Just A Mix Of Pics - Ray Green Collection [Archive] - Page 9

Milan Fistonic

01-14-2018, 05:59 PM

Milan, a most excellent find.
The Flinkmeister also remembers being in front of the Coppins Firebird for 4 laps in a Handicap race in 1973 with the same Escort 1300.
He went to HD on Saturday and caught up with Jim Richards...they worked together at Jerry Claytons till Jim went to McMillan Ford.
We were going through my old mags finding his windup comments.
He has fond memories of his little Ford, no matter how much he thrashed it it wouldnt die.
Family motto..."Think Fink"
btw...talking about Maramarua Rally, would you have the program of the previous year- 1974 ? I had my Mini Cooper S in it

This is the entry list for the 1974 Maramarua Rally. You are there at number 112 and I'm there co-driving for Mike Boyle in the ex-Peter Levet Hillman Imp at 89.

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John McKechnie

01-14-2018, 06:54 PM

John Hudson #106.,Mark Parson #73, Howard Collier #66, Gary Pedersen #60, Donald Webster #116, Quentin #31, Brian Tasker..........man these are memories of hill climbs, club gymkanas etc
Look at those names, everyone was there that day, and what a wet one...do you remember the big pile up in the mud on the first big right hander?
I was rapt just to finish...and drive home.
Will tell you the story of the bull trying to attack my car at Taupo.
Thanks Milan, heres my smile for the day !!!!!!!!!

Peter M

01-14-2018, 07:16 PM

Have come back from the Bathurst Revival weekend at HD. I strongly feel more emphasis could have been put on the Kiwi drivers who have competed there over the years. On the friday and saturday I was at the McLaren heritage, I helped them get nearly 40 Kiwis who have raced there. The 1st Kiwi who was on the podium was Jim Palmer in 1968 driving a Holden Dealer Racing team HK Monaro Jim and his Aussie co driver were 2nd, the 1st year Holden won the race. We all know about Jim Richards and Rod Coppins brilliant race in 1974 getting 3rd. Only once has an all Kiwi driver combination won the race that was in 1999 when Greg Murphy and Steven Richards did it.
The only Kiwi drivers focused was Jim and Steven Richards and Paul Radisich, there was something missing with Greg Murphy not being there on the weekend ( I heard he had had a mountain bike accident recently and is on crutches )
The historic touring cars were enjoyable racing, the Central muscle cars always put on a good show with a
large no on the grid.
I question them being at an Historic meeting,the HMC would be more at home there.
My thoughts to keep these events thriving the promoters should talk to the fans as well as drivers, there appears to be getting fewer people attending every year.
My suggestions for future themes, Ford is a marque that is long overdue,a single drivers from the 60s and 70s concentrating collectively on Kiwi drivers also saloon car drivers of the same era.
also British cars (BMC ,Jaguar Rootes and Triumph)
It was good chatting to Jim Richards and John Bowe.
The meeting had a few dissapointments but I do not regret going to it , am eager to get to Taupo this weekend.

Kiwiboss

01-14-2018, 07:17 PM

The only thing I can think of Ray is that with Mr Quinns vast wealth he doesn't care, its like his own "personal event" his "play toy" and if that's the case he would have considered it perfect...............same with his Hampton 101........infact I'm sure there were more spectators at last years 101(or Hampton 500)? it also seems to me he has some influence over Central Muscle as they seem to be his favored and promoted group, it's almost as if this event was for them? that been said I did immensely enjoy there racing. Been a V8 fan those cars sounded awesome at 9-grand coming up the front straight.........

So, maybe he's making money in other arenas we don't understand, he didn't get wealthy by been stupid, their Saturday night legends dinner was $175 per person and was sold out with over 300 attending(so I got told) and easy calculation, but I'm sure the Aussie legends would have come at some cost?

Maybe this is future of how NZ motorsport will be? get rid of the poor people like myself and only deal with the rich? like I said he's not stupid.

Agree Dale. I can't see the point in promoting an event and not really delivering. Add ERC to the above list who were not really overly happy with 2017. Remember we had a full 46 car grid (with 7 reserves!) in 2015.

Having promoted several events over the years, I'd far rather attract plenty of paying drivers and turn a profit without advertising or relying on spectator income, than paying for advertising and not delivering a good event - and running at a loss. Like it or lump it, the days of guaranteed solid paying spectators and huge crowds are way gone for most meetings. Clashing with other summer events is always on the cards (men's tennis final Saturday).

I know the early Festivals lost a lot of money, but I can't see how this one would have made money either.

Neither Hampton Downs nor Taupo offers decent covered spectator facilities with an escape from the sun or the rain, so better to make access cheap and get the money in from the drivers.

It was pretty warm at the weekend and I was more than happy to leave midday having bagged enough photographs to give me plenty to add to my collection.

Had I been running it, I would have had any grid with less than 30 cars on the National track rather than scattered around the extended track, well away from spectators. A promoted meeting has to put spectator considerations high on the list. A non-paying spectator event or club event, drivers always come first as they are paying. Simple enough I would have thought.

The GT meeting back in October was another fizzer with just 11 cars starting on the Sunday for the feature event. Both events have been propped up by the Central Muscle Cars. That is both car premium events failing to deliver and merely shows that the TACCOC and HRC organising teams outperformed the current full time team - and they both understand what makes a good meeting.

Looking forward now to a day out at Leadfoot early February.

ERC

01-14-2018, 08:13 PM

To sum up and move on, even with Jim Barclay and his team chasing people from all over the world, dealing with maybe thousands of emails throughout the year, apart from the first (McLaren) meeting, some grids were still too small to be attractive, but at least there were always enough grids to make a viable meeting.

Last year's meeting showed a totally different attitude to competitors that didn't go down well at all and the backlash for 2018 was obvious back then.

TQ made his money by sheer hard work and spotting gaps in the pet food market and it paid off for him. Being a success in any type of business does not automatically mean that success will follow when diversifying.

Tony Roberts and Chris Watson came from different backgrounds from TQ, but have always had a great rapport with the drivers - particularly so in 'our' sector. Both were TACCOC committee members along with the late Geoff Manning and their breakaway to form HRC carried over some similar attitudes towards drivers.

We backed HD from well before day 1 and when we signed up for our apartment, our solicitor asked just one question; "Do you trust these two guys?"

Every regular racer will know that the TACCOC committee developed a lot of expertise from running huge events such as the Wings and Wheels at Whenuapai which attracted a massive field and more to the point, massive crowds. Only the professionally promoted Aussie V8 meetings have got anywhere near those spectator numbers - and all run by what was effectively an amateur team but to a professional standard. Arguably, the wings component probably brought in more spectators that the wheels, but we'll ignore that!

Now we have a world class track and full time professionals but maybe the passion for the actual cars and solid rapport with the weekend drivers is missing - not to mention the spectators? Yes Dale, it is easy to feel that the less well off amateurs are being shoved out but let's not forget that MSNZ have also made it more expensive for the real amateurs, with ever increasing costs. Pukekohe has just jumped on the bandwagon without offering anything more - and in fact, a lot less.

Fingers crossed that someone does a solid debrief and asks relevant questions and that the future is positive. No doubt there hasn't been an announcement regarding 2019 as yet? Or has there? Planning has to start now.

PS: Found this on the internet today:

"It's exceeded my expectations and this weekend has given us confidence to go bigger and better next year," says Quinn. "Bathurst has such a great history and there have been so many New Zealand drivers and cars who've made their mark at Mt Panorama. Then there are countless drivers and cars we can bring over from Australia."

So maybe the track isn't up for sale after all?

Clark Proctor and Bruce Manon, showing a clean pair of heels to the rest of the grid in the scratch races.
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Mal Clark's well campaigned (and driven) Targa and track Rover P6.
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Adam Jones taking a break from filming the Kenny Smith documentary, enjoying his Mk 1 Escort.
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Barry Hare, another regular Targa competitor, in the Rover Vitesse. Not very keen on the matt black look!
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Robbie Halliday Junior - Cortina GT
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Nigel is 100% correct. Turn 3 was just made for a long lens.

The ERC grids are still both hovering at the viable level, but increasing costs are one of the reasons for competitors not doing all rounds. The problem is that reducing the number of rounds in a season may theoretically also reduce support. Some people do want to race often - and can afford it.

Taupo is always a combined grid (AES plus Arrows) as the track is long enough and with good visibility to see cars approaching from behind, so the speed differential isn't as much of a problem as on a shorter track.

Next batch will "Caffeine and Classics" from Dec 31st.

ERC

01-14-2018, 11:25 PM

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Fitting the new woodrim wheel to my own car will be the last job. Sunbeam Rapier
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Roger Dowding

01-15-2018, 04:55 AM

Aha! Thanks for that snippet Roger! Could be interesting to see what happens now.

* See later post #2007

I think I also chatted to Peter M - if he is a McLaren Trust member who was on the Monaco 2012 trip and red hot model collector.

Now that most of HD's basics are in place, it could be a good buy as there is no doubt that TQ had the cash available to finish off a lot of the vision initially laid down by Tony and Chris. We just don't want any potential buyer to ignore who actually supported the complex from several years before the first day of racing.

Ray,yes you did chat with Peter M, he mentioned seeing you and yes a Red Hot model collector , mainly McLarens and NZ cars, as in driven by or made by Kiwi's ..
Cheers
Roger

ERC

01-15-2018, 05:53 AM

Help! Car #6 Formula Libre - ARES Sports car 2013. Can anyone please tell me in what country it was manufactured? Google wasn't much use...

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...and can someone please confirm this one? In the programme #84 John Pickford Reynard FF. Not the best of photographs unfortunately. Probably Formula Renault and should have been carrying 841...

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ERC

01-15-2018, 08:04 AM

PRIME TV - Saturday 9:30pm - Father Brown - "The Laws of Motion" - episode filmed at Shelsey Walsh Hillclimb.

ERC

01-15-2018, 07:54 PM

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What I love about this monthly meet is that there is zero snobbery, unlike the many stories we hear about overseas meets where some jobsworth on the gate denies access to cars he believes don't belong.

Roger Dowding

01-15-2018, 09:09 PM

ERC agree ; quote.

" What I love about this monthly meet is that there is zero snobbery, unlike the many stories we hear about overseas meets where some jobsworth on the gate denies access to cars he believes don't belong. "

Have been made to park around the back once, only because they were getting full, so went further round and parked with other MX5's, created our own group !!

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ERC

01-15-2018, 09:33 PM

You now have to get there early to park in the main area, but fantastic that it overflows every month. Just got a WoF for the Magnette which made a public appearance last year in February, towing the Marcos, but STILL working on the fibreglass bonnet and bootlid...

khyndart in CA

01-15-2018, 09:50 PM

So my LHD 1962 Austin Mini Cooper would not be banned from this event ?

Ken H

John McKechnie

01-15-2018, 09:56 PM

It would if it got flagged by Customs entering the country with rust issues, undesirable foreign bugs, plant matter or salami

khyndart in CA

01-15-2018, 10:02 PM

Then I guess I won't be showing up as I could not pass the salami test !
KH

John McKechnie

01-15-2018, 10:29 PM

Half eaten Maccas is OK as there is no known food content..............

