Early NZ Rallies

[Carlo]

I just had this program dropped on us, an interesting list of names in amongst the entries and the briefing on how an event is conducted is still true today

[Carlo]

and the final pages

[Howard Wood]

Carl,

That entry list contains a remarkable number of University Motor Club(UMC) members from Canterbury Uni, myself included.

[Carlo]

Howard
Sure is a number from Engineering or Lincoln amongst them and i am pleased to say that I remain friends with a number to this day.

I was working in Greymouth at the time and the Westland Car Club and UMC used to get along together very well at after matches following interclub activity, probably because we were the only two groups that knew where the keg was hiding.

I cannot recall anyone from the UMC group that has not gone on to be successful in whatever activity they pursued. There are some real movers and shakers in that group.

[Oldfart]

I just spoke with Paul Adams to ask about the Alpine entry (as you would being an Alpine A110 owner). He told me he has no idea where the Auto World Alpine comes from! His thought was that he drove a BMW owned by Doc Langley!
Does anyone know anything about the Goodmanson Husky? I had sold my very quick Husky not over long before this and lost track of it.

[Carlo]

Paul drove a BMW Alpine with sponsorship from Auto World

[Oldfart]

Paul drove a BMW Alpine with sponsorship from Auto World

In his own words "there was probably only one Alpina in NZ. Alpina (note not Alpine) was tuning company from whom you could buy bits, several of the cars I drove had Alpina bits, but Roger Andersons was the only one I knew about that built a car for him in Germany".
To re-iterate, he could not remember any connection with Auto World. Not saying it's wrong, just what he told me.

[conrod]

quite possibly this car, a 2002 Alpina now owned by Grant Clegg, and seen racing earlier this year at the HD BMW Festival:

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[Carlo]

This might be a question for the old Chch guys, was there an accessory shop called Auto World in Chch and did they sell Alpine sound systems?

Obviously the organiser had found some form of support for most NI entries as can be shown by the description of their cars with a sponsors name worked into it. This was ground breaking terretory as sponsorship wasn't like today and you had find a way to work their name into what you were doing.

UMC, which provided much of the organisatiopn of the event was not as conservative as the other Canterbury car clubs and pushed the envelope quite a bit further than some thought was appropriate. Fortunately they had some allies amongst RATEC and the Canterbury Car Club who rather enjoyed their antics around the car trial scene and they were on the organising committee too

[Milan Fistonic]

This is the result as published in Motorman.

1. Mike Marshall/Arthur McWatt - Escort RS - 165.99

2. Jim Richards/ Richard Halls - Escort RS - 166.83

3. Paul Adams/Sue Wolf - BMW Alpina - 174.76

4. Leo Leonard/N. Cruikshank - Datsun 1200 SSS

5. Neil Johns/Rowan McLean - Mazda Savahna GT

6. Blair Robson/Doug Benefield - Escort RS

7. George Kuttle/T. Fitzpatrick - Escort RS

[seaqnmac27]

Dads pic of Paul Adams from the 73 Heatway

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[HD TR]

Seaqnmac27, would appreciate as high a res copy of the photo, as you might have? I will PM you.

That car is one of two BMW's that Paul Adams used in the Heatway/Silver Ferns, and has been in our possession for about 10 years, having purchased it from Warren Good from Dunedin. The other car, as I understand it, Paul now owns again.

Another BMW fanatic in the far north is doing a painstaking restoration of Rodger's car.

Ours (just cos I don't drive it much, Conrad, it's still ours, not his....) has at various times been in its original BNZ Livery, but as it has been used for Targa's, other tarmac rallying, Classic racing and the BMW Open Class, most of it has been removed more recently.

We received a big stack of memorabilia along with the car, so I will see if that program is amongst it.

The Alpina is just about to start being pulled apart for a major (long overdue) tidy-up. It will be nice to have her in one shade of red again, and we may put her back into the BNZ Livery for the Denny Hulme Festival.

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[Oldfart]

Pauls' closed eys and body language looks like he is having a bit of an "Oh golly gosh" moment, given his inclination to be non blasphemous!

[stubuchanan]

Pauls' closed eys and body language looks like he is having a bit of an "Oh golly gosh" moment, given his inclination to be non blasphemous!

Was he always such an upright citizen? I seem to recall a story of him putting his Wolseley 4/44 a considerable distance into the mangroves off the Harbour Bridge Motorway near Tank Farm about the mid-1960's. Takapuna locals regarded him as a bit of a cowboy, I think. Or maybe it was just another Urban Legend.

Stu

[tonttu]

Ah the Shell Triple Hundred, the first and only time I have marshalled on a rally. It was so cold and wet that day that Brent decided he'd enter and drive from then on (which he is still doing today) and so our first event was the 1974 Hire Services Canta Rally the year later. However the Triple Hundred. Our trials team made up a finish control crew for several stages. Unfortunately something went wrong with the cable between the finishing beam and the clock at the stage finish control. I got the short straw and so stood at the finish line in the wind and rain and advise the finish tent by field telephone (!!) when a car was coming and then when it crossed the finish line I shouted "now' or something to that effect. The minute had already been written down on the time sheet and as the clock watcher heard me in his head phone shouting "now" he called out the seconds to the recorder. Worked a treat!! I've got some photos of the event which I'll scan and post. One of the great things in those days was the variation in cars as you can see from the entry list.

The Hire Services Canta Rally was an interesting event, starting about midnight Saturday with a blat around Ruapuna before heading into "proper" stages finishing with a stage around the stockcar track at Belfast. Apart from starting at an odd time this event banned service crews so all spares if you wanted any, were carried in the rally car (yea right!). I seem to recall being "amazed" at the amount of wheels, exhausts and other automotive bits that were just happened to be lying on the side of the road in odd places just waiting to be used and the thoughtful public who would pick it all up after the cars had gone past but then dump in some other gateway. And yes I managed to stuff up counting the laps at the stock car track which dropped us out of a class podium.

[Carlo]

Was he always such an upright citizen? .

Stu

He is a changed man

[shellsport]

Would T Kirby , Imp be Trevor of CH CH ?

[Rod Grimwood]

Found a old (very) scrapbook at mummy's. It has alot of cuttings etc from way back.
A couple of early rally photos. How good is your memory.
Well known South Island gentleman having close look at Moonshine Valley scenery (Nth Island)
Other Escort is first Heatway for soon to be NZ rally champion (few times). Little 1600 pushrod.
And another of the quite boy's from North Shore

[Carlo]

Looks like Graeme Robertson aka Robbo climbing down the bank in the top photo

[Rod Grimwood]

Looks like Graeme Robertson aka Robbo climbing down the bank in the top photo

But who's car is it Carl and driver ? (1973)

[Rod Grimwood]

Same stage, same year.

[Carlo]

But who's car is it Carl and driver ? (1973)

I seem to recall that the driver was the father of #1 son who was born the previous evening whilst we were on the Inter Island ferry. Reflexes were a bit slow the next morning and the off was after the finish line.
Cookie, who we had caught up on went around the corner, we didn't.
Big lesson learnt about not turning the brain off when you cross the finish line and that you have to retain 100% concentration until you come to a stop after the finish.
Unfortunately that photo and the acompanying story made it as far south as the Greymouth newspaper which came out that afternoon about 6 or 8 hours before I thought to get to a phone.............Another lesson !!
Took a while to get it out of there as the tow truck did not have a winch cable long enough to reach the car.

[Rod Grimwood]

Yep, pity that happened as you were going along very nicely. Next question/hint was going to be about fatherhood.

[Rod Grimwood]

Some more old stuff

Now there is that BMW again

[tonttu]

Some photos from the Shell Triple Hundred.

The Richards/Hall RS1600 2nd. Happy Valley Rd

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Marshall/McWatt RS1600 Happy Valley Rd 1st. Flat left rear tyre.

