THE MOTORING SPIRIT The Wellington Branch Newsletter June 2017
Dawn breaks over the Wairarapa
Enjoying the newly risen sun on the top of the Rimutaka Hill
59 years of Vintage motoring 1958—2017
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.)
Wellington Branch Clubrooms
Halford
Place
Postal Address
PO Box 38-418,
(East end of Jackson Street)\ Petone
Clubrooms Phone 568-7463
Email: wellington@vcc.org.nz
Branch Committee Chairman
Bill Pinkham
pinkham@paradise.net.nz
938-3407
Secretary
Alastair McCarthy
wellington@vcc.org.nz
589-8248
mccarthys@xtra.co.nz Treasurer
Peter McKeown
peter@smartpower.co.nz
233 5113
Club Captain
Neale Ryder
joannemillar@xtra.co.nz
528-2580 0274 493-014
Assistant Club Captain
Peter Simpson
psimpsonnz@gmail.com
566-2675
General Member
Don Hawkes
mdhawkes@xtra.co.nz
232-8518
Property Manager
Colin White
the-whitehouse@xtra.co.nz
569-6549
Newsletter Editor
Claire Benge
claire.benge@xtra.co.nz
589-8383
Social Convenor
Tasi Betteridge
tasib@paradise.net.nz
Nat Executive Delegate
Ray Betteridge
ray@betteridge.co.nz
Parts Manager
Vacant
972-2367
Appointed Officers Librarian
David Crooks
dcrooks@xtra.co.nz
476-4588
Scribe to Beaded Wheels
Claire Benge
claire.benge@xtra.co.nz
589-8383
Workshop Custodian
Don Hawkes
mdhawkes@xtra.co.nz
232-8514
Friend of the Fire Engine
John Jackson
jackapp@xtra.co.nz
234-8702
Motorcycle Representative Peter Simpson
psimpsonnz@gmail.com
566-2675
Vehicle ID
Roger White
white.house.stokesvalley@xtra.co.nz
563-6236
Don Hawkes
mdhawkes@xtra.co.nz
232-8514
Memorabilia Sales
Vacant
Rally Secretary
Diane White
white.house.stokesvalley@xtra.co.nz
563-6236
Archives & Trophies
Michael Curry
alvishumber@gmail.com
526-9522
Bar Duties
Roger White/Paul Switzer
526-9522/233-8777
NO CALLS AFTER 9:00PM PLEASE
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CONTENTS P2 P3
P4 P5 P6 - 7 P7 P8 - 9
Contact Details for Committee and Appointed Officers Contents From the Captain's Table National Office Notice of Motion Chairman’s Message From the Editor’s Laptop From the Archives Wairarapa Veteran Photos Motorcycle Section The Sunday Run From the Library
P10 - 11 P11 P12 P13 P14 P15 P16, P17 P18 P19 P20 - 22 P 23
FROM THE CAPTAIN’S TABLE
Library Magazine Collection As We Were Letter to The Editor The Dawnbreaker Rally The Ladies’ Rally The Maunga Moana Rally Coming Up - Here and There Information from Here and There Buy and Sell Advertisements Calendar of Events
Neale Ryder
Following the discussion about our rallies at the AGM, it would seem that we are ready for a major overhaul of our calendar of events. We started this in a small way during the last 12 months, which seems to have been well received. The rally committee will be addressing further changes in the coming months, so keep a watch in the "Motoring Spirit" for any changes & notices for events. Or even come to a club night. I think we will be trying to produce events with more emphasis on the social side of things rather than having to go out and do an exam whilst negotiating traffic. However in no way will our runs turn into any sort of "follow the leader" type of thing used by many other clubs. So if you have any suggestions of interesting or unusual places to visit, please let me know. Regards
Neale
NATIONAL OFFICE NOTICE OF MOTION The Branch has received information from National Office about two Notices of Motion to go forward to the AGM in August. The first seeks to delete the requirement for Membership Application forms to be signed by two club members, and the second suggests changing the class names for Veteran, Vintage and Post Vintage cars to match the names of the Post War, Post 60s and Post 80s classes. Full details will be mailed to members in July along with a postal voting paper. 3
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
Bill Pinkham
That is the AGM over for another year. The last year has been a good one for the Branch and for me. I have learnt how to chair a club night, MC a November Dinner and now how to chair an AGM. Thanks to all those that helped and guided me. We have had a good time with events, seeing something different for the Club Captain’s Safari and more ideas for the future. I look forward to what Neale and the hard working Rally committee will have in store for us. Financially we have had a good year, thanks largely to a bequest from Leland and the work of a group led by Alick. With all that said, I would like to thank all the members of the outgoing committee and the work they have put in over the last year and the help and advice I have received from them to get through me first year in the position. Then a hearty welcome to the 2017/18 committee, we will try to make it another enjoyable year. Next, I would like to thank all the quiet people who work away in the background in the appointed positions. They have done a great job and have agreed to continue for the next year. Last but not least, the anonymous helpers that just simply do their bit to make everything run, from raffle sales and kitchen duties to rally marshalling and everything in between. We now look forward to the final draft of the updated constitution, and I will learn how to chair a Special General Meeting (with help). Bill Pinkham
FROM THE EDITOR’S LAPTOP
Claire Benge
As I write, this winter seems to have swept in with a full force southerly: isn't Wellington great to live in! But we managed to enjoy the Ladies’ rally in spite of the cold, although it was great that the rain stopped for the afternoon. I was going to comment on the discussion that took place at the AGM after a relatively smooth election of officers, but I don’t need to as the letter on Page 15 says it all to me but the emphasis on 7 months of non-competitive rallies that are not in the challenge Trophy. Can I add from recent experience that the social side of rallies at other clubs is up with the enjoyment of new roads and vistas. Our breakdown at the Maunga Moana Rally was made up for by the social side, with recently made friends as well as those from the 70s when we had a Graham Paige. I say get out there and drive - it’s the best part of the car club activities!
