Ford Woody Henderson and ace Four - Behind the Wheel - NEW ZEALAND'S FOREMOST HISTORICAL MOTORING MAGAZINE
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
NEW ZEALAND’S FOREMOST HISTORICAL MOTORING MAGAZINE
No. 330 October/November 2014 $6.95
Behind the Wheel
Ford Woody
Henderson and AceMotorcycles
Four
boyce motometer
9 418979 000012
Neil Rooney has supplied these photos. He writes: Mick Rooney, 1930-31. The car
My father, Mick Rooney, was in charge of the Willard Battery Service as provided by Young is a mid-late ‘20s tourer of USA
Brothers, auto-electricians. In 1930–1931 this Timaru firm opened a branch in Oxford Tce, manufacture but unknown to many.
Christchurch. Dad started with Young Bros in September 1922 - straight from Timaru Boys High Can anybody recognise its make?
School and transferred to the new branch on its opening. He worked a total of 33 years with Young The photo was taken on the Waiau
Brothers before moving to Vesta Batteries (Tuam St, Christchurch) in 1955. He eventually retired at Ferry Bridge, North Canterbury with
the close of 1966. dad returning from a weekend of pig
The picture above was taken close to the mid-Canterbury foothills. The vehicle is a much travelled hunting to his digs in Christchurch.
1916 Buick Model 45. Smaller wheels and heavier tyres were fitted. Note the arsenal of backseat
firearms. The men were friends of Mick Rooney who took the photo. The middle gent is Doff
Hutchinson but the names of the other two are unknown. Mick was a keen shooter and was an early
enthusiast in the use of spotlighting with hand-held light and motorcycle batteries in wooden packs for
easy mobility. Charging flat batteries or the repairs to such items were no problem to him!
PHOTOGRAPHS REQUIRED
December 1935, Hampden –
Submissions of suitable prints and information (where available) are welcome.
Palmerston Road, close to Katiki Beach.
Please send original photographs of historical interest with any available information to:
Mick’s new bride, Mima Rooney (nee
Beaded Wheels, PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.
Kofoed) is photographed as the couple
Laserprints/photocopies are not suitable. Photos will be returned as soon as practicable. returned from their honeymoon. Neil is
unsure of the car make.
management committee
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE SECRETARY/ TREASURER Ed Boyd
Contact National Office for all queries Please note this information changes Michael Lavender 06 348 4547 mgmt3@vcc.org.nz
regarding VICs, logbooks, historic race licences, annually - these details are valid until 03 325 5704 hon.sec@vcc.org.nz Tony Bartlett
October 2015.
lighting endorsement, registration of vehicles, REGISTRAR 06 867 9850 mgmt1@vcc.org.nz
PRESIDENT Rod Brayshaw
address changes, subscriptions, membership Diane Quarrie
John Coomber 07 549 4250 registrar@vcc.org.nz 06 876 4009 mgmt2@vcc.org.nz
cards, speed events. 03 348 0062 president@vcc.org.nz SPEED STEWARD
The Vintage Car Club Of New Zealand (Inc.) CLUB CAPTAIN NORTHERN REGION Tony Haycock
Paul Collins 03 980 6755 speedsteward@vcc.org.nz VCCNZ ARCHIVIST
National Office, Marilyn McKinlay
09 423 7888 nicc@vcc.org.nz
PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140 BEADED WHEELS CHAIRMAN 03 349 6951 bmm45@uclive.ac.nz
CLUB CAPTAIN SOUTHERN REGION Kevin Clarkson
Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 Alon Mayhew 03 385 9821 kevin@vcc.org.nz
Email admin@vcc.org.nz 03 443 7030 sicc@vcc.org.nz
branches A full list of branch addresses and contact details can also be found on the VCCNZ website at www.vcc.org.nz
ASHBURTON CENTRAL HAWKES BAY HOROWHENUA NORTH OTAGO SOUTH OTAGO WAIRARAPA
PO Box 382, Ashburton 7740 C/- 346 Porangahau Road, RD 2, PO Box 458, Levin 5540 PO Box 360, Oamaru 9444 C/- M. Tapp, RD 3, Warepa, PO Box 7, Masterton 5810
ashburton@vcc.org.nz Waipukurau 4282 horowhenua@vcc.org.nz northotago@vcc.org.nz Balclutha 9273 wairarapa@vcc.org.nz
AUCKLAND centralhawkesbay@vcc.org.nz KING COUNTRY NORTH SHORE southotago@vcc.org.nz WAITEMATA
PO Box 12-138, Penrose, EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY C/- 34 House Ave, C/- 7 Godwit Place, Lynfield SOUTH WAIKATO C/- 9 Marlborough Ave, Glenfield
Auckland 1642 PO Box 2168, Kopeopeo Taumarunui 3920 Auckland 1042 PO Box 403 Tokoroa 3420 Auckland 0629
auckland@vcc.org.nz Whakatane 3159 kingcountry@vcc.org.nz northshore@vcc.org.nz southwaikato@vcc.org.nz waitemata@vcc.org.nz
BANKS PENINSULA easternbayofplenty@vcc.org.nz MANAWATU OTAGO TARANAKI WANGANUI
27 Showgate Ave, Riccarton Park, FAR NORTH PO Box 385 PO Box 5352, Dunedin 9058 C/- 118A Carrington St, PO Box 726, Wanganui 4540
Christchurch 8042 237 Stanners Road, RD2 Kerikeri Palmerston North 4440 otago@vcc.org.nz New Plymouth 4310 wanganui@vcc.org.nz
bankspeninsula@vcc.org.nz 0295 manawatu@vcc.org.nz ROTORUA taranaki@vcc.org.nz WELLINGTON
BAY OF PLENTY farnorth@vcc.org.nz MARLBOROUGH PO Box 2014, Rotorua 3040 TAUPO PO Box 38-418, Petone,
PO Box 660, Tauranga 3140 GISBORNE PO Box 422, Blenheim 7240 rotorua@vcc.org.nz PO Box 907, Taupo 3351 Wellington 5045
bayofplenty@vcc.org.nz PO Box 307, Gisborne 4040 marlborough@vcc.org.nz SOUTH CANTERBURY taupo@vcc.org.nz wellington@vcc.org.nz
CANTERBURY gisborne@vcc.org.nz NELSON PO Box 623, Timaru 7910 WAIKATO WELLSFORD/WARKWORTH
PO Box 11-082, Sockburn GORE PO Box 3531, Richmond 7050 southcanterbury@vcc.org.nz PO Box 924, Hamilton 3240 PO Box 547, Warkworth 0941
Christchurch 8443 PO Box 329, Gore 9740 nelson@vcc.org.nz SOUTHLAND waikato@vcc.org.nz wellsfordwarkworth@vcc.org.nz
canterbury@vcc.org.nz gore@vcc.org.nz NORTHLAND PO Box 1240, Invercargill 9840 WAIMATE WEST COAST
CENTRAL OTAGO HAWKES BAY PO Box 17, Whangarei 0140 southand@vcc.org.nz 4 Harris St, Waimate 7924 C/- 92 Dommett Esp,
C/- 4B Roto Place, Wanaka 9305 PO Box 3406, Napier 4142 northland@vcc.org.nz waimate@vcc.org.nz Greymouth 7802,
centralotago@vcc.org.nz hawkesbay@vcc.org.nz Please note this information changes annually - these details are valid westcoast@vcc.org.nz
until October 2014.
