NEW ZEALAND’S FOREMOST HISTORICAL MOTORING MAGAZINE

No. 315 April/May 2012 $6.95

Club News from around New Zealand VETERAN MOTOR CYCLES 1903 Pebok Motorcycle • 1900 De Dion Tricycle

9 418979 000012 Consider a Jowett Photographs supplied by Brian Goodman PHOTOGRAPHS REQUIRED Levels Raceway, South Canterbury. Ron Hasell in his Cooper 500. Submissions of suitable prints and information (where available) are Photograph taken nearly 40 years ago. always welcome. Please send original photographs of historical interest with any available information to: Beaded Wheels, PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. Laserprints/photocopies are not suitable. Photos will be returned as soon as practicable. management committee MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE SECRETARY/ TREASURER Bob Ballantyne Contact National Office for all queries Please note this information changes Michael Lavender 09 444 4066 [email protected] annually - these details are valid until regarding VICs, logbooks, historic race licences, 03 325 5704 [email protected] Tony Bartlett October 2012. lighting endorsement, registration of vehicles, REGISTRAR 06 867 9850 [email protected] address changes, subscriptions, membership PRESIDENT Rod Brayshaw Diane Quarrie John Coomber 07 549 4250 [email protected] 06 876 4009 [email protected] cards, speed events. 03 348 0062 [email protected] SPEED STEWARD VCCNZ ARCHIVIST CLUB CAPTAIN NORTHERN REGION The Vintage Car Club Of New Zealand (Inc.) Frank Renwick Betty Wallace John Foot National Office, 03 352 4383 [email protected] 03 929 0829 [email protected] 07 823 5641 [email protected] PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 BEADED WHEELS CHAIRMAN Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 CLUB CAPTAIN SOUTHERN REGION Kevin Clarkson John Chynoweth 03 385 9821 [email protected] Email [email protected] 03 439 5474 [email protected] branches A full list of branch addresses and contact details can also be found on the VCCNZ website at www.vcc.org.nz ASHBURTON CENTRAL HAWKES BAY HOROWHENUA NORTH OTAGO SOUTH OTAGO WAIRARAPA PO Box 382, Ashburton 7740 C/- 346 Porangahau Road, RD 2, PO Box 458, Levin 5540 PO Box 360, Oamaru 9444 C/- M. Tapp, RD 3, Warepa, PO Box 7, Masterton 5810 [email protected] Waipukurau 4282 [email protected] [email protected] Balclutha 9273 [email protected] AUCKLAND [email protected] KING COUNTRY NORTH SHORE [email protected] WAITEMATA PO Box 12-138, Penrose, EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY C/- 34 House Ave, C/- 7 Godwit Place, Lynfield SOUTH WAIKATO C/- 9 Marlborough Ave, Glenfield Auckland 1642 PO Box 2168, Kopeopeo Taumarunui 3920 Auckland 1042 PO Box 403 Tokoroa 3420 Auckland 0629 [email protected] Whakatane 3159 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] BANKS PENINSULA [email protected] MANAWATU OTAGO TARANAKI WANGANUI 27 Showgate Ave, Riccarton Park, FAR NORTH PO Box 385 PO Box 5352, Dunedin 9058 C/- 118A Carrington St, PO Box 726, Wanganui 4540 Christchurch 8042 2534 Kaitaia-Awaroa Rd, Palmerston North 4440 [email protected] New Plymouth 4310 [email protected] [email protected] Herekino, RD 1, Kaitaia 0481 [email protected] ROTORUA [email protected] WELLINGTON BAY OF PLENTY [email protected] MARLBOROUGH PO Box 2014, Rotorua 3040 TAUPO PO Box 38-418, Petone, PO Box 660, Tauranga 3140 GISBORNE PO Box 422, Blenheim 7240 [email protected] PO Box 907, Taupo 3351 Wellington 5045 [email protected] PO Box 307, Gisborne 4040 [email protected] SOUTH CANTERBURY [email protected] [email protected] CANTERBURY [email protected] NELSON PO Box 623, Timaru 7910 WAIKATO WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH PO Box 11-082, Sockburn GORE PO Box 3531, Richmond 7050 [email protected] PO Box 924, Hamilton 3240 PO Box 547, Warkworth 0941 Christchurch 8443 PO Box 329, Gore 9740 [email protected] SOUTHLAND [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] NORTHLAND PO Box 1240, Invercargill 9840 WAIMATE WEST COAST CENTRAL OTAGO HAWKES BAY PO Box 17, Whangarei 0140 [email protected] 4 Harris St, Waimate 7924 C/- 9 Stafford Rd, C/- 4B Roto Place, Wanaka 9305 PO Box 3406, Napier 4142 [email protected] [email protected] Hokitika 7882 [email protected] [email protected] Please note this information changes annually - these details are valid [email protected] until October 2012. 2 Beaded Wheels Beaded Wheels Publisher THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ (INC.) The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXII No. 315 Editorial Committee Beaded Wheels Kevin Clarkson (Chairman), Judith Bain, Rosalie Brown, Bill Cockram, John Coomber, Issue 315 April/May 2012 Mark Dawber, Marilyn McKinlay. Material for Publication Reports of restorations, events, road tests, FEATURES historical and technical articles etc should be forwarded to PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141, typed or neatly printed, double space on one 12 Tackling The Tricycle side of paper only. Email of text and photos is 14 The Pioneer Run acceptable, digital photographs should be high 15 The History of the Test Machine resolution eg 300dpi. No payment is made to contributors. The opinions or statements expressed in letters or articles in Beaded Wheels 16 Buick and Rolls-Royce: are the author’s own views and do not necessarily An insight into their relationship express the policy or views of The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc). 19 Our 1927 Essex Email [email protected] 20 Cold Cases Advertising Address Classified and Display Advertising to: 22 A Social Pest PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. UK reader Reg Eyre tackles a 1900 De Phone 64 3 332 3531, Fax 64 3 366 0273 Dion Tricycle with entertaining results, Rate schedule available on request. 24 Am I Too Late? page 12. Back Issues Available on request to PO Box 13140, 26 Behind the Wheel – 1903 Pebok Motorcycle Christchurch 8141. Correspondence & Editorial Contributions 28 Consider a Jowett Phone 64 3 332 3531, Fax 64 3 366 0273 PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. 30 VCCNZ Rally 2012 – The Peugeot Experience Subscriptions Beaded Wheels subscribers change of address to 32 The Militaire PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Phone 03 366 4461, Fax 03 366 0273 34 Rally Snippets Annual subscription (6 issues) $39* inc GST Australian subscription (6 issues) NZ$70* Northland – 39th Far North Tour Other countries (6 issues) NZ$100*. Taupo – Annual Goodyear Rally *Payment by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing charge of 2.25%

Production Frequent visitor from the Netherlands Typesetting & design by RGBDesign COLUMNS Printed by Spectrum Print Ltd, Christchurch. Geert de Boer tests a 1903 Pebok, page 26. 4 President’s Message Closing Date for April/May Issue Editorial Copy 1 May 2012 Advertisements 10 May 2012 4 As We See It The Vintage Car Club of 5 VCC Events New Zealand (Inc.) National Office 6 National Office News Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 Email [email protected] 6 Captain’s Log Postal Address PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand. 7 Mailbag Address 12 Aberdeen St, Christchurch, New Zealand. 8 Timelines Website www.vcc.org.nz 9 The Way We Were Beaded Wheels is the voice of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) and its 35 branches West Coast Branch have views galore covering the length and breadth of the country. when planning their branch runs, see Idle 36 50 Year Awards The efforts of our members continue fostering Torque, page 51 and ever widening the interest in this segment 40 Brass Notes of our country’s history. It is to these people, who appreciate the fascination of age, the individuality and the functional elegance of vehicles from a 43 Marketplace bygone era, that this magazine is dedicated. Beaded Wheels – A very apt and well-known title 49 Swap Meets & Rallies however readers may wonder at the origin of the name. By way of explanation beaded edge wheels use beaded edge tyres that are kept in place by 51 Idle Torque reinforced rubber beads, which fit into the rolled edges of the wheel rim. This style of wheel was a 62 Obituary distinctive feature of early motoring being used on early bicycles, many pre-1924 cars and most motorcycles until 1927. The VCCNZ adopted the title Beaded Wheels for their quarterly club magazine in March 1955 which was the successor to the monthly Guff Sheet. Copyright Information The contents are copyright. Articles may be COVER reproduced complete or in part provided that It’s hard to miss them coming - Bernard and Betty Wright’s 1932 acknowledgement is made to “Beaded Wheels, the magazine of The Vintage Car Club of New Austin on the 2012 VCCNZ International Rally. Zealand (Inc)” as the source. Beaded Wheels reserves the right to digitally store all published Photo by Mark Brimblecombe. www.markbrimblecombe.com material for archival purposes.

Beaded Wheels 3 for the AGM in Hamilton. Some time was spent again discussing the distribu- tion of the Earthquake Funds which have president’s been held on deposit, and I asked the message Executive to resolve this issue which has as we see it generated so much debate over the past year. The executive has directed that the money will be distributed to members in the Canterbury, Banks Penninsula and Christine and I had the privilege of Ashburton Branches by way of a subsidy I’m not sure why – and maybe we attending the 50th anniversary of the on their subscriptions for the 2013/2014 shouldn’t delve too deeply into the reasons. formation of the Manawatu Branch year. Members who do not wish to accept Possibly we all need counselling and I’m in March. The event started with the this money may donate that amount to sure there are some out there who are Ruahine Ramble which took us up to their branch to offset the huge increase convinced of it! What I am alluding to is the wind farm and ended back at the in insurance premiums which is now that Beaded Wheels committee members, beautifully decorated clubrooms for the being applied. I want to again thank those almost without exception, seem to enjoy celebrations and awarding of several 50 branches and individuals who donated a long tenure on the committee. Take year badges. This was a wonderful event this money, and I would like to thank Past the current committee for example. The with a large attendance and a change President Leigh Craythorne for her assis- members have a total of 85 years experi- from the usual evening presentation of tance on behalf of Canterbury Branch in ence working on Beaded Wheels. This does awards. Thanks to Norm and Raewyn reaching this resolution. have its advantages in ensuring continuity, Cook for looking after us so well that The Management Committee met and the collective wisdom and intelli- weekend. We are looking forward to a on Sunday following the Executive gence does benefit the end result. However similar visit to Taranaki branch in April Meeting and following on from the the downside is that it means that we for the Maunga Moana rally and presenta- meeting held in Wanganui during the have to work hard at keeping fresh and tion of 50 year badges. rally in January. Planning for the 2016 maintaining and improving the quality I returned to Wanganui two weeks later Rally has commenced with discussion on of the end product. I think we are doing for the 2012 Rally debrief and presenta- issues arising from the debriefing on the this and, I might add, we are having fun tions to the Maori Wardens, sponsors, 2012 Rally. I will be taking a group of doing so! volunteers and a City council function Management members to visit the Otago Since the original Guff Sheet of 1956, hosted by Mayor Annette Main in the Branch later this month to discuss the when Mollie Anderson was putting it council chambers. It was good to catch next rally. A number of members from together, there have been a total of only 34 up with all those people with involvment around the country have expressed to me committee members over the last 56 years. in the rally and thank them for their their enthusiasm to attend the next rally, This shows great stability and is a statistic support and all their work which resulted and I look forward to seeing what we can the Vintage Car Club can be proud of. in such a memorable event. It was clear produce. To get to the point though, the longest that the rally generated a lot of financial The Management Committee has ever serving member set a record that is benefit for Wanganui and surrounding been a very stable and hard working extremely unlikely to ever be broken. The towns and businesses. The Main Street group for some time and this year will late Paul Gieseler served on the committee organisation is planning to continue the see several changes at the AGM. Frank from 1971 to 2002, an amazing 31 years. celebrations in January each year and you Renwick who has been our Speed Steward This was a mighty effort and Paul would are all invited to return to Wanganui for for several years is standing down at the have seen many changes in the magazine this. A wonderful scrapbook featuring all August AGM having implemented the over those years. Sadly Paul passed away the newspaper reports, photos and branch changes and improvements he wanted to early this year and his obituary can be reports on the rally has been produced by the administration of our speed events, found on page 62. We offer our condo- H & A Print as a permanent historical and having selected and trained a suitable lences to Paul’s family and they can be record of the rally and our thanks for this replacement over the past year. I am sad proud of his achievements within the go to Ed and Hinemoa. A copy will be to report that both North and South Vintage Car Club generally and Beaded available in the National Archives. Island Club Captains have announced Wheels particularly. The March Executive Meeting was they will not seek re-election this year. As we were looking through articles hosted by Canterbury Branch and was They have both been outstanding Club to compile this issue a common theme followed by a Vehicle Identity Card forum Captains over the past three and a half around Veteran motorcycling emerged. for branch signatories who were invited to years and will be missed. These are two In terms of the Club membership today attend the executive meeting. Our thanks important management positions and we numbers of Veteran motorcyclists are not to those who provided vehicles for the look forward to receiving suitable nomina- huge we did feel these articles worthy of forum and to Registrar Rod Brayshaw, Tony tions for both positions. You will find highlighting for our readers. During the Bartlett and George Calder for the presen- the position descriptions in the Branch era we now refer to as Veteran, motorcy- tation. I know the participants appreciated Manual and nominations must be received cles were seen on our roads in relatively the session. A detailed presentation on by the Secretary/Treasurer by June 17 2012 large numbers and only were replaced by the 2012 Rally was made by Dianne Safe motoring and remember to look cars as prices became more affordable for Quarrie who chaired the rally committee out for those who haven’t yet adapted to the ordinary person. and there was discussion on constitutional the changes to the give way rules. issues, the structure of the Club manage- Kevin Clarkson ment and the future direction of the Club. John Coomber Chairman, Beaded Wheels Work on these issues is being undertaken National President by Management members in preparation

4 Beaded Wheels This list of events is compiled from the VCCNZ National Calendar of Events, and branch events as listed in each branch newsletter. Any deletions, additions, alterations need to be notified to VCC Events Beaded Wheels by the Branch Secretary before 10th of the month prior to magazine publication APRIL 5-6 Wairarapa Motorcycle Reliability Run 17 Hawke’s Bay Club Run 1 North Otago Ngapara - Coal Pit Hillclimb 6 Manawatu PVV/PWV/P60 Rally 17 Canterbury Branch AGM 4 Wellsford/Wkwth Picnic Martins Bay 6 Northland AGM 17 Sth Cant End of Season Run 4 Rotorua Midweekers – Mangakino 9 Taupo AGM 17 Taupo Brass Monkey Run 6-9 Ashburton Ashburton Easter Rally 9 Rotorua AGM 17 West Coast ROSCO Trials 8 Northland Live Day at Heritage Park 10 Banks Peninsula AGM 20 Rotorua Midweekers - Kiwi Buses 8 Wellsford/Wkwth Albertlanders Vintage Car 12 Canterbury Rural Run 23 Waikato Night Rally Display at Port Albert 12 Waikato Prizegiving Social Event 24 North Shore/Akld Combined Rally 12 Wellsford/Wkwth Club Night BBQ 13 Far North Mother’s Day Run 24 West Coast AGM 14 Canterbury Annual P Section Rally 13 Hawke’s Bay Club Run 28 Auckland AGM 14 Far North Brian Parker Rally 13 Rotorua Club Run 30 Canterbury Mid-Winter Dance 14 Waikato Car Display Vintage Tractor & 13 Northland Mother’s Day Run 30 Far North Molloy Trophy Rally Machine Expo 13 Sth Cant PV/PWV/P60 Rally 14/15 Wanganui Autumn Motor Cycle Trial 16 Rotorua Midweekers - Te Awamutu JULY 14/15 Waitemata Roycroft Trophy Speed Event 18/19 Northland Northland Motorcycle Rally 3 North Shore Club Run 15 E Bay of Plenty Run to Caterpillar Experience 19 Gore Night Trial 5 Sth Cant AGM in Rotorua 19 Southland PW/P60 Rally 7 Wellsford/Wkwth Winter Woollies Wander 15 Hawke’s Bay Club Run 20 Canterbury Motorcycle Rough Run 8 Rotorua Swap Meet 15 Rotorua Night Run 20 Nelson Sandy Bay Hill Climb 14 Horowhenua Night Owl Rally 15 Nelson Club Run John White Trophy 20 North Shore Club Run 14-15 Canterbury Motorcycle Mid Winter Run Day 20 Otago PV PWV Rally & Restoration 15 North Shore Club Run 15 Taupo Foundation for the Blind Run Awards 15 Taupo Brunch Run 15 Wairarapa Club Captain’s Run 20 Taupo Navigator’s Trophy 15 Hawke’s Bay Club Run 15 Gore Swap Meet 20 Waikato Rally Training Run 16 Horowhenua Night Owl Night Trial 15 North Shore Northern Raid Rally 20 Wanganui Shed Raids 22 Waikato Club Run 19 Ashburton Night Trial 31 Southland AGM 22 Banks Peninsula Balcairn Trials 21 North Otago Gerald Lynch-Blosse Memorial 31 Canterbury Winter Run Motor Cycle Rally JUNE 22/29 Gisborne Neil Peterson Run (date to be 2-4 Wanganui Annual Rally confirmed) AUGUST 2-4 Canterbury Irishman Rally 3 North Shore Club Run 21/22 Canterbury Autumn Two Day Run 2-3 Waikato Double Fifty Rally 4 Canterbury Winter Run 21/22 Taranaki Maunga Moana Rally 3 Northland End of Registration Run 22 Bay of Plenty Ray Singleton Run 3 Sth Cant All British Day 22 Hawke’s Bay Vintage Only Rally VCC National Events 6 Wanganui AGM 22 Banks Peninsula Hadstock Driving Tests 2013 6 Otago AGM National Veteran Rally Southland 1 - 3 Feb 22 Sth Cant All American Day 10 Canterbury Restoration of the Year Rally National Motorcycle Rally Northland 15 - 17 Feb 22 Wanganui Gymkhana at Shannon 10 Gore End of Season Run South Island Easter Rally Sth Canty 29 March - 1 April 25 North Otago Club Run & Anzac Day 10 Horowhenua Mid Winter Dinner North Island Easter Rally Wairarapa 29 March - 1 April 28 Banks Peninsula Levels Speed Day 10 Wairarapa Winter Wander National Commercial Rally Gisborne Labour Weekend 28 Canterbury Scooter Run 10 Waikato Motorcycle Run 29 Northland Combined Clubs Swap Meet While Beaded Wheels makes every attempt to check the accuracy 13 Hawke’s Bay AGM of the dates published in this column we advise readers to MAY 13 Canterbury Motorcycle Section AGM confirm all dates with the individual branch concerned. 5 Ashburton Swap Meet 16 Manawatu Brass Monkey Run

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Beaded Wheels 5 Julie Cairns John Chynoweth National Office Manager South Island Club Captain

VCCNZ Inc National Office, PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 ph 03 366 4461 fax 03 366 0273 email [email protected] national office news www.vcc.org.nz captain’s log

VCC Subscriptions Notice Of AGM During the past two weeks Sharon and VCC membership subscription invoices On page 25 you will find a Notice of I have had the pleasure of participating were forwarded in January and payment AGM and a request for nominations for in the NBS tour from Nelson with 18 was due by 20 March 2012 to receive a the Management Committee positions. other vehicles and the Scenicland Rally discount. A reminder notice will be sent in Greymouth. The West Coast Branch to members who have not paid. If you John L Goddard Trophy chairman Roger Devlin welcomed 134 have not paid your account this will be Nominations entrants to this years’ event which is the last Beaded Wheels you receive until Below you will find a notice regarding steadily growing in popularity. Locals told your payment has been received. You will the John L Goddard Trophy. Please me there had been “two droughts” so far also not receive your branch newsletters. put some thought to placing a nomina- this year which saw the roads through the Please note: a large number of people tion. More information is available bush in excellent order and we arrived paid by direct credit. This is fabulous but in the Branch Manual, one of which is at picturesque Lake Kaniere for the please please please, you must put your held by your branch secretary, and the lunch stop. After a leisurely return to membership number as the reference. It is other which should have been placed in Greymouth the evening was capped off all clearly advised on your invoice where a known location accessible to all your with local entertainment and a meal at the Club’s account information is supplied. branch members. Shantytown. As I have not been able to identify every- It has come to my attention whilst one’s payment I have no choice but to wait 100 Year Vehicle Badges overseeing the Entry Forms for upcoming for someone to ring and question where Don’t forget that if you are a current National events that we are still seeing in their membership card and magazine is. financial VCC Member, have a vehicle a number of Branch Rally Entry forms the over 100 years old and hold a valid VCC request for Entrants to have one or several Membership Cards ID Card, you can apply to the National of the following: current Registration, For those members who have paid their Office for a 100 Year Badge for your Warrant of Fitness, Driver License and annual subscription by 31 March 2012, vehicle. An application form is in the to abide by the Road Rules. These are you will receive your membership cards in Branch Manual (Section 40:G) and can the laws of the land and it is The Vintage early April. be obtained from your Branch Secretary. Car Club’s expectation that all members will abide by these laws. Since 2003 it Executive Meeting Historic Race Licences (HRL) has been Club policy that these items are The Executive meets every March Keep an eye on the expiry date of your not to be included on any of our forms and during the Annual General Meeting HRL and when it is due to expire, return (Management minutes 27/11/2003). The weekend. Their last meeting was 24 March it to the National Office along with $23 reason for this is that these items are your and was held in Christchurch. Minutes are and it will be renewed for a further five personal responsibility and not that of sent out to branches and your representa- years. The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand tives, who form the Executive, will be able Incorporated or any of its Branches. to personally report on the meeting.

The John L Goddard Trophy for achievement

Members of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand are invited to nominate a fellow member for this annual award. The nomination should be of any member that they Interested in joining regard as having been involved in a significant achievement. the Vintage Car Club? It may be a particularly significant restoration, a memorable motoring journey or an important historical article or series of articles published in Beaded Wheels; or some visit www.vcc.org.nz to download special service to the Club. membership application forms and your local branch contact details, or contact Nominations for the Award should be forwarded to: your local branch directly for application John L Goddard Award, Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc) forms and details. See page 2. PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Nominations close 30 June 2012

6 Beaded Wheels mailbag mailbag The editorial committee reserve the right to publish, edit or refuse publication of any item submitted as comment. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily express the policy or views of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) or the publishers. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

Wanganui Reunion But wait there’s more The wonderful display and response by The Austin 7 motorcycle items the people of Wanganui at the 2012 VCC have kept coming. May I add a little. International Rally showed it was without The Southward Museum had a doubt one of the biggest events ever to hit Brough Austin 4 (they may still, I this town. There was a genuine feeling don’t know). This was one of the of camaraderie as cars mingled with the ten built. They first appeared at townsfolk, with lots of smiles all round. the 1931 Olympia Motorcycle Show as However for me, the biggest impact an outfit. When their first customer for was the rediscovery of my old 1937 MG a Brough Superior-Austin 4 fronted he TA entered by Ken and Jennifer Hall of requested it as a solo and was initially Paraparaumu. I found this car on a farm declined as George Brough stated “it is in Oxford in the late ‘50s in a very dilapi- not a solo model, take it or leave it.” After dated state. I restored it in Christchurch, deliberation he was given a road test solo ran it all over the South Island for about and even after the road camber sent him four years, proposed to my girlfriend in into the ditch he still insisted he wished to it and finally sold it to get married. It purchase it. had previously been owned by Hume D This machine was basically a tricycle Christie of Christchurch who campaigned using the Austin 7 engine, with its three it in a number of hill-climb events and at speed gearbox and a very narrow rear the first Lady Wigram Trophy car race. bevel drive flanked by a wheel either side. A number of years later I received a The Austin motor was modified, bored to Looking for a Whipett letter and photo of the car from a person 800cc, had an alloy head, water pump and The car was owned by a Mrs Wasley’s in Auckland who had bought it by tender twin carburettors with a speed of 55mph. It grand parents. The chassis number was as a wreck, the car being written off in brought two Austin 7 features to motorcy- 24244 and the engine number was 24582. a fatal accident. So it was with signifi- cling a crash box and a short sharp clutch Could our members who own 1928 cant surprise and delight to find that the action. Whippet Model 96 sedans please check MG had been put back together and is Following is an old newspaper clipping their chassis numbers to see if the car has now being fully appreciated by Ken and I have found, dated mid-eighties from survived? The registration plates could be Jennifer Hall. The photos give a brief memory. Obviously they didn’t all have 1929/30 or possibly early 1930s. summary of the car’s history. twin carbs. John Stokes. All in all a great rally. Don Ammon Rod Davies

Change of Address or Ownership Please advise National Office of any changes of address or sales/purchases of vehicles

The Vintage Car Club Above and below: Rod and Sheila with the MG in As originally obtained in 1958. of New Zealand Inc the late 1950s and reunited at Wanganui. PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 12 Aberdeen St, Christchurch [email protected]

After the accident in the 1980’s.

Beaded Wheels 7 mailbag historical snippets of motoring interest Rubber Duck Miller and Bert Shorter previ- from years gone by My late father owned the ously pictured in the number Graeme Rice Austin for several years in the 17 vehicle as in mailbag Beaded 1950s. Wheels 314. Attached are photos of Herb I hope this is of interest to Gilroy in the Austin 7 at Ohakea your readers. timelines in 1952 and of the lineup at John Christopher Gilroy. Seagrove on 14 November 1948. Vauxhall 30/98, Austin at that time owned by Ron Roycroft, 100 YEARS AGO Alvis Speed 20, MG TC, Bugatti Type 38, Bentley 4½, Lagonda, 1912 – Buicks were touted as an “Ideal car for Beginner Rapier. Motorists”. Highly recommended was the Buick 16hp Also an additional photo of Model 14, selling for just £175 “newly landed.” This was described as a strong, reliable car built on Buick principles of dependability and ability to withstand the wear and tear imposed by rough roads. It was capable of climbing the steepest hills on top speed with “five up”, and was “speedy, often attaining 35mph!”

