GISBORNE THREE RIVERS RUN
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CLASSIC, VINTAGE AND VETERAN MOTORING FOR OVER 70 YEARS
No. 363 April/May 2020 NEW ZEALAND’S FOREMOST HISTORICAL MOTORING MAGAZINE $7.95
GISBORNE
THREE RIVERS RUN
1970s MINI PICKUP
9 418979 000012
2020 BURT MUNRO CHALLENGE
MAGAZINE OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND
Clements Motors (Hokitika) 1918-1923. Denby Photographs Required: Submissions of suitable information to: beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz
Charabanc. Photo Mrs M Maffey, supplied to prints and information (where available) are welcome. Beaded Wheels, PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.
Beaded Wheels by the late Allan Storer. Post or email original photographs or high resolution Laserprints/photocopies are not suitable.
digital files of historical interest with any available Photos will be returned as soon as practicable.
Contact National Office for all NATIONAL OFFICE CLUB CAPTAIN NORTHERN REGION Tony Bartlett
Kaaren Smylie 06 867 9850 mgmt1@vcc.org.nz
queries regarding VICs, logbooks, The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.)
PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 021 664 341 nicc@vcc.org.nz George Kear
historic race licences, lighting
Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 CLUB CAPTAIN SOUTHERN REGION 03 347 0315 mgmt2@vcc.org.nz
endorsement, registration of Email admin@vcc.org.nz Alon Mayhew Murray Trounson
vehicles, address changes, 027 202 9491 sicc@vcc.org.nz mgmt3@vcc.org.nz
subscriptions, membership REGISTRAR
cards, speed events. VCCNZ MANAGEMENT Rod Brayshaw
07 549 4250 registrar@vcc.org.nz COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
COMMITTEE comms@vcc.org.nz
PRESIDENT SPEED STEWARD
Diane Quarrie Tony Haycock
06 876 4009 president@vcc.org.nz 021 662 441 speedsteward@vcc.org.nz
ARCHIVIST
SECRETARY/ TREASURER BEADED WHEELS CHAIRMAN Don Muller
Michael Lavender Kevin Clarkson 03 385 6850 archivist@vcc.org.nz
03 325 5704 hon.sec@vcc.org.nz 021 0270 6525 kevin@vcc.org.nz
Please note this information changes annually - these details are valid until October 2020
VCCNZ BRANCHES
A full list of branch addresses and contact FAR NORTH NORTHLAND TARANAKI
details can also be found on the VCCNZ C/– 50 Davis Strongman Place, RD3, PO Box 17, Whangarei 0140 C/- 297 Huatoki St,
website at www.vcc.org.nz Kerikeri 0293 northland@vcc.org.nz New Plymouth 4310
ASHBURTON farnorth@vcc.org.nz NORTH OTAGO taranaki@vcc.org.nz
PO Box 382, Ashburton 7740 GISBORNE PO Box 360, Oamaru 9444 TAUPO
ashburton@vcc.org.nz PO Box 307, Gisborne 4040 northotago@vcc.org.nz PO Box 907, Taupo 3351
AUCKLAND gisborne@vcc.org.nz NORTH SHORE taupo@vcc.org.nz
PO Box 12-138, Penrose, Auckland 1642 GORE C/- 7 Godwit Place, Lynfield WAIKATO
auckland@vcc.org.nz PO Box 329, Gore 9740 Auckland 1042 PO Box 924, Hamilton 3240
BANKS PENINSULA gore@vcc.org.nz northshore@vcc.org.nz waikato@vcc.org.nz
27 Showgate Ave, Riccarton Park, HAWKE’S BAY OTAGO WAIMATE
Christchurch 8042 PO Box 3406, Napier 4142 PO Box 5352, Dunedin 9058 4 Harris St, Waimate 7924
bankspeninsula@vcc.org.nz hawkesbay@vcc.org.nz otago@vcc.org.nz waimate@vcc.org.nz
BAY OF PLENTY HOROWHENUA ROTORUA WAIRARAPA
PO Box 660, Tauranga 3140 PO Box 458, Levin 5540 PO Box 2014, Rotorua 3040 PO Box 7, Masterton 5810
bayofplenty@vcc.org.nz horowhenua@vcc.org.nz rotorua@vcc.org.nz wairarapa@vcc.org.nz
CANTERBURY KING COUNTRY SOUTH CANTERBURY WAITEMATA
PO Box 11-082, Sockburn C/- 34 House Ave, PO Box 623, Timaru 7910 C/- PO Box 13374, Onehunga,
Christchurch 8443 Taumarunui 3920 southcanterbury@vcc.org.nz Auckland 1643
canterbury@vcc.org.nz kingcountry@vcc.org.nz SOUTHLAND waitemata@vcc.org.nz
CENTRAL OTAGO MANAWATU PO Box 1240, Invercargill 9840 WANGANUI
C/-114 Shortcut Road, Luggate, RD2, PO Box 385 southand@vcc.org.nz PO Box 726, Whanganui 4540
Wanaka 9382 Palmerston North 4440 SOUTH OTAGO wanganui@vcc.org.nz
centralotago@vcc.org.nz manawatu@vcc.org.nz C/- 1931 Breakneck Rd, RD 4, WELLINGTON
CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY MARLBOROUGH Balclutha 9274 PO Box 38-418, Petone, Wellington 5045
C/- 73 Porangahau Road, PO Box 422, Blenheim 7240 southotago@vcc.org.nz wellington@vcc.org.nz
Waipukurau 4200 marlborough@vcc.org.nz SOUTH WAIKATO WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH
centralhawkesbay@vcc.org.nz NELSON PO Box 403 Tokoroa 3420 PO Box 547, Warkworth 0941
EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY PO Box 3531, Richmond 7050 southwaikato@vcc.org.nz wellsfordwarkworth@vcc.org.nz
PO Box 2168, Kopeopeo nelson@vcc.org.nz WEST COAST
Whakatane 3159 C/- 17 Loris Place, Greymouth 7805
easternbayofplenty@vcc.org.nz westcoast@vcc.org.nz
2 Beaded Wheels
Beaded Wheels
Publisher
The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.)
The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand
ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXXI No. 363
CONTENTS Issue 363 April/May2020
Editorial Committee
Kevin Clarkson (Chairman), Judith Bain,
Bevars Binnie, Rosalie Brown, John
Coomber, Mark Dawber, Marilyn McKinlay.
Material for Publication
FEATURES
Reports of restorations, events, road tests,
historical and technical articles should be
14 55 Years Together
submitted to beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz. Me and my 1960 BSA A10 Golden Flash
Email of text and photos is preferred, digital
photographs should be high resolution eg
300dpi. Alternatively mail your contribution 16 A Cute Bute Ute!
to PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141, typed Peter and Lyndall Monro’s 1970 Mini Pickup
or neatly printed, double space on one
side of paper only. No payment is made to
contributors. The opinions or statements 22 1916 Dodge Roadster Restoration
expressed in letters or articles in Beaded
Wheels are the author’s own views and do
not necessarily express the policy or views 24 Motoring Memories
of The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc).
