CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR OVER 70 YEARS
No. 361 December 2019/January 2020
NEW ZEALAND’S FOREMOST HISTORICAL MOTORING MAGAZINE $7.95
9 418979 000012
HOW TO ENJOY YOUR CLASSIC CAR BMW ISETTA | HUMBER SCOTT MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND
Mt Cook Motor Company Leyland bus. The photo is taken after 1921 as it has the White Star symbol on the front, but before 1925 judging by the old number plate. Photo and information supplied by Hugh Scofield.
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
Tony Bartlett 06 867 9850
mgmt1@vcc.org.nz
George Kear 03 347 0315
mgmt2@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 2020
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/-114 Shortcut Road, Luggate, RD2, Wanaka 9382 centralotago@vcc.org.nz CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY C/- 73 Porangahau Road, 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/– 50 Davis Strongman Place, RD3, Kerikeri 0293 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/- PO Box 13374, Onehunga, Auckland 1643 waitemata@vcc.org.nz WANGANUI PO Box 726, Whanganui 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 LXXI No. 361
Issue 361 December 2019/January 2020
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 Rate schedule available on request.
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. Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz
FEATURES 12 We Need To Learn, Before We Can Teach The digital era, gen z and historic vehicles
17 20
Behind the Wheel of Arthur Poll’s BMW Isetta 300
26
1946 Scott Flying Squirrel
31
The Oldest Essex in New Zealand has its 100th Birthday
34
How to Really Enjoy Your Classic Car
36
2019 National Veteran Rally
40
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%
Editorial Copy Advertisements
6 January 2020 10 January 2020
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,
Rally Snippets 40 Taieri Tour – Otago Branch 40 Sulphur City Rally – Rotorua Branch 41 3 Days for Cancer – Waimate Branch
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President’s Message
33
Book Review
4
As We See It
39
5
VCC Events
6
National Office
Vero International Festival of History Motoring - Rally Update
7 Mailbag 10 Timelines 11 Soapbox
Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
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Address: 12 Aberdeen St, Christchurch,
16 Awards
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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COLUMNS
Production
Closing Date for February/March:
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Humber Super Snipe Memories and Re-acquaintance
32
Subscriptions
Design: RGB Design & Print Ltd, Christchurch Print: PMP Ltd, Christchurch.
Motoring Memories 1915 Humber
16
The Way We Were
34
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42 Marketplace 49
Swap Meets & Rallies
52
Trade Directory
54
Idle Torque
66
Passing Lane
Captain’s Log
COVER Canterbury Branch bar manager Gill Stevenson displays other skills at the helm of the Austin special with the guidance of expert navigator Heather Glenday at the Canterbury gymkhana. Photo Peter Barnett
The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) is the worldwide organisation dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of historic vehicles and related culture. The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc) is a founding member of FIVA. VCCNZ Registrar Rod Brayshaw is the New Zealand delegate to FIVA and also a member of the FIVA Technical Commission.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The observant among you will have noticed that my last column was in fact written by Kevin Clarkson who stepped in at the last moment after I was laid low by a medical emergency. Kevin did such a good job that I suggested that he might like to continue writing my columns for me, but for some reason he declined. Anyway, as a result of my health scare, I have been on light duties in terms of the VCC and my day job but am now well on the way back to good health. For those of you that were aware of my situation, I thank you for your kindness and concern. I am pleased to advise that at the November FIVA General Assembly meeting held in Cyprus, our Club Registrar Rod Brayshaw was re-elected as a full Technical Commission member. The retiring FIVA President, Patrick Rollet, in his opening speech acknowledged the support from New Zealand and also named Rod as a valuable contributor. The high regard in which Rod (and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand) is held
throughout FIVA, and the valuable contribution that the VCC makes to the world-wide scene cannot be down-played. I cannot emphasise enough how fortunate we are to have Rod, with his knowledge and expertise, advocating on our behalf both in New Zealand and overseas. Congratulations Rod. Rod presented a very thought-provoking report at the VCC AGM in Greymouth, based primarily on a presentation by Patrick Rollet, which I believe has also been sent out to branches. Patrick posed the question that in years to come, even if we are still able to use our historic vehicles, will there actually be drivers to drive them. He said we must target and encourage the young, and while we might only be interested in vintage Bentleys, don’t criticise a younger person’s passion for the kind of vehicle they are interested in as they are all an important part of our history, our culture and the rich diversity of classic vehicles on our roads. He also said that we must target the young but “we won’t renew our numbers
waiting patiently for them to come to us because, like the dodo, they will not come.” What is the VCC doing to attract younger members? At a national level our National Day, the Daffodil Rally for Cancer, is proving very successful in gaining both public profile and new members. We have also put our support behind both the Targa Rally, which is an event attracting a younger age group, and a new event for the North Island next year The Highland Fling (based on the very successful Irishman Creek Rally in the South Island) which again attracts younger people. We can do our bit, as individual enthusiasts to communicate to others the enjoyment we get from owning maintaining and using our historic vehicles. As mentioned in my previous column, the Management Committee was given approval by members at the AGM to develop a new VCC logo with the tagline “Driving our History”. This would also give branches the flexibility to add a by-line of their own if they so wished, for example “catering for vintage and
classic motoring”. Our old logo has served us well for 70 years but we now need a new brand to take us forward for the next 70 years. Members will have a chance to look at, and comment on, proposed designs next year. There seems to be some confusion amongst members that we are proposing a name change – that is definitely not the case. I wish you a happy festive season and safe motoring.
modern vehicle and stuck away back in a long line of traffic following a slow car for mile after mile. I was returning to Christchurch from an Irishman rally and this was on the road between Burke’s Pass and the coast. When I finally got my opportunity to see who was holding us all up imagine my dismay when it was a fellow VCC member in his vintage car. Shortly after I managed to get past him a traffic patrol car came towards us and it seemed as though he was looking for the culprit. I hope he got him good. By not pulling over to let traffic pass we are alienating
the public that we may well need to be on our side in the future. To put it bluntly those who motor along at around 70 to 75kph with traffic banked up behind them are stupid, selfish, unthinking, boorish, irresponsible and very poor drivers to boot! How hard can it be to keep an eye on your rear vision mirror? If our members can’t behave properly on the roads they should sell their cars to those who can. Get off the road if you can’t obey the road rules. It is not hard to pull over when there is a couple of cars behind you to let others pass. Sometimes all it takes is to
slow down and pull as far to the left as you can. It can provide an opportunity for following vehicles to pass. Ideally all VCC members should be friendly, polite and helpful to other motorists and I’m sure most are. On a happier note, the Beaded Wheels committee wish you all the best for the holiday season and 2020.
