NZ Classic Car 02.2021

Team Event winner from 2017. Roger Munns’ stunning ‘66 Jaguar E-Type Mustangs have been strong competitors over the years, winning multiple Masters Class and their first Teams Event in 2001 Sue and Ernie Martin’s winning MG high-performance engine tucked nicely car show in October 2012, where he from 1972. The MGA twin-cam was under its bonnet. Some of these moved was deservedly awarded first place in then owned by Bruce Anderson on to become ’65–’66 Shelbys and the highly coveted ’64–’66 Fastback many others were used as race cars, category. After the show, he felt McCallum’s 1965 K-Code Mustang which meant that not many survived honoured when asked to represent and Paul Melia’s 1970 Mustang Mach I the rigorous torture on the track — AMOC in the Teams Event in the Cobra Jet. The 1970 Mustang has since hence their scarcity now. Ellerslie Intermarque Concours been sold offshore, but the magnificent d’Elegance, which he and teammate K-Code will join the past winners After six years, Shane finished Paul Melia won. display in the Newmarket Room. restoring this rare beauty, just in time for it to be transported to the With two beautifully restored For Mustang car lovers, the history Auckland Mustang Owners Club matching 1969 Mustang SportsRoofs, of the K-Code is indeed an interesting both of which will be on display in one. The K-Code was a 1965–1967 the Newmarket Room, the Auckland Mustang that came from the factory Mustang Owners Club won the right with a special 289 cubic inch (4.73L) to be the Host Club for 2021. THE BEST OF BRITISH In 2017, two magnificent E-Types won the Teams Event with a combined score of 1109 points — the highest score in 44 years of the event. The 1966 Jaguar E-Type FHC owned by Roger Munns and the previous year’s Masters Class– winning 1961 Jaguar E-Type OTC owned by Simon Crispe will be joining the past winners display. Simon’s very early E-Type roadster, finished in Jaguar Cream with red leather interior, was built at Browns Lane in Coventry on 27 April 1961. E-Type number 29 rolled out of the THEMOTORHOOD.COM ISSUE 362 / FEBRUIARY 2021 49

Roger was not attracted to this E-Type just because he is a staunch Jaguar enthusiast but also because, although the E-Type was a candidate for a full restoration, it was complete and totally unmolested. After nine long years, Roger’s masterpiece was complete and ready for the 2016 Ellerslie Car Show Masters Class competition, where it placed third with a total score of 533 points out of a possible 590. After a year of being improved, the car was ready to join Simon’s OTC in the Teams Event the following year. GERMAN EXCELLENCE The other winning Team Event winner from from 2017. was the Masters Class winner in 2016. Imagine walking into a classic car Simon Crisp’s very early production 1961 E-Type OTC Roger’s E-Type was built on 19 enthusiast’s superbly presented garage and, in addition to the fine collection It was sold in October 1966. It was sold in New of cars, you see, painted in bold New Zealand by Zealand by Archibald Motors, words across the support beam on the Archibald Motors, Christchurch, in January 1967 to Mr ceiling: ‘Finer 20th century automobiles, Christchurch, in A.S. Geddes, with optional extras examples of highly complex and mobile January 1967 to including competition wire wheels and three-dimensional craftsmanship, are a Mr A.S. Geddes, a radio. higher form of art and design than mere with optional two-dimensional paintings or sculpture’. extras including This gives you a fair indication that the competition wire person is seriously passionate about wheels and a radio their cars. Many special cars have been entered and displayed at the Ellerslie Classic Car Show over the years, none more so than Garry Boyce’s 1957 Mercedes 300 SL Roadster. As with most restorations, there are thousands of interesting stories to be told and Garry has many to share. Strangely enough, as he One of the highest scoring cars in the events history, Garry Boyce’s super sleek ‘57 Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster Jaguar factory exactly six weeks to the day after the launch of the iconic E-Type in Geneva on 16 March. At that famous launch date, just a handful of E-Types had been built. By the end of April 1961, only a very few more had seen the light of day. The car was shipped from Dubai late in October 2015 and arrived in perfect time for Simon’s eldest daughter’s wedding. It was first displayed at the 2015 Ellerslie Classic Car Show and 50 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

travelled around the world on business People who found THE AWARDS and got talking to different car people out that he was who found out that he was in the stages in the stages of MASTERS CLASS of restoring a 300 SL Roadster, those restoring a 300 SL The Masters Class award is for the best who were really in the know would say, Roadster, would individual entries, the most excellent examples “Oh, you are brave”. say, “Oh, you are of classic car restoration. Previous winners brave” have gone on to win international concours Garry’s partner in crime, Lloyd events. Marx, a restorer of many concours- Mercedes-Benz, and Ferrari, to name level cars, admits that the Mercedes a few. Classics aside, new prestige and TEAMS EVENT 300SL Roadster is the most difficult performance cars also attract crowds. The Teams Event aims to bring out the best in and complex restoration he has ever Expect to see the latest from Europe, a club as members band together to prepare undertaken. the UK, and the US. two of their best cars for judging. It’s strictly two cars per team, but clubs can enter as The magnificent 300SL was ready Without giving too much away, we many teams as they want. Part of the honour just in time for the 2008 Ellerslie Car can mention at least one vehicle coming of winning is hosting the Ellerslie Car Show Show. Garry entered it into the Masters from overseas with an incredible story; the following year. Class competition, winning with the a first reveal of an amazing restoration, highest score at the time of 565 points again with an incredible back story; and SURVIVORS CLASS out of a possible 590. Showgoers will some new exhibits and competitions as A recent addition to the regular competition get a rare chance to view this car in the well as a display of ‘barn finds’. These roster, this class celebrates original vehicles past winners display. will be cars totally unrestored, complete that wear their patina with pride. They are with cobwebs, rust, and nostalgia. „ not exactly the opposite of the concours focus BUT WAIT — on returning a vehicle to as-new (or better) THERE’S MORE condition, but eligible vehicles should be unrestored, unmodified, and as original as Along with several other past winners possible — true survivors. and the usual judged events, expect to see extraordinary classics from That doesn’t mean small dents or faded Porsche, MG, Mustang, Holden, paint will rule them out. Many would argue a car that has done the miles as part of the family, with due care and attention, is more of a true survivor than one cosseted in a garage all of its life. As these treasures are now harder to find than some of the highly polished jewels on display elsewhere, this category is now one of the most popular events at the show and sparks the most lively debate among visitors and judges alike. BEST CLUB DISPLAY This is a challenge to see which club can arrange its cars and accoutrements in the most imaginative way to evoke the year’s theme. THEMOTORHOOD.COM ISSUE 362 / FEBRUIARY 2021 51

Lunch with … Jim Palmer — Part Two TAANSDMTAINN TOP TRIUMPHS Jim on his way to second place at Bathurst in 1969 Our modest hero, vies with the world’s ahead of his team-mate Dickie best in the Tasman Series, switches to Attwood, who had 15, one ahead of touring cars, and becomes the first Kiwi the leading Lotus-driven by a Jimmy to podium at Bathurst — but it was Palmer, not Clark. Clark, the reigning world champion, by Michael Clark had a mere six points to show for his month in New Zealand. The first of There is no doubt the car that Jim left the 1965 Tasman Championship– the Australian rounds was at Warwick has the fondest memories of is winning car unchanged, so it ran Farm, as Jim recalls. “I liked that the ex–Jim Clark Lotus 32B. in works green and yellow colours. place, but some of the Kiwis never “I sometimes wish we’d never sold All New Zealand rounds of the ’66 worked it out.” Despite qualifying that car. In fact, we had enough parts Championship had been won by seventh, Palmer soon had the BRM of to build up another one … ” Other BRM, two going to Jackie Stewart, Stewart behind him. “We had a great than adding his trademark ‘41’, he who left for Australia with 24 points, battle until my brake fluid boiled at about three-quarters distance. I kept thinking that orange nose is going to get me sooner or later — and he did.” Jim finished sixth while Clark finally won from Hill and Gardner. 52 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

The first Glenvale 100 victory at Bay Park in a Monaro for that Lotus, its sale looked like it would open up an unimaginable The bottom line ENZO OBSERVES opportunity. “Through Shell we got was that we really the chance to try out the Ferrari that needed to finish Nevertheless, the little Hamilton [John] Surtees was supposed to have to earn the prize equipe came home fourth and, as only brought out the previous year. It was money to keep the best six scores counted — the fifth an ex-F1 car but with the 2.4-litre going from Levin and sixth from Warwick V6 — similar to the engine that Chris Farm — points were dropped to give [Amon] had the next year. We got KEEPING COOL him 21 points for a clear fourth in invited to Italy to test it.” His parents the championship. Before the points were, of course, with him. “It all Even compared with the Australians, were dropped his tally was only one went pretty well. Apparently, Enzo the Palmers were running on a tight fewer than the Team Lotus entry of [Ferrari] was there. Not many Kiwis budget. “We didn’t have money for Jimmy Clark. It was a remarkable or Aussies that can say they test drove spare motors, so we had to really achievement and, despite his affection a Ferrari at Modena, their test track, watch the revs. Our tyres were ‘the which was a funny little wiggly place. best of the rest’. The bottom line was The initial plan had been for us to that we really needed to finish to earn buy it and, although there was never the prize money to keep going.” And ever any official reason as to why the finish he did. When they arrived at the car suddenly became unavailable, we daunting Longford for the final round, were told by Shell — who were in the the Palmers were chasing a 100-per- middle of it all — that Ferrari had just cent finishing record, but Jimmy was signed two new young drivers and they struggling on — of all places — the now needed the car for testing. Of long straight. “It just kept weaving course, one of those drivers was one C. from side to side. I guess we were Amon.” Had the drive come off, there doing 170–175mph (275–280kph). would have been photographs aplenty, I mentioned it to Clarkie, who but the fact that his Mum left the wondered if I was gripping the steering camera in the hotel meant “I didn’t get wheel too tight — remember, we had any photos”. no seatbelts! He said ‘just relax’. I did — he was right. All these years on, I can still see those trees whistling past.” Jimmy qualified sixth. He was quickest of the locals and again faster than leading Australian Spencer Martin. “It was very hot. Late in the race, I was closing on Jack Brabham. Down the straight, he was running it in the shade of the trees to keep it cool. I thought I’d get him, but that Repco just had too much straight-line speed.” THEMOTORHOOD.COM ISSUE 362 / FEBRUARY 2021 53

FOUR GOLD STARS ‘After that car still got the original steering wheel!” burnt to the A combination of skilled driving and Instead they bought another Brabham ground while first-class preparation resulted in the that Jim recalls was “a last minute testing, Bruce said most dominant period at the upper end acquisition. With a decent engine that the F2 FVAs of New Zealand open-wheeler racing like a Repco V8, that would have are going good, ever. Jim had always dabbled with dropped in quite nicely — that could so we bought his saloons and had one of the lightweight have been a good car.” However, the M4A’ Lotus-Cortinas, but after he’d finished 1967 Tasman campaign, although with single-seaters he and his dad poor by comparison to the previous open-wheeler when he did the deal. decided to “give saloons a real good few, still yielded trophies for the first 1968 was arguably the strongest field bash. We got close to bringing in a Kiwi home in the Grand Prix and for any Tasman Championship, with Trans-Am Pontiac, but we bought the Teretonga International. After a hat- works cars from Lotus, Ferrari, and Porsche instead. As things turned out, trick of Gold Stars, effectively the New BRM. Unsurprisingly, points were hard we should have got the Firebird.” Jim Zealand open-wheeler championship, to come by, and the seven Jim scored recalls his annual exploits in long- Jim lost out that year to “good old were from the New Zealand campaign distance standard production races as Roly” Levis and started thinking about only. He won the Gold Star once again, “a bit of fun”, and when it came to what to do next. He headed back to completing his tally of four, and was sharing Paul Fahey’s Mustang he says Europe, initially thinking about the the first local home in the two big races “it didn’t take long to match his times”. hybrid 2.1-litre McLaren-BRM that at Pukekohe and Wigram. “The car Particularly special memories are Bruce had used at the start of 1967 in was sold to an Australian — but I’ve reserved for the day he shared a Volvo F1. “But when that car burnt to the with Colin Giltrap. “He could drive, ground while testing, Bruce said that and some laps he’d be right on the the F2 FVAs are going good, so we pace.” Jim rounds off that sentence with bought his M4A.” Jim didn’t know a quiet chuckle for his long-time friend that the McLaren would be their last who he still deals directly with today. The Lotus 32B -Jim’s favourite 54 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

