PHOENIX
The view that Rob liked of his trip to the Vero Rally. Taken from Jacqui’s snaps.
NEWSLETTER OF THE WAITEMATA BRANCH VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND
WAITEMATA BRANCH DIRECTORY
Chairman: Rob Chapman 0210383281 robman@orcon.net.nz
Secretary; Jacqui Goldingham 09 4458811 waitemata@vcc.org.nz
Committee: Max Jamieson, Hamish Andrews, Mike Hope-Cross, Steve Sharpe, Steve Cranch, Ray Ferner.
Editor for the Phoenix: Michael Greig 0272455786
Michael.john.greig@gmail.com
Delegate: Ian Goldingham 09 4458811 goldienz@orcon.net.nz
COMING EVENTS
Looking Forward
APRIL 26th Hot Pool Picnic Run 12TH North Shore Branch Car Show (13th Editors Birthday, no pressure)
MAY 17th Lunch Run, details to follow
JUNE 2nd AGM
Proposed visit to Buckley Systems.
JULY R’oil Can. 25/26th
AUGUST Yet to be announced. Provide us with your choice event
Irishman’s!
Club Night. 7th April First Tuesday of the Month, See you at the RSA Room, King George V Memorial Hall, Library Lane, Albany, 7.30 pm.
North Shore Branch has its open day and car show, 12th April at clubrooms at 40 Masons Road Albany.
Gates open 9.30 am to 3pm
26th April, ANZAC Weekend, Sunday
Hot Pool Run.
Marvellous tour in the country, finishing at the Pools at Parakai. Now known as Kaipakiti Hot Springs. New Park and playground setup with and picnic area and electric BBQs. Bring the little ones for an adventure. Starting at the “club rooms”, Albany Sunday 26th to leave at 11.00am.
Arranging discount prices for entrance to pools. Indoor pool at 40 C, outdoor at 30 C, rock pools, 40C
Bring the modern and get someone else to drive, so you can enjoy the scenery. The run is not too long to annoy the passengers.
Prepare ye the way, to the AGM this coming
June 2nd
TheBranchhasneedofyourinputtoensurethatyou,themembers,benefitsfrom sharedhobby,interestandpassioninvintage,veteranandsportingcars,andtheir properuseonroadandtrack.Wesharetheinterestandknowledgeinthehistory, mechanicalcomplexitiesanddrivingtechniquesfortheseuniqueandspecialvehicles oftwo,threeandfourwheels.Pleaseconsiderjoiningthecommitteeissharingthe helm,tiller,wheelandkeeptheBranchatthevanguardoftheVintageMotoring Movement.
ThepositionsofClubCaptain,SecretaryandTreasurewillbevacant.Newpeopleare essentialfortheBranch.Please,consideryourstandingfortheseimportantposts.
TheTraditionalGymkhanaattheHope-Cross Estate
I attended the event which was replacing the April booking and was included with the SP250, Jowett and Vintage Austin group organised with the overseeing by the brilliant coordination by Dee Humphries and her team. With the slow return from the Internation Rally in Nelson, due to ferry problems which affected many, I took the Chairman Rob in the Nissan 350Z as my WD Riley is still awaiting wheels.
After an enjoyable drive through the western area of the country side we arrived as the driving tests were beginning. It was a healthy selection of a wide variety of road and sporting cars which packed the fields. There were prewar Austins, some 7 specials and a Chummy which was featured in the last newsletter. Jupiter’s arrived with the well-known driver, Bunty who is a well-respected and entrant to our events. A young driver was in the Singer with Mike Hope-Cross, who had recently rebuilt some Bradford chassis’ and is being mentored proudly by the elders of Jowet. Great to see this happening. Having booked a full day, the Chairman and I forsook the BBQ and due to attending another appointment left early and proceeded to retrace out path to the motorway and sort our way to see Max Jamieson. For some unknown reason I became lost on the motorway proceeding into the city and going south which most would consider a simple procedure. I ended up in the Port with the mass of Sunday afternoon traffic which took a while to get out of. We finally found our way to visit Max whom enjoyed our visit and update of events after which we made our way to the Bays to drop off Rob and thus ended an enjoyable day.