Kevin Clarkson VCCNZ Management Committee on behalf of Diane Quarrie
AS WE SEE IT I must be feeling a bit grumpy today, or maybe it’s the hay fever, but I’m going to have a rant today and if you don’t like it there is no need for you to tell me because I don’t care! On page 11 you will find a rather worrying Police Report article taken from The Guardian, a local newspaper covering the Motueka, Tasman, Golden Bay area. It talks of a vintage car holding up many motorists by refusing to pull over and let other cars go by. Not stated is whether the driver was a VCC member or not but he/she may well have been. Some years ago I was in my
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Kevin Clarkson Chairman Beaded Wheels
VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS NATIONAL EVENTS April 2020 10-13 National North Island Easter Rally hosted by Horowhenua Branch September 2020 10-13 National Vintage Rally hosted by Hawke’s Bay Branch
Waikato Branch: The Rambler gets a workout. Barry Walker, 1966 AMC Rambler, holds his line at Kairangi Hill Climb.
DECEMBER
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Far North King Country North Otago Taupo Wellington
Christmas Rally Christmas Parade Windsor Rally Christmas Dinner Johnsonville Christmas Parade 7 Canterbury Children’s Christmas Picnic (at Kaiapoi Festival) 8 Gore Christmas Run 8 Nelson Club Run 8 Northland Gymkhana & Xmas Lunch 8 Otago Christmas Barbecue 8 Waikato Christmas Run 10 West Coast Morning Tea at Shantytown 11 Auckland Mid Week Tourers 11 Bay of Plenty Mid Week Run 12-17 Ashburton Oakley Pre Christmas Tour 14 Manawatu Sunday Picnic Run 14 Taupo Christmas Parade 14 Wanganui Christmas Parade 14 Wellington Lake Ferry Run 15 Marlborough Motorcycle Short Ride 15 Nelson Christmas Celebration 15 North Shore Club Run 15 Rotorua Club Run 15 Wairarapa Christmas Rally & Barbecue 15 Wanganui Christmas Party Rally 15 Wellsford/Wkwth Christmas Lunch 15 West Coast Christmas Club Run 17 Wellington Christmas Barbecue 17 West Coast Morning Tea at Shantytown 18 Waikato Wednesday Wander 22 Auckland Motorcycle Christmas Barbecue 22 North Shore Pot Luck Dinner 26 Canterbury Boxing Day Run 29 Marlborough Christmas/New Year 29 North Shore Caffeine & Classics
JANUARY
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New Year’s Day Run & Barbecue 1 Banks Peninsula Little River picnic This column is compiled from the VCCNZ National Calendar of Events, and 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.
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Fairlie New Year’s Day Parade 1 Wellington New Year’s Day Picnic 2 Canterbury Motorcycle New Year Run 5 Canterbury Picnic Run 8 Wanganui Club Picnic 11 Wellington Kapiti Mid Week Run 12 Otago Jackson Rally 12 South Cant Ladies Rally 12 Waikato Blue Smoke & Pedals 12 Wairarapa Coastal Run 15 Waikato Wednesday Wander 17-19 Wellington Monte Carlo Rally 18 Ashburton Back Country Excursions 18 Banks Peninsula Back Country Excursion 18 Far North Keri Keri 18 Nelson Club Run 18 Otago Brighton Run 18 South Cant Open Day 18-19 Gore Overnighter 18-19 Waitemata Lochinver 19 North Shore Club Run 19 Rotorua Lakefront Car Show 19 Waikato Gymkhana 19 Wanganui Burma Rally 25 Ashburton Annual Rally 25-26 Southland Edendale Crankup 25-26 Wellington Biennial M/C Rally 26 Canterbury Veteran Picnic Run 26 North Shore Caffeine & Classics 30 Otago Midweek Run 31 Banks Peninsula Skope Race Meeting
FEBRUARY
1 Southland Southland Rally 1-2 Banks Peninsula Skope Race Meeting 2 Wellington Sunday Run & American Car Day 6 Marlborough Heritage Day, Brayshaw Park 6 Waikato Club Run 6-9 South Cant Weekend Away 7-9 Banks Peninsula Levels Race Meeting 8 Auckland Veteran Rally 8 Nelson Top of the South 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.
8 Wellsford/Wkwth Leigh School Summer Festival 9 Wellington British & European Car Day 15 Canterbury Boot Fair 15 Far North Hokianga/Far North 15-16 Waikato Motorcycle Weekend Away 16 North Shore Posh Picnic 16 Otago Ladies Run 18 West Coast Morning Tea at Shantytown 19 Waikato Wednesday Wander 19 Hawke’s Bay Art Deco Festival 22 Canterbury Commercial Annual Rally 22 Gore Festival Rally 22 Nelson Swap Meet 22 North Otago All British Day 22 Wairarapa Stretched Gymkhana 22 Wellington Twilight Rally 23 Canterbury Clipon Run 23 South Cant Chairman’s Rally 23 Waikato Open Day 26 Wellington Kapiti Mid Week Run 29 Wellsford/Wkwth Swap meet 29-1 Canterbury Annual Rally
MARCH
1 Gore 1 North Shore 1 South Cant 1 Wanganui 3-21 Ashburton 7 Canterbury 7 Southland 8 Canterbury 8 Gore 8 South Cant 8 Waikato 14 Canterbury 14 Taupo 15 Gore 15 Waikato 16 Otago 18 Waikato 20-22 Canterbury 22 Wanganui
Clearwater Capers Run Brits & Euro Show Motorcycle Rally Gymkhana Veteran Run To North Island Back Country Run Veteran Rally Rear Wheel Brake Rally Frank Robson Run Mid Island Rally Ladies Rally Moped Rally Lake Taupo Rally Swap Meet Vintage Venture Vintage/Post Vintage Rally Wednesday Wanderer Jim Toohey Motorcycle Run Blue Smoke Pedals & Posh
A valid Vehicle ID card (VIC) is required for any vehicle entered in a National VCC event. Visit www.vcc.org.nz for more information on how to obtain a VIC for your vehicle.
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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.
HOW TO RENEW YOUR VEHICLE’S IDENTITY CARD
All Vehicle 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. The renewal process is as follows. 1 Three months prior to expiry a renewal form for your vehicle is sent to current financial members by the National Office. 2 This form must be checked, current mileage noted and signed (even if your vehicle has had no changes).
MEMBERSHIP CARDS
Membership cards were distributed early November to all members who had paid their subscription by 31 October 2019. 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. NZ FEDERATION OF MOTORING CLUBS (NZFOMC)
Did you know that the VCC is a founding member of the NZFOMC? Management Committee member Tony Bartlett sits on the executive of the Federation and is their current vice president. HISTORIC RACE LICENCE
It is compulsory for any member entering a VCC Speed Event to hold a current VCC Historic
Racing Licence and a VCC Logbook 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 payment, and a new one will be issued. CHANGE OF ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBERS/EMAIL/VEHICLE OWNERSHIP
Please advise the National Office if you have changed address, phone number, email address or vehicle ownership. BRANCH TRANSFER
To transfer between branches, complete a transfer form. This can be obtained through your branch secretary. CHRISTMAS HOURS
I wish to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry
3 Completed form and either • existing VIC (if appearance is unaltered) or • two new photos should be sent to your branch for validation. 4 The VIC will be reissued for a further 10 years. Major changes or change of ownership affect card validity. It is compulsory for all vehicles entered in National or International VCC rallies to hold a current VIC. If you have sold your vehicle, please notify the National Office.