What a battle! Jim’s Monaro and Tony Rolley’s Jaguar at Pukekohe As it was, in his only ‘Great Race’ BATHURST GLORY he finished second, DENIED? becoming the first Kiwi on the Bathurst podium I mentioned a day at Pukekohe when Road racing Kiwi style with #41 for the fore - as usual Jim in a yellow Monaro had a superb wheel-to-wheel race with a red 3.8 Mark II Jag. In an instant, Jim is back there. “Tony Rolley— he was a good driver. Clean, and very quick.” The photos bear out how closely they raced, and no one who witnessed Jim sawing away at the wheel at the big Holden could ever entertain the view that his talent was restricted to purebreds. As we walked through the museum at Bathurst on the day after the big race in 2017, Jim started talking, quietly, of course, but we were left in no doubt that there were widespread concerns about the legality of the winning car. “But there was no way a team running a Monaro was going to protest another one also running one.” As it was, in his only ‘Great Race’ he finished second, becoming the first Kiwi on the Bathurst podium. “Although I don’t think there was much of a rostrum back then.” Typically, Jim can’t even acknowledge that without downplaying his achievement. THEMOTORHOOD.COM ISSUE 362 / FEBRUARY 2021 55

Wheel lifting part 1 - Jim really getting into it with the Porsche before being told it wasn’t wanted tThhisetismeecoinnda GTolerannvaaleXU10-10 victory - MAD MEN out and got the green light before we for fifteen years, never had a major bought it. We had some good dices, accident, and racked up an enviable As production car racing took hold especially with Jim Richards and Paul finishing record while consistently here, Jim became a leading force, (Fahey), but then we got told it was placing in the top tier of Kiwis amongst winning the Glenvale 100 at Bay Park a sports car, not a touring car, and it truly world-class competition. And twice. “Once in a Monaro and then in would be banned.” For a man who he did all of this driving cars that, a 186 Torana XU-1. I raced a 202 as has shunned controversy, Jim found considering all the fatalities they were well but the 186 was the better car.” himself in the middle of a contretemps involved in over that decade and a half It’s clear that he recalls them with with officialdom. “We didn’t want worldwide, “sometimes [make you] fondness — which can’t be said for any part of that, so we sold the car think that a bloke’s got to be mad to the Porsche. “911s ran with Escorts and I just stopped.” As noted in part have gone motor racing.” „ and Mustangs and Camaros in both one, Jim is the quick to downplay England and Australia. We checked it his accomplishments, but he raced Wheel lifting part 2 - Jim and Judy’s wedding day Aussie cameo - Jim’s last major race in an open-wheeler 56 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

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Features: Kits and Pieces: Dixon Dixon– a better Lotus Colin Chapman famously put little time and effort into designing the Lotus Seven. David Dixon took it to the next level but earned little of the fame By Patrick Harlow 58 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

Despite appearances, calling this NO LONGER A LOTUS There is a Lotus car a Lotus Seven replica is Seven connection doing it an injustice. At best, it David thought those impediments beyond the car’s can be said to resemble a Lotus Seven; were less of a worry and attempted looks. David was more accurately, it was inspired by the to buy the rights to produce the pushing to build Lotus Seven, aiming to do what the car himself, but he could not raise a locally designed Seven did, only better. sufficient capital. Though his hopes of next generation building a genuine Lotus were dashed, Seven called the Mike Boyce lives in Hastings and he decided to develop his own car Lotus Super 907 is the current owner. He should know, that would bear his own name in New as at one time he owned three unique Zealand. Using contacts he had gained ISSUE 362 / FEBRUARY 2021 New Zealand–designed cars. The while building the Lotus Seven at Steel Dixon was sold as a brand-new car in New Zealand. It was a ground-up Kiwi design. When Mike bought this car, he was fairly sure he was buying something special — despite its lapsed registration and lack of a WOF — and he was right. However, it must be said that there is a Lotus Seven connection beyond the car’s looks. David Dixon was the company secretary for Steel Bros in Christchurch. Until the latter half of 1980s, Steel Bros was in the business of vehicle assembly, and it was David Dixon who convinced the company to build the Series Four Lotus Seven. When production of the Series Four finished in the mid ’70s, David was pushing hard for Steel Bros to build a locally designed next generation of the Seven called the Lotus Super 907. Lotus was fine with the idea and would allow the new car to wear Lotus badges. The car was destined not only for local consumption but also for the Australian and American markets. Sadly, fears of American litigation and changing car laws in New Zealand stymied the project. Steel Bros eventually pulled out of car assembly altogether to focus on truck trailers and other industrial equipment. THEMOTORHOOD.COM 59

Bros, he secured an order to provide 50 Australian Design Rules. cars a year to James Smith Automotive The Ford Escort provided the in Australia. All cars sold there would be known as ‘JSA’ (James Smith rear suspension, steering, 1.6-litre Automotive). There was even interest engine, and gearbox. The front from the US, where the intention was uprights used Cortina hardware in to market the car as the Saracen. place of the Triumph components used in the Series Four Lotus Having gained plenty of experience Seven. Unlike other cars of this building the Lotus Seven, David spent ilk, it had opening doors with side the last two years of the ’70s developing intrusion bars and burst-proof locks, the Dixon with three employees in a along with other features that met small one-room factory off Moorhouse Australian requirements and the New Avenue in Christchurch. Zealand regulations that were being introduced. Like the Series Four Lotus Seven, the first car was made with a space-frame UNTOLD LUXURY chassis, but this was abandoned in favour of a rigid folded steel backbone When the first car was finished in chassis reminiscent of the Lotus Elan. 1979, it came standard with leather This backbone chassis had a far greater adjustable seats, carpeting, and even a torsional rigidity than the Lotus Seven heater. Thanks to the opening doors, arrangement. It was fabricated from passengers did not have to be posted zinc-coated sheet steel formed into a fork shape at the front to accommodate the engine and provide mounting points for the front suspension. The rear end featured a strong box section for mounting rear suspension. The chassis design was a joint effort with James Smith Automotive to ensure that the car met the requirements of the The space frame was abandoned in favour of a rigid folded steel backbone chassis, reminiscent of the Lotus Elan 60 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

An upmarket interior says this is no Seven through the narrow side windows the car’s handling and performance. but New Zealand sales alone were not when the top was up — unheard The chief complaint was the lack of enough to keep him afloat, and he had of luxury for this type of car. Early room in the driver’s footwell, which no spare capital to pursue the American examples had aluminium bodies, made it difficult to drive the car in market. although later they would be made street shoes. This was solved later by from fibreglass by Cresta Craft, reducing the size of the transmission The company was put into another Christchurch firm. tunnel. Reviewers were equally receivership in 1982 after 20 cars had impressed with the smooth ripple-free been made, eight of which had gone to The car was never sold in kitset fibreglass panels and the attention to Australia and been sold as JSAs. form, as David wanted to keep a firm detail applied to the entire car. hand on the quality of the build. When UPMARKET MOVE production began in 1980, it had a Once the minor problems with the few subtle changes to make it look less prototype were sorted, David moved The car would be resurrected in the like a Lotus. The most obvious of these to a bigger factory and tooled up to mid ’80s by the Auckland company is the small crease in the centre of the build 50 cars per year. Every indication Western Fibreglass. The directors, Bob nose cone, which finishes as a forward was that this car was going to be a real Bateman and Kevin Martelli, were protruding point. A snug-fitting top success in Australia and New Zealand, producing a highly successful kit car and tonneau cover were included with with the US a strong possibility once called the Lynx. The Lynx was another each purchase, along with side screens production got up to full steam. Seven-esque car based on a single that included sliding overlapping acrylic Triumph Herald donor car. At the panels for fresh air. To get the most favourable import time, it was the cheapest kit car on the tariff in Australia, Dixons were air- market and a very affordable way to Early road reports about the car were freighted to Australia without engines, favourable. Testers were impressed with gearboxes, or rear-axle assemblies. This enabled Ford Australia to provide new engines that conformed to the ADR emission rules. Final assembly for these cars was done in Melbourne by JSA Developments, and the cars were sold through Peter Manton Motors, the Australian Lotus agents. Unfortunately, after David had started production of the first 50 cars for James Smith Automotive, the Australian economy suffered a downturn. The main bread and butter for James Smith Automotive was the importation and sale of Volvos. Due to fewer sales than expected, James Smith Automotive ran out of cash and cancelled its 50-car order. This, in turn, put financial pressure on David, who had borrowed a considerable amount of money to tool up to mass-produce 50-plus cars a year — a huge setback. He struggled on for a while longer, THEMOTORHOOD.COM ISSUE 362 / FEBRUARY 2021 61

Mike decided to do a ground- up restoration. Fortunately, the fibreglass body and galvanised chassis needed little attention get into the home car-building hobby. cars had slowed almost to the point home by car transporter. He is the Bob decided to add the Dixon to his of extinction. Additionally, the Ford second owner of a car whose first production list, as he believed that the Escort had been out of production owner had not been able to give the upmarket turnkey Dixon would bring since 1980 and new components were car the attention it deserved when his in a different demographic of clientele. getting hard to source. Kevin and Bob business interests took him overseas. decided to stop production of both During this time, the Dixon was Having bought the moulds from the Lynx and the Dixon and move on laid up in storage, where it started to Cresta Craft, Bob managed to track to other projects, although Bob would deteriorate, and that is how it came to down David Dixon, who was more later build two more Dixons for himself be sold in ‘as is’ condition. than happy to provide the tooling and a friend. for the chassis. It was while talking Mike decided to do a ground- to David that Bob learned about the EPILOGUE up restoration. Fortunately, the Saracen name. He and Kevin liked fibreglass body and galvanised chassis that name, and the car was marketed This is where the story should have needed little attention. That aside, as the Dixon Saracen. Interest was ended, but thanks to enthusiasts like it took two years to get it certified initially quite high, but deposits were Mike Boyce the marque has an assured by the LVVTA and registered for not so forthcoming. future. Mike bought his Dixon in New Zealand roads. During the 2011. The first time he saw it was restoration, the original four-speed Over the next two years, a further when it was delivered to his Hastings gearbox was upgraded with a Sierra five cars were built. However, by 1988, five-speed unit, which bolted straight it became clear the market for these onto the Ford Escort bell housing. These days the car spends most of its life with the roof down taking Mike and his wife out for local jaunts around the Hawke’s Bay region. Eventually, it will be sold to another enthusiast and the Dixon legend will live on. „ 62 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR



Motorman PBItraeimlryn.ea2rM7diMnCiaysrytiel1rF9Pr4ee4yt.ebPrehFrgorataosngedrraidpnrhiav, eWGreiTloleyrdsgeJLeeFeerpesodwnei.trhiCckaGseKsnaineyoera, l Twhoenctahretwhaart As well as being rugged, the Jeep had to be light enough to be manhandled out of sticky situations. Those damaged in World War II’s Pacific Theatre were shipped here to be rebuilt and sent back to war by Donn Anderson 64 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

