wheres all the pre65 pics??. from the heydays, lets have em fellas

[paul lancaster]

She was a great class in it's day, wanted early pics from start to now, there has been some cool cars over the years

[Lindsay G]

Your right Paul,it was a great class.2389623897238982389923900

[Lindsay G]

This is my car the way I bought it off Pete Collins.23901

[Lindsay G]

And after I painted it.23902

[paul lancaster]

Thanks for the pix lindsay, good ol cars here,anglia no 25 is dave lovegrove, who went on to work in f1,59 is jon palmer in the chev, pete collins in the white vauxhall, no 4 anglia is nigel barclay, who worked for paul morris,29 is doug harvey, no 40 wayne austin

[paul lancaster]

And after I painted it.23902

Do you still have the car Lindsay?

[Dan.Patrickpre65]

Hi guys I've just joined, I currently race in pre65 in the South Island still great racing nowadays.
I've been around the club since I was born im 20 now and have watched my father race in pre 65 for nearly all those years.

He raced a PB Vauxhall which he raced from 1994-2006 before buying an XP falcon of Dave Mitchell.


Also last time I heard Lindsay had the car.

[paul lancaster]

Hi guys I've just joined, I currently race in pre65 in the South Island still great racing nowadays.
I've been around the club since I was born im 20 now and have watched my father race in pre 65 for nearly all those years.

He raced a PB Vauxhall which he raced from 1994-2006 before buying an XP falcon of Dave Mitchell.


Also last time I heard Lindsay had the car.

Hi dan, you may not know me, but I know you, im the commentater at levels, and pre 65s is pretty close to my heart, as I raced for 3 seasons as a 15 year old through to 18 year old in the ha vauxhall viva.still trying to upload some pics I have on to trs, but havin a few difficulties.
Your dad is a bit of a legend in pre65s, been round along time, I think I presented a trophy to you last season, I think???.for best performance.welcome to trs, I have been pushing it at levels, as its such a great site.
welcome aboard my friend, catch up with you next time at levels
paul lancaster

[Lindsay G]

Do you still have the car Lindsay?

Yes i do Paul but it hasn't gone since I blew the motor at Levels in probably 1990 or maybe 91.I had just bought a farm and deciced to get on my feet with the farm before I went back racing.There were a few interested in buying it at the time and in hindsight I should have sold it as I never did get back into it.
Also in the photos above Jim Little is in the black Valiant and I think its Robin Laing in the Falcon.
And the Chev could have been Jon Palmer or Paul Roffey as they were in partnersip with the car and one year one would do the normal races and the other would do the reverse grid races and the next year vise versa

[225sloper]

Ok not early Pre 65 photos these taken on the weekend. . 2439924400244012440224403

[225sloper]

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[225sloper]

2440924410244112441224413

[225sloper]

2441424415244162441724418

[225sloper]

2441924420244212442224423

[ERC]

Love the 28D Austin! Fair bit of internal scaffolding there. Great pics.

I haven't watched pre 65's for ages but a great class.

[AMCO72]

Morris actually ERC..........the ex Fogg yellow peril still going for it!!!!!!
And look at the variety........great stuff, great racing.

[Kiwiboss]

Yes, great class Gerald and still going strong after what! 30 years? isn't it!! a few mates racing in pre 65 tried to push me into years ago but I didn't like the way the cars where "chopped up" and weren't more than basic body shells, still I do like they way they've keep control of the period look. Probably my all time favourite old car class in NZ.

Dale M

[Snoozin]

I quite enjoy watching the Pre 65's racing nowadays... this is a shot I got at Puke, I think it exemplifies the racing nicely:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5491/10898394464_2502b849a4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/hB47YQ)

[kiwi285]

Is this the car Gerald ?? Saw Angus race it at Puke a few years ago now and he was passing cars around the outside over Mobil onto the pit straight. He told me that it was a great car to have some fun in.

http://i61.tinypic.com/33dv5p5.jpg

[AMCO72]

Thats it kiwi285. Hope it has gone to a good home!!!! Despite its looks it was really quite a sophisticated race car. It damn well should have been for what it cost John Lamont to build, but as he said he didn't want 'just another bloody Anglia'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LoL.

[ERC]

Thanks AMCO. I didn't know it was THAT car! Some good YouTube stuff as I remember, dicing in the South Island.

[kiwi285]

Here are some photos taken at the December 08 Puke meeting.

http://i59.tinypic.com/263cvb9.jpg

http://i60.tinypic.com/2a7g4g5.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/264431g.jpg.

http://i61.tinypic.com/2efumwn.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/r09f84.jpg

[AMCO72]

Don't you just love the 'colourfulness' of pre65.........nothing dull or boring here.

