Issuu

Patron

Tom Hayes

06 3679445

Chair Jon Dayton 022.4280325

jongdayton@gmail.com

Deputy Chair Robin Strachan 06 3646780

Secretary Bruce Jamieson (temporary) 027 6357336

horowhenua@vcc.org.nz

Treasurer Jackie Job 027 2011806

jackiejob73@gmail.com Co-Treasurer

Club Captains

Daphne Williams 06 3640061

dh.dub@xtra.co.nz 021 02792199

Greg Oliver 027 5703501

Julie Riepen 027 6565757

Committee Bill Cottle 027 4509636

Callum Farmer 06 3647238 Richard Salt 021 1289211 Andrew Judd 027 4459606

Daphne Williams 021 02792199

Welfare Officer Bill Laney 027 4512408

Custodian & Maintenance Bill Cottle 027 4509636

Spares Team

Callum Farmer 06 3647238 callumfarmer77@hotmail.com

Rex Williams 022 5114084

Jeff Fox 027 4486888 Colin Brooks

2985458 Robert Cammish 027 4441333 Don Macdonald

3648305 George McLean 027 2121705

Don McLaren 021 1172418

Clive Bardell 06 3555953

Library Archives Robin Strachan 063646780

Diane Strachan 021 468763

Branch Delegate John White 022 1601189

Spark Editor Bruce Jamieson 027 6357336 brucejamieson48@hotmail.com

Spark Distribution

VIC Team

Murray Tinsley 021 02625971

Verdon Heath, Ivan Horn, Jeff Fox and Robert Cammish

Just trying to get my thoughts together in some kind of order wasn’t easy this month.

As always it was great to see such a good turnout for the last meeting which started with an Extra Ordinary Meeting to explain and vote on our branch revised constitution, which must be done to comply with changes to the Incorporated Societies Act. This was completed without too much delay and is now on its way to be lodged as required by law. On that note I would personally like to thank Jackie Job for all her hard work making sure that all the ‘T’s were crossed and ‘I’s dotted. Although a template was supplied to assist it still needed a lot of time spent reading and re-reading to make sure we were right and compliant. Ultimately only minor changes to our existing constitution were needed. Thank you, Jackie, from us all.

A highlight of the evening, for me was to present Win Bishop with his 25-year membership badge. Typical of Win he did not want a fuss or official presentation, so Daphne got the badge and we made it a surprise award. Congratulations Win, you deserve it.

Carol and I took part in the recent quiz day organised by Club Captain, Julie Riepen, along with the Morris Enthusiasts Club. And although numbers were small a good time was had by all. Talking of club captains, it was good to see Greg Oliver back after his recent knee surgery.

Apparently, there is some mis-information going around with reference to the proposed replacement of some of the club’s chairs. The ones we would like to replace are the odds and ends/mismatched ones, mostly around the outside of the room. To refurbish them would not be money wisely spent as the cost would be prohibitive. The Salvation Army may be interested in some but that is yet to be confirmed. The green upholstered ones set at the round tables will remain. As the clubrooms are being let out to other organisations more and more, which is good

for the club, we need to refresh and present the space better. This helps ensure that organisations that pay good money to use our clubrooms are happy to do so.

We originally considered the chairs that the Cossie Club in Levin had recently bought. Very nice, stainless steel, upholstered, but too expensive, especially when through a contact we discovered a source of almost identical chair, albeit with brushed aluminium frame, also stackable and under half the cost. Plus they are in stock, so available when we need them. Only in one colour, as seen at the last meeting, where one was available to see, and someone sat on all evening and she will attest to the comfort. There will be more on this at the next meeting.

That’s all for me for now so happy motoring and see you at the next event.

