It has been a very busy and nervous few weeks as I contemplate the registrations for the VERO IFHM and attendance at the National AGM and Exec Meeting of the VCC in Invercargill to shake the registrations along.
I am very pleased to say the numbers have reached our threshold to proceed and the registrations are really flowing in now.
With the Daffy day Shown N shine almost on us , you will need to to wait for October edition of crankcase for reports on this eventbut of course you will all be at the Show n Shine anyway, bringing your wheels to show.
Kit Brydon has put his hat in the ring to co- ordinate next years Swap meet, so please support him by offering him your support early.
Kind Regards Ray
Front Cover : John Herd with his Model A Woody following the Saturday morning Tea Mystery Vehicle. The woody is a true delight of craftmanship and innovation - Check out next months edition for another of the Johns creations.
Roy West Clubrooms Custodians Website/ IT Librarian 0275449998 or 0275448001 0220357110 027 298 6994 jimnkyra@xtra.co.nz wesdayton29aus@gmail.com 61motra@gmail.com
Chatter from the Chair
The days are finally getting longer, and Spring is just around the corner. I’m especially looking forward to rolling the Mazda Eunos out of the garage, putting the top down, and heading off for a sunny drive.
Earlier this month, the National AGM and Executive Meeting were hosted by the Invercargill branch. Vern, Mike, and I attended on behalf of our club, and I must say, southern hospitality really does live up to its reputation!
Having Mike there was a real bonus his experience and perspective were invaluable, especially as it was my first AGM. Invercargill put
on a fantastic weekend, and with a late flight home, they even treated us to a special Sunday afternoon tour of some iconic local sights, followed by lunch at a lovely café before taking us to the airport. What a send-off!
The meetings themselves were full of robust and constructive discussion. The standout moment was the constitution vote, which passed strongly with 86% in favour. Over 2,100 ballot papers were returned the highest number in many years. A big thank you to everyone who took the time to cast their vote.
Now we move on to the next stage: refining the Bylaws and drafting the job description for the new Regional Representative. These will be discussed at our committee meetings, held on the first Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm, and you’re warmly invited to come along and be part of the action.
I’ll share a full report on the AGM and Executive Meeting once the official minutes arrive from Head Office.
By the time you’re reading this, the Daffodil Rally will be behind us (except for the bean counting!). Dianne did a fantastic job taking the lead, pulling together a great team, and keeping everything running smoothly. It was no small task, so when you see her, be sure to give her a well-deserved pat on the back.
I hope you’ve already registered for the biennial rally it promises to be a real highlight! This year we’ll be exploring the beautiful town of Reefton and its surrounding countryside. Mike, Rex, and Zoey have all put in a huge effort to make the weekend special, and I’m sure it will be one to remember.
And of course, the big question in Vintage Car circles lately has been: “Are you going to Vero?” Hopefully you’ve got your entry in by now if not, you might just be able to sneak in a late one. You should all have received the encouraging message from our President, George R. Kear, inspiring us to get involved.
In the meantime, keep those cars polished, keep the adventures rolling, and most of all, keep supporting our club events. They’re a wonderful way to get together, share stories, and enjoy the cars we all love. I look forward to seeing many of you at the rallies, runs, and meetings coming up.
Joanne Hoffman
Biennial Rally Update
Although close off date is 22nd August
We an still accept late entries but they will be too late to order the Rally Plaque
Late entries will however still be oK for the Saturday Night Dinner
Mike Bryan
Offer for the Coast To Coast
I am taking the Fiat on the Coast to Coast Tour (C2C and have a seat or two available for passengers , share costs.
I have accommodation booked in Blenheim, Hanmer (sleeps 6 and Hokitika
See if we can give you a back country experience that some may not otherwise be able to do
Contact Mike Bryan on 0272 234 893
Club Captains Report
Not too far off spring now, the days are slowly lengthening out and although it has been cold in the mornings with some heavy frosts the days have been beautiful, perfect for getting out your old car and catching up with friends.
July
Sat 26 Morning tea & Mystery car
We have a couple of Saturday morning teas planned for those unable to come on a Wednesday. Around 40 came along for the Saturday trial and of that we had 4 members who are usually working. Mike Wilson extended an invite to members who had not been through the Nelson Car Museum to come along the following Friday, this offer was very keenly taken up.
Our mystery car was John & Rosie Herds ‘Woody”, which John built. What a beauty with a great story of how this vehicle came about and the skills John learnt along the way to make it happen.