[Grant Sprague]

Don't you just love the 'colourfulness' of pre65.........nothing dull or boring here.Yep great class for sure spent a few years there thru the mud , dirt & sun shine....& Amco with yr son we shared some good times ........ great guys & gals......racing was fast & furious.. [& still is ].....I have a few piks of all over NZ circuts but my pc wont do it so sent to Steve , as time goes some will show up ...
However there are some good piks on pre 65 site nz from dot one

[Grant Sprague]

Don't you just love the 'colourfulness' of pre65.........nothing dull or boring here.Yep great class for sure spent a few years there thru the mud , dirt & sun shine....& Amco with yr son we shared some good times ........ great guys & gals......racing was fast & furious.. [& still is ].....I have a few piks of all over NZ circuts but my pc wont do it so sent to Steve , as time goes some will show up ...
However there are some good piks on pre 65 site nz from dot one

[kiwi285]

Here are a few more from the same meeting. They were great cars and brought back memories for me of the cars that raced in the 60's

http://i59.tinypic.com/2hxmu7r.jpg

http://i60.tinypic.com/2wlsllz.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/hv9v61.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/314unbt.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/kafxn5.jpg

[kiwi285]

These were taken at Taupo last year - some different cars there that I hadn't seen before.

http://i60.tinypic.com/2r4q60w.jpg

http://i58.tinypic.com/1z5szsw.jpg

http://i58.tinypic.com/24ybrkp.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/2d6qkit.jpg

http://i58.tinypic.com/x4nhoj.jpg

[kiwi285]

Not sure that the Datsun Sunny was in the pre 65 class but I think it is a fantastic looking car and it goes like the proverbial off the shovel.

[nzeder]

Not sure that the Datsun Sunny was in the pre 65 class but I think it is a fantastic looking car and it goes like the proverbial off the shovel.The Datsun is not a Pre 65 with the B110 coming about in 1970 - even the first sunny the B10 was 1966-69. Now a bluebird 410/411 would be Pre65 as these models were 1963-67. I believe the 410/411 was the first Nissan/Datsun to be assembled here in NZ

Love watching the youtube in car from the Rush IMP aka 77.

[Roger Dowding]

Hey guys, such good stuff, and ADO13, read Austin / Morris 1300, versus a 57 Chevvy and everything in between, mind you the Fogg was always a quick Mini FWD driver

[kiwi285]

Taupo again

http://i59.tinypic.com/1zodw08.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/2587980.jpg

http://i58.tinypic.com/2nqfvco.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/29wtkl2.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/wve2hx.jpg

[Bryan]

Hey guys, such good stuff, and ADO13, read Austin / Morris 1300, versus a 57 Chevvy and everything in between, mind you the Fogg was always a quick Mini FWD driver

ADO13 was the Austin Healey Sprite, 1300 was ADO16 ;)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amalgamated_Drawing_Office :p (where's the uber geek icon on this forum? :D )

[AMCO72]

I have to say it again......just love the paint jobs on those pre65 machines........a lot of lateral thinking there.

I think this class might still just have the best RACING in NZ. Yes I mean racing, not 'follow ma' leader stuff'. Wonderful!

[kiwi285]

Yes I agree AMCO - where else can you see such a variety of cars, colour schemes and racing that has stood the test of time. Great to see different cars there - not just an Anglebox or Cortina grid.

[kiwi285]

http://i57.tinypic.com/9qeooo.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/2d10ewi.jpg

http://i60.tinypic.com/mreh4y.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/1zeuih3.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/2yulhfa.jpg

[kiwi285]

http://i58.tinypic.com/20k6ulc.jpg

http://i60.tinypic.com/x3cs8w.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/3025d1d.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/wwmcdv.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/28vuli8.jpg

[ERC]

Beats Tier 1 any day. Great field, great variety too.

Just a query but I presume these are not covered by a CoD, or are they?

[kiwi285]

http://i60.tinypic.com/21504n9.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/2v8iz2v.jpg

http://i61.tinypic.com/oqzt4x.jpg

http://i60.tinypic.com/2e6g0ba.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/s6m73n.jpg

[kiwi285]

Managed to catch up with Grant Sprague today and we had a great chat about historic motorsport. I'm sure it won't be the last. He gave me these two photos to post onto the Pre65 thread.

The Mustang photos was taken at Ruapuna in 1999 and was during the North/South challenge. This car won the championship too

http://i61.tinypic.com/2cxi4r4.jpg

The photo of the Anglia shows his championship winning car. Also in the photo are Roly Levis and Kerry Grant. This was one of at least two Anglias that Grant built up and raced.

http://i57.tinypic.com/243p7rn.jpg

Grant won 2 New Zealand and 4 North Island championships with these two cars.

[kiwi285]

Grant also thinks that the blue and white Anglia behind the red Cortina in photos 3 of post #31 is his old white car.

[Oldfart]

Now how about the windscreen banner in post #39 :)

[kiwi285]

I'll leave Grant to comment on that. Was many moon ago and I would guess that many sponsors are no longer around for one reason or another.

