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August 2007 No- 188
CHAIRMAN'S CHATFinally I have
had the time since retiring to have my knee replacement done, and to catch up to put words
together for the newsletter. As I was unable to attend the Presidents run in April I was
told it was well attended, and everybody had a wonderful day. -Thank you Mr President.
Well done to Anne & Mike and team again for a good West Coast Run, anybody who
didn’t turn up missed a lovely day out. My thanks to the team from both C.O.W.S. and
D.H.V.C. and all the members from both clubs for making The Skipton Festival of Transport
a Brilliant Day. A great shame over the Broughton Show the first time ever to be cancelled
because of the bad weather. I hope a good number of you supported Gargrave and Malham
Shows in August. Also I would like to thank everybody who helped over the Lifeboat weekend
in Whitby for their support to the RNLI. The Whitby station manager and station treasurer,
Coxswain and crew send there personal thanks to everybody who supported them in anyway at
there Lifeboat weekend. Happy and Safe Motoring
John Ogden
EARLY YEARS OF A CAR ENTHUSIAST PART THREE
Following on from part one and two we have got to 1959 and just home from the RAF. Ok, we
need transport. The funds from the sale of the Excelsior motorcycle two years ago bought a
nice rusty 1939 Morris Eight Series E. Some welding and a tin of Dulux black gloss paint
made the Morris presentable. These Morris’s were quite sort after at this period and
this example proved very reliable but of course the rust was un stoppable. So the Morris
had to go and was replaced with a 1954 Ford Anglia with a broken gearbox but no rust. A
replacement gearbox from the breakers for five shillings (25p) proved it’s worth and
the Anglia gave good service but was not as comfortable as the Morris. About this time I
came across a 1936 SS Jaguar 90 sports. This was the earlier side valve version of the SS
Jaguar 100 sports. It was well-used runner but the price tag was a whacking £160. This
was out of the question; far to expensive but it did sow the seed that it would he nice to
own a 1930’s car again. Now we go up market. The Anglia is replaced by a 1954 Series
2 Morris Minor van. Now vans at this time were restricted to 30 MPH unless it had windows
in the side panels. It was possible to buy window kits. Then max speed allowed was 70 MPH.
In this case with a following wind. So I fitted windows. The van then gave good service.
Around 1968 I found a 1926 Bullnose Morris locally for sale for £ 360 in good condition
but again funds were short. However I was determined to get something from the 1930 and as
my first car had been a Morris Minor I thought it would he nice to have another. 1969. I
saw advertised in the Exchange & Mart a 1930. OHC. Morris Minor saloon for sale at
Aspley Guise. Where is Aspley Guise? Oh it’s just down the MI. OK down on the train
about 30 miles north of London with some readies. Thinks, what am I doing’? Anyway
just do it. Drive it back up the Ml motorway. I did manage to pass one very slow lorry
with a heavy load. This would he suicidal today hut 38 years ago it was no real problem.
Stop at Woodall Services for refreshments and I was asked this question from a gentleman I
was going to hear a lot in the future. How much is it worth. Where do you get your tyres
my dad had one of these hut it was an Austin’? However he then kindly pointed out he
could see the tyre inner tube through one of the front tyre treads so I thanked him and he
went on his way. Then so did I, arriving home with out any mishap. So that is how I got
started into this old car hobby. The Morris served me well for 28 years. I now regret
selling it; but I thought the time had come to move on as my collection had some what
multiplied during this period. But this, as they say is another story.
