MAGAZINE of THE CADILLAC LaSALLE CLUB of NEW ZEALAND INC. finz
SUMMER TIME CRUSING JANUARY 2017 The Black & White facts - We formed our New Zealand club in 1973 and celebrated our 40th Anniversary in 2013 making us one of the oldest Cadillac clubs in the world. We are proud to be an cadillacclubofnz.org International Affiliate of the world-wide Cadillac LaSalle Club of the USA - itself formed in 1958.
Front & Inside ‘COVER Caddy’ pix thanks to Ron Zhan, CLC USA 2 FINZ Magazine Editor: Ron Melville Recipient of (CLC) The Yann Saunders I hope you like the ‘new look’ FINZ for 2017 and International Activity Award 2013 I’d love to receive your feedback. The Maurice Hendry Award for Excellence in Journalistic Contributions - 2015 Old Cars Weekly ~ Golden Quill Award 2011, F O R E W O R D To the Kiwis and Australians reading this, safe 2012, 2014 & 2015 cruising over our summer and send me a story/ International Newsletter Excellence Award - 2015 Happy New Year 2017 and welcome to another year of FINZ pics about what you get up to. To our Northern Contributions to: [email protected] Magazine and another ‘new look!’ Hemisphere friends, keep warm and safe! The Editior reserves the right to accept or reject Regards Ron - Ed. any contributions. Deadline is 20th of each month It wouldn’t be FINZ under my editor-ship if it didn’t look Now here’s a sneak-peak of what this issue is all about... different from the last series and this year is no exception!
Reknown for our bursts of colour, this year also features mono- chrome tones from yesteryear and a completely new layout in landscape format just to stand apart from the many other grand Cadillac club mags out there.
All our old favourites are back again plus a brand new ‘Quarterly’ segment called Retro Road Report where my goal is to share with you my personally driven road report on a featured club Cadillac or LaSalle - any more takers out there?
Fostering club communication from around the world has been a long-time FINZ tradition and our ‘Global Family’ pages continues this invitation to readers to write me with your Cadillac stories together with your outstanding pictures - check out some of the examples here!
So how has your Christmas been? I received from my brother an excellent book called Art Deco - New Zealand by Terry Moyle. It is a significant collection of ‘Art Deco’ buildings across NZ, even in the smaller towns. If you enjoy Art Deco like me, check out this link: http://www. mcleodsbooks.co.nz/p/nz-non-fiction-art- deco-new-zealand--2?barcode=9781869664558 3 Our Global
Clever Carol Southcombe (BoP) sent me this pic. FAMILY Must have taken a long time to create NEW ZEALAND - Here in the Bay of Plenty we the image before enjoyed our annual Tauranga ‘Santa Cruise’ . Four the coffee went Caddies, a Chrysler and 20+ people enjoyed not only cold! Ed. a cruise around the streets at sunset but ended at André and Ron Melville’s place for supper, meriment and plenty of laughs - Ed. Hi Ron, thanks again for a great cruise and supper, you guys put on a wonderful spread, and it was good to catch up with a few members, give a big thanks to Andre for her effort , thanks Kevin and Christine
Publication details - ‘FINZ’ (2017 ‘The Americas Series’) is Copyright to The Cadillac & La Salle Club of NZ Inc. Publication is distributed via email and snail mail. All correspondence to the editor: [email protected] Artwork/design layout and technical support by Shea’ Melville ([email protected]). Ideas and concepts by Ron Melville and many inserts from Editors own collection, both hard and electronic copy. We thank all contributors world-wide for permitting publication, use of items and advertisers for your ongoing support. To advertise, email editor for rates. FINZ is a non-profit club publication and printed for club members and readers enjoyment. No responsibility taken for errors or ommissions. The name FINZ is copyright to the Cadillac LaSalle Club of New Zealand formed in 1973 and original magazine name conceived circa 1974. FINZ is proudly made of and in New Zealand! 4 cadillacclubofnz.org
Another winter scene with plenty of snow taken through the windshield somewhere in “Main Street” America. [Thanks to Fred Bausch from Our Global San Francisco for contributing this, at left and below]
This image was taken in San Francisco in front of KSFO, a conservative talk and news station that first went on the FAMILY air in 1925. USA - All, FYI. A great source for hubcaps at Got the FINZ. Read it all. I had not seen the Trump/ reasonable prices. Cadi picture. He’s going to get a bunch of Cadillacs in From: Bianca
Paul Dixon, always the ‘article and picture hunter’ UNITED KINGDOM - Ron good as usual, hope the out there sent me this great cartoon of the late Fidel earthquake did not bother you?? I have just bought Castro saying farewell! a very nice ‘95 Brougham I did have a ‘96 and hankered after another, have a good Christmas, regards to Maurice. Peter B Griffith. PS we have got a new Editor Phil Hole, and a new Webmaster ,within Our Global 3 days of announcing Robs passing, he has a very lovely ‘78 Seville for sale and endless equipment, I would have bought the car but even I have no room - PG.
