Northern Sports Car Club - the early years.

[GregT]

It could have been worse. Works Kreidler 50cc riders had a 4 speed foot change box - and a 3 speed 'twist the left grip' hand change on top of that.
As you would expect, when asked "what gear are you in at so and so corner" they could never tell anyone.

[Roger Dowding]

Thanks Milan,

After so many years, I now appreciate that my Fiat 509 Special, built at a total cost of less than around the then 200 pounds, was faster than Bruce McLarn's Ulster Austin, which was a quite smart piece of kit. I have never considered myself to rate among N Z special builders, but as of now am inclined to have a change of mind. LOL The special was fun to drive having two gear levers operating a two speed rear end and crash three speed gear box.

Milan, Thanks also from me. I had seen your image of the Programme Front Page of the NSCC Championship Hill Climb 1953, at Wairamarama, but not the entry list with the times etc.
Along with Trevor, what a great list of names, Jock Aitken, Phil Kerr, Ron Roycroft appears to be a no show, Ivy Stephenson, Don Tilsley, George Smith, Laurie Powell, J Mansel is I assume Johnny Mansel, and Arthur Harris in his Buckler, probably the first Buckler in New Zealand - no times was he also a No show.
A great piece of NSCC History on one page.

The story of Trevor Sheffield's Fiat features on this thread - now we know it was a quick car - especially in its Class 751 - 1100 cc.

[Trevor Sheffield]

OK Roger,

I have it in my mind that Ron Roycroft ran the Bugatti rather than the Alfa and this could account for his name being crossed out. I can't recall the Alfa having being used in a hill-climb. Whatever, I could be wrong.

Without doubt the open wheel buckler entered, was the first in New Zealand. I can't remember it at the event and I would say that it did not show. What is more, I can't recall Arthur Harris ever driving it in serious competition, with this at first being left to his son.

During those early days, crash hats were in short supply and I did not own one. During the running of a hill-climb, a car would return helmets to the finish in order to facilitate the their loan.

[Roger Dowding]

Motorsport Day was held on 28th January 1978, by NSCC for the first time.
A 4 event day.
3 Speed events a Gymkhana, at the field by the Mt Richmond Clubrooms, a Club Circuit Sprint at Pukekohe and the Hillclimb at Cosseys Farm, Drury.
The travel between, Mt Richmond Domian, Otahuhu and Pukekohe, then from Pukekohe to Drury was a Trial in two sections.
Much of the event programme has been published as have the results.

Following is the "Club Torque " article written by Rod and Judy Peat, and the results as seen in the Clubs magazine I guess in February 1978.

The Cover of the Instruction / Regulation / Trial Instructions Booklet that had the entrants Officials and the ASR's

The Entrants List - posted before ;

Club Torque article - from Milan Fistonic archives ;
3 pages including the results.

[Roger Dowding]

A set of photos from Dennis Green archives - as processed by Ross BMC BOY Cammick.
Ross is unsure who took the photos as Dennis appears in some of the set and in a photo below.

Competitors in Numerical order;

Number 5 - from the entrants list.
On the Gymkhana.

on Cosseys Farm Road Hillclimb - Number 17 - the photo archivist.

also on Cosseys - in the smaller class - Number 22

again on Cosseys - the story writer. - Number 14 - was also second place-getter

The detailed results - Class Placings and Overall.

The Winners trophy [ posted before - but makes the story more complete. ]
The winner - Peter Levet in his Mini 1275cc ..

More to come when downloaded..

Plate history the GT6, the Simca and others - Plates are no longer current or even in the archives.
The plate on the escort of one D Green - photographer, I cannot decipher.

[Roger Dowding]

More photos from Dennis Green archives - all at the same corner on Cosseys Farm Road - The Hillclimb.

John Coker -Mazda

Thought to be David Thexton Datsun 1200 SSS..

One of several Ford Escorts

Another Escort

another Datsun 1200 - think just a 1200 not an SSS

One of several Mini's entered .. unsure whose ??

As an aside ; None of the plates are current - well it was 1978 some 44 years ago.

[Milan Fistonic]

I have it in my mind that Ron Roycroft ran the Bugatti rather than the Alfa and this could account for his name being crossed out. I can't recall the Alfa having being used in a hill-climb. Whatever, I could be wrong.

Roycroft at a Muriwai hill climb.

[Roger Dowding]

Posted on NZ Rallying History and Old new Zealand Motor Racing by Rob Scott.

