CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR 78 YEARS
No. 387 April /May 2024
New Zealand’s Foremost Historical Motoring Magazine $8.95
VCC NATIONAL VETERAN RALLY
9 418979 000012
A FAMILY AFFAIR
MARKETPLACE FIND THE VEHICLE OF YOUR DREAMS
SUMMER MOTORING A BIG COUPLE OF MONTHS FOR VCC MEMBERS DRIVING OUR HISTORY
This photo of a 1924 4 cylinder Buick was supplied to Beaded Wheels in 2014. We have no other information in our files and are interested to see if readers can provide any details. Please email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz
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 2546, Christchurch 8140. Laserprints/photocopies are not suitable. Photos will be returned as soon as practicable.
NATIONAL OFFICE
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand 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 George R. Kear 027 221 4332
president@vcc.org.nz
CLUB CAPTAIN SOUTHERN REGION Mark Wilkinson 021 168 6068 sicc@vcc.org.nz REGISTRAR Neil Beckenham 021 588 536 registrar@vcc.org.nz
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Diane Quarrie 027 333 1329 pastpresident@vcc.org.nz
SPEED STEWARD Ray Sanders 021 632 563 speedsteward@vcc.org.nz
SECRETARY/ TREASURER Vacant
EDITOR, BEADED WHEELS Kevin Clarkson 021 0270 6525 kevinclarkson@vcc.org.nz
Andy Fox 027 519 9642
mgmt1@vcc.org.nz
Murray Trounson 03 339 8830 mgmt3@vcc.org.nz COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING comms@vcc.org.nz ARCHIVIST Don Muller 03 385 6850
archivist@vcc.org.nz
Rebecca George CLUB CAPTAIN NORTHERN REGION 021 293 7714 mgmt2@vcc.org.nz Glyn Clements 021 0833 4081 nicc@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 3144 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/- 448 Tukituki Road, RD1, Takapau 4286 centralhawkesbay@vcc.org.nz EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 2168, Kopeopeo Whakatane 3159 easternbayofplenty@vcc.org.nz
FAR NORTH C/– PO Box 312 Kaitaia 0441 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/- 923 Taringamotu Road, Taumarunui 3994 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/- 125 Forbury Road, Saint Clair, Dunedin 9012 otago@vcc.org.nz ROTORUA PO Box 2014, Rotorua 3040 rotorua@vcc.org.nz SOUTH CANTERBURY 19 Redruth St, 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/- 7 Leatham Ave, Strandon, New Plymouth 4312 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 5840 wairarapa@vcc.org.nz WAITEMATA C/- 8 Jean Place, Stanmore Bay, Whangaparoa 0932 waitemata@vcc.org.nz WANGANUI PO Box 726, Whanganui 4541 wanganui@vcc.org.nz WELLINGTON PO Box 38418, Wellington Mail Centre, Lower Hutt 5045 wellington@vcc.org.nz WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH PO Box 547, Warkworth 0941 wellsfordwarkworth@vcc.org.nz WEST COAST C/- 143 Ward Street, Cobden Greymouth 7802, westcoast@vcc.org.nz
Are you looking for an autumn adventure?
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
Do you need an excuse to get your old wheels out of the garage? We have 36 active branches around New Zealand. Our events range from weekly runs and coffee get togethers, to hill climbs, speed events and touring. For the more intrepid, our infamous off‑road adventures are the stuff of legends.
PETER COOKE, FAIRLIE, SOUTH CANTERBURY, IN HIS 1910 REO. 2024 VCCNZ NATIONAL VETERAN RALLY ARMSTRONGPHOTOS.CO.NZ
Visit www.vcc.org.nz and get motoring with us today. See opposite page for your nearest branch
All vehicles, cars, trucks and motorcycles over 30 years old are club eligible. Or just join up and grab a ride with another member.
