New Zealand Historic Saloon Cars Under HRC

[Spgeti]

Our last race meeting for the season is this weekend at HD, Legends of Speed. We look as if we will have a combind grid of close to 20 which is great for a smaller meeting.

We have quite a few new cars joining HSC, a Triumph Dolomite Sprint, ex Aussie Group C car now in NZ and another Mk1 Escort RS1600, BDA powered of course.

We also have had enquiry from the new owner of the Nazer Escort which is now living in Feilding. Hopefully we will see that car in the future as it would add very nicely to our historic Escort group.

We also have had an enquiry from the new owner of the ex Jim Crystal Worsley 1500 that was raced for many years by Jim and is a very well known car.
He is restoring the car back to match its COD and will be a welcome addition to our group and will boost our early car group.

Hopeful to be able to get some photos up of these cars soon.

Cheers
Bruce

[Jac Mac]

Our last race meeting for the season is this weekend at HD, Legends of Speed. We look as if we will have a combind grid of close to 20 which is great for a smaller meeting.

We have quite a few new cars joining HSC, a Triumph Dolomite Sprint, ex Aussie Group C car now in NZ and another Mk1 Escort RS1600, BDA powered of course.

We also have had enquiry from the new owner of the Nazer Escort which is now living in Feilding. Hopefully we will see that car in the future as it would add very nicely to our historic Escort group.

We also have had an enquiry from the new owner of the ex Jim Crystal Worsley 1500 that was raced for many years by Jim and is a very well known car.
He is restoring the car back to match its COD and will be a welcome addition to our group and will boost our early car group.

Hopeful to be able to get some photos up of these cars soon

Cheers
Bruce

Might be a few hours yet before the ex Nazer car arrives, given that it just passed my road gate about 1/2 hour ago!

[Spgeti]

Legends of Speed done and dusted. Great weather, great racing, no incidents and greet people.

Our next event is the HMC/HSC Seminar, 20th May, 11.00am, Bruce McLaren Trust, Shed 47, Hampton Downs.

If you are interested in old car racing please come along and learn about our groups.
Please bring your own refreshments.

Any questions please contact Dale or myself.

Cheers
Bruce

[Steve Holmes]

I'll let Bruce Dyer fill in the details here. Third photo is by Ray Green.

[Spgeti]

Arthur Vowles has bought the ex Jim Crystall Wolseley1.5 litre Racing Saloon.
Jim raced this for many years and in the mid 90's had a serious crash. My understanding the car was never repaired and sadly Jim has passed on.
Arthur purchased the car and has started the restoration of this much raced saloon.
The car is to be sympatheticly restored and has been accepted to race in HSC.
The Worsley is to be powered by as Jim raced it by 1800cc MGB B series engine and equiped with a HRG Derrington cross flow head as per period. The heads were manufactured from 1956 to 1970 for the B Series engine.
This a welcome addition to our grid and will join Anglia's, Alfa Giulia's, Falcons Sprint and Jaguar Mk2's from that early period.
Arthur is a well know racer and also is very welcome and has raced since the 60's.
Jim Crystall was I understand one of the original orgainisors of the BMC Intermaque race series.
A great tribute to Jim and any photos and information is very welcome.

Cheers
Bruce

[dekon]

Arthur Vowels has bought the ex Jim Crystal Worsley 1.5 litre Racing Saloon.
Jim raced this for many years and in the mid 90's had a serious crash. My understanding the car was never repaired and sadly Jim has passed on.
Arthur purchased the car and has started the restoration of this much raced saloon.
The car is to be sympatheticly restored and has been accepted to race in HSC.
The Worsley is to be powered by as Jim raced it by 1800cc MGB B series engine and equiped with a HRG Derrington cross flow head as per period. The heads were manufactured from 1956 to 1970 for the B Series engine.
This a welcome addition to our grid and will join Anglia's, Alfa Giulia's, Falcons Sprint and Jaguar Mk2's from that early period.
Arthur is a well know racer and also is very welcome and has raced since the 60's.
Jim Crystal was I understand one of the original orgainisors of the BMC Intermaque race series.
A great tribute to Jim and any photos and information is very welcome.

