Ford 8 and 10 Car Club

Annual Combined Gymkhana

2011-12-06T14:30:00.001+13:00

Every year this is always a cracker day. Warm, sunny, and red Ant weather (thank goodness for my hat and 85+ sunscreen).

Due to several other events being held on the same day — the Cambridge swapmeet and car show, and the Auckland Santa Parade — the turnout of clubs was a little lower than in previous years, but that didn’t mean we didn’t have a good time.

Six events had all the participants driving in circles, or with a bucket on their head, or hooking and carrying bottles or crates.All this and more than enough time to sit in the shade (or sun) and munch on food and drink.

At the end of the day the Chev Club were declared winners, followed by the Morris Register and then us.

Attending today were Brian and Bev (Ford 7Y), Andrew and Pam (Ford Anglia) Neil and Sue (Ford Prefect), Ant and Karen (Ford Anglia) Stephen (Ford 8 Surf) and Martin (Ford 10 Commodore).

Thames Run

2011-09-16T13:14:00.001+12:00

The 8am Saturday morning start was a bit too early for me, but Martin, John and the rest all departed close to the allotted time. Leaving the motorway at Bombay, they toured through the back roads towards Miranda, and then on to Thames itself.
First port of call was Seagulls, the 'recycling' store at the tip which recovers usable junk and on-sells it to customers. An interesting visit apparently.

Karen and I joined everyone around lunchtime at the next stop, the Museum of Technology based at the old pumphouse. This building used to pump a huge amount water from the various goldmines in the back hills out to sea. Most of the large machinery to do this is no longer onsite, but the original crankshaft, all 70 tons, was recently rediscovered and is still there. The custodians have also built and mounted in the original location replicas of the main flywheels.

We had a brief stop at the War Memorial Monument which overlooks Thames township, before travelling on up the coast to Terry and Joanne’s place. Here we were able to examine the treasures in Terry’s garage, while Joanne made tea & coffee, and provided some munchies for everyone.

Despite being a cool-ish day, we had a good turnout with John (Anglia Tourer), Martin (Y), Chris and Jo (Y), Harvey (Y), Bud & Thelma (Prefect) Paul & Delia (modern), Brian & Bev (modern), Karen & Ant (modern). Andrew also travelled over from Morrinsville in his Prefect.

We then left in dribs and drabs from Terry and Joannes and made our way back to Auckland in the late afternoon.

Galaxy of Cars

2011-02-19T15:01:00.001+13:00

Entry time to display at Galaxy of Cars is supposed to be well before 10am when the public descends, so we planned to arrive at around 9am. Driving along Great North Rd, through Pt Chev just before 9, we came upon the queue to enter the site. Yep, the queue was all the way along Motions Rd, past the Zoo, and around the corner into Great North Rd. Hmmm, that’s not good. Worse still for a car that needs to be started off a jump pack (I mistakenly left the dash light on from the last escapade—oh no !!).

Not fancying sitting in a long queue and letting the old girl heat up unnecessarily, and not yet having had the requisite morning coffee (or breakfast), we decided to head back to Pt Chev and grab some food and caffeine from a local café (The Corner Café, Pt Chev Road: reasonable coffee, good eggs, but the bacon and French toast could’ve been cooked to be a little more crispier).

About an hour later, having had our fill, we decided to try the MOTAT Meola Road entrance. It seemed that many others had also had the same idea, and I think the guy on the gate had pretty much had enough of people trying to get in that way. So it was back to Motions Rd, from which the queue had mercifully disappeared. Unfortunately, the messy organisation remained and we were initially refused entry until we fished out the parking card and whinged about not wanting to sit in a queue for goodness knows how long at 9am in the morning.

Anyway, we did manage to get past the militant gatekeepers and proceeded to our allotted space to find everyone else had set up and were having a natter. John and Jan had arrived around 7:30 am (crikey - that’s barely daybreak for me!!) to grab any bargains that may have been on offer at the associated swapmeet. From the sounds of it, they must have been just about the first people there.

Opposite us with a huge turnout was the Jowett / Bradford club who picked up 2nd prize for club display. One-time member Mike Brain was just down from us with his Bradford pick-up, complete with a running Bradford display motor on the back. This motor ticked over all day, and attracted plenty of attention from the crowd. Terry and Brenda were also attending in Terry’s Bradford, parked just across from us. We caught up with ex-members Gary and Raewyn Norton who had their usual spot with the Stationary Engine people.

It was quite a warm day, and around 3pm after the presentations, people began to drift off home.

30th Anniversary Dinner

2010-09-23T21:22:00.001+12:00

The club recently celebrated it's 30th anniversary with a weekend of gatherings, and reuniting with past members. On Saturday night, approximately 50 past and present members enjoyed a dinner and the chance to reminisce about days gone by.

Founding members Murray Richards and Gary Kelly, with Life Member Estelle Sinclair.

Some of the past and current members at the anniversary dinner.

AGM Report

2010-09-14T18:49:00.001+12:00

This was the first General Meeting to be held at the new clubrooms. What a difference to be able to make tea and coffee on demand, along with heating pre-frozen savouries.

Apologies were submitted, and the minutes from the previous meeting were accepted as read. Ant rambled on about the process involved acquiring the new building at Kellow Place and the hours that several members invested to ensure the move happened inside the short time required.

This year two trophies were presented. Bob Cleland was awarded the Road Runner Cup for the most enjoyable run; this was for the rally around the Pukekohe / Pokeno / Rangiriri area late last year. The Most Dedicated Member trophy was this year awarded to all those members who assisted with the shift from Pooks Rd to Kellow Pl. Every member involved contributed in their own way and this year the trophy recognises the efforts of all involved.

The sitting committee then retired; nominations were called for and in some cases voting took place to determine the new committee for the coming year. Details of the new committee can be viewed inside the front cover of this magazine.

The floor was opened for general business, and discussion took place around the need for the committee to structure itself slightly differently to spread the load a little. Those members present agreed to allow the committee to discuss and assign these new positions as it sees fit.

The meeting closed, members then had the opportunity to chat amongst themselves whilst munching on hot savouries and having the odd cup of tea or coffee.

All Ford Day - Hamilton

2010-08-14T17:31:00.001+12:00

This took place on the 28th of July at the Claudelands Event Centre Grounds the actual event centre in the last few years is undergoing massive rebuilding and the cars are not in one place as before but spread out around the grounds at the rear of the building. As we do not know who is coming and all arrive at different times our little cars are scattered about and not in one area so we cannot put on a proper display.

When we arrived at the BP Service centre at Drury there were no other cars there so as we knew John was going a phone call to Janice confirmed they were already on their way down, so we departed for Hamilton. We took down the clubs large stationary flags plus the individual windscreen banners, which we gave to members who did not already have one to keep, to use at any future events they go to. It was a very nice day, with the sun shining and little wind; there were a lot of cars and people and several very expensive food stalls. A lot of people looked at our vehicles and we made contact with several prospective new members and two people (non-members) asked about selling their cars.

The crowd started to thin out about 2pm and the prizes were given out, during the day an official came and gave Bud a bottle of Amorall Protectant Gel 500mm for us being with our vehicle to answer the public's questions. After the event was over we went and had lunch at the Cooks Restaurant, this is the 2nd oldest building in Hamilton.

All and all this was a worthwhile day as we met two prospective members who we gave membership forms to, old members we only see here and have two cars that members can possibly purchase.

Thelma

The Night Run

2010-05-15T17:55:00.001+12:00

This interesting night run was organized by Martin Healy and started at the Club Rooms, around 6.30pm.

After leaving the club rooms the instructions took us to Great South Road, along past where the old ferry used to be up on blocks (now completely gone) past the Happy Days Restaurant with the bright green Neon lights, then into back streets between the Great South Road and the Southern Motorway to Hill Road, which took us across the Motorway at Manurewa past the Botanic Gardens down the hill to Alfriston School.

At this point we turned right and then left along a road which was quite dark to a T junction where we want right again to follow the route over the railway line into Papakura, all the time we had to think of questions Martin might ask us when we got back.

In Papakura we went along past the Big Grocery Store around past the Police Station, turned right, around the round-a-bout right through the town to the new McDonald's, opposite Foodtown where we stopped for hamburgers and Coffee etc.

Karen came in with Ant she had been to Hamilton to the car racing. He had waited back for her at the start.

After the stop at Papakura we continued along Great South Road under the motorway and turned towards Weymouth on Mahia Road. Then on a series of roads that took us back to the Club Rooms.

On the way we were supposed to think what the answers to the questions were going to be, that Martin was later asking us to determine the winner. Eventually we arrived back at the Club Rooms and had coffee while Martin asked the questions, which decided who was the most observant on the run, like what colour were the neon lights at “Happy Days” and how many speed humps on a certain road. I forgot to write down who won but I am pretty sure it was Ant and Karen, and also John and Janice were up there as well.

Those who came along were Ant and Karen, Chris, John and Janice, Bud and Thelma, Steven, and Martin and his friend Josh. This is the first time we have had a night run for a long time, as having somewhere lit to leave and come back to was not feasible before. The run was all on mainly secondary roads and side roads so we kept completely off the motorway system all together which was good.

Thelma

Karaka Day Out

2010-04-11T12:37:00.001+12:00

The weather was beautiful sunny and warm no rain in sight, Bud and I went for am drive after we left the venue and I don’t think I have ever seen the surrounding area so dry and white, there was very little grass in the paddocks.

I personally thought there were less public attending as other years, as these displays are more or less the same each time, people seem to give some of them a miss as the entrance fees mount up for a family, and there has been the Kumeu Hot Rod Event, Galaxy of Cars at Western Springs, Concurs at Ellerslie Race Course, and Pukekohe Swap Meet Display all since Christmas.

We had an area in the middle of the paddock, and managed to fit in Leonie, 37 Ford 10; Dennis, 46 Ford; Bud and Thelma, 1950 Prefect; Paul and Delia in their Prefect. John brought three cars with members of the family and Brian as drivers (the convertible, Anglia and Prefect) and Steven his 1940 Prefect. In all we had a good display with our new blue windscreen sashes and the blue corner flags in stands.

Thelma.

Concours d'Elegance 2010

2010-03-10T17:45:00.000+13:00

This was held as usual at the Ellerslie Racecourse in Auckland. We were at the rear of the grounds next to the turnstiles the opposite side to usual, next to the fence. As it started to rain we switched our site to across the street under the trees. It was next to an entrance turnstile and we could shelter under the roof.

The members that came with cars were Dennis (46 Ford), Steven (49 Prefect), John brought his Anglia Tourer, Chris (37Y), and Bud and Thelma (1950 Prefect). Paul and Delia and Ant and Karen also came along without their cars so we had quite a good showing.

There were some very nice displays the Mercedes Benz group had huge bunches of red roses and ribbon like material on their bonnets as the theme was Valentines Day. The Triumph Stag also had a Valentines Day display. The crowd did not appear to be as large as usual but we had some interested people looking at our cars and I think some new contacts were made. They had the usual event of cars competing against each other in a cordoned off area to see who was the fastest around an identical course. One of the cars came to grief, didn't stop when he should have.

Most of our cars were gone by about 3pm.

Galaxy of Cars

2010-02-16T17:44:00.003+13:00

This is one event where we can usually guarantee a good turnout of cars, this year we had twelve in line along the back fence of where they usually hold the Swapmeet.

The Swapmeet was transferred to a small area where we usually are along the fence at the side of the large building containing the main aircraft display, (which was greatly reduced inside for maintence) near the train station. Most of the Swapmeet seemed to be General items, not many part related.

As Motat is in the process of redesigning and building new buildings, most of that area was cordoned off by a large fence. We managed to get the biggest turn out of cars for our club events during the year like always.

Paul and Delia brought their beautifully restored Cortina (not their official club car); Harvey, Model Y; Bud and Thelma, 1950 Prefect; Brian, 7W; Dennis, 45 Prefect; Chris, 37 Y; Cynthia, 54 Popular (former member); Peter and Janet, 53 Prefect; Les and Leonie, 37 Ford 10; John and his family, Anglia and Tourer; Steven, 49 Prefect.

Other members were also there but without cars, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Cleland, Martin, and Terry and daughter Brenda, who were with the Bradford section. The Bradfords had at least 26 cars and a great display. They were the overall winners again this year.

This is usually a good day out for members as they bring along a picnic, its not too far to go and all the cars of various clubs are there to look at, so perhaps you will be able to make it next year.

Auckland Luge Video

2009-10-19T20:13:00.001+13:00

Riding with Ant down the luge track at Auckland Luge during the recent club run.

A Country Run

2009-10-18T16:39:00.001+13:00

On a lovely spring day the club did its September run, devised by John and Bob to areas south of Auckland that had seen fighting in the Maori Wars.

The run took us into Drury to St. Johns Anglican Church 1862 where women and children took shelter while soldiers protected them. This church was built on land set aside by Bishop Selwyn.
There is a monument at the rear erected by officers and men of the 1st Waikato Regiment, which was mainly recruited in Melbourne.

