New Zealand Historic Muscle Cars Under HRC

[Kiwiboss]

Not that we care about winning but a honorable mention goes to Tony Mexted for getting his first win on the weekend in the 70 PDL Replica Mustang after several seasons of trying, Tony and his mechanic Barry(Baza)keep this car in pristine condition, well done Tony.

[Steve Holmes]

I like the Geoghegan replica Falcon. How long has he been working on this?

[Kiwiboss]

I like the Geoghegan replica Falcon. How long has he been working on this?

Guess its been a year or so in build Steve, like all builds they take longer than one thinks and always cost more.

Although a low key meeting it was a good one to shake down a new car like this. Infact I liked having only 15 cars, it made running the show easier, whats that saying "Less is More" and our class was still the stars of the weekend, certainly that's the feed back we received. It was one of the best and more friendly positive meetings we've had in a long time. Looks like we've picked up two more cars for the class as well, one is and old CMC LH Torana that's not chopped up and been parked for 10 years, you never know who turns up at these events.

[kiwi285]

Guess its been a year or so in build Steve, like all builds they take longer than one thinks and always cost more.

Although a low key meeting it was a good one to shake down a new car like this. Infact I liked having only 15 cars, it made running the show easier, whats that saying "Less is More" and our class was still the stars of the weekend, certainly that's the feed back we received. It was one of the best and more friendly positive meetings we've had in a long time. Looks like we've picked up two more cars for the class as well, one is and old CMC LH Torana that's not chopped up and been parked for 10 years, you never know who turns up at these events.

I was very impressed with this car on its first outing. I don't remember them having any issues all weekend in fact they spent more time trying to get the 'orange roughy' running for Mike than they did with the new one. All that time getting psyched up and then only doing a handful of laps must have been a bugger.

[Kiwiboss]

I was very impressed with this car on its first outing. I don't remember them having any issues all weekend in fact they spent more time trying to get the 'orange roughy' running for Mike than they did with the new one. All that time getting psyched up and then only doing a handful of laps must have been a bugger.

Pretty much ran sweet out of the box, this car and Goudies Escort were the performers of the weekend.

[Kiwiboss]

For those interested here's a few shots of the 68 Camaro I'm reconstructing for Historic racing, shop has been extremely busy of late hence haven't done as much as i'd liked. This was built 20 years ago and gone though several owners eventually ended up in CMC but luckily that owner didn't butcher it too much. the roll cage was very old school so its getting a new one along with many other updates and period mods. Even looking at wedging the front like my Boss as they did Camaros as well.

[Steve Holmes]

Awesome photos Dale, keep them coming! I'm really looking forward to this rebuild.

[Kiwiboss]

Awesome photos Dale, keep them coming! I'm really looking forward to this rebuild.

Will do Steve, makes a change for me to build a Gen 1 Camaro, not many know but I've owned quite a few over the years, mostly street cars. The prices in the USA are skyrocketing on these and early Mustangs currently making the ones in NZ good value. Here are the wheels I have for it.

[kiwi285]

Awesome photos Dale, keep them coming! I'm really looking forward to this rebuild.

I agree with Steve - it is great to see these cars coming together and to see just what is involved.

[Kiwiboss]

Reading though some old Motorman Maganzines lastnight reminded me what Historic racing is all about so scanned of a couple pictures........

[Kiwiboss]

Rollcage construction almost completed...………..now looking to wedge the nose like they did in the Trans Am days, many don't understand this was done just to lower the front spoiler closer to the ground, SCCA solved that in 1970 by allowing any blade style front spoiler, I like the low stance look as its very cool and period...……...im pretty sure the Frank Gardner Camaro had this done? Dale M

[Steve Holmes]

Looking great Dale, I'm really enjoying this build.

The Gardner Camaro didn't have the wedged nose. I believe that was an old 1967 Bill Brown car, a very early Trans-Am car before they started wedging the noses.

But the Penske Camaros definitely had it done in 1968 and '69. Here is one of the 1968 Penske Camaros pictured in 1970 with then owner Craig Murray. I believe they took a slice out of the radiator support panel and then tilted all the front sheet metal forward, then repaired the rear section of the front fenders so it didn't show.

