Bucklers!

[Oldfart]

Well, there was a suggestion of a Buckler thread, so here goes.
It is necessary that readers remember that while I owned one “in the day” I did not actively compete, and all of what I submit is second hand.
I am very much indebted to Kelvin Brown and Bruce Sutcliffe who have been instrumental in perpetuating the appeal of the marque. Without their efforts Bucklers would have faded into oblivion in New Zealand as just “funny old cars which the old guys played with”. In the UK there is an equally prolific researcher Brian Malin and I will be pinching plenty of his stuff (with approval)

Buckler is actually very specific. It has nothing whatever to do with body styles, although the archetypal NZ Buckler 90 is clad most times with a de Joux fibreglass body. These bodies also appear on a number of other cars which are not Bucklers. In the day it was very desirable to call your Ford 10 special a Buckler, possibly like calling your Falcon GT an HO.

Buckler was a chassis and front suspension system. It’s pretty much as simple as that. They were one of the first, if not the first, manufacturers of production multi-tube frames for the masses. They were a sort of kit car manufacturer in the 50s, although of course their first chassis were produced in reasonable numbers prior to 1950.

The name comes from Derek Buckler. His base was in the area around Reading in the UK, indeed many publications refer to "Bucklers of Reading". His vision of producing a sports car began in 1945. He had well established criteria that never changed. It must be universal (be able to be used in all events from mud plug trials through to circuit racing”) cheap, reliable, have excellent road holding, good acceleration and be fuel efficient. Later on he realised as did almost everyone else, that designs needed to be more specialised.

He was not happy with conventional, for the time, ladder chassis. His background in the aircraft industry led him to what he called “Multi tube frames”. Whilst not a true space frame, they are close. The English produced frames were manufactured from Chrome Moly tube of 1” and 1 5/8”tube, these sizes stayed from the first until the last cars! The use of this tube has contributed to the high survival rate, and professional restorers almost inevitably comment on the high quality of construction

[GeebeeNZ]

Thank you Rhys. As the owner of the recreation of the second NZ Buckler known as the Blue Brick I am pleased that you have started a Buckler thread. Bucklers achieved a lot in this country and with drivers like Phil Kerr, Jim Palmer, Jim Boyd etc spending their early days in Bucklers they have played a big part in NZ racing history. It would be great if anyone who still has some unpublished Buckler photos to place them on here.

[John McKechnie]

Rhys- I used to know Bruce Sutcliffe in the 80s and early 90s.
Do you know how his health and whereabouts currently

[GeebeeNZ]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iop_iqkmOaU

It was amazing how effective Bucklers were. Nigel Russell started at the front in a scratch race with Formula Juniors at Taupo and showed how effective Buckler made a car out of Ford 10 Components. The 1950s Blue Brick has an Elva OHV conversion 1172cc motor but still has a split axle Ford ten front end, three speed gearbox, Ford Ten cable brakes and Ford Ten transverse rear spring. In the end it was passed by the Juniors but put up a good fight against real racing cars. It does the standing quarter in 17.5 seconds and will hit 90 mph at Hampton Downs. Its a lot of fun.

[Michael Clark]

Here is my column for NZ Classic Car on Merv Mayo:


Merv Mayo was something of a shooting star on the New Zealand motor racing scene in the mid-late ‘50s – he was there and then he wasn’t, good enough to be a finalist for the inaugural Driver to Europe scheme along with Bruce McLaren and Phil Kerr. Like the man who would become the McLaren team manager, Mayo is in no doubt that the result was a foregone conclusion – “We all knew Bruce would win but it was a privilege to be a finalist”. Mayo and his future wife Win did a lot of “outies” with the slightly younger McLaren and as Win recalls over half a century on “we all became close friends – he even let me drive his Austin Ulster once!”

Mayo’s father was a motorcycle enthusiast but was adamant young Merv should stick to four wheels - “Dad was having some work done for him by Arthur Harris and noticed he was building a little Buckler and said ‘you should have a look at one of these’”. A talented engineer, Mayo set to work and on occasions would receive assistance from both McLaren and Kerr – “Sometimes Bruce and Phil got their hands dirty but as much as anything it was a case of picking brains and observing what we were doing”. In October 1956, Mayo registered the first Buckler Mk90 to race on New Zealand circuits, powered by a Ford 100E”.

Mayo threw himself into hillclimbs (both sealed and loose metal) and gymkhanas – “these types of events were great to give you car control but a restively low speed”. Mayo also hit circuits and in no time was turning heads – “I’ll never forget Roly Levis telling me it was the fastest Ford powered sportscar in the country. I loved Levin and won many races there – it was my cup of tea.” For the 1957/58 season Mayo embarked on the South Island circuits traveling with the McLarens – “Ruth and Pop McLaren treated us like family”. Bruce had been confirmed as Driver to Europe on the evening of the Grand Prix in early January but Mayo had a chance to join his mate in an open wheeler.

“Ron Frost badly damaged his Cooper at Levin and hurt his arm. He’d seen me drive and knew that I could fix a car. He was keen for the car to compete at Wigram the following weekend and asked if I would like to drive it – well of course the answer was ‘yes!’ but to get there I had to get the car rebuilt”.

So how did it feel after the Buckler? “I said to Ron that it feels real quick but his response initially was ‘well not according to the times’ - eventually he said ‘I know – no windscreen’. Once we fitted a screen, the times improved.” The new combination finished an impressive fifth but Mayo believes it could have been even better – “The car was running low on oil- I was trying to indicate this to the pits but it was obvious they didn’t have any idea what I was trying to make out because when I stopped I had to tell them. I went back out and still finished fifth.”
At one point Ron Roycroft in the big blue front-engined Ferrari went past and that fired him up – “I thought ‘I can beat that car’ and when Frost saw me drifting it later he said ‘He’s got it!’ and I guess I did”.

He was back in the Buckler for Teretonga and the Dunedin street race. It was while in the deep-south that sponsorship was offered by BP to race in England. By this time Merv and Win were engaged and the decision was made to stay – “My father had offered me a partnership in the engineering company. Later in the year Win and I got married”. The Buckler was sold to Malcolm Gill, who would later become famous as a Lycoming driver, and the Mayos put the proceeds into a home.

“Malcolm converted the brakes to hydrolics which it really needed”. Mayo may have stopped racing but the connections didn’t end. Although friendships with McLaren and Denny Hulme endured, it was with Jack Brabham that a special relationship developed – Win: “We had the whole family in the workshop scraping rust off Jack’s car one year”.

Merv would mechanic for Brabham while Win acted as timekeeper. An exception to the connection with the Antipodeans was 1961 when Merv was asked to fly to Christchurch to work on the works Lotuses of Innes Ireland and Jimmy Clark – “I actually drove one of the racing cars (a full works 2.5-litre Lotus 18-Climax) out to circuit from the middle of town amongst the race traffic.”

The Mayos have wonderful memories of that special time in the history of New Zealand motor sport – Win: “Merv learnt to never offer to carry Jack’s cabin luggage after picking up the bag once to discover half an engine in there”. The Mayo’s workshop became part of a regular arrangement for the Brabham team until the late 1960s by which time “…they all stopped coming”.

By then the Mayos had become committed Jehovah’s Witnesses and to many contemporaries it seemed that the interest had evaporated. Nothing could be further from the truth – “I never miss a F1 race on TV”. There was a chance to share a saloon car in a long-distance race at Pukekohe and while there is no doubt Win would have been all for it, for Merv it was a case of all or nothing – it’s just the way he’s made and this single minded approach has seen him heavily involved in the construction of many Kingdom Halls, both here and abroad.

There is little doubt this single minded approach, along with his engineering skills, would have served Merv Mayo well in racing because as Roly Levis recalls today – “he was a very fast driver”.

[PaulieG]

A couple of photos of Dad in his buckler. Restored it in 1990 and raced it hard for the last 20 odd years. Just in the process of giving her a bit of a birthday. (and maybe setting up for a new driver???):cool:
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[David McKinney]

...the archetypal NZ Buckler 90 is clad most times with a de Joux fibreglass body
...though they were known at the time as AMW bodies (from Australasian Motor Works)
The other notable fibreglass body used on Bucklers was the Jarvie, as used on the Merv Mayo car, which is now I believe owned by the abovementioned Kelvin Brown

[GeebeeNZ]

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[Oldfart]

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These are the first 2 cars, re-united for possibly the first time in many years at Roycroft. Note that they proudly wear their Ohakea numbers.
Oh it's great to see all this!
In chronological order, ...
The first cars which came to NZ were the Mark V(I), that is 5 or 6, the only difference being the wheelbase. This pattern is followed later on too, where the longer wheelbase is the number one larger, as we shall see. As these were largely built around the Ford 10 components there are 2 different torque tubes, one 2" longer than the other. (GeeBee you were going to measure yours before your "episode").
In the photo post #8 those first 2 cars show as numbers 45 and 46. According to the English documents Arthur Harris was appointed as the first international distributor in 1950. I believe these 2 NZ cars to be Mark VI, however ownership papers which I have here show the first cars' chassis number as MkV 1. Only measuring will confirm.
These cars have the multi tube frames even then. They were quite complex to build. In order to prove the strength and stiffness of the design a model 15" long and weighing 18 ounces was built from welding rods and supported on bricks. Customers were invited to stand on it and try to break it. Nobody succeeded. Sadly it went missing and is still much lamented.
The bodies for the two NZ cars were done here, number 1, now in the hands of Tony Lowe has integral rear guards and the spare wheel carried horizontally in the tail, almost a rear bumper. The number 2 car, now known as the "Blue Brick" owned by GeeBee has been rebuilt and ironically has a change of body material, but as close to identical as it is possible to be.
In the UK there were only 2 alloy bodied cars, the rest in GRP or fibreglass as we know it.
BTW the dark blue MkVI showing it's nose is that of Graham (hope I got that right) Brayshaw, and is a later import. This car has been exceptionally well used, the true "universal" car of Dereks concept. It has a supercharged, water injected Ford 10/100e.
Next will be the much more complex story of the 90s!

[Oldfart]

...though they were known at the time as AMW bodies (from Australasian Motor Works)
The other notable fibreglass body used on Bucklers was the Jarvie, as used on the Merv Mayo car, which is now I believe owned by the abovementioned Kelvin Brown
Agreed David, but not always AMW as Ferris finally got recognition and used his own name later in the "production". Yes, there were more than one Jarvie too. Kelvin has owned this car a number of times. Also a clubman style body!

[Oldfart]

Rhys- I used to know Bruce Sutcliffe in the 80s and early 90s.
Do you know how his health and whereabouts currently

Still alive and kicking, in reasonable health and in the St Lukes area.

[Oldfart]

Paulie, great to hear the car is getting a birthday. Will it stay like this or revert to a more period state?

[Oldfart]

GeeBee has advised me off the forum that despite the fact that the Blue Brick ran for many years sign-written as a Mark 5, it is really a 6, being the longer wheelbase.

[PaulieG]

Paulie, great to hear the car is getting a birthday. Will it stay like this or revert to a more period state?

Hi OF. Despite looking quite modern, the buckler is still running all the old gear, drum brakes etc nothing too flash, hence the reason for the engine rebuild as the current driver tends to push a bit too hard keeping up with some mallocks and mogals and the likes!!!!

[Oldfart]

Where to next?
For this country the obvious answer is the "90". This designation came from the fact that it was primarily designed to compete in the 1172 formula in the UK, and that with a prepared to the rules sidevalve 1172cc Ford 10, or later 100e they were capable of a genuine 90mph. Their real place in the chassis numbers thus goes astray.
There were a number of these sold in NZ, the exact number is a little unsubstantiated but close to 14. Some of these were English chassis, but as supply chains did not always fit with customer demands the company of Buckler NZ was able to negotiate with Buckler in Reading and build NZ chassis too. They fabricated a jig to build on which was a fore-runner of the common car restorers "spit".
It is very simple to distinguish an NZ chassis from an English one. Right alongside where your hips are, the NZ car has a mitre joint, whereas the English top tube is continuous from the extreme front to the back and is curved at the same point. There is no "waisting" of the tubes as all bends were done sandpacked and then bent. The welding in both cases is superb. Of the 14 (?) almost all are known. Some current owners would prefer to remain "in the shade".
Paulie G, can you please PM me?
Most of the NZ cars were originally Ford 10 (or 100e) powered, most have now acquired the Elva overhead inlet valve conversion, or in some cases Climax.
The 90 retained the centre pivot swing axle front suspension, with transverse leaf spring and lever arm shocks. At the rear there was also a transverse spring, but telescopics show on the drawings from the first concept (as does the Mark 6). In most cases the torque tube of the parent vehicle was retained, as were the cable brakes and massive drums off the Prefect?anglia range. Wheels were most commonly 13" on the front and 15" or 16" on the rear. Rear wheels were commonly changed for circuits or hillclimbs, as a very quick effective ratio change. Front brakes acquired cooling scoops and venting very quickly, partially as a result of the 13" wheels shrouding the drums.
Many of the NZ cars quickly receive various changes, and frequently from meeting to meeting to stay ahead of the opposition. An example was the Rick Harris car, which was an ex works lightweight chassis, passed through many hands and gained Woodhead Munroe coilovers on the rear, open driveshaft and various forms of motors. This remained a car of note, until I got it in 1970! At that point it vanished from the race scene until its' beautiful restoration by Mark Garmey. Noted owners of this car include Barry Brown, John Cottle, Preston and John Money. It features in many photos on TRS.
The car recently advertised on Trade Me as the ex Judd car is indeed that. It has had very few owners. It initially ran with a Ford 8, and features in many result pages. Again a superb restoration.
The Merv Mayo car which Dave Mc mentions as a Jarvey bodied car has passed through many hands from almost one end of the country to the other, and Kelvin Brown has owned it a number of times. I sincerely hope he gets it finished again one day.
There were also a few "approved" copies, again as demand exceeded supply. One of these, while not an exact copy was built by Denis Lindesay and eventually wound up in the hands of Dewar Thomas who inverted it at Paritutu and it was eventually written off. Scott Wiseman who later had the fabled E type was an owner of the Mayo car, and turned it over at Levin. It very soon afterwards appeared with a D type headrest fairing, no doubt with a bit of steelwork concealed inside.
The Billington Elfo which appears in the NZ archives was another "approved copy" which has now progressed to become a DD2 version and appears from time to time in the hands of Roger Greaney (need to confirm that first name!) More sometime.
Please add any photos before I start downloading the contributions so far.