10th International Veteran and Vintage Car Rally, Australia
Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz
28 Leadfoot 2020
Advertising Enquiries
Classified and Display Advertising to: Racing uphill in the Coromandel 16
PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.
Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz
Phone 64 3 332 3531 30 Saltwater Creek Garage Hyundai Pony
Rate schedule available on request.
Back Issues Available on request to PO 32 Rally Snippets
Box 13140, Christchurch 8141. 32 Sunday Run – Central Otago Branch
Correspondence & Editorial 32 Wallaby Rally – Waimate Branch
Contributions 32 Wee Wheelie Wander – North Otago Branch
Phone 64 3 332 3531, Fax 64 3 366 0273
PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.
33 All British Day – North Otago Branch
Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz 33 Veteran Run – Auckland Branch
Subscriptions 34 Dunedin Brighton Run – Otago Branch
Beaded Wheels subscribers change of 35 Three Rivers Rally - Gisborne Branch
address to: PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140.
Phone 03 366 4461, Fax 03 366 0273
36 Auckland Vintage Muster - Auckland Branch
Annual subscription (6 issues) $45* inc GST
Australian subscription (6 issues) NZ$76*
Other countries (6 issues) NZ$136*.
38 VCC Waikato 2020 Motorcycle Tour
*Payment by credit card incurs additional
bank fee processing charge of 3% 40 It Nearly Didn’t Happen! Gisborne 3 Rivers Rally 35
2020 Burt Munro Challenge
Production
Design: RGB Design & Print Ltd, Christchurch
Print: PMP Ltd, Christchurch. COLUMNS
Closing Date for June/July:
Editorial Copy 24 April 2020 4 President’s Message 12 The Way We Were
Advertisements 10 May 2020
5 VCC Events 37 Vero International
Festival of History
The Vintage Car Club of 6 As We See It Motoring - Rally Update
New Zealand (Inc.) 7 National Office 44 Marketplace
National Office
8
Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273
Email admin@vcc.org.nz
Mailbag 50 Swap Meets & Rallies
Wellsford Warksworth
65
9 Awards 51 Trade Directory
Postal Address: PO Box 2546, Swap Meet
Christchurch 8140, New Zealand. 10 Timelines 53 Idle Torque
Address: 12 Aberdeen St, Christchurch, 10 Book Review
New Zealand.
66 Passing Lane
Website: www.vcc.org.nz 11 Soapbox 66 Obituary
Copyright Information
The contents are copyright. Articles may be
COVER
reproduced complete or in part provided
that acknowledgement is made to “Beaded
Wheels, the magazine of The Vintage Car
Club of New Zealand (Inc)” as the source. Gisborne 3 Rivers Rally entrants, Mark and Deborah Smith,
Beaded Wheels reserves the right to
digitally store all published material for
heading out the gate in their Ford.
archival purposes. Photo Brian Williams.
The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) is the
worldwide organisation dedicated to the preservation, protection
Like us on facebook and promotion of historic vehicles and related culture.
Beaded Wheels The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc) is a founding member of FIVA.
VCCNZ Registrar Rod Brayshaw is the New Zealand delegate to FIVA and
also a member of the FIVA Technical Commission.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The COVID-19 crisis is having The events page on our national to come together and share then sent around to Branches
an impact on almost every website now includes an event stories of our common interest for members to consider and
aspect of life in New Zealand status column which is being and learn more about our club. provide feedback. The final
and the Vintage Car Club is no updated as information comes It is a private group – so people version of the design was to be
exception. This unprecedented to hand along with our Facebook need to answer questions to be voted on at the AGM in Wanganui
and previously unimaginable page. And elsewhere in this able to join which will add a level in August. This will now be
situation is evolving daily, if edition, there is up-to-date of security. This is an easy way of deferred for a year.
not hourly and by the time this information on events as of the communicating with members
Our history and heritage will
edition has gone to print will date of going to print. who are active on Facebook. In
remain but a new brand will
have changed again. light of the continually changing
The rationale for these provide our Club the opportunity
pandemic situation this is a
On Friday 20 March I sent out cancellations is obvious. Over to move into the future using a
very good tool to get up-to-date
a communication direct to all half of our members are in the logo which says what we are all
information out to members
members who have an email high risk bracket in terms of this about. This is part of a whole
quickly.
address advising of actions the pandemic. The cancellation of raft of new initiatives introduced
Management Committee had events now will mean that we’ve At this stage we do not know during the last few years which
taken in response to the crisis. done our very best to keep our whether the Club’s AGM in all combine (along with our
I believe it was a considered members safe. August will go ahead. An regular events) to ensure that
response in that we took our outcome of the Executive our Club is interesting, exciting,
In other non-COVID19 news,
time to evaluate options and to Meeting not being able to be vibrant and inviting to anyone
I am pleased to advise that
make the right decisions for our held, is that the proposed thinking about joining and that it
Murray Trounson has been
members, particularly in light notice of motion with regard to caters for all ages to enjoy.
co-opted onto the Management
of Government directions and on-line membership and the
Committee to fill the vacancy In these uncertain times, please
expert advice that the peak of Club re-branding will have to be
left by the death of Ed Boyd. be assured that the health of our
the pandemic could possibly be postponed until next year.
Murray is a Canterbury Branch members is our main priority.
as late as August.
member and is a Chartered In regard to the proposed re- Best regards and stay safe.
In relation to the Vero accountant specialising in branding, there seems to be a
International Festival of Historic computer based accounting and bit of mis-information out there.
Motoring, the decision was made business information systems. I must reinforce that this re-
to postpone the Festival until Murray will be undertaking a branding is not a name change,
early 2022. The Club could face specific project on behalf of the we will remain the Vintage Car
a considerable financial loss if Management Committee to fully Club of NZ.
the event had to be cancelled review National Office systems
Why do we need to undertake
towards the end of the year due (in conjunction with our Office
this change to our logo? We
to lack of entries and together Manager).
know who we are. We are proud
with the uncertainty around how
There has also been a change at and passionate members of the
long it will take for the pandemic
National Office which has been Vintage Car Club who, as Barry
to run its course, meant we had
organised mainly seamlessly Barnes says in his letter to the
no option but to postpone it.
and to such effect that most editor, have worn the wings
The Executive Meeting which members/branches would emblem with pride.
was due to be held in Wellington not have noticed. Our Office
However, to a non-member,
on Saturday 28 March was also Manager Julie has moved to
what do our ‘wings’ say to them
cancelled along with the National Clyde to look after her mother
about what kind of club we are.