Cheers
Bruce

Bruce, it's Crystall, and Wolseley !!

[Spgeti]

Thanks Dekon, will correct.

[Paul B]

Very cool to see some more period cars coming out of the woodwork. Especially with the background this one has.

[Spgeti]

Very cool to see some more period cars coming out of the woodwork. Especially with the background this one has.

It has always been one of our aims is to build a group that the older smaller saloon owner will be attracted to.
We would like to see Mini's, Mk1 Cortina's and Mk2 Jaguar's in our group.

[ERC]

Jim Crystall was I understand one of the original orgainisors of the BMC Intermaque race series.
A great tribute to Jim and any photos and information is very welcome.
Cheers
Bruce

Just for the record, Donn White created the BMC Series but after ten years, there was a major dispute between Jim and Donn regarding the last round and as a result, Donn walked away from the BMC Series.

I was asked to take it on by Derek Prior.

At the end of my first season, where Jim was equal winner with Nick Wilcox, we made the change from 1 scratch race and 1 handicap to 2 handicaps, as this was less biased towards the faster cars, which was partly the reason for Jim's stance.

Jim stalked off with the BMC Trophy tucked under his arm, muttering that I had 'turned it into nothing but a lottery'. Jim failed to hand over the BMC Trophy to Nick after six months and it was in fact several years before it was returned. (By then, Jim's health was in decline and he'd given up racing.) Meanwhile Jim I believe was indeed involved in the Inter Marque Series, but it was nothing whatever to do with the BMC Series, which was renamed the Leisuretime Series and then split to add the Tracer Series, but both under the same rules and structure and under the overall umbrella of the ERC Series.

It is important that the history is accurate and there is much more I could add about Jim's involvement but this is not the place!

Fantastic that the car is returning to the tracks and I look forward to seeing it.

[Spgeti]

Thanks Ray.

[Kiwiboss]

July 2017 HMC and HSC Newsletter

Bruce’s Ramblings: I would like to thank everyone that came along to our Seminar on 20th May at the McLaren Trusts new workshop premises. The cars on display certainly added to the atmosphere and Steve Holmes talk on the history of saloon car racing in New Zealand was very informative and outlined the path we are heading down.

New face along for HSC was Shane McConnell from Tauranga who is building up a Mk1 RS2000 with bubble flares. Welcome Shane, we look forward to seeing you and your new car out on the grid in the near future. We also welcome Todd Gower from Rotorua who has purchased ex Clyde Walters Mk3 Cortina 2000 and he has completed the T&C COD and sorted the overheating issues.

The “Why Be” Facts

One of the subjects that we often get asked by interested people wanting to come and join HSC is in regards to their restored Mk1/2 Escort that is powered by the YB Cosworth engine and why we do not allow it in our group.

I will answer this as briefly as possible but there is a lot written about this if you care to search in Google.

The YB engine was developed by Cosworth for installation in the to-be newly released 1982 Sierra. The engine is based on the steel Pinto block, hence why we get asked as we all know the Pinto single overhead cam engine was produced in the Escort from 1973 onwards up to the end of the Mk2 Escorts life in 1981. That basically is where the similarities end......

The heads were of course twin overhead cam manufactured in a variety of models suited for variations of the Sierra. They bear no resemblance to earlier twin cam heads produce by Ford for the Escort and all use electronic fuel injection coupled in some versions with a turbo charger.

The same applies to the Type 9, 5-speed gearbox again manufactured in 1982 for the Sierra and uses the same front housing as the Type E gearbox but with a completely different tail housing. While this bolts up to the Pinto block without modification the same cannot be said for the rear mounting. This requires removal of the mounting, shifting it back and also modification to the tunnel for the shifter hence outside of the rules applying to Schedule T&C, Schedule K and FIA Appendix K for our group.

