If you thought the Wanganui Vintage Car Club was just a bloke thing - think again. As we continue our Petrolheads series, Liz Wylie meets four women who love their classic wheels and the adventures
Petrolheads: Women of Wanganui Vintage Car Club love exploring the roads less travelled
Liz Wylie
Dale, Lee and Sue have all been Morris enthusiasts and owned a variety of models with Minors being a favourite but Dale and Lee are now Ford Escort owners while Sue still loves her 1978 Morris Marina.
Although Marinas have not been manufactured since 1980, Sue said getting parts is not a problem.
"Even if I can't get the original parts, there are substitutes and it is pretty reliable."
Lee bought her shiny, blue 1980 Escort 11 months ago and loves it she says.
"It belonged to a young guy who did a lot of work on it and it has a great stereo.
"My 3-year-old granddaughter loves riding in it - she enjoys giving me directions and she likes to draw maps."
Lee still owns a Morris Minor as well and recently sold two others she owned.
Dale says she grew up loving cars thanks to her dad who owned many and worked for Loaders.
"I spent a lot of time at the yard when I was little and loved watching him work," she says.
Dale now drives a 1980 Ford Escort after being a long-time fan and owner of Morris Minors.
Ann first joined the club with her husband Charlie and the couple would travel in their 1930 Ford Tudor.
"When he died I stayed with the club because I love taking part in the rallies and I have got so many good friends here."
Ann has a Ford Anglia to drive when she recovers from a leg injury but in the meantime, she has three friends who are always willing to have an experienced navigator on board.
"The glory of us four being together is that we can always share our cars between us," says Dale.
"We can all go in two or even one car if we want to and enjoy sharing the driving and conversation."
Belonging to the VCC means they can call on the expertise of the membership if they have engine troubles but say their cars generally run well despite being over 40.
Wanganui VCC captain Frank James estimates that there are around 70 women members amongst the membership of 230.
"Some have joint membership with their husbands or partners and they either share the driving or navigate for them.
"Everyone brings something to the club and we have a lot of great people in our membership."
After two cancellations caused by Covid-19 restrictions last year, the VCC held a successful Daffodil Rally for Cancer in October and members are looking forward to January events.
When Bayleys Whanganui Vintage Weekend 2021 arrives, club members will park their gleaming vehicles in town for Wheels on Victoria before the Classic Cruise on Saturday, January 23.
Club members will then join visiting participants for the Burma Rally on Sunday.
Entries for the Burma Rally close on January 15.
Also in this series
Petrolheads: Glenn Brewer's Cubic Monster only getting more powerful
Petrolheads: TPE Racing's David Tunnell has a passion for speed
Petrolheads: Whanganui students revive 1969 Land Rover
Petrolheads: Women of Wanganui Vintage Car Club love exploring the roads less travelled
Petrolheads: A 40-year love affair with VW Beetles