[Oldfart]

Hi OF. Despite looking quite modern, the buckler is still running all the old gear, drum brakes etc nothing too flash, hence the reason for the engine rebuild as the current driver tends to push a bit too hard keeping up with some mallocks and mogals and the likes!!!!

Still has "wrong" wheels and tyres :)

[Milan Fistonic]

These were taken at a HRSCC Sprint at Span Farm in Glendene.

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[PaulieG]

Still has "wrong" wheels and tyres :)

It had steel wheels and skinny tyres, but after a couple of broken axles had to do something so mini lites and hankooks it was..... and maybe a bit of vanity in there too :)

[Milan Fistonic]

Have you seen this before OF? As you can see it's from a very early edition of Motorman.

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[Milan Fistonic]

I think this came from a Motorman magazine as well.

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[Oldfart]

Thank you Milan, these are all great. Isn't Motorman fantastic in that format?

[Michael Clark]

I am pretty sure Donn was born in 1945 - incredible to think he was writing this stuff at 13...

[Oldfart]

Contribution from Kelvin Brown, Author of the authoritative Buckler "Book" Bucklers in NZ"

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Photo 1. Merv Mayo and the Mk.90 under construction, possibly Merv's father on the left ? it was first registered in October 1956
I am unsure of any weight difference between the original Jarvie and the AMW DeJoux body used by others.


Photo 2. The Mayo Buckler 90 at the NZGP meeting Ardmore Jan 1957, the car was very well finished and originally painted dark blue.
English chassis, Ford E93 gearbox brakes and diff with Buckler ratios. Ford 100E Engine with alloy Elva OHI head
The Jarvie body was a local design by Brian Jarvie that used the Ford 100E grille. It was later remodified and became the Corsair.
The car was advertised for sale in the Motorsport Review the NZGP mag mid 58 photos ex B Sutcliffe / M Mayo

Unfortunately no photos of the Malcolm Gill era the 1959 season so far, he repainted the car white.

Photo 3. Malcolm Gill took over the Lycoming so then Scott Wiseman a young ex school friend became the new owner driver.
He had started racing in the family Zephyr for a short time until he was found out. Here shown working on his new car at home.
Scott raced the Buckler over the 1960 / 61 seasons then went over to the UK for experience.
One of the first Mk.90's raced in NZ, the car was raced hard by some good young drivers and they had a lot of success,
it had a few mishaps, including Scotts roll at Levin so a roll bar was an addition, many later pictures show some racing damage in the nose area.

Andrew Buchanan also had the racing bug, he too as a teenager had a major shunt at the Levin Cabbage tree corner and demolished his first car
an A40 Farina, so he bought the 90 and used it for the 1962 season before doing a similar OE. photo ex S Wiseman.

[stubuchanan]

Here is Merv Mayo in the Jarvie-bodied car hillclimbing at Peach Hill Road Ramarama, late in 1958.

http://s6.postimg.org/u7742zyb5/Mayo_Ramarama.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

I have possibly posted this picture on another thread, but it's a nice looking car anyway.

Stu

[RGM]

Firstly Bruce Sutcliffe is alive and well and living in a retirement village in Avondale.
I drove the Blue Brick for Bruce for about 15 years from memory and have a lot of
memories of a great time we had and having people take notice of these great
little cars.
The Blue Brick had MK5 sign written on the side of the car the whole time I drove it.
We had a team of cars which we ran in the Leman relay races for a number of years
and so long as we had no break downs we usually won the index of performance.
I still have a number of the trophys we won as a team.
I enjoyed seeing the video clip of the Blue Brick at Taupo a place we raced at many times.
When the Juniors first appeared the Blue Brick was very competitive with them and
capable of beating some of them.

[John McKechnie]

RGM- thanks for the update on Bruce. He always had a huge imput and passion for Historics, and did a lot instead of just talking.

[Oldfart]

RGM- thanks for the update on Bruce. He always had a huge imput and passion for Historics, and did a lot instead of just talking.

There would be unlikely to be any following for Bucklers in this country were it not for his efforts. I believe that he has recently re-married, I don't get the very long knowledgeable phone calls any more!!

[RGM]

My wife & I visited Bruce 2 weeks ago and although he has a new lady in his life he is still single and living on his own.
Bruce still has a passion for the cars and on our regular visits he is always asking about whats happening out there.
I am personally a bit out of touch with the cars as the historic racing scene has changed so much and only get to see
Bucklers on very few accasions these days.
I have offered to take Bruce to the Roycroft meeting the last 2 years but with his limited mobility he feels it would be too
much for him.
Another MK5/6 is being built by Dewer Thomas on behalf of Bruce so hopefully we may get to see him at an event in the
future.

[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

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[David McKinney]

I'd love to know why the modern De Joux bodies as illustrated here have a different - and to my mind less attractive - nose shape from the original '50s AMW product

[Oldfart]

I'd love to know why the modern De Joux bodies as illustrated here have a different - and to my mind less attractive - nose shape from the original '50s AMW product
David, Ferris did more than one version. The story goes (as told to me by Bruce Sutcliffe) that the very original mould was a female one made of plaster of paris. There was one car taken from the moulds and the mould broke up when releasing. That car was driven in Queen St Auckland and backed into by another vehicle. The shell was repaired, according to Bruce not quite symmetrically at the nose, and a mould taken from that car. That mould is known as the Mark 1 and has the tilt front.
Minor alterations including the "hatch" bonnet are the Mark 2. This was all done by Ferris.
Rumour has it that there are a number of moulds. Bruce Sutcliffe says he repaired a body and took a mould off that, a number of the cars have shells from that mould. However "modern" is not really correct as there have been very few if any, shells done since the mid 80s. Does that address your query

[markson]

My old Buckler DA5574 how it started off210102101121012
and how it ended up .Markson

[stubuchanan]

I'd love to know why the modern De Joux bodies as illustrated here have a different - and to my mind less attractive - nose shape from the original '50s AMW product

This 1962 shot of Alwyn Marshall's car at Ostrich Farm Road illustrates the point. I think this AMW body dates back to 1958.

http://s6.postimg.org/9qqmrtd9t/Marshall_OFarm_62_50pc.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

The nose appears longer, similar to Maserati and Osca sports cars of the same period (unsurprisingly) although car has a well-used air about it. Definitely not Concours d'Elegance.

Stu

[David McKinney]

David, Ferris did more than one version. The story goes (as told to me by Bruce Sutcliffe) that the very original mould was a female one made of plaster of paris. There was one car taken from the moulds and the mould broke up when releasing. That car was driven in Queen St Auckland and backed into by another vehicle. The shell was repaired, according to Bruce not quite symmetrically at the nose, and a mould taken from that car. That mould is known as the Mark 1 and has the tilt front.
Minor alterations including the "hatch" bonnet are the Mark 2. This was all done by Ferris.
Rumour has it that there are a number of moulds. Bruce Sutcliffe says he repaired a body and took a mould off that, a number of the cars have shells from that mould. However "modern" is not really correct as there have been very few if any, shells done since the mid 80s. Does that address your query
Yes, thanks OF
By "modern" I meant post-period

[Oldfart]

Thanks for posting that Stu. That is a tilt front Mk1 shell (in my opinion) and certainly has the longer nose. That is the car now owned by Roger Munns number 90 in one of Ross' super photos from Chelsea and illustrates the nose very well in both photos. I think that it would pre-date 1958, but need to do a bit more checking to be sure of that.
Interesting to note that the photo Stu posted has the carbs RH side, perhaps those are the Elva head valve covers poking through the other bonnet cut.

[Roger Dowding]

Interesting stuff, thanks BMC BOY for the photos, question, who is in the Car - dark body white stripe and Roundel for the race number, the Gent has a beard, from a 1982 TACCOC sprint, ??, From memory he was quite an authority on Bucklers like Bruce Sutcliffe, and a member of the Waitemata branch of the Vintage Car Club, that ran Chelsea and other sprints / hillclimbs. ( Lyle Chambers, who had a 1930's BSA front wheel drive [ 4 wheel ] special - with a side valve Ford 10 engine in place of the four cylinder BSA, new him well. the said BSA was run at a Pukekohe sprint with owner Lyle driving and myself been given time to do a few laps too The BSA could hit about 80 mph on the back straight at Pukekohe [ pre-chicanes ] ). Also remember the Glendene Sprints, [ as pictured earlier ] where the Bucklers were and Peter Bruin's, beautiful Lotus 11 sports [ where is that car now ??].

[RGM]

The late Ken White campaigned that car throughout the 1980s and early 90s until he moved on to the Masserari? then on to F5000

[Oldfart]

IF my ownership database is accurate (and we are constantly correcting it) that car (Ken Whites) is now in the hands of Steve Day who ran it at Leadfoot and Roycroft this year. The next previous owner was Dallas Crampton.
Could also be the car now owned by Steve Sharp which was in the hands of Ron Roycroft for a time. If that is correct it was a car which we show as being first owned by Arthur Harris.

[Oldfart]

Stu, I have been asked by Kelvin if you are sure that the photo from Ostrich Farm is Alwyn. The reason for asking is that he wonders if that might be Cliff Judd, as his car had the body mounted lower on the chassis than most and hence the carbs protruded.
Thanks (and no criticism)

[Oldfart]

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Here are some of Vic Simkin (should that be Simpkin?), very distinctive scoop for Humber 80 motor.
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These photos from Brian Skudder

[Oldfart]

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And now the Billington "Elfo" which may or may not have been an "authorised" copy.
Thanks to Stu who sent me this one some time back (I think)

[stubuchanan]

Stu, I have been asked by Kelvin if you are sure that the photo from Ostrich Farm is Alwyn. The reason for asking is that he wonders if that might be Cliff Judd, as his car had the body mounted lower on the chassis than most and hence the carbs protruded.
Thanks (and no criticism)

In response to your delicately-worded query, nothing is ever certain in this world, and yes, I do now believe it is Cliff Judd after considerable reference to programmes, photos, news clippings and another forum! An interesting exercise.

The colour slide in question turns out to have been taken at the NSCC Ostrich Farm Road climb on 18 March 1962. This was a busy weekend, because the previous day we were at the Auckland CC North Island Beach Race Champ at Muriwai. I hope we paid for the petrol in the family car!

Both Judd and Marshall ran in the Le Mans start sports car race at the 1962 GP meeting at Ardmore in January, and I took 4 shots of the start(on my basic 35mm wide angle camera).

Marshall (62) obviously won the foot-race across the track, and was first away, followed by Simon Taylor (33) and Spinner Black (59) in a Mistral.

http://s6.postimg.org/gnkt4c9kh/62_Ardmore_Tro_Marshall_Taylor_Black.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/60qzyx1f1/full/)

Further back Ron Roycroft (having a run in the Averys' HWM #34) is alongside Judd's Buckler(159),although Ron might have had to ease off as he was off the track proper and would have to dodge round a marker board up ahead.

http://s6.postimg.org/wkjl121yp/HWM_Buckler.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

It looks clear to me that the "9" on the car at Ostrich Farm is what's left of Judd's "159" from Ardmore. Also, the driver's helmet is different, although Marshall could have shouted himself a new one in the interim, I guess.

Marshall recorded second fastest time at Ostrich Farm, 2 sec slower than Sager's Cooper, Judd was 5th equal, and this was the meeting where John Riley demolished the finish timing equipment while recording 4th fastest.

Stu

(Sorry about photo quality, but they are enlarged portions of 50 year old colour slides)

[Oldfart]

Stu, thanks for the extras. At some meetings earlier (1960 GP eg) the Judd car shows as 933cc which I find rather interesting, later shows as 1172cc as you would expect.
#62 which is Alwyn shows in this pic with red wheels which might help in identifying some shots too.
31 Sports car entries for the 62 GP meeting, 9 are Bucklers!

[David McKinney]

Judd first raced his car with a Ford 8 engine (933cc), later Ford 10 (1172)

[stubuchanan]

Stu, thanks for the extras. At some meetings earlier (1960 GP eg) the Judd car shows as 933cc which I find rather interesting, later shows as 1172cc as you would expect.
#62 which is Alwyn shows in this pic with red wheels which might help in identifying some shots too.
31 Sports car entries for the 62 GP meeting, 9 are Bucklers!