75 YEARS AGO

1937 – Some excitement was caused by the arrival of the six cylinder, supercharged Graham Crusader. It had outboard springs with aeroplane type shock absorbers. Weighing 26cwt unladen the Crusader achieved 26.8mpg around Christchurch’s streets. Prices started at £445. Available again in NZ for £365, the new Renault Photo Gilroy Family. 12hp was well equipped, complete with a sunshine roof, Herb Gilroy in the Austin 7 Ohakea 1952 built-in jacks, twin sun visors and twin windscreen wipers. With two fitted suitcases the Renault could carry luggage for six at 45mph, returning around 35mpg.

50 YEARS AGO

1962 – Parents were promised children would stay happy in the car by collecting all 60 new Cars of the World cards when filling up with the new Super Shell, “Formula Seven!” These cards were highly desirable with swap Photo Gilroy Family. sessions held to get a full set. The mechanical details on the back of the cards became the basis of endless quizzes and arguments. Albums cost 2/6d - this month yours with a free Easter Egg.

30 YEARS AGO

1982 – In four years (1978 – 81) Toyotas, Datsuns, and Mazdas had increased their share of our market from 42% to a compelling 72.5% with Mitsubishi leading the charge. This month the Koreans arrived as well with the 1300cc Hyundai Pony, undercutting the smaller Japanese cars. Unable to compete, British Leyland didn’t send the Metro or the hatchback Ambassador to our shores. Photo Gilroy Family. We got upgraded Rovers, including a woodgrained and be-spoilered Vitesse, the last of the Cortinas and courtesy of a dairy deal, Ladas. 8 Beaded Wheels Words Grant Hitchings Photo Jeremy Lidstone was immobilised, usually during the nicest squeezed into the cut in the hopeful belief motoring weather, or so it seemed to us. that it would perform some miraculous Sometimes if Sunday dawned unexpect- repair. Then out came the tyre pump, that edly fine a family picnic would be decided fiendish implement of drudgery. When big upon. While the lunch basket was being brother was completely puffed and unable packed, father performed the mystical to force the handle down any more the mechanical rites which were the inevitable task would be completed by my father. the way we were prelude to any journey, however short, A quick dusting and a rub of the brass, and an absolute must in the case of our and the great moment had arrived. Check proposed safari of five or ten miles up into controls, tickle the carburettor, set the Earlier this year I spent time looking the hills and bush. decompression pedal, then father armed back over some early editions of Beaded The ‘drill’ followed this routine. Up with a big starting crank would draw a deep Wheels. One particular article that I found the step ladder to the old stable loft, open breath and prepare to execute the coup-de- entertaining concerned a 1908 REO car. a case of petrol contained in four gallon grace. A slow cranking till compression Its author, a Mr R Porter of Wyndham in tins and take one out lowering it on a rope was reached, then a sort of rocking motion Southland wrote: to the stall below. Punch a hole ‘just so’ to the accompaniment of pig-like snorts. “Father sold the trap and horse and in one corner of the tin and an air hole (Not from father but from the auto inlet bought his first automobile in 1908. It was opposite. Filter the fuel through a chamois valve). “Switch on”, a mighty heave and a single cylinder REO with no windscreen leather lined funnel into the tank located over the top went the crank, and “chug- or doors, a seat for two, and a folding under the dummy bonnet. Top up the scroup” went the engine. “Quick, release dickey seat. Power-plant consisted of a big neighbouring water tank. Check the oil in the decompressor” and all being well, REO horizontal engine under the floor, two the ‘magazine’, a mysterious box under the was ready to take to the road with that speeds and reverse epicyclic transmission seat with sundry glass and copper pipes, mighty single cylinder engine throbbing and single chain to differential on rear axle. and, grandest item of the ceremony, check powerfully and rocking the whole machine For a year (1908) it was the only car the state of health of the accumulator lustily fore and aft and up and down. in the town although a few of the more with a pocket voltameter the size of a This performance usually took about an well-to-do farmers had gone in for the watch. The accumulator was a transparent hour and gave mother ample time to pack newfangled mechanical transport and a celluloid box full of grey and brown plates plenty of good things into the wicker lunch few cars could be seen in Invercargill. The and clear liquid, and with plugs and red basket and to don the big, elaborately local doctor went on his extensive rounds terminals on top. ornamented hat and white silk motoring on a two-speed Douglas motorcycle If the unit was deemed to be in fair veil which were the badge of the ladies Most breakdowns were due to a flat state of health the ‘drill’ continued. Grease who ventured forth in an automobile. battery. At that time there was no local cups were given a part-turn and an oil can Once on a homeward trip late in garage and no electric power. The REO’s squirted here and there. Then each tyre the afternoon REO gave up the ghost little accumulator had to be sent away was minutely examined and any small cut completely. Trouble was finally located periodically to Vickerys in Invercargill carefully probed to extract the inevitable when the pocket voltameter told the truth to be recharged. Pending its return REO chip of blue road metal. Tyre-putty was and showed a flat battery. This was really

The local doctor went on his extensive rounds on a two-speed Douglas motorcycle. ( I think she is telling him to remember to turn his petrol tap off next time).

Beaded Wheels 9 serious as home was over the hills and far away. To a small boy, the sense of The new rules come into Two give way rules adventure was somewhat dampened by effect at 5am thoughts of the bush rapidly growing on Sunday darker and darker. Father set off on foot 25 March 2012 are changing and we were told to guard mother and the car. (All very well to read about that sort of thing in The Boys Own Paper, but bogey To make our roads safer, two of the give way rules are changing. These men were apt to assume very real identity changes will affect all drivers, riders, pedestrians and cyclists. Remember to at such a time). share the road, obey all road signs and signals, and make sure you know the Father apparently did not have to new rules. walk far before coming to a farm house. Intending to ask for the loan of a horse If you’re turning right, give way and gig he was suddenly struck by an idea. This rule will apply at intersections where two vehicles are facing no signs or signals, or There before his eyes stood a big old wall the same signs or signals. You will need to give way to left turning vehicles coming from telephone and telephones had batteries. the opposite direction if you are turning right. These he borrowed and carried back to the stranded car. In spite of their messiness and their fragile glass containers, the Le Clanche batteries got us home. After that we always carried an emergency set of the new dry cells. Tyres were of white rubber, quite smooth and devoid of any tread pattern. A wet road or the mud which could reasonably be expected at every dairy farm entrance No signs or signals Same signs or signals always presented a serious hazard. It was only a year or two before REO Top of the ‘T’ goes before me began to look very old fashioned. The doctor had swapped his Douglas motor- If you’re turning right from the bottom of a cycle for a Ford T and now ventured out T-intersection with no signs or signals, you will need to give way to all vehicles at the top of in all weathers, day and night, over roads the T. good and bad. The local livery stables had almost closed down and were considering reopening as a motor garage. The stock So at all T-intersections and driveways, including firms each ran a car, mostly two-cylinder public driveways such as at a supermarket or Renaults, and “The Squire” had a small hospital, think ‘Top of the T goes before me’. fleet of two Clement Talbots and a In all these images the red car gives way. Wolseley monster. So the trusty REO was traded in for a Learn the new rules at www.giveway.govt.nz or call 0800 656 055 Flanders, considered then to be a luxury automobile, not so expensive and magnifi- cent as some of the beauties appearing on the market, but definitely a cut above the hacks used by the stock buyers.” I thought this was worth retelling too: “Many years ago when horse-cabs were in general use my father, a doctor, was summoned in the early hours of the morning by a man who knocked at the door and asked if he would come out to St Clair to see his wife who was ill with “tummy pains”. When my father agreed the man asked what the fee would be and was told “one guinea” (21 shillings). When they reached the house the man got out and said, “Here is your guinea Doctor. There’s no need to come in. My wife’s all right. I only wanted to get home, and when I asked a cabby, he said he would charge 30 shillings.” BW And all readers will no doubt know that the REO car was built by RE Olds of Oldsmobile fame. ‘Accumulator’ Just about equivalent to our modern car battery.

10 Beaded Wheels The Late Bill Parker Collection Friday 1st June 2012 (Coolangatta, QLD) (Please note amended date) An important collection of: For more details visit us @ Vintage motorcycles, sidecars, www.gdlauctions.com.au wheels, tyres, frames etc. Online catalogue and photos Stationary engines & more available early May 2012 To be held at the Contact Graham Lancaster Toowoomba Showgrounds +61 418 730 904 or [email protected] A Major Australian Auction – Overseas Bidders Welcome

Indian 8 Valve Racer

1916 Indian 1917 Feather Henderson Weight 4 Cylinder

1924 Douglas 1938 AJS Girder

Harley Indian Davidson Daytona Peashooter ‘Altoona’ 100s of Rare Spares, Frames, Sidecars, Tyres, Wheels and More www.gdlauctions.com.au Tackling The Tricycle Words and photos Reg Eyre

In 2007 I spent a most enjoyable three months in new Zealand with members of the VCCNZ motorcycle section. On reading Beaded Wheels I thought readers might be interested in my experiences of riding a 1900 De Dion Bouton in the London to Brighton Pioneer Run.

an you remember your first time? I first saw the mighty machine in rumbles with the rear wheels rotating, Did you feel awe, wonder, bravado, February when we pulled it out from its no clutch or gears to worry about, and Cfear, anticipation? There, in parking place, put it on its starting stand, all the operating parts exposed so that front of you, stands the machine that checked the vital fluids and sparks and one can admire the contact make/break will transport you around the countryside started it. This is done prior to each run system, the huge carburettor and the crude allowing you the freedom to roam as well to warm the engine and as a check that oiling system. as to travel long distances. It may have all is well. The rider clambers aboard, This visit to John to start the machine been delivered to you or you wheeled it which is not easy because the saddle is and get a feel for the peculiarities of its home from the seller who started it and also raised by a few inches because of the operation went well but we did not take it ran it nonchalantly along the road in front stand and throwing a leg over the saddle out because of the heavy rainfall. Instead of you. How difficult can it be to ride a means clearing the enlarged petrol, oil John told me of its origins and how he motorised machine for the first time? acquired it. He also pointed me to the I received a telephone call last writings of SF Edge and Charles Jarrott November asking if I would like to ride The front wheel went very light who both wrote about their early motoring in the Pioneer Run and be part of ‘Team and was bouncing in time with experiences from 1895 to 1905, (does Brio’. I am reasonably experienced at riding anyone have a copy that I can buy?) It is early motorised bicycles, for example, 1902 the engine firing … of interest that Jarrott bought an early De Motosacoche, 1902 Clement as well as Dion tricycle to take part in the ill-fated several Veterans so this should not be a and water cylindrical tank mounted across 1903 Paris to Madrid race which the Large problem. John Marsh was offering me the the back of the large bicycle saddle as well had also taken part in. chance to ride a 1900 De Dion-engined as clearing the mudguards that stick out Most of the early motorised bicycles tricycle which has a similar engine to the at the rear. One cannot contemplate just that I have ridden had some of the engine 1903 Large that I rode last season so I felt straddling the top tube because of the controls on the handlebars and I expressed that I already understood the motor part several levers that stick upward from this concern that having all the controls of the tricycle. He had decided not to ride tube. Remembering to connect the battery, between my legs was going to be a new because of a knee problem which he hopes one pedals and then disengages the exhaust experience. to interest the NHS in sorting out soon. valve lever on the top tube, whereupon We met again later in February to sort We agreed to let most of the winter the motor starts in a loud threatening out insurances on John’s machine and my pass so that John could have his holiday manner by running fast. Attempts to alter van as well as taking the De Dion to the and then aim to catch up on his business, the fast running by moving the air, fuel MoT station. which is important if you are self-employed or timing levers on the top tube appear The first actual ride was set up for as he is. to have little, if any, effect. The machine early March. The warning omens for the

12 Beaded Wheels Tuesday planned ride were in the extra weight over the front wheel helps Coming up to a crossroads with a more form of 24 hours wind and rain with the steering but the bounding enthusiasm major road, I slowed down too much and few people getting a good night’s of the motor is such that starting is still after turning right, did not retain enough sleep. John had already got the going to cause consternation every time momentum to re-start the engine. This machine out of its hiding place I start from stationary. This riding lesson road had a slight upward gradient and I and checked the vitals. We put was only about proceeding ‘gently’ along could not pedal the machine fast enough the starting stand under the rear a lane. I had decided that corners were for to get the motor started. I then pushed wheels and after some persuading another day! from the rear, using pressure on the left or with carburettor cleaner fluid we The power from the engine is daunting right of the fuel tank to steer. After about had a roaring engine warming up considering that the De Dion motor is only a quarter of a mile I deemed the road to nicely but still with the top tube about 350cc and uses an automatic inlet be level enough to re-start, which it did levers failing to have any effect. The valve. willingly. I took a turning under minimal engine was stopped and we pushed the I hope I have conveyed the similarity power and proceeded to drop down into machine up the steep stony drive to the that a learner motorcyclist has when the village before making my way to John’s road. “Just sit on the saddle and roll down attempting the first ride. We experienced house, even managing to power up the the road to the tee junction,” said John. riders stand back and comment that it is short but steepish hill to his drive. On I got and started to roll the 20 yards not difficult and a few practice sessions I was quite proud of my achievement downhill when I began to wonder what on will soon sort any riding problems. Imagine and I looked for admirers, but there were earth was happening. The machine seemed the experiences of the pioneer motorcyclist none. I checked that all fuels and sparks determined to bury itself in the hedge. No of 1900 who collects his machine from were shut down and put the machine away amount of body lean helped when John’s the local railway station and has to have in the garage. words came back to me, “You have to steer these kinds of experiences with the added John thought I had been out for too using the handlebars!” As I pulled the bars complications of dirt roads, frightened long and had driven round the loop to the whole plot felt very unstable and top horses and people, unhelpful and ignorant see what had happened but did not find a heavy. The brakes had little effect on the police officers and no-one around to give mechanical mishap or an exhausted Reg speed or control and so I wobbled along helpful and comforting advice. half-way up a hill. to take the sharp right hander and stop in All told, a successful run. The next the lay-by to wait for John. Remembering Back For Round Two practise run may be longer, but I now feel to switch on the ignition, I pedalled for The following day, I went to John’s more confident about taking part in the a few yards and dropped the valve lifter. house where he was dealing with an Pioneer Run in ten days time. As the engine started, all hell seemed to awkward telephone call. I let myself into break out. The front wheel went very light his garage, pulled the machine out from Conquering The Beast and was bouncing in time with the engine its hiding place, put the rear stand into The following week I was back at John’s firing and was heading for the verge at a position, checked the ‘vitals’ and started house and his wife gave me the keys to the too fast rate of knots. I did actually have the machine to warm everything up. After garage for me to take out the De Dion. the left rear wheel up on the greasy grass a few minutes John came out to check that I performed all the starting procedures bank before I managed to pull the steering I had not made off with the family treasure with the trike on its paddock stand before to the right. After a frightening 120 yards and I repeated the exercise of rolling down taking it down to the lay-by to start on the I stopped the motor using the ignition kill the hill. This time, I was in control and did road. I pedalled and started and proceeded switch in the middle of the handlebars and a passable imitation of a Formula 1 driver in a manner that I thought was safe and came to a juddering halt because I had warming his tyres. as good as any rider of such a machine. not used the valve lifter before stopping. I I paused in the lay-by and performed The junction where I had had trouble the pushed the machine around a u-turn in the the pre-flight checks before setting off on previous week was taken in style and I road, re-started, and made a slightly better a loop ride. Everything felt much more extended the loop to take in a small village job of starting, steering and returning to controllable and I was impressed by the located in a dip so I had to descend under John who did not say “Get off immedi- climbing ability of the plot, especially when ignition braking and pull up the hill to ately, you incompetent …” Instead I set compared to the Large. I tackled downhill get out of the dip. Within too short a off again and went a bit further, realising sections with caution and killed the ignition time, I was back at John’s house to put the that I had to use my body weight over the to slow down, while towards the bottom of machine away knowing that the next trip front wheel to balance the excess weight these sections, I reconnected the ignition to was going to be 52 miles, from Epsom to of the motor behind the rear axle. The take a run at the approaching rise. Brighton.

Beaded Wheels 13 “The De Dion-Bouton engine appeared ten years after Gottlieb Daimler’s invention of the medium- The Sunbeam Motorcycle Club has speed internal-combustion engine. This was of organised the London to Brighton fundamental importance for subsequent petrol- engine development in that it developed Daimler’s run for Veteran Motorcycles since medium-speed principles to make the light, high- 1930. The Pioneer Run is open speed petrol engine. In this improved and versatile form, motorcycles and cars could evolve rapidly to all motor cycles and tricycles because of the important advantages of lightness, manufactured before 1915. compactness and relatively high specific output It is an annual event held on the which it made generally available. The prototype De Dion-Bouton engine was third Sunday in March. This account installed in a pedal-tricycle immediately behind a is of the March 2007 event. differential rear axle, which it drove through an open 6:1 ratio spur gear and pinion. The surface vaporiser was placed in the frame under the saddle, and the ignition battery was supported from the top tube. A separate tank held fuel and oil. The weight of this first De Dion-Bouton motor tricycle was about 200 lb. The tests of the prototype were encouraging, and in the following year improved models fitted with three different sized engines were produced. Three 1.25 hp motor tricycles were entered in the Paris-Marseilles-Paris trial of 1896, one of which gained first place in its The Pioneer Run class at an average speed of more than 14 miles an hour. Later, these motor tricycles became popular since loose gravel and sat on the machine to they provided a novel form of practical and reliable start once on the road. A few twirls on the personal transport that was a great advance pedals and off we went. About one hundred on the generally unsatisfactory performance of metres later I saw something fly over my previous motorcycle designs. right shoulder and came to a sudden halt. Although they were at first to some extent a The ignition push/pull switch had disap- fashion in Paris, even for ladies, they were soon peared so I ran back up the road to retrieve to be seen on country roads demonstrating their it. It would not go back into its holder, capabilities as reliable touring machines. They were because the two bits of brass had opened up produced in increasing numbers at the De Dion- too much. I tried to close the gap but the Bouton works at Puteaux, and also under licence Riding a 107 year old De Dion switch key would not stay in. I tried taping in England, Belgium, Germany and America. The Tricycle the key into position using electrical tape impetus which this highly practical power unit but the contact was indifferent. gave to the young motor industry in general was Reg Eyre After a little thought, I decided to ‘hot of the greatest importance.” wire’ the contacts and do the run without The Light Car – A Technical History – CF Caunter The day started at 3.30am with the the best brake that I had. This was going alarma sounding happy before a 4.00am to be difficult when I met slow moving drived from rainy and cold Gloucestershire traffic jams in Handcross and in Brighton tot a very cold windy Epsom Downs town. I still had to manage the drop down RacecourseR car park. With an 8.00am Reigate Hill and with little braking I had a start,s it is advisable to get in the car-park few concerns. earlye which we managed. The signing-on I then tried pedalling and found that caravanc was empty so all the formalities I could not get the engine to start, even werew accomplished quickly. with a push from two stout fellows who We then disgorged the De Dion and put had been nice and warm in their car. thet paddock stand in place but after two Out came the plug to reveal a sooty mess attemptsa it refused to fire. Out came the which I cleaned with a rag, remounted sparks plug and in went some ether-based and started again but with engine power. potionp to ease matters. Another twirl of the Within a further 50 metres I got caught by pedalsp and we had an active engine happily a red traffic light and had to stop and had warmingw up on its stand. After a final check to use the valve lifter and brakes. When An early machine, with its controls. In this early ofo the tyres and vital fluids we pushed to the green light showed I had to push uphill form, we can see the minimal controls as well thet start area where I waited behind only around the turning with cars and bikes as the primitive surface carburettor and hot tube threet other machines, (my riding number passing on either side. ignition. The later version came fitted with a jet wasw 9). I pushed the machine down the This episode took nearly an hour. I had carburettor and electric trembler coil ignition. Mudguards, water-cooled cylinder head and band brakes could be supplied as aftermarket extras.

14 Beaded Wheels The History of the Test Machine side of the top frame tank which remain John Marsh – Owner today. (see photo top right) In 1968 the machine appears in the This machine has provenance in the sale of the collection of Alan Smith form of dating certificates from highly where John’s cousin Robin bought a 1908 regarded sources which confirm the NAG car and this tricycle in complete date of manufacture as 1900. There is a and rideable condition. John had always small plate, the size of a 20 pence coin, admired the De Dion because it was which shows that a fee has been paid to made in the year his father was born and Harry Lawson’s motor syndicate from the it was in such original condition. He was period when he attempted to acquire all offered either the car or the tricycle on the motor patents for vehicles made or the death of his cousin and chose the De imported into the UK. The machine was Dion. fitted with the Brissard water-cooled head Since then he has ridden the machine in 1902 and cost £5-10s with the new in many Brighton and Banbury Runs as fuel/oil/water tank, pump and radiator well as meetings on the continent. costing an additional £6. During the period that John has It then disappears until 1933 when owned and ridden the machine he has Ralph Neville registered it as AAL 6. had to replace the main drive pinion Remember that vehicles did not have to and casting, and the pedal sprocket and be registered until 1904 so we can assume chain. The front forks collapsed at the that before then it had been put away as start of the Banbury Run on the unsur- old fashioned? faced temporary road used that year and The second owner in 1934 was George had to be repaired by Peter Dawson. The Leversedge Benbough who had four handlebars broke in Paris in sight of the machines entered in the 1934 London Eiffel Tower. Other happenings include to Brighton Run including AAL 6 which a broken half-shaft, broken inlet valve, can be seen in a photograph in The Motor sheared key on the half-time pinion and a for 1934. He also put his initials on the cracked cast iron piston.

52 miles to cover before the finish time of could not hear clearly. I felt I had thoroughly deserved and earned 1.30pm so I was dreading another mechan- We sailed serenely up and over Pyecombe this medal. ical incident. Hill and headed for the join with the A23. John and I met in the rider melee after The machine went well for about Cars were still travelling at about 70mph I had made contact by mobile phone and six miles when you then approach the and although the route card said that we we decided to only look around for half steep drop down Reigate Hill. I had not should move to the middle lane of five, an hour because of the cold and gathering realised/remembered that the hill was so I felt safer on the left. Fortunately again, clouds. soon. Fortunately, the engine was only traffic had to slow because of a roundabout The journey home became an analysis firing intermittently whenever I was about a mile ahead which gave me time of the run and the performance of the going downhill or on the level so I slowly to wobble alongside some cars who then machine as well as praising ourselves for descended without the need to use the created an opening for me to get into the catching a fine weather window in which brakes except when the engine fired. At correct lane. Further on the traffic was to ride the De Dion. the bottom of hills the engine would pick almost stationary and I resorted to the bus I am intrigued enough to suggest an up beautifully and run evenly all the way lane but found myself being chased by a experiment on the De Dion to see if the up hills. bus. The final one-way system through the indifferent performance of the engine on The road through Handcross was not as town was negotiated with several stops and the flat and down hills was due to the level bad as I had feared. Traffic did slow right remounts but the sight of the final round- of the carburettor, relative to the engine. down but no-one could overtake me and about onto Maderia Drive was a dream The performance up hills and inclines was I could leave a bit of space between me with a policeman stopping traffic to allow a regular beat from the engine and a fair bit and the car in front. The places I did have me to cut across the cars and enter the of power, whereas on the flat and down hill trouble were caused by catching up with final straight. I wanted to travel down it was stuttering and misfiring. Maybe I a three-wheeler Rex that climbed hills at punching the air but had to concentrate on can persuade John to try a pipe from the only 5mph. This led to stalling near the not hitting the Indian rider who seemed to carburettor to the motor which puts the summits of a few hills where I then had be weaving his way down to the finish. carburettor above the automatic inlet to dismount and push to the top. This After parking among the Class A valve. Well, it’s a good excuse to behaviour led to car horns being exercised machines I proudly collected my 2007 get another ride. BW and an occasional set of rude words that I Pioneer Run medal at the sign-off caravan.

Beaded Wheels 15 PART ONE Buick and Rolls-Royce: An insight to their relationship Words Maurice Hendry

The splendid article in Beaded Wheels 312 about John Chynoweth’s 1918 Buick has motivated me to write about General Motors (GM) famous makes, still with us after a weight-reducing process that has GM now consisting of its three vital marques, Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac, plus GMC of course.