We sat, not altogether you realize the Germans managed Reenactment Society. The Jeep division comfortably, in a group of just 50,000 Ferdinand Porsche– of the NZMVC ensure their vehicles World War II American designed Kübelwagens, the Americans’ appear on ANZAC and Armistice days Jeeps on a clifftop in north-western production superiority is stark, and and at parades and field days. France overlooking the D-Day beaches, another reason the German version trying to imagine what it was like here never matched the might or influence Between 1942 and 1944, there during those fateful days. To one side of the Jeep. were as many as 100,000 American was a concrete defensive structure, troops stationed in New Zealand to which surely occasioned death and In the initial request for a tactical support the counter-offensive in the destruction on both sides before it was machine, the US army asked for a Pacific. Ours was also one of the first overwhelmed by the advancing Allies. vehicle to “transport the rated payload armies outside of the US forces to be at relatively high speeds, with the equipped with Jeeps. Scores of damaged The adjacent vehicles in 1944 would driving wheels at times equipped with Jeeps and army trucks that served in surely have been Volkswagen-based tyre chains, over all types of roads, the Solomon Islands and other Pacific Kübelwagens rather than our Yankee trails, across open and rolling country, territories were shipped back to New military Jeeps, but let’s not quibble. The under all conditions of weather and Zealand and rebuilt at the Ford, Willys MB and Ford GPW Jeeps played terrain. The truck shall be of such General Motors, and Todd Motors a significant role in WWII, if not on design and construction as to permit its factories in the Wellington area. Ford’s this exact spot, and it’s appropriate they servicing, adjustment, and repair with Seaview assembly plant rebuilt and are still remembered with affection and the minimum practicable difficulty, reconditioned around 3000 vehicles even some gratitude. time, and tool equipment, under field over a 16 month period. At least one service conditions.” came to grief here. Records show that We were there for a Saab launch one US serviceman was killed in a Jeep in June 1994, staying at the colourful ONCE UNWANTED on local roads. coastal town of Deauville after visiting Arromanches les-Bains, the small Senior New Zealanders have fond This remarkable, basic seaside village made famous by an memories of the wartime Jeeps which vehicle was also praised artificial harbour of ships and barges to were a common sight then. The actual by General Dwight aid the landings. Celebrating the 50th number landed on our shores is hard to Eisenhower as one of the anniversary of the D-Day landings, a say because so many came and went, but machines that did most bunch of French-owned Jeeps idled the tally is believed to be well in excess of to win the war along the hotel drive, ready to take 500 units. Today, about half of the 270 journalists up a relatively easy four- members of the New Zealand Military wheel-drive route to view the beaches Vehicle Club own one or more Jeeps, where 135,000 Allied troops landed according to Chris Bass of the Military half a century earlier to retake France. Allied casualties topped 10,000, with Donn Anderson in 1994, about to investigate 4414 dead. the site of the D-Day landings Legendary Saab rally driver Eric Carlsson enthused over the Jeeps, joining us on the drive through villages and the climbs to coastal lookouts. This remarkable, basic vehicle was also praised by General Dwight Eisenhower as one of the machines that did most to win the war. It was the forerunner of most of today’s four-wheel-drives, yet the pilot model was conceived and built in just 49 days. In 1940, the US Army requested a “light command and reconnaissance car”, and they wanted it quickly. Willys-Overland, Crosley, Ford, and American Bantam all made bids for the assignment. Bantam came closest with their prototype, but this small company could only make 30 a day, when the army wanted 75 Jeeps. Ultimately, two companies would produce the Jeep until 1945, Willys produced 359,489 MBs and Ford produced 277,896 Ford GPWs, for a total of just under 650,000. When THEMOTORHOOD.COM ISSUE 362 / FEBRUARY 2021 65

At the end of the conflict, the US Seventy-two years later, the Leeson THE INGENIOUS BARNEY deemed it uneconomic to ship the family was amazed to see a National ROOS vehicles back to North America, so Library of New Zealand photo of father its fleet of Jeeps was offered free to and husband Ted Leeson at the wheel Initially labelled the quarter-ton US the New Zealand government. New of a Jeep carrying Fraser at Cassino. army command reconnaissance truck, Zealand was short of motor vehicles They were reunited with a Jeep in 2016 no one could predict the influence and surely they would have been handy at the Auckland offices of ATECO the world’s first mass-produced 4WD on farms, but the politicians apparently Group NZ, the local Jeep distributor. would have on the civilian market politely refused. The story goes that for decades to come. The American dozens of Jeeps — some new — were The New Zealand Jeep Club was authorities wanted a basic four-wheel- dumped in international waters formed in 1990, and keen members drive machine capable of carrying three just beyond the Hauraki Gulf. This attended the 65th and 70th D-Day men and a machine gun or a total of certainly occurred in Vanuatu where commemorations in Normandy in 272kg (600lb), with at least 40bhp Jeeps, bulldozers, tractors, and trucks 2009 and 2014. Paraparaumu Jeep and weighing only 590kg (1300lb). have been photographed among the enthusiast Tony Comber and his Engineer Barney Roos, the man behind coral reefs. wife Marilyn twice shipped their the chosen design, had worked for 1942 Willys MB to Europe and in Studebaker and then Rootes in England KIWI JEEPS GO TO WAR 2009 drove it 9700 kilometres from before returning to the US to join Istanbul to France. Willys-Overland. New Zealand troops used Willys Jeeps to deliver vital supplies and rescue At the end of the Roos was ahead of his time, wounded troops in the Italian battle of predicting almost 70 years ago that Monte Cassino and the North African conflict, the United America needed smaller cars. In campaign. Soldiers drove right through 1934, he forecast a great future for killing zones in so-called ghost convoys States Army automatic transmissions, independent of Jeeps. Remarkably, wartime Prime suspensions, and superchargers. Minister Peter Fraser and General offered its fleet of Initially, Barney was less than Lieutenant Bernard Freyberg were enthusiastic about the Jeep project, seen in Jeeps at Cassino in 1944. Jeeps free to New rightly doubting the low weight Kiwi troops also used Jeeps in Japan expectations, but the orders from the following the cessation of hostilities. Zealand top were insistent. They might have had the (two-wheel-drive) 1131cc, The Leeson family (left to right) Julie, Avis and Sherryll in Willys Jeep, similar to that driven by their father and husband during World War II 66 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

499kg Kubelwagen in mind. However, On board were Colourful Swedish rally driver and Saab none of the bidders across the Atlantic spare bulbs, a PR man Eric Carlsson (centre) with two could match the absurdly low weight charging socket for French Jeep enthusiasts, at the D-Day wanted by the military, although Roos the battery, and an celebrations trimmed away as much excess as he arrangement for could without sacrificing strength. hand operation of 1952 and 1957, and an unknown Eventual dry weight of the Willys MB the transmission number of M606 CCJ-3Bs were built was 1054 kg (2322 lbs), powered by should the electric from 1953 until the ’60s. a 2199cc four-cylinder Willys engine. selection fail The early Willys prototype was known As specified by the army, the original as the Quad. HEFTY TARGETS Jeep has a wheelbase of 2040mm and an overall length of 3353mm, or just At the same time, Ford came up As Bantam could not meet production 300mm more than a classic BMC with a four-cylinder tractor motor, requirements, the army commissioned Mini. Mounted longitudinally and with while Bantam suggested an existing both Willys and Ford to make selectable all-wheel drive, the side valve, Continental engine. Meanwhile, them. As all components had to be cast-iron ‘Go-Devil’ engine runs a Carter some suggested Willys register the interchangeable, Ford was told to single-choke downdraught carburettor, Jeep trademark after The Washington forget their tractor power unit and Post newspaper labelled the mobile tool up for the Willys motor. Willys troop and ammo carrier in 1941. later came up with civilian versions for The name remains highly treasured peacetime use, offering station wagons today. Others contend that the and farm-use variants. After the war, designation was derived from the 61,423 Willys M38s were built until GP initials adopted by Ford for its 1952, 101,488 M38 A1s between version, which they described as a ‘general purpose’ vehicle. There was also a suggestion it came from Eugene the Jeep, a creature featured in the popular Popeye strip cartoon. THEMOTORHOOD.COM ISSUE 362 / FEBRUARY 2021 67

developing 60bhp at 3600rpm. This leaping out of a Jeep with an urgent ‘Mr Saab’, anxious to get the French Jeep was well above what the military had dispatch is an essential ingredient in convoy on the road requested, but it did have a heavier body any American WWII movie worth its to lug around. With a low compression salt. Such scenes are indelibly etched range from $1200. An unrestored ratio of 6.5:1, the motor can run on the in the minds of our generation — but 1942 Willys recently changed hands poorest petrol, which is handy in remote it’s no surprise that some wags reckon in Australia for $26,000. In 2018, parts of the world. the Yanks lost more troops falling from Southeby’s auctioned an immaculate Jeeps after boozy outings than from The military specified a top speed enemy fire. You will look long of around 88kph (55 miles an hour) and hard to find and a minimum in-gear speed of not In normal highway and urban a Jeep for sale more than 5kph (3mph). Out on a running, the teeth-chattering ride in New Zealand. busy Auckland motorway or a quiet is unforgiving. Engaging 4WD is Enthusiasts tend to rural highway, a cruising speed of simply a matter of moving a small keep these machines about 70kph would seem to be quite lever backwards, and an adjacent sufficient, although flat-out the Jeep lever engages low range. The gearbox 1943 Ford GPW for $42,560. A typical makes a somewhat nerve-wracking is surprisingly good, with a sturdy price is around $30,000. 105kph (65mph). lever and smooth shift. Yet this is basic transport indeed, with bottom- A well-known name on the The Willys power unit and three- numbing skimpy metal-framed seats ownership papers, of course, distorts speed gearbox weighed more than both and just a thin metal floor. And the fuel typical values. Steve McQueen’s the Ford or Bantam offerings, and tank(!) — between you and a landmine. personal 1945 Willys MB, which he had heavier transmission components, owned until his death in 1980, realised but it proved almost unburstable. It VALUES STAY FIRM $6000 in 1984. It was resold in 2018 came with Bendix drum brakes with for $108,950, which must be some sort Lockheed hydraulics, and cam and You will look long and hard to find of record. twin-level variable-ratio steering. Front a Jeep for sale in New Zealand. and rear suspension comprises live Enthusiasts tend to keep these Jeep values peaked in 2016 and have axles, semi-elliptic leaf spring, and machines. Near wrecks in the US levelled out since then. A recent US telescopic dampers. auction of 16 Jeeps saw an average sale price of $24,000, with the lowest at The basic body design with $9000 and the highest $58,000. removable windscreen allows the Jeeps to be stacked on one another for ease To spot the difference between the of transport. No side doors, of course, two models, check out the front cross just a cutaway area for ease of entry. It member which is a tubular member on makes occupants feel a bit vulnerable the Willys and an inverted U-channel in the hustle and bustle of modern on the Ford. Or see the Ford insignia motoring, but they do make it very embossed on the rear panel. Experts easy to evacuate the vehicle when claim the Ford name can add as much under enemy attack. A shot of someone as 20 per cent to the value, although why is not clear. A Jeep beside one of the German-built defences on the French coastline Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and you can find French Delahayes, Japanese Toyotas and Mitsubishis, Indian Mahindra, and the Land Rover that were all inspired by Jeep. That only goes to show there is nothing quite like an original Jeep painted in the matt army colour, for this workhorse is a classic among classics, a motor transport hero of the 20th century. „ 68 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