[Grant Sprague]

Ok , Allan Hubbard started off in Timaru as a chartered accountant then soon became the founder of S C F .... Ernie was the first to give him all his car dealer business from selling cars to finance his clients , a bit like MTF to day .
Any way to show appreciation Allan sponsored most of the B&H cars plus a few more , he would tip in a bit which was alway appreciated not a lot this was many moons ago that helped me in the mustang , as for my deal on the Mustang it was one set of dot rated tryes.
My main sponsor was a local business man & was the main man & is a very close friend & helped hugely for the BMW, anglia,s & Mustang.
Allan I feel is not here to defend him self , his wheel got huge & put others there to steer it [same ole same ole got a speed wooble PERHAPS I dont know for sure ] Allan is [was] a very humble man & very respected by Timaru , S.C & our family ......I wont judge as he is not hear to defend him self & im not into politics but I do know they lock up innocent men & the murderers some times go free

[kiwi285]

Here is a shot of Grant's white Anglia during a Wellington street race. As you can see he is trying. That Armco is pretty close and very unforgiving.


http://i62.tinypic.com/m76gbt.jpg

[paul lancaster]

The Datsun is not a Pre 65 with the B110 coming about in 1970 - even the first sunny the B10 was 1966-69. Now a bluebird 410/411 would be Pre65 as these models were 1963-67. I believe the 410/411 was the first Nissan/Datsun to be assembled here in NZ

Love watching the youtube in car from the Rush IMP aka 77.

Hi guys, thanks for all the great pics, love the ha viva, there used to be a bluebird run in the s.i series when I was running in it,1986,87, his name was ross melhopt from chch, might be some pics of it somewhere.and yes grant, your right, I love some of the colour schemes going on.

[Grant Sprague]

Paul not sure about the bluebird , but the little HA Viva I remember when it first came to light in the NI a guy by the name of Grant Thompson decided to build it to the pre 65 regs etc , a really nice chap from Waiuku , Grant really struggled with this car .
I use to support his ups & downs when we were running the anglias , I know he appreciated the moral input as most of us were so busy doing our own thing , as you might know when you take off in one of these cars the rear end usually lifts up & not squat down like a a normal car , some how Billy [coby mufflers] re kindled it & got it to go a bit better...........

[paul lancaster]

Paul not sure about the bluebird , but the little HA Viva I remember when it first came to light in the NI a guy by the name of Grant Thompson decided to build it to the pre 65 regs etc , a really nice chap from Waiuku , Grant really struggled with this car .
I use to support his ups & downs when we were running the anglias , I know he appreciated the moral input as most of us were so busy doing our own thing , as you might know when you take off in one of these cars the rear end usually lifts up & not squat down like a a normal car , some how Billy [coby mufflers] re kindled it & got it to go a bit better...........

Hi again grant, yeah, my ha used to do the same, was preety quick off the mark, id get a few cars off the line, and then they would all go past again on the back straight.
wasnt the fastest car, but shit, I had some fun in it, still trying to post pics of the ol girl.
I even won the c class championship in it in1988, hehe, but there were only 4 carsin the c class then.
does he still own hisviva?

[nzeder]

I would guess if a 410 bluebird was to run it would have been an ss spec car with twin carbs and the r series engine from the fairlady roadster not the j13 that was installed in the standard models. R series would have been 1600cc and it should have been competitive against the likes of the cortina's etc. The 410 was styled by Pininfarina too.

[Oldfart]

Ok , Allan Hubbard started off in Timaru as a chartered accountant then soon became the founder of S C F .... Ernie was the first to give him all his car dealer business from selling cars to finance his clients , a bit like MTF to day .
Any way to show appreciation Allan sponsored most of the B&H cars plus a few more , he would tip in a bit which was alway appreciated not a lot this was many moons ago that helped me in the mustang , as for my deal on the Mustang it was one set of dot rated tryes.
My main sponsor was a local business man & was the main man & is a very close friend & helped hugely for the BMW, anglia,s & Mustang.
Allan I feel is not here to defend him self , his wheel got huge & put others there to steer it [same ole same ole got a speed wooble PERHAPS I dont know for sure ] Allan is [was] a very humble man & very respected by Timaru , S.C & our family ......I wont judge as he is not hear to defend him self & im not into politics but I do know they lock up innocent men & the murderers some times go free

Very well said Grant, always wondered if it was the old story of "pilot error" when the guy is not around.

[paul lancaster]

Very well said Grant, always wondered if it was the old story of "pilot error" when the guy is not around.

Hi ol fart, yes hubbard was a good kind man, and put alot of people on there feet, and was a generous man, lived in a old house, n drove a clapped out vw.
he put to much trust in the greedy men under him, who steered the ship there own way.
I guess we will wait and see what happens in court,3 wise, or unwise men currently before the judge.

[Oldfart]

PM Paul

[kiwi285]

Here are a few more of Grant Sprague's photos that he is keen to share. The three Anglia's were all built up by Grant and most of those in the photo are still involved in motorsport. The other shots are of the Mustang of which Grant is particularly proud. The photo taken in the Sprague workshop was taken around 1968 and Grant was just a teenager but loved the hype involved in motorsport. He will add some more detail to thes shots.


http://i62.tinypic.com/fvv85g.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/3136ng6.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/2r7x9h5.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/rc3bm9.jpg

[kiwi285]

Here are a couple more shots taken of the Mustang at various circuits around NZ

http://i59.tinypic.com/257hv0l.jpg

http://i59.tinypic.com/641h6p.jpg

http://i58.tinypic.com/1tsthz.jpg

[Rod Grimwood]

First pic #52 Coppins Mustang 141 (could be just after Riley bought it) Barry Phillips Lotus Cortina 86, Bruce McLean Lotus Cortina 121 ? and of course Sprague Anglia.
Ernie looking in front of Phillips engine bay, is that you Grant to right of him.

