The
Tourer
Manawatu Branch
Volume 1792
July 2018
Discounts on Cook Strait Ferry Crossings All financial members of the VCC of NZ Inc can obtain a discount on ferry crossings, for individual or group bookings. You must show your membership card. Quote the required codes: Interislander WH5465 0800878898
Blue Bridge – ANTIQUECAR 0800844844
Number 09/300139
When insuring your valuable items (property, car etc) with Vero, quoting the above number results in a commission being made to the Manawatu Branch. Thank you for your ongoing support.
COVER PHOTO: Laurie Cocker’s 1906 Cadillac K Delivery van towering over Jack and Jocelyn Olynsma’s 1970 Morris Mini at the Herb Farm. Photo B Abraham
2
The Tourer
Coming Coming Events 2018-2019 Events 2018 July 2018
August 2018
8 10 15 17 29 8 19 24/25 26
Rotorua Branch Swapmeet Committee meeting 7.30pm The Grove Horowhenua Night Owl Run Club night 7.30pm The Grove Speakers - Robin & Claire Brown – Silk Road Adventure 2017 Sunday Run 1.00pm from Chesters Committee meeting 7.30pm The Grove NB No Club Night in August, with effort directed into the Daffodil Day Sunday Run 1.00pm from Chesters Rotorua Sulphur City Rally National Daffodil Day Car Show at Coach House
car park Feilding
September 2018
12 15 19
October 2018
6 10 13-14 17 22 -27 14 16-18
Committee meeting 7.30pm The Grove Branch Vintage Rally Club night – combined with CHBVCC at Dannevirke. Speakers - Kaaren & Jim Smylie -Route 66 Branch Swap Meet Committee meeting 7.30pm The Grove Wairarapa Branch 50th Anniversary weekend Club night 7.30pm The Grove Targa NZ VCC South Island Time Trial Committee meeting 7.30pm The Grove Veteran Rally Weekend, Nelson details from
21 12 tbc 19
Branch Christmas Function 7.30pm The Grove Committee meeting 7.30pm The Grove Branch Club morning – with morning tea provided
November 2018
December 2018
jimnkyra@xtra.co.nz 03 544 9998
Sunday Run details are in the Club Captain’s Corner each month. Regular monthly events are listed inside the back cover in each issue. Bookings for The Grove venue can be made through Creative Catering, Awapuni Racecourse Phone 06 354 2780 or info@creativecatering.co.nz
The Tourer
3
From the Chair Greetings Fellow Enthusiasts, Manawatu Branch warmly welcomes the following new members: Robin Sears, Doug Angove, Jan Hewlett and Stuart and Valda Lind and transferring members: Alan and Robyn Henry from Taranaki Branch and Bruce and Diane Dyer from Waikato Branch. There was a disappointing turn out to the last club night where we watched videos of Art Deco which were kindly supplied by Bryan Abraham. Our speakers for July are non-members Robin and Claire Brown who in 2017 travelled through a total of 15 countries covering 20,000 km in 82 days from Vladivostok to London. They were part of a ten vehicle tour with Overland Journeys which included the Silk Road. Please come along and support these outside speakers. A reminder that there is NO CLUB NIGHT IN AUGUST as we are concentrating our efforts towards the Daffodil Day static display at the Coach House car park in Feilding. This is a national VCC event with the aim of promoting the Club so we need as
many cars as possible to make this event a success. Cars will be displayed from 10am -1pm with entry to the display being by a gold coin donation with all proceeds going to the Cancer Society. For those who want to visit the Coach House Museum at this time, admittance will be at their usual rates. In September we are having our combined meeting with Central Hawkes Bay Branch. I am delighted to announce that the speaker will be our North Island Club Captain Kaaren Smylie, who will be joined by her husband Jim and talk about their trip along Route 66 in the United States. Planning for the swap meet on the 6 October is underway. Please consider giving an hour and a half of your time to manning the gates. Please see the roster in this issue and let me know if you can fill one of the slots. Happy Motoring Sarah Howell Chair.