21.03.21  Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia  Auction, Wellington Following on from the resounding success of our December Auckland auction, we will hold another auction at Southwards Car Museum in March 2021. We will be making trips to the Wellington region and would be happy to meet with prospective vendors to inspect cars. Get in touch today for a complimentary auction appraisal. Auctions Caolán McAleer Image Left: Private Sales Head of Collectors’ Cars 1972 Ford Fairmont XYGT Shaker Valuations [email protected] Price Realised incl. BP: $221,375 webbs.co.nz 027 929 5603 Estimate: $120,000 - $150,000

Motorsport Flashback Formula 5000 to the fore Fifty years ago, Kiwi fans tuned into the new V8 open-wheelers; our scribe also salutes two other giants of the sport By Michael Clark A s Gerard Richards has recently New Zealand’s premier races invariably MCRAE’S FIRST TASMAN and superbly chronicled, the included a former or future world first Tasman Championship for champion plus a sprinkling of front-line The addition of Chris Amon for the the big V8 Formula 5000s was won by F1 drivers. But the days of seeing many Tasman Championship half a century Graeme Lawrence — in a 2.4-litre V6 of the world’s very best racing on our ago provided an all-important ‘name’, Ferrari: Italian reliability winning out local tracks ended there. The field in but it is also fair to say that 1971 was over the brute force of American cubic 1970 comprised leading drivers mostly the year F5000 really started to win inches. That 1970 Tasman had been from either side of the Tasman, with over race fans. Reliability, while still the first without star drivers. During just a sprinkling of Americans and Brits an issue, had improved and a new star the 1960s, the front of the grids at largely unknown to local audiences. emerged for local fans who was quite 70 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

lower in some cars, while longer although for the first 20 laps it looked wheelbases were also trialled, along with as if Allen was driving away from the various other tweaks. It was in figuring opposition and towards the title. He out the optimum development path was 10 seconds clear of McRae when that McRae — as good an engineer as his engine failed, leaving the Kiwi with he was a driver — shone. That meant a big lead that he converted into a the car that lined up at Levin for the dominant victory. With a round to go, opening round of the 1971 Tasman he led the chase with 31 points and, was a much different McLaren M10B while Matich’s third elevated him to 22, from the one he’d taken delivery of the he was now out of contention. previous Northern spring. The last day of February half a Without doubt, McRae’s main century ago saw the final round on the rival was Frank Matich — also a old Surfers Paradise Raceway where, championship-winning car constructor a tad late in the piece, Matich finally and driver, and also armed with hooked up, taking pole and winning a much-modified McLaren. The the race. Initially, Allen ran in front Australian was well financed and ran of McRae with Gardner in between. a Repco-Holden V8 engine instead of Had they finished in that order, the the otherwise ubiquitous Chevrolet. Kiwi would have still taken the title by The rivalry between these two was a point — but that became academic intense. I once asked Graham if he when Allen’s engine let go after only socialised with Matich. nine laps. Irrespective of anything else, The rivalry between these two was intense. I once asked Graham if he socialised with Matich. His reply: “We didn’t even speak.” Frank Radisich (#9) in the ex-McRae His reply: “We didn’t even speak.” McRae was champion right then. McLaren M10A had his best season to With probably the most-powerful It was the second of what would finish runner-up in the Gold Star Chev engines, Sydney’s Niel Allen Photo: Bill Pottinger could never be discounted — which he eventually be five F5000 championship proved early in winning the Grand Prix titles for Graham McRae, who was unlike the traditional monosyllabic, at Pukekohe. never afraid to tell it like he saw it. reserved Kiwi sporting hero. Despite McRae had crushed everyone in the Sadly he destroyed that very special the tight budget of his 1970 Tasman opening round at Levin and repeated McLaren in Germany later in 1971 campaign, Wellington’s Graham McRae the punishment at Wigram but, with — but it forced him to come up with managed to win two of the seven Allen taking Teretonga, he finished something new, and that was the rounds. Put another way, he won every atop the points after the four New seminal GM1, still a winning weapon race he finished. Zealand rounds, with 24 points to in Historic F5000 racing today. McRae’s 22 and Matich on 18. No one After the 1970 Tasman, McRae else — not even British-based works FERRARI’S LAST headed to England to take delivery Lola driver Frank Gardner — was GOLD STAR of a brand-new McLaren M10B, close. The Australian knew the circuits successor to the successful M10A. well but a fourth was all he had to The first of Graham McRae’s His breakthrough win came in the show for his efforts. championships for F5000s was the final round at Brands Hatch, but The three Australian rounds 1969–70 Gold Star, while in runner- he’d often been a contender in a year started at Sydney’s Warwick Farm in up spot was Graeme Lawrence. Their when McLaren’s new model set the mid February. Gardner got the Lola respective fortunes reversed a year later. benchmark — 14 wins from 18. working and won from the Lotus-Ford While the gorgeous ex-Amon Ferrari of Amon. With neither McRae nor was no longer a contender in the However, it was clear not all M10Bs Matich scoring points, Allen’s fourth Tasman Series, it was still good enough were equal. Engines were mounted edged him five points clear of the Kiwi, to win our Gold Star. It was the first with now only two rounds remaining. time the Hamiltonian had won our Melbourne’s Sandown Park would, most prestigious championship, and in future years, prove to be a happy it was certainly the last time anyone hunting ground for McRae. His would, or could, achieve it in a Ferrari. run of success there started in 1971, It wasn’t, however, the only time the illustrious brand had powered the THEMOTORHOOD.COM ISSUE 362 / FEBRUARY 2021 71

winner of the Gold Star. Christchurch his writing on motor racing. Of his wanted no part of it. Both excuses driver Pat Hoare had retired from a many books, my favourite is Colin were nonsense.” long and storied career after winning Chapman: Wayward Genius, but it the 1961–62 Gold Star. Astonishingly, would be a close-run thing between it If that wasn’t stating it like he his mount — a front-engined 1958 and Four Guys and a Telephone, which saw it, he concluded: “The truth is F1 Ferrari powered by a 3.0-litre V12 charts the history of March. that Porsche could not live at the top — was unwanted by a market that had level of racing, but it was able to be moved towards rear-mounted Lotuses When I stayed in Lawrence’s successful in sports car racing, where and Coopers. Today, one could only compact flat, he showed me the technical standards and the overall level speculate as to the number of millions extensive sections of walls where of competition were lower than in F1.” it would make. unsold boxes of Four Guys were once stored. He wondered what had Lawrence’s style was unique. He Stalwarts of motor racing here had, after all, been expelled from through the 1950s, Ross Jensen, Ron Replace it with school for a combination of ‘colourful Roycroft, and Tom Clark, fought out ‘Lawrence’s style language’ and persistently reading the first Gold Star in 1956–57, with was unique. He Motor Sport — which he eventually their campaigns underpinned by three had, after all, ran, many years later. quite different Ferraris. The former been expelled prevailed using a ‘750 Monza’ sports car from school for In 2016, he wrote and asked if I powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder. a combination of could pass on his best wishes to Chris ‘colourful language’ Amon, whom he admired greatly. In his VALE, MIKE LAWRENCE and persistently email, he mentioned that he also had reading Motor cancer but made his attitude to it clear. I’d been aware of the work of Sport. ‘ Englishman Mike Lawrence long before “Never let it be said that I am I met him in 2003 at the Barley Mow possessed him to write a book that bravely tackling it; the truth is I have pub in central Surrey that was made clearly no one wanted. That was no choice … ” famous by Eoin Young. before they became collectors’ items. Mike saw things through the eyes of Mike was 78 when he died just I have met a number of well-known a highly intelligent and inquisitive before Christmas, leaving empty the motoring journalists over the years and mind combined with a beautiful shoes of someone who combined not all conform to what you expect writing style. He was never afraid to immense knowledge, great wit, based on their writing style. They range pull punches. I’m always reminded of towering intellect, and a way from the author of some fine but, it the section on Porsche in his Grand with words few possess. I strongly must said, dull biographies of famous Prix Cars, 1945–65 where he wrote recommend his body of work. He was drivers, who are absolutely wonderful following the German company’s two- one of the best. company over lunch, to a provocative year F1 campaign: “That really was the wordsmith I expected to be great fun end of Porsche in F1, and every time A CENTURY AGO IN NICE but who was as socially awkward as the question of a return was raised, others told me he’d be. Porsche would sniffily declare either Jean Behra never raced in that there were no technical benefits New Zealand nor won a world Then there was Dr Michael or that it had become so orientated championship Grand Prix, and was Lawrence, formerly of Chichester, towards driver personality that it certainly never in contention for the which is near Goodwood. Given the world title. Unsurprisingly, many dearth of accommodation around modern F1 fans would have never the big events at the famous circuit, heard of him. However, if points were I have accordingly been pleased to handed out for cult heroes, then the be his house guest. His doctorate was awarded for his research into Shakespeare’s stage techniques. He brought a similar academic rigour to Graeme Lawrence, Ferrari 72 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

Recommended reading Frank Matich’s Repco-Holden–powered McLaren McRae on the absolute limit in his McLaren M10B McRae with Belgian Teddy ISSUE 362 / FEBRUARY 2021 73 Pilette (VDS McLaren M10B). The Kiwi had borrowed one of the VDS engines at Teretonga Photo: Bill Pottinger THEMOTORHOOD.COM

little Frenchman from Nice, in the If points were Niel Allen on his way to New south-east of France, would have scored handed out for cult Zealand Grand Prix glory a bundle. After racing bikes for Moto heroes, then the Guzzi with great success, he moved to little Frenchman Mike Lawrence also carried Daffy Duck on the cars in the late 1940s, but it wasn’t until from Nice, in aerial of his car 1955, when he signed for Maserati, that the south-east of his star truly ascended. His wins came France, would have in the numerous non-championship F1 scored a bundle races of the time, but he had less luck when he joined BRM in 1958. Porsche offered a chance in sports cars, in which Behra shone, but he couldn’t turn down the chance to join Ferrari for 1959. It started well enough, but a brush with the team manager meant a swift exit and he was left to run his own Porsches. It was in a support race for the 1959 German GP at the ludicrous AVUS circuit — Google it — that he was killed. There were three funeral services — one in Berlin, a second in Paris, and the third in Nice, where some 3000 mourners lined the streets. Why am I telling you this? Because on 16 February it will be 100 years since he was born, and I for one will raise a glass of red and honour one of the bravest and feistiest. Salue le tigre! „ Jean Behra — fearless 74 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

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Behind the Garage Door Datsuns Galore Terry Inder’s garage betokens one man’s crusade to preserve New Zealand’s Datsun heritage By Quinton Taylor T erry Inder comes from a family Prices for popular Japanese closely involved with the early cars, especially of some of the rarer days of assembly and sales of sporty models, are climbing noticeably Japanese vehicles in New Zealand. His in value, which has helped to make it late father, Fred, held the Southland more economic to keep and restore franchise for Datsun, then Nissan. Terry’s them, especially if you have the skills to brother Gary’s beautiful blue 240Z do your own work. featured in New Zealand Classic Car a couple of years ago, and he also has a rare Terry takes pride in the fact that 510 model, a two-door 1600 Coupe. most of the cars in his collection are Terry’s background as a panel technician with more than 40 years in the trade will help ensure the survival of his growing collection, which includes a substantial store of spare parts, and that of his son in Dunedin, who also has the Datsun bug. EVERY KIWI DESERVES A RELIABLE GARAGE DOOR.