Christmas and happy and safe New Year. The National Office will close on Friday 20 December and reopen on Monday 6 January 2020.
assume you can ‘park and shop’ as parking is required by staff, visitors to the office/Archive and all the parking is often needed when meetings are taking place.
VCC OF NZ AND BEADED WHEELS FACEBOOK PAGE
CALENDAR ERRATA
Did you know that the Club and magazine have a Facebook page? VISITING NATIONAL OFFICE The National Office welcomes visitors, with the Archive being open most Friday mornings (see Archivist). Limited parking is available for those people who are members. Please do not
All VCC members will have received the long term calendar of events inserted with their October issue of Beaded Wheels. Please note there is an error regarding the Auckland Veteran Rally for 2020 due to incorrect information supplied - this event will be held on Saturday 8 February 2020.
LVV CERTIFICATION ERRATA 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 – Fri 9-5pm
Julie Cairns-Gee National Office Manager
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
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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
We have been advised of an error in the information published in last issue. Please note: the installation of rear seatbelts does require LVV
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,
Certification unless the specific set of circumstances noted in the threshold, or in NZTA’s WOF VIRM, are met.
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. Older issues of Beaded Wheels are available for download at vcc.org.nz
MAILBAG The editorial committee reserve the right to publish, 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. ANZCC MEETING
Just a few follow up remarks on Scott Thompson’s letter in issue 360 covering my ANZCC meeting photograph. Percy Lupp certainly wasn’t at that meeting and was a continuous ‘thorn in the side’ of that and the next Executive. Rob and I had been delegates to the previous year’s meeting in Dunedin, and were surprised and horrified at the continuous hostility to Pat’s team taken by Percy at that meeting. Bill Cope was the Hon. Sec in 1950 and 1951 at which meeting I was elected to the Executive, working mostly with Jack Kennedy who replaced Easterbrook – Smith as the Wellington delegate. There were no one make club members at that point in time so no MG Club. I had to resign in early 1952 when my opportunity to work my passage to my great OE opened up and I swapped the ANZCC for the care and attention to two 3500 hp nine cylinder Sulzer diesels. On my return in late 1953 the VCC had resigned from ANZCC. It was in the Ron Frost era and Percy was Hon. Sec. Now in 1967 as I was researching the series of articles I wrote for Beaded Wheels on the first foreign invasion to the NZ racing scene, I met up with Reg Grierson again in Auckland. Still running a used car business and most helpful he was. My references to pre WWI beach racing in Beaded Wheels 351 is very fully covered in Beaded Wheels articles by both Leith Newell re Scott’s Y2 and Coupe de l’Auto Vauxhalls, and by Geoff Hockley on motorcycle/ car competitions there. Kevin’s DVD as mentioned in his “As we see it” in issue 360 will get you all that and it would certainly bear republishing. And finally, re Singer-engined racing cars, Hec Green and Jack
Brewer’s Grenley Engineering built a number of cars to order. They were numbered RA (for racing automobile) 1 to 3, then finally the RA Vanguard that appeared at the 1952 Wigram. RA 1 was the Singer-engined car that Pat Hoare raced first. It was basically a slightly stretched Fiat 500 Topolino chassis. RA 2 was the Vauxhall engined car for Pat and it was on a modified Fiat 1500 chassis. Meanwhile Pat sold RA 1 to David Owen (seen in my first Kiwi Hillclimb article in a PA MG). Young David was the son of Wilfred Owen, our own very first manufacturer of women’s cosmetics, with a factory in Victoria Street, Christchurch and a huge mansion on the Sumner waterfront, scene of many parties. David sold RA1 to Halsey Logan and I understand that was just before that beach meeting and it only went up to Nelson after the meeting. I don’t know any thing about a Singer car actually made in Nelson and I doubt it would be by Halsey. Nelson members, kindly scratch your memories and or archives. Andrew Anderson PS. With a sneaking mistrust of nonagenarian memory alone, I delved into my Sportscar archive to find both Pat Hoare in RA1 and Halsey Logan in Singer Special in the field of that very first 1949 Wigram. So Scott is perfectly correct and my memory of David Owen’s sale of RA1 quite remiss. He certainly did sell it and commissioned RA3 to follow it and Halsey had quit his Singer and had purchased John McMillan’s “Jackson Special”, the Ohakea winning car, for the 1950 Nelson Beach Races. With all due apologies to Scott and further exhortation to Nelson memories.
VALVE GUIDE WEAR
Having just read the mailbag letter in BW 360 re premature valve guide wear on the writer’s BSA Sloper, may I offer some remedial advice for a similar
Teretonga, 11 June, 1967. Photo Dick Shanks.
