SCZZEC Magazine Index

"My first experience with motor cars was when I first learned to drive in 1933 in my uncle�s Plymouth on his farm in Southland. It was largely trial and error out in the paddocks, giving fences and gateways a wide berth.
My first car was a 1926 Singer Sports - two seater with folding hood - rear dickie-seat and disc wheels.
After returning from war service overseas in 1945 I bought a 1936 Austin 7 which I kept until 1951 when I bought a near-new 1950 Morris Minor - the lowlight model. This was a great little car - as Jim Macdonald of our club will confirm, having still owned one of them to this day.

In 1955 due to company promotion I needed a bigger car for company travel and bought a one-owner Zephyr Mk I in near-new condition. When the Mk II came on the market I bought a brand new model from Hutcheson Motors inChristchurch.
Although the Mk II was a delightful car, I could not resist purchasing the �ahead of its time� Mk III with the four-speed gear change. This new purchase was made from Hutchinson Motors of Christchurch on 29 October 1964 and has served me faithfully to this day.
The engine is still in original condition (except for new oil rings in 1985) and has never been rebored.
I have resisted many good offers for this immaculate car - no money would ever buy it as it is promised to my daughter Sally who I know will keep it in the same spotless order.
During my long association with the South Canterbury Zephyr and Zodiac Enthusiasts Club my car has won both the �Best Mk III� and �Best Club Car� awards as well as being placed at the international convention at Christchurch in 1991.
Some years ago Barry Goddard did a write-up on the pristine condition of my Zephyr.
This was published in the December 1999 issue of the NZ Classic Cars magazine - a copy of this has been donated to be placed among the club records.
I now have just over five years to go to have owned my one original owner Mk III Zephyr for 40 years - this is if I can live that much longer. I am currently in my 82nd year and still in better shape than most of my age.
It has been, and still is, a priviledge to have been a member of the South Canterbury Zephyr and Zodiac Enthusiasts Club since its inception as a separate club.
Long may your club prosper and I know that my daughter Sally will continue her association with the Zephyr club movement for many years. My garage has never been without a Zephyr in it for over 47 years - my Zephyrs have not just been motorcars - they have been part of my life".