Claire Contributions for the Motoring Spirit are always welcome Articles, photos, reports or tit bits. Electronic versions are preferred but photos and text can be scanned or typed up. Send to the Editor - claire.benge@xtra.co.nz or arrange by phone with her to get a hard copy by mail or at Club Nights
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FROM THE ARCHIVES
Michael Curry
After last month’s column “As We Were” that featured the picture below asking for confirmation that it was indeed Hugh Webley, we got the following answer from Hugh Webley via a club member - Bernard Wright; “The picture may be of me but the bike wasn’t mine. The bike has a number plate that seems to say 1912. The two bikes I used were the 1914 500cc BSA with side car, and had the registration plate number on the front. The other one was a 1914 Humber water cooled 500 cc. so it is not one of these. Sorry that I am no help with this but it’s a long time ago. You may have seen some of the history of the early days of the car club and it was considered that motor cycles were noisy dirty things and not what it was all about. When we ran the first November rally I was allowed to ride the BSA but when we arrived back to the finish I was asked if I would hide it away behind the State Insurance building. This was in 1958. When we arrived we caused so much interest. Then we had to take the chief traffic officer for a ride round the car park. From then on motorcycles were an accepted part of the Wellington club. At the fifty year rally I was presented with a certificate of attending that first event which hangs on my wall here. I must be one of the very few foundation members left and intend to be around for a while. I will be 89 in October, and still use the Austin and sometimes my Mobylette Moped. “ Hugh Webly
Photos from the Wairarapa Veteran Run after the Dawnbreaker Run
Left: the Curved Dash Oldsmobile
Right: A late veteran Overland
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MOTORCYCLE SECTION
Trevor Barnes
Meeting Monday May 22nd 19 members attended the May meeting. Past Events. Wairarapa Winter Reliability Trial 13-14 May: Your scribe arrived in damp looking weather at Brown Owl just before 8am to join Gerry Appel and Ashley Blair for the ride to Clareville. Peter Simpson had already headed off with his bike in the van. Despite expecting to get wet on the Rimutaka Hill it was a dry ride. After a cuppa the straightforward instruction sheets were given out to the 17 riders, heading north via Mauriceville with lunch at Mangatainoka. No rain so far.
After lunch we travelled through Makuri to Pongaroa then on the south road to Akitio with some good condition gravel road. Nobody required the backup trailer, but more about that later. There were skiffs of light rain but not enough to wet one’s clothes. We were staying at the Akitio Community Centre, which has a large and well-appointed hall above a series of bunkrooms. The evening meal was a buffet roast dinner – very good too. After dinner there was of course the prize giving. The one and only trophy was awarded to Willis St Clair, not because he was the oldest rider at 87 but because of his determination to finish the rally. Somewhere en route the throttle cable had parted company with the top nipple. A couple of other riders used insulation tape to tape the inner to the twistgrip, and the outer to the fixed part of the brake lever. Not great but it allowed him to continue on his BSA, including Sunday. Sunday dawned crystal clear but rather cool. The Sunday ride was along the northern road out of Akitio then through Pongaroa and Alfredton to the Eketahuna Inn for lunch. That was the formal end of the rally but still with the backup vehicle to Masterton. Thanks to Nev and Beth Taylor for organising another very enjoyable run. Coming Events. Wellington Biennial Rally: Because the Club Captain’s Safari is on Wellington Anniversary weekend, the Biennial Motorcycle Rally will be held the weekend after, 27th-28th January. This time the rally will be held in the Wairarapa with a Featherston start. The Saturday dinner will be at our clubrooms. The following people have undertaken tasks for the rally planning: Sponsorship: Hal O’Rorke Catering: To be found Admin: Peter Simpson Prizes: Warrick Laing with assistance from John Neill. Entry mail out and publicity brochure: Ashley Blair Route: Trevor Barnes, David Gwynn, Dennis Palmer. Ashley Blair (route checking). 6
South Island Tour - “Quadruple Bike Pass”: Aaron gave a report on his plans for this. Thu 15th March: 5pm ferry, overnight in Blenheim. Fri 16h Shenandoah & Lewis passes to Rangiora. Sat 17th to Geraldine & Oamaru. Sun 18th Invercargill via Catlins. Mon 19th, Tue 20th Invercargill. Wed 21st Te Anau, Manapouri (Deep Cove?) Frankton. Thu 22 nd Haast, Franz Josef. Fri 23rd Arthurs Pass, Rangiora. Sat 24th Inland Kaikoura Rd to the Ferry. Ten riders + two in the van at this stage. Cost is approx. $400 up front plus accommodation & meals. Next Meeting: June 19th 3rd Monday at The Butcher and Brewer, 7:30pm. Meeting dates for the rest of the year: July 17th 3rd Monday August 21st 3rd Monday September 18th 3rd Monday October 30th 5th Monday November 20th 3rd Monday Photo: Willis St Clair’s BSA showing the insulation tape temporarily fixing the throttle cable
THE SUNDAY RUN
Richard Davies
For last month’s Sunday Run, we were sampling the delicious coffee, food and atmosphere at Janus Bakkerij when a guy who had been to the Petrolhead Breakfast that morning called in and mentioned he was on the way to Stokes Valley to join a parade to raise money for a terminally ill local Vet. We decided that we would join the cars in the parade at the display at the Stokes Valley RSA and followed that with lunch at the grounds behind the Stokes Valley Fire Brigade (Gymkhana attendees will recognise the area). A great run and hopefully we contributed to the fundraising.