So there’s this snail, and he’s really tired of being slow, so he goes to the nearest Renault dealer and buys one. He has them paint a big red S on the side, (for Snail) so everyone will see him and, marveling at his new speedier lifestyle, exclaim “Sacré bleu! Look at that S-car-go!”
4
The Tourer
Swap Meet 2018 - 6 October Roster
Kawakawa Road Gate (3 people)
Time
Name Name Name
6:45am - 8:15am
8:15am - 9:45am
9:45am - 10.15am
South Street Gate (3)
7:45am - 9:15 am
9:15am - 10:45am
10:45am -12:15pm
Clean up: (3)
2.00pm - 3:00pm
Show Car Director (1) Times tba Please send details of your preferred time slot and name to Swap Meet Roster Co-ordinator Sarah Howell 063746645 or iansarahhowell@gmail.com - thanks.
Seeking Keen Power Cyclists Paul Furkert, a Wairarapa VCC member, has recently recommissioned a power cycle, a 1936 BSA bicycle driven by a 1951 Trojan Mini Motor via a friction drive onto the rear wheel. This machine has a top speed of around 20mph, so isn’t really suitable for standard VCC rallies. Paul is looking to get in touch with other owners of power cycles who might be interested in a Power Cycle rally. The idea is to meet up at a country pub / campground somewhere in the North Island one weekend next summer, and do some short (and slow) explorations of the local area. Owners of other slow bikes (e.g. mopeds or veteran/vintage motorbikes with top speeds of less than 30mph) would also be most welcome. If you have a suitable machine, and would be interested in such a weekend away, please get in touch with Paul (email paul.furkert@xtra.co.nz or phone (06) 3795355 or text 02040273746). If there is sufficient interest from cycle / bike owners, the finer details of the rally will be worked out in consultation with potential participants.
The Tourer
5
Request from Canterbury Do you know if any of the Canterbury clubs would have a spare model tt truck chassis around. The Pleasant Point railway is considering restoring another model t ford rail car as they have the body for it but no chassis at present. Please contact Ross if you can help. Ross Holden Communications Officer Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) Phone 021 2638488 comms@vcc.org.nz
Feilding Farm Meat Processors Ltd Home Kill Servicing the greater Manawatu
* MAF Registered * Farm Meat Slaughtering & Processing * Packed & Frozen Complete Home Kill Service Ph/Fax 06 323 6288 A/hrs 06 323 4265
Steve Bright 021 519 077
96 Churcher St Feilding
VCC ID CARDS RENEWAL APPLICATIONS Message from Head Office NZVCC
Please note that all VCC ID Cards have an expiry. This expiry is upon change of ownership, or 10 years from the issue date. Your vehicle must also be as described on the Card. A Renewal form personalised for each vehicle ID Card is distributed by the National Office to current financial members, approximately 3 months before the expiration. Even if your vehicle has had no changes, this form must be checked, signed and forwarded to your Branch, along with the ID Card (if the photo correctly shows your vehicle in its present state), or three new photos, as stated on the form. Upon receipt at the National Office, the ID Card will be reissued and will be valid for a further 10 years unless there is a change of ownership or major changes to the vehicle during that time. It is compulsory for all National and International VCC Rallies that vehicles entered must have a current valid ID Card.
