VCC Waitemata Phoenix May 2025

As the airshow is cancelled in May now for something completely different. Something left field. Wednesday 28th May: 3Tenors and a Soprano. Where? Windsor Paak Baptist Church Auditorium. Time? 10am for morning tea before the show and meet the artists. Show starts at 11am finishers between 12.30 and 12.45.

Cost? $39 for show. After the show we will go for a light lunch. Those interested please contact Rob 0210383281. I will arrange the tickets. These daytime concerts have been going 24 years they perform all sorts of musical genres from rock, pop, jazz this time classical. They must be good after this length of time.

3rd June AGM. A must for members. Show your involvement with the most progressive Branch in the land by attending and putting the hand up to take on the positions on the committee and run the club, your club, put your oar in and stir it up! Help run the infrastructure in the manner it should be going along, use the managerial skills that you have honed to a fine point and lead the vanguard! There will be the traditional catering, bring the meat/snags/ patties etc and the eating irons. The rest provided.

July 26/27th The R’oil Can!

The traditional rite of passage for members, passengers’ and visitors. Mighty tales and lies have been told and created and retold, many a tear and blood has been shed, teeth missing and chipped, deflation has occurred and many a brew has been consumed. If 100-year-old cars can attend in all engine configurations and size, your precious open vintage car, if eligible must attend. Remember that there are limits due to availability of accommodation. **** Entry form on last page of this issue!!####

Further along, a 1935 Chrysler Airflow, Tim explaining its design was intended to address the concern that the shape of most cars of the period meant they went faster backwards. The ’35 model was, he said, more attractive than those that followed, but, even so, was of limited public appeal.

At the end of the building, an epitome of conspicuous consumption - a 45 CV Renault open two door sports with dickey. 4 litres per each front seat passenger with another 1.1 litres available for the person in the dickey. Which you needed a ladder to access. The waist of the car was at about my head height, the windscreen towered above that. Notwithstanding their bulk, the mechanics of this vehicle were quite elegant.

And next to it…. another 45 CV Renault, a saloon. “Originally owned by Lady Hudson, in Dunedin,” said Tim, “and the story goes that no matter what speed her chauffeur drove at, Lady Hudson would always tell him to slow down”.

How frustrating for the chauffeur! Quarante chevaux under the pedal and Madame wants me to slow down?!

Tim asked one of our number to open the rear door so as we could peer inside. Commodious, to say the least, upholstered in the finest West of England cloth. The chauffer had to make do with leather. The originality of this vast conveyance was truly remarkable.

Further along, total contrast by way of a 1925 12/4 Austin presented to Bishop Churchill Julius (Anglican Primate and Archbishop of New Zealand back in the day) on his retirement. An open two-seater with dickey, the Austin was clothed in a lovely but heavy coach-built body with wind up windows and an excess of substantial wood trim. Always a modest performer, this poor little 12/4 would have had to work its heart out, all the time.

In the central aisle, two Minerva’s – ‘The Goddess of Automobiles” – a 5 litre 1912 tourer ex Wellington, beautifully restored and a wonderfully patinaed 3.5 litre1924 Model AB, smaller displacement but no less imposing. Both with Knight double sleeve valve engines, renowned in their day for trailing plumes of blue smoke. Tim told us “The only trouble I’ve had motoring the 1912 car was a

fouled plug. It oiled up over a long stretch of coasting along under light throttle. Otherwise, a delight to drive.”.

We had passed many other worthy vehicles getting to this point. No less than four Bristol’s. Tim admitted to having a soft spot for the marque. A pristine XK150, three or four more ‘coal scuttle’ vintage Renaults, even an early and very straight Toyota Corolla. So much to admire. Such variance in makes and models. A pristine late ‘60’s Hillman Imp, a Sunbeam Tiger looking ready to depart anytime, Range Rover and Rover P5B, La Salle, a ’61 Renault Floride tucked into one corner, a tiny ‘20’s something baby Renault (KJ model?), tucked into another. There were oil patches on the floor and exhaust spatters on the walls. This is a working collection. Tim uses his cars.

Thank you, Tim, for opening your doors to us and thank you Goldie for arranging this visit.

Kevin Beesley

Dean Wright was absent for the second and third tests, but he was busy running the barbecue that started right on the advertised time of 4pm and allowed everybody to be home in daylight, more or less. Dee announced the overall winner, Bob Maddock, who had been seen loading his Austin 7 special on to a trailer whereas everybody else drove there and back again. In his favour, though, was the fact that he and his grandsons Harrison and Benjamin couldn’t possibly have all fitted into the Austin, and they were invaluable in helping to run a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon’s outing.

The return to the Hope-Cross property, for the first time since Covid and then flooding interrupted our branch New Year’s Eve knees-up series there, was most welcome. May we come again some time, please?

John King

HOPE-CROSS GYMKHANA SUNDAY 30 MARCH 2025

Ken Brownlie Jowett Club Jowett Javelin 0.41:15

Ken Brownlie Chevron 0.39:03 1.09:72 0.28:24 1.16:69

Tanner Keeley Jowett Club Jowett Javelin 0.44:12 DNS 1.26:69 0.31:88 0.41:57

Tanner Keeley Chevron 0.30:90 1.38:47 0.28:91

Bill/Denise

Mercer AK VCC 1934 Hupmobile 1.08:00 2.02:34 0.59:31

Kevin/Mariette

Beesley W VCC Talbot 90 0.59:45 1.51:56 0.39:85

Mike/Kris HopeCross W VCC Singer 1.12:77 2.18:15 0.42:44

Peter/Julie

Benbrook W VCC Honda CRX 0.33:60 1.32:72 0.25:44 0.34:10 1.16:00

Tony/Margaret

John/Dorothy King W VCC Riley 9 0.49:21 2.03:03 0.33:94 0.42:97

Dorothy/John

King W VCC Riley 9 1.11:77 2.22:56 0.42:38 1.10:39

Kevin/Elizabeth

Andrew W VCC Alfa Spyder 0.48:48 1.29:37 0.29:84

Hamish/Grace

Andrew W VCC Model A Pickup 1.08:65 1.14:50 0.44:55

Bunty Condon W VCC Jowett Jupiter 0.42:44

Graham Eldwood W VCC Singer 0.43:83 1.17:88 0.33:59 0.48:99 0.30:34

John Hudson W VCC VW Golf 0.30:00

Please note: the photographs taken at the event have initials from the relevant photographer, KH for Keith H and JK for John King.