runners, except for the ones stored in Motor Holdings plant in Auckland. A his sheds such as the Prince Glorias, front solid axle and differential came with for example — but then I suspect it Warn locking hubs for two-wheel cruising wouldn’t take much for Terry to get on bitumen. them running. “One of these days, I’ll get around to STILL WORKING HARD tidying it up,” Terry says. “It goes well and it’s a great little 4x4 ute. It’s a New Out in the yard and still working hard is Zealand–only model, and you can see Terry’s 1979 Datsun Hustler 4x4 utility. how they left the front suspension pickup Its orange paint is showing its age, but points in place (under the front bumper it’s relatively rust free and complete. Just bar) for the normal ute’s front suspension. a few hundred were assembled at the If the engine looks familiar, it’s because it was a straight copy of the BMC engines built under licence by Datsun. There are only about three 4x4 road-registered Hustlers left in New Zealand.” Garador.co.nz / 0800 427 236

BLUEBIRD’S THE NAME running happily for years. Hustler boasts a 1500cc engine with BMC Terry’s son, Lang, also has a origins Terry has added to his collection an example of one of the very first penchant for Datsuns and a store of One of these days it will get a bit of TLC CKD Japanese cars assembled in New parts in Dunedin. Other members of Zealand, a 410 / 411 model 1967 the family also own some well-preserved Bluebird sedan, a name we grew to examples of the Japanese brand, making know well on various models through it a real family enthusiasm for these cars to the 1990s. Datsun turned to Italian and utes. style house Pininfarina for this model, seeking a more international look. It With so many motoring goodies was well-equipped, and Terry’s example on hand, Terry’s biggest challenge is has an impressive and complete interior finding the time to complete them in red and black, contrasting with the all, but he is making steady progress, glossy white exterior. preserving a tasty slice of the history of early Japanese cars in New Zealand. „ COMPETITION DATSUNS Out in the yard and still working hard Two competition Datsuns are being is Terry’s 1979 restored and prepared for competition Datsun Hustler again in another workshop. One is 4x4 utility. It’s a Datsun 1200 Coupe, rare in New relatively rust free Zealand when new. This one was and complete possibly a factory import rally car. “We took the windscreen out, and underneath we found a metallic green colour which the factory cars used. I’m trying to track down this car’s history.” Terry has really ripped into this one to replace years of rally nudges and, of course, a bit of rust. If you think you recognise the car and know some of its history, please contact me at New Zealand Classic Car. The second car is a Datsun 260Z being prepared for classic racing. THE PARTS SHED It’s been quite a while since I have Italian-style, original Datsun Bluebird alongside seen such a comprehensive collection a rare Datsun Hustler 4x4 pickup of parts and cars so well stored for restoration as those Terry has amassed. Prince Gloria, From Silvias, Prince Glorias, 1600s, 140J, 180B, 1600s and 180Bs, the collection covers a — the list goes on wide range of Datsun and Nissans sold here. There are numerous body panels stored around the shed and a massive collection of engines and gearboxes, enough to keep many a Datsun Bluebird engine bay, featuring BMC copy engine, is tidy for its age 78 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

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Readers’ Writes A GOOD FIND carburetor and a free-flow exhaust system. No wonder it drove so well. I didn’t hesitate to say that I would buy it Reading Ben Selby’s article in the December issue in immediately. A close inspection at home showed the car to regards to the ever-increasing value of Ford Escorts be much better than I thought. Absolutely no rust anywhere, took me back to about the year 1999. In December, and the interior only required a new section of black vinyl about three days before Christmas day, I was looking at cars across the top of the back seat, owing to the hot sun splitting for sale and spotted an advertisement, reading something the original vinyl open. After a good scrub from the hood like the following: “Escort Mark I, two-door. 1600 motor. lining down, the interior came up like new, except for the Registered and warranted. 500 dollars.” I phoned the carpet, which I had replaced by a professional auto trimmer. number, and the car was only about 10 minutes away. My Yes, I must have bought the Escort when they reached their first glance took in empty bottles, scraps of paper, and lowest value 20 years ago. Mind you, it seems like no more other assorted trash, but although it looked like a Dunedin than 10 years. I must be getting old. And I am! student’s flat, it was not too bad. I took it for a short drive, Trevor Stanley and thought it didn’t go too bad. Opening the bonnet revealed that the 1600 motor had been fitted with the bigger You’re only as old as you feel, Trevor. — Ed. VIRTUALLY FORGOTTEN van options. The engine design went on to power Triumph Herald, Dolomite, Spitfire, Oh dear, not another article about Toledo, and even the last MG Midget in Morris Minors as featured in your 1500cc form. January 2021 edition. Classic car magazines all have a love affair with this I have owned four of these Standards, and car. Do not get me wrong, I agree these cars my current Super Ten saloon is a favourite are a true classic, having owned a couple amongst my car collection. myself. Austin A30/35 also enjoys plenty of copy (I’ve owned three). But a car virtually I bet most of your readers have never seen forgotten and, in my opinion, deserves closer one of these Standards, as they are now rare. attention is the Standard 8/10 models. These I would love to see an article on the small Standards are excellent cars renowned for Standards in your magazine, which would their reliability and bullet-proof engines. likely be a first in New Zealand. Rod Mason They are roomy, have good sized boots, and come in saloon, station wagon, ute, and Looking forward to receiving more information and photos, Rod.— Ed. 80 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

FANS REPLY POACHED EGGS Enjoyed the article on the Morrie and, as you said, a lot Ienjoyed reading the Morris Minor Traveller article in of people had a Morrie or knew somebody that did. the January 2021 issue. There are just a few engine-size I enjoyed 20 years with my Minor, although corrections which I should mention. generally only on weekends. The original (1948–1952) Minor’s engine was not of 803cc but was the 918cc (57 x 90mm) side-valve one Known as the Foley Minor, this car (above) was around all dating back to the Morris Eight of 1936, which delivered the South Island tracks, including all street circuits, and it even 27.5bhp at 4400rpm. Alec Issigonis had worked on a flat- went up to Manfeild a couple of times. four design for the car, but this did not meet head office approval. Neither did the car: Bill Morris thought it looked It was powered by a modified 1295cc engine with Ford like a poached egg and that the Morris Eight was all that the gearbox, diff, and brakes. English public needed. I believe it is in Auckland now. It was planned to be fitted with an overhead-valve Larry Greene version of the engine, similar to that used in the Wolseley Eight, but the creation of the British Motor Corporation Balance restored. — Ed. in 1952, effectively a takeover by Austin, put paid to that plan. The choice then was the Austin A30’s A series 803cc (58 x 76mm) engine, giving 30bhp at 4800rpm. The SU carburettor did give the engine a little more power than the Austin’s Zenith or the Austin A40’s 1200cc engine, but it was thought that 40bhp would be too powerful for the average driver, so overall performance remained virtually the same, and the course of history of the A series engine was changed. It did become the longest-lived British engine, and the article writer’s 1953 car would have had that engine, not the 948cc one, which came in 1956. That 948cc development (62.9 x 76.2mm and 37bhp at 4750rpm) finally gave the Minor 1000 some of the power it needed, and from 1964 an increase of bore and stroke to 64.6 x 83.7mm and an increase in size to 1098cc (effectively the same engine used in the BMC ADO16 1100 range) and 48bhp at 5100rpm finally dragged top speed from the original 64mph to 74. A note on Travellers: a book on their history details the lot of the craftsmen making the framework in the woodwork shop. There was no dust extraction from sanding operations — health and safety was conspicuous by its absence — and many of the workers suffered from serious lung disorders in their (few) remaining years after retirement. Ronald Mayes The trusty A series Seems ridiculous to think that 40bhp would be too powerful for the average driver, even back then. — Ed. THEMOTORHOOD.COM ISSUE 361 / JANUARY 2021 81

Price On … The Future of Classics Ex-rental largesse WHAT ABOUT THE doomed to fail GOVERNMENT’S ‘ROAD TO ZERO’ PROGRAMME? Worrying developments in the pipeline! This was the worrying document By Greg Price put out for discussion in mid-2019, seemingly motivated by the number Over the Christmas break, I got to something that could be relevant to of road deaths in 2018 (377) and the spend time catching up on some the debate so I thought I’d chip in with effect they had on families, survivors, reading. Aside from a couple of my sixpenn’orth. First, though, let’s and communities. The claim was good books, I read a couple of worrying talk about why giving out rentals to made that, if our roads were as safe as internet stories that warranted further the ‘less fortunate’ is not going to solve Norway’s, our road death total would fact checking. The snippet that made anything, especially when it comes to have been significantly less. That me spill some of my Christmas cheer having and maintaining a roadworthy may well be true, but in my humble over the keyboard was the comment vehicle. opinion the state or our roads — some that the government was proposing to of which are pretty bad — is not a give ex-rental cars to those currently WHY EX-RENTALS ARE NOT reason to force us all into modern with supposedly ‘old cars’, primarily A GOER FOR THE LESS cars, ex-rentals, or EVs. Roads do not targeting the unregistered, unwarranted FORTUNATE cause crashes, people do. Which begs vehicles — dungers, was the term used the question: what is the NZTA doing — that seem to be prevalent in the Firstly, why are unregistered and about the competency of drivers? Not lower socio-economic areas of various unwarranted vehicles being used? It a lot, by my reckoning. It wasn’t all suburbs in New Zealand. is because the current owners do not that long ago when wannabe non- have the wherewithal or motivation English-speaking drivers seeking a Now, despite many hours of to maintain them in a roadworthy licence were assisted with the old ‘one internet searching I couldn’t find the condition, for whatever reason. So it is kick for yes, and two kicks for no’ to source of the article so deemed it ‘fake safe to assume that were those people the oral tests. news’ — hopefully. However, I found given an ex-rental, it would likely also fall into disrepair, for the same reasons, Further, in some documented cases, Greg says never drink and ride, lest you spill it so what would this programme achieve? the current testers apparently are being Nothing. Ex-rental vehicles are actually a bit rigorous with the testing, leading quite a good buying at auction as they to claims by some failed drivers that it’s are generally very well maintained from all about getting more money out of new and replaced after, I think, five the applicant. Millions of dollars have years, regardless of mileage covered. been spent on cycleways, which by and Could it be the rental companies have large are not used to any great extent. lobbied the government to provide a Using the ‘Road to Zero’ argument, sure-fire way of disposing of the ex- would those millions have been better rentals? However, for them to continue spent on fixing the current roads? to be good, reliable vehicles, they need to be maintained, so who is going to IN SUMMARY pay for that? Old cars — particularly classic and There is an old saying which goes: heritage vehicles — are not the ‘If you cannot afford to maintain a problem — but some of today’s drivers vehicle, don’t own one.’ As an owner are! I fail to see why classic car owners of multiple vehicles, I can say that at should be penalised for owning and times it is a struggle to keep them all maintaining their classic vehicles in fine fettle but then it is up to me because the authorities can’t or won’t how I spend my hard-earned dollars. address the ‘bad drivers’ issue. Having said that, the new year did provide a financial boost to the annual ‘Drive to the conditions’ has been cost of registration, as one of our classic the road safety message for zonks! It motorcycles (650cc) turned 40 on 1 is very relevant today, so if the road is January 2021. The annual registration dodgy, then slow down. And whatever dropped overnight from $560 happens in the future, don’t exacerbate something to just $53! Thanks, NZTA! the problem by giving ex-rental cars to people who won’t maintain them to the required standards, based on their current track record. Remember, drive safely out there — the life you save might be mine. „ 82 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