This month (4 June) , at 11 am meet outside the Janus Bakkerij High Street, Lower Hutt (north of the Hutt Hospital).
We will have a coffee there (some parking out the back off Mitchell Street) before hopefully going up to the Buddhist Temple at the top of Stokes Valley. (Ian McCulloch is still to finalise the details) Make sure you aren't late so you don’t miss out on instructions
Richard
Understanding Engineers #7 Normal people believe that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Engineers believe that if it ain't broke, it doesn't have enough features yet. 7
FROM THE LIBRARY
David Crooks
A Century Ago cont’d. As will be noted from our series on development and use of the tank in WW1 the number of vehicles produced was small and, apart from the modest example of the French Renault FT, did not reach the scale of mass production. For the main protagonists in the conflict, Britain, France and Germany, their industrial capacity was stretched to the limit in meeting the vast demands for munitions and other war materials. With its highly developed manufacturing capability the United States supplied a range of equipment and commercial vehicles for use by Britain and France but it remained clear of direct involvement until the latter phases of the war. The development of purpose built military machines was constrained by a strong anti-war involvement and thus, until late in the conflict, there was no apparent need for specialised equipment for use by the US military. When that situation changed in 1917, the raising of a large expeditionary force directed attention to the need, among many other things, for tanks. A number of US design concepts appeared during 1916-18 but, as elsewhere, they failed for the most part to meet field capability requirements. ollowing are examples, some with novel features. Best Coy “Tracklayer”. In late 1916 Best began design for an armoured version of their Tracklayer farm tractor and a prototype was built in 1917. It was a half-track with steering by a wide track wheel on a front extension frame. The original box mock-up hull was changed to a curved shell, which helped deflect small arms fire, and was fitted with a top turret to take two 37 mm light cannon and two machine guns. Two were built and took part in recruiting activities and exercises with the California National Guard. But with a 75 hp engine and weight of 14 tons the vehicle was seriously under-powered, steering was unsatisfactory and the project did not proceed. Below left a cutaway drawing showing the tractor encompassed by the shell, and right, the machine in company with a National Guard squad.
Holt “Gas-electric”. Often referred to as the first US tank, in cross-checking it appears to have followed the above Tracklayer, the prototype came out early in 1918. It too was based on an agricultural tractor, the Holt Model 7 with lengthened chassis and a 90 hp 4 cyl. engine driving a General Electric generator which powered an electric propulsion motor for each track. Proposed armament was a forward mounted 75 mm cannon and two hull machine guns. With a crew of 6 it had a speed of 10 km/h and a range of 50 km. The weight of 25 tons was too much for the power system, it could not cope with rough surfaces or even modest slopes. It failed to impress on field trials and was rejected by the military. A simple box hull, see opp. page top left. Pioneer Tractor Coy “Skeleton”. The major design factor here was for a light vehicle weight with good trench crossing ability. This was achieved by dispensing with an all-encompassing hull and its attendant weight of armour. The skeleton frame was made up with standard iron piping and plumbing fittings in the successful rhomboid shape of British tanks. A two compartment armoured box with turret was fitted within the frame to house the crew and enginetransmission assembly, and to mount a machine gun. It weighed a modest 9 tons and with a 25 foot length had good obstacle crossing ability. It was powered by two 4 cylinder 50 hp Beaver engines for a speed of 5 mph and had a crew of two. An experimental model was completed in the latter half of 1918 and was still being trialled
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by the US Army as the war ended but did not proceed. This sole example was recently restored and resides in the US Tank Museum, below right an early photograph.