You can see in this shot the huge gap at the top rear of the panel where it doesn't meet up. I assume the panel was replaced at some stage but not modified correctly.

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[Kiwiboss]

Thanks for the info Steve but that's a bit of a bugger as I always look at the New Zealand and Australian racing history first before proceeding and thought the Gardner Camaro was wedged been an old Ex-US Trans Am car, we know the Moffat 69 Mustang(which raced here) had the wedge nose hence why I done this to my 69 Mustang, its period correct and totally accurate for our New Zealand racing history but will now have to re-evaluate the Camaro wedge. My Camaro is a 68 and not a 67 so if Penske done this to 68 and 69's it could make it possible but not with NZ History, would make it close call and would still luv to do it but need to think on that one.........……..anyway, all interesting info.


Looking great Dale, I'm really enjoying this build.

The Gardner Camaro didn't have the wedged nose. I believe that was an old 1967 Bill Brown car, a very early Trans-Am car before they started wedging the noses.

But the Penske Camaros definitely had it done in 1968 and '69. Here is one of the 1968 Penske Camaros pictured in 1970 with then owner Craig Murray. I believe they took a slice out of the radiator support panel and then tilted all the front sheet metal forward, then repaired the rear section of the front fenders so it didn't show.

You can see in this shot the huge gap at the top rear of the panel where it doesn't meet up. I assume the panel was replaced at some stage but not modified correctly.

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[Spgeti]

It will look cool with the wedged nose.....droop snoop on a Camaro.

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks for the info Steve but that's a bit of a bugger as I always look at the New Zealand and Australian racing history first before proceeding and thought the Gardner Camaro was wedged been an old Ex-US Trans Am car, we know the Moffat 69 Mustang(which raced here) had the wedge nose hence why I done this to my 69 Mustang, its period correct and totally accurate for our New Zealand racing history but will now have to re-evaluate the Camaro wedge. My Camaro is a 68 and not a 67 so if Penske done this to 68 and 69's it could make it possible but not with NZ History, would make it close call and would still luv to do it but need to think on that one.........……..anyway, all interesting info.

The Gardner Camaro wouldn't have had the drooped nose in the Trans-Am when raced by Brown. That was really only something the factory teams did, and it didn't begin until 1968. There was a lot of work involved in doing it, only the big pro teams could do it. Its possible the SCA Freight team could have drooped the nose, but its pretty unlikely. One of the reasons for drooping the nose was to aid top speed, but as the British Saloon Car Championship rules allowed larger engines and more horsepower than the Trans-Am, straight line speed probably wasn't an issue. The factory Trans-Am teams were always looking for any tiny advantage because they all had 5 litre engines and roughly the same horsepower, but that wasn't an issue for the V8 cars in the BSCC.

But you could try asking Rowan Harman though Dale. He owned the car for many years and would know for sure.

Its likely the Rod Coppins '69 Firebird could have had a drooped nose, being a factory Trans-Am car. And Firebirds are pretty similar to Camaros; same body and most panels. The 1968 and '69 racing Firebirds even had Chevy engines!

[spinner32]

Thanks for the info Steve but that's a bit of a bugger as I always look at the New Zealand and Australian racing history first before proceeding and thought the Gardner Camaro was wedged been an old Ex-US Trans Am car, we know the Moffat 69 Mustang(which raced here) had the wedge nose hence why I done this to my 69 Mustang, its period correct and totally accurate for our New Zealand racing history but will now have to re-evaluate the Camaro wedge. My Camaro is a 68 and not a 67 so if Penske done this to 68 and 69's it could make it possible but not with NZ History, would make it close call and would still luv to do it but need to think on that one.........……..anyway, all interesting info.

There was a Camaro that raced in NZ with a wedged nose. When John Osborne raced the ex Spinner Black car, the nose had been wedged. I don't know who did it. John expressed his disappointment that when the car was restored, the front panels were restored to standard. I must admit the front grill area looked much better in John's hands than it does today.