NEW ZEALAND - Bay of Plenty - Hi Ron, Thought you FAMILY might like to have a look at these pictures. We like IRELAND - Hello Ron, Thanks for the latest issue of the 1959 Caddy with the pink caravan. Cheers - Lois Finz. Hope you’re enjoying the summer. Yes we are bunkered down here in the Northern Hemisphere! Prepping for Christmas - tree up today and decos out :) Best regards, Nick Stratta USA - Late entry - AUSTRALIA - Hi Ron - Ex Gavin Anthony’s ’59 BRAGGING RIGHTS- Jerry and Jan Steinard [and long- Spotted (by one of my spies) in Auckland.....Regards time NZ CLC members] traveled to Potomac Region Paul Dixon [See below. Paul’s spy also saw these cut- Oct 22, for 75th anniversary of 1941 Cadillacs. They up old number plates [the two dark red are NZ - Ed] won an award for long distance travelled and for Best in Commercial Class [Well done Jerry & Janet - Ed] Hi Ron. Another great issue. From Mark Bean Thanks Ron, Cheers - Mark
I flew the flag for our local Caddy club at the annual Papamoa Santa Parade and led Santa’s red Volvo! There were hardly any old cars in the parade. Hey guys, we could “own this parade” with a few more Caddies for November 2017! Ron (Ed)
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the name plate. My car, with Johnny and me, is in the VOLUME: Making Music in Aotearoa video showing at the museum for Volume. VOLUME is an exhibition at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Regards, George SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS HALL running from 28 October 2016 to 21 May [Ed says check out the town of ‘Gonville’ 2017 and is the first major exhibition to tell the story of popular music in http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/ New Zealand. Our Global It is a musical journey from the 1950s to the present and features entertainment/6962491/Smoking-out-the-history-of- Kiwi-pop many acts who achieved local and international success. Visitors can Kiwi music aficionados Chris Bourke and Nick Bol- see and have hands-on experience in the facets of music making. In linger visit New Plymouth as part of a North Island addition, there are items from the personal collections of many artists. tour to rival those of their rock ‘n’ roll heroes - mi- Examples include costumes, instruments, handwritten lyrics, awards and nus the sex and drugs.The pair share tales garnered memorabilia and musical objects belonging to artists such as Lorde, FAMILY from many years experience as music journalists Split Enz and Sharon O’Neill. AUSTRALIA - Hi Ron, Please find attached the >>Cont>>and stories of larger-than-life musical pio- The video in the exhibition will include interviews with and the music article on “Volume” [at right - Ed] I hope you find it neers, such as rocker Johnny Devlin. “Johnny Devlin of performers such as Johnny Cooper (who composed New Zealand’s suitable for your magazine. I advised the Museum was New Zealand’s answer to Elvis,” Bollinger said. first rock’n’roll song), Johnny Devlin (who took New Zealand by storm project manager that I wrote it to bring attention to “He was from Gonville, Whanganui, a real rock ‘n’ roll to become the King of Rock ‘n’Roll), Dinah Lee, Max Merritt and The the Exhibition while including car content for a car name for a town. Meteors, The Chicks, Ray Columbus and The Invaders and progresses magazine. I hope you received the photos which I “He rode his motorbike to New Plymouth with his to the present time. resent separately. guitar on his back for his first paid gig.” Johnny Devlin, New Zealand’s legendary and original King of Rock’n’Roll, is featured prominently and can be seen in a film clip being Both the Museum personnel and Johnny are very Bollinger said that Taranaki played an important role in the early days of Kiwi music, and that “it could be interviewed for the Exhibition. John’s contribution is acknowledged for happy with it. Johnny asked me to pass on to you his his time in the music industry that spans seven decades. “Lawdy Miss regards and best wishes for Christmas and beyond. argued New Plymouth was the birthplace for rock ‘n’ roll here” - Ed] Clawdy”, which won Johnny New Zealand’s first GOLD RECORD in Ron, would you be able to forward a copy of the 1958, is featured in the film clip interview and his latest composition titled magazine with the article to the Museum? If email “Living New Zealand” is personally signed and on sale at the Museum. is easier, the contact