North Island Easter Rally. Our and is working remotely from
An informal survey I conducted
National Day Daffodil Rally her home office with reduced
amongst non-members of all
will also not go ahead for 2020 hours. Jo’s hours (our other staff
age groups, highlighted that a
because of the uncertainty as to member) have been extended to
lot of them didn’t know what a
how long this crisis will remain. handle some of the less critical
Bentley emblem looked like, let
tasks previously undertaken by
Some branches have already alone equating it to anything
Julie and so that the National
made the hard decision to car related. I believe that it just
Office is fully manned during
cancel meetings, club nights, doesn’t reflect the VCC of today.
office hours. This is being trialled
branch runs and events and
for a year. The Management Committee
even to postpone annual general
was given approval to develop
meetings. A communication Rosalie Brown, who is the
a new brand by members
also went out to all branch Beaded Wheels co-ordinator and
who voted at the AGM held in
committees with a strong Club website administrator, has
Westport in August 2019 and
recommendation from the taken over the administration
the plan was for design options
Management Committee that of the Club’s Facebook page. We
to be presented and discussed
they review all of their events have now added a Facebook
at the Executive Meeting (now
with a view to cancelling or group to our page. This group will
cancelled). From that meeting
postponing them, at least until become an online community for
a design was to be chosen Diane Quarrie
the end of June or until the members to interact with each
and amended to incorporate VCCNZ
situation improves. other. It is a place for anyone National
the Executive’s feedback and
who is interested in old vehicles President
4 Beaded Wheels
VINTAGE CAR CLUB BRANCH EVENTS
NATIONAL EVENTS
April 2020
• 10-13 National North
Island Easter
Rally hosted by
Horowhenua
Branch
September 2020
• 10-13 National Vintage
Rally hosted by
Hawke’s Bay Branch
Matt Brookes 1961 Douglas
Vespa Sportique 172, 2020 Burt
Munro Challenge.
Photo Stuart Francis.
MAY 24 Sth Canterbury Restoration Run
Events marked
• have been cancelled. • w 2
2 Ashburton Swap Meet
C. Hawke’s Bay Twilight Run
24 Wellington
24 Wellington
Motorcycle Rough Run
Ladies Rally
•
Events marked have been postponed.
• 2
2
Manawatu
Waimate
Post Vintage Rally
Oamaru Run
28 E Bay of Plenty AGM
28 Otago Midweek Run
As we go to print the effect of Covid‑19 2 Waitemata VCC Hooters Race Series
• 30-1 Canterbury Irishman Rally
on club events is becoming evident. • 3
3
Northland
Wellington
Motorcycle Run
Sunday Run
• 30 Waikato
31 Gisborne
Double 50 Rally
Monthly Run
This list is correct at time of going to 6 Southland Mid-week Rally 31 Sth Canterbury All British Run
print but changes are being received on 7
7
Nelson Sandy Bay Hill Climb
Sth Canterbury Mid Week Run
• 31 Wanganui Annual Rally
a daily basis. JUNE
9 Canterbury Rural Run
4 Sth Canterbury AGM
9 Gore Night Trial
All national events have been cancelled 9 Southland Waimea Motorcycle Rally
6 Gore End of Season Run
in line with government guidelines. 7 Canterbury Restoration of the Year
9-10 Wairarapa Motorcycle Reliability Trial
• 10 Hawke’s Bay Swap Meet
7 Wellington Sunday Run
Keep an eye on branch websites, the • 10 Far North Mother’s Day Rally
•
8 Wairarapa AGM
events page on the club website or • 10
10
Northland Club Run
Sth Canterbury PV/PWV/P60/P80 Rally •
10
10
North Otago AGM
Waikato AGM
the club facebook group for up to date 11 Sth Canterbury Mid Week Run
10 Waitemata Kaipara Airfield Wings &
Wheels 14 Otago AGM & Pot Luck Lunch
information. If in doubt contact the
10 Waitemata AGM 14 West Coast AGM
host branch or event organiser. 10 Wellington Leprechaun Run 17 C. Hawke’s Bay Wednesday Wander
17 Gisborne AGM
•
12 Far North AGM
At this stage all other dates 13 Manawatu AGM 18 Ashburton AGM
are provisional and will require • 13
14
Taupo AGM (postponed)
Banks Peninsula AGM
20
20
Manawatu Twilight Rally
Sth Canterbury Night Trial
confirmation from the organising 21 Canterbury AGM
16 Far North Repco Beach Hop
branch closer to the time.
• 16
16
Northland
Southland
Motorcycle Rally
PW/P60/P80 Rally •
21
21
Nelson
Northland
AGM
AGM
• 17
17
Wanganui Sunday Run
Banks Peninsula Hadstock Driving Tests
21
21
Wellington
West Coast
Colonial Cup Rally
Rosco Sporting Trials
(date tbc) 25 Otago Midweek Run
17 North Shore Club Run 27 Far North Malloy Trophy
17 Otago Restoration Rally 28 Taranaki End of Rego Run
• 17
20
Wanganui
Auckland
Sunday Run
Mid Week Tourers
28 Gisborne Monthly Run
• 27
21
Waikato
Waimate
Wednesday Wander
AGM
24 Auckland Club Run Experts Rally
24 Canterbury Motorcycle Rough Run
This list does not contain all branch events (eg midweek or small club runs) Check branch newsletters for up-to-date details of smaller events.
This column is compiled from the VCCNZ National While Beaded Wheels makes every attempt to
check the accuracy of the dates published in
A valid Vehicle ID card (VIC) is required for any
Calendar of Events, and events as listed in each
branch newsletter. Any deletions, additions, this column we advise readers to confirm all vehicle entered in a National VCC event.
alterations need to be notified to Beaded Wheels dates with the individual branch concerned. Visit www.vcc.org.nz for more information on
by the Branch Secretary before 10th of the month how to obtain a VIC for your vehicle.
prior to magazine publication.
Beaded Wheels 5
AS WE SEE IT
Photographs are important particularly as it involves We are well into 2020 now
in a publication like ours. As a old cars, members old and and still nobody has put
quote attributed to Napoleon young and grandchildren their hand up to do Beaded
Bonaparte says “A good too. Email the images to Wheels Brass Notes column
sketch is better than a long Beaded Wheels as soon to tell all about veteran
speech” or as we would say as you can after they have happening around the club.