[khyndart in CA]

This is how Spinner Black's Camaros front area looked when he first raced them.
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(Ken H photos )

[Kiwiboss]

I just heard back from a USA contact, he said that the front radiator support panel bracket that mounted the radiator support panel to the chassis was most likely cut and raised up, lowering the radiator support panel to make the fenders and nose sit a bit lower, that way he said there was no cutting of the front fenders that I had planned, though you would still have a gap at the rear of the front fender were it meets the cowl panel and door which explains your picture Steve. Looking at my 68 I could easily do this but would still like some evidence that at least one Camaro raced in NZ like this?

Spinner32...…...sounds interested but i'd like to see any evidence of this, what was this Camaros history after spinner Black sold it?

Ken H, thanks for the pics but it doesn't look lower in them, as Steve says it was usually the factory that done this Ex-USA. All interesting info.

Dale M


The Gardner Camaro wouldn't have had the drooped nose in the Trans-Am when raced by Brown. That was really only something the factory teams did, and it didn't begin until 1968. There was a lot of work involved in doing it, only the big pro teams could do it. Its possible the SCA Freight team could have drooped the nose, but its pretty unlikely. One of the reasons for drooping the nose was to aid top speed, but as the British Saloon Car Championship rules allowed larger engines and more horsepower than the Trans-Am, straight line speed probably wasn't an issue. The factory Trans-Am teams were always looking for any tiny advantage because they all had 5 litre engines and roughly the same horsepower, but that wasn't an issue for the V8 cars in the BSCC.

But you could try asking Rowan Harman though Dale. He owned the car for many years and would know for sure.

Its likely the Rod Coppins '69 Firebird could have had a drooped nose, being a factory Trans-Am car. And Firebirds are pretty similar to Camaros; same body and most panels. The 1968 and '69 racing Firebirds even had Chevy engines!

[Steve Holmes]

I just heard back from a USA contact, he said that the front radiator support panel bracket that mounted the radiator support panel to the chassis was most likely cut and raised up, lowering the radiator support panel to make the fenders and nose sit a bit lower, that way he said there was no cutting of the front fenders that I had planned, though you would still have a gap at the rear of the front fender were it meets the cowl panel and door which explains your picture Steve. Looking at my 68 I could easily do this but would still like some evidence that at least one Camaro raced in NZ like this?

Spinner32...…...sounds interested but i'd like to see any evidence of this, what was this Camaros history after spinner Black sold it?

Ken H, thanks for the pics but it doesn't look lower in them, as Steve says it was usually the factory that done this Ex-USA. All interesting info.

Dale M

Thats right Dale. I think it might have been Tom McIntyre who told me how his Penske Camaro was done. No need to go cutting up the fenders. The whole nose including fenders, bonnet, and front valance all tilt down at the front. The only issue is that it creates a small gap at the top rear of the fenders, and the bottom rear of the fenders overlaps the lower bodywork around the doors. That just needs to be trimmed and a small section of metal added at the top to fill the gap. Looks nice when its done and everything looks in proportion.

[Spgeti]

If it was done to the Black/ Coppins Camaro I think if it was done it would of been when the major changes took place with this car when going into Scheduled E and OSCA.

[spinner32]

I just heard back from a USA contact, he said that the front radiator support panel bracket that mounted the radiator support panel to the chassis was most likely cut and raised up, lowering the radiator support panel to make the fenders and nose sit a bit lower, that way he said there was no cutting of the front fenders that I had planned, though you would still have a gap at the rear of the front fender were it meets the cowl panel and door which explains your picture Steve. Looking at my 68 I could easily do this but would still like some evidence that at least one Camaro raced in NZ like this?

Spinner32...…...sounds interested but i'd like to see any evidence of this, what was this Camaros history after spinner Black sold it?

Ken H, thanks for the pics but it doesn't look lower in them, as Steve says it was usually the factory that done this Ex-USA. All interesting info.

Dale M
Dale, I'm sorry I don't know the full story. The Camaro went south to Dunedin from Rod, and and John Osborne purchased it around 1978. John told me that it had been used as the prototype for PDL2, and there are photos around of the car without the front panels fitted, and it certainly had a substantial roll cage at that time. John once demonstrated to me how stiff the car was by lowering one of the axle stands the car was on at that time slightly, and showed me how it rocked corner to corner instead of flexing.
After the Camaro returned to the track, I was talking to John about how it was good to see the car on the track again, and being gruff John, said to the effect "Yeh, but they took the lowered front panels off and fitted standard ones" . I didn't know what he meant at the time, but your conversation now makes sense. Get some photos of the car (look up the OSCA webpage) and compare it to the current front and John's car is certainly a lot lower in the grill area.