ERC

01-15-2018, 11:39 PM

Bad enough trying to get an original plywood chassis car into NZ even without woodworm - or salami...

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Andrew Metford

01-16-2018, 04:07 AM

[QUOTE=Roger Dowding;63351]
Ray just realised you were typing as I was, Understand that HD is For Sale again, as Mr Quinn needs a sum of money for personal reasons./QUOTE]

You sure about that? He's just sold his Darrell Lea business for $200 million, so that should see him right for a while and buy a few more cars.

Roger Dowding

01-16-2018, 04:18 AM

ERC

01-16-2018, 09:00 PM

Nothing on Google about the reason either Roger, even though we know. Andrew, if you need more info, email me! I enjoyed reading Tony Quinn's book and it gives a reasonably good insight. Apparently, he made money out of it too, which was a surprise to him as he didn't think it would sell as well as it did.

I love autobiographies and biographies and recently managed to track down a copy of Bob McMurray's book in excellent condition, via Trade Me. Another good read is Di Spiers book, "I Only made The Tea". Good friends of the McMurrays.

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You could never call the British saloon cars of that era flash, based on this rather nice Wolseley 6/80. I wonder what it would have looked like painted bright red?
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...like the Studebaker.
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ERC

01-17-2018, 12:48 AM

Non-original V8 in a Daimler Sovereign
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Ford V8 Cortina
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In sharp contrast - Morgan 3 wheeler
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Family resemblance?
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touringcarfan

01-17-2018, 08:49 AM

Without trying to hijack Rays` thread too much...the Bathurst Festival was crap! Very little effort invested I felt. My dream would be a Touring Car themed event with separate grids for Group C, Group A and Super Touring. There are a number of groups world wide that could be contacted to sound out likely support. Cost would be the killer unfortunately. Imagine themes along the lines of Formula One, Group C Sports Cars, Group B Rally etc. One can dream:) Imagine if HRC and TACCOC could pull these off! Have the cars and charge reasonable ticket prices and watch the crowds arrive.

Anthony

ERC

01-17-2018, 09:16 AM

Unfortunately Anthony, NZ being so far from Europe and the USA, it is always going to be almost impossible to attract enough support to make a fully viable international meeting. Judging by Tony Quinn's comments as published, Bathurst is going to be the ongoing theme. Oh deep joy...

If that is going to be the case, then they are going to have to lift the game considerably to attract paying spectators.

I'm pretty sure that Jim Barclay spent a lot of time and effort trying to attract overseas competitors and no doubt where he and his team were successful, it wouldn't necessarily have swelled the coffers.

The Festival certainly needs one or two groups that are more attractive than just a couple of iconic touring cars - and at least 300+ competition cars - not to mention a far more varied and interesting display of show cars. We certainly deserve more than 5 grids too, especially over a two day event.

touringcarfan

01-17-2018, 09:29 AM

Where were all the Heritage Touring Cars from Australia? What would that have cost? Jim Barclay may well have succeeded where Tony Quinn failed. And what about display laps? There are cars out there that would be ideal candidates. They might not be racing but they invoke memories and those memories create passion! The Sampson clan went to Muscle Car Masters last year and one of the best features was Heritage Hot Laps...a handful of cars made me tear up every time they went out on track...don`t mind admitting it. This event HAS to be better next time Ray or I won`t be there.

Anthony

John McKechnie

01-17-2018, 09:32 AM

Taken from Wikkipedia-
Mount Panorama began as a dirt-track/tourist-drive carved out of the bald hills around the bustling city of Bathurst in the mid 1930s. The Council of the time, specifically Mayor Martin Griffin, had a vision for a premier motor racing circuit with the sharp hills, hairpin bends and a fast downhill straight that would inspire awe and demand respect from all who took up the challenge for years to come. Strong support from the New South Wales Light Car Club, Auto Cycle Union and the Federal Government, through a national employment relief scheme, saw this vision become a reality. On 17 March 1938 Mayor Martin Griffin declared the Mount Panorama Scenic Drive open. He always knew that the road was going to be used for motor racing but Depression Era funds weren't easy to come by, so he had to create a ruse. At Easter 1938 the first races were held and except for the war (WWII), have been run ever since.

Mount Panorama is indisputably a Mecca for motor racing fans all over Australia and around the world. On 16 April 1938, Mount Panorama attracted an overwhelming 20,000 spectators to its first race, The Australian Tourist Trophy.

My point.....So there is a lot of variety and themes possible on a yearly basis if imagination and planning was used properly

Rod Grimwood

01-17-2018, 09:33 AM

touringcarfan

01-17-2018, 09:37 AM

ERC

01-17-2018, 08:16 PM

The first Festival in 2010 was a huge success in terms of the competitor turnout and we not only saw a lot of cars from overseas, but also from the South Island - most we haven't seen since. Despite that, I believe it was a huge financial loss, but the Hampton Downs owners probably saw it as putting HD on the map and therefore money well spent to get the ball rolling.

As we are in the northern hemisphere off season, and given the huge costs to enter high profile meetings and minimal track time there, I believe that the costs of freighting cars to NZ and doing several events would be surprisingly attractive to many racers if they were more aware.

When I say 'minimal track time', think on this. Having attended the Monaco Historics in 2012, over the three days, cars had maybe three track sessions only and the entry fee was $5,000NZD. As is usual, a 15 minute race followed by 30 minutes of hanging around for spectators. NZ events are run to a much better format. Apart from start time, they do not rigidly adhere to the clock and as long as there are enough groups, spectators see far more track action.

Goodwood Revival, one practice/qualifying on Friday (and a 1 hour race at dusk!) and 1 x 20 minute race on Saturday OR Sunday for most groups. Some two driver groups such as the TT might have been 1 hour, but it was still only 9 races a day. Cars had just two track sessions over a 3 day period - and a total spectator sell out with all Saturday tickets sold out in April for a September meeting!

I have no idea what the entry fee is and it is by invitation only but from my perspective, ALL grids are full and it is a photographic nirvana, so well worth the effort. The Pre 1966 public car park alone is worth a visit.

We can't compete with Goodwood, but there is no excuse whatever for a miserably small turnout of competing cars or display cars.

NZ/Australia has a very rich heritage and I agree with Anthony, there is a huge number of cars that the public would like to see, even if they are only doing demonstration laps. I'd even go as far as to say that from behind a camera, I really don't care whether they are racing, qualifying or demonstrating, just as long as they don't all look the same.

Caffeine and Classics managed an estimated 1,300 display cars February last year - and that is without any race or track cars. My guess is that with hangers on and spectators, the crowd would have been far larger than at HD - and no one paid a cent. Motorsport must be one of the few places where the competitor's provide the entertainment - and pay huge money for the privilege...

ERC

01-17-2018, 08:27 PM

Blasted images have disappeared again... Getting a bit fed up with posts and/or attachments disappearing. Re posted 12:45

Back to what the thread is about, but I don't mind the diversions! A real mix of cars. It isn't always easy getting an unobstructed shot, so most of these are indeed 'snapshots'!

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Some of the detail touches on customised cars are what makes them so interesting. For a non-engineer/mechanic, is this attaching bodywork to the engine and wouldn't it need rubber bushes? Just curious as I work on the fibreglass bonnet of my own car...
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TVR
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For Spgeti of course...
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RogerH

01-17-2018, 08:44 PM

Remember the first festival, cars from all over the world there in the huge marque. would have been 90 to 100 million bucks worth just in the big marque. Juniors, F1, Can Am, F5000, sports cars, and out the back HMC, Sports Sedans, your groups. huge, and people loved it.

Bringing in cars and drivers from overseas can be done - it just requires a bit of commitment and organisation.

In 2017 we organised about 30 Formula Juniors to come here from UK, Europe, Australia, US, Canada etc. They ran at most of the North Island and South Island tracks so there was container transportation to be organised, marquees at the tracks etc. It all turned out OK and we even ended up with a small cash surplus. We are planning to do it again in Jan/Feb 2019. We don't seem to fit in with Mr Quinn's plans so we will probably end up running our own historic event.

ERC

01-18-2018, 12:16 AM

More power to your elbow Roger! Pity that future planning by HD seems to largely ignore the Classic/Historic sector and what they contribute via their enthusiasm and obvious ability, to what makes a meeting worth travelling to.

Whenuapai would still be the ideal location for a motorsports/aviation venue and its closeness to the major population hub makes it even more suitable. HD may well be half way between Hamilton and Auckland, but that doesn't seem to have made it attractive to spectators in any great numbers and with zero public transport facilities, it doesn't help.

ERC

01-18-2018, 01:23 AM

Wet, miserable and stormy so not working outside on fibreglassing or decking...

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Spgeti

01-18-2018, 01:33 AM

Nice Ray, owned a 500 a few years ago and been for a ride in a 308GT.

The trouble today is that we have so many events on and in direct competition as well and that dilutes the grids.

We have a similar event down here like your classics in the park, called the breakfast club, and it is always full to the brim.

It is hard work even just organising a grid let alone a meeting and I take my hat off to those who do.
I did not attend the Bathurst Festival so I really can’t comment but I am heading off to Taupo in the morning so will report back.
HMC/HSC have a healthy grid of 26 so far without the late withdrawals.

Seriously considering selling my GTV and getting a drive on the road classic and go and enjoy the more traditional classic car groups.

Spgeti

01-18-2018, 02:30 AM

And I would volunteer to help you guys create something of our own:)

Anthony

Anthony you are always welcome to help us in HMC/HSC,

Cheers

Bruce

khyndart in CA

01-18-2018, 03:37 AM

My boss at Moss Motors in California, was in NZ last year and he was amazed at the quality and workmanship put into the classic cars he saw such as what you show here Ray.
And he knows what he is talking about.
So well done you Kiwis it does not go unnoticed!
(Ken H)

nigel watts

01-18-2018, 03:43 AM

Nice to see some classics & hotrods Ray. I go to lots of those events myself and have heaps of images of some fantastic cars.

ERC

01-18-2018, 08:20 PM

Three totally different takes on what made an American car over the decades. Ford, Cadillac, Chevrolet.
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Three totally different takes on what made a British performance car over the decades. Buckler, Sunbeam Tiger and McLaren.
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ERC

01-19-2018, 08:48 PM

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ERC

01-20-2018, 09:40 PM

Oh drat! Headed for Hampton Downs this morning (couldn't make yesterday as the ready mix concrete truck was booked) only to arrive and find that they'd condensed the two days into one... Ho hum.

Not an area I'm interested in, but just to show the variety.
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As you may be able to tell, these are in the 'overflow' area. There is no designated parking for specific makes, but some groups seem to grab 'their' area each month.
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nigel watts

01-20-2018, 09:54 PM

Wow, just as well I didn't go [from Tauranga]. After being in the sun all day at Taupo yesterday I decided not to go - but I did plan to go.