2 Beaded Wheels
Beaded Wheels
Beaded Wheels
Publisher
The Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.)
The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand
ISSN 0113-7506 Vol LXIII No. 330
Editorial Committee
Kevin Clarkson (Chairman), Judith Bain,
Rosalie Brown, Bill Cockram, John Coomber, Issue 330 October/November 2014
Mark Dawber, Marilyn McKinlay.
Material for Publication
Reports of restorations, events, road tests,
historical and technical articles etc should be
forwarded to PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141,
typed or neatly printed, double space on one
FEATURES
side of paper only. Email of text and photos is
acceptable, digital photographs should be high 12 The Mascot Story – Part V
resolution eg 300dpi. No payment is made
to contributors. The opinions or statements 16 Wellington’s Daimler Ambulance
expressed in letters or articles in Beaded Wheels
are the author’s own views and do not necessarily
express the policy or views of The Vintage Car
18 Wooden Toys
Club of NZ (Inc).
20 Hawke’s Bay Art Deco Rally
Email
beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz
22 The Golden Years of the Henderson and Ace Four
Advertising Address
Classified and Display Advertising to:
Art Deco Rally see page 20. Motorcycles
PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.
Phone 64 3 332 3531, Fax 64 3 366 0273 26 Doug Curtis – a bit of a character
Rate schedule available on request.
Back Issues 28 Behind the Wheel of a 1937 Ford Woody
Available on request to PO Box 13140,
Christchurch 8141. 32 The Charge-along
Correspondence & Editorial Contributions
Phone 64 3 332 3531, Fax 64 3 366 0273 34 VCCNZ AGM
PO Box 13140, Christchurch 8141.
Subscriptions 38 Rally Snippets
Beaded Wheels subscribers change of address to Waitemata – R’Oil Can
PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140.
Phone 03 366 4461, Fax 03 366 0273
National Event – Club Captain’s Tour
Annual subscription (6 issues) $39* inc GST
COLUMNS
Australian subscription (6 issues) NZ$70*
Other countries (6 issues) NZ$100*.
*Payment by credit card will incur additional bank fee
processing charge of 3%
4 President’s Message
Production
Typesetting & design by RGBDesign Honorary Life Member Andrew Anderson 4 As We See It
Printed by Spectrum Print Ltd, Christchurch. gave a thought provoking speech at this
Closing Date for December/January Issue year’s AGM, see page 36. 5 VCC Events
Editorial Copy 28 October 2014
Advertisements 10 November 2015
6 National Office News
The Vintage Car Club of
New Zealand (Inc.) 6 Mailbag
National Office
Phone 03 366 4461 Fax 03 366 0273 9 Soapbox
Email admin@vcc.org.nz
Postal Address 10 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring 2016
PO Box 2546, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand.
Address 11 The Way We Were
12 Aberdeen St, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Website 11 Timelines
www.vcc.org.nz
Beaded Wheels is the voice of The Vintage Car 40 Brass Notes
Club of New Zealand (Inc.) and its 35 branches For a once in a lifetime opportunity to
covering the length and breadth of the country.
own this Bentley replica see marketplace 42 Two Wheels and Other Things
The efforts of our members continue fostering
and ever widening the interest in this segment page 46.
of our country’s history. It is to these people, who
44 50 Year Awards
appreciate the fascination of age, the individuality
and the functional elegance of vehicles from a 44 Book Review
bygone era, that this magazine is dedicated.
Beaded Wheels – A very apt and well-known title 46 Marketplace
however readers may wonder at the origin of the
name. By way of explanation beaded edge wheels
use beaded edge tyres that are kept in place by 54 Swap Meets & Rallies
reinforced rubber beads, which fit into the rolled
edges of the wheel rim. This style of wheel was a 57 Idle Torque
distinctive feature of early motoring being used
on early bicycles, many pre-1924 cars and most
motorcycles until 1927. The VCCNZ adopted
66 Passing Lane
the title Beaded Wheels for their quarterly club
magazine in March 1955 which was the successor
to the monthly Guff Sheet.
Copyright Information
The contents are copyright. Articles may be
COVER
reproduced complete or in part provided that This stunning 1937 Ford Woody features in our Behind the Wheels
acknowledgement is made to “Beaded Wheels,
the magazine of The Vintage Car Club of New column, see page 28.
Zealand (Inc)” as the source. Beaded Wheels Photo Bruce Hutton qsm, fpsnz.
reserves the right to digitally store all published
material for archival purposes.
Beaded Wheels 3
Management Committee were re-elected
for another year. Congratulations to Ian
and Fay Chamberlain of Wanganui, who
president’s were presented with the John L. Goddard
message Trophy. as we see it
The Saturday night dinner was a
very enjoyable evening, with each table
being given a variety of vegetables, and
instructed to create a vehicle out of them.
The Annual General Meeting and I was amazed at the design talent we had Idle Torque is the section of Beaded
Executive meeting were held at the within the room, as a variety of exciting Wheels which informs members throughout
James Cook Hotel Wellington on 8/9 vehicles were produced by the different the country of the important happenings
August and I would like to thank the tables. Some even had working lights. in each branch. There is a 250 word limit
Wellington Branch for hosting such a This was the highlight of the night, along for contributions from Branch Reporters
well organised and enjoyable weekend of with the presentation of 50 year badges to or Idle Torque would become so huge that
events. Wellington members met delegates Murray Hislop, Michael Taylor, Bill Munro there would be much less room for other
at the airport and transported them to and Warren Corkin. On the Sunday, a submissions. For example, in last issue 28
the James Cook hotel. A large agenda large group of delegates were taken from branches contributed to Idle Torque and it
for the Friday night Executive meeting the Wellington Branch clubrooms to took 13 pages out of a total of 64. That is
included discussion on a Club discipline the Southward Museum for a visit and a 20% of the magazine.
paper I presented, and discussion on The conducted tour of the Workshops by John That 250 word limit! What can I say?