We also are frequently asked about the ‘Holbay’ twin cam heads developed and homologated for the Mk1 RS2000. These heads were made in very small numbers and are not exactly replicated today. What is available today from Warrior and Smith & Jones is not homologated to use in our country for historic racing in our group at this stage.

The crux of the matter is that we deal in pre 1978 saloon cars so you can see that the Sierra engine and gearbox is out of the period that our group represents as the manufacturing date is 1982 and it was not a production engine or gearbox for the Mk1&2 Escort.

Yes we have seen some superb Escorts using this technology and yes there are some cost advantages and horsepower gains in using the YB engine and we can sympathize with those wanting to go down this route but simply for us it is using modern technology that is beyond our date range and does not fit our criteria.

[Kiwiboss]

MSNZ Appendix 6

There are differences between HMC Schedule T&C and what HSC use. HSC follows the MSNZ manual and the difference in rules does add to some confusion.

Historic Saloon Cars is broken down into three distinctive sets of regulations. They are as follows:

1: Schedule T&C. This is for production based cars made in quantities of 100 plus units. T&C requires the car has the appearance of a standard production vehicle. Therefore, no flared wheel arches are allowed unless a production item. So too, most of the interior is required to remain intact. However, T&C allows some additional freedoms, such as a 1 inch increase in wheel diameter over the standard model.

A good example of a T&C HSC car is Mike Coory's Datsun 240K. This car has been built to the full advantage of T&C but retains its upholstery and glass, but has 15 inch period rims taking advantage of the 1 inch creep on wheels and uses the factory production flares from the GTR of the same model. It uses the period correct larger L28 engine in lieu of its smaller brother the L24 to which a L28D crank is use to stretch the capacity out to 3.1 litres all within the 12.5% allowable limit under the regulations.

2: Schedule K. This is for actual period race cars or original production cars with homologated parts. MSNZ originally drafted up Schedule K regulations several decades ago to give owners of old, outdated racing cars with NZ history, a place to race them in their period guise.

Good examples of a Schedule K car racing in HSC is John Dennehy’s ex-Don Halliday MkI Escort, Rayden Smith’s ex-Jim Richards MkI Escort and David Thompson's ex Auto Trader Shell Sport Escort. Schedule K cars are usually allowed to be presented, both mechanically and aesthetically, as they did in period, even if this means they don’t fit either T&C or Appendix K rules.

3: FIA Appendix K. Appendix K are the regulations used for historic racing in other parts of the world, most notably the UK and Europe. Under Appendix K rules, each make and model that competed in a significant FIA saloon car championship in period should have its own Homologation Sheet, which is essentially the set of regulations specific to each individual car. These Homologation Sheets are what Appendix K rules are based on for modern day historic racing. HSC have access to most of the FIA Appendix K rules and are happy to supply these to anyone interested in building an Appendix K car for HSC.

One of the advantages of building an FIA Appendix K race car is that you will own a car that is not only historically very correct to what was being raced in period, it’ll also be eligible for almost any historic racing event anywhere in the world. Granted, if you do wish to take your car overseas, you will need to apply for a Historic Technical Passport (HTP). The HTP is your cars paperwork that proves it is correct as of the Appendix K rules, and gains it entry into international events.

In addition, if you build a car to Appendix K rules, you’ll find it to be an extremely good investment, and, if you one day choose to sell it, and providing you’ve got an HTP for it, you’ll have a car that has a worldwide market. Appendix K cars with a current HTP are worth several times more than cars not built to these rules. Eg, Appendix K MkI Escort twin-cams with an HTP are regularly changing hands in the UK and Europe for in excess of 100,000 pounds (roughly 115,000 Euros): https://www.motorsportauctions.com/c...00-20-BDG.html

A good example of an FIA Appendix K car racing in HSC is Howard Wood’s BMW 2002 Tii Group 2 replica which has been built to these exacting regulations.