details are : Tanya Wilkinson, Cadillac and rock’n’roll have a long association and one only has to think Project Manager. Her email address is - twilkinson@ of Elvis Presley, movies, songs and song titles. Johnny will be seen in a aucklandmuseum.com Tanya would be very happy 1978 Cadillac Seville adorned with his personalised plates. The Seville is to receive it. similar to the ones owned by Elvis in 1976 and 1977. You could say it is a Cadillac fit for two Kings. Thank you again Ron. It is always a pleasure The photos that follow were taken during the filming of the interview and communicating with you and I wish you and your are an indication of what can be seen in VOLUME. family a very Happy Christmas and a healthy New Detailed information about VOLUME can be found on the Museum Year. website at www.aucklandmuseum.com PS - attached is a photo from the shoot for “Volume” George Akele - CLC, New South Wales, Australia. [Terrific article and is a good side-on shot. But there are people - George. Thanks for your regular contributions. More of George’s pictures Johnny, me and film crew. These were taken during appear elsewhere. For overseas members, ‘Aotearoa’ is the the filming of the video clip for Volume. Johnny and I native Maori name for ‘New Zealand’ - Ed] 8 Please ‘Salute’ our advertisers! cadillacclubofnz.org
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To Advertise here email: [email protected] > Competitive rates > Wide audience 9 cadillacclubofnz.org
Mark Antony’s 1969 Coupe DeVille from CLC Atlanta, Georgia ‘The Peach Region’. Mark says ‘1969 Coupe DeVille is Shalimar Gold with RideTech air ride suspension. Her name is Goldie and she has a 1969 Georgia license plate. 10 cadillacclubofnz.org
Wherever possible I look for interesting articles and pics to share with you!
Where were you and what were you doing in 1977?
It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years this year since Elvis really left the building! Its even harder to believe that son Ridge, our NZ CLC President, Steve Gill and I visted Memphis last April. Picture here is the new ‘Guest House’ which replaces the old and iconic The original Ford Rotunda will be replicated at the ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ where us three guys stayed. The Early Ford V-8 Museum in Auburn, Ind. new 400+ room Hotel is almost alongside Gracelands and is huge! AUBURN, Ind. >> A Ford collector recently donated a 17-car collection of restored Fords to the Early Ford V-8 Museum. The donor will also be paying for a 10,000-square- I am sure we will all read more about Elvis’ 40th foot addition to house the collection. The museum’s long-awaited “Rotunda” is part during this year - Ed. of the new complex that will be funded by the unnamed donor. The original Rotunda was built in 1934 for Ford’s exhibit at the Chicago World’s Fair. It was then moved to Dearborn, Mich., and reopened in 1936. It burned to the ground in 1962 and was never rebuilt. The original Ford Rotunda (above) will be replicated at the Early Ford V-8 Museum in Auburn, Ind. During its time in Dearborn, the Rotunda was used mainly for the introduction of new Ford products by displaying the various models inside.
It was also used each year for a Christmas display, where parents would bring their children to see all the sights and sounds of the holiday season. The original Rotunda was a huge structure, some 214 feet in diameter and 10 stories high. The museum’s version will be about 98 feet at the widest point, and through the front windows, visitors will get a glimpse of the donated car collection, with one of the cars rotating on a turntable. Inside, the area will resemble a Ford dealership of the ’30s. Although this 10,000-square-foot addition will be built and paid for by the donor, the Early Ford V-8 Museum will continue raising funds needed for its additional 8700-square-foot As you know I am an ‘open car guy’ meaning I am expansion. The museum has also started a “Named Opportunities” campaign which ‘open’ to all car brands and that’s why I have no recognizes individuals (including those who have passed), families, corporations and hesitation in sharing with you this great news article organizations. about the building of a new ‘Ford Rotunda’. Hope it turns out as awesome as the original - Ed. 11 cadillacclubofnz.org
FLEETING EXAMPLE
decorated rear doors and fenders making the example stand-out from the rest of the ‘59 range.
