The Nelson Vintage Car Club held its monthly meeting at the WOW Museum recently, and members had the chance to see the collection of cars for a reduced price. Some, who had not been there before, expressed surprise at the size, selection and quality of the cars on show. This collection is being added to all the time and is gaining a wide reputation for the quality of the displays.
The annual winter dinner for The Classic Motoring Society was held at the Maitai Club with a good turn-out of members. Adrienne Chilton (member) and her team provided us with some good old time entertainment and many laughs. Conversation flowed as we were the only group there and background noise was low, making it easy to talk to old friends and new.
The AA, with help from the Nelson District, is to collaborate with the FIVA to act as a watch-dog for the Classic Motoring world to protect the long term interests of all members, and it is rumoured that Jean Todt is standing for the position of FIA President, and that he intends to have Brian Gibbons, chief executive of the New Zealand AA, as Deputy President for Mobility.
Relatively mild weather greeted us on Sunday July 19 when the Nelson branch of The Vintage Car Club held its annual Snow Run to Lake Rotoiti. Nevertheless I was surprised at the number of members opting for more modern closed cars. Are they all getting soft? Whilst I do feel the cold, if you dress accordingly motoring in cold weather with the hood down while breathing cool fresh air is immensely enjoyable. One hundred and forty people attended and around 60 cars, but only one other joined us with a furled hood. The organisers did a superb job and provided everyone with vegetable soup, ‘pea — pie and pud’ followed by coffee, tea and cake, all for only $6 per head. Excellent value in a nice modern heated hall.
The Rover Car Club is to hold the annual Classic and Collectables Show day on September 6 at Higgins Park, Wakefield.

Photo:: Nelson VCC’s Snow Run to Lake Rotoiti