occurrence. Many years ago I rode a 1940 Indian Chief and struck a similar problem. The motor was 42 degrees V twin 1200cc capacity. This large sidevalve engine featured equally large components, including the valves. The stems were 3/8 inch thick with huge two inch diameter heads. I have a box of Cat D6 bulldozer valves that with slight modifications make perfect replacements. These heavy valves, running with negligible lubrication, would wear out a set of cast iron guides within a thousand miles. After a couple of guide replacement sessions, the problem required a solution, the thought being that the comparatively easy wearing guide required hardening. This was achieved by the simple expedient of heating the guide on a firebrick (dull red heat), applying Kasenit hardening compound to the guide bore, a further reheat to absorb the carbon compound, then a quick, vertical dip in water or oil (depending on the degree of hardness required) with a swirling action until cool. Check bore hardness with a small round file. The hardening process cured the rapid guide wear. Regarding the other suggestions mooted. I would refit the oil control ring (to reduce oil consumption and top end carbon build up), fit good quality steel valves and disregard the upper cylinder lube. The Indian valve guides available today are suitably hard, tough and fit for purpose. The hardening procedure worked
well for me 30 years ago, it should still be applicable today. Bob Bullock, Mem Nelson
SPARKING MEMORIES
I enjoyed reading the article on the Nissan Prince Skyline A200GT in Beaded Wheels 358 June/July. I was fortunate enought to race against Carlos Neale at Teretonga. I can still hear that beautiful sound his Nissan GT made. This photo was taken on 11 June 1967, Donald McDonald in 2nd and myself 3rd and Alwyn in the Triumph 2000 4th. McDonald and myself in 1340cc Anglias. Carlos retired with a blown headgasket. I do enjoy Beaded Wheels. Dick Shanks Queenstown
THE DARE DEVIL MOORES
It was while watching America’s Got Talent on television, in particular the courageous acts, I was reminded of the outrageous spectacular during the 1950s and early ‘60s period. I think it was called Wall of Death. While we had the top single seater drivers from New Zealand in the form of Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme, Chris Amon, and Howden Ganley performing at top level in Formula One, a decade earlier we had four gentleman from little far‑away New Zealand at top level speedway riding in Europe. These were of course, Ivan
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Mauger, Ronnie Moore, Barry Briggs and Geoff Mardon. All coincidentally from Christchurch. (Barry Briggs being the only one still with us today). During the off season here a young Ronnie Moore and his father Leslie, had a world class act on lightweight motorcycles. This was named The Wall of Death. Best I could describe it is a cage in the shape of a complete circle. Like a globe of the world as seen from a long distance such as the moon. A sight first witnessed by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on 21 July 1969. Why was the Wall of Death named as such I hear you ask? While father or son rode around the enclosed cage at middle centre horizontally the other would ride vertically from top to bottom. No, not independently but at the same time. And I think, but do stand to be corrected on this, changed riding positions, while still maintaining their riding speed. Even without the change-over, this father and son act was, in my humble opinion, a world class act then, and would still be today. I recall witnessing it at Lancaster Park, Christchurch. I was probably only about 13 to 16 years of age, and a little Box Brownie camera was certainly not suitable to take a photo of an act at the speed the Moores rode their Wall of Death. Does
any reader have photos or can recall this dangerous and courageous spectacle. I think they toured New Zealand with it. I hope someone can locate an historic photo. It will be in black and white I’m sure. Trevor Stanley-Joblin Amberley, North Canterbury
THE MAJOR ....OLD FART.... (IN HIS WORDS NOT MINE)
I had to chuckle when I read “fuel for thought” words by the Major. I can see why the Major is hiding behind a pseudonym. I’m picking he was born around the 1860s. In those days the old Farts could not handle change. Old man Starley (Rover bicycles) told his son that he was mad to even think about building a motor cycle! “They will be the death of you…the horses will bolt… no one will ever own one… AND wait for it…You can only get the petrol from the chemist and it won’t go far! But like all sons with some go in them, he went ahead and built the Rover motorcycle, of which I have one in my shed 104 years later. It covers about 90 kms (50 mile) on a tank full. Also in my shed is a 1898 De Dion. It covers about 40 kms. How wrong was old man Starley, and for that matter, The Major. Now we also have an Isuzu D
max. That covers over 900 kms (500 miles) on a tank full towing the caravan. What’s more I can fill it up just down the road at any time of the day. Good things take time to develop. But this was about electric cars. The Old Fart has been listening to some dyed-in-the-wool petrol heads. To correct a few mistakes in the article. 1. Electric cars can be charged from solar panels on your roof. 2. Kevin Clarkson seems to have misquoted some power usages, 7Kw charger 2.8 houses or 22Kw - 8.8 houses. Really? See further down. 3. Huge power demand and outages, really? Read number 1 again. 4. “...routinely be polluted by the new EV contaminators...” I presume The Major has a horse to get around. I hope he is paying his “fart tax” and is planting trees to get his carbon credits up. Or if he is advanced enough to have a petrol car, God forbid, how does he get rid of his old oil, spark plugs, filters with all their contaminates let alone the emissions every time he goes on the road. More tax and carbon credits needed.
5. Batteries. Does he not know that lithium is a mineral that is found underground? So how come I have written this you ask? Fourteen years ago I converted a Ford Festiva into an electric car for use around town, with the same comments from those knockers “won’t work, won’t last, batteries won’t last, how far will it go”. I still drive it every day, still the same batteries, still charged from our solar panels, have never used any charging point other than home. No oil changes, no contaminated filters, no problems. Our power bill did not alter. I think I would have noticed a 2.8 increase! Now those who are still reading will be saying but he has solar panels so his power bill won’t change. Great to see some are still reading. But there are times when you arrive home in the dark and need a charge, so that requires the use of the grid. By the way I charge, on average over 14 years, once every 5.24 days. Not bad for something that will not work. And the answer to the question everyone asks “how far will it go?“ About 150 kms depending on temperatures, cold day about 120, hot day over 150 just.
HUNTING THE WHITE STEAMER
As a small boy one of my favorite trips was with my grandmother when she visited her two sisters in Mataura. They had married brothers Forrest and Tom Dixon who did contracting around the area with traction engines and an old Vulcan truck on which they had mounted a chaff cutter, I believe a world first. Now as I grow old I have started to track down the old cars that were in the yard I used to play in. The old Star lovingly restored by Greg Elder, the old Vulcan truck minus the chaff cutter is in a museum in Tapanui, and my old favorite the ▲ White with Essex body. large 1919 Stanley steamer now restored by David Dixon the grandson of Forrest. I would like to locate the one that I have lost track of, the approximately 1910 White with a Essex coupe body on it. Can someone supply me a photo of the White that is somewhere in the North Island to complete my collection of photos then and now. My phone number is 027 433 7298. I would be grateful for any information or photos. ▲ David Dixon and 1919 Stanley.
8 Beaded Wheels
Mel Tapp oldcaryard@hotmail.com
But wait there’s more We bought a Nissan Leaf two years ago. All the bells and whistles about the same distance travelled on a charge, depending on temperature, charged from the solar panels but at night from the grid, and yet still there is no noticeable power bill increase. So, according to Kevin (Beaded Wheels 258) page 4, we should be paying 2.8 + 8.8 = 11.6 times our normal power bill. The last bill was $37.81. I think we would notice a change in that. Now you make up your own mind which is best. Warwick Stephens
GRAHAM BROS CONFUSION
I was intrigued with the article by Greg Price (BW360) on the Graham Brothers truck. A great looking restoration of a rugged old truck, congratulations to the
In 1926 the Graham brothers sold the business to Dodge and resigned their positions with the company. Dodge continued to market the trucks as Grahams. The Graham brothers then established themselves in the old Paige Motor Car Co of Detroit Mich., thus marketing the Graham-Paige automobile, (Paige being dropped from the title in 1930). Meanwhile Chrysler Corp purchased Dodge in 1928, and as from 1929 all commercials and trucks were marketed as Dodges. Therefore, the only link between Graham Bros Truck Co and Graham (Paige) automobiles, was the brothers themselves. Otherwise they were both totally different companies. Because of the similar names it is often assumed they were the same company. Just trying to add some accuracy in automotive history.
▲ C P hunter driving his father Paul in the 1913 Minerva.
A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
The Ferner article on the restoration of a 1913 Minerva found at Porangahau in the 1960s rang a bell. My grandfather Cyril, Paul Hunter’s father Paul had a farm called Papakihau at Porangahau. Years ago my grandfather told me that when he finished his final leave before going off to WWI he borrowed his father’s 1913 Minerva from Papakihau and drove with my grandmother to Featherston via Akitio where his wife was born. On the way down he taught my grandmother (Madge nee Armstrong) to drive as she would have to drive home. A good story but I had no evidence … until recently when my grandfather’s photos came to light adding proof to the story. Mike Blundell
Neil Lucas Manukau Auckland.
