Central Hawkes Bay VCC - January 2019 by Vintage Car Club of New Zealand

January 2019

CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY BRANCH of the VINTAGE CAR CLUB of NZ (Inc) Lamb Country Branch Email: centralhawkesbay@vcc.org.nz

Contributions should be emailed to the Editor no later than (25th of each month)

joycecalder@gmail.com

Club Nights

7.30pm 3rd Wednesday of every Month

1937 Bentley Derby Drop-Head Coupe—by Rod McKenzie The 1930's was a grand era of automobile styling both in Europe and the USA. Art Deco design was in full flight and this particular car would be absolutely spiffing to drive one's lady to the show in, or in which to perhaps turn up at the polo.

Postal Address C/-73 Porangahau Road Waipukurau, 4200 NOMINATED POSITIONS CHAIRMAN Lynn Cross secross@xtra.co.nz 06 858 9814

The Derby Bentley is certainly one of the most elegant cars of the period and SECRETARY has become one of the world's more sought after collector cars. The most Ken Lyons Ken.lyons@xtra.co.nz striking of all was the Gurney Nutting Owen Sedanca Coupe pictured below. 06 858 8093

This 1937 example had a 4257cc 6 cylinder engine and a four speed gearbox with overdrive. It was the last to be manufactured of the seventeen bodies constructed.

TREASURER Kaye Carswell wpkmotors@gmail.com 06 856 9777 CLUB CAPTAIN

This example was first owned by Captain G.H.Balmain of the 12th Royal Lancers Rod McKenzie who purchased the car from the showrooms of H. R. Owen Ltd in Mayfair, Lon- rod.mckenzie.wpk@xtra.co.nz don on 26th November 1937. It was claimed the top speed was 147 kph. 06 858 9562 COMMITTEE John Foot V.I.C. (I.D. Card) Coordinator jsfoot@xtra.co.nz 06 858 8301 Peter McCool pandscool29@gmail.com 06 856 8087 Barry Smales barlyn.wpk@gmail.com 06 858 9956 Ruth Parker brparkrz@xtra.co.nz 06 858 5411 PUBLICITY OFFICER Sandra Cross secross@xtra.co.nz 06 858 9814 EDITOR Joyce Calder 022 166 1403 joycecalder@gmail.com

Sunday 27th January, 2019. January Beach Run. This year the branch has been invited by our local CHB VCC members, Paul and Judy Jensen, to visit them at their beach home at Shoal Beach. You will need to bring your lunch, chairs, tables, cushions, togs, sandals, sun-cream, insect repellant, drinks, BBQ food, and anything else you may think of. There will be NO formal start nor start time to head out from inland CHB, and no one standing around handing out instruction sheets, so herewith are your instructions to get you there. We imagine you may like to get there for lunch, but if you can’t make it untill later in the afternoon, just come on out when you can, no problems, and you won’t have to bring a note for being late. Some may be going to Dannevirke for the “Wheels Day” before going out to Shoal Beach. Below are the ONLY instructions you are going to get to find your way to Shoal Beach. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Go to Waipawa. Find the Tamumu Rd turn-off which will also state Pourerere Rd. From Waipukurau go right; from North go left at Tamumu Rd. Follow this road crossing the bridge over the Tukituki River at Tamumu. Follow this road and pass the Omakere Hall. Continue on Pourerere Rd until dropping down a steepish hill to the beach settlement of Pourerere. Option. Explore if you want. 7. Go right into Gibraltar Rd. [Camping ground on the corner]. 8. Follow this road for about five miles [be aware of the dust!] 9. Enter left into the shoal beach settlement and find Paul and Judy’s home.

Wednesday 16 January 2019 – Club Dinner and Meeting To be held at the Paper Mulberry Cafe, 89 State Highway 2, Pukehou, (opposite Te Aute College) Arrive for refreshments from 6.00pm Meal 6.30pm followed by the Meeting at 7.30pm. $25.00 per person - please pay on arrival If you have any dietary needs, please say when you are booking your meal. Smorgasbord:

BBQ Pulled Chicken, Hot Ham, steamed broccoli & cauliflower with cheese sauce, honey roasted carrots, and roast potatoes with gravy.