Way Forward survey presented by Diane Southward. I want to thank John for his Some branches are quite good at sticking
Quarrie. The Executive agreed to the generosity. We all appreciated this visit to it. Others are definitely not! We do
North Island National Easter Rally being which was another highlight in a very remind Branch Reporters often about
hosted the weekend before Easter 2015 by successful weekend of events. For those the word limit and what desirable subject
Wellsford/Warkworth Branch. Manawatu of you who are looking for a challenging matter is. This information can also
Branch will host the 2015 National veteran project, I suggest you check out be found in the Branch Manual which
Commercial Rally at Easter weekend. A the rare vehicles put up for tender by the everyone has access to. In there can be
notice of Motion for 2015 was advised Southward Museum on page 47. found guidelines as to ideal content and
by Leigh Craythorne intending to restrict On a sad note, I wish to record the even a list of things we do not wish to see.
the Executive membership to one delegate passing of Eoin Spence Young who was a Where the word limit is exceeded then
per branch. I advised the intention to member, and one of our foremost motoring one or more of us has to go through the
introduce a Notice of Motion to clarify journalists and author of several books, submission and pick out the important
the discipline procedures in the constitu- which many of you will own or have read. aspects raised and leave out what we would
tion and rules of the club. I asked branches Eoin left New Zealand in the 1960s to consider unimportant. As you may guess
to consider hosting the 2021 International join Bruce McLaren and was instrumental we could easily get it wrong. One wag said
Festival of Motoring rally, and to prepare in the formation of the McLaren racing to me that we should just take the first 250
applications to host this event and team and went on to spend his working words and drop off the rest. While that is
submit them to National Office prior to life following the Formula 1 racing circuits the easy way out we are not going to ever
the March Executive meeting 2015. The around the world as a journalist. His do that, as inviting as that sounds.
intention is to announce the successful knowledge of the international racing As I write this 25 branches have sent
venue at the AGM next year. world and its personalities was immense in their Idle Torque contribution for this
The highlight of the AGM was the and he will be mourned by many around issue. Ten were at or only slightly above
speech delivered by our Founder member, the world. When we came up with the 250 words. Of the remainder nine were
Past President and Life Member Andrew bold idea of inviting Nick Mason to be between 250 and 400, four were between
Anderson. This is reproduced on pages our special guest for the Wanganui 2012 400 and 500 and two were over 500 and
36 and 37 and I commend it to you. International Rally, Eoin picked up the under 715. What this means to those
Kevin Clarkson launched the updated phone and rang Nick to personally invite errant 15 branches is that their contribu-
website and advised that Gerry Savage Nick and Annette and encourage them tion is shortened, hopefully with nothing
edited and recorded a large number of club to accept the invitation. We are grateful important left out. How much better would
videos onto portable hard drives . The for Eoin’s personal input in securing such it be for the Branch Reporter to decide
Management Committee has decided to a high profile and wonderful guest and what was important and write a shorter,
provide one to each branch free of charge. writing a series of articles for Beaded more pertinent column which would also
Copies will be available to members Wheels about the Masons. Eoin will be have the side benefit of leaving less work
through branch secretaries at a cost of sadly missed. for us to do?
approximately $100 each. A presenta- After 35 years Christine and I have sold In Soap Box this issue you will see
tion on the 2016 International Festival our Totara Street house and are moving that Bill Cockram has penned a thought
of Motoring was made by Rally Director to a rural property near Rangiora with provoking and possibly blood-pressure-
Nicola Wilkinson and Event Manager a very large barn to house the vehicles raising piece on the Idle Torque subject
Aaron Joy. Rod Brayshaw gave a video and assorted gear that goes with them, and I recommend you have a look at it.
presentation on Authentic Reproduction so a very busy month ahead of us. Rod He has an interesting idea and we welcome
Vehicles and advised that the Technical Brayshaw and I will be attending the feedback on the value or otherwise of Idle
Committee wishes to include this FIVA General Assembly in Budapest early Torque to you and whether you think Bill’s
category in our constitution. Rod is to November to address membership and idea would enhance Beaded Wheels.
discuss this with the FIVA Technical technical changes proposed. Kevin Clarkson
Commission. All members of the John Coomber Chairman, Beaded Wheels
National President
4 Beaded Wheels
VCC Events
This list of events is compiled from the VCCNZ National Calendar of Events, and branch events
as listed in each branch newsletter. Any deletions, additions, alterations need to be notified to
Beaded Wheels by the Branch Secretary before 10th of the month prior to magazine publication
VCC National Events 1
1
Taranaki
Waikato
Potters Paddock
Veteran Rally
23 Sth Otago Waihola Yacht Club Opening
Day
1 Wellington Annual Rally 28 Marlborough Club Night
29-31 January 2015 National Veteran Rally
1-2 Northland Far North Tour 29 Horowhenua Branch Christmas Dinner
13–20 March 2015 SI Club Captain’s Tour
2 Ashburton Post 60 / 80 Run 29-30 Wairarapa Gold Medal Motorcycle Trial
27-30 March NI (Weekend Before) Easter Rally
2 Sth Cant Motorcycle Rally 30 Canterbury Homestead Run
2 Northland Motorbike Run 30 Gisborne Club Run
October 30 Hawke’s Bay Childrens Christmas Party
2 Southland 30th 100 Plus Run
4 Manawatu Swapmeet
(Invercargill to Bluff ) 30 Sth Waikato TTT Rally
4-5 Otago Dunvegan Motorcycle Rally
7-9 Gisborne Eastern Bay of Plenty Visit 30 Waikato Club Run
5 Northland Dawn Breakfast and
7-9 Sth Cant Safari Weekend
Motorbike Run
8 Banks Peninsula Pomeroy Trophy
December
5 Wairarapa Club Run 5-6 Southland 60th Southland Anniversary
8 Canterbury Annual Motorcycle Rally Rally and Dinner
10-12 Canterbury Swapmeet
8 Southland Garage Sale 6 Gore Diggers Run
12 Central Otago Sunday Run
8 Sth Otago 41st Clutha Rally 6 Northland Christmas Function
12 Wairarapa Bring a Friend Rally
9 Bay of Plenty Swap Meet 7 Ashburton Posh Picnic Veteran and
12 Wanganui Branch Run
9 Horowhenua Tararua Trundle Rally Vintage Run & Christmas Tea
12 Wellington Heritage Rally
14-16 Banks Peninsula Monte Carlo Rally 7 Auckland Annual Gymnic
18 King Country Journey Through Time
14-16 Canterbury Show Weekend Tour 7 Nth Otago Winsor Rally
18-19 Canterbury Girder Fork Motorcycle Rally
14-16 Nelson Top of the South Veteran and 7 Taupo Christmas Dinner
18-19 Marlborough Biennial Rally and Swap Meet/
Motorcycle Rally 13 Waikato Christmas Social
Boot Sale
14-16 Taupo Chairman’s Run 13-19 Ashburton Oakley trip - French
18 Waikato Motorcycle Run
15 Banks Peninsula 5th Monte Carlo Rally Connection
19 Ashburton Spring Rally
15-16 Southland Arrowtown Motorcycle Rally 14 Central Otago Sunday Run
19 Gore P60 Run
16 Central Otago Sunday Run Gibbston 14 Gisborne Club Captain’s Wing Ding
19 Northland Dargaville Museum
16 Gore Josephville Hill Climb 14 Northland Christmas Function and
19 Taupo Posh Picnic
16 Hawke’s Bay Homestead Run Gymkhana
19 Waikato Club Run
16 Sth Cant Vet / Vin / Commercial Rally 14 Taupo Picnic Run
19 Wellsford/
Warkworth Sunday Run to Helensville 16 Waikato Swap Meet 14 Waikato Motorcycle Run
21 Marlborough Sunday Picnic Run 16 Wanganui Gymkhana, blue smoke and 14 Wanganui Picnic at Basin Reserve
pedals
24-27 Hawke’s Bay Safari
16 Wellsford/ January
25-26 Auckland Hunua 100 1 Ashburton New Year’s Day Run and BBQ
Warkworth Sunday Run to Kaukapakapa
25-27 Sth Cant Mt Cook Rally 1 Banks Peninsula Little River Picnic
21-23 Auckland Motorcycle Rally & Swapmeet
26 Gisborne Club Run 1 Sth Cant New Year’s Day Parade
21 Waimate End of Year Dinner
31 Banks Peninsula Wigram Revival Race Meet 2 Marlborough Harris Batch Run
22 Canterbury Annual Vintage Rally
31 Marlborough Club Night 10 Far North Autospectacular
22 Otago Commercial/Veteran Rally
November 22 Sth Cant Night Trial 11 Sth Cant Ladies Run
1–2 Banks Peninsula Wigram Revival Race Meet 22 Southland Hokonui Hill Climb 17 Sth Cant Open Day
1 Canterbury Annual Veteran Rally 23 Banks Peninsula Hawkeswood Sprint 18 Otago Jackson Rally
1 Otago Taieri Tour 23 Marlborough Sunday Run Picnic 18 Wanganui Burma Rally
1 Southland Commercial Rally 23 North Shore Car Show & Swapmeet 24 Otago Dunedin Brighton Run
While Beaded Wheels makes every attempt to check the accuracy of the dates published in this column we advise readers to confirm all dates with the individual branch concerned.