At the moment we have four cars being built to FIA Appendix K; Paul McCarthy's Mk1 Escort RS1600 with the very special BDG 2 litre engine, Grant Sprague’s with his replica Mk1 Escort RS1600 and again with the BDG 2 litre engine, Paul Berkahn with his replica 1964 Falcon Sprint, Monte Carlo Rally with light weight panels and our own Steve Holmes with his 1968 Pontiac Firebird being built to Trans Am specifications.

The Roaring Season features build threads on both the Falcon and Firebird.

Paul’s Falcon Sprint: http://www.theroaringseason.com/show...allye-FIA-spec

Steve’s Pontiac Firebird: http://www.theroaringseason.com/show...eason-Firebird

Just to note that the BDG alloy 2 litre engine was not a production engine for the Escort. It was a homologated engine for competition use only.

Because Appendix K cars are accepted in HSC, you also have the option of purchasing and importing an Appendix K car from overseas to race with HSC.

What you cannot do in HSC is mix and match the rules from T&C, Schedule K and Appendix K into one car. You must choose the rules you want to build your car to, and stick to them to the letter. For example, a MkI Escort built as an Appendix K car is allowed forest flares, as used in period, but must also have period correct 13 inch diameter wheels. There is no 1 inch wheel creep.

To clarify Schedule T&C we allow as per the MSNZ Appendix 6 rule the following:
1 inch increase in wheel diameter over standard at a maximum of 15 inches on standard production bodies and after that there is no 1 inch creep. Also allows for polycarbonate glazing to side and rear windows as long as the same fixing medium is used as per standard.

You are allowed some period modifications to the body as long as it still looks correct. You are allowed painted bumpers and in some cases allowed without bumpers subject to approval.

You are allowed to use a larger engine but it must be from within the pre 78 date range and from the same production series. IE: Pre Cross Flow Ford, Alfa 105 Nord Twin Cam, Datsun L Series Single Overhead Cam, BMC A Series and BMC B Series as examples.

Engine wise you must be within 12.5 % of the engines capacity with a maximum of a 60 thou over bore.

You are allowed to fit period performance parts, ie: Weber Carburettors, Mechanical Fuel Injection, Arden Heads and HRG Derrington Heads are some examples.

Gearboxes must be as factory installed for that model but you are allowed close ratio gear sets. If a part is difficult to source we will look at alternatives in conjunction with MSNZ.

Escorts with bubble or forest flares must only use 13 inch rim size to keep that period look, so no creep is allowed.

As a side note some of our cars do have the incorrect gearbox and that is a relic from the past. We have accepted this in good faith and we are working with these owners over a period of time to correct this and in no way is it our intention to stop them racing or enjoying themselves. However, we will not be accepting new builds with incorrect gearboxes as they will not get a COD under today’s regulations.

T&C is not the same as Schedule K or FIA Appendix K so if in doubt please ask.

Some of the homologated extras are not allowed on your T&C car which is based on a production vehicle, not a period race car with specialized non production race engines and light weight panels. If it was produced in numbers of 100 plus units on a production line it is a production vehicle.

Those of you building an FIA Appendix K car with a HTP needs to advise MSNZ of your intentions and remember that these cars must be exact. Please talk to Dale or Tony Roberts if your car fits into this category.

Remember that if your car has a Schedule K or FIA Appendix K COD you cannot change the specification. If you are considering doing this you need to talk to one of the Directors first as you run the risk of having your COD classification being deemed invalid.

So, if you’re considering building a car for Historic Saloon Cars, take some time to first consider what it is you want from your historic racing. If you already own a very nicely presented road car and want to develop it further for historic racing, and feel that fitting it with period modifications, such as flared wheel arches etc will take away from the cars originality, then Schedule T&C is likely the best option.