From the left top:
Brendan and mate, Kevin, in the A7 again.
Next the part of Team Jowet with the centre Jupiter being that of Bunty.
The BSA Rotary head FWD with the ejector seat from the Aston in action.
The left hooker of Branch member, Mike Courtney. Nice original truck with 1954 Bonneville speed week sticker.
The young Bradford driver trying out the Hope-Cross Singer under the eye of Mike. A thing to encourage.
Extreme poor-quality photos from the fumbling hands of the Michael Greig who also wrote this article.
Lochinver 2026
This year’s Lochinver adventure was run a wee bit later than usual so that our fellow vintagents from the mainland could come along, as a bit of a warm up and do it first before tackling the Highland Fling on the weekend. This also meant running it over the Thursday/ Friday 26th/ 27th of February. Fortunately, it was great timing as Elizabth Cato had her two sisters visiting, one from Canterbury and the other from the mother country. So, they both joined in the unique experience that is Lochinver.
The entry list was a good cross section of branches, our old friends Paul and Bev Hicks from Warkworth who couldn’t make it last year, were delighted to bring their 1924 Austin 12/4 tourer out to play. New North Shore members Richard & Janine Ward bought along a seriously equipped Model A Tudor sedan, complete their friends John & Moninna Pitts. Manawatu Branch fronted with Derek Haycock driving his Chev tourer solo and North Island Club captain Glyn Clements and his best number one, Kathy fulfilling the tail end 4WD role.
The Stag Shot. Credit: Tom Louglin with assistance from Liz.
The South Island contingent were also off-road serious motorists well blooded by numerous Irishman Creek outings. Leading the pack were Andy and Kath Fox, fresh from their farm at Hawarden in their regal 1922 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost. Russell Sherwin & Simon 0’Connor in a 1930 Model A close cab, otherwise known as the “Vintage Driven” epic videographers had persuaded their mates Buce Washington and Jodie Leitch to join in respectively, with their 1929 Chrysler “Peking to Paris” Roadster and 1930 Chrysler 77 “Police Car” Sedan.
Everybody was well and truly on time, out at the front gates, unloaded those with trailers, did our safety briefing and Tom lead us off into the Wilderness.
As always, the scenery was both stunning and scary, the roads challenging but biddable and the new friendships inevitable. The hangi was put down in a timely fashion between bouts of extended visits to all points of the compass that were of interest.
Andy Fox had kindly bought along a couple of racks of lamb, direct from farm, which were graciously given their correct place in the hierarchy of the Hangi baskets. The cooperative spirit soon kicked in with the food preparation, good conversation and gentle lubrication. The South Island boys showed us up by having their own version of a “prohibition era” bar. Quite a number of our entrants opted for the camping out option which led to an unintended redistribution of mattresses!
Dawn early dawn Friday morning was enlivened by the sight of a good size Sika Deer charging out of the ground fog, into and around the edges of the campsite, whilst being pursued by “Bracken”, Eliz’s normally well-behaved dog. The deer was shot on camera by Tom Louglin before it mooched off into the mist.
After our morning korero about our personal experiences, the journey out was steady but uneventful. Everybody made it up the Xena escarpment with some prior coaching! Out on the main road almost everybody turned left for the Highland Fling at Te Awamutu. But the Silver Ghost and our Lea Francis took off to the right heading for Napier and different adventures.
Andy Fox’s own account is in your next issue of Beaded Wheels!
The magnificent photographs were provided by Jacqui Goldingham and with the article from Ian, are a brilliant portrait of this event which is well organised, and in the most spectacular environment that we, as vintage motorists/reenactors, have been offered privileged access to.
When I get my new wheels back, I will commit the WD Riley and self to return to the Kaimanawa and the land of the Tuwharetoa.