[Rod Grimwood]

First pic #52 my guess, Coppins Mustang 141, Barry Phillips Lotus Cortina 86, John Ward Lotus Cortina 121 ? and of course Sprague Anglia.
Ernie looking in front of Phillips engine bay, is that you Grant to right of him.

[Grant Sprague]

Yep Rod about 13 yrs old beside my Dad ........ Hey umm re the 3 anglias I didn't build them the first Anglia in recent pik came from timaru was a good car but we extended it that white & blue car was good for about 1,10 at bay park I sold it to Jeff Short...... the little chap under his wing is Marty Short ..... the yellow Anglia was built up by Cooky [Paul Cookson]] a good [friend ]& mechanic now with Ebbits Holden the car was underdeveloped so managed to get it off Cooky , we got that car to fly with down port etc got it down to 1.7,s bay park , the chap with the long dark hair is Kevin Bann [owner of Kelford Cams ] I think Kev just sold any way he is a clever boy [horse power ] he also built the 289 engines for our mustang , the blue & white Anglia belonged to Alby Collier he is seen here just behind Jeff Short .......Alby was instrumental in helping Gary & Leo win ANZ series plus B &H , I am the turkey leaning on Alby,s l/F guard .

[fullnoise68]

Rod, this photo would be one of the last times John Ward raced the #121 Cortina in NZ as he was killed in the car at Catalina Park, NSW later in `68 when both him and Rod took their cars over to race.

[Rod Grimwood]

Yea, was going to mention that Steve, but was not sure of dates, I can still remember the news coming over the radio about John Ward accident and it kind of numbed you for awhile, as you did not expect saloon guys to die. He was great to watch.

Think it had a impact on Rod for awhile as they were very close.

[Bryan]

Yea, was going to mention that Steve, but was not sure of dates, I can still remember the news coming over the radio about John Ward accident and it kind of numbed you for awhile, as you did not expect saloon guys to die. He was great to watch.

Think it had a impact on Rod for awhile as they were very close.

A photo from that sad day here :-
R. Coppins Mustang passing J. Ward s fatal crash - Catalina Park Katoomba 1968
(http://autopics.com.au/68056-r-coppins-mustang-passing-j-ward-s-fatal-crash-catalina-park-katoomba-1968/)

[GD66]

Wow, never seen that pic before, terrible thing for Rod. From memory John Ward either didn't have a belt, or just had a diagonal belt and came out the front window when it rolled. I saw Barry Thomasen's crash at Bay Park in the Brabham and he came half-out when it rolled as well, pretty sure from then on belts became compulsory.

[Rod Grimwood]

A photo from that sad day here :-
R. Coppins Mustang passing J. Ward s fatal crash - Catalina Park Katoomba 1968
(http://autopics.com.au/68056-r-coppins-mustang-passing-j-ward-s-fatal-crash-catalina-park-katoomba-1968/)


That is a sad photo, and I was amazed when I saw it, but it was years later.

[paul lancaster]

26997[/ATTAC[ATTACH=CONFIG]26997

[George Sheweiry]

Tried to find some photos of the old Muzzie but I never really took a lot of photos, usually just too busy and at the time you dont really think its that important. I did find this shot of the car I started with when I had just got it home, do you really think my son had any show of staying out of race cars???


27548

[Grant Sprague]

Tried to find some photos of the old Muzzie but I never really took a lot of photos, usually just too busy and at the time you dont really think its that important. I did find this shot of the car I started with when I had just got it home, do you really think my son had any show of staying out of race cars???


27548 George if you want a photo or two of yr pre 65 car , go to the pre 65 motor racing home page etc ..............Grunta [ps not sure how you wud connect it to roaring site though but can be done]

[George Sheweiry]

thanks Grunta, I have found a few, brings back some memories! They were a good bunch and I enjoyed the series its just a pity I had other classes I was running in and didnt give the mustangs replacement the Comet as much time to sort it and i really should run it again but with so many cars I have stretched myself too thin. A bit silly when you come to think of it. Anyway heres a few more I found of the stang when it came back from Brett Walkers Paint shop.

2758127582

[George Sheweiry]

It was a very basic build, I didn't lighten it or do anything tricky and it just had eurothane bushes Konis an inch bar and heavier front springs. Because LSDs weren't allowed I just used the lighter BW tin hat diff with a 4 spider center. I put in a close ratio toploader, heavy, but unbreakable. Empty the car weighed 1177kgs.

