Check that left rear tire.
Out where it belongs. John driving the Monaro.
(Ken H photos )
Check that left rear tire.
Out where it belongs. John driving the Monaro.
(Ken H photos )
The Cambridge Monaro engine.
John McKechnie enjoying driving his beautifully restored Monaro at Taupo. Jan 20th 2018
After the last race on Sunday it was time to load the Monaro and head on out.
On Monday morning as we headed toward Auckland we decided to visit Morrinsville in the chance we might meet Spinner Black who was not able to make it to Taupo. When that was decided, John and Bruce kindly let me guide them through the back roads to Kiwitahi where I made an emotional stop outside my old home next to the "Swap / Hyndman Quarry". I don't know why the old 1940s garage is still standing as it was a problem when I left in 1972 ! Kenny's bedroom window is the one marked above the Audi. Anyway I did appreciate the stop. Thanks guys.
Then we drove on into Morrinsville to Spinner's boatyard and he came to meet us. It was a great experience seeing one of the "Grand Old Masters" of NZ Muscle Cars light up and show so much interest in the car and John's wonderful restoration to the original " Cambridge Racing Team" Monaro.
Here are some photos of our time with Spinner. One even showing the Police showing a lack of interest in probably the fastest car in town that day !
Bruce Thompson, John McKechnie and Spinner Black
Hyndman is all smiles as I am reaching into Spinner's back pocket for the overtime pay he owed me from 1971 ! (Just kidding.)
Last edited by khyndart in CA; 01-26-2018 at 10:20 PM.
My last Monaro photos of a wonderful trip that brought it back to it's roots in Morrinsville.
Across the road in the blue building, now the Morrinsville Sandwich Bar, is where Spinner had his shop where all we local "grease monkeys" would gather to hear all the racing stories and escapades of the likes of Rod Coppins and Spinner etc. Some of us may have been there to also inhale the racing fuel fumes ! (Almost as bad as being next to Bruce Goodwin's 1965 Mark 3 Zephyr when he fired that up at Taupo !)
Spinner checking one of John's early photos after hearing the engine start up.
My last photo shows Spinner / Spencer Black, the original owner driver of the Monaro and John McKechnie the grand restorer/ owner of this wonderful machine.
Thanks guys, one for giving me a job and the other for taking me along for an unforgettable ride.
All the best,
Ken H.
Last edited by khyndart in CA; 01-27-2018 at 01:57 AM.
What a great adventure Ken H and to John M, thanks for arranging it for Ken .. wish I could have got to Taupo to catch up, maybe next year, will be in the Bay of Plenty by then.Originally Posted by khyndart in CA
My last Monaro photos of a wonderful trip that brought it back to it's roots in Morrinsville.
Across the road in the blue building, now the Morrinsville Sandwich Bar, is where Spinner had his shop where all we local "grease monkeys" would gather to hear all the racing stories and escapades of the likes of Rod Coppins and Spinner etc. Some of us may have been there to also inhale the racing fuel fumes ! (Almost as bad as being next to Bruce Goodwin's 1965 Mark 3 Zephyr when he fired that up at Taupo !)
Spinner checking one of John's early photos after hearing the engine start up.
My last photo shows Spinner / Spencer Black, the original owner driver of the Monaro and John McKechnie the grand restorer/ owner of this wonderful machine.
Thanks guys, one for giving me a job and the other for taking me along for an unforgettable ride.
All the best,
Ken H.
Cheers
Roger D ..the retired - expired ex Healey Guy ..
After the last race on Sunday it was time to load the Monaro and head on out.
On Monday morning as we headed toward Auckland we decided to visit Morrinsville in the chance we might meet Spinner Black who was not able to make it to Taupo. When that was decided, John and Bruce kindly let me guide them through the back roads to Kiwitahi where I made an emotional stop outside my old home next to the "Swap / Hyndman Quarry". I don't know why the old 1940s garage is still standing as it was a problem when I left in 1972 ! Kenny's bedroom window is the one marked above the Audi. Anyway I did appreciate the stop. Thanks guys.
Then we drove on into Morrinsville to Spinner's boatyard and he came to meet us. It was a great experience seeing one of the "Grand Old Masters" of NZ Muscle Cars light up and show so much interest in the car and John's wonderful restoration to the original " Cambridge Racing Team" Monaro.
Here are some photos of our time with Spinner. One even showing the Police showing a lack of interest in probably the fastest car in town that day !
Bruce Thompson, John McKechnie and Spinner Black
Hyndman is all smiles as I am reaching into Spinner's back pocket for the overtime pay he owed me from 1971 ! (Just kidding.)
Good to see the police keeping an eye on you guy's, they must have long memorie's or still have wanted poster's up.
Kevin-Talking about posters , I have a couple left over from Taupo....would you like a nice big glossy poster featuring the Monaro from 1969 and a current pic incorporating the advertising poster for the Taupo F5000 Historic Grand Prix
Caption- I was with the F5000s at Baypark December 29 1969, and am proud to still be with them now.
If so pm me with your address or will make sure you get one next time out.
Yes please John, I will catch up with you at the next meeting, have not been to many lately as clashed with lot's of other less interesting event's, thank's in advance. cheer's.
On Saturday morning at Taupo racetrack , a guy came up to me and said I was in Aus yesterday and bought Australian Muscle Car mag Issue 101 at the Airport and read all about this Monaro on the flight home.
Next day I come here and see the car...small world.
Anyway , if interested. Issue 101, not on shelves yet, but close.
John,
I'd love to have a copy of the magazine. Can I order it through you ?
Some of my Monopoly money is still good !
Ken
Hi Ken.....will purchase stock from shop for distribution to (overseas) friends
Not sure how I missed it but I just noticed this car has always raced with a standard non-GTS hood.
Yep, all model HK always had non vented bonnet,
HT, HG GTS models had this feature
Just got Australian Muscle Car #101 from a Caltex petrol station...BP , Shell doesnt get it,Mobil hasnt got it yet.
Anyway Monaro is on page 18,19.
Still have to get Kens issue.
Sometime the full story may make it to a NZ mag
And thats all folks.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
Last edited by John McKechnie; 04-29-2018 at 10:32 AM.
But wait , theres more, found this on South Island Motorsport facebook, Grand Prix 1975...Robin Tanner , Firebird 25 and my Monaro in Bunce colours just behind it.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...&theater&ifg=1
I've just found another shot of George Bunce in the car at Pukekohe on 9 March 1975.
Thanks Milan, that is a wonderful photo.
Ken
It looked mean and was fairly mean in this style, last before it "disappeared". Sat at North Shore Automatics for along time, and then went walk about. Glad it was found and gets second chance at life.I've just found another shot of George Bunce in the car at Pukekohe on 9 March 1975.
One of the best things is that Milan was round then to capture these pix , keep them for all these years AND be able to post them here just so we can look at them here .......great work mate.
Safe to say that these pix kept my spirits up bringing the baby back to life.
Australian Muscle car #101 - currently on sale- features the car pages 18-19 for some glossy pix
Last edited by John McKechnie; 06-02-2018 at 03:01 AM.
That's a nice looking rear spoiler on that car Johnny------lol
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