13th International Rally

Noble years of motoring returned to Nelson when about 760 cars in the 13th International Vintage and Veteran Rally converged on the city.

Competitors left various starting points all around New Zealand and made their way to Nelson.

Many years of restoration have been devoted to these tremendous old vehicles and nothing like mechanical problems was going to stop most from reaching Nelson.

Take, as an example of true determination, the feat of Bob Turnbull of Christchurch in his 1907 Sizaire Naudin. Near Wanaka, on the second day of their route from Timaru, the head of the Sizaire sheared off. Undaunted, Mr Turnbull found an abandoned stationary Lister engine at a nearby sawmill. He borrowed a couple of the heavy nine-inch exhaust valves and returned to a workshop at Albert Town. There he turned his find on a lathe and reassembled the engine. The new valve ran sweetly. With 11 hours of non-stop driving he caught the field to Westport, 360 miles away. Instead of averaging his 20mph, he averaged 33mph.

An estimated, 20,000 people flockedto Richmond Park to view the cars as they arrived.

This will be one event that Nelson will remember for many years. (Because of deadlines we were unable to cover all the vintage car activities for this issue. However, there will be further coverage in the next issue of "Photo News'' on April 8. Editor).

A fine line-up of vehicles ready for the start from Richmond Park. Nearest is a 1924 Ford T, owned by J. H. Soar. Next is a 1924 Austin 4/20, owned by T. L. Dymond (Blenheim), a 1934 Singer 9 Le Mans, owned by Mike Hope-Cross of Auckland, and the fourth car is a 1928 Nash, owned by J. R. McDonald

Mrs D. Dymond of Blenheim and her children, Glenda and Hilary, accompanied her husband, Mr T. L. Dymond, on the tour, in their 1924 Austin 4/20

A few adjustments made, and Mike Hope-Cross of Auckland is ready to start the rally in his 1934 Singer 9 Le Mans

Ross Glenny (Wanganui), on his 1936 Velocette, receives instructions from the marshalls, Dick Bier and Ken Ivory (nearest), who is the chairman of the Nelson association

A big smile from Mr and Mrs Bob Scott of Christchurch, as they set off in their 1913 Metallurgique, a Belgian car

E.I. Dey in a 1921 Ford T sets off from Richmond Park for Greymouth and return to Nelson.

An Australian competitor, A.J. Cross starts in his 1926 A.J.S. motorcycle.

Having arrived safely in Nelson Glen Bull of Masterton, driving a 1923 A.J.S. motorcycle and sidecar, chats to Russell Cross, Timaru, and Garry Turner, Blenheim.

Arrivals in Nelson were greeted by thousands of people and a among them was Pamela Mace who handed out souverir booklets.

Ken Ivory had a busy time directing traffic as the cars poured in steadily

The 1929 Harley Davidson 7-9 carried driver Geoff Hockley and George Christie of Christchurch safely to Nelson

Kerry and her mother, Mrs A. Campbell of Christchurch, chat with Ken Ivory, Nelson, after arriving in their 1928 Model A from Timaru

This silent, powerful brute is a 1924 Doble. Steam-powered the Doble is believed to be one of only 10 in the world and the only one outside America. It is owned by Mr B. T. Rankine of Masterton. The main fule problem is trying to find places that sell the kerosene needed to heat the steam unit. A head of steam can be raised from a cold start in 30 seconds

A husband and wife team in the rally are Jan and Roley Coulcher of Sydney. Jan is driving a 1930 B.S.A. and Roley's on a 1928 B.S.A. with sidecar

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The Nelson Photo News

No 136 : March 4, 1972

13th International Rally