[Grant Sprague]

Good piks George , I LOVE the way the front unbolts [panels] Roly made mine clip on so when we removed the engine or worked or exhaust etc we could actually walk into engine bay ....made life easy just unbolt front gaurds a few bolts top & bottom from panels & hey presto.....as you might remember the car when i got it was basic & heavy we got it down to 1000kg thats two passengers less than yrs in weight ..yea they were a good bunch but all new faces now & a few rule changes re brakes , coil overs g/boxes, stronger cranks & blocks that part was very much needed and a few new v8,s etc , I am off the Chch next weekend to check them out at the scope meeting I think they have between 30 & 40 cars which makes it very inviting , we had same suspension bushes as you same top loader as you also , but spent time on suspension , shocks etc etc as for the diff 8in but had the Roly bar on rear as most have now got so as to get more traction when weight is transferred to rear axle , i loved it when you had the commet although you were in the early development stages , it looked fantastic & had potential , they now have two thunderbirds 390 ci running would be good to see you back that might entice one or two others of the old boys back , I know Bills nova laps same as the HMC quickest cars so they are no slugs .............Grant

[George Sheweiry]

Yes your right Grant, they are always improving the cars but there is lots more left in the Comet as it too just has Konis eurothane bushes and a bigger front bar and springs. I don't really know a lot about suspension so I am afraid its pretty primitive, tried the Roly bar and a torque arm but still couldn't get power to the ground. It would actually go quite good if I could get the power to the ground. When I managed to see off Dales Boss I threw a Detroit locker in it for that event. I don't know why they don't allow LSDs after all they were available and I am sure any serious racer would have had them back then.
Anyway, I found this photo one of my helpers took I think probably of the first meeting it did which was the first time I had it on the track!



27588

[Grant Sprague]

Yep George looked great in those colours who built the engine ? a haze of blue smoke was it the r/h tyre or oil ...I recall that car & my Anglia on front row at Taupo one yr ..... & you smoked me away .. lol............ how time moves on ,,,,,,, go on get the comet out you have too many toys ....... a friend said to me recently don't forget to skid some tyres the run way is getting shorter ..

[Steve Holmes]

Always loved that car. Where is it now George?

[George Sheweiry]

Yep George looked great in those colours who built the engine ? a haze of blue smoke was it the r/h tyre or oil ...I recall that car & my Anglia on front row at Taupo one yr ..... & you smoked me away .. lol............ how time moves on ,,,,,,, go on get the comet out you have too many toys ....... a friend said to me recently don't forget to skid some tyres the run way is getting shorter ..

I am afraid I have always built my own engines Grant, had to teach myself, still learning. From memory I chased that leak for a few races, turned out to be where the head and intake meet the block at the rear. I like your mates quote, must remember it.

[George Sheweiry]

Always loved that car. Where is it now George?

Yeah it was a good old car Steve. My good friend Mike Oldham liked it too, so much that he bought it. Mike was my Electrical apprentice and was always on hand to help me with my latest project. He also crewed for me at all the meetings and new it was a good car. I bought the car from Craig Staceys brother Alan for $5,500.00. By the time I had sold the motor, auto and all the parts I didn't need it owed me about $20.00. Diffs R US sponsored me the 2 diffs, Perfection plus the paint job, West Auckland Engine rebuilders the machine work and Grant Walker gave me some engine bits. I already had a toploader a base engine, daisy wheels and countless other bibs and bobs but even with them I think it then owed me about $9,400.00 but again that was only because I had done, with the help of some friends, the majority of the work myself.

[George Sheweiry]

Here are some photos from Taupo, the third photo is from later on in the season. I remember it axle tramped so bad under braking for the hairpin that it would nearly put me out. I had used an XE booster and master cylinder. I think we solved that by putting in an adjustable brake bias in the rear line. Photographs taken by Stew Wood



2761427615

[camaroman slp]

Hi George great pictures of your mustang

When are we all going to get lucky, to see your ex Jim Richards Sidchrome mustang race next.
as you did such fantastic restoration of it.
It would be so cool to see the Blue PDL mustang and your Sidchrome mustang race together again.

Austalia would love to your muzzy or Steves the 2 NZ cars racing together again especially at the best circuit in the world Philip Island,

Philip Island Classic festival is on the 5th to the 8th of March, has Alan Moffats mustang and will be a feature .Check it out even to spectate is well worth going to.

As you may have guessed.

Im an Ex Pat Kiwi who loves the good old big Bangers that raced at Wigram in the 70s I have now lived in Melbourne for 2 years & follow the Muscle Car Masters which is such a fast & furious Class to watch keep up the great work you have done for the sport.

[George Sheweiry]

Thanks for that, yes it was good to get the old girl all pretty again. Unfortunately there isn't a proper Historic class to run it in yet and I sort of doubt whether there ever will be. It is a shame that it cant be seen and it should be really so perhaps the next best thing is to put it on display. There is a reasonably new Museum/Cafe in Hamilton that could be an option, the one at Cromwell is a bit far away, but I haven't really given it much thought yet. Unfortunately I don't have the disposable income to be able to take it over to Australia to race on your wonderful Phillip Island, wow wouldn't that have been a sight on the grid beside Moffs Gorgeous stang. I guess if I had have been one of those with the golden tongue I could have persuaded Sidchrome Australia to sponsor me over there and get the right name on the side of the car! but alas I am just a dumb one man band Electrician. Never the mind just by chance I have one or two other cars I can race, but yes you are right it would have been good. When you go post some photos for us plebs that cant get there!! Cheers, George.