From there we proceeded south to Runciman to the Pukekohe East Presbyterian Church which is on a high position to give a good view of the area. It was built in 862 of Totora and Rimu on
the edge of a volcanic crater, and was the scene of a violent battle 14th Sept 1863 between the Kingite Maoris and seventeen men who held the position until help arrived from Ramarama and Drury. There were many Maori casualties, six of them are buried near the church there is a large stone memorial in the church grounds, but there were a lot more taken away, at one stage during the battle a Kereru flew on to the roof and stayed there awhile. There were no European casualties even though the stockade was not finished as well as the defenders would have liked and the Native Bush came up too close to the church.

From there we went down Harrisville Road through Tuakau to Alexandra Redoubt Road tom the Cemetery at the end of Alexandra Redoubt Road. This cemetery is named after King Edwards VII wife and has a lot of restored fortification for the Maori wars visible and one and possibly 2 VC winners buried here. It was built in July 1863 by part of the 65 regiment it is on a hill 300 feet above the river. In the cemetery there is a large monument to the British soldiers who died in the district in battle it was erected in 1915 by the NZ Government.

The next stop was the Queens redoubt in Pokeno there is not much to see here there is a wall and not much else but it was the headquarters for the British invasion in the Waikato it was
finished in 1862. It was a very large fort it was never attacked, the first advance into the Waikato took place on 12th July 1863 from here place as the war moved south the troops reduced and the buildings sold off by 1864 the area around the Fort was for sale. The site is having work done to make it a Major Historical Place.

From there we proceeded south along the southern Express way to just south of Mercer to the Whangamarino Redoubt which was situated on top of a very steep hill just above the Waikato River where they had two 40 pound Armstrong Siege Guns which came up the river on the Pioneer a paddle steamer. Installed to shell the Maori settlement near where Meremere is now. The guns had come from Sydney on the ”Curacoa”. This was a ship designed to be used in shallow waters, the iron turrets on the deck contained guns one of these turrets now stands at Mercer as the lower part of the 1914-18 soldiers memorial.

From there we went for a drive around Meremere exiting at the rear and driving parallel to the SH1 so we could have a good look over the new race track being built there (Hampton Downs) on the old swampy ground. By devious means we ended up at Rangiriri where there was a question relating to sailors and their ships, there were a lot of ships on the river at the time.

After Lunch we made our way over the river to the Glen Murray Road, then by Churchill Road right through to Pukekawa. We then made our way back to the river and once across the bridge
turned towards Tuakau then we followed basically the same route back to Pokeno that we had used in the morning. Where those that wanted to had refreshments, went to the market, ate ice cream or bought some very expensive Pokeno Bacon, before making there own way home. Pokeno is a town that has reinvented its self since the highway bypassed it very successfully
its always crowded.

Thanks to the organizers.

AGM & Property Report

2009-09-19T13:23:00.001+12:00

First, thanks to those members who turned up to the AGM last month. After a presentation from Bob and Chris, and a question and answer session; the resolution to purchase a property previously inspected by the committee at Kellow Place (or one similar, if this one became unavailable) to replace the current club property was passed unanimously.

The passing of this resolution was welcomed by the committee, as much work had been placed into researching the various properties available, and the costs associated with owning said properties. This included almost an entire day touring Auckland and visiting various industrial units that had been short-listed by Paul and Chris. Let me tell you that there is a wide, wide range of units of varying states available. The unit at Kellow Place is quite
a find, and fits all the criteria the committee were looking for.

Since the AGM, the committee has placed an offer on the Kellow Place property, and we are awaiting a response to that offer. Additionally, we are going through the process to list the club's current property with a local real estate agent, and by the time you read this it should be listed.

John and Jan's June Run

2009-07-15T17:11:00.001+12:00

The forecast was for isolated showers but nobody told the rain it poured all the Saturday night and in the morning as we made our way down the Southern Motorway to the R.S.A. in Papakura, where the run was commencing from. The very large car park had a lake in the middle.

No sign of the organizer (may be its been called off) however there is a car there already and gradually more and more appear until Harvey and Val, Bob and Gwen, Chris, Stephen with his father, these people arrive in their club cars, then Brian and Bev, Thelma and Bud, Janice, with moderns plus the organizer John arrived in his club car. Later on Caroline and two flat mates join in a very good turn out considering the weather.

We drove off following the instruction sheet across the Motorway bridge, past Wrightsons Bloodstock sale yard complex, towards Clarks Beach following instructions we went down various side roads, up very scenic hills which looked out towards Pukekohe until we arrived at Patamahohe. From there we made our way gradually crossing railway lines etc, to just outside Waiuku, where we drove down a side street to Mr. Sharman’s property.

Once parked we made our way to his home where he has an area set up with tables to entertain clubs etc, he put on some very welcome coffee and tea for the group and we also ate our lunch’s which most had brought with them before we all made our way to the first shed which housed the model steam train engine and tender and two very large steam traction engines. Mr. Sharman gave a very informative talk about the model train engine and the traction engines. Then we went to another shed which had some seven beautifully restored cars and were told the history’s surrounding them. After everyone had looked at all the things on display and the numerous posters on the walls, everyone went back for another cup of tea etc, before we all departed our separate way.

Morrinsville Weekend Photos

2009-05-31T17:34:00.000+12:00

More can be seen here

Morrinsville Weekend 2009

2009-05-23T15:42:00.000+12:00

Several cars leaving the carpark by the Morrinsville Water Treatment plant during the Morrinsville Weekend in May.

March Mystery Run

2009-04-14T20:21:00.001+12:00

This run was devised by Chris and Mel and commenced from the old Auckland Railway Station in the Strand in downtown Auckland; it took a bit of figuring out the road lay out into the station as at appears to have been altered. Eventually everyone arrived several going around a few times.

After the usual chit chat the papers were handed out, these were in a different format than usual, there were 10 questions, one on each street we were to go along, plus a mystery check point but the streets were not in order, you had to work out the route to take giving what you thought would give you the least mileage.

After running around most of the central city suburbs, we all went out to the terrace at the rear of Chris and Mel's and sat in the sunshine. While the men looked at the Prefect under restoration in the garage the ladies chatted, and Mel prepared the lovely buffet lunch of salads and grilled salmon. This was then eaten outside under the umbrella while the guests chatted amongst themselves about the day out.

The members who attended with their club cars were, Paul and Delia, Martin, Harvey, Brian and Beverley. Chris also had his car there, Bud and Thelma had their KA as the Prefect is still ill and under repair, and Karen and Ant.

After Chris had calculated the winners it came down to mileage driven. The winners were Paul and Delia, Ant and Karen and Bud and Thelma who all received small gifts for their efforts.

Concours 2009

2009-03-20T19:59:00.002+13:00

Concours d'Elegance 2009 was held in the usual place at Ellerslie Racecourse. We turned up a little after the required time, and because of this we had a "special mention" announcing our arrival over the loudspeaker system as we drove through the event to get to our alloted space.

The cars generated a decent amount of interest throughout the day, while we variously went and admired the other cars, or sat around eating lunch, drinking coffee and having a bit of a natter.

It was good to take a look at vehicles that we as a club don't usually see at the displays that we generally partake in.

Those attending were Paul and Delia with their Prefect, Dennis with his Prefect, Chris and Mel, and Ant and Karen with Chris's Y and Martin's Y.

The Big Day Out at MOTAT

2009-02-21T18:11:00.000+13:00

The Lions Car Display and Swapmeet is the biggest day out for the members of the Ford 8 and 10 Car Club of the year. This is the event that all the cars come out to; this year was no exception with a great line up of vehicles.

The cars are supposed to be on site by 9.45am, some came a little later, ours did not come at all as its engine is still on the garage floor awaiting diagnoses of the funny noise it has acquired.

Most people after the Gazebo is erected place their chairs in its vicinity for the day, then wander off looking at the other cars, Motat display halls where a lot of planes reside, the swapmeet, there is a band playing near the swapmeet, and other stalls, various expensive ice-cream and food outlets.

The steam train makes small journeys back and forth blowing smoke everywhere but the children young and old seem to enjoy riding on it. The Trams now also goes back and forth between the two Motat areas and are well patronized.

The first monthly meeting of the year takes place and all members present are welcome to take part. We see many of our members there during the day this year I saw Noel and Terry, and the Chaplin's, I did not spend as much time on the site as usual as Catlin my granddaughter came with us and wanted to see everything three times over.

This was a nice day the sun shone and the wind stayed away, there are things to do and see and no one is bored (as far as I know).

Christmas Dinner 2008

2009-02-01T21:41:00.000+13:00

This was the final club outing for 2008 there is the Kumeu Classic Car Meeting this month but your club car is essential as it is a display meeting.

It was the meal at the Gengis Khan Restaurant at Ti Rakau Drive East Tamaki on Saturday 13th Dec.

One member mistook the date of the event and phoned the following week to ask about it, and was disappointed to find it had taken place already.

Those who did make it were John and Janice and two of their grandchildren; Ant and Karen; Paul and Delia; Brian and Beverly and Bud and Thelma.

The food was nice especially the broccoli soup, most people had several small meals to get the different flavors available in the main meals. The dessert was pancakes with ice cream of your choice. Coffee was also available with the meal. Bar services were there for those that wanted it.

After the meal every one chattered for a while, John and Janice left early to get the children home.

Combined Clubs Gymkhana

2008-12-22T17:40:00.000+13:00

This is held yearly at the Omana Reserve at Maraetai, it looks out to the Hauraki Gulf and is on a good day a beautiful site, and it was one of those the sun shone and the wind and rain stayed away for the second year in a row.

The event in organized by the Chevrolet Club and each club attending puts on two events, so each year there are different things to do. This year we did throwing the blocks of wood into hub caps again and the second one was using a hook to lift partially water filled milk bottles and carrying them a small way and putting them into another container.

Each club runs its first event before lunch, and the second one after, the cars usually proceed from one event to another, There was one this year with the driver blindfolded, towing a tiny block of wood around a course with three bottles on it with out dislodging any. And also a very fast slalom course where the passenger gets out and undoes two spark plugs and puts them back and returns to the car before proceeding to the finish.

Each year there seems to be fewer clubs making the effort to attend this picnic day out, plus unfortunately this year it clashed with the Auckland Santa Parade the points scored this year put the Ford 8 & 10 contingent in last place but it's only a fun day out.

Harvey and Val with his Model Y; Brian and Beverley in their restored Anglia: Bud and Thelma with their Prefect: Paul and Delia modern : Ant and Karen in a modern. John came after lunch in his convertible having been up north earlier and all the way from Morrinsville Andrew in a Prefect.

I hope we have a lovely day again next year and perhaps we will be able to take home the "Trophy" we have had it in past years. This year we had the wooden spoon.

Postscript from Harvey. Hard luck prize of the Gymkhana goes to Andrew of Morrinsville who ran a bearing on the way home. 20 miles short, but managed to make it, so now it's out with the motor and back to the Reconditioners who built it. Now I've put Molyslip in my sump having seen the vulnerability of these things.

The Shaw's Collection

2008-12-01T16:49:00.000+13:00

At the starting line were Brian and Bev, Paul and Delia, Thelma and Bud Semadeni and myself, from the Ford Club. Bud's Prefect was the only Club car out that day, mine having broken a rear axle the previous day, and Paul's with the motor out getting valve and cylinder head improvements, although their immaculate Cortina was again there.

However there were plenty of Fords 8's and 10's at our destination the Shaw brother's awesome car collection at Coatsville. I combined the Model A club with ours and did not extend the trip beyond there, having learnt that the enthusiast can spend hours looking which proved true.

I saw early 7Y Anglia's: a two door and four door C, a two door Y, Prefects including complete and incomplete 38-39 Ford 10's (7W) and a '50's Popular with its tiny headlights in original light blue colour. The only marque I did not see was the square–grilled EO4A Anglia.

There ware also Model A's, three 36-39 Ford V8 sedans and a row of 60's Holden's and 70's utes, many Chev's from the 20's and early 50's many Buicks prewar and post war, all the Austin 7 models, a big Seven and a couple of Ten's prewar Morris 8 and square Minor.

Other makes such as Vauxhall, Dodge, Rugby, and Citroen were represented in smaller numbers. There were old trucks large and small as well so there was something for everyone (except the ladies, maybe!)

Many thanks to Noel and Trevor for their hospitality and I will be carrying the images around in my head for some time to come. Now it's back down to earth and the axle replacement for my "Y" plus a few other improvements and modification while the car is on blocks.

Thanks to the Model "A" Club Members who attended.

Harvey.

Martin's Manic Mystery Run

2008-10-18T18:22:00.001+13:00

This commenced from Jellicoe Park, in Onehunga just after 11am on lovely sunny day one of the few we have had recently, and there was the best turn out of our cars we have had for some time.

The effort Bud and I achieved was also one of the worst we have had for a while, all went well until Cornwall Park, where things went haywire, first after the pit stop, the wrong road was taken as we did not go back to the round-a-bout but took the wrong road, and had to back track.