ERC

01-21-2018, 08:41 PM

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One of these Vauxhalls very nearly killed my brother when it took a left hand corner too quickly, spun, then rolled right in front of him, as he was walking to Sunday school. In those days, it was a derestricted speed limit area and in later years, it always puzzled me how anyone could possibly have spun there - but I was driving Minis where corners like that weren't an issue. It was pre MoT/Wof days too, so maybe the tyres were rubbish? Rather put me off Vauxhalls.
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Next 'Caffeine & Classic' meet is Sunday. I might take the Magnette if I can make more progress on the bonnet panels. I keep changing my construction methodology and am now on version 4...

Steve Holmes

01-21-2018, 08:46 PM

I love that Thunderbird ^^

ERC

01-21-2018, 09:11 PM

Several Thunderbirds there too Steve. Obviously the uploading of multiple images issues in one hit hasn't been fixed?

Steve Holmes

01-21-2018, 09:15 PM

I'll go back to my tech guy Ray and see if he can come up with a solution.

ERC

01-22-2018, 09:02 PM

Bathhurst Festival

Adrian Reynard's Reynard
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Tony Quinn's Reynard
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ERC

01-23-2018, 11:41 PM

The rarely seen Dome 6 wheeler...
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Mark Petch looks on
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Simtek F1 - Tony Quinn's I believe
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ERC

01-24-2018, 08:48 PM

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ERC

01-25-2018, 08:53 PM

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Car #31 - one of 3 in that race... Trevor Crowe BMW 635 Group A 1983 - that is the sum total of Programme info.

Eleven pages of the programme promoting Hampton Downs/Highland Park though...
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ERC

01-25-2018, 11:20 PM

D'you know x 2?

Sorry, Juno x 2... Strange sense of humour some of us have.
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Holden 1
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Holden 2
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Holden 3
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Roger Dowding

01-26-2018, 04:02 AM

Ray your comment ;
" One of these Vauxhalls very nearly killed my brother when it took a left hand corner too quickly, spun, then rolled right in front of him, as he was walking to Sunday school. In those days, it was a derestricted speed limit area and in later years, it always puzzled me how anyone could possibly have spun there - but I was driving Minis where corners like that weren't an issue. It was pre MoT/Wof days too, so maybe the tyres were rubbish? Rather put me off Vauxhalls. "

They had that wonderful Knee Action front suspension so when you hit the brakes hard the front rose rather than squatting, very disconcerting, and also meant you made more damage as you went over the bumper of the car in front .. back in the day when Bumpers were just that to Bump.. and many were spring loaded, none of this Plastic and deformable structure nonsense.

A Mate of mine had an LIP Velox in the late 1960's in Northern Sports Car Club,had triple carbs, and inline shifter and Escort Flares on the back to cover the " Jolly Wide " widened wheels, went like stink in a straight line !! Wish i had a photo of it..

ERC

01-26-2018, 08:38 PM

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Two of the 3 number 17's... I have no idea who was driving, thanks to the useless programme.
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This could well be Troy Guise.
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ERC

01-28-2018, 07:17 AM

Sunday. Took the Magnette to Caffeine and Classics, but there was another (free) show/meet up at Orewa, so not as many attendees as usual, but as always, some interesting stuff and plenty of people wanting to chat! February 25th will be a big one though.

Peter's Trekka was featured in Saturday's Herald 'Driven' section.

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Andrew Metford

01-28-2018, 10:26 AM

Sunday. Took the Magnette to Caffeine and Classics.... February 25th will be a big one though.

What is the occasion? Might have to go, took the bike last month and saw your 'F, but couldn't find you.

ERC

01-28-2018, 09:05 PM

I think it is another anniversary Andrew. I generally go early and leave early, in time for the daily coffee at Kings Plant Barn, Porana Rd about 11am! Usually seen most cars by then. Hopefully I will have made a bit more progress with the Magnette, but the last two items to be fitted will be the woodrim steering wheel and the MG radiator badge. Still trying to get a really good fit with the bonnet(s) so a lot of grinding, re-glassing, filling, sanding and fettling at the moment, with not a lot to show for it!

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ERC

01-28-2018, 09:15 PM

Back to the Bathurst meeting.

*Once again, the pictures have disappeared... Reloaded 10 noon

The Mortimer Surtees with a new livery.
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Chris Watson's McLaren Gardos
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ERC

01-29-2018, 08:56 PM

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John McKechnie

01-29-2018, 09:23 PM

Looking at the red Torana with the fence around it reminds me of Bob Jane when he saw his restored Championship winning Camaro on display also with a neat fence around.
He ordered the fence to be taken away so people could get close to it as the fans always did.
Cant see this ever going on a race track

ERC

01-30-2018, 12:58 AM

Agree John. If they are going to put a barrier around a car, then at least consider those of us who like to take an unobstructed photograph of it! Having now travelled to many motor museums (and I will continue to do so whenever and wherever I can), some are no more than storage areas, whilst others appreciate the point of a bit of space around the exhibits or an interesting backdrop.

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Can someone please ID this car for me? Not in the programme...
50470

50471

50472

50473

ERC

01-30-2018, 08:46 PM

50478

50479

50480

50481

50482

50483

John McKechnie

01-30-2018, 09:10 PM

Angus looks so docile in a white XJC

ERC

01-31-2018, 02:17 AM

Not too docile John. First pic in the above set has the inside front almost in the air - pretty good for an XJS I would have thought - and this was quite early on.

This pic also taken at 10:18am... One wheel up.

50504

John McKechnie

01-31-2018, 02:38 AM

Nah, he could see you with the camera and gave you a good moment...hes an excellent host.
Hope Les was watching.

4dnut

01-31-2018, 05:12 AM

Just got back home(Sunday)I too had an interesting day as well, quite a few people asked where HMC and HSC were and in fact most thought we were supposed to be apart of the program and stunned to find us not there, I explained that after last years mismanagement, disorganization and been left out of any formal information until a month out, we(like F5000, FJ, HSS, ERC/Arrows) decide it wasn't us anymore..........let alone this years massive proposed entry cost been asking around mid last year, just to find out that the SI Touring car group were subsidized or they wouldn't come..........bizarre.

I got told yesterdays crowd(Saturday) was larger but to be quite honest I thought in reality there was really no one there in proportion today...........a very piss poor crowd considering the advertising and high profile........I can see some marketing people getting hauled over the coals id say....LOL

Still, for me after 7 years of back to back weekends every January plus organizing Australian Trans Am over four times I was more than happy to wander around, chatting and having NO part of any of the organizing or any racing group.........I felt really good and enjoyed my day. Was also great to catch up with Jim Richards, Charlie O'Brien and others too.

Also an interesting note, most I spoke with knew little about the Taupo event too........based on that I'm not expecting it to be a spectator haven...........oh well next week will tell.

PS: didn't know Hampton was for sale again, certainly no talk about it from anyone today!

Hi Dale, The Touring car grid also declined this at the AGM last year due to proposed high entry fees. I still struggle how when organising a 'Bathurst' festival this group wasn't organised to be part of it. Anyway it was only at the 101 when I was chatting with one of the guys from Hampton over a beer he said that they needed them, and due to the last minute nature of it they offered a carrot.

ERC

01-31-2018, 06:10 AM

I also contacted the producers of the programme. It was HD who provided the information - or lack of it.

I'm not sure about others, but I hate it when the entrant list (such as it was) is scattered all over the programme.

Will anyone at HD seek feedback or listen to the grizzles? Was the programme detail supplied by secretarial staff or someone who understands the purpose of a race programme, or has any interest at all in the sport?

Has planning started yet for 2019, before the various race groups do their own calendar and will any lessons have been learned from 2 generally unsatisfactory Festivals?

All vey well offering a carrot at the last minute, but they needed a bunch of carrots, as I for one will probably skip next year, for the first time - and ditto, the October 101. One hiccup is a hiccup, two less than satisfactory Festivals on the trot looks, grim, so unless the game is lifted sky high for 2019, support for the January Festival is going to evaporate totally, and that is very, very sad.

Andrew Metford

01-31-2018, 07:43 AM

Will anyone at HD seek feedback or listen to the grizzles?

No.

They didn't listen before either, long before the track was sold. They sent out an email survey / questionnaire after the festival 3 or 4 years ago, asking a string of questions, and then the last section you could write whatever you wanted. I gave them a good list of the problems I saw, and an idea to fix each one. Never heard boo back from them, and each subsequent Festival has never had any of the problems even addressed, let alone rectified. As I said in the other thread ( What's the answer? ), this was the first festival I haven't been to. I used to come back from Perth especially for them, this time I was home ( for good ). It's going to need a pretty spectacular turn around of a lot of things to get me back to another one as well.

ERC

01-31-2018, 08:45 PM

50544

50545

50546

50547

50548

50549

ERC

01-31-2018, 09:01 PM

A quick skip back to break things up a bit. Apologies if any have been posted before.

50554

50560

50556

Triumph Dove GT.
The internal pre '66 GRRC members car park at the Goodwood Revival, is trackside, but not too large and always worth a good look. I missed it in 2016 as there is no tractor stop there! In 2009, I had my youngest brother in tow (he's the slim one on the right) and I didn't really have the time to dawdle.
50557

50559

Triumph Italia. The external public pre '66 car park at the Goodwood Revival often has some real gems. Hopefully this year, I'll somehow or other manage to walk around a bit of it instead of just passing through - though my feet do get rather tired with so much standing and walking!
50558

Roger Dowding

01-31-2018, 10:37 PM

John McKechnie

01-31-2018, 11:07 PM

Roger.....Dove featured in NZ Classic Car Mag a couple of years ago. Frank is the owner, was here for years.

ERC

01-31-2018, 11:30 PM

Pic #5 Roger = NZ! DG 6090 taken at Western Springs February 2014.

Roger Dowding

01-31-2018, 11:36 PM

Pic #5 Roger - NZ! DG 6090 taken at Western Springs.

ERC and John, thanks,
Presume the Car is still around the " Dove GT ",must watch out for it. I was a member of the New Zealand Triumph TR Register from 1978 to around 1985/86.. they had a good spare parts import service, would either import for you as happened with front Guards for my TR, or help with the Import Licence process to do it yourself.

ERC

01-31-2018, 11:49 PM

There is a Brit & Euro car Day at Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga Sunday 4th March 10am - 4pm. it might well be there!

http://www.briteurocarshow.nz/

ERC

02-01-2018, 02:16 AM

Then and now (well, almost now...). Black and white's taken by dad of course.

ERA R1A - Silverstone 1948
50575

ERA R1a - Monaco 2012
50576

ERA R2A - Donington 1939
50577

ERA R3A - Goodwood 2000
50578

ERA R4A - Donington 1938
50579

ERA R4a - Goodwood 2009
50580

ERC

02-01-2018, 08:41 PM

....continuing a theme.
One of the two most famous ERAs of all - R4D at Donington. Raymond Mays at the helm.
50598

R4D
50599

The other famous car - R5B driven here by Tony Rolt in 1938
50600

R5B at Monaco 2012 - Remus. One of the most successful race cars of all time, especially in the hands of the late Hon Pat Lindsay. I suspect that either some of the other front running ERA's have been further developed - or Remus has been pegged back a wee bit.
50601

R6B - Donington 1939
50602

R6B - Monaco 2012
50603

Oldfart

02-01-2018, 09:23 PM

Ray, there has been quite a bit of discussion over here on the "modified" performance of , in particular, the ERAs. The tyre size has been mentioned, titanium con rods and a whole lot more. Of course totally new blocks etc. Personally I would like to see the performance "as it was" and I can comprehend the desire to increase the longevity of expensive components. Almost harks back to another thread on TRS :)
Bigger, stickier tyres Hmmmm.