Jim Harrison
HOW WE WERE-1979 Who is this dashing young man on the right? Girder Fork Visit Tuesday the 17th July saw the visit of the above club to our club night at Steeton Hall they had a nice selection of bikes on show and after they were judged the winner was declared as Mr Lewis Wilkinson from Earby with his 1969 Royal Enfield Interceptor 750 Twin Series 2. Along with his wife Pat they have ridden from Lands End to John o Groats twice and have also travelled through the countries of Spain France and Italy. Well-done Lewis. Page 6 C.O.W.S DIARY DATES August Tues 21st Open Night Steeton Hall Sun/Mon 26th/27th Steam Rally Harewood House D Crapper01484865567 September Sun 9th Otley Vintage Transport Extravaganza Nigel Francis 01943463467 Tues 18th Club Night Morris Craven, Transport Steeton Hall Sun 30th York Historic Rally York Racecourse Jim Beresford 01904769232 October Sun 7th White Rose Classic Car & M/C Rally Bolton Abbey Jim Pickles 01535211082 Tues 16th Club Night Chris Hargreaves A Review of the 2007 Rally Year Steeton Hall November Tues 20th Club Night Bill Dickinson 30 Years of Restoration Steeton Hall The Skipton Festival of Transport 2007 Way back at the beginning of June On a beautiful warm sunny day Classic vehicles took over the High Street - and what a fantastic display. There were cars from every decade Lorries and buses galore Motorbikes and vintage tractors You couldn’t have asked for much more. They were all turned out to perfection Washed and shiny and bright All parked up on the cobbles They made a spectacular sight. Parked, I might add, by the marshals And what a great job they do It would be chaotic without them So they all deserve a “Thank you”. So many familiar faces Chatting in groups in the sun This is what rallying’s all about When the hard restoration is done. Up at the top of the High Street Just off the roundabout A lovely old double decker waited To take us for a trip out. Up to Bolton Abbey station To meet up with the train Have a cuppa in the café Then back to Skipton again. Down to the farmer’s market Back for lunch with friends We were having a super time We didn’t want it to end. All too soon it was over The cake stall had sold its last bun! Thank you to John and his helpers And for organizing the sun! House Poet - Sue Gardner C.O.W.S Page 7 Part 4 (Final Part) Our return to Bordeaux was via a rather hilly route, which passed through a town called Lectours. Had we had a bit more power under the hood we might even have stopped at one of the many roadside melon- stalls. Those melon-stalls were really cheap but not cheap enough to warrant a clutch-burning hill start and an endless crawl in bottom gear! After Lectours and a short comfort stop it was more or less downhill to the autoroute and Bordeaux. We stayed at the same Formule 1 hotel we had visited previously and the next morning found us back on track again, heading for Tours. The road was busy with traffic, and every so often we noticed a strange-silhouetted figure stood by the roadside. Men in Black? Yes, and the wreaths slung round their necks were a grim reminder of a notorious accident black spot! With the morning drawing to a close I began to think about food and then fuel. Then the engine coughed and it was suddenly a case of finding fuel and then food. We turned off at the next village and arrived just in time to watch the supermarket pumps shut. Blast! Now we were marooned over lunchtime, and lunchtimes last for 2 I/ 2hrs in this part of the world - plenty of time to polish the engine! Alter what seemed like an age, the tank was filled and we took to the highway - but re-joining the autoroute was a different matter entirely; going back the way we had come was impossible - it was all oneway! We had to go on to the next village instead and yes, there was a 24hr service station just a couple of miles further on - aargh! But bad luck tends to go in three’s and fate had yet one more trick to play - the clips holding the air filter suddenly snapped off. Fortunately the toolbox yielded a length of bungee cord and that did the trick. The good old Villiers was fixed with a couple of elastic bands - who needs spanners? After a well-deserved nights’ rest we were ready for anything - which was just as well, because we were heading for Le Mans! The first sign of the famous racetrack was a giant stopwatch and chequered flag, perched in the middle of a roundabout. We followed directions to a visitors’ centre and then realized we were driving on the actual racetrack. It was too much for Scarlett; she took the bends at an incredible 45 mph! Arriving at the museum she posed for a photo-shoot and was immediately the centre of attention for visitors and enthusiasts alike. A must for all car buffs, the collection numbers about 50 cars of all makes and nationalities, and some of them are quite rare. There are lots to see and do and a separate gallery focuses on the famous 24-hour race. Another night in a budget hotel and we were well on our way to Rouen (pun intended) particularly as we had now developed a taste for a life on the open road. Rise at eight, shower and breakfast, on the road at nine, coffee and cakes at eleven, lunch at one, tea at four, hotel and dinner at seven-thirty, wine and French TV until bed-time! A very pleasant way to travel, but I was getting soft and developing an un-healthy appetite for coffee and cake - or was it wine and French TV? Whatever