Somewhere I have a news clipping describing the Marshall car as immaculate. I should have realised it wasn't the one in the Ostrich Farm photo.

The Elfo Special (Reg 422-146) appeared on the AMW display at the pre-1958 GP Car Show at the Newmarket CarPark Building. It was entered by Billington as a Ford 10 Special, which supports the non-Buckler theory.

http://s18.postimg.org/v8waml6ih/AMW_422146_1958_GP_Car_Show.jpg (http://postimage.org/)

A nicely-finished car, all the doors and panels fitted properly. Photo not helped by my non-functioning flash unit.

Stu

[Royce]

Hi guys Does anyone know where the Rick Harris car is? My darling wife is his daughter and she is would like to know of its present location .

[Oldfart]

The Rick Harris car (which I owned for a while) is now in superb restored condition with Mark Garmey. I know that he would like any history that can be offered. Check your private messages for an email address Royce.

[Oldfart]

Thought it might be interesting to start a list of drivers who went on to bigger things and competed in Bucklers.
In no particular order, and certainly not purporting to be the complete list!
Jim Palmer
Howden Ganley
Phil Kerr
Jim Boyd
Andy Buchanan
Scott Wiseman
Roy Billington
Dewar Thomas
Malcolm Gill
Barry Cottle
Doc Langley
Leo Leonard
Merv Mayo
Allan McCully
Fred McLean
Ivy Stephenson

[David McKinney]

Impressive list, OF, but the car Howden Ganley's father built, and the son raced once or twice, was a Ford 10 Special, not a Buckler, regardless of what contemporary reports might have said:)

[Oldfart]

Impressive list, OF, but the car Howden Ganley's father built, and the son raced once or twice, was a Ford 10 Special, not a Buckler, regardless of what contemporary reports might have said:)

I thought I could rely on race programmes which I thought would have been compiled from entries! I did have record of the special but assumed a different car when one was entered as Ford Special, and the other Buckler. As the youth now says "My bad".
Does anyone have a photo showing Buckler, race #94 at 59 GP at Ardmore?

[David McKinney]

Only the one in Kelvin Brown's book, which shows what appears to be a standard AMW body with twin aeroscreens

The Ganley Ford 10 Special was, IIRC, Jarvie-bodied

In those days a lot of cars of that type were called Bucklers when they weren't, just as anything with a motorbike engine in the back was called a Cooper

[Oldfart]

Only the one in Kelvin Brown's book, which shows what appears to be a standard AMW body with twin aeroscreens

The Ganley Ford 10 Special was, IIRC, Jarvie-bodied

In those days a lot of cars of that type were called Bucklers when they weren't, just as anything with a motorbike engine in the back was called a Cooper
Agreed, in fact I said this very early in the thread.

[stubuchanan]

Only the one in Kelvin Brown's book, which shows what appears to be a standard AMW body with twin aeroscreens

The Ganley Ford 10 Special was, IIRC, Jarvie-bodied

In those days a lot of cars of that type were called Bucklers when they weren't, just as anything with a motorbike engine in the back was called a Cooper

Your recall appears to be spot-on. In the late 50's and early 60's the NZIGP ran a handicap race after the Grand Prix, perhaps to let some of the exit traffic clear while the diehards watched another race. Waiting for the winners' parade to clear the track after the 1961 GP was the field for the Sports Car Handicap Race.

http://s6.postimg.org/8ocbewm0h/61_SC_Hcap_alt.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/pc3thegrx/full/)

The second and third cars in the line-up are the Jarvie-bodied Ford 10 Specials of Ganley and S(Steve?) Norrish, followed by Pat Fafeita's Healey Sprite.

Car 124, the limit man, was K(Ken?) McLennan in the 'Picalo Riley". Does anybody know anything about this car? It doesn't look familiar and I don't recall a mention of it anywhere else.

There are genuine(?) Bucklers in the field, Smyth Judd and Simpkin, but this is only an enlargement of a larger slide and I cannot identify many of the cars, even with a list of the handicaps and a lap chart. Howden ran the Lotus XI in
the Sports Car race, and aslo presumably won the Ultimate Ekco Handicap in it as well, but did he or his father run the Ford 10 Special in the above race?


Stu

[Oldfart]

Don't credit me with memory! I have the luxury of extracts from programmes. From Jan 61. The programme shows J Ganley #109. It does not show #124
Genuine are Cottle #94, Marshall #102, Smyth #105, Wiseman #107, Judd #120 Simpkin #128, Hawke #137 (MkX), Ivy #142

[SSharp]

Impressive list, OF, but the car Howden Ganley's father built, and the son raced once or twice, was a Ford 10 Special, not a Buckler, regardless of what contemporary reports might have said:)

Although they never owned a Buckler, Jim and Howden (Ganley) did drive the Palmer car on at least one occasion. It was entered for Howden and Jim drove, or the other way around, I can't remember now.

[SSharp]

[QUOTE=Roger Dowding;33109]Interesting stuff, thanks BMC BOY for the photos, question, who is in the Car - dark body white stripe and Roundel for the race number, the Gent has a beard, from a 1982 TACCOC sprint, ??, From memory he was quite an authority on Bucklers like Bruce Sutcliffe, and a member of the Waitemata branch of the Vintage Car Club, that ran Chelsea and other sprints / hillclimbs.

That's David Childs.

[Oldfart]

Previous owner of your car Steve.

[SSharp]

Previous owner of your car Steve.

Yes, Prior to Ken White.

[Oldfart]

Car 124, the limit man, was K(Ken?) McLennan in the 'Picalo Riley". Does anybody know anything about this car? It doesn't look familiar and I don't recall a mention of it anywhere else.

Stu

I have just been speaking with Fred Courteney, (owner of the Northland special). It was Ken McLennan who put the Jag engine in the special. His memory of the Picalo was that it had a Riley chassis, Vauxhall (?) motor and that Ken sorted out the body, perhaps making it himself.
Fred said he hadn't seen it for "bloody years".

[David McKinney]

Don't credit me with memory! I have the luxury of extracts from programmes. From Jan 61. The programme shows J Ganley #109. It does not show #124

You're right, for the Sports Car Trophy Race

However for the Sports Car Handicap (page 43 in your programme) Ganley's Ford Special is No.136; 124 is McLennan's 'Picalo' Riley, which was seen in the occasional Northland hillclimb entered more sensibly as a Piccolo Riley. Perhaps it raced under another name in later years

Both Ganley cars are entered in the programme with 'J Ganley' as entrant and driver. Whether either or both was L W 'Jim' Ganley, or his son, the motoring writer James H Ganley, is not clear. What is certain however is that both cars were driven on the day by James Howden Ganley

[David McKinney]

Although they never owned a Buckler, Jim and Howden (Ganley) did drive the Palmer car on at least one occasion. It was entered for Howden and Jim drove, or the other way around, I can't remember now.
That's interesting, Steve
There was a report, possibly in Motorama of a grasstrack meeting at Wahoroa or Raglan which mentioned "J Ganley (Buckler)" in the results. I once asked Howden about this and he agreed with my theory that the car in question was his father's Ford 10 special. Perhaps the Palmer car was used on another occasion

[stubuchanan]

You're right, for the Sports Car Trophy Race

However for the Sports Car Handicap (page 43 in your programme) Ganley's Ford Special is No.136; 124 is McLennan's 'Picalo' Riley, which was seen in the occasional Northland hillclimb entered more sensibly as a Piccolo Riley. Perhaps it raced under another name in later years

Both Ganley cars are entered in the programme with 'J Ganley' as entrant and driver. Whether either or both was L W 'Jim' Ganley, or his son, the motoring writer James H Ganley, is not clear. What is certain however is that both cars were driven on the day by James Howden Ganley

I had noted the existence of the Piccolo Riley in entries at the Dec 1960 Ardmore meeting and the 1961 GP, but didn't realise I had a slide of it until a year or two ago. Spelling was different in each programme, but probably there weren't many Italians or wind instrument players around Maungaturoto in those days. Quite a nice looking body for a home-made one.

Here is the young J. H. Ganley leaping into the Lotus Eleven cockpit for the Ardmore Trophy Race with Yeats (Orchid) to his left, and Ngan(Cooper), BobGibbons(Sprite), and John Scurrah(Lotus-Consul) to his right.

http://s6.postimg.org/ao6afpg1d/61_Ardm_Tro_Ganley_Ngan_Gibns_Scurrah.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/62a67cui5/full/)

Very impressive elevation by Bob Gibbons, legs well tucked in, must have been a dab hand on the vaulting horse in his younger days, perhaps.

Stu

[Oldfart]

Still doesn't quite match the elegance of the Doug Lawrence one though!

[Stan B]

Hi Rhys, here are some shots of my Buckler. The rear shot shows the rego number, was taken at a Gold Star hillclimb at Cossies Farm Drury , 06.02.72. The side shot at NCC Pohe Island grass track, 14.01.72, shows it had a 100e diff. As I was racing without the front on, you can see it had a divided Ford 10 front beam. It was powered by a Ford 997cc. It had passed from Vic to Wayne Harris and then to me. I sold it to John Cobbald and purchased the Cooper Imp from Ian Cullen.

[stubuchanan]

Still doesn't quite match the elegance of the Doug Lawrence one though!

That's Colin Ngan in the white with green stripe Cooper in the earlier photo. Apparently the Lawrences created one good car and one not-so good out of the parts of the 2 Bobtails. The other one, with Doug L at the wheel(almost) is at the front end of the line-up, third fastest in the green with white stripe car. Doug looks a bit more portly and middle-aged than Ngan in this photo.

http://s6.postimg.org/l2lcxjlv5/1961_Ardmore_Tro_Le_Mans_Start_detail.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/4etuv1r3h/full/)

Don't think I'm getting too far off-topic here, there are three Buckler-type cars in the middle of the line-up - the Elva-Ford, Marshall's Buckler, and the Orchid, which I think had an AMW body at some stage.

Stu B

PS John Scurrah's Lotus(clone)-Consul is just off the end of the picture.

[David McKinney]

I recall the Orchid as being light blue. I'm pretty sure that white and red car is Andrew Buchanan's Buckler (ex-Mayo/Gill)

[stubuchanan]

I recall the Orchid as being light blue. I'm pretty sure that white and red car is Andrew Buchanan's Buckler (ex-Mayo/Gill)

Andrew B(no kin of mine) didn't appear in programme, and car 108 (=Yeats) was in my brother's list of starters, but doesn't appear in the lap chart. However car 107 Scott Wiseman (Buckler 90) which wasn't in brother's list does appear in lap chart and finished 9th. Didn't Andy own the car after Wiseman?

I don't recall what the back end of a Jarvie body was like, with or without a headrest.

Stu Buchanan

[Oldfart]

According to my/Kelvin/Sutcliffe research that car was Mayo, Gill bought March 58, Wiseman bought Nov 59, Buchanan March 61, Sprague.. as it is now owned by our guru Kelvin Brown this is a very carefully researched car :)
Keith Yeats is probably the same one who in recent years was peddling a BMW 5 series indecently quickly in Targa events. The most innocuous looking competition car!

[Stan B]

Hi Rhys, here are some shots of my Buckler. The rear shot shows the rego number, was taken at a Gold Star hillclimb at Cossies Farm Drury , 06.02.72. The side shot at NCC Pohe Island grass track, 14.01.72, shows it had a 100e diff. As I was racing without the front on, you can see it had a divided Ford 10 front beam. It was powered by a Ford 997cc. It had passed from Vic to Wayne Harris and then to me. I sold it to John Cobbald and purchased the Cooper Imp from Ian Cullen.

[David McKinney]

Andrew B(no kin of mine) didn't appear in programme, and car 108 (=Yeats) was in my brother's list of starters, but doesn't appear in the lap chart. However car 107 Scott Wiseman (Buckler 90) which wasn't in brother's list does appear in lap chart and finished 9th. Didn't Andy own the car after Wiseman?

I don't recall what the back end of a Jarvie body was like, with or without a headrest.

Stu Buchanan
Might have got my years wrong but, yes, same car. I remember Buchanan running it with the headrest but not sure about Wiseman (more distant memory:) )

[Oldfart]

Might have got my years wrong but, yes, same car. I remember Buchanan running it with the headrest but not sure about Wiseman (more distant memory:) )
Scott rolled it at Levin with damage to the body of the car, but not too much to him. Repairs included a roll bar and the headrest.

[Frosty5]

I am pretty sure Donn was born in 1945 - incredible to think he was writing this stuff at 13...

Michael, have sent you a PM

[Nodiff]

Now in Dunedin (I believe) is the Buckler that I once owned. It was reputed to be one of the last of the marque it was a Mk17 which originally had an Ashley Laminates body with two transverse rear seats. the car was apparently originally built up in UK with a BMC front suspension. Bruce Sutcliffe acquired it in very poor shape with the body past redemption. Bruce had the frame shortened by about 7 inches (the bits that had been removed were with it when I got it) to take a de Joux body. I fitted a Rootes group 1600 engine and transmission and rebuilt the front end to traditional Bellamy style with a Citroen steering rack. Other projects intervened and the car was sold to Ian Hallett who subsequently on sold it to the South Island.