INSTRUMENT
these days been taken, straight away Diane Ross did a great job
“A picture tells a thousand even, don’t forget to caption compiling our Brass Notes
words”. them clearly. Publication column for many years, and
of our members enjoying now we need you to step up
REPAIRS
Photos add colour and life to
their vehicles and activites and keep your fellow veteran
our publication. They bring
provides good coverage car-owning members up
the stories that we publish
for our club and by having to date. (I almost wrote
to life, and because we are a
new photos coming in all veteran members there but
club, it is always good to be
the time we can keep the thought better of it) It’s not
able to put a face to a name.
website and Facebook an onerous task and once
Now, as we are firmly in fresh and up to date. You you get going the veteran
the age of social media, can send them direct from owners will keep you up to
we also can publish your your camera a number of date with information. We
Experienced expert photographs on facebook
and on our club website,
different ways but by email
attachment with a brief
don’t want to ignore these
important vehicles. Become
technician available they can often stand alone
with just a brief explanation
explanation or caption is
probably best. Send them to
famous – get a free Beaded
Wheels hat – put your name
to refurbish or repair of what is going down. beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz. forward.
your automotive and Many of our members
have a smart phone with
A key thing is to keep the
resolution high enough so
marine instruments a reasonably high quality they can be used in printed
media (not reduced for
camera included as one
of its functions. Getting a emailing).
good quality photograph
Photos with people in them
of current happenings has
are always good although
never been easier. I would
large group shots or shots of
encourage members to use
a line-up of vehicles tend to
their phone/camera to take
have less impact than those
photographs of happenings Kevin Clarkson
that focus on one or two Chairman
going on around them
main elements. Beaded Wheels
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
John L Goddard Trophy
for achievement
Bruce Chaytor
Members of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand are invited to nominate a fellow
Ph 021 631 700 member for this annual award.
or The nomination should be for any member who they regard as having been involved in
Nicolette Prangley a significant achievement. It may be a particularly significant restoration, a memorable
motoring journey or an important historical article or series of articles published in
021 166 8374 Beaded Wheels or some special service to the Club.
nap.chaytor@gmail.com Nominations for the Award should be forwarded to:
John L Goddard Award, Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc)
5 Gibbs Place, Kinloch PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140.
NOMINATIONS CLOSE 19 JULY 2020
RD1, Taupo 3377
6 Beaded Wheels
NATIONAL Beaded Whee
OFFICE Beaded Wheels
new one will be issued. Beaded Wheels is the voice
Contact National Office for all queries regarding VICs, logbooks,
All application forms for the above of The Vintage Car Club
historic race licences, registration of vehicles, lighting endorsement,
are obtainable from your branch, of New Zealand (Inc.) and
address changes, subscriptions, membership cards, speed events.
the VCC website or the National its 36 branches covering
Office. the length and breadth of
the country. The efforts of
our members continue to
VCC VERO INSURANCE been placed in a known location VCC ID CARDS RENEWALS foster and ever widen the
SCHEME accessible to all branch members.
Please note that all VCC Identity interest in this segment
Please remember that to be of our country’s history.
insured under the VCC Vero VCC ID CARD/AUTHENTICITY It is to these people, who
Insurance Scheme you must be a STATEMENT REQUIREMENTS appreciate the fascination
fully paid up financial member of Vehicle Identity Card/Authenticity of age, the individuality and
the Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc). Statement applications must go the functional elegance
to your branch which will deal of vehicles from a bygone
DISCOUNTS ON with them. The only exception is a era, that this magazine is
INTERISLANDER AND dedicated
simple change of ownership with
BLUEBRIDGE FERRY no alterations to a vehicle. In this Beaded Wheels – Our long
CROSSINGS case, ask your branch secretary established title may have
All financial members of the for a VIC change of ownership readers wondering about its
VCCNZ can obtain a discount with form, complete this and return it origin. By way of explanation
Interislander and BlueBridge. You to the National Office. beaded edge wheels use
must show your membership beaded edge tyres that are
All applications for Vehicle
card. Full information on how to kept in place by reinforced
Identity Cards and Authenticity
book is on the Club’s website Cards (VIC) have an expiry date. rubber beads, which fit into
Statements MUST include photos
www.vcc.org.nz or can be This expiry is upon change of the rolled edges of the wheel
of the vehicle. Applications cannot
obtained from your branch rim. This style of wheel was
be processed without these. ownership or 10 years from the
a distinctive feature of early
secretary. When booking with issue date. Your vehicle must
If you require a lighting motoring, being used on
the Interislander, use the Group also be as described on the VIC.
endorsement for a vehicle, you early bicycles, many pre-1924
Bookings option to obtain the A renewal form personalised
must complete both the Vehicle cars and most motorcycles
discount. The codes are as follow: for each VIC is distributed by the
Identity Card/Authenticity until 1927.
INTERISLANDER – WH5465 and National Office to current financial
Statement application form and In March 1955 The Vintage
BLUE BRIDGE – ANTIQUECAR members approximately three
Lighting Endorsement form and Car Club of New Zealand
months before expiration. adopted the title Beaded
return these to your branch
EXECUTIVE MEETING secretary for processing. Even if your vehicle has had Wheels for their club
The Executive meets every no changes this form must be magazine. Older issues of
March and during the Annual checked, current mileage advised, Beaded Wheels are available
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
signed and forwarded to your for download at
General Meeting weekend. The
Please advise the National Office branch, along with the VIC (if vcc.org.nz
28 March meeting in Wellington
in writing if you have changed the photo correctly shows your
was cancelled, our next Executive
address or vehicle ownership. vehicle in its present state), or
meeting is scheduled for the
two new photos, as stated on the All vehicles entered in
AGM weekend in August if that
BRANCH TRANSFER form. National And International
proceeds.
Rallies must have a current
Complete a transfer form to Upon receipt at the National
VehicIe Identity Card (VIC).
NOTICE OF AGM transfer between branches. This Office the VIC will be reissued
can be obtained through your and will be valid for a further 10
On page 21 you will find a
branch secretary. years unless there is a change of ADVISE NATIONAL OFFICE OF
Notice of AGM along with a
ownership or major changes to ANY CHANGES OF ADDRESS
request for nominations for
VCC SPEED EVENTS the vehicle during that time. OR SALES/PURCHASES OF
the Management Committee VEHICLES
positions. It is compulsory for any member
entering a VCC Speed Event to
JOHN L GODDARD TROPHY hold a current VCC Historic Racing
NOMINATIONS Licence and VCC Log Book for the
vehicle they are using.
On page 6 you will find a notice
regarding the John L Goddard If you currently hold a VCC
Trophy. Please put some thought Historic Racing Licence, please Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.)
to placing a nomination. More keep an eye on the expiry date National Office,
PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140
information is available in the and if it needs renewing please Telephone 03 366 4461
Branch Manual, one of which complete the Historic Race Fax 03 366 0273
Julie Cairns-Gee
email admin@vcc.org.nz
your branch secretary holds, Licence RENEWAL FORM and www.vcc.org.nz National Office
forward it, along with $23 and a Office Hours Mon – Fri 9-5pm Manager
and the other which should have
Beaded Wheels 7
MAILBAG During my employment at Auto
Sales in Linwood, Christchurch,
bank even to this day. And that
was back in the early to mid
owned by Bill’s youngest son ʼ70s. It’s a lot busier now.