A Participants View of the Vero Rally by Chairman Rob.
With my co driver Colin Mewburn. We left Auckland 5.30am on the Thursday before the Vero International Rally. The plan being to drive to Wellington in a day and line up as standby for the Cooks Strait crossing as we had not been able to secure booking. Wellington was made by 3.30pm having driven for nine hours not counting stops. Here was out first problem Interislander was full as a ship was out of service. Come back in April we were told, try Bluebridge. The competitors ticket office was busy but they took our names and we were told to come back at Midnight for the 2am sailings as standbys.
Well on return at midnight the ticket office was full, Bluebridge had succumbed to technical issues as well and the previous sailing had been cancelled. Having got to the front of the queue, I was told to come back at 1am.
“Hang on!” was my reply, “you told me to come back at 12am, here I am.!”
My earlier details were looked up.
“Yes, we have them but no chance on getting across this sailing.”
“Gucci or Versace!” I said. She looked puzzled.
“What hand bag do you prefer. Put me to the head of the standby list.”
Other people on standby in the adjacent booths were leaving for the night in hotels, expecting the next sailing, which was cancelled. We waited with some hope the 2am sailing, then delayed to 3.30am. Our name was the last called, we were on. The cars and passengers are limited by the number of passengers. 500 not space, we were 499 and 500.
Once in Nelson interesting cars and more interesting people which made the rally for me. Well worth the effort.
Rob
All the above cavalcade of cars, cars and cars images are from the files of Jacqui Goldingham that covers the part of the images that participants would have seen.
Chairmans Report
It was the best of times it was the worst of times.
Well the Vero International Rally is over. Everyone who attended had a great time. Transport to and from to the event was a problem with shipping over the Cooks Strait. In fact, a couple of members cars are still in the South Island. Myself winged it both ways with no bookings but people who booked a year in advance missed sailing and delayed.
My problems occurred not on the Strait but four kilometres north of Otaki where I had an engine fire. Successfully extinguished but not before it spread to the driver’s foot well with flames lapping at my neither region. Damage melted wiring loom and burnt carpet. As one would expect first port of call was AA Plus for assistance only to be told" we do not respond to fires ring your insurance company". Vero the insurance company "it is a mechanical breakdown if you are a member call the AA".
Having got the car back to Auckland on my own initiative. I now go through the process of making a claim with Vero to be told the car is not insured for fire as it was not involved in an accident. I should have had third party fire and theft insurance. My plea I am in the Vintage Car scheme and I thought I had comprehensive insurance. It covers accidents, theft, fire, vandalism, weather damage is that not correct? Apparently not. My other classic cars are insured with Swam Insurance given the same scenario they said yes, you are covered the
fuel leak is mechanical then followed by a sudden unintentional event an accident Yes, you would be covered.
Vero's ironic parting comment to myself "yes, it is covered for fire only if it was by vandalism.” Watch this space.
Rob.
Editorial Comments.
It appears in a majority of clubs and organisations, most of the members are in the gold card stage of life, and as such have fully committed timetables. With our year progressing, it is time to consider new blood for the committee. As it stands, the changes in the structure of the organisation with the development of the new rules of the Incorporated Societies Legislation, we need new eyes focused far into the future. There are new conditions that may be forced on to us with perhaps access to fuels and when and how we may be able to use our historic machines. Such items require all our considerations and discussions to address the future. All imputs are important and new young wise heads are needed.
One project I have been looking at in England is the Heritage Skills Academy, which is dedicated to heritage engineering, mechanical, coachbuilding and trimming apprenticeships. It is the loss of these skills which affects the repair of all mechanical contrivances and boatbuilding. I believe that the Vintage Car Club and its members should be an important instigator into the training and support of trades for the benefit of NZ as a whole into the future. As far as I know, AI cannot physically repair a vintage car or motorbike.