As our motor has had a mysterious noise for some time we decided not to go up to the summit and proceeded on, to the clue on the drivers side about a caravan, where a nice gentleman decided to talk to us for some time about all our cars that had proceeded us down his street.

Arriving in the Blockhouse Bay area, there was a clue saying turn left past some houses, I said it said first left, but Bud said no that’s not a street. (I believe it was).

Shortly after that the phone rang saying where are you we are all here, in the process of Bud answering it he missed several streets we were supposed to go up or down. Then we went past an area of paddocks full of sheep, I did not recall ever seeing before, shows you what is tucked away in areas you do not realize they are there unless you live in the area.

By this time we decided to go to the finish as everyone was waiting for us, one of the clues was about a building that Bud knew the location of, so we made our way there, then followed
the clues to the final destination.

I think almost all had given up on us by this time, but we at least made it to the end. Everyone was also waiting for Harvey and Val but they didn’t show up someone said they had seen them having a picnic in Cornwall Park, so I guess they had decided not to finish.

Those that went were John and Janice, Ant and Karen, Chris with Mel and Alison, Paul and Delia, Harvey and Val, Thelma and Bud, Martin (organizer), Jim.

July Club Run

2008-08-18T17:12:00.000+12:00

This commenced at the car park at Western Springs which is near the new Valentines Restaurant and was organized by Harvey and Val.

The group of club cars departed at 11am for West Auckland, going along the North Western Motorway, and then Highway 16 towards Kumeu, turning off on to the Riverhead - Coatsville Road, which in the distant past was a main route North towards Whangarei. We then turned off just before Coatsville on to a series of scenic side roads, going past the North Shore Aero Club, and later down Glenvar Road which takes one to Beach Road, which when followed goes through most of the Eastern Beaches which look out to Rangitoto Island which is a dormant volcano just off shore and is a prominent feature of the outer harbour.

We made our way through busy Takapuna, on to Lake Road which goes down towards Devonport where the Naval Base is located doing a circuit of one of their playing fields then on down interesting old streets to Devonport it’s self, where we stopped for lunch at "Clarrie’s" one of the many cafes.

Devonport is a mixture of old and new there are a lot of Art Gallerys, antique stores and small select stores and is busy on a weekend with sightseers wandering in and out the shops. After lunch and a wander about we all returned to the parked cars, and departed to Vauxhall Street where the museum we were to visit at 2pm was, it is in an old church behind some trees and a big gate which was very tightly shut and apparently according to some local residents was going to stay that way.

So to Plan B, go home or go somewhere else, John and Janice left to visit relatives while the Brewers and us decided to go to North Head where the first pilot station for Auckland was established in 1840. Then the first Defense System for Auckland was originally established this was used by both the army and the navy. The army left in 1950 and the navy in 1996.

North Head is a volcano it’s proper name is Maungauika, the first guns were installed in 1885 and for a number of years afterwards prisoners were used to reconstructed the gun sites and build tunnels and storage underground for searchlights and magazines for the guns installed there. Three disappearing guns were installed there as well; one still remains and is now one of the few left in the world.

We spent some time there climbing all the over the mountain going in and out the tunnels and gun placements a very interesting afternoon was had.Those who went all had club cars they were Harvey and Val (organizer), John and Janice, and Bud and Thelma.

Bowling Night

2008-07-21T15:49:00.001+12:00

This was held on a Saturday night at the Panmure 10 Pin Bowling Complex and was organized by Delia and Paul.

Delia organized the three teams into the three lanes held for us. There was a drink (glass of wine, handle of beer or a small bottle of soft drink) plus a very nice hamburger that arrived on a food trolley to the lane complex we had. The cost wasn't too bad as we had two complete games and the refreshments for $22. Before the bowling began a few of us had a play on the 2 cent Poker Machines that flashed and beckoned in the far corner, none of us made a fortune I am afraid.

There was a great deal of laughter and cheering and advice as members tried to knock down the pins, one person reckoned one was glued down as all the others would fall except this one. After the bowling was over some of the big boys played on the simulated car racing machines I am afraid I would not like to be with Ant in his racing car as it did some spectacular end over ends and ended up very battered, both him and Paul won one race each. Then there was the Fighter plane one and a table game that was fast and furious two or more people slamming yellow disc's up and down a table until they dropped into a slot at the other end. The games have certainly altered over the years you have to have very fast reflexes these days.

After all the fun was over we made our way to the car park and all our modern cars and made our different ways home. A much bigger turn out than usual, all I think in modern cars as the older cars are difficult at night on Auckland streets and the motorways, those there were....Brian and Bev, John and Janice, Paul and Delia, Bob and Gwen, Bud and Thelma, Chris and Mel & his daughter Alison, Steven and friend Irene, Martin and work mate Josh, Ant and Karen.

There were some good scores on the night including Alison with 203 (a little assistance here as when she slid the ball down the assisting slide, barrier arms came up to prevent the balls going in the gutter a great way for children to enjoy the game). But the final tally up by Delia of the score sheets makes, Martin in first place, Delia in second, and Ant in third. Congratulations to these people.We must do it again next year some time as a lot of fun is had by those that come along.

Phil's Fun Run

2008-06-13T18:01:00.001+12:00

This took place on Sunday the 25th from Westhaven Drive which is along the waterfront towards the Harbour Bridge and the meeting spot looked out across the Marina with all it’s millions of dollars of pleasure boats towards Auckland city and its high-rise buildings and with the Sky Tower prominent amongst them.

This was put on by the Morris Register Club and they had by our standards a very good turn out of vehicles of all types, we managed to swell their number by four vehicles, two modern, Brian and Bev, and Bud and Thelma, and two club cars, Chris and Mel with his daughter Allison, and Martin both in Model Y’s.

This run was different to all others we have ever been on it consisted of a series of parts of photos, and you had to drive around in a radius of the inner city area Grafton Bridge was the outer circle and identify the picture and where it was taken. This was a good tour of the area most people avoid owing to lack of parking around Britomart, the Vector Arena, cranes on the Container Wharves, Parnell Cathedral, The Rose Gardens, the Museum, Central Fire Station, The Civic Theatre, The Art Gallery, Victoria Markets Chimney, The Bird Cage Tavern, to mention just a few. This was a rally with a difference and was very interesting and scenic and covered such a short area.

After the run people sat around and ate their lunch while the papers were marked, we did not participate in the prizes, but most did reasonably well.

We would like to thank the Morris people for allowing us to participate with them, it’s a while since we have done so, and we extend an invitation to them to come on our runs.

April Picnic

2008-05-23T14:52:00.003+12:00

Took place on Sunday the 27th April perhaps a little late in the year for such an event, but it was cancelled the week before for those people who wished to attend the street racing in Hamilton. Those that went to the racing all said it was great.

Those who turned up in front of the Observatory in One Tree Hill Park, were Brian and Bev in their club car. All the others were in moderns - Ant and Karen, Karen’s daughter Sarah with Hayden who is talking and walking well, Paul and Delia, and Bud and Thelma (apologies were received from John and Janice who had paid for a run with The VVCC which included dinner) and I passed Harvey and Val's Y going south on Saturday.

As it looked like it was going to be a deluge in the next little while the group all adjourned to Ollie’s Ice Cream parlor, for the rest of the time. The parlor is right on the roundabout at Royal Oak it is two lanes and 5 streets merging a very busy intersection.

Quite a few sundaes, bowls of chips, hamburgers and coffee later, and playing on game machines the group dispersed, to make their individual way home.

Easter Experience

2008-05-02T18:36:00.003+12:00

We had 3 Prefects, 3 Y’s and 2 Mini’s to start with and were later joined by 3 Popular’s (one Zephyr powered) and 1 Fordson (V6 Powered). All we needed were a 100E or three to complete our range of marques, are these in the club?

We had an excellent run through back roads to Hamilton and lunch at the lakeside. Harvey and Val became separated from the main group through uncertainty over road signs that had been vandalized at Thackeray Street, lost too much time obtaining oil and trying to get out of Hamilton with inadequate road signage and an out of date map and no compass! A used-up prepay cell phone etc so went straight to Cambridge and motorcamp. Very nice here with amazingly few guests for a fine Easter, so we had it largely to ourselves. The rest of the group arrived shortly afterwards and it was community fish and chips or hot dog, or hamburger and chips for the first night.

Next morning Ray and Ollie from Cambridge ran the day’s trip through back country roads east of Hamilton. Very enjoyable, never been there before, there was a quiz as well, very challenging, but Harvey mucked up the directions and had to make another mercy dash back to the motor camp to save time having lost a lot. To the Prince Albert restaurant for a-la-carte dinner that night, good ambience and food there.

Up early next morning for Steve and Cazna Payne’s run which was by devious routes to the awesome Early N.Z. museum at Tirau, a look around the antique and craft shops and then on to Putaruru to an interesting early car display housed in "Burger King" style "50's" décor (this building used to be the post office). Then to a hydro-station at Arapuni and around Mangatautiri Mountain and back to Cambridge by devious routes. Some of the lads went over to Te Awamutu to view Steve’s workshops and cars then a dash back to clean up for dinner at the Riverside Diner for a smorgasbord meal, hosted and entertained by Gerry Merito, late of the Howard Morrison Quartet. Prize giving happened as well for the previous days quiz with Chris Kite taking the honours for accuracy and diligence.

On Monday it was home again by more devious and scenic routes, popping out on to S.H.1 just north of the old Meremere Power Station. Many thanks to Ant and Karen, Ray and Ollie, Steve and Cazna for their hard work, good ideas and a successful weekend!

Harvey.

Easter Rally Photos 2008 - Day 3

2008-04-05T16:35:00.003+13:00

Parked at the museum just south of Tirau:

Crossing the swing bridge at Arapuni:

Parked at Arapuni:

Crossing the Arapuni dam:

All images are clickable for a larger view, and further images are available here.

Easter Rally Photos 2008 - Day 1

2008-04-04T15:18:00.006+13:00

Exiting Lyons Road

Parked at Victoria Square, Cambridge

End of Day 1: Parked at the motor camp ....

... and discussing the day's travels

All images are clickable for a larger view and more images can be viewed here

Concours d'Elegance 2008

2008-03-25T18:17:00.006+13:00

This annual event is held at the Ellerslie Race Course the main race track in Auckland there are several large buildings one of which housed the Rare Classics and Performances cars plus various outlets selling car magazines, pictures, and a cafeteria selling very expensive food.

This year the event was hosted by the MG Car club who aimed to have 100 vehicles on display I think they made about 60. Many clubs had displays there not all were entered in the special judging class for best vehicles, which I believe was slightly modified to take in account the drizzly weather during the early morning.

Our club has not gone for a few years which is probably why we were given a spot right at the end of the show next to the fence where the Car Fair is usually held on Sundays, this was completely hidden by a row of trees. The officials came along several times during the day and apologized and said they will do better if we go next year.

As this was our official outing for this month and car and passenger got tickets to go in for free, which unfortunately did not materialize until the Monthly meeting, and as lot of people went to the Galaxy of cars no one had them, so I took them to the event to give out to members arriving, however only Dennis had phoned to enquire about going. While I was standing waiting to give out the tickets I got to see all the cars coming in either driven or on trailers. So from this you can gather we only managed to get two cars to display, Dennis in his 1946 Ford 10 and Bud and Thelma in their 1950 Prefect.

During the day a few people came to look at the cars and we have one prospective member in Hamilton with a Cx who took a magazine and a subscription form. Martin and Roy were talking to us over the fence and Delia and Paul came along in the afternoon, Paul managed to lock his keys in his vehicle in the car park but the AA opened it up for him.

I walked around about 5 times looking for a vehicle I saw come in on a trailer from Hawera which appeared to have a Prefect badge on the back. It was a van but I could not find it, I think it had gone it was a very distinctive colour of bright yellow and green. The show was closing down at 4.30 as we made our way out, in the light drizzle which had started falling again, most of the day had been fine.

Kumeu Hot Rod Event

2008-03-08T15:51:00.004+13:00

For many years now members of the club have been taking their cars to the club car display on the Sunday of this two day event. In the early days a lot of our cars went and people made it a picnic day out, however over the years the numbers attending have declined but we always have a few there.

Next year we are going to make it an earlier start as there are now huge numbers attending and we were in the actual arena this year along with a great number of other cars but it is a little out of the way for the public to walk so the foot traffic was a lot smaller. But we could see the entertainment quite close up. This was a stunt outfit doing crashes and jumping over ramps etc, and a tank running around squashing things. In the last act of a car driving up a ramp and jumping over a line of cars the driver was apparently hurt. (They do not use roll cages or bars) as a ambulance came later and he was taken to hospital.

The sheds had the usual highly painted Hot Rods some are works of art. There are lots of unrelated stalls and others of automotive content. Swapmeet items and vehicles for sale in various states of restoration (or non as the case may be). A band plays most of the day and Mr. Whippy does a good trade along with other food outlets.