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Adams/Woolf BMW2002Ti Happy Valley Rd. 3rd

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Leonard/Cruickshank Datsun 1200sss Happy Valley Rd 4th

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[tonttu]

Kay/Eglington Datsun 1600 Happy Valley

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Holt/Blanchard Cortina Ram Paddock Rd

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[Rod Grimwood]

Leo was quick in that little thing. Actually they were all quick

[jim short]

Rod why was blue anglia parked on left side of track BP at the start of back straight 84///86???

[tonttu]

And some more this time from the Triple Hundred nearing the end of the first stage - Port Hills.

Wilson/Pannel Healey 3L rtd passing the Nelson/Mackay mini Van which got back on the road to finish 35th

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The Hessey/Johnston Capri on the same corner as the above but spinning

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Morrison/Sutton Cortina GT 36th

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Davis/McIvor VW1200 28th

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Kennedy/Baldwin RS1600 15th

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Kidd/Horrell Triumph 2.5 PI which finished 9th

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[Shano]

Fantastic pictures, especially seeing the Mini van and VW - guys used to race whatever they had and give it heaps.

[Rod Grimwood]

Rod why was blue anglia parked on left side of track BP at the start of back straight 84///86???

Other thread Jim/ scrapbook

[Oldfart]

Fantastic pictures, especially seeing the Mini van and VW - guys used to race whatever they had and give it heaps.

And were encouraged to do so! Perhaps Xtreme series will bring some of that back!

[Rod Grimwood]

Some from the old scrapbook, George Kuttle with a before and after version

[Rod Grimwood]

More scrapbook. Spent a we bit of time on this wagon.

[Carlo]

Some from the old scrapbook, George Kuttle with a before and after version

The Escort did not quite look the same after the Hakataramea stage after George saw a set of lights in front of him and thought that the road followed the power lines and was straight ahead after the crest. Unfortunately the lights were a good kilometre away as the road made a serious sidestep around an old creek bed area.

[Steve Emson]

The Escort did not quite look the same after the Hakataramea stage after George saw a set of lights in front of him and thought that the road followed the power lines and was straight ahead after the crest. Unfortunately the lights were a good kilometre away as the road made a serious sidestep around an old creek bed area.

That is a problem. Dad had told me about this happening to him. I knew about the power line trap but it still sucks you in. I was in this rally I think in a Datsun 1600. The first 2 Marlboro rounds I won the 0-1600 class with navigator Graham Colebrook. Finished well inside the top ten if the memory is correct on both occasions . These were really great rallies, 24 hours non stop. Because you were up early, then drove for 24 hrs, then went to the prize giving that night- it was a test!

[Rod Grimwood]

Some of those prizegivings were a test alright Steve. Remember you guys and the Datsun 1600 do you have any photos, i may have some (that will be another search at mums when i go down to Auckland)

[Steve Emson]

Some of those prizegivings were a test alright Steve. Remember you guys and the Datsun 1600 do you have any photos, i may have some (that will be another search at mums when i go down to Auckland)

Hi Rod, a couple of the 2nd Datsun 1600 I had.The first one was a Std green car I used in circuit racing first. This one had a 5 speed box.94469447

[markec]

Rod, your poor mum having to take care of all the stuff the wife wouldn't let in the house.

[tonttu]

The Escort did not quite look the same after the Hakataramea stage after George saw a set of lights in front of him and thought that the road followed the power lines and was straight ahead after the crest. Unfortunately the lights were a good kilometre away as the road made a serious sidestep around an old creek bed area.

Yes I can remember thinking it was a fastback Skoda that had gone off when we passed it in our Cooper!

[tonttu]

These were really great rallies, 24 hours non stop. Because you were up early, then drove for 24 hrs, then went to the prize giving that night- it was a test!

And I can recall a couple of very wet nights as well. In 1975 I can also remember driving back from Oamaru after the prize to ChCh, a couple of hrs sleep then off back to Harihari on the West Coast in time for a 7.30 Monday morning start - oh to be young again or maybe not!

[Carlo]

Yes I can remember thinking it was a fastback Skoda that had gone off when we passed it in our Cooper!

I thought that it was a fastback Skoda too when I first saw it

Long trips home, finish the Hella Lights event in Auckland Sunday morning after a 24hr event. Prizegiving finished by 11.00am then on the road to the ferry driving solo as the crew flew home. Three hours sleep on the boat and arrive into Picton about 1.00am then drive back to Timaru and be back at work by opening time. Sure used to sleep well on the Monday night.

Used to be a similar deal getting home from Rotorua and Tokaroa events too.

[tonttu]

Used to be a similar deal getting home from Rotorua and Tokaroa events too.

Yes I can remember sleeping on the way home from Rotorua on one occasion and I was driving!!

[Steve Emson]

What crazy people you all were/are. One of life's great pleasures was however, driving through the night, and watching the sun come up the next morning at speed during a special stage. Pretty amazing stuff. You felt like you could just keep driving forever,.......................who needs sleep. My navigator used to get a little concerned when we would see taillights ahead. He knew the red mist was about to descend,.....again. Lots of funny stories.

Dad told me about this 'bugger' who keep catching him up in a stage, but he would manage to draw away again. This went on for hours. Finally he figured out it was just the moon glinting in the chrome strip around his internal rear view mirror!

In one of the Heatways, we both got very late, and were at the back of the field running together with me in front. We passed heaps of cars every stage, and I was driving flat out. There was no way in the world I was going to let my Dad catch me! Every time he caught up to a car, he thought Ah, I have got the little bugger...............but i had caught and passed the next car by then. It was good fun.

[tonttu]

Lots of funny stories............. It was good fun.

Too true.

My driver still tells people about the time on one particular special stage around day break he could hear a repetitive knock every time we went around right hands. After a couple of kilometres without me answering he realised the knock was my helmet against the roll bar - I was fast asleep!

The long touring stages around dawn were always problematic we found. I can recall one such coming into Blenheim and there was a convey of several cars and every time one started to wander off track horns would go and lights would flash in case the driver had gone to sleep!

[BMCBOY]

I have been doing some scanning of old rally negatives lately so thought these may be of interest showing the variety of cars used in the seventies.

125221252312524125251252612527

[BMCBOY]

125321253312534125351253612537

[Oldfart]

Cool, keep those photos coming. That's not my Skoda, but I will keep looking!

[BMCBOY]

125401254112542125431254412545

[Steve Holmes]

Wow! Stunning! Keep 'em coming Ross, these are fantastic.

[BMCBOY]

Cool, keep those photos coming. That's not my Skoda, but I will keep looking!

Can you give me the rego number of your Skoda and I should be able to find something from those days. Cheers.

[Oldfart]

Now you are asking a lot! I don't have any photos at all!

[David McKinney]

Ah! Memories:)

[BMCBOY]

125751257612577125781257912580

[BMCBOY]

125841258512589125861258712588

[Steve Holmes]

I'm really enjoying these Ross.

[Carlo]

For the Aucklanders wanting to see the real thing, the epay Silver Fern Rally starts at the Botany Mall shopping complex next Saturday with the cars on display from 1.00pm and the official start at 3.00pm. Amongst the entries are 22 BDA Escorts many of which are ex works cars with real history plus Porsches, Fiats, Mazdas, Skodas etc so come and enjoy the cars and the company of many of the good old boys from the days shown in Ross's photos

[David McKinney]

I was talking to Fred Gallagher a week or so ago and he raised the subject of the Silver Fern
(Thought you'd like to know that, Carlo:) )

[Carlo]

I was talking to Fred Gallagher a week or so ago and he raised the subject of the Silver Fern
(Thought you'd like to know that, Carlo:) )

Fred, now theres a man with some real history in the sport. I trust you referred him to the silver fern website so he could follow the results and stories as they unfold David.