The editorial committee reserve the right to publish, edit or refuse Jeffrey, I was asked to prepare
At the time, I was restoring my
publication of any item submitted as comment. The views expressed and drive the Cadillac to a car
first vintage car, a one owner,
herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily express the show held in Canterbury Court,
yes, one owner up to about
policy or views of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) or the Addington. This indoor event
1972, 1929 Plymouth 4, but
publishers. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. was held over a three day
that’s another story. I thought
period, in about 1972-74. As
at the time that late ʼ20s and
can be seen in the background
early ʼ30s cars were a struggle
this was at the hot-rod and
MYSTERY SOLVED Turning back the clock, I to drive, but veterans are, let us
custom show. Is that the great
remember the day when I say, interesting to experience.
The photo published in Beaded renowned Pink Panther T Bucket
had my first drive of a veteran You certainly have to have your
Wheels 362 for me has sparked down the back? At the same
vehicle. It was behind the wheel mind totally dedicated to the
several replies. I have managed show I was also responsible for
of a 1907 Cadillac. This vehicle job at hand. Andy mentions the
to chat to knowledgeable folk setting up my brother Dennis’
was purchased by the late Jacobson’s Ford T. This would
that I would not have otherwise. 1934 Ford V8 three windowed
William Earnest (Bill) Cockram in have belonged to John Jacobson,
It turns out that the car is about chopped and channelled Ford
about 1948. At about this time proprietor of Jacobsons Car
1931/32 MG F Type Magna in V8 coupe hot-rod Lollypop. This
Bill established a car sales on Sales. A real character of a man,
case other readers are interested car graced the front cover of
the corner of Colombo Street but that’s another story in itself.
to know. New Zealand Hot-rod magazine
and Moorhouse Avenue. Many Perhaps for another time?
in July 1974.
Thanks for your help. decades later this business Trevor Stanley Joblin
Doug Pagel became agents for Datsun. The drive to and from the Amberley
show I will never forget. (Well,
hopefully). Any reader with MYSTERY CAR
CADILLAC DRIVE RELIVED
experience of driving a veteran
I really enjoyed reading Andy car will know what I mean. As always, I love the club
Anderson’s report on the Brakes. What brakes? You have magazine coming into the
veteran rally held on Sunday to be prepared at all times to mailbox.
17 December 1950 from stop. Driving this 1907 Cadillac Mystery picture on page 2 of
Christchurch city down to New along busy Moorhouse Avenue issue 362. It might be a long
Brighton beach. (It’s where I grew with six sets of traffic lights, is shot as I am sure there are
up in from 1947 to 1954). still etched into my memory many places in New Zealand
CLUB REBRAND
As a youth around 1970 I used chase, offered what I believe is it has been an emblem worn incur for little apparent benefit.
to admire the gleaming veteran the perfect title which says it all. with pride, in my case for over I don’t believe we should waste
and vintage vehicles on display 60 years. another cent on it.
The NZHVC. The New Zealand
in a local motor dealership prior
Heritage Vehicle Club. I am offended to be told that And by the way, while I
to the annual rally.
we now need a more stylised applaud and welcome younger
And as usual, I find it hard to
The vintage vehicles I admired design. Why? Apparently to be members, the Club seems to
argue with her.
back then were 40 year old more attractive to a younger have thrived over the last 40
Peter McQuarters
models and seemed ancient to generation. years with the steady addition
Member Ashburton
me. I still love them and it’s my of “older” members.
Ed Note: For more than 30 years to
favourite era.
The rebrand underway cur- my knowledge, we have been What about giving members a
Now another fifty years has rently is not a change of club worrying about attracting vote on it?
passed and the world has name, just logo. more young people and that Barry Barnes
moved on. There are vehicles is a very laudable aim. In my South Canterbury Branch,
now worth preserving, coveting — humble opinion the discarding (Management Committee
1978 - 1992)
and motoring that back then In her most recent message our of our heritage when we are
were unknown cars of the President advises us that the a heritage organisation is not —
future. rebranding of the Club logo is a going to significantly change
work in progress. that for the better. Who has Ed Note:
The thirty year rule is I believe
told us this? Are young people Refer to the President’s
the correct one and although I am bemused as to the saying “We would join up if you column on page 4 of this issue
I adore the words vintage and imperative for such a move. had a modern logo”? for more information on the
veteran, I do think it is time for The existing logo was, as was
a rebrand of the organization’s Let’s suppose we do adopt the process and progress of
pointed out, designed in a piece
name to reflect its role in the a new logo. It can only come our club brand development.
of noble plagiarism based on a
new age. Bentley radiator badge, and to at the additional expense all
me, and I hope many others, rebranding exercises seem to
My wife, who always cuts to the
8 Beaded Wheels
with native flora and plants as find as follows. 6 Late ‘20s early ‘30s Reo Royale
depicted in the photograph. 8 cylinder that was owned
1 1929/30 Reo Flying Cloud
I would not be surprised if it by the late Alf McKenzie of
AWARDS
originally owned by Charlie
was the old county road over Awakere Springs. This car
Edwards of Auckland,
the Karamea Bluff north of may have ended up in the
Westport heading to Karamea, 2 1936 Reo Flying Cloud Model Auckland area
with the image taken looking 6D previously owned by
Any information regarding any
back to Mokihinui. Great looking Malcolm Dean of North Shore
of these vehicles or any other Congratulations to the following
Nikau palms are just what you Branch registration Number
Reo vehicle would be much member who has recently been
can see travelling through here. MD36.
appreciated. My contact details awarded their 60 Year Award.
But equally, this could just be a
3 1935 registered as 1936 are as follows:
good story and it is anywhere
Reo Flying Cloud model 6A John Foot
else in New Zealand a hundred
previously owned by the late 3 Fergusson Avenue
years ago... Waipukurau 4200,
60 YEAR
Florus Bosch of Wairarapa
Eric de Boer Phone 06-858-8301,
Mem West Coast
Branch registration number Email jsfoot@xtra.co.nz Max Jamieson Waitemata
DKG85.
REO VEHICLES 4 1934 Reo Flying Cloud Elite
(I think it was possibly a
I am compiling a register of Reo convertible) which was owned
vehicles, cars and commercials, by Keith Hurliman of Tauranga
in New Zealand and would
like members to forward any 5 1929 Reo Flying Cloud
information you have to me. that was owned by Bruce
There are also some vehicles McDonald who used to live at
that I know of that I would like to 49 Hillside Road Papatoetoe
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Beaded Wheels 9
TIMELINES BOOK REVIEW
top-of-the-line cars were
equipped as standard, with
so many things we take for
granted on the cheapest cars
today being optional extras.
During the 1960s, the
US market was changing;
from the rise of compacts
Photo:©Motorcyclist
and surprise successes such
as the Mustang, to the cost
of insurance and Federal
1970 Hillman Avenger GL
requirements relating to
safety and emissions. Other
Historical snippets of motoring interest from years gone by compiled THE AMERICAN DREAM: marques were providing
by Graeme Rice CHEVROLET IMPALA 1958-
competition to the Impala,
1970
from within GM and outside,
Author: Norm Mort. like the Mopar Hemi.