[Oldfart]

Now in Dunedin (I believe) is the Buckler that I once owned. It was reputed to be one of the last of the marque it was a Mk17 which originally had an Ashley Laminates body with two transverse rear seats. the car was apparently originally built up in UK with a BMC front suspension. Bruce Sutcliffe acquired it in very poor shape with the body past redemption. Bruce had the frame shortened by about 7 inches (the bits that had been removed were with it when I got it) to take a de Joux body. I fitted a Rootes group 1600 engine and transmission and rebuilt the front end to traditional Bellamy style with a Citroen steering rack. Other projects intervened and the car was sold to Ian Hallett who subsequently on sold it to the South Island.
You have seen that car at Roycroft Richard.

[bry3500]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhno8XvdmtM

[ERC]

1983 - first pic only. Probably a practice day at Pukekohe.

24812

With the signage on the side!
24814

And without. Guest driver at the wheel...
24815

24813

[Davidr51]

a fascinating thread - I have enjoyed the discussion immensely. I owned a "Buckler" in the late sixties-it was sold to me as a Buckler with the description that it had been raced by Jim Boyd previously but this could have been just good sales talk. It was powered by a 100E engine (3/4 race tuned) and I did buy an O/head valve conversion kit which I intended to fit but being a hardup student at Otago university it remained in the box . A pretty little car with a well made aluminum body - its only Achilles' heel was the Ford 10 gearbox - I went through quite a few but you could buy them in those days for $5-$10 dollars from the wreckers and my student flat soon got surrounded with broken gearboxes but I could eventually fit one in about 20 minutes. So the question remains- was this a genuine buckler (registered as a Buckler) or just a ford ten special? I attach a photo- apologies for the graininess. The car was eventually sold in Tauranga when I became a family man :( Does anyone know of its whereabouts now?32783

[woody]

A chap in Christchurch has a Buckler that was raced by Jim Boyd. We are tracking its racing history.

[Oldfart]

A chap in Christchurch has a Buckler that was raced by Jim Boyd. We are tracking its racing history.
If you are talking about the one currently advertised on Trade Me, I went and had a look last week. In my opinion of many years around Bucklers this is close to false claim. It differs in almost every critical area.
If you are talking about the one with Kelvin Brown, it is pictured above KX known as the Blue Brick, and not the (most well known 3 wheeling) Boyd car, that is here in Kerikeri. Jim may well have had more than one pass through his car dealer hands.
David, hard to know whether your car was a "genuine" one, there is not enough in the photo to make a call either way. Can you remember anything about the front suspension? That might give us a clue. Another clue will be if there was any chassis tube across the door opening. In other words did you wonder why there was a door at all as if it had the proper chassis it would have been nearly to the top of the door! It is not a car I know, but an interesting special to find.

[Davidr51]

No tube along the top of the doors - I had a photo front on but can locate it at the moment- will post it when (if) it comes to hand.

[Oldfart]

I have been asked by Buckler Guru Kelvin Brown to post this. If anyone can give any information it will be gratefully accepted. The photo was labelled Read Buckler Mt Eden, if that means anything. Distinctive are the wheels.34874

[markson]

Hi Oldfart

Going by the wheels ,that looks very much like my old Buckler that I sold to Bruce many many years ago
DA5574
Its a pity the rego plate is not a little more readable, although it was probably changed at some point
The photo could be of when it was not very old ,before someone played with it and put the Austin A30 roof on it, and turned it into a coupe.All through its history and rebuilds, it retained the same wheels .Markson

348753487634877

[Oldfart]

Only one thing Markson, the picture I posted has 5 stud wheels, so if as you say the wheels remained unchanged, it's not your one.

[markson]

That crosses that one off the list then .Markson

[Roger Dowding]

posted on my AHCC thread a couple of Bucklers at Otaua.
Taken from the same spot but looking at the background different years, this was from a Marshall point near the the top of the hill, there was a farmers drive way that I would park my Healey, and then stand back from the sweeping curve to watch and advise the start and finish guys as the cars went past, or when they didn't a Jag actually finished up against that power pole one year, there was a haybale there to soften the effect !!
34890

34891

[Roger Dowding]

Posted Ross's pictures on another thread, but the three Buckler photo's from Taupo in 1990 belong here, as does Ross Hollings Humber 80 Special, which looks like a Buckler, Ross sold the car and it went overseas, and now believed to be in Queensland.

The group at Taupo, some well known cars !!. have details of whose cars they were, must look it up and add to the post..
Kelvin Brown, who wrote the book on Bucklers in NZ advises as follows " Group picture at Taupo Nov 91 ? Brayshaw DD2 red, Sutcliffe DD1 white, Stephens ? DD2 blue, Munns Mk.90 red, Main Mk.5/6 blue " hope that is of help..

from the rear
39555

from the front ..
39556

the front again the other end of the lineup.
39557

The Humber 80 Special
39558

another couple of Buckler photo's in New Zealand ..
Jim Boyd at Levin in 1956 - Bruce Davis photo - provided to the Buckler forum by Richard Armstrong
39559

Bruce Sutcliffe at Pukekohe - year unknown - Stuart Short photo, Bruce has another photo taken at the same place, just has moved forward in the queue..
39560

[RGM]

Taupo Bucklers Grant Bowring drove the DD1 and Wayne Rodgers drove the 90 this was before Roger Munns obtained the car.

[Roger Dowding]

Taupo Bucklers Grant Bowring drove the DD1 and Wayne Rodgers drove the 90 this was before Roger Munns obtained the car.

thanks for the info..

a few more pics, have been gathering them from various places, all NZ shots, owners and photographers where known are acknowledged on the photos..

Dunedin Motor Show around 1980 - Allan Dick
39686

Dallas Crampton Ngawhini Hillclimb
39687

Buckler and others Pukekohe around 1979 -80, TACCOC sprint meeting, my TR4A in the background, may have posted before ..
39688

[Roger Dowding]

another picture at Pukekohe, Bruce Sutcliffe..again, Stuart Short photo, Stuart is Jim Short's son, of Paton Ford fame
39689

Elva OHV conversion Bruce Sutcliffe's car Bruce's photo

39690

Fred McLean, at Saltwater Creek Timaru
39691

[Ross Hollings]

Great photo,the car behind the Buckler is the NAT Special,which i bought in Christchurch from Fazzazz and competed in various events in NI, Chelsea Sugar Works,Bay Park,Puke,Pebblebrook.Now in a museum in South Island.NAT stood for Norman Arthur Tetheridge who built the car.Was red when i had it
This refers to photo of Fred McLean.Down a couple of spots.

[Roger Dowding]

Great photo,the car behind the Buckler is the NAT Special,which i bought in Christchurch from Fazzazz and competed in various events in NI, Chelsea Sugar Works,Bay Park,Puke,Pebblebrook.Now in a museum in South Island.NAT stood for Norman Arthur Tetheridge who built the car.Was red when i had it
This refers to photo of Fred McLean.Down a couple of spots.

Ross you are so right / correct .. the photo mentioned the NAT Special as the second car.. have just found .. another photo of FM Fred McLean in his Buckler at Waimate.. he is the FM in Begg FM cars .. the engineer !!..

39697

Here is the photo, above, and to celebrate Bruce Sutcliffe's 80th birthday, which is tomorrow, a couple of pics.. Happy Birthday Bruce .. known as New Zealand's " Mister Buckler ".

39698

39699

and another Buckler ..
thanks to Classic Autonews [ Allan Dick ] and Buckler Cars and Karts Facebook pages..

39700

Ross Holling you have a owned a lot of cars the NAT, the Minimax, Mini Cooper[s] and others.. pleasure to know you and to have competed at the same events.. I would have been the more sedate driver, Gymkhana's and Hillclimb ..

[Oldfart]

Great photo,the car behind the Buckler is the NAT Special,which i bought in Christchurch from Fazzazz and competed in various events in NI, Chelsea Sugar Works,Bay Park,Puke,Pebblebrook.Now in a museum in South Island.NAT stood for Norman Arthur Tetheridge who built the car.Was red when i had it
This refers to photo of Fred McLean.Down a couple of spots.

The Titheridge family got it back from Yaldhurst Museum and gave it a bit of a birthday and ran it at Ruapuna last year. It's still red.

[Roger Dowding]

Bruce has sent me 24 photos taken in and around Manfield for a Classic Race meeting, and also at the time that Garry Price purchased the Dewar Thomas Buckler 90 .. here are the Buckler photos, will post the others on a different thread, Mallock U2's, The RA 4, [ Vanguard ], Ralph Watson BSA Special LX 5504, and a Keift, as well as the Fiat Targa sports car, a U2, / Lotus 7, style car - now for sale according to Bruce's information.
First some Bucklers a chassis at the McLaren Trust display at Manfield;
Buckler MK VI - garry Price car

40067

40068

The Roger Munns MK 90, views of the ELVA ohv conversion of the Ford 10 motor chassis No 1954 / 4A

40069

40070

Not a Buckler but the similar bodied Humber 80 Special, owned by Ross Hollings at one time ;

40071

to follow are the Red 90, and the blue 90 chassis 90 / 8, owned by Dewar Thomas, bought by Garry Price and later owned and raced by Dallas Crompton, Dallas competed at the Ngawhini Hill Climb in 2002, the 50th Anniversary event.

and for variety the Fiat Targa

40072

Manfield is now " Manfield Circuit Chris Amon " - RIP Chris

Bruce advised that some of the photos are from Taupo, not Manfield, but the McLaren Trust shots are Manfield ..

[Roger Dowding]

Well, there was a suggestion of a Buckler thread, so here goes.
It is necessary that readers remember that while I owned one “in the day” I did not actively compete, and all of what I submit is second hand.
I am very much indebted to Kelvin Brown and Bruce Sutcliffe who have been instrumental in perpetuating the appeal of the marque. Without their efforts Bucklers would have faded into oblivion in New Zealand as just “funny old cars which the old guys played with”. In the UK there is an equally prolific researcher Brian Malin and I will be pinching plenty of his stuff (with approval)

Buckler is actually very specific. It has nothing whatever to do with body styles, although the archetypal NZ Buckler 90 is clad most times with a de Joux fibreglass body. These bodies also appear on a number of other cars which are not Bucklers. In the day it was very desirable to call your Ford 10 special a Buckler, possibly like calling your Falcon GT an HO.

Buckler was a chassis and front suspension system. It’s pretty much as simple as that. They were one of the first, if not the first, manufacturers of production multi-tube frames for the masses. They were a sort of kit car manufacturer in the 50s, although of course their first chassis were produced in reasonable numbers prior to 1950.

The name comes from Derek Buckler. His base was in the area around Reading in the UK, indeed many publications refer to "Bucklers of Reading". His vision of producing a sports car began in 1945. He had well established criteria that never changed. It must be universal (be able to be used in all events from mud plug trials through to circuit racing”) cheap, reliable, have excellent road holding, good acceleration and be fuel efficient. Later on he realised as did almost everyone else, that designs needed to be more specialised.

He was not happy with conventional, for the time, ladder chassis. His background in the aircraft industry led him to what he called “Multi tube frames”. Whilst not a true space frame, they are close. The English produced frames were manufactured from Chrome Moly tube of 1” and 1 5/8”tube, these sizes stayed from the first until the last cars! The use of this tube has contributed to the high survival rate, and professional restorers almost inevitably comment on the high quality of construction

Oldfart - have added some Spgeti / Bruce Dyer photos to this thread and have a few more to come ;.. and agree with this comment, as i always thought that Buckler did bodies, but they only did chassis ..as i was informed by David

" Buckler is actually very specific. It has nothing whatever to do with body styles, although the archetypal NZ Buckler 90 is clad most times with a de Joux fibreglass body. These bodies also appear on a number of other cars which are not Bucklers. In the day it was very desirable to call your Ford 10 special a Buckler, " ..

have some more to follow

[Roger Dowding]

Great photo,the car behind the Buckler is the NAT Special,which i bought in Christchurch from Fazzazz and competed in various events in NI, Chelsea Sugar Works,Bay Park,Puke,Pebblebrook.Now in a museum in South Island.NAT stood for Norman Arthur Tetheridge who built the car.Was red when i had it
This refers to photo of Fred McLean.Down a couple of spots.

The Fred McLean car had a Jarvie body, there is an article in a recent NZ Classic Driver magazine of a restored Jarvie bodied special, a Hawke not a Buckler .. worth a read.

[Mogman]

Roger Greaney in his Buckler came out to play at Taupo last weekend as part of the VCC Hooters Vintage Series.


40081

Photo by Ken Le Prou

[Roger Dowding]

Roger Greaney in his Buckler came out to play at Taupo last weekend as part of the VCC Hooters Vintage Series.


40081

Photo by Ken Le Prou

Great photo, and great looking car, beautiful body, the car, not Roger .. do not know him so cannot comment .. cheers the other Roger [ Roger D ]
PS have a few more to post soon, from Spgeti taken at Taupo in 1998..

[Roger Dowding]

More Bruce Dyer photos of two different Buckler 90's

40094

40097

40096

Dewar Thomas and Garry Price - looking over car parts !!
40098
Buckler 90 chassis 90/8 the blue car rego PC7010 that went from Dewar to Garry and to Dallas Crampton
40099

Have mixed the picture up a bit, having a bad hair / car day !!

Thanks again to Bruce D for the pictures .. and have duplicated one, it would not delete I think ??

[Roger Dowding]

An advert by Bucklers NZ - provided by Bob Homewood on another forum ; Unsure what year but the phone number is 6 digits so in the 1970's perhaps ..

