Phoenix June 2021

PHOENIX PHOENIX Number 306 June 2021

June 2021 NUMBER 306

Phoenix

NEWSLETTER OF THE WAITEMATA BRANCH
VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND

The Roycroft Event: The car, the Roycrofts, the trophies,
the people. All winners.

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PHOENIX Number 306 June 2021

WAITEMATA BRANCH DIRECTORY

CHAIRMAN: ROBERT CHAPMAN 021 038 3281 [email protected]
CLUB CAPTAIN:
SECRETARY: STAN SMITH 0274 775 475 [email protected]
TREASURER:
BRANCH DELEGATE: GRAEME BANKS 027 500 3806 [email protected]
EDITOR:
SCRIBE JACQUI GOLDINGHAM 09 445 8811 [email protected]
PAST CHAIRMAN: GRAEME BANKS 027 500 3806 [email protected]
COMMITTEE:
MICHAEL GREIG 027 24 55 786 [email protected]
IAN GOLDINGHAM 009944445567868011 [email protected]

BRENDAN LAMAIN 021 132 4557 [email protected]

MAX JAMIESON, MIKE HOPE-CROSS, HAMISH ANDREWS AND ROB SCOTT.

COMING EVENTS

Looking Forward………

Month Waitemata Other Events Swap Meets

I cannot remove these Will have to read the
empty spaces. issues of Beaded Wheels

The technology defeats To find this out.
me.
June Auckland Mid-week tour to a
AGM 3rd NMoorttohrlsapnodrtBMraunsecuhmFa1r6Nthorth Tour
July Stan’s Traditional
August Lunch Run 26th More of the above.
Saturday Same as.
R’oil Can 10th
(Sacred Event)
Daffodil Day 29th

Readers Warning: Grains of salt may be taken when reading this

publication. The use of Google may be advised for the uninitiated.

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PHOENIX Number 306 June 2021

Club Night Thursday 3rd June

See you at the RSA Room, King George V
Memorial Hall, Library Lane, Albany,
7.00 pm June the 3rd.

==========================

AUCKLAND BRANCH MID-WEEK RUNS
Wednesday 16th June. Starts 10.00am at the Old Westgate Carpark.
Special Event: Off to the Mortimer Motorsport Museum. Private collection at Matakana.

Some very special cars!!
Good time to exercise the vehicle, share the trip with a friend, and take your own lunch.

Jack Nazer 09 378 4580 Mike Loosemore 02102708848.
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R’Oil Can Rally 2021

presented by Steve Cranch.
10th July, 0700hrs.

It is the only Branch to offer this fine and greatly revered event that is spoken
oft in hushed voices in the corridors of Power, and in Museums of Silence,
Darkness, and Immobility.
Hear the peal of trumpets! Triumphant! Overwhelm the poor bugger in
bookings!
To where, (we don’t know) and why (ditto) and cries of “Who put this Olympic
Grade snorer in here!”
Entry form at the end of last month’s newsletter, to be filled in for that
excitement that the Branch is well noted for.
Remember that Mud, Dust, Rain and Freezing Cold is included free of charge.
Only open vehicles, i.e., Vintage Car Club eligible with current registration,
WOF. Must show current VCC of NZ membership card at start.

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Our Formal AGM

Free Meal-Meat, Veg and pud provided.

Something not to be taken lightly, no pressure on committee positions.
No change of the Old Guard. Take the current group to task!!

Thursday the Third of June…
7 pm

Bring own eating irons and BYOG.
Usual suspects will be preparing the meal with great skill and expertise.

Without them we would be lost!! Praise them, praise them!!
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The Great as Usual Stan’s Run and Lunch.

Note that it is on SATURDAY the 26th of JUNE.

We depart from the “Club Rooms” at 0900 hrs as we are booked for
10.00 to 12.00 at the venue.

The Run is to provide joy good time of a bracing run, and attack of
scatt or is skeet shooting and a marvellous lunch. All of this is to a very

high standard as we know from Stan’s previous events.
It must be noted that these are free range, consenting Skeet that are

ethically breed for the range. Those that you bring down will be
dressed for BBQ or the oven and presented on leaving the venue. You
may have to dispatch any beaters that you wing by mistake, humanely.

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The Roycroft Trophy.