Sun 27 Henry Ford birthday
Thank You to those members who went along to this event. It sounds like it was well supported by our club and a good day was had by those who did go. Ford are behind Daffodil Day this year and will be at our big day Sunday 24th
August
Wed Aug 6 Morning tea, Mystery Lunch
What a great turnout to morning tea we had with 51 members and visitors attending. Jill Holmwood & John Easterbrook were on kitchen duties, a huge Thank you to both of you.
Mystery lunch was well attended with 15 of us ending up in Brightwater for a bite to eat. Charil even managed to sell raffle tickets while we waited for our food.
Sun Aug 10 Club run, The Long way round to Ewings
It was perfect weather for our club run to Lloyd and Gwens home in Ruby Bay. We had 44 people on the run ( 21 cars ) who came the long way round to our destination. As always, Lloyd & Gwen were generous with their hospitality and we enjoyed checking out all the cars in the shed in various stages of restoration to ones completed. A relaxed enjoyable day.
Tues Aug 12 daffodil Day Show & Shine special meeting.
Dianne & Joanne had 23 attend the special Daffodil day Show & Shine meeting which is falling into place with most jobs allocated. Music is sorted as are the food carts, raffle sales are progressing well with Charil and her team covering Nelson and Dianne and her team covering Richmond. Lets hope the weather Gods are kind to us.
Thurs Aug 14 Movie night at the Club rooms.
We had 14 of us come along to movie night to watch the chosen movie, The Blues Brothers.
Always good company and plenty of laughter but we did expect more to turn up.
Up and Coming events
August
Wed 20 Morning Tea and Mystery car
Sat 23 Set up for our Show & Shine Daffodil day
Sun 24 Show & Shine Daffodil car display
Tues 26 Daffodil deliveries
Sun 31 Postponement day for Daffodil day show & shine ( Let’s hope we don’t need it )
September
Wed 3 Morning tea & Mystery lunch ( We have a wee surprise )
Sun 7 Marlborough Trials
Thurs. 11 Club Night, Guest speaker is Al McKinnon, a member of the NZ Military. Al is a well accomplished speaker with many a story to tell, it should be a very interesting evening. We need a good turnout please to encourage speakers of Al’s quality to come and at our club. Paul has heard him speak and highly recommends him.
Please bring a plate
Fri 12 to Sun 14 Biennial Rally Reefton
Wed 17 Morning Tea and Mystery Car
Sat 27 Mystery Run, pack a thermos
Extra Bits
We need people to step up to organising some mystery lunches after morning tea. This is an idea instigated by Gordon Dacombe and has been popular so we would not like to see it not happen due to lack of enthusiasm. It is only once a month so please give it a go. John and Carolyn Bolland have done the lions share of organising these lunches which are always well attended but this pair will soon be away for about three months. The runs can be long or short and we have plenty of cafes, restaurants and pubs to choose
from around our region. Please people, have a go at this. Have you checked out our Website, if not do so it has a wealth of information on it about the up and coming Vero Rally which is great reading. Also, if you didn’t know, Wes Dayton has videoed all or most of our mystery cars and these are on our website, check them out.
Keep an eye on our Calendar for all the up and coming club events. There is a suggestion box at the club rooms, don’t be shy putting in a suggestion of what you would like to happen, club night, club runs, other ideas good, bad or ugly. Do people want to come out on a winters evening? Have your say and lets us know.
Happy motoring everyone
Maureen & Dianne
JBM Ford 10 Special
Those at the recent Nelson vintage car clubs AGM may have passed by a small blue unassuming race car presented for the pride of ownership section of the day’s proceedings without taking a second glance or maybe you know of the car from the picture adorning the wall in our club rooms.
We caught up with the cars current care giver a couple of days later at his happy place, Kit had just finished bolting in a reconditioned 8Ba engine and mastering the technique of confirming the diff ratio in his Ford V8 convertible.
Parked up at the dining table Kit shared a few memories; following his birth in Christchurch the Brydon family moved to Stoke, his father Bruce was employed by Trafalgar Supply co as a typewriter technician and on occasion was known to bring machines home to be stripped and clean with turps on the chopping block. Bruce had a healthy interest in motor vehicles and soon opened a car sales yard in Richmond.
