#0164 ember 2025
August 2026
PO Box 458, LEVIN 14 Tiro Tiro Road, LEVIN
Patron Chair
Tom Hayes Jon Dayton jongdayton@gmail.com Callum Farmer
Deputy Chair Secretary Treasurer AssistantTreasurer Club Captain Committee
Welfare Officer Membership Officer Custodian & Maintenance Spares Team
Library Archives Branch Delegate Spark Editor Spark Distribution VIC Team
Merryl & John White horowhenua@vcc.org.nz jaydubbleyou43@gmail.com Jackie Job jackiejob73@gmail.com Diane Fox Greg Oliver Bill Cottle Richard Salt Andrew Judd Gary Scott Dave Bang Bill Laney Daphne Williams Bill Cottle Callum Farmer callumfarmer77@hotmail.com Rex Williams Jeff Fox Colin Brooks Robert Cammish Don Macdonald George McLean Don McLaren Clive Bardell Gary Scott John White Bruce Jamieson editor.spark.HVCC@gmail.com brucejamieson48@hotmail.com Murray Tinsley Verdon Heath, Ivan Horn, Jeff Fox and Robert Cammish
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Meeting Branch Night - 1st Wednesday of the month at 7 30 pm Committee Meeting - Last Wednesday of the month at 7 30 pm Working Bee - Saturday following Branch Night at 9 00 am Spare Parts - Open Saturday following Branch Night at 9.00 am Branch Bank Account No - 03 0667 0269227 02 (Westpac) Name: VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ INC HOROWHENUA BRANCH
Speaker for September
Aaron Burns will give us a presentation about his trip to the Irishman Rally.
New Club Members
Simon Hall has just joined. He has a 1964 MGB. Welcome, and we look forward to seeing you at some of our events.
Big Thanks
Club member Bob Bailey has helped the editor untangle the mysteries of Windows 11, Microsoft Word and gmail. All I need now are a lot fewer prompts from AI Assistant, Co Pilot, safe mode, trending searches, pass key, save to cloud, stay signed in?, view summary, enable off-line features, upgrade to _ _ _ _ , enable editing, etc so that I can just get on with the job.
Apologies
A club member pointed out that the advertisement for MEREDITH ELECTRICAL did not have a phone number. On checking back issues I found that this had been missing since August last year. The proprietors, Richard and Sharon, must have been wondering why they have been getting no enquiries. The editor apologies for this mistake, and has updated the advertisement in this issue. See page 5.
New email addresses
Club secretary is having problems with VCC email. Use his personal email address jaydubbleyou43@gmail.com for now. Correspondence to the editor should now be sent to the following: editor.spark.HVCC@gmail.com , however, my previous email address can still be used.
Cover Picture
1938 \Chevrolet coupe belonging to Sharon Meredith.
Despite the cold evening and the ongoing fuel crisis it was good to see so many members at our August branch meeting. We had one new member, Simon Hall, owner of an MGB which I look forward to seeing out on one of our runs, or even at a future club night. We didn’t have a speaker, but we were due to see a film made by Country File of the Lutz’s family farm but due to technical issues it wasn’t to be so hopefully next time. We were due to visit the farm on a midweek run recently where Carl, who passed away last year just short of his 99th birthday, had a collection of mostly Ford and Fordson tractors. His son Max was to host us but was unwell so the visit was cancelled at the last minute. One day I will get to see the collection. We have the Daffodil Rally coming up shortly, held again this year in conjunction with the Manawatu VCC Branch. It was a good day last year, so we are looking forward to it (details later in Spark, along with the other events from near and far). Greg, our Club Captain has asked if anyone has a restoration/maintenance problem then ask the members please, that’s part of why we meet up to share our collective knowledge. On the 14th Aug there is the upcoming VCC AGM in Palmerston North. John White our club representative will be there, along with Verdon Heath our VIC representative. This will be the first AGM under the new constitution so it will be
interesting to see how it plays out and how the new set up will work as regards to each branch’s future representation. Our new Librarian, Gary Scott, is getting to grips with the library and how he sees it operating. He has again asked that NO MORE magazines are brought in. We have hundreds to dispose of that are no longer relevant and are just taking up space that we can use for good, useful books that need to be catalogued and stored. That’s all from me for now. Look forward to seeing you on the Daffodil Rally in a couple of weeks. Jon Dayton
MEREDITH ELECTRICAL LIMITED For all your electrical requirements including: New Homes, Dairy farms, Maintenance, Repairs and all general electrical work.