Bay of Plenty members Fleetwood for a leisurely drive A fine example Graham and Lois Thrupp through the picturesque rural own such an example, one of area of Oropi where the Thrupps at nearly 60 2250 produced that year and reside. For its age, the car finished in a delightfully unique possesses a remarkably solid years young with Kensington green exterior and feel with good precise steering mysterious history? complimenting lighter green and reassuring brakes (drums) upholstery, headlining, carpet with no detectable rattles. As I PICTURES & STORY BY EDITOR and dashboard! anticipated the 390ci provides Graham and Lois haved owned good power gliding up and ifty nine was the peak of their Fleetwood for some 6 years coasting down hills with ease. the flamboyant fin era, and tell me it has a history. Considering its vintage, the Fand few brands (excepting On each front door is the letters upholstery is in good order. the Mopar line) achieved such ‘JMC’ which according to a No major work has had to be dizzy heights as Cadillac. Almost previous owner, maybe the done to the car during Grahams all models featured smooth former manager of the New York ownership but he’d love to tend sides except the Fleetwood - Yankees (Baseball league) in the to some fraying of the seats distinctive in it’s own right with late 1950s (see insert). I had the in a couple of places and the rear-facing ‘bullet-shaped’ opportunity to take the dashboard needs a little 12 cadillacclubofnz.org
attention after nearly six Green-on-green interior completes Look at that leg room. Well appointed decades of UV! He’d also like to the whole colour combination with chrome trim and lovely padded find out some more history on panels and seats his Caddy so if anyone reading this knows of the association of this particular Fleetwood with Joe, please email the Editor! Overall compared to other old Caddies I have encountered over the years, this one is indeed a prime example maybe because it has only had one previous NZ owner. Graham tells me from the passenger seat (as I drive), that the things he likes most about his Fleetwood is that it is so quiet and smooth - something I She’s an honest all-round sharp The iconic ‘59 Bullet lights and can certainly confirm. example worthy of being included in sculptured fin. This is the most recognised old car symbol depicting We pull into his driveway, no anyone’s collection the 1950s era! dramas and park the Fleetwood under the fluttering stars and stripes for a photo shoot. Ed. 13 cadillacclubofnz.org
Lars Kneller’s ‘41 Coupe - story follows >>> 14 cadillacclubofnz.org
1941 Series 61 Coupe ~ Lars Kneller I joined the Cadillac & LaSalle Club in 1991, after purchasing my 1966 DeVille convertible (article on it coming in the future). That summer, a friend and I attended the Grand National, held in Cincinnati, Ohio, not far from where I live in northwest Indiana (close to Chicago). It was the 50th anniversary of the 1941 Cadillac’s and thus there was quite a large number of these cars there. I was new to Cadillac’s as my 1966 was the first one that I or my family every owned. I remember thinking, why is everyone so enamored with these cars? As time went on, I became active in my region, and then became involved in the national club. This culminated with me becoming President of the U.S. club from 2010 to 2014. All along, one of my mentors was (and still is) Barry Wheeler, also a Past President of the club, and a fellow member of my local region. Barry’s first car was a 1941 Cadillac, and he not only loved them, but owned several throughout his life. My Cadillac collection grew over time, and he was always after me to get a 1941. As of 3 years ago, the oldest Cadillac I owned was still my original 1966. My youngest daughter was about to graduate with her university degree, so I decided it was time to get an older Cadillac. Barry had already decided it was going to be a 1941, despite the fact I would have been happy with anything in the 1941-1948 range. Once I told him I was in the market, I think he found every 1941 Cadillac for sale in the United States. There are 2 models I had always particularly liked, the 60 Specials with their beautiful formal lines, and the Series 61 Coupes with their awesome fastback body style. We found the Series 61 Coupe I own for sale in a Chicago suburb, not far from where I live. I called the CLC member who had it for sale, and he said I was the second person to call, and the first one had first right of refusal. The first person had told the seller he had always wanted a Series 61 coupe, and had sent him a deposit in advance of him coming to look for it. He lived by Buffalo, NY, and flew to Chicago and bought it. He had it transported home, and I had to deal with the fact I almost got it! Time went on, and Barry and I kept looking. However just a few months later, Barry found the same car for sale on Ebay! The original seller had told me what he sold it for, and it was only priced a little higher. Needless