GM’s Delco-Remy battery-coil ignition system advertisement in General rom 1909 Buick was GM’s spearhead in Europe, based on Motors (Dunstable, Bedfordshire) 15 June 1955. the Bedford-Buick in Britain. When it became clear after Left: John Chynoweth’s 1918 Buick, photo Bruce Hutton QSM, FPSNZ. F WWI that the future of the big six-cylinder Rolls-Royce (R-R) 40/50 (known as the Silver Ghost only retrospectively) which WO Bentley describes in his memoirs as “really a Buick in would be very bleak, R-Rs excellent managing director Claude essence, with vastly better detail work”, (including full pressure Johnson directed engineer Henry Royce to come up with a lubrication via a drilled crankshaft – which Buick didn’t get until smaller, more saleable model. This was urgently required because 1924). It is also technically significant that the 20hp subsequently the firm had 300 complete, brand new, 40/50s stockpiled, not influenced later Rolls-Royce models, including Phantoms I, II and selling, and about 120 of them were outside, under tarpaulins, III. because of lack of garage space to house them. Eventually they This is well known to motor historians, but what is not so were scrapped except for some fast-moving parts which were generally known is that the Buick episode resulted in a permanent kept for supply to R-R’s London service station. After rejecting arrangement whereby Rolls-Royce obtained a new Buick every Royce’s first design as too elaborate and expensive, the company’s year for evaluation by R-R technical staff and salesmen. As attention focused on the local Bedford-Buick. Royce himself chief engineer WA Robotham stated: “We began to switch from affected to despise American cars as cheap and nasty but this Continental to American cars to obtain the maximum amount of was merely traditional “pommy whinging” nonsense and in his advanced technical information.” heart he knew better. He actually admired Buick’s sound design, Among the many GM technical features R-R adopted as a and its commercial success in England was undeniable. A current result of the Buick connection was GM’s Delco-Remy battery-coil model was purchased, road tested and dismantled for technical ignition system, and eventually this type of ignition superseded evaluation. As this was about 1919-1920, it would have been a car magneto ignitions in all makes of cars. See the General Motors similar to the Chynoweth model described in Beaded Wheels. The (Dunstable, Bedfordshire) advertisement in The Motor for 15 result, announced in October 1922, was the 20hp Rolls-Royce, June 1955. Of course, as mentioned by Robotham, many other

16 Beaded Wheels “When Better Cars are Built, Buick Will Build Them.”

Christchurch at the time as was Fred who was then working on aircraft engines at Harewood airport. Eventually, Buick publicity capitalised on this arrangement with the accompanying advertisement, which I found in the February 1940 issue of National Geographic. Buick has many claims to fame, ranging from being the favourite make of King Edward VIII who bought two, one for his paramour Mrs Simpson, the other being the choice of the Nairn Brothers for their world famed Desert Service in Syria. He told me that their Buicks and Cadillacs were the perfect cars for their purpose, better than any English or Continental makes, and admirably backed by General Motors’ service and publicity. The Russians also based their first luxury Z1S model on the 1931 Buick Model 90 straight eight. The next ZIS, the 101 sedan of 1936, also used a Buick chassis, with sheetmetal made on machines purchased from Budd of Philadelphia. Later ZIS models, the seven passenger ZIS 100 were based on the prewar Packard Super Eight, actually using discarded Packard body dies. However, English journos complained the ZIS overall finish was rough compared to the Packard. The Czar and his brother, Grand Duke Michael, both owned Packard Twin Sixes, later seized and used by the National Geographic, February 1940 Bolshevik regime. The Buick shown was an honest 100 mph car. Robotham was shocked to find The authoritative statement by WA Robotham quoted earlier “It easily outperformed our Phantom III in both acceleration and top speed!” in this article, originally appeared in Robotham’s own memoirs Silver Ghost and Silver Dawn (Constable, 1970). It is totally American cars were bought and evaluated by Rolls-Royce, such opposed to a general view held in the 1950s that America was as Cadillac (particularly), Lincoln, Packard, Hudson and Graham- seldom the source of technical advancements, and to quote one Paige. For example, R-R management and engineers bought a writer in the Christchurch Press, “was mainly for mass production 1933 Hudson-built Essex Terraplane to find out how such a high and lavish use of chrome plating.” This attitude was endorsed performance car could be sold on the English market for only £385, in 1952 by Laurence Pomeroy. Writing on the subject of super- a third of the price of their own Bentley. During their evaluation charging in True’s Automobile Year Book, he said, “Supercharging they were surprised to find that the chassis was far more strongly is one of the few technical novelties from the United States, the braced and rigid than their own 20/25 model, its side valve engine others being hydraulic brakes and synchromesh.” Even back then, gave more specific power than the overhead valve 20/25, and although I was merely in my early twenties and owning only one although the Terraplane had a larger engine, it was lighter due car, a 1934 Chevrolet, I knew this posture, while typically English, to superior American foundry thin-wall casting technique. The was complete nonsense. I remonstrated with Pomeroy at length, Terraplane engine was also smoother than the 20/25. Packard’s citing many other US technical advancements, and he conceded beautiful 1923 straight 8 was also smoother, and Packard’s Safe-T- “I must admit you have given me many bones on which to gnaw.” Flex independent front suspension was subsequently used on all Nevertheless, in The Motor, of which he was technical editor, R-R and Bentley models from 1946-1955. They had also investigated he continued to imply that the USA was always behind the real Graham-Paige when considering supercharging Bentley models. pace-setter Europe. This point of view is in fact, “a vain thing, Cadillacs were investigated for their synchromesh, suspension, fondly invented”. It’s really a psychological cop-out, avoiding Hydramatic transmission, fastback styling, as can be seen on the acknowledgment of the twentieth century as The American Bentley Continental, and many other technical advancements. All Century, not only politically, but technologically. In a massive were adopted, LJK Setright observing that “General Motors is Rolls- series of six volumes, leather bound in gold lettering, Countries Royce’s principal source of technical inspiration.” This went on of the World (Waverley, 1925) left to me by my father, the United even during WWII when Laurence Pomeroy told me of driving an States is described as “A Country of Immense Resources, the experimental Rolls-Royce equipped with Hydramatic transmission. wealthiest and most powerful in the World”, and having “a future Buick, however, is the only make I know of which R-R without parallel on the globe.” It continues, “mass production purchased on an annual basis. The cars were supplied by Lendrum has almost general application. The best instance is that of the & Hartman, GM’s London concessionaires. I first learned about Ford factory in Detroit.” It goes on with a description of making the Buick/R-R arrangement about 1950 when Rolls-Royce Model Ts as “something only partially to be found in Europe.” engineer Fred Hitchens told me about it. I was working in Even today, everyone knows about the Model T, and it was rightly chosen as International Car of the Century.

Beaded Wheels 17 The only thing I would add about the Model T is the fact that when introduced in 1908 it was a remarkably advanced design. It had a one piece block and crankcase with detachable head, short stroke and large piston area with near-square bore and stroke, planetary transmission, high quality Vanadium steel making for light weight and off-road ability rivaling the later Jeep. To do this 16.5 million times over 20 years, resulting in every second car on the road being a Ford, is an achievement without parallel. Since we are dealing with the American scene, and Rolls- Royce in particular, let me dispense with the crazy notions peddled by Harold Nockolds in his company-sponsored book The Magic of a Name (Foulis). The first of these is to pretend that the Rolls-Royce Springfield venture failed because Americans did not believe an American-built Rolls could be as good as an English- built one, and so insisted on buying the English car. In actual fact, the completely opposite situation prevailed. Americans preferred the domestic Springfield product overwhelm- ingly, and over a period of 10 years bought nearly 3,000 Springfield-built cars, 1,700 40/50 sidevalves and 1,241 40/50 OHV models. The former was not called the Silver Ghost on either side of the Atlantic until the advent of the OHV 40/50, at first named the New Phantom and later to become the Phantom I when the Phantom II arrived in September 1929. In actual fact, the Springfield cars were better made than the English because they were produced in a brand-new factory, originally intended for the Indian Motorcycle Company, had the latest, superior American machine tools, and very high-class mechanics who won the undiluted praise of their English overseers. However, the American competition was far too strong, John Webb de Campi admitting in his fine work Rolls-Royce in America (Dalton Watson 1975) that Rolls-Royce of America never attained the level of sales hoped for. American luxury cars were excellent machines and the finest Packard or Cadillac was half the price of the Rolls-Royce. De Campi adds, “The quality of the US bodies was beyond reproach. Many believe the American R-R custom coachwork and Brewster bodies to be the finest ever fitted to the Rolls-Royce”. Robotham, there at the time concluded “Rolls- Royce of America was a mistake in concept and organisation. Claude Johnson did not understand that the V-8 Cadillac, straight eight Packard, V-8 Lincoln, the Pierce-Arrow, Marmon and Peerless were quality cars with every accessory, specifically designed to cope with extreme American conditions.” Jaguar historian Paul Skilleter states “Scientific engineering was far more important in making a dynamically great car than sheer crafts- manship. The locally built Ghosts and Phantoms were already outdated and were simply not competitive against Packard, Cadillac, Lincoln and Pierce-Arrow, whose quality Rolls-Royce had totally underestimated.” BW Part two in next issue

From Rolls-Royce in America by John Webb de Campi (Dalton Watson, London, 1975)

18 Beaded Wheels Our 1927 Essex Words and photos Colin Geange

ack in 1972 a friend of ours was it started and ran quite well. We had also push to get the car finished. I did not know looking for some stationary engines honed the bore and fitted new rings. what the hurry was; after all we had only Band I told him that I had two. He Work was started on the body. We had had the car since 1972. suggested that we could do a deal. He had to replace the rusty metal on the inside The finishing touches took a long time. a 1927 Essex car that he did not want so of the back mudguards and at the back Forty-seven metres of cable to wire every- we exchanged the engines for the car, but of the body. I built a small sandblasting thing up. We sent the seats to Kerry’s the car was in Christchurch behind the unit and started cleaning the body down Upholsters in Levin and the rest of the car airport. We hired a trailer and set off to to bare metal which took a long time. All we did ourselves. I made the steering wheel Christchurch to get our car. this work was done in a carport with a dirt but if anyone out there has a genuine Once we had the car at home we floor. wooden wheel I would like to hear from obtained some rims and tyres so we could The next job was painting the body. A them. move the car around. friend of mine helped by holding a big light I would like to thank all the generous We got the engine running using a while I painted the car body as it rested on people in the Hudson Essex Club who gave gallon tin as a petrol tank wired to the the stools in the carport. I managed to get of their time and parts to make our car as head light and radiator. We relined the a reasonable finish. With the body fitted it is today. BW brakes and the car could then be driven to the chassis and a nail box as a seat we down the road. could drive the car up and down the road. We shifted to a small block of land just This is how the outside Ashhurst and once we had built car stayed until we our new home it was back to the Essex. retired to Waitarere After some time we took the car apart Beach at the and began to work on the chassis. My beginning of 2003. son Simon who was a sheet metal worker Over the next made a new petrol tank and we soon had a three years I had the rolling chassis. mudguards straight- From here we started on the motor. It ened and painted was stripped down and we found the big them. We fitted the end bearings needed remetalling. This was guards in 2007. At something I thought I would have a go at. Christmas 2007 my After many long evenings I had some re sons told me it was metalled bearings that fitted the crank- about time I got the shaft. We got the motor back together and car on the road, so 2008 was the big

Beaded Wheels 19 It is said that to travel hopefully is better than to arrive. That familiar old saying has had special meaning for Bill Cockram over the past two years since he began a very specific journey into the past. And much of that journey stems from a letter to Beaded Wheels. Cold Cases Words Bill Cockram

n late 2009 with no motoring project in the shed, I pledged years on and remarried after moving away, she is again back in myself to a task of a more academic type as substitute therapy. Tokoroa. Never underestimate how small a community we live in! ILike many Jaguar enthusiasts I was aware of research by others This is the point at which Beaded Wheels enters the story. that suggested just two of the XK sportscars sold new in New Armed with my new information, I fired off a letter on the basis Zealand remain unaccounted for. From factory and dealer records that what worked in Tokoroa’s giveaway paper might work again the first owners are known, but little else. How could two identical through the club magazine. VCC member David Garrett kindly XK120 crophead coupes vanish, when such cars were so conspic- responded in BW 302, noting he’d shared a flat in Christchurch uous and admired for their looks, if not their thirst? with Peter Judd, the owner of what he thought might be one of the Somebody must have information, but I realised it was unlikely missing cars. to be found by talking to known Jaguar buffs. If the Jaguar Back in the depths of the library’s electoral rolls, the trail for grapevine hadn’t produced a whiff of two cars for 50 years, it would Peter Judd went cold after 1960. I gamely sat down with the whole take a bit of lateral sleuthing to revive the scent. stack of current electoral rolls. After two hours of thumbing every Before coming to the part played by Beaded Wheels, let me recap electorate I had noted no fewer than 16 Judds in all parts of New on the few facts that are certain. The factory supplied just three Zealand who include Peter among their Christian names, but none XK 120 dropheads to New Zealand, and three main dealerships got was the Peter Michael Judd I sought. one each. A green car (Chassis Number: 667206) to Archibalds My faith in electoral rolls dented, I located an Auckland phone in Christchurch, and cream cars ( Chassis Number: 667121 and number for David Garrett who had flatted with Judd. I rang to find 667126) to Shelly Motors in Wellington and Shorters in Auckland. he was ill in hospital, but the relative who took my call was able to The first owner of the Wellington car was the dealer himself, Jack tell me Peter Judd’s youngest brother lived in the Nelson district. Shelly, and the Auckland car went to AJ Scott of Tokoroa. It Back to rolls and directories. seems probable the Wellington car met an early terminal fate as its Hugo Judd was able to confirm his late brother did indeed have motor is known to now be fitted to an early XK 120 roadster. a cream XK120 drophead. Hugo recalled driving it when it had With the help of David Archibald I managed to access company an unplanned interrogation of a metal fence, causing damage to a records and establish that neither missing car passed through the front wing. Peter had the car painted maroon after repairs, and a dealership as used sales at any time. As yet Shorters despite some photo revealed the newly painted car in 1959, still missing a front searching have drawn a blank on my behalf, and any records from bumper on the driver’s side. Independent Motor Sales (Shelly Motors) are thought to be long Hugo was also able to confirm Peter had worked at Harewood gone. This I suspect is the point at which saner minds would have doing basic maintenance back in the days of NAC, but left the concluded searching was a bad idea. country in about 1961. Was Peter’s car Bert Scott’s which had come But no, never say defeat. It was full steam ahead for the south and been repainted, or was it the car Jack Shelly registered Canterbury Public Library armed with the name AJ Scott of to himself in Wellington? As far as I can judge, Peter Judd owned Tokoroa in 1954. The old electoral rolls are on microfilm and I his drophead before Scott disposed of his in Auckland in 1958, so fluked finding Albert John Scott in just a solitary roll. I’d have in all probability Peter’s was the car supplied in Wellington. Or it missed him altogether if I hadn’t thought to check the supplemen- just might be an early private import that hadn’t originated with a tary roll. He gave his occupation in 1954 as milkbar proprietor, and New Zealand dealership. he couldn’t have been there long because he was on neither the Encouraged by a hint of progress, I decided I had nothing to lose previous nor later electoral rolls. Had he died; had he moved on; by trying the same tactic again. I contacted Dave Moore whom had he emigrated? many readers may know is the motoring editor of the Christchurch But that one new fact, his occupation, was the key. Tokoroa Press. I’d hoped for a couple of sentences and my phone number, being the frontier logging town it was in the 1950s meant the but Dave generously ran a feature, complete with comparative chances were good for the milkbar owner with the flashy Jag being photos of XK120s in drophead and roadster forms. More than that, recalled by people my age who were kids at the time. The next step as motoring editor for the whole Fairfax stable of papers, his article was to get a letter published in Tokoroa’s local giveaway newspaper. appeared in the Dominion Post and several other publications. To my astonishment I received three phone calls in quick succes- Over a period of two weeks I fielded nearly 30 responses. Without sion, including one from Scott’s widow. It is remarkable that 50 exception all were from people with great stories and keen to help.

20 Beaded Wheels When the phone calls tailed-off I was able to eliminate all but six as definitely not relating to drophead cars. Over the following weeks more checks were made and new people contacted. Photos arrived, and I again became a regular visitor to the library’s New Zealand Room. In the end the twists and turns that developed from the promising leads melted away. A cream drophead rumoured to have been whacked by a train at The Judd family stable, Matai Street Riccarton, Christchurch circa 1959. Papakura, proved to be an XK140 fixedhead that had been brought Peter Judd with hand resting on XK120 drophead, now painted maroon and in by a returning serviceman. Two cars involved in fatal smashes at missing a bumper. Masterton and Cheviot, turned out to be roadsters; as did a third which had been exported across the Tasman. 254.842 in the black numeral on yellow plates was a number in the In the end I was left with a single positive lead, and for that I series issued to the Waikato. thank Jack Schoen who called to say he’d owned a cream drophead Taking stock, I appear to have made some progress with both of with red upholstery in Cambridge. He’d bought it in 1961 and sold the missing cars. If they were one and the same, then the Judd car it a couple of years later to a dealer in Hamilton. He sent me the would have had to have been repainted cream within three years splendid three-quarter angle shot which appears with this article, of changing to maroon; not likely I’d have thought for a car just complete with Jack astride the car. seven years old and probably with just its third owner. Now Jack’s car could also have been an early private import, but To my disappointment I failed to interest the country’s biggest for that to be so would mean the XK120 drophead tally had risen daily, The Herald, in running even a brief sentence or two from three to five long before the recent huge surge of imports along with Jack’s picture, so I’ve not reached a large slice of the occurred. There’s also the added coincidence that four of those five newspaper buying public. The Herald on Sunday (a separate publi- cars would have been cream with red interiors and fawn hoods. It cation and the Waikato Times both ran stories, and both generated seems more probable given the date, that Jack’s car had been the a handful of responses. However, nothing to take the histories of Bert Scott car from Tokoroa, which had returned south after a the two cars past the barrier I had reached. brief spell in Auckland. Unless someone out there can unearth another old picture, The picture shows the car in 1963 registered 254.842, just a year name or place for me to set off digging again, then cold cases they before permanent plates were issued in New Zealand. It shows a car appear likely to remain. BW with after-market wing mirrors and a door mirror. It is without its Bill Cockram, phone: 03 3126 866. rear wheel spats, but shows accessory mud flaps behind each wheel. 179 McHughs Road, RD2 Kaiapoi.

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ASURE Kaitaia ASURE Oamaru ASURE Whakatane ASURE Te Anau Terms and Conditions Discount available on room only, Excludes Public Holidays and Special Events. Committed To Your Comfort Cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion. 1903 Oldsmobile left to right: Dr Leatham, Mrs Leatham, Ethel Leatham, Constance Leatham and Keitha Leatham (Keitha is the author’s grandmother.)

Dr and Mrs Leatham in the Oldsmobile near the Brougham and Devon Street intersection, New Plymouth. First car in New Plymouth.

“A SOCIAL PEST” Words Peter Simpson with information from the Taranaki Herald and the Taranaki Daily News and photos from the Simpson family archives

uch was the headline in the Taranaki patron. The Reynold Jackson. Daily News motoring supplement of Although the car created great excite- SAugust 23 1935. This description was ment amongst some of the residents who of my great, great grandfather, Dr Henry were seeing a motorcar for the first time, Blackburn Leatham, who in October others had great concern. 1903 imported the first petrol car into When Dr Leatham had introduced his New Plymouth. The car was described as car he had not only bad roads to contend a single cylinder 1903 Oldsmobile 4.5hp with but also the opposition of citizens. model with tiller steering, 2 gears and cost The vehicle was looked upon as a curse £200. The Taranaki Daily News reported and Borough Councils attributed cutting on 5 October 1903 that “A motorcar was up of the roads to the motorcar. It was a landed on Friday for Dr Leatham, who was noisy affair and the motorist was consid- The Clement Talbot, Dr Leatham and family members. to be seen driving it on his rounds today. ered a social pest. When asked if he had Others we believe, will shortly be in use much trouble with it he replied “Most here, and in view of this fact owners of everything it was possible to happen”. horses and those in charge of them will This included a broken main shaft, a lost need to exercise more care than sometimes flywheel never to be found again and on they are accustomed to use. It is a common one occasion it caught fire. Mr J Rollo, a thing to see horses attached to tradesmen’s New Plymouth engineer at the time, was carts standing quite unattended in the the only person in town who had some streets. This at any time is a reprehensible knowledge of the mysteries of the mobile practice and, now that motorcars promise engineering. The instructions that came to come into general use, it becomes with the car had this handy information dangerous. Horseless vehicles are certain as “advice to owners.... 1: oil; 2: oil; 3: oil; Dr Leatham and various family relatives in the to come more and more into use and their 4: don’t trust that man that the water and Reynold Jackson. presence must be looked for and the danger petrol tanks are full. He may be guessing.” with timid horses provided for”. One time a passenger, Miss Beatrice Dr Leatham himself described the car Campbell who was sitting on the back seat as a “horse scarer”, the terror of all the was found half a mile back after falling off. horses for miles around. The only previous In 1905 he sold the car and purchased a familiarity that horses had with things 7hp Oldsmobile. mechanical was a steam car owned by a Other cars owned by Dr Leatham were a Mr W Bayly, a car that that was rarely on 2 cylinder Reynold Jackson purchased in the road as it continually gave trouble. 1907. A KRIT purchased in 1912 and a A photograph of Dr Leatham with his Clement Talbot purchased in 1913. The wife and three daughters is hanging in the Clement Talbot car was driven 45,000 boardroom of the Automobile Association miles and ended up as a conversion to a in New Plymouth, as he was the first AA lorry in Auckland in 1925. Eliot King, Gertrude Dodgshun and Keitha BW Leatham.

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Here at Beaded Wheels we are always on the lookout for a good article for a future issue and we are now actively seeking more contributions. To encourage you to put pen to paper two lucky authors per issue will win a coveted limited edition Beaded Wheels cap. We can accept articles in handwriting, typed or completed on a WINa limited edition computer (any common word-processing programme is okay) and they can be posted to: Beaded Wheels, P O Box 13140, Christchurch Beaded Wheels or email [email protected] cap! High resolution digital photos are acceptable if taken using a minimum four mega pixel digital camera set at a high resolution. The lucky winners of the Beaded Wheels caps for this issue are Geert Please contact me if you wish to discuss an idea for an article. De Boer and Jeremy Brook. Congratulations and thanks for your Kevin Clarkson, Chairman Beaded Wheels Editorial Committee contribution. Phone home 03 385 9821 (leave your name/number if engaged) email [email protected] Words and photos Graham Smith 1955 Mark IV Humber Super Snipe AM I TOO LATE?

I trust I’m not too late in writing this – it is just on mileage 1961 Series III Hillman Minx at a reduced price, again 30 years since I first considered doing so! from McDonald Halligan Motors, which I duly bought. It was a week before the changeover to decimal currency in July 1967 and y first close association with motorcars began at age 10 I went to withdraw the £510 from my ASB account expecting to in November 1955. After over two years on the waiting hold briefly some 100 pound notes that I had never seen. However Mlist for a Standard Vanguard, Zephyr 6 or Humber Hawk, the large notes had been withdrawn from circulation and I had my parents unexpectedly became the owners of their first car. A to be content with a bank cheque. This Minx served us very well new maroon 1955 Mk IV Humber Super Snipe from McDonald until 1974. Halligan Motors, one of the two Rootes dealers in Albert Street Around 1968 I visited a workmate whose brother had an immac- Auckland. The other dealer incidentally was the Auckland Motor ulate Series III Humber Super Snipe of 1961 or 1962 which I got to Company a little further up Albert Street. I was with my father sit in. I was so impressed again by all the leather upholstery, and the the day he took delivery of the Snipe which he passed to me burr walnut, that I purchased a workshop manual for this model. some 20 years ago and which I have now been driving for over Some years later, in 1974 shortly after our marriage, my wife and I 50 years. Most Sunday mornings were spent cleaning or polishing purchased a 1960 Series III Humber Super Snipe, a car we still own. the Snipe, or checking the tappets, rotating the tyres and greasing We were the second owners of this English assembled car. They the suspension (every 1000 miles), doing the points and plugs and were also assembled by Todd Motors in Wellington, particularly the oiling the rear spring leaves which was I guess normal mainte- later 1965/66 Series IV cars. The first owners had obviously ticked nance for vehicles in those days. On one occasion we replaced all the ‘optional extras’ boxes as it is automatic with power steering, the head gasket and my job was to get inside the engine bay bucket front seats and a steel sliding sunroof. I subsequently fitted and straddle the 4.2 litre ohv motor to lift the rear of the head the period optional Armstrong Selectaride rear shock absorbers while Dad had the front end. Sunday morning maintenance was which have four settings and are electrically controlled from a usually followed by a trip to Waiwera for a picnic and swim in the dashboard switch. The Series III Humber Super Snipe, introduced summer, or to the Parakai Hot pools at Helensville in the winter. at the 1960 Earls Court Motor Show, had the honour of being the With three sisters, my role was to keep the elder two apart in the first production English car to follow the American trend of having back by sitting in the middle, while youngest sister got to sit up four 5½" headlights, replacing the two 7" headlights on the previous front between my parents. The Snipe was fitted with a bench front Series I and II models and other English cars of the period. seat – normal to most Mk IVs in New Zealand. Armstrong Siddeleys have also always impressed me although My first car was obviously going to be a Rootes vehicle. I had I have never owned nor even been in one. In the 1950s there been looking at Singer Gazelles and nearly bought one of the used to be one, always parked on the road, a few doors down early 1958 models (made just after the Rootes takeover of Singer) from where I grew up in Mokoia Road, Birkenhead on Auckland’s that used the Hillman Minx body with the last of the Singer North Shore. I think it was owned by a doctor. Then in the late ohc 1500cc motors. However my father said that there was a low 1960s I would often see a number of them parked in Pupuke