This edition of the event was held at Hampton Downs and was our last
race for the season. The event was split into two separate races. One
for Vintage and the other for Formula Juniors. The Juniors race was won
by Paul Halford in his Neapolitan built Fiat powered Junior. After an

early dice with Walter Findley in his Elva-DKW, he was able to
consolidate a good winning margin. A much-improved Peter Benbrook, still
learning in his first season in the Gemini Mk2. He stalked Nigel Russel in the FMZ

for much of the race but was unable to pass. Stan Benbrook, Copper Imp
Mk8, did not make the start having had some small vibration problems at

high speeds and wanted to investigate that.

The Vintage Roycroft was a close-run race from the start. Grant Kern,
MG TD, was closely followed by Ray Ferner, BSA FW32, for two laps. On the

third lap, Ray was able to out brake and go under Grant on the inside,
going into the sweeper before the main straight and take the lead for a
lap. Unfortunately for Ray a valve seal failed on one cylinder on the

BSA and the effect was like a smoke canister released from the
exhaust and the car was retired very soon after. Grant Laing, Buckler,
was able to pass Grant later on the same lap and claim the honours with
Grant coming in second. The rest of the field following closely behind.
The only other retirement was Robert Moston in the C type Jaguar. His
car seemed to be on fire with smoke coming through the bonnet vents. He

wisely pulled into the pits and stopped by the fire marshals. After a
nervous lifting the bonnet, it was found to be steam. On closer

inspection a rear frost plug had dislodged, a not an unheard-of event on
these engines.

The Roycroft Trophy and cups were presented by Leanne Roycroft
assisted by younger brother Terry.

Results: Roycroft Trophy Craig Laing
2nd Roycroft Grant Kern
Pre 45 Ray Ferner
Pre 60 Graeme Brayshaw
Formula Junior Paul Halfort
Hard luck Robert Moston

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Hooters Vintage Race Series / Historic Formula Juniors

Car LastName Car CC Year
# FirstName Harris Terrapin Mk1 1275 1965
1960
Sean 1960
1960
1 Roger Herrick Lola Mk 2 FJ 1098 1959
1961
3 Anthony Olissoff Emeryson Elfin FJ 995 1960
18 John Holmes Lotus 18 FJ 1060 1959
1959
21 Gary Langsford Elva 100 FJ 1100 1959
1959
25 Jim Barclay Gemini Mk3A FJ 1060 1931
30 Nigel Russell FMZ FJ 1100 1954
1956
34 Michael Sexton Gemini Mk 2 1097 1958
48 Paul Halford Autosud FJ 1100 1954
2007
57 Peter Benbrook Gemini Mk2 FJ 948 1950
1958
74 Walter Findlay Elva-DKW 100 FJ 1098 1951
1 Ray Ferner BSA FW32 1000 1948
1959
5 Graeme Brayshaw Cooper Norton MK VIII 500 1958
6 Steve Sharp Lotus 11 Le Mans 1098

14 Kevin Andrew Speedex Silverstone 948

17 Stan Benbrook Cooper IMP MK8 875
23 Robert Moston Jaguar C Type 3400

39 Grant Kern MG TD 1250
44 Craig Laing Buckler DD2 Climax 1220

51 Neil Moore Jowett Jupiter 1506

64 Geoff Wilson MG TC 1250
521 Graeme {Joe} Bruntlett Badger U2 1340

619 Wayne Hayward Triumph Lotus Special 1300

Don’t overtake, I know the way!

Its steam not smoke!

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I have written the instructions for the ECU as the Wi-Fi is not operating.

Brave, aspiring Branch Member (a Vintage Soul in Torment), Herbert Sprang is
looking at getting a seat to the R’Oil Can event. He has for years attempted this
unrequited,valiant mission to attend this Sacred Branch Rite of Passage. As the
Gods will usually decree, he will miss out this time, again.

So, this year, he will present his ‘Goldern Anniversary Attempt’ Rose Bowl at
the Evening Dinner along with the Jemina Pogworthy Sheild for Taxidermy
(Dog Mounting) to its lucky recipients.

This is a formal portrait of Herbert as
he scans the foot hills for a passenger seat, or
assistant driver position for the R’oil
Can Rally.
known as ‘The
The painting is
Desire”. blackballed several
actions that are still
He has been supression that still
times as a result of the pricipalities and
under High Court thrones in East Central
affects minor
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Asia.

PHOENIX Number 306 June 2021

The Macau Triumph Spitfire : The Car and Post Creator -

Morley Faulkner.

Our erstwhile editor, Mike, bailed me up at the hill climb and asked if I could
pen a few words on my Triumph Macau Spitfire. Well, it has been covered quite
extensively both here and overseas, however at the risk of repeating myself I
will have a go.