Ed Note: Thanks Neil we appreciate you helping us set the record straight. LOOKING FOR INFO
owner Mike Glenday. It’s good to see these old commercial vehicles restored and preserved, the more the better. However I would like to clear up an often misunderstood myth about Graham trucks and Graham cars. Briefly: Graham Brothers Co was established in 1916 to build truck bodies, later expanding to assemble complete trucks. A deal with Dodge Brothers Motor Car Co in 1921 saw Graham Brothers trucks marketed through Dodge dealerships and parts network. From there on Graham used only Dodge engines and front assemblies. Graham remained an affiliate of Dodge with no official corporate ties and was independent until 1924. It was a very successful arrangement.
I bought my first car, a black 1935 Ford V8 sedan in around 196061. It was a 4 door, with covered spare wheel on the back. The motor put a rod out the side so I put in a Mercer motor and then bought a 1939 Ford V8 and put the brakes from the 1939 into the 1935. A marriage break-up meant the vehicle was sold from Brightwater, Nelson to over the hill Takaka way. I’m wondering if the car is still around and would appreciate hearing any information from anyone.
▲ A young Trish Hunter (Aunt) in the Minerva, Papakihau.
▲ CP ready to leave Papakihau.
▲ Leaving Akitio, left Frank Armstrong (great grandfather), Madge (grandmother) and CP (grandfather).
Graham Ellery 1 Snowden Place Brightwater Nelson 7022.
▲ Last photo. CP second left (note the spurs) Featherston Camp. Photo taken by Madge prior to heading home.
Beaded Wheels 9
Mechanical Restorations Vintage & Classic Spares (1980)
Photo: https://lautomobileancienne.com/
TIMELINES
Peugeot 205 cabriolet
Historical snippets of motoring interest from years gone by compiled by Graeme Rice
100 YEARS AGO DECEMBER JANUARY 1920
Holiday motoring – what would you choose? An Overland Model S3B with electric lights and starter - £400. One EMF 5-seater just overhauled with good tyres for £225. Maybe a motorcycle? A Henderson with sidecar - £110. Or Indians priced at £57/10/0d for a 3.5hp or £75 for a 7-9hp model. Something more exotic? A 10/12hp, four-cylinder, three seat Delage with electric lights and starter - £315, or a 10/12hp four cylinder, three seat Berliet with electrics - £375. Dearest car was a 40hp six-cylinder FIAT sports with electrics, £1050. 50 YEARS AGO DECEMBER JANUARY 1969
1970 was a year of the good, the bad and the cautiously indifferent. Leyland Australia launched the transverse engined Kimberly and Tasman which couldn’t compete with the ultra orthodoxy of Holden’s finest. Trendiness triumphed over technology with Bond’s three-wheeled Bug, AMC did the truncated Gremlin, and Triumph did the Toledo. Suzuki’s evergreen Jimny 4WD broke new ground and we rallied Skoda’s convincing S110R Coupe. Both offered the most fun for your dollar.
75 YEARS AGO DECEMBER JANUARY 1944
“Three Smart Girls In An Austin Seven” was the AA Magazine’s headline about a trip from Dunedin to Christchurch over Mt Cargill, where they sped along past fields of ducks, sheep and cows all destined for Christmas dinner? “It could not be said”, they wrote, “that our Austin ate up the miles, but it did tick them off at a pleasurable speed.” Annoyingly they failed to catch a trout so had to buy their evening meal noting – “Food very dear!” 30 YEARS AGO DECEMBER JANUARY 1989
With the influx of new convertibles, or cabriolets if you were born with a whiff of Bordeaux, people realised the downsides of open topped motoring. Whether piloting the new Aussie Ford Capri, the very Elan-ish MX5 or the delightful little Peugeot 205 Cabriolet by Pinin Farina through Auckland traf fic and weather, there were sun-burnt foreheads and underarms, wet seats after a tropical downpours and chapped lips from the windrush. All very vintage.
Graeme Rice
10 Beaded Wheels
Stockists of new AUTOMOTIVE PARTS CAR, TRUCK & TRACTOR 1912–1997 (85 year span)
ENGLISH AMERICAN CONTINENTAL AUSTRALIAN JAPANESE
Kingpin sets Rear axles Engine gaskets Water pumps & kits Gearbox gears Clutch plates Suspension parts Clutch covers Steering joints Carburettors Crownwheel & pinions Fuel pumps & kits Spark plugs Brake & clutch cables Electrical fittings Pistons Wiper motors (vac) Steering box parts Engine bearings Valves, springs, guides Shock absorbers Speedo cables Wheel cylinders & kits Ignition parts Master cylinders & kits Timing gears & chains Shackles Lenses (pins & bushes) Engine mounts Ring gears & pinions MECHANICAL RESTORATIONS VINTAGE & CLASSIC SPARES (1980) RD 7 • Fordell • Wanganui • Phone/Fax 06 342 7713
SOAPBOX A column for those who like to stir the pot … just a little.
INSTRUMENT REPAIRS Experienced expert technician available to refurbish or repair your automotive and marine instruments
COMMON COURTESY
Police Report Reprinted from The Guardian, community newspaper for Motueka, Tasman and Golden Bay
This article was sent to Beaded Wheels by a concerned reader – it provides a vital reminder for all our readers as we head into another busy summer on our roads. I’ve just returned to work after 10 days off. My wife and I drove to Christchurch for Easter and saw some bad driving on the way back. An elderly couple were in a vintage car travelling at between 60–70km/hr between Waipara and Hurunui and they refused to pull over and let anyone pass even at a sign-posted lay by.