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Paul Radisich, Managing Director, Aegis Oil Road, Glenfield on a Monday or Wednesday evening – possibly club members at a monthly meeting. There were however, THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND (INC.) some connections between Armstrong Siddeley and the Rootes National Office: PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140. Telephone: 03 366 4461 Group. Armstrong Siddeley ceased vehicle production in 1960 with the Star Sapphire, and the Rootes Group used some of the spare Armstrong Siddeley facilities to assemble Sunbeam NOTICE OF MEETING Alpines. The engine in the Series Super Snipes was designed in The Annual General Meeting of the Club will be held on Saturday, 11 collaboration with Armstrong Siddeley and has the same cross- August 2012 at The Kingsgate Hotel, Hamilton commencing at 9.00am. flow hemispherical head design using cross-over pushrods to Rule 8: ELECTION OF OFFICERS and shall invite nominations for such offices twin rocker shafts which at first glance gives them the impres- Nominations for the Management Committee to be forwarded in writing to the Secretary/ sion of being twin overhead camshaft engines. The Humber must be received in this office by 5pm Treasurer to arrive not less than fifty-five Super Snipe engine was 2.7 and from 1958 3 litres, while the 17 June 2012 accompanied by a current clear days before the date appointed for biography and photograph of the nominee the Annual General Meeting. Every such Armstrong Siddeley Star Sapphire was 4 litres. and their association with the Club. nomination to be signed by the Member In November/December 1971 I was in Hokitika and during The biography shall contain the name, nominated, their nominator and seconder. that time stayed in the since demolished Red Lion Hotel address and occupation of members Only a Member who has served at least one fronting Gibson Quay and just opposite the old Government nominated for each position. year upon the Executive of the Club shall Building where I worked. On several occasions I walked up Not less than 75 clear days before the Annual hold the Office of President. Members shall General Meeting the Management Committee be eligible for election to the Management Gibson Quay and noticed in a large shed fronting the Quay an shall cause notice to be given to all members Committee if they shall have paid all Armstrong Siddeley which had been stripped to bare metal for intimating the date for closing nominations monies due by them to the Club and have repainting. The thing that made this car unusual was that it for the offices of:– been financial Members of the Club for too had four headlights. I recall some 20 odd years ago reading President at least six months prior to nomination. an article about Armstrong Siddeleys in the English magazine Club Captain – Northern Region If the number of candidates for the Club Captain – Southern Region Management Committee exceeds the Thoroughbred and Classic Cars and in the article was a picture Secretary/Treasurer number of respective vacancies to be filled, of a prototype Armstrong Siddeley with four headlights. I have Beaded Wheels Editorial Committee Chairman an election shall take place. often wondered if the car I saw in Hokitika was the actual Registrar Job descriptions may be obtained from prototype and if it still exists. Some years ago I spoke with the Speed Steward the Branch Manual. Contact your Branch Three Other Members of the Management Secretary or National Office. then editor of the New Zealand Armstrong Siddeley Owners Committee Club who was also a Humber Car Club member but he had no knowledge of this vehicle. Hopefully someone on the Coast Management Committee 2011-2012 Present Officers does and can finish this story for me. President J Coomber Speed Steward F Renwick Club Captains– Beaded Wheels Chairman K Clarkson BW Northern Region J Foot Three other members of management Southern Region J Chynoweth committee B Ballantyne, T Bartlett, D Hon. Secretary/Treasurer M Lavender Quarrie Registrar R Brayshaw

Beaded Wheels 25 BEHIND THE WHEEL

1903 Pebok Motorcycle

Words and photos Geert de Boer

Geert de Boer and his brother Mark part on the machine that is not of English are frequent visitors to New Zealand. manufacture is the French Longuemare carburettor. This machine has got a lot of The Dutch brothers have regularly levers and controls to play with and this attended our VCCNZ National makes the machine look complicated to Motorycycle Rallies and rode Veteran start and keep running, but I found that with a little practise it was not so difficult. motorcycles the length of New The petrol tank has an oil tank at the Zealand recording their experiences in front with a manual oil pump at the right side of the tank. This pump needs to be Beaded Wheels 284. used to give the engine a bit of oil every 10 minutes or so. It is a total loss system. bout a year ago when I was on In the middle compartment of the tank one of the rallies here in the there is room for the battery and coil ANetherlands (where I live) I was for the ignition and you can put it on talking with a friend and he asked me if I contact or off contact by turning the left wanted to do a Rally with his 1903 Pebok. side handgrip. The handgrip can even be Well I didn’t need to think long on a screwed right off to prevent anybody riding question like that, “Oh, yes, I would like away. There must have been criminals that.” I said. then too. The rear part of the tank is I picked up the machine a few months for petrol and it holds about 4 litres. It before the rally and got some hints and takes quite some time to fill as a funnel tips on how best to operate it. I have is needed with these very small fillercaps. ridden quite a few different Veteran motor- To get it running, take the carrier/ Of the four levers on the tank the two closest to the cycles before from the 1910-1914 period, rearstand down and put it on the stand. saddle are to control the Longuemare carburettor; but nothing as old as this. Make sure the contact handgrip is in the right one for the throttle and the left one to give The Pebok Motor Cycle Co made the on position and put the ignition and more or less air. The lever on the front left side is motorcycles from 1903 to 1906 in London. throttle levers in an upright position. for opening a hole in the exhaust downpipe to make some more noise (rural running) and the lever at From 1904 onwards they had progressed to Open the fueltap and flood the carbu- the right front side is for the advance and retard of using mechanical inlet valves. The model rettor until petrol overflows. Then quickly the ignition. In front of it you can see the oil pump. range included 2¼ hp, 2¾ hp and 3½ hp. get on the saddle and start pedaling (still On the handlebars there are a few levers too. On This model is easy to date as it has on the stand), drop the valve lifter and the left there is a lever for the rear brake and one an automatic inlet valve, which makes it it will start. Now that I know it is going lever to open or close yet another cut out, this time from the silencer and on the right hand side there is 1903 and it has the 2¾ hp engine. When to start I pull in the valve lifter to stop a lever for the front brake and a small lever for the new it was advertised for £38. The only it and then get the stand/carrier up and exhaust valve lifter.

26 Beaded Wheels You can see that they already knew they were eventually going to make a mechanical inlet valve.

get on to the road. I now just cycle away spring and it was open to pre-1920 motor- with the valve lifter in until I get enough cycles. It had about 65 entries and I started speed to drop it and the motor starts again. number three with only a 1902 Minerva Sometimes if the levers are not in the best and a 1902 Clement in front of me. The position you still need to pedal a bit in the Minerva took some time to get started and beginning but normally you don’t need to. the Clement was waiting for the Minerva, It is quite surprising how easy it is to pedal. so the starter told me to get on the way It has a very effective gearing to get it first. It took about 10 to 15 minutes before started and to assist slow running. I was passed by the first of the faster The throttle and ignition levers both machines. The Pebok was running very have spring loaded pins moving on notches nicely and gave me the feeling that there and once on the move I tried the throttle was nothing that could go wrong. lever a bit forward (less throttle) and the The run was about 100 km long with bike didn’t stay running. One notch back three coffee breaks, so plenty of time to again and I was going fast enough. I kept catch up with the other riders. After the it back to the owner who was entering the throttle in this position (except when last break the Pebok was running very well another rally with it the next day. They there was a strong head wind) the rest of again and I was enjoying myself, up until told me you can normally ride about 15 the time and worked with the ignition to about 10 km before the finish, when it runs like this on a full battery. It was my slow down or speed up. just stopped. First another spark plug was own fault as I charged the battery after The air lever didn’t seem to make installed and it showed a weak spark, just picking the bike up and probably forgot to much difference whatever the position. not enough to get it to go so the run was unscrew the left handgrip after a test run Essentially, I really only used the ignition over for me. The back-up vehicle hadn’t and it could have been on contact for more lever and the valve lifter, so it is not as yet shown up so I thought I would cycle than a week! difficult as it may look. back (I didn’t know how far it was) but the The machine uses less than the 4 litres The Pebok is quite fast for its age and it cycling was a bit too heavy for me to do that the tank takes on 100 km so it is quite is easy enough to cruise at about 45 km/h. more than a few hundred meters. I went economical too. The only real worry is having to stop as walking for a while, did a bit of cycling Having no suspension in the front fork both front and rear brakes are of the stirrup again and then walked again. I was glad to forces you to look at the road to avoid type and do not really do much to assist finally be picked up and finished last even potholes and other road damage. It was not slowing down. At first riding this machine though I started first but I had good fun as bad as I expected, but the roads of today gave the impression of being a bit unstable, anyway. are quite good compared to those from mainly because the saddle position is fairly After the evening meal we went to the 1903. How it must have been then we can high (almost 1 metre), but after riding it a Pebok owners’ house and installed a fresh only imagine. BW bit more I really felt at home. battery and this restored it back to life The rally I entered was the first run in again. I did a short test run before I gave

Beaded Wheels 27 Consider a Jowett Words and photos Bob Culver puny. It was touted as “the little engine the major manufacturers. with a big pull”, a necessary virtue as the Several pre-war Jowetts exist in New Jowett cars have always had an many body styles fitted included immense Zealand including a few Vintage examples enthusiastic following. The UK Jowett saloons. The model culminated in the laboriously built from collections of one litre Bradford trucks and vans; which mechanical bits. Club dates from 1923 and is the provided the first vehicle for many small For the new enthusiast, ownership of world’s oldest based on one make. new businesses post WWII. a Bradford, Javelin or Jupiter is the most The cars were made in Yorkshire, away In the 1930s the twin was supplemented likely introduction to the make. by a variant with 4 cylinder 10 hp motor, There are pros and cons to becoming a from the major UK manufacturers. A also horizontally opposed. Jowett convert. novel advertising campaign played The model most associated with the The Bradford was essentially a make is the 1½ litre Javelin saloon. When continuation of an early 1930s vehicle on regional traits to assist local sales it appeared in 1947 it was one of the and possesses the appearance, simplicity, in the pre-war years, and in the post- first completely new post-war European performance and character of that period, war period slogans like “Take a good designs to emerge. Performance, handling or earlier, mechanical brakes, no water and ride caused something of a sensation. pump or fan and beam axles. The commer- look as it passes you” or “Easy with the The Jupiter is an aluminium bodied open cial bodywork is amenable to restoration throttle” were used worldwide. two-seater sports tourer based on Javelin by a handyman. Bodies were locally made, mechanicals. Both cars achieved consid- so restorers can apply considerable licence. erable competition success. Javelins and The quaint, tall, functional bodywork and roduction extended for 43 years, Jupiters were high priced vehicles; the strange engine always attracts interest. based mainly on two fundamental Javelin for example nearly twice the price The lazy beat of just two cylinders at Pmodels and developments of these. of the contemporary A40 Devon. touring speed is curiously different from For a make that was never numerous a Jowett production ceased when the UK the tiresome buzz of comparable fours. A surprising number of vehicles survive. car industry caught up with the frenetic vehicle with very considerable character, The flat twin of 1910 continued post-war demand for new vehicles of any but not the ideal motorway cruiser. Quite through the ages. The RAC horse- sort. The Bradford was by 1953 archaic rare outside New Zealand. power formula favoured few cylinders; and the Javelin had to compete with Javelins exhibit excellent handling and the original Jowett was only 6 RAC hp similarly up-to-date but less expensive and performance for a 1½ litre car of their but was advertised as a 7 to sound less by then readily available new models from era, comparable with more popular models

28 Beaded Wheels When it appeared in 1947 … performance, handling and ride caused something of a sensation.

Jowett Javelin.

Bradford Pickup. Jowett Jupiter.

which first appeared a decade or so later. In their day many cars were driven in to 1953 in standard and deluxe versions. Enthusiasts championed the cars from the a spirited manner and gained a reputa- Restorable cars are available and continue outset. In keeping with company tradition tion for mechanical problems, involving to come to light. the engine is horizontally opposed and in particular crankshafts, bearings and The Jupiter sports models are now with its unusual mounting forward of the gearboxes. But it is now very rare to find much sought after and very few unrestored radiator attracts considerable interest. a car that has not been fitted with a cars remain. Cars are regularly mistaken The taper tail bodywork is very period redesigned replacement crankshaft and for XK120s! Construction is unusual in and remarkably roomy (six at a pinch). reliable modern bearings. And with the that the complete bonnet with front wings The effective streamlining contributes application of accumulated servicing lifts for access to the engine. to a brisk top speed. Brakes are stock knowledge, gearboxes are also satisfactory. The New Zealand Club is particularly Girling, electrics Lucas, suspension torsion Several cars are still used competitively active with an eclectic group totalling bar with simple telescopic dampers. The without undue problems. about 150 full members plus associates. pushrod ohv engine is alloy and light, is All engines and gearboxes have had The Club has regional branches centred on removed from the vehicle without lifting parts extensively renewed or substituted. Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. tackle, and breaks down into manage- Assembly for reliable operation therefore Club activities include technical nights, able components. Although of unitary requires a degree of patience and attention runs, picnics, gymkhanas, weekends away, construction the car retains ply floors to detail which not all mechanics apply. and the annual National Rally held at and so avoids a common requirement But construction is basically simple and varied towns throughout the country. for extensive welding. With many makes nothing is required beyond the ability of In excess of 20 various Jowetts is not of older cars steering box and back axle the patient and meticulous amateur versed uncommon at regional events. The Club components are often the source of intrac- in good workshop practice. provides a friendly, informative two table problems but the Javelin components There was early concern that the cars monthly magazine, website, spares service, are everlasting. A hub puller is required were “orphans” so successive owners have loan of tools, a wealth of technical assis- but no other special tools are essential. All hoarded parts and the Club has arranged tance, manuals, DVD overhaul guide, and these factors suit the vehicles to amateur manufacture of many components. Spares association with overseas Jowett clubs restoration and maintenance. new and old are now more readily available Those interested in Jowetts should The engine has wet liners and this than for popular makes of the time, or for start by checking out the New Zealand feature enables capacity and compression many common models now just a decade website www.jowettnz.net and the interna- ratio to be easily increased using substitute or two old. tional UK based site www.jowett.org or

pistons. The basic model was made from 1947 contact by phone 09 523 3798. BW

Beaded Wheels 29 NO¯ MURI PU¯ KENGA KO¯ MUA PU¯ AWAI˝ (From yesterday's resources burgeon tomorrow's future)

When we took our Peugeot 203 to the International VCC Rally in Invercargill in 2006 it seemed a very long time to wait for the next one this year in Wanganui, but the time romped away and the inevitable last jobs very soon put pressure on, especially as I had arranged to loan The Peugeot experience the 403 & 404 to West Australian Words and photos Dave and Dorothy Duirs friends from the 2003 Redex Rerun which we attended. A good number of Aussie Pugs attended the 203 had never been so fast up hills as the roads with amazing scenery. Each of the Ducato just didn’t know it was there and it destination towns really went out of their Invercargill event too. tracked beautifully. The 120 HDi six speed way to greet us by closing off the streets set up is ideal and my initial apprehension and parking us in the centre. An amazing soon vanished. Our arrival in Wanganui sight of old cars, up to 150 per group per through the twisty Parapara road was day, bringing back memories to the oldies amazing with all manner of marques of all and wonderment to the younger folk. he ‘69 404 is in original condition ages wending their way through the streets Back at HQ a large tented outdoor area so didn’t pose too much worry, the to a very warm Wanganui welcome. We set with macrocarpa slab tables, live music, T‘55 203 still gallops along and has up camp at the girls high school which was bar and dinner facilities made for relaxing had very little attention since the Redex, only metres away from party central and evenings (although the cold wind took the but the ex Wellington ‘61 403 has had a after registration and formalities the show shine off a bit) to chat about the day and transmission problem since we acquired was all on for two weeks around Wanganui. experiences of keeping some of the old cars it, being rather noisy and juddery at start Nearly 700 vehicles were entered, going. Each evening there was entertain- ups. After going over all engine, gearbox some from overseas, from old single ment with different artists/ bands each mounts and suspension bushes, the fault bangers to some exotic biggies and most time and although the music was very loud was located in the clutch pressure plate beautifully restored. A full motoring and (always seems that way now!) many folk which was distorted and looked like it had social programme was very well set for were up dancing away with resultant sore been cooked or welded at some stage in its us. Entrants were divided into several legs next day, but we still came back for history. A heck of a lot of removing and groups by colour numbers and we had more next night. reinstalling of engine, gearbox and rear to choose from a Long (80-180 miles One day was set aside as a public day end took place with much skin scuffing return), Medium (60-150 miles return) or and about 800 vehicles parked at the race and cursing. Veteran (30-80 miles return) run with an course which attracted some 35,000 people. Our Aussie friends duly arrived and optional competitive element based on It was an amazing sight and chance to with the 203 A-framed behind our Ducato timed sections on our routes. Our desti- have a good look at all the entrants. There Maxi camper (same as Peugeot Boxer), we nations were, on different days, Hawera, were also many exhibits in the grand- set off in convoy from the Far North for Hunterville, Feilding, Marton, Ratana and stand and a competition to build and our first night at Otorohanga. The 403 was Jerusalem. Being on the Long, competitive drive over a bridge (timber on concrete pronounced as excellent and did 34mpg, runs we went way into the back country blocks in shallow plastic pool to drive over the 404 was whispering along and the on some fantastic, twisty, dusty, corrugated without wetting wheels) and a competition

30 Beaded Wheels VCC rally 2012 to assemble and run a model T Ford in Another non-rally minutes! We managed to get all the Pugs day enabled speed- together which made for a good line up: minded entrants Duirs’ 203, 403 (loaned to Barry and Tina to tear around the Mouritz WA) and 404 (loaned to John Manfield race track and Trish Brockman WA), Phil and Kay (officially controlled Thomas’ 404 (Brisbane and Westport), and well run) which Tony Haycock’s newly restored 404 ute also created some (loaned to Tony Nott and Annie Brown, great after-race banter Bowna Australia), Richard and Liz Smith’s as all sorts of cars had 404 (Canterbury), Ken and Lexie Mills’ a go with some inter- very original 504 Ti (Dannevirke). We esting performances. all had some interesting comments from Unfortunately, due to onlookers. It always surprises me, in view my error none of our of the relatively small volume of Pugs in cars entered, but Kay Thomas did justice gasket on 404 fuel tank and then we are all New Zealand, just how many people seem in their 404 as did Tony Nott in the ready for the next one in Dunedin in four to have had some sort of connection with 404 ute with the Smiths enjoying a fang or five years time. them in the past. Glen and Carolyn Hall around too in their 404. We are very proud of and grateful for the Victoria Peugeot Club, also joined us for All good things come to an end and top notch organising of the whole event the day. after a formal prize giving, dinner and more and hope to enjoy many more VCC events Another day was set aside for one-make dancing, we A-framed 203 home followed at our branch level and nationally. We also events arranged by them. The Pugs, with soon after by a visit from the Thomas thoroughly enjoyed catching up with our the addition of Len and Gladys Haycock’s 404 before it returned to Westport. Our ex-Redex Australian friends who seemed to 404 diesel ute, all met at the Bason gardens 404 was returned safely and likewise the enjoy our shores and roads which they now for a French picnic lunch and petanque 403 after it had detoured to Wellington realise cannot be covered as fast as in which created some good laughs and a and Napier. So now its oil change time all Australia. The old Pugs also did us proud by chance to chat about the different vehicle round, fix a leaking 203 fuel bowl, sticking behaving and performing well most of the projects. 403 accelerator cable, leaking fuel gauge time. Vive Le Peugeot! BW

Brake & Cable Specialist

FOR HARD TO SOURCE CABLES, BRAKE PARTS OR HOSES CALL THE SPECIALISTS

▲ Cables – speedo, handbrake, accelerator, choke ▲ Brakes – shoes, resleeving, booster overhaul ▲ Hose manufacturing – brake, braided, power steering 66 Killarney Road, Hamilton 0800 10 27 39 ▲ Brake cylinder resleeving [email protected] www.apexautocentre.co.nz

Beaded Wheels 31 The Militaire The most unorthodox motorcycle ever made in America? Words and photos Peter Alderdice he Militaire Autocycle Company, likely tally is under 100 machines. only with a sidecar attached since it was founded in 1910 or 1911, built its Given the name, the Militaire was entirely too heavy and cumbersome to Tfirst machines in Cleveland, Ohio. intended as a military device from the actually ride as a solo motorcycle. In 1912 they announced the underslung beginning, but it was too long and heavy Very few Militaire/Militors are known Militaire which departed sharply from for a motorcycle and too unstable for a car. to exist today. There is a complete machine conventional forms in design and construc- The army did buy a few examples for use on display at the Thomson’s Motorcycle tion, and was conceived as a two-wheeled in France in 1918, but the machines were Museum at Rongotea, near Palmerston car. The original vehicle, featuring two immobilised by mud. The Buffalo enter- North. An example of the final design with girder-type frame rails, powered by a single- prise had also succumbed, and Neil Sinclair sidecar is on display at the Barber Vintage cylinder 480cc, has hub-centre steering, reformed the company in New Jersey and Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, a steering wheel and retractable outrigger changed the name to Militor. Alabama. A chassis is being used as a wheels at the rear to make it stable at rest, In addition to its very long wheel base, pattern by Ontario restorer Fred Crawford, since its operator was not supposed to put heavy automotive-type frame, and car-like who is replicating it for two current restora- his (her) feet down. This and all subse- engine and gearbox, the Militor had twelve- tion projects. quent machines had an open frame and the spoke wooden artillery wheels. It is believed intent was to appeal to automotive people that fewer than 100 of these machines were Remaining examples: rather than motorcyclists. Their literature ever built, and in an era when conventional Peter Thomson (Rongotea) #234 complete machine though the years refers to the vehicle as motorcycles of proven design and reputa- & engine #122 a car and one catalogue mentions that it tion were having a difficult time surviving Richard Morris (California) #203 Barber Museum Militor is never necessary to assume an awkward against the affordable Model T, it is simply Jim Dennie (New York) 1915 position to ride the Militaire, apparently amazing that this ungainly behemoth Patrick Ryan (Australia) #114 complete machine meaning the rider steps into it rather than struggled on in the marketplace for more Mick Atkins (Australia) complete machine#250, #261 throwing a leg over the saddle. than a decade. Barry Brown (Canada) Militor The Cleveland operation expired in NR Sinclair was obviously not one to Geert Versleyen (Holland) 1915 complete machine 1913, but was resuscitated a year later in retreat in the face of adversity. When the Unknown (Denmark) #117 Buffalo, New York by owner Neil R Sinclair. Jersey City operation floundered, he set Stefano Milani (Italy) Complete Militaire and Militor Jerobek Pavel (Czech Rep) Complete machine, Militor The single had been replaced by a four- up shop again in early 1919 at the Knox Fred Crawford (Ontario) cylinder engine, and the steering wheel was Motors factory, an automobile company in Paul S Larios 1914 supplanted by handlebars. The automotive- Springfield, Massachusetts, just across the Glen Bull then Dale Conlon. A complete machine style frame and rear idler wheels remained. street from the Indian factory. Inevitably assembled from #120,123, sold to USA early 2010 The 1065cc engine delivered better than 11 some Indian people were attracted to the horsepower through a three-speed floor shift new company, now called Militor Motor. transmission and shaft drive. The engine But this association also failed within a displacement is 68cu inch being 211 ⁄16 bore year, and Sinclair relocated in Bridgeport, and a 3 inch stroke. The wheelbase, like Massachusetts under the banner of the the early Henderson, was 65 inches. The Bullard Machine Tool Company, where wooden artillery wheels carried 28-inch production finally ceased once and for all Goodyear beaded edge tyres. They claimed in 1922. By this time the Militor had a a capacity of 25,000 vehicles a year, but only more conventional front steering geometry, very limited quantities were built, and the had lost its training wheels, and was offered

32 Beaded Wheels VINTAGE & CLASSIC HORSELESSAUTO.COM Left: Jim Dennie’s 1915 Militaire. Are they training wheels or landing gear? ENGINE PARTS

Restoration of Motor 197 This engine was located in a shed in Te Atatu in June 2005. It is a late series one motor produced probably in 1915. The later SPECIALISING IN FINE AUTOMOBILES series motors had the Schebler carburettor Vehicle Location Service mounted mid-manifold whereas this first Pre Purchase Inspection series designed the carburettor at the end PISTONS, VALVES, HEAD GASKETS Consulting & Appraisals of the intake manifold. The Militaire with TIMING GEARS, MORSE CHAINS Exporting Service engine 197 arrived in New Zealand on ENGINE BEARINGS, Hershey AACA Swap Meet Tour Oct 2012 the Austral Plain in shipping case # 55621 SPARK PLUG THREAD ADAPTORS Auction Service and was sold to Skeates and White in GEORGE CALDER LIMITED Brokering Auckland on 15 June 1918 for £55. 307 HOON HAY ROAD, CHRISTCHURCH Parts location service When found, the engine was complete Ph 03 338 5372 Email [email protected] Shipping- Transportation service but missing the sump, magneto, front Contact Robert Benge VCCNZ Member timing cover, some timing gears and the Email [email protected] exhaust manifold. A sump was recast from PH 001 646 266 2245 a motor borrowed for that purpose #122 New York USA (thanks to Peter Thomson) and an oil pump and drive gear modified to fit. The gear pump provides a splash lubrication a great gift idea system via an oil way to the big-ends. The magneto was provided and rewound by Chris Slater and Dave Tompkins manufac- subscribe today tured the front timing cover. Chris North and Paul Tomlin have provided great assis- & save tance with machining and engineering advice. The work of disassembly, cleanup, Why not treat someone special to a gift that lasts all restoration and reassembly was completed year? By becoming a subscriber to Beaded Wheels you by Graham Apanui, Leo Fowler and Peter can save 10% on the newstand price and guarantee Alderdice. BW that you don’t miss a single issue at the same time. Beaded Wheels subscription form Please send a subscription for 6 Issues - New Zealand $39* (inc p&p) 6 Issues - Australia NZ$70* 6 Issues - Elsewhere NZ$100* Payment by Cheque Credit Card Expiry Date: __ /__ / Visa/Mastercard only (Amex & Diners not accepted) Processing by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing charge of 2.25%. NZ Post money orders not accepted.

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Beaded Wheels 33 rally snippets

The little settlement of Ahipara at the bottom of Ninety Mile Beach.

THE 39TH FAR-NORTH TOUR Northland: Austins were well represented. Northland Branch Words and photos Terry Lambess Road around Lake Omapere where we ANNUAL GOODYEAR This year’s tour could well have been could observe the new cycle-trail which RALLY called “The Gravel Road Tour”. Yes, we has been formed on the old railway line Taupo Branch certainly travelled many miles on gravel, between Kaikohe and Okaihau. After Words and photos Norman Pointon interspersed with the occasional section travelling through Okaihau it was on to of seal. Judging by the comments heard, more back roads to Rangiahua before the On 10–12 March the Taupo Branch it was just what most entrants wanted! lunch stop at Kohukohu. An hour and a hosted the Taupo Auto Goodyear Service There were 75 entrants this year with the half was allowed for lunch leaving plenty Centre Rally. first car away at 8.30am to Purua then on of time to view all the arts on display. In At eight o’clock cars assembled in through Pipiwai. Luckily the odd shower the afternoon it was off again around the Rununga Street, all ready for the starters had laid the dust. The second section harbour to Paponga Road. This was our signal. Following the briefing the rally from Kaikohe pioneer village took Lake last gravel section which crossed through was under way with a short run up the forest and hills, finally arriving back on control gates hill then the two groups seal to travel through Broadwood onto separated. The scenery for both runs was Herekino Gorge ultimately meeting the spectacular. The short route looked over Tasman Sea at the bottom of Ninety the Tirohonga Valley with distant views Mile Beach and the little settlement of of Pureora Forest Park, across to South Ahipara. A rollercoaster ride followed on Waikato farmlands, and up to Pirongia. Sandhills Road before joining the main The long route were to enjoy travelling road at Awanui for a short break before through dramatic countryside of scarred finishing at Taipa. A most enjoyable tour; pumice land that had been subject to roll on tour No 40! volcanic activity, then pine forest before

A lovely Sunbeam Alpine.