100 YEARS AGO
APRIL MAY 1920 75 YEARS AGO
Published 2019 by Veloce. By ’65, when a smoother
APRIL MAY 1945 Reveiwed by Mark Holman and more rounded style
Nothing was more annoying
to a night-time motorist than Record-breaker Captain ISBN 978-1-787113-10-7 appeared, the full-sized Chevs
their car or motorcycle’s rear George Eyston wanted to visit accounted for over a third
light going out. “Oil tail lamps, and be re-acquainted with During the 1950s Ford of all GM sales, with about
who wrote, have a habit of jolting Thunderbolt, his eight-wheeled, 60% of that number being
and Chevrolet slugged it out
out.” “The wick jolts down into 5000bhp, twin 36,500cc V12 Rolls- Impalas. This popularity was
to be the top seller in the US
the burner, so the slightest bump Royce engined colossus of a often reflected in magazine
market. For the completely-
extinguishes the flame.” Like a car. Originally displayed at the reports and comparison tests.
revamped ’58 model year,
lot of motoring maladies the 1939/40 New Zealand Centennial
Chevrolet introduced the However, Chevrolet’s own
remedy was surprisingly simple. Exhibition after its three record
Impala. Initially it was a sub- Caprice, Monte Carlo and
An ordinary pin stuck through the breaking runs of 312 mph in 1937,
series of the Bel Air, available Chevelle lines started to eat
wick once it’s been trimmed to 348 mph in August 1938 followed
only as a coupe or convertible. into the Impala’s status, and
the desired height will prevent by a final run 357 mph a month
later, Thunderbolt toured the Many of the car’s body panels the heading for the 1967-70
it jolting down and going out.
country during WWII. were unique to the Impala chapter of the book is “…
line and their triple tail-lights the fading of the American
50 YEARS AGO
APRIL MAY 1970 30 YEARS AGO were a distinguishing feature. dream…”. Although Motor
Rootes new medium car, the APRIL MAY 1990 For the 1959 ‘batwing’ year, Trend said in 1970 that the
Hillman Avenger, was launched Ford’s new Explorer SUV the Impala became a separate Impala 350 had the edge when
in three guises. Economy minded looked very convincing as a series with a fuller range of stacked against the AMC
buyers could have 1248cc, 53bhp more civilized and street-smart body styles. Ambassador, Dodge Polara
model which accelerated to Bronco, beginning its career with This new book from the and Ford XL, the author’s
50mph in 13 seconds, or head strong sales. All that ground to conclusion sounds like a
father and son team of Norm
upmarket to the 1498cc, 63bhp, a halt as Ford experienced its telling one - that pushing for
and Andrew Mort follows
91mph GL which could reach very own Corvair moment with high production numbers
the annual developments of
50mph in 10.7 seconds. Top of the deaths and injuries steadily rising had drained the Impala of its
Impalas until 1970. There were
line was the twin Zenith carburet- due to roll-overs caused by the
performance variants, such as character. But, while it lasted
ted 75bhp GT which could reach Firestone tyres blowing out. Huge
the SS that ran successfully there were some wonderful
100mph on a good day. embarrassment on the part of
at Pikes Peak and on drag cars.
the two firms quickly descended
strips, a station wagon arrived The book ends with a
into a corporate yelling match
with Ford accusing Firestone in 1963, and the bubble-top chapter on some top custom
of supplying defective tyres sports coupe had a distinc- Impalas which are impressive
and Firestone accusing Ford of tive look. Lots of interesting in their own right.
designing unsafe vehicles. So snippets come up in the book. Very well-illustrated with
ended a business partnership Although there was a great photos and lots of neat period
that had lasted almost 90 years. deal of emphasis on increas- ads, this 96-page softcover
Henry and Harvey must have ingly powerful V8s, including should have a lot of appeal to
been spinning in their graves. fans of the ‘bow-tie’ during a
a 425hp option, nearly 9,000
of the 777,000 Impalas sold in classic period of US car manu-
1969 were six-cylinder models. facture.
Graeme Rice
And I’m always amazed Available from various
how poorly such supposedly sources, including Mighty Ape
for $40.
10 Beaded WheelsA column for those who like to
stir the pot … just a little.
SOAPBOX
Taken on the Central Otago
January Sunday run and
overlooking Clyde
THE SILENT MAJORITY?
Central Otago member, Graham Taylor, writes that he is “sure Shakespeare
wouldst have done a topic like this a little more justice.” We thought his opinion
worthy of an airing
Keeping the branch going and fresh, many friendships have built over time, members. I point out that the forms and
editors past and present constantly wonder not only in our branch, but in other VCC information are readily available on the
if their efforts bear any fruit (ripe and branches around the country. VCC website, send out a copy of Puff N
edible that is). We have strived to inform We have difficulty in getting people to Stuff for up to date information, and that
members of our many goings-on and in fill active roles in our branch (not much the prospective member should come
some places, comings-off, of our varied different from other clubs) but we appear to along and find out for themselves what the
branch activities. We are the people who be quite unattractive to younger people or club is all about. We are one of the fastest
have to look for the positive and diminish women for that matter. Is that because we growing branches in the country, as a lot
the negative, then get the message across. eminate the attitude that the 1970s or ‘80s of people are moving in from other areas,
We encourage, we include interesting car (god forbid that it’s Japanese) is only fit ghosts most of them. It seems that this is
content, some funnies, what’s new and to lie in a hole in a very dark place? just too hard for seven out of ten.
what’s mouldering away in the parts dept, However, I have come to the conclusion At our branch executive meeting it was
what’s coming up in the way of events that the unseen majority of members must decided that any new prospective member
and activities to keep you the member not be allowed to dictate, by their silence must, in the company of their proposer,
informed and active. We are the dissemi- and absence, the direction of the club attend a minimum of two official branch
nators and collectors of all sorts of stuff, (apart from the odd whinge that there is activities before the application will be
we have deadlines to keep to and each nothing for them or that they don’t know processed.
magazine takes a month to produce. anyone). And that we must concentrate We, the Central Otago Branch, are
Participation is what we are aiming for, on the active members and activities that moving into our 50th year; our annual
and many of you do, then there are those work. And, our Sunday runs once a month, Blossom Festival will be just that more
who don’t, names who mean nothing to with quite a few impromptu lunch and special. Some of us are going to have
any of us who are active, we get notifica- coffee runs thrown in. A few of us also another enjoyable time. Does that include
tions that members simply disappear, who enjoy participating in other clubs events, you?
were they? National rallies, club captain’s tours and
Given that as we get older and our hard the like. This article represents the opinion of the author
drives fill up, it does take a bit longer to As the now branch secretary I field and in no way reflects the position of the Vintage
Car Club of New Zealand. Contributions up to
relate names to faces, it’s easier for me to many enquiries as to membership,
800 words are very welcome to soapbox. Email
relate names to vehicles but hey that’s just Vehicle Identification Certificates, low beaded wheels@vcc.org.nz
who I am. It’s not snobbery or indifference cost insurance, and other hard won infor-
it may be a little shyness, but in saying that mation which is to the benefit of all club
Beaded Wheels 11THE WAY
WE WERE
Monday 18 December 1950
CANTERBURY CENTENNIAL
▲ Fire Brigade’s oldest.