[escorthvn]

Hi all, I have recently finished a full restoration of the ex Mike Marshall Woolmark Escort and always looking for photos and info on this car GL9897.We also own HZ8 the ex Collier/Van Gisbergan RS1800 as above in Ross's photo collection and we have written a book of the history of the Woolmark Escort from AVO 1970 to today which includes one of Ross's photos. Ross has a copy of this book. Coming out in the next few weeks in England is a book on the history of Triumph's 2000, 2.5, which I know is going to include some early NZ Rallying of Triumphs in NZ eg. Neil Johns. This book is written by Peter Collier.
This my first post.

Cheers Peter Bryan Whangarei

[Rod Grimwood]

Welcome Peter, how about some photos of your rebuild and car, this is/was an amazing project, with alot of commitment and time.
A real credit to you and the team.

[escorthvn]

Hi Rod,My computer skills are not great I will see what Jill can do. Our web site is www.peter.bryan.org.nz

My good wife is under further instrutions .Pete.

[jamie]

Hi Boys Verry sad Rip Paddy Davidson one of my BDA Boys Jamie

[Oldfart]

Pete, with car resto skills that you have who needs to be great on the confuser?

[seaqnmac27]

2 pics of your car Peter
12919
12921

[Steve Holmes]

Brilliant photos Sean.

[Steve Holmes]

Hi all, I have recently finished a full restoration of the ex Mike Marshall Woolmark Escort and always looking for photos and info on this car GL9897.We also own HZ8 the ex Collier/Van Gisbergan RS1800 as above in Ross's photo collection and we have written a book of the history of the Woolmark Escort from AVO 1970 to today which includes one of Ross's photos. Ross has a copy of this book. Coming out in the next few weeks in England is a book on the history of Triumph's 2000, 2.5, which I know is going to include some early NZ Rallying of Triumphs in NZ eg. Neil Johns. This book is written by Peter Collier.
This my first post.

Cheers Peter Bryan Whangarei

Wow, impressive first post there Pete, and lots of good info.

[BMCBOY]

Attached are a few of the photos I found for Peter and Jill Bryan for GL 9897.
I have a copy of their book and it is a credit to them - obviously a great deal of time and research has been done.
Their website makes fascinating reading.

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13280

13279

13278

13276

13275

[Bruce Sollitt]

Some marvellous photos there bringing back a few memories. Is the Fiat 125 Glen McIntyre?

Great read on your website Peter. Very thorough job.

[seaqnmac27]

Some marvellous photos there bringing back a few memories. Is the Fiat 125 Glen McIntyre?

McIntyres was a 124. the 125 would be Alf Goldsbury I think??

[Rod Grimwood]

McIntyres was a 124. the 125 would be Alf Goldsbury I think??

Yep think you are on the money with Goldsbury.

[Steve Emson]

13334 This shot of Dad must be an early form of rallying in NZ. I think it was a 'special' section of a trial???

[Steve Emson]

13335 I think the old fella should be on here also with an early Heatway XU1 shot. Dad and Wayne Jones

[Steve Emson]

Actually it looks like Golden Shell Rally on the door flashes

[Steve Holmes]

Awesome photos Steve, thanks for posting.

[BMCBOY]

I found these the other day and thought you may find them of interest Steve

[Carlo]

I found these the other day and thought you may find them of interest Steve

That skinny kid with the long hair and the shades on looks a lot like someone I use to know. Little bugger had quite a bit of potential too. :) :) :) :)

[Steve Emson]

I found these the other day and thought you may find them of interest Steve

Now that is really weird! That photo of me and Peter Richardson, who was at Waimate with me and Dad last month. Firstly the overalls I am wearing (Which were ex Fittipaldi McLaren F1 overalls that Phil Sharp brought out with the Modus M4) are the very same ones we had in Waimate with us, for Dad to wear if required. He got stuck in them when the zip failed, and decided to forgo his ride in Carlo's escort with me in case he got caught out needing a toilet stop. Secondly the sunglasses I am wearing. Dad was only talking to me in Waimate about these amazing sunglasses that I gave him on the start line of one of the Benson & Hedges races. He was never a fan and did not wear sunglasses back then. I told him that in my racing in the rain, you can see better with sunglasses on. He tried them and has been raving about them ever since. Unfortunately he lost them.......................but the legend of these amazing glasses lives on. Very strange for a photo to surface with 3 Waimate 50 coincidences. I don't remember much about this rally except I think it was an Auckland Car Club event. I had not rallied for years and I won some trophy, possibly for the class win, when they realized I had entered under the Northern Sports car club, and so they said they couldn't give it to me. That was silly on my part because I was a member of both clubs.....................................

[Rod Grimwood]

Steve, is that Warwick Irving over your right shoulder.

[Tunny7]

13990

Hi, I recently bought one of the Toyota's that competed in the 1973 Heatway event and was hoping someone might have some photos of it from back in the day? Any info would be appreciated.

[Steve Emson]

Steve, is that Warwick Irving over your right shoulder.
Sorry, I don't know.
Regards, SE

[Steve Emson]

13990

Hi, I recently bought one of the Toyota's that competed in ther 1973 Heatway event and was hoping someone might have some photos of it from back in the day? Any info would be appreciated.
Nice car! Do you know any more about it. I remember the Levin's, they were the car I had to beat in the Datsun's I used. These little cars were quick.

[Steve Holmes]

Now that is really weird! That photo of me and Peter Richardson, who was at Waimate with me and Dad last month. Firstly the overalls I am wearing (Which were ex Fittipaldi McLaren F1 overalls that Phil Sharp brought out with the Modus M4) are the very same ones we had in Waimate with us, for Dad to wear if required. He got stuck in them when the zip failed, and decided to forgo his ride in Carlo's escort with me in case he got caught out needing a toilet stop. Secondly the sunglasses I am wearing. Dad was only talking to me in Waimate about these amazing sunglasses that I gave him on the start line of one of the Benson & Hedges races. He was never a fan and did not wear sunglasses back then. I told him that in my racing in the rain, you can see better with sunglasses on. He tried them and has been raving about them ever since. Unfortunately he lost them.......................but the legend of these amazing glasses lives on. Very strange for a photo to surface with 3 Waimate 50 coincidences. I don't remember much about this rally except I think it was an Auckland Car Club event. I had not rallied for years and I won some trophy, possibly for the class win, when they realized I had entered under the Northern Sports car club, and so they said they couldn't give it to me. That was silly on my part because I was a member of both clubs.....................................

Wow, thats pretty weird!

[Steve Holmes]

13990

Hi, I recently bought one of the Toyota's that competed in ther 1973 Heatway event and was hoping someone might have some photos of it from back in the day? Any info would be appreciated.

Hey, very nice car Tunny. I assume this is one of the original colour schemes?

[Tunny7]

Hi, the history of the car is as follows.
This Toyota is one of three imported by Toyota New Zealand and converted into rally cars for a ‘Team Toyota’ entry into the 1973 Heatway Rally. Graham Carter was the first driver of GG42; the car was then sold to and rallied by Ken Cleghorn. The previous owner purchased GG42 in 1989 and spent the next four years carrying out a total restoration of the vehicle. GG42 was then raced around North Island circuits for the next 13 years and also competed in local car-club events with great success. GG42 is registered as a ‘New Zealand Historic Vehicle’ with The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand. Toyota Corolla Levin GG42 has a ‘Historic Vehicle Competitor logbook’ and a ‘MotorSport New Zealand logbook’. MotorSport New Zealand Certificate of Description
I've got the history of the car back to when it was first imported and the papers showing the ownership history etc. The previous owner did a fantastic job of the restoration.

[Tunny7]

Hey, very nice car Tunny. I assume this is one of the original colour schemes?