[Paul B]

Here is a bit of an interesting story on the Penske Camaro

https://www.caranddriver.com/archives/the-lightweight-camaro-1967-donohue-trans-am-camaro-archived-test-review


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Pic's from Hemmings Motor News

I also read in another article regarding the nose lowering, that the front radiator panel was sectioned 1 inch and the inner fenders were wedged back from the radiator panel. So the gap occurred in the rear top of the fender and also the lower back edges of the fenders were trimmed, as Steve explained.

[Kiwiboss]

Levins Graham Bagarie tested his new 69 HMC Mustang on the weekend at Manfeild. He has a few jobs to do to totally comply and he's good to go. Apparently it went real good and was only just off the performance of Kevin Gimbletts 67 Camaro, a pretty good effort outa the box first time.

[Rod Grimwood]

Couple photos of bars as discussed and front of car.

[Kiwiboss]

Had these two pics sent to me today from the Portland Historics at Portland International Raceway, OR

[Roger Dowding]

Wow, I was there in 1988 at the Historics hard to believe 30 years ago !!

[Kiwiboss]

Philip Macey's XC falcon Coupe making progress.....we should see him this season.

[Spgeti]

Philip Macey's XC falcon Coupe making progress.....we should see him this season.

Geez that is nice !

[Steve Holmes]

I agree. Great looking car.

[Paul B]

There were so many of these about in the day, great to see another coming on. Agree with you all, it looks the part for sure, I love just about anything fastback.

[kiwi285]

Philip - that car is really starting to look fantastic. Really looking forward to seeing it in the flesh when you are ready.

[Kiwiboss]

Recent pictures of Philip Maceys XC falcon Coupe, he's on the home straight.

[nigel watts]

Brilliant - can't wait to see it on the track.

[Andrew Metford]

Manfield debut in 2 weeks?

[Spgeti]

Manfield debut in 2 weeks?

I don’t think it will be quite ready for MG Andrew. Would be great if it was.
Think he is targeting Taupo Historic GP in January.

[Kiwiboss]

In for wheel alignment dummy up in the morning, panelbeaters Friday for the front flares and wedge nose and a few other small imperfections. Has to be at the painters before X-Mas so his boys can do it as a fill in over the X-mas/New Year break.

[Spgeti]

And a monster 427 !!!!

[Paul B]

Very cool Dale!, cant wait to hear that 427 fire up!

[Kiwiboss]

Was going to fit a Boss302 engine but rules won't allow...…………….. :) ha ha

[Andrew Metford]

Serious question here - how do you do a wheel alignment dummy up ( what is a dummy up anyway?? ) with no engine and gearbox? It will sit differently with all that extra weight not there.

[Kiwiboss]

Serious question here - how do you do a wheel alignment dummy up ( what is a dummy up anyway?? ) with no engine and gearbox? It will sit differently with all that extra weight not there.

Easy Andrew, remove the front springs and chock the suspension arms so the car sits at ride height, to obtain the correct suspension arm angles and roll center to roll axis diamentions the inner lower pivot bolt has to be a certain measurement from its center to the ground level, all a no-brainer and once done I take it to my wheel alignment shop to set the camber, caster and toe set(dummied up), all this will be redone once the car is final finished and assembled.

I build every car this way because once its painted and assembled, etc you don't want to go chopping, drilling and grinding to obtain these critical measurements, remember its about that making the car handle best working within the factory componentry and parts. Dale M

[Paul B]

Was going to fit a Boss302 engine but rules won't allow...…………….. :) ha ha
Ha ha, nice one!
Put some Chevrolet badges on the valve covers.
Really keen to see it finished Dale.
Cheers

[Spgeti]

The MG Classic is next weekend and we have a fantastic Feilding of car attending this year.
While our grid is down on numbers the quality is there.
9 HMC and 12 HSC cars so 21 in total.

