Nick Wilcox was the first series co-winner (with Jim Chrystall) when I got involved 1996/97, and in a remarkable coincidence, John Palmer won the 2016/17 series in the same car, in Chris Browne's first year as convenor.
Last edited by ERC; 10-05-2017 at 09:08 PM.
On to the 1997 Chelsea hill-climb. For those who are not familiar, this is run up the drive of the Chelsea Sugar works on Auckland's North Shore. Anyone who has been to down town Auckland or crossed the harbour bridge, will be aware of the striking sugar works buildings over to the west. It is a private drive so does not need council consent (as far as I know) nor the $5,000 fee that killed off the Domain Hillclimb.
Can someone please identify this gorgeous looking car for me?
Sean's Marcos has quite a history. When it first arrived in NZ it was stolen by a joy rider who managed to thrash the freshly rebuilt engine before it had been run in. This pic was taken outside John Hartles garage, prior to a chassis rebuild. John is better known for his motorbikes and is a regular at the above Chelsea Hillclimb.
The chassis was duly rebuilt but I haven't been in contact with Sean for a while now, so I haven't seen a fully rebuilt car.
Fast forward to July 2017 and an HRC day at Hampton Downs club track.
Last edited by ERC; 10-07-2017 at 09:20 PM.
Unfortunately Ray, Chelsea does need a fee, and lots of work on getting permissions. However as it is seen as one of the "Jewels in the Crown" of the Waitemata branch of VCC calendar there are a great bunch who so far have managed to keep it alive. This year a bit more of a challenge as there will be a 7 day a week cafe at the Sugar Works.
Date is 5th November this year.
Oh, and yes I am pleased to see that the pubescent VCC class has moved forward. It still needs more cars though, and as can be seen with the variety of cars which Ray has shown here, it can only get better, as long as new old folks keep joining in.
Thanks Rhys. We have only just had word of the Chelsea Sugar Works factory tour and café and were debating whether or not the café would be a 7 day week exercise.
Ian West returns, with an Alfa Duetto, for the HRC club track day.
Icebreaker, Saturday. Hooters Series for pre December 1960 cars, practice. HRC's Tim Hill with his Speedwell Austin A30 with Jane Farris in the Standard 10. The Hooter's Series ran Saturday only and Classic Trial, Sunday only, which is a sensible structure. I can only echo Rhys's comment - let's have more cars out there.
ERC Series - Arrow Wheels
Last edited by ERC; 10-09-2017 at 08:17 PM.
Des Redgewell's Volvo has benefitted from an engine rebuild and sounded even better.
Richard McCarthy Jnr blowing the cobwebs out of Richard McCarthy Snr's Lotus 7. Brother Paul ran the Peugeot. It should be wearing #84, as #8 is still Skidmark Parson's number.
Last edited by ERC; 10-09-2017 at 09:29 PM.
AES Trophy holder, John Palmer in 'FANTA'.
MG people certainly do it in style, with filter coffee... and a pottery mug.
Sunday's weather was a bit grim... Sheridan Broadbent, Valiant Pacer, one of about eight or nine lady drivers over the two days. Great to see.
Melissa Broadbent Honda S2000
Last edited by ERC; 10-10-2017 at 01:37 AM.
Could the gorgeous little green car in post 1788 you ask about be a Fraser Nash?
Last edited by Allan; 10-10-2017 at 01:43 AM.
Back to Saturday...
Bagby Special
Last edited by ERC; 10-10-2017 at 02:51 AM.
Back to 1998 briefly - an HRSCC practice day at Whenuapai
I still need this car identifying.
Another ERC Series addition.
Ellerslie Car Show 1998
Whenuapai 1998. Not a good one for me as it turned out.
Last edited by ERC; 10-12-2017 at 07:58 PM.
Is this an Auburn?
Graham Main's damaged Vitesse - he wasn't at fault. He was forced off the track at the chicane when another driver who should have known better, and had already been overtaken, tried a dumb move. The Vitesse went off but I was right behind him and was also forced off...
The net result was that I clipped the rear corner of the Vitesse, ripping out a chunk of my rear wing and also damage to the door. To say I was not happy is a massive understatement, having just spent $40,000 on a full restoration. Sadly, we don't hold errant drivers responsible for repairing the damage they cause and to this day, I haven't managed to totally repair this particular damage, as to do it properly, requires another body off restoration. At this point, I had the extremely expensive laminated glass rear screen in place. After this incident, I reverted to the much cheaper original Perspex issue...
An accident is one thing. Poor driving is another thing altogether.
Last edited by ERC; 10-12-2017 at 08:30 PM.
Another incident that was caused by gross stupidity and could have been even worse.
The errant Bentley that caused the above. I think the driver was quite rightly given his marching orders, never to be seen since - certainly not at any classic meeting. He spun and then proceeded to do doughnuts - in the middle of the track blocking all visibility.
I don't think you can bring a modern TVR in now, as they don't conform to NZ's rules and regulations.
Last edited by ERC; 10-13-2017 at 03:26 AM.
who is the owner of the M16 Mclaren please? TIA
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