Upon leaving school Kit secured an apprenticeship with Motor Corp in Rangiora where he became familiar with the ins and outs of the Austin Morris range of vehicles along with Healey’s and MGB’s. Not devoting all his time to motor vehicles Kit married Gayle in 1972 and the couple moved to Nelson, Kit was able to put his skills to good use helping at a local car yard, yes Bruce’s yard had taken off and to have his son working next to him and eventually taking over the business was something he had long dreamed of.
The young couple set about raising a family and as 1995 rolled around Kit decided it was time for a change in profession, real estate was an obvious path. Utilising his talkative friendly nature along with the contacts and friends gathered throughout the
district resulted in many happy clients, he had a better way to move real estate, as per the sign in his workshop.
Enough about me comes the humble comment, let’s chat about the JBM; the car a Ford ten special was built in Christchurch in the early 1950’s by Alex Shadbolt for June and Bruce Monk hence the name JBM Ford 10 Special.
Alex started by grafting the front section of a Fiat Topolino chassis complete with suspension to a hand fabricated round tubular space frame, behind the leather seat a Ford 100E (4-cylinder side valve) engine and gearbox with a much shorten drive shaft was solid mounted. Below that, an upturned rear facing Fiat Balilla differential, a custom fabricated cog and chain arrangement transferring power from the drive shaft to the diff and there you have the main components. An aluminium body would cover several mechanical marvels, twin carbs, mild cam, tuned exhaust and remote gear shifter to mention a few, those of you with more knowledge then myself will spot a vast array of innovation throughout this special testament to Alex’s problem solving and all without the use of a Tig or Mig welder.
Both June and Bruce Monk were keen race competitors throughout the South Island gaining experience in a variety of cars. The JBM was to replace their existing Ford 10 special and upon delivery there were starts at race events in various locations such as Ryal Bush, Dunedin, Renwick, Kaikoura and Tahunanui Beach at the 1955/56 meeting.
Bruce Monk’s JBM Ford 10 Special gets a tow home after overheating problems (photo K. York)
Some of the pictures and information gathered to compile this very brief record of the JBM Special can be found within.
The Tahunanui Beach - Motor Racing Years of The Nelson Car Club
1949-1977
Written by Mike Stephens
John Kingston in Blenheim was the second owner, advertising selling the car in the program of the Renwick Road races on 10 November 1962 where he was entered in race 4; Class A of NZ Specials & Racing Cars. Note the prize money on offer.
Bruce Brydon along with fellow Ford 10 Special driver, Mike Stephens kicked the tyres and gave the car the once over, following some negotiation the car was loaded on a trailer and heading for Bruce’s shed in Stoke. Bruce an active member of the Nelson Car Club entered the car in the 1962/63 Tahuna beach races and without winning a race he still managed to take home a trophy; all be it the “Blow up Trophy”. Bruce repaired the motor, however, was unable to locate a replacement finned aluminium head, continuing to enjoy the car at many local events and on the beach circuit until 1970. The speed and performance achieved by such a small engine in a lightweight car was not evident to everyone. Bruce entered a bent sprint in September 1963 held by the Marlborough Car Club driving the JBM to 5th place, just 2.8 seconds behind the winner Charlie Bensemann in the Stanton special. A short time later at the first bent sprint run by the Nelson Car Club on a sealed “S” section of road at Riwaka the JBM with Bruce at the controls recorded 3rd in the specials category, ahead of good friend Bob Stewart in his V8 special by .7 of a second.
Below picture, Bruce Brydon checks the mirror as Paul Brydon & Derek Thomason push start the attractive JBM Ford 10 Special
The Nelson Car Club’s 1990 Port races at new year included a reunion of cars and drivers who had raced at the Tahuna beach circuit, Bruce was eager to get the car tided up and running again for this special event and catch up with his old racing mates. Minor repair to the rear tail cone was undertaken by local master panel beater Jack Hikuroa with paint touched up by Bruce himself. Kit shared a recording taken at the back of the car yard in preparation for the event; after a push start the song of the Ford 10 filled the air along with cheers from the pit crew. After attending the Port races and soaking up the atmosphere the car was put back into storage with smiles all-round
In 2015 after much deliberation Kit decided to sell the car that had been passed on by his father. John Anderson had recently arrived from the USA and was looking for a project, nothing could be better than an old kiwi-built Ford 10 Special to keep an ex- employee of McLaren entertained. Sand, salt and time had taken its toll on the car, over the next nine years John stripped, cleaned and replaced where required all the mechanical parts on the car from the pointy end to the hole at the front.