Classic Garage CORDLESS SOLDERING IRON KIT Narva is now offering a cordless, rechargeable, lithium- ion–powered soldering iron as an alternative to its butane gas–powered soldering iron. The battery model can heat up to soldering temperature in just 10 seconds. The kit comes with interchangeable tips, including chisel and cone, for a variety of jobs, and a hot knife tip for cutting rope. The 50W iron charges in 3.5 hours and runs for 40 minutes at a maximum temperature of 600°C. It weighs 100g. Available from automotive and hardware stores. Contact stockists for pricing. STAY COOL Our beloved classics often have cooling systems that would have worked perfectly when ‘heavy traffic’ meant more than one car in front of you at the lights, but times have changed. Add the extra demands of performance modifications and competition driving into the mix, and you will want to see the team at Adrad. They specialise in designing radiators for classic and performance cars, and stock aftermarket radiators, cores, and components proven in New Zealand and Australian conditions. All of Adrad's radiators come with nationwide warranties, so you won’t be left hot under the collar. Visit 0800radiators.co.nz, or phone 0800 RADIATORS (723 428) for more info. FAST FIX WITH MEGUIAR’S HYBRID CERAMIC LIQUID WAX As foolproof and as simple to apply as the a time, and use a high-quality microfibre classic wax-on wax-off action, Meguiar’s cloth to buff off. Meguiar’s recommends its Hybrid Ceramic Liquid Wax brings ceramic Meguiar’s Supreme Shine Microfibre Towel, coating to the DIY detailer with an application which is sold separately. process that could not be easier. Although it’s applied just like any traditional wax — working Offered in a 473ml bottle and supplied with a circular motion by either hand or a DA a foam application pad, Meguiar’s Hybrid sander — that is where the similarity ends. Ceramic Liquid Wax is safe for use on your plastic trims and brightwork, but keep it away The biggest game changer, and the one from glass. It will also work on top of traditional we’re most excited about, is that the formula waxes, and you can top it up any time using dries clear, so there is no white residue, only Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Spray Wax. a protective ceramic water-beading layer that seals your paint from the harsh environments of New Zealand. Best practice is to apply the wax in the shade, ensuring the surface is cool and clean. As with any wax, the secret to a successful application is to apply as little as possible — just enough to coat the surface evenly. If you apply it too liberally, not only is the drying time of 3 to 5 minutes extended but it can be a pain to buff off the residue. Apply a small amount to your foam applicator and wipe over the surface area of the panel twice. Confine your work to two panels at 83 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

International Report Top money for another Pagoda at Webb’s — $201,000 CLASSIC CAR AUCTION month of June. Winter here, of course, when a good number of owners BUSINESS TAKES OFF or collectors would be overseas at events. I had a couple of possible Reflections on the classic car auction contenders but made it clear to the organisers that they had their timing market here and where Northern wrong and that they should consider moving future events to our spring or Hemisphere sales show it could go summer when potential consignors and bidders would be more interested. No BY JOHN DENNEHY acknowledgement or response to that suggestion, so I assumed we weren’t Setting up a notification on internet ADJUSTING THE TIMING ever going to see a halfway decent car sale sites for all and any auction business contribute to our classic cars provides an entertaining Maybe a specialised auction business classics market here. and informative pastime. Some is a better option for both sellers and That thought was proved wrong sellers go to considerable lengths to buyers to meet the market. Several when Webb’s held a successful event photograph and present their rare years ago, there was a classic car in Wellington in December 2016. The and beautiful cars and do it well, only auction advertised in Auckland for the Savage Collection, as the event was to see crackpots popping up with inane questions: “Mate, how about my 33-year-old Hilux in p/ex with cash (wait for it) either way?” Others offer only a grainy and out-of-focus shot of what they seem to believe is a surefire pot of gold for its new owner at some bonkers price. One current online ad — I’ll spare the owner’s blushes — offers a rare ’60s classic, but it is clearly utterly knackered and in need of full restoration, for more than double what any minimally knowledgeable marque enthusiast would consider coughing Pure Theatre - Bonham’s Jamie Knight in action up for it. 84 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV Speciale. US$4.5m labelled, offered an eclectic collection At a recent major UK a recent major UK auction, a 14-year- of classics, from an E-Type to a Morris auction, a 14-year-old old immaculate low-mileage AMG van to a pagoda SL Mercedes. Like immaculate low- 500SL sold for less than a Morris Minor many others, I made the journey to mileage AMG 500SL ‘woody’ station wagon, while many ’80s view the offerings: all solid and mostly sold for less than a classics exceeded estimates. well-provenanced cars, but nothing Morris Minor ‘woody’ exceptional or concours — not that station wagon The lockdown in the UK ebbed and I’m a fan of concours cars. But having flowed across county boundaries and been to more than a few auctions in of 2008: property, stamps, watches, levels, but the Northern Hemisphere the US and Europe, I couldn’t help but and classic cars, all of which had seen spring also brought the first signs notice that the presentation of the lots values accelerating at breathless of fresh life in the market. Bonhams, was a tad disappointing. Nevertheless, rates. In the UK, the number of auction Silverstone, Historics, CCA, Coys, Anglia it has to be said, some of the sales houses specialising in classics has all marketed online-only auctions with results achieved were nothing less almost doubled in the last ten years, viewings, depending on location, either than astonishing. If the new owners are and the supply of both sellers and by Zoom or by appointment. Dates were happy, the sellers certainly would be buyers seemed limitless, their success also put out into the future, with houses — as would the auctioneers, collecting helped along by redefining, probably competing for consignments. In the US, both buyer and seller premiums. quite reasonably, whole swathes of Goodings and RM were not holding models and marques as ‘classics’. At back in their belief that higher-end, MARKET FORCES rare, and exceptional cars would find willing buyers, even in a Covid-ravaged Putting New Zealand to one side for landscape. Confirming that the classic now, when Covid-19 swept into Europe car market was in rude health, the and countries locked down, auction average sale price per lot at Goodings houses there were never going to ‘Passion of a Lifetime’ sale in September be close to qualifying as essential 2020 was a staggering $4.5m. businesses. Events were cancelled, cars withdrawn from auctions and 1999 Mini did well at Webb’s making $61,000 returned to storage; classic car dealers closed their doors, and all went quiet. But not for long. Just as here, governments got the printing presses going, pushing billions of dollars into their struggling economies and bringing down interest rates with the aim of getting money into circulation and their economies ticking along. Cash that attracted zero returns in banks needed to find a home, and those homes had already been identified after the GFC THEMOTORHOOD.COM ISSUE 362 / FEBRUARY 2021 85

PUTTING ON A SHOW 1955 Aston Martin DB3S ex Aussie — US$4.1m Across the whole spectrum of these The last two Webb’s > Cars that have their original auction houses, the events they hold auctions here show equipment, mechanicals, and running are just that, events. They are well lit, that, in line with gear sell most readily. If you have a well curated, with plenty of willing staff overseas market beautiful and well-documented period on hand to answer questions, retrieve trends, in a country Yank truck, for example, please don’t car files, introduce owners to potential with no current shoehorn a crate V8 into it, dumping bidders, pass around refreshments — all lockdown restrictions that wonderful straight six and its contributing to the sense of occasion. and low interest ‘three on a tree’. That goes for period Admittedly, if the event was in a rates, there is a sedans as well. Oh, and whatever you lockdown area, the only contact was via market here to serve do, don’t dump the original wheels/ Zoom or other virtual conferencing apps. radio/seats. The market is moving, an averagely presented 1999 Mini and it’s now all about originality. While the auction houses competed Classic go to its new owner for a breath- among themselves for business, some taking $61k. I know these later classic > If considering an auction, ask about dealers had not been idle, especially Minis well. They are great cars to drive presentation — what the proposed the marque specialists. I spoke to one and own, yet a completely rebuilt 2000 venue is like, how the event will be well-known specialist dealer in the Mini Classic with a concours tag — it was curated and managed, your rights on Midlands that had almost doubled their the 25th-to-last Mini ever to roll off the setting a reserve, etc. number of sales in 2020, albeit with original production line — sold recently some judicious repricing. Both of these for $10k less, and this was a stunning, as > If consigning, clean your car! Sounds trends have left some generalist dealers new, example. obvious, doesn’t it? But more than finding business harder to come by. a couple of cars in the recent sales WAY TO GO didn’t look like they’d seen a vacuum Here in New Zealand, given the or a window cleaner in a spell. Clearly, success of their previous Savage So how to conclude? Is an auction now don’t expect this to be done for you. Collection sale in 2016, successful a credible and attractive way to sell The last two Webb’s auctions here auctions elsewhere, and the loosening your beloved classic to a keen new of cash, Webb’s were probably right to owner? And what do last year’s sales show that, in line with overseas market feel confident about their December overseas tell us? Here’s my take: trends, in a country with no current auction in Auckland — although how it > As long as cash is cheap, classic cars lockdown restrictions, considerable became a sale of the ‘largest collection classic car ownership numbers, and of classic cars in New Zealand’, given remain a desirable asset to enjoy, and low interest rates, there is a market that a few kilometres from where I’m they will always be a whole lot more here to serve. It would be interesting sitting is a far larger one, is a mystery … engaging than a stamp. to see competition raising the standard but no matter. here, as it has done overseas. Good operators will succeed by consistently DOWN AND DIRTY DETAIL attracting the best-of-breed cars that buyers will pay the most for. By best Along I trundled on a hot summer day of breed, I mean original cars with to the pre-sale viewing of the Sunday. decent provenance, presented the best Oh dear. The first thing to strike me possible way. Setting a high bar here was how gloomy the hall appeared. If should be a worthwhile goal for any you hadn’t brought a torch, which I had, you would have been hard pressed current player, solo or not. „ to get any down and dirty detail. The second thing to grate was seeing a whole family pressing into a convertible classic, with one child standing on the driver’s seat. There were no staff in sight, and presumably neither was the owner or, quite rightly, he would have been unimpressed. In fairness, Webb’s has judged the moment and the market, as lots were quickly sold, some at what can only be described as well above market, especially after adding the 15 per cent plus GST buyer’s premium — notably more than that charged in the more competitive scene overseas. I watched 86 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

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Marketplace Report Send your enquiries, questions, and comments to [email protected] 1987 Toyota MR2 AW11 GIANT SLAYER $3600,” says Stephanie. These prices for cars needing work The fun-per-dollar quotient is already high and, with a sorted body, that fun will only are confirmed by Lawrence Whittington. get more valuable as time goes on “Naturally aspirated project cars with rust range anywhere from $1000 to BY BEN SELBY $3000, whereas rust-free projects are usually between $3000 and $6000,” By combining big sports car thrills else,” says AW11 owner and MR2 fan he says. Due to being highly sought with Japanese reliability and an Stephanie Bickerstaff. after, supercharged project cars are affordable price tag, the AW11 Toyota higher still, if you find one with little rust. MR2 was the David among the Goliaths As a result of its increasing rarity, “Supercharged cars with rust are between of the sports car world. “It was genius prices for decent examples have $3000 and $5000, whereas rust-free and iconic,” says former MR2 Owners been steadily climbing in recent years, examples can be had from between Club NZ president, Charlie Western. even for a project car. “My very first $8000 to $10,000,” says Lawrence. “They didn’t call it a poor man’s Ferrari AW11 set me back $500 less than five for nothing.” years ago, which, at the time, was a RID THE ROT road-legal manual NA project car. My According to MR2 collector most recent acquisition was an auto As you might have guessed by now, Lawrence Whittington, nothing sums up supercharged example. It was riddled the biggest curse on a neglected AW11 Japanese car smarts of the 1980s like with rot and has been off the road for MR2 is rust. According to MR2 collector an MR2. “The AW11 MR2 is the absolute more than five years. This set me back and breaker Marko Milanovic a rusty definition of the ’80s vibe. The pop- example, even if more complete, will up headlights, targa top roof, and the always be more affordable. “I would wedge shapes of its body just screams the ’80s. It was also the first Japanese mid-engine production car to grace the worldwide market,” he says. GETTING SPECIAL New Zealand roads have seen decent numbers of AW11 MR2s. Today, the AW11 is somewhat rarer than its SW20 successor. “As time has gone by, the rarity has made it an absolute gem to see in person, and its wedgy shape is now so distinguishable from anything 88 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