A Steam Tank project of the US Army Corps of Engineers, with expert assistance from steam car maker Stanley, produced a prototype in April 1918. Designed as a specialist flame-thrower its hull and track form was based on the British Mk IV but was powered by two kerosene fuelled boilers supplying steam to two 250 hp rail car steam engines driving one to each track. An auxiliary 35 hp gasoline engine powered the front turret mounted flamethrower which had a range of 10 metres, it also had four hull mounted machine guns and was operated by a crew of 8. It was a lumbering beast of 50 tons and could manage only 6 km/h. Following demonstrations the prototype was shipped to France in June for field trials where the combination of boilers, large liquid fuel load and flamethrower was considered dangerous and too vulnerable under fire for practical use. The project did not proceed, the machine below left. The Mk VIII “Liberty� tank was an Anglo-American concept for a standard heavy tank to be collaboratively produced for use by British, US and French forces when it was believed the war could extend through 1919 and beyond. Utilising their advanced motor vehicle industry the US would produce the automotive elements and Britain the armoured hulls and armament, with final assembly in France. It grew out of a British design initiative and an approach to the US in June 1917 but it was December before terms were agreed and joint design could proceed. There were further delays in setting up manufacturing facilities and supply co-ordination, including the need for a new assembly plant in France. The Mk VIII was based on the shape and other features of the British Mk I-V series but with major improvements including separated functional compartments, 32 foot hull for 14 foot trench crossing ability and wider tracks. The machine weighed 38 tons and was powered by a 300 hp V12 engine (US Liberty or British Ricardo) for a range of 80 km and speed of 8 km/h. It was armed with 2 x 57 mm cannon and 7 machine guns and had a crew of 10-12. Production began late in 1918 but none reached the front line before the armistice. Britain built 31 but only five were retained for training after the war, the Americans made 100 and remained in service until 1932 when they were retired to storage until bought by Canada in 1940 at scrap value for training. The Mk VIII below right.
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LIBRARY MAGAZINE COLLECTION Peter Simpson The collection of magazines is still growing as donations are made. The various titles are now stacked in three locations as follows. Most of the collection is in the library while the remaining magazines are in the room above the spares department or on the mezzanine level in the library. Space is at a premium. To find out which titles are stored where, consult the MAGAZINE CATALOGUE held in the library. SURPLUS MAGAZINES We have some surplus magazines available to take away. These are titles and copies that are either duplicated or not being collected. You may take any surplus copies from the table in the clubrooms. (Please do not bring them back when finished with though!) TITLES SOUGHT We are collecting the following titles to be added to the club Library. CAR MAGAZINES Australian Sports Car World (quarterly)
NZ Classic Driver
Antique Automobile
NZ Clasic Wheels/Auto Nostalgia
Autocar Weekly
NZ Motorman
Autocar Road Test Annuals
NZ Motoring News & Magazine
The Automobile
Old Motor & Vintage Commercial
Car
On Four Wheels
The Car (Series)
On the Road
Classic and Sports Cars
Practical Classics (and Car Restorer)
Consumer Car Supplement
Practical Motorist (Practical Motorist and Motorcyclist)
Encyclopedia of Supercars
Horseless Carriage Gazette Motor Manual Modern Motor Motor Sport NZ Motoring News (Changed to NZ Auto News and Auto Car. Later NZ Auto Car) NZ Car
Restored Cars Road and Track Shell Answerman Series Thoroughbred and Classic Cars Veteran and Vintage Wheels Beaded Wheels 10
MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINES
Motorcycling ("The green one") Practical Motorist and Motorcyclist The Motorcycle ("The blue one") Two Wheels
Antique Motorcycle Classic Bike Classic Motorcycle Motorcycle Mechanics
AS WE WERE
Roger White remembers Rex Porter, who is pictured driving the above car at the 1958 November Rally. He was a founding member of Wellington Branch. The passenger is Roy Elwin from Carterton who joined the Club at age 12, probably the youngest member ever. The car is a 1900 Cudell De Dion, which was built under licence in Germany. Originally owned by Dr Mirams of Lower Hutt, it has a single cylinder of 3.5 hp and now resides in the Southward Museum. Google tells us that De Dion-Bouton was a French automobile manufacturer and railcar manufacturer operating from 1883 to 1932. The company was founded by the Marquis JulesAlbert de Dion, Georges Bouton, and Bouton's brother-in-law Charles TrĂŠpardoux.
Murphy’s other laws: 6. Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't. 11
Letter to the Editor I was at the AGM last Tuesday, and would like to thank all concerned, for the efficient and
expeditious running of that meeting and congratulate all the elected Officers to positions on the committee. However, I now wonder what some of those members will do. This last comment arises out of a one-sided discussion on the future of the Branch and what members don't want to do. It appears most members no longer want competitive rallies, instead opting for a more social aspect, citing age, traffic conditions, disinterest or lack of knowledge in rally instruction, changes to the structure of the working week, or personal commitments on a Sunday. I am now looking to my 46th year in the club and was brought up on competitive rallies and loved it - still do! Our Branch used to travel all over the country, competing at other branch rallies and enjoyed taking their Branch trophies home with us. During those weekends, there was plenty of time to socialize, getting to know other Branches members and forming lasting friendships, during pre dinner drinks, brilliant evening meals and after dinner, more swapping of lies, banter about things seen on the days rally, including interpretation of instructions and help with problems or details of hard-to-come-by parts. Happy times. I have been a member of various Branches and believe they still run competitive events with enthusiasm, today. Currently I am without an eligible vehicle due to spending the last few years in Europe, but when I next get a vehicle, I will once again embrace the competitive nature of rallying, age being no barrier. It seems a lot of members would like to have more mid week runs, due to quieter road conditions. Interesting to note that weekday traffic is more fraught with problems than weekend runs, as weekend runs generally take less travelled routes. If members insist on attending those days in a modern vehicle, then what's the point? After spending many thousands of dollars either buying a vehicle, or restoring one, where is the sense in gritting the teeth every time you take it out: better off selling it. If we extrapolate that theory out, there will be no eligible cars out there and we will all be going for outings on a bus!