ERC

02-01-2018, 11:00 PM

A desire to win Rhys. A desire to win... I have always stuck with the mechanically standard spec of my own car other than for brakes (safety reasons) and 1" bigger wheels - necessary to clear the brakes. On another thread here, there is mention of an 820bhp Falcon. I wonder what they produced in period?

I had one racer (who shall be nameless) wanting a class for standard cars, claiming his car was standard. The engine builder said that it may well look standard, but that was as far as it went.

Does the average spectator care? I just want to see cars on the track. The more merrier and the greater the variety the better. It's a bit like Donald Trump (and many others I suspect), cheating at golf. The only person you are kidding as to your talent is yourself.

Retaining original parts for longevity and originality is fair enough, but the replacements shouldn't give a performance increase and maybe revs need to be limited to original?

Given the age of the ERA's particularly, I'm stoked that I can still see cars that my dad enjoyed, 80+ years ago - yes, 80 years ago. I can't see my great grand children lusting after TRS cars (Toyota, not this thread!).

ERC

02-01-2018, 11:07 PM

ERA R7B - Donington - of course
50656

R7B at the Richard Seaman Oulton Park races, 1975
50619

R7B back in its original colours - Goodwood 2016
50620

R8B - Donington - Earl Howe
50621

R8B - Cuth Harrison - note the 'streamlined' nose - Silverstone 1948. Later rebodied back to original by Bruce Spollon and painted deep blue.
50622

ERC

02-02-2018, 08:46 PM

ERA R9B - Silverstone 1948 - Ansell
50657

ERA R9B - Goodwood 2016
50658

ERA R10B - Donington 1939
50659

ERA R10B - Monaco 2012
50660

ERA R11B - Donington 1939. One of my favourite photographs of Dad's.
50661

R11B - Goodwood 2009
50662

Spgeti

02-03-2018, 12:41 AM

Hi Ray, great selection of your Dad’s photos and the modern photos of the cars today.
What a lucky man to of been able to witness that era.

I just love the ERA’s and the MG’s from that time.

Oldfart

02-03-2018, 10:01 AM

Retaining original parts for longevity and originality is fair enough, but the replacements shouldn't give a performance increase and maybe revs need to be limited to original? ( Quote from Ray above)

There is a great solution. Organiser to supply the limiter, sealed. Damn another cost ! But it really is a solution, and might stop the spending. Then again I actually think a lot of these folks LIKE to be able to tell everybody how much it costs!

ERC

02-04-2018, 07:01 AM

Quick diversion - back to the last of the ERA's tomorrow.

Leadfoot Sunday. Admittedly, we weren't there by 8am, but somewhat ruined by so many stoppages, from cars going foraging in the undergrowth, to a major diesel spill. Somewhat ironic as the programme stated that the errant diesel (1990 Nissan Safari) has an injector pump that puts out three times as much as the standard issue. Having liberally coated much of the track, not that long after the lunch break, I missed several cars I really wanted to see, as we were due to leave at 3pm.

One of my favourite spots for photographs, the right side of the track at the start, was blocked off (according to one official, on safety grounds, as the event is now run under a MSNZ permit...). Shame. The backdrop of caged camper vans somewhat ruins the shots from the other side of the track.

Just a taster - starting with a TRS regular:
Almac Cobra
50743

This tribute car (not really a replica) was one I was really looking forward to seeing and hearing. Alas, I never saw it on track nor did I hear it run.
50744

An ex-ERC driver car combination. Bert Dove reunited with his Triumph TR3A.
50745
However, this stunning Bugatti replica was just fantastic.
50746

Greg Murphy was very impressed with it too.
50747

Oldfart

02-04-2018, 07:39 PM

Ray, some time back you asked about Donington Collection. We went today. When you go in it's now largely German military vehicles in the first 3 halls, with a fair bit of the multitude of US military too. You then get into the F1 stuff. Many of the Williams thrugh to 2011, several McLaren, more the obtuse ones, loads of Force India, then the very last hall has the Vanwalls, and BRM. Then you have to turn round and come all the way back. Worth a visit. For me never again, but it's a maybe. Good to see the last hall and some good video presentations.

ERC

02-04-2018, 08:47 PM

Looks as though they have painted the Donington floors light grey Rhys, which may make it a lot lighter. It appears as though the really interesting stuff to me (ie 1930's to 1970's) is now down to just one hall, as the more recent F1 stuff is just very samey. I might go again in September, but not too sure that I'd get any real value from it. Just imagine how good it was without the military vehicles and with more interesting single seaters, especially the one offs, instead.

I just don't see any synergy between WW2 Military and F1, but hey, it's now Kevin's collection and he can display what he wants. I just don't see it being worth $25NZ of my money having been so many times previously. The only advantage would be getting better quality photographs of a few cars.

Last of the ERAs.

R12B - Whenuapai 1984! Sadly, due to family commitments, I never got to hear it run.
50752

R12B - Goodwood 2000
50749

R12C - Donington 1939
50750

R12C - Goodwood 2016
50751

R14B - Silverstone 1948 - Bob Gerard.
50748

ERC

02-04-2018, 11:11 PM

I should add the two ERA E-types

ERA GP1 - Duncan Ricketts has made an excellent job of making this car go well and now has a couple of race wins to his credit. Sadly, it failed at Goodwood 2016. Fingers crossed for 2018.
50753

ERA GP2 - ex Donington collection... Goodwood 2009.
50754

Roger Dowding

02-05-2018, 03:07 AM

Ray, the R12B at Whenuapai in 1984, Presume this car at Dunedin in 1984.

Saw it in a Motor Cycle Shop on display, then at the Racing

50756

50758

In the Pit Area
50757

Racing with the 260M My photo
50755

Racing with the 260M "Otago Daily Times "photo -a better camera and operator I think ??
50759

John McKechnie

02-05-2018, 03:20 AM

Interesting Russian sign behind.

Allan

02-05-2018, 07:01 AM

I think you might find the Russian writing is the name on a ship John.

John McKechnie

02-05-2018, 07:06 AM

Thanks Allen, also explains why it is on a slant.
Dont know the layout of Otago, so didnt know wharves were so close

ERC

02-05-2018, 08:18 PM

Back to the Bathurst meeting. Not quite the magic of the above, but at least it was a good grid.
50763

50764

50765

50766

50767

50768

Roger Dowding

02-06-2018, 03:15 AM

Thanks Allen, also explains why it is on a slant.
Dont know the layout of Otago, so didnt know wharves were so close

John Mck - yes wharves were close and the Sprints that weekend were run close by them too !! shades of the Wellington Street Races.:cool:

ERC

02-06-2018, 08:32 PM

50850

50851

50852

I now struggle with naming/identifying the sports cars. So easy when it was Austin Healeys and Triumphs... Now, trying to track down in what country a car was built is a problem, as dear old Google doesn't always come up with the answers. This is down as an ARES...
50853

Early Radical.
50854

Formula Suzuki.
50855

ERC

02-07-2018, 08:11 PM

French get support from the British...
50904

We are now getting some decent support for Formula Libre - at long last. We have so many formulae that have dropped by the wayside over the years that this class deserves support from those who just want to blow the cobwebs out of cars that would otherwise just be gathering spiders.
50905

50906

50907

50908

50909

Oldfart

02-07-2018, 09:20 PM

There is a place for those Formula Pacifics :)

ERC

02-08-2018, 08:42 PM

Warwick Mortimer
50937

Donn White's Mini
50938

A pair of identical Falcons...
50939

Warwick Mortimer - again BMW
50940

Kevin Burke - Valiant Charger - no year stated in the programme... Its bad enough when the programme doesn't have the info we require, but surely, those in charge should at least fill in the gaps rather than leave spaces? I presume they didn't use HRC's on line entry system?
50941

Long time Holden driver, Veen Smith.
50942

ERC

02-09-2018, 08:34 PM

French mix.

Dad's plastic Merit kit - I could never afford the Merit kits - especially the super-kits, where there was an engine! I was limited to the 2/- Airfix kits, which was 4d short of a full week's pocket money. Dad gave me 1s 4d - which was supposedly index linked to what he got(!); 6d from Mum; 6d from the lady across the road for doing her shopping on Saturday. I suppose that total equates to about 20c NZ.

Found my first pay packet yesterday. Four pounds 10s before tax and NHS bringing it down to just over four pounds. About $8NZD. Whole pay packet tipped up to my parents and they gave me 25% after paying me back for any lunches I had to buy. No wonder that at 16, I couldn't afford a motorbike or to date girls! I couldn't afford a Ferrari 250 GTO at $10,000NZD either...
50980

British F1 Grand Prix meeting 1977.
50981

Goodwood 2000
50982

Monaco 2012. This is either a different car or the mirrors have been changed.
50983

Goodwood Festival 2002. The sculptures located in front of Goodwood House are always impressive.
50984

Monaco 2012 - Matra F1
50985

ERC

02-10-2018, 07:31 PM

Another mix. Recently scanned slides (except the last pic).

Basil Dagge's rapid Imp at Prescott. Occasionally, we'd be in the same class at a sprint, when they threw road modified cars (mine) in with race saloons, (Basil's).
51043

Lyncar. Nicholson engine... Formula Atlantic race Mallory Park, August 1975.
51044

51045

Whenuapai February 1998
51046

51047

chaindrive

02-10-2018, 10:32 PM

51048
The Old Merits don't scrub up too bad

ERC

02-11-2018, 07:34 AM

Yours looks so much better with decent wheels and rubber tyres Chaindrive. The originals weren't so hot! I do remember Dad mixing gloss grey and matt black paint to try and get a better look on the plastic tyres. He also tried to get the 'blued' effect on the exhaust. I must dig out his model and take a colour pic.

ERC

02-15-2018, 04:33 AM

Roger Dowding

02-15-2018, 05:21 AM

Just had a few days in Napier, but we couldn't stay for the Art Deco weekend. Apparently, they have 400 cars in the weekend parade - but 600 want to join it! Never seen so many Packards before, either already in Napier or heading that way. There were even two at our motel.

"Hooters" busiest week/weekend of the year no doubt and with the Celebrity Solstice in port on the 14th, about an extra 4,000 people enjoying the town.
51285

A true real Original " Pick -up Truck " Model A Ford - great ..thanks Ray .. back in the 1970's NZ Hot Rod Magazine [ the longest running car magazine in New Zealand according to them ] "under the original publishers " ran a series of article on Model A Fords ..
remember when there office was in Grey Lynn /Ponsonby just off Williamson's Avenue and the " Old Ponsonby Council Chambers and Fire Station Building ".

John McKechnie

02-15-2018, 05:23 AM

Ray...can you please keep an eye out for and photo my old Packard- 1936 120B, twin sidemount,,was cream with cream leather interior, sold before I registered it.