Jon Dayton

I am back from having my knee replacement, however still cannot drive, as I have difficulty getting in both the Model A, and the Buick to take them for a warrant. The Fiat is not so bad as, believe it or not, the Fiat has more leg room in it than the other cars. Pity, I only have 9 horsepower to drive Jane and myself on any trips and rallies. WoFs are 12 months apart as from 1st September, so should make things a lot easier now

Last club night saw another excellent turn-out of members, and a talk from Gary Scott on the restoration of his 1958 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special.

Gary purchased the vehicle sight unseen from the Adelaide Hills in Australia. The car had been imported from the USA, where it had spent most of its time in the San Francisco area, where the owner had kept it in regular use, driving back and forwards to work.

In Australia, it had sat around for a while before coming up for sale on eBay. Gary had always wanted this particular model, and decided to purchase and import it into NZ. He told us that it sat on the wharf in Wellington for four weeks waiting quarantine. During that time, there was a snake sighting in Wadestown, Wilton Hills area, and Gary often wonders if it may have come from his Cadi waiting on the wharf for customs to clear it.

Once released and upon receiving the car, it looked in surprisingly good order in its original light beige colour, and as he was trying to have the vinning process carried out, Gary got it up on the hoist and found some more surprising problems with the cross-member wall reduced thickness, along with stress cracks and welds all over the place, and so began his long extensive expensive restoration project.

He had the 365 cubic in V8 6lt engine pulled out, some plug welding was completed, and primed. It was painted a beautiful maroon colour in Masterton. Some chrome was done locally, but mostly at Whanganui Platers. The upholstery work was carried out by the master craftsman, Mark Dunn, of Levin.

The brakes, all drum, were reconditioned, along with the ball joints, shoes, hoses etc.

A lot of the parts, including rubbers are still readily available in the States.

Gary describes the car as a whale to drive, having 2 1/2 tons of weight and being nearly 6 meters long. The original motor just purrs along at 90miles per hour with an average fuel consumption of 10 to 12 MPG, it is all pleasure to drive.

In 1958, 2400 units were produced at a cost of approx. $6230 US. (or $62000 in 2024 dollars.) Remember this was top of the line for its time and was a new level of luxury

from General Motors, with electric windows, power assisted brakes, and cruise control.

Gary knows the full history of this car from new, and even found some unusual treasures under the seats when they were taken out.

There are a lot of events, including club activities coming up from now on, so keep an eye on the Events Calendar.

Basil reported that approx. 40 club members turned up at Kohl Customs Workshop in Kuku for the last garage raid, although it was a logistical exercise getting everyone there, all were treated to a guided tour of the workshop, equipment, panel work etc and they even provided a sausage sizzle for us, Repco being their sponsor. Members also viewed one of our members Malcolm Scotney‘s Ford Escort, which was in the shop having work carried out. Truly a very worthwhile place to see, and one which our members did not know much about, and did not want to leave.

Nationally, the Annual VCC Daffodil Day was a huge success this year, with $110,000 being raised across the country, which means over $500,000 raised since its inception in 1997. Locally, Manawatu managed to raise $2100 to go to The Manawatu Cancer Society.

The Great Morris Enthusiasts Club vs the Horowhenua VCC Quiz Day was held on Sunday 21st September at our clubrooms, and was another successful day. All those who attended had a great time, however the VCC outnumbered the Morris Club. Those who attended were divided into groups of 4 and we competed against each other. If you know that the small strings under the skin of a banana are called Phloem Bundles, then we look forward to seeing you same time, same place, for the challenge next year.

The Kapiti Mid-Week run on Wednesday 24th Sept was to Race Tech, Seaview. Win and Daphne attended and Win gave us a report on their visit. Many of the seats are made for competitive race cars and some exclusive models, being fabricated from carbon fibre. This made them light and durable for racing. Some ranged from $9k to $13k per seat, and were mainly for export. Companies from around the world were placing orders, and so this is an excellent export business.

The next Kapiti Run is to Foxton to view the Audio/Film Museum followed by lunch at De Molen Café.