CONTENTS Issue 387 April/May 2024
FEATURES
Cranking up the nostalgia in Otago…
Leap of faith
20
37
41
Marketplace
11
The Horrid Motor Track
12
Behind The Wheel – 1927 Essex Boat Tail Speedabout
20
Leap of Faith
22
Two Boys, One Dad and a Quattro
26
A Vintage Maxwell
28
Deco Done and Dusted
30
Rally Snippets 30
Coast 2 Coast Tour – Nelson Branch
31
Daffodil Rally – Taranaki Branch
32
Josephville Hillclimb – Gore Branch
34
2024 National Veteran Rally including Founders Prince Henry Tour
70th Dunedin- Brighton – Otago Branch
38
National Vintage Only Rally – Marlborough Branch
39
Burma Rally - Wanganui Branch
39
Summer Racing -Banks Peninsula Branch
22
Audi Quattro
COLUMNS 5
From the Editor
50
President’s Message
6
VCC Branch Events
50
National Office News
7
Mailbag
52
Festival Update
10
Timelines
53
Trade Directory
40
Archivist News
54
Branch News
41
Marketplace
66
Passing Lane
49
Swap Meets & Rallies
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated
37
COVER It goes faster if we all lean forward! Driver Allan Dippie, Dunedin, with Ollie GibsonPinn and Sophie Gibson-Pinn (rear), 1913 IHC Autowagon during the 70th DunedinBrighton field tests. See P37 for a full report and some amazing photographs from Armstrong photography.
National Office
Phone 03 366 4461 Email admin@vcc.org.nz
Postal Address PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
Address 12 Aberdeen St, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Website: www.vcc.org.nz
DRIVING OUR HISTORY
4 Beaded Wheels
Find us on facebook Vintage Car Club of New Zealand
The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) is the worldwide organisation dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of historic vehicles and related culture. The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc) is a founding member of FIVA. VCC Life Member Rod Brayshaw is the New Zealand delegate to FIVA and also a member of the FIVA Technical Commission.
FROM THE
EDITOR
The 1912 Ford Model T entered by Lynne Heron from Gore Branch leads a fleet of club veteran vehicles at this year’s National Veteran Rally hosted by Otago Branch. Exactly which emissions standards will be applied to the country’s fleet of veteran vehicles?
I’m not sure when or if we will eventually get 12 month Warrant of Fitness inspections (WoF), but if we compare the age of the fleet now it is far younger than when I was young. Back then I and my mates got around on old bangers that we had to repair before we could even present them for a WoF, let alone the do repairs that came after being rejected. We all knew how to deal with loose kingpins, enough anyway to get a pass for a while! Currently 24-year-old cars qualify for a 12-month WoF and I would presume that some of those do get rejected because of lack of maintenance. Interesting that in seven years 30 year old newly club-eligible vehicles will be on 12 month WoFs. I find it a bit worrying that the Warrant of Fitness inspection, part of New Zealand’s vehicle safety history for many many years, is perhaps morphing
Beaded Wheels Publisher
The Vintage Car Club of NZ Incorporated The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXXV No. 387
Typesetting and Design
RGB Design & Print Ltd, Christchurch
Editor: Kevin Clarkson Sub Editors: Judith Bain, Rosalie Brown,
Mark Dawber, John McDonald, Greg Price, Charles Rushbrook
into something more than being solely concerned about vehicle safety requirements. It appears that if your vehicle number plate is not the officially issued one then a fail for your WoF can result. I am assuming that the authorities are getting ready for number plate recognition technology in order to catch more drivers exceeding the speed limit. Apparently this technology may not work if your number plate is mounted vertically as on some motorcycles, or perhaps you have a non-compliant plate for some reason. Vehicles exceeding the speed limit is indeed a safety issue, but it is the driver that is in charge of how fast the vehicle goes and it is a bit of a stretch to say that number plate recognition ability is a vehicle equipment safety issue. What other non-safety requirements will they add on to the WoF next?
We now find that the Motor Trade Association (MTA), the union for motor garage proprietors, has recently released a document which includes a section on exhaust emissions. They were recommending exhaust emissions testing for WoFs. This could make sense for modern vehicles that have had to meet a standard when new (except for a popular brand of German made ‘wagen, apparently!) but when it comes to our club eligible vehicles exhaust emissions testing to meet modern standards is a farce and, as there were no standards in place back then, there is no standard they can be checked against. They certainly have no hope of meeting modern emission standards. And, once again, exhaust emission quality has little to do with vehicle safety equipment requirements. Obviously, any exhaust system
that is loose or leaking is still, quite rightly, a reason for a WoF fail.
