CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 75 YEARS
9 418979 000012
No. 373 Deember 2021/January 2022
New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $7.95
1917 HENDERSON FOUR MOTORCYCLE ALVIS TE 21 MAGAZINE OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND
From the HJ Jones photo album. This photo is presumed to be of a happy customer in his 1920 Chevrolet 490 tourer who has done the round trip from the Wairarapa to Wellington and is heading back, negotiating the Paekakariki Hill Road which will soon see much less traffic when Transmission Gully finally opens. Supplied to Beaded Wheels by Alastair Jones. Photographs Required: Submissions of suitable prints and information are welcome. Post or email original photographs or high resolution digital files of historical interest with any available information to: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz or Beaded Wheels, PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. Laserprints/photocopies are not suitable. Photos will be returned as soon as practicable.
NATIONAL OFFICE
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 Phone 03 366 4461 Email admin@vcc.org.nz
VCCNZ LIFE MEMBERS Andrew Anderson Roger White Norm Dewhurst Rod Brayshaw John Coomber
VCCNZ MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT Diane Quarrie 06 876 4009 president@vcc.org.nz SECRETARY/ TREASURER Christopher Leith 03 358 5378 hon.sec@vcc.org.nz 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 SPEED STEWARD Tony Haycock 021 662 441 speedsteward@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
Murray Trounson 03 339 8830 mgmt3@vcc.org.nz
Please note this information changes annually - these details are valid until the next AGM
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
2 Beaded Wheels
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/- 53 Huia Street, 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 C/- 21 Mornington Road, Balaclava, Dunedin 9011 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/- PO Box 39029, Egmont Village 4361 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/- 9 Marlborough Ave, Glenfield, Auckland 0629 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/- 1999 Kumara Junction Highway, RD 2, Hokitika 7882 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 LXXII No. 373
Issue 373 December 2021/January 2022
Editorial Committee
Kevin Clarkson (Chairman), Judith Bain, Bevars Binnie, Rosalie Brown, John Coomber, Mark Dawber, Greg Price.
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
FEATURES 11
Bringing Home the Vulcan
14
Bus Stories
18
Messing with History
22
Capacitors – Myths & Legends
26
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.
30 34
Correspondence & Editorial Contributions
40
Subscriptions
43
Phone 64 3 332 3531, Fax 64 3 366 0273 PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz 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
43
Vulcan
Behind The Wheel Joseph McClintocks 1917 Henderson Model G ALVIS TE 21 Alvis isn’t dead, long live the Queen Motoring Memoris of the 13th International Vintage Car Rally 1972 New Zealand
Betteridge’s Basement Upcycling for my dotage den
COLUMNS President’s Message
Closing Date for February/March:
4
As We See It
5
VCC Events
6
National Office
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) National Office Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 Email admin@vcc.org.nz
Postal Address: PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
Address: 12 Aberdeen St, Christchurch,
9 Soapbox The Way We Were
25 Awards
26
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring Update
39
Archivist News
44
Book Reviews
45 Marketplace
10 Timelines
New Zealand.
1917 Henderson 33
7 Mailbag
12
Rally Snippets 43 Prince Henry Tour- Otago Branch
4
8 January 2022 8 January 2022
22
Capacitors Myths & Legends
Auckland Le Mans Relay Races Fast times in the ‘80s
Design: RGB Design & Print Ltd, Christchurch Print: PMP Ltd, Christchurch. Editorial Copy Advertisements
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49
Swap Meets & Rallies
53
Trade Directory
54
Idle Torque
Marketplace
45 66
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. Reproduction of articles must be at least 12 months after original Beaded Wheels publication date. Beaded Wheels reserves the right to digitally store all published material for archival purposes.
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COVER Malcolm and Anita McGibbon find plenty to smile about as they massage their 1914 Renault towards Darfield on the Canterbury Branch Veteran Run, 10 October 2021. Photo John McDonald.
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.