March 2026 VCC Executive Meeting, Christchurch
The meeting was held over the weekend of 7/8 March at the Canterbury Branch clubrooms. The Executive meeting has now been held there a number of times and Canterbury Branch are to be congratulated on a job well done. The meeting itself was very productive and collegiate, with good, and respectful, discussion of the more contentious matters.
Minutes of the previous meeting (8/9 August 2025)
Corrections were circulated and agreed.
Membership Status New members, resignations etc. were pre-circulated, an update tabled, and both were acknowledged. Unfinancial members were removed by vote.
Correspondence
There were 4 items, all of which were covered by other Agenda items and dealt with later in the meeting.
By Laws
• The timings for Notices of Motion and election ballots have been synchronised to avoid the potential need for two voting mailouts.
• Provision has been made to allow outsourcing of ballot counting.
• Delegate Meetings will continue to be held twice a year but can be reviewed in future, perhaps at a suitable point after all the Regional Representatives are in place.
• The weighted voting arrangements at National Committee meetings Representatives request a weighted vote on any matter, then a weighted vote must take place.
National Committee Positions Vacant
Under the transitional arrangements described in sections 7.7 and 7.8 of the new VCC Constitution, the 13 elected positions are split into four sections to give a rolling replacement of four or five positions each year. The President explained how this would work and announced that three of the existing Management Committee members had stepped forward to be regional representatives.
Following this, it was announced that ALL the elected positions would be announced as vacant, although some may already seem to have candidates.
Regional Representatives Position Description
• The Position Description will be included in the Club Manual.
• An updated version was tabled and discussed. Regional Representatives will no longer be required to physically meet with their Branch Delegates on a regular basis, virtual meetings will be acceptable.
• Some other minor wording changes were also suggested.
• Branches in one of the new Regions have got together to discuss and agree what they would like from their Regional Representative. It was suggested that other branches/Regions might like to do the same.
Reports
The pre-circulated regular Reports were deferred until later in the meeting.
Notices of Motion - North Shore
The North Shore Delegate, Richard Bampton, spoke to this. The North Otago Branch letter, John Coomber’s assessment of the Notices of Motion and the Notices of Motion themselves were all discussed.
• Item 1, the suggestion to change the formatting of the VCC Constitution on the website will be taken on board.
• Item 2, regarding the number of officers making up the National
• Item 3, regarding the Immediate Past President position was, I think, also withdrawn.
• Item 8, regarding the Deputy Chairman post: Richard pointed out that in appointed as in the new constitution.
The meeting voted not to give the Notices of Motion formal status and a (North Shore branch?) sub-committee will be set up to consider them further.
Expenses Claim Form
The President went through the form, explaining how it “worked” and clarified that the comparison for “lowest cost” was between the cost of airfares and the mileage travelled at 75c/Km but if flying was more practicable, this could be claimed even when driving was cheaper. The “fuel allowance. David North expanded on the points made in his original submission and the President undertook to have the form re-written to improve clarity. ( These suggestions have since been sent to the president and they have been passed to the National Office for action, including reimbursement being direct to the claimant rather than via the branch.) There was discussion about increasing the mileage rate to make it the same as the IRD rate and a Motion proposed but this was defeated at the vote. It was suggested that the rate be reviewed at intervals, possibly annually.
Bids for National Rallies
2027 National North Island Easter Rally: Manawatu Branch bid accepted. Addition to the Agenda
North Shore Branch have changed their By-laws to reintroduce an initial membership/joining fee. This has resulted in the Branch no longer being included on the VCC website for membership applications. Following much discussion, during which it was pointed out that the VCC Constitution did not allow for this, and that the Executive had previously voted to abolish such fees when the on-line membership application was introduced, there was a vote. The meeting was not in favour of such fees and the North Shore Branch agreed to review their position.
New Branch Constitutions
• Murray Trounson (acting VCC Secretary, Treasurer and Linda Duffell (National Office) gave an update on progress. At that stage, three branches had not re-registered with the Incorporated Societies, one Delegate informed the meeting that their branch had since done so.