Correspondence & Editorial
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My view on the MTA, possibly jaundiced, is that anything they recommend is not likely to be in the vehicle owners’ interest but rather is more slanted to providing more work for its member garages! The MTA’s suggestion has not yet been taken up by government, and it may never be, but we need to remain ever vigilant about governmental and other bodies lest they come up with ever more inventive ways to either get our vehicles off the road or charge us more money for their “services”!
Kevin Clarkson Editor Beaded Wheels
The contents are copyright. Articles may be reproduced complete or in part provided that acknowledgement is made to “Beaded Wheels, the magazine of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated” as the source. Reproduction of articles must be at least 12 months after original Beaded Wheels publication date. Beaded Wheels reserves the right to digitally store all published material for archival purposes.
CLOSING DATES FOR JUNE/JULY
Editorial Copy 29 April 2024 • Advertisements 10 May 2024
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HIN BE
D THE WHE EL
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A CLASSY-LOOKING SPEEDSTER, IF EVER I SAW ONE! Graeme Shaskey’s 1927 Essex Boat Tail Speedabout
Words and photos Greg Price, historic photos Neil Shaskey
It’s not often that I encounter another car enthusiast who has owned their classic longer than me, (and by some nine years) but also has the same two identical car badges. And the coincidences don’t end there, either!
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Canterbury Branch members will more than likely be familiar with this well-rallied example from the Hudson-Essex stable, as will many other members from outside the region who frequently attend rallies and runs. Editor Kevin spotted this at the start of the Canterbury Branch Annual Vintage Rally and, after talking to Graeme’s son Neil, decided it was a very suitable candidate for a BTW article. Neil had been able to borrow the Essex on the day because Graeme was otherwise occupied with the Pikes Peak Special. My first encounter with this car was some years back, also on a VCC rally, when it parked behind me at the rally conclusion venue, Sparks’ Museum in Rangiora. I thought at the time, ‘I could see me hooning around in that.’ Of particular interest to me at the time was the ‘boat tail’ rear end, so-called because it looked like the front of an upturned dingy. If you saw that in front of you it simply meant that you weren’t going fast enough! There’ve been other so-called boat tail cars, but the ‘boat’ part was right way up, and was generally of wooden construction. Boat tails were quite common in the late 1920s – early 1930s it would seem, consistent with the need for speed, perhaps, or at least look like you were going fast? But for those who can’t be bothered checking out the detailed history of the marque on the interweb, here’s a brief summation, courtesy of motoring author Ronald D Sieber, whose book Classic Speedsters tells you everything you needed to know, and then some.
ABBREVIATED HISTORY OF HUDSON ESSEX On 24 February 1909, department store owner JL Hudson donated US$100,000 to a motor company and scored the naming rights – Hudson (what else?). In addition, the company benefitted from starting up between two recessions, so supplies then were plentiful, and so too were interested customers. A Roy D Chapin and Howard E Coffin, formerly of the Olds Motor Works, Thomas-Detroit, and Chalmers-Detroit, were at the helm of this new concern. George W Dunham and Roscoe B Jackson, also from Olds, had joined up, together the team brought a raft of confidence to this new motorcar’s success. And successful it was. After one year of building its Model 20, between 4200 and 4500 runabouts had rolled out the door, a testament to selling just what the customer wanted—a low-cost car that worked. Quite a first-year achievement. Along with the selection of models that were typical of this era, including a Model 33 roadster, Hudson also trooped out a Mile-A-Minute roadster. The Mile-A-Minute was a true speedster in that it presented in cut down speedster style. It had a raked steering wheel and laid-back seats, and it was minus the passenger-compartment body panels when compared to the Model 33 roadster. Plus, the Mile-AMinute had smaller wheels. To sum it all up, the Mile-A-Minute was a “stripper” in the true speedster tradition of the period. This car no doubt gave birth to the expression—“Goes like 60.”