to say, I bid on it and won! Why this person was so excited to get it, and then sold it a couple months later, I will never know. He was in a big hurry too for me to pay for it and arrange shipping, so he could get to Florida for the winter. I don’t understand, but I guess it was fate for me to get the car. It arrived back to Indiana without any fanfare. The original seller had owned the car for many years, and had done quite a bit of research on its origins. Apparently the body and frame are from 2 different coupes, and its engine originally came from a Series 62 convertible. It is well optioned for a Series 61 with radio, hydramatic, deluxe steering wheel, fender skirts, and whitewalls. The tires were pretty old, so I replaced them with a set of the new radial tires that look like bias ply. The car rides and drives much better as a result. I installed seat belts, and repaired the original tube radio so it now works. I installed a back up lamp that I had found on Ebay. I redid the brakes too, so it would be safe to drive. I get a lot of compliments on its two tone Dusty Gray and Rivermist Gray paint. It definitely is a driver, not a show car. The paint does have some imperfections up close. We call it a 20 footer is the U.S. I don’t know if there is a similar “7 meter” term in New Zealand? The 1941’s are enjoyable cars to drive, as they easily go highway speeds and are dependable. They were the first year air conditioning was optional on a Cadillac, though few were sold with this option. It was discontinued after 1941 and not offered again until 1953. It was also the first year for the fully automatic Hydramatic transmission in a Cadillac. So I guess Barry was right all along, I definitely needed a 1941 Cadillac! 15 cadillacclubofnz.org
Support the CLC MRC - buy GRAB your diary! a calendar! 13th-15th October 2017 is your highlight event of the year, the 44th AGM & Cadillac Nationals to be held in Taranaki. Start saving for gas and accomodation now. More details to come from the I have mine - it organising committee! is great! Ed
Evening Function Saturday 8th April 2017 Tickets on sale end of January River City Park Up (Open Air Charity Car Display 500-600 vehicles) Sunday 9th April 2017 Veteran, Vintage and Classic Cars, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Drag Cars, Stock Cars, 4WD Vehicles, Motorbikes, HERE’S looking at ya! Boats, Traction Engines, One of the stand-out photo shoots in New Trade Stalls and Displays Plymouth will be the ‘Len Lye building!’ Hosted by Hi Ron. Could you please advertise as follows: Wanganui Road Rodders Anyone out there who has a 1959 Cadillac ignition barrel for sale? Please email Phil at Ron see attached advert for a grand event here in Wanganui next year... [email protected] or Road Rodders are expecting a minimum of five hundred classic, vintage [email protected] and custom cars to this Wanganui City Council endorsed event. Park- PS - At the last AGM in Whanganui one of up or cruise whatever takes your fancy... Based on a local Rotary run the Taranaki club members said they had event. Road Rodders have taken it over. This will be a great event..and one. the more Caddies the better! The same thing held in Palmerston North twelve Caddies attended, great social occasion. Cheers Murray Palmer Many thanks, Phil 16 Wanganui rep http://www.cadillaclasalleclub.org/clcmrc-calendar-2017/ NORTHLAND REGIONAL DELEGATES Bob Hooker cadillacclubofnz.org 09-431-6576 [email protected]
AUCKLAND (Vacant) BAY OF PLENTY >All Enquiries to Pres. Kerry Williamson Jan 21/22 Kumeu Classic car & Hot 027-573-4207 Rod Festival West Auckland TARANAKI [email protected] Brian & Marie Gillett 06-75-66-136 WAIKATO Feb 21-25 AmeriCARna 10th [email protected] Ian Bradshaw 027-211-8516 Anniversary New Plymouth 07-828-5979 [email protected] WANGANUI/ MANAWATU March 24th - Apr 3 Apr Aust CLC Murray Palmer 021-254-3131 HAWKES BAY Tasmania Tour [email protected] Alan Sargisson 06-843-6838 027-482-4384 10 Regions across NZ fingerbreaker@clear. July 1st, CLC USA Nat Driving Tour 9 Active Route66 WELLINGTON/WAIRARAPA Gary Scott 04-565-4221 August 23-27th Grand European [email protected] Denmark MARLBOROUGH/CANTERBURY/ WEST COAST Stephen Brown October 13-15th - 2017 NZ Cadillac 03-32-88-250 Nationals & AGM, New Plymouth - [email protected] ‘The Good Oil!’ OTAGO/ SOUTHLAND Grand European 2017 Rob McCann 021-1835-334 [email protected]
2016/17 CLC NZ Club Officers Secretary Frances McCurdy 027-444-9824 [email protected] August 23rd - 27th - Copenhagen Denmark President www.grandeuropean2017.dk Steve Gill 07-575-8891 Club magazine (FINZ) Editor [email protected] Ron Melville 07-557-8090 [email protected] Vice President Ian Lind 021-863-260 Patron - Maurice Hendry [email protected] (Founding member) 09-266-8909 Treasurer Lois Thrupp 07-543-4474 [Corrections to: finzmagazine@ [email protected] gmail.com] 17 Graham & Lois Thrupp’s 1959 Fleetwood CLC NZ - Bay of Plenty members Note the number plate! cadillacclubofnz.org