it was, it was un-British and definitely lacking in moral fibre... The next day found us further North, nearing St Omer in fact, when I noticed a medieval archer standing by SCARLETTS 2006 TOUR DE FRANCE Page 8 C.O.W.S the roadside. Then another one! A road-sign proclaimed this to be the village of Azincourt, and following further directions, we drove a couple of kilometres and parked outside a modern-looking building which seemed to be supported by a row of bent steel tubes tightly strung with wire, a bit like longbows. How odd - a French museum built to commemorate a spectacular English victory -whatever next! But it was all true, and this state-of-the-art facility featured electronic wizardry to depict the battle from various stand-points in both languages. You could even ‘hands-on’ get the feel of the weaponry involved. The circumstances were that our King Henry 1 V. son-in-law to the then King of France. laid claim to his throne when it became vacant. Nobody paid the slightest bit of attention of course, so he amassed an invasion fleet and landed at the Northern port of Harfleur while the French aristocracies were still squabbling about the succession. Henry laid siege to the town and captured a handful of dignitaries worth ransoming. ‘The problem was what to do next... A withdrawal by sea might be considered a retreat, so Henry opted to march back to English-held Calais and capture a bit more territory en route. His plan back-fired. The mustered French armies prevented him from crossing the Seine, and he was made to go around, marching at least three times the distance. When they were finally confronted, Henry’s troops were worn out, short of food and suffering from dysentery. The weather had broken, and they were sleeping after several days of pouring rain. Generous terms were offered and rejected, and outnumbered by at least four to one, an English defeat seemed certain. Of his 6,000 troops, 4,500 were archers, and Henry deployed them between flanks of trees three rows deep. Between them and the French lines 250 yards away was a rain-soaked field. Having nothing to lose, Henry attacked first, and a volley of 48,000 arrows rained down on the French, each propelled at more than a hundred mph by a bow which might require 150 lb of effort to draw it. The French retaliated with a cavalry charge backed by foot soldiers, but this was a badly orchestrated move with no proper order of command and aristocratic rivalry ousted ordinary common sense. The French knights faltered and were repulsed, becoming trapped in the muddy quagmire. Their surging rearguard of foot-soldiers cut off any chance of retreat, so they were simply pinned to their mounts or felled by further volleys of arrows fired at fairly close range. It was a massacre that claimed the lives of 10,000 Frenchmen -many of them nobility - for the loss of just 300 common English archers. A somewhat humiliating defeat even now, and the coachloads of French tourists were conspicuous by their absence. It was an interesting afternoon though, particularly as we were able to take the Bond for a drive around the battlefield. There’s a picture of Scarlett posing alongside a lineup of chipboard English archers, albeit 600 years too late. To whom do we apologize? Our last night on French soil (or English as it used to be) passed without incident, and we drove the last stretch back to Calais in a torrential downpour. No matter - the weather had been kind to us when it mattered, and that’s what counts. After an overnight stop at Peterborough we returned home safe and sound the following day. Amazingly the Bond’s 250cc two-stroke engine (small today even by lawn-mower standards) had towed the three of us plus luggage and camping gear, 2,650 miles all the way to Spain and back. That’s making a little go rather a long way... John Johnson Thanks John for an interesting article and the time and trouble to write it. Mike, Ed. C.O.W.S Page 9 My 2 wheel days. Steve Waldenberg, Leeds. It all began when my friend David and I acquired a Cyclemaster wheel and a mini motor engine. We would be about 11 or 12 and we had push bikes, so this was a useful addition. Somehow we managed to make them both run. It probably helped that David’s father had been a manager at Phelon & Moore the Panther motorcycle manufacturers before WWII, later serving his country at Barnbow tank factory. So engineering was “in his blood” We got these motors going and fitted the mini motor to an old bike. The rear tyre lasted for about 200 yards before blowing out! We then learned we needed a special extra tough tyre, which we got from somewhere, don’t ask how! We pootled around the streets of Roundhay oblivious to any requirements of the law. But then this was 1956/7 and mobile police patrols were non existent. Sometime later David got a Corgi paratrooper’s 98cc motorcycle. We stripped this down, rebuilt the engine and got the thing to run. Once again we enjoyed ourselves around the streets. No tax, no licence, no insurance! By the time David and I were old enough to officially an dlegally drive motorcycles we had lots of experience. I would be about 15, going on 16 when I took a Piatti 125cc scooter out of a scrap year adjacent to a small garage. At least I thought it was a scrap yard! We painted the thing up, and again got it going and, without a silencer drove it up and down the dirt road by the side of my parents house in Roundhay (north Leeds). It was only when I applied for a duplicate log book that I was hauled before the local constabulary accused of stealing! My folks weren’t best pleased I can tell you. I was somehow let off the hook by being made to return the Piatti to where I had taken it. This was 1960 by the way. Once I reached 17 I had to have a motorcycle or scooter. My friend David was a few months older than me and he had an ancient BSA 350. I had little money, I was still at school, but a local motorbike shop was advertising a DKR 150cc scooter for the princely sum of £29.19/6d. I scraped the cash together and took a bus down to North Street, Belgrave Motorcycles shop and bought it. They stuck some L pates on and I drove it home. No crash helmet, probably no provisional license either, I don’t remember. It got me home and I suppose I must have applied for a licence. This scooter had an electric start, no kick start. Siba Dynastart was the system, and the one unit was supposed both Piatti Scooter Corgi Cyclemaster Page 10 C.O.W.S to start the engine and then charge the battery. Only it rarely did the latter and I often had recourse to pushing the thing down the street and jumping on when it fired up. I passed my test on this abortion of a scooter and then part exchanged it for a Triumph Tiger Cub. Super little 200cc machine, went like a rocket, until the big end failed. But David to the rescue, we stripped it down and replaced the bearing. He by now was riding a 350 AJS and also had a Velo LE – which he still has and we are presently in the process of restoring it. Once I became 17 I chose to drive 4 wheels and got a provisional license the day I was 17 (1962). I learned to drive from the age of 13 on a wartime airfield adjacent to a family friend’s farm near Easingwold. I took a few lessons in a Triumph Herald at a local driving school but daily drove my father and uncle, for who I worked when leaving school, in my fathers 2.4 Jaguar ( a Mk1 saloon). But to ensure I had mobility I sold the Tiger Cub and bought a rather nice blue and white Lambretta 150. This scooter took me and girlfriends all over the place. It never let me down and was the one bike I never took a spanner to. I kept it a couple of y e a r s but by t h e n w a s able to b o r - r o w either my father or mother’s car (Hillman Super Minx and Standard 10) so my biking days came to an end when I sold the Lambretta. Should have kept it, they’re now worth a small fortune!. AJS 350cc DKR 150cc “Pegasus” Triumph Tiger Cub Lambretta Li 150 C.O.W.S Page 11 CLUB REGALIA PRICES LICENCE HOLDER 50P WINDSCREEN STICKER 65P CLOTH BADGE £1.60 LAPEL BADGE £1.60 TIES £6.00 CAR GRILL BADGE (CHROMED & PAINTED) £12.00 CAR GRILL BADGE (CHROMED ONLY) £10.00 Grill badges are available from Phil Wright; all other items are available from Sue Gardner & Chris Hargreaves at club meetings as well as at main COWS events. Historic info..... Fresh after the sucess of his ‘minimotor’ (1949 clip-on 50cc bicycle motor) Italian designer Vincent Piatti saw a market for a lightweight and easy to handle scooter. Radical design features, like the lack of a cooling fan and the totaly enclosed ‘fuselage’ set the Piatti aside from the rest. After road-testing his prototype in the Dolomites , seeking commercial interest in the scooter, Vincent showed a prototype at the 1952 Brussels motor-show. Cyclemaster, the makers of ‘Cyclemate’ a clip-on cyclemotor, which was in direct competition with Vincent’s Minimotor, bought the U.K rights to produce the Piatti. The English operation , beginning in May 1956, was to have an entirely different focus to the Belgian. Cyclemaster (later Britax), based in Byfleet, Surrey, sub-contracted almost all of the manufacturing, and in essence, were only assembling the scooter, with little direct input from the designer. In doing this they lost a degree of quality control. Only the engine was produced in-house, and English components were used throughout. To compete with other scooters on the market, many accessories were produced , like a perspex windshield and front basket. The tradition of craftsmanship was not evident in the British production of the Piatti, but the sales and marketing was strong, and a lot of the budget was spent on the service network, which claimed to reach to over twenty countries. Steve Waldenberg - as taken from various web sites! Trojan MiniMotor Skipton Festival of Transport
February 2007 No- 185
CHAIRMAN'S CHATDear Members
Hope you all had a good Christmas and wishing you all a Happy New Year . Thankyou for
voting me in as Chairman. After the AGM there were a lot of things to be sorted hopefully
things will be made clearer to all at the next meeting My thanks go to Len, the officers
and committee for their hard work over the last two years. Happy motoring for 2007.
John Ogden
JACK
HOOPER’S RUN
SUNDAY 1 ST
APRIL 2007
The run will start at Steeton Hall at 10am where coffee and biscuits will be available at
£1 per person. It will be to Bowes Museum Barnard Castle Co. Durham. The normal charges
will be reduced by a £1 on production of a current car club membership card, (children
are free) Barnard Castle is directly north of Skipton and the suggested route from Steeton
is to Threshfield in Wharfedale, to Aysgarth in Wensleydale via Buckden and Bishopdale to
Reeth in Swaledale via Bolton Castle and Redmire Moor then to Barnard Castle in Teesdale
via Arkengarthdale and Stang Forest.