Total
engine overhauls
MOTOR RECONDITONERS 2002 Ltd
Contact Jared Hanson
• Bearing Remetaling Specialists 8 Hills Road, Christchurch 8148
PO Box 26 033
• All Workmanship Fully Guaranteed
Phone (03) 366-0914
Fax (03) 366-0912
Mobile 027 3081 292
Email motorrecon@paradise.net.nz
Full Mechanical Servicing Shirley
MOTORS www.motorreconditioners.co.nz
Beaded Wheels 5
mailbag
Julie Cairns
National Office Manager
VCCNZ Inc
National Office,
PO Box 2546,
Christchurch 8140
ph 03 366 4461 fax 03 366 0273 The editorial committee reserve the right to p ublish, edit or refuse
email admin@vcc.org.nz publication of any item submitted as comment. The views expressed
www.vcc.org.nz herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily express the
policy or views of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) or the
national publishers. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
office news
National Annual General Meeting/ Triumph Dolomite Owners
Branch Office details and calendar I am an expat Kiwi who lives in
of events Maroochydore, Queensland, and the
Members, please find enclosed a copy photo is of my 1938 Triumph Dolomite
of the AGM minutes, branch office details sports saloon. I am aware of only about two
and calendar of events. During the AGM others in Australia, and only one of those
weekend the executive meeting was held. has a six cylinder motor as does mine. I However the wet day event was easily won
A copy of these minutes is held by your wish to make contact with other owners by A Lowry’s motor bicycle from scratch.
branch secretary. in New Zealand, because for whatever James’ motor quad from 150 yards was
reason there seem to be others there. In second while Oates’ from 840 yards retired
10 Yearly renewal of Vehicle ID Cards fact in Beaded Wheels 327 there is on page after one lap.
Three months prior to expiry National 55 a photograph of a beautiful Triumph Press reports confirm that on 13
Office will send out a renewal advice. roadster, which appears to be a 1938 model November, 1901 at Lancaster Park in
When you receive the renewal advice owned by a Manawatu member. Christchurch, the Pioneer Bicycle and
please check the details are correct and if I also have been told of one being Athletic Club staged a race for motor
the vehicle’s appearance has not changed sighted in Papanui, Christchurch on two vehicles – the first such contest in
from the original Vehicle Identity Card, occasions. Australasia. Ten days later a second race
forward your expired Vehicle Identity Card I would appreciate contact from any was held. Therefore the Leeston race is
and the signed renewal notice to your owners or readers who are aware of other understood to be the third motor event
branch for completion. Please remember, examples. ever held in New Zealand.
these must go to your branch for signing My Triumph has never been restored Recent research to date has indicated
off. and is I am told, the only one in the world that few or any organised events were held
If you do not enclose the expired which remains in operating condition. prior to and during the war and depres-
Vehicle Identity Card, or if the vehicle’s My compliments on the wonderful sion years. Since then there has been
appearance has changed, you must send magazine. virtually non-stop activity in many forms,
two identical photos of the vehicle as it Tony Milligan ranging from motorboat racing, motor-
now looks. tmilligan92@gmail.com cycle, go-karts, plus many aspects of car
Please return your renewal advice as 10 B Trafalgar towers, competition events including trials, rallies
early as possible. The earlier you send it 120 Duporth Avenue gymkhanas, grass track racing, sprint
in, the sooner you will receive the updated Maroochydore QLD 4558. meetings and speedway racing.
one. Included in the wide ranging display
Local Motorsport History to Feature will be the Southbridge Road Race
Historic Race Licence The history of motor sport in Ellesmere meetings held in 1957 with two meetings
All members who hold a VCC Historic will be on display at the Ellesmere A&P held during the year. These car racing
Race Licence are responsible for making association’s annual show at Leeston events drew the cream of New Zealand’s
sure that this has not expired. To renew showgrounds, Saturday 18 October 2014. racing drivers to the local circuit and
your Licence please forward $23 along The Farmlands feature tent will host a were recognised as major events on the
with your VCC HRL number or old HRL rich history of local success dating from New Zealand racing calendar. Some
card to National Office. the 1950s through to the present day. 30 years later the street of Southbridge
A small group of motor enthusiasts experienced motorcycle, go-kart and
Membership Lists including Les Sloan, Trevor Smith, Brian Vintage/classic car racing events.
All branches will be forwarded a Reid and Russell Liddell have teamed up The Doyleston Park Speedway is also
printed copy and computer copy of the to organise the display which will include to be highlighted. Many other aspects of
Club’s membership list. Should you wish all aspects of motor sport in the area. motor sport in the area are scheduled for
to look at this, please contact your Branch The history has been recorded in display and should appeal to all petrol-
secretary. the 1985 publication Flat to the Boards heads both local and further afield.
a history of motor cars sports from If you have information of relevant
1901-1940. The book states that on 16 interest to the display contact Trevor
Interested in joining the December, 1901 the Ellesmere Athletic Smith, phone 324 2445.