The Manawatu Swap Meet on Saturday 27th September was another outing where we could catch up with a lot of Horowhenua members. There appeared to be more talking than buying, but I’m sure a lot of members came away with some treasures. Two of our members entered the Rex Porter Memorial Rally in Masterton on the 5th October, and it will be interesting to hear how they got on at our next club night. By all accounts the weather was not too kind during the weekend over in the Wairarapa. Coming up:

On the 1st November, Wellington have their November Rally, beginning in Featherston and finishing at Hood Aerodrome, and their Heritage Day on the 2nd November with a park-up at QE 2 Park Tram Museum, Paekakariki.

On Sunday 2nd November we have our Annual Tararua Trundle, starting and finishing at the club rooms. Entries available in this SPARK issue and on the board in the clubrooms.

This year it is approx. 80 miles in length, beginning with a very easy field test. The route will include approx. 1.5k of smooth gravel surface, plus a few questions to answer, and checks to identify. If fine, there will be an interesting lunch stop with a wee challenge, before continuing onto a very small Straight Line Navigation Section returning to the clubrooms for afternoon tea and presentations.

I would like to give a heads-up for Wellington VCC. Wellington Anniversary weekend is coming up from January 17th to 19th next year, and they intend to hold their Annual Monte Carlo Rally on the Friday 16th Jan 26, finishing in Whanganui with a BBQ at 151 On London Motel Whanganui, in time for Whanganui Vintage Weekend. Entries for the Monte Carlo will be out shortly or contact the organiser Wellington Club Captain Neale Ryder 0274493014.

The Burma Rally is on Sunday 18th Jan 26 and Whanganui club should have their entries out soon.

Our next club outing has been scheduled for Sunday 26th November, and I have managed to book the Rush Museum in Feilding for the day. Please bring your picnic lunch and family and friends along for the day’s outing.

There is a cash charge of $15 per person and Terry and Joy will provide chairs, tea and coffee.

Since the museum review on TV with racing car driver and legend Greg Murphy, bookings have gone wild and it is difficult to get group bookings.

To date there are 1174 people heading to Nelson in March for the 2026 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring. A total of 563 vehicles are entered from all 36 clubs, including seven from Horowhenua. The most common make entered for the festival is Ford with 90. Late registrations are still being accepted up to 30th November, with an extra $200 late fee.

Manawatu VCC and Central Hawkes Bay Branches have a Combined Veteran Rally coming up on the 6th December 25. Entries close Thursday 27th Nov, and is open to Veteran, & two wheel braked Vintage Era including Motorcycles up to 1930.

Auckland Veteran & Vintage Car Club also have a Motorcycle Rally coming up 21st to 22nd November 2025 with entries closing 8th November.

Latest news: the next National VCC AGM is being hosted by the Manawatu Branch August 14th to 16th 2026.

Well, that’s about it from me, until the next time, keep that oil dripping.

Breaking News:

A Car Show in Feilding has been scheduled for Sunday 15th November 2026, $10 per vehicle display only. Run by the Rod & Classic Car Club the event is being held in Manchester Square, Feilding 9:30am to 12:30pm

Greg Oliver

Speaker for November

On Wednesday 5th of November we will have a presentation by Jon Dayton. He took part in the London to Brighton Rally on five occasions, so will have plenty of interesting stories to tell.

New Club Members

No new faces at our last club meeting.

Recovering

Pete and Bev Kelly were both knocked around by severe cases of the flu. Pete even ended up in hospital, but is back home now. Jeff Fox’s wife, Kerrie, is also in hospital.

Cover Picture

Still working after all these years. A Morris Eight helping to sell a house for “The Professionals”.

I have noticed that in moving things around in the library, it works out that we have around 65 to 70% more English motoring books and workshop manuals than American. But the number of picture books is in favour of the USA. What does all this mean? Well, if you lived in the farming areas of NZ then the percentage would be the other way around.

Don't forget the giveaway table. There could be something that you could read in bed.

I wonder how many cars still have their original handbook with them. We have quite a few of these sorts of books, and they would look great along with your display. Come on in and ask.