6
The Tourer
Irishman Rally 2018
By Peter Alderdice, Auckland Branch VCC part owner of Betsy, 1926 Oakland that belonged to the Rowdens for 16 years. This year’s rally started for us on 9 May when Betsy, our 1926 Oakland Tourer was driven to the Auckland Wharf to await loading onto the Dream Orchid for shipment to Lyttelton. Nephew Les Alsop picked her up and stored at his place until we arrived on Thursday 31 May. This year’s rally started at Oamaru and the trip down was in fine weather and trouble free. Hardly even had time for the usual rest and green ginger wine, although lunch at the St Andrew’s tavern could have turned into a session if common sense hadn’t turned up. We travelled with a group of Canterbury Branch motorcyclists who have discovered the dark side and
The Tourer
purchased vintage cars. An early start on Saturday morning at the Farmers Market carpark in the historic district saw the gathering of 163 vintage cars, with around 430 people associated with the event. We were farewelled by the Mayor and made our way down the coast towards Kakanui on a bright clear cloudless morning. What a sight with the sun sparkling on gently breaking waves. Our inner calm was challenged not far from the coast with the first river crossing in the Kakanui Valley. Lack of rain in the days before meant only a modest challenge for the field and hardly anyone opted for the by-pass. The rally route (that was extremely well plotted) took us onto Tapui Homestead station where the instructions suggested chains be fitted, but again as rain had been absent, the field climbed a steep grassed farm paddock without difficulty. There was another river crossing and a steep grassed climb on Lomond farm
7
before lunch was enjoyed at the Kurow Memorial Hall. The locals served a full roast with choice of three meats and lots of veges, for a mob of over 400, well done. The morning section was about 85 miles. The post lunch run was one of the most spectacular vistas we had ever experienced on any vintage event. The route took us through the Hakataramea Pass towards Tekapo. We were well into the clouds and as the temperature was reported to be minus 10, the cloud had frozen resulting in a hoar frost. All the trees, Matagouri, fences and wires were covered in frost, and looked a real picture postcard. We managed to warm up at the Kimbell pub before heading to our accommodation. The evening meal was enjoyed with friends at the Gladstone Hotel in Fairlie. Another early start on Sunday, again over 160 pre 1931 vehicles setting off from Fairlie, to a morning of around 90 miles of motoring mainly on shingle roads. The highlight of the morning was a visit to a private homestead, Blue Cliff Station, built in 1869 and still lived in by the same family who generously
8
allowed the huge crowd to visit the downstairs of the house and see the furnishings, crockery and cutlery that were bought from England not long after the house was completed. The 4000-hectare property has its own airstrip and most took the challenge of traversing farm tracks and river crossings to climb up to it. After another great cooked lunch at the Fairlie hall, the afternoon was, as tradition dictates, spent at Pete’s Patch watching those more competitive vehicles attempt the grass gymkhana whilst sharing experiences of the weekend with old friends. The prize giving went down well. The organisers had provided 10 entrants with drinking mugs and were told they must be at the evening function. Our entry was one of the chosen few, and when it came time to line up with the other recipients of the mugs, we were all pretty sure that one of us was to be selected as the winner. But no, they just created a lot of anxiety and we were told to go and sit down as we were all safe. The runner up and winner were then announced, what a laugh!! The Tourer
Next morning (holiday Monday) we set off for home, dropped Bruce at the airport and Leo and Pete carried on north though Kaikoura and made it to Picton, although traveling the last hour at night is not to be recommended in driving rain in an open car. The ferry crossing next morning saw our first mechanical challenge. Betsy refused to proceed onto the rail deck of the Aratere and stopped on the ramp. Fortunately, three wharf employees and Leo pushed her onto the ship and after
berthing in Wellington, she started and we quickly discovered a blocked air filter had caused her to haemorrhage fuel at Picton. We stayed the night at Bulls and drove the next day via Whanganui, Raetihi, Taumarunui, home to Auckland and as it was Wednesday, attended shed night. All up we drove just over 1250 miles. This was a fabulous event and at the Betsy syndicate meeting held at the rally conclusion we all reckoned we’ll be back next year.