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The most common question I have been asked recently is… “Will the Vero International Festival of Motoring be happening in January?” At the time of writing my column I can say that the event is still going ahead. As you can understand, this is a fluid situation due to the many unknowns about what will happen in January as a result of Covid-19. With the traffic light system now in place, rest assured we are closely monitoring the situation. Greg Terrill and his team are enthusiastically working towards the event, and have put in place flexible plans to give every chance that it will be able to proceed. Depending on the level in place at the time,the event should be able to go ahead with vaccination certificates, masks, hand-washing and physical distancing. The FIVA General Assembly will be taking place towards the end of November and since there are travelling issues due to the pandemic, the meeting will be virtual. Rod Brayshaw will once again be attending as the Club’s representative and also as a member of the Technical Commission. A recently published FIVA survey of almost 55,000
AS WE SEE IT We have owned a couple of mountain bikes for some years. We use them, very rarely I’m ashamed to admit, and mainly when we are on holiday in a motorhome. Having seen many cyclists riding by in a cloud of smug on their electric bikes I thought I had better try electric propulsion out before I judged. Accordingly, I fitted our bikes with new back wheels complete with electric motors, installed batteries and controllers and I was all set to go. Well, what a difference! No more head wind, no more hills – just twist and go. Marvellous! Now when we use our bikes, very rarely, I’m still ashamed to admit, we get much more enjoyment 4 Beaded Wheels
historic vehicle enthusiasts taking part from around the world has revealed their huge financial contribution to local and national economies. It also confirms the typically low annual mileage of historic cars and motorcycles, along with the very real value of clubs to the historic vehicle movement and society at large. The survey found that the average enthusiast spends NZ$6,156 per year directly on their vehicle(s), including insurance, repairs and restoration, storage, servicing and fuel. When non-direct spending is taken into account, for example: events, accommodation, tickets, food and drink, this rises to NZ$7,869 per year. The total spending by the two million enthusiasts represented through FIVA member clubs alone is an estimated 16.2 billion per year. The figures show the very significant economic contribution by the historic vehicle movement to both local and national economies. The average historic vehicle is taken out 15 times a year, with cars travelling 1,413km and motorcycles 877km. Historic vehicles are primarily used for leisure driving, with runs averaging 88km for historic
but probably much less health benefit because of the less energetic pedalling required. All that got me to thinking about electric cars. If I enjoyed electric push bikes so much would I feel the same about electric motorbikes, about electric cars? I am sure I would like the torque that electric power could bring to a motorbike. But would I miss the noise of the engine and exhaust, the vibration, the gear changing? All are an intrinsic part of the experience of motorcycle riding. The gear changing particularly. Here the rider is directly involved in selecting the appropriate gear for the situation at hand. The rider feels in control, is
cars and 67km for historic motorcycles. The average historic vehicle club has 380 members but as many as 32% have 50 or fewer members, while 13% have 500 or more members. The average age of a club member is 56 years. On behalf of the Club I extend our condolences to Life Member Roger and his family on the passing of Diane. Diane administered and researched 25 and 35 year awards for the Club for 30 years which involved many hours of work each week. I had the sad privilege of presenting her 50 year award posthumously at her funeral. Regretfully but understandably, we have accepted Roger White’s resignation as Chairman of the Vehicle Technical Committee. He is intending however to stay on as a committee member. One of the things I have always had on my bucket list is to compete in a Targa Rally. In late October, along with navigator Gaynor Terrill in my 1966 Triumph Spitfire, I was finally going to get the chance. Alas, Covid-19 intervened again and this event has now been postponed until May next year… fingers crossed! The working group comprising NZTA, and the Presidents of the
enjoying the interaction. All that is lost with an e-motorbike and I think this would be a step too far for me. Cars could be different. Who knows, I might enjoy an electric car. However, somehow I think I might be of the demographic that would prefer the internal combustion engine (ICE). So no change there! However, the aforementioned cloud of smug that often surrounds the e-vehicle user is somewhat misplaced if they think they are cleaning up the planet! It is well recognised by now that the pollution caused by cars from commencement of manufacture right up to recycling of the components at the end of life of the vehicle
VCC, Federation of Motoring Clubs and Hot Rod Club is continuing its dialogue and working collaboratively to reach what we hope will be pragmatic and sensible solutions. It is critical to note that the FIVA survey results showed that, at a time of changing attitudes all over the world towards the use of motor vehicles, historic vehicles, on average, travel extremely low distances and are primarily used for leisure purposes only, very often as part of public events. This is a point that I will continue to make in our discussions with the group. I know it is a challenging time for many of us with Delta ever present in our community. Kia kaha. On behalf of the whole management team, I wish all our members and families best wishes for Christmas and the coming year and please do all that you can to keep yourselves, your families and your fellow members safe.
