No not at all Ken - after all the car was passed off as the Cooper T45 that Hyslop took to the UK.
Fact - he took a Cooper T45
Fact - he brought back a Cooper
Fact - the Cooper he brought back was not the one he took!
No not at all Ken - after all the car was passed off as the Cooper T45 that Hyslop took to the UK.
Fact - he took a Cooper T45
Fact - he brought back a Cooper
Fact - the Cooper he brought back was not the one he took!
It was not until years later when I was at Laguna Seca in 2007 and I met up with Peter Bryant that I found out more about the 1963 Pukekohe Grand Prix. Peter was selling his book, "Can-Am Challenger" at Laguna which was the story of his career in racing. When I mentioned to him that I was from NZ he began to tell me of what he remembered of being a mechanic for John Surtees at Pukekohe in 1963. It all fascinated me and I wanted to share this with you even it is old news to some of you. The Surtees Lola 2.7 liter engine car was part of the team run by Reg Parnell. All cars were run on methanol fuel and so they had taken their wet sleeve cylinder liners to be treated with a graphite process which helped avoid the engine oil being washed off the cylinder walls which meant less engine wear.
They kept the process secret and also tried using dried ice on a hot day around the fuel tanks which had the dual effect of having the engine run cooler and produce more power and also keep the cockpit cooler. The Lola certainly ran well that day in 1963 at Pukekohe and easily won the NZGP.
Attachment 28920
]Peter Bryant with Ken Hyndman...Laguna Seca. 2007. Book signing for "Can-Am Challenger"
K Hyndman photo
At the 1963 New Zealand Grand Prix victory banquet in Auckland for the Parnell team,
from left to right: Reg Parnell, mechanic Jimmy Potton, drivers, Tony Maggs, John Surtees, mechanic Peter Bryant and David Oxton on the right.
The Parnell team were always grateful for the Oxtons as Steve Oxton, David's father, was the Coutts Garage manager and they used that facility to prepare their cars. Peter stated he really appreciated David's assistance at the time.
Attachment 28921
(Peter Bryant photo collection )
In 1964 Peter Bryant went to work for Mickey Thompson as they prepared a car for Dave MacDonald to drive at the 1964 Indianapolis 500 race.
Sadly the car crashed in the opening laps and caught fire when the left rear suspension pierced the side fuel cells after hitting the inside wall. The crash claimed the lives of Dave MacDonald and Eddie Sachs. This crash led to major redesigning of future Indy cars. Peter said that the whole Indy scene was a terrifying experience and I don't think he was involved again.
Attachment 28922
(Indianapolis Motor Speedway Photo from Peter Bryant collection.)
(Ken Hyndman)
Ellis,
Arnold Glass had a water ski accident before the 1963 NZGP which prevented him from driving his BRM P48 with a Buick V-8 engine.
January 1963.
You guys have got ahead of me, but Ken honest mistake on the T45/T53 that Michael has already clarified what went on.
Given the Cooper shape evolved through the T41/T43/T45/T51/T53 period, it means one can be easily tricked. Especially when the great photo Gearbox Grinder has shown us, was taken at that above the nose position.
The 2 Arnold Glass photos Ellis mentions with him chatting to Graham Hill and Tony Maggs would be 1963 I suspect. His BRM had been sent to NZ, but Glass injured himself skiing. Making Gearbox Grinders photos rather special.
I enjoy seeing photos of the cars racing on track, but it's the obscure little snippets confirmed in paddock and pit shots that I enjoy seeing even more.
Stephen
Peter Bryant began designing and building Can Am cars with many innovative ideas.
In 1969 he introduced the "Ti22" which is the chemical symbol for Titanium which was used a lot on the chassis and suspension.
By the 1970 Can Am season the car was competitive with Jackie Oliver driving. He later became involved with the UOP Shadow Can Am cars and some of those were very different to the McLarens etc !
Anyway I enjoyed my time talking to Peter at Laguna Seca and looked forward to more visits with him but sadly he died suddenly in 2009 and I just wished I had asked him more questions as he was so friendly and had a great memory.
If you get a chance to buy his book you will find it is most interesting reading.
Attachment 28952
Ti22 at Mosport 1970 (Pete Lyons photo)
Attachment 28953
Denis Hulme in the M8D McLaren leading the Ti22 driven by Jackie Oliver at Laguna Seca in 1970
Attachment 28955
(Ken Hyndman )
While I was researching this about Peter Bryant,I found this photo that was sent to me years ago. (Photographer unknown )
It shows Denis Hulme approaching Turn 9 at Laguna Seca in a McLaren M20 Can Am car (1972 model ).
This was the 1992 Historic Meet in August and this was on the last lap. Denis did not win here although it was to be his last Can Am drive before he died a few weeks later at Bathurst.