This year it was warm and dusty as we were next to the trotting track and the wind was quite strong. They have a prize giving but I did not hear who won as we were too far to hear the address system, but I do not think any of our vehicles had the entry forms up on the windscreens.

We went home about 2.30pm, along with the Chaplin’s, John had gone about 12 noon as he had something else to do. So as you can see the club had three cars there John in his Tourer, Peter in his Prefect and Bud and Thelma in their Prefect, also with us were 2 Cortinas driven by members of the Chaplin family who are trying to start a Type of Cortina Club.

I saw no other members there this year, one person who had a friend wrecking some cars near Wellington said he may donate some parts but he has made no further contact.

Galaxy of Cars 2008

2008-02-28T13:21:00.002+13:00

This annual event hosted by the New Lynn Lions held at the Museum of Transport and Technology has been the clubs venue for the past few years where we have also held our February Committee Meeting.

This year however it was decided to hold our monthly meeting back at the parts shed to enable members to access our wealth of spare parts which previous February’s they could not. But knowing the event is a very good source of contact with the public for promotional purposes a token representation of members attended the function.

The weather was a little kinder on the day with less heat than the previous few days. On arrival although we had our usual spot we found that the plane hanger had been moved with the aircraft parked temporarily on the grass. This condensed space was beneficial to us as the public were obliged to pass all around our displayed cars to access the railway station and to view the aircraft. Therefore more than ever comments were heard such as "Oh I learnt to drive in one of those things" and my father owned one etc.

Lots of questions were asked us re the pros and cons of English Side Valves which made it a quite satisfying day for the club. It seemed to be more busy, or more so, than other years, with the swapmeet sites doing a brisk trade.

One popular attraction was a "White" steam car that "chuffed" around the field of parked classic cars always with a following of people. Motat seemed to lay on all its fleet of trams ferrying passengers back and forth to Motat 1 via Auckland Zoo. There were three Auckland ones dating from 1904 to 1937 a Wellington "Fiducia" type and a Melbourne tram, also an early steam tram that standing passengers shared the foot plate and coal box , whilst the driver cum fireman, and conductor shoveled coal in to the fire box, all very exciting and interesting to a big kid like me any way.

All too soon time passed and by about 3.30pm the fields of classic cars had vanished home leaving lots of empty space until next years event, this year we had three Prefects, a Prefect Ute an Anglia Tourer and a "Y" on display. Those members with cars were John and Janice with daughter Caroline, Harvey, Paul and Delia, Dennis, Bud, also seen there were many other of our members some at other display sites or just strolling about.

Cornwallis Beach

2008-02-22T16:43:00.002+13:00

I looked at the prescribed starting time with some trepidation as our local knowledge says that the car parks will be full there on a fine Sunday and so on arrival at the Ranui Clubrooms I emphasized a prompt departure.

A nice surprise awaited us, Brian and Bev Coutts newly restored 1938 Anglia was in attendance resplendent in Maroon. This was their second attempt at a club event as their motor had shed its timing sprocket at Whitford en route to the recent Gymkhana at Maraetai.

Not far along the way Bud chewed his distributor drive in an attempt to catch the three fast Fords disappearing over the ranges in front and its just as well Paul and Delia had their modern there that day, as they were the shepherds at the back and were able to return to the parts for a replacement distributor and shaft so with these fitted the Prefect arrived at Cornwallis without too much time lost, followed by Paul and Delia.

If I hadn’t been in such a hurry I would have adhered to the Model A Club's policy of watching the car behind you. Anyway the weather stayed glorious and the tide was right in and the parking we got could have been worse as cars were stretched all the way up the roadside when we left.

Those in our group who had managed to secure a covered and sheltered barbecue table held it for a remarkable long time before being chased off a spear point by the natives (they had two tables but as not many came relinquished one). Harvey and Val went swimming and sunbathing (on the sand) while Thelma and Bud caught up with their daughter Annette and son in law Roy with their adopted daughter Caitlin in a pleasant setting under a tree, these two are kayak enthusiasts and disappeared far and long (Caitlin goes with Dad).

Present on the run were Brian and Bev (Anglia), Bud and Thelma (Prefect), John and Janice (Anglia Convertible), Ant and Karen with grandson Hayden (Modern), Paul and Delia (Modern), Harvey and Val (Y) - scribe.

Postscript:
Bud and Thelma were not trying to catch up, the engine just got slower and slower until it ceased in a big cloud of Smoke from the exhaust accompanied by a large bang.

Paul who was behind helped Bud get it off to the side, it was on the steepest bend of the road, the bonnet came up and Paul checked out the fuel etc, they then turned it around and decided to see if it would start freewheeling down the hill. They got to the bottom of the winding road with out any luck, while Delia and Thelma followed in Paul’s car.

Paul then worked out what was wrong by, them slowly turning over the crank handle, the drive was in two pieces luckily the broken piece was in place and was able to be removed. Paul put in the new one and away it went.

Big thanks to Paul for diagnosing and fixing the car.
Thelma.

Christmas Outing

2008-01-18T14:11:00.000+13:00

This year the committee decided to go to South Auckland so people in that area would find it easier to attend so they decided to go to the Gengis Khan Restaurant in Ti Rakau Drive, East Tamaki. This was situated in a group of other restaurants, and bars; along side there were shops and factories that had plenty of parking in front. One of the members could not find parking in front of the venue, and he had brought his club car, so he decided not to come as he did not want to have his vehicle out of sight.

This is what is called a Mongolian Restaurant, there is various options for dining you can have soup, entrees and salads if you want or all three but the main meal is cooked by a team of cooks on a huge hot plate, they are cooking about eight meals at once. You keep moving around and when it is cooked it goes on your plate.
You get a bowl and go to a area where all the food to be cooked is and select the combination that you want out of pork, meat and chicken, add the various vegetables that you would like in your stir fry along with a selection of sauces and oils then you move along to the cooking area.

If you don’t like what you have created when you get it back to your table you can start all over again. There was a bar available for those who wanted it. Afterwards for dessert there was a pancake hot plate in operation, and you added the toppings you required. Quite a number of people in our group had several helpings of things they liked.

The secretary Delia had booked a long table for everyone but not as many turned up as expected so some was removed. Those there were Janice and John, Brian and Bev, Bob and Gwen, Chris and friend Mel, Paul and Delia, Karen, unfortunately Ant could not come as he was indisposed, Thelma and Bud. Those who attended seemed to enjoy themselves.
Thelma.

Combined Clubs' Gymkhana

2007-12-04T15:49:00.000+13:00

This is held at the Omana Reserve at Maraetai, it looks out to the Hauraki Gulf and is on a good day a beautiful site, and the 11th November was one of those the sun shone and the wind and rain stayed away.

The event in organized by the Chevrolet Club and each club attending puts on two events, so each year there are different things to do. This year our club had one involving water, and another with lifting tins with a billiard cue which seemed to be a lot of fun.

Each club runs its first event before lunch, and the second one after the cars usually proceed from one event to another, some are slow like guessing how many revolutions your wheel travels in a certain distance, to very fast slalom courses, where you sometimes have to get out and undo a spark plug or similar and put it back half way along.

Each year there seems to be fewer clubs making the effort to attend this picnic day out, the points scored this year gave the Morris Register the trophy, followed by the Chevrolet Club. Morris Minor, Ford 8 & 10 and the Chrysler contingent, some cars swap drivers so those that come in moderns can participate. I noticed that some had members from other clubs driving for them probably against the rules but it’s only a fun day out.

This year John and Janice came with their extended family driving a modern, a Model “A” and his Bright Yellow Ute as well as his Tourer which had a large dint in the front owing to having been hit by a Pukeko on the Far North VVCC run.

Harvey and Val with his Model Y; Bob and Gwen in their green Prefect and Bud and Thelma with their Prefect, Stephen (modern) and Ant and Karen in a modern.

I hope we have a lovely day again next year and perhaps we will be able to take home the “Trophy” we have had it in the past one year we won it with two cars and three people.

The Great October Run

2007-11-22T18:10:00.000+13:00

This took place on the 14th October a week earlier than usual owing to Labour weekend.

The run started from the Westgate Shopping Centre Car Park, at the end of the North Western Motorway, Massey. This is quite a large shopping area which in the future will get much larger as they have bought a big area on the other side of Highway 16.

Upon leaving here we traveled north along Highway 16, before turning into Old North Road, the next turn was into Peak Road, which takes you back to Highway 16. at Kaukapakapa. Followed this route passing all side roads until Makarau Road, this eventually leads through very scenic country side through valleys and hills, over the railway line at Woodcocks on to Warkworth. On the way were farms, forests, rivers and streams including several waterfalls.

The vehicles all met up again at the convenience car park in Warkworth, before going on to lunch a little further along the road, at a café looking out over the river. As it was quite windy we stayed inside instead of venturing on to the balcony.

Following lunch we made our way to the Warkworth and District Museum, which is in the country side just south of the town. This is a surprisingly good Museum and well worth a visit if you are passing through Warkworth a town most just pass through on their way north. But there is quite a bit to see and a well made walkway along the river.

After leaving here we traveled down S.H.1 turning off at the Puhoi turnoff, we were met at the store by Ted who escorted us to his home, where we were to drop off a reconditioned started motor for the Prefect he is restoring he also has a lovely red Austin that he has completed. A lot of time was spent in the very large garage workshop looking at the two cars. While there his wife Joy made everyone tea and coffee for afternoon tea and we had a interesting discussion about “Eels” how to catch them and smoke them.

For the final leg home some went by main road, while three went a back way, to Highway 16 and a reverse of the morning run. Those who went on this very interesting run were; Brian and Bev, Steven and his partner Irene, Paul and Delia, Thelma and Bud, and the organizers Harvey and Val.

Model A Invitation Run

2007-09-08T18:22:00.000+12:00

This took place on Sunday the 19th August commencing from the Park just as you come into Waiuku. After a week of rain the day turned out fine if a little breezy.

After we arrived and met up with some of the friendly people of the Model "A" Club including Gavin Welch who was our Club’s President for a number of years, he was driving his Fathers Model A, we were handed out instructions sheets with the route interspersed with questions, Their questions were different from our’s in that they were on both sides of the road, however we managed to find most of them I think,then right at the bottom of the second sheet there were two questions one asking how many bridges we went over and the other how many Kms we had covered. (It pays to read all the sheets in advance).

We did a small drive around Waiuku then proceeded through country roads to Pollok, Matakawau, and Awhitu and onwards to South Head. The drive was very scenic and the country side fresh and green after all the rain we have been having lately, at one place they said if we looked hard enough we would see Australia, and at another look down if we dared, the bottom of the valleys are almost out of sight the hills are so steep.

Arriving at South Head Car Park all the cars lined up on both sides of the parking area, for lunch and to take a walk up the hill to see the Lighthouse which has been rebuilt at the top near the signal station. The lighthouse has been in several different sites, but is now back on the original site and has been restored it was not open when we were there, but sometimes it is. It is not now used as a working lighthouse.

On the opposite ridge about 100 metres away just below the crest is the signal station, it looks out over the Heads where the bar is clearly visible, it is a very narrow entrance way and it shifts all the time, it is a very dangerous entrance and a number of ships have come to grief there, with large loss of life.

Following lunch, we set off again following a new set of instructions, but without questions this time, turning off at Central Awhitu to follow Kemp Road, missing out Awhitu itself, and then turning off again at Pollok and going down Cemetery Road to Lees Gully Road (Did you see the Cemetery on the hill) to Te Toro, Waipipi and on through Waiuku.

Then we went out behind Pukekohe seeing two large Stationary Engines, going over a ford at the bottom of a steep hill, passing through small towns and market gardens until we reached the host of the days home (Paul and Louise) where there was a barbecue cooking sausages, to go with the chips, garlic bread, pizza cakes, and loaves etc; a real feast for everyone.

The host was a collector of all manner of things from models of vehicles, tins, tractors to be restored and 100’s of number plates. This was a long rally but very pleasant and interesting with a lot to see along the route. We would like to thank the Model "A" Club through Harvey Brewer for extending the invitation to us. Perhaps they may come to one of our Runs.

Those that went from our club were Harvey and Val, Paul and Delia, and Bud and Thelma.

Run to Orewa

2007-08-28T18:39:00.000+12:00

This took place on Sunday 15th July the weather wasn’t marvelous it was dull and overcast with a cold wind blowing but it was a nice easy run through the countryside taking in Kumeu, Kaukapakapa, Waitoki, and coming out near the Silverdale on ramp to the Orewa Expressway, which comes into Orewa on the top side and makes its way onto State Highway 1 north of the main shops.

Those which attended were John and his friend Jim (Tourer), Ant and Karen, Thelma and Bud (Prefect) and the organizers Harvey and Val (Model Y) apologies were received from Chris, and Bob and Gwen.

During the run there were signs everywhere of the damage from the storm earlier in the week, mainly trees damaged and blown over there was a very large one down in the yard of the B&B at the intersection of the Parakai and Helensville Road they were lucky it ended up just short of the building, in some places later on whole rows of trees were down.