44527

[Oldfart]

On the facebook page Dennis Marwood mentions that he bought the company around 1970 for the import licences. Became Performance Developments.
I find it interesting that the body shown in that advert is the English one on the car which Ivy owned, now back in the UK with a de Joux body. (Rivet counter)

[khyndart in CA]

In case you did not catch this on another thread there is some interesting Buckler and Elva information at this site;
(The Kiwi Connection ) prepared by Roger Dunbar.

http://www.elva.com/history/201209-kiwiconnection.php

44531

(Ken Hyndman )

[Oldfart]

On facebook we have been discussing this car. Any further guesses will be interesting. Venue and owner would be good. I'm pretty sure it's Northland Car Club, I have made an educated guess at the ownership, but as usual, could be wrong.44951

[Roger Dowding]

On facebook we have been discussing this car. Any further guesses will be interesting. Venue and owner would be good. I'm pretty sure it's Northland Car Club, I have made an educated guess at the ownership, but as usual, could be wrong.44951

Oldfart .. Rhys,I presume that you have posted this on David Montgomery's Facebook page,?? haven't been in to there recently, cheers

[Oldfart]

Yes Roger, it was David who asked me to try to identify it for the new owner in the Netherlands of one of NZ's better 90s.
Yes another gone overseas, nobody in NZ seems to want them.

[Roger Dowding]

Yes Roger, it was David who asked me to try to identify it for the new owner in the Netherlands of one of NZ's better 90s.
Yes another gone overseas, nobody in NZ seems to want them.

Rhys, I went to the Buckler page and you got a lot of comments, sounds like many Classics and Specials, gone overseas !! Cheers

[Paul B]

Yes Roger, it was David who asked me to try to identify it for the new owner in the Netherlands of one of NZ's better 90s.
Yes another gone overseas, nobody in NZ seems to want them.
Hi Guys,
I would like to restore a buckler in the future (if there is a complete-ish one about ) I need to finish my Falcon sprint first.
Cheers

[Oldfart]

PM sent Paul

[Kevin Hirst]

Hi Guys,
I would like to restore a buckler in the future (if there is a complete-ish one about ) I need to finish my Falcon sprint first.
Cheers

Me to,

[Roger Dowding]

Interesting stuff, thanks BMC BOY for the photos, question, who is in the Car - dark body white stripe and Roundel for the race number, the Gent has a beard, from a 1982 TACCOC sprint, ??, From memory he was quite an authority on Bucklers like Bruce Sutcliffe, and a member of the Waitemata branch of the Vintage Car Club, that ran Chelsea and other sprints / hillclimbs. ( Lyle Chambers, who had a 1930's BSA front wheel drive [ 4 wheel ] special - with a side valve Ford 10 engine in place of the four cylinder BSA, new him well. the said BSA was run at a Pukekohe sprint with owner Lyle driving and myself been given time to do a few laps too The BSA could hit about 80 mph on the back straight at Pukekohe [ pre-chicanes ] ). Also remember the Glendene Sprints, [ as pictured earlier ] where the Bucklers were and Peter Bruin's, beautiful Lotus 11 sports [ where is that car now ??].

Just going through the thread, and now remember the name of the Buckler owner / driver,it was Ian Hallet, who I know competed in Teams races with Bruce Sutcliffe and others .. have seen a photo,which I must now find.
Bart Jonkers now owns one of the Green with Yellow stripes Bucklers, the car having left New Zealand during the year.
This car ;
45784
David Child provided the photo.

one of my own photos, AHCCNZ Hill Climb,mid 1980's [ posted before ].
45785
Unsure which of the events, my photos were from a number of years from 1984/5 on to 1989/90 ..

[BMCBOY]

I took these photos at Chelsea Hillclimb in 2010

45787

45788

45786

[Roger Dowding]

I took these photos at Chelsea Hillclimb in 2010

45787

45788

45786

The Car is now in Europe owned by a guy called Bart Jonkers, only arrived there a few weeks ago !!

[Roger Dowding]

47630

47631

47632

[Paul B]

Roger,
Those bucklers sure do have nice lines. Shame we are loosing these to Europe.
Cheers

[Roger Dowding]

Roger,
Those bucklers sure do have nice lines. Shame we are loosing these to Europe.
Cheers

Yes Indeed Paul, we were talking about that at Chelsea .. the most recent is this one.
Sold to a Bart Jonkers from Netherlands - he posted photos of its arrival in Europe, and has been seeking photos of it in its previous life in NZ

This photo was sent to me - in the background is My TR4A so taken around 1979/80
47667

AHCCNZ Otaua Hill Climb 1985 ish
47668

Just realised posted both these photos previously, and BMC BOY has a few of the car at Chelsea in 2010..

[Roger Dowding]

Well, there was a suggestion of a Buckler thread, so here goes.
It is necessary that readers remember that while I owned one “in the day” I did not actively compete, and all of what I submit is second hand.
I am very much indebted to Kelvin Brown and Bruce Sutcliffe who have been instrumental in perpetuating the appeal of the marque. Without their efforts Bucklers would have faded into oblivion in New Zealand as just “funny old cars which the old guys played with”. In the UK there is an equally prolific researcher Brian Malin and I will be pinching plenty of his stuff (with approval)

Buckler is actually very specific. It has nothing whatever to do with body styles, although the archetypal NZ Buckler 90 is clad most times with a de Joux fibreglass body. These bodies also appear on a number of other cars which are not Bucklers. In the day it was very desirable to call your Ford 10 special a Buckler, possibly like calling your Falcon GT an HO.

Buckler was a chassis and front suspension system. It’s pretty much as simple as that. They were one of the first, if not the first, manufacturers of production multi-tube frames for the masses. They were a sort of kit car manufacturer in the 50s, although of course their first chassis were produced in reasonable numbers prior to 1950.

The name comes from Derek Buckler. His base was in the area around Reading in the UK, indeed many publications refer to "Bucklers of Reading". His vision of producing a sports car began in 1945. He had well established criteria that never changed. It must be universal (be able to be used in all events from mud plug trials through to circuit racing”) cheap, reliable, have excellent road holding, good acceleration and be fuel efficient. Later on he realised as did almost everyone else, that designs needed to be more specialised.

He was not happy with conventional, for the time, ladder chassis. His background in the aircraft industry led him to what he called “Multi tube frames”. Whilst not a true space frame, they are close. The English produced frames were manufactured from Chrome Moly tube of 1” and 1 5/8”tube, these sizes stayed from the first until the last cars! The use of this tube has contributed to the high survival rate, and professional restorers almost inevitably comment on the high quality of construction

Just re-read this and the mention of the "Blue Brick ", here is a Graham Main photo of the car with others, looks like the Bruce Sutcliffe [ ex Ivy Stevenson ] DD2 and Ian Hallet's yellow car. date of photo not known .. but Rhys and others may know. borrowed from the Facebook page " Buckler Cars and Karts " as they borrow my photos too !! Kelvin Brown posted the photo..

51387

another Pic of the Ian Hallet car I think ?? jim Short photo ..

51390

[Milan Fistonic]

Bruce Sutcliffe in the 'Blue Brick' at Whenuapai in 1984

51397

[Roger Dowding]

1956 at Wigram, Jim Boyd in the Buckler MK 6 behind the Allard Palm Beach with TR3 and Healey 100 close by.
Start of the Sports Car Race, Jim also ran in the Lady Wigram Trophy race

51398

the same Buckler at Wigram in 2018

51399

[Oldfart]

Boydie had the other (first Mark 5) not what is now known as the Blue Brick. He may have driven the brick, but owned the other. When he did the South Island tour he had the tent in the hatch in front of the screen, and wife and son with him in the car. Originally there were 2 Mk 5/6 in NZ, another brought in by Graham Brayshaw more recently. The white one is now with Mike Endean, the brick with Kelvin Brown

[Roger Dowding]

Boydie had the other (first Mark 5) not what is now known as the Blue Brick. He may have driven the brick, but owned the other. When he did the South Island tour he had the tent in the hatch in front of the screen, and wife and son with him in the car. Originally there were 2 Mk 5/6 in NZ, another brought in by Graham Brayshaw more recently. The white one is now with Mike Endean, the brick with Kelvin Brown

Rhys, when are you going to write a book about Bucklers, thanks for all your, as Ken H puts it, " inputs " - he has been living in the USA for too long.
You may have seen a couple of photo's posted by Bart Jonkers who has the Green /Yellow NZ Car of another Buckler at Dunedin in 1962.. Graham Woods followed up the photo's with entry lists for the car in 1962, seems to have done all the South Island meetings.

Will post them here soon ..

[Roger Dowding]

M D Hammond from Hunterville

OOps
51409

51410

The entry list, not sure if in the right chronological order January February were very busy months, as there had already been Ardmore the GP, Levin ?? and Ohakea !! someone will assist here ?? Please

Dunedin
51411

Waimate
51412

Teretonga
51413

Wigram
51414

[Oldfart]

Rhys, when are you going to write a book about Bucklers, thanks for all your, as Ken H puts it, " inputs " - he has been living in the USA for too long.
You may have seen a couple of photo's posted by Bart Jonkers who has the Green /Yellow NZ Car of another Buckler at Dunedin in 1962.. Graham Woods followed up the photo's with entry lists for the car in 1962, seems to have done all the South Island meetings.

Will post them here soon ..

Kelvin Brown has already written that book! I was off work for several months after a work injury a year or two back, and Kelvin and I sorted out a spreadsheet of the ownerships, etc. I contacted a whole bunch of old Northland Car Club members from the time, and was given a lot of photos which I also passed on the Kelvin.
Yes, I communicate with Bart fairly often. I was able to help with some documentation for his efforts to get the car legal in the Netherlands.

A few comments on the entry list (last one)
The Preston car became mine in 1970 (sold in 1970), A.A Buchanan, is Andy who did lots of good things later, the Judd car is now in the UK. The Hammond car was last known with a D Judd of Wanganui, then in a road crash, believed to have been in a Wanganui car dealer with a "Clubman type body" and now not found.

[Roger Dowding]

C and C's own photos from the 5th Anniversary meeting apparently over 1300 cars and I missed it.
BMC BOY was there as was Ray Green and others ;

the Peter Benbrook's Buckler, appears here often !!

51847

[Roger Dowding]

Car Registration papers for a Buckler .. seems to be a name we all know !! Cheers

No doubt "someone "can tell us more about the car ??

51862

A South Island car through the period -

More information;

Peter Preston raced this car in the 1960's in the South Island and I note that it was owned by an
- " Ivy Alice Preston " from 20 July 1961 to 29 July 1964.
Would have had the 1961 - 64 plates 759.025 when purchased and the permanent plates A!6477 - just issued when sold 29 July 1964.

The car currently has the plate " GHH417 " under the ownership of Mark Garmey, Mark and his father Ian Garmey [ RIP Ian recently ] have the car in excellent condition and it features in a New Zealand Classic Driver - Special Edition Magazine published in late 2021.
The story of the car in the magazine has some anomalies, if these papers are to be believed.
They were issued in 1975, and would appear to be a re-issue.

The car as featured with others in the Magazine - posted later n the thread also.

74119

[khyndart in CA]

Rhys,
Besides your connections to Matamata and Morrinsville, I see you mentioned being at Dunsandel, where my cousin Jack Mackie lives, did you know him ? He is one of my favorite relatives.

(Ken Hyndman )

[Oldfart]

Rhys,
Besides your connections to Matamata and Morrinsville, I see you mentioned being at Dunsandel, where my cousin Jack Mackie lives, did you know him ? He is one of my favorite relatives.

(Ken Hyndman )

That was when the education department posted teachers to wherever they were needed. I was only there for a year. I may have known him, but it's a long time ago!

[Oldfart]

Car Registration papers for a Buckler .. seems to be a name we all know !! Cheers

No doubt "someone "can tell us more about the car ??

51862

A South Island car through the period -

Well, as you can see from this I do know a bit about the car! It is now superbly restored, back to the red colour it was in it's early days. Known as 90/3 (NZ id numbers arbitrarily assigned).With the Garmey family.
From my own knowledge this proves to me that NZ "official" records are not always right as there is at least one missing owner, if not more

[Roger Dowding]

Well, as you can see from this I do know a bit about the car! It is now superbly restored, back to the red colour it was in it's early days. Known as 90/3 (NZ id numbers arbitrarily assigned).With the Garmey family.
From my own knowledge this proves to me that NZ "official" records are not always right as there is at least one missing owner, if not more

Rhys, Just great to have a good "old fashioned " piece of paper written by real people - the car would have had a few licence plates over time from the replaced evey few years type to a couple of " permanent " ones as mentioned on the document

[Roger Dowding]

Car Registration papers for a Buckler .. seems to be a name we all know !! Cheers

No doubt "someone "can tell us more about the car ??

51862

A South Island car through the period -

Have been contacted by " Cooper56 ", Ian and son Mark now have this car.

Here is Ian's message ;
" Buckler 90/3.

This car is in my care and is owned by my son Mark.

Mark would very much like to add these papers to the car's history file, would it be possible to obtain them from you, or at least a copy of them.
"

Oldfart, do you have a copy of the papers that Ian Garmey [ Cooper56 ] could have for his son Mark.
Have suggested that he contact you either through TRS or Facebook, on " Buckler Cars and Karts " page.