PS: Would anyone know of a 1959-1976 Austin A60 that could be bought?

Robin and Diane Strachan

25 YEAR MEMBERSHIP

Win Bishop has been a member for 25 years and was presented with his commemorative medal at our October club meeting.

In the photo above, he looks a bit nervous as club chairman Jon (who used to be a champion darts player) pins the medal to his pullover.

Moving back to his seat so fast that the camera couldn’t catch him at 1/1000 of a second.

Congratulations, Win.

Answer later in this issue of Spark

Morris Enthusiasts Club and Horowhenua VCC

Fun Quiz Day, Sunday 21 October

We assembled around 10am at the HVCC clubroom. After mixing and mingling for morning tea we split into teams. Each team contained members from both clubs, which provided an opportunity to build inter-club relations and eliminated any rivalry.

There were spot prizes and comical headwear to adorn for the leading and trailing teams: Tiara for the leaders and Jester’s Hat for the tail enders.

Half way through we enjoyed a shared lunch spending further time socialising. It also provided an opportunity to check how opposing teams were faring.

There was much humour during the course of the day. As well as showing off individual areas of knowledge prowess, many of us learnt more trivia which may come in handy!! Who knew that there were more golf courses per capita in NZ than rugby fields, skate parks or netball courts? Or the meaning of the word splooting?

Early leaders were Ladies of Spares who remained in front right until the final round, only to be pipped at the post by late runners Bent Valves.

Many thanks to all those who attended from both clubs. It was a very enjoyable day and suggestion has already been made that it should be repeated in 2026 – watch this space!

Report: Julie Riepen

Robert Cammish receiving trophy for winning team “Bent Valves”

When this woman turned thirty-nine, she took her husband’s new car without asking permission, loaded her two children into it, and drove from Mannheim to Pforzheim, to her mother’s house, a ninety kilometer drive. She sent her husband a brief telegram: “We’re at Grandma’s, everything’s fine,” and then returned home.

She did this because her husband had been putting off testing the car for two years - whether out of convenience, fear, or some other reason that was hard to fathom. His name was Carl Benz. And the woman who had the courage to set off, in 1888, on a 122-mile journey in a vehicle that aroused more suspicion than trust was Bertha Benz.

In a time when there were no road maps or GPS, Bertha navigated the road using rivers and railroads as guides.

When I imagine her bouncing for twelve hours in a light carriage with wooden wheels, powered by a four-stroke engine with only two horsepower, I understand how reckless this woman was. And, perhaps, a little crazy. But perhaps that is precisely why her plan succeeded. Her unauthorized journey behind the wheel of the Benz Motorwagen No. 3 was a radical statement: the automobile was safe and suitable for everyday use. It was also a powerful message to Carl - a reminder of his passion and an impulse to continue.

Bertha was the first person in the world to undertake such a long journey by automobile, and every time I hear those tired clichés about the “woman at the wheel,” I am reminded of her.

There were no photographers around at the time, but members of the Levin Little Theatre re-enacted this epic event.

From George McLean

September 2025

November’s Working Bee is taking place on Sunday the 16th from 9 am. This is because there is another event scheduled for the clubrooms on the 9th of November when we would normally have our working bee.

The 2025 Manawatu Motorcycle Show was a huge success with reports of up to 2000 people attending. This was their biggest show ever with over 260 entries. Beneficiaries of the show are the Aranui Hospice in Palmerston North and the Grass Roots Trust Helicopter Rescue, which covers the Manawatu and Whanganui regions. Each of these organisations received $8,000 as a result of the show.

Was it 6 or 7 different loads of spares which arrived in car boots or trailers on working bee morning in October? We lost count. What I do know is, there were some Brand New Old Stock Ford Model T Parts along with some early 1920s Austin 7 Chummy parts which included some engine bits, a complete gearbox and some brass carburettors (4). Most of what arrived we have yet to store away.