An man buys a sports car and is really beginning to enjoy it when he sees flashing lights in the rear view mirror. He guns it and is rapidly up to 160mph when he realizes what he is doing. He slows down, then pulls over and soon the cop pulls up behind him. The cop comes up to the window and asks, “What were you thinking, taking off like that?” “Well,” the man replies after thinking about it for a bit, “a few years ago a highway patrol officer ran off with my wife.” “What does that have to do with anything.” “I thought you were bringing her back.” The Tourer
9
Wanganui Branch Annual Rally 2018 Queen’s Birthday weekend, Sunday morning, and Ann and I are up early. Not necessarily awake, but up and out the door. Heading the Mercury Cougar to Wanganui for what has become an annual pilgrimage for us: the Wanganui Branch Annual Rally. We always enjoy the Wanganui rallies; different areas explored, friendly people and a very nice afternoon tea at the end! The rally starting point was a small park in Somme Parade, very near the Dublin Street Bridge and across the road from a ‘Z’ gas station – most necessary for all those thirsty 16 mpg vintages and American V8’s. Marshalling at this point was quite well organised, the cars being lined up roughly in starting order. A number of passers by stopped in to a look at the lineup of lovely vehicles. Perhaps there is a lesson there for us. Instead of our starting point being at The Grove, hidden from public view, we could do our starts in places more accessible to the public in order to raise our profile. If we want to attract new members, then we need to be seen to attract more interest. But back to the Rally. With 61 entrants, the pre start marshalling showed its effectiveness with all getting away smoothly. The run quickly took us out of Wanganui city limits and into the lovely surrounding countryside. Although we have been lucky enough not to have experienced the deluges of the winterless north, there has been exactly the right amount to keep the land so green. After some meandering, the first timed section checkpoint was
10
reached. Oh calamity! No designated speed on our instructions. After a fruitless enquiry made of the marshals, and some discussion between the navigator and the driver, we decided the best course of action was to take the middle point of our speed range of 30-40 mph. That done, a section of gravel road was then encountered; a speed reduction to 18 mph, at the end of which an instruction to proceed at 35 mph. Hip Hip Hooray!! Perhaps our earlier guess at speed was right. Maybe. The run left the western side of SH 3 at Maxwell, north of Wanganui, and this is where we went slightly awry. Nearly immediately, a further turn off the highway was required but we missed it. Only after looking in the rear view mirror, did I notice that those who were following us had disappeared. A quick u-turn, backtrack a few hundred metres and we are on the right track again. TEN others made the same error, nine as a convoy. Yes, NZ definitely is the land of sheep! By now, the timed section had been completed, so a sigh of relief – phew that’s over – time to relax a little and enjoy the scenery. Ann was particularly chuffed to pass the tiny Waitotara School which she had attended as an infant. She was adamant that it was much bigger in those days, and that obviously part of the building must have been removed at some time. Yeah, right. Not far on, into Waverly and our lunch stop at Willowbank, a farmstay facility which the Wanganui Branch has used in the past. A large indoor venue had been set aside for us in case of rain, and most took their lunch break there, just in case. A reasonably easy afternoon run, with just six silent checks, and we were The Tourer
back to the Clubrooms where the local Whanganui Branch, with his very cool ladies produced their usual sumptuous 69 Pontiac Firebird. Very nice car. There afternoon tea. Just wonderful, thank were also two early 60’s Chevs, both you so much. driven by younger members. There are 8 Clip Art - History & register of the Austin Eight many other one make and Classic car With eight contestants Austin from Manawatu Branch, it was a reasonable bet that one clubs and groups about that usually enlist of our members could come away with these owners and vehicles but I believe a first placing in their class, but not to it’s great that the VCC can and should attract them. Whilst there are many be. Esther & Dave Williams in their 47 views for and against what are loosely Plymouth were the best performed with a second placing in the Post War group. termed “classics” one only needs to see the success of such events as Beach Hop Perhaps using inside knowledge, the and Americarna to understand here is an overall winners were local Wanganui untapped market of potential members members Lee & Karen Taylor in the for our movement. vintage class with a Ford Model A. Of Recent Videos course. er of the Austin Eight Austin 8 I was pleased to see Mike Marshall from Peter Robinson 2059 views
Austin Seven Movie 3095 views
Recent Photos
Newest Members
Movie
Recent Forum Posts will a 1947 bonnet fit my
by monty 13 days ago
Oil filter
by Aus7 2 weeks ago
http://www.austin-eight.com/austin8clipart.htm[25/02/15 10:06:58 am]
sts
t my
The Tourer
11
Len Shailer Ltd
“NZ’s Finest Automotive Platers”
THE CAR TAILORS
68 Wilson Street- Wanganui
191 ALBERT ST, PALMERSTON NORTH PHONE 357-9098 * All types of car upholstery * Vintage cars a speciality * Carpet Overlocking
The acknowledged experts on all types of Vintage and Post Vintage Nickel and Chrome Plating. We are one of those old-fashioned firms that take pride in the quality of our work. (Ask anyone who has dealt with us) For all your METAL FINISHING REQUIREMENTS Copper, Brass, Bronze, Silver, Alloy Plating,Gold, Antique Finishing and Metal Polishing Phone Dave on Wanganui (06) 345 5042 for prompt and efficient service
12
The Tourer
Club Captain’s Corner
by Bryan and Catherine Abraham
It was cosy in ‘The Landing’ at the Woolshed with 34 people seated around the tables enjoying tea, coffee and good food – and indulging in a good catch-up with friends. The weather was kind to us and the fairly direct route out through Main Drain Road, Kellow Road, Tangimoana Road and Speedy Road included some roads which some people had not previously travelled.