Talbot and driver always well presented. (JK)

Below: A7 with hatching

It looks too easy (JK)

Bunty is always a great supporter for events in the Jupiter. (JK)

Dee, ever the stalwart organiser, participant and Branch Hero/Legend. (JK)

The Chairmans Report.

For the last month I have been on a 5000 km sorry 3106.856 miles road trip around the South Island. I would add it was sunny every day for the month having only seen rain in Bluff and on leaving Auckland and the return to home. The purpose of the trip was to attend the Geroge Begg Festival at Teretonga Raceway then the Wheels at Wanaka a biennial event and visit old friends along the way. I am not going to bore you with my travel log but a few impressions. First traffic none except Queenstown a circus worse than here.

Second the number of older cars still in use, most days saw a couple.

Conditions of roads or should I say lack of potholes etc. I would thoroughly recommend a SI road trip the pace of life is nice the Blue Cod is plentiful.

We are still looking for a club secretary would you please, please consider his role when it comes up at the AGM in June.

This coming club night we will have a vote on the venue for our future club nights. Simply come along and have your say.

Fight mediocracy, you were not born to be dull and boring to fit in! Read more about your marque, find out more of how to maintain the vehicle and use the beast. If it is too precious to use, get one that can be enjoyed by your self and others. Arrange a working bee to recommission it, teach others to drive and take you out, enjoy being a passenger, share the passion!

The Never-Ending Story of Members Vehicles.

Like many fellow members that spend a lot of time and sometimes money on looking at magazines, both local and overseas that cater for our wants, specifically for the older car or motorcycle, a few things have been explained to me that I did not really take much notice of.

As I have been rummaging through papers, magazines and newsletters as well as books, many published overseas, for the last fifty years, I have also seen, inspected and have ridden a number of interesting cars. A few of these vehicles have relocated overseas and are occasionally the subject to articles which seem to hint some times that these have been rescued and returned to a safe haven and to some to the indignity of the bowels of a collection of silence, darkness and immobility.

In the last year or so of ‘The Automobile’, I have noted an article on the Riley ‘Brooklands’, chassis 8079, that the Brothers Hearne owned. I took the photo at Silverdale. Williams’s other car, 8075, also known as the ‘Dexter car’ is often seen at Vintage Sport Car events in the UK and recently at Goodwood. It is still very competitive and driven well by its current custodian.

Michael, Editor

Co-respondents.

Good morning gentlemen (sounds better than Oi youse jokers),

According to the official paperwork (attached), I assumed ownership of a certain Riley 9hp tourer on 5 May 1965.

I believe that 60 years' continuous ownership of a car is something to be celebrated, even considering the fact that it's had by no means continuous roadworthiness, and I plan to have the car at the club night in Albany on Tuesday. It would be nice to have other Riley’s present in support, too, so the suggestion is there ...

Yours in hopeful anticipation, John King

Ph 027 482 3584

Once Again, the offerings from the Enchanted Garages of Uncle Mike.

Selling the very garments off his back, comes the oilskin coat for the Proper Vintage Motorist. Lined, warm, water and windproof. New reproofing applied by skilled hands. The brand is “R.C. Toughwear” - Country Classic fashion for you. Traditional dark green.

In aged and in smart condition, a pair of ‘Beatle Boots’, a marvellous period driving shoe. Size 8 ½

Mountain packs. Traditional frames, and modern ones for that expedition that awaits the back road motorist. Will look fine lashed on to the stern of the vehicle or the running boards. Heavy duty canvas and modern weather resistant material that will keep out the dust and mud.

A variety of suitcases, some leather and modern material in the style for the 40’s to 60’s.

Services offered at present include commissioned walking sticks and traditional ‘tokotoko’ (carved and decorated for ritual encounters).

Re coating of oilskin garments and leather with fragrant unguents and oils. Some repairs to leather and heavy material (repairs to Tonneau covers and strapping) is offered since the purchase of a Singer 29/71 Boot Patcher awaits use.

16-foot narrow sailing/ rowing vessel with good trailer seeking use in the coming season seeks new owner.

9.5 Hp Johnson outboard with tank. Good for small launch or sail boat.

Collection of Primus and assorted Kero stoves from the 1920’s. Some completish, spares and related bits. Minor donations to the pension fund.

Purchase of above items and costs of services are open to robust and spirited negotiations.

Enquiries to Uncle Mike at 027 24 55 786

An impassioned plea from a Branch Elder.

Assistance in vehicle recommissioning is sought. Motorcycle instruction will be offered (driving instructor endorsements held for car and motorcycle). An opportunity for one to get involved with the Branch without currently having a vehicle.

Reply in confidence.

Michael Greig 027 24 55 786

Don’t forget Mac’s Garage. Top advice, professional service and well known and respected in the Vintage Austin and Riley world. Gearbox and diffs a specialty. 09 443-3733, found at 4 Ashfield Road, Glenfield.

PHOENIX

The OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER of THE WAITEMATA BRANCH of the VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF N.Z. INC.

CLUB NIGHT

Tuesday 6th May

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.