Do you mean the Volvo's Steve?
Do you mean the Volvo's Steve?
Yeah, the Volvo's.
Steve there were 2 Volvo's in both 86 and the WTCC round in 87. I cannot say with any certainty for the early 87 race. Here is the start of 86, the second Volvo goes round the hairpin about 40s in.
Killing a bit of time whilst in the UK (getting up too early) so I thought I'd post a few pics from the portable hard drive I have with me. I still have 100's of 1970s and 1980s and most pre digital stuff to scan and it is a very slow process especially with some of the slides where the glass may need cleaning to eliminate dust and smears.
I don't have my race programmes with me, so you can probably work out the details. Picture name gives the actual date taken.
Commodore Sports Sedan 28 is Jenny Mossman, car built by Lindsay Willis (1 of a few). Jenny was a very fast and tidy driver.
Cobra Coupe 25 at Whenuapai is George Shewiery in one of it's many outings.
Ferrari 97 I think is Stuart McCondach.
And think Nissan 25 would be Kayne Scott
Rod, is that Jenny Mossman Commodore a different one to that raced by Brett Willis? Is so, has either car resurfaced?
Correct, it was sponsored by u-box copiers amongst others. The other Volvo was the Swedish challenge with Robbie Francevic and Thomas Lindstrom. The Swede was technically smart and a good driver. mechanical issue in 86 caused retirement from the race but the Volvo was past it's prime at this stage.Originally Posted by rogered
Wonder what became of the nissan. Was ot the time reputed to be ex P.L. Newman
A different car Steve, was mixture of floor pan and space frame. Think Mack Workman had car after Jenny or Macks may have been another one that Lindsay built. Think Macks frame was originally for Chris Toms but things changed, and another frame (Mustang) that George Sheweiry has was going to be Tony Rutherfords (he bought a Rouse body back from States), Lindsay was busy back then, and there was a lot of projects started by one and finished by another. Lindsay also built Camaro for Brett that I think he won OSCA Championship in after he and Ralph came back from a stint in Trans Am in States (had a few taking notice after couple of races)
Photo of Camaro test day at old Taupo
Will do some research.
Couple of photos from 'the trip' that Brett and Ralph undertook, a life changing experience.
The van in background was tow vehicle, workshop and home while the others all had their big mobile homes and transporters.
The van came back to NZ and became a part of the furniture at North Island tracks especially Bay Park with Cedric and the Fridge Club.
Ralph tickling engine while Brett looks on, 'kiwi magic' across screen. Apparently this is dressed compared to normal attire, shorts, jandels. People just looked and wondered, until the first couple of races, and the wondering stopped and they just looked.
This trip could/should make a great book or movie. They had fun.
Motorsport Show on Princess Wharf in Auckland in late 80s,
Willis Commodore unclad for all to see, little Escort in middle of some serious horse power with Sheweiry (Siddy) on other side.
Found this photo in NZ Hot Rod Magazine Nov 86.
Wow, these photos are fantastic! Rod, I didn't know Brett Willis had raced a Camaro in the US. Is this the same green car he raced in NZ that you've posted above?
I've just realised something. The pic of Francevic in the Sierra, must be the ex-Rouse BTCC winning car that sat on pole at the '86 Wellington Street Race. Interesting, as this is the car Francevic drove at Bathurst in 1986 after parting with the Volvo Dealer Team. A lot of people have been trying to find this car, with the trail going cold following Bathurst, and people weren't even sure it had returned to NZ. But this photo proves that it did. I wonder where it is then?
Steve, have a look at post # 184. Rouse's car is RHD whereas post # 169 seems to be LHD so dont think it's the same car. I drove the transporter with the ex Rouse car from Bathurst to Port of Melbourne after the '86 race and although memory has faded a bit I am sure it was RHD. Will check my videos (yes I still have some of those) of Bathurst '86
Yeah I had to do a double-take there Dave, as it really looks like the car is lhd. But if you look at Robbies right shoulder and the sunlight on it and the edge of the seat, I think it could be rhd.
I just found this image, which appears to be at Pukekohe? Its probably from the same event. The car is definitely rhd here.
Yep, on closer inspection I believe you are right. Post # 169 is deceptive, it just appeared Robbie was looking down at some of the switches on the drive line tunnel. Must be an age thing!!!!!!!1Yeah I had to do a double-take there Dave, as it really looks like the car is lhd. But if you look at Robbies right shoulder and the sunlight on it and the edge of the seat, I think it could be rhd.
I just found this image, which appears to be at Pukekohe? Its probably from the same event. The car is definitely rhd here.
No, Brett bought car in states and left it there. His dad built the green car (now in South Island think)
Bought engine back and reckons if they took their car to States it would have been more competitive.
Steve, Just had chat with Ralph, and he is going to fill in some gaps here about cars and trip which I may do on new thread, as it will be a great read.
The car in States had history, and the trip I think made history. (making history being something you discover/hear about at a later date)
Steve maybe PM me
Last edited by Rod Grimwood; 06-15-2014 at 09:25 PM.
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