Cheers
Roger

Further Note ; Rhys did not post the papers on Fb and my notes on them says G Currie A Warren.
Have passed the information onto Ian Garmey, for Mark Garmey who Rhys is in contact with..

[Roger Dowding]

Note from Bart Jonkers regarding KA 6377.

1950s The ex New Zealand 90/1 today has passed all RDW (Dutch Road Authority) tests for roadworthyness, individual type approval and vehicle identity verification! That means that in a few days i’ll have dutch license plates and can start driving it. Exactly 6 months after arrival in NL.
For those of you who assisted in getting to this point with tech help, historic documentation, brochures showing specs and even video clips showing ‘normal’ tie rod play : a BIG Thank You!!

Barts photo

53290

Other photos of the Car appear on this thread, taken at various NZ Motorsport events - This at a Sprint meeting Pukekohe 1979
53291

and this at Otaua in the mid 1980's posted before.

53292

[Roger Dowding]

Interesting stuff, thanks BMC BOY for the photos, question, who is in the Car - dark body white stripe and Roundel for the race number, the Gent has a beard, from a 1982 TACCOC sprint, ??, From memory he was quite an authority on Bucklers like Bruce Sutcliffe, and a member of the Waitemata branch of the Vintage Car Club, that ran Chelsea and other sprints / hillclimbs. ( Lyle Chambers, who had a 1930's BSA front wheel drive [ 4 wheel ] special - with a side valve Ford 10 engine in place of the four cylinder BSA, new him well. the said BSA was run at a Pukekohe sprint with owner Lyle driving and myself been given time to do a few laps too The BSA could hit about 80 mph on the back straight at Pukekohe [ pre-chicanes ] ). Also remember the Glendene Sprints, [ as pictured earlier ] where the Bucklers were and Peter Bruin's, beautiful Lotus 11 sports [ where is that car now ??].

Have found the answer to my last question - the Peter Bruin Lotus 11 is now with the Ganley family

[Roger Dowding]

Bart Jonkers the new owner of 90/1 ex New Zealand has been out driving now his Dutch compliance and Registration is complete ; with his permission I have borrowed these two photo ;

53614

Just to prove it really is in Holland - a windmill !!

53615

Bart says he took the car for a run of about 60 km's - looks like fun !!

[Oldfart]

Wait until you hear what events he really bought it to take part in!

Bruce Sutcliffe, "Mr Buckler NZ" is not too flash in the health department right now.

[Paul B]

That model is such a nice looking car! I am very envious.
I hope Bruce makes a recovery.
Regards to all
P

[Roger Dowding]

Wait until you hear what events he really bought it to take part in!

Bruce Sutcliffe, "Mr Buckler NZ" is not too flash in the health department right now.

Oldfart, I knew he was getting Special wheels made, but not what competition he was getting into.

Not good about " Mr Buckler NZ " if in touch pass on my best wishes, to him , Rhys !

[ERC]

A couple from the weekend. Rhys, you'd be happy with the Hooter's VCC grid, as they combined historic, FJ and saloons. Made for some great photographs.

53670

53671

[Paul B]

Great shots Ray,
Pardon my ignorance, but are these 2 different models of Bucklers above, are they the 90/1 (#44) and 90/3 (#90) models?
I particularly like the #90 model.
Love the racing screens too
Cheers

[Steve Holmes]

...though they were known at the time as AMW bodies (from Australasian Motor Works)
The other notable fibreglass body used on Bucklers was the Jarvie, as used on the Merv Mayo car, which is now I believe owned by the abovementioned Kelvin Brown

Just going back through this thread doing research on the Paton Ford for my book. Who was Australasian Motor Works?

[Oldfart]

Just going back through this thread doing research on the Paton Ford for my book. Who was Australasian Motor Works?

Ferris de Joux Steve.
I'm not entirely happy with the VCC Hooters grid Steve, by now there should have been so many it needed separate grids!

[Oldfart]

Great shots Ray,
Pardon my ignorance, but are these 2 different models of Bucklers above, are they the 90/1 (#44) and 90/3 (#90) models?
I particularly like the #90 model.
Love the racing screens too
Cheers

Slightly different versions of the de Joux (AMW) bodies. #90 is Roger Munns, #44 is Craig Lang (sp?)

[Paul B]

My old Buckler DA5574 how it started off21010
and how it ended up .Markson

In the above picture Attachment 21010, the car on the left DA5574 turned up in Manawatu and has recently sold, I took quite a few pictures of it. Sadly it was in poor condition.

[ERC]

Ferris de Joux Steve.
I'm not entirely happy with the VCC Hooters grid Steve, by now there should have been so many it needed separate grids!
We could say that about several classes Rhys. We have had about 100 registered drivers for the last ten years, but for most meetings, two grids aren't now really justified.

Dale was almost at the point of throwing in the towel at one stage. The MG series didn't last. Alfa have broadened to accept all Italian cars. Is the Classic Japanese series still going?

Sunday's VCC grid not only provided variety, it also provided some genuine racing.

[Oldfart]

In the above picture Attachment 21010, the car on the left DA5574 turned up in Manawatu and has recently sold, I took quite a few pictures of it. Sadly it was in poor condition.

Paul, can you please send me any details you have PM is good! I suspect this photo is taken at perhaps Sutcliffe's given the number of cars?

[markson]

Hi Oldfart That photo Attachment 21010 was taken by me at Sutcliffe's at the time I swapped it to Bruce.Markson

[Paul B]

Paul, can you please send me any details you have PM is good! I suspect this photo is taken at perhaps Sutcliffe's given the number of cars?

Hi OldFart,
I have sent you and email with some details.
Cheers
P

[markson]

Hi Paul
I was lead to believe that DA5574 ended up in Japan ,is that not correct ???. I would like to see those photo's you have .Markson

[Oldfart]

Paul has sent me those photos and more questions than answers.
DA5574 is still an alive reg, showing on Carjam as a DD2.
Now, as Markson has said the photo is at Sutcliffes, I am going to take a wee leap to say the plates from the Buckler (DD2 being a version) made their way onto the de Joux coupe they are now with. I don't think that a DD2 chassis sits under that shell, as the side chassis tubes would impinge on the door openings.

[Paul B]

Hi Guys The plates (DA5574) are not on the coupe and I did not see any plates inside the body, had a good look though. I have simply assumed that it is the same car that is in the photo outside B Sutcliffes house. There cant be many of these around?
Here are some pics I took. You guys will know better than me.
53729

53730

Its in a bit of a state as the roof has been chopped but can be repaired (with some bother)

[markson]

Hi Paul .The car in the photo is definitely not Buckler DA5574.
When I swapped it to Bruce he on sold it to a chap who rebuilt it.
And I beleive it was on sold at a later date, and ended up in Japan

This is a photo of it at Ardmore in 1989 53731

This is a photo of it, as it sits in Japan

53732

[Paul B]

Yes, Rhys has confirmed also, worth a look at it.
What a fine example your forma buckler is! you should have kept it. What was it powered by? did you do the head conversion or climax motor?
They are such a nice shape, I like them a lot.
Some time ago (4 years or so) there was a beautifully restored red buckler (I think a DD1 or 2) that was for sale on trademe, do you know where that went?
Cheers

[markson]

Hi Paul Yes I should have kept it,but at the time I had, what I thought, was better thing's,
namely converting my Sunbeam Alpine to V6 power.
The Buckler was fitted with a MG 1800cc motor and gear box at the time I had it,
and I believe it still retains that power plant. Markson

53735

[Paul B]

Do you still have the Sunbeam, They are a pretty cool car, Very nice body work. you would have enjoyed looking at the sunbeam racing pics recently posted on TRS.
Cheers

[markson]

Hi Paul
No,like many other cars that I have owned over the years,
it is long gone
But the Sunbeam went on to be one of the nicest Tigers in NZ

53818

[Waznot]

Hello all, just joined the forum because after many years I'm back looking for any info on a Ford 10 De Joux bodied special I purchased back in 2000 in Fielding ? with the help of Dallas Crampton and Alan Stott, both of whom have now gone.

53983
Car on trailor supplied by NZ Police through Dallas Crampton

53984
The car in the barn at Fielding?

53985
Me and my project

53986
Dashboard is curved at both ends, beautifully made with glove box.

53987
Front suspension when body stripped off.

53988
Rear suspension when body stripped off.

The car was/is in a very rough state and partially dismantled. After bringing to Australia, when I was working we rebuilt the main sections of the chassis with new steel tube due to internal rust. The number plate (AX69) was off the car but from indents on the bonnet it had been on the car a long time. I was given some history back in 2001 after connecting with a gentleman in Auckland but that has disappeared. The car is now in The Blue Mountains out of Sydney and after encouragement from my brother in law from ChCh who is interested in sourcing parts for me so that I can get back onto the car after years of ill health and life forcing me to store the car. Any info on this vehicle would be a great help in determining how to go about restoring or rebuilding and to what configuration.

[Waznot]

53990
The car at Silverstream before shipping to Oz

53991
Car in shipping container over the top of 1971 3L Marcos

53992
Car having to be steam cleaned to clear quarantine

53993
Car picked up before Jag stolen.

53994
original chassis

53995
Rebuilding Chassis

[Oldfart]

Welcome Waznot.
You definitely (as you know, have a deJoux body. The chassis doesn't match any of the Buckler drawings/plans which I have, but still looks a whole lot better than many I have seen.
The AX number plate would date from 1964 (or is it 65) when the old types were phased out and the silver on black brought in.
I am confident that someone will chime in on here with more. Unfortunately almost all the period photos I have which might have helped identify it have the older style plates(pre 65).

[ERC]

What 3L Marcos? Pic please!!!!

[Waznot]

Thanks for responding, the info about the plates helps. I was told that the body was made in 1956, by someone who should know, I just wish I could remember their name. When I first saw the car it had a windscreen frame and roof on which may have been how it originally ran ?.

53996

53999

[Waznot]

53997
After Rego in Aus,

53998
NA4169 in Silverstream before shipping.

Marcos is now in Perth, Western Australia.

[Oldfart]

I think the timing is approximately correct for the beginnings of the de Joux bodies, the first dated one I have a record completed is 1957. It's possible the person you are thinking of is Bruce Sutcliffe. It was quite common for de Joux bodies to use the rear screen of a Humber 80, that may be what you have.That hard top looks very much like Healey.
I have no photographic evidence to show any raced with a hard top, doesn't mean they weren't though, and of course if was a road car, which the cast head and such may suggest possible, then finding evidence if it's needed may be a bit difficult.

[ERC]

Thanks for that. Ex Alan Stott NZ. Now painted red.

[Waznot]

Alan and Pam Stott, have only known them since I was 10 years old, brain fade as I'm getting older. Do'ah

[Roger Dowding]

Alan and Pam Stott, have only known them since I was 10 years old, brain fade as I'm getting older. Do'ah

Waznot, great to see your pics of the before and as Oldfart says, others will know more about the car .. you should join the Facebook Group " Buckler Cars and Karts " run by David Montgomery in the UK, " Oldfart " is a member and in the UK too !!
Good luck Mate,

Cheers

Roger D

[Bjonkers]

Waznot, you have a beautiful car. Worth restoring! I believe yours may be the blue ‘mystery’ car in this thread posted in May 2017. Has a license plate starting certainly with AX and what follows MIGHT be 69, although it’s really hard to tell. Oldfart, Roger - would you agree?

BTW- i have also found some video footage somewhere of this blue AX car.

[Bjonkers]

Hi guys, i finally figured out how to join TRS. For those who’ve not seen my name before, i’m Bart, the dutch owner of ex NZ Buckler 90/1.

[Bjonkers]

54075

[Roger Dowding]

Hi guys, i finally figured out how to join TRS. For those who’ve not seen my name before, i’m Bart, the dutch owner of ex NZ Buckler 90/1.

Bart.. well done and welcome.. I have posted a few of your recent photos as mentioned on Buckler Cars and Karts.. keep the photos coming..
Roger D

[Roger Dowding]

I recall the Orchid as being light blue. I'm pretty sure that white and red car is Andrew Buchanan's Buckler (ex-Mayo/Gill)

Just going back through this thread and have a B and W photo of the Orchid Special, believe the car is now in Europe [ Switzerland ] with a Michael R Rohrmoser. Have seen a recent photo of the car on Facebook.

This was in the paddock area at Pukekohe in April or May 1966.. along with a Buckler or two and other Sports Cars.
Cannot help with the colour, except must have been a dark colour !!


54077
Please ignore the spelling and details on the photo, as when edited I didn't even know about the " Orchid Special ", thought it was a Buckler - the De Joux style body used.

[Oldfart]

Waznot, as you have the reg plate (or did have) you might be able to get Land Transport NZ to do a search for you. If it's the car posted a pic of then you would possibly find evidence of the pale blue.
AX plates were, I believe, issued in Northland when the change to permanent plates occurred, and Northland car club was a real hot bed of specials. Without being too sure, what you might have is a Billington car. Roy went on to be (Sir) Jack Brabham's lead mechanic, so that would be great providence.
FWIW I am not in the facebook group at this time, nor any other FB.

[Waznot]

54075

Interesting if we can find further photos of this car, a closer photo of car when found, look at colour under peeling top coat in doorway and in hollows in bonnet when sanded.

54079

Still in my possession.