Parts were gather from several location around the globe and being very meticulous in his work John completed a couple of small modifications in keeping with the 1950s era of the car eg: fitting an external water pump from a marinized Ford 10 motor to improve the cooling system (it’s a long way from the radiator in front to the engine for a thermosiphon system).
Bruce brush painting the JBM
Mike Stephens not wearing a tie, checks Bruce’s handy work
During 2024 preparations were being made for a beach racing display to be included at the upcoming Skope Classic motor racing event in Christchurch. In November 2024 as a result of discussions with John, who had by now finished the refurbishment of the chassis and mechanical components of the car to a very high standard, Kit had a change in heart, and a deal was done to the satisfaction of both gentlemen; the car was now in Kit’s care again.
John Anderson, the tall handsome fella on the left, member of the McLaren Cars race team 1973 in the USA (McLaren M16c)
JBM at the Skope Classic held at Euromarque Motorsport Park – Ruapuna Raceway 31st January 1 & 2 February 2025
Kit had a vision for the car and wanted it to be available for the public to view, displaying it at the Skope event of 2025 in a partly clothed state. In his home workshop Kit set to fettling the aluminium cladding in a very sympathetic manner leaving the bumps, bruises and splits of time but individually painting the many pop rivets that combine and transform the panels into a sleek wind breaking gown, you know like overalls, but more “attractive”. Kit confessed he had a warm feeling as he thought of his dad brush painting the car whilst he himself was leaving a tinge of overspray on the courtyard in front of his happy place (I don’t think Gayle has noticed yet comes from behind that boyish grin). Flicking through his phone we view another recording, Kit at the wheel of the JBM coming up the drive at pace, smiling with the wind in his hair, look he said “John did a great job, it’s got brakes that work now”
any stage of its life with any of those who have experienced the pleasure of the pipes cracking behind them, please make contact with Kit or Gayle directly or even care of the Nelson Vintage Car Club. Kit is hopeful Gayle will compile a book recording the journey of this wonderful piece of New Zealand motor racing history.
The car has now been assembled, during the refurbishment of the JBM Ford 10 Special, Kit and Gayle gathered information and pictures along the way; they would be very appreciative to receive more. So if you have or know someone that has a memory be it a race program, video, picture or book that includes the car at
Kit is also looking forward to the day when the car will be driven on the racetrack again, perhaps not at speed but like all good things it will need to be used to keep everything operating as it should and he wants people to see it and enjoy.
If you happen to have a side valve Ford 10 finned aluminium head taking up room under the bench, it will certainly add to the excitement of the ride in that leather seat.
On the 15 July 2025 Kit delivered number 7, the JBM Ford 10 Special to the Nelson Classic Car Museum where it will remain on display for all to see. I for one believe Kit along with all those who have worked on and been associated with the car during its journey should be very proud to have contributed to the car’s history.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading Mike Stephens book, copies are available to purchase at the Nelson Classic Car Museum. Grab what can surely be described as an encyclopaedia of the early days of the Nelson Car Club, containing the results of some great motor vehicle events, not just beach racing, while also giving an insight into how the local community enjoyed and benefited from the commitment of some good old-time petrol heads.
By Stephen (Mort) Mortimer
Charil Milne -doing a great job selling raffle tickets and daffys for Daffodil Day fundraiser
Club Night
7.30 pm Thursday September 11th
Something a bit special
Come and listen to a presentation by Al McKinnon
Al has a background in the military and “Small World”
Please bring a plate for supper
Swap Meet 2026
Kit Brydon has kindly agreed to take on the Role of Swap meet Co-ordinator for the Swapmeet to be held in May 2026.
Kit would like to make an early start asap and kick of with a list of helpers
You can contact Kit on 0274 431 498 or by email at galebrydon@hotmail.com
Club Run to Lloyd and Gwen Ewings
Membership
Dianne Eaton has joined husband Roy as a joint member of the Nelson Branch - Welcome on board Dianne.
Wednesday 3rd September
Morning Tea Followed by Mystery Lunch
Carolyn and John would like as many old cars as possible as there will be local pensioners coming to view the cars at the cafe
Below:
After years of denial, Malcolm Baker finally relents and has Mort start his 32 Fords VIC process in the car park.