Hi Steve, one of the cars is shown on the Heatway Rally programme (I think 1973) and it is in the colours. I 'm not sure which of the cars that was though, possibly GG43?

[Rod Grimwood]

That was their colours Tunny, and it certainly looks the part, one very nice and historic car.
Think Colin Taylor drove the other car, I may have photos.
Did this car do the Ruby RallyFest celebration rally out of Hamilton about 5 years back or was on display in the pavillion.

[Rod Grimwood]

Here is a photo of it in the background the night before when cars were on display at Hamilton, second car (red MK2 is the ex Howard Collier car now owned by Pete Bryan who has just restored the Woolmark MK1 of Mike Marshalls as well, and next MK1 behind that is Blair Robson's Original car) Front one had Mike Marshall pedal it a couple times in days of Pall Mall. (Been told that GA45 is in my garage, a hint from somebody to get it going I think)

PS This event was 4 tarmac stages morning and 4 Maramarua afternoon, and some only did Tarmac and i am sure the Toyota did Tarmac only.

[Tunny7]

That was their colours Tunny, and it certainly looks the part, one very nice and historic car.
Think Colin Taylor drove the other car, I may have photos.
Did this car do the Ruby RallyFest celebration rally out of Hamilton about 5 years back or was on display in the pavillion.

It could well have been as the car was based in Hamilton. Having said that I'm pretty sure the other one (GG43) is also Hamilton based.

[Steve Emson]

If that is the ex Ken Cleghorn car, then i have been around it a fair bit. There will possibly be photos of it in the old motoraction magazines. It was a very good car in its day, for sure.

[seaqnmac27]

If that is the ex Ken Cleghorn car, then i have been around it a fair bit. There will possibly be photos of it in the old motoraction magazines. It was a very good car in its day, for sure.


Will consult the editions i have and try and find some pics.

[tonttu]

I'm sure it featured in a Classic Car magazine article some years ago too.

[Carlo]

Go to the website www.silverfernrally.co.nz and you are able to view the film / tv program of the '73 Heatway Rally where this car and the remainder of Team Toyota NZ feature

[David McKinney]

That was their colours Tunny, and it certainly looks the part, one very nice and historic car.
Think Colin Taylor drove the other car, I may have photos
There were three, GG41, GG42 and GG43. Colin Taylor drove GG42 with K Foulkes, Graham Carter and Grahame Brownlie shared the driving of GG42, and Ian Pinkerton drove GG43 with me reading the notes.

I used to know where they all went when the oil crisis over the 1973/74 summer looked like ending rallying, but have forgotten...

And they were fast - if not 100% reliable

Edit: Great movie, Carlo. Have just watched it right through. Don't remember seeing it at the time, though I must have. I arranged the NZBC sponsorship for the Toyota team

[beowulf]

Hi Dave, Was that the rally where Ian crashed. His co-driver was injured although the car was reasonably ok. You stepped in as co-driver only to later be disqualfied. Not sure of the exact details, it was last century after all. But i am sure there is a good story there.
Saw Derek Etherington at Manfield, he could tell some great yarns about early rallying.

[Tunny7]

Go to the website www.silverfernrally.co.nz and you are able to view the film / tv program of the '73 Heatway Rally where this car and the remainder of Team Toyota NZ feature

Hi, had a look at the film and there's some great shots on there.

[Tunny7]

I'm sure it featured in a Classic Car magazine article some years ago too.

The car in the article was the other surviving car, GG43. It looks to be in great nick as well.

[Steve Emson]

Hi Dave, Was that the rally where Ian crashed. His co-driver was injured although the car was reasonably ok. You stepped in as co-driver only to later be disqualfied. Not sure of the exact details, it was last century after all. But i am sure there is a good story there.
Saw Derek Etherington at Manfield, he could tell some great yarns about early rallying.

Derek Etherington : Ah, there is another name from the past. He had a bit to do with Dad.

[Rod Grimwood]

Tunny:
Found these in my old scrap book, there is all sorts actually in it.

Good enough to make the cover

Colin taylor and "K" Foulkes on the Pohangina Loop north of Palmerston North (if i remember right Colin was from Palmy area)

Colin taylor and "K" Foulkes in their Corrola Levin

[Tunny7]

Tunny:
Found these in my old scrap book, there is all sorts actually in it.

Good enough to make the cover

Colin taylor and "K" Foulkes on the Pohangina Loop north of Palmerston North (if i remember right Colin was from Palmy area)

Colin taylor and "K" Foulkes in their Corrola Levin

Great pictures thanks Rod, I'll be printing those off.

[escorthvn]

Hi Tunny7,Looking at the results of the 1973 Heatway, division 3 was the only division that all three Toyotas finished. Carter didnt start div one and Pinkerton didnt start div three.Love to have your car in my garage beside our Woolmark Escort. Peter.

[Rod Grimwood]

That would be 3 of the best Pete

[Shano]

Lovin' your scrapbook Rod.

That's a terrrific looking car, that Corolla. I remember when my father got one (not to race) after a long succession of English cars - Morrie Occy, Vivas, 1100s and I could not believe how refined it was. It had this marvellous thing called a heater and it actually produced hot air.

[Tunny7]

Hi Tunny7,Looking at the results of the 1973 Heatway, division 3 was the only division that all three Toyotas finished. Carter didnt start div one and Pinkerton didnt start div three.Love to have your car in my garage beside our Woolmark Escort. Peter.

Thanks Peter, I doubt there are too many people around who wouldn't live to be the owner if that Escort, it's a great car.

[Tunny7]

Thanks Peter, I doubt there are too many people around who wouldn't live to be the owner if that Escort, it's a great car.

Sorry, some errors in the last post. Should read 'who wouldn't love to be the owner of that Escort'. Must start checking before hitting the button.

[Rod Grimwood]

Tunny, just hit "edit post" at bottom of your post and you can change it. Only you can edit your post.

cheers
PS I have to do it all the time.

[David McKinney]

Tunny:
Found these in my old scrap book, there is all sorts actually in it.

Good enough to make the cover

Colin taylor and "K" Foulkes on the Pohangina Loop north of Palmerston North (if i remember right Colin was from Palmy area)

That cover shot is actually our car (GG43)

No, Colin wasn't from Palmy. We were all Wellington lads, though about that time Colin was a sales rep and would have covered the Manawatu area

[David McKinney]

Hi Dave, Was that the rally where Ian crashed. His co-driver was injured although the car was reasonably ok. You stepped in as co-driver only to later be disqualfied. Not sure of the exact details, it was last century after all. But i am sure there is a good story there.
Saw Derek Etherington at Manfield, he could tell some great yarns about early rallying.
No, different year, different car - an ornery Corolla 1300. Ian put it over a bank somewhere north of Gisborne, putting co-driver Steve Lachman (the car's owner) in hospital. I was in a team back-up car that year, and we asked Clerk of the Course Murray Thompson if I could take over. Rather to our surprise he said yes. We got as far as the next major stop - Napier or Hastings - when someone protested us. At the ensuing stewards' enquiry we were winning our defence, because of the fact that we had the CofC's OK, until someone asked if I'd signed the indemnity form. Um - no. So we were out

Steve - Derek Etherington was your Dad's co-driver in the first Silver Fern, in a Simca 1000, as I recall, and possibly in later (Torana) events as well

[David McKinney]

Apologies for three posts in a row

Not a very good photo, but perhaps Carlo could identify the inconsiderately parked car that nearly put us off a bridge in the 1973 Heatway - I think on the Moonshine Road towards Upper Hutt

[David McKinney]

Apologies again

I'd forgotten there were two photos of the incident

[crunch]

Apologies for three posts in a row

Not a very good photo, but perhaps Carlo could identify the inconsiderately parked car that nearly put us off a bridge in the 1973 Heatway - I think on the Moonshine Road towards Upper Hutt

So; which one of these three Corolla's was the one Vallis Peet owned, or was that another TOYOTA NZ car? I did a bit of rallying in that car in the early 90's

[David McKinney]

See my post #95...