Firstly, I am well-bred to have taken on this task, having been born in Coventry
and served my apprenticeship with Standard-Triumph, and then having the
opportunity to work with the team that built the original car. The concept of the
Macau came about due to a request from the Hong Kong Triumph dealer Walter
Sulke for a race car to take part in the Macau GP.

It was decided to use as much ex Le Mans Spitfire parts as possible together
with an open sports body. The hump was at the request of Walter Sulke. Upon
tests that were carried out at MIRA the car proved both quick and agile, lapping
MIRA banked circuit at 130mph. When finished the car was packed up and sent
to Hong Kong. In the Grand Prix, it did very well come third, beating amongst
others, Lotus Elan’s, and E types.

After the GP it was shipped back to the factory, where my job was to freshen it
up ready to be sent to Kas Kastner (Triumph America Competition Manager).
Kas found it too hard to compete with the 1147cc engine so fitted the 2000cc
motor which proved untouchable in a straight line. It passed through several
hands before ending up in Switzerland, where it was discovered and bought
back to England. Canley Classics now have it, and it is undergoing restoration.

I had bought two barn find Spitfires and was pondering what to do with them,
when a gentleman in Hamilton offered a load of spares which included a
fibreglass Le Man’s style bonnet which had been cut into several pieces. The die
was cast; I had to recreate the Macau car.

With a gap of 50 years, it was still fresh in my mind and was only a matter of
being able to put it into practice. One Spitfire was probably beyond restoration
and so I used that one to form my rear body section mould. The other one was
stripped down and made ready for assemble. The body tub had to be sand
blasted and painted for certification. It was a production steel tub whereas the

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Macau, Rally and the Le Mans cars had Alloy tubs. The Standard chassis was
retained. (All works competition chassis were made of a lighter gauge). In
amongst the load of spare I bought from Hamilton was a set of competition
springs, these were fitted.

In the meantime, I had spent many, sometimes frustrating hours trying to
recreate the rear section hump. (Kas has had to remove the original so as to
incorporate a roll over hoop). Kas Kastner and I both think the other folks have
tried to copy the Macau style but just never seem to have got it right. So, it was
important to get it correct. I think the final result speaks for itself.

The need for an engine that would do justice to the project was solved when the
ex-Malcom Pollard racing Spitfire engine was made available. The original
engine was a 1147cc unit at around 109hp. Macom’s engine had been bored to
1300cc and was equipped with a Broadspeed 8 port head running twin 40 DCOE
Weber carburettors. Not to mention nitride crank, 7.5” clutch, lightened
flywheel, etc. Still don’t know where the cam came from.

The only thing I have done which was not in the original spec. was to fit
Triumph Dolomite gears. giving me a higher 1st and closer ratios. I have retained
the original Diff. 4.11. (The Le Man’s Spitfires could reach over 130 mph on the
Mulsanne straight with the 4.11 diff).

Wheels are Le Man’s alloy replica’s These came from Jigsaw Racing in UK.
The original wheels being magnesium. The all up weight of my car is 650kg a
good 100kg plus lighter than a production model but not as light as the works
cars.

On completion I went through the usual birth pains of compliance but kept at it
and it is now road legal. On reflection I would say that the most frustrating, and
stressful part of the whole 2-year build was the compliance.

If the powers that be, wanting to put a stop on us restoring old cars, they
certainly know how to do it.

The first chance to test the car was the 2020 Manunui hill climb, and the second
chance was the 2021 Manunui hill climb. On both occasions I was impressed by
the performance, considering I had not had any opportunity to test it. I look
forward to getting to know the car and enjoying it.

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The original car at the factory and above on the grid, front row, it is number 3.

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The barn finds.

For further reading on the car, “Classic Driver” Issue 91, Sept./Oct. 2020 has the
car on the cover and a ten page detailed article on the car and owner/creator.

Very sharp pictures. Other august publications have covered the pair. It is great
to see the work of members seen and acknowledged locally and overseas.
The Ed.
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May 21, 2021 The Devonport Flagstaff Page 3

Veteran don’s wartime garb

for big birthday

Local resident and World War II veteran Ron Child
dressed as a wartime despatch rider as part of a
colourful celebration of his recent 100th birthday.
He was given a tiki tour of Devonport in a classic-car
cavalcade, chauffeured by local RSA members Michael
Greig and George McGregor, and welcomed to the RSA
in Victoria Rd to the sound of bagpipes played by Joe
McCallum.
After ascending the stairs, his arrival inside was
announced
by Chris Mullane: “Ladies and gentlemen, a despatch
rider has arrived from the font! Please welcome Leading
Aircraftman Despatch Rider Ron Child, previously
Bombardier Ron Child of the New Zealand Artillery!”