If you want to build and race a car that is completely correct to what was being raced in period, then Appendix K is likely better suited to your requirements. In addition, if you would like to perhaps race your car overseas at some stage, then building an Appendix K car to FIA Schedule K rules gives you that option.

I hope this has clarified the differences in our groupings that run under HSC and the differences between HMC T&C rule and Schedule T&C that HSC use.

Our objective of HSC is not only to preserve history but is to build a grid of not only historic period NZ racing saloons but restore to the grid period correct classic saloons along with FIA Appendix K racing saloons.

Hopefully in the future to be able encourage competitors from overseas to bring their cars to NZ and have the knowledge that they will join a group of Pre Dec 1977 saloons to race with and that they are racing in a historic group with historic rules that are subject to auditing just as they do overseas.

[Kiwiboss]

MG Classic Meeting, Manfeild, Circuit Chris Amon. 10/11/12th November.
As previously notified we have arranged for garaging in the main stadium, $150.00 plus GST for the 3 days.

IMPORTANT: Those of you who are interested please contact Dale or myself to book your space before 30th July. I have to confirm numbers on the 30th. So don't miss out as I have managed to extend the date by one month.

You will be invoiced direct by Manfeild with payment due 30th October.
We are also arranging for the Friday night dinner and Saturday BBQ after racing.

The Manfeild Suite has also been booked for Saturday and Sunday as we did last year.
If any of you want to sponsor this room please contact me direct to discuss.

Taupo Great Lakes Meeting, Bruce McLaren MotorSport Park, Taupo. 7/8th April 2018.
This is the Barry Algie Memorial meeting and is very low key.

Tania Allingham and I are hopefully going to arrange a social evening as this being our end of season event. Now that we have confirmed the meeting we can now start work on it. It will be a Saturday evening event. I would like to thank Tania for putting her hand up to help so she will be on your case regarding this so please assist her by replying to her requests

[Ross]

I was interested to read about Jim Crystall, and his Wolseley.
I don't remember this car but I do recall a J. Chrystall from Taihape who used to race am Austin A50 in the mid 60's, especially at Levin.
Any connection?

[Spgeti]

Yes Ross, the same person.

[Kiwiboss]

Terry Price MK2 Jag soon to be coming to the Historic Saloon Car group...........great build in progress, watch this space.

[Spgeti]

I first visited Terry June last year after an intial meeting to discuss his project. The Jaguar at that stage was just a shell. Terry has followed Schedule T&C in his build and the car is to replicate the "Combes" Mk2 Jag look.
The Jag of course will be powered buy a 3.8 sporting D Type cams and triple 2" SU carbs, back to a 1970 XJ6 4 speed synchro gearbox, LSD etc. Front brakes have been updated to ventilated discs.
15x8 inch Minilite replica wheels and shod wit Hoosier bias treaded tyres to keep that period look.
The car is to be painted in a metallic BRG, all interior including rear seat and all wood put back in.
Terry's business is Restorations Unlimited in Whanganui and the car is to represent his work.

This will be a great addition to HMC/HSC pre 66 grid which is steadily growing in numbers.

[John McKechnie]

Excellent to see he is keeping the great revving 3.8
Nice set of triple two inch Skinner Unions there........
Cool to see some more real racing MK2s out there with their distinctive bellow --. Millen, Silcock,SID 1, Westall, Ure and others

[Spgeti]

We also have another FIA Appendix K build starting. To add to the 2 Mk1 Escort RS1600 BDG's of Paul McCarthy and Grant Sprague we have one of our legends joining us. Rob Halliday has been discussing his build of a Mk1 Escort RS1600 BDG with Dale and myself over the last few weeks and has committed to this build.
Welcome Rob we look forward to seeing you and your car on the grid.

Rob says he just wants to have fun and race with Hillsy and John Sampson....isn't that great.