" Northern Sports Car Club are commemorating the 50th anniversary of the building of their clubrooms in Mount Richmond Domain, Otahuhu.
The clubrooms have provided a social hub for not just NSCC members, but a number of marque clubs and has been the home of Rally New Zealand for many years. It's also seen its share of drama and triumph as the finish venue for a number of NZRC rallies and Gold Star trials.
The celebrations are scheduled for the afternoon and evening of Saturday 20th August 2022.
Further details will be available closer to the date. For more information, please contact Rod Peat ([email protected]) "

Articles in South Auckland newspapers.

The Official Function in August 1972.

[Roger Dowding]

The Singford - with the Tilsley brothers - Don Tilsley racing in NSCC and ACC events
Note from Don Tilsley, which I received today with a photo.
The photo appears in the Graham Veroce book Historic Racing Cars of New Zealand with an incorrect caption.

Don notes ;
" Auckland Car Club.Mt Eden Hill-climb 5th.April 1952.The A.C.C. always ran the class
1101-2000cc.The International class was 1101-1500cc. The N.S.C.C. always stuck to the
International classes and their handicapping was far superior as well.Competed against
Ron Roycroft in the Bug and Herb Gilroy in the Rubber Duck on the day and got 3rd.
Herb 1st in 34.0sec. Ron 2nd.in 35.2 and me in 36.6. FTD George Smith GCS 31.0sec.
Cheers Don. "

Caption in the book says " Don Tilsley on the startline at Mt Eden in the Singford [ MkII ], with bother Glen holding down the tail " - Event is correct but the Gentleman " holding down the tail " is Laurie Powell.

On the same page of the Vercoe book is another photo of Don at Ohakea noted " Stripped for the track, the guardless Singford at Ohakea in 1952, Don Tilsley driving.

Programme Cover for the ACC Mt Eden Hillclimb Don Tilsley archives.

According to Dons own records it was the 1953 event with notes as follows ;
Singford at " Ohakea Trophy Race 14 March 1953. D.N.F Don Tilsley 24th lap of 25 holding 2nd place broke steering arm. Could have finished 3rd or 4th. Don received 10 pounds for completing 23 laps! "

Don competing at A couple of NSCC events -posted before but brings them together.

Seagrove in November [ 11th ] 1951.

Wairamarama Hill, NSCC North Island Championship Hill Climb January 16th 1954.

Don came first in Class F 1001 - 1500 cc.
** now have more details of the meeting and also events at Seagrove from Don - a story is building.

All photos Don Tilsey's own archives.
Thanks Don

In another comment about the Mt Eden photo Don notes : " Ref. Laurie Powell a regular competitor in
his Ford V8 Roadster. Was a past N.S.C.C. Club Captain and President 1955-56. Also
well known at Western Springs in his midget car. I note the Club Auditor was one H.Dowding.
Cheers Don. "

H Dowding was Hector Macdonald Dowding [ 23/3/1917 to 11/09/1999 ] my late father. I knew he was Honorary Auditor for the Club, as he told me, but never known any record of it

[Roger Dowding]

Details of the events which were held a week apart by NSCC -

Information from Don Tilsley - who competed in his Singford 11 -

Don writes ;

" “7/12/1952. Mt.Wellington circuit races.( 1.25 miles). Due to the narrow track mostly rough loose metal (and extremely dusty)
surface with a short and much cambered tar-sealed uphill section it was restricted to cars up to 1500cc. although some time trials were held for bigger capacity cars.
Event one.4 lap scratch race for Specials.
Starters. Winter Spec., Riley Spec., Standard Spec., BSA., Aitken Spec.,Mk2., McHugh Spec., Singford Spec.
Results.Singford 1st.7'-3" , BSA 2nd.7'-14.8", Aitken 3rd.7'-34.8"
Event Two. 4 Lap. Open Handicap. 3 Specials Versus 3 MG's..
Starters. Singford, Aitken, BSA. TD M.G.x3.
Results. Singford 1st.8'-02.8"(H/cap 1'-20"), BSA 2nd.8-03.8(H/cap 1'-15") TD Somervell 3rd.8'-05"( H/cap 1'-15")
Event Three..4 Lap. 1sts. and 2nds. from previous events athough the Jupiter driven by Gordon Brown replaced the BSA.
Results. Singford !st.8'05.3"(H/cap 1'-30"), Jupiter 2nd.8'-05.8"(H/cap1-15") Somervell TD 3rd.8'-06" (H/cap1'-15")
Event.Four.4 Lap. MG v Specials Scratch race.
Results. Singford 1st. 6'-59.2", Somervell TD 2nd. 7-01.6", Greenwell TD 3rd.7-18.9".
During one of these events the Singford on passing Jock's special on the short uphill section contact occured between the cars.
The Singford's L.H. front hub taking out all the hub cap clips on Jocks R.H. front wheel and removing the grease cap on the Singfords.hub
not noticed till the races end! It was quite an effort I can ensure you for the scratch car to pass other competitors in the dust and
flying metal.
“
Information from Don Tilsley – Email dated 22 June 2022
"