ERC

02-15-2018, 08:48 AM

This one John? Immaculate paint job. One of the two at our motel.
51296

nigel watts

02-15-2018, 08:54 AM

Could it be this one John. It's a cream '36 with twin sidemounts

51297

John McKechnie

02-15-2018, 08:57 AM

OK, not this, this is a Roadster, mine was a sedan with twin side mounts......also colour was Old English white- like Jags/Daimlers.
Every Pak is a gem, absolutely top quality machines and of course they built 55,575 Merlin V12s during the War.

ERC

02-15-2018, 09:05 AM

I'm guessing that side mounts refers to the spare wheels then! Sorry, but as you well know, Americana and Japana aren't my strong points.

Allan

02-15-2018, 06:20 PM

As a former ambulance officer I can only imagine the damage those hood ornaments could do to the human body.

ERC

02-16-2018, 02:23 AM

Back to January Caffeine & Classics - next meet Feb 25th. Getting in early when the gates to the far car park open, means a clearer uncluttered pic.

51330

51331

51332

51333

51335

51336

Roger Dowding

02-16-2018, 04:58 AM

ERC,Ray, I am stealing the Healey "Ross C's car "photo - for my archives thanks Mate

ERC

02-16-2018, 08:37 PM

Help yourself Roger!

51355

51356

51357

51358

51359

51360

Oldfart

02-16-2018, 09:20 PM

First car in #2111 is Peter Benbrook's Buckler.

ERC

02-16-2018, 11:01 PM

But do you recognise the car behind it Rhys? TRS contributor in the Panama hat...

Always cars being displayed at C & C we haven't seen before - or not in recent times anyway. One of the major reasons for the success of this monthly meet is the total informality and that cars are scattered all over the place, rather than in regimented club blocks.

51361

51362

51363

51364

51365

51366

Oldfart

02-17-2018, 07:53 AM

Of course the geezer in the panama is GeeBee, the car no. It looks like a conference of "I can take my bonnet off too" :)

ERC

02-17-2018, 09:34 PM

51376

51377

51378

On to a damp and overcast Leadfoot 2018
51379

Couldn't get to one of my favourite photo positions at the start, which was fenced off. Unnecessary and word has it that maybe it was a MSNZ requirement. Bearing in mind the downhill start and relatively low speed at this point, very frustrating and adds nothing to the safety of spectators. You only get a split second to grab a picture from this viewing point.
51380

Ray Williams, before going off into the undergrowth - again... The first of 4 fairly long delays to the Sunday's programme whilst we were there.
51381

ERC

02-18-2018, 09:26 PM

Another car that returned to the paddock with evidence of a brush with the scenery.
51383

The Juno is a regular top 10 contender at Leadfoot
51384

One that Oldfart wil know well.
51385

The Corbett/Bert Dove TR3A with their own version of a soft top. The TR3 and TR3A were my favourite sports cars as a youngster. If my vindictive ex-wife hadn't binned my memorabilia when she finished packing for NZ months after I'd already started working here, I'd still have the original Triumph catalogues not to mention the beautiful Jaguar spiral bound catalogues, autographed photographs of Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart and much, much more.
51386

The well known Roycroft Bugatti-Jaguar
51388

Fortunately I have seen this well known Escort in action many times, so a paddock shot is fine. This group I don't think I saw in action on the hill at all, due to the delays and the fact that we didn't arrive early. Shame.
51389

ERC

02-18-2018, 11:26 PM

One car I was looking forward to seeing in action - but missed. Allan Woolfes Triumph Vitesse.
* Sorry, I misspelt Allan as Alan earlier.
51391

Allan's son in law I believe, Paul Adams BMW
51392

51393

I didn't see this Zakspeed Capri in action either, nor the Escort.
51394

Rick Bone's very quick Datsun, remembering our late AES sponsor Stephen Harris
51395

Gordon Burr giving the Ferrari a run. Sorry about the camper van background(s). Pics are so much better from the other side of that section of the course.
51396

Roger Dowding

02-19-2018, 12:53 AM

Ray " One car I was looking forward to seeing in action - but missed. Alan Woolfes Triumph Vitesse. "

Yes,It would have been great, Allan has decided to hang up his helmet after years of racing, since the late 1950's early 1960's he has competed,in Hillclimbs, Sprints, Races and Rallies in many different cars.
*** First " Racing Car " was a Ford 8 Saloon ..

There is a small video clip on the Paul Adams " Adams Racing Team " Family Facebook page which features Allan and his wife Colleen. see link below.
A Special tribute to a great racer and person, a good businessman too!!,who helped me with work on several of my cars with exhausts mufflers and welding repairs..

Go to ;

https://www.facebook.com/Adams-Racing-Team-1550149991938793/

ERC

02-19-2018, 08:53 PM

Agree Roger. I have bumped into Allan many, many times over the years, at the tracks and elsewhere and another of nature's true gentlemen.

Apparently a Mitsubishi.
51403

The Cole-Baker Special, but in a darker shade of red from the last time I saw it.
51404

No doubt about it, but Mad Mike Whiddett has promoted himself very well indeed.
51407

Another of mad Mike's fleet.
51405

Greg Murphy - not in the rally car...
51406

Former Chicane catalogue poster boy, Scott Dixon, Honda. I had the opportunity to chat to Scott before his run and also to observe the way he dealt with people wanting a photograph or autograph. I was very, very impressed with him as an ambassador for the sport.
51408

Roger Dowding

02-20-2018, 04:59 AM

ERC, thanks, Allan and Colleen were our neighbours in New Lynn in the late 1950's early 60's when he had the Ford 8 that was a bit modified - to this young fellow it was a racing car.
Last saw Allan and Colleen, they were with Colin Waite and wife and Rob Williams and his wife at my local " The Gables Tavern "in Herne Bay in 2007/8 ..
The Cole - Baker Special looks great !! It has done many Targa NZ's from memory

ERC

02-20-2018, 07:45 PM

A Japanese flavour.
51416

51417

51418

51419

51420

Getting pics here wasn't easy as a well known photographer plonked himself squarely between the trees and successfully blocked the view of the spectators behind the tape trying to get pictures... If he is reading this, please be more considerate next year as you could have moved just a couple of metres to the right...
51421

ERC

02-21-2018, 02:45 AM

Brits...
51422

Keith was another who caused a delay as the V8 Vauxhall slid down the bank and out of sight, just 3 or 4 minutes after the crew had finished recovering an errant Formula Ford from exactly the same spot, causing another delay...

* See 2125/5 below

51423

51424

51425

51426

51427

Coming up next - Pukekohe Saturday Feb 24th - reasonable fields in most classes. Classic Trial Saturday only. Hooters Series Sunday only.

Caffeine and Classics Sunday morning.

That should add a few more pics for the library anyway, though I expect C & C to have more cars I haven't seen before, than Saturday. Expected to be a biggie Sunday.

ERC

02-21-2018, 08:04 PM

51462

51463

51464

51465

51466

As I have stated before, I'm not a drift fan as such, but their ability to place the car on a narrow road, often at a fair speed, is impressive
51467

I know the total entry probably wasn't Nigel's cup of tea, nor mine, and we could argue that for those of us who appreciate the classic and historic cars first and foremost, much of the programme wasn't to our liking either.

Running the majority up in alphabetical order certainly mixes the classes, but nipping off for a bite to eat sometimes means you miss cars you wanted to see. Running up by classes may be fairer, as those in the same class had vastly different road conditions, from greasy track and light rain to bone dry.

ERC

02-22-2018, 01:11 AM

51491

51492

51493

This Nissan diesel spiller effectively stuffed up the track for ages and was the reason for the fifth long delay.
51494

Mad Mike (again) showing plenty of attitude.
51495

51496

With the diesel spill and followed by motorbikes, this was one section of the day that just dragged on far loo long for me and with vehicles of minimal interest. At least with a time stamp on every pic, it is easy to calculate that the diesel spill lost about 50 minutes of track time. By the time they got going again, at 2.25pm, it was almost time to meet at my Motorsport Fabrications Uber ride back.

ERC

02-22-2018, 08:35 PM

*pics all disappeared - yet again... Reloaded 11:50am

Andy Booth - last seen in saloons, but running a FF Lola at Leadfoot.
51529

That TRS contributor's immaculate Almac Cobra
51530

It must have run, but I missed it.
51531

Before....
51532

After - just a few minutes before Keith's Vauxhall slid off into the exactly same spot. Later, a large hay bale was positioned trackside.
51533

Not advertised as a Scarab (unlike all the V8 Capris being named Peranas), but V8 power in this Datsun Z.
51534

ERC

02-25-2018, 12:48 AM

Caffeine & Classics today - 'All is not what it seems' - especially this one ... More later.

51580

Several well known faces put in an appearance, including John Hudson, who is racing at Pukekohe anyway, but popped in first thing to grab his free safety triangle, Dale Mathers making the trip up from Tauranga, Pete Bromley from Hamilton, John Dennehy, Rogan Hampson, Paul Halford, Ross Cammick etc.

A huge turnout of cars, even bigger than last February's estimated 1300 cars. They were still piling in when I left at 10:30 and they were rapidly running out of space, even using up the grass area near the bus station. Top marks to the Milford Rotary Club who were selling hot dogs and hot cross buns for charity and if they were the ones marshalling. Whoever was marshalling, was doing a great job too, but the queue to get in stretched to the motorway just about all morning.

Bearing in mind it is advertised as from 10am, this was the queue at 9:10am - by which time the main car park was full.

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ERC

02-25-2018, 09:13 PM

51597

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51600

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ERC

02-26-2018, 12:57 AM

Wells Coyote
51603

Jaguar D type Replica
51604

Subaru
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Nissan. getting a background that is suitable isn't always easy as you walk up and down the hill - ditto foreground straw bales.
51606

Beattie Clubman. Always beautifully prepared cars. There is one for sale on our NZ version of Ebay, TradeMe. Originally using the Lola for inspiration, I don't think I have seen spoilers fitted before.
51607

McLaren M8B Replica
51608

ERC

02-26-2018, 07:37 PM

More replicas and specials.

The Cole-Baker Special
51650

Paul Dallenbach Special
51651

Dick Jones Special
51652

Jaguar D Type replica
51653

Steve Cox - F40
51654

The Ex Bruce McLaren Stanford Special
51655

Roger Dowding

02-26-2018, 09:21 PM

More replicas and specials.

The Cole Baker Special
51650

Paul Dallenbach Special
51651

Dick Jones Special
51652

Jaguar D Type replica
51653

Steve Cox - F40
51654

The Ex Bruce McLaren Stanford Special
51655

Good stuff Birthday Boy, !! The Stanford Special, do you have any details on it, looks a great car .. may I steal the photo for Mark Donaldson - married to Jan McLaren ?? so a family connection.

ERC

02-26-2018, 11:56 PM

Thanks Roger! Help yourself.

Yesterday, amongst a pile of birthday messages I received was one from a certain Mr T Roberts (whoever he is) saying "I remember your 85th like it was only yesterday!"...

Feb 26th also the birthdays of Fats Domino, Johnny Cash, Peter Brock, Sandie Shaw, Rupert Keegan (F1), Sébastien Loeb and unfortunately, Helen Clark...

