1909 Lacre charabanc model O in running order, beautifully restored by the Northland Vintage Car Club in Whangarei New Zealand. (Russell Wilkinson)

Russell writes ... The Lacre model O Charabanc was originally built by the Long Acre Engineering Co, of Long Acre, Covent Garden Park, London between 1908 and 1910. In 1911 it was brought to New Zealand and used in the Auckland area. In 1919 it was purchased by Harry Green Wilkinson who had founded the Northern Motor Bus Company in Whangarei and a bakery in Kamo. On taking delivery of the Lacre in Auckland, Harry, together with his son Arthur, started his journey north via the Devonport ferry. In those days, there being no roads between Auckland and Whangarei, the journey consisted of driving along beaches and finding bullock tracks to make your way. The journey took three days staying at farms overnight. In Whangarei the Lacre operated on the Whangarei - Hikurangi route and was also used for charter work, picnics and race meetings. Its approach was always heralded by the noise from its driving mechanism.

After its passenger carrying days the Lacre was bought by Foots Coal Mining Co at Hikurangi and was converted into a coal truck. It was later bought by a farmer at Kamo who used the parts for his truck and the chassis as a bridge over a creek. Some forty years later a vintage car enthusiast, Ray Mitchell, rescued the remains of the Lacre from the farm and restoration began in 1988 and was completed in 1990. On the restoration team were Tracy McKenzie, Joan McKenzie, Brian Wrack, Peter Apeldoorn, Walter Bulloch and Leigh Bulloch.

The Lacre is in good running order and may be the oldest 'bus' charabanc in the world that is still running. It is held in trust owned by the Northland Vintage Car Club and is at the Whangarei Museum & Kiwi House Heritage Park, Whangarei, New Zealand.