PROCESSION We were cracking very early that Monday. Brian Joyce (Club Captain)
was on his 1919 600cc James being the Chief Marshall of our very
substantial section of the event. We were a fairly early section of a
huge collection of Industrial floats, sports bodies’ floats, marching
girls – you name it. My memory of it all is almost zero.
We assembled in Christchurch Chambers in Worcester St of diesel trucks. They enclosed
Continuing our series on the
outside the Farmer’s Garage leading over the bridge. The an original maker’s handbook
origins and very early events of
with the Fire Brigade’s big team other big photo in the book in French (which fortunately
the Vintage Car Club as recalled
just immediately behind us. shows a good slice of our I had studied and could thus
by Andrew Anderson
Both teams moved off to slot veterans on Oxford Terrace read) and an offer of agency
into the whole assembly under heading North. for NZ. Obviously Davis had not
Brian’s direction. I remember told them I was a 19 year old
It was a long procession route,
that we did have some student.
which tested cooling systems
horrendous start up problems,
somewhat (Bob Blackburn’s The second response was from
especially with the two Auto
Oakland and one of the Caddies The Veteran Car Club of Great
Parts cars and Farmer’s staff
did a boil-up, quickly fixed). One Britain. It was comprised of a
flat out. Even the details of the
thing the photos highlight is that long letter and two issues of
route itself and actual start
it is a first appearance of not their gazette. I promptly joined,
point have totally escaped me.
wildly accurate period costume, retaining membership until
The photos show the Cook’s
which, as a club, we were the 1970s. Their foundation
IHC and the Garrett Wagon
strongly against. in 1930 was prompted by
in front of the stone walls of
the “circus” element of the
the government building on Back in 1947 when I acquired my
first newspaper sponsored
the corner of Worcester St Panhard – Levassor, I wrote to
Brighton commemoration the
and Cathedral Square going “Sammy” Davis as sports editor
ANDREW ANDERSON towards the Square. The 50
“Old Crocks Runs” of 1927, ‘28
of Autocar in UK for manuals and
VCCNZ and ‘29. Those circus elements
Years book shows the Ridder got two immediate responses.
FOUNDING MEMBER included dress as highlighting
Renault, Cockram De Dion,
The first was from Panhard people as distinct from the
ex-Greenwood Unic, and
themselves, still making their cars, and thus an anathema to
the Rutherford Alldays and
little Dyna cars and a big range those early enthusiasts – rightly
Onions passing the old Council
12 Beaded WheelsGarrett steam wagon
leads Dr Currie’s 20hp
Austin.
▲ Leeston Procession. Croziers ex-Thompson Austin leads
the Cockram’s Cadillac
adopted by us from earliest VCC event didn’t apply and we
days. The vehicle is what the had no circus element so the
Club is about, and owners public at Brighton had only the
and drivers are its temporary cars themselves to enthuse
conservators and thus should over.
do nothing to distract attention
As previously mentioned my
from the vehicle itself.
other photos disappeared into
However in the Centennial 50 Years but these few give a
celebrations we came under good idea of the show and the ▲ IHC Buggy” with the Rambler just coming into view.
very strong pressure from the crowds and the only operational
entire overall committee that steamer we could recruit.
the procession was not just
The Club also gave full support
about cars - it really was about
to the Leeston Procession
pioneer people of that century
thanks to our McLauchlan
of progress and, as a “First
connections. Bill Cockram and
Four Shipper” myself, I could
I, along with David Crozier Ltd,
see the point. We discussed
Chch Austin agents who had the
it extensively and agreed to
Thompson car, all turned up,
organize our part on those lines.
and endured period costume for
Olive Sharman endeavoured
the same reason.
to see that we did it as
authoritatively as we could for
procession-type events.
The rally to Brighton as a purely ▲ Jack Adams drives the Panhard with with Oakland.
Beaded Wheels 1355 YEARS
TOGETHER
ME AND MY 1960 BSA
A10 GOLDEN FLASH
Martin Spicer’s story starts in 1948 when he was
born in South London. The year before his Mum
and Dad went to Hastings on their honeymoon
riding their tandem bicycle. With a young
son now on the scene the family transport
was expanded by a small aluminium sidecar
attached to the tandem.
The arrival of Martin’s sister and brother
heralded the purchase of the family’s first car,
a Phase I Vanguard. Next was a Phase II, then
Words and photos MARTIN SPICER a Ford Consul Classic 315 followed by a Mk III
Cortina.
14 Beaded WheelsLiving in council flats in post-war England we kids had some have his old 1962 Ford Popular 100E, which served us well for many
great play areas, such as up and down the multi-story flats, up years. In 1978 we bought our first new car, a Skoda Estelle 120 LS.
on the roofs, and in the many bombed out houses that were still Now jump forward to 1982. I had been working for six years in
around (no health and safety to worry about in those days). I was Chatham Naval dockyard where we refitted frigates and nuclear
always looking for ways to make extra pocket money. I would go submarines. At the height of the Falklands War the government
door knocking and would ask for any old newspapers or lemonade decided they needed to save some money so they shut down our
bottles. Once I had my trolley full it was off to the recycling shop dockyard, making 7000 workers redundant. This affected 28,000
(yes, even then) where I was given around three shillings. This then people in total, as there were many outside companies who supplied
bought lemonade or Tizer, crisps and ice creams. I next did paper the dockyard. At this time the UK was going through a very bad
rounds in the mornings and evenings as well as window cleaning. period work-wise, with both large and small companies closing every
Now I had money, so I started buying plastic Airfix plane models day. We made the huge decision to emigrate, and after securing jobs
kits - from WWII of course. I progressed to building balsa wood and in New Zealand we left the UK. We brought all our worldly goods
paper planes, then became a diesel-head and bought 1cc, 1.5cc, 2.5cc, with us, including of course the BSA Golden Flash and, don’t laugh,
and two 3.5cc engines. These went into a variety of model boats we brought the Skoda too, as we had heard that cars were hard to
that I built. I spent a number of years taking my boats to Clapham come by and were very expensive in New Zealand. Boy were we glad
Common boat pond. I also paid £24 for a new, 27 inch wheel, five we’d brought the Skoda as the price of second hand cars was through
speed, Dawes bicycle that gave me the freedom to go anywhere. I did the roof. That cheap little Skoda cost us £2,000 new in ‘78. She did
a milk round, washed cars, and when I was 15 years old I worked on us proud up till 1995 when the head gasket blew and some other
Saturdays with my uncle on his bread round. I worked at the Hern problems appeared. It was sold to a Skoda collector for $300. Lynda
Hill Sun Blessed Bakery on Friday nights from 7pm till 7am. bought a second-hand Mazda and I used the Flash to go to work.