* Attachments disappeared - yet again... attempting to reload 3:00pm

Rhubarb
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Dave West in the Freightliner truck still managed a bit of smoke despite the damp track, but the other drifters in that session struggled.
51675

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The joy of digital is that you can 'waste' as many shots as you like. Back in the 1970's and certainly up to 2004, it was often a case of trying to make your stock of film last the day and also being aware of processing costs. You certainly couldn't afford to get prints cropped very often and some processing establishments were better than others, particularly for prints. I wouldn't have wasted a shot like this.
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ERC

02-27-2018, 08:24 PM

Paul McCarthy
51711

Richard MCarthy Jnr. Lotus Seven
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Overland
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Lunch break or diesel spill space filler - for those near enough to watch. Don't try this at home - or on the public road, like some characters did on a TV programme I caught - Dashcam.
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Probably not easily visible here, but the right rear wheel off the floor. Very, very quick and dramatic!
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Skoda
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Allan

02-27-2018, 09:01 PM

In the quad bike photo I think both rear wheels are of the ground.

ERC

02-27-2018, 09:19 PM

In the quad bike photo I think both rear wheels are off the ground.

You are right! Well spotted.

51717

ERC

02-28-2018, 08:19 PM

Holden
51768

2017 winner at Leadfoot, Alister McRae.
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Reo
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ERC

03-01-2018, 12:30 AM

Last ones from Leadfoot. As I have mentioned many times before, it is a Mix of Pics!

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Tucked away in the external car park - MER.
51778

Off then to Napier with friends who seem to enjoy masochistic activities such as spending several hours a day on an uncomfortable bicycle seat. We caught up with them for lunch most days but I'd only recently come across the existence of Ian Hope's massive collection of a reputed 450 British vehicles, just down the road. By no stretch of the imagination would I call this a museum, but very much a collection. The $10 entry fee is very modest.

The total opposite of the LA Petersen Museum in terms of presentation and photographer friendly, but very visitor friendly.

51779

ERC

03-01-2018, 08:56 PM

Just a few of many Vauxhalls.

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This pic shows quite graphically, why it is a collection rather than a museum! Taking a pic from this angle is not going to produce anything that you are particularly proud of, therefore it is in the same vein as Ian's cars. Just for the record.

Needless to say, with about a quarter of the cars stacked, you can't help thinking that it is definitely quantity over the quality, so the collection is quirky and interesting so with that very modest $10 entry fee, we were more than happy to just contribute towards the upkeep.
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ERC

03-01-2018, 09:23 PM

And a few Standards

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Many of the cars were so crammed in that it was impossible to get a pic of any sort, which is a shame, as there were plenty of fairly rare cars deserving of a decent pic, but you couldn't even get near them.

Ian obviously loves his collection, but I suspect that pruning it a wee bit might make it a far more attractive place to visit. Despite the claimed 450 exhibits, we were out in about an hour - and part of that was spent chatting to a visiting American enthusiast with a penchant for Jagwaars.

Oldfart

03-02-2018, 07:41 AM

I thought it was one of the most depressing collections when we were required to visit while on Ttarga one time. At that time the smell of damp carpet is the most distinct memory I have! Sure there is "stuff" there, as you say Ray, quantity over quality.

ERC

03-02-2018, 08:01 AM

I suppose Rhys, the fact that it is privately owned rather than council owned or corporate owned is both its saving grace and its downfall. As you know, I'm hugely impressed with the council owned Coventry Transport Museum and wasn't very impressed with the privately owned London Car Museum. However, the London Museum entrance fee at about $53NZD puts it well below Ian's collection on two counts. Value for money and the fact that at least most of Ian's exhibits are unmolested and not very poor replicas, even if some are very original and a bit decrepit. Yes, and possibly a bit depressing.

ERC

03-02-2018, 09:06 PM

Slightly rarer exhibits - and not all displayed very well.

Armstrong Siddeley
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Alvis
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Lanchester
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Singers - this is a pair that should have been down at ground level as neither are exactly common. Not sure about the wire wheels though...
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Jowetts
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Swift - tucked behind a pillar
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ERC

03-03-2018, 09:33 PM

I'm not sure whether commercial vehicles have a place here or not, but even some of these bring back memories.

Heading off to Scout camp in a friend's dad's Dormobile
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My first job after school was as Granville, in an old fashioned grocer's shop. The 3 shop group had a delivery van like this for delivering orders. Whilst on line grocery shopping might be new, grocery home deliveries are not.
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Earlier known as a Standard Atlas, but this is a Leyland 20. Thames Trader truck just behind by the looks of it.
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Not in the museum, but the Hooter's Ford bus in Napier with happy driver and happy customers.
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Couldn't resist this Art Deco bus either.
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ERC

03-04-2018, 08:18 PM

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ERC

03-04-2018, 08:27 PM

Double whack of posts this morning, to clear a backlog!

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A sorry bunch of Hillmans in various states of disrepair, stacked against a wall with no real access.
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Peter M

03-05-2018, 01:03 AM

My wife and I were doing the cycle trails last winter, we called in to visit. While we were there he was searching on Trade Me for other cars to find, he told us he spends a few hours of his day looking for cars. I was very shocked with the condition of rare cars also magazines should be in a separate room not on bonnets collecting dust also allowing birds to shit on them ( birds are a major problem in the old chicken sheds.)
The tragedy of this collection the owner is no spring chicken, what will happen to everything when he passes on? Hopefully not the scrap heap. Some of the rare cars if restored could be very valuable.My wife commented he is not a collector, he is a hoarder.

ERC

03-05-2018, 01:32 AM

Agree totally Peter. I also wonder what will happen to it when he keels over? It COULD be a world class museum and there are some real treasures in there. Claiming it is the largest collection of British cars in the world could just as easily have applied to any British scrapyard a decade ago! Doesn't mean it would be a must see.

I think Rhys summing it up as depressing was pretty well spot on.

John McKechnie

03-05-2018, 01:43 AM

It actually gets worse Ray.
These cars sitting here means that they are not being used at all the different Vintage Car Club events around NZ.
Retired citizens often would take on a project and use it as a club car.
So the clubs would be down on a lot of vintage cars.
Not to mention of course- engine reconditioners, panel beaters, painters, motor trimmers - all who normally would work on these cars.

Oldfart

03-05-2018, 07:50 AM

There are a number of cars in the hoard that are actually wanted by enthusiasts, even if not valuable.
The real tragedy is that they are not even holding their condition there, they are deteriorating.
The whole classic movement , I think, revolves around folks who can now get a car they lusted after when they couldn't actually afford it, or the cars the family had. This place has LOTS of those, which as John says could be in the hands of people who would cherish and use them. Where they are...

ERC

03-05-2018, 09:17 PM

Built for Nash by Austin...
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Not sure that many of the cars could be reached, let alone touched and many looked as though they needed some TLC anyway...
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So ends the visit with mixed emotions. Happy that these cars haven't been scrapped but a collection of 450 cars didn't warrant too many photographs, which says a lot.

ERC

03-05-2018, 09:39 PM

Back out into sunny Napier as they started to gear up for Art Deco weekend.

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Hooter's Hupmobile passengers enjoying the experience.
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This little Austin apparently leads the 400 car parade through the town (according to a spot on the TV1 news).
51873

ERC

03-06-2018, 08:17 PM

Pukekohe Feb 24th. I tried the 'bazooka' lens again, but it must have been beginner's luck last time, as this set were less than satisfactory. When I got home, I found that I had a focus setting error (my fault) on the camera. That explains why I was getting a pin sharp background on some shots - but the car was out of focus! I was switching between several different settings but had overlooked one that was new to me (fairly new camera!). I had to delete many shots so a less than successful day.

Hanging about waiting for almost an hour whilst they tried to get the timing computer to work didn't help so by the time practice was finally over, I'd had enough of Pukekohe.

My apologies if any of these aren't as sharp as they should be. (The above shots in Napier were all taken with the pocket camera.)

PPG Classic Trial

Early morning sun on the Russell Ness Austin Healey.
51944

A fence interference, but otherwise it would have been a decent shot!
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51948

51949

ERC

03-06-2018, 11:03 PM

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51962

51963

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ERC

03-07-2018, 07:59 PM

For those who are not aware, there are a couple of slots in the catch fencing at Pukekohe for the benefit of TV photographers I presume, but they are sited so low that it is virtually impossible for anyone taller than a legless dwarf to use them, using a traditional camera...

It was only thanks to a co-operative flag marshal that I was able to stand alongside the end of the fence. I have to say that I have had better days trying to take photographs.

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51973

Lola
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Reynard
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Reynard - as you can see, the camera was focussing on a spot to the upper right of where I was aiming.
51976

ERC

03-08-2018, 12:05 AM

ERC SERIES

Dave Mallin back to the old faithful 4 cylinder MGB.
51977

Fellow MG enthusiast Grant Kern in yet another car from his collection. A Marina with a toothy grille.
51978

Paul Chisholm (VW Golf) and Garry Baildon (BMW).
51979

Win Jacobs - 3.6 litre XJS Jaguar
51980

Rob Halliday (Snr) - Lotus Cortina
51981

Barry Hare - Rover Vitesse
51982

nigel watts

03-08-2018, 12:51 AM

[QUOTE=ERC;64866]For those who are not aware, there are a couple of slots in the catch fencing at Pukekohe for the benefit of TV photographers I presume, but they are sited so low that it is virtually impossible for anyone taller than a legless dwarf to use them, using a traditional camera...

Ray, That is why I stopped going to Pukekohe several years ago. I found it so frustrating trying to get a good vantage point that I decided to limit my shooting to Hampton Downs & Taupo.

I used to have the same focussing problems with the big Tamron lens until I started using a much faster shutter speed [1/1000th] for head on shots. It seemed to work for me at least some of the time.

ERC

03-08-2018, 01:53 AM

Agree Nigel. I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that Pukekohe is a total waste of time. Strange isn't it, that there are so many 'no go' areas at Pukekohe, 3m high catch fencing and at least half the track totally out of sight for spectators. You can't even spectate from the inside of turn one anymore. Who made that ruling? MSNZ Stewards? Pukekohe Park?

I wonder if part of the attraction of tracks decades ago, before some safety concerns overtook common-sense, was the feeling that you were close enough to the action to feel part of the meeting? That sense of being part of it has been replaced to that of (very) distant observers, with views blocked by catch fencing (OK, views for those wanting to take photographs), pedestrian bridges and concrete barriers.

Although Hampton Downs doesn't have a covered grandstand, at least every spectator can find a vantage point that allows an unobstructed view and of several different corners. If you compare the Pukekohe hairpin exit to the final Hampton Downs hairpin exit, how is it that there is high catch fencing at Pukekohe and not Hampton Downs? Aren't the risks similar?

I know there are drivers who will no longer race at Pukekohe and I don't really blame them, which doesn't help with getting viable grids which in turn makes spectating even less attractive.

On another tack altogether, how come all UK race circuits are (brown) sign-posted from many miles away, yet it was several years after I arrived in NZ before I found that there even was track at Taupo - and even during the A1GP, zero signposting? No wonder we don't get the spectator numbers.