Let's take other sports. Horse trials, as in Badminton or Burleigh. You wont see Andrew Nicholson or Sir Mark Todd going to the local pub to play Escalado, nor will you see World Rally Champions playing with Scalextric sets in a local Hall, because crowds don't like travelling to the events. Tiddlywinks players are still tiddling their winks in the time-honoured fashion and bridge players aren't playing Bridge via a Skype link. Remarks made by one member that Rally instructions aren't understood, should look up the V.C.C. guidelines around setting rallies and interpretation of instructions. The Branch has a copy. Better still, get out there and involve yourself in setting a Rally or marshal on one. Perhaps an evening class in Rally instructions could be arranged, as in the past. 12
My proposal is to keep the Challenge Trophy Series going, as competitive as it once was. Entrants can elect to go non-competitive if they wish, but would not be eligible for points. There are another 7 months in which to organize social runs and outings to Antique shops, Alpaca shearing demonstrations, Lavender farms and coffee mornings. As to the member who said " Who cares who wins " ask that question of Lewis Hamilton or Steve Hansen. I say " Who dares wins "
Selwyn Warren
The Dawnbreaker Rally
Carilyn Banks
The Annual Dawnbreaker Rally was held on Sunday 23 April. Thirteen VCC cars arrived at the top of the Rimutaka Hill in time to watch a perfect sunrise over the valley below. Among those braving the early and somewhat chilly start was new member Wendy Beyer in her 1954 Zephyr Six. Wendy and her friend Anella had both taken the trouble to dress in 1950’s splendour. Welcome to your first Rally Wendy, we look forward to many more with you. After sunrise, we descended the hill and ate a hearty breakfast at The Corner Cafe in Greytown, before visiting the Wairarapa Branch at the start of their Veteran Rally. There were Veteran cars from Wairarapa, Central Hawkes Bay, Wanganui and Manawatu, so a lovely display of these old beauties. We followed the rally at a very leisurely pace to Martinborough where we ate yet again. There was an invitation to return to Greytown afterwards as the Veteran Cars had an afternoon section in their rally instructions but after such an early start we decided to amble on home. Another great Vintage Car Club outing.
More pictures on front cover and P5
Hal O’Rourke’s spritely little Austin Seven on the run to Martinborough . (veteran photos here and P5 by Shaun Leahy)
The 1919 Dodge Fire Engine gets around! Owned by Bruce Hutton and Seona Ashton, it belonged originally to the Hunterville Volunteer Fire Board.
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The Ladies Rally
Claire Benge
This year we were nearing the end of a three day dinkum southerly when the day dawned for the Ladies Rally. But by mid-morning the sky had cleared and the sun was shining. The hood was up on the Morris 8 Sports however as the air was very crisp. I was thoroughly spoilt driving my Rav 4 as the Jailbar is still waiting on parts for the motor. There were 7 ladies and 3 guys driving vintage cars, and 1 lady in a modern so it was quite a good turnout for the weather. We were given instructions and a short lesson on straight line diagrams before being sent off at about 1.30pm. Some ladies struggled with driving strange cars while some guys, not used to navigating, needed coaching by the female drivers. The route took us north, over the Melling Bridge to Silverstream then back down the Eastern side of the river to Stokes Valley for a bit of Straight Line navigating before returning to the Eastern Hutt Road and on towards Seaview. There were a few tricky questions to answer on the way, eg who would expect Canine Solutions to be a Hotel name and would you expect five places that provide WOFs on the same side of a stretch of industrial buildings? Back to the club rooms to judge the delicious cakes and biscuits that had been produced by the men - what a selection. A lot of tasting and discussion was going on while everyone had a cup of tea or coffee. The highlight of the day for us chocoholics was the demonstration by Pauline Nunns on chocolate making. We soon got the idea that the temperature was all important as she spread chocolate on table top then stirred it around to cool it. She spent most of the time either cooling it or warming it as she poured it into various moulds then filled them with peanut butter, ganache and other fillings and topping them off with more chocolate or making truffles with dark or white chocolate and cream then rolling them in passionfruit powder or chocolate and all the time suggesting other combinations and tricks. WOW! Afterwards we were allowed to taste what she had made, on top of the afternoon tea, so we all went home totally satiated, and unlikely to be eating much for dinner. But the winners turned out to be a great team – Peter Simpson and Cathye Haddock, he with his Feijoa Friands on an elegant two tiered cake plate, and she with the lowest score in the rally driving the little Morris 8 Sports. A great day. Thanks Diane and Roger for organising it. Pictures on the back cover AND THE WINNERS WERE! ENTRANT Cathye Haddock & Peter Simpson Jenny & John Jackson Joanna & Kevin Buck Alison & John Kinvig Others Colin, Jocelyn & Jessica White Doug & Carilyn Banks Claire & Bruce Benge Peter Simpson