Vintage Car Club? and Cycling Club held a meeting at the Brian Reid
Leeston recreation ground and organised
Visit www.vcc.org.nz to download a motor race. There was a special train The effectiveness of Beaded Wheels
membership application forms or contact to convey spectators from Christchurch Marketplace
your local branch directly for application to witness the scheduled four mile auto Because I am downsizing collections of
forms and details. See page 2. handicap event. Few details were recorded. vehicles and bits and pieces accumulated
6 Beaded Wheels
mailbag
over many years I have taken advantage had a period of letting his hair down in an
of the free advertising offered to members appropriate way!
in Beaded Wheels. In current times where Peter G Faber
there are lots of ways of selling things I
wish to state that without doubt I have Sparking Memories
found it most effective to place advertise- Thank you for the memories of the
ments in our magazine. I have been most 13th International Rally. It was my first
successful in disposing of vehicles and Fred McKay (fourth son of Harry), Dodge and only big one with my newly rebuilt
various items. On one occasion I had even truck Harvey Michelle, Dodge truck Jack 1931 Ariel Sloper.
arranged to forward an item before I had McKay (first son of Harry), Leyland truck I have memories of all manner of
received my copy of the magazine. Fred Cole and on the end a Rugby car. adventures; among them a mistake that
I was surprised in that I was able to part This was a fleet used for general had me allocated a motel with three ladies
with items advertised to date, sometimes cartage in the 1930s and 1940s based in at Nelson! Unfortunately they didn’t see it
with hopeful purchasers still enquiring Caversham Dunedin. In around 1941 the as a good idea and I ended up with a store
months after the advertisement appeared. fleet (not sure how many trucks this was shed on my own.
Thank you for this wonderful facility. at that stage) was requisitioned by the The latest edition deals quite a bit with
Hec Browett New Zealand Government for the war the great relay race, which was as you
effort. Harry was given a pension as well rightly say a lot of fun and amazingly free
Model A raceabout history. as a job on the New Zealand railways until of incidents when you consider the mix of
his retirement. He died in 1961 at the age machinery out there playing racers in the
of 82. He had 11 children and there is dark and so many of us relying on Uncle
still a daughter in her 90s living with her Joe Lucas’s glow worms.
husband in Dunedin. Myself I drew the just pre-dawn patrol
E M Malone and I recall being concerned about the
Manawatu Area. tiny cigarette-end like glow of my tailight.
The headlamp wasn’t such a concern as I
Motorcycling Memories was only willing to do 45 mph. What did
concern me was that the huge umpteen
litre Renault was out there as well as
other big fast cars, all big enough to crush
I am hoping some of your readers will me. As it turned out the dawn was just
be able to help me find out more about the breaking when I came in to hand over the
history of this 1929 Model A raceabout. sash and I had enjoyed myself.
I bought it recently from Bruce Collins It was mentioned that only two
of Palmerston North and have managed competitors refused to ‘race’ and one did
to trace it back to the early 1980s when however turn up. I think it only was fair
it was raced at Ohakea by Ian Ferry but to point out the one who didn’t race was
know very little about it before that. the Radcliff’s huge early removals lorry
It had “Driver W. Inter. Mechanic L. The article The Golden Years, from England. His reasoning was that
Inter” painted on the side and Bruce tells Henderson and Ace Motorcycles had me apart from being a giant 25 mph lumbering
me he thinks it was raced at Ohakea in searching through old family albums for roadblock it would mean re-lining his
the early ‘60s. photos of my father, Edgar Faber, with his inadequate rear wheels only brakes yet
I would love to know who built the motorbike that I recalled as being a big again.
body and what style of Model A it was machine. Now, with the benefit of that Because he refused to do the relay race
originally. excellent article, I am able to establish the committee refused to give them a
Any other info or photos from its early that this was indeed an Ace. rally plaque. This went down like a lead
history would be very much appreciated. Dad owned the bike when he was a balloon with a lot of the competitors and I
In the early days it did not have a young man living in Wellington in the know these popular entrants were donated
windscreen or rag top and had different 1920s. The photo shows that attached to plaques by others who had protested on
wheels. the bike was a sidecar in which his sister, their behalf.
Ken James. my aunt is sitting. I remember family talks Derek Upton
kenjames@paradise.net.nz about dad taking his mother for a ride in
Phone 021 2225086. the sidecar. On one occasion he rounded a Attracting Youth
right-hand bend a bit fast, resulting in the Younger people’s interest in Vintage
More Information sidecar wheel leaving the ground, earning cars, as has been pointed out, is really
Regarding the photo on the inside of him a stern reprimand from his mother. not a problem as is witnessed by interest
Issue 328 June/July 2014. The captions Just why my father chose such a shown when either one or a gathering of
refer to Harry McRay’s fleet where in fact pedigree machine is a mystery to me old cars hits the road. Unfortunately, as
it is my grandfather’s fleet. Joseph Henry because I didn’t consider him to be has been suggested, older folk with older
McKay known as Harry owned this fleet. mechanically minded, usually choosing cars tend to let them stagnate in sheds
Left to Right In the front is a Reo what I considered rather dull makes of as they no longer feel up to driving them
Jack Geeves and Harry McKay (Owner), motor cars. As he owned the Ace before or are terrified to drive them in modern
Graham Bros truck young boy Wilfred his marriage in 1926, perhaps he may have traffic. The latter is well founded as people
with Jack Maxwell, Graham Bros truck driving modern vehicles are usually in a
Beaded Wheels 7
mailbag
hurry to go nowhere and do not give due
PISTON RINGS
we can make custom rings for most
consideration to older and slower cars. Of
course there are the pig-headed drivers of
cars, trucks & SMALL ENGINES
older cars are also inconsiderate of other Late model 3 piece oil rings now available
road users.
Putting all of that behind, the main
reason for this letter is to share my own Under the new
experience with my three grandkids aged ownership of
ten, eight and seven. My older grandson
was really excited to ride in Ernie, my 1923
Pukekohe
Model T roadster, travelling to an old folks
home that had asked for Vintage cars to
attend a function. He was highly impressed
at the attention that the car received as New Zealand’s largest range of piston rings for Vintage cars
we travelled to and from the event. He
was somewhat concerned that his father’s
JOHNSON’S PISTON RINGS est 1920s
Ph: 09 238 4079 Fax: 09 238 4437 email: enquiries@fesltd.co.nz
Valiant Charger was reluctant to start at 129 Manukau Rd Pukekohe Auckland 2120
the conclusion of the gathering. It started
eventually, with quite some coaxing. The
trouble was that it hadn’t been driven
for some time before the outing. He was
also bemused at an old dear who came
up to us as Ernie started readily and said,
in relation to the Valiant’s reluctance to
start, “Oh, the old cars are more reliable!”
This young fellow is following in his
father’s midget race car treadmarks as
he drives a quarter midget at Western
Springs, so his car interests cover both
sides of the spectrum.
Ernie suffered a major setback a year
ago when a lass pulled out in front of
him at a compulsory stop and it has just
recently become roadworthy again. The
eight year old boy was on hand when Ernie
had his post repair maiden run and asked
to go with me. His seven year old sister
was dirty on it as she didn’t ask to come
and gave her folks earache accordingly.
The grandchildren were to overnight with
us the next day so my daughter asked if
I could collect them in Ernie. I did and
they were ecstatic, especially when other
motorists tooted and waved at us.
As has been said recently, generally
youngsters are interested in older vehicles
and only need the opportunity to become
involved with them. It follows that if older
folk with unused older cars would consider
teaching their offspring, or a younger
friend, how to drive these vehicles and
make it a regular occurrence (before they
quit this planet), the problem of shrinking
membership would be addressed.