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Continuing proceedings, RSA President Muzz Kennett gave
the assembled family, friends, and RSA members a detailed
recount of Child’s military service. He initially served as a
bombardier, but after a medical downgrading that prevented
him serving overseas, transferred to the
Royal New Zealand Air Force, where he
became a despatch rider.
Before a cake-cutting, Navy singer
Rebecca Nelson sang a Vera Lynn
medley in tribute. “It’s such a special
achievement,” she says. “We don’t have
many of our World War II veterans
left, so to see one of them reach 100 is
truly amazing.”
Born on 4 May 1921, in Wellington,
Child has lived in Devonport for the last
nine years, relocating with his wife for a fresh start in 2012, though she sadly died soon
after.
He has become an active member of the Devonport
RSA and is much-admired in the community. “I feel
so lucky to know someone with so much character
and integrity,” says his neighbour, Christine First.
For his part, the centenarian is thrilled to have
reached the milestone. “I started celebrating my
birthdays by the decade once I turned 70,” he says.
“Then suddenly I was 80, then 90, and now 100. I
woke up the next morning and realised, this is the
first day of the rest of my life, and the first of a
second century!”
He believes keeping a sturdy, forward moving and
positive outlook is the secret to a long life. “Young
people today have a tremendous responsibility to pick the right course in life. As long as
you keep looking ahead and grasp opportunities as they come, in the face of adversities, you
will come out stronger.”
Counting his journey into his second century by the day, Child is “hell-bent” on doing as
much as he can to squeeze every drop of joy and passion out of his life.

Time to celebrate... (clockwise from above) Centenarian Ron Child dressed as a
wartime despatch ride for his birthday.
In a Vintage Riley 9 WD, driven by Michael Greig, with piper Joe McCallum in the
back seat.
Being serenaded by Navy singer Rebecca Nelson

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A note about the inclusion of this article with permission of the Flagstaff in
Devonport. I am involved in the Devonport RSA and was asked to drive Ron
around the Devonport peninsular with his family following in a Ford Mercury
from North Shore Branch and RSA member, George Mc Gregor.
Ron had photos from his time as a dispatch rider and showed that the NZ Air
Force used Indians when he was serving in the mid 1940’s. The clothing he was
provided with were sheepskin pilot’s jackets and sheepskin over trousers. Very
smart and warm. The outfit I lent Ron is an English despatch riders from the
Victory Garment company dated 1942. Ron said he never saw these issued here.
The gloves are Belgium Police from the 1960’s.
He is very positive on life and sparking on all cylinders, cares for himself and is
living to tomorrow in his second century. A very inspiring gentleman. He still
has two bikes, one with sidecar. His choice for his current car is Jaguar.
The Editor.

__________________________________________________________________________

Chairman’s Address.

Looking back a year that Covid19 restrictions were in. Last year no
club nights, all events postponed, no R'Oil. It seems like an eternity
away. I know it's easy to take what we have for granted. Get out there
and let people see and share that our vehicles are still being used and
enjoyed.

The Kaipara Airfield was cancelled, which was disappointing, as it was a
fine day. Unfortunately, we needed float planes to land on the airfield
as it is low lying and gets flooded. Those who took advantage of free
tickets for the Roycroft Trophy enjoyed some close racing.

We have the AGM on the 3rd of June. This year the club is going to
provide the food please bring the better half along and plates and
cutlery. It is BYO. Later in the month we have a Lunch on the 20th
details to come. Then the mighty R'oil Can in July, make sure to enter. The
Daffodil Day 29th August a good day out and good cause. We need some
helpers to collect money at the start and finish on the day.

There are plenty of events ahead so let’s get out there for the sheer
joy of driving our vintage/classic cars but also allow others to
witness, the sight and sound and pure presence of our machines.

Chairman Robert.

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For the Avian Inclined. (Gallus gallus).

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.

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Small two strokes have been the entry into the NZ classic circuits as an
affordable machine through which a lot is learned on coping with tuning,
modifying and experience for the circuit and hill climb. It can be an option for
young family members and grandchildren to join the vintage field. Kits and
parts can be found at an acceptable price. Apart from BSA, there is James, Jawa,
Cotton and the many that used Villiers motors. Let us see if they can outnumber
the Austin Sevens on the grids.