Dessert:

Apple Crumble with hot custard.

Please contact Barry Smales 858 9956 or barlyn.wpk@gmail.com by Sunday 13 January with numbers attending. Barry is required to forward numbers to the restaurant a few days before to ensure we receive the service we require. PLEASE NOTE: Due to catering considerations, catering company policy and the CHBVCC branch policy, payment for late dinner cancellations or no shows, will be paid for by the CHB Branch, then an invoice will be sent to the member/ members concerned.— Lynn Cross— CHB Branch Chairman. 2

CHB VCC

Jan 2019

February

Events Calendar

Other District Events

Date Mon 31st Dec

Date Some are going to Taihape for New Year

Mon 14th

Committee meeting

Wed 16th

Branch Dinner and Meeting

Jan 19/20 Wanganui Rally

Sun 27th

Beach Run to Shoal Beach by Paul and Judy Jensen

Sat 26th

Wheels with Attitude Dannevirke [Car show]

TBA

Any ideas/volunteers please? Back yard & shed Raid?

15th17th

Art Deco Napier

Wed 20th

Branch Dinner and Meeting

2nd3rd

Leadfoot Festival, Hahei

Jan 1st Taihape Run

3rd Feb Manawatu Veteran Rally

March

Monday 11th

North Island Club Captain's Tour passes through CHB

7th to 13th North Island Club Captain's tour.

Mon 18th

Committee meeting

2nd

Manawatu Ruahine Ramble.

Wed 20th

Branch Dinner and Meeting

10th

Taupo Rally [part of Club Capt's Tour]

Sun 24th

April

Possibly a run in the Napier area.

TBA

29th to 31st Model T Club Rally in CHB 19th to 22nd Easter Rally

Wed 17th Branch Dinner and Meeting

May June

Sat 4th

Twilight rally [Bruce Poole and other helpers]

Wed 15th

Branch Dinner and Meeting

Wed 19th

Branch Dinner and Meeting

TBA

Club run

July

Hope you all have Good Health & Happiness in 2019 3

Chairman's Report December has been quite a social time within the Branch, starting with a good showing of ten cars in the town parade. This finished at Russell Park where much fun and activity was had by parade participants and public alike. The weather was fine and hot. Our Christmas function the following day on the 9 th December was attended by about fifty members. It was well organised by Gloria and Laurie Malcolmson and their team of helpers. Thanks go to all who helped to make it a very enjoyable occasion. Dannevirke put on a fine and hot day for the occasion. December 10th was the day the competitive streak was unleashed when Judy and Seton Thompson organised a regularity run around the loop at Pukeora. Although it was a competitive event, most of our time was spent socialising due to the nature of the event. Smoko, lunch under shady trees, much banter and conversation and of course a very worthy winner. Once again, the weather was kind to us. I may be sounding like a broken record about the weather which here we take pretty much for granted but this month has been extremely wet. Three functions, three fine days. I reckon we’ve had rain on about twenty days so far but hopefully that that’s the end of it. Let’s see what Taihape can offer at New Year when it gets invaded by a large contingent from the CHB Branch.