Northland: The oldest Austin on the tour, Bruce No parking for locals when the Tour comes to town. and Claudia Jeffrey’s 1928 Box 7.

34 Beaded Wheels rallysnippets

Taupo: Lining them up for the start. Taupo: At the lunch stop. opening out to productive farmland. A the perennial “What is on the cover of the Results good knowledge of the area by the Rally latest Beaded Wheels?” Veteran organisers saw the two groups meet again The decision to stage two different rally 1 Bruce & Trish Jefferies – Taupo at the end of Tram Road routes creating an alternative for those Post Vintage After joining forces again both groups not wishing to be travelling at highway 1 Colin & Loraine Patterson – Waikato drove along the edge of Lake Whakamaru speeds when touring, was a popular Post War to the dam and Lake Whakamaru reserve one. Approximately half the entrants 1 Norman & Jocelyn Pointon – Taupo in Mangakino. selected the short route. The clever part Post 1960 Following this was a timed section was ensuring both routes used the same 1 Brent Davidson & Marty Sutherland – Taupo and some questions. We carried on to roads for the questions, timed section and Hard Luck Tirohanga Road to our lunch stop at the straight line navigation. Roy & Shirley Benton – 1910 Alldays & Onion local school where the rally sheets were Prize giving at the Taupo Women’s New Plymouth handed in. Club was accompanied by anecdotes about Furthest Travelled Following lunch was a pleasant drive the antics that some people got up to and Ellie Pye & Sylvia Smith – Red Beach, Auckland back to Taupo and the clubrooms. We the misfortune of others. were asked two more questions, one being BW

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Beaded Wheels 35 50 YEAR AWARDS

the Vintage car movement overseas, took again in 1996 when there was a special an interest in the local development and need for experience and expertise. Martin joined as soon as circumstances allowed was on the National Executive, as Club in 1961. Vice Captain, for nine years in the ‘70s Looking around for a Club eligible and contributed greatly to the National vehicle (in those days pre 1931) he discov- development during this time. ered and purchased the remains of an Throughout all of this and on top of early BSA racing special which had family and business commitments Martin’s been created by the well-known Stanton collection of cars grew to include a 1926 brothers. Eventually sanity prevailed and Alvis Tourer, 1929 BSA Watson Special, Martin realised that this project was not 1952 Swallow Doretti, 1953 Bentley R going to lead to happy family Vintage Type, 1960 Alvis TD and of course the Pukeora Hillclimb, father and daughter Martin and motoring. most magnificent of all, the 1912 Minerva Helen Ferner with the ex Ralph Watson V twin BSA Through Club contacts, a much BB. special. Photo Beaded Wheels Archive issue 277, 2006. better proposition was obtained in the This vehicle was found in a derelict form of a 1926 Lea Francis 12hp roadster. state on a farm in Parongahau, one side Martin Ferner This was a high quality British light car was completely rotted out and the engine From his early years Martin was fasci- worthy of Martins’ attentions. A three seized solid. Martin set about restora- nated by things mechanical especially cars year restoration was completed in time for tion which was to last nearly 30 years. and motorbikes. Martin and Joan to compete in the first During the restoration, Martin instigated His love for technical mechanisms International Veteran and Vintage Car panel beating classes at the Wellington shaped his future, both professionally and Rally to be held in New Zealand. This was Polytechnic. This enabled him and many in his choice of hobby. supposed to commemorate the opening others to gain valuable assistance to As soon as he could, at around the age of the new Haast highway but as it was complete their restorations. of 14, he obtained a motorcycle. As can not completed, became an extensive tour In 2003 Martin and Joan accepted the be expected, father was not too impressed of the South Island remote beauty spots. challenge of motoring a large and heavy with son riding one of those dangerous old The car performed superbly for about 1500 Veteran car with two wheel brakes over things so he helped him obtain his first miles and the die was cast for Martin’s more than 2000 km in Europe, encoun- car, a 1923 Standard 11 hp. All through complete involvement with the Vintage tering extremely difficult terrain including his student years Martin tinkered with Car Club. the infamous Stelvio Pass with hairpin cars, which was absolutely necessary to Martin has been hugely influential in bends and 1 in 4 gradients. This was to keep them mobile. the development of our movement at local be part of the re-enactment of the 1913 The Standard was replaced with a and national levels. Austrian Alpine Tour in which similar Triumph Super Seven of around 1930 In the mid 1960s the branch decided cars competed. Vintage. This car was used for thousands that clubrooms were needed. Martin In 2004 Martin received the Vintage and thousands of miles and all sorts of identified that the Khandallah bus depot Car Club’s highest award, the John L adventures. which had suffered a major fire was of the Goddard Trophy, for his achievements in Another car, a Morris 16, provided right size and was up for tender. He had restoring and motoring this most impres- heaps of character building maintenance the vision to see that the old burnt-out sive piece of our history. practice and honed his engineering skills. wreck could be salvaged and clubrooms In 1956, when coming back from created. He supervised the dismantling Alastair Jones – Renaissance Man Canada, Martin and Joan brought back engineering and the reconstruction. Of It is entirely appropriate to refer to Joan’s grandfather’s 1938 Morris 12, which course many branch members put long Alastair Wakelin Jones as a Renaissance surely must have been the only one of hours into the project but it would not man. He is one in every sense of the word. its type in North America. How it was have happened without Martin’s skill and The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand maintained over there is still a mystery. drive to get the job done. has been fortunate to have Alastair as a Martin used this car extensively for over Originally conceived as a workshop member since 1961. At that time more 10 years. it rapidly came apparent that more than modern interests were becoming much All these cars were used out of necessity that was required. Over the next 40 more widely available in New Zealand. in the early years but Martin had a real years the old bus depot was turned into a Television had arrived throughout the interest in the challenge of keeping them magnificent facility which is enjoyed by country and not just the main centres. on the road and enjoyed driving them. Wellington Branch members today. Movies now showed in the same year Fortunately Joan seemed to understand, Martin was completely involved in all that they were made. Rugby was, as ever, or tolerate this increasing passion, so it was aspects of The Club as we know it. He was very popular and as yet undisturbed by a natural progression to join the Vintage a frequent branch committee member in the upheavals of the ‘80s. British and Car Club. The Wellington Branch was the 1960s, 1970s and again in the 1990s. American cars were available and even formed in 1958. Martin, already aware of He was Chairman in 1970, 1971, 1976 and built in New Zealand.

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Beaded Wheels 37 50 YEAR AWARDS

had piqued Alastair’s interest. It was a rare hobby for Alastair Jones, a worthy 50 Year car too. A real horseless carriage which member. imitated its equestrian ancestors, not Alastair has had a lengthy commitment by throwing a shoe, but by throwing its to the Club starting as a teenager on the flywheel several times across the workshop committee of Wairarapa sub Branch and floor. So when Alastair got the opportu- currently as Chairman of Bay of Plenty nity to ride in a slightly younger car in his Branch. In between he was the founding first Vintage rally he grabbed the chance. Chairman of Horowhenua and has filled The car was Stan Northcote-Bade’s Dodge. almost every role in the branches where he The speed and driving so petrified the has been a member. young Alastair that he refused a lift home Alastair and Gwen Jones Bay of Plenty and their from the rally and instead went back in Roger White 1934 Railton Sports pictured during the Auckland Len Southward’s 4½ litre Bentley. What a Roger White was just fifteen when he Anniversary Weekend Rally 2011. start to a young vintagent’s career! joined the Vintage Car Club in January Alastair was then in his teens and By this time almost all of Alastair’s 1962. With an MG M-Type he was a leader lived in Featherston. As a young man in family had caught the bug as well. History in the schoolboy transition from pedal a provincial town in those days there were records that at about that time seven power to the internal combustion engine, all sorts of hobby and leisure activities to members of the extended Jones family usually favouring more sporting machines. attract your attention. were members of the Wairarapa Branch. His influence has continued ever since Renaissance men have always held a The family attended the National North through various management roles in the wider view. They try to see the bigger Island Easter Rally in the Hawke’s Bay VCC, and in the motor industry. picture. And it must be recorded that and while there the young Alastair saw In 1963 Roger entered a partnership to they also have an appreciation of the past. Bob Scott (who owned a very nice Fiat restore a 1926 Ansaldo for the upcoming Hence the term “renaissance”, literally a 501) talking to Alastair’s Uncle Les. With Haast International Rally. Supported by rebirth. So the Club is indeed lucky to the cheek of youth Alastair asked Bob to his motor mechanic father others soon have had a man of such wide experience let him know if it was ever for sale. That became involved, cementing strong and and passionate interests as Alastair Jones. did not eventuate, but as time went on valued friendships that survive today. The As a young man he was drawn to older Alastair acquired a 1926 3 litre Bentley. ‘Annie’ was finished in time but suffered vehicles. He need not have been, as his He and his wife Gwen took the Bentley a grave malfunction on the eve of the father and his grandfather had estab- to Australia in 1978 for the International event. Undeterred, Roger with Murray lished a successful car dealership in the FIVA Rally. They found that the car was a Hislop and Warren Corkin, motored Wairarapa. So Alastair could easily have brilliant door opener to many long-lasting south in Ed White’s ZB Magnette to been forgiven for going the modern way, friendships during the six-month tour they assist with marshalling, and navigating but in fact his first car was a 1917 Grant. did after the rally. Subsequently Alastair Ace Boustridge’s 1911 Cadillac raceabout. His grandfather had sold it to a canny bought and restored a 1932 J2 MG and Roger has participated in every VCC Scot by the name of McLachlan. When then his own Fiat – a 510S. This car later International since. Alastair got the opportunity to buy it back made way for the present Jones family One of Roger’s mentors in the early days many years later, he was well aware of Club eligible vehicle, a 1934 Railton. was Len Southward whose practical jokes Mr McLachlan’s Scottish heritage. So he Throughout these years Alastair he remembers well. He got his own back made him a fair offer of £2! (Those were restored and repaired his club cars and years later when gifted an ABC motorcycle the days!) The offer was rejected to start even today the Railton is a work in that Len really wanted, and he was able with because as Mr McLachlan so wisely progress. When one looks at Alastair’s to negotiate a good trade. The resultant observed “There’s a full tank of petrol in automotive family tree it is clear that he Indian Four was a magnificent bike when it lad!” is certainly a Renaissance man. American RJMW finished the restoration. It was a relatively rare car from the US, to begin with, then English, Continental In all, Roger has restored nine cars which had been trucked. With some assis- and finally what many would call the best and motorcycles, and owned thirty Club tance from his father and the eager team at of both worlds, a Railton with fine English eligible vehicles. His fondest memory HJ Jones & Co. it was restored as a tourer coachwork and comfort, combined with is of the Sebring Austin Healey 100 S, in the space of four months. Alastair did the speed and durability of an American one of only fifty made. Built for racing a lot of the work himself. Not a bad effort engine. it was also a great road car provided the for a 17 year old. The first outing in the Renaissance men are also family men passenger was prepared to nurse most of Grant was the 50th AA Rally in early and Alastair is the first to acknowledge the the luggage. At the time of owning this 1962 and it was good enough to win the love and support of Gwen and their son car he met Diane Barnes and they married Veteran Trophy in the Wellington branch and daughter in his endeavours. He and in 1970. Throughout their marriage Diane November Rally later that year. Gwen are in partnership in business and as has been a Vintage Car Club stalwart Earlier on a Holsman that had been well Alastair works with the Department supporting Roger and taking various roles brought in to the family firm for revival of Justice. Truly a varied career and within the Wellington Branch.

38 Beaded Wheels Stockists of 1912-92 Rob Ross takes life member Roger White for a REPLACEMENT ENGLISH spin in his curved dash Oldsmobile at the VCCNZ AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAN CONTINENTAL AGM held in Ashburton, November 2007. PARTS Photo Bruce Hutton, QSM, FPSNZ.

He was offered the Healey back some Kingpin sets Engine gaskets Gearbox gears years later but turned it down in favour Suspension parts Steering joints Crownwheel & pinions of a house extension. At today’s prices he Spark plugs Electrical fittings Wiper motors (vac) now jokes that he should have cancelled Engine bearings Shock absorbers Wheel cylinders & kits the extra room and had the kids sleep in Master cylinders & kits Shackles (pins & bushes) Ring gears & pinions the car. Rear axles Water pumps & kits Clutch plates Another friendship of long standing Clutch covers Carburettors Fuel pumps & kits has been with past VCC National Brake & clutch cables Pistons Steering box parts President and current National Speed Valves, springs, guides Speedo cables Ignition parts Steward Frank Renwick, with whom Timing gears & chains Lenses Engine mounts Roger has enjoyed several of the legendary Irishman Rallies through the Mackenzie MECHANICAL RESTORATIONS & VINTAGE SPARES (1980) Country. RD 7 • Fordell • Wanganui • Phone/Fax 06 342 7713 Roger’s substantial contribution to the Club was recognised with a Life Membership in 2002. He was Wellington Branch Chairman from 1982 to 1984, PISTON RINGS Club Captain 1971, 1972, 2005 and 2006. Twenty-two years on the National WE CAN MAKE CUSTOM RINGS FOR MOST Executive, he served on the Management CARS, TRUCKS & SMALL ENGINES Committee from 1985 to 1999. Behind Late model 3 piece oil rings now available the scenes he has been instrumental in formulating policy, particularly the intro- duction of Vehicle Identity Cards, liaising UNDER THE NEW with the Land Transport Authority, OWNERSHIP OF and building the good relationship our Club now enjoys with MotorSport New Zealand. He currently serves on the PUKEKOHE Vehicle Technical Committee, and with Diane regularly rallies especially in their 1928 De Soto roadster. NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST RANGE OF PISTON RINGS FOR VINTAGE CARS BW JOHNSON’S PISTON RINGS est 1920s Ph: 09 238 4079 Fax: 09 238 4437 email: [email protected] 129 Manukau Rd Pukekohe Auckland 2120 Beaded Wheels 39 Diane Ross 38 Keenans Road RD 2, Ashburton [email protected] brass notes

he piecing together of the 1904 Waimate District Council TOldsmobile history is coming to a conclusion. Ian Clarke from Canterbury has come forward with the following information about his great grandfather, Samuel Clarke who owned the car when new. Samuel was a particularly competent mechanic in Leeston but had an unfor- tunate tendency to adjourn for a drink Waimate Council members on a 1904 Oldsmobile. on the odd occasion and forget to return to his business for some time thereafter. After marrying he ran a bicycle shop in in Christchurch having been used as a was “It didn’t sell and I’m sitting here Waimate then moved to Oamaru. This is tractor, took the coveted prize for Best looking at it. Maybe the price is too high.” consistent with the fact that the Waimate Overall Performance. The car concours It was suggested I make an offer so after District Council replaced the two horses went to Paul Herron’s 1911 Model T having my son check out the dealer and used as transport for the councillors with restored by Paul in 1990. The motorcycle several offers later we agreed on a price. I the Oldsmobile in 1908/9 for £300. Trevor fraternity were represented by five enthu- sent the money and the car was mine. Part Holland of Waimate has further estab- siasts. Ray McCullough putting along on of the deal was that they would store the lished that Sir Walter Norwood gifted the his 1911 Abington King Dick that’s been car for twelve months. car to the Southward Museum, I think, part of his family since 1956 and Tony On 1 June accompanied by friends we sometime in the 1950s. Warren, on his cousin’s 1910 Humber that flew from Auckland bound for Detroit. was restored in Christchurch many years The plan was to see what we had bought ago, came up from Invercargill. Local and hopefully drive across America to member Bill Veitch on the 1909 Abington Los Angeles for shipping home to New King Dick built up from the remains found Zealand. On arrival at Detroit I found driving a saw bench in 1960, received the the description had been very accurate major prize in the motorcycle section with and everything was pretty much as I had John Martin’s 1913 Royal Enfield awarded hoped. After putting in a battery we were the concours. able to drive it coughing and spluttering The 2013 Dunedin Brighton Rally will around the car park. I was offered the use be held the weekend before the National of the workshop at Classic Auto Show Veteran Rally in Southland with a Prince Place and spent three days checking, Henry Tour being planned during the greasing, getting the original top replaced week between. An enjoyable 10 days of and fitting new tyres. Classic Auto were a The Devereaux and Ross Dodge cars on the 2012 Veteran motoring is promised. great help sourcing parts and I had a lot Dunedin – Brighton Rally. of help from a Vintage enthusiast whose Dunedin Brighton Rally In a past issue I mentioned Murray and business is looking after old cars. He also We recently attended the 58th Dunedin Val Toms’ purchase of a 1914 Dodge in the was our ‘chief guide’ in Detroit supplying Brighton Rally, the oldest Veteran car USA. Murray has put pen to paper and here us with hard-to-get parts and taking us to rally in the Southern Hemisphere. The is an account of their adventure. the Ford, Chrysler and Packard Museums. committee intend holding a special event All three had all-makes car shows. Detroit in two years time to celebrate the 60th so It started when I saw the words “1914 is still very much an auto city. On Friday mark it in your diary. Some mention must Dodge, two owners” on the internet. nights you can see 100 or more old cars be made of the two cars that have been on Thinking it was rather rare I wrote 1914 parked or cruising Livernoise Avenue. every rally. Colin Winter’s 1900 Wolseley Dodge and the phone number down, left I believe the original owner of my that has been in the family since 1946 it in the office and forgot about it. After Dodge from Rockfield Illinois died in the and the 1914 Delage driven by Chris Read, a string of wet days I could no longer find flu epidemic in 1919. His wife drove it a son of Darcy Read who was co-founder of an excuse to avoid cleaning up the office few times until 1920 when she hit a pedes- the rally. The car is now owned by Darcy’s and came across my note. I phoned the trian, damaging the radiator, right front grandson Mark. The 1912 Regal owned number and asked “Would it be okay to guard and light and possibly killing the by Bob Oakley, restored in the 1950s after ask how much you got for the old Dodge pedestrian. She parked it up and wouldn’t being found derelict in Heathcote Valley you advertised on the internet?” The reply drive or sell it saying it was a dangerous

40 Beaded Wheels Are you reading

were pulled over by the county sheriff this magazine BW officially for going too slow but he just wanted to look at our car and see what as a subscriber sort of people drove in a car like that. At Miller we were pulled over by a young lady from the newspaper who wanted to do an or a casual article and in DeSmett, home of The Little House On The Prairie, we were invited to purchaser from a the Fourth of July celebrations. This is something I will remember for a long time bookstand? as most of the population gathered in the 1914 Dodge owner M Toms. evening at a local park where food was Did you know that if you join the Vintage available followed by music and a talent Car Club then you receive each issue car. It stayed in her garage until she died quest, speeches and a fireworks display. As in 1970. It was then purchased by another we travelled people admired the Dodge delivered to your letterbox at Detroit man who stripped it, repaired, and often invited us to look at their cars. the beginning of each second month re-upholstered and repainted it returning In a little place called Burlington two (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct and Dec) as a it to the road in 1990 completing only 200 local farmers took us on a tour of farmers’ miles before he died in 1994. Back it went ‘graveyards’. There was everything from membership benefit? into storage until my purchase in 2010 early horse drawn implements to 100hp with 7882 miles on the speedo. It has a tractors, old household stuff to buckboards Did you know joining the Vintage Car Club 1914 title but doesn’t seem to fit the chassis and a supercharged Auburn sports car. The number, I’m trying to verify where it was Mississippi River was in high flood as we costs little more than you have been paying actually built. crossed at Pierre, where much of the town for this magazine and yet you receive all Our first trip was to the home of Dodge was sand bagged. As we climbed into the the other benefits of belonging to our great Bros and Piquette, birthplace of the Model Rockies it was beautiful with wild flowers club? Including free advertising in this T. Today the museum is run by a trust and snow to the edge of the road and and remains almost as built. The Dodge plenty of deer, bison and moose grazing magazine. Bros home is much the same as when knee deep in the river. Entering Salt they lived there and now the manse Lake City the fan broke loose damaging The Vintage Car Club Of NZ (Inc) caters for the Methodist Church is next door. the radiator. The AAA truck picked us The design studios are the offices for the up, taking us to another enthusiast who for all motor vehicles that are over 30 years church. We were told that the symbol on contacted the Dodge Club to source parts, old but it is not a requirement to own an the front of Dodge cars is not as commonly worked on the car and generally looked eligible vehicle in order to be a member. thought, the Star Of David, but the badge after us until we were on the way again of excellence awarded to John Dodge by via Bryce and Zion Canyons. On to Page Our website www.vcc.org.nz has the Machinists Guild of America. to raft down the Colorado River at the membership application forms and details Meanwhile our friends had purchased start of the Grand Canyon, where we got of your local branch or you may wish to a 1967 Mercury convertible so we were a puncture. Up through Jerome was our contact the branch closest to you directly. ready to hit the road to LA. Our departure hardest climb, 43 miles uphill, nine in was quite an event with a band, Chrysler second gear and almost a mile in low. They are listed on page 2. publicity, friends, helpers, club members We arrived to read a sign. “Beware of and FOX TV all there to see us off. Mountain Grades, 12%.” Heading down Leaving very early to beat the traffic it was high desert country, very hot, 116°F felt good to be on our way seeing deer and but cooling a little as we descended to the lots of wildlife among the houses, church- Californian Plains. goers and joggers waving us on. Northern As we got closer to Los Angeles the Michigan was very pretty with its forests traffic built up and got faster so at Apple and lakes. On our way to Soo Locks we Valley we stopped and arranged for the saw large ships pass from Lake Huron to cars to be trucked to the port for shipment Michigan and Lake Superior. A highlight home to New Zealand. It was a wonderful was crossing Makinak Bridge, five miles trip, we met some wonderful people, long and 200 feet above the water allowing saw some wonders of the world and the large ships to pass below. Val was kept further we drove the old Dodge the better busy holding down everything in the back it went. The radiator never boiled but at of the car until we bought a cargo net. high altitudes the petrol did, we finally Heading along the shore of Lake Michigan overcame this by removing the bonnet to we were dodging the debris dropping from the back seat for long climbs. logging trucks. No land in sight across The shipping was easy, the car arriving the Lake until we started to move across promptly with no loss or damage and went flat fertile cropping and mixed farming through the vinning process with no land and into Amish country. Here we problems.