Bruce Chaytor Ph 021 631 700 or Nicolette Prangley 021 166 8374 nap.chaytor@gmail.com 5 Gibbs Place, Kinloch RD1, Taupo 3377
There was a lot of on-coming traffic and one driver got frustrated and did a reckless overtaking manoeuvre. When we finally managed to pass we decided I should stop them and up-skill them about looking for following cars and pulling over. I stopped them at Hurunui and while we were there my wife counted 40 cars behind now passing! People were tooting and going past giving the thumbs up obviously thankful this slow car had been stopped. Despite their assurances they were doing their best I told them they weren’t and that people were getting frustrated and starting to put everyone at risk by doing dangerous overtaking. I tell you this story to remind you all – if you have to drive slower for any reason make sure you don’t let a big line of traffic build up behind
you. You don’t have to physically stop, just indicate left and pull over when you can. Sometimes other people have a meeting or plane to catch and they want to drive at 100 kph and a towing vehicle or slow vehicle doing 85–90kph ends up really annoying if it doesn’t make an effort to let them pass. I have stopped many drivers over the years who haven’t been good at doing this. A simple courtesy and awareness are all that is needed and it keeps our roads much safer and a happier place to be. Take care out there S/Constable Grant Heney
This article represents the opinion of the author and in no way reflects the position of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand. Contributions up to 800 words are very welcome to soapbox. Email beaded wheels@vcc.org.nz
Beaded Wheels 11
WE NEED TO LEARN, BEFORE WE CAN TEACH
THE DIGITAL ERA, GEN Z AND HISTORIC VEHICLES
Words Natasa Jerina Grom FIVA Vice President Culture and Youth I’m writing this article at the beach bar. It’s summer and I’ve brought the kids to the seaside. On the beach is a group of teenagers, sitting together for hours on end without talking – their communication is entirely focused on exchanging phones and showing each other what’s going on in the world via the small screen. The most physical effort they’ve made is to stand up, pull a face and take a picture, probably to be published on social media as a #nofilter photo, which my 11-year-old daughter has explained is a must on Instagram. If we thought millennials were addicted to technology, Generation Z teens put technology in the same category as air and water. They can’t imagine living without being permanently ‘connected’. As a parent, I’ve seen for myself that kids do have something worth being conscious for, despite all the technology that embraces them from the first day of their lives. They are born with curiosity, the desire to understand and to feel – and it’s vital that we encourage these instincts. It can be difficult but, if we want results, we need to accept the defining characteristics of a generation and approach them using their language and their ‘way of being’. Preaching to them, telling them they are wrong and we know better, will not help at all. We must educate by using their chosen methods. After all, each generation doesn’t just represent the future, it creates it. Life experiences influence the way we will feel, the way we will react to a situation, for the rest of our lives. Smells, shapes, high-adrenalin driving, irritation at mechanical breakdowns, impatience when searching for a spare part. All these create memories to take into the future. By actively using historic vehicles to display our automotive heritage, we are telling the story that these objects also carry within themselves: the story of their origins, their role and their meaning in our world. They offer a unique interpretation of the past that fascinates both active participants and external observers, showing them a world full of charm that might tempt them to become protagonists in this magnificent story. Generation Z wants to be independent and without boundaries, to live through experience and become part of the stories. Simply
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showing them a vehicle on display will not be enough to entice them – they need to feel free and alive. Personal, adrenalin-rich experiences are what count. Forget organised touring events and static exhibitions – the Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram generation prefers ad hoc meetings and communication via social media, or events that represent a challenge (speed, treasure hunting, charity events…). “Touring is for old people,” my kids would say, “and it’s boring to be around those old people.” The trigger that tempts a Z teenager into a classic vehicle is what you do when you’re in that seat; an adventure, a charity cause, something that proves they’re daring to be different, where they are visible, seen to be cool… on social media, of course. More than ever, it’s time to create an environment where young people prosper, exercise their rights, regain hope and a sense of community, and engage as responsible social actors and innovators. We need to tap into the characteristics of a generation, tap into their interests and reach out to them in their way. We must be able to teach and not preach. In the world of historic vehicles, FIVA’s role is something of an international ‘headmaster’. Our new strategy and networking aims to support the education of all generations, across the globe, with member programs in Switzerland, Hungary, Mexico, UK, Romania, Italy, Luxembourg and a great many other nations, with new programs regularly created. Gen Z students tend to thrive when they are given the opportunity to have a fully immersive educational experience – and they enjoy challenges. Young people are active learners, hence practical classes are often more interesting than passive ‘lectures’; and if Zs aren’t supplied with digital learning tools that enable them to seamlessly connect academic experiences to personal experiences, we can’t hope for much success from our programs. FIVA and its members will need to embrace every aspect of modern life to – perhaps paradoxically – ensure the survival of historic vehicles and related culture. Perhaps this is a lesson that those of us from slightly older generations can, for our part, learn to relish.
HIN BE
D THE WHE
EL
ARTHUR POLL’S BMW ISETTA 300
BRITISH OF COURSE! Words and photographs Greg Price
20 Beaded Wheels
Mention the words Micro Models over a few beers with a bunch of classic car enthusiasts and most of them will immediately think of those reasonably accurate diecast model vehicles made originally in Australia in the 1950s and then here in New Zealand by various companies, and most likely some of those drinking mates will have one or two examples in their model collections. However Micro Models is also the terminology oft used to describe life-sized examples of vehicles (also from the 1950s and 1960s) that these days can be eye-wateringly expensive – and that’s often before you start to restore them. A couple of members of the South Canterbury Zephyr & Zodiac Car Club (of which I am a member) had occasion to visit the Classics Museum in Hamilton just prior to Christmas 2018, and took a few photos, one of which was published in that club’s newsletter and was of the museum’s full-sized Micro Models which were all displayed in the one room. Included among the pristine marques were a Goggomobile, a Fiat Bambina, what looked like a Berkeley Sports, an Austin Seven Opal roadster, and…a BMW Isetta 300. On seeing the photo I immediately thought “I know who’s got one of those.” So at a noggin earlier this year I approached Arthur Poll, the proud owner of the featured car, and suggested a Behind the Wheel article, as I was sure that many other VCC members and readers would be as fascinated with these cute little cars as I was. (If I’m wrong, please just turn the page.) The toy versions of the Micro Models were born out of post-war shortages and, here in New Zealand, punitive import restrictions (only rich kids’ parents could afford the more expensive Dinky and Corgi Toys.) meant that the likes of Tri-Ang et al were responsible for the rather more crude versions of the life-sized cars and trucks that us kids used to lust after. It was a similar sort of situation in the United Kingdom with full-sized cars. So much so that the ‘mini-car’, which could best be described as a cross between a motorcycle and a car, some of which had three wheels, became the choice of transport for the family man in situations where a motorcycle (even with a sidecar) just wasn’t going to cut it for family outings with mum and the kiddies. Almost like a motorcycle and sidecar combination but with an all-encompassing body. As one writer in a BMW Isetta Gazette issue of 2005 wrote, “Think of the ‘50s and what do you see? Is it bright futuristic homes, refrigerators, drive-in movies and big colourful cars? No? But these were the images of 1950s America?” Yeah, well Britain & Europe were completely different – drab, bombed out and virtually bankrupt. The huge American chrome-laden gas-guzzlers were about as far removed from European motoring as it was possible to be. Any car was a luxury, and even pre-war cars were hard to get. New small cars were often just crude three-wheelers with proprietary engines and simple aluminium bodies. Meanwhile one Renzo Rivolta’s Italian company Iso, based in Milan and more well known for its refrigerators, decided to grab a piece of the scooter market and his engineer Ermenegildo Prett came up with an unorthodox car design that was both bold and futuristic. Essentially it was quite simple to build, having just the one door, a bench seat and four wheels and essentially a scooter engine. Thus the Isetta, or ‘little Iso’, was born.