[George Sheweiry]

George jnr a year or so later busting to help the "old man" so here he is unbolting the sump to do a quick bearing check. We had this photo made up into 8x5 cards with a printed invitation for his 21st birthday 3 years ago. Went down a treat!



27629

[George Sheweiry]

Here he is a few months ago with his new Tranzam Camaro at a practice day at Puke.



27630

[George Sheweiry]

Now then Grunta, didnt you say you had 2 daughters, this is my daughter Brittany a few years back when she was 16, she won the 6cyl class for Production Muscle Cars in the scimitar we built for George when he was 12. So come on Grant don't let the team down time for the next generation of Spragues to make their mark. Make old Ernie proud!!



27631

[Grant Sprague]

George...... that is so cool... I have mentioned car racing often to my 3 girls but they are not that keen but they do like fast sports cars all the same , I have been a good dad & spend lots of time with them & my wife doing the family thing like picnics etc most weekends we even went swimming in the warm sea yesterday [in the rain ] .. I got back in time for TV3 car racing ....... Re Ernie he would not really get excited even if the girls did get involved , mind you he t did go to a few pre 65 meets & enjoyed that but could not get involved that much as he lived in the SI but loved the connection with the team & out come .........as time moves on & my girls growing up I have hinted about having some ME time like going to Skope meet in Chch to catch up with a few friends etc....... yr kids have grown up fast , I started late my oldest is 15 then 12 &10 I did take India [15] cart racing she has natural talent for sure ..... Now George as a friend a wee bit of a hint of manifestation advice I would like it if you did not call your self dumb & a broken arse , if we think these thing enough we become a part of that energy........... firstly you have a beautiful family good health.....some thing money cant buy....plus yr cars .......so yr not dumb or broke ....yr enjoying the journey......keep smiling ....... Grunta

[George Sheweiry]

Hey thanks for the kind words Grunta, you are right it is all about family and it would be good if even one of your girls took advantage of your skills and knowledge of motoracing as it is a hard path to learn but good to see you are enjoying them as you are right they do grow up fast and before you know it they are off to make their mark on the world. In the early years Because I started collecting cars and racing right from the age of 16 there were lots of rumors like oh he must be selling drugs and the likes, funny thing is I have never even smoked and cant get my head around anyone who would contemplate drugs and nobody ever saw me at the pub because I was too busy working and then doing homers after work, all because I had this all inspiring passion for cars and racing so I guess with my other comments its just to say that I was never a millionaire. Anyway I would like to see you out pedaling some thing again as we had good fun then and I know we can never bring that same time back again, but we can have some bloody good fun trying aye?? George.

[Grant Sprague]

George......... I don't think you need to justerfy your passion for collecting your cars etc , I have witnessed over the years similar stories , I try not to get involved with small talk I grin & walk way ....eg if some one was or is dealing in the drugs I would not mix with them ... I hear stories but move on ....... if you were a druggy you would be down & out .. BUT you are up &in [clean] its the tall poppy syndrome all over people cant wait to knock an achiever they will put you down given the opportunity.. that's what make some people stronger ........ probably human nature to a degree...... my Dad sais rejoice for those who have achieved their dreams , Ernie taught me a lot about life in general although a rough diamond but a diamond ............... re the other comment I did consider HMC two cars that were an opportunity ......one was from Auckland the other my mate swooped up last week it went down to Dunedin [Roy ex ppre 65 champ] it was on trade me for a short time this car [mustang] would have been the right platform and went cheap allowing for up dates, I am not going to worry any more if I miss out but would still like to do something ......I will see what transpires down south next weekend ....... [I have never been a gunna] but one must make the correct moves .................really good to throw things around inspiring talks we have ..

[Rod Grimwood]

George, we heard that talk years ago, and you have done a lot more than any of those talkers. I think most of us know the 'real' guy's/car fanatics and the fly by nighters, which there have been a lot of and give them the swerve, and also that is why a lot of us have always chatted/baited with you over the years, because you are you and as you reckon a 'a broken arse electrician' but one with a lot of very nice toy's. Good on you.
Don't let cheap talk interfere in what you are doing, as it is mostly jealousy.

[Grant Sprague]

Yea well said Rod........i think george really knows this so the rest does not matter ...we move on lets talk car racing .......ps Rod did you send an e mail re skope meeting , I saw it flash up on screen & it disappeared.......

[Rod Grimwood]

Yes, see you there, this time we will catch up. I'm with the Willis crew.

[George Sheweiry]

Yep your right of course, talk cars. As Big bad Dale says the cars are the stars. So what would you prefer nowadays Grant, the pressure of a full on series like pre65 or a more laid back deal like HMC. I reckon If you do have a go at something you should get something that no one else is running, something different!!