The Tourer
13
With 15 cars parked up in the Woolshed carpark, many of the members of the public coming out of the café diverted to inspect our vintage vehicles. Thanks to those who came out for the afternoon. MID MONTH MEANDER 17 June 2018 SUNDAY RUN TO THE HERB FARM – 17 June 2018 Photos by Robert Wilson It rained in the morning – it rained the next day – but we timed it beautifully and had a pleasant run to Ashhurst in dry weather. The route took the group around Lockwood Road, back into town and south over the bridge, through Aokautere into Ashhurst and
14
onto the Herb Farm. A couple of tables had been reserved for us and after the 11 cars had been parked up twenty people headed indoors to enjoy tea, coffee and food under the warmth of gas heaters. A relaxing afternoon – and good to again see a good turnout of members.
The Tourer
Time for refreshments. MID MONTH MEANDER – 22 July 2018 The July Mid Month Meander takes us to the well-known Rush Historic Race Car Collection on the outskirts of Feilding.Meet at 1.00 pm at the Chesters Plumbing and Bathroom carpark in Tremaine Ave, Palmerston North for a fairly direct drive to Feilding - approximately 17 miles (27 km). Don’t be late – we are booked in for a 1.30 pm visit so there will be an emphasis on a prompt departure from Chesters.This collection includes Bruce McLaren’s first race car along with examples of other racing, domestic and commercial vehicles - plus a large collection of other motoring and historic motor racing artefacts and memorabilia including a model toy collection. Terry Rush (owner) will give the group a talk on the history of many of the race cars.The $10.00 per person entry charge includes afternoon tea of coffee or tea with biscuits.Terry is interested in tracing the whereabouts of a local Manawatu 1937 Hudson Terraplane. The vehicle was sold to a Mr Vic Page in approx. 1960/61. If anybody has any The Tourer
knowledge of this car could they please make contact with Terry on (06) 323 6683 – or speak with him on the 22nd. SUNDAY RUN – 29 July 2018 Meet at 1.00 pm at the Chesters Plumbing and Bathroom carpark in Tremaine Ave, Palmerston North for a 37 mile (60 km) drive to a café. There is an approximate 4 mile (6.5 kms) section of State Highway driving (SH1) on this run - and the same again if you return to Palmerston North by the same route – or a greater length on a State Highway if you choose to take a more direct route home, so feel free to bring your modern if you would rather avoid this in a vintage car. DAFFODIL DAY – DAFFODIL DELIVERIES – 28, 29 and 30 August 2018 As you would have seen in the May Tourer, as part of the VCC National (Daffodil) Day this year our branch is holding a car display at the Feilding Coach House Museum carpark on Sunday 26 August. Cancer Society staff and volunteers will be attending to collect donations from the public. The Manawatu House Centre Manager
15
has also invited us to provide vintage cars and drivers (only) to convey Cancer Society staff and volunteers around the local area to deliver daffodils. These deliveries will incur a surcharge which will be a donation to the Cancer Society. The Cancer Society person who is assigned to each car will deliver the daffodils into the premises and handle all monies. I have undertaken to try to provide the Manawatu Centre with a fairly accurate indication of the numbers of cars and drivers willing to participate. The Society need this information to promote the service and to manage the operation, knowing how many orders they can accept for daffodils to be delivered by vintage car and when these can be made.