This is the best event in the lower North Island and is worth coming to see and MG do a great job of it.
Thanks to Ron and his team.

Cheers

[Kiwiboss]

The MG Classic is next weekend and we have a fantastic Feilding of car attending this year.
While our grid is down on numbers the quality is there.
9 HMC and 12 HSC cars so 21 in total.

This is the best event in the lower North Island and is worth coming to see and MG do a great job of it.
Thanks to Ron and his team.

Cheers

"Keep it Small and Keep it All" Bruce, more than happy with that number and infact all I expected, we want Quality not Quantity.

[Paul B]

The MG Classic meeting at Manfeild 11 Nov 2018, Great racing, great cars & great people, a good time all round, excellent meeting
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[Paul B]

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[Kiwiboss]

Great pics Paul B and what a great weekend had by all. Between running around I managed to snap a few myself....

[Paul B]

Great to some people shots and to see all the minds together sorting Greg's clutch out, I think they had success too
Cheers

[Spgeti]

Yeah, a lot of help by all to Greg and Natalie. Good team work by all.

[Kiwiboss]

Philip Macys engine for his XC Falcon gets Dyno'd this week...……...

[Kiwiboss]

Progress on the 68 Camaro has been rather slow due to a busy shop. Picked it up from the beaters last Saturday with the wedge nose all done, the front fender flares and other body work tidied up. Start stripping out the last couple of days and now up on the rotisserie to weld up the underside and add a few Penske tricks, must be back at the painters by the 7th Jan so no holidays for me :( enjoy.

[Steve Holmes]

Wow, looks great! What colour will it be?

[Kiwiboss]

Wow, looks great! What colour will it be?

The same blue Steve, will be a Penske replica, I even have a guy that will hand paint the yellow pin striping on.

[kiwi285]

Great work Dale - looking forward to seeing this one completed.

[Paul B]

looks Awesome Dale!
Cheers

[Steve Holmes]

The same blue Steve, will be a Penske replica, I even have a guy that will hand paint the yellow pin striping on.

Thats awesome. Its the most iconic colour scheme for a 67/68 Camaro in my opinion.

[Kiwiboss]

Couple more pics while I have lunch...…...

[kiwi285]

Interesting for us to see how its done and what is involved.

[Kevin Hirst]

Interesting for us to see how its done and what is involved.

Somebody has nicked the diff while you where having lunch, [rotten b#%$@ s ]

[Steve Holmes]

Do you use Tig or Mig for doing that section Dale?

[Kiwiboss]

Do you use Tig or Mig for doing that section Dale?

Mostly Mig welded Steve, Tig is nice but a lot slower and doesn't look old skool enough tho I have tig welded the side intrusion bars.

[928]

Dale,
what is the diff/axle from please?

[Kiwiboss]

Dale,
what is the diff/axle from please?

just your normal Chevy Camaro 12 Bolt diff with full floater hub ends...…...

[928]

Dale,
many thanks. i thought it may have been one of those power sucking 9 inch things

[John McKechnie]

Ford should stay with Ford and Chev/Holden have only Chev 12 bolt.

[928]

I totally agree, this is why the previous incarnation of aussie taxi race cars always have been a joke

[Kiwiboss]

Dale,
many thanks. i thought it may have been one of those power sucking 9 inch things

Correct, power suckers they are but breakable they are not...…..beside, this is a 68 Camaro and must have the correct diff fitted even tho I could used a 9inch......

[John McKechnie]

No Dale, the days of backyard racers fitting Ford diffs to Chevs/Holdens are gone. Anyway, it devalues them- the cars that is.

[Kiwiboss]

One of our last vehicles to be bought into line and comply with the regs is the McCaughan Capri V8. We allowed this Capri to race due it been one of the very early entry vehicles with-in the group but as from next year all Capris must be on their manufactures factory wheel size(diameter). Im currently doing the wheel fitment and brake down size conversion and it looks to be all quite simple and will work just as good. Avon make a very nice DOT road/race tyre in 13inch which is very similar in size to the 15's that were on this car.

