with the correct size? Peter Croft bovett.croft@gmail.com phone 03 384 9534 MEM BANKS PENINSULA Phone Grant 341 5100 or 027 223 9474
granttvin@gmail.com
HUBCAPS – a ny problems contact me. I now produce either hubcap skins or complete hubcaps. These are top quality replicas. Pressed not spun to the closest possible original specifications. I can manufacture any model that uses the skin system plus many others provided they do not exceed 10½" in diameter. For more information phone Dave Patten Replica Manufacturing (2003) Ltd, Phone 027 247 7956, 160 New York Street, Martinborough. dave.patten@wise.net.nz
KEEP YOUR CLASSIC OR VINTAGE CAR ORIGINAL Instead of wasting money on an after-market wheel, replace the rim on your existing steering wheel with a choice of solid wood Kauri, Rimu or Macrocarpa. We do Banjos and nearly all other pre-airbag wheels. Prices from $165. Ph John 09 408 7478 johkeekee@gmail.com MEM FAR NORTH
44 Beaded Wheels
1917 GRANT TOURER Possibly one of two in New Zealand and one of 20 world wide. Built PENRITE ENGINE COOLANT up from 2 bodies and up to 8 other chassis, a A colourless hybrid-organic non glycol based few updates such as 12 volts and SU fuel pump. corrosion inhibitor designed specifically for use Professional panel work, painting, upholstery in Veteran, Edwardian, Vintage and Classic Car and hood on a non-folding frame. Generator cooling systems. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph also needs connecting two brake rear wheels could need attention to bring them up to Street, Christchurch, Ph 03 366 7463, Fax 03 366 present braking rules. Motors well at 40 mph. 7462, mscoombesltd@clear.net.nz Inspections and offers welcome, photo’s on request. Contact Lyn Grant, Hamilton ph 07 846 VINTAGE AND VETERAN CAR MARKETING. 5698. MEM WAIKATO I maintain a database of buyers and sellers of Veteran, Vintage and Post Vintage vehicles, placing buyers and sellers together. Free to list. No hidden costs. No computer, no problem. Just call me. Whether buying or selling a Veteran, Vintage or Post Vintage vehicle, contact Les at Rushmore Motors Ltd. Phone 027 224 5045. Inc. Sat. vintagecars@xtra.co.nz Free catalogue available. Finance may be available on most vehicles. VALVES exhaust quality stainless for vintage engines. Available in blank form or machined to size required. George Calder, 307 Hoon Hay Rd, Christchurch. Phone 03 338 5372 or email gandkcalder@gmail.com
BUICK 1927 TOURER unrestored reg on hold. Big six 4 wheel brakes. Tidied up 30 years ago. May consider trade. Also 1938 Morris 8, 4 door sedan partly dismantled, 1938 Vauxhall DX 4 sedan flat back partly dismantled. $20,000. Phone 03 543 2662 Murray for info. MEM NELSON
MARKET PLACE
1914 OVERLAND TOURING 79T Full authentic restoration to high standards. All electrics new body sheet metal and upholstery ready for touring. Ph 021 0233 3948.
1954 MORRIS MINOR i n very good condition. $5,000 firm. Phone 03 544 8159. MEM NELSON
MORRIS MARINA COUPE H eatway Rally Car. Driven by Jim Richards. Lots of NZ history. Comes with spares. Engine and assorted parts. Reg on hold. Phone Judith 07 825 9973, Scott 027 687 8262.
MATCHLESS 1954 G3LS 350CC A ll matching numbers. Restored 10,000 happy miles ago. Ph 07 549 2212. Contact bsajames@hotmail.com
MODEL A FORD 1930 ROADSTER. Reg. Wof. Fully restored. RHD. Rushmore Motors Ltd. Ph 027 22 45 045 any time. Free brochure & free listings.
1925 CHEV TOURER R estoration work completed on many parts. Cleaned, painted, ready for assembly. 1½ cars. Copy of orig ownership papers. All panels good. 5 new tyres. Hood bows good, need fabric. W/screen frame rebuilt, no glass, doors perfect, tub good, front cowl rebuilt. No reg or wof. Hamilton. $14,000. Ph Rushmore Motors 027 22 45 045.
MEM AUCKLAND
1930 CHEVROLET WENTWORTH G ood MODEL A FORD REBUILT SHOCK ABSORBERS, mechanical condition. Interior upholstery in as original. With exchange $210 each or $240 good condition. Has a 12v system. Very reliable outright. Arms and all connecting parts available. motoring. $23,000. Phone John 03 260 1925 Postal delivery extra. Phone Jack 03 352 6672, 0274 MEM CANTERBURY 322041 Christchurch. MEM CANTERBURY
1932 AUSTIN 10 Excellent order. Current reg and wof. Asking $10,000. Ph 033083635 prebbles@ soundbite.co.nz MEM ASHBURTON
Need a tow? At Classic Towing we are car freaks and cater for like-minded enthusiasts all over New Zealand. We tow anything from veteran - vintage - classic vehicles, race cars and bikes to Mum and Dad’s daily drivers. Imported Vehicles We work with all shipping companies to pick up your imported vehicle and work closely with different compliance companies to remove the stress factor.
tow of the month
We specialise in project and restoration vehicles and work alongside many of the greats in the creative world of fabrication, panel shops, mechanical wizards, Auto Electricians and Pin stripping artists, just to name a few.
PHONE 0800 15 0800 • brent@classictowing.co.nz • classic towing.co.nz Beaded Wheels 45