[Grant Sprague]

Thanks guys........ firstly . Rod I get down to Chch Sat morn..... staying with my old mate Kevin Bann [Mr Kelford Cams ] a long over due catch up , Kev did my engines & has a lot of knowledge & likes a beer a good bugger fly back Monday morn .so yes Rod this time we get to gether for a catch up...... George thank you for ideas re cars .to get something different means a lot of playing about & testing to get it right ..... I know what worked in the past ..the high reving little screeming 289,s they are doing the business in the south but feel Bill has the car now to blow them away....the blocks now the mustangs have lends to a bigger bore size etc & are getting close to 500hp we were 420hp back then but had a very tractable set up would pull from2000 rpm that got us out of slow corners quickly ....You know George we didn't know much about what set up to have until we tested & bingo found the formula quickly also used 3.8 diff others 3.5 gave us an other leg up on certain tracks I also remember Dean having problems with his brakes I helped him for the final race to get it on the grid we were going head to head & I blew my diff on the start line a DNF I did not need , but pre 65 was like that although serious as well , we shared the info to any one , had you been running at that time [both with mustangs ] we would have shown ...... just like the rear torque arm Roly made ...we told every one but the formula had to be 100% you needed to play about with the dimension to get both wheels to skid off the line properly....giving a big advantage as soon as we got it right we were [cheats lol] because powers to be could not understand the physics & the funny thing the car happened to be on TV showing it powering out of the hairpin at Taupo leaving two distinct black marks I thought ....oh I am going to cope it again ....but all proved good when it went on the rollers yet again [no LSD].... when that car went to SI & was finally pulled to bits [Engine] a few SI pre 65 ers went to see what crank & rods were in it , I had to laugh yet again they were very sheepish after that and the suspicions put finally to rest ...I guess all apart of the fun......interesting though. ......If I don't get correct deal it will not happen .....

[markson]

27633

[George Sheweiry]

Well what about something like this a 1965 Mercury Cyclone, it was for sale for $27K on bring a trailer and a California car so no big freight bills to the container. there isn't one of those running in Pre65 and they run 289s and have identical suspension to a mustang and so does a 64 Fairlane



27634

[George Sheweiry]

Here is the said Fairlane


27635

[George Sheweiry]

Hey grant, I knew you were in the same race that weekend, I found all the results sheets that they posted out after the meeting, here is the one for Pre65


27636

[car96]

Hey grant, I knew you were in the same race that weekend, I found all the results sheets that they posted out after the meeting, here is the one for Pre65


27636

Seeing those time sheets brings a few memories back.

[John McKechnie]

I remember running with Derek Mitchell when he first bought out his EH Holden- green and yellow, was it? Passed me on the hill, just before finish line in the handicap.
Alby Collier still had his Anglia,
John Alley- yellow 65 Mustang- what ever happened to that car?
Kevin Townsend- one very quick Mini.
Rob Brown in his 65 Mustang Fastback- won the class that year, so when I ran must have been 1-2 years earlier.
I have a pic from that meeting, but it is only infield .

[Grant Sprague]

Woooow George thanks ..... I mentioned to a few we got into the 67,s in the wee Anglia , only just though.......when we first started it was 10,s ......so 2,5 seconds slower than the then v8,s .. I see Alby must have struggled as this I think was his first or second attempt with the falcon 65,s pretty good for a big car George that was well done given those years John always struggled with his mustang at bay park .......but the comet was a grunter there is a pik some where of me following you through railway quite close to yr bum & wooooosh away you went although yr car struggled a bit on the stoppers & over the hill it was fun while it lasted had those issues been sorted it would been gonzo ........... That comet $27k running a 289 does not seem to be a good combination re power to weight ... what did yr comet weigh ?????
what size engine & HP......
$27k us = $34k NZ plus freight & gst , maf & custom..=$8k plus good big block , up date this & that say an other $40k being = consevative = $85 k it gets up there fast eh ? keep throwing ideas George its good.......as you know buying the car is the cheapest part , its what happens after that when we start adding improvements like a dry sump , better brakes , g/box , light weight rollcage etc ..... you would know what Tony charges the boys to do a 289 ????????........... we did our own a bit like you....... moral of the story if you want to have a quick car your going to have to put the hand in the pocket.......... & have a sponsor that is a petrol head ... do we know any ?????????????????????????????????????????????? lol perhaps I come up one weekend and have a meeting lol

[Grant Sprague]

The feeling I get is that there is a hype going on at the moment re motor racing , people are getting plenty of good vibs, due to lifting economy , fuel prices & a beaut summer..........a good positive attitude makes thing happen .. I understand as my mate Paul said Timaru had bumper fields last weekend , plus we had another two big race meeting going on , amazing eh ..........yea I know about a super tourers but lets not go there.....I watched that also ...

[George Sheweiry]

That Cyclone is already set up as a vintage racer with a full house 347, jerico and penske shocks, My comet is 1235Kg and again it is just basic, I made fiberglass bolt on hood fenders,trunk lid grille light buckets and only in case they got hit. I didnt make them light and the car still runs steel bumpers and when first built put out 537 hp at the rear wheels on Bob Homewoods bolt on rear wheel dyno. I managed to get a bit more out of her since then. I thought it wasn't bad for a 1957 designed engine. As I said it had impressive acceleration when you could get it hooked up!!! wait a minute I think I have that dyno sheet handy. yep found it, there ya go.


27637

[Grant Sprague]

I am starting to breath petrol fumes.......hey this could be the car George..in saying that I had better hit the hey...........getting late need to get up early & catch a punter lol......thanks mate talk soon all very interesting

[Rod Grimwood]

Grant see you at Ruapuna, and can just see you in that Cyclone, it's a bit of you.