I've add a pic of the Seton Capri race car to give the idea

Dale M

[Kiwiboss]

This is how the Capri V8 looks on 13inch wheels. Have fitted 13X8's all-round with 245/50 rear tires and 215/55 fronts. This will now make this car complaint and end the V8 Capri issues in HMC, as from the end of this year every Capri must be on its Factory size 13 inch diameter wheels.

[Kiwiboss]

HMC Capri V8 built to the South African Perana specs is now finished with all updated and correct parts added including the chrome moldings around the windows, chrome bumpers, side moldings. See this Capri racing at the Dennis Marwood Classic, Taupo, 27th/28th April 2019.

[Steve Holmes]

Looks great Dale! Beautiful work as always.

[Kiwiboss]

Looks great Dale! Beautiful work as always.

These two are making good progress as well Steve, the Mustang should be at Taupo for our last meeting this weekend and HQ Holden for next season. Its amazing the builds in progress and others taking interest......this season has been about steadying the ship(as the say) and we are now moving forward full bore......

[kiwi285]

Here are the entries for this weekend at Taupo. As you can see a great line up and a variety of cars.

1. #94 Brady McCaughan, Waipapa, Ford Capri 1972, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HMC)
2. #102 Brent Smith, Auckland, Ford Escort Twin Cam 1968, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HSC)
3. #4 Colin Campbell, Tauranga, Ford Escort RS2000 Mk1 1974, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HSC)
4. #23 Dale Mathers, Tauranga, Ford Mustang Boss 302, 1969, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HMC)
5. #103 Dennis McConnell, Warkworth, Ford Escort 1968, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HSC)
6. #20 Dennis Mills, Hamilton, Datsun P510 1969, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HSC)
7. #58 Graeme Bagrie, Levin, Ford Mustang 1969, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HMC)
8. #72 Greg Goudie, Auckland, Ford Mk 1 Escort RS 1972, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HSC)
9. #483 Neville(Hillsy)Hills, Auckland, Ford Escort 1973, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HSC)
10. #08 Ian Williamson, Wanganui, Mazda RX2 1972, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HSC)
11. #117 John Sampson, Auckland, Ford Capri RS2600 1970, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HMC)
12. #172 Karl Sentch, Auckland, Datsun 240Z 1972, Historic Sports and GT(HSGT)
13. #3 Kevin Gimblett, Papamoa, Chevrolet Camaro, 1967, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HMC)
14. #21 Michael McCaughan, Northland, Ford Falcon 1970, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HMC)
15. #227 Natalie Campbell, Palmerston North, Ford Capri 1973, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HSC)
16. #66 Nick Bowyer, Sydney, Australia, Ford Escort 1977, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HSC)
17. #187 Pat Excell, Tauranga, Ford Anglia 1965, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HSC)
18. #1 Poul Christie, Auckland, Ford Escort MK1 RS2000, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HSC)
19. #25 Rex Bentham, Tauranga, Mk2 Jaguar, 1960, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HSC)
20. #104R Rodger Cunninghame, TeAnau, Ford Mustang 1966, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HMC)
21. #10 Sean McCaughan, Waipapa, Northland, Ford GTHO Falcon, 1971, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HMC)
22. #104 Tony Mexted, Auckland, Ford Mustang, 1970, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HMC)
23. #70 Tony Roberts, Napier, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, 1970, Blue, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HSGT)
24. #35 Nigel MacDonald, Hawera, Red Dawson Mustang, 1967 Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon cars(HMC)
25. #59 John McKechnie, Auckland, Cambridge Monaro, 1969, Historic Muscle Cars/Historic Saloon Cars(HSC)

[Andrew Metford]

Well done Dale on getting a great grid together. Better than the Improved Production grid of 8 cars, or the Hooters Vintage grid of 7...…..

[Spgeti]

Well done Dale on getting a great grid together. Better than the Improved Production grid of 8 cars, or the Hooters Vintage grid of 7...…..

Thank you Andrew. We would like to thank the guys and girls for continually supporting us by entering these events.
We can’t do it without their support.
If you want racing these days you must commit to your group because the day that no one turns up is the day that it ends.
There is also to many race meetings these days and to many classes competing for the same bit of property...
Your welcome to join us with your lovely MGB GT as well for next season.