Voted Best Baking
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VEHICLE 1937 Morris Eight 1963 Riley 1966 Daimler 1980 Ford Cortina
PLACE 1st 2nd= 2nd= 4th
1930 Hudson 1962 Jaguar 2012 Toyota RAV 4 Feijoa Friands
1st 2nd 3rd
THE MAUNGA MOANA RALLY
Claire Benge
subtitled IN PRAISE of the AA PLUS INSURANCE SCHEME The Taranaki Vintage Car Club has a great reputation for its hospitality and this year the Maunga Moana Rally was to be based in Stratford on the weekend before a ANZAC Tuesday. Bruce and I decide to take the Jailbar with Kevin Buck in his Daimler and friend, and at evening drinks and BBQ met up with a contingent of Kapiti Coast/WVCC members, Murray and Kay Hislop, David and Petal Joliffe, Warren and Jan Corkin, and Winton and Ruth Cleale. The rally head us east towards Wangamomona. We turned left after Toko to drive in hilly country (is there anything else in Taranaki?) on back roads north around in a circle through Matau. Short of Tarata, east of Inglewood the temperature on the Jailbar shot right up so we pulled over, Bruce topped up the radiator and we drove cautiously into the lunch stop at Tarata. After a quick lunch the Jailbar was checked and was showing water in the oil. Bruce called the AA as he didn’t want to do more damage by driving. There was no cell phone coverage or phone in the Tarata Hall so Murray Hislop gave Bruce a lift to the nearest hill where he contacted the AA (thanks Murray). The rest of the rally carried on the afternoon run leaving us on the side of the road waiting for a Jamieson’s truck to pick up the Jailbar. The driver put the Jailbar into his secure yard at Midhurst and dropped us off at our motel at Stratford by about 4 pm. The next morning Kevin Buck took Bruce into New Plymouth (again thanks) to pick up a rental car for us to drive home. Under the AA Plus insurance scheme we could have had that rental car for three days and our motel expenses paid as well. The Jailbar was delivered back home and into the garage, admittedly nearly two weeks later (they need to wait for empty space on the transporters). We heartily recommend to all VCC members that they take out the extra insurance - the AA Plus service. Unlike modern cars, most of our cars have the potential for breaking down, no matter how well they are restored and maintained. It certainly made our experience easy to cope with, and we have heard of others who have experienced the same service. It only applies to breakdowns, and there is a limit to the cost for transporting the car; for example there would be an excess from the Coromandel and I am not sure of the costs from the South Island. But any money saved in such a situation is great. PS: It wasn’t a blown gasket but worn out cylinder heads with stretched and corroded bolts and marks from a valve on one of the heads showing how thin from excess planeing it was, all disappointingly refitted by a reputable engineer when reconditioned less than two years ago . 15
COMING UP
HERE and THERE
Kapiti Coast Mid Week Run (last Wednesday of the month)
Wednesday 28 June 2017. Mid-year Xmas Dinner Venue: Manakau Hotel Address: Honi Taipua Street, Manakau. Honi Taipua Street runs parallel to State Highway one. The Hotel is situated opposite what was the Deer Museum now a Bistro Café on State Highway One. 11.30am: Meet for a drink and a chat Noon: Dinner is served and is $35.00 per person If you would like to join us, please contact John or Alison Kinvig by 25 June 2017 Either: E-mail jakinvig@xtra.co.nz or phone (04) 234 1262, John mobile 027 4524326
FOR ANY PETROL HEADS THAT ARE INTERESTED The Lighthouse Theatre, Beach Street, Petone, PH 04 939 2061, will be showing in June the film‘McLaren’ – the story of Bruce McLaren, the New Zealander who founded the McLaren Team and showed that a man of humble beginnings could take on the elite racing teams and win. They are one of the most successful racing teams in Formula One racing.
Please note changes of rally date The Colonial Cup Rally is now 20th August
Would you like your monthly newsletter sent to you as a PDF! Would you like to receive the Motoring Spirit by email as a PDF. Save some postage and printing costs for the club. See all the photos in colour, and receive it on your laptop, I Pad or I Phone the day it is sent. Ask for three month trial with both electronic and hard copy. Send your email address to the editor - claire.benge@xtra.co.nz 16
COMING UP
HERE and THERE
LEPRECHAUN RALLY SUNDAY 25TH JUNE. MEET AT THE SQUARE MARTINBOROUGH AT 10.00AM. This event is for all high ground clearance vehicles and is a follow the leader event along gravel roads with interesting scenery. Bring the family, everyone welcome. No navigating or instructions.