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The Editorial Missive.

With the arrival of the cooler months, the activities of the Branch continue with the
enjoyment of open motoring. This weekend, Queens Birthday, is the traditional call of the
South with the Celebrated Irishman’s Rally to the foothills and braided rivers of the middle
of the Middle Island, Te Waipounamu. I attended this run with Team Humphreys in the
20/60 Sunbeam which now rests in capable hands in Napier with FOB Oliver Midgley. This

was in the mid 1970’s and as a young member of the recently established North Shore
Branch, I was very impressed in the comfort, style and joy of vintage motoring. The
participants at that time were a variety of Vauxhalls, Bentleys, Rolls and the cream of the
large and powerful cars that roamed the planet on the Vintage Era. Around them ran Fiats,
Austins and a few of American Iron. As the Branch aged, there was the start of the R’oil
Can events which continued with the Waitemata Branch. The runs sought overnight stops
from the Far North to Central North Island, Te Ika a Maui. I have also attended as passenger
in many interesting cars and in driving the WD Riley. The joy of the open back road, the
morning teas at small communities and lunches in small towns never visited before, the
great evenings of tall tales and memories. Most of all, the sharing of the challenges found
on the journey ; assisting on repairs, experiencing weather that one though never existed
and new roads the instructions never mentioned.
Long may we have the chance to use our vehicles to bring pleasure to our fellow members

and share the spirit of life’s challenges. Get out there now.
Michael ‘Editor’ Greig

P.S. My thanks to a correspondent who receives the Phoenix, and sent a note, “Another

epistle worthy of Bill Shakespeare.”

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Wanted and Disposal Section.

WANTED: Two only second-hand tyre tubes around 5.00 x 16" No problem if
they need patches. William Hearne, email : [email protected] phone
03 434 0998 or cell 027 263 9233.

Second hand book shop, BookMark, (09 4452960) in Devonport, has for sale the
two volume set of the Grand Prix Car by Pomeroy. POA

A garage sale coming up a little down the line. Some veteran lamps incomplete,
a variety of instruments and gauges, some American and English. A traditional
mixture. Will send out details when I hear more with better descriptions.

Thinking of selling the 1978 Yamaha SR500. Has the VIC, period fibreglass
panniers, screen. Rebuilt motor, electrics, WOF and reg. Made to take over the
market left by the demise of the English singles in California. The road going
version of the XT and TT. Most are converted into café racers. All the hot up,
big bore kits, bells and whistles are out there now. The model has run from 1978
and is still available in a 400cc version for the Japanese home market. I am
second owner, (had it for near 10years), all the paperwork from the first owner
and manuals and some parts. Period road tests and some memorabilia to go with
it. I
still have five bikes in the shed, and it is time for someone else to enjoy the bike.
An honest bike, as is, complements an old man very well. Nicely patinaed,
suitable for the National Motorcycle Rally and should be used for our hill
climbs, as there is little opposition in the motorcycle entries. There are plenty of
members who could be your team manager and others as pit crew. Price and
disposal discussed over coffee. Michael.
027 2455 786 or 09 4456 760

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Examples of items
crafted by members:
The Redwing (of
course named after
the Sporting Riley of
the 1920’s. A 6 meter
centre cockpit
trailersailer made by
Wallace McNair in the
late 1970’s in
Silverfeild off Porana
Road, Glenfeild. An
area of fibreglass
boats construction at
the time. Laurie
Poolman made the
trailers. I owned one,
number 13. It was a
great family boat,used
for transversing the
Hauraki Gulf. I found it
safe and spacious but
had to sell it to
complete the WD
Riley. Wallace also
made the Kestrel
trailer sailer in
numbers. It was very

popular and I think it was 16 foot.
(The Editor.)

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PHOENIX

The OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER of
THE WAITEMATA BRANCH of the
VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF N.Z. INC.

CLUB NIGHT

THURSDAY 3rd June

7.00 pm at the RSA Room, King George V
Memorial Hall, Library Lane, Albany.

Take Exit 410 Oteha Valley Road. Travel west along Oteha Valley Road, ahead through 2
roundabouts and straight ahead at Traffic Lights into Albany Highway then almost

immediately RIGHT into Library Lane then very soon go right again into the parking area.
The RSA Room is at the rear.

Yes, it has a motoring connection.

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