At Helensville the men headed for the Automania Model Shop, on the left just at the entrance to the main street. There are models of all manner of vehicles to make up, and already pre assembled.

Leaving there we drove to just short of Kaukapakapa where we turned to the right and proceeded to Waitoki, where the daily rain started but it did not last too long and had ceased by Silverdale, I felt sorry for all the bike riders who were out it, as it was cold as well.

The café we went to was called "Walnut Café" and was at the far end of town just before you start up the hill to Waiwera (well known for its hot pools). It was in very nice surroundings back off the road, it had wide verandahs in front and at the side where we had tables as we did not have a booking and it was very busy owing to a birthday party. (They were covered in with clear plastic covers and were quite cozy.)

Everyone ordered from the nice range available from cakes and pies to a good range of hot and cold dishes. The food that we received all looked and tasted very appetising.

After lots of talk and laughter we all dispersed our separate ways. Bud and I went down to the beach front and watched the wind surfers and their parachutes for some time there were a lot out as no people were swimming and they were all along the beach, in the wild and choppy surf.

Thanks to Harvey and Val for coming up with the route and the excellent café at the end, if you are into the coffee circuit this is one to check out.

Drive to Pine Harbour

2007-07-08T16:24:00.000+12:00

This months run commenced at the Auckland Botanic Gardens in Manurewa a suburb south of Auckland, for those not familiar to Auckland it is where they hold the Ellerslie Flower Show Event in November (so named because it originally was held at Ellerslie Race Course).

The two sections of the run were put together by Janice and John Gardner. The first section was by suburban streets out to Redoubt Road which goes for a long way when you are looking for a Tuatara (a little blue lizard on a gate post). Eventually going by other roads past Ned Kelly made out of coloured drums to Whitford.

We then went past a bird garden some very smart houses in a big circle the “ford” was a road sign saying “Rutherford” back on the main road we turned into the Formosa Golf Resort, where the road ends at Pine Harbour, the Life Boat on display came off the Mikhail Lermontov and there were a lot of Norfolk Pines (everyone had a different answer to this).
Once in the Gateway restaurant we were seated together at two joined tables some of the meals took a little while to arrive but they were very busy as they were catering for another car club as well who had a large gathering. There was a small group in a tent affair playing live music outside it was pleasant to listen to.

After the meal the second part of the run took place with a tour through the streets of Beachlands this was in straight line navigation, after this the cars proceeded to Maraeti where we drove along the waterfront. Once back to the main road we proceeded to drive around the scenic coast line to Duders Beach, then turned inland to Clevedon, up West Road which included a very steep hill at the end. A couple more streets and we were back at the Botanic Gardens Car Park.

After a brief chat to everyone we all went our separate ways. We ourselves had a walk through the Gardens they had a brilliant display of poppies; there has been a lot of work done over recent times here if you are coming to Auckland they are well worth a visit.

Those that went on this run were Stephen and his friend Irene, (modern); Jim, a friend of John in his Zephyr Ute; Martin and his apprentice Josh (Y); Brian and Bev (modern) his car is almost ready; and Thelma and Bud (Prefect).

Thanks to John and Janice for doing this interesting run through areas you would not usually go, its always interesting to see different things.

Notes from the Breakfast Run

2007-06-16T13:13:00.000+12:00

This took place on Sunday 20th May commencing approximately 8.45am with a Buffet Breakfast held at the ex "Springs Restaurant" now called Happy Days which is situated opposite the very nice Westerns Springs park which has a lake in the centre. This lake was the early source of Auckland’s water, the Pump house is now part of the exhibition buildings at Motat just along the road.

The meal cost $12.90 per person, and had various types of porridge and cereal, a selection of hot food like bacon, beans, sausages, hash browns, omelet, kidney etc. Juices, toast and various spreads, and of course a tea and coffee dispenser of different styles.

Those at breakfast were Paul and Delia; Ant and Karen and daughter Sarah with son Hayden; Ngaire; John and Janice, and Bud and Thelma.

After breakfast we were joined by Chris with his friend Mel for a short run devised by Ant through the suburbs to Parker Avenue in New Lynn where West Lynn Gardens are situated.

This is a garden planted on a site where there used to be a nursery, it is run by volunteers. Part of the attraction is a nice building with clear sides, fully enclosed from the weather where they raise Monarch Butterflies. As well there are paths wandering in and out of various levels with of plantings of camellias, azaleas, maples with larger trees as well.

After everyone had wandered about the gardens and made friends with the resident cat we all dispersed our separate ways.

City Run

2007-05-14T16:35:00.000+12:00

The run this month was around parts of Auckland where we seldom go commencing from the old Central Railway at the Strand in Parnell. This has now been converted into accommodation for students, the railway lines have been extended into Auckland to the Britomart Transport centre and is a new underground railway station built.

Those who came on this run on a lovely warm sunny day were Paul and Delia, (Prefect) Chris and daughter Ellie (Ford Y,) Bob and Gwen, Thelma and Bud, (Prefect) Ant and Karen the organizers with apologies received from John and Janice.

The run took us along the waterfront past the new Vectra Stadium, Ferry Buildings, to Victoria Park, then to Franklin Road a tree lined street where at Christmas the households compete to put on the best Christmas Light Display it makes for a marvelous sight, into Ponsonby, where we commenced a page of the dreaded straight line navigation around the back streets.

The properties in these narrow tree lined streets with traffic blocks all the way along are very sought after, and huge amounts are paid for them, they are very often done up inside to a very modern standard the only thing remaining of the original dwelling is the fronts, very few of them have a garage or room for one so the cars are parked on the street which does not allow for a lot of passing space.

Eventually we made our way along Meola Road past the Keith Park part of Motat where the Airplanes are housed and where the Galaxy of cars is held in February, to Pt Chevalier Road traveling down it we came to a Café just before Coyle Park, a large open park for picnics and walking which is an entrance way to the nice inner harbour beach of Pt Chevalier.

At the Café the early arrivals had secured a large area in the corner, which was big enough for all to sit around the tables and have a pleasant time together over coffee and snacks of the buyer’s choice.

Eventually the gathering broke up and made their individual way home, a few were going to watch the racing at Pukekohe on the TV, others went for a walk along the beach in the sun before going home.

All in all it was a nice small run in an area you don’t normally go to, as it is not one of the main routes to anywhere.

On this run Paul and Delia had their very nice green Prefect which Paul has had for about two years, he has been overhauling the motor and getting it to a excellent standard, it was the first major run it has been on. Delia is not so sure of the absence of seat belts. It has a very low mileage and is original right down to the working wing signals. Paul is not sure if he is being seen so uses hand signals as well, as no one thinks to look at window level half way down the car for a signal.

Harvey's Run

2007-04-28T14:31:00.000+12:00

This was the official run for March there are a lot of other events on this month but this was the clubs chosen event.

The cars assembled just over the railway line at Papakura on a grey cloudy day with rain threatening, after the usual chatting to each other and comparing notes the vehicles departed towards Clevedon our first stop, where we were to look at the Sunday Market, Harvey did not realize there were two markets open one a gift and hand made items type in the local hall and the other a farmers market, most people wanted to go to the farmers market so after a quick look in the hall most made their way back to the farmers market, to see the breads, honey, vegetables, smoked salmon, hand pressed olive oil, etc.

After this we were going to the Museum Harvey had seen advertised (the McNicholl Homestead) but the first people to drive up the side road came back to report it was closed, so we continued on to Kawakawa Bay where we parked in the picnic area for morning tea. There was a large gathering of ducks to assist us eating our food, when they were sure there was no more left they abandoned us in favor of a newly arrived group.

The daily rain started just as we drove out toward Kaiaua, our wipers were not going so well so it was a relief that it was more drizzle than the heavy rain we had been expericing during the week by the time we pulled into the car park next to the very busy Fish and Chip shop it had eased off. For those out side Auckland this shop has a reputation as being the best shop in the area with fresh fish caught I imagine in the Firth of Thames which we had been driving alongside for a lot of the way.

After purchasing our bundle in paper we adjourned to the park to join up with those who had brought picnic lunches.
Some of the party left the group here as they had other engagements in the afternoon, but they had enjoyed the run.

From here we went past the bird sanctuary, where birds from as far away as Siberia come in over the summer a lot of people take walking trips to see the birds, past the Hot Pools at Miranda to Waitakaruru, where there is a Antique type shop each time I go in there I think they have more stuff, I don’t know if they ever sell anything.

While there a group of people who had seen the cars stopped and talked to members and looked at the cars they were very interested in them and also to find out what the smell they had been encountering on their travels (ensilage). After I left a gentleman approached Terry to ask about the cars and told him he had a 7Y.

From here people had the option of returning the same way they had come or to go on the Thames Road towards Auckland, turning off just past Mangatawhiri going down Lyons Road towards the Hotel De Vin a very posh establishment, they have weddings there, and a helicopter pad where guests can arrive.

After driving up the winding hills you come out at Hunua Village then proceed down through the bush and fern clad gorge back to Papakura.

The attendance on this run was the best we have had for some time, in club cars were Philip and Pat, Harvey and Val (organizer) Martin accompanied by Terry and daughter Brenda, John and Janice, and two granddaughters, and their friend Jim who came in his club car a Javelin, Chris and lady friend Mel, Bob and Gwen accompanied by a Japanese visitor, Bud and Thelma, and in modern cars Ant and Karen, and Paul and Delia.

Galaxy of Cars

2007-03-06T18:05:00.000+13:00

This is held each year by the Lions Club as a fund raiser for charity at the airplane section of Motat opposite the zoo, the hangers are open and you can look at the planes stored there. They have displays of stationery engines, a swapmeet, a band plays during the day and lots and lots of cars come from all the various car clubs right from the early 1900’s.

This year there were a large number of cars probably to the brilliant sunny weather with almost no wind the gazebo’s were up in force some years we have not been able to erect ours owing to the stiff breeze blowing. We held the first committee meeting under it later in the day most of the committee were present, also some of the club members.

The steam train was operating during the day taking children and adults back in time with a short ride the stretch of track is not long but I notice that the extension to the tram track is almost open it will go from the main buildings of Motat on Great North Road along almost to the zoo gates before going across Motions road down to the main hanger in the airplane section lights have been installed on Motions Road which I presume will stop traffic as the tram crosses.

Martin brought the swapmeet parts from the Parts Shed and set them up along with his pieces and Bud helped him most of the day, the club selling about $75 of odd parts people had donated along with Ford spares. Thanks to Martin for collecting up and bringing them in and taking unsold parts back.

We had a good range of vehicles there this year, more Prefects than others but different cars than other years which was good, a lot of people looked at them and George a member from Kaitaia took a club application form for a person up there who has just acquired one.

Dennis Owens’s 1946 Ford 10 made it under it’s own stream this year it broke down on the way last year, he has a collection of cars of various types.

We did not win any of the presentations this year John was hoping his 1949 Australian Anglia Tourer might win one. But there were a lot of cars there this year more than usual.

Kumeu Classic Car Day

2007-02-26T11:53:00.000+13:00

This took place for the club cars on the Sunday the event covers both Saturday and Sunday but the club cars mainly go on a Sunday. Some of the members go both days to see what they can find in the swapmeet, apparently there were very lean pickings for out type of cars this year. Martin went to the club rooms and picked up our swapmeet things we have collected over a period from various donations and took them there along with his and his flat mates.

Once we had arrived with our cars Bud went across and sorted them out into a group to sell over a period Martin and him managed to sell a small amount for funds. There certainly is a vast number of stalls and parts of all description on offer, old classic cars in varying stages of restoration on trailers etc. being offered for sale.

The band played all day on the stage they were quite good I listened for a while, near them there was a bell on a pole which required very strong people to hit a spring with a large sledge hammer to see if they could move the marker up to hit it, that was entertaining to watch as people thought they were stronger than they were.

There were all manner of food stalls and several bars. I saw in the paper someone rode a motor bike into one and did a wheelie hitting several children the police were not impressed. A helicopter was doing a brisk trade at $50 a ride from the show rink itself it was taking off and landing all day.

There were the usual very flash Hot Rods in the buildings beautifully painted and upholstered, some are really magnificent there did not seem to be so many out side as usual but there were quite a few car clubs there with their vehicles. We had the usual number of people looking at our cars saying a member of their family used to have one at some time I think everyone in NZ owned a Prefect.

I saw a number of past and present members there, Bernie Engleback, Brian Coutts, the Gold Family who were selling their two partly finished Y’s and Brian Bracey. John Gardner also rang later to say that the Chaplin Family apparently arrived at the departure spot late after we left, with their Prefect and two Cortina’s and were placed in another area when they got to Kumeu unfortunately.

Annual Gymkhana

2006-12-28T18:12:00.000+13:00

This was held at the usual place at Omana Regional Park commencing time 10am, duly arriving there after a lot of threats by the driver that the navigator was taking too long getting out of the house he found that he was the first car there.