54080

[Oldfart]

I was sent a scan of a whole page of Northland car club photos, one page I was told are all Billington. They don't copy well to media. Old B & W photos from Brian Skudder. The Billington car doesn't show a scoop.
There are quite a few minor differences between the light blue car and what photos you have posted Waznot, eg the position of the front indicator/park lights, hood scoop. Of course they could have been changed along the way, but why would anyone do that?

For a bit more on the blue car, refer to post #42 which says who owned it, info from the photographer who is named and was a friend of the Northland club members. (I knew I had it somewhere and was too lazy to look)

[Waznot]

Are you sure the car (128) in post 42 is the same car as above in post 167, different bonnet scoop, wing mirror, screen, I don't have access to my car at the moment, stored next to my workshop so cant have a look at bonnet to see if any indication of a bonnet scoop at some point. I am intrigued that mine was blue earlier though.

[Oldfart]

Simple answer to that question Waznot is no I'm not sure! Bonnet scoops were changed, particularly if an owner changed to an Elva head as the carbs went to the other side. I'm not saying that happened with that car but just another thing that makes being totally definitive a risky place to be.
With over 60 years having passed the colour might not be too helpful! The peeling paint looks a bit more metallic to me than what was around in the early 60s? As you point out a number of differences.

[Waznot]

My photo is a scan from my photo album done when I got the car, from memory the blue isn't metallic, will climb over the fence and see if I can get some new digital photos. lost a whole lot of digital ones from 7 years ago when my computer died with no backup. I would be very surprised if 2 De Joux bodied cars have a AX6? number plate though

[Allan]

According to my recollection the AX69 plate would have been issued in or around Christchurch

[Waznot]

Have just watched the video of the Austins Rd Hillclimb on YouTube, the car 21seconds in looks like the blue car in the photo including the white bonnet scoop. The video says 1959 or 60 but in a history of Australian and NZ hillclimbs says Austins Rd only used 1962 - 65. Does anyone know where Austins Rd is as that may help in where the car is from, North or South Island.

[Oldfart]

Austin's Rd is North Island. It was a Northland Car Club event. If you note a bit further on from the 21 second spot you will see a Buckler with no front, that is Stan Benbrook, photos he posted appear in the first few pages of this thread. He had that car in 72 and it's registered DG, and he got it in Dargaville. Shows my memory of North to South isn't totally correct!
My memory differs from Allan's, as I went and collected the 2 number plates from the Post Office for our 2 cars. My memory says they were alphabetical from the top of North to foot of South in 1964. Matamata was BP, ours being 2089 and 2090.
.I don't see why 2 cars would not have AX if they were done at the same post office, but who knows. When I enlarge the photo I think, but very unsure, that the first number is 4.
As I said a post or two back, there were several de Joux bodied cars in and around Whangarei, at least 4 I know of.

That video can't be 59/60. A number of post 64 number plates, and Stan didn't own the car then.

[Oldfart]

I have gone back through some old emails to clarify a few things.
From Brian Skudder; "The car at Pukekohe (with the Healey alongside) is Owen Cullen, beneath picture is Vic Simkin scoop on the bonnet proving Humber 80 motor".
Still no further ahead with the "mystery" car, it's a few years since I spoke with Brian so have asked if he can help.

[Spgeti]

Austins Road is heading out of Whangarei on the road to Dargaville.
It was one of the roads the Northland Car Club used for hill climbs along with Doctors Road out at Ruakaka.

[nigel watts]

54084

54085

54086

[nigel watts]

54087

54088

54089

54090

54091

54092

[nigel watts]

54093

54094

54095

[Oldfart]

As normal, more answers have resulted in more questions!
Waznot, can you tell what gearbox your car has, and if there is any rod system coming from the diff to act as torque reaction?
The Billington car, according to my contact who was close to the Northland Club and took many photos had an "Elfo" overhead valve conversion. The chassis didn't ring any bells, but for lack of knowing rather than anything else. Number plate position is right, but most cars had them in a similar place. For me , right now, your car is still possible Billington, depending on the answers to the questions above, as that car has disappeared. Engine change is always possible, for me that doesn't exclude it.
The pale blue car with the bonnet scoop is still a mystery, as is the venue. He has said the Northland Club didn't put out haybales at any event he knew of.

[Oldfart]

Back to my contact who has supplied a good number of the old photos has resulted in not much more. He can't confirm or deny the chassis Waznot, as he said he hadn't seen it without body panels.
The "mystery" pale blue car remains just that. He has said he doesn't recognise the venue. (And he had taken photos at every Northland event.)

[Roger Dowding]

54084

54085

54086

Nigel, Do you know if the Vintage Car Club still run this event, or one somewhere in the Western Bay of Plenty, would love to attend..??

[nigel watts]

Unfortunately Roger they stopped running it several years ago. Not sure why.

[Oldfart]

I was told that the lack of club volunteers to help caused the event to not be run any more.

[Waznot]

Thanks for the ongoing research, I am more inclined to think that it is more likely the mystery car than the Billington car. These images are from a video on YouTube ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDOV6MjSOXM ) of Austins Rd hillclimb which even though the video says 59/60 only ran at Austins Rd 1961,63,64,65 according to records of Au/NZ hillclimb events. I also have footage that includes this car that says Puhipuhi early 1960s, worse quality but same wheels and white on the bonnet. This is clearly the mystery car because of the small white bonnet scoop and the painted nose as per the better photo.

54147
54148
54149

My rear end when purchased
54151

here is also a photo of the rear suspension when I picked it up, obviously like everything else it has a coat of red oxide paint no doubt to protect it at some point..

54150

I am currently away from home but hope to pull out some stored items so I can get access to the car when I get home and look for finer details.

[Oldfart]

I am now very confident that your car is not the Billington car. Rear suspension, and a photo of a beautifully finished dashboard would suggest that it's unlikely to have been altered totally. The jury is still out on the "mystery" car, more searching is being done.
The source you quote for Austin's Rd dates can't be accurate, as in that film you posted there is a car which didn't get into that state, nor with that driver until 7th January 1971 (I have a copy of the registration document).

[Waznot]

http://www.silhouet.com/motorsport/tracks/ausnzhc.html

Austins Road Used from 1962-1965.

I claim no personnel knowledge and can only go on the info I/we find. The windscreen for the car was gone so unfortunately no Wof sticker to indicate when last rego'd. I'm actually glad it's not the Billington car as that would in some ways affect what I can/would do with the car.
The video might not even be Austins Rd, that is what the title says but it may be as inaccurate as the year on the header.
At the moment it is an intriguing discussion trying to figure out what it is. :). Thanks for your interest and support.

[Oldfart]

I understand your reference, just that if it is Austin's Rd, as one of the competitors who appears in the clip has said, your reference isn't correct. As with all historical research, until I find first hand info, then it is treated with suspicion. Perhaps the silhouet.com site has not included what might be almost a club event, rather than more open (just giving them an out). Records from Austins Rd have been found with my contact, who found the venue. He says first time run was 26th Feb 1961 and last Feb 1967, he has the results of all the events, so clearly silhouet.com doesn't stand up as a reference.
The car at 33 secs in is the one which did not get into the state shown (no front) until 1971 (mentioned in post #190). Most of the number plates in the You tube clip which show are the post 65 plates too.
I am waiting for him to tell me what road he believes it to be, as that may confirm or deny Austin's Rd. As soon as I have anything, it will be here.

We do know with certainty that your car was used post 1965, otherwise you wouldn't have the number plate, and certainly not in the stone chipped state.

[Waznot]

;) A lovely higher res photo of the mystery car that shows the number plate would be lovely because that would at least confirm one way or the other if it is my car. I'm happy if it is post 71 as I have no particular need for it to be earlier, pre 74 is great as that keeps it pre Australian design rules which will make it much easier to road register here, also 70s gives me permission to upgrade the restoration to a more 60s running gear which will make it more road friendly for what I want to use it for but still to keep it as a Ford special.

Looking forward to getting home and getting access to the bonnet to remove the indicators to see what colour is underneath and then gently strip the nose cone to see if any 2 tone present.

[Oldfart]

As with most, if not all, of the period photos, resolution was not something that was a factor. When I bought my first digital camera I went as good as I could afford and bought 1 kb! I'm not sure where that photo came from so getting a better copy isn't easy. I know Bart found it somewhere.
From the pics you posted when the car was being steam cleaned Waznot there doesn't seem to be any evidence of a scoop having been removed from the bonnet. I can't imagine it being just decoration, and the inside looks as though no holes have been repaired.

[Paul B]

This has been an interesting search, I like your car waznot. I hope you will be able to shed some light on its history as time goes by.
It would be a nice car to restore.
Cheers

[Oldfart]

It has been interesting, and from a competitor, Stan Benbrook at the time;

"Awesome video of Austins Road hill climb 1966. The only year Jim Boyd ran there (and set the hill record).
Its Vic Simpkin in the front-less buckler. I never knew he ran it without the bonnet. Wayne Harris ran it from 1967 and I bought it from him just as it looked in the video. (the smashed front came as a jigsaw puzzle) I had presumed Wayne had broken it in his big off at Mclean Road, Waipu in 1967".

The single shot is also Vic Simpkin in his other Buckler, note the grille mesh, bonnet hump and screen. I don't think its Griffin Road or Kara"

So, we now know the mystery car, and also that I was very wrong about Stan and using the car without the front, but so was he :)

So, the blue car is the one which Ray Purdy was last user of, not yours Waznot.

Just for the sake of future references, the number 14 car post #182 is an Austin 7 based car, driven here by Hamish Andrew.

[Waznot]

Well at least we have a definite on the mystery car, now we can start from scratch to try and figure out what my car was ??????

[Milan Fistonic]

1986 Chelsea Hillclimb

54421

54422

54423

[Roger Dowding]

Photo by Laurie Brenssell, one of the organisers of the events with Hamilton Car Club.

54528

[Roger Dowding]

Bart Jonkers the new owner of 90/1 ex New Zealand has been out driving now his Dutch compliance and Registration is complete ; with his permission I have borrowed these two photo ;

53614

Just to prove it really is in Holland - a windmill !!

53615

Bart says he took the car for a run of about 60 km's - looks like fun !!

Bart took the car to a Hillclimb Rally quote ;
" Squadra Scudo (transl: Team Buckler) has arrived in Bassano, Italy. "
Apparently he had some mechanical issues Car was trailered there And had to return the same way ..
Have a look at " Buckler Cars and Karts ". Bart Jonkers posts.

as he wrote ;
" Game over for the 90 this weekend. Today was a bloodbath with some 10 out of 100 cars giving up. Turns out the clutch in the 90 is/was not up to the job for steep hills. Completely fried. Pics showing what a rally day in the Dolomites should not look like. All part of the game. "

the link ;
" https://www.facebook.com/groups/763227050411901/?multi_permalinks=1877527278981867%2C1875082935892968&notif_id=1529473465450430&notif_t=group_activity "

[Roger Dowding]

Photos from Bart Jonkers and the recent event " Squadra Scudo (transl: Team Buckler) has arrived in Bassano, Italy. " for " La Leggenda 2018 "

The Team ; Buckler 90/1 and another non NZ car ;

54546

The line up with KA7377

54547

A few photos of KA 7377 Buckler 90/1 ex NZ at the Bassano Italy Hillclimb event ;

54542

54543

54544

54545

Thanks to Bart Jonkers and to Rhys Nolan for creating this thread !!

[Oldfart]

Thanks to Roger Dowding for keeping it alive! My own Buckler is sitting in the shed (whoops, the poms say a shed is what you put your garden tools in) waiting for the new hard washers and hi tensile nuts and a new radiator. Brilliant summer so far here.

[Paul B]

Sunning pics of Bart's Buckler in the spectacular backdrop scenery.
The car looks great, looks like he is running a little more neg camber on the front.

[Roger Dowding]

Jim Boyd in his Buckler getting off the track - well two wheels are ! 1955 ??

54705

Jim Boyd also drove The Lycoming later on - remember seeing it at Kerepehi Grass Track meeting in February 1967, as well as both before and after at Pukekohe;

[Roger Dowding]

Graham A Kyle wrote " I have gleaned as much information as I could. The Buckler DD1 was driven by Jim Boyd. He also entered the Lady Wigram Trophy race with this car, and finished in 18th place. The information I have received on the car is as follows. Buckler DD1 Le Mans de Dion rear end, powered by an Coventry Climax 83 bhp stage ll alloy block FWA 1098 cc...Hope it helps, cheers from a bloody hot Sweden... "

DD1 at Wigram

A photo from Wigram 1957 by Tony Adams showing the DD1
(car no. 5) with its original alloy body as it was shipped from the UK.

54895

[Roger Dowding]

Thanks to Graham Woods for the 1967 photos, newspaper article and the entry list

55066

The Teretonga Race - driving past a " spinner ".
55067

The car today, still in NZ unsure who owns it ** New information
As we now know the car is with Mark Garmey, he and his father the late Ian Garmey obtained the car in 2007. It returned to the road in April 2012,and is a regular event competitor since.

- David Montgomery provided the photo
A great looking car - immaculate by the looks.

55076

[Roger Dowding]

1960 Scott Wiseman right Buckler 90 ( ex Merv Mayo ) Jarvie body and with added headrest roll bar after Levin roll over.
Picture and information from Kelvin Brown on Fb page " Buckler Cars and Karts "
pic says 1960, unsure where, will enquire !!.