I have mentioned to my two sons about
learning to drive Ernie but the combina-
tion of its quirkiness, modern traffic and
the not so wonderful brakes of a Model
T Ford are proving somewhat daunting to
them.
Jim McCutcheon
8 Beaded Wheels
a column for those who like to stir
the pot…just a little
things more important than old motoring branches to the task, Idle Torque has a
at that time in their lives. stultifying sameness in each issue. Because
soapbox
We call ourselves the Editorial branches often combine runs, parallel
Committee, but that’s a misnomer. We are reports of a shared event are often repeated
a proof reading and re-write committee. by two or three branches. I can assure you
Editorial implies much planning and that by the time you’ve proof-read your
executive decisions. It suggests we select way through thirty or so reports of ‘picnic
Contributed by Bill Cockram
which articles to run from the flood that runs with lovely food’, with ‘beautiful
pours in. But there is no flood. We in fact vistas’ and ‘wonderful-camaraderie-and-
You’re an apathetic lot out there in run pretty well everything we receive. Sure fellowship-and good-time-had-by-all’ (but
VCC land! … we may rewrite parts, put punctuation little of substance), it’s very definitely the
Your Beaded Wheels Committee created where there is none (or too much) and verge of wrist-slitting time! Yes, I know as
a new forum for you to vent your spleen clarify where there is confusion. But we committee members we shouldn’t moan if
on whatever irks or delights you and the endeavour as far as is possible to maintain we’ve volunteered for the Beaded Wheels
result has been zero. Chris Field wrote what the author has laboured to supply in job. But be honest; hands up those of you
the first, I wrote the second, the last issue the style in which she or he has chosen who actually read Idle Torque from start to
drew a blank and now I’m moaning at you to write. It is rare indeed for us to be finish? At times Idle Torque has occupied
again. That’s not a representation of the defeated by an incomprehensible contribu- nearly a quarter of the available space
membership. tion, though I would be misleading you if in some editions. Idle Torque has largely
Those of you who read my first Soapbox I implied everything you read has come to become just ‘idle talk.’
will recall I mused on the pointlessness of us in Pulitzer Prize prose! So here’s my five bob’s worth: ditch idle
worrying about an ageing membership. I Assuming you are now all shamed into torque and replace it with a requirement
optimistically reasoned we might be stabi- a resolution to contribute something to that branches have a specific responsibility
lising round a reliable core number and Beaded Wheels to make it an even more for supplying at least one major contribu-
that all would be well if we use our cars successful magazine than it is, I come now tion of motoring interest on a rotational
to the max with the grandkids behind to my suggestion for making it better. I basis. Not just an individual’s normal
the wheel, tickled pink by the envy of wish to suggest it’s time to expunge “Idle restoration article, but something of major
their mates. Well if the apathy to put pen Torque” from the pages. local importance the branch wishes to
to paper is symptomatic of the rest of the Shock, Horror! But stay with me... promote to the national membership of
wider approach to the life of our club, then I received my first issue of Beaded the club. With thirty-odd branches and
clearly my optimism about its continued Wheels in August 1974. Idle Torque was only six Beaded Wheels magazines a year,
vigour is misplaced. We’re terminal. then called Branch Notes. There were once every five years to supply something
I’ve completed five years observing just fourteen branches. There are now really interesting, considered and worth-
Beaded Wheels from inside its production. more than double that. Branch Notes were while doesn’t sound too onerous a task
It is no exaggeration to say the generally intended to keep all of us in touch with to me. The true place for reports of the
high regard in which it is held hangs on the motoring goings-on, restorations and Idle Torque type is surely at the branch
the selfless efforts of a relatively small Vintage news from regions beyond our magazine level, where I suspect most
number of regulars who contribute, and own. Idle Torque continues that tradition, of them already find a place in barely
columnists who hit their deadline reliably but because of its scatter-gun nature and altered form, and where the local street
and imaginatively even when there may be the wildly variable approaches brought by names, the picnic venues and in-jokes at
the expense of regional personalities have
some meaning.
And consider this. In 50 years time,
assuming the world is still motoring, it
CAST IRON will be to Beaded Wheels that interested
enquirers and historians will turn for a
comprehensive record of what mattered
WELDING to us. Endless overlapping repeats of
picnic runs, the weather and views of the
countryside will interest them not one
Powder Spray Process,
jot. This is why it is important that all
Cylinder Heads, Manifolds,
branches regard what they send to Beaded
Cooling Fins, Castings, Wheels as a major responsibility. It is our
Mechanical Repairs & Rebuilds journal of record. When the people are
gone, what is written is what will endure.
THOMAS ROWE We owe it to them to get it right and give
MOTORING them the best.
Go on … say something, if only to shut
ENGINEER ltd me up !
6 RD Contributions are really very welcome to
Palmerston North the soapbox.
Phone 06 324-8707 Email beadedwheels@vcc.org.nz
Beaded Wheels 9
2016 Vero
International Festival Of Historic Motoring
Nicola Wilkinson
Rally Update the wheels
are coming!
Rally Director 2016
Dates for the Festival secure payment system and do not keep a 15 – 24 JANUARY 2016
The Festival starts on Friday 15 January record of your card number. DUNEDIN
2016 and finishes on Sunday 24 January NEW ZEALAND
2016. Pomeroy
Due to the closest suitable circuit being
Website approximately 200kms from Dunedin the
The website is now live and is the Pomeroy will be held just prior to regis-
go to place for all information regarding tration. We are still finalising the details
the festival. The website address is www. with the venue and will advise details as
historicmotoring.co.nz and can also be they are available.
found via the VCC New Zealand website.
Request for vehicles
Facebook We are wanting to compile a database
Our Facebook page – International of members with vehicles that they are
Festival of Historic Motoring – Dunedin willing to lend to overseas entrants.
was launched at the AGM in Wellington Please contact Susie via email if you have
and within 24 hours received 18 likes. This vehicles available. We have received the
will be updated regularly with snippets following requests from overseas entrants
regarding Dunedin and the festival. looking for vehicles.
Festival Office Philip and Aileen Stockdale
Susie Townshend from AJ Events is Email: papastockdale@iinet.net.au
based full time in the office and is happy Vehicles owned: 1951 Daimler Consort,
to answer any queries you may have. 1962 Daimler SP250 V8, 1926 Austin 12 www.historicmotoring.co.nz
Susie can be contacted via the “contact Tourer, 1910 Deasy. Previously owned 1913
us” section on the website or by email T Model Ford, 1965 Hillman Imp, 1971
admin@historicmotoring.co.nz . Daimler Sovereign. Member Daimler Car
Registration Club.