Could members who would be willing to assist with deliveries for this worthwhile cause please contact me by 23 June and let me know which half day(s) (or part half day(s)) they would be available: • Wednesday 29 August – AM • Wednesday 29 August – PM • Thursday 30 August - AM • Thursday 30 August – PM Although the priority for deliveries will be for the Wednesday and Thursday there will be an opportunity for a smaller team to undertake deliveries on the Tuesday. • Tuesday 28 August – AM • Tuesday 28 August – PM contact: Bryan Abraham - (06) 358 4014 - email bryana@xtra.co.nz
Feilding Auto Electrical Ltd “All auto electrical faults repaired on Alfas to Zephyrs”
Alternators & starter motors reconditioned or new Batteries - automotive, commercial, marine Computer diagnostics - Engine, ABS, Airbags etc MP3/CD Players supplied and fitted Car alarms Air conditioning Automotive parts and accessories at: Feilding Auto Electrical 71 Stafford Street, Feilding Ph: 323 8427 Mobile: 0274 423 967 Email: fae@inspire.net.nz 16
The Tourer
Manawatu Branch Email List Branch officers use emails to communicate with members in the periods between publication of the Tourer. While this includes reminders about upcoming events and closing dates, it is essential to advise of changes to advertised events and for notifications of bereavements etc. This form of communication is standard practice for any effective organisation. Emails are not sent out all that frequently and are released using the Bcc field so that addresses are suppressed from other recipients. From time to time members have been asked to advise the Club Captain of their email address. Very few members have responded and the Branch email list includes only about a quarter of our members. The Branch email list will be updated later this year from information in the VCC National Office members list. If you wish your email address to be excluded from the Branch email list please advise the Club Captain. Please also contact him if you wish to ensure that you are included in the list.
ADVANCE NOTICE
Saturday September 22 has been designated:
INTERNATIONAL FORD MODEL A DAY
Preliminary planning is under way for a relaxed meeting between Model A owners and lovers from Wanganui, Manawatu & Horowhenua. If you do not have a Model A, but would like to participate, a space will surely be made available for you. If you are interested in attending this momentous event, please contact: Peter Robinson 06 356 7404. The Tourer
17
Vintage only Rally 15 September 2018
Keep the date free for a great day touring in the country. All cars are welcome but vintage only vehicles can be competitive. The Rally entry form will be in the August Tourer. Organisers – Dave and Esther Williams
One day a blonde comes up to a man’s door and asks him if he has any odd jobs. The man says “I’ll give you $50 to paint the porch out back.” The blonde goes to work and after 30 minutes, she comes back, and tells the man she is done. “Wow, that was fast,” the man says. The blonde replies, “yes, I know, but that wasn’t a porch. It was a Ferrari.”
TWO WHEELS ENGINEERING
99a Lombard Street Palmerston North Ph 06 357-2972 Fax 06 355·1634 Mobile 027-241·3413
18
B&H ENGINE SERVICES 2015 Ltd 298 Broadway Avenue- Palmerston North (Member NZ Engine Reconditioner’s Assn) Specialists in all • ENGINE RECONDITIONING and • PARTS SUPPLY of any make or model. • • • • • •
ALSO Shell Bearing Conversions Remetalling Line Boring Unleaded Fuel Conversions Balancing “Hard to Get” parts manufactured TELEPHONE: 357 1182 FAX 356 6722 Email: bhengserv@clear.net.nz www.bh-engineservices.co.nz The Tourer
Tourer Trader FOR SALE Ford Model A Roadster 1929. Tidy condition, excellent hood, 12V, flashers, new water pump, valve grind, radiator cleaned out, tyres 50%. Runs well. Recently done a 700 km road trip. $26,000 ono phone Cliff Bennett 021 1283 7088
WANTED I’m looking for a Boot Lid for a 105 Ford Anglia, 1963 to 1967. If you can help, please contact me…….maxandjudy46@gmail.com Thanks…….Max Wilson
A policeman pulls over an old man in a pickup truck because the bed of his truck is full of ducks. The officer says, “Sir, it is unacceptable to have this flock of ducks downtown, take them to the Zoo this instant!” The old man confirms that he will and drives off. The next day the officer sees the same man in the same truck still full of ducks. Only this time all the ducks are wearing sunglasses. The officer pulls him over again and yells, “I told you to take these ducks to the Zoo!” The old man replies, “I did! But now the little buggers want to go to the beach!”