Warmest regards
Diane Quarrie VCCNZ National President
is not much different between the e-vehicle and the ICE powered vehicle. The good bit is that no fossil fuel is burned in the e-vehicle so no nasty emissions and that’s a definite plus as it leaves more lovely petrol available for my old vehicles! I’m off to have a ride on my e-bike if I can find a cloud of smug to swirl around me.
Kevin Clarkson Chairman Beaded Wheels
VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS
Ashburton entrants all, Diane and Rob Ross (1902 Oldsmobile) lead Gavin and Annette Hunt (1903 Darracq) towards the Racecourse Hill Homestead and finish on the Canterbury Branch Veteran Run, 10 October 2021. Photo John McDonald
ECEMBER D 7-9 Ashburton 8 Canterbury 8 Central Otago
8 11 11 11
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12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 15 15 15 18 18
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Oakley Pre Christmas Tour 9-90s Run Trophies & Christmas Dinner Northland Motorcycle Run Central Hawke’s Bay Christmas Party Far North Christmas Event Manawatu Himatangi Beach Christmas Parade Bay of Plenty The Big Club Christmas Party Gisborne End of Year Wing Ding Gore Christmas Run Hawke’s Bay Club Run Marlborough Picnic Run Nelson Santa Parade & Picnic Otago Christmas BBQ Rotorua High Tea Run Waikato Motorcycle Run Auckland Midweek Run Bay of Plenty Annual Christmas Run Waikato Wednesday Wander Manawatu Taihape Wander Waikato Christmas Picnic Karapiro Domain Canterbury Children’s Christmas Picnic Marlborough Motorcycle Ride to Havelock Auckland Motorcycle BBQ Canterbury Boxing Day Picnic
JANUARY
1 Ashburton
1 1 1
1 1 1 4-6
New Year’s Day Run & BBQ Auckland New Year’s Day Run Banks Peninsula Little River Picnic Manawatu Len Haycock New Year Day Run Sth Canterbury New Year’s Day Fairlie Waikato Picnic Club Run Wanganui Gumboot Rally, Taihape Banks Peninsula Skope Race Meeting,
Ruapuna Picnic Run Tour to Kauri Museum & Combined Run with Vintage Austin Register Waikato Blue Smoke & Pedals Banks Peninsula Levels - Race Meeting Waimate Orienteering Run Otago Clubrooms Open Otago Jackson Rally Auckland Midweek Run Waikato Wednesday Wander Otago Dunedin to Brighton Run Wanganui Burma Rally Otago Midweek Run Ashburton Annual Rally Auckland Club Run Rotorua Lakefront Car Show Sth Canterbury Ladies Run
9 Gore 9 North Shore
9 11-13 13 14 16 19 19 22-23 23 27 29 30 30 30
FEBRUARY 5 5-7 6 6 6 10-13 11-13 12 12 12
12 13 13 16 19 20 20 21 21 23 24
5-26 2 26-27 26 26 26 27
Waikato Canterbury Gore North Otago Sth Canterbury Wanganui
Motorcycle Tour Branch Annual Rally Festival Rally A & P Show Open Day Sunday Run
MARCH
5 Manawatu
“Ruahine Ramble & Branch 60th Anniversary 5 Nelson Swap Meet & Bazzar 5 Southland Veteran Rally 6 North Otago A & P Car Show 6 Sth Canterbury Motorbike Rally 6 Waikato Ladies Rally 12 Nelson Swapmeet & Bazzar 12 Wairarapa Rex Porter Rally 13 Gore Swap Meet 13 Rotorua Chairman’s Run 13 Sth Canterbury Mid Island Rally 13 Waikato Gypsy Rose Run 18-20 Waikato Venturers Tour Weekend 20 Wanganui Gymkhana 20-21 Otago Overnight Run 26 West Coast Scenicland Rally 26-27 Taranaki Maunga Moana & 60th Jubilee 27 Southland Branch Open Day 30 Rotorua Midweek Run 31 Otago Midweek Run
Southland Southland Annual Rally South Canterbury Away Weekend E. Bay of Plenty East Coast Rally Manawatu Annual Veteran Rally Waikato Road Runners Run North Shore Brits at the Beach Gisborne Three Rivers Rally Canterbury Boot Fair C. Hawke’s Bay Hopping’s & Weaver’s Run Far North Northern Club Captain’s Event APRIL Waimate Wallaby Rally 2 Sth Canterbury Winchester Swap Meet North Otago Wee Wheelie Wander 8-10 Otago Otago Rally Rotorua BBQ Run 9 Far North Brian Parker Memorial Waikato Wednesday Wander Rally North Otago All British Day 9 North Otago Gerald Lynch-Blosse Sth Canterbury Chairman’s Run Memorial Motorcycle Wairarapa Stretched Gymkhana NATIONAL EVENTS Ashburton Chairman’s Run & BBQ 16-21 January 2022 Vero International festival Taranaki Waitara Mini Vin Tour of Historic Motoring Rotorua Midweek Run 3-6 February 2023 National Motorcycle Rally Otago Midweek Run’ www.sporty.co.nz/nationalmotorcyclerally
This list does not contain all branch events (eg midweek or small club runs) Check branch newsletters for up-to-date details of smaller events. 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.