Lynn Cross CHB Branch Chairman

Rod’s Rattling's The “silly season” has been and gone for another year, but it has been a lot of fun with family and friends for most of us. It has been a good year for the branch with lots of interesting runs and many new members joining in on the fun with their old cars and vehicles. Let us hope we can continue with more fun this coming year. The branch Christmas Party that Laurie and Gloria Malcolmson arranged for us at Russell Phillips’ shed at Te Rehunga was well supported by around 50 folk. It was interesting to see some of the new [and expensive] innovation going into his dairy operation, and also great to have the party amongst his collection of old American cars and memorabilia he and his wife have collected. Our thanks go to Laurie and Gloria for arranging this, and once again, it is through people the members know that we can get to visit properties such as the Russell’s. The theme of “Dress-in-1960’s-Clothing” saw some interesting outfits with a few hippies even, though it appeared the “grass” they were carrying was only lawn clippings! A turn out of around 10 of our members joined in the Waipukurau Christmas Parade with a number of children being given rides down to Russell Park where it all finished. One of our youngest members, Mya Wairau, joined in driving her Grand-dad’s mid ‘60’s Hillman Minx. Great to see! Fifteen cars with sixteen drivers turned out for the “Reliability Trial” that Seton and Judy Thomsen put on for the branch circumnavigating the “Pukeora Loop”. Some were pretty accurate with their times, such as our Chairman at just under 2 seconds different, and another committee member at the other end of the scale at almost 20 seconds awry who also got beaten by his wife. I am sure family discussions have been taking place! By the time you get to read this note [if you have got this far], about 20 of the branch members will be attending a low key rally at Taihape for New Year. This promises to be a fun event and I believe a censored report will surface next month on all the doings in the Wop Wops of Taihape. Paul and Judy Jensen are hosting the branch at their home at Shoal Beach on Sunday 27 th January and it will be pleasing to see a good turn-out for this visit. This is the same day the “Wheels with Attitude” event is on in Dannevirke, but I imagine if you play your cards right you might even get to do both visits. We are still looking for members to contribute to the running of monthly events/runs throughout the coming year. If you have an idea or two, or would like to discuss something that you can do, please give me a call. One of the runs coming up will be a “garage raid” not too far distant time-wise, that should be enjoyable. If you have some project or collection the branch members would appreciate, let me know, and your home and shed could be on the list too. Best wishes to all CHB VCC members for a happy and healthy New Year.

Rod McKenzie CHB Branch Club Captain

Reliability Run – organised by Seton & Judy Thomsen - written by Lynne Smales What a fantastic relaxing social day we had on Sunday 16th December; some were even overheard saying this should be an annual event; I couldn’t agree more. Lynne Smales

15 cars turned up, loaded with sun hats, picnic chairs, morning tea and lunch. After the briefing, all devices and watches were left at the start line (no cheating). 16 drivers tested their skills driving the 7.5km round trip, leaving from the foot of Pukeora Hill, at timed intervals, up over the hill and back to the start/finish line. After lunch we each repeated the course, trying to get a time as close as we could to the morning run. All a bit of luck and guess work I reckon, as none of us knew what our morning times were.

Wayne McDonagh in his 1965 Chevrolet Impala

Taking out 1st place was Lyn Cross in his (Triumph Herald) with a difference of only 1.37 seconds; 2nd place was Ray Freemantle in his (Morris Minor) with a difference of 1.65 seconds; and 3rd place was Bruce Poole in his(Chrysler) with a 2.20 seconds difference. Well done to you all, however I did expect one of the four ladies to feature amongst the top 3. Our other prize winner was Barry Smales in his (Anglia) for the biggest difference between runs – 19.60 seconds. I believe it hurts more to know your wife did better than you. Special thanks to Seton & Judy for a well organised day.

John Cleland in his 6 1929 Ford Model A Tudor

A bit of History on the De Sotoâ€”By Rod McKenzie The first De Soto cars were introduced to the pubic of the USA in August 1928 by the Chrysler Corporation who judged they needed another level of vehicle to come between their expensive and up-market Chrysler and the Plymouth which competed in the market with Chevrolet and Ford. It sold well to begin with. The brand was named after the Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto who discovered the Mississippi River in 1541. Walter P. Chrysler announced the new addition to the family in May of 1928 in the Detroit newspapers of the time. The 1929 model shared bodies, fenders, hoods and many other parts with the Plymouth of the time. It was called the Faeton which was a five-passenger model and a great looking car. Roger White a life member of the VCC, has a 1929 De Soto Roadster which is a pretty rare car. Even with the "Great Depression", De Soto continued to move ahead manufacturing many classy automobiles until in the early 1930's a revolutionary new design called the "Chrysler Airflow" was introduced. The 1934 De Soto Airflow was often shown photographed by stream-lined trains to show the futuristic look of the car. Automotive historians believe it was Ray Deitrich who was responsible for the "Airflow" designs. The 1936 model was the last of the "Airflow" designs as Chrysler discontinued the design due to poor sales. In the 1940's De Soto production shifted to wartime efforts and by 1943 was employing 145,000 men and women for military contracts assembling and painting such items as aeroplane wings. After WW2 De Soto offered many new and exciting designs due to the work of designer Virgil Exner. The 1950's featured tail fins and lots of chrome for the US consumer market. Not very many of these cars found their way to NZ at the time due to the political restrictions and tariffs of the day which favoured commonwealth manufacturers. The new 1955 models were designed under Exner's direction. The 1957 models were also very exciting and beautiful cars, and through the years 1955-9 De Soto enjoyed strong sales. In 1960 came the news of the compact Valiant car with De Soto struggling for survival. 1961 was the last year of the De Soto name badge. On 30th November 1960 De Soto dealers were notified that Chrysler was ending De Soto production in the USA. De Soto had been in business for 32 years and has left collectors and post-vintage owners with a rich history that many will remember.