The Tourer
19
The ABC of the Manawatu VCC X is for 1917 Big X Excelsior
Owned and written by Vern Jensen
‘photo from Google images’ This 1917 motorcycle is 1000cc, V twin, all chain drive, 3 speed gearbox and all electric (horn, lights etc). The bike was inherited (taken over) from Vern’s father Owen. Owen had bought it as a second hand purchase about 1925 when he needed to commute about 15km to a family farm where he was working. There were no sealed rooms in those days. It was probably little used after June 1936 when Owen married Mary and they moved to the farm. Mary probably insisted on the purchase of a car as a motorcycle isn’t much fun in Apiti. The car was a Clyno. At the start of WW2 the Big X was dismantled and the components spread around various sheds. This may have been done to save it from war requisition! It was put back together mid 1960’s by Vern while the bits could ‘photo from Google images’ hopefully still be identified. Owen had a very good memory – “yes that nut belongs; no, that linkage is off something else”. Missing pieces included the primary chain cover, front wheel and two oil taps. It was then left to mature for a further 50 years until Vern was persuaded to at least try and improve it. About 1980 he was helping put hay in a shed when he found
20
The Tourer
a Big X gearbox on a dwang on the shed wall, alone and abandoned . The farmer was very surprised when Vern didn’t want any money for his haymaking efforts – he just wanted the gearbox. (It was only a two hour hay job). Recent work includes two new wheels and motor repairs. It will not be restored to new, but rebuilt to oily rag condition! From Wikipedia: Excelsior Motor Manufacturing & Supply Company was a U.S. motorcycle manufacturer operating in Chicago from 1907 to 1931. It was purchased by Ignaz Schwinn, proprietor of bicycle manufacturer Arnold, Schwinn & Co. in 1912. In 1912, an Excelsior was the first motorcycle to be officially timed at a speed of 100 mph. The Henderson Motorcycle Company became a division of Excelsior when Schwinn purchased Henderson in 1917. By 1928, Excelsior was in third place in the U.S. motorcycle market behind Indian and Harley-Davidson. The Great Depression convinced Schwinn to cease order Excelsior’s operations in September 1931. An extremely rich and famous German sports star was carving up the roads one afternoon in a brand new Porsche. Passing on the right, speeding everywhere, he takes a blind corner at speed and plows into the back of a Trabant, sending them both spiraling into a ditch. Both cars are demolished. The sports star hops out of the twisted wreckage of his Porsche, to see an elderly man climbing out of the Trabant with a jubilant smile on his face. The sports star asks the gentleman if he’s okay, if he’s in shock. The gentleman raises his arms and says “No! This is fantastic! Let’s celebrate! We’re both alive!” He opens what’s left of his Trabant’s door to see a box of Cuban cigars. “What a miracle! Such an impact, and my treasured cigars are okay! Let’s light them and celebrate our good luck!” So the sports star and the gentleman light up, and smoke their cigars. The gentleman looks back inside, and sees his vintage bottle of Scotch and two glasses, and pulls them out. “A toast to us! Such a horrific accident and we made it through without a scratch!” He pours two very tall glasses of Scotch, and hands one to the sports star. They clink their glasses, and the sports star downs his. He looks at the gentleman, standing there with a still-full glass. “Aren’t you having any?” he asks the gentleman. “Oh no, not until the police give you a breathalyzer.”