price a project between $1000 and GOOD OPTIONS BULLETPROOF $7000, depending on condition and spec. Pricing an AW11 is dependent on While low-mileage manual Rust issues aside, the AW11 is pretty one thing and one thing only: rust. I’ve supercharged cars are the most bulletproof mechanically. Charlie sold a rust-free deregistered rolling highly sought after, Joel reckons later also says good rubber is paramount. body for $2300. Whereas I’ve also sold production run examples can be a “Don’t run cheap tyres on an MR2 a complete running car for $3000 that good option. “An end-of-production unless you want to crash and trash it. had rust,” says Marko. 1989 model would be the ultimate Good tyres make for good fun. It’s a for me. A manual will always be more performance car, not a plodder.” Moving away from project cars, sought after, but the auto is not bad at those after decent-to-mint examples of all. Some people prefer the pre-facelift According to Lawrence Whittington, naturally aspirated and supercharged hardtop, as it’s the lightest and purest. running a AW11 MR2 certainly manual or automatic AW11s in this climate New Zealand–new examples are also won’t break the bank. “Most AW11s need to set aside up to five figures to appealing,” he says. are Sunday cars now, so basic get a look in. Decent examples, which maintenance, consumables, and car are largely dependent on model, could So, what to look out for when buying? care should be between $1000 to range from about $5000 to $13,000, Well, as we have established, rust is the $2000 a year. However, I would budget with immaculate examples fetching biggest thing to be aware of. “Wheel $3000-plus if you are driving it daily,” $13,000 plus. Stephanie says the arches, door sills, bottom of the roof he says. supercharged variants, both in auto pillars are the usual problem areas,” and manual, have recently been seen says Joel. “Pull the skirts off, remove ONE WAY TRAFFIC fetching over $18,000 in both local and the C-pillars and the vents below them. international markets. Remove the bottom of the front guards It’s clear the days of falling values for and inspect the chassis concealed the Toyota MR2 AW11 are over. “I have EXPECT WORK beneath. Take a look at the top of the no doubt their value will continue to chassis rails under the top of the front increase,” says Stephanie Bickerstaff. This is confirmed by Charlie Western. guards too,” says Charlie. “The AW11 has already hit the bottom of “Truly good examples, free of rust its value curve and has been on the up and mechanically well maintained, The AW11 MR2 for a few years now. When they were are few and far between today. Most cheap, a lot were modified or thrashed, are not parted with in a hurry, as the (opposite) is the so only the good ones remain now and owners know they simply will never find they are sought after,” says Joel Fletcher. another. They fetch upwards of $15,000 absolute definition of and, if you ask me, they are still So, with prices on the rise, now is seriously underrated and under-priced,” the ’80s vibe. The pop- the best time to bag yourself one of says Charlie. the purest and most usable Japanese up headlights, Targa sports cars ever built. “It’s a driver’s Former MR2 owner Joel Fletcher also car, pure and simple, and in the right thinks those after the most immaculate top roof, and the wedge hands it can out-pace cars a hundred examples should also be budgeting times its price through twisty back- at least five figures. “I reckon a mint shapes of its body just roads. Trust me, I know. And when it example would be knocking on the door does, man does it make you smile,” of $20k these days, and a decent one screams the ’80s somewhere in between,” he says. laughs Charlie Western. „ 1992 Toyota MR2 SW20 THEMOTORHOOD.COM ISSUE 361 / JANUARY 2021 89

Feature: Auction Report Record-breaking Webb’s auction draws the buyers Buyers were humming at the Webb’s December collectors’ car auction in Auckland, with strong sales for the country’s largest ever offering of classic cars By Donn Anderson 90 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

The strength of classic car values including buyers’ premium, was Zealand in 2018, it is an authentic and rising interest in older $2.855 million. Shaker version with 82,000 kilometres vehicles was apparent at a packed on the clock. Webb’s December collectors’ car, Topping the action was $221,375 motorcycle, and automobilia auction paid for a white 1972 Ford Fairmont The second highest dollar sale of in Auckland. At least three-quarters of XYGT Shaker for which there was $201,250 went to the superb red 1964 the lots found new owners at what was strong bidding from four parties. No Mercedes-Benz 230SL, delivered new almost certainly New Zealand’s largest fewer than 36 bids were called for in Scotland but domiciled in New ever classic car auction. the Fairmont, and there were 3000 Zealand since 1980. There was rapid views on the website for this car. bidding for this car with its Pagoda- The 83 lots included 20 classic Mechanically identical to the 351 cubic roof hard top and soft top, and the motorcycles, five automobilia, and one inch Falcon GT, this genuine example end result was clearly in excess of the boat — a pristine wooden 1949 Chris was one of the units assembled in South $160k–$180k estimate. Craft that sold for $100,625. Webb’s Africa where Ford elected not to use received a record 677 registered bidders, the Falcon name. Imported into New including 50 phone bidders, four times the previous car auction in July. Around At least three-quarters of the lots found new 1000 interested parties attended owners at what was almost certainly New Zealand’s auction day in the spacious pavilion at largest ever classic car auction the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane. Negotiations completed in the days after the auction gave Webb’s a sales success rate above 80 per cent. The overall hammer total on auction day, THEMOTORHOOD.COM ISSUE 362 / FEBRUARY 2021 91

A sold turnout translated into solid sales The AC Cobra replica, constructed Classic cars for every taste by Berry of Upper Hutt and with a hand-built Almac body, surged past the $60k-$80k estimate, eventually selling for $100,625. The replica had a Ford 289 cubic inch V8, five-speed Toyota gearbox, Jaguar XJ6 differential, and Stewart Warner gauges. STUTZ LIMOUSINE FINDS A NEW OWNER An impeccable 93-year-old eight- cylinder Stutz, originally from Australia where it was used as a wedding car, was a sight to behold. According to the Indianapolis-based Stutz Club, this beautifully presented right-hand- drive car may be the only 1927 Stutz Limousine to survive in the world, and the sale price of $120,750 was close to the predicted estimate. A special car with its overhead cam and cross-flow motor, featuring twin spark plugs per cylinder — the restoration bill for the Stutz must have been stupendous. Originally a grand seven-seater tourer, this particular 1928 Cadillac 341A car sadly killed its driver when it rolled over in 1937. It was rebodied as a two-door coupe and then had other lives in convertible and station wagon form before a long-term restoration in the’70s reverted it back to a convertible coupe. The Cadillac sold for $132,250, just a little short of its estimate. Other early American offerings included $37,375 for a 1930 Ford Model A roadster with the dickey seat option, $37,375 for a 1947 Ford Mercury coupe, and $46,000 for a 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Club Coupe. Originating from Los Angeles and resident here since 2015, the chocolate-brown 1970 Ford Mustang coupe sold for $37,375, which was right on estimate, while there was even stronger bidding for a much-favoured 1966 302 V8-engined Mustang coupe that reached $71,300, well up on the $50k–$60k estimate. A TALE OF THREE MINIS From the buyer response to the three Minis on offer, the values of good classic Issigonis ‘bricks’ may well be experiencing a sharp increase in our market. The predicted price estimate of $50k–$55k may have been regarded as optimistic but was right on the button 92 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

with a phone bidder eventually securing in Devonport was the first owner, 1600 convertible converted to right- the immaculate 6251 kilometre, New keeping the A30 for 45 years, and the hand-drive sold for $43,125. Zealand–new 1999 Mini Cooper car realised its estimate with a sale for $53,000 — or around $61,000 price of $8,625. Once popular with Neither of the two Bentleys including commission. This was small businesses and tradesmen, a 1968 found new homes. The silver-with- probably the most expensive classic Morris Minor 6 CWT Van attracted tan-interior 2001 Azure convertible, Mini sold here. a top bid of $9,200, which was high with a recorded mileage of 7000km, enough to change hands. carried a $140k–$150k estimate but Meanwhile ,a highly original and only achieved $126,500. Meanwhile, concours condition 1965, 998cc- The handsome 1989 Lotus Esprit the lovely dark-green ex-Japan 1990 engined Austin Cooper that started attracted publicity, but despite its good Continental Corniche convertible, at $15,000 soon raced away to a final credentials the bidding was quiet. billed as one of the stars of the show, $40,250, well clear of the estimate. A This white pearlescent Lotus, showing was expected to reach between $160k locally assembled 1967 Mark I Austin 59,877 miles, was number 36 of just 40 and $200k but failed to sell. Mini, delivered new in Hamilton for Limited Edition Turbo models and had $1662, lacked the trappings of any been in this country for three years. The Aston Martin DB7s have been Cooper variant but boasted only two sale price of $37,375 seemed very good sleeping beauties price-wise, and the owners and 54,000 miles beneath its value for money for such a rare car. Webb’s auction proved no exception 10-inch diameter wheels. Still bearing with the silver 1999 V12-engined crossply tyres (although not likely RARE FORD ZEPHYR model representing excellent value for original as stated in the catalogue), CONVERTIBLE money. Costing well north of $325,000 this Plain Jane but very tidy Mini when new in New Zealand, an example sold for $19,550. Barry Phillips, a prominent Mini racer sold for $52,000 at a Turners auction half a century ago, had two favourite in 2002. The ex-Singapore DB7 with Other British offerings included family cars at the auction and both 46,000km and in excellent condition a 1954 Austin A30 four-door with found buyers. His immaculate and rare fetched $57,500 for its vendor at the a mileage reading of 70,000. A lady 1954 Mark I Ford Zephyr convertible December auction. in bright red had special sentimental value and had been in his care for Coincidentally, the 1991 Jaguar decades, selling for $60,375, while XJS Le Mans Edition that was next in his late wife Jeanette’s white 1963 line after the Aston sold for exactly the Volkswagen Beetle 1200 made $25,875. same figure, and right in tune with the A cranberry-coloured 1978 VW Beetle estimate. Delivered new in Japan and landed here four years ago, this British A special car with Racing Green XJS, with its quartet of its overhead cam round headlights and extra leather trim, and cross-flow was in pristine shape. An unmarked motor, featuring 1996 4.0-litre XJS convertible twin spark plugs Celebration model with only 40,000km per cylinder, the in Ice Blue with cream-hide upholstery restoration bill was a desirable one-owner car worthy for the Stutz of good money, as evidenced by the must have been eventual sale price of $54,625. stupendous THEMOTORHOOD.COM Always popular: 1964 SL230 Mercedes flanked 93 by a 1955 MG TF and a ‘47 Ford Club Coupe ISSUE 362 / FEBRUARY 2021

