Practical Clasics - March Edition

[Chris Spencer]

On page 43 of the March edition (Rust in Peace) is a image of a Javelin that is located in a breakers yard in Horopito - (New Zealand North Island - close to the town of Ohakune & Tongariro National Park) - it looks largely complete - apparently it one of several Jowetts in a yard that is the graveyard to hundreds of vehicles - any chance of one of our NZ members going on research mission ???

[Leo Bolter]

Thanks for the tip off Chris.

I’m pretty sure that the Classic/Vintage car fraternity in this country (including Jowetteers) will have noted anything there that’s Jowett . . . it’s a well-known and often visited graveyard. In fact it was a “stop and look” suggestion on one of the scheduled tours when the JCC of NZ held its National Rally in Ohakune last year.
Never the less there’s literally thousands of cars there and many are not readily accessible . . . bear in mind that the photo below shows lots of vehicles, but it’s 2D and doesn’t reveal that some of the cars are piled 2 and 3 high! There very well may be cars that have missed being sighted. One of the advantages of the site being where it is, is that it’s as far from the seacoast as it could possibly be in NZ . . . no salt spray gets that far inland . . . but as we all know, "rust never sleeps!". The volcano could be a bit of a threat though!

If you want some good TV entertainment on the cold winter’s evenings try asking for the movie “Smash Palace” at your Video Rental Shop . . . . It features some dramatic scenes featuring the wreckers yard mentioned (Horipito Motors) and classic cars . . and also a classic story. (http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/smash-palace-1981)

Should there be anything seen in these images that takes your fancy and want to purchase. We'll arrange for a container load to be consigned to you . . . a helicopter may be required to lift you choice out . . but anything's possible!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EMgB1QI5bo

Now, where was that Javelin??

[ian Howell]

On the subject of scrapyards, does anyone else remember / did they visit the scrapard at Adversane in West Sussex?

(Now long gone after a famous clearance sale).

I visited it once in the mid 60's and was greeted by the owner - Percy Vokes - with a shotgun!

Notwithstanding, once we had established 'credentials' he spent a long time with us explaining his 'stock'.

There was at least one Javelin and I remember him pointing out a 'Zarre' which turned out to be a Le Zebre.

About the same time I also visited Mutton's yard near Ashford Kent. There was a sizeable ash tree growing through the chassis of a WW I army lorry. Happy days!

[PJGD]

Ian,

Yes, I well remember the scrap yard at Adversane; it was above average with the interesting cars therein. I also remember that there was a very sad and rusty Javelin there in the middle of the field circa 1970. Percy Vokes was a strange character; some days he would let you browse, other days he would not let you in, depending on how he felt.

Philip

[ian Howell]

PJGD: -

Was it you that came with me that day? I made many such expeditions with a pal who had - still has - a 1928 Humber Tourer so I get a bit confused! One visit definitely with him was to a yard belonging to Clarkes, in Crystal Palace. We found a 'spare' back axle for the Humber which turned out to be THE ORIGINAL one (same chassis number stamped on it). It had a broken diff so that was why it was in the scrap yard!

[PJGD]

Ian,

I don't remember for sure, but it is quite possible. I remember on one occasion going back with you to your flat in Chailey, but where we had been beforehand I can't remember.

Tempus fugit

Philip.