The Tourer
21
Directory BRANCH COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN:
Sarah Howell (Ian) iansarahhowell@gmail.com
06 374 6645
VICE CHAIR:
Bryan Abraham (Catherine) bryana@xtra.co.nz
06 358 4014
SECRETARY: Peter Robinson (Ann) bestlife@xtra.co.nz
06 356 7404
CLUB CAPTAIN:
06 358 4014
Bryan Abraham (Catherine) bryana@xtra.co.nz
VICE CLUB Vacant CAPTAIN: TREASURER:
Ian Howell (Sarah) iansarahhowell@gmail.com
06 374 6645
COMMITTEE:
Trevor Hardy (Sandra) ts.hardy@xtra.co.nz
06 323 4040
John Ireland (Anne) Ireland.clan@inspire.net.nz
06 323 4170
Brian McPherson (Deirdre) briandeirdre@slingshot.co.nz
06 354 6310
Ron Persson (Josie) ron.persson@gmail.com
06 354 5266
22
The Tourer
APPOINTED POSITIONS SWAPMEET Trevor Hardy (Sandra) CO-COORDINATORS: ts.hardy@xtra.co.nz
06 323 4040
John Ireland (Anne) Ireland.clan@inspire.net.nz
06 323 4170
EDITOR:
Esmee Rowden (Ian) erowden@gmail.com
06 356 7871
CUSTODIAN:
Gary Millar (Marion) gw.millar@hotmail.com
06 354 8298
LIBRARIAN:
Gary Millar (Marion) gw.millar@hotmail.com
06 354 8298
DELEGATE:
Sarah Howell (Ian) iansarahhowell@gmail.com
06 374 6645
BEADED WHEELS:
Ian Howell (Sarah) iansarahhowell@gmail.com
06 374 6645
PARTS SHED:
Gary Millar (Marion) gw.millar@hotmail.com
06 354 8298
ID CARD ADVISORS:
Murray Martin (Dot) dottiem67@outlook.com
06 354 5960
John Ireland (Anne) ireland.clan@inspire.net.nz
06 323 4170
CLOSING DATE FOR NEXT TOURER – 20TH JULY 2018 The next issue of the Tourer will be August 2018.
Please send your contributions: rally reports, your motoring stories, cuttings, technical reports, humorous articles, photos, drawings etc
to: The Editor erowden@gmail.com
The Tourer
23
Manawatu Branch Meetings held at the Clubrooms “The Grove”, 684 Kelvin Grove Road, Palmerston North Third Wednesday of each month from 7.00pm. Meetings start at 7.30pm. (Please wear name badges at all Club events) • Committee Meeting— 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm. • BYO Tea — First Sunday of each month from 5pm at the Clubrooms. • Parts Shed — Opens from 2pm first Sunday of each month. • Library — Open on club nights, and by arrangement with the Librarian. • Noggin & Natter — First Tuesday of month at 7:30pm. Murray’s Irish Bar Feilding. Vintage Car Club Vehicle Classifications • Veteran Motor Vehicles constructed prior to 31st December 1918 • Vintage Motor Vehicles constructed between 1st January 1919 and 31 Dec 1931 • Post Vintage Motor Vehicles constructed between 1st January 1932 and 31 Dec 1945 • Post War Motor vehicles constructed between 1st January 1946 and 31st Dec 1960 • Post 1960 Motor vehicles constructed between 1st January 1961 and 31st Dec 1980 • Post 1980 Constructed after 1st January 1981 provided that no vehicle is accepted for this class until January 1st of the year that is 30 years after its original year of construction • Factory Built, & Historic Racing Vehicles -as described in the Club By-laws • Period Specials - as described in the Club By-laws
THE TOURER: New Zealand Registered Magazine.
The Official Newsletter of the Manawatu Branch of the Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc) Email: Manawatu@vcc.org.nz Phone: (06) 354 8582 Clubrooms: ‘The Grove” 684 Kelvin Grove Road PO Box 385 Palmerston North 4440