It just makes the trip to Goodwood even more worthwhile!

John McKechnie

03-08-2018, 02:01 AM

On another tack altogether, how come all UK race circuits are (brown) sign-posted from many miles away, yet it was several years after I arrived in NZ before I found that there even was track at Taupo - and even during the at A1GP, zero signposting? No wonder we don't get the spectator numbers.

Ray,- have now passed this comment on to track owners

ERC

03-08-2018, 03:04 AM

In the UK John, the AA used to signpost all major events (presumably paid for by the organisers?), but the Brown signs are permanent, tourist/visitor signs exactly as here.

Silverstone for example is signposted from about 40 miles away on both the M1 Motorway and M40 motorway and most A roads have clear signs that will take you right to the gates.

From memory, there are some permanent Brown signs for Goodwood, but at Festival and Revival time, there are hundreds of clear AA signs, including which routes for different coloured windscreen parking labels and regular traffic updates on the radio. Although Goodwood is ticket only, if it wasn't, having traffic reports on all local radio stations at least alerts locals to the fact that there is an event on, whereas here, unless you are already in the know, other than major meetings, you'd have no idea whether or not there was anything on at the tracks.

Is there a sign for the Taupo race track on the new Taupo by-pass? 'Centennial Park' doesn't exactly scream 'Motor Racing'. There are still Aucklanders who have no idea that Hampton Downs even exists or what it is there for.

Ho hum... back to pics.

Flemings Trofeo Series though some competitors were also in the ERC Series and practiced at the same time. All pics from this meeting were taken during practice.
51997

51998

51999

and back to the ERC series
51994

Reece Killingback, not racing an Imp.
51995

51996

Milan Fistonic

03-08-2018, 04:03 AM

Is there a sign for the Taupo race track on the new Taupo by-pass? 'Centennial Park' doesn't exactly scream 'Motor Racing'. There are still Aucklanders who have no idea that Hampton Downs even exists or what it is there for.

I made my first visit to Taupo for the Historic GP meeting and I couldn't find the circuit. I had to go back into Taupo and ask at a petrol station.

Oldfart

03-08-2018, 08:34 AM

Just to add, I went to Stoneleigh for Race Retro Show a few weeks back (forgot the camera!) From miles away there were aa signs showing which route to use for the various car parks and even stating which were for which group of people. It didn't just say Park A or whatever.
The active rally run saw all sorts of very cool Group B cars many being driven with "gusto". Metro 6R4, Renault Turbos, Myriads of Escorts, Stratos,Opel Manta etc.... Then there was inside...

ERC

03-08-2018, 08:16 PM

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52007

52008

52009

Not ERC runners. Love the looks of these. Although it goes against the grain for some drivers, allowing in classic moderns is inevitable, as the number of older classics out on track continues to shrink and/or are taking longer and getting more expensive to fix when they do go wrong or incur panel damage.
52010

52011

ERC

03-09-2018, 12:19 AM

Not the largest field of TransAms

52014

52015

52016

Rumour has it that Grant Hannah is trying to purchase another TR7 V8, having sold his original to Jo Clegg!
52017

52018

52019

ERC

03-09-2018, 08:59 PM

Sadly, whatever I was fiddling with in terms of camera settings meant that a lot of pics got dumped once they'd been downloaded, so this is the last batch.

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ERC

03-10-2018, 09:43 PM

On to Caffeine & Classics, Smales farm, Feb 25th. First arrivals received a free gift of a safety triangle. I was early... At about 8:30, the first car park area was already about three-quarters full and by the time I left at 11am, the whole of the Smales Farm area was full with cars still filtering in and being parked anywhere the hard working marshals could slot them.

Many are regulars so I tried to take photographs of cars I hadn't seen before or were in a better location than previously.

In the 'not what it seems category', this Austin had a tranverse engine fitted - or so I was told. As can be seen from the lack of crowds, this was first thing in the morning.
52069

Many of you locals will have seen the current Mercury Energy TV ad featuring this very car, driven by a couple of old codgers, sneaking out at night and doing a bit of good old fashioned hooning. Whilst at C & C, there was a bit of further filming going on, for a TV spot a night or two later.
52070

A peek under the bonnet explains the reason why. All electric.
52071

This engine was sitting in a vehicle so far removed from the engine's origins. A tatty ute and I can't remember now what it was! East German maybe?
52072

Back to basically genuine cars, but you never really know...

Down as a custom built Talbo on carjam, but that should really be Talbot. However, I'm assuming it is an English built not French built but if anyone really knows, it would help me with the filing! Until then, it is in the ever growing pile of 'not able to be filed'.
52073

52074

Oldfart

03-11-2018, 10:41 AM

I think that Lancia motor is in a Lada Ray.

ERC

03-11-2018, 09:03 PM

You might well be right Rhys, but it could have been a Polonez or something equally undeserving!

Cars and/or racers normally seen at the track.

John Hudson calculated that as his first race at Pukekohe wouldn't be until after 11am, he had the time to grab a free safety triangle and possibly a hot cross bun.
52100

That regular Buckler attendee.
52101

John Dennehy first tried a space that wasn't ideal - so he moved
52103

52104

Ditto Paul Halford
52106

52107

I'm waiting for Paul to bring along that gorgeous Ferrari 250 GTO replica... but maybe it shouldn't be risked with so many people around. Lots of people stopped to admire the Lamborghini though.

Oldfart

03-12-2018, 02:50 PM

Ray, did you discover any`other Bucklers, or similar at Caffeine last Sunday?

ERC

03-12-2018, 08:38 PM

No, I think that was the only one this time Rhys. Nothing else even remotely similar either.

52180

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52184

V8 powered Zephyr looked impressive - and sounded impressive
52185

ERC

03-13-2018, 07:41 PM

Nice to see the Frasers out in force. Possibly one of several groups meeting at C & C before a Sunday trundle through the countryside.
52195

Plus a good turnout of Cobra replicas.
52196

De Soto
52197

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52199

Just for a change, I opted to stand roadside if only for a variety of photographs. It can get a bit repetitive when they are all parked up and crammed together.
52200

Most of these were taken before 9am and remember, it was supposed to be a 10am start...

ERC

03-16-2018, 12:37 AM

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ERC

03-17-2018, 02:15 AM

Just the Saturday morning practice today at the HRC Legends meeting. Generally, decent sized grids (for practice anyway) - and another slow drive home early afternoon, with SH1 clogged from south of Drury to Takanini. Those heading that way south in the morning had a delay too.

This camera seems to have a mind of its own. I'd set the focus point OK, then low and behold, later on, it changed itself. Overall though, a much better day with the camera than at Pukekohe, so much so, that I persevered with the long lens for all action shots, as I need the practice!

Just three taster pics at the moment, with Chudleigh waving one and almost two wheels. Great to see.

52302

Ex Bruce Kirk Volvo which has been registered with ERC for a while, but only the second time out - first time I have seen it. Beautifully presented too.
52303

Michael's Crossle FF.
52304

Nigel will probably post his pics before I return to this meeting, so keep an eye out on his thread, as no doubt he will have taken a fair few.

nigel watts

03-17-2018, 06:21 AM

The Volvo, #142, now owned by Stuart Crosby of Tauranga. He usually drives the orange Thunderbird in Pre 65's but it's currently undergoing some engine repairs.

Michael Clark

03-17-2018, 07:36 AM

Great shot Ray - I've got to get that helmet painted...

ERC

03-17-2018, 09:13 AM

Should have painted it green for today Michael!

ERC

03-17-2018, 08:07 PM

Back to February Caffeine & Classics - and next week, it will be time for another! (Once again, the pics disappeared...)

As always, great diversity.
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ERC

03-18-2018, 08:53 PM

Simply red.

52363

This McGregor was for sale.
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ERC

03-19-2018, 01:07 AM

52396

Modern Jaguar tool kit
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ERC

03-20-2018, 02:34 AM

52511

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This immaculate Vincent was attracting a lot of well deserved attention
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52516

ERC

03-20-2018, 08:24 PM

52517

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Allan

03-20-2018, 09:23 PM

What is the Alfa Romeo V6 in Ray?
Our thanks to you and Nigel for the great photos of all sorts of interesting stuff that some of us a little remote from these events would never see.

ERC

03-21-2018, 12:27 AM

The Alfa V6 is in a Lancia Stratos replica. Paul Madeley is just awaiting his from the UK and that too will be Alfa powered.

I 'm presuming there is another Caffeine & Classics this Sunday, but the February event being an anniversary is always a real biggie.

Paul Wilkinson

03-21-2018, 02:59 AM

Yep, last month was the biggest ever apparently. This month's will probably be smaller than average though as it clashes with Beach Hop.

ERC

03-22-2018, 12:02 AM

Clashes are unavoidable I suppose, but all it may mean is fewer hot rods - and Beach Hop regulars.

Hopefully, with more and more new cars appearing each month, it should still be well worth visiting - if the weather is good.

52542

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ERC

03-22-2018, 09:19 PM

There were quite a few modern Aston Martins present.
52561

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52567

And that's a wrap from Caffeine and Classics, February 2018, Smales Farm, adjacent to the motorway at Takapuna.

ERC

03-23-2018, 02:12 AM

Back to Hampton Downs - Legends
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52572

I'm not sure what is now under the bonnet, but the car wears Wolseley 1500 and an 1800 badge on the rear, but used to run with a 1950cc crossflow. It is still a crossflow.
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52574

ERC

03-23-2018, 09:47 PM

I persisted with the 'new' long lens, determined to make a better job than at Pukekohe! It gave me the opportunity to try a couple of new locations, but these first ones are from the public area.
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ERC

03-24-2018, 08:48 PM

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Roger Dowding

03-24-2018, 09:58 PM

ERC, Ray, not getting to " Caffeine and Classics " again, may do so in July [ no pun intended ] , they are advertising today that it is on and is fine ... "At the Moment " ...

ERC

03-25-2018, 12:39 AM

Yup. Fine - and a 'new' LHD Healey put in an appearance Roger! As expected, nowhere near as many as usual, but still a fair few, though neither of the two primary car parks were anywhere near full. As usual, some cars we hadn't seen before.

Bruce302

03-25-2018, 08:29 AM

Nice work with the long lens Ray, Some fabulous shots there. Can I use the track pics on the NZ-HSS Facebook page please, with due credits of course ?
Thank you, in advance

Bruce.

ERC

03-25-2018, 08:26 PM

Nice work with the long lens Ray, Some fabulous shots there. Can I use the track pics on the NZ-HSS Facebook page please, with due credits of course ?
Thank you, in advance

Bruce.
Go for it Bruce!

ERC

03-25-2018, 08:51 PM

ERC's Escort Service... Part 1. Note that all pics taken were during morning practice.

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ERC

03-26-2018, 01:51 AM

Escort Agency - 2
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ERC

03-26-2018, 02:35 AM

Roger Dowding

03-26-2018, 04:51 AM

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/specialist-cars/competition-cars/auction-1582144935.htm

The Wolseley 1500/1800/1950 is now listed on TradeMe. PLEASE folks, can we at least spell the name correctly?