Membership fees vary from branch to branch

Beaded Wheels 41 • • beaded wheels trade directory • beaded wheels trade directory •

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42 Beaded Wheels • marketplace

Hamco CLASSIFIED RATES INDUSTRIES Due to space limitation, classified advertisers should FOR SALE Motorcycle & Car a refrain from the use of dashes, spaces, logos, blank Wire Wheel Repairs & Restorations a lines and formatting. All classified rates include GST. 1926 CHRYSLER PARTS FOR SALE. Chrysler Saloon We Specialise In The 65 word limit includes contact details. Advertisers body including 4 doors and window glass and • Custom Made Spokes • Speedway Wheels requiring ads longer than the standard 65 words, or restored chassis, also some assorted parts. Offers. Rim and Frame Lining • Wheel Building & who require typography or space, must apply display Contact Michael or John 03 455 5074 or email to rates. Truing • Complete Wheel Restoration [email protected] MEM The advertising department reserves the right to edit Vintage – Classic – Modern or return classifieds not meeting the criteria DODGE CARS FOR SALE 1937 sedan 4dr requires Craig & Debbie Hambling Member of Vintage Car Club full restoration, orig ownership papers, registration Phone 06 324 8345 No charge for text or photo advertising to a maximum on hold, very little rust, 100% complete in excellent Mobile 027 231 7864 of 65 words per advertisement. Members must be condition. All cleaned and primed and ready to 410 Green Road, RD 6, Palmerston North Day or Night financial and identify their Branch. start. 1938 Dodge very original car in excellent Non Member condition. Requires small amount of work to put $21 for first 40 words or part thereof, thereafter back on the road. 100% complete. Offers, phone 15 cents per word to a maximum of 65 words per 03 388 7677 MEM advertisement.* 1939 DE SOTO. Some work done on body. Sound Text in a Boxed Ad mechanics. No rust. Reg on hold. $6,000 ono. $24 non-members,* Phone 03 578 5701 Blenheim. MEM Colour Photo Ad in Box 1962 ARIEL LEADER 250CC Twin cylinder 2 stroke $56 non-members, enclose a clear photo and an SAE motorcycle. Fitted with sideshields and pannier if return required.* bags. New windscreen. Registration is on hold. Above rates apply for each advertisement. $7,000. Phone Neil@ 03 434 9470. MEM Advertisements should be typed or clearly printed. ENCLOSE PAYMENT Cheques Payable to Beaded Wheels. CARBURETTOR RE-CONDITIONING — including Post to: Advertising, P O Box 13140, Christchurch Classic & Performance makes. 40 plus years trade 8141, to arrive not later than 10th of month preceding experience. Free advice. Contact Graeme Tulloch, publication. * Tulmac Carburettor Specialists on 027 612 2312 or (Levin) 06 368 2202 DISPLAY RATES* COACHWORK For all your coachwork, woodwork Casual 3 Issues and timber rim steering wheels for your Veteran, (per issue) RESTORED CARS Vintage or Commercial vehicles contact Designs Magazine Australia Full Page $900 $720 Half Page $490 $390 N Wood John Martin, 11 Bell Avenue, Cromwell. First published in 1973. Horizontal Quarter Page $270 $216 Phone/fax 03 445 0598, 021 109 1309 or email Most back issues are All display rates quoted exclude GST and are for finished digital [email protected] member available. All vehicles artwork supplied. Artwork can be arranged at an extra charge. featured are restored or in DISTRIBUTOR & FUEL PUMP Deadline for copy 10th of month preceding publication. original condition. Events, PARTS AND SERVICE How To’s and Australian Beaded Wheels will consider articles of a technical nature for We rebuild distributors, vacuum advance units, inclusion in its editorial space. Beaded Wheels however regrets motoring history are a specialty. mechanical fuel pumps and supply parts new, that it is not able to offer editorial space for advertisements nor Subscription Rates for the promotion of products. NOS, remanufactured and used. Australia 6 Issues $47.50 or 12 issues $92 Vacuum advancers restored. New Zealand 6 Issues AUD$74.50 or 12 issues AUD$146 Marketplace advertising cancellations received in writing prior Overseas 6 Issues AUD$87 or 12 issues AUD$171 to advertising deadline will be refunded in full. Where possible Electronic ignition kits to eliminate points. Visa – MasterCard available Beaded Wheels will refund 70% of the advertisement cost for Quality Rebuilds, EDDIE FORD PUBLICATIONS P/L any cancellations received after the booking deadline. 85 Polo Prince Dr, Manurewa, 29 LYONS ST, NEWSTEAD VIC 3462 AUSTRALIA. *Payment by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing Auckland, 2576. Ph 61 3 5476 2212 Fax 61 3 5476 2592 charge of 2.25% email: [email protected] Beaded Wheels makes every effort to ensure no misleading claims are made www.qualityrebuilds.com by advertisers, responsibility cannot be accepted by Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) for the failure of any product or service Phone Peter 09 267 4700 to give satisfaction. Inclusion of a product or service should not be construed as DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS DRIVESHAFTS endorsement of it by Beaded Wheels or by the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.). We can alter or make driveshafts with fabric No liability can be accepted for non-appearance of advertisements and the text of components to take modern universal joints and all advertisements is subject to the approval of the editor who reserves the right to yokes, as well as performing dynamic balancing. refuse any advertisements which are not compatible with the aims, objectives, and We also carry a large range of driveshaft standards of Beaded Wheels or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) In accordance with the provisions of the Human Rights Commission components for car, trucks, industrial and Act 1977 Beaded Wheels will not publish any advertisement which marine. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, indicates or could reasonably be understood as indicating an intention Christchurch, Ph 03 366 7463, Fax 03 366 7462, to discriminate by reason of sex, marital status, religious or ethical Email: [email protected] beliefs. Advertisers should take all care in drafting advertisements as they could be held liable, as well as Beaded Wheels and the Vintage BALANCING BALANCING BALANCING, Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.). We can balance most Vintage and single cylinder . engines,fans,driveshafts etc. Work is carried out on a modern digital machine. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch, Ph 03 366 7463, Fax 03 366 7462, Email: mscoombesltd@ clear.net.nz

Beaded Wheels 43 MAGNETOS, REWINDS, PARTS AND SERVICE, CHEV 4 MOTOR 1928. Was a spare for my car, will MERCEDES 219, 220, 220S, 220A PARTS for sale. all types. Contact Chris Slater, Coil Winding go but full condition not known. $250 phone 03 352 Pair double-choke carbs, manifold and head (1956) Services, Hupenui RD, Greytown, Wairarapa. 3375. MEM no valve gear. One high performance camshaft (1955) and 220A driveshaft. Two bumperettes Phone 06 304 9466. CHEV BELAIR 1961 CHARTREUSE SEDAN, original – corner sections, steering wheel centre, horn righthand drive, NZ new, 305ci, holley carb, hugger 1972 DATSUN 1200. In mint condition requires ring, winder handles, light switches, water pump exhausts, performance manifold, 350 turbo trans, finishing. Offers. Phone 03 388 7667, anzacnz@ housing. Short block and bell housing, workshop lowered, chrome rims, tidy inside and out, looks yahoo.com.au MEM info including 1955 diesel handbook. $350 lot or stunning, drives beautifully, minor rust along can separate. Phone 03 216 6056 MEM 8 CYLINDER 1930-31 DODGE/DE SOTO/CHRYSLER bottom, current reg and wof, $30,000 ono, Phone original parts for sale including; complete 03 342 3456 or 021 038 8363 MODEL A FORDS FOR SALE. 1928 roadster pick-up. manifolds, air cleaners, six used pistons and rods, 1930 Phaeton. 1929 Tudor. Being sold on behalf. ESCORT MK2 ESTATE UNFINISHED PROJECT in six new pistons and rings, 8 cylinder head # DC, Photos emailed on request. Many other Vintage Nelson. Mechanicals, structure, completed, exterior Tail-shaft, side-lamps, amp and oil gauge units, vehicles for sale also. If you would like to have your to finish. 1600 Sport specs, on Minilites. Owes recon oil pump, 2 new and 3 used distributor caps, vehicle advertised for sale worldwide, please give serious money, but sensible offers. Phone Rob 021 radiator, surround and cap, set of 4 6 stud wire me a call. Vintage and Classic International Car 187 5697, email : [email protected] . MEM wheel 11" hubs, 2 x front 6 stud wire wheel 11" Sales. [email protected] Ph 03 312 4686. hubs and back-plates 1 rear. Moneysworth@clear. FORD MODEL A PICKUP ‘28/29 steel square cab. NEW RADIAL TYRES 5 x 215/70R 16c, replacement net.nz or phone 03 312 8844 evenings MEM Sound condition with minimal rust. Good chassis for 650x16, $525 the lot. 1 x pair of front guards with Model A running gear and ‘36 flathead V8 AUSTIN SEVENS FOR SALE 1929 Fabric original for 1937-38 Buick, panel and primed, offers. 1 x plus 3 spd. 16” wire wheels. Project for the coming factory condition, 1930 Box – restored, 1936 Ruby gasket set for 1938-39 Buick Motor $200. 1 x set of winter. Save it from a hot rodder. $6000. Ph 027 – restored. All with personalised plates except the tierod ends $60. Phone Peter 07 312 4147. MEM Box. Phone 03 338 8771 or email dsmac@ihug. 622 1275, Rob or email for photos rob_mcintyre@ MEM co.nz MEM clear.net.nz RARE 1992 ONE OWNER AUDI QUATTRO V8 quad cam sedan. 4WD, leather upholstery, galvanised HA VIVA PARTS FOR SALE. Too numerous to list. List AUTOJUMBLE: Smiths blackfaced 4½” gauges, body, sunroof. 270,000 kms. Been dry shedded for supplied on application. Phone Bill Munro 04 563 120mph speedos and matching combined fuel, oil, 10 years. $8,000 ono. Car in Australia. Phone 61 7 6342. MEM amp and temp chrome bezels circa 50s – 60s $60 3286 3302 or [email protected] per pair. Horn press, new Wolseley 18/85 and similar $25. Clutch plate NOS 11” 11⁄8 10 spline SINGER 1926 10hp, 1300cc OHV head starter GOT VIBRATION PROBLEMS? $50. SU ICS fuel pump, rebuilt XK 120-140-150 and magneto reconditioned, 2 seater, open body, The crankshaft pulley/balancer/damper may be $75. Healey 100/4 new clutch release bearing $40. spare and handbook. $1,300. Morris Commercial the cause. Rubber perishes over time. John at BMC B series inlet manifold twin 13⁄8 inch SU carbs, 1934, 1 ton flat deck. Tidy restored order. Engine Harmonic Damper Rebuilds can rebuild your early, bronze choke actuating links. $100. Phone 03 reconditioned. Spares and handbook. Reg on hold. pulley like new. He has a proven system to MEM 541 9391. MEM $6,900. Phone 03 312 5827 re-rubber and re-sleeve dampers. Most can be SPARE PARTS FOR SALE. One brand new Delco HUBCAPS – any problems contact me rebuilt as good as new and save you money and Remy 6 cylinder distributor cap, supplied by Rolls- I now produce either hubcap skins or complete engine repairs. 027 666 3350 or 07 863 3350 Royce. To fit all six cylinder Rolls and Bentley 4.25 hubcaps. These are top quality replicas. Pressed [email protected] and 4.5 litre postwar cars 1946 to 1955. As new not spun to the closest possible original VINTAGE WOOD PROBLEMS? For all your in box, unused. $50 plus postage. Phone 04 293 specifications. I can manufacture any model Vintage woodwork requirements, I can reproduce 4802. MEM that uses the skin system plus many others your car’s woodwork from original parts, patterns provided they do not exceed 10½" in diameter. and photos. Model A parts made to order, also VALVES exhaust quality stainless for Vintage For more information phone Dave Patten Replica Morris Traveller Van kits. N Rhodes, Furniture of engines. Available in blank form or machined Manufacturing (2003) Ltd, Ph 027 247 7956, 160 Distinction. Purakau St, Marton 4710. Phone 06 to size required. George Calder, 307 Hoon Hay New York Street, Martinborough. Email dave. 327 6164. Rd, Christchurch. Phone 03 338 5372 or email [email protected] [email protected] KING-PIN KITS, TIE ROD ENDS, PENRITE ENGINE COOLANT VINTAGE CAR REPAIRS Spring shackles, ignition parts, bulbs and A colourless hybrid-organic non glycol based Unit 1 11 Penn Place, Upper Riccarton, sealed beams, spark-plugs and coils, engine corrosion inhibitor designed specifically for Christchurch (formerly 15a Empire Road, Belfast) use in Veteran, Edwardian, Vintage and bearings, engine mountings, head gasket/ Phone 341 5100 Fax 341 5101 sets, pistons and valves, timing chains and Classic Car cooling systems. M S Coombes Ltd, All Classic and Vintage Car restoration. gears, flywheel ring gears, tyres, carburettors, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch, • Panel making • Wooden body repairs, magnetos, etc, for all makes and models, Ph 03 366 7463, Fax 03 366 7462, • Bumpers and moulding repair especially: Austin, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Essex, Email: [email protected] Ford, Hillman, Morris, Standard, Vauxhall. 37 years experience • Competitive hourly rate. Ronald Lever, 87 Tui Rd, Papatoetoe, Auckland 2025. Phone 09 278 3888 evenings.

PISTONS FOR VINTAGE AND CLASSIC ENGINES Most models available in standard or oversizes. Over 40% of VCC members Also pistons can be made to special dimensions. Contact George Calder, 307 Hoon Hay Road, insure their vehicles with Vero CIS. Christchurch. Phone 03 338 5372 or email [email protected] MEM Now’s a great time to join them.

PENRITE OILS We carry a large range from Vintage to Modern engines. Gearbox, diff, S.U dash pot and water pump grease. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, See our back page ad for full details... Christchurch, Ph 03 366 7463, Fax 03 366 7462, Freephone 0800 658 411 select option 2 Email: [email protected]

44 Beaded Wheels 1920 VAUXHALL D TYPE Original car. Good 1954 MG TF 1250, This is an unmolested 1965 MG B ROADSTER Extensive rebuild. cond, recent import, stored from 1931 till 90s. example of a TF, BRG, Matching Numbers, Only 3 $14,000. For details phone 03 541 9391. MEM Low mileage. Beaded edge tyres, hood and owners from new, Period lights, Luggage rack, Full tonneau and side curtains. Recent work includes tonneau, Aero screen, Perfect club car, Drives like new valves, rebuilt clutch, exhaust manifold & new, reluctant sale. Car located in Christchurch. magneto, new exhaust, relined brakes. $88,000 Phone 03 358 3581. MEM Phone Alistair Robinson 021 643 557 MEM

1934 CHEVROLET STANDARD. Mechanically PERSONALISED PLATES $850 RILEY 4/72 1965, reg, WOF, VCC Vin, unrestored sound, fully roadworthy, warranted and registered. Phone Ted Worthington 027 490 1482 or email but well maintained. Reliable, comfortable club Last restored for 1985 Chch rally. $16,000 ono. [email protected] car. $2,500 incl spares. Phone Olly 03 476 4816 Reluctant sale. Contact 07 549 2803. MEM Dunedin. MEM

MODEL A FORD Reconditioned Short Block. 1954 CITROEN L15. This vehicle has the 1938 AUSTIN BIG SEVEN Restored about 20 Rebored with new pistons & rings (best quality), registration on hold, and needs to have a new years ago, good condition, motor runs beautifully, adjustable tappets, hardened exhaust valves & seats, WOF. Asking $15000 ono. For further details new registration and WOF when sold. $8,000 excellent white metal in mains & rods, to correct contact Ian at 06 306 9246. MEM negotiable. Phone John 03 578 9044 or tolerance. Block has been surfaced. Phone Jack 03 [email protected] MEM 352 6672 or 0274 322 041 Chch. $3,850 gst inc. freight additional. MEM

www.daviescoachworks.co.nz

HARLEY AND INDIAN FOOTPLATE RUBBERS, 1925 MODEL T FORD SEDAN Drive shaft and MOTORCYCLE PARTS MADE TO ORDER. $30 pr postage included. Twist grip rubbers back end finished with modern inner bearings. Tanks, carriers, levers, sidecars, cover panels etc. $20.50 pr Postage included. Throttle and spark Engine, transmission complete and unrestored. Presently we are fabricating a tank for a 1915 cable outers for Harley and Indian $40 pr postage Generator, starter and horn restored. Some Rover motorcycle. Call us and see how we can included. English magneto, Simms SR4X $250. Ray work needed. Price reduced to make economic help you. Davies Coachworks 03 310 6691, 027 Shearman MNZM, 123 Pages Road, Christchurch restoration or just good value for parts.$9,000. Ph 330 9581, email [email protected] Shaun Davies or phone 03 960 4448. MEM John 06 858 9053 or [email protected]. MEM Qualified Coachbuilder.

Beaded Wheels 45 VELOCETTE VICEROY, 1962, 250cc boxer 1927 ROESCH TALBOT 14/45 AD with Darracq AUSTIN 16/6 1930. Excellent order, rebuilt motor twin, shaft drive, 4 speed box and clutch forms open tourer body. Original car, alway registered (shell bearings), gearbox and diff. Registered and the swingarm, electric start, reed valves, fully and warranted since new. Those with genuine warranted. Many spares, including spare body. restored. Has new custom made Wossner pistons. interest are welcome to apply for further $17,500. Phone 09 402 5965. MEM Closer to 300cc now. Rides beautifully. $8000 information. $45,000 firm. Contact Peter & Marg. Phone 03 545 2457 Mark. [email protected] MEM Phone 03 578 6165. MEM

WAITEMATA BRANCH will be producing a 1 hour WELL LOVED 1965 TRIUMPH VITESSE, 95,000 CHRYSLER 1924 MODEL B-70 TOURER. Very Professional DVD of this year’s Roycroft Trophy miles. One owner since 1987. Wonderful condition. original car. NZ ownership papers from June 1925. at Hampton Downs. As there will be a once only Not original convertible. Total 1997 restoration, Owned by Todd Motors for 20+ years. Older production run of this DVD at the end of April, it’s body/engine bottom/floor steel panels. Steel restoration, recent valve job, cruises 50mph. Coil important to order early to secure your copy. $25 exhaust pipe. Stag gearbox-synchromesh. Runs or Mag ignition. Spare engines, gearbox, frt & rr + P&P Phone Ian Goldingham 09 445 8811, email well. Current Rego/WOF. Regretful, urgent sale. axles, steering. $28,000 Phone Warren 06 362 [email protected] or the Branch Secretary Offers over $5,500. Phone 09 445 1027. 6357. MEM [email protected]

www.daviescoachworks.co.nz

AUSTIN 12-4 1927 in exceptionally tidy condition. RESTORATION WORK by qualified Coachbuilder. AUSTIN A40 SALOON 1952 One family owner Drives well. For sale due to down-sizing of the Woodwork, panel and fabrication work for all from new. Presently fitted with a 1622 cc Austin fleet. $22,000 Phone 06 843 0905. MEM Vintage, Veteran and Classic cars and Motorbikes. Motor. The original motor can be supplied if For all your restoration requirements phone required. Needs some repairs. Asking $6700. Davies Coachworks 03 310 6691 or 027 330 9581 Phone 06 843 0905 MEM or email [email protected]

1947 CHEVROLET STYLEMASTER Continuously 1963 AP5 CHRYSLER VALIANT New paint, JAGUAR XJS COUPE 1989 3.6 litre, 4 stage registered, original plates. Warranted. 3 owners, upholstery, clutch and fully reconditioned gearbox auto, genuine 86,000kms. Two lady owners from been in the family since 1953. Repainted original in 2010. Comes with many spare parts. Excellent 1990. Immaculate condition throughout. $22,500 colours around 30 years ago and upholstery all round condition. Current owners have had for or sensible offer. Phone Kevin 07 312 4789 or redone, otherwise original tidy condition. $16,000. 40 years. Genuine reason for selling $15,000. [email protected] Viewable at Te Puke Vintage Autobarn small shed, Phone John 027 637 4610, mrj.yarwood@clear. for sale on behalf. Ph Ray Singleton 07 573 6547 net.nz

46 Beaded Wheels 103 YEAR OLD CANTERBURY CENTENNIAL 1934 HUDSON TERRAPLANE, 3.5 LITRE SEDAN VINTAGE TRUNKS made to order or stock CAR 1909 Renault AX Voiterette, classic French Current Reg and WOF. An older restoration. Not in sizes. Dust proof and waterproof. Phone Allan on 2 seater in orig. condition. Fully restored 1980s. pristine condition but in good order inside and 06 844 3959 or 0274 469 331 Napier. Member. 2 cylinder, 1066cc, top speed 70kph, removable out. Recent motor work, clutch, gear box and diff hood/side screens, Bosch magneto ignition, Zenith all good. Goes well. $18,000 ono. Phone John carb. Many spares inc: engine block, mag, carb, Willis 07 889 6041 MEM tyres. Expressions of interest. Ph 06 362 6130. MEM

VINTAGE & CLASSIC QUARTZ halogen bulbs. Replace your existing bulbs without rewiring the headlamp assemblies. Up to 100% brighter than your existing Tungsten bulbs. Will fit most reflectors fitted to Pre & Post war cars and motorbikes. Also available in single filament 55 watt P22 & BA 1939 BUICK COUPE CONVERTIBLE. Approx. CITROEN 2 CV SPECIAL 1981 $10,500 ono. Two 15 bases for use in spotlamps and mechanical 60% body off restoration. When completed will owners, excellent motor, paint and body condition. dip reflectors. Most bases and configurations look like photograph, of this extremely rare 1 of New galvanised chassis, open top. left hand available in 6v & 12v. Further info: Norm & Jan only 2 originals ever imported into NZ in 1939. drive. Imported by present owner. Registered in Sisson, sole NZ Agent. Phone 03 389 0643 Model Believed to be 1 of 8 now left in the world. Offers Switzerland. Requires repairs and changes to be Boat Supplies, 38 Ottawa Road, Christchurch 6. above $60,000 as is where is, in Chch. Email VIN certified here. List available. Phone 09 438 Email [email protected] [email protected] or phone 021 078 4755. 5630. MEM FREE ADVERTISING* Classified advertising in Beaded Wheels It is easy — just email your CONDITIONS OF FREE ADVERTISING magazine is free *for all current advertisement to beadedwheels@vcc. org.nz or complete the form on this page • Free advertising is limited to one • Advertisements must be resubmitted for financial members of the Vintage Car advertisement per financial member of the each issue they are required to appear in. Club of New Zealand Inc buying or and post to us at Vintage Car Club of NZ per issue. Members • The recommended length of advertisements is Marketplace Beaded Wheels, must state their membership number when 45 words – the maximum space available is selling club eligible vehicles or parts. submitting the advertisement. 65 words. Beaded Wheels reserves the right PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141 • Advertisements must be of a to edit all copy. Our standard advertising charges apply Deadline for receipt of advertisements and non-commercial nature. • Advertisements will be published on a first for all non-members or members wishing payment for our February ssue is 20 January • Advertisements must be submitted in writing, come, first served basis. While every attempt by email (preferred), post or fax. Photographs will be made to include your advertisement to advertise commercial services. 2011. will only be returned if a stamped addressed in the issue immediately following receipt – envelope is supplied by the advertiser. Digital limited space may mean some advertisements You can still advertise your vehicle in New Zealand’s photographs may be supplied by email in .jpg will be held over until the following magazine Not a VCCNZ member? format, send a high resolution file to achieve for publication. foremost historical motoring magazine. All advertisements are listed on our website. best results. • All free advertisements will automatically be listed on the VCCNZ website. I wish to advertise in Beaded Wheels. Text & colour photo. Advertisement copy to read (45 words) ______Payment where required must accompany your advert. $ Tick which column you require 56* WANTED FOR SALE Name (block letters) ______Up to 45 words including phone number. Supply a ______colour photo of your vehicle. Include SAE for return Phone ______of photo, digital photos may be submitted to our email address: [email protected] ______I am a current financial member of the VCCNZ and wish to Text only advertisement. advertise in Beaded Wheels for FREE. Tick which column you require $ ______VCCNZ Membership number is 24* WANTED FOR SALE Up to 45 words including phone number, no photo. ______⁄______Additional words over 45 up to a maximum of 65 ______words at 15 cents per word.

Non-VCCNZ members Payment by Cheque Credit Card Visa/Mastercard only (Amex & Diners not accepted) Payment by credit card will incur additional bank fee processing charge of 2.25% 47Card Beaded Expiry Date Wheels: __ /__ / Name on Card: ______

Card Number Cardholder Signature: ______Payment where required must accompany your advert. Cheque should be made payable to Beaded Wheels. Post payment & advertisement to marketplace, P O Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. VCCNZ members must be financial and state their branch to receive free advertising. Beaded Wheels 47 FOR SALE WANTED TO BUY TYRES X 4 165 R15 86T RADIALS, Hankook. Bought now for Rover 95 but unused. $100 each ono. Phone 09 424 7554. MEM VINTAGE AND CLASSIC CARS FOR SALE. Model A Fords, 1936 Chrysler Cabriolet, 1928 Chev Tourer, and many more. Emailed pictures available for all vehicles. Contact [email protected] or phone 03 312 4686 for a comprehensive list. MEM 1926 SUNBEAM 14/40 SALOON in excellent condition. Rare car, body by Weyman of London, 1925 CHRYSLER 58 TOURER (4 CYLINDER) PROJECT , possibly one of few left in the world. Mechanically completely dismantled, everything should be there - CHOKE PULL CABLE ESCUTCHEON as pictured sound and a well looked after car. Comes with buyer would have to verify this themselves. Some ”To start from cold pull out. Push in when many spares parts. $25,000. Phone 03 579 5006, extra spares, selling only as one bulk lot. A friend’s running” as fitted to some English vehicles. The [email protected] MEM future restoration project, but ill-health has forced brass disc is the desired item, the cable would sale. Suitable for someone who know these cars be a bonus. Phone Alan Alan Wills 03 332 7225, well - pretty much a start-from-scratch restoration. [email protected] Offers. Phone 03 359 8737 evenings. MEM HUDSON SUPER SIX 7 SEAT TOURER, circa 1922. Container load of parts, ex Gibbs Motors Service Car. Chassis x 2, running gear, scuttles, doors, rear tub, engines, radiators. Enough to build a complete car. On behalf of owner now residing in Australia. Offers to Geoff Clark, 13/88 Valley Road, Wakefield 03 541 9693 or [email protected] MEM

AUSTIN CAMBRIDGE 1957 Rare car with one family owner 44 years, current 11 years. Superbly TWO BOLT CROSS OVER GEARBOX WANTED original, no rust, low mileage car except new paint, for 1913 Alldays Matchless V twin motorcycle, clutch, window rubbers, carpet, radials and recored radiator with all receipts. Drives beautifully, WOF/ and contact with other owners worldwide. Also Reg. Reluctantly reducing car collection. $4,200. still need BSA model K rear hub and Veteran Phone 07 889 4220. MEM Triumph parts. Phone Chris on 09 533 8050 email [email protected] BODY MOULDS AVAILABLE for retro single seater. Can get price for laying up body for details. Phone 03 541 93912. MEM VINTAGE ENGINE SHORTBLOCKS We can in most cases rebuild your shortblock using modern shell bearings, new pistons and rebuilt oil pump. Please contact us for more information. M S Coombes Ltd, 344 St Asaph Street, Christchurch, Ph 03 366 7463, Fax 03 366 7462, Email: [email protected]

PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS PISTONS RILEY BLATCH SPECIAL rebuild completed and FOR VETERAN, VINTAGE, WANTED, ANY INFORMATION TO HELP recent use for hill climbing. Good 1950s racing CLASSIC & ODDBALL ENGINES. build a Hurlingham body for my 1929, Vauxhall history. BMC mechanicals. HRV status with VCC. We can supply piston sets for most makes & 20/60, including detailed photographs, drawings, Now being fitted out for road use. Vintage style models. All piston sets come complete with anything at all, thanks. Phone Peter White, 027 with 1950s performance. $15,500. Phone Alan 03 rings & gudgeons. We have over 700 listings at 611 9835, PO Box 328, Mosgiel 9053. peter@ chatsford.co.nz. MEM 215 6383, [email protected] MEM competitive prices. M S Coombes Ltd 1934 PLYMOUTH generator Delco Remy type 943 344 St Asaph St, Christchurch in working order. Phone Stephen 09 828 1800, PH 03 366 7463, FAX 03 366 7462 [email protected] MEM AGEING MEMBER IS LOOKING FOR an interesting/ challenging/difficult “swan-song” project to go out with! Am familiar with MG Ts, early Jags. Preference is for British car (R-R, Bentley or similar). Prefer to tackle a complete car. No problem with boxes of bits with lots missing. I enjoy the challenge of the hunt. All considered. Phone Monty 03 344 3080 [email protected] MEM 1933 ROLLS-ROYCE 20/25. Rolling chassis with ARIEL MOTORCYCLE single frame 1940s. Complete all mechanicals in place, and bonnet and scuttle. frame rigid or plunger with or without front forks. Running smoothly and sweetly when dry stored. WOODEN WHEELS made for your metal- May trade for complete ‘51 - ‘52 twin frame. Phone Engine now seized. Known history. $19,500. work. Steam-bent felloes, any shape spokes. Dave 03 474 0643 or email dhastings@vodafone. Phoen Alan 03 215 6383. alaufbryce@hotmail. New beaded rims available in some sizes. Phone co.nz MEM com mem Vern Jensen 06 323 3868, 16 Osborne Terrace, Feilding. MEM.