[Kiwiboss]

Few pit images from the weekend, last race cancelled due to track conditions(wet, more like a Lake). We(HMC/HSC) have had probably the best season ever, 6 rounds with no major damage and great turn out of cars. Driving standards have certainly lifted with respect amongst the group for each others vehicles.

The 2 Sports and GT cars attracted lots of interested with a possible Schedule K mid year corvette been imported just for the class.

We even had one person fly up from Queenstown just to view HMC/HSC with an eye on been apart of this plus offcourse Rodger Cunningham's huge effort bringing his brand new built 65 Fahey Replica Mustang up from Te Anau. Overall the best season ever. Dale M

[Spgeti]

Well said Dale and I concur, the best season ever and such a respect for each other’s cars and the track conditions.
We had some serious period Historic cars racing with the group for this meeting as well.
Nigel McDonald in his 67 Shelby TransAm Mustang, Brent Smith in his Dads Willment/Richards Escort Twin Cam, Dennis McConnell in his Halliday Bros/Woolf BDG Freighters Escort and John McKechnie in his Cambridge Monaro.

Tremendous effort by Rodger and Barbara Cunninghame to bring their new build Fayhe Tribute Mustang up all the way from Invercargill.
What a glorious build this car is as well.

Visitors were Wayne Perkins from the South Island and Trevor Griffin with his 1972 Ex B&H Fiat 125T which he drove from Napier and put on display, Top effort guys..

Karl Sentch fitted straight in with his Datsun 240Z and really enjoyed racing in a grid of correct cars.
No dents and just total respect...we have come along way this year and now busy planning next year.

[Kiwiboss]

Finally after 6 months the Camaro is back from the painters, now the fun bit starts

[Steve Holmes]

Looks awesome Dale! How did you get the correct Sunoco blue colour mix?

[Kiwiboss]

Looks awesome Dale! How did you get the correct Sunoco blue colour mix?

Steve, i contacted Jon Mello in the USA and he linked me to this E-mail below:

"Pat Ryan (who owns the #15 above) says that for Ditzler paint the color codes are...

Sunoco Blue: 12302

Sunoco Yellow: 81229"

Whatever Ron used on this replica, it looks very accurate to the original.

[khyndart in CA]

Hello Dale,
Looking forward to seeing you driving this great looking vehicle.
Here is another Sunoco Penske machine I photographed at Laguna Seca. 2016.
A great colour blue that changes as you walk around the car.

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(Ken Hyndman photos..)

[Kiwiboss]

Thanks Ken, the colour is also similar to a Ford Fleet blue from back in the day but we wont tell the Chebbie guys that ha ha.......

Couple more pics of progress. Dale M

[kiwi285]

Looking good Dale - it is easy to see the work that goes into a car when you see such photos.

Looking at the different colours that appear from the different photos - can see why some people get sidetracked.

[Kiwiboss]

Philip Maceys XC Falcon coupe historic race car on display at the Speedshow yesterday(Sat 13th July). Had a good chat with Philip, he has not driven the car yet but will test in the next few weeks, he wants to go south for the Waimate 50 to kick off and then start the season with HMC/HSC Inc. He had a prime spot at the show and received a ton of positive comments, mainly how correct the car looks especially the wheels.

[kiwi285]

That is a fantastic looking car and will be a great addition to the grids.

[Kiwiboss]

Had the pleasure of having the Segedin Mustang in my shop today, along with Ian Rankin, Murray Maunder and Steve Holmes doing film work for a new TV program(watch this space).

Thanks to Sean and Jane McCaughan for bringing this fabulous Mustang down that now races in the "Historic Saloon Car" Group with its next meeting the Taupo GP, January 2020.

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks for letting us take over your workshop Dale! And the for chocolate muffins. I should visit more often! Ha ha. The cars in your shop and the automobilia etc made for a great backdrop.

[Kiwiboss]

For those interested progress on the 68 Camaro....

[Bruce302]

Looking Good Dale.

[Andrew Metford]

Very nice, your usual high standard of workmanship and presentation. Well done, I bet the owner can't wait to get it on the track - at the opening round next month?