My memory is that Vallis's car was one of the three original Levins, but don't remember which

Richard Bean from Levin had another (or the same...)

[Carlo]

See my post #95...

My memory is that Vallis's car was one of the three original Levins, but don't remember which

Richard Bean from Levin had another (or the same...)

Think Vallis ended up with Colins car, still thinking about the other car on the bridge, could it be the Dyer Bros?

[escorthvn]

For the 1973 Heatway the Toyota Levins were Taylor #5,Pinkerton #17,Carter #25, with Brownlie #26 in a 1293cc SL Corolla.Peter.

[Steve Emson]

14020 I hope nobody minds to much, this is the car that i started rallying in. I don't have a photo scanned of it as a rally car. I used it in the Castrol GTX series, and someone suggested I try a rally (probably Dad) I asked a school friend to navigate for me and we did a Woodhill rally. We had a lot of fun and I surprised myself and finished in the top 10. This car was standard, and I then bought a write off from an insurance company to build another car. I was circuit racing at this time as well and Neville Bailey built this second car. Dad had bought the ex Metha works 180B from Datsun NZ, (the one we sold to Paddy) and I put the spare 5 speed gearbox from that car in this one. Arthur McWatt built the roll cage. 14021 I used it in the Marlboro series in the SI, where we went pretty good, but it always had an electrical issue or broke the alternator bracket at the wrong time. It was always 1595cc as some of the Datsun 1600 boys started putting 1800cc engines in theirs at this time. The last photo is of it as I used it in the 1975 Heatway. It was in the top 10 on the first few stages and then the lights went out! And we also got stuck behind Evan Green,....................and so the stories continue.14022 I had forgotten just how much fun rallying was, and had a blast in Carlo's escort at Waimate. It is so much more social than circuit racing were you are trying to win a championship and tempers can fly. I always look back fondly on the battle of the navigators. Trying to needle the opposition about let us through we are catching you.......................... I remember my mates, John & Grant in the Mazda, asking us what time we did for some stage or other. While the navigators were discussing the times, we said their time wasn't too bad. Grant agreed and then told us that they had also stopped to change a puncture...................................................I never did get to find out the truth. You just could never tell with those two. Always joking around! My navigator, Graham decided once that a certain well known escort driver was holding us up. he told me he was going to tell them to let us in front. I said you better not, but he was already gone to speak with his opposite number. He got a very cool reception and was told that no way would we ever catch them. It worked as next stage, 3rd corner we find them upside down. We did laugh, however maybe it was a bit naughty of Graham to wind them up like that. The general good natured geeing up of the crews is in stock contrast to the crews in circuit racing sometimes wanting to punch each others lights out.

[Steve Emson]

Oh, the other Datsun 1600 in the earlier post was a different car again. This was a car that had a tow bar on it and was used to pick up motorcycles with a little trailer. it had a 4 speed box and was pretty unremarkable. It morphed into a car that I used with Peter Richardson in a Motorgard Rally. It was going very well (Lots of works teams in this event) 14th overall on the first day. We pulled a tyre off the rim flat out in 4th gear in a tarmac stage, and were very lucky not to have a big crash. We drove it out on the flat and the diff failed not long afterwards. John Woolf kept telling me to get a Mazda, Graham McGregor bought an ex works escort, and told me to get one...........................................After driving Carlo's escort, I should have done just that.

[David McKinney]

For the 1973 Heatway the Toyota Levins were Taylor #5,Pinkerton #17,Carter #25, with Brownlie #26 in a 1293cc SL Corolla.Peter.
I was relying on memory when I posted. I should know who was with Carter...

[David McKinney]

still thinking about the other car on the bridge, could it be the Dyer Bros?
May fading memory was that it was someone called Rabbidge, but you'd know better than I would

[Oldfart]

Carl?

[Powder]

May fading memory was that it was someone called Rabbidge, but you'd know better than I would

From the 1973 Heatway Rally review booklet, edited by David Hall:
"It was impossible that Moonshine would not catch someone out for it is a tricky bit of road. The Escort of Carl Rabbidge rolled down a bank and into a stream but was later towed out with little damage. Ian Pinkerton put on a fantastic show of driving when he came onto a bridge whose entrance was already blocked by Tim Dyer in his Cortina. How he got by is one of those things about rallying. In doing so he damaged his suspension."

The event programme lists Car No. 103 as Cortina 1600GT driven by P.Dyer & G.Dyer.

[Carlo]

May fading memory was that it was someone called Rabbidge, but you'd know better than I would

No David, we were down a bank and in a creek after the finish line.

[Chris Read]

Hi Steve
I looked after Shekhar Mehta's 180B SSS servicing in Dunedin during the 19?? rally. Nice person.
Did you get the car with the trick ali block...think it was taken out before the team went back to Japan.
Chris Read - Arrowotwn

[David McKinney]

Thanks powder
And apologies Carl - you can see where my confusion came from :)

[Steve Emson]

Hi Chis, no, it came with a 'normal' engine. I didn't know anything about that, and I am sure Dad never knew anything about it also. Could you tell any more info about this?

Hi Steve
I looked after Shekhar Mehta's 180B SSS servicing in Dunedin during the 19?? rally. Nice person.
Did you get the car with the trick ali block...think it was taken out before the team went back to Japan.
Chris Read - Arrowotwn
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[BMCBOY]

A few shots of GG 42 I located over the weekend

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[Tunny7]

A few shots of GG 42 I located over the weekend

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Thanks for posting these photos, they are great shots of the car. Appreciated!

[jamie]

Hi Steve I rebuilt the motor for Paddy Davidson and it only had an iron block but the full FIA cylinder head was stil there it was A verry strong motor and went like STINK Jamie A

[BMCBOY]

Some more photos from start line as they may be of interest
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[Bruce Sollitt]

Hi Steve, one of the cars is shown on the Heatway Rally programme (I think 1973) and it is in the colours. I 'm not sure which of the cars that was though, possibly GG43?I have a newspaper article here which is a preview of the '75 Heatway with a picture of GG41 in that colour scheme - presumably from the '73 event.

[BMCBOY]

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[Steve Emson]

Hi Steve I rebuilt the motor for Paddy Davidson and it only had an iron block but the full FIA cylinder head was stil there it was A verry strong motor and went like STINK Jamie A
Yes it did go really well, about twice as quick as my Datsun 1600 me thinks.

[Steve Emson]

Fantastic photos! Makes me want to go rallying again........................................

[Bruce Sollitt]

So; which one of these three Corolla's was the one Vallis Peet owned, or was that another TOYOTA NZ car? I did a bit of rallying in that car in the early 90'sIf my memory serves me correctly, Vallis's car (the one that he did the TV ads in) was a TE47 which is a different shape entirely.

Got a newspaper picture here of a Steve Emson Datsun 1600 being hoisted onto a tow truck in Makara, Heatway 1975. Now to find the scanner?

[Bruce Sollitt]

Actually I'm wrong. There is a picture in the David Thompson book of Vallis in the Polysplice Corolla which is a 20 series but not one of the 3 mentioned earlier.
If you'te talking about Bert's car Crunch, that was a KE25, these are TE27's.