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.
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.
Beaded Wheels 5
Ford Falcon EB II
1901
120 YEARS AGO
1921
100 YEARS AGO
1946
75 YEARS AGO
1971
50 YEARS AGO
By GTHO - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org
TIMELINES
VETERAN VEHICLES
Quote from the Autocar – “Lovers of horses will not be flattered to hear that a well-made autocar with a racing record is called a thoroughbred. An example has been sold for over £3000, but prices are becoming more reasonable. A 12hp Panhard-Levassor priced at £880 in last year’s catalogue is now £620 while five horsepower Voiturettes seating two persons cost around £120.”
VINTAGE VEHICLES
In Australia a Mr Korner was riding his Harley-Davidson and sidecar from Adelaide to Melbourne. Here in New Zealand Harleys cleaned up at the Opotiki Boxing Day motorcycle races. From six starts the Harleys scored four firsts, one second and one third. “Positive proof of their great reliability”, said the local dealers.
PW VEHICLES
Were they really the good old days? Consider the Christchurch motorist heading to Dunedin with four spares. Just as well. He had four punctures and two blow-outs. A driver travelling from Central Otago to Mosgiel had a total of seven “flats.” Overloaded cars bouncing through creek beds broke leaves in their springs. One driver overloaded his trailer so when he hit a bump both springs broke. There was even a report of a large lad in an older car who put his foot through the floorboards
30 YEARS AGO
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WHATEVER YOUR PASSION Award Winning Restorations Mechanical repair and rebuilding. Panel repair and creation. Premium Spray Painting. Precision Engineering. Vehicle Servicing WOF. Vintage/Classic Cars and Motor Cycles.
P80 VEHICLES
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original Falcon GT, Ford released the Falcon EB II with a Tickford engineered 268 hp fuel injected 4950 cc Windsor V8, available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto. Times had moved on and this was a refined luxury grand tourer with its interior based on the Fairmont Ghia. Production was limited to 265 units. Graeme Rice’s compilation of developments in the motoring world this month in history.
C ITROEN TO CADILLAC
P60 VEHICLES
Motoring reporter for the Daily Mail, Michael Kemp, lamented the fact that Japanese car importers started a goodies war. Cars came with tinted windows, headrests, radios, electric aerials, cup holders, hazard warning lights, power steering and alternators. All this so-called trivia left British motorist dubious about Japanese reliability. No need to worry Poms, the Morris Marina had just been launched.
1991
F ROM
Contact George Kear: +64 3 366 9988 e: george@autorestorations.co.nz w: www.autorestorations.co.nz 52 Stewart Street, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Hero of the day: the 1910 Vulcan car. The upper part of the windscreen was removed for the journey from Waikanae to Carterton. The men who brought the Vulcan home Peter Keller who describes himself as “senior vice president-parts and research”, Alan Withy project co-ordinator, Richard Witheford-Smith and fellow veteran owner and Daimler enthusiast David Patten, who provided the trailer.