Come early to have a coffee at a café before the event. Bring your own lunch and hot drinks. There will be no toilets or shelter available at the finish . A few four wheel drive vehicles would be appreciated. Please contact Neale if you are interested. This is a fun event like a mini Irishman’s which you would have read about in the Beaded Wheels and without travelling the distance to go on the event. We would love to see as many vehicles as possible for this mystery tour.
Diane
Gemac Motor Services 5 Parliament Street, Lower Hutt, 04 589 5483 For WOF and other work on both vintage and modern cars
Your branch magazine on the web
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Many branch magazines are now available for reading on the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand’s website. The magazines are published as soon as they are received each month and can be accessed by going to http://vcc.org.nz/ and clicking on News from our Branches down the left side of the homepage. To go to your chosen magazine either click on the magazine cover or the underlined date of the publication. This will take you to the magazine and by clicking on the small square next to the + sign you can enjoy a full screen reading experience. In time we hope to be able to publish all branch magazines. Enjoy your reading. Ross Holden Communications & Marketing Officer Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) Phone 021 2638488 Email: comms@vcc.org.nz 17
INFORMATION
from
HERE AND THERE
THE NEW VINTAGE CAR CLUB of NZ FACEBOOK PAGE Just a quick note about the new Vintage Car Club of New Zealand facebook page. Yes, it’s online now and includes some very interesting stories. The next step is to get as many people as possible to LIKE the page. 1. For those who already have a facebook account: Go to the VCC facebook page and LIKE it. Posts will then appear in YOUR facebook stream and you can share them with your friends 2. For those who don’t have a facebook page or don’t want to set up an account: Click on the link below and then save it in bookmarks in your internet browser. You will then have easy access to the page whenever you want to see the latest posts. I am also looking for pictures and just a couple of paragraphs about the photo from club events around the country. These will make interesting posts. One of the successes of facebook is that there are few words included in each post but many of the posts include a link to the full story. As an example of the simple info I am looking for, there is a video on the site with this explanation above it: “Recent Wairarapa veteran rally motoring to Martinborough. Dodge fire engine of Bruce Hutton passing Ian and Fay Chamberlain's Reo. Taken from Diane and Geoff Quarrie's GWK” That is plenty of words to go with a video. Just a couple of points: a) the facebook page will include upcoming events but it’s not a buy, sell and exchange page. There are other avenues for that information. b) The page will work well if the content is regularly updated and interesting. I intend to post at least 1 story every day and that is why I need as many photos as possible (with a short explanation) from members. Here is the link to the page: https://www.facebook.com/vintagecarclubofnewzealand/ or type Vintage Car Club of New Zealand into Facebook search. Ross Holden Communications & Marketing Officer Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) Phone 021 2638488 email: comms@vcc.org.nz Information on 1938 Austin 10 Cambridge: As regards to my Austin letter on page 7 in the latest Beaded Wheels, I have new information that says this car was sold in Paraparaumu about 5 years ago when the owner moved to Christchurch. The name K. Gilby or Wilson may be relevant. If any of your members could help, I would appreciate it. Thanks. Andy Hammond. Waikato VCC. (07) 8235712.
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BUY & SELL
Advertisers: please advise editor when items are sold
Double Garage for rent: Wainuiomata, power on, 188 Wellington Road. Phone Mirianne on 0223 698 462 or leave a TXT message. $60 per week (negotiable)
4/4
For Sale: Small Chain Hoist: 1/4 Ton $25 ONO. Also small very accurate Saw Bench 200mm blades 1HP Single Phase motor. Offers over $20 Ring Ian MacLean Phone on 4792433 or email mimac@actrix.co.nz 3/4 Riley Pathfinder 1956: 5 litre 4 cylinder twincam engine in dismantled condition for sale, crankshaft has been crack tested, it needs rebore and new pistons; BSA single cylinder late 40s; industrial engine condition unknown with magneto. For further details please contact Jim Doherty, jim.doherty@outlook.co.nz, 0275 369 995 or 04 569 5738, Woburn area, 3/4 Storage: Large secure lock up available in Naenae. $35 per week for VCC members. I've got my cars in this lock up (Car Shed) but there is more room available if you are interested. Contact Greg Haines 5628366. 2/4 Double garage, Paraparaumu area, suitable for the storage of Classic or Vintage cars only. 175.00 per month. Phone John Kinvig - 04 234 1262 or 027 4524 326 1/4
1919 Essex Four Roadster for sale Fully restored to original condition. 9890 miles. 1700 miles since purchase over three years ago (and mostly by my grandson). It is not getting the use it fully deserves. Drives as well as it looks. Many spares available that will be supplied free if needed from my extensive range together with lots of literature, specialist tools and knowhow. Making way for new project. Price $27,500. Phone Phil Kidd 04 5289 897 or 027 239 4828 1/4 A Lucas Quip: 2.