[jim short]

Some more photos from start line as they may be of interest
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Tony Teesdale and Garry Smith Allan Woolfe Mike Marshall ect great shots Ross always took real good photos

[Tunny7]

I see there's an RX3 that rallied in the late 70's (in pieces) that appeared on Trademe yesterday, looks like an interesting car with most of the original bits still with it.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=537299626

[escorthvn]

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This weekend is 40years since the 1972 RAC Rally of Great Britain. As you can see I have done my best to make the car now in 2012 the same as in 1972.
Pete

[Lee Tracey]

Here is a photo of it in the background the night before when cars were on display at Hamilton, second car (red MK2 is the ex Howard Collier car now owned by Pete Bryan who has just restored the Woolmark MK1 of Mike Marshalls as well, and next MK1 behind that is Blair Robson's Original car) Front one had Mike Marshall pedal it a couple times in days of Pall Mall. (Been told that GA45 is in my garage, a hint from somebody to get it going I think)

PS This event was 4 tarmac stages morning and 4 Maramarua afternoon, and some only did Tarmac and i am sure the Toyota did Tarmac only.

Actually the car at Ruby Rallyfest was GG43
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[Rod Grimwood]

Lee, do you have any other shots of that rally, be good to see.

[Lee Tracey]

I was working that weekend so only managed a few shots at Claudelands. :(

Cheers
Lee

[faminz]

I drew this pic 30 years ago or more... I would dearly love to get the original reference photo again.
Does anyone know where I can find the photo or maybe has a copy of it in an old magazine somewhere they can scan for me?
I think its Mike Marshall in an Escort MkII
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[Steve Emson]

14705 Found this cover today. Dad & Wayne Jones entry.

[Rod Grimwood]

Looks a bit like Mr Cowan and a young Jim in passenger seat.

[Steve Emson]

Yes Rod, it is. This is the cover page for the information for competitors booklet.

[Rod Grimwood]

Yes Rod, it is. This is the cover page for the information for competitors booklet.

Do you have the whole booklet Steve, that would be an interesting read.

[Tunny7]

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Hi, I recently bought one of the Toyota's that competed in the 1973 Heatway event and was hoping someone might have some photos of it from back in the day? Any info would be appreciated.

Hi all, just a quick heads up that due to a change of plans this car will be being listed for sale shortly. PM me if you are interested.

[markec]

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[markec]

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[Milan Fistonic]

Here's another Ford van in trouble.

Taken at the "Cross Roads" on one of the early Woodhill rallies.


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[BMCBOY]

Time for a few more rally photos from the archives............

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[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

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[Roger Dowding]

The entry list has a certain Driver P Adams, with co-driver a Miss S Woolf, as in Susan Woolf, [ spelt in the results as Wolf ] daughter of Alan Woolf, [ of Woolf Mufflers fame ] the last I knew Alan was still racing in Historics alongside Rob Williams in single seaters form the 1960's Formula Juniors, Alan and his wife [ also Sue I do beleive lived in New Lynn, Auckland in the 1950's - early 60's, was my neighbour as a youngster, and was running a Ford 10 saloon, modified a bit,] also remember the " Robbo " from car trialling and being a support marshall in various rallies around the Auckland / Waikato areas in the late 70's early 80,s, can't remember the exact year, but I was part of the NSCC plotting team for the Castrol Rally [ read Trial in the mid 70's ] the trial was checked by Rod Peat, we did some of the checking in a Fiat 125, owned by a guy called John Rye, with a very vigorous drive by the said Rod Peat.

[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

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[Rod Grimwood]

#155 Left Alan Draper middle John Woolf and Steve Millen running the extras

Bob Couch

Howard Collier (captain Howdy)

Damn know but it has gone ran a Mazda I think

Left back on Mark Parsons, not sure and not sure of other 2

Tony Baker and Alan Carter


#156 Mike Marshall,

Left Warren Priest, middle Ron Kendall and right with hat Rod Millen Mazda Daeler boys

John Woolf and damn, I now but it has slipped the mind.

Chris Porter doing what we all did after a day of fun.

This has slipped mind also.

But this one is easy Clive Smith related to Howdy what a treat these 2 were together.

[BMCBOY]

Rod if you hover the arrow from your mouse over the photo the guy's name appears (if I know it )

Great days these - great camaraderie and lots of fun

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[Rod Grimwood]

Rod if you hover the arrow from your mouse over the photo the guy's name appears (if I know it )

Great days these - great camaraderie and lots of fun

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Thanks for that, makes it a bit easier. As for this lot it is self explanatory. What a group.

Thought that was young Paddy.

[Raceman]

Here's another Ford van in trouble.

Taken at the "Cross Roads" on one of the early Woodhill rallies.


19426
I think this could be Ken Fricker who was a co-driver for Possum for many year. If not him them it was Royce Broome. Loving all these old photos.

[Steve Emson]

Some great shots, bringing back lots of memories

[escorthvn]

Escort GN9772 I think is Brian Watkins ex Rocky Cribb. Peter.

[Jizim]

Fantastic photos! Makes me want to go rallying again........................................
Damn....me too Steve. Gotta be the Sliver Fern though......and only rear wheel drive. Great to see all these old faces... and you are right, the commeraidery was great back then...I used to get the same thing from the seemingly same people that always finished around your own time...I was owed so much beer from the likes of Ross Wilson/Bob Vardy in the old "cardboard car" Escort and Will and Heather Orr.....great days and I really miss that side of the sport.....regards, Tony Rutherford.

[Jizim]

I drew this pic 30 years ago or more... I would dearly love to get the original reference photo again.
Does anyone know where I can find the photo or maybe has a copy of it in an old magazine somewhere they can scan for me?
I think its Mike Marshall in an Escort MkII
14655 Looks like Blair Robson?? Fantastic artist... Cheers, Tony Rutherford.

[Rod Grimwood]

Looks like Blair Robson?? Fantastic artist... Cheers, Tony Rutherford.

It is Mr Marshall

[BMCBOY]

It is Mr Marshall

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[BMCBOY]

Photos I shot for Auckland car Club who won the Teams Prize at the seasons end for 1977
Shoot was in Cornwall Park Auckland
Winners were Rod Millen and Mike Franchi, Blair Robson and Chris Porter, Jim Donald and Kevin Lancaster

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[Steve Holmes]

I'm really loving these Ross! Absolutely beautiful work.

[Roger Dowding]

Re " Here's another Ford van in trouble. Taken at the "Cross Roads" on one of the early Woodhill rallies" , names not sure but remember an Anglia van when " carless days " were on at NSCC / ACC Rallies with large fuel containers in the back, to be used on the Rally, after all Woodhill -NSCC territory, and Maramarua - ACC's patch, were not huge as far as size and distance, used the same roads more than once. thanks Milan, Raceman and BMCBOY

[BMCBOY]

[QUOTE=Roger Dowding;31734]Re " Here's another Ford van in trouble. Taken at the "Cross Roads" on one of the early Woodhill rallies"

The Crossroads was a great place to spectate and take photos. The corner was sited not far from the finish line for the last special stage and competitors would park their cars after finishing and walk back to view the action. Hence there were some amazing "acts" from fellow competitors for the lads, often ending in spins and ramming the banks which were accompanied by huge cheers from the crowd assembled. Sensible cornering competitors were usually booed!!

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This is a great shot (photographer unknown) of Kevin Lancaster and myself there which ended in a big spin.

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[Bruce Sollitt]

Not so much a rally story but all these photos of the Masport Team and Kevin Lancaster remind me of attending my first MANZ conference as my club's delegate and the associated awards dinner at which Blair Robson received his '78 NZRC title.
At the dinner I had the pleasure of being seated directly opposite Kevin at the table closest to, and in full view of, that occupied by the president and the invited dignitaries (CEO's of BP & Shell and their wives).
Kevin entertained us all night with his jokes and his ordering of more wine which he'd do standing on his chair hailing the waiter only whenever he was at the far side of the room.
But it stepped up a gear when the dessert arrived. A shallow stemmed bowl containing little more than a ball of ice cream.
Mr Lancaster decided instantly that there was far more fun to be had than by merely eating it and, after advising us to "watch this", tip toed up behind Reg Cook, seated 2 or 3 tables away, and inverted the bowl on his head with a sort of smearing action.
Chaos followed with balls of ice cream flying all around the room much to the horror of the most prim & proper dignitary wives.
The scene was set for a very entertaining night.