THE INTERIM YEARS Hudson steadily increased market share as it first competed with Ford for a piece of the low-cost market of four-cylinder cars, and then inserted itself into the automotive middle sector with upmarket models using the Hudson Six. This began in 1913, and by 1914 Hudson was all about six-cylinder cars. Steady growth allowed Hudson to expand into its Alfred Kahndesigned factory in Detroit by 1916, where sales doubled to 25,000 units that year. Hudson cars had been raced since 1912 as a way to test components and engineering practices, but factory support to achieve records really came on in 1915. Their Hudson Super Six, the first six with a balanced crankshaft, had a long-stroke 3.5” x 5.0” l-head design, displacing 289 cubic inches and producing 76 horsepower at 3000 rpm. The Super Six earned a reputation as being a contender as the company campaigned at various board tracks as well as hill climbs, setting records and winning laurels for endurance records and road race finishes. Hudson track speedsters were known as scrappers that could well achieve a second or third-place podium, which thus placed them on the leader board, but they were more often in the middle of the pack rather than at the front.
ESSEX LEADS THE WAY In 1919 a new model, the Essex, was introduced as a way for Hudson to re-enter the low-cost field. The four-cylinder Essex, displacing 179 cubic inches and using an F-head arrangement for its valve train, would compete directly with the likes of Ford and others who dominated this sector, and the larger Hudson would continue to go up against middle-market contenders with its Super Six 289. Essex steadily worked on its quality with product innovations that it adopted from its parent, Hudson, but not all improvements improved. For instance, after adopting the Super Six in L-head configuration in 1924, which had a diminished 145 cubic-inch capacity when compared to the 179-inch four, Essex had replaced a
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MARKET PLACE
1934 ALVIS CRESTED EAGLE i n exceptional condition and used regularly including several trips from Auckland to the South Island. Very reliable and comfortable travelling. Up to date WoF and Rego. Excellent value at $40,000 for this rare car. Ph Fran 027 410 8270.
1929 WILLYS WHIPPET 96A c olonial-bodied coupe. 1936 PACKARD 120B 4.2L STRAIGHT 8 fully Only three in New Zealand. Ruatoria Police car, restored. See TradeMe listing for photographs and recovered from Ōpōtiki, restored in Gisborne. details. $65,000. Albany, Auckland. 0274 303 010. Spare engine and plenty of parts. Current Rego MEM NORTH SHORE and WoF. $20,000 ono. Matt/Karen 027 309 7899. MEM GISBORNE
1928 CHEV 4 TOURER C omplete car, partly restored, new panels and parts, aftermarket parts, a lot of spares. Some woodwork to do. Ph Jack 021 100 3444.
1930 AUSTIN 7 SALOON very original owned 1940 AUSTIN 8 SEDAN. Rego on hold. Good since the 60s. Goes well, new tyres. Trailer loads original order. Offers around $5,000. Ph 027 288 of parts plus a reconditioned engine. $15,000. 1105. MEM TARANAKI Email austinbee@hotmail.com or 027 241 4994. MEM WANGANUI
BSA B33 1952 T his bike has done 41,500 miles since being restored some years ago. It has been rallied throughout New Zealand and is still in very good condition with the magneto being overhauled two years ago. It has current WoF & Rego. $8,500 ono. Contact Peter 027 491 3387 or paspiller@xtra.co.nz. MEM WAIKATO
1967 MGB ROADSTER, 1800C M ark 1 body. We 1948 SINGER 9 ROADSTER fully restored 1980. need a special classic sports car enthusiast to take OD 55877. Loved family tourer. Needs attention over ownership of our MGB. We have enjoyed it for to deferred maintenance of engine, brakes, oil 20 years and at 82 I am fading, while the car is in seals. Steering nut replaced plus one spare. Reg on top condition. History sheet available at leroydc@ hold. Spare parts including NOS for other Singers. xtra.co.nz. $25,000 ono. Don 07 849 7268. $15,000 ono. ChCh viewing, ph Jackie 021 886 467. MEM WAIKATO MEM CANTERBURY