Give Richard a ring on 027 4415464
It’s been a relatively quiet month; the weather has been so unpredictable and there is not a lot of club activity on at the present time. Fuel costs have been up and down like a yoyo, and I’m not sure when we will reach some kind of stability. Our July Garage Raid was to Dave and Debbie Hobbs’ place in Levin. This was a huge success with over 40 members attending. Dave carried out an introduction, and members were allowed to view his collection of Holden, Ford, Morris and Toyota cars, as well as his replica old style grocery store, where he has displayed all sorts of collectables over the years. Dave and Debbie, along with Debbie’s sister, provided a beautiful morning tea for everyone including hot sausage rolls. I think everyone enjoyed the morning and on behalf of the club I would like to thank Dave and Debbie for hosting us. Talking of garage raids, would anyone like to like to assist me with organizing future raids? I would like to see them continue, and it would sure help to relieve the pressure. The monthly Kapiti Mid-week run to the Lutz family farm to view the late Carl Lutz family tractor collection, was unfortunately cancelled due to our host’s sickness. This could possibly be held at another suitable date in the future. The café luncheon still went ahead and approximately 20 members turned up there for a get together and socializing. The next Kapiti mid-week run is to Das Bunker in Raumati South. This is a boutique collection of WW1 & WW2 military artifacts and 100 years of military history all in a semi underground bunker. Usually by appointment only, the Bunker will be open to members on the Kapiti mid-week run Wednesday 26th August. $10 entry fee. Please let Phil
Pearce know by Sunday 23rd August if you wish to attend. More info later in Spark. Daffodil Day is not far away now, and on Sunday 23th August we have again combined with Manawatu VCC. I have plotted a touring route leaving from the clubrooms in Tiro Tiro Road at 11am, and head for Feilding via Foxton, passing through Rongotea, to pick up any members along the journey. We will eventually meet at the car park opposite Manfeild gates, and near the sale yards at approximately 12.30pm and then proceed together into the Coach House car park which is on the corner of South Street and Kawa Kawa Road. Parking in the carpark will be tight and we will be required to bunch up together representing Horowhenua Branch VCC. Bring with you flags, banners, decorations, daffodils, dress up in something outrageously yellow, and bring along a picnic lunch. At 2.30pm there will be a 1-hour rally approx. 30 miles long finishing at the Manawatu Club rooms around 3.30pm for afternoon tea and prize giving. Last year was their largest display and turnout ever, so hoping for the same this year. There is a $10.00 donation required per vehicle. Manawatu Ladies are having a friendship group get-together on Saturday 5th September at their club rooms, and our ladies have been invited. Beginning at 11.30am, take a plate of something to share, and something to drink. Tea, coffee and juice provided. Please let Cathy Clements know if you intend going. More information in this edition of SPARK. Saturday 6th September is Fathers’ Day, and we have again been invited back to the War Vets home for a park-up and car display. We will also be invited to take residents for a drive around the block. This has been very successful over the past two years and the residents have enjoyed us coming along and making their day. Reevdon has since closed down, and so it’s just the War Vets that will command our full attention this time. On the same day, 6th Sept, the Te Horo Hall Fund Raising Committee are organizing a Car Run Fun Raiser. The intention is to raise funds for the restoration of the Te Horo Hall. Beginning 09.30 am for a 10am
start. $25 per car and $15 for lunch. Children under 5 will be $5. It should all be over by 2.00pm. Go onto their web site to enter. Coming up on the 12th September is Manawatu and Central Hawkes Bay combined Vintage only rally (for pre 1932 vintage cars). The rally begins at the Tui Brewery Mangatainoka and covers a distance of 95 miles, and includes 30 miles of gravel surface, finishing at the Mangatera Hotel in Dannevirke. Entries close 31st August. You will find entries in this edition of Spark, and on the board in the clubrooms. Also coming up is Taranaki’s Annual Rubber Duckie Motorcycle Rally during the weekend 18th & 19th September. If you require any information or entry forms for a particular event, please do not hesitate to contact me, and I will do my best to send you an entry or a contact person. Finally, I would like to just mention that Keith Andrew has come up with a chance in a lifetime trip. He has suggested that he charter a flight with Sounds Air from Paraparaumu Airport to Omaka in Blenheim to view Peter Jackson’s Collection, the museum, and car museum at Omaka, returning the same day. Cost will be around $500. $400 for the return flight, and $100 cost to get into the events. We would need to fill the flight which would be 11 to 12 passengers. Let me know if you are interested. We have 2 passengers already. If successful we could charter another aircraft. Next year’s 2027 Art Deco Festival Event in Napier will be held the week February 17th to 23rd. 2027 will be commemorating 100 years of Buick assembly in New Zealand. It’s on my bucket list; all I have to do is get my Buick running sweet. That’s it from me, until next time, keep that oil dripping Greg. Breaking News: The Horowhenua Christmas Parade this year will be held on Saturday 5th December, and the Shannon Christmas Parade on Sunday 13th December. Greg Oliver
As a life long old car nut its been a pleasure to step into the librarian role. A big thank you to Robin for all the work he has put in making it easier for me to find my way round. After the first detailed look around I have realized just how much of a treasure trove our club has. As well as our club’s history, there is information on just about every vehicle ever made. Of particular interest to the membership will be the large number of workshop manuals. We all know that when starting a project with gusto and enthusiasm , we are guilty of saying “I’ll remember where that goes' or "that’s obvious, I don't need to take a photo". So I encourage the members to check if we have the required manual. All books can be taken out just by signing the register book. We are also accepting new book donations, but bear in mind that if we already have a copy, we’ll keep the good one and offer the not so good one to the membership. Until next time.