The registration form is currently being Preference: Vintage or Post Vintage vehicle.
worked on and will be included in the Terry and Angie Duke
December/January issue of Beaded Wheels. Email: taduke@westnet.com.au
Vehicles owned 1957 Vauxhall Velox, 1974 Special sports, 1955 Daimler Conquest
Accommodation Triumph Stag, 1976 Rover P6B. Member of roadster, 1956 Daimler Conquest New
The Dunedin i-Site is available to help Vauxhall Owners Club, Triumph Car Club, DHC, 1953 International AL110 ute.
with accommodation queries as they will Veteran Car Club of WA Member of the Veteran Car Club of WA,
be able to help you find suitable accom- Preference: any ‘50s-‘70s Aust/Brit/ Yank Daimler Car Club.
modation and can also recommend car, would love to drive an American ‘50s Preference: any vehicle.
alternatives. They can be contacted via “barge” Murray and Theresa Lizatovich
visitor.centre@dcc.govt.nz. We understand Nevis and Jill Dowding Email: tlizatov@bigpond.net.au
that some entrants may have incurred Email: nev.jill@bigpond.com Vehicles owned 1935 Buick, 1968 Buick
issues when trying to confirm bookings Vehicles owned 1946 Jaguar 2.5, 1963 Skylark, 1968 Corvette, MGB. Member
and we have met with the i-Site to try and Sunbeam Alpine, 1913 Napier. Do not of Veteran Car Club of WA (Inc), Buick
rectify these. Please be aware that most have a truck license. Member of Veteran Club of WA.
accommodation providers will not be able Car Club of WA. Preference: any vehicle.
to confirm their prices until 12 months out Preference: Any vehicle Vintage onwards, Ian and Sharon Stratton
from the rally. However please let Susie preferably South Island. Email: ian_stratton@yahoo.com
know if you have any problems trying to Tom Saggers/Lyle Metcalf Vehicles owned: 1940 Oldsmobile 1939
book suitable accommodation so she can Email: saggers@iinet.net.au Vauxhall, Member of Veteran Car Club
follow up. The i-Site has also advised that Vehicles owned: 1910 Daracq, 1926 Rover, of WA.
the cheapest option for paying the deposit 1930 Oakland, 1934 Daimler Limousine, Preference: Four seater if available as may
is via a credit card. They operate via a 1948 Daimler DB18, 1949 Daimler Barker have another couple with us.
Friday 15 January – Sunday 24 January 2016 • www.historicmotoring.co.nz • admin@historicmotoring.co.nz
10 Beaded WheelsWords Grant Hitchings historical snippets of motoring
this led him into competitive motorcycling. interest from years gone by
In 1947 he and his family emigrated to Graeme Rice
New Zealand to be with his sister who had
arrived here earlier.
He mentions that during a stopover
in Melbourne he saw sidecar racing timelines
the way we were at a speedway for the first time which
thrilled him so much that after settling 100 YEARS AGO
in Christchurch he introduced it at the
Christchurch Speedway. 1914 – In Wellington the use of motorcycle
Bob Burns and Russell Wright The motorcycle the pair used for the and sidecar combinations for commercial
Donated to archives earlier this year was speed attempts was a Vincent Black work was developing now the motorcycle
an old brown school case which, with its Lightning, a vee twin of 1000 cc capacity had reached a state of perfection. It was
contents had been gifted to the Vintage that was owned by Russell Wright. When touted as being much cheaper to run than a
Car Club Archive by Allister McLaren of I started work in the mid-1950s it was not horse-drawn vehicle and much quicker.
Ashburton. uncommon to see these machines and their Box cars were used for light deliveries,
In July 1955 the world land speed records smaller half-size brothers in everday use. tradesmen’s tools and postal services.
for a motorcycle, and for a motorcycle with The larger one was (to me) a fearsome, In Simla, India, 20 had been ordered by
sidecar were broken by Russell Wright brutal looking machine with two large the Post Office. In battle the sidecars
(solo) and Bob Burns (three wheeler). exhausts twisting around the two very were carrying signalling equipment, field
Evidently Bob must have been fastidious large cylinders. Its tuning and preparation telephones, telegraphs, light machine guns
about keeping records and news clippings, for the record attempts was mainly done and stretchers. Ex Ford parts makers John
for many of these and other memorabilia by Bob himself although there were other and Horace Dodge launched their new car.
relating to the speed attempts filled the mechanics involved too.
case. There was also a large number of Like the ‘Fastest Indian’ motorcycle of
75 YEARS AGO
interesting photographs and even two the legendary Burt Munro, Bob’s Vincent
menus from the luxury hotel where Bob and too had an aluminium shell purpose-built 1939 – Twenty new traffic officers were
his family stayed while in England visiting for it. being appointed for the duration of the 1940
his motorcycle contacts and sponsors after The records were established on the Centennial Exhibition. All had been trained
the record successes. With Bob’s death the morning of Saturday 2 July 1955 on the in traffic regulations, by-laws concerning the
case and contents were given to Allister bitumen-surfaced Tram Road about 18 miles control of traffic and hand signals. After
who passed them on to our Club. north east of Christchurch. At the time the passing an examination they were allotted an
I found the most fascinating item in the area was flat and featureless, the road dead intersection and given control of the traffic.
case was a 107 page booklet. About 1970 it straight and flat with officials stationed at
seems that Bob’s health made him decide to each farm gateway in case some cocky let a
quit motorcycling and he compiled a record mob of sheep out during a run.
of his life history as told in this booklet. Russell Wright was the first to attempt
50 YEARS AGO
It is certainly informative. Bob Burns was a record speed and his two runs averaged
a similar type to the ‘Fastest Indian’ Burt out at 185.15 mph. After this the third 1964 – Ringo Starr bought one off the 1964
Munro, Bob doing his own mechanical wheel was attached and with Bob Burns Earls Court Motor Show stand. Rob Walker
work and tuning, and undertaking speed astride the combination achieved a speed of owned one. Stirling Moss liked his so much
attempts; even travelling to America to try 163.06 mph. he drove it from one race to another rather
for a speed record on the famous Bonneville Further details of the pair’s speed than fly. Danny Kaye, Frank Sinatra and
Salt Flats. attempts and their time at the Bonneville Pablo Picasso owned one. Very impres-
Bob was born and raised in Scotland Salt Flats are fully covered in Bob’s booklet sive, but not enough to save Facel Vega
starting work at age 14 as a mechanic- which is in Archives. An early video is also after being crippled by warranty costs for
designer in a large hosiery and tweed mill available on YouTube just search “Vincent the Facellia’s fragile engine breakdowns.
in Edinburgh. This was in 1926. A year Black Lightning Land Speed Record” BW After making around 2,900 cars, France’s
later he purchased his first motorcycle and last Grand Routier finally succumbed in
November 1964.
30 YEARS AGO
1984 – Various UK Ford Sierras were filling
gaps left by the absence of a station wagon
in the Telstar line up. Impressing road
testers this month was the luxury Sierra
Ghia wagon. Fully equipped with a stereo,
sliding moon roof, fog lamps, trip computer,
electric windows, central locking and power
steering. Switching on the ignition sparked
a blaze of colour with ice warning lights,
door ajar lights and bulb failure check lights
all briefly flashing. All part of the futuristic
image only spoilt by the ageing two litre ohc
Wright at speed during the record attempt on Tram Road near Christchurch, South Island. Cortina engine.