For the second year in a row, we welcomed the Morris Enthusiasts Club to the clubrooms for an afternoon of quizzing, and like last year, The Ladies of Spares finished second.

Safe motoring everyone.

VISIT TO RACETECH, SEAVIEW

It is always great to hear about a local Kiwi business punching well above its weight on the world stage. And Racetech is a perfect example right on our doorstep, becoming a world leader in the design and manufacture of race seats. Around 85% of its output is exported, mainly to Europe, the USA and Australia, with all three areas having a Racetech-owned distribution centre.

Porsche, McLaren, Aston Martin, Chevrolet and Toyota all come to Racetech for seats for the special track versions of their cars. Two thirds of all cars in the British Touring Cars series use Racetech seats, as do 100% of Aussie V8 Supercars. But just as important to Racetech are the thousands of private enthusiasts who use their seats in home-built race and rally cars all over the world.

Every Racetech seat is hand-made, taking up to 8 hours of labour, and in a variety of sizes for drivers of all body shapes. Prices range from $4k - $8k, with the top versions made from carbon fibre and having ducting to feed cooling air around the driver's back. Most Racetech seats incorporate rigid back-mounting in addition to being bolted to the floorpan. This eliminates any flexing of the seatback, thus giving the driver improved feedback through the seat.

Racetech owner, David Back, welcoming the VCC group

A finished seat, showing side protection for driver’s head, rear mount to frame in car and air ducting to driver’s back

Afterwards, members took a pit-stop at the Petone clubrooms to enjoy a selection of Domino's pizzas, followed by ice-cream cones. Report and photos from Phil Pearce

Robot drilling holes in seat shell

Garage Raid on 10th September.

HVCC went to visit Kohl Customs this morning just south of Levin. I guess about a dozen of us attended. They turned on a good spread before we started the tour, which I think most enjoyed and appreciated.

This is the fourth business we've been to, specialising in building custom hot rods. Not exactly a bread and butter business, but more of a "jam" business venture which is good when the money flows, but quickly can go under once the money becomes scarce, I would think? Really need to have a bread and butter business, before going for the jam?

Plenty of good things to see here, though. A most interesting visit.

HVCC member Malcolm Scotney’s Ford Escort getting the works

Report and photos from George McLean

Kapiti

Mid-Week Run October 29th

Gabrielle & Richard Salt have organised a run to the Museum of Audio & Visual Technology (MAVtech) in Foxton, commencing at 10:30am. The museum is in an original 1920's cinema and still uses carbon-arc projectors to bring old reels of film to life.

On arrival we will step back in time with 30 mins of old-style newsreels and cartoons, followed by an introduction to the various eras of radios, cameras, phonographs, sound-recording, and movie-making and projection equipment. After this, we will be free to wander around the displays at our own pace.

MAVtech has an entry charge of $10/person.

Afterwards, the Tram Room at nearby Cafe de Molen has been booked for lunch. Choose from a good range of counter food or a very reasonably priced menu with all the usual Cafe lunch favourites. Or be brave and try one of the traditional Dutch specialities such as Erwtensoep (Dutch split pea soup), or Stamppot (potatoes mashed with vegetables, served with smoked sausage and gravy).

Further details including parking and directions will be sent out to everyone on the Kapiti email list. If anyone else would like more details of this run, or 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 Mob: 027 274 4084

BIG CARS - SMALL PEOPLE

PARKING

Don’t park under trees

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

Ford Model Y van

An early adopter of car-based commercial models, Ford offered its Model Y saloon as a van.

The squared-off rear end made it a handy delivery vehicle, though in late 1933 Ford had to remove the front bumper to keep the weight down so that the van stayed within a more affordable tax bracket. Classed as a 5cwt (hundredweight) actually weighing 560 lb (254 kg) the Model Y sold well, finding 28606 customers between 1932 and 1937. Some were converted to pick-ups and others into “woodie” estates.

B.Y.O. drinks