Gary Scott
GARAGE RAID ON JULY 8th
At Dave and Debbie Hobbs’ place, alongside the large shed, is this smaller lean-to. The sign reads “Old Country Store”. Look inside!
An advertisement from the USA in 1929
De Soto register We have had an enquiry from a Wellington member wanting to compose a register of De Soto cars in the country. He is particularly interested in 1960’s models. If you wish to be included please contact him directly: Richard Potts nzclassiccoaches@gmail.com
Answer later in this issue of Spark
Had some cold weather in your district this winter?
Remember these?
July 2026 I would like to start off by thanking the 25 members of the Horowhenua Vintage Car Club who made the journey over the Rimutakas or Pahiatua Track to the Wairarapa Vintage Car Club Spares Department recently. The morning was fine and cold, and it was excellent to catch up with many of the Wairarapa members, many of whom showed up in their vintage cars. We nattered over hot tea and coffee and beautiful homemade scones. The morning finished off with an invitation for the Wairarapa members to join us at our clubrooms next year. This is something that myself and Hugh Hunter, the Wairarapa Club Captain, will look into next January or February. Sales have been slow but steady over the month of July, with the team inside Spares continuing to work their way through the shelves as we continue to tidy them, so members can find things better and earlier than in the past. Safe motoring everyone.
Callum
The end of the shed seems to be over the horizon
Answer to “What Am I?” 1931 Rover Speed 20
Rover applied the time-honoured approach of fitting the largest engine in its range to the most compact chassis to create a sporting model. The Speed 20 used a 111 inch frame from the 10/25 and installed the 2565cc straight six from the Meteor. It was a quick car right from the start, even with the original single carburettor fitted, but this was uprated to a triple SU carb set-up in 1934 to give a top speed of 85 mph. Servo brakes helped cope with this performance, and the Speed 20’s engine was mounted lower and further back in the chassis than in the 10/25 for improved handling.
Rendezvous at the club (but not the HVCC)
BIG CARS - SMALL PEOPLE
Careful placement of the car in relation to the building and people makes the Cortina look huge.
Kapiti M-W Report July 2026 The visit to Carl Lutz tractors was postponed due to sickness of one of the family members. However about 18 gathered at Reds Cafe in Ōtaki for an enjoyable lunch and plenty of chat.
PARKING
VCC Banners
These fabric windscreen banners in blue with white lettering are again available. These can be used when displaying your car at shows or rallies. New stocks now at $15 each. Order from Robin Strachan. Library Merchandise
HVCC Dashboard Stickers Iron on fabric badges HVCC blue and white caps Name Badges (fill out form)
$4 $3 $10 $12.50
1961 Austin Healey Sprite This is a classic 2-seater car with character. It has always been garaged and is regularly run. A fun, reliable and enjoyable car to drive. $16500. Contact Richard Salt 02111289211
1953 Sunbeam Talbot Convertible This is a lovely Sunbeam Talbot convertible. It has been completely restored by previous owners. $30000. Contact Richard Salt 02111289211
KAPITI MID-WEEK RUN, WEDNESDAY 26TH AUGUST Visit to Das Bunker, Raumati South Das Bunker is a huge collection of weaponry, uniforms and other memorabilia illustrating 100 years of military history. It is probably the biggest such collection in the country, after the NZ Army Museum at Waiouru, with every weapon imaginable from a Colt 45 to a WW2 antiaircraft gun. It is even housed in a bunker, albeit one built under an innocent looking suburban home down a quiet ROW in Raumati South! But this isn't some macho gun collection, it is one man's tribute to his grandfather who served as a sniper in WW1, where he was shot in the thigh while still only 16 years old, and who also served in WW2. Following the visit, tables have been reserved to meet up for lunch at the Sunday Cantina, also in Raumati South. Further details, including times, parking suggestions and directions for both Das Bunker and the cafe will be sent out to everyone on the Kapiti email list and to anyone else who is interested in this visit. And if you would like to be added to the Kapiti email list to receive details of all future runs, please just let me know. Philip Pearce Email: <nzpearce87@gmail.com> or Mob: 027 274 4084
CALENDAR of COMING EVENTS
23rd August 26th August
Daffodil Day at Coach House, Feilding Kapiti Mid-Week Run
2nd September 3rd September 6th September 9th September 18-19 September 26th September 27th September 30th September
Club Night, HVCC Rex Porter Memorial Rally, Wairarapa Fathers’ Day, visit War Vets’ Home, a’noon tea Garage Raid, HVCC Rubber Duckie MC Rally, Taranaki Swap Meet Feilding, Manawatu VCC Distinguished Gentlemen’s Drive, Wairarapa Kapiti Mid-Week Run
3rd October 7th October 11th October 14th October 28th October
Tin Can Rally, Wairarapa Club Night Club organised run – TBC Garage Raid Kapiti Mid-Week Run
4th November 11th November 13th-15th November 25th November 29th November
Club Night Garage Raid MG Classic Race Meeting, Manfeild Kapiti Mid-Week Run Tararua Trundle
2nd December 5th December 9th December 13th December
Club Night Levin Christmas Parade Garage Raid Shannon Christmas Parade
TAIL LIGHTS
ISSN
the print bureau 06 367 9330