Beaded Wheels 11Kevin Casey
The
Mascot
Story
Part V
What better accessory to improve the driver’s
Philandering led to an expensive divorce in 1922, view of his Motometer at night than a whimsical
costing one mansion and $2,000 per month alimony owl? Moto Glow Co later made their own
temperature gauge in the form of a complete owl’s
head.
initials. De Luxe buyers could have three
T
he Boyce Motometer patent initials engraved but just one initial for Ozwick, Lecke and Carl, were allowed a
pending was granted on 13 May the standard model. Dealers carried an full signature. Date, job, supervisor and
1913 but the actual filing date is assortment of spares in attractive counter die numbers were hand stamped in purple
murky; there is an 18 October 1913 patent displays but not the name plates which ink before the drawing was scaled down
for the housing but the original patent for were factory only. Personalising the name and transferred to a zinc die. A significant
the whole concept has not been found. plate with branding other than the Boyce collection of these artworks survive and
Presumably it was before the first written standard became very popular. By the they have been offered for sale at a quite
reference appeared in The Automobile on mid-20s more than 300 companies, clubs, breath-taking sum.
8 August 1912. As the hastily incorporated lodges, AAA and other assorted logos were The trend for car manufacturer
Motometer Co. did not have production available. At this time Motometer was a branding on the Motometer started
facilities, the Taylor Instrument Co (still standard equipment option on over 200 with Godin (French) followed closely by
extant as Taylor Precision Products in makes of cars, trucks, boats, tractors and Henderson, Jeffery and Moline-Knight, all
Rochester N.Y.) was selected by George aircraft. Many manufacturers had multiple in 1914. HAL Twelve, Martin and Regal
Townsend to perform initial manufacture variations made over the years. Some in 1915, Saxon, Dorris and Drummond in
until Motometer established their own examples: Cadillac (5), Hupmobile (9), 1916 as the fashion gathered momentum.
factory in January 1917. At first only one Nash (8), Oakland (6), Paige (8). Some The most difficult Motometer to find today
model, retailing at $10, was available. It of these name plates (also called backing may be the 1923 Commander as only one
was slimmer than later types, made of plates by Motometer) were miniature car was built, but dies were done for cars
die-cast pot metal painted black with works of art. Artwork was done by the that never eventuated, the confident new
either nickeled or gilded brass rims. Unlike company’s graphic designers at 3:1 scale. executives getting their priorities wrong.
later models it used an actual temperature Their initials appear on the back of the It would seem the last design was drawn
scale with two arrows indicating normal drawings but only the top four: Schoeler, in March 1929 for the Defiance truck
running at 180°F in the viewing aperture
centre. It was stamped Taylor Instrument
Companies as manufacturer and Boyce
MotoMeter as the trade mark. The
company name, in literature and on the
gauge, is usually one word but sometimes
appears as two words, with or without
hyphen as does the trade mark. Both
forms are often on the same gauge; one
1922 advertisement contained Motometer,
Moto-Meter and Moto Meter! Rather than
slip from one version to another I have
stuck to one word for the sake of conveni-
ence.
A “Free Name Plate” postcard addressed
to Motometer Co came with every De
Luxe or Standard model. It entitled
the purchaser to a special etched name
Original face plate artwork Original face plate artwork by Schoeler, 27 May 1924.
plate from the available range, or your
12 Beaded WheelsThe true Achilles’ nickel-plated brass housing that attaches
heel of the Motormeter to the front of the Motometer, its white
was not its vulnerability light, switched from the dash, illuminating
to theft or damage, to the front and rear, red and green jewels
it was the difficulty of to the side. They dubbed them “right-
reading it in bad weather of-way signals” while others called them
and, particularly, at courtesy crossing lights; presumably to
night. Factory literature inform another motorist at an intersection
termed the flat glass on whether he was about to T-bone you
faces with their narrow on the port or starboard side! An even
bevelled edges, magni- rarer version by Never Out Co uses a blue
fying crystals which front lens. Irving Floring Co produced the
they certainly are not. It front-mounted Moto Glow light in two
was not until 1927 that sizes, shaped as a quite realistic owl’s head,
the glass face measured complete with large jewelled green, red,
up to hyperbole when blue or amber eyes and the usual crossing
a magnifying convex lights. Other manufacturers such as Gide
“bubble” sprouted in Lite and Motolite joined the fray with
front of the viewing cylindrical lights, miniature coach lamps,
Patent design by Irving Florman Co., June 29 1925. aperture, and then lighthouses and many other ingenious
only on some models. designs. In 1924 Henry Weathers patented
This small aperture a curved reflector system that mounted
in the front-mounted inside the Motometer to concentrate the
while the 1929 Roosevelt is thought to name plate disc ensured that only the light onto the thermometer.
be the last American maker to offer the important part of the thermometer was Another approach by Boyce, in 1916,
Motometer as a standard factory option. illuminated by daylight or, at night, by the was a light fitted inside a housing extended
The Motometer was a nifty instru- headlights’ side glow – negated somewhat at the top. The same patent covered an
ment, always in the driver’s line of sight, by cowl-mounted park lights and spotlight. exterior light that projected its beam
robust, no moving parts, modestly priced Boyce patented a number of inventions upward from a cranked bracket between
and easily fitted but it did have drawbacks. to improve the Motometer’s visibility at meter and cap. A light that mounted on
They were frequently stolen and, although night. One method was to fit a dull-white the front of the Motometer was a third
devices were marketed to prevent that, painted wire screen between thermometer type protected by the same patent. It was
the majority of motorists probably found and plate to enhance the light. Another probably the simplest and most effective of
them too expensive. One such anti-theft (in 1917) involved wheel cutting a series of all. A rather interesting lighting arrange-
invention was a locking dog bone cap, small horizontal prisms on the inside face ment from Boyce emerged in 1923. This
in several forms, patented in 1925 by the of the front glass to expand the light in light also attached to the front by the
company principals, Herman Schlaich the way a reflector does. Boyce invented four rim screws but it utilised a neon
and George Townsend. We call them a nickel-plated box-shaped light that was tube giving a continuous subdued glow
“dog bone” but in their day the term was centrally mounted on top of the cowl. A at speed when the neon gas was excited
“bar cap”. The Schlaich Locking Cap, narrow beam was projected forward onto by a suitable electric potential differ-
manufactured by J C Adams Sales Co in the Motometer through a bull’s-eye lens ence obtained from a sparkplug. Another
New York, became very popular. Adaptors while red and green lights shone to the version mounted vertically inside, next to
and parts, such as red and green jewels at side. An acorn on top could be removed the thermometer. I wonder if this system
70c a pair, were widely available, the cap to mount a mascot. This lamp sold for ever got off the drawing board. Motor
itself ranging from $4.90 to $8. $3.50 and is now very rare. Just as rare is Age, in August 1921, carried an advertise-
Essandee Company’s Glo Lite (1923), a ment for the “Boyce Motometer Light and
Ornate Radio model Boyce
Motometer (1926).
Right: Driver’s view at night
Beaded Wheels 13You can also read