SERIES 3 JAGUAR XJ6 HITS THE SPOT Also in brilliant condition was a two- A 1936 Indian Chief from the Len estimate, on the other hand, only owner, new in New Zealand 1987 Pearce collection achieved $97,750 reached $126,500, which was not Series 3 XJ6 Jaguar Sovereign finished quite enough. Nor did the triple-owner in silver with pepper-pot wheels. It Mini goes big fibreglass-bodied 1987 Renault Alpine attracted a sale price of $31,625, right GTA sell. on estimate, but the more modern enthusiasm for early Japanese models, (albeit arguably less desirable) 1993 selling for $13,800. A 1995 Nissan A rare 2004 Vauxhall VX220 Turbo 4.0-litre Daimler XJ40 did not sell. Z32 Fairlady 300ZX Coupe with the roadster manufactured on the same In the older territory, a 1950 Jaguar twin-turbo V6 under the bonnet sold production line as its Lotus Elise cousin Mark V saloon, delivered new in for $46,000, and an immaculate 1983 went under the hammer for $31,625, Australia and in the care of the vendor Mazda RX-7 Series 2 coupe found good and a New Zealand–new 2002 Porsche for 33 years, reached a bid of $37,500 money with a $66,700 sale. 911 Carrera 996 sold for $70,500. The ($43,125 with commission), just falling red 1994 E36 BMW M3 convertible short of a sale. Mercedes-Benz models were well found a new owner at $26,450. represented but not all sold. Successful The auction had opened with a 1955 bids were made for a 1973 350SLC One of the unique lots was the MG TF 1500 that went to $32,500, ($27,600), 1973 450SLC ($20,700), immaculate and totally restored 1954 which was insufficient for a sale. A 1995 C36 AMG ($20,700), 1994 Ford Thames truck once run by the green 1970 New Zealand–new MGB SL320 convertible ($16,100), 1995 Hobson County Council out of roadster sold for $28,750 (just short E320 Cabriolet ($31,625) and a 2007 Dargaville. Finished in Ford Plum, with of estimate), and a red rubber-bumper CLK350 coupe ($20,125). a new wooden tray, original trafficators, example, imported from the USA matching chassis and engine numbers, and converted to right-hand-drive The 2015 Mills Extreme MEV this superb project had an estimate in Christchurch, changed hands for Exocet, based on Mazda MX-5 of $75k–$80k and achieved a well- $23,000. mechanicals, sold for $25,875. The deserved sell price of $83,375. 1971 Citroen SM coupe with a $140k Enjoying a car he has owned for ten The 1995 Mercedes G-Wagon years, Don Cresswell drove his 1923 truck, delivered new to the Singapore Rolls-Royce 20 HP from his home army, sold right on estimate for in Thames to the Auckland auction, $37,375. A highlight of the auction musing that it cruised up the Bombay was the sale of the Len Pearce hills in top gear. Don fired up the collection of Indian motorcycles, with overhead valve, six-cylinder 3.1-litre one of the magnificent old bikes — a engine and it ran like a clock. The valuable 1936 Indian Chief — selling Rolls came to our country brand new for a solid $97,750. as a rolling chassis and was sent to Christchurch where a wooden four- With such a wide variety of vehicles door saloon body was fitted by coach on offer, the high level of interest was builders Johnson and Smith. Later, perhaps understandable, but more this body was replaced by an adapted importantly the sales success confirmed mid-’30s Morris 18 body before a more an expanding regard for classic cars. appropriate hand-built two-seater with Opportunities will again be presented soft top and rumble-seat configuration when Webb’s hosts the next auction on was conceived. Bidding went to 7 March, this time at Southwards Car $92,000, including commission, just Museum in the Wellington area. „ short of expectations. GROWING INTEREST IN EARLY JAPANESE CARS The small 1.2-litre 1978 Datsun Cherry 120A F-11 Coupe, Nissan’s first front- drive model, reflected the growing One of the unique lots was a restored 1954 Ford Thames truck once run by the Hobson County Council 94 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

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Noticeboard Mainland Muscle Cars always put on a great show for the spectators Moore Mainland Classic Car action Formula Juniors, and drivers, ready for action No race meeting would be complete without a line up of Formula Juniors SOUTH CANTERBURY HYDRAULICS SOUTHERN FESTIVAL MEETING Ian Stevens, Classic GP1 Saloons 12 FEBRUARY–14 FEBRUARY Continental Rennsport Timaru International Motor Raceway The Classic Motor Racing Club of The event is part of the Southern Festival, New Zealand is proud to announce which is organised by members of the the South Canterbury Hydraulics Southern three major racing clubs in the South Island: Festival Meeting, to be held 12–14 February Canterbury Car Club, Classic Motor Racing at the Timaru International Motor Raceway. Club of New Zealand, and Southland Sports Car Club. Each club arranges its This classic and historic motor race own programme of events and hospitality meeting is an annual invitation event for for competitors. These meetings are people who are currently involved in promoted by the organisers to encourage historic and classic car racing and includes spectator attendance. most classes, such as Mobil 1 Mainland Muscle Cars, NZ Sports Cars, Pre-’56 The Southern Festival promotes competing group, Formula Junior, Formula Libre, VCC, and entertaining racing rather than winning Classic Saloons Pre-’78, Classic Saloons, trophies. As these events attract large and Continental Rennsport. fields, recent grid-race experience is essential for all competitors as is a high This meeting is solely organised by level of vehicle preparation. the Classic Motor Racing Club of New Zealand and the actual event is run by For further information, contact Brian Dixon the South Canterbury Car Club. on 027 432 0495, or at bddixon48@gmail. com, or visit: southcanterburycarclub.org.nz. 96 NEW ZEALAND CLASSIC CAR

VINTAGE CAR CLUB GRIDS GET YOUNGER At a recent meeting, the New Zealand Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (VCC) and MotorSport New Zealand (MSNZ) signed an update of the cooperation and mutual support between the two organisations. This included a welcome and, some would say, overdue move to build and strengthen the VCC starting grids by extending the eligibility of date for circuit racing cars from 31 December 1960 to 31 December 1965. This will not only encourage new VCC competitors but also those who are presently racing their pre-’65 cars in other classes. It gives an option to transfer to something that might better suit their needs. “This change will certainly create a wider range of saloon, sports, and racing cars’ access to the tracks,” says Don Gerrard, spokesperson for the Banks Peninsula branch of the VCC, which is regularly involved in up to six race meetings in the South Island each year. There are no changes to the technical rules applying to pre-’60 cars, and these will now be carried through to vehicles up to the 1965 cut-off date. NATIONAL VINTAGE CAR CLUB AWARD PRESENTED TO INVERCARGILL HARDWARE STORE Iconic Invercargill hardware store E Hayes and Sons is the proud recipient of a Presidential Award presented by the Vintage Car “In recognition of the firm’s outstanding service to the Vintage Club of New Zealand (VCC). Car Club and preserving and displaying historic vehicles and memorabilia, I am very pleased to present a Presidential Award to E The prestigious award is one of only eight bestowed by VCC since Hayes and Sons,” said Diane Quarrie, national president of the VCC. 2004, and recognises the outstanding efforts by the company both in the preservation and display of vintage vehicles and in the support E Hayes and Sons is the proud custodian of a unique private given to the Southland branch of the club for more than 60 years. collection of more than 100 classic, vintage, and modern motorcycles, automobiles, engines, equipment, and memorabilia, known as the E Hayes Motorworks Collection. The centrepiece of the collection is Burt Munro’s authentic, original, and legendary 1920 Indian Scout motorcycle, the ‘Munro Special’. Known as ‘The World’s Fastest Indian’, this is the bike on which Burt Munro set his speed record of 184.087mph (296.251kph) at the Bonneville Salt Flats, US, on 26 August 1967. The E Hayes Motorworks Collection is easily accessible to the general public, spread as it is throughout one of New Zealand’s most extensive, independent, and family-owned hardware stores. “Our family has always had a very passionate interest in vintage cars and motorcycles,” said Neville Hayes, managing director of E Hayes and Sons. “It began with my grandfather, Irving Hayes, who started the business in Invercargill almost 90 years ago. That interest was continued by my father, Norman, and passed on to me,” he added. “To be recognised in this way by the club is a great honour for us all and we are very proud to receive [the award].” Neville Hayes (left) displays the company’s award with The E Hayes Motorworks Collection is on permanent display Ray McCulloch, chairman of the Southland branch of the VCC. They throughout the E Hayes and Sons store at 168 Dee Street, are standing in store beside the original 1910 Buick used at the Invercargill, and is available for all visitors to view free of charge Hayes Engineering works at Oturehua, Central Otago during normal shop opening hours. THEMOTORHOOD.COM ISSUE 362 / FEBRUARY 2021 97

Noticeboard / Event Diary C-TYPE COMEBACK In 1952 a young Ian Stewart, pioneer “I always really rated the C-Type – for driver for Ecurie Ecosse, visited me it was a far better car than the D.” Jaguar Cars in Coventry to collect his brand-new C-Type. He took it to Ecurie Ecosse has created a new car to Jersey to compete with Aston Martins pay homage to its past success. Current and Frazer Nashes and won the race Ecurie Ecosse patron Alasdair McCaig at a gallop. said of the new car, “How better to celebrate the historic success of Ecurie Ecosse’s trophy cabinet was the Ecurie Ecosse C-Types than to soon filled with 59 podium places as manufacture a batch of cars in their legendary team manager and tuner honour? The seven priceless chassis ‘Wilkie’ Wilkinson extracted the Jaguar raced in period still exist today. We C-Type’s full potential in Scottish are paying homage to these cars by national team colours. creating a numbered sister car to each one. Meticulous in their detail, like their The Jaguar C-Type was the first race forebears, hand-built in Coventry and car honed in the wind tunnel, the first tuned by Ecurie Ecosse technicians.” to use fuel bag tanks, and was the test bed for Dunlop’s revolutionary disc The suspension and disc brakes have brakes. The steel spaceframe was clad been uprated and a five-speed gearbox in a light aluminium body designed added. Once out of lockdown, the first by Malcolm Sayer and powered by car will be available for viewing and a an overhead-cam Jaguar straight-six test drive at Ecurie Ecosse’s Henley-on- engine. Stirling Moss once said, Thames dealership, Hofmann’s. EVENT DIARY Due to Covid-19 precautions, events may be postponed or cancelled. Please confirm details with event organisers. UNTIL 12 APRIL 14 FEBRUARY 7 MARCH 26–29 MARCH The Evolution of Ellerslie Classic Car Show All Ford Day Jowett Car Club Japanese Cars National Rally Ellerslie Racecourse Wharepai Domain Bill Richardson Transport World Remuera, Auckland Tauranga Taihape Invercargill 20 FEBRUARY 7 MARCH 27 MARCH 6 FEBRUARY Nelson Swap Meet, hosted Auckland Brit & Euro Winchester Swap Meet Southern Grilles and by the Nelson VCC Classic Car Show & Bazaar, hosted by the Gasoline Car and Bike Show South Canterbury VCC Speedway Association Grounds Lloyd Elsmore Park Collegiate Rugby Club Grounds Richmond Pakuranga, Auckland Winchester Showgrounds, Invercargill State Highway 1 20 FEBRUARY 14 MARCH Winchester 6 FEBRUARY Otautau Car Show Gore Swap Meet, hosted 28 MARCH Summer Shindig by the Gore VCC Holt Park Otago All Australian The Old Parakao Store Cafe/Bar Otautau Waimea Street Car Show Whangarei Gore 26–27 FEBRUARY Milton 12–14 FEBRUARY 14 MARCH Otago The Moutere Hop South Canterbury Hydraulics Marlborough Hospice AUCKLAND CAR Southern Festival Meeting Moutere Hills Community Centre Vehicle Display: Ford CLUB SUMMER Nelson SERIES 2020–2021 Timaru International Motor Waterlea Racecourse Raceway 27 FEBRUARY Blenheim 7 March 2021 — Pukekohe Timaru 11 April 2021 — Hanmer Motorfest 14 MARCH Hampton Downs 13 FEBRUARY Hanmer Springs Domain Super Southern Top of the Hill: History, Hanmer Springs Swap Meet NZ Hot Rods & Horsepower 27 FEBRUARY McLeans Island Road Bombay Rugby Club Christchurch Bombay HSV Car Show 21 MARCH 13–14 FEBRUARY Orewa Reserve Orewa All Ford Day, presented Morrinsville Motorama by the Manawatu Ford 27 FEBRUARY Capri Car Club Morrinsville Recreation Ground Morrinsville Men’s Health Picnic Railway Land Reserve & Car Show Palmerston North Dannevirke Domain Dannevirke For Basis mail-order enquiries, National Orders: Ph. 03 572 8880 [email protected] The parts you want — from the people you can trust — at prices you can afford!