Neil Beckenham will be very proud of the efforts his VIC Officers will go to get their man, in the Top of the South
Mid Winter Xmas Dinner
John Appelman praying the ham comes out OK?
Below the Ham must of come out OK as Leslie Barker and John are all smiles now
Quail Valley Eggs - Flood Clean up
A team of VCC members headed out to fellow VCC members Lloyd and Gwen Ewings to play a small part in helping them and their family to clear flood debris from their poultry farm fences.
It is a little tricky because , ideally the best time to strip the fences is when the material is wet but the ground is too sodden to get to the fences, but by the time you can walk over the silt etc the fence material has lready started to dry out
Above: Nat. Pres. George Kear presents the VCC’s highest award (the John Goddard Trophy) to Elisabeth Smits-Brouwer at Nat. AGM
Below: Don and Marlene Muller receive Presidents Awards for their outstanding work in relocating and establishing the Clubs Archives
Vern Hoffman does his best to emulate Burt Monroe in the Hayes Hardware Indian
VCC Nelson Website
Over the last few months, I have been doing my best to learn enough about the “innards” of our website with the aim of bringing it up-to-date. Hopefully the result will be that it proves to be a bit more useful for members as well as for others interested in what we are all about. And I also hope you might be tempted to visit the website from time to time.
Here are some of the things I have done recently:
You can now access all issues of the Crank Case going back to 2022. If you think it would be useful to go back further, I can see if I can dig them up.
There is now a “Latest” tab where I will try to regularly post items of interest. Currently it contains newsletters from the Vero IFHM team and notes about our “Mystery Car” mornings. Happy to post anything you think might be of general interest.
If you weren’t able to attend any of the recent “Mystery Car” unveilings, you can watch a video taken on the day.
A revamped “Contacts” page should make it easier to send an email to a committee member.
My technical skills are limited and it’s been a steep learning curve to even get as far as I have. But if you have any thoughts for further improvements, I’d be happy to hear from you.
Wes Dayton wesdayton29aus@gmail.com 022 035 7110
https://www.nelsonvcc.org.nz/
Nelson Branch Members
We would appreciate a great turn out of Nelson Vehicles in the 2026 VERO Festival and the Teams Relay Challenge
Don’t delay - hop on line and register now
If you need help to register call Karen Thompson ( Festival Secretary) on 022 1201124
Morning Tea Mystery Car - John & Rosie Herds Model A Woody
Below: some of the Planter boxes that Paul lewis has crafted for our courtyard area - with grasses donated by Dale Shattock
TASMANAUTO ELECTRICS
We have the largest range of batteries in the Top of the South, including batteries for –Vintage Cars, Golf Carts, Mobility Scooters and more!!
All with GREY POWER DISCOUNT!! 10 Poutama Street (off Gladstone Road) Richmond Ph: 544 8388 – Come in and see us!!
Hill Climb Season
- Coming up -
Rod Corbett has put this list together. For info rod.corbett88@gmail.com
Cars pre 1995 are eligible as long as they have a VCC Vic and logbook
1. Saturday 18th October Summit Road, Gebbies Pass Banks Peninsula
2. Sunday 19th October: Kinlock Rd, Little River,Banks Peninsula
3. Sunday 9th November: Hawkeswood, North Canterbury
5. Sunday 30th November: Josephville Hill Climb, Lumsden
LADIES CRAFT GROUP Sew, Paint, Knit, Everything
Calling all VCC ladies Wives, Partners, etc. to come and enjoy the company of other members at our Craft group. Held on the first Thursday of every month at the clubrooms.
Next meeting Thursday September 4th 2025 9am to 4pm Just come for a chat and or share your hobbies with others. Come for the day or an hour or two. Tea and coffee on the house. If staying for the day bring your lunch. Need to be pickup, this can be arranged.
For more info contact
Kyra 544 9998
VCC Member Discount at
Mitre 10 Mega Nelson
Present your membership card at checkout and you will get a discount on every purchase. How it works: After completing your shopping go to any checkout, simply tell the operator the account number: NNVCC (Nelson Vintage Car Club) then present your membership card.
Every item gets a discount which in some cases is better than other accounts and is definitely a better discount than gold card. Its that easy.
If we support this scheme there could be opportunity in the future for a rebate back to the club.
VEHICLE VALUATIONS
Classic, vintage vehicles & all trucks
For Insurance, Tax man, Lawyers 35 year’s experience with valuations in Nelson and Marlborough Area I will come to you