[Grant Sprague]

Georges ??....yep Roddy see you in a couple mate

[paul lancaster]

Hi enzer, the datsun was indeed a pre65, check out trademe.co.nz, its for sale at present for 6k

[paul lancaster]

kQUOTE=nzeder;39788]The Datsun is not a Pre 65 with the B110 coming about in 1970 - even the first sunny the B10 was 1966-69. Now a bluebird 410/411 would be Pre65 as these models were 1963-67. I believe the 410/411 was the first Nissan/Datsun to be assembled here in NZ

Love watching the youtube in car from the Rush IMP aka 77.[/QUOTE]
hi there nzder, the datsun was indeed a pre65, check out trademe.co.nz, its for sale 4 6k

[Sentra Racer]

Manfeild Anniversary 13/14 March 1999

#10 Ron van Zantvoort
27657

#21 Glenn Williams #77 Gary Rush
27658

#56 Frank Wright
27659

#9 Justin Haworth #45 Errol Hamley #86 Dean Perkins
27660

[Sentra Racer]

Manfeild Anniversary 13/14 March 1999

#86 Dean Perkins #5 Grant Sprague #56 Frank Wright #55 Albert Collier
27661

#54 David Ross
27662

#76 Bill McKinnon
27663

[Sentra Racer]

Manfeild 29/30 January 2000

Grant Sprague v Dean Perkins
27668

27669

27670

27671

27672

[Sentra Racer]

Manfeild 29/30 January 2000

27673

27674

[Grant Sprague]

Great pik of dean & I..... I remember the somber laugh , dean went wide so shot the gap...& then committed to the high line with the marbles.. we had diner to gether that night was kicking him self , hard races for 3 yrs with him , he said "I was hoping you broke down on the desert road & we did not have to go head to head "....

[Rod Grimwood]

Great pik of dean & I..... I remember the somber laugh , dean went wide so shot the gap...& then committed to the high line with the marbles.. we had diner to gether that night was kicking him self , hard races for 3 yrs with him , he said "I was hoping you broke down on the desert road & we did not have to go head to head "....


Good racing this weekend at Ruapuna, good fields and good fun with the south and north boys mixing. Great to catch up with you Grant, bet the right foot is itching now after watching the boys at play.

and a BIG field of pre-65 cars, as in all class's.

[Sentra Racer]

North / South Challenge Manfeild January 1999

Part 1

27728

27729

27730

27731

27732

27733

[Sentra Racer]

North / South Challenge Manfeild January 1999

Part 2

27740

27741

27742

27743

27744

[Sentra Racer]

North / South Challenge Manfeild January 1999

Part 3

27774

27769

27770

[Grant Sprague]

Like wise Roddy, the best news was knowing yr back to the old Rod , yes naturally one feels these things when we go to a race meeting , my friend you meet[ Kevin Ban] was one of my main men , I had gone down to do a deal on my old car ............... but we were just to far apart so were the lap times going back over 13 yrs ago so there would have been a lot to do which I was prepared to do ........not to mention a few other things. Hey Brett did very well F5000 but hard to knock off Steve considering the age & weight he drives pretty damn good ........ I caught up with some good people even invited onto Bone,s truck stand great view fantastic Timaru boys loved it ............. will look out for you at manfield [on tv] lol got to knock down some trees for firewood it never stops ......

[Sentra Racer]

Pukekohe 2003

27801

27802

27803

[Powder]

Here's a shot from the March '06 Taupo race meeting. I think it was the first big meeting on the new circuit.
They were running a bit behind time and the Pre-65's had a taste of night racing.

27799

[nigel watts]

27800

[Grant Sprague]

What a beaut pik of Mark a Tga boy ......[our age about lol] I think Mark is leading the NI Pre 65 championship a very clever silent achiever ....he is doing the job [this might be his girl friends car not sure either way a credit to Mark]undefined

[Mitchell RX]

Here's a few pics i dug out of the old man's Nova's. I'll keep digging and see what else i can come up with. Nick.
27810
Bay Park, not sure what year
27811
Derek running between George and Alby.
27812
Then this was after Derek had a bit of trouble getting past George.

[Mitchell RX]

The brand new Holden EH.
27813
Derek and Ronny
27814
27815

[paul lancaster]

The brand new Holden EH.
27813
Derek and Ronny
27814
27815
Thanks for the pics nick, is that the ex craig gilbert nova?

[Grant Sprague]

Paul , I was talking to the boys at Skope & Craigs old nova came up in a discussion , I understand it is over in the west coast somewhere , talking of the SI Jonesy popped into work on a NI trip was heading back south via manfield ... in the motor home , ps Derek,s Nova looked a bit of a beast ......

[Mitchell RX]

Thanks for the pics nick, is that the ex craig gilbert nova?

Hi Paul. No, both Derek's Nova's were built new buy him.

[Swannie]

Jim Arthurs cortina after meeting the pit straight wall at Highlands last year. I understand it is currently undergoing repairs.27839

[Swannie]

And how it looked before27840

[Jac Mac]

Quite a few drivers developing a healthy respect for that wall at Highlands...