A BIT OF THE HISTORY OF THE MARQUE The Isetta debuted at Turin in November of 1953. Considered by some to be the best microcar of all time, the Isetta caused quite a stir when it was unveiled. More unusual than anything out there at the time, the bubble car was only 7.5 feet long and 4.5 feet wide. The entire front end of the vehicle hinged outwards to allow entry, along with an exit for passenger and driver through the canvas sunroof in the event of a crash. Making access to the single bench seat simpler, both the steering wheel and instrument panel swung out with the single door. There was enough room inside the vehicle for two passengers to sit comfortably, and behind the seat was a spare wheel hidden underneath a large parcel shelf. Ventilation was available by opening up the fabric sunroof, and a heater was optional. It was one of the most successful microcars that were produced in the post-WWII years. The Isetta attracted the nickname ‘bubble car’ because of its bubble-like windows and its egg shape. Apparently the designers reportedly came up with the design by taking two scooters, placing them close to each other and adding a refrigerator before shaping the result like ‘a teardrop in the wind’. The original Isetta came with a 236 cc 9.5 hp two cylinder two-stroke motorcycle engine. Dynastart was a combination generator-starter, and a manual gearbox provided four forward speeds and reverse. The rear wheels were 10-inches, and a chain drive connected the gearbox to a solid rear axle. The original prototypes came with one wheel at the rear, but unfortunately this made the vehicle very susceptible to rolling over, so two wheels were placed at the rear 19 inches apart. Since the track was so narrow, no differential was needed. The front axle was an updated variation of a Dubonnet independent front suspension. The Iso Isetta achieved a top speed of 45 mph, and could reach 30 mph in just over 30 seconds. It featured a small fuel tank that only held 3.5 gallons, and could get somewhere between 50-70 miles per gallon of fuel. Iso entered three Isettas in the 1954 Miglia Miglia (1000 miles) where they managed to average 70 kph - only a few kph slower than their maximum speed - and took first, second and third in the economy classification. Despite its initial success popularity of the Isetta began to face increased competition from Fiat’s 500C Topolino. Company owner Renzo Rivolta negotiated licencing deals with several foreign makers including, in 1954, BMW who bought not just a license but the body tooling as well. In 1955 the production of Italian built cars ended after the construction of about 1,000 units. The Iso design and engines remained until 1958 before they were replaced with the BMW 300 cc engines.
Beaded Wheels 21
MARKET PLACE Terms and conditions CLASSIFIED RATES Due to space limitation, classified advertisers should refrain from the use of dashes, spaces, logos, blank lines and formatting. All classified rates include GST. The 65 word limit includes contact details. Advertisers requiring ads longer than the standard 65 words, or who require typography or space, must apply display rates. The advertising department reserves the right to edit or return classifieds not meeting the criteria Member of Vintage Car Club: No charge for text or photo classified advertising. Members must be financial and identify their Branch. Limited to one free advert per issue. Non Member: $21 for first 40 words or part thereof, thereafter 15 cents per word (max 65 words per advertisement).* Text in a Boxed Ad : $24 non-members* Colour Photo Ad in Box: $56 non-members, enclose a clear photo and an SAE if return required.* Advertisements should be typed or clearly printed. Advertising Email address: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz Payment: Cheques Payable to Beaded Wheels. Post to: Advertising, PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141, to arrive not later than 10th of month preceding publication. Internet banking on request.* DISPLAY RATES* Casual (per issue) 3 Issues (per issue) Full Page $900 $720 Half Page $490 $390 Horizontal ¼ Page $270 $216 All display rates quoted exclude GST and are for finished digital artwork supplied. Artwork can be arranged at an extra charge. Deadline for copy 10th of month preceding publication. Beaded Wheels will consider articles of a technical nature for inclusion in its editorial space. Beaded Wheels however regrets that it is not able to offer editorial space for advertisements nor for the promotion of products. Marketplace advertising cancellations received in writing prior to advertising deadline will be refunded in full. Where possible Beaded Wheels will refund 70% of the advertisement cost for any cancellations received after the booking deadline. *Payment by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing charge of 3% Beaded Wheels makes every effort to ensure no misleading claims are made by advertisers, responsibility cannot be accepted by Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) for the failure of any product or service to give satisfaction. Inclusion of a product or service should not be construed as endorsement of it by Beaded Wheels or by the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.). No liability can be accepted for non-appearance of advertisements and the text of all advertisements is subject to the approval of the editor who reserves the right to refuse any advertisements which are not compatible with the aims, objectives, and standards of Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) In accordance with the provisions of the Human Rights Commission Act 1977 Beaded Wheels will not publish any advertisement which indicates or could reasonably be understood as indicating an intention to discriminate by reason of sex, marital status, religious or ethical beliefs. Advertisers should take all care in drafting advertisements as they could be held liable, as well as Beaded Wheels and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.).
42 Beaded Wheels
FOR SALE 1925 BUICK MODEL 21 SEDAN. C hassis, running gear, engine, mudguards all restored and assembled on new 6.00x22 tyres. Radiator surround nickel plated. Body required full rebuild, some panelwork done, work started on timber frame. Some body trim ex-Bob’s Autos Model 21X build 1925 only, 56 exported, only one in New Zealand. A rare Buick. Offers. Phone Les 03 488 3776 for more information. MEM OTAGO 1928 MODEL AA FORD TRUCK. M ostly restored. Painted green. Needs front and rear lighting put together. 1930 Chev truck – dual rear axle painted red. Needs work on motor. Has hand lift that works. Phone 027 442 9175. MEM MANAWATU
DISTRIBUTOR & FUEL PUMP PARTS We continue to rebuild metal vacuum advance units New Old Stock – Distributor caps,condensers and rotors stocked for many vehicles 1930-1990 New Pumps - PN Fuel Pumps for most car/ tractor brands (except American), KITS for AC pumps Hours 9am to 3pm Monday-Friday 85 Polo Prince Dr, Alfriston, Auckland email: peter@qualityrebuilds.com www.qualityrebuilds.com