48 Beaded Wheels SWAP MEETS & RALLIES

FORD 1936 V8 CABRIOLET OR COUPE. left rear guard. Sedan guard could be altered to fit. VCC NZ ASHBURTON BRANCH Also require rumble seat lid. Required to finish restoration. Phone Warren Birch 04 905 2130, 0274 441 088, [email protected]. MEM SWAPMEET FORD MODEL A TOWN SEDAN (4 DOOR). Prefer 1930/31. Must be in immaculate condition, ie past Saturday 5 May 2012 body-off full restoration. I’m realistic about the price for the right RHD Fordor, but it does need to Club Grounds 86 Maronan Road – Tinwald, Ashburton be an absolutely SUPERB car. If you have lavished Gates open 7.30am No dogs allowed. every care and attention on your Fordor, but now Catering by the Ashburton Lions Club need to find a new owner who will treat it with respect and TLC in the coming years, please give me a call. It will be treasured! I’m happy to travel to Site Bookings; Anne Hart, 65 Oak Grove, Ashburton 7700 see the right car. Ralph Levinson, 09 578 3000, 021 Email; [email protected] Phone 03 308 5733 172 7637, [email protected] MEM MODEL A FORD 1930 TOWN SEDAN Must be a october 2012 good motorable car in good condition. Phone 06 4TH 368 9073 MEM MORRIS COWLEY ROADSTER 1924 Front axle with Veteran & Vintage Tour brakes. Fuel gauge. Rear step for Dickey. Sankey wheel 3 stud. BSA 1929 L 29 350cc SV Complete October 15-26 2012 motor or any parts vertical cylinder dry sump. (Bike otherwise complete). Interested in suitable OHV Start after the Canterbury Swap Meet. motor. Phone Graeme 07 549 2152 MEM Twelve days touring in the top half of the South Island NEW ZEALAND NUMBER PLATES REQUIRED pairs 1927/28, 1928/29, 1929/30, 1934/35 and singles Highlights visits to Takaka and Karamea. 1925/26 through to No 1941/46. Wanted by Entrants free to join and leave as desired. collector. I have some swaps if necessary. Also one American plate Washington DC and one Australia, To register interest and receive further details contact Queensland plate. Phone 06 357 4425. Diane Ross. Phone 03 308 2356 email [email protected] RENAULT FREGATE I am restoring my 1955 car and would like to contact any other owners. I need first gear and mainshaft for manual gearbox. Any advice CANTERBURY BRANCH VCC or where parts can be found would be appreciated. Phone Ray Sutton 09 575 5693, [email protected] ANNUAL SWAP MEET SEEKING PARTS FOR 1914 BUICK MODEL 24/25 Cutler Park McLeans Island W/B 105” Also interested in acquiring printed manual and advertising material of this period. 12,13 & 14 OCTOBER 2012 Phone Neil 03 434 9470. MEM Join us on this fun weekend and visit the UNIT CONSTRUCTION 650CC TRIUMPH motor Mecca of Vintage Motoring of New Zealand wanted. Any condition. Phone Jim 09 214 8063. For information and bookings write to Swapmeet, PO Box 5279, Christchurch or phone Mike MEM 03 344 0425. NOTE: Sites not paid for by due date will be reallocated. WANTED 30/31 Model A Ford 2 Tooth steering box. Some EFTPOS facilities available. No Dogs. ROAR. Model ‘A’ sales literature and owners manuals. Friday/Saturday 9am-4.30pm, Sunday 9am-2pm Vintage and Classic International Car Sales. vcics@ xtra.co.nz Ph 03 312 4686. Friday is now a public day with $10 general admission, VCC membership card holders $5. Saturday $5 for all adults. All accompanied school children free. WANTED FOR 1934 CHEVROLET MASTER COUPE. Seat adjuster lever and surround (same 1934-36), rear luggage rack, outer panel below trunk lid over petrol tank. Phone Chris Parker 03 348 2141. MEM WANTED, CONRODS for 1939 – 1949 Hillman 10, also standard pistons for a Hillman Imp, and parts Sunday 14 October 2012 for a 1934 Austin 12/6, particularly bonnet and NZVCC INC BAY OF PLENTY BRANCH engine parts. Phone Neil on 06 839 5775 or 027 491 1008, email [email protected] Bay of Plenty Clubrooms, 29 Cliff Road, Tauranga HOLDEN 186S ENGINE. Am restoring a 1969 Holden Monaro my father bought new. I would like to find Car Parts and Accessories, old & new – Automobilia –Motoring Books and Magazines its original 186S engine no. 186S 153517 removed Workshop Manuals – Vintage Car Display – Clubhouse Café selling tea, coffee, hot and cold food, from the car in Wanganui in the 1980s during a sausage sizzle – a must for all motoring enthusiasts repower project. It is thought the engine may have Gates open 7am – Stall Holders $10 – Buyers $5 – Spectators $5 –Children Free been destined for speedway use, but hopefully it might still be languishing somewhere in the area. All catering and refreshments by BOP VCC only. Any info or hints welcomed by Rob on phone 021 Please contact Colin Anderson 07 570 3590 Garry Linkhorn 07 549 5272 for further information 1875697 or email [email protected] MEM Beaded Wheels 49

SWAP MEETS & RALLIES Information T[Type a quote from the document or the summary NEWS FLASH!!!fi i iY NEW iih b VENUE!!! hihd

LAST Waikato Classic Motorcycle

NORTHERN RAID Hamilton

JOIN THE NORTH SHORE BRANCH FOR V8 Show’n Shine A COAST TO COAST RALLY TAKING IN THE Weekend! DIVERSE SCENERY OF AUCKLAND’S Spend & NORTHERN REGION Sunday

morning

with the Swap Meet Classic

Bikes and Ride In and Display Your Bike! Peoples’ Choice! $200 Top

then take in Prize! the V8’s! NZ’s Largest Indoor Motorcycle Swap Meet

Swap Meet access off S.H. 1 Massey St Overbridge to The fabulous Britten On Display!!! Frankton Shopping Centre then follow signs.

SUNDAY 22nd APRIL Forlongs Carpark, Rawhiti Street,

ALL CLUB ACCEPTED VEHICLES WELCOME FRANKTON Shopping Area, HAMILTON 2012 Fabulous fully-covered venue! Gates open 7.00am SUNDAY 15th APRIL 2012 Swapper Sites $20: Buyer and Public Only Entry $8: Children FREE

EVENING DINNER AVAILABLE AT NSVCC Motorcycle Related Items ONLY please. CLUBROOMS Contact Ian for details 07 8274317 ENTRY FORMS @ www.vintagecarclub-northshore.co.nz Or email [email protected] Check out the CLUB WEB SITE! www.classicbikes.co.nz Ph Warrick 09 413 7178

ROTORUA VINTAGE AND VETERAN CAR CLUB 32ND ANNUAL

CENTRAL NORTHINC ISLAND SWAP MEET & CAR SHOW SPECTACULAR PLEASE NOTE NEW VENUE Stock Car Raceway Paradise Valley • Sunday July 8 2012 Featuring Vintage, Veteran, Classic Cars and Hotrods This event will be of interest to collectors of Vintage,Veteran, Classic and collectable cars, Motorcycles, Admission Sellers vehicle and driver $10 per site. Hotrods,memorabilia, old car books, models in fact anything of a collectable or antique nature. All others $ 5 (accompanied children free) Opens from 7am till 3pm with hot food and refreshments available. SITE BOOKINGS Ph Neville Harper 07 348 CAR SHOW ENQUIRIES EVENT COORDINATOR 2412. Mob 027 494 7249 or ph David Philps 07 357 4881 Phil Menzies Mob 027 533 3878 Email [email protected] email [email protected] Email [email protected]

50 Beaded Wheels idle idletorque

Ashburton: Line up of cars on Day Centre outing. Ashburton: G Hawke 1952 MG TD, D McLeod 1938 MG PB, A Martin 1969 MG B.

Ashburton: Quantock’s Austin Healey. Auckland: Barry and Nicola Birchall’s 1905 De Auckland: David and Kaye Porter’s 1904 Dion Bouton, Auckland Veteran Rally. Darracq, Auckland Veteran Rally.

Ashburton Diane Ross Andrew Sim has his 1938 Chrysler coupe Porter out in his 1904 Darracq on our During his time as Branch secretary Jim away to be restored and John Watson’s 1935 Veteran run which was won by Bill Shears Alexander was one of the prime movers Dodge sedan chassis is about to be married in his 1914 AC. At least five of the eleven in getting together a group with the aim to the body. Ted Allen’s Mustang that he starters were in 100 year old vehicles. Barry of producing a book outlining the history imported from the US is also having a Birchall has sold his 1911 Cadillac project of the Motor Trade in mid Canterbury. makeover and John Lovett is getting along to the South Island. George Urquhart has Regular meetings were held and a compre- nicely rebuilding another A40 pick up. bought John Reeves’ 1913 Ford T. This hensive book printed. Jim estimates that We continue to get out in the car has a period overdrive gearbox instead approximately 1000 copies were sold before community with our vehicles. The local of the more common Ruckstell two speed the final one left the shelf in January. A job day centre clients were transported to a back end well done. picnic lunch in several 1920s and 1930s Vintage: Jim Boag has sold the Chrysler Interest is always high when a previ- cars and Owen Wilson arranged old style 70 tourer that Frank Knight restored. ously unseen vehicle hits the road. Dave transport for a day out for children involved Noel Shaw has bought a 1930 Chrysler ex Cornelius has a nice 1962 Chev Bel Air in a school holiday programme. Hastings. Dennis Tippins is working on two door sedan that was imported from a ‘26 Flint. George Mihaljevich had his Arizona last year. Barry and Natalie Auckland John Stokes Renault 45 on display at the Galaxy of Cars Quantock’s 1959 Austin Healey BN6 was The branch extends its sympathies to event at Western Springs. This is its first beautifully turned out for its maiden voyage Nelson Taylor’s family. Nelson had Whippet appearance for some years. on the Annual Rally. Alan Martin had his 96A roadsters and graduated to a beautiful PV-P80V: Brian Hosking has bought a recently purchased 1969 MG B on a run 1932 Packard 1952 Riley from Hamilton and Tom Brough where we were shown over the construc- We extend our congratulations to Roy has sold his ‘55 Hillman Minx convertible tion site for the irrigation scheme at present Cope on attaining nonogenerian status. to the Taranaki area. As well as his Vintage being built on the Rakaia River. Donald Motorcycles: Broadcaster Bill Hohepa cars Dennis Tippins is restoring a ‘53 De McLeod also gave his 1938 MG PB a run. was the speaker at our December meeting. Soto and an imported ‘41 Hupmobile. Tony He has owned the MG since 1963. Bill had a Triumph 500cc as a young man. Leader may soon bring out a very original The annual barbecue this year would David Morley has completed a Matchless 1934 Austin Ten Litchfield he has been have been more aptly named the Brass G80 for Norm Maddock who recently hiding for a while. Monkey barbecue, however Marion and attained octogenerian status. Trevor Love bravely turned up in an Veteran: The branch Renault charabanc Banks Peninsula Paul Tayler original Model T tourer that has been in is mobile after having the clutch relined, Last issue I mentioned our Natter and the Love family for years. and at a recent clubnight we saw a twenty Noggin evenings. We also have another Gary Hawke had the misfortune to break six second movie of the charabanc being social gathering that is open to motoring an axle on his newly restored 1929 AJS. The driven on the Yates property in Karaka fans. The venue is at Governors Bay on the Oakleys are having some major problems in 1937. It was a truck in those days. Kit first Sunday of every month around 10am with the motor on the Hupmobile David is Maxwell is working on his ‘06 Unic and at the Hotel for coffee or breakfast with restoring. The bush telegraph reports that also his ‘09 Briton. It was good to see David all vehicles, bikes adding to the interest.

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During last evening’s N and N we watched the new acquisition all the way back to San facility of its type anwhere. Dismantling the DVD Tr io At The Top, a tribute to Francisco, a distance of 3,885 miles. It took and storing those vital treasures for McLaren, Hulme and Amon. Sitting with two months, with only two punctures and a maintaining old vehicles and restoration us was Eion Young, author and motor band coming off by Salt Lake City. projects, their input contributes directly to racing guru. In January a Gymkhana was held for membership growth by way of accessible Into the new year interest centered on those who did not attend the Vero Rally. dry-stored parts and project vehicles. These the International Rally and talking to one A very challenging event, especially when would be lost forever were it not for this of our attendees it was a very successful one has to drive blindfold relying on the team. The wonderful foresight of Cutler meeting. With their car running without passenger for directions. Thanks go to John Park’s creators has spawned active member a problem it appeared well worthwhile the Carroll and Gideon DeLautor for an inter- groups who pour their enthusiasm into our time spent over the Christmas holidays in esting afternoon. grounds and building, library and catering. preparation. Max Allen organised the first branch Self-help fundraising is generated by the We had a full grid of 40 cars line up for motorcycle run. Eleven bikes took part, volunteers who operate Canterbury Branch the three day Skope Classic meeting at including a 1942 Harley-Davidson combi- Annual Swap Meet and Cutler Park is Ruapuna Park. The numbers were swelled nation in a run around the city. It was well used by others including NZ Police by a team of Formula Junior cars from the very well received and all participants look who do a great deal of their response and North Island. They fitted in well to the forward to the next one. dog training there. Proven as an attrac- Vintage field and as always our cars and Restorations in the pipeline. Andrew tive venue for Vintage country fairs, rallies, racing were very popular. Over a three Petersen has purchased the ex Queen of truck and car shows, even member’s family day meeting it is usually hard to muster a Tonga’s 1948 purple Hudson and is slowly weddings and funerals, Cutler Park has final race field and although depleted we getting it back to running order. matured into a major local asset. stood to the end. An engine fire due to Martin Carey’s 1927 Rolls-Royce is an escaping con rod caused an anguished once again in a ckd state having been to Central Hawke’s Bay time for John McDonagh in a Mistral and Wanganui to have the body assembled. The Sarndra Raybould Mark McFadden was lucky to escape injury mechanical work is now being done. When With February being Art Deco Month when his 260M Zephyr single seater left the finished it will be magnificent. in Hawke’s Bay, several of our members circuit and hitting a wall, causing extensive Work is progressing at a steady pace on were well occupied with preparing their damage to the car. Gideon DeLautor’s 1955 Triumph TR3. He vehicles and choosing their costumes for The second event of the series was held has the chassis nearing completion. the event on 19 February. Luckily the at the Levels Raceway in Timaru the next New members welcomed are Thomas weather was beautiful for the parade of weekend. Good racing was had amongst Charles Callinan, 1969 Riley Elf; William cars. like cars. Racing will always be racing and and Sylvia Wright, 1974 Rover TC; Wheels with Attitude on 5 March was although unusual a coming together of the Lawrence and Jude Morgan, 1963 Daimler another great event attended by some of our Oscala and Kato saw the two cars hit a V8 and Tex Wright, 1980 Mazda RX7. members. This yearly car show continues to safety wall. Both drivers suffered injury but grow with over 200 vehicles on display are recovering well and we wish them all Canterbury Tony Becker along with stall holders. the best. The Annual Rally 2012 was a huge It was a big day out in Waipukurau on 11 Racing continued with the final meeting success for Club Captain Mark Drury and March. The occasion was the Waipukurau of the series at Invercargill. his happy helpers. The sunny Saturday was Volunteer Fire Brigade Centenary. The ideal for ambling around some beautiful Central Hawke’s Bay Branch took part in Bay of Plenty David Joblin Canterbury countryside. Field Tests and the parade of vehicles down the main street Congratulations go to our Chairman picnic lunch at Greendale’s spacious of Waipukurau to the delight of many locals Alastair Jones on attaining his Fifty domain highlighted the social side of the who had braved the weather for the parade. Year Badge. This was presented to him day, while another Sword family dinner plus An impressive display of fire engines old at Wanganui by John Coomber, National prize giving at Cutler Park was a typically and new formed the parade lineup, together President. convivial event. The Veteran and Early with our nine vehicles. We were treated Congratulations also go to the Vintage “London to Brighton” run didn’t to barbecue lunch and thanked for our Committee and the number of helpers who go quite that far but enjoyed a lengthy support for taking part in the parade. made the Vero Rally the great success it tour that ended at Ferrymead Historic Park was. For those of us for whom it was the where steam tram and train rides were Eastern Bay of Plenty Joy Growden first time, it was a memorable experience generously laid on as reward for displaying Our year started with the annual and, judging by the comments from those our historic vehicles. Roaster Run organised by Sandy Piercy and who had been to several it was one of Canterbury Branch is presently organ- Paul Lett. We had a good turn out and a lot the very best. Our branch had the second ising a Branch website that will soon tell of laughs. highest number attending for an ‘away’ the world who we are and what we are Two Monte Carlo rallies started from branch and all who attended had nothing about; a particularly useful tool toward Watchorn Museum. We had five cars and but praise for the organising and the way selling the benefits of membership and six couples attend the International Rally, the event was programmed. encouraging contact online. which I must say was a fantastic event. The Branch was treated to a talk and The volunteers who cheerfully operate We found Wanganui very friendly and slide show by Murray Toms about his trip our Branch deserve an occasional pat-on- supportive of the Vintage cars. There was late last year to the United States to collect the-back, so we would like to mention the a great turn out of people to the Open the latest arrival in the Bay, a 1914 Dodge. friendly groups that branch members may day and the city tour on the Wednesday Murray and his wife, in the company of like to join. The Parts Boys have created night was also very popular. The organising friends, went across to Detroit and drove surely the biggest ever-expanding parts committee did a marvellous job.

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Far North: 35 year recipients Arthur Taylor, Bob Francis, John Crisp.

In February our Annual East Coast rally attracted 43 cars. We started with a visit to a collection of horse drawn carriages and musical organs. The rally saw five out of the six classes being won by our branch and the Central Hawke’s Bay: Fire engines in parade - 100 year Centenary of Waipukurau Volunteer Fire Brigade. overall winners were Tessa and Barry Keene in their new 1973 MG B V8 roadster. challenges and a timed section, finishing at members, Courtney’s new mini putt golf Far North Dave Duirs range. Richard and Vicki Clark managed Our annual Autospectacular, for which to pull off the win this day. The Woollams members and sponsors work so hard, was a had also earlier hosted a New Year’s day wet affair this year with the resultant low picnic complete with “duck racing” on their turn out of exhibitors and visitors. But, in garden creek. Their hospitality was much spite of 30mm of rain, the show carried on appreciated. and those who braved the conditions had a good day and took away some good prizes. Gisborne Rodney Clague Arthur Taylor, Bob Francis and John Our three entrants at the 2012 Rally Crisp were presented with their 35 year Wanganui all reported that they had had a badges and certificates and recalled some of good time and that the organisation of the the goings on from the early days when we rally was excellent. Gisborne: The inside of the tunnel is lit up as the were but a sub branch of Whangarei. An afternoon excursion out into Morris Commercial heads for daylight. Thirteen cars wended their way down to the country to take a look at a disused Wanganui for the big event and thanks to tunnel (dated 1904) on the old Gisborne- some amazing organisation, friendly locals, Moutohora line attracted nine vehicles. great destinations, huge array of beautiful Instead of walking through the tunnel as vehicles and reasonable weather. A great planned, most people boarded the branch’s adventure was had by all of us. Most of our Morris Commercial truck for the ride vehicles made it there and back without through and back, giving the passengers an incident. But determination was shown idea of how the tunnel was formed all those by the MacGregors, with Lagonda fuel years ago. A surprise finale to the afternoon pump trouble; the Topps with their Swift’s was an invitation by the landowner to join transport trailer starting with four wheels his family in a barbecue which was very and arriving with three; the Bairds having much appreciated. to prepare the Zephyr at short notice and It was good to see some of the younger Gordon Matthews swapping his Zephyr generation piloting Vintage vehicles on with the Statesman. Nothing was going to the run, with Gavin Bartlett in his 1930 Gisborne: The Morris Commercial exiting from keep them home! We loaned our Peugeot Model A Town sedan and Nicola Dunn the tunnel after checking whether the grass is indeed 403 and 404 to West Australians who have driving her dad’s newly-registered Model A greener on the other side. kindly hosted us for rallies over there. It’s a Phaeton. We look forward to seeing them great way to enjoy the people and area and out on a regular basis. we would recommend it to other members. Our second Three Rivers Rally attracted Sure, there is a risk of damage while on 17 entries which included vehicles from loan, but the cars aren’t much good just the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Wairarapa sitting in the shed. For those unable to and Eastern Bay of Plenty branches, plus travel to Wanganui, a very enjoyable picnic a gentleman who regularly comes out from was had on Reid’s beach at Aurere in England for four months each year to visit perfect conditions. his daughter, and makes good use of their The Woollams’ Challenge out of 1922 Jewett while he is over here. His Gisborne: The Morris Commercial pauses for a Kerikeri had some interesting navigation reason for coming here each year is that his photo shoot before returning through the tunnel.

Beaded Wheels 53 idletorque business is usually snowed in during that chairman has obtained some very good period, so why stay home? This year’s run prices through calling in many favours took entrants through the Parikanapa Road around the town. There are no doubt a to Tiniroto, returning via the Ruakaka few local businessmen who wish they didn’t Road. It was won by Tony and Myrna Lane know Mark Jenkinson as their arms are still (Masterton) in a 1951 Citroen. hurting from being twisted so far up their back. Gore Branch Jim McFadzien The branch recently bade a final farewell Gore’s VCC Festival Rally on 18 to Reg Kilby, one of our founder members. February had a turnout of 41 cars, some Reg and his wife Olive for many years ran from South Otago and Southland Branches Raphael Studios an antique shop in Napier. joining us in what was a busy weekend. It was a great drop-in spot for car enthu- The local Council had an event called siasts. As a youngster in England Reg had The Hokonui Auto Muster, shutting off been taken to a motor show where he saw Gore’s Main Street at midday. Hoping for a Chrysler 77 roadster. He was absolutely Horowhenua: Alasdair Brass, Hupmobile 1912. an attendance of 200 cars, it stalled at 96 smitten and on emigrating to New Zealand entries. This meant our rally had to start in the 1940s he came straight to Napier, early, and have driving tests over by 12 where in the first week he saw one of these o’clock. Our neighbouring branch members vehicles. It took him four years of negotia- had to make very early starts, and this tions before he was actually able to buy it. probably cost us entries. The rally had five That car is still owned by the family. miles in the town before a run through local countryside, then a further three Otago Ralph Harrison miles in town, giving plenty of scope for The first event this year was the Jackson navigators. We then finished at the local Rally. We started from the clubrooms in Showgrounds where driving tests were held. Forbury Road with motorcycles and a good The overall winner was Gerry Kennedy mixture of various classes of cars. We in his 1934 Ford V8, followed by a 1928 travelled North through North East Valley Chrysler belonging to the Scobie Family. and over Mt Cargill to continue down to Margaret McDougall took the Ladies prize Port Chalmers then back towards Dunedin in their 1932 Chev. The sister club members following the Otago Harbour and onto Horowhenua: Foundation member Warrick took away the lions share of the remaining Portsmouth Drive to travel on Portobello Doreen (right) receiving his 35 year badge. prizes. Road to Harwood township. February’s Tuesday Ramble took us south Glen McConachie in a Ford Model T to an abandoned lignite mine which has won the GC Jackson Memorial Trophy and been transformed into a tourist attrac- Ron Gilbert on a motorcycle won the Mary tion. Among the many features are a lake, B Jackson Trophy. gardens, buildings of yesteryear, a black- The 58th running of the Dunedin smiths, milking shed, and other Vintage Brighton Veteran Rally started with all exhibits. entrants reporting to the clubrooms for a briefing and then off to the University Hawke’s Bay Esther Smith of Otago School of Dentistry to line up In mid February we held our annual Art for preparation of the Dunedin Octagon Deco weekend rally. This was a chance display and eventual departure for the to get out in our cars all dressed up for run. Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull flagged the occasion and partake in the numerous the entrants away and Dougal Stevenson events on offer. Lovely sunny weather meant read out a commentary on each vehicle as that the Vintage aircraft were able to put they departed. The motorcycles provided Horowhenua on several amazing displays. They were out a challenge as once the riders had push : John Rapley addressing the meeting. in full force this year to celebrate the 75th started their bikes they were off and could anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Air not wait for the commentary to finish. Force. In the evenings we were entertained On reaching Brighton Domain the by jazz bands at the Soundshell, nearby entrants were met with three challenging streets are closed to general traffic and field tests. Ron Gilbert on his 1914 Triumph it was great to see so many people out motorcycle had a bit of trouble by running enjoying themselves, admiring the Vintage out of petrol during the tests, but with a bit cars, promenading or dancing to the great more in the tank and a push from his wife music. Polly, Ron completed the course. Construction of the new clubroom On Sunday morning most entrants building is imminent. Branch members are motored out to Glenfalloch Homestead for now very keen to see the building started. Devonshire Tea and prizegiving. We had Those with relevant skills and friends of the added bonus of sharing in a Haggis the branch have been generous with offers ceremony and a Highland Dancing display of time or goods. Our building committee with a tour group. Horowhenua: 1912 Sunbeam, Colin and Joan Pearce. 54 Beaded Wheels idletorque