Ray I agree, a bit bad when the guy selling the car can't even get it right, there's bl***y badge on the front of the car.

When Frank Karl had a Wolseley 16/60 that was used by AHCC member to transport some Americans to our Rally in Napier / Hastings in 1984 we christened it the " WolsHeAley " model BJ9 ..

52613

Here it hides behind my Austin - Healey 100 and our daily driver the 1980 Mini 1275 GT

Bruce302

03-26-2018, 07:55 AM

Go for it Bruce!

Thank you Ray, much appreciated.

ERC

03-26-2018, 07:58 PM

Spgeti's turn...

52615

Wendy Metcalfe driving husband Mark's car
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Mark driving Wendy's car...
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ERC

03-27-2018, 08:02 PM

ERC Series convenor, Chris Browne - with a new set of wheels.
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ERC

03-28-2018, 08:48 PM

Chris Fraser - Lola FF
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Geoff Harriman fitted the wet weather tyres to his Ralt...
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Chris Watson, McLaren Gardos
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Mike Davidson Reynard FF
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Vic Clarke's well campaigned Palliser WDF3
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Ermoli Alfa, Andy Drummond
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ERC

03-29-2018, 07:54 PM

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Ma! He's winking at me...
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Positive camber - which may explain a lot! By preference? Note the heat haze off the exhaust.
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ERC

03-30-2018, 11:11 PM

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ERC

03-31-2018, 08:48 PM

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Rod Grimwood

03-31-2018, 09:49 PM

That Mercury is a neat bit of gear, grunt city.

nigel watts

03-31-2018, 10:22 PM

That Mercury is a neat bit of gear, grunt city.

I was looking forward to seeing it on the track again but unfortunately there must have been problems as it disappeared on Saturday without making a run. Last saw it run several years ago at one of the festivals.

ERC

04-01-2018, 01:06 AM

It ran 2011 and 2016.

This pic from January 2011.
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Paul B

04-01-2018, 02:54 AM

It ran 2011 and 2016.

This pic from January 2011.
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That certainly is a very nice 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente, they originally came out with a 289, 260 and 6 cyl option. Ford offered them for Drag racing in A/FX class through their performance program with a 427 high riser FE big block and 4 speed with locker 9 inch diff and fiberglass all round panels. They were very fast and did serious battle with the big Mopars & Chevys in the day.
This is the smaller version built on the same floor pan as a Falcon sprint.

There also was a large 1964 Mercury Marauder which was offered stock with big block FEs (352, 390 & 427) and this shared the larger 63-64 Galaxie full chassis. Very easy to confuse both models.

ERC

04-01-2018, 08:42 PM

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ERC

04-02-2018, 09:02 PM

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ERC

04-03-2018, 07:49 PM

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ERC

04-04-2018, 08:25 PM

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ERC

04-05-2018, 08:50 PM

BMW time - the first two from the Classic Trial.
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Long time BMW driver John 'Two Summers' Hudson. Those who regularly buy or read one of the British classic car magazines, will know that whilst John spends the NZ summers here, he spends another summer in the UK, where he has been instrumental in fettling contributor Dave Evan's BMW, to a very high standard. Sadly, Dave passed away suddenly just a week or so ago, so our condolences to John for the loss of a great mate.
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Marty Irvine having a guest drive in Barry Kirk-Burnand's E46.
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Warwick Mortimer, not Andre this time.
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Warwick deserves another pic as along with Barry, he is a great contributor to local classic motorsport.
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ERC

04-06-2018, 09:11 PM

Not so mellow, yellows...
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nigel watts

04-07-2018, 06:17 AM

Great photos Ray. You've got that bazooka sussed now.

ERC

04-07-2018, 08:55 PM

Thanks Nigel - and thanks for the tips!
MGB time. Four cylinders. Longest BMC/ERC supporter, Nev Thompson.
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First equal series winner under my stewardship when owned by Nick Wilcox, now owned by John Palmer.
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Eight cylinders - John Fulford.
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Many drivers like to see photographs of their cars in action, not for an ego boost, (drivers? egos?) but it shows what the car is actually doing especially under cornering and braking.

Note these three V8 MGs. Grant Kern's MG BV8 sports - obviously not a factory V8. Top driver. Good car attitude.
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Dave Mallin's genuine factory MG BV8 GT, formerly raced in the earlier days of the series by Harley Norager, where it famously earned the distinction of the first series car to be black flagged and a drive through penalty for breaking the speed bar. Another top driver. Good car attitude.
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Adrian Hayman's home brewed MG BV8 GT. This car has never really looked very settled on track.
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ERC

04-08-2018, 11:48 PM

No comment...
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ERC

04-09-2018, 07:55 PM

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Car for sale
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ERC

04-10-2018, 08:21 PM

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ERC

04-12-2018, 12:59 AM

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Not in the programme... I am assuming a Swift.
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ERC

04-14-2018, 02:30 AM

Ferrari day 1 today - nothing on track. Heavy rain. Came home. Nigel may have stuck it out longer, as he had driven a couple of hours to get there. Traffic the usual crawl from Drury northwards at 11am, with torrential rain south of the Bombays.

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Sorry for the Ferrari racers and even the Ferrari owners just hanging about, but off track it was a lake in places. Maybe the future plans for HD will include a lake?
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John McKechnie

04-14-2018, 03:52 AM

Yep..take the motors out of the cars and put into the Sprint Boats

nigel watts

04-14-2018, 06:50 AM

No race today but there will be 2 tomorrow. 2 qualifying sessions today instead.
Rained on and off til lunchtime. Not much the organisers can do about the weather.
Only 36 club Ferraris turned up instead of the 200 mentioned in the publicity. Hardly surprising given the weather bomb but still a wee bit disappointing.
That said I've now been to a Ferrari Challenge meeting so I can cross that off the bucket list!!

ERC

04-14-2018, 09:06 PM

A few cars out on track at the moment - dry race line - but raining in Auckland (10am).

Back to the Legends Meeting... Interesting to contemplate what the status of classic/historic motorsport would be without the popular BMW E Series, then two grids of open BMWs? Would we have been restricted to 1 day meetings?
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ERC

04-15-2018, 08:50 PM

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ERC

04-16-2018, 08:56 PM

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Last one as the first one - Chuddleigh Haggart showing why this sort of racing is so much better to watch than utes, certainly from behind a camera. Not as much lift as Nigel's brilliant photo, but this was a just little earlier in practice.
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Overall, although I didn't stay for the racing, from a 'getting to know the lens' perspective, a most productive morning and another pile of pics into the library.

ERC

04-17-2018, 08:20 PM

Caffeine & Classics March. As expected, a massively reduced turnout as it was Beach Hop weekend, so not too many photographs.

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ERC

04-19-2018, 01:10 AM

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ERC

04-19-2018, 08:48 PM

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Nice car but wouldn't be my choice of wheels.
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ERC

04-20-2018, 08:36 PM

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Amazing artwork on this Mercury.
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ERC

04-21-2018, 07:48 PM

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Chevron (NZ)
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Cheetah x 2
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ERC

04-22-2018, 08:31 PM

The name is Bond, Laurie Bond. Not exactly the best front end treatment by a country mile.
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That almost brings me up to date with the current stuff, apart from a few damp Ferrari pics so now I'll need to either get back to scanning old stuff or delve into the archives to see what I haven't published before. Here's one I scanned recently for the ERA Facebook site.

Earl Howe at Donington 1937 in ERA R8B.
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ERC

04-23-2018, 08:39 PM

Ferrari Festival

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I have always liked the classic front engined Ferraris.
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ERC

04-24-2018, 08:55 PM

Meanwhile, inside the pavilion...

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Whilst outside...
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ERC

04-25-2018, 08:21 PM

I'm not a huge fan of one make, one model racing but made the trip to HD hoping to see more than just Ferrari 488's. As it turned out, we didn't see anything out on track at all and several pit garages were closed, so no apologies for the sameness of the next batch or two.

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ERC

04-26-2018, 08:09 PM

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ERC

04-27-2018, 08:10 PM

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Bruce302

04-28-2018, 05:30 AM

Fantastic pics Ray, You have captured the atmosphere of that meeting, damp as it was.

Bruce.

ERC

04-30-2018, 08:51 PM

Gad it was miserable Bruce! The atmosphere was indeed damp and depressing. I have only published the pics because I took them, not because I am in any way proud of them. Like Nigel, not sure that I'd bother to go again, even it was fine, as the programme was basically a Ferrari Owners Club bash, despite all the publicity.

When TACCOC had a Ferrari race at Whenuapai, it at least had a variety of Ferraris on track. When you look back at the photos you have taken, no matter what the one make/model series is, you tend to skip through them. You take your time when there is true variety, even if it is just a variety of models. Quite simply, any one model series means that the optimum line through a corner is the same for every single car and as we all know, you are not going to get the varied lines and car attitudes seen in Central Muscle cars, Pre 65's or any of the saloon series for that matter.

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And that's a wrap.

Roger Dowding

05-01-2018, 04:56 AM

ERC have borrowed - stolen the Healey pic, car is ex Germany,new to NZ this year.

ERC

05-04-2018, 08:49 PM

We only called in a for a few minutes to the April Caffeine & Classics quire late on, so needless to say, many had already left. Never mind, there were still one or two we hadn't seen before or worth a snap.

Back to Ferrari and Italian...
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Ferrari GTC Lusso
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Never realised before just how similar some hatchbacks are, so noticeable when they are painted the same colour. There was a time when we had 3 small Fiats running in the ERC series.
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ERC

05-06-2018, 07:07 AM

Hampton Downs (today) Sunday - guess what the weather was like in the morning...

Some very impressive driving by the youngster in the D Type replica (Louis McNair?). I for one am happy to see good replicas like the C type and the D type as otherwise, Kiwis would rarely get the chance to see some of the world's more iconic cars. Even some of the 'real' cars have so many replacement parts that they are hardly original anyway. It certainly makes for a more attractive (ie varied) grid and this was the best grid of the day for me.
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Thankfully, the weather cleared up later and young Louis had a tremendous battle with the two leading Formula Juniors - but I haven't yet got that far with sorting the pics! Several hundred taken to add to the library.

ERC

05-06-2018, 08:33 PM

Back to C & C just to keep things chronologically correct.

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ERC

05-07-2018, 07:51 PM

Last batch from C & C.

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How often have you seen one of these in NZ? Matra Djet
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ERC

05-08-2018, 08:46 PM

HRC Series Finale, two day meeting. Just the Sunday for me as the Hooters cars were only doing Sunday. Wet practice, so a good opportunity to try out the waterproof cover I'd made for the camera. It seemed to work OK but the monopod, fully extended, is a few inches too low for me.

The mixed grid provided some interesting car combinations. How often has an Austin A30, even a Speedwell one, had a Formula Junior Jocko filling its mirrors? This is now Tim's cover photograph on his Facebook page. He emerged from practice with a shredded fanbelt so VCC Scrutineer, Kevin, was busy replacing it afterwards, so that Tim could race again.
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Not sure that a MSNZ Scrutineer would be happy with Bevan's roll bar height...
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French car, British engine. The Roycroft Bugatti Jaguar.
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