PHONE PETER 09 267 4700
1929 CHEVROLET TOURER PROJECT. Complete MODEL A FORDS - 2 x 1929 roadsters, and 1 x 1930 except for a few parts. A great restoration project Tudor, all reg & wof. 1928 Chev truck – barn find. with a few spares included. $7,900 ono. Pick 1924 Oakland tourer. 1929 Studebaker Dictator. up from Blenheim. For full details and photos 1925 Bullnose Morris 2 seater. 1929 Graham Paige contact Grant on 021 767 234 jolley@xtra.co.nz sedan. 1941 Ford pickup. 1951 Triumph Renown. 1955 Mk1 Zephyr Zodiac. 1943 Austin A/16. 1939 MEM MARLBOROUGH Ford V8 sedan &1946 Ford V8 coupé. 1948 Bedford 1937 RUDGE MOTORCYCLE. Has been raced in truck. Looking for a vehicle? Contact Rushmore Classics and won Pre War class several times. Motors 027 2245 045 any time. Fast and reliable. For sale due to health reasons. : steering boxes $14,000 Contact Lynda Maddock for further WAIRARAPA VCC PARTS SHED for Citroen L15, Morris Commercial, 1938 Nash, details. 09 422 2638. MEM WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH Ford V8, Austin 12/6, Bedford A5 truck, plus other 1938 MORRIS 8 SPORTS PROJECT, 95% of parts to unidentified boxes from ‘20s/’30s. 1929 Chev build up one of these valuable little cars including 6 diff, new (old stock) GM windscreens, FE/FC a fully reconditioned short block assembly. Holden 748608, HA Viva 7178040, Chevette 97316, which cost $3500. $4500. Ph 027 209 7426 CA Bedford 7179154, Camira J/N heated rear MEM CANTERBURY 92014572, FD Victor 6304216, GRO65503, 54647, BALANCING BALANCING BALANCING, BW591697727, QR6246K1708-95, QR6253341, We can balance most Vintage and single also used screens for 64FE, FC, EH. Chevette. cylinder engines, fans, driveshafts etc. Work Ph Frank 06 379 7167 or Jeff, j.percy@xtra.co.nz or is carried out on a modern digital machine. Barry ljandbjwells@gmail.com. MEM WAIRARAPA. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: info@mscoombes.co.nz CARBURETTOR RECONDITIONING including classic and performance makes. 40 plus years trade experience. Free advice. Contact Graeme Tulloch, Tulmac Carburettor Specialists on 027 612 2312 or (Levin) 06 368 2202 4X24” WIRE SPOKE JELLY MOULD WHEELS (2 good, 2 rough) $200, 4x25 inch wire spoke jelly mould wheels (2 good, 2 rough) $200, 1x24 inch wire spoke jelly mould beaded edge wheel $50, 4x600-16 white wall tyres (2 good, 2 avg) $200. Phone Trevor 06 345 8897 MEM WANGANUI
COACHWORK F or all your coachwork, woodwork and timber rim steering wheels for your veteran, vintage or commercial vehicles contact Designs N Wood, John Martin, 11 Bell Avenue, Cromwell. Phone/fax 03 445 0598, 021 109 1309 or email martin_jw@xtra.co.nz MEM CENTRAL OTAGO
GOT VIBRATION PROBLEMS?
T he crankshaft pulley/balancer/damper may be the cause. Rubber perishes over time. John at Harmonic Damper Rebuilds can rebuild your pulley like new. He has a proven system to re-rubber and re-sleeve dampers. Most can be rebuilt as good as new and save you money and engine repairs. 027 666 3350 or 07 863 3350 damperdude@gmail.com
AUSTRALIAN SPORTS CAR WORLD magazines from March 1966 until June 1984. $200. Purchaser to arrange pick up from Gore. Ph Robert 027 619 9091. MEM GORE HUBCAPS – a ny problems contact me. I now produce either hubcap skins or complete DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS hubcaps. These are top quality replicas. We can alter or make driveshafts with fabric Pressed not spun to the closest possible original components to take modern universal joints specifications. I can manufacture any model that and yokes, as well as performing dynamic uses the skin system plus many others provided balancing. We also carry a large range of they do not exceed 10½ inch in diameter. For driveshaft components for car, trucks, industrial more information phone Dave Patten Replica and marine. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Manufacturing (2003) Ltd, Phone 027 247 Street, Christchurch 8011, Ph 03 366 7463, email: 7956, 160 New York Street, Martinborough. info@mscoombes.co.nz dave.patten@wise.net.nz
MARKET PLACE
1953 CHEV SEDAN, 4 DOOR NZ new, RHD. Largely original older restoration, 235 cui with 3 speed column change, 12 V electrics with Pertronix ignition, halogen lights, rust free, Photos on request. Reluctant sale $35,500 ono. New WOF and rego. Phone 021 216 9399 Jon Robben, Hamilton.
1989 MAZDA EUNOS ROADSTER. R egistration 1972 HILLMAN HUNTER. E xcellent original on hold, no WOF. Average condition. $2,500 ono. condition. Only 47,300 miles. Polar white with For further details and more photos contact red upholstery. Automatic transmission. Been Bernie 09 415 9821 or email: berns@xtra.co.nz used on VCC events for a number of years. MEM NORTH SHORE $5,500 Ph Ray Freemantle 06 858 8165
NEW MODEL A FORD SHOCK ABSORBERS . Precision manufactured in NZ. They are fully adjustable and work as per the originals, $322 each. Model A Ford exhaust systems $295, also front clamps. Ph 03 359 0565 or 021 128 9252 or www.vintagefordparts.co.nz MEM CANTERBURY
BRITISH CAR KEYS with original codes. Romac, Wilmot, Breedon & Union. Lucas ignition switch, door etc. Old stock - suit MG, Austin, Morris Jaguar etc. Stamped codes FA, FS, FR, FP & MRN eg. FA635 Keys $8 each, $15 pair. Freepost Ph 09 299 8801 mstokes16@yahoo.com MEM AUCKLAND
MODEL T FORD Auxillary gearbox maker Woodward all complete $3,000 plus freight. Ph 03 355 4017. MEM CANTERBURY
1929 WILLYS OVERLAND WHIPPET Purchased in Blenheim area in 1970s. Stored in Taranaki until 2007. Extensive bare metal rebuild from ground up by previous owner. A lovely car inside and out. Some history doc’s and rebuild photos. $18,500 ono. Ph Peter 027 247 7639, pk@matarawa.co.nz.
1980 MINI 1275 GT d one 147628 kms, current WOF & REG. Very original and tidy condition throughout. Engine & brakes fully reconditioned 7500ks ago, details of all work done. $10,750 Ph Peter 07 823 0944 or paspiller@xtra.co.nz MEM WAIKATO
1951 MORRIS MINOR CONVERTIBLE great condition all round. Restored approx 11 years ago by elderly man and not used much. 950cc reconditioned motor and gearbox and uprated diff and brakes. Ph Mike 021 172 1566 MEM CANTERBURY
MEM CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY
1935 MORRIS 8 Much loved 1935, Morris 8, series 1. Approx $3000 spent refurbishing brakes, new tyres and a new dynamo plus other sundry items. Open to sensible offers. WOF and reg. Regularly used, starts easily. Ph 027 952 2366, ian.gibbon@xtra.co.nz MEM TARANAKI
WOODEN WHEELS m ade for your metal work. Steam-bent felloes, any shape spokes. New beaded rims available in some sizes. Phone Vern Jensen 06 323 3868, 16 Osborne Terrace, Feilding, sandvo@callsouth.net.nz MEM
VETERAN VINTAGE WIND SCREENS, Perfecter rear screen, pair steel brass rear screens, Sunbeam pillars, brass front screen, pair Mitchell pillars, pair brass pillars, vet brass pillars, Auster upright front screen, Lucas oil tail and sidelights. Phone 07 348 4227 MEM ROTORUA Beaded Wheels 43