• Branch Officer consents/declarations do not need to be lodged with the Incorporated Societies BUT details of all officers must be entered on the website. This must be done each year and any changes updated promptly.
• The “winding up" clause in each branch’s constitution must be amended to include the word "sporting" to comply with the IRD’s tax-free status requirements. (Linda has since sent an email to all branches about this.)
Marlborough Branch email
re. VCC Brand/Operational Name Andy Fox (Management Committee) summarised the 2025 proposals and discussions about updating the VCC’s image and adopting a new logo. This process ended up with the “wheel" logo, which the members rejected. So, “Where now?" Marlborough pointed out that they were suggesting changing the VCC operating name (to Heritage Motoring NZ). not the logo.
During a lengthy discussion, many points were raised. These included that, as the VCC is currently celebrating 80 years of existence, it is a bad time to make a change and that re-branding is a dangerous process that may do more harm than good. Other points of view were that the Club has been “Vintage" (wholly correct) and that the best way to promote the Club and the newer eligible vehicles is for members to be seen using and displaying them. Other suggestions were to promote the VCC as an umbrella organisation for one- make clubs and/or for owners who are not members of other clubs. Following the discussion, by a show of hands, the majority of branches were not in favour of a change, or of the expense this would entail.
Financial Reports (Murray Trounson)
Overall doing well, operating deficit has reduced and Teim Deposits increased. The Wellington Branch Delegate asked why SUM was being held in the bank account and should this be returned to branches/members. The President pointed out the need to keep a realistic amount as reserves and suggested that Wellington Branch put forward a proposal.
National Office Systems/Privacy/OSH (Murray Trounson)
• The updated version of the Club Manual is available on the website, but not visible to anyone browsing the website, including members. Murray’s report said that a link is available on request from branches or members. I pointed out that the website says to contact your branch for a copy. 1 also pointed out, as I have done previously, that this information and the VCC constitution and by-laws are all “hidden” on the website under the heading “Vehicle Information”. The website is in need of replacing or updating but there have been other, more pressing. Club update should be done very soon.
• The process to get all members to review and, if necessary, update the membership and vehicle records held by the National Office and to approve the release of the data in membership lists etc. is underway. Testing has been carried out and the emails and physical forms (for members without email addresses) will start being sent out shortly, branch by branch, beginning with the smaller branches so that any fine- tuning of the system can be carried out early on.
North and South Island Club Captains
Both reports highlighted the fact that entry numbers for rallies are down, perhaps because of clashes with other events, and advised branches to try their best to avoid holding events at about the same time as other branches in the region. There was also a suggestion that branch Club Captains liaise with their opposite numbers in neighbouring branches.
Beaded Wheels
The Editor repeated his plea for more content for the magazine from the members. (I did speak to him about this, with my Bulletin Editor hat on, and sympathised as it is a problem for all editors!)
Speed Steward
Greater numbers of participants during the 2025 season and cooperation between South Island branches leading to new' events such as Coronet Peak Hillclimb and the resurrection of other non-circuit events in the region were highlighted. Recent focus has been on amending the regulations to enhance clarity and introduce better safety measures, where appropriate. Tyres continue to be an issue and efforts are continuing to seek solutions.
Archivist
There has been a steady stream of visitors to the Archives since the opening of the new building. Work is still ongoing to fine-tune the layout and complete the emptying of boxes transferred from the old building.
Registrar
VIC applications for the Vero Rally have presented a heavy workload but every effort was being made to get them all completed in time.
NZTA
Discussions are ongoing with NZTA regarding heavy commercial vehicles that are already fully compliant, fully certified and road registered as Heavy Vehicle Class 2 and above. These vehicles have held a current VCC-issued VIC for several years and are able to demonstrate full roadworthiness through their Certificate of Fitness (COF) history. The intent of the proposal is to allow qualifying vehicles to move to a 12-month Warrant of Fitness inspection cycle, as opposed to remaining on the current COF system.
