Source: Taranaki Daily News. Reproduced by permission

Deena Coster05:10, Jan 17 2022

Lloyd Gleeson’s teenage wish came true when he sat behind the wheel of his beloved vintage car for the first time at the age of 60.

He first saw a photograph of the 1967 Alpine A110 Berlinette as a teenager and vowed one day he would buy one.

“On my 60th birthday, I was still saying it,” the New Plymouth man said.

But instead of sitting on his hands, he put his effort into tracking one down, eventually buying one of 400 assembled in Mexico, for a fraction of the price it cost to buy from its native France, where he said the car is considered “a national treasure”.

READ MORE:
* The Taranaki car festivals determined to go ahead in 2022
* A lot of water under the Bertrand Rd Suspension Bridge
* Truck blamed for damage to historic wooden suspension bridge in Taranaki

It had now been in his possession for 17 years, but the first time he drove the car was still etched in his memory.

“It was everything I dreamed it would be. It was a magic car to drive.”

Gleeson’s Alpine is one of 475 vintage vehicles taking part in this week’s Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring Vintage Car Rally.

The impressive collection, and their owners, rolled into New Plymouth’s TSB Stadium on Sunday afternoon ahead of the official opening ceremony to jump-start the event, which runs until January 21.

The oldest car taking part was manufactured in 1906, with the most recent model dating back to 1990.

Activities are planned throughout the week, including a big street party in Inglewood on Thursday.

Taranaki Vintage Car Club chairman Colin Johnston said the festival is usually held every five years, but its future was in doubt as the membership was getting older, and it was hard to attract younger people into the fold.

But given the situation with Covid-19, he was “really chuffed” with the turnout.

Festival programme at a glance:

Monday: Tour of Tikorangi, including travelling over the historic Bertrand Rd suspension bridge, before returning to New Plymouth.

Tuesday: Competition day for those wanting to take part, where vehicles from different classes take on routes and go up against others for the best time.

Wednesday: A trip down State Highway 45 to Opunake, before heading back to New Plymouth.

Thursday: Participants depart for central Taranaki, visiting Stratford, and Whangamomona if they choose, before ending up in Inglewood for the street party from 4-8pm.

Friday: The car rally heads to Hāwera, before coming back to New Plymouth for the festival finale.

We’ve had a few enquiries about whether the cars attending the Rally in Palmerston North this weekend will be lined up for the public to view. There may be other opportunities as the weekend progresses, but for the moment the cars can be viewed at Massey University, in the carpark below Wharerata (second entrance to Massey on the left as you leave PN – NOT the main entrance) from 9 to 10 this morning as the club does its “concours” event.

Searchable (well, mainly) scans of all Sphinx-NZ newsletters and magazines from March 1970 to the end of 2018 are now available in the Files section at groups.io/g/Siddeley, and also in the club’s Dropbox folder (link sent to all members with each new issue of the magazine.)

The 2021 National Rally is going to be held in Palmerston North over Labour Weekend, 22nd to 25th October.

The organisers have made booking arrangements with Awatea Park Lodge at 243 Fitzherbert Avenue, Palmerston North (please pay and book direct for the 3 nights)

The registration form for the rally is being sent out with the June-July 2021 issue of the club magazine, but can also be downloaded from the link below. An editable version is also available for download at bit.ly/Rego21

https://tinyurl.com/ASCC-Rally-21

We have been advised that the Otaki car line-up, originally scheduled for 7 March, has been cancelled on account of the current uncertainty in the coronavirus situation. The Central Districts barbecue will now be held on 20 March, to follow the Swapmeet in Levin.

Ellerslie Racecourse, Sunday 14 February 2021. 10am – 4pm. Entry $20 (under-12s free)

https://www.concours.org.nz/

[Note (2 March) – this event and the accompanying club BBQ have been cancelled. See separate posting on this page.]

Don McAlpine will put on a BBQ for club members at his place (few mins away) after this event. Details in the club magazine. Post a comment if you are attending!

Sunday 7 March 2021

Otaki OMRC Racecourse Te Roto Road Otaki

10am to 2pm (gates open from 9am to 3pm)

Car Show is open to all make & model cars. Entry Fee $10.00 to show your car, Public viewing Gold Coin Donation.Coffee & Food karts will be onsite, serving delicious food & DrinksThis is a community Fundraising Event for Otaki Volunteer Fire Brigade

Hosted by KHZZCC

Contact Mike 0275926573

14 February 2021
10am to 4pm

Trentham Memorial Park
Barton Road, Upper Hutt. 

Open to all British and European cars. 
Entry $10.00 per display vehicle

See: http://www.britishandeuropeancarday.co.nz/?page_id=356