[Steve Emson]

I would have liked to have seen that!:cool::cool:

[Milan Fistonic]

This shot was taken a few seconds before Peter Levet and Rob Nasey demolished their Mini on the infamous Maramarua Yumps.

It was extremely lucky that nobody was hurt as the spectators were lined up along both sides of the road where the Mini landed and rolled. Fortunately the car stayed in the centre of the track.


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[BMCBOY]

Yumps were always good value. In the late 70's a photographers "Yump" was organised in the middle of a straight section of road in the Woodhill Forest Rally. Most competitors were pretty guarded going over it as it was well noted in the route book, but Bob Couch went over it "FLAT" with an impressive result.........


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[Rod Grimwood]

As you say Milan, that was a big one. You could here the mini coming and it never backed off as it hit the yump and when it landed it did not stop end for ending and rolling for along way ending in a little ball. Amazing (more Luck) no one was hurt or killed. The next year people stood well back.

And as for Couchie, what did you expect, a hard case little bugger. Brother John had some exciting rides in navigator seat a few different times with Bob and other different people as well.

[Carlo]

Damn....me too Steve. Gotta be the Sliver Fern though......and only rear wheel drive. Great to see all these old faces... and you are right, the commeraidery was great back then...I used to get the same thing from the seemingly same people that always finished around your own time...I was owed so much beer from the likes of Ross Wilson/Bob Vardy in the old "cardboard car" Escort and Will and Heather Orr.....great days and I really miss that side of the sport.....regards, Tony Rutherford.

Next Silver Fern November 2014 Tony, start working on your car now as there will ne an announcement coming out very shortly about the plans for the event.

[BMCBOY]

Auckland Car Club organised the first Rally held at Maramarua not long after the 73 Heatway.
The roads were smooth, fast and wide and became a real favorite venue for many years.

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[BMCBOY]

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[BMCBOY]

There were quite a few cars that we would now not suggest as being "typical" rally cars entered :

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[BMCBOY]

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[Roger Dowding]

BMCBOY and others, both Rallies are familiar, remember the first Woodhill 72 or 73, and was suggested that I enter in my 850cc bog standard apart from 4.5 inch rims Mini " as the regulations weren't set ' so now is your chance ', well didn't, did Marshalling instead, do recall in one the early one's Wayne and Sue Parkin in an Escort did roll [ think near the crossroads ], people rushed down Wayne got out and was asked how was he ? " OK mate " , then they thought where is Sue, - still in the full harness upside down in the car in the ditch. The first Maramarua, offered to help ACC with marshalling and got the job, behind " tail end charlie " again in the BS 850cc Mini, to collect signs etc and drive most of the stages at moderate speed of course, seeing the Mini above REG FB 9024, think the 850 was FB 6046 so a 1965 or 66 one. wonderful times.

[Ross]

BMCBOY and others, both Rallies are familiar, remember the first Woodhill 72 or 73, and was suggested that I enter in my 850cc bog standard apart from 4.5 inch rims Mini " as the regulations weren't set ' so now is your chance ', well didn't, did Marshalling instead, do recall in one the early one's Wayne and Sue Parkin in an Escort did roll [ think near the crossroads ], people rushed down Wayne got out and was asked how was he ? " OK mate " , then they thought where is Sue, - still in the full harness upside down in the car in the ditch. The first Maramarua, offered to help ACC with marshalling and got the job, behind " tail end charlie " again in the BS 850cc Mini, to collect signs etc and drive most of the stages at moderate speed of course, seeing the Mini above REG FB 9024, think the 850 was FB 6046 so a 1965 or 66 one. wonderful times.

I have only just discovered The Roaring Season web site and forums.
I was particularly interested to see the comments relating to the Shell Triple hundred Rally as I was the Clerk of Course for this event.
The Triple Hundred was the first European style, closed road, special stage rally run in the South Island at a club level and marked the start of the transition from Trials to Rallies for many competitors.

Most of the organisers of the event, including myself, were members of UMC with the event being underwritten by Canterbury Car Club. (They had some money, unlike the bunch of students & graduates who made up UMC!)

Although the weather was not kind on the day, the event was a great success which was a testiment to the fantastic team of enthusiasts who helped with the organisation, planning & running of the rally.

I have lived in Australia since 1974 and have unfortunately lost touch with virtually everyone from that wonderful era of UMC.

Ross Hudson

[Carlo]

I have only just discovered The Roaring Season web site and forums.
I was particularly interested to see the comments relating to the Shell Triple hundred Rally as I was the Clerk of Course for this event.
The Triple Hundred was the first European style, closed road, special stage rally run in the South Island at a club level and marked the start of the transition from Trials to Rallies for many competitors.

Most of the organisers of the event, including myself, were members of UMC with the event being underwritten by Canterbury Car Club. (They had some money, unlike the bunch of students & graduates who made up UMC!)

Although the weather was not kind on the day, the event was a great success which was a testiment to the fantastic team of enthusiasts who helped with the organisation, planning & running of the rally.

I have lived in Australia since 1974 and have unfortunately lost touch with virtually everyone from that wonderful era of UMC.

Ross Hudson

Hi Ross, great to know that you are still about, I still keep in regular contact and friendship with many of the names on the entry list of that special event. Some of us are still competing today.
I will pass the word of your continuing existence amongst them.

Best wishes

Carl

[Jeff]

Hi all , This may be a bit of a tall request but - can anybody help me out with a dvd or video copy of the televised 1979 Tectyl rallysprint at Pokeno on the Bombay Hills in South Auckland.
Myself ( and Bob Couch ) would dearly love a copy.
Thanks

[GPM Motorsport]

The first time I saw GG42 and GG43 was at the final meeting at Bay Park in 95'. Both cars were racing there. At the time I was told that there were originally 3 cars and that Chris Cowan (at the time a member of Levin Car Club) owned the 3rd car GG41 and that it had been badly damaged when it went off the edge at Mangahoe Dam many years before. I was told that it was still sitting in either Chris Cowan's or Chris Clarke's garage waiting till it was worth rebuilding. How true that was and/or where it is now, I don't know. I keep meaning to ask Chris Clark about it.
There were three, GG41, GG42 and GG43. Colin Taylor drove GG42 with K Foulkes, Graham Carter and Grahame Brownlie shared the driving of GG42, and Ian Pinkerton drove GG43 with me reading the notes.

I used to know where they all went when the oil crisis over the 1973/74 summer looked like ending rallying, but have forgotten...

And they were fast - if not 100% reliable

Edit: Great movie, Carlo. Have just watched it right through. Don't remember seeing it at the time, though I must have. I arranged the NZBC sponsorship for the Toyota team

[Carlo]

For those who wish to relive and enjoy the days of the rallying past, the 2014 epay Silver Fern Rally starts in Picton 8th November and finishes 3600km and 50+ special stages a week later in Central Otago.

Time to start getting your toys ready for a week of pure magic.

[Carlo]

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Just a few photos that came to hand recently

[Carlo]

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[Jeff]

Great photo's Carlo ! Thanks for posting them.
Are they all taken on the "73 Heatway ?

[escorthvn]

Thanks Carl for posting the pics of the Woolmark car. Can we copy and keep them for our own file?

cheers Pete
from sunny Whangarei

[Carlo]

Thanks Carl for posting the pics of the Woolmark car. Can we copy and keep them for our own file?

cheers Pete
from sunny Whangarei

I think there photos were part of a set that one could purchase following the event Pete but I have no idea who the photographer was. They came into my hands via the son of a good old boy who is no longer with us.

[Allan]

The FIAT 125 is probably Trevor Tapper and the car became the model for the FIAT 125T. It was a South African model called a "Scorpion".