LWTA
The VCC is seeking continued discussion with the LWTA regarding member vehicle inspections that are mandatory during the construction process. At present, members do not get a copy of the results of the inspections and this can cause difficulties further down the line, particularly when the construction process is lengthy or takes place in different regions.
• AGM 2027 - Ashburton Branch reaffirmed their commitment to hosting the AGM but, due to the logistical problems of getting delegates to and from Christchurch airport, the AGM will be based in Christchurch, but not at the Canterbury Branch clubrooms.
• National Motorcycle Rally (early 2027): South Canterbury Branch are hosting this and details will be in the next issue of Beaded Wheels.
• National Model A Rally -just before Easter next year, in Blenheim.
• Strategic Plan: not covered.
Guest Speakers
During the Saturday morning session, Charlotte McGillen, Digitisation Advisor, the National Library of New Zealand, gave an update on progress with the digitisation of the Motor and Cycle Journal. The available issues will be on Papers Past (https://paDersPast.natlib.govt nr/1) where keyword searches of all text on all pages will be possible. Of the 84 issues originally missing, only 49 are still to be located. The first tranche of issues will be available online in June and it is hoped that all will be available by the end of the year. The VCC will get updates as this progresses.
Charlotte McGillen explaining the research benefits of Papers Past
After lunch, Nicola Coom, CEO of the Cancer Society, gave a presentation about the VCC National Day that was very complimentary about the VCC's fund-raising for die Cancer Society. She re-iterated that all the money raised stays in the respective regions. The Cancer Society’s focus is on Community Services (Cancer Nurses and the free accommodation and transport provided for patients). Advocacy and Research and 85c in every $1 collected goes to one of the three. 2029 is the Cancer Society's centenary year.
Next, Kaaren Smylie, the National Coordinator for the VCC Daffodil Day Rally 2026, gave an update. Last year, 33 branches participated and a total of over S133K was raised. (Not all the final figures were in at that time). The intention is to continue with Ford's involvement (giving national visibility and greater campaign capability) and with the Cancer Society for the next three years, with an annual review. To strengthen the campaign, Kaaren will be undertaking a national roadshow to selected Ford dealers and VCC branches. The President pointed out that the Day is also all about promoting the VCC and it has been very successful in gaining new members for the Club. It is also useful for public relations, in showing that the VCC is not just a bunch of petrolheads pumping out pollutants on their runs. Kaaren has sent out a questionnaire to the Branch coordinators to evaluate the success of the day. During the discussion, many branches felt that the Cancer Society hadn’t really pulled their weight and/or the local Ford dealership(s) didn’t know what they were doing. Nicola accepted that the Cancer Society should have done better and pledged that there would be much more involvement this year. As the Ford dealers are all independent businesses. Ford NZ cannot give them orders but, at the upcoming national meeting, they will be told to get involved and they will also get a presentation from the President, Kaaren and Nicola about Daffodil Day /Cancer Society and Ford for the next three years.
My thanks for these notes which were graciously written and forwarded by David North, Gore Branch Delegate, due to my absence on the road
Ian Goldingham Branch Delegate.
From the VCC ORGANISER FOR THE MG CLASSIC RACE MEETING 2026
HI EVERYONE,
Thanks very much to those who've already registered their interest in entering this event: The 40th anniversary of the MG Classic Race Meeting, being held at the Manfeild Chris Amon Circuit in Feilding, Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November 2026.
We've had a great response from both the North and South Island, and look forward to welcoming a wide variety of VCC vehicles and their drivers to be part of a separate VCC grid at this MG Classic Race Meeting.
REMINDER: This event is open to all pre 1966 VCC eligible sports cars, racing cars and specials, (not just MG's).
DRAFT PROGRAMME:
FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER: Documentation, scrutineering, practice and qualifying.
SATURDAY 14/SUNDAY 15 NOVEMBER: Racing (along with an informal VCC get together at Murray's Bar in Feilding after racing on Saturday).