" “14/12/1952. Mt.Wellington.
Event. Time Trial over 1500cc.
Results.George Smith G.C.S. 1st.1'-29.2". 2nd. Peter Harrison XK120 1'-32". 3rd. Fred Zambuca De Soto Spec.1'-35.6".
Event. Time Trials.Under 1500cc
Starters. Aitken Spec., Jupiter, 3- TD MGs, 1 -TC MG.
Results. Singford 1st.1'-40", Jupiter (Gordon Brown) 2nd.1'-41", 3rd. Somervell MG TD 1'-42".
14/12/1952, Mt Wellington – continued;
Event.Scratch Race. MGs V Specials.
Results. Singford 1st.6'-48.9", MG TD (Greenwell) 2nd., MG TD (Somervell) 3rd.
“

Information from Don Tilsley – Email dated 22 June 2022

Details of the Track from Don Tilsley Email dated 23 June 2022.
"

" The course was the same for both days and was situated in an area to the left of the Southern Motorway
before it crosses the Mt.Wellington Highway. If you have a road map of the area you will see Commissariat Road, which was the main straight and start and finish line. There was some housing on the north side of this road but the other sides were small farmlets with live stock. I have some video of the events Ex Avery Bros, and Gordon Brown.
"

A photo of Dons car with others - at a different event though ; At Muriwai .. Dons car #34 with bonnet askew !

[Allan]

Hi Roger. I didn't get any PM from you and don't know if you received mine. Let me know here please.
Allan

[Roger Dowding]

Hi Roger. I didn't get any PM from you and don't know if you received mine. Let me know here please.
Allan

Allan, my message box was full and I didn't notice - will now send a new message.

Cheers
Roger

[Allan]

On their way to you as we speak.

[Roger Dowding]

On their way to you as we speak.

Very kind of you Allan,
Thanks - will be appreciated.

Cheers
Roger

and on 30th June they were received,
Thanks again Allan..

[Roger Dowding]

Have had a look through the Ardmore Programmes.

Don tells me he has all the Ardmore Programmes from 1954 to 1962, and the 1963 Pukekohe event, first running of the NZ I GP at the
" new " track.
They list the Executives and Officials of the NZ Grand Prix Association.
Lots of great period advertisements too.

Both Auckland Car Club and Northern Sports Car Club ran events seperately to the Grand Prix, which they called
" Little Ardmore " .. as seen in newspaper clippings on this thread.

[Roger Dowding]

More details are to hand about the event - no format yet, but expressions of interest and a deposit [ towards refreshments is sought ]

" We are now seeking Expressions of Interest and a deposit, to cover the cost of refreshments, from those wishing to help celebrate this momentous occasion, so that we can put the final touches to the day.

So, get in early for this fun-filled event, where the emphasis will be on camaraderie, with plenty of time to catch up, tell lies, recall days past, and to rekindle old friendships made over the past years.

Hopefully the celebration will appeal not only to past NSCC club members, but anyone that celebrated an event at the clubrooms in days gone by.

To be in now, Deposit $20.00 (non-refundable) to the NSCC bank account. (add your name as id) and e-mail thru your names, contact details and confirmation of payment please. "

" NSCC BANK ACCOUNT – ANZ BANK – 01-0221-0010851-00 "

Committee details and Email to send confirmation of payment -

" Rod Peat (Chairman), Dennis Green, John Dorking, Bob Mitchell, Jill Greenland by e-mail :- [email protected]
Contact - Rod Peat on 021-478914
"

The Email again " [email protected] ". for confirming deposit paid and providing details.

Rod Peat has his own Email for other correspondence

" [email protected] ".

Cheers from this guy !!.

NSCC Logo's over the years

1943

1950's

1960's onwards

[Roger Dowding]

NSCC usually held Gymkhana events on grass, and often had an Autocross course at the same event.
In the 1970's there were grass events at Peter Hildreth and Tom Grace Farms at Waimauku and Woodhill,quite close to each other.

This event was held on a Sunday at the Carpark of the then new Mangere Town Centre.
Shops were closed on Sundays and carparks were used for all sorts of Sports - some shopping area carparks actually had Netball Courts and other markings for their sports. -

A selection of cars at the event from Dennis Green images, which have been processed by Ross Cammick, many never seen before.