55154

Just keeping the thread alive for " Oldfart ".
Must put the photo on Austin - Healey's too !! for the Bugeye. not one I know anything of, these days !!
In 1960 about the only Austin Healey thing I had was a hardcover book that was a Handbook with some History of the marque my mother bought me- was rather prophetic as went on to own 2 of them and 2 more of the Mark 3 series.

[Roger Dowding]

A note from Milan Fistonic about the above photo which has an answer to my question of where ;

" I haven't been able to post on TRS for some time now despite logging-in several times a day.

About the photo you put up on the Buckler thread.

Ivy Stephenson's Buckler was No 107 at the 1960 NZGP at Ardmore but there were no Sprites entered in that race.

In 1961 at Ardmore Scott Wiseman's Buckler was 107 and there was a 948cc Austin Healey in the entry list driven by P. Fafeita so I would guess that is when the photo was taken. ".

I have seen the name P Fafeita mentioned in connection with other event photos with a Sprite - thanks Milan

[ERC]

Taupo March 2003

55266

[Roger Dowding]

Taupo March 2003

55266

great lineup,is that the Jim Short Ford Special third from left !!

[Oldfart]

I'm pretty sure the 3 other cars are all Redlines (or the development of)

[ERC]

They were all Beatties back then I believe. Beautifully turned out too.

[Roger Dowding]

A Kiwi connection here !! the Ivy Stephenson Bruce Sutcliffe [ and others ] Car

55575

The group - the Ivy Stephenson Bruce Sutcliffe car is not there

55576

posted by David Montgomery on Fb page " Buckler Cars and Karts " - Photos by Keith Thomas

[Oldfart]

Neither was the Rhys Nolan car. Last year personal health, this year car health. The DD was in a different area with the F1 cars.

[Roger Dowding]

Neither was the Rhys Nolan car. Last year personal health, this year car health. The DD was in a different area with the F1 cars.

Thanks Rhys.. good you could attend .. I actually enjoyed Hill Climbs more than circuit work [ Sprints and Races ]. Lets hope there are more photos.

[Roger Dowding]

Philip posted about 50 photos of the event, only one of a Buckler - looks like a Mistral type body

55579

[Oldfart]

That has a Daimler V8, Simon Ambrose.

[Oldfart]

Thanks Rhys.. good you could attend .. I actually enjoyed Hill Climbs more than circuit work [ Sprints and Races ]. Lets hope there are more photos.
No, I didn't go, to be honest I messed up the date!

[Roger Dowding]

Just going back through this thread and have a B and W photo of the Orchid Special, believe the car is now in Europe [ Switzerland ] with a Michael R Rohrmoser. Have seen a recent photo of the car on Facebook.

This was in the paddock area at Pukekohe in April or May 1966.. along with a Buckler or two and other Sports Cars.
Cannot help with the colour, except must have been a dark colour !!


54077
Please ignore the spelling and details on the photo, as when edited I didn't even know about the " Orchid Special ", thought it was a Buckler - the De Joux style body used.

Re-posting the photo

57332

Some notes on this photo from Kelvin Brown - a Buckler Historian and owner - I reposted the photo recently on my facebook page and this comment was received, Thanks Kelvin.

" The Buckler Mk.90 on the right looks like the Vic Simpkin car may be with Owen Cullen, it was at first Ford 100E then re powered with a Humber 80 engine so has raised bonnet section and front vent. Yeats with the Orchid and maybe Marshall Mk.90, but there were other Bucklers competing."

Milan Fistonic may well have the entry list - was either an " Auckland Car Club " or " Northern Sports Car Club " National Meeting - must check my " borrowed " photos and scans..

[Roger Dowding]

The Car - Nigel Watts photo in NZ 2018 ;
Nigel had posted on a Fb forum " Classic Cars and Wrecks of New Zealand- deserves to be here too!
Thanks Nigel " another Roger " Borrowed ' photo "

57521

The details of the car - according to Carjam.
BX1995
Year: 1952
Make: BUCKLER
Model: MK 7/1
Colour: White
Body Style: Sports Car
Plate: BX1995
Engine No: S153793
Chassis: MK71
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car/Van
Seats: 5
CC rating: 1,000cc
Fuel Type: Petrol

See correction Car is a Mark 6 and has /had an 1172 Ford 10 motor - thanks to Oldfart for the info posted below

[Oldfart]

Thanks for posting, the details from CarJam are not correct!
It's the first Mk 6 (not a 7, they don't exist), in NZ, this is the same car as in post 204. 5 seats? 1000cc (actually 1172)
The most historic one in NZ (it may still be in the UK right now). Been owned by Phil Kerr, Jim Boyd, etc. In this photo it was being taken round HD and before the correct front spring was fitted. Sold that day!

[Roger Dowding]

Thanks for posting, the details from CarJam are not correct!
It's the first Mk 6 (not a 7, they don't exist), in NZ, this is the same car as in post 204. 5 seats? 1000cc (actually 1172)
The most historic one in NZ (it may still be in the UK right now). Been owned by Phil Kerr, Jim Boyd, etc. In this photo it was being taken round HD and before the correct front spring was fitted. Sold that day!

Rhys - Carjam yes - very inaccurate sometimes - often sports cars are saloons - so what else can be wrong - I am unsure how it works - does it get information directly for LTNZ or NZTA ?? I only have limited access which is usefull but as we know not perfect - a bit like a Graham Vercoe book ..oops RIP Graham ..

I owned this 2 seater Sprite once -have had four in /on a Sprite but never 5 in a HEALEY SPRIT ..
Year: 1965
Make: AUSTIN
Model: HEALEY SPRIT(e)
Colour: Red
Body Style: Sports Car
Plate: FD8739
Engine No: 26158
Chassis: 51462
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car/Van
Seats: 5 - make that 2

and this one
My AH 100 also a 5 seater - even less room than the Sprite as no space behind the front seats - there was the spare tyre and a small shelf under the shroud.

Year: 1955
Make: AUSTIN
Model: HEALEY
Colour: Red
Body Style: Saloon
Plate: LX100
Engine No: 1B214676
Chassis: BN1159498
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car/Van
Seats: 5 = 2 **
CC rating: 2,500cc

[Roger Dowding]

Bart Jonkers owns the real car as posted previously and now this;
Quote from Bart " Not enough time to do some real work on my car. So I spent the rainy afternoon modifying this 1:43 car to look like Buckler 90/1. Now it can join the collection of scale models of classics cars I (used to) own. Have a plan to modify those wire wheels to look like E93A wheels. But that’s for later. "

57634

Like Bart I have tried to collect models of " classic cars I ( used to ) own. " Even some non-classics that probably will be one day.

And as a PS ; It is " Oldfart's " birthday today - not that i'm telling OK.. This is his thread, Happy Birthday Mate

[Paul B]

Happy Birthday Rhys!
Cheers

[Roger Dowding]

Year: 1955
Make: BUCKLER
Model: 90
Colour: Red
Body Style: Sports Car
Plate: CY2945
Engine No: ELVA CF 45611
Chassis: 19544A

Ford 10 Motor 1172 cc with an Elva conversion if Carjam is correct " Oldfart " probably knows the car

57800

with HL3000 and a Morgan

57801

[Trevor Sheffield]

Thanks for posting, the details from CarJam are not correct!
It's the first Mk 6 (not a 7, they don't exist), in NZ, this is the same car as in post 204. 5 seats? 1000cc (actually 1172)
The most historic one in NZ (it may still be in the UK right now). Been owned by Phil Kerr, Jim Boyd, etc. In this photo it was being taken round HD and before the correct front spring was fitted. Sold that day!

Is there any evidence that Jim Boyd owned the car. At the time as I understood it, Jim drove the car for Arthur Harris, but did not own it.

[Oldfart]

Well Trevor, I had the "ownership" papers in my custody for a while, and he was clearly shown on them. That's as good evidence as we can get I guess.

[Oldfart]

Yes, I know that one Roger. Ownership details are several posts back!

[Trevor Sheffield]

Knowing Jim, it is likely that he first drove on invitation and then acquired it wheeler dealer wise. LOL

[Roger Dowding]

Knowing Jim, it is likely that he first drove on invitation and then acquired it wheeler dealer wise. LOL

Jim's name appeared on many cars - remember his Yard in Hillsborough in the 1970's ..

57986

Kenny Smith and Charlie Conway in there too - a 1959 Left hand drive Sprite EC4802, that both Ross Hollings and I owned at very different times - as did Max Fishers son Craig..

[Oldfart]

Does anyone know of the whereabouts, or current custodian of the Buckler which Graeme Currie owned before his sad passing? Just that the register would like to maintain the trail. Emails have bounced.

[ERC]

Rhys, you are not the only one having trouble accessing TRS. Nigel has all but given up posting, other than an occasional SET. Now opting to use Facebook's RCIS instead.

Chelsea 1995 - rescued from a negative film and recently scanned.
59015

[Milan Fistonic]

Buckler Advert from a 1958 ACC Bulletin

59024

[Milan Fistonic]

Another Buckler advert from the December 1961 Auckland Car Club Bulletin

59025

[BMCBOY]

[QUOTE=ERC;68547]Rhys, you are not the only ONE having trouble accessing TRS. Nigel has all but given up posting, other than an occasional SET. Now opting to use Facebook's RCIS instead.]

I was also having trouble accessing TRS for quite a while. I decided to try re registering and that seems to have put things back to normal. At least the site looks somewhat like it used to.

59026

[Roger Dowding]

Re ; Carjam - It is quick I put in some number plates as a mate had " personalised " and had just put ordinary ones on,selling the car - it showed both plates and new one just issued the day before .
" Carjam yes - very inaccurate sometimes - often sports cars are saloons - so what else can be wrong - I am unsure how it works - does it get information directly for LTNZ or NZTA ?? I only have limited access which is usefull but as we know not perfect - "

Re TRS - it kept shutting me out but today seems OK>

[Roger Dowding]

A couple of Bucklers, some well known drivers and the Man in the Triumph had a Healey 100S at one time ..

Thanks to Milan Fistonic for this little Gem ..
There were four pages -have included the whole list including the GP cars - post now corrected

59122

59120

59121

59119

The Jim Ganley Ford 10 was /is the Jarvie bodied one that features in Howden Ganley's biography -
" The Road to Monaco "
- both he and Dad drove it at times , Dennis Ganley probably did too !!

May have to put some on the Austin Healey thread !!

[Allan]

That list is a veritable who's who of New Zealand motor racing in the 60s and 70s.

[Trevor Sheffield]

That list is a veritable who's who of New Zealand motor racing in the 60s and 70s.

The maximum speeds recorded are very interesting and clearly indicate the factor involving, car quality/driver ability.

[Roger Dowding]

From the Programme for the 1954 Ohakea Motor Races - images from Graham Woods - has been posted to David Montgomery who manages the Bucklers Facebook page. Thanks Graham.

59251

[Roger Dowding]

Thanks to Graham Woods for the entry lists.

1963
59309
See a few Mistrals in the entry and the Kato Special which had a De Joux like body as did some Bucklers

1958
59310

Results from Milan Fistonic
Result: 1st Merv Neil (14), 2nd Ray Thackwell (30), 3rd Len Gilbert (33), 4th Ted Avery (23).

[Allan]

I note the prize money. In 1958 10 pounds would have been a weeks wages for some.

[Roger Dowding]

Put the Austin Healey pics on their thread - here are a couple of shots of a Buckler that attended - a well known car but I do not know much about it - others will.
Again " borrowed " pictures - as was back in the Bay..

Next event for me should be " Greerton Vintage Fayre " in a couple of weekends [ 16th March ]

The 90 with Elva OHV conversion on the Ford 10 motor - a popular choice back in the 1950's 60's ..

60781

The 90 and a Jensen

60782

[Oldfart]

I can't help myself! I have rescued another which had only 2 days before the scrap men arrived. When I was on my way home having negotiated the acquisition I did some research, to find that my car was the Buckler which Allan Staniforth cut his competition teeth in. Staniforth went on to become the designer of the Terrapin single seat cars, writer of a number of books on suspension design and tuning, and motoring journalist, let alone his achievements with the Terrapin(s) in British motorsport. He built the car, and a number of family photos, and such come with the car.
It doesn't look much like this now, but what a target. Picture is taken at Silverstone in October 1955.

[Paul B]

What a great and unique find! Is the car fairly complete? I would love to see some current pics.
Are you planning to restore?
Cheers

[Oldfart]

Yes Paul, fairly complete, but heavily damaged body. It had been part restored some years back. It came from a deceased estate. Photo of what I saw when I went there.60817

[Paul B]

The chassis looks pretty good, the body will be repairable with your fiberglass expertise. hopefully you gained a big box of parts with it.

[khyndart in CA]

Rhys,
I admire your skills and taking on this project. Let me know if you are searching for a particular part etc..
May this site be an inspiration to you from Argentina.
60839

http://www.speedhunters.com/2016/11/pur-sang-argentinas-classic-auto-artisans/



(Ken H)

[Oldfart]

Ripley comment "Believe it or Not" we gathered 5 of us round the thing as parked among the brambles and thought we could lift/drag it out to the place where we would winch it onto the trailer. No we gave it a pull and it wheeled happily. Only issue was that the steering box is seized, so it travelled in a slight arc.
It's now a bare chassis, off for media blasting. As far as we can see there is one piece of chassis about 50 mm long to replace!

[Paul B]

Lucky with the chassis Rhys, I would love to see some progress pics as you go.
Cheers