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BRINGING HOME THE VULCAN WORDS AND PHOTOS KEVIN BALL
A precious part of world motoring history arrived in Wairarapa this month. The 1910 Vulcan, an occasional visitor to this area in the past, will join a small fleet of veteran (pre1918) cars taking part in events organised by the Wairarapa Branch of the Vintage Car Club. Moving the Vulcan to its new home in Carterton was a team effort and a “wonderful and successful day”, project co-ordinator Richard Witheford-Smith said. Not even a short shower of heavy rain could dampen spirits as, with the help of Martinborough man Dave Patten and his trailer, they got the ‘old fella” out of a garage in Waikanae and over to his new home in Carterton. “There were certainly a few heads turned in the street when it arrived, with the neighbours asking where we got a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car from” Richard said. The Vulcan was built up from a chassis by the late Bill Allan, of Waikanae. Bill went to panelbeating classes to learn the skills needed to make the panel work and to steam bend his own laminated timber hoops for the hood. He and his wife Eleen (correct) have driven this vehicle in a number of rallies over the years, including trips right down south and over to Wairarapa. “The last large trip I believe was a road trip to Auckland for a nephew’s wedding in the early 1990s”, he said. “It’s nice how a growing community of people have become involved with the car, including four new members, and a new project for the Wairarapa Branch. It’s going to be a great way to celebrate and remember Bill’s legacy” said Richard.
Bill had partly dismantled the car at the time of his death, and Chris Canham, a friend and mechanic, put the pieces back together and got the engine running. “Chris spent a bit of time with it and we have cranked it over and started it a couple of times but it hasn’t been driven for maybe 15 years,” he said. Peter Keller, a friend and project advisor, helped to find and identify the pieces that had been taken off the car. Eleen Allan (Bill’s widow) has gifted the car as a family heirloom to her niece Suzanne Witheford-Smith. The Vulcan will be staying at Susanne’s daughter Sana’s house in Carterton where Alan and Dale Withy (Sana’s in-laws) are currently in residence. Suzanne intends to sit down with Eleen and get more stories around the car. Wikipedia tells us brothers Thomas and Joseph Hampson built an experimental car in Bolton in 1899. In 1902 they moved to Southport trading as Vulcan Motor Manufacturing and Trading and built the first Vulcan car which was a 4hp single-cylinder belt-driven type driving the rear wheels through a two speed gearbox and a belt to the back axle. In 1903 this grew to 6.5hp with shaft drive, and the chassis was now “armoured ash”. Twin-cylinder 1.5 litre models followed in 1904 now with steel chassis and in 1905, 2 and then 3 litre four-cylinder types appeared, and the company moved from Yellow House Lane to Hawesside Street, both in Southport. Things kept growing and a van version of the twin came in 1906 along with large 4.8 litre six-cylinder models and a move to even larger premises at Crossens, Southport with a change of company name to Vulcan Motor and Engineering.
The six‑cylinder model grew to 6 litres in 1908. At the outbreak of WWI, the range consisted of the 2.4 litre four-cylinder 10/15, the 2.6 litre 15.9, the 3 litre 15/20 and the last of the old sixes, the 25/30. As a sign of things to come, a 30 long cwt truck was also offered. This model saw use as an ambulance in Britain, India, Belgium, Russia, and Portugal. During the war, the factory concentrated on munitions. In 1916, the Hampson brothers left the company and it was reformed as Vulcan Motor Engineering (1916) under the control of CB Wardman. In 1918, the company bought Southport Football Club which was renamed Southport Vulcan — thus becoming the first football club to take a sponsor’s name. Financial problems came in 1928 and C B Wardman resigned and officially no more Vulcan cars came from Southport, but some, badged as Lea-Francis, were made up to 1930.
Kevin Ball
Kevin has been a journalist for 60 years and has won a national award for health writing. Kevin has been a member of Wairarapa Branch for 20 years and is a former committee member and current branch Beaded Wheels reporter. He formerly owned a 1938 Morris 8 Sports, and now has a 1982 Toyota Starlet. Kevin turns 80 next month.