[Kiwiboss]

Very nice, your usual high standard of workmanship and presentation. Well done, I bet the owner can't wait to get it on the track - at the opening round next month?

Hopefully yes Andrew, testing at Taupo Monday and all going to plan the TACCOC one day meeting Nov 3rd at Puke. Dale

[Paul B]

Look awesome Dale! Nice build.

[nigel watts]

Looking forward to seeing it on the track

[Kiwiboss]

Saloon car racing how it was............and what HMC and HSC are about.

[Spgeti]

It’s a great photo Dale. Yes we are similar heaps of Mustangs, Camaros, Escorts, a BMW and a Viva but sadly lacking Mini’s....

[ERC]

Lacking Minis Bruce, in the ERC Series too.

Back in those days in the UK, it was always capacity classes, but note the Hillman Imp with wide arches.

Unfortunately, we haven't really fully embraced the 'classes' concept in Historics, and Historic Muscle Cars is all about Muscle anyway.

The massive speed differential always puts people off entering smaller capacity cars.

[Spgeti]

Angus in his Mini was seriously competitive at Levels this season against the Muscle Cars and yes that’s Angus but our Escorts can take it to the Muscle Cars at both Taupo and Manfield.
Fact the RX2 was the quickest last season at MG in our class at Manfeild.
Many of our race meetings the difference from the front to the rear of the field is no more than 10 seconds per lap.

We have come along way with our grid and for 5 years the Muscle cars have not improved on lap time but the HSC cars have.
It is seriously close at the front both for the HMC and HSC.

We have had a great season with great grids so something must be working...our tour down south was very successful and appreciated by many down there.

[Kiwiboss]

Unfortunately, we haven't really fully embraced the 'classes' concept in Historics, and Historic Muscle Cars is all about Muscle anyway. The massive speed differential always puts people off entering smaller capacity cars.

Not true Ray, Historic Muscle is only about period correctness from that era(as best as possible) you maybe thinking Central Muscle Cars as some get confused? We have tighten the noose even further by making the big cars have more interior fitted and better attention to detail and NOT allowing the rules to slip, HMC cars have gone no faster in the last 5 years as they've hit the performance brick wall and this is mainly due to having an all iron heavy engine over the front axle and bias ply period tyres(as it was).

Bruce is correct, some of the small saloons are at the performance level of the fastest HMC cars, they have lifted their game and new HSC cars coming onboard are at a more period correct level and very quick. We now have a full reverse grid starts without any vehicle starting in pitlane, the times between first and last(as Bruce says) has tighten somewhat.

Also, certain tracks play the advantage either way, Hampton with its long straights and up hill climb helps the V8's, Pukekohe with the kink and Taupo are 50/50 tracks and Manfield suits the small saloons but only just....we had the same down south recently, Levels played towards the small saloons with Foggys Mini dealing to us but Teretonga with its loooong main straight help the V8's.

When i look at old footage from the UK the racing between big and small saloons was impressive, it looks so good and didn't the spectators luv it, sort what we're aiming to have in both groups and thats why i luv the picture i posted.

Take Care of yourself Ray

Regards Dale

[Spgeti]

Having just comeback from the Phillip Island Classic that Dale and I attended (my first time there) and looking how our Trans Tasman Cousins do it....both the Group N (Saloons) and Group S (Sports Cars) had grids of 48 cars in each group and ran all races as Scatch.
The variety was great with racing through out the grids.

We don’t as a country have the population to justify these days separate grids let alone the separation of North Island and South Island.
We do it the best we can but even in ERC Ray the speed differential is there and once upon a time you ran your grids separately .
Today the numbers don’t justify it.

The fastest of the ERC grids are quicker than any Muscle Car so this issue also also applies to those grids.

It’s a sad state that we are in re numbers but we are attracting more people to our grids due to those wanting to be more historically correct. Yes some will alway be cautious and that’s fair enough but that applies to all racing these day in our groups.

Wet here today so being inside is easy...

Take care guys

[Keith844]

Sunday race one at the 2020 MG Classic, my first time watching the Historic Muscle & Saloon Cars in person and it definitely didn't disappoint!


https://youtu.be/vXkYL2lRfts