Lucas – Inventor of the first intermittent wiper. 19
your one stop automotive shop We can offer almost any service required on a motor vehicle and all under one roof. We do complete engine rebuilding.We can service modern, vintage and classic cars, performance and muscle cars, hot rods, micro cars and most importantly, your car. Other services we offer:  Upholstery  Vintage Wooden Bodies Contact us at:
40 Ward Street Upper Hutt Ph/Fax 04 528 2580 admin@bristols.co.nz 20
www.bristols.co.nz
METAL IMMERSIONS LTD FERRY DISCOUNTS FOR VCC MEMBERS
IMMERSION STRIPPING
For details refer to the noticeboard in the Clubrooms or contact the Branch Secretary
ABRASIVE BLASTING POWDER COATING
See page 18 for contact details We are the company that offers you Total immersion stripping of Car bodies and panels WE TAKE CARE OF ALL YOUR NEEDS Contact: Warren Leslie Phone: (04) 232 6880 Fax: (04) 232 6882 11 Wall Place, Tawa Email: wleslie@ihug.co.nz
VERO INSURANCE If you arrange your car and household insurance through Vero, the Wellington Branch gets a commission. Last year it amounted to $2,300.00.
FREE QUOTATIONS 21
66 Killarney Rd
Apex Auto
Hamilton
Centre
0800 10 27 39
FOR HARD TO SOURCE CABLES, BRAKE PARTS OR HOSES Speedo cable, Handbrake cable, Accelerator cable, Choke cable Reline shoes, Cylinder repair Stainless Resleeving, Booster overhaul Brake hoses, Braided hoses, Power steering hoses
Call the Specialists Mention this ad and receive 10% discount BLUEBRIDGE COOK STRAIT FERRY Bluebridge has notified us of the latest discounts for vehicles on their ferry between Wellington and Picton for Vintage Car Club members as follows: 1 August 2016 to 30 November 2017 The VCC code for discounts is ANTIQUECAR. Valid Travel Dates: Between now and 30 November 2017. Discounted - 10% off all available fares. Ring 0800 844 844, www.bluebridge.co.nz for conditions NOTE; Warren Corkin, one of our members, reminds us that to get this discount you must present your VCC membership card when you check in on the day of your trip. It is not enough to have quoted it when you booked and paid for the ticket. Also it may not be enough to have booked electronically. You need a printed copy of your electronic booking on the day or you may have to pay again then go
for a refund for the original booking These rules may apply to the Interislander also. BEWARE.
THE INTERISLANDER The Interisland has sent us an updated quote. There is not enough space to list it all so we suggest that if you are planning to book from 1 February to 18 December 2017 ring the Interislander for quotes, or click on ‘Group Bookings’ at the foot of their home page www.interislander. To access the VCC rates, insert the reference WH5465 22
WELLINGTON BRANCH—CALENDAR OF EVENTS Clubnights are on the 3rd Tuesday of every month in the Clubrooms, Halford Place, Petone (Eastern end of Jackson St) at 7:30pm. The Clubrooms are also open Wednesdays from 9:30 to 12:00, and for Noggin & Natter Fridays from 7:00pm ($1 for biscuits, tea and coffee free) Motorcycle Meetings are usually held on the 4th Monday of the month in the Butcher & Brewer, 175 Jackson Street, Petone at 7:30pm. JUNE Sunday Run Committee meeting Motorcycle Group Meeting Club Night Leprechaun Rally Kapiti Midweek Run Rally Committee Meeting
JULY 4th 12th 19th 20th 25th 28th 30th
Club Night Supper Roster: John and Deirdre Blakemore
Sunday Run Committee meeting Motorcycle Group Meeting Club Night Remembrance Rally/ Social Country Run Kapiti Midweek Run Rally Committee Meeting
2nd 10th 17th 18th 23rd 26th 28th
Club Night Supper Roster: Diane and Phil Janes
JUNE CLUB NIGHT - THE GREAT DEBATE In 1925 Coco Chanel inspired women to take off their bone corsets because “women drive autos and this is not possible in a crinoline skirt” Come along and hear a bunch of bigots (and perhaps some wise people) debate this. (Coco also spoke strongly against “the exhibition of meat in the too-short skirt” but perhaps she got that wrong too.)
the motion is “that women should not be allowed to drive our club cars” SEPTEMBER
AUGUST Sunday Run 6nd Committee meeting 7th National AGM Marlborough 11th, 12th, 13th Club Night 15th Judging for Colonial Cup and VIC day 19th Colonial Cup Rally (Challenge Trophy) 20th Motorcycle Group Meeting 21st Rally Committee Meeting 25th Kapiti Midweek Run 30th
Sunday Run 3rd Twilight Rally (Challenge Trophy) 9th Upper Hutt Spring Festival 9th Committee Meeting 11th Motorcycle Group Meeting 18th Club Night 19th Toms Tour 23rd - 24thKapiti Midweek Run 27th Rally Committee Meeting 29th
Club Night Supper Roster: tba
Club night supper roster: tba
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Cathye Haddock, the winning of the Ladies Rally Cup and her prize, with her navigator, Peter Simpson with what remained of his winning baking contribution - Feijoa Friands - to complete the winning team
After afternoon tea we had Pauline Nunns demonstrating how to make chocolates, with the help of her daughter and son (not in the picture).
Heart shaped peanut butter filled chocolates, and various other flavoured chocolates tinted with gold, bronze and blue, plain chocolates, and in the background truffles of various flavours.
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