After making our way through the big wooden farm gate we parked near a small tree on the side and waited. Gradually cars from other clubs came along; the clubs that took part this year were the Morris Minor, Morris Register, Chrysler, Chevrolet, and Ford 8 and 10.

The sun shone and a light wind blew with no hint of rain making it very pleasant, tables and chairs came out along with gazebos and the members of the clubs admired each others cars.

There were three events held before an extended lunch and three afterwards your club did the one where eight small blocks of wood had to be thrown from a moving vehicle onto a target if you landed one into the hub cap it was a high score four by the passenger and four by the driver.

Next year we have to do 2 events, as they have decided to scrap the roster scheme and each club attending is to put on two events. The event will be held on the last weekend in November and the Chev club will book the venue etc.

There from the club were John and Janice Gardner in their restored Anglia Tourer, Bud and Thelma in their Prefect, Paul and Delia Stewart (modern) who participated in the mornings events in the Prefect later at lunch time along came Bob and Gwen Cleland (modern) and more of John and Janice's family who had a picnic in the park with their children. Brian Runagall was there for a while also. Paul and Bob did the afternoon events in the Prefect, while Bud and Thelma put on the clubs event.

After all the events were completed and the score sheet handed in to Linda from the Chev Club who compiled the placings, the club members gathered around to hear the results which were aggregated on points scored to number of cars competing. It was found that the Morris Minor Club had won for the second year running and we had come in second, we only had two competing cars and actually had won some events.

Thanks to those members who came to this interclub event and picnic a good time seemed to be had by those attending, including Honey the dog who likes to lay under the parked cars between events.
See you there next year.

Bakelite

2006-10-29T16:44:00.000+13:00

We've recently had a query on how to clean up bakelite, so here's some information gleaned and compiled from the net:
Bakelite is a thermoset plastic. This is a plastic which starts molten as a liquid but once solidified, does not revert to its liquid state when heated. In crude terms it consists of a resin (which gives the glossy appearance) plus a bulk filler material, usually wood flour. The shiny surface you see and admire is the top layer of resin but this is often very thin. It is created during manufacture by the pressure the ingredients are under while setting. Once rubbed away through atmospheric action, over-enthusiastic polishing or by scorching in the sun's rays, it is lost and nothing will bring it back. You are then left with a pitted mixture of resin and wood flour (or sometimes asbestos powder), and wood flour, being very fine sawdust is not that glossy.

Provided that the top layer of resin is intact, bakelite is not porous; the recommended method of cleaning is a very dilute mixture of water and dishwashing liquid, with an overnight soak being best to get rid of any grease. After drying, a light buff with Polishing Paste No. 5 which also goes by the name Baykobrite. This product apparently contains a very light scourer and a waxy agent which highlights and protects the gloss finish. It was formulated by British Telecom to refurbish old bakelite phones to new condition.
A description of Polishing Paste No.5 and an ordering link is available here. It's listed here at $USD15 for a 60 gram tube. Baykobrite can be ordered from The Radiophile, Larkhill, Newport Road, Woodseaves, Stafford, ST20 0NP, (phone/fax 01785 284696), at £3.00 a tube plus postage (approx). If anybody knows of a New Zealand distributor or supplier, please let us know.

If your bakelite surface is rough, then there is a good chance the top layer of resin has worn away, and no amount of soapy water will assist. In this case, you need to cut away the discoloured layer. There are two different methods to do this:

Use a fine grade of wet sandpaper (180 grit) and progress up to 600 grit.
Use an abrasive polish, in particular the car polishes that contain dark brown paint pigment. Rub on, allow to dry and buff away the residue.

After this work, inspect the surface. Shoe polish (dark brown) can be worked into the surface to fill any remaining pits and buffed off a few hours later. Several applications may be needed to achieve a truly smooth finish. Lastly, use a clear liquid wax polish and buff to a high polish finish.
It's likely that this will need to be repeated every 12 to 24 months or so, as without the original resin surface, bakelite is porous. Remember, it's mainly a mixture of wood flour and colouring agent.

There are a number of methods to maintain the finish. Probably the most permanent is to have a good painter to spray the bakelite with a number of very light coats of clear lacquer. Other, less permanent, and perhaps less worrisome methods (after all, you'd need to have a lot of trust in your painter after all that work), are:

Application of Meguiars Plastic Polish #10 (should be available from Repco or Super Cheap Autos stores, although they may need to order it).
Application of Mothers Pure Carnauba Wax. This wax is completely non-abrasive, so can be used as often as you want to keep the bakelite protected without removing any of your previous hard work.

There is one report of a person smearing on a very fine layer of petroleum jelly with a clean rag, and then lightly buffing off the excess. If you apply too much, the bakelite will start to exude drips in hot weather which can be simply wiped off. Apparently the jelly gets absorbed slightly and doesn't seem to attract the amount of dust one might think.

Email us if you have any further tips.

Vice President's Rally

2006-10-07T17:17:00.000+13:00

It was a sunny day when we met at Westgate car park. Those who arrived before Karen and myself had enough time to have a quick browse through the nearby outlet stores before we all started out down State Highway 16 toward Helensville.

Early on in the rally a few people tried to take the State Highway 18 turnoff toward Riverhead, rather than Riverhead Road – a likely trap for young players. However, there were also other obscurities to capture those of us who've been around a little longer; and I think everyone got caught by travelling up a no exit road to get a specific house number.

Further on, we had to count the number of horseshoes on a couple of gates. From memory, there were about 26, and I think the owners of the property in question probably spoke to each of us on the run, as they were out in their garden at the time.

Finally we came out of the back roads and into the village of Waimauku, where we then had a short journey to Bees Online, a cafe and honey centre where you can view a working honey factory.

We arrived a little before most others, so went and procured a large enough table. When everybody else arrived, we had coffee and some food, and discussed the finer points of the rally and who did what where. It seemed to me that everyone enjoyed themselves and it was good to see some new(er) faces amongst the regulars.

Those who attended were: John and Janice Gardner, Bev and Brian Coutts, Delia and Paul Stewart, Bud and Thelma Semadini, and Karen and family.

Parts Available

2006-09-04T12:10:00.000+12:00

The club has available the following new items as follows:

Front exhaust pipe: $75
Rear exhaust pipe: $75
Head gasket – 8hp: $60
Head gasket -10hp: $60
Head gasket -100E: $60
Manifold gasket: $15
Sideplate gasket: $15
Sump set: $45

All prices are quoted in New Zealand dollars, packaging and shipping are extra.
All parts are subject to availablility and prices are subject to change without notice.
Parts are sold to members only.

Coming Events

2006-08-22T17:18:00.000+12:00

10 September: Whangarei Swapmeet and Car Display, AFFCO Building, Kioreroa Rd, 8am.
10 September: Classic and Japanese Bikes and Parts Swapmeet. 7:30am, Claudelands Showgrounds, Hamilton. Gate 1, Brooklynn Road East wing fully undercover.
30 September: Manawatu VCC Manfield Swapmeet, Feilding.
21 October: National Die cast Models and old toys fair and Swapmeet, Northcote.
22 - 29 October: Dunlop Targa – Main Event.
27 - 29 October: City of Cycles Motorcycle Show, Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre, Manakau City.
19 November: Cambridge Swapmeet.
25 - 26 November: Waiuku Flying 50 ,167 Kitchener Rd Waiuku. This includes a street race around Waiuku for European cars built between 1900 to 1975. Steam train rides. For details contact Roger Phillips (09) 235 0057 or roger@lotuscars.net.nz
20 - 21 January 2007: Classic Car and Hot Rod Show Kumeu.
11 February 2007: Car, Bike and Machinery Show. 11am on the grassed area between Railway Hotel and Otaki Railway Station. Funds raised for Scouts and Guides.

A Country Jaunt

2006-08-13T14:06:00.000+12:00

The usual winter weather a few showers but not enough to worry anyone. The assembly place for this run was the BP Service Centre on the Southern Motorway at Drury; a lot of car clubs make this their starting point.
From there the cars proceeded to the first off ramp at Drury, and turned left to go through the industrial area at Drury, before turning into Bremner Road which took us across the motorway and to answer the second question: how old was the bridge.
Along a little way we turned sharp left, into Jesmond Rd and another trick was to find the horseshoe, apparently we were the only ones that did. After this we traveled towards Ramarama and turned down Kerns Road.
After traveling past small farms and answering more questions we eventually arrived at Tuakau and resisted the temptation of going into the big secondhand shop. Further along we crossed over the Waikato River and made our way up the hills to Onewhero Village, and beyond finding the Chateau name, and locating Anita the big pelican/stork guarding the letter boxes.
Onwards through very pleasant countryside to Pukekawa which seems to have one closed shop and a school and a church. After finding the name of the manor house we descended the hill and over the river bridge at Mercer.
There is a new bridge over the highway at Mercer which took us up into the back of Mercer Township to see areas not visible from the main road. There was the remains of a tractor on top of the hill which Bud said was the same model as one he had driven on his family farm in the 1940’s. This was a road I had not been on previously and there were great views of the surrounding countryside and the river (Waikato).
Coming down we went across the railway line, along into a tunnel under the expressway, up a hill and down the other side; there were no signs to say this was a motorway entrance road anywhere, but we eventually did meet up with the motorway and proceeded as per instructions to stay on the left and exit at the Pokeno off ramp.
From there it was a short run to the township where we parked off the road at the café. As we had been taking our time and looking at the scenery we were the last to arrive, but we were not eliminated, in fact when the sheets were marked we actually won.
As there were only three cars (two club cars) and one modern that was not difficult, every one won a prize of a box of chocolates descending in value according to the place you came. Thanks to Janice and John for these.
Those that went on this very pleasant scenic drive were Ant Kite & Karen Preston (modern), Bob & Gwen Cleland (Prefect), and ourselves Thelma & Bud Semadeni (Prefect).
Thelma.

Breakfast Run

2006-07-15T17:48:00.000+12:00

This was a change from the usual times to see if people would like an early morning run starting by having breakfast in the downstairs breakfast room at the Albion Hotel this is one of the oldest original Hotels in Auckland. At one stage there was I think one hotel for each 143 people in Auckland.

When we arrived John Gardner was waiting to see where to go in the hotel, and he told us to go over the intersection and come back around the lower block as it was a no turn left street, when we came back up he directed us to the pay parking area $5 a day for Sunday, which was good as it saved us driving about looking for a place.

Going downstairs we saw Ngaire and Roy who had been on night shift sitting at a table watching the soccer on the big screen TV. You order your breakfast from the selection on the blackboard behind the counter, cereal, fruit, yoghurt, bacon eggs, hash browns, sausages, baked beans etc with toast and coffee or tea which you can have refills off. When prepared they bring it to your table.

After everyone had finished breakfast it was decided to make the run a small one, owing to the lack of cars just along the waterfront to Mission Bay. Once we had all arrived and parked we made our way to the old Mission buildings which has been turned into the Mecca Restaurant for coffee, the management made us up a long table inside the original building with its high peaked roof just like being in a church with church like windows.

Various forms of coffee made their way to our table, some even came with marshmallows, and Trevor Huggins very kindly announced that he would pick up the bill for the whole group. They have a Brunch menu on display and some very nice plates of food were going to other tables perhaps we could go there for breakfast at some future date. After the coffee we made our way outside on to the walkway along the beach and everyone gradually in their own time made their way along the beach front dodging the passing showers under trees etc. After arriving back in the car park they dispersed on their separate directions homewards.

Those attending the monthly run were Trevor and Kiri Huggins and grandson Lorenzo, Ant Kite and Karen Preston, Roy and Ngaire Wilson, John and Janice Gardner (Prefect Ute), and Thelma and Bud Semadeni (Prefect).
Terry and Joanna North and daughter Brenda, and Jack Breekveldt who accompanied them, came to the breakfast only, as Terry had some urgent work at home.

Thelma.

NZVCC 60th Anniversary Rally

2006-06-10T16:14:00.000+12:00

Invercargill became the vintage car capital of the world for two weeks in January, when the NZ Vintage Car Club held its 60th Anniversary International Rally. Around 970 vintage and classic cars took part, some being shipped from overseas especially for the event, ranging in age from 1903 to the 1960’s.
The South Island roads are renowned as being some of the best in the world for vintage car events, reflected in the 300 overseas competitors from Europe, USA, Scandinavia and Australia. Many of the overseas entrants borrowed vintage cars from NZ enthusiasts; others shipped their own vehicles from as far away as England.
The highlight for many was the public show day at Oreti Park, with all 970 cars on display. An estimated 14000 locals came to see the cars which produced the biggest traffic jam ever seen in Southland, with queues of up to 3 hours to get into the park.
Competitors had various organized runs to places of interest such as Te Anau and the Catlins, as well as a timed gravel hill climb and a thrash around Teretonga Track for the sporty types. Just as important was the social side of the event, with organized meals and entertainment every evening in the huge Southland Stadium.
There was a Rock n’ Roll night, a Scottish night, and a German Beerfest night complete with oompah-pah band. A dinner and a prize giving on the final night was attended by over 1900 people.
I only spotted 3 side-valve English Fords, and I think they were all South Island cars, a Prefect (approx 1950), a 7W (approx 1939) with a 10HP motor, and a beautifully restored Fordson truck which seemed to be at full revs everywhere it went.
My wife Pat and I took our 1953 Riley, which covered over 5000km in the two weeks including the drive to Invercargill and back, without missing a beat. We had been planning this trip ever since reading about the last big International Rally based in Christchurch 10 years ago to mark the 50th Anniversary of the NZ Vintage Car Club. And it lived up to all our expectations, especially the empty roads and beautiful scenery in Southland, and the wonderful Southland people who did everything possible to make the visitors welcome.
Definitely an under-rated part of the country.
Phillip Pearce.