Beaded Wheels 11
HIN BE
D THE WHE
EL
SPECIFICATIONS: Engine: 990cc in-line four cylinder Valves: Inlet over exhaust Ignition: Magneto Gearbox: Three speed with kick start Brake: Rear wheel, external contracting band Wheelbase: 58 inches (147cm) Weight: 310 lbs (140kg) Speed: 75 mph (120k/h)
26 Beaded Wheels
JOSEPH MCCLINTOCK’S
1917 HENDERSON MODEL G
WORDS AND PHOTOS KEVIN CLARKSON
Slightly trepidated at the thought of mounting a veteran bike without the benefit of years of yoga – Beaded Wheels editorial committee Chairman, Kevin Clarkson, cast caution to the wind and leapt astride Joseph McClintock’s Henderson for a spin. HENDERSON MOTORCYCLE COMPANY
Bill Henderson, in partnership with his brother Tom, set up shop in Detroit in 1911. Their first bike was ready for sale in 1912, but the Hendersons had some strange ideas. That first bike had a very long wheelbase of an arm-stretching 65 inches (165 cm). The petrol tank was correspondingly long and, worst of all, he had the pillion seat in front of the main seat! Bill thought that this would give him good weight distribution. Putting that to one side, he had installed in it his magnificent four cylinder in-line motor which, over its life span of 19 years, was to become the best-loved four cylinder motorcycle engine out of all the manufacturers. By 1913 the pillion seat in front of the rider was gone, thankfully, although the long wheelbase hung around a bit longer. It’s worth noting that the engines of most bikes of the era were started with the bike on the rear stand and the rider pedalled the motor into life before taking it off the stand and riding away. In those early days the Henderson bikes had an altogether much more civilised arrangement where something that looked like a kick start lever could be folded out and used as a crank handle to start the motor and was then folded out of the way. By 1914 it had gained a two speed rear hub and by 1915 the wheel base was at last shortened to 58 inches (147 cm), also resulting in a shorter petrol tank. In 1917, the year of Joseph’s machine, the Henderson had a total revamp, which included a three speed gearbox mounted behind the engine, a new oiling system with oil carried in the sump, with bearings being splash fed similar to contemporary car oiling systems, and a larger clutch. By now it was equipped with a kick starter. It was recognised that the earlier models had their shortcomings and that this 1917 model was a much better machine in all respects and this was reflected in much increased sales numbers. This 1917 model also gained some interest by being successful in some long distance speed events over the year. One such was setting a new record for travelling the 3296 miles (5,304 km) from Los Angeles to New York in seven days and six hours, a massive four days faster than the old record. It was reputed to be the fastest bike of its time. The 1917 Henderson is regarded as the final “true” Henderson. All the notoriety had attracted the attention of Chicago based bicycle tycoon Ignaz Schwinn, also the manufacturer of the v-twin Excelsior motorcycle. Schwinn felt that the inclusion of Henderson in their offerings would enhance their operation, so a tempting offer was made to the Henderson brothers. This was accepted and manufacture moved to Chicago where both Henderson brothers took up executive positions with Schwinn. Over the years many improvements to the Henderson motorcycle were made and there was always a strong demand for
the model resulting in ever improving sales. The final Henderson, the KJ model, was launched in 1929, still with very strong sales. This, though, was the year of the Wall Street Crash which saw many companies fail. In Henderson’s case however, high demand for machines continued through 1930 and well into 1931. By now Schwinn was not happy about future prospects and he felt that the effects of the stock market crash could last for some years to come. He foresaw that if he couldn’t maintain high production levels with commensurably high levels of sales then there would be no profit. He agonised over this quandary and in the end he brought both the Excelsior and Henderson production lines to a sudden and immediate halt. Full order books notwithstanding! This was the end of Henderson motorcycle manufacture. JOSEPH’S BIKE
In the 1990s the late Dave Sparrow, a Canterbury Branch member, restored a 1917 Henderson, similar to Joseph’s, and as might be expected the restoration was up to Dave’s usual very high standards and the bike sparkled and went as good as it looked. Naturally, when Joseph clapped his eyes on Dave’s bike he decided that he needed an American four cylinder bike for himself. He looked far and wide and advertised in the wanted column in Beaded Wheels for 18 months. That advert elicited only two replies. One from a helpful member who advised him that he would be unlikely to get such a bike as he had been looking for years with no luck. The other response was from David Gwynn of Upper Hutt and this call resulted in Joseph getting his much lusted after American four cylinder motorcycle.
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