The Vintage Venture this year consisted Nightingale, and also restoration of the On 15 April there is the chance for of seven Vintage and fourteen supporting year awards. members to show off their latest restoration cars all departing from the Sunnyvale Our guest speaker was John Rapley, he at Founder’s Park. Up for grabs is the John Sports Center carpark. We drove on sealed gave us an insight into the world of motor White Trophy. roads to North Balclutha deviating from racing, bringing his Brabham Formula SH1 a few times and then followed the Junior racing car to the meeting. Later in North Otago Judith Miller Clutha River upstream to Tuapeka Mouth the evening he cranked up the motor and Our entrants in the national rally where we were on display with vehicles members will tell you the sound of high enjoyed being part of such a major event. from other car clubs at the Picnic at the revs is just amazing. How it holds together, The branch members are looking forward Punt celebrating 115 years operation of this one would never know. to hearing from them. John Chynoweth unique Ferry or Punt as it is often called, We now look forward to the swap meet had his moments in his recently completed crossing the Clutha River. later this month. 1924 Summit and got back to Oamaru – Results Vintage just! Fortunately he has the skill to keep 1 R and K French 1929 Marmon Roosevelt Nelson Jenny Conlon it going. His luck ran out on the Wallaby 2 G. McConachie 1927 Ford Model T The year got into gear with a very run, when the Harley-Davidson developed 3 K. Heineman 1930 Ford Model A successful International Rally in Wanganui piston trouble. Our branch had 10 entries The Sparkaholics group had a very which was enjoyed by quite a few Nelson at Waimate and the Perrys, Wings, and informative time at the Dunedin Botanical Branch members who made the journey Rooneys all had success. The event North. attracted over 80 entries and was a great Gardens Rose Garden in February learning February had a well attended club night day in pleasant weather. how to grow and to care for roses. to Ellis Street Autos in Brightwater where Our branch held an All British Day an interesting collection of motoring on 18 March, with Morgan as the feature Horowhenua Peter Nightingale history was viewed and discussed. car. They ranged from a 2010 Plus 8, to a With the Wanganui 2012 rally behind us Also happening was the Annual 1934 three wheeler driven from Invercargill. and a very big part played be our member- Club Run to Motueka for the Alan Moss Cars assembled in the historic precinct and ship we can now return to our normal Memorial. A great day had by both the went for a tour around the North Otago programme of events. VCC and the Motueka Aero Club where downlands, travelling around Kakanui, up One of the enjoyable mornings was everyone meets. the coast, to finish for prize giving at the hosting the Monte Carlo entrants for The club night for March is a presen- picturesque Waitaki Boys High School. morning tea on their way North. A great tation from some members who attended Our next big event for the branch is the chance to have a cuppa and chat with Wanganui to share the event with those Hill Climb at Ngapara. It is an event which other branch members. The 1912 Sunbeam who couldn’t make it. is going from strength to strength. To be owned by Colin and Joan Pearce was March also sees the Annual event of held on 1 April, followed by our motor cycle proudly displayed outside the verandah as the Anne Egan Trophy Ladies Rally which Gerald Lynch-Blosse rally on Saturday 21 was the little Fiat Topolino owned by Ivan starts off with lunch then a trip around April. Gardiner. The magnificent 1914 Hupmobile Motueka and Riwaka and ending up at the of Alasdair Brass. Kennedy’s in Brooklyn Valley. North Otago: 1924 Summit, restored from a Club night gave members the chance to This is a chance for the ladies to do collection of parts by owner John Chynoweth in reminisce and recall the Branch successes the driving and the men to read the time for the International Rally in Wanganui. One at Wanganui including the win in the team of only three going worldwide, the only one in New instructions. I’m sure that adds up to some Zealand. Assembled in Australia from American assembly of a Model T at the open day a interesting discussion on route. car parts with an Australian-made body Lycoming time of four minute 17 seconds. The 15–20 March is the Nelson Building 4 cylinder side valve motor 3,500cc. Cruises at March club night was very well attended Society 150th Anniversary Tour which will 40mph. Features ACME patent spring suspension and three 35 year badges were presented to incoporate Nelson, Golden Bay and the intended to smooth out rough Australian tracks, with 3 springs in series down each side of car. Warrick Doreen, John Rapley and Shona West Coast in its itinerary.

Nelson: Branch visit to Ellis Street Autos.

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South Canterbury: The Weirs with the 1959 Chevrolet Impala and their 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air for North Shore: Mini Wanganui Reunion. the Australian visitors.

North Shore Mary Lloyd a museum with historical records, memora- Our last monthly meeting was held Despite trials and tribulations, twelve of bilia and photographs. Community groups, in the new, upmarket Control Tower at our members took part in the 2012 VCCNZ local families and visitors now regularly Teretonga Park. This is an absolutely International Rally and enjoyed nearly two used the building, tennis court and amazing facility and thanks must go to weeks of Vintage motoring. swimming pool. School reunions are held local Sports Car Club members, and VCC This was an unforgettable event, impec- annually, 250 people attended in 2010. Two Branch members Howard Kingsford-Smith cably organised and a credit to Wanganui. of our branch members lived at the school and Noel Atley for the comprehensive tour. Other members travelled to Napier for the where their father was head teacher. Tony Warren has recently purchased Art Deco Rally and had a rip roaring time. Another of our members was observed a 1911 Singer No. 1 roadster fixed drive We had a mini reunion of NSVCC photographing a very dilapidated single motorcycle. This machine is in good Wanganui travellers at the Bampton home. man’s forestry hut, retained as a museum condition for its age and was two thirds On the home front after Wanganui our piece. His explanation! When I brought my assembled when purchased. This should be club run took us around the Bays to an wife home to the farm, after our wedding a relatively straight-forward restoration and amazing collection of owls – over 6,000 she could not believe that one of these huts we look forward to having another addition items on display and catalogued. We were was to be our home. Their home has been to our Veteran fleet. blown away with the innovative and improved but they still drive a 1930 Dodge. artistic depiction of the humble owl. South Canterbury Bill Weir Not a bad collection of cars either Southland Malcolm Hodgkinson The New Year’s Day parade was well including several Mustangs. Negotiating A relatively busy time in the South supported by our branch. The day was the very steep drive out we were horrified over the last couple of months, with good perfect weatherwise with members enjoying to see an Austin careering backwards attendances at rallies and events. On 4 lunch in the Domain prior to the event. In towards us but good reflexes stopped it just February we held the annual Southland early January the branch participated in in time! We were treated to a very pleasant Rally. The route took entrants around the Stafford St (Main St, Timaru) Heritage afternoon at the Lords’ home in glorious Western Southland, through Otautau, day with a display of vehicles and also sunshine with the wonderful aroma of Drummond, Ryal Bush and back to the dressing up in period costume. Thanks to Marlene’s freshly baked scones which we clubrooms for a barbecue and prize giving. Jim Geddes for putting all the work into consumed with much enthusiasm. Winner of the motorcycle section was Neil the day. The display was well received by Longman on a Honda with the overall rally the public. Rotorua Evan Dorrington winner being Elaine Skeggs in a 1963 Riley The VCC Rally 2012 was a memorable A popular destination for our club 4/72. experience for all who attended. The outings is the old Forest School in the On 3 March, the annual Veteran weather was kind for the ten days and the Pongakawa Valley North of Rotorua. Rally was held, where competitors had rally days great fun and was enjoyed by all. The school opened in 1933 with a roll a pleasant outing to Riverton, with field Several South Canterbury members of 24 and expanded to serve 90 pupils by tests being held at Wallacetown en route. were entered, they were the Days in the 1953. By 1985 the forestry had moved on, The afternoon included a visit to a Rail 1925 Dodge Tourer and the Fergusons roads had improved and the remaining 25 Memorabilia collection at Fairfax. The in the 1972 Bedford Delivery, Max pupils became bus commuters. The school winner of the rally was Ian Ridd on his Miller and partner in the 1965 Mustang. has now closed and it stands alone in the 1911 Triumph. Congratulations to Alan and Raewyn on forest as the sole survivor of a once thriving On 10 March, eight branch members second placing overall in the Commercial community, but rescued by the McMahon thoroughly enjoyed a day out in the section. Neil Manchester in his 1956 MG family who bravely purchased the property Balclutha area, for the 38th Annual Clutha roadster was well placed in the Pomeroy in 2007. They have since lovingly restored Rally, held by the South Otago Branch. We Trophy. the building, enhanced the facilities and enjoyed a friendly, well run rally, on some The Geraldine Restoration team, the developed the gardens. The school is now fantastic motorcycling roads. Washingtons and O’Donnells in the 1938

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Dodge coupe and 1938 Pontiac sedan, and Our congratulations go to the organising the Weirs with the 1959 Chevrolet Impala committee. and their 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air for their Ian and Wilma Macdonald have sold Australian visitors and the Fosters in their their Mk 1 Ford Zephyr after 14 years of Vintage Delaunay-Belleville. ownership and good use. We would like to welcome Gary South Otago John Cook. Crawford and family from Waitahuna West Seven vehicles from the branch went to to the branch. They own a 1962 Standard the 45th annual Gore festival in February Vanguard 6. with three coming home with prizes. Wayne and Jan Batts picnic run held in Taranaki Branch Colin Johnston. the same month was a good day out. We A special presentation was made to long were joined by some members from the serving members Wally and Rosalane Hunt Rover Club of Dunedin for the day. The at the February noggin and natter night as run took us around Waitahuna West and they were leaving to take up residence in Lawrence, finishing at the Tuapeka Mouth Masterton and to be closer to family. They Domain to join in with the celebrations for have both made a considerable contribu- 115 years of the Tuapeka Mouth punt. tion to our branch since joining in 1970. A Four vehicles from the South specially made certificate was presented to Otago branch made the journey to the them both in appreciation of the positive South Canterbury: Denis Calleson of Mt Cook International Rally in Wanganui. What difference and commitment made towards (right) seen here with South Island Club Captain an excellent and well run rally this was. our branch and achieving restorations of John Chynoweth and Sharon at the public day at the highest standards. They have repre- Wanganui.

Southland: Veteran Rally lunch stop at Riverton.

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sented our branch at many rallies through Waterworths farm). From the top there are out New Zealand and overseas with their views of Mount Ngarahoe and Ruapehu motor cars and motorcycles. We thank and also views as far away as Mt Taranaki. them both sincerely for their untiring After time spent there the group headed efforts towards our branch and fostering the for Neil and Lorraine Chave’s farm, where Vintage vehicle movement . a barbecue was enjoyed. The keen braving The 39th Waitara Mini Vin Tour a trip home at the end of the day with the was held in February with 28 entries all soft tops down on a chilly Taupo evening enjoying an easy navigated road rally with great views of the inner Taranaki country Wairarapa Kevin Ball side. The winners this year were Alan Wairarapa’s year got off to a flyer, with and Robyn Henry driving in a 1955 Alvis. four major events, plus the national rally at South Canterbury: The Kyle family have had a lot Second place went to Noel Thompson in a Wanganui. of publicity lately with their miniature steam engine 1949 Ford Bonus utility with Ian Bleakley Of the local events, the Coastal Run which was in operation at Fairlie and what a piece of craftsmanship. It is a complete working replica of in his 1936 Morris 8 sports was third. produced something new, a drive across the real thing, recently imported from England. Alan and Robyn Henry came in losing the closed roads of Castlepoint Station, seven seconds to win this years event. The owned by member Emily Crowfoot. first time we marked the rally in seconds, Members lunched on the deck at Emily’s following on from the big VCC Rally 2012 bach, overlooking the coast just south of in Wanganui, using the new timing clocks Castlepoint Beach. that were purchased by our branch after Members returned to Castlepoint Beach this rally. Next year in February we will be in February for celebrations marking, celebrating the 40th Jubilee of the Waitara among other things, the celebrated light- Mini Vin Tour. house’s 99th birthday. Several members Entries are arriving for our annual from nearby Tinui took part: Jill and Bill Maunga-Moana rally to be held on the Maunsell (1929 Swallow); Peter and Nola 20/22 of April in the central Taranaki Groves (1924 Austin 20); Mike Blundell township of Stratford The organisers (1925 Cadillac); Tim Johnston (1931 Model for this year’s event are Des and Phyllis A) and Castlepoint local Emily Crowfoot’s South Canterbury: Barry Barnes at the Fairlie Cornwall along with a band of members Model A. Kevin Hickland brought his 1925 New Year parade. He was the recipient of the Rose and we are looking foward to a big entry for Chev truck from Masterton for the event. Bowl for his 1925 Studebaker Tourer. Barry has just completed its second restoration, the first being done this popular rally. A gymkhana in February was the club 36 years ago when he first purchased it! Sadly Merv Barras passed away debut of Tim Johnston’s Model A, and he in January. He served on our branch took top honours on the day. Tim finished committee and the parts committee. Merv the roadster just in time for the Vero Rally, was an avid collector of AA badges and and it was People’s Choice at the fun day. attended many swap-meets throughout Finally, 15 Veterans had heads turning New Zealand and until a few years ago when the Triangular Rally came to owned his own used car sales business in Wairarapa. New Plymouth. Our deepest sympathy is The Horowhenua, Wairarapa and extended to Merv’s family. Wellington branches take turns staging this rally, and this year was Wairarapa’s Taupo Greg Nattrass turn. After a dinner on Saturday night, the Waitangi weekend saw three of our MG old-timers, 13 cars and two motorcycles, owners and wives joined 100 other partici- chugged their way around the back roads of Carterton and Greytown, including some South Canterbury: Irvine Black was also in pants at an MG weekend in Masterton. attendance as an observer seen here in the dicky One of the highlights was a poker run gravel, and finished at the Fell Museum in seat of a Dodge roadster at Wanganui. chasing four hot air balloons that took off Featherston. from the Hood Aerodrome. A car built in the United States Our committee turned on the barbecue 109 years ago was the star turn. Wayne and cooked up another awesome meal for Richards brought the little single-cylinder the start of the year. These meals always Oldsmobile from Napier for the event and seem to go down well, it is a great way to collected the handsome People’s Choice get back together after the silly season. trophy. We also welcomed new members Doug The Wanganui rally attracted several and Ravenna Priest who own an MG, also Wairarapa cars and a good number of Mike and Joanne Costello who have just spectators, interest being especially high purchased an Austin 7. in view of our hosting the 2013 Easter On 19 February our picnic run got North Island Rally. Lots of good ideas and underway. This had a great turnout on a few potential pitfalls were noted by rally a nice day. The cars left the clubrooms organisers. destined for Bruce and Jennifer South Canterbury: The Geraldine Restoration Waterworth’s farm at Tirohanga. A group Waikato Jeremy Brook team, the Washingtons and O’Donnells in the 1938 travelled up Mount Tirohanga by 4-wheel February club night included a visit Dodge coupe and 1938 Pontiac sedan. drive (This mountain is situated on the to the branch by Dennis and Romoana 58 Beaded Wheels idletorque

Taranaki: Wally and Rosalane Hunt, long time Taranaki members who Taranaki: Alan and Robyn Henry with their 1955 Alvis and the rally trophy, have moved to Masterton, acknowleged for their commitment and positive winners of the 39th Waitara Mini Vin Tour 2012 held in February. difference, made to the Taranaki Branch.

Collins from the Live Steamers Club which Some Waitemata’ites enjoyed the Art is involved with model railways. They Deco weekend mid February in Napier. brought along two model steam engines and The first official event for our Branch the latest information about the move of was our Springhill Speed Day held on 26 their Club from Rotorua to the Leamington February. This is a day of speed and driving Domain. They are intending to create a skills on a private airstrip in a great setting model railway track with a five inch gauge north of Warkworth. The day was pleasant in a public park. enough to get a few spectators coming to A mud gymkhana event was held on the watch and bringing a picnic lunch and Horsham Downs property of the Patton’s although we only had nine or so contest- in the middle of February. There was lot of ants, a great day was enjoyed. dirt being thrown around and Sue Dittmer A Long Day Run was on our calendar had great fun in her little Austin Seven for March but great plans are there to Wairarapa: Wayne Richards’ 1903 Oldsmobile was Sport. An interesting event that may lead change! With the Roycroft Trophy meeting People’s Choice in the Triangular Veteran Rally. to something in the future. at Hampton Downs coming up fast it was The Vintage Venture was held on decided that ‘all hands to the brush’ was Saturday 3 March 2012. Twenty-three cars more essential! entered and motored through Pirongia for Our Waitemata artist Richard an 80 mile trek. The rain didn’t eventuate McWhannell is busy sketching ‘old’ petrol although it was a very windy day. Winners symbols and car make names onto large were Tony and Judy Brierley in their Model pieces of calico fabric and the members A Tudor. are going to spend an afternoon filling in The motorcycle section had a successful the sketches with paint. These signs will long weekend tour organised by the be hung in appropriate positions around Auckland branch based at Miranda Hampton Downs, to add to the atmosphere Hotpools. This involved a trip up to of ‘the good old days of motoring’. Wairarapa: Tim Johnston with his newly-restored Coromandel from Miranda on the Saturday Already, with only five weeks to go we Model A. and finishing at the Kaiaua pub that have attracted a good entry for the Roycroft evening. Over 33 bikes entered. Trophy meet. It has been fantastic to have New members to the branch are David the members dig deep into their pockets and Erin Cannell with their Mini traveller (the ones without holes in) and we are able and we wish them well within the Club to sponsor Grant Cowie and the ‘Rubber and look forward to their participation in Duck’ Austin 7 over from Australia. branch events. Our second Roycroft Trophy weekend at Hampton Downs is shaping up to be a Waitemata Di Humphreys boomer. Come along, we’d love to see you The Waitemata Branch had a quiet start and your Vintage machine there. to 2012 although a number of our members either entered the VCC Rally in Wanganui Wanganui Fay Chamberlain or at the very least ventured down there for What a great International Rally we the public weekend. hosted! Letters to the editor, the town is buzzing still! One of the features was a Wairarapa: A 1903 Holley.

Beaded Wheels 59 idletorque

Wairarapa: Chris & Anne Slater, 1914 Overland.

Wairarapa: Jill Maunsell in her Swallow at Castlepoint Beach.

Wairarapa: Paul Lamb, Model A roadster pickup. colouring competition for the kids. What Club Captain Mike’s been busy too, with a charming couple of little people (Lilee lots of interesting runs, plus club night and Samantha). The big folks in the photo speakers. The branch is very appreciative are Ed Boyd (publicity officer ) and Ian of all those members who turned out Chamberlain (Open Day convenor). and helped in so many ways with the In conjunction with the rally, a raffle International Rally. It has done great was run by the branch, the prize being an things for the branch, and our profile in the A30 Austin. The winner, David Oakley, community. Thank you to you all, and we came all the way from Ashburton with hope you guys in the Dunedin Branch get a big smile on his face, a keen Austin as big a kick out of it as we did! man, an ex-Chairman of the branch down there. Club Captain Mike Marshall and Gil Wellington Ray Betteridge Button did a great job getting members to WOW – didn’t Wanganui put on a great “get out there and sell” them! Keith Turner, show for us. Weather, scenery, motoring, branch Chairman had great pleasure in entertainment and nourishment! Only handing over the keys. complaint was – we came home exhausted. Harking back to Christmas and our Our Wellington Branch were proud annual Restoration of the Year, a great to see Martin Ferner and Roger White Wanganui: Keith Turner, Branch Chairman lineup of cars turned out with the winner rewarded for 50 years of commitment to had great pleasure in handing over the keys to the being Michael Greene with his 1928 Ford the Club and Alistair Jones who was also a winner of the Austin Raffle, David Oakley. AA Truck. A very close vote with High Wellington member for many years. Standard certificates being presented to It was great to see Hilary and Barry James Forest (1937 Studebaker President Pettengel win the Vintage Class and our 8 Hearse), Neil Farrer (1939 Hillman branch win the trophy for best percentage 14), Stephen Voss (Austin 7 1930), Ian attendance. A huge thanks to all those Higgins (1937 Plymouth, and 1956 Chrysler people who worked tirelessly to give us such Imperial), Bruce Thomas (1950 Vauxhall a memorable event. Wyvern), and Keith Bing (1927 Swift For our February clubnight we were Tourer). privileged to have Alec Jenner and his The Willing Horse award this year beautifully restored 1936 Mercedes Benz was very deservedly won by Ed Boyd, who Cabriolet. This car is very rare and Alec retired as Chairman this year after five spent many hours to complete this for a years of energy and hard work on the job. family wedding. What a wonderful result! He initiated the scrap metal drive for The Biennial Motorcycle Rally was well fundraising and allowed our spare parts attended. The riders toured to Battle Hill shed to be built and opened freehold. and got lost in the fog atop Paekakariki Wanganui branch members are extremely Hill. Fortunately a head count found all Wanganui: Ed Boyd and Ian Chamberlain with grateful to him! present. On the Sunday they visited the colouring competition winners, Lilee and Samantha. Silverstream Steam Museum.

60 Beaded Wheels idletorque

Waitemata: Kelvin Hill on the Matchless G3L. Waitemata: Ian Bradley in the Bug-eye Sprite.

Our Gymkhana returned to Upper Wellsford/Warkworth Our vehicles on show at the Warkworth Hutt Summer Carnival and included a Rita Jorgensen A & P Show. posh picnic. Driving skills were displayed It was a little disappointing that only Doug and Anee Hamilton Fiat by a variety of vehicles with Basil Sharp three vehicles turned up on both the Friday Harry and Gay Sutcliffe Wolseley cleaning up the silverware in his Chevy and Saturday at our clubrooms for afternoon James and Gloria Lawrie Ford Capri George and Jeanette Lloyd Morris Traveller Special, with three Pommie sports cars tea on the Monte Carlo Tour on their way Brian Mudge Morris Traveller chomping at his heels. to the International Rally in Wanganui. Chris and Joanne Field Daimler Ann and Hal O’Rorke – so dapper and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed my time demure outdressed the rest in their posh at the Rally. Travelling around with Paul Our monthly mid-week runs are proving attire. and Kathy Collins in their 1930 Plymouth. popular. Twenty-three people in eleven cars Great scenery, friendly people, good food took part in the February Picnic outing. and entertainment. Our annual Swapmeet attendance was down considerably from last year both for

Waitemata: Cars being scrutineered.

Wellington: All concentration – Jan and Warren Corkin at the Gymkhana. Wellington: Snow Benge in his 1915 Wall Parcelcar with Neal Ryder.

Beaded Wheels 61 idletorque buyer and seller. There was a good line-up of Vintage cars to view. The Veteran car rally to be run in the afternoon was cancelled as only two entries were received. We will look at a different format for next year to encourage more interest.

West Coast Hemi Te Rakau On February 19, 2012 the West Coast Branch held a club run to Constant Bay, south of Westport on yet another of those stunning West Coast days. It seem that while a lot of New Zealand north of the big water had a summer to forget, the ‘Coast and Southland enjoyed a season of sun, warm temperatures and great motoring conditions. We even had guests from over the ditch who had left Sydney and Brisbane to escape the wet which our Aussie cousins West Coast: Constant Bay February 2012 John Boyes’ expensive picnic table. seemed to have been stuck with for months. The picnic day was well attended with all ages and all makes of vehicles taking pride of place. When you visit us on the ‘Coast, be sure to spend some time at these twin bays, Constant and Joyce. The rocks that form them are some of the oldest in New Zealand, dating back to the Precambrian Period. You can find seams of quartz and mica in the granite surrounding the bays. If you’re sharp eyed, you may even find an West Coast: Constant Bay, branch members opaque red garnet crystal washed up by the West Coast: Constant Bay, patriarch Tom looking at new clubhouse site. Griffin tide. Charleston and Constant Bay are said to have been named in honour of Captain Charles Bonner, skipper of the supply ship than it does now. However the narrow There are two local cemeteries, one for the Constant, who risked his life to bring food passage in from the sea was still death- Protestants, north on Nile Hill and one to over 1,000 starving miners cut off from defying and the only way a ship could for the Catholics 400 metres south. The supplies by high rivers and storms. In early tie up safely was into giant iron rings set Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes mining days the Bay offered deeper water into the rocks on each side of the Bay. are about 30 minutes south of the bays.

OBITUARY he had been involved with were the and a lot of other children of parents Canterbury Aero Club and shooting. He in the VCC were taught by him and used to love duck shooting. the feedback was that there was a great Paul Ronald Gieseler I don’t know how he got the nickname amount of respect for “Mr. Gieseler” Canterbury Branch Rowdy because he really was quite a shy Paul had in his stable a very nice person underneath and his contribu- restored 1927 Morris Cowley coupe, a 1922 Paul Ronald Gieseler (Rowdy) passed tion to the club was always behind the Fiat Tourer 510 S which was under resto- peacefully away in his favorite armchair scenes. Beaded Wheels benefited from ration and the bones of a 1924 Bullnose on 6 January 2012. He was a month away his 30 odd years on the committee and Morris Cowley. from turning 74. he was a diligent supporter and worker Tragically Paul lost one of his sons Paul and I had been friends since he in the setting up of VCC Canterbury Jeff a few years ago and a bit of the light joined the Canterbury Branch of the Branch’s McLean’s Island facility. In the and sparkle went out of Paul but in the Vintage Car Club which must be in excess last few years he helped occasionally at last couple of years his other son Kelvin of 40 years ago. During this time Paul the Wednesday parts shed working bee and daughter-in-law Jo presented him with travelled many hundreds of miles with and thoroughly enjoyed the company and a much loved grandson, Callum, and I me in my Veteran and Vintage cars as fellowship of the group. saw the light come back. Paul will be navigator. He was good fun and great Paul loved to work with wood and at missed by his family Kelvin, Jo, Callum company. He had also been a member of one time in his career made coffins for and daughter Phillipa in Perth along with the Gore Branch for a number of years funeral director Lamb and Hayward. He his many friends. Goodbye “my boy” and when he lived down that way. was also a woodwork teacher at Breen’s rest in peace Paul. Paul was very knowledgeable on almost Intermediate School for many years, Graham Henley any topic you wanted to debate with him. back in the days when they had manual He was an avid reader and other hobbies training in schools. My own children

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