RetroWheels.co.nz

2006-05-23T10:06:00.000+12:00

RetroWheels.co.nz is a new website that specializes in the trading of automobiles dating between 1960 and 1985.

" Retro Wheels is a joint venture between 3 enthusiasts from different areas of life and business that all share a common interest and passion for the preservation and driving of classic and retro cars. The web site has grown out of both an idea and a need to have an up to date site catering for fellow classic car enthusiasts.

We aim to provide an easy to use and well laid out web site that allows you to find what you are looking for. Our ultimate goal is to become a dominant web presence for retro and classic cars on both the local scene and eventually the global market. "

To launch the site retrowheels.co.nz have extended an invitation to club members to use the site and some services free of charge until end of August 2006.

Coming Events

2006-05-12T18:13:00.000+12:00

07 May: Marineland swapmeet and car display; contact rossandhelen@xtra.co.nz
13 May: The annual Wellsford/Warkworth Swap Meet.
28 May: NSRA Annual Automotive Swapmeet and display; Spring Street Car Park, Tauranga.
10 June: All British Day at Bruce Mason Centre Nth Shore. Cars attending to be in covered parking lot entrance from Killarney St, by 9am if you wish to attend. Contact bg.davis@auckland.ac.nz
09 July: 26th Annual Rotorua VVCC Swapmeet; 7am Rotorua Racecourse dpburr@xtra.co.nz
29 July: Tornado Rod and Custom automotive parts Swap Meet. Shaw Street, Timaru.

Easter Rally Photos : Day 3

2006-04-28T17:40:00.000+12:00

Easter Sunday: drive to Waihi and back.

Bud & Thelma (Prefect) and Chris (Model Y)

Jack & Debra (Anglia Tourer Ute)

Attracting interest at the historic rail station.

Old Jack. He's most impressed with his 12" stroke, but Debra thought the Weight in Working Order was more appropriate!!

Easter Rally Photos : Day 2

2006-04-28T17:34:00.000+12:00

Easter Saturday: travelling to Coromandel township and back.

El Presidente going for a ride at the Waiau Waterworks, Coromandel.

The Model A club also visited the Waterworks while we were there.

Bud & Thelma exiting the carpark.

Easter Rally Photos : Day 1

2006-04-28T15:28:00.000+12:00

Good Friday: travelling from Auckland to Thames.

On the road between Bombay and Miranda:

Model Y (Chris)

Prefect (Bud & Thelma)

Anglia ute (Terry, driven by Jack & Debra)

7W ute (Terry, driven by Martin); and Fordson pickup (Terry).

Resting at Waitakaruru:

From front to back: 7W ute, Prefect ute (John & Janice), Model Y, Prefect, Anglia ute.

Between Ngatea and Paeroa, crossing a canal on the Hauraki Plains:

Prefect (Bud & Thelma)

Prefect Ute (John & Janice)

7W ute (driven by Martin) and Model Y (Chris).

After arriving at Seaspray Motel at Waiomu Bay, Bud tries his hand at fishing.

Coming Swapmeets and other Events

2006-04-10T16:31:00.000+12:00

14 April: Waihi Goldfields Railway celebrates 100 years of Rail.

22 April: National Die cast models and old toys fair and swap meet Northcote.

23 April: British and European Day Te Awamutu Raceway.

30 April: British & European Motoring show, Flemington Racecourse, Australia.

07 May: Marineland swapmeet and car display contact Ross (06) 844 7323 or email.

13 May: The annual Wellsford/Warkworth Swap Meet (Sat).

28 May: NSRA Annual Automotive swapmeet and display Spring Street Car Park, Tauranga.

10 June: All British Day at Bruce Mason Centre Nth Shore.

April 2007: The Australian National Sidevalve Rally of Australia, Cootamundra, NSW. If you would like to take part contact the Anglia Prefect Car Club of Australia, P.O. Box 195 Eastwood, 2122 NSW. or email.

2006-04-09T11:47:00.000+12:00

An artice regarding an exceptionally rusty Model Y can be found here. I'm surprised there were any salvageable bits at all.

South Island Modified Fordson

2006-04-07T15:35:00.000+12:00

Recently Terry North and a friend rode their motor bikes from Auckland to the Main Land going across to the South Island on the interisland ferry; luckily for them it was calm both ways. Just after they came back there was a big storm with huge seas.
Terry’s bike was a 1988 350 Jawa which apparently gave no trouble on the trip.
Terry went down as far as Queenstown where he stayed with former club members and friends Roger and Kay for a few days. On the way back he made a point of going to a Wreckers yard in Oamaru where he had heard there was an unusual Fordson Van.

This van is unusual as it must have been made especially for the previous owner a baker; it has two doors on one side and one on the other plus the rear door. There are windows in the side doors. It is lined on the inside also and Terry considers though it has been there for some time (the wrecker thought it was too good to wreck and just stored it) that it is restorable.

The company that owns it is AUTO LAND DISMANTLERS, Owner Richard Cromwell, Main South Road, Oamaru ph (03) 434 9838, or email.
If you are interested in this vehicle he would accept a fair price as he would like to see it restored.
Hopefully you can get an idea from these photos that Terry tried to get the best angles to show you the features.
If any member acquires this for restoration let the club know, so others in the club can watch your restoration progress.

Classic Car Auction

2006-03-07T15:09:00.000+13:00

Turner's first classic car auction for the year is to be held on 11 March starting at 2:30pm, at their Penrose branch. There's nothing of particular note for us Ford 8 & 10 fans, and over half of the vehicles are post-1980. Can someone tell me since when did a 1993 Lexus became a classic??

Galaxy of Cars

2006-02-21T18:39:00.000+13:00

This was on a long week end this year perhaps that is why there did not seem to be as many cars as usual. The weather was fine with a stiff breeze so we didn’t put the Gazebo up this year.

This year the club took some swap meet items in this was done by Terry who collected them from the parts shed and towed them in behind his little truck, his sister in law driving in his other display vehicle. He set up the stall and manned it for a lot of the time other members taking turns to give some help so he could look around.

After the meet the remaining items were taken back to the parts shed by him a big effort on his part. Many years ago we owned a Vauxhall 10 and the spare front and rear windscreen glass was there which a greatfull Vauxhall member took home.

A lot of interest was given to the Ford Special of Roger Birchall he has only just rejoined after a long absence after reacquired the special which he sold a number of years ago, it has been for some of the time down the South Island. His brother showed up later with a 1907 International that also attracted quite a crowd about it.

We have some one looking for a nice car to buy. Eric Welch brought over a gentleman for a form and told him all about the club. Our display was a lot smaller than usual we had two utes and a small truck and two Prefects turn up plus the Special.

Thelma

Kumeu Car and Hot Rod Show

2006-02-11T17:09:00.000+13:00

This is getting bigger and bigger each year there are a huge amount of stalls and swapmeet sites it takes a long time to walk around them most people seem to go out and look, then go out again. The main swapmeet is on Saturday for the serious collector, the car show for clubs is on the Sunday, the Hot Rods are in the sheds away from the elements.

This year the weather on the Sunday was warm with a little breeze, when we arrived at the showground’s from the meeting site there were already two cars from the club there, and we parked as close as we could to them.
There is a band that plays on the stage and a variety of food stalls, the grounds are licensed so the liquor facilities do a good trade.

This year there were several helicopters giving rides for I gather $45 for 6 minutes there were long queues waiting. A rocket car in the arena was started up with a lot of noise for a few minutes.

I think almost all families in NZ must have owned a Prefect at some time by the comments you hear, "My Grandma or Grandfather had one of these." "We used to go on holidays in these, where did we all fit plus the luggage?"

Representing the club with their club cars were: Berni - Popular, Rod with Tracy's Prefect, Peter and Janice - Prefect, Dennis - Prefect, Bud and Thelma – Prefect.

Thelma.

Galaxy of Cars: 5 Feb 2006

2006-02-02T21:05:00.000+13:00

Galaxy of Cars is being held at Motat (Motions Rd Entrance). Drivers of displayed vehicles are free, passengers $8 Club members bringing cars to display, please be on the site by 9.45am.

Coming Events

2006-01-14T21:07:00.000+13:00

21st / 22nd Jan: Kumeu Classic Car and Hot Rod Show
Club members meet at the corner of Red Hills Rd and Don Bucks Rd @ 9am.

22nd Jan: Zodiac Car Clubs Ford Picnic
All Fords welcome. Rear of Southwards Car Museum, Otaihanga Rd, Paraparaumu. For details, ph (04) 2972530

The Mangere Bridge Santa Parade

2006-01-10T19:27:00.000+13:00

For once it was overcast but not actually raining until Santa was almost finished his trip down the main street of the town ship. Last year it blew a gale and the poor fairies almost had hypothermia, traveling along on their float. The funniest thing this year was a person dressed up as a chicken she was really good made everyone laugh with her yellow legs dancing about …

The sudden shower at the end rather spoilt the after events in the park as most people headed home with their children instead of coming around for the lolly scramble and carol singing etc.

There were a lot of hot rods all making a great deal of noise; some veteran cars the oldest seemed to be 1905; the Vauxhall club was there and quite a few older style TQ’s Phil Johnson had two on a trailer, the Scottish pipe band played well, a number of RSPCA dogs, some floats with angels etc and the dressed up Kiwi Bird.

I think there were more people in the street than usual all the children were saying "toot the horn toot the horn" so there was a lot of noise from the different vehicles from little squeaks to huge air horns.

After a while we made our way around to Jim Boag’s for the BBQ, which was as usual a very pleasant event, most people bring along some food to share, salads, cake, homemade bread, meat sausages, nuts and raisins, etc.

The Shaw’s were there already; Gavin Welch who organized the parade with Angeline, Martin Healy, and Bud and Thelma went. The parade had two members of the club in their club cars Ken Carly in his Y and Bud and Thelma Semadeni in their Prefect ... Ken did not go to the BBQ as he lives at Pukekohe and had been in hospital recently so he went home.

Thelma.

Classic Car Auction

2005-11-29T17:51:00.000+13:00

Upcoming classic car auction at Turners on Saturday 3 December @ 2pm. Included is a 1938 Ford V8 sedan.

COMING CLUB

2005-10-07T21:40:00.000+13:00

COMING CLUB EVENTS.

16th Oct Vice Presidents Rally a week early owing to
following weekend being a holiday
Place of departure Car Park next to Springs
Restaurant, Western Springs 10.30am bring a
Picnic lunch. Final destination still being worked
Will stop at a café and a place of interest.

5th Nov Committee Meeting 4.30pm
Club and Parts Night from 5pm BBQ bring
A plate children and fireworks
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE AND TIME

12th Nov …25th Anniversary Dinner at Dalma Court
7.30pm assembly time
Nov 13th Annual Inter club Gymkhana
At Omana Regional Park Maraetai
Check with Ant later on to see if we are going

4th Dec Committee Meeting 11am
Club and Parts Day 12 noon to 2pm

December we usually do the Santa Parade at Mangere Bridge, and have BBQ after no details yet
January is usually Kumeu Classic Car and Hot Rod Show
5th Feb Committee Meeting at Galaxy of cars and members can bring club cars for our display...

If your car is not running just bring your modern along to meetings and runs etc. Exceptions where club cars only can go to meetings, like Galaxy of cars, we really want to see the members at Club outings which are organised for the members not just the committee…
The Gary Kelly Trophy is given to best presented vehicle on the October and April Runs...
*******

SWAPMEETS AND OTHER EVENTS

Oct 7th /9th Christchurch Swapmeet

Oct 9th Papakura Rod and Customs Swap Meet
Bruce Pulman Park Papakura
15th Oct Auction at Pe Puke Vintage Auto Barn
List on www.vintagecars.nzhere.com

16th Oct BOP VCC Swapmeet, Satara Coolstore, Totara
Street, Mt Maunganui 7am

30th Oct Road Night Swapmeet Taupiri School SH1 Taupri.

4-5 Nov International Motor Show, Indoor event Centre
Baypark Speedway, Mt Maunganui

13th Nov Pukekohe HRC swap meet at club rooms
Franklin Road Pukekohe rain date 20th Nov

20th Nov Swapmeet at Cambridge Raceway 7am

26th Nov Celebration of Best Automotive Europe at 167
Sat Kitchener Road Waiuku 11am to 9pm

27th Nov Tour from above address to Wrights Water Gardens
Patumahoe. Trains may be run from Auckland by
Glenbrook Steam Railway. For more details contact
Bryan Davis at bg.davis@auckland.ac.nz all
Proceeds to Starship Foundation
Cut off date for entries 30.9.05.