1965 JAGUAR 3.4 M OD Very good condition. Receipts. Recent engine, P/S, full brake overhaul, partial panel and paint, front seats reupholstered, new seatbelts, some new chrome, new wire wheels. Beautiful in opalescent pale blue and navy trim. Sublime to drive. $48k peterinpuahue@ gmail.com 027 932 0624. MEM WAIKATO
1922 WILLYS KNIGHT MODEL 20A M ust go, we are downsizing! Reg, WoF, & VIC. Going pretty well. Magneto overhauled in 2022, new windscreen, radiator recored. Lots of mechanical parts. A great wedding car! $18,000 ono. Ph Brian 06 753 3313, E: aliebolly@hotmail.com. MEM TARANAKI
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1971 FIAT SPECIAL c reated mid eighties from a 125S embodying all mechanicals. LTSA modification declaration, motor sport logbook. Rego on hold, sold with WoF and Rego or negotiation as is. Offers on $3,500. Phone 03 541 9391. MEM NELSON
MARKET PLACE
MODEL T TRUCK worm drive, shaft & bearings & crown wheel. Looks to be in good condition as per photo. Ph Sean 021 440 749, email sean@shal.co.nz MEM TAUPO
WOODEN WHEELS m ade for your metal work. Steam-bent felloes, any shape spokes. Ph Vern Jensen 06 323 3868, 16 Osborne Terrace, Feilding, gransuz16@gmail.com MEM MANAWATU
VETERAN PARTS , Claudel FZR alloy carb, claudel bronze, ZR6 Bosch mag, Bosch DF4 mag, Dependence tail lights big and medium, Marmon tail light, French SJS Bevlift jack, alloy steering wheel. Ph 07 3484227. MEM ROTORUA
1963 FORD ANGLIA. A s is where is. A suitable 1968 MG MIDGET MKII. A great project for next project. Lots of spares included. Not registered. international rally. No WoF or Reg since 2018. Mk1 Cortina motor. New clutch. Minilite wheels Runs well, reliable engine. Chassis will need some and tyres. $6,000 ono. Phone 021 0254 0044. work to reregister. Open to sensible offers. Hood MEM TARANAKI in good condition, can throw in vehicle cover. Ph Christchurch, 027 492 7029 or email noble.family@ xtra.co.nz for more pics.
FUEL TANK LINER, stops and protects against leaks and weeps. Contact: peter.alderdice@ me.com 021 743 906. MEM AUCKLAND
15” WIRE WHEELS - REMOVED FROM MGA. Good 165R15 tyres, wheels in good condition. $500. Phone Barrie 0274 327 238, or email barriewalker96@gmail.com MEM CANTERBURY
1988 TOYOTA COROLLA HATCHBACK. Only 116,000 km, goes well and only used for the odd VCC run in the last four years. Paint work has some touch ups but very clean and tidy car. $4000 firm. Contact Ron Christchurch 027 353 7040, email rowdynz@gmail.com. MEM CANTERBURY
1937 AUSTIN 7 RUBY This car was restored by Classic Auto Restoration Services Lower Hutt and registered with unique plates JD1937 in October 1979. Four owners and done 24000 miles. I’ve owned car since May 2016. Has current WoF & Reg. Offers. Phone David 027 211 9941, treescapefarm@outlook.com
omplete with Lees 1955 MK1 JAGUAR 2.4 C ream with red upholstery, MARK 2 ZEPHYR MOTOR. C current WoF & Rego. Two family owners since new. marine manifold. Includes starter motor, inlet Engine reconditioned. Always garaged. Asking manifold, carburettor and engine mounts. $700. price – offers over $25,000. Ph 027 288 1105. Ph Alan 027 459 5292. MEM SOUTH CANTERBURY MEM TARANAKI
1928/29 RUGBY Originally a four door saloon, now cut down, original number plates and on the held registration list. Motor is non-functional. Separately: Front mudgaurds, headlamps, front apron, new head gasket, refubished water pump, starter motor plus various other components. Handbook, workshop manual. 021 1422 046 Christchurch.
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