(I think this car sold recently for approx. $ 2 million (US) )
Attachment 28956
( Ken Hyndman )
I do not know the regulations the Can Am series had back in their heyday but there were some pretty outrageous and wild designs and I think the 1970 Shadow Can Am car takes the cake. Imagine having the 700 + hp engine strapped to your butt. With the low tires and low frontal area it was very quick in a straight line but the smaller brakes and hard wheel bearing wear meant it did have trouble staying competitive. I took these pics of it along with the 101 UOP Shadow Can Am that Peter Bryant was involved with plus a fine example of a 1971 McLaren M8 E built by Trojan Works, at Laguna Seca in 2007.
Attachment 28965
Attachment 28966
(Ken Hyndman photos )
1: Cars must have four wheels and sports car bodywork.
2: Race starts at 2:00 pm...
Laguna Seca 2007.
1974 Shadow DN 4 Can Am car. (Runs on unleaded fuel )
Attachment 28967
Some wild things look better with their clothes on !
1971 McLaren M8 E
Attachment 28969
Attachment 28970
(Ken Hyndman photos)
More great pics Ken, thanks for sharing. And really enjoyed the Peter Bryant insight, he was a fascinating character with a ripping story.
Some old sepia's from a cigarette tin.I know No3 is the 'buzz bomb' car,everyones covering their ears.
Sorry for the quality some are tiny box brownie prints.
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Grinder,
You continue to amaze with the photos your Dad took. (thanks again for sharing
I feel like I am in school sitting a history test with my teacher ready to grade my report card !
I will try to give the first 6 photos correct answers and leave the rest for others to do.
# 1; I believe this is the # 3 Maserati for Reg Hunt at the 1955 NZGP at Ardmore.
# 2 ; Is the Angus Hyslop T53 Cooper being loaded in the rain after the 1962 NZGP at Ardmore. ( I have a newspaper clipping to go along with this )
Attachment 28989
# 3; Is indeed the pulse jet engine race car of Jim Meikle. Demonstrated at 11.50 a.m. January 11th. 1958. at Ardmore.
# 4 ; Is Australian driver, Bib Stillwell.
# 5; Shows a wet and disappointed Bruce McLaren at the NZGP.Ardmore in 1962. He was one of the favorites before the race and then the rain and Stirling Moss showed up !
# 6 ; Shows English driver, Roy Salvadori in light clothing. Looks like he is saying; "Excuse me I have to get to the toilet really quick !". Ardmore. 1962.
( there, I hope that is satisfactory for the teacher. I await the test results )
(Ken Hyndman )
Some more from Puke,and the first few from Ardmore,the pulse jet car again.Last few photos the autograph hunter resembles myself.
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Car has just hit the marshalls post head on
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I was born in Putaruru,so Roly Levis was the local hero.
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Grinder,
Your photos bring back so many memories to me of going to Pukekohe in 1967 and 1968.
The photos display how relaxed everyone was and how easy it was to get next to the cars and drivers.
The drivers I notice are; Denis Hulme, Richard Attwood, Pedro Rodriguez, Frank Gardner,
Bruce McLaren in a BRM, Roly Levis, Graeme Lawrence and sadly the last time we would see the great Jim Clark.
Great stuff Grinder. Thank you.
(Ken Hyndman )
Beaut photos Grinder
Thank you Grinder so cool
Hey Guys, Ken Grinder and others, there would be many of us on TRS, including me that were there in '67-68 and on from there.
didn't start going to Pukekohe 'til 66 on a regular basis, 65, still at school, then working and a mate had a car so game on.
Great photos. thanks
David Oxton in the Lexington jacket walking towards Denny.
After seeing the wonderful photos taken by Grinder's father, I found that I had the programme from that day in 1964, when Bruce McLaren held off Denis Hulme after Jack Brabham had crashed out of the race at the Elbow Corner as we watched from the overlooking hill and Bruce became the first New Zealander to win their own Grand Prix. Jan. 11.1964.
Attachment 29047
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I0zDOS8mwk
(Brief YouTube video of the event)
( Ken Hyndman )
For the 1964 Tasman series, Bruce McLaren had developed a special Cooper known as the T70. As you can see by Gearbox Grinder's and other photos it was really a "low line " version compared to other race cars at that time. Bruce also had a young talented driver join him for the series , named Timmy Mayer. Timmy was managed by his brother Teddy Mayer who would remain with the McLaren Team for many years. Bruce had to put some test miles on the brand new car which had just been completed before they were shipped out to NZ for the first race at Levin. When they arrived Bruce used the oval part of the Western Springs track running in the clockwise direction on the banking for his testing !
Attachment 29086
(McLaren Trust photo)
Attachment 29087
(From 1964 Pukekohe NZGP programme )
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This Cooper T70 looks like it has been beautifully restored and you can read more about it at this site.
http://thejudge13.com/2014/12/15/f1-...he-cooper-t70/
(Ken Hyndman )
January 11 th 1964.Pukekohe. NZGP.