Pictured above is a 1937 De Soto Sedan belonging to our branch treasurer, Kaye Carswell. 7

Racing Tractorsâ€”by Rod McKenzie Here is a bit of a yarn for the Ford fans out there! Many of you will have heard of the car "999" that Ford developed in 1903. Henry raced it on the frozen Lake St Clair on January 12th 1904 and though he was slipping on the ice, he still managed a speed of 91.37mph through the speed trap. He later told people that he had never been so scared in all his life and would never take part in a speed event again, and never did. Enter Barney Oldfield, a champion cyclist who had not driven a car before, so with a few hours tuition he was game to try anything. He later famously raced Alex Winton, a well-known driver of the US racing fraternity and Henry Ford was thus famous as the designer of the racer. Oldfield was banned later as he was regarded as being too tough and rough on the machinery. He was to re-appear in 1932 employed by Harvey Firestone, a good friend of Ford's, to demonstrate Firestone pneumatic tyres on modified "Allis-Chalmers" tractors. These tractors had special differential gearing and were driven all over the USA at demonstrations. They were capable of well over 60mph and scored numerous speeding tickets, to which of course the newspapers gave plenty of publicity helping the Firestone marketing programme. In 1935 a factory backed 1932 Allis-Chalmers model U tractor put up a speed of 67.677mph on the Bonneville salt flats driven by a David Abbott [Ab] Jenkins. On June 17th 2016 this record was broken after 81 years by a modified Ford model 8N tractor at 101.1691mph. The Ford 8N is the USA version of the Ferguson TEA that many farmers and orchardists of New Zealand would well remember. However, it was equipped with a Ford V8 flat-head motor rather than the puny English Standard motor Ferguson initially used. NSU Motorenwerke AG, or NSU, founded in 1873, was a German manufacturer of firstly bicycles, motorcycles and then cars. The name NSU originated as an abbreviation of "Neckarsulm", the city where NSU was located. The NSU Ro8o is powered by a Rotary Engine, its design was conceived by German engineer Felix Wankel who received his first patent for the engine in 1929. He began development in the early 1950's at NSU and completed a working prototype in 1957. The Wankel Rotary engine has the advantages of compact design and low weight over the commonly used internal combustion engine. In 1967, the Ro8o, with a 115hp version of the same 2-rotor engine was presented to the public weighing just 1200kg and featuring disc brakes, independent suspension and front-wheel-drive with a three-speed automatic transmission, it soon gained several awards. It was "Car-of-the-year" in 1967, virtually all of the world's major motor manufacturers purchased licenses from NSU to develop and produce their own rotary engine. Unfortunately, the twin rotor engine was unreliable and under-developed in its earlier forms and suffered from worn rotor tip seals. NSU was generous with warranty claims which ultimately led to the company's downfall. The company was teetering on the edge of financial meltdown until VW bought it in 1969. VW merged NSU with "Auto Union" which thus created "Audi". Rotary engines have been used8for many years by Mazda who have virtually perfected the concept.

A SPECIAL INVITATION FROM HBVCC TO OWNERS OF CLUB ELIGIBLE COMMERCIAL VEHICLES 2019 IS THE YEAR OF THE COMMERCIAL For the first time ever Commercial Vehicles will be the Featured Marque for 2019. Come to Napier and join the HBVCC for the 2019Art Deco Weekend 2019 to be held from February 14 th -17th.