14th Jan Car Show and swap meet Pukekohe Park Raceway

21st /22nd. Jan Kumeu Classic Car and Hot Rod Show

22nd Jan Zodiac Car Clubs Ford Picnic all Fords welcome
Rear Southwards Car Museum Otaihanga Rd
Paraparaumu (04) 2972530

5th Feb Galaxy of Cars 2006

25th / 26th Feb Pukekohe Swapmeet…2006

4th/6th March Automania 2006 Puhinui Reserve Mangere
www.automanianz.com

11th March Super Southern Swap 2006

19th March Karaka Historical Soc and Vintage Engine
Restorers Rally at Karaka more later

April 2007 The Australian National Sidevalve Rally of Australia is taking place in the country area of Cootamundra in NSW if you think you would like to take part a non refundable deposit $20 needs to be sent in by the 31.10.2005 to the Anglia Prefect Car Club of Australia. P.O. Box 195 Eastwood. 2122 NSW...Their E-Mail address ford10_nsw@hotmail.com
I have forms available with more detail if required

***************************

EASTER RALLY IN THAMES AREA

Be in early with bookings if you wish to go as motel is fully booked out by us, first in first served .
Outhwise you can certainly attend but you will need to have your own accomadation.
These runs in the past have been a lot of fun and we go to many places of interest.

RUN TO The Beach

2005-10-07T21:35:00.000+13:00

RUN TO KARIOITAHI BEACH
For those of you who do not know where this beach is it is south of Auckland on the west coast…To reach it you go through the small country town of Waiuku.

On the way to the departure point at the BP service centre at Drury we had a call from Ant and Karen the organizers of this run to say Ant had been held up at work and to start off without them and they would catch us all up.

So when we arrived at Waiuku some of those who had not bought lunch acquired it at the local bakery whilst waiting.

Karioitahi is a black sand beach surrounded by tall cliffs which are on the weekend used by a lot of hang gliding enthusiasts, this week end was no exception there were a least twenty of them visible up and down the coast just seeming to hang in the air and the car park was full of cars with roof racks on.

Upon arrival those who thought to bring chairs put them out on the grass behind the cars and everyone ate their lunch while talking to each other and watching the people on the beach one group was trying to launch their glider by running along the beach but there was not enough wind, some brave people in wet suits were surfing …As it is a road, people were driving up and down from fishing and trail bikers were whizzing into the low sand hills

After lunch some strolled along the beach as it was very pleasant with no wind blowing and reasonably warm where they found a wrecked car on its side very interesting.. One couple had their dog that enjoyed a walk off the lead, two people had to leave early as they had something else on, another couple partook of the local restaurants fare and one had a read in his comfy chair...
Those people who turned out to this months club run, were Trevor and Keri Huggins accompanied by Ngaire Wilson in a modern, Ant Kite and Karen Preston in a modern(organizers) Philip Pearce accompanied by Brian McSwiggan in his club car and Thelma and Bud Semadeni club car ..

For those who did not come you missed a nice pleasant outing.

Don’t forget the Annual Vice Presidents Rally on the 16th on this you have to navigate and locate things and answer some questions there are prizes for the winners.

**************************

Classic Car auction

2005-10-05T15:05:00.000+13:00

Another classic car auction at Turners this coming weekend, with an Austin 7 van and a Ford Model A on offer. Auction starts Saturday @ 2pm.

President's Report - October 2005

2005-10-02T17:08:00.000+13:00

Hi everyone.

This month we had the run out to Kariotahi Beach; Karen and I were a little late as I'd been called out to fix some emergency PC issues, but we still managed to catch up at Waiuku. Along with the usuals (Bud & Thelma, Ngaire, Trev & Kiri) it was good to see Philip Pearce and Brian McSwiggan.

Philip is competing in the Targa again this year in his Fiat 124 Sport, starting from Papakura on Sunday 23 October and finishing up in Hastings on 29 October. If you see him, say hello and wish him good luck.

Don't forget in November our 25th anniversary dinner at Dalma Court. Only $20 per head for a smorgasbord-type dinner sounds good value to me, but you do need to let us know and pay in advance so we can confirm numbers.

Also, next years Easter rally is currently being organised. We have booked motel accommodation in the Thames peninsula area, and you will need to get in quick with your $310 entry fee (to the club's P O Box, please) in order to confirm your attendance.

Cheers.
Ant.

Recently I went with

2005-09-28T21:11:00.000+12:00

“ THOSE CARS OF OLD”

Recently I went with friends on a day trip with their Ford 8 & 10 Car Club. We used Bud’s Ford 10 Prefect. His Mother bought it in 1956, a Navy 1950 model (Remember those?)
Lovingly restored and cared for by Bud and Thelma, I had driven and had a ride in the car often but I had forgotten a lot about it.

The doors open really wide but to get in the back was quite tricky. Comfy bench seats, no seat belts though, only in the front...Bud really had to drive the “old girl”... No power steering and lots of gear changing...

Old memories came back on the hill from Orewa to Waiwera, the Fords in front were a bit slow and Bud lost his revs, no Prefect owner likes to lose his revs on a hill!!

We enjoyed afternoon tea at Puhoi Cheese Factory and started for home across country this time heading for Kumeu... The car didn’t care for one road, revs again, and we had to roll back down and start again.

Lucky it was fine, the windscreen wipers were a bit dodgy. I’d forgotten the small windows, the noisy engine and the small window winders.

As we reached home I was pleased I hadn’t hitched a ride in the gorgeous red Lotus parked near us at Puhoi. We had fun, Bud’s car features in John Crystals book “The Cars We Loved”…

Lyn

25TH ANNIVERSARY

2005-09-28T21:07:00.000+12:00

25TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER
SATURDAY NITE
12th NOVEMBER
All members and their Families
Past Members
At
Dalma Garden BBq Buffet Restaurant
252 Great North Road
Henderson
Cost $19.95 per person not a byo.
reduced prices for Children according to age.
Drinks extra
Book by 30/10/05 with numbers coming
Payment to be made to club with
Booking

Kariotahi Beach Meet

2005-09-22T19:13:00.000+12:00

This coming Sunday (25 Sept 2005) meet at the Drury BP service centre on the Southern Motorway at 11am for a quiet run out to Kariotahi Beach.
Bring your own lunch, or there is a cafe / restaurant overlooking the beach.

President's Report - September 2005

2005-09-02T13:56:00.000+12:00

The club's AGM was held last month. Where was everyone? Aside from myself and Karen, the only other members attending were the committee.

First of all, a big thanks to Jack Braekveldt, and Tony and Liz Golds for their recent contributions to the club with their committee service.

After much discussion surrounding the newsletter, it was decided to give the members the option of having their newsletter sent by email, rather than via post. This means you will get your newsletter quicker than normal, and also means we may be able to send you updates and reminders during the month about club runs or other club-related events.
To register for this, all you have to do is send an email here. Simple.

The club also intends to have a birthday evening dinner to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our inception. This is currently earmarked for November. Seating may be limited, so if you are intending to come along, please email us, or contact one of the committee.

That's about it for this month.
Ant.

Classified for August 2005

2005-08-25T21:07:00.000+12:00

1950 Ford Prefect
Almost fully restored a huge amount of work has gone into this car, fully panel beaten, painted, reupholstered, new rubber on windows doors etc, original 6v side trafficators working, needs new tyres and engine bay wiring tidied up. Rego on Hold. Large amount of spares including front and rear suspension, motor, etc Car has been in garaged all the time. More that $10,000 spent owner selling For $3500 Phone Ian (07) 8494 966

Wanted
A bonnet catch for a E93A Prefect phone Stephen on (09) 535 5283.

1950 Ford Prefect
No regristration or WOF since 30/9/03 Repainted several years ago. needs some work. $200 O.N.O. (06) 834 3881, 021- 720 314 Email terry.rae@xtra.co.nz Napier .
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF PRICE VENDOR NEEDS THE VEHICLE GONE. A SPARES CAR????

1937 Model C
Needs finishing Lots of parts no WOF or Rego. Mileage showing 6927 Price $3000 Phone Ray in Whangarei (09) 438 5986

1951 Fordson Truck
Running, no WOF or Registration, rust removed. No front windscreen .mileage 67000 $1500 O.N.O. Phone Kyle (07) 884 4226 (Te Aroha)

1951 Ford Prefect.
As previously advertised $3000 Phone Peter (07)863 6320 Waihi

The club has parts from a 1952 Prefect... A front assembly with good king pins and brakes.
The reconditioned 6 volt starter motors are $75
The 6 volt two brush type reconditioned generators are $75.
There are still new style T shirts in an assortment of sizes and colours check them out when you come to the shed for parts day.

When you are looking for parts for your restoration or repairs check out your club first as we do have a lot of mechanical parts and also body parts, some seats, reconditioned radiator, starters, and generators. Grilles. Headlights. Bakelite surrounds, windows and windscreens, handles and winders. Gaskets. Motors and gearboxes (not reconditioned); and boxes and boxed of bits.
Parts can be sent on a courier to you.

July Run 2005

2005-08-24T22:22:00.000+12:00

MYSTERY RUN TO THE IRON PARK.

On the 17th of July we had a mystery run which left the Westgate Car Park at the end of the North-western Motorway to travel to parts unknown.

All participants were given an instruction sheet which I hope was easy to follow. Traveling first along Highway 16, then on to the Riverhead Road for a very short time then along Old Railway Road which was the site of the old railway line to Riverhead I believe, then turning on to The Old North Road which was followed almost to Helensville the lunch destination.

After arriving at the Helensville Railway yards and looking at the old engine there, members went and had lunch or coffee at their chosen venue. Some picked the café in the Old Railway station which is not used now as no passenger trains go as far as Helensville except for occasion excursion trains.

Afterwards we strolled about looking in the various antique shops, including one in the Old Post Office (the usual Post Shop now is in one of the local shops). One of the members pointed out the building where he was born ,it not now being used as a hospital.

All the cars then made their way to the Woolworths car park; upon leaving there we went to Route 16 another collectable store just before you come into Helensville from the Auckland side this was situated in the old petrol station.

The next stop was the main attraction of the day the private museum of Iron Park on Highway 16 at Te Pau just south of the Parakai turnoff hidden behind the trees is a large shed with an amazing collection of machinery dating from the 1900’s plus an array in the surrounding yards including this 1916 Saunderson Universal G Tractor which ran on kerosene the only example in N.Z a 2cylinder Masport Serial No and a 1928 1¼ ton D-16 Stewart Truck with 8 forward gears.

The members had a great time poking about and Terry found something interesting to purchase under the tree’s outside.

In another outside shed there was a huge engine which was started up with a series of huge explosions I think it started on compressed air made by another engine which was running as well (I am not that technical) this engine was used in various MOW hydro systems being built in the early 1950’s..

It was a 1948 Super Scavenger 6 cylinder supercharged 2 stroke 8 ½ x 13 stroke 576 H.P at 600 RAM direct coupled 500 K.W Alternator 85 Litre engine. 28 Gallons per Hour of diesel

It was 5 metres long and 2 ½ metres high or that is what the information card said... A seriously big orange engine which impressed all those onlookers

Members watching the big engine being started at Iron Park:

Stu and Gail, Brian in door way and Bud in front of Stu

While the engine was running some of the ladies retreated to the shop area and partook of the free tea and coffee provided said the noise was too much.

I think most enjoyed the outing those that came were Berni Engleback and daughter, Phil Johnson and his friend Stan; Brian and Bev Coutts; Terry and Joanna North and daughter Brenda; Ngaire Wilson: Stu and Gail Tudor all in moderns
And John and Janice Gardner and Thelma and Bud Semadeni in club cars.

It was good to see some new faces on this run hopefully they will come to future outings.

Turners Classic Car Auction

2005-08-22T21:22:00.000+12:00

Saturday 27 August 2005 @ 2pm; Penrose, Auckland.
Once again a great and interesting line up from Model A pick up to Porsche 996 Carrera, Sports cars, luxury cars,vintage trucks and a super original FJ Holden, NZ new late model Audi and Peugeot.
Check them all out here.

Club Newsletter by Email.

2005-08-21T20:56:00.000+12:00

The club's AGM was held this afternoon. Where was everyone?

Anyway, one of the new ideas to come out the meeting was having your
newsletter sent by email. By registering for this, you will not only get
your newsletter quicker than by normal snail mail, but there may be the
possibility in the future of more frequent updates and reminders just
before club runs.
To register, all you have to do is click here or
at the bottom of the page, and then send the email window that pops up.
It's that easy!!

A new beginning.

2005-08-21T17:26:00.000+12:00

Hi there.

After many years, an update to the website to allow for easier maintenance, more info, and to allow more than just one person (me) to update it.
So expect to see more information placed here in the near future.