This car is not your usual LIP Vauxhall Velox 6..
Car had twin carburettors and modified manifolds, an Inline Hurst Shifter replacing the Column change shift and as seen Escort flares fitted to the rear guards.
I rode in this car a few times, it was quite quick in a straight line, but cornering was a bit unusual - these Vauxhalls had a front suspension that rose up under heavy braking.
Dave Hotham, a school mate of my younger brother owned the car. I knew Dave well also, as his family had a bach at Onetangi, Waiheke Island, not far from my Grandmothers house.

This car was there that day too !! - as seen on the Austin Healey thread

a mix of cars.

The BIG,

The Small
Dave Hughes in the Imp

and smaller - just ..
Graham Hill in the Mini Clubman.

.

As an aside,
I understand that Don Tilsley is attending the NSCC Celebration, 50th Anniversary of the Clubrooms.
He is coming with Allan Woolf and John Windleburn.

I hope a few more of the Guys who were seniors in the Club when I joined also attend.

Will post more details when known.
NSCC Celebration, 50th Anniversary of the Clubrooms
Date is set ; Saturday 20th August 2022.
Format is being worked on but understand I will be an afternoon into ealy evening Event

[Roger Dowding]

NSCC Celebration

" 50th Anniversary of the Clubrooms ".
Saturday 20th August 2022.
At the Clubrooms,
Mount Richmond Domain, Great South Road, Otahuhu

The Details - announced today on the NSCC 50th Anniversary Facebook page;

" Seeing as the event is only just over a month away, an update is probably required.
We have had a really good response to the
celebration and have had a good number submit their registration form.
Most of these people are staunch NSCC types, but there are quite a few who want to come along to see folk they haven't seen for a while.
The program starts at 1.30pm on Saturday the 20th August with a mix and mingle and the formalities start at 2.00pm.
There will be a few speakers including a representative from the McLaren Trust to present NSCC with a gift for storing the orange car for a number of years.
There will be a few iconic NSCC cars on display as well.
Afternoon tea will be served after the speeches and the cash bar will be open.
All in all it should be a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and share some tall stories with like minded people.
If you want to be a part of it and haven't registered yet, PM me your email address and I'll send you the form.
Cheers,
Rod Peat ,
On behalf of
The Anniversary Committee "

Not specifically the Anniversary, but the sign above the montage of photos, hangs above the bar kitchen area, up where the pool tables were and maybe still are !!.
The Clubrooms were Rally Headquarters for Rally New Zealand over many years.

Will be heading there, in one of these ;

But not driving like this :

[Roger Dowding]

Thanks to Don Tilsley for this image - which is from a publication and has notes on it from a couple of famous NSCC people " Colin Waite and Allan " Woolfie " Woolf.

Printed on the photo is " the Ford 10 Special, never really liked and owned for only six months "
Date of the event 30th October 1955.
Amongst other competitors was an M Roberts driving the BSA Special of Ralph Watson.

As noted on the photo " taken at a carpark at the end of Rosebank Road ", Avondale, used as the pit/paddock area for the event which was a Sprint Meeting on the unfinished North western Motorway - the first section from Point Chevalier to Te Atatu.

Description on the back of the photo ;
" Bruce at NSCC Sprint meeting on N. W. Motorway near Rosebank Road.
Ford 10 Special ex Bob Crisp new body built on his Standard 8 Chassis and with Ford 10 engine. The Standard Spec-ial was a very successful car in the 750 -1100cc class
".
A rather young looking Bruce McLaren - well, he was born on the 30th August 1937 - so just turned 18.

[Roger Dowding]

Northern Sports Car Club ran an Event in the " New Zealand Hill Climb Championships " at Wairamarama in the 1950's.
In 1952 the Event was known as the " New Zealand Hill Climb Championships "
By 1953 it became part of the " North Island Hill Climb Championships " - the same in 1954 and 1955.
The Hill had been used as a " Club Event " in September 1951, where Don Tilsley competed for the first time in the Singford Special.

Here from the archives of Don Tilsley - the Programme Cover and the List of Entrants - which includes handwritten times, which would have been done by Don's wife Muriel Tilsley.

This is the 1952 Event;
Programme Cover.

The Entry List with handwritten times.

Details on Competitors -

Previously posted are these from the 1953 event - Milan Fistonic archives.
Now the " North Island Hill Climb Championships "
Done to give a timeline to the information.

To follow - the information from the 1954 event from Don Tilsley - Don was a competitor again.
Also information on the 1955 event from Milan Fistonic.

Trevor Sheffield competed in the 1953 event in his Fiat 509 Special - the story of this car appeared in posts #299 and #300 on page 15 of this thread.

A photo of Trevor's car when first completed - in another photo it shows the 1951 - 56 number plates;