Kindly sponsored again this year by Euro City Ltd. 45000 people attended ADW in 2018 The Grand Parade on the Saturday will be limited to pre 1946 vehicles with a wheelbase of 160â€? or less. No tractors or trailers allowed. A weight limit of 3 tons will also apply. Here is your chance to show off that great Commercial vehicle along with Commercials from the Bill Richardson Transport Museum. We suggest you plan to arrive in Napier on Wednesday 13th February so you can participate in a special run for just the Commercials on the Thursday ending up at Off the Track restaurant for lunch. Attend our Valentineâ€™s Dinner at the HBVCC Clubrooms that evening. Prizes for best dressed COUPLES this year. For 2019 the main rally is again on Friday and we plan to have a 3 or 4 hour run plus a picnic lunch at an historic Hawkes Bay homestead. Come and join the other 180 plus club eligible vehicles we expect to enter the 2019 Event. Go to the HBVCC website for an Entry Form. (www.hbvcc.org.nz). Entry forms for 2019 will be available from 20th August 2018. Accommodation in Napier is already filling up for Art Deco Weekend so book now to avoid disappointment.

Contacts:

STEVE TROT STEVE DONOVAN

stevetrott@xtra.co.nz stevedon@xtra.co.nz

A SPECIAL INVITATION FROM HBVCC TO OWNERS OF 100 YEARS PLUS OLD VETERAN CARS Come to Napier and join the HBVCC for Art Deco Weekend 2019 from February 14 th -17th

Kindly sponsored again this year by Euro City Ltd Following the great response from the public to the 23 veteran cars we had in 2018 Art Deco weekend we again want to show them what the earliest cars look like, how they perform and where it all started from. We already have several early commitments including

ADW first timers 1915 Locomobile 1918 Twin Six Packard Veteran Renault Veteran Renault

1910 Locomobile

For 2019 the annual rally is again on Friday and we plan to have a 3 or 4 hour run plus a picnic lunch at an historic Hawkes Bay homestead. If there is sufficient demand there will be a special rally route for the early veterans (plotted by local veteran owners) to get you to the picnic on time. There will be a special prize draw ($250 of petrol vouchers) made for just the 100 year or older cars entered in the 2019 rally event. Come and join the other 180 plus club eligible vehicles we expect to enter in the 2019Event. Go to the HBVCC website for an Entry Form. (www.hbvcc.org.nz). Entry forms for 2019 will be available from 20th August 2018. Accommodation in Napier is already filling up for Art Deco Weekend already so book now to avoid disappointment. We suggest you plan to arrive in Napier on Thursday 14 th so you can attend our Valentineâ€™s Dinner at the Clubrooms that evening. Prizes for the best dressed couples this year. Contacts: STEVE TROTT STEVE DONOVAN

stevetrott@xtra.co.nz stevedon@xtra.co.nz

1918 Twin Six Packard

Luxury Restrooms

Four luxurious units available to hire Contact us now so we can show you how to add luxury to your event

06 857 8757 or 027 235 5996 karen@premierloos.co.nz www.premierloos.co.nz

For Sale

1979 Ford Escort Estate

1914 Overland Model 79T Touring

1300 CC.—188,500KM. 4 SPEED MANUAL GEARBOX.

Fully Restored A great motoring vehicle, Spare parts and information Won best restoration award in 2008 at the Willys Overland Club Victoria, Australia.

This vehicle was bought new in August 1979 by Radio New Zealand in Wellington. It was later bought by an elderly gentleman from Awanui in Northland at about 60,000km who used it until his death. It was left to his daughter upon his demise who used it sparingly until she sold it to the present owner. The car appears to have been treated with “Tectyl” from new as there is little sign of rust. Recent exhaust system, rear shocks and two tyres. It has Rego and WOF.

Phone: Neil Cox 021 023 33948

For Sale

It is quite well-presented, but not “concours perfect”. The current mileage is 188,500km. VIC P60V2973. It would be an ideal vehicle for a younger person interested in taking part to use in Vintage Car Club events. Price: $7,500.00 Phone: Rod McKenzie 06 858 9562 or 027 4467 198

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