When I was 16 I rode a BSA Bantam D3. I had made it into a cafe I worked here as a toolmaker for 32 years for just two companies,
racer, but after six months of thrashing it around London it broke its and Lynda had her own accountancy business. In 1995 we bought
crankpin, so it was sold to a mate for £15. In 1964 I had a look around Zoom, a dinner theatre company. We did spoof shows based on ‘Allo
the London bike shops and bought a 1960 BSA Golden Flash with ‘Allo!, Blackadder, Ab-Fab, Rocky Horror and Faulty Towers. We did
Garrard sports sidecar from George Clark motorcycles of Brixton. It murder mysteries as well, and team building. We also ran a chil-
cost £187 - £40 deposit and £5 a month. In the first year of ownership dren’s theatrical school in Ellerslie, Auckland. We spent around 20
I turned the Flash into a café racer with clip-on handlebars, a racing years in amateur theatre, (Howick, Dolphin and Ellerslie theatres)
seat and Gold Star silencers. After 15 months as a learner I passed my starting off with set building and running the bar, then progressed
riding test, removed the sidecar and sold that. As I was an apprentice to acting roles on stage.
fitter and turner money was in short supply, so after finishing work In 1990 we joined the Auckland Branch of the VCC, and for eight
at 4pm every day I would go to work at the Shell petrol station at the years we took part in all club events. Then in 1998 the motorcy-
Elephant and Castle from 7pm till 11pm. cle coordinator’s position became vacant as Paul Whitehead was
I then started my phase of changing the Flash’s colour scheme. standing down. Colin Tomkins said he would do it, but he didn’t
Starting with the original black and blue, it was resprayed metallic want to do any committee work, so I said I’d do the job with him
blue, then metallic red, metallic green, metallic bronze, black and and do the committee work. Colin ran the monthly meetings while
gold, and finally black. I wrote the reports and attended the committee meetings. After two
When I was 18 I took up scrambling (motocross) and my first years Colin stood down and I then carried on, with help from my
bike was a 500 Ariel HT. I stripped the Flash and raced it for a few wife Lynda for a couple of years, then with Don Green, John Shennan
meetings, but it was much too heavy, so I bought a great 250 Bultaco and Jack Clark who were the meeting’s scribes. From the beginning I
Metisse from the late Dave Bickers. As I couldn’t afford a van I fitted started having guest speakers, sometimes members with their newly
an ex-RAC sidecar chassis to the Flash to transport the Bultaco to restored bikes, other times people who ran businesses that were
race meetings. After a couple of seasons racing I packed it in and motorcycle related. We have had a number of famous people and
sold the Bultaco. My then girlfriend’s father was scrambling a 650 famous bikes and cars appearing at the branch monthly meetings.
Ariel sidecar and I became his swinger, which was quite hard work. Over my time there have been more than 200 speakers.
After completing my scrambling phase I put the Flash back into Back to the Flash – I have ridden it in six VCC National Motorcycle
solo form. Over the following years I modified the bike with alloy Rallies. I spruced up the paint, and stripped and checked over the
wheel rims, Amal Concentric carburettor, Triumph twin leading- valves, magneto and carburettor, for the February Blenheim 2019
shoe front brake fitted with green Ferodo racing linings, six different National Motorcycle Rally. At our branch Hunua 60th Anniversary
seats, five different types of silencers and five types of handle bars, Rally I won the motorcycle section on it. As well as the Flash we have
as well as chroming a lot of bits. I rode the Flash from London to the a 1957 BSA D3 Bantam, 1986 Honda CBX 550 F2, 1939 Morris 14/6,
Isle of Man TT in 1967, 1969, and 1970. 1963 Hillman Minx, and a 1983 Citroen GS Club.
I met Lynda at ballroom dancing lessons, and so our future So 2019 marks my 55th year of continually riding my old bike. As
together as dancing partners, and then a married couple, was I said I have now been the Auckland Branch motorcycle coordinator
set. The first time I took her out on the Flash was to Wimbledon for 21 years, and that’s also 21 years on committee. At our 2017 AGM
speedway, where the team captain was Kiwi legend Ronnie Moore. I was elected as Branch Chairman as well, and my wife Lynda was
We went on to watch speedway at Hackney Wick, West Ham, elected Club Captain. Lynda and my daughters have accompanied
Wembley and Canterbury. We watched motorcycle racing at Brands me as pillion passengers over the years, and now I sometimes bring
Hatch, Lydden Hill, Crystal Palace, Mallory Park and Snetterton. my grandson to the monthly meetings. He loves bikes and he’s only
We also went to dancing lessons on the BSA. When we started to four. Phew doesn’t time fly,
compete in Latin American and ballroom we needed a car to carry I hope you have enjoyed my ramblings – maybe it brought back
my Latin cat-suit and ballroom tails, as well as Lynda’s two dresses. some memories for you too.
Lynda’s dad had just bought an NSU Prinz car so he said we could
Beaded Wheels 15D THE WHE
HIN EL
BE
A CUTE BUTE UTE!
Peter and Lyndall Monro’s 1970 Mini Pickup
Words and photographs GREG PRICE
While awaiting the arrival of Arthur Poll’s little red BMW Isetta But first, a bit of history for those not overly familiar with the
at the 2019 Restoration Rally at the McLeans Island VCC head- Mini phenomenon
quarters, I spotted this small red beauty coming up the Cutler Park
driveway. While still some distance away, and without my glasses
HISTORY
on, I initially thought that it was Arthur’s wee Isetta and that it had
The Mini was revealed by British Motor Corporation (BMC) on
got sandwiched beneath two buses earlier on in the day. But once
26 August 1959 and immediately established a new benchmark for
I’d put my glasses back on however, I realised that the little red car
small-car design and packaging. It was a case of needs-must; the
was not a crunched Isetta, but rather a really cute little red Mini
Suez Crisis had resulted in fuel rationing for the UK and foreign
Ute – also a ‘Restoration of the Year’ contender, but in the commer-
micro-cars were cleaning up in the market. This was Britain’s
cial category. ‘A Cute Bute Ute’ was immediately engraved in my
answer. Alec Issigonis (now Sir Alec) created a clever box, just over
mind as a potential title for another Behind the Wheel write-up, so
three metres long, that employed front-wheel drive and a trans-
all that remained was to convince Peter and Lyndall Monro to let
verse engine, allowing most of the floor pan to be allocated to
me loose on their wee treasure. After twisting both their arms and
passenger and luggage space. It became a hugely influential design.
threatening…Nah, just kidding. They were both more than happy
The first Mini pickup appeared in 1961. In 1999 the Mini was voted
to succumb to the ordeal of being interrogated for this article, and
the second-most-important car in history, (also known as ‘Car of
worse still, letting me loose behind the wheel of their pride and joy.
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