I remember watching the race from the hill overlooking the Elbow Corner. About 1/2 way through the race there was a loud bang to the right and Jack Brabham's car hurtled past, luckily just missing the end of the stable, after tangling with Tony Shelly's Lotus. Jack was lucky to escape uninjured and parts of his car were lying around the track. Bruce was ahead of him at the time and the next lap he slowed down to check on Jack and then as he sped away he gave the "reverse Winston Churchill" V sign back at Jack as the crowd cheered. Bruce went on to a memorable win.
That is my distant memory of that race.
Attachment 29104
( K. Hyndman's "Box Brownie" photo of the first lap of 1964 NZGP as the field enters the Elbow Corner led by Timmy Mayer )
Teddy Mayer.
After his brother Timmy died at Longford in 1964, Teddy Mayer, perhaps as a way to handle his grief, gave up his career as a lawyer in the States and came aboard with McLaren to provide much needed finance sources and manage the business side for Bruce. They teamed well together. They paid their top 2 mechanics 30 pounds a week which was a very good amount at that time ! The only sponsorship was from oil & tyre companies back then. Teddy and the others bravely carried on after Bruce died in 1970 and a lot of that credit must go to Mayer who kept the McLaren name through all the turmoil. (Imagine Lotus without Chapman or Tyrrell without Ken Tyrrell ). Teddy was also skilled at getting sponsorship e.g Yardley, Texaco, Gulf, Reynolds, Chesterfield, Marlboro etc. He may not have been the most popular" cat on the block" but he was the manager that kept the McLaren Team near the top.
I happened to see the team at the 1973 British Grand Prix (Silverstone )where they put 3 team cars on the first 3 rows of the grid which I do not think has been done before or since. Teddy, as manager, was even helping with the refueling of Peter Revson's M23 during practice. Imagine a manager doing that today ! But he also was shrewdly eying the opposition as you can see him looking at Emerson Fittipaldi and thinking I sure would like to have him on my team. Within a short period, Emerson had signed with McLaren away from Lotus for the 1974 season.
(Here are 2 of my photos of Teddy Mayer (in the red shirt, in action, Silverstone, July 1973 )
Attachment 29105
Attachment 29106
(Ken Hyndman photos )
Thank you Ken , amazing how many photos must be lurking around out there , keep them rolling brother .........
Back to Jan 11 1964. Pukekohe.
At the Grand Prix meets we were always treated to excellent motor cycle racing as can be seen from this field.
Attachment 29151
Attachment 29154
(Again note the prize money ..or lack of !)
(Ken Hyndman ..programme )
1964 NZGP. Pukekohe.
Small saloon car field up to 1.6 Litre.
Attachment 29161
(Hyndman programme )
Attachment 29163Attachment 291641964 NZGP. Jan. 1964.
Later the big boys came out for the open saloon car race. (Grant, I see Ernie was in a Zephyr # 113 next to our Morrinsville man, Spinner Black in # 114 ..perhaps we came close to meeting up that day when we went to see Spin ) (Or was that back when we did not associate with folks from the SI and it was only the power cable that stopped you guys from sinking ! LOL )
There were not many US powered vehicles back then. Some well known names in this field, including McRae in a Humber !
Attachment 29162
( Ken Hyndman..programme )
Hi Ken , yes there was always a strong rivalry between north & south , I guess that added to the fun ... a bit like aussie & nz........ hey I had never seen this puke saloon program before very interesting to still see the names carried on over the years, Ken yes we would have rubber sholders I was there at opening year, with Molly & Ernie ..well I think that was the year, Dad drove the mk3 up a bit of a road trip , didn't matter where we stopped people drawled over the green mk 3 I still remember Mum saying " gee I feel like we are monkeys in a cage"......on the way back south after the racing was over , Dad was being chased by a cop he did a quick exit [hard left] into a cockies paddock & ripped the sump over a cattle stop , Doc Langley must have been down that way & was repaired & way we went back to Timaru........... hey ummm thought B McLaren was in that race ???in mine cooper, might have been year after ??..ps [attcmt] did not come through.... ok mate talk soon all the best Grant
Bruce McLaren was there in 1963. Ken's programme is from 1964.
Pukekohe, Jan. 1964.
They had the race for NZ drivers only, although some of the top drivers e.g. Tony Shelly, Jim Palmer were saving up for the main race later. Roly Levis competed in both events, was he the winner of this race ?
I would like to see some pics of some of these cars, such as ; Jim Boyd's Valour, Jamie Aislabie's A.R.T. Special, Garth Taylor's Dynafour and R.Alder with a 500 cc T.S.R. ?
Attachment 29210
(Ken Hyndman )
Pukekohe. 1964.
The race before the start of the NZGP was the "Auckland Star" Sports Car Trophy Race. I think this is one of the first time in years that the Lycoming Special was not entered in the Grand Prix. What an amazing piece of Kiwi ingenuity.
Attachment 29217
(Ken Hyndman..programme )