[Jeff]

Some of dad's photo's from the Heatway Rally in 72 or 73

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[BMCBOY]

I've been going through a bunch of these lately and thought it would bring back a few memories.

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[seaqnmac27]

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The Mark Parsons Torana is the ex-Coppins Bathurst car

[BMCBOY]

The Mark Parsons Torana is the ex-Coppins Bathurst car[/QUOTE]

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Yes even those days it was a pretty valuable car to be rallying on those roads.
Mark was soon seen in a BDA Escort for the next season and was very quick.

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[seaqnmac27]

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I went to high school with Alan Mitchell's nephew, he used to quiz me on what I knew about his results. Especially the 81 Raly NZ

[Habu]

Fantastic photos BMCBOY, many thanks for posting

[Rod Grimwood]

So right Ross, that shakes the memory box up, classic photos, thanks for sharing.

[BMCBOY]

So right Ross, that shakes the memory box up, classic photos, thanks for sharing.

Thanks Rod, - here's a few more from the 81 Hamilton Tarmac Rally. A few different cars here. This was evidently very fast and a little scary for some co-drivers.


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[Shoreboy57]

Camaro??? certainly added some variety to Escorts and Mazdas

[seaqnmac27]

This thread has all of Lee Tracey's pics from the Hamilton Tarmac rally that featured in the last of Ross' pics some very differnt rally cars!

http://www.theroaringseason.com/showthread.php?232-Hamilton-Tarmac-Rally-1981

[Rod Grimwood]

Camaro was Mick Quin and the RX2 2 shots later was behind him when it went airborne into a paddock at a great rate of knots.
both circuit cars out for a skid. The RX2 was a hand full and well driven/owned by Tony Rutherford with John Chiverill siting with him. John was another convert with Tony from Rodding, and actually built the little Angle box I ran way back then. he was also a very good car painter.

[BMCBOY]

Interesting to see such great drivers and variety of cars.

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[Habu]

Wow, these are awesome. Am really enjoying these - thank you so much for posting BMCBOY. The quality of these images are amazing.

[Carlo]

Wow, these are awesome. Am really enjoying these - thank you so much for posting BMCBOY. The quality of these images are amazing.

+1

Sure are some memories here, thanks

[seaqnmac27]

The quality is terrible, but. . .



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8oJWckLm4E

[Carlo]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/793190637378550/

This is a new facebook page that has drawn people and photos out of the woodwork, some fantastic stuff on there

[seaqnmac27]

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

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[Carlo]

Crikey Ross you have done it again, stunning shots and great memories

[BMCBOY]

Crikey Ross you have done it again, stunning shots and great memories

Many thanks for that Carlo - here's a few more for old times sake

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[Rod Grimwood]

Awesome Ross, the 'ol reverse Puke' that was interesting, especially up front straight and over hill with reverse camber.

where was the shingle stage Ross, looks familiar but can not pin point it. (thinking Cossey's or Bombay)

[BMCBOY]

where was the shingle stage Ross, looks familiar but can not pin point it. (thinking Cossey's or Bombay)[/QUOTE]

I think this was at one of those Hella Rallysprints at Cosseys Farm - may well have been 1983

[Rod Grimwood]

Yep, that sounds right, the RX3 coupe (shared car 22) is about 1/2 way up and little turn left, is it Robert (Chawfy) Connell ?. Subaru is run along top. Cossey's was a neat track.

Escort 23 Autosport Upholstery, a few of us have and still do sit our arse in those seats. (Ross Wilson ? ) raced a mini before he grew up, good bugger. Hillside Rd Nth Shore.

Yellow RX3 no.12 Robert (Ari) Harris and Tom Priece, car ended udside down in water hole Maramarua, long time to get out and end of career basically.

And Max Irwin (Good Bugger) well enough said, he has car back after all these years (different colour) and runs it at Leadfoot, how appropriate.

[AL the Jeepster]

13990

Hi, I recently bought one of the Toyota's that competed in the 1973 Heatway event and was hoping someone might have some photos of it from back in the day? Any info would be appreciated.

I've just joined this forum & wow!!! It's awesome how much it has unlocked the old memory vault. It's sweet to see the old pic's from the 60/70's circuit racing & rallying & great to see the old pic's being shared.

My brother worked for Hamlin & Charles from the early 60's (Graham started spannering the mk1 Lotus Cortina's & later worked on/tuned etc the mk1 BDA Escort's + various circuit race cars).
He moved to Toyota NZ's new Johnsonville workshop where he was later involved in setting up & tuning the three works Toyota Levin's.
If I'm not mistaken, there was six brought into the country at first & the others were sold to private buyers but hey I've drunk my share of Jimmy B's in the last 40yrs so could be wrong.

It's a great thread & awesome forum...... good fun too

Cheers,

AL

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[nzswift]

Sure was Howard about 25% were UMC members including me. One correction is that Cliffy ran a Toyota Corolla not a Fiat 850 as mentioned.....
This was in relation to the Shell Triple Hundred, at the start of Early NZ rallies thread

[Allan]

Heatway 1973
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[Rod Grimwood]

#231 The green RX3 is Rod Millen and Robin (Doctor) Irving. note slight modification to roof from little woops on ice in SI.

[Noo Noo]

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The 1972 Heatway Rally started from Wellington on sunday afternoon 23 April. It tiki-toured it's way up the middle of the North Island to Auckland, then across to Gisborne and down the East Coast to finish in Wellington the following saturday. Some car club mates and I took a week off work to be control marshalls.
There were 5 of us in 2 cars and we were teamed with 4 guys from the Hutt Valley Motoring Club. Our mission was to do 1 special stage per night. The Hutt guys set them off and we clocked them in at the other end.

On the evening of the Wednesday we turned off the Opotiki-Gisborne road about half way along and drove our stage for that night, reaching the end outside the school at Rere around 10p.m. Immediately, we had a problem - there was nowhere to put up our tent. However it was a beautiful clear, still night with a full moon so bright we could actually read by it so we simply set up in the open. The road widened just outside the school to allow a bus or car to pull over to disgorge it's cargo, we put our table on one side of it and were ready for business.
Soon after we arrived people started turning up from Gisborne 45 km away and by around midnight a sizable crowd had gathered. Meanwhile the night was getting colder and colder and colder.....
Adjacent to the sealed stopping area was a patch of bush growing out of a shallow gully. Someone realised there was a quantity of fallen wood which would be the makings of a bonfire. Next thing a fire was under way on the stopping area.
With an enthusiasm borne of coldness, boredom and pyromania, an impromptu work party formed and branches were hauled out of the bush and thrown on the flames. The fire grew bigger and bigger. The gatherers were hauling out large logs. Everyone stood as close as they dared as the temperture dropped below freezing and became a frost.
At long last, around 4 or 5 o'clock the cars started arriving and the fire was left to burn itself out. The cars at the rear of the field reached us after daylight, then tail-end Charlie in his Toyota Land-Cruiser sped past opening the road in his wake and the spectators returned to Gisborne for breakfast.
A service crew turned up and asked us marshalls to go a short distance back into the stage to help them get an Escort back on the road. It was after that Tim Bailey in his Porshe and his service crew turned up. He had had an off- road excursion and needed their assistance to get going again. I remember being surprised that he seemed very laid back and in no hurry to catch up with the rally.
It was about then that we thought we better clear away the remains of the fire. That's when we discovered that lighting bonfires on tar seal is not a good idea - the tar seal didn't exist any more. It had gone up in smoke. Realising the school people would be arriving soon we threw our gear in the cars and buggered off quick!
By the miracle of Google Earth I've been looking at Rere School and after 43 years the road outside looks exactly the same. Even the patch of bush is still there. One thing though. It looks like the stopping area has been resealed.

David Hunter