1. ACCOMMODATION:
Most entrants will need to book accommodation for the nights of Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th November.
Feilding accommodation is limited, but Palmerston North has a far greater choice of options and is only about 20 minutes away.
2. TRAVEL:
We recommend that South Island entrants book via Tony Hirst at Cook Strait Crossings asap.
Bookings Picton toWellington Wednesday 11th/Thursday 12th and Wellington to Picton Monday 16th/Tuesday 17th November are likely to be filled quickly, so please book now to avoid disappointment.
Tony offers a brilliant discount service, along with the added benefit of flexibility to cancel at no cost should your travel plans change. Please refer to his contact details below:
3. ENTRY FORMS,SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS,QUERIES ETC:
Subject to confirming some further details with our hosts, the MG Classic Race Committee, we're planning to have all entry documentation and supplementary regs etc available during May 2026. In the meantime, please forward this email to any of your friends who may be interested in entering our VCC grid in November.
Any queries, please contact me directly.
Regards,
ROD CORBETT
VCC ORGANISER FOR THE MG CLASSIC RACE MEETING 2026
ROD.CORBETT88@GMAIL.COM
+64 27 433 8772
Dear Editor,
Chevrolet made over 120 million small block V8 engines so do not try to tell me that, statistically speaking. I could not fail to own one. I've had dozens of cars from Pilot V8's to Consuls, Zephyrs to Zodiacs, Falcons to Prefects, Galaxies to Fairlanes but not one had a Chevy V8. 120 million my arse.
Congratulations on the last magazine. Once printed in the copier. I discovered that reading it backwards reveals spiritual messages. Viewing the photos upside down show who killed JFK and how the moon landing was faked.I tried smoking some of the pages but all I got was asthma.
Anonymous Ramarama
Max Jamieson’s Riley 12/4 project is being sold and as we know this was an exciting car that was to be created, with the shortened chassis and diff shortened to the most suitable dimensions with the motor supplied by blower which was done to Max’s demanding specification. Completed it would be a tremendous addition to the prewar sporting cars of the upper North Island. The Riley 12/4 engine is one of exceptional performance, such cars as the 12/4 special driven by the late Barry Gay and now by Ryan McDonald is a powerful car on the track and can be used for touring, the Ransley Riley was a fearsome car seen at the Roycroft Trophy and the George Calder 12/4 in Christchurch is magnificent In the VSCC in England, these cars dominate in the prewar grids and are in great demand and well respected in the design and power output. The saloons 12/4 is a performance and touring car of great elegance and unsurpassed in its ear. View the Riley Kestrels in the branch, Gentleman’s Conveyances for touring at fast pace.
Contact: Dean Jamieson - 027 501 2068
Gentlemen of Note in the Trade.
Don’t forget Mac’s Garage. Top advice, professional service and well known and respected in the Vintage Austin and Riley world. 09 443-3733, found at 4 Ashfield Road, Glenfeild.
Aegis Oil is a local firm headed by Paul Radisich, famous on the track. He gave a talk at the Auckland Clubrooms on the product. There is a Vintage and Classic range and well suited to our cars. Please support them. Members gave testimony to the use of soluble oil in the radiators at 5% rather than antifreeze.
Basis is always a site to visit in West Auckland. 7/1 Tony Street, Henderson
PHOENIX
The OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER of THE WAITEMATA BRANCH of the VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF N.Z. INC.
The view from the Goldingham Lea Francis of the Chapman Riley on the Rally in Nelson. Photo from Jacqui Goldingham.
CLUB NIGHT TUESDAY 7th April
7.30 pm at the RSA Room, King George V Memorial Hall, Library Lane, Albany.
Take Exit 410 Oteha Valley Road. Travel west along Oteha Valley Road, ahead through 2 roundabouts and straight ahead at Traffic Lights into Albany Highway then almost immediately RIGHT into Library Lane then very soon go right again into the parking area. The RSA Room is at the rear.