There are
wonderful views, no really steep hills and good roads, a total distance of about 60 miles.
Let us hope the weather is good, if your car is off the road come along in your everyday
car and ask your friends as well. Looking forward to seeing you, just turn up at
Steeton Hall or go directly to the museum.
N.B. If anybody dose not wish to go into the Museum, Highforce Water Fall & Cauldron
Snout are further up the Dale. (Both are worth seeing) for more information see Jack on
run.
Sunday was
scheduled for the ‘Scenic Run" of a little over 50 miles -— where else but
through the Yorkshire dales? Selections of places of interest were noted for participants
to visit en route and we were delighted that everyone managed to stay the course without
having to be rescued. This achievement was assisted, no doubt, by the relatively cool
weather! Sunday evening saw the Awards Dinner when the dress theme was Edwardian: lots of
ladies in splendid gowns and big hats, and chaps in tails and wing collars. Eddie Farrell
and Bob Gray (also COWS members) had grown "full sets" for the occasion and
looked particularly splendid; Eddie, replete with appropriate insignia, could well have
been taken for King Edward himself. I would like to make special mention of some ladies
(also including COWS members) but that would he asking for trouble: blokes don’t care
so much! The achievements of the small Yorkshire firm established by "Bill and Ben
the Jamjar Men" were striking. You ou can take pride in Yorkshire’s wonderful
scenery, its ordinary folk and its extraordinary folk. In this last category fall the
Jowett brothers. If you would extol the merits of the county of broad acres you serve your
case ill by omitting them. Read on if you’d like to know why:- In1921 for a publicity
stunt a 7 hp car climbed Spion Kop with an initial gradient of 1:2.5 and then 1:3.5 to the
top. In 1923 four "Long Fours" carried the Mayoral party opening the new sewage
tunnel from Bradford to Esholt. This was one and a half miles at 10 mph: any faster and
the cars swung from side to side ___"" remember ‘The Italian Job’
where the ‘Minis’ tried to climb up the sides of the circular tunnel?
In 1926
Mr. Frank Gray (formerly MP for Oxford) claimed British motor manufacturers were
Apathetic. He challenged them to provide a car that would cross Africa. Jowett was the
only firm to pick up the gauntlet and agreed to refund the vehicles, cost on completion.
Benjamin Jowett was asked if they had a chance of success and replied, "Wait and
see." Thereupon the two cars were sign-written "WAIT" and "SEE".
Pulling trailers they were driven across Africa from west to east. They averaged over 30
mpg and, on return to the UK were used to good effect for publicity and, finally, works
transport. They finally disappeared from view until the remains of one vehicle were found
entombed under the wreck of a building. It was thought to have been "SEE" and
was rebuilt and makes regular appearances at — for instance — the annual
re-union for former Jowett employees at Bradford Industrial Museum. (This year on
Saturday, August 19th.)
In 1927 the
Metropolitan Police were the first in the country to equip with motor vehicles. They were
supplied with 27 ‘Long Four’ Tourers.
In 1950
AND 1951 AND 1952 the "Jupiter" came 1st in class in the Le Mans 24 hour Race,
in the first year breaking the 1.5 litre class record. In 1951 ‘Jupiters’ had
taken 2nd and 4th in class as well. These are just a few of the better-known,
international laurels out of many gained by this small, Yorkshire car maker against
"big name" competition from 1949 to 1953. The innovations, the quality
engineering, the sheer flair of Jowett Cars throughout their 53-year history must surely
be worth celebrating. Yet, when the virtues of Yorkshire are listed: the great and the
good enumerated, how often have you heard the names of Benjamin and William. Jowett?
Unsurprisingly
Jowett cars attracted something of a following and in 1922 the ‘Jowett Light Car
& Social Club’ was formed alter a run to Boroughbridge from Manningham Park.
Several other regional clubs followed including the Southern Jowett Car Club in 1923. It
is from this last club that Jowett Car Club traces its origins and this makes it the
oldest, one-make car club in the world.
David
Midgley
MY OBSESSION "Obsessed…Me.Never!"
My wife, Angela, thinks I am completely and utterly obsessed with old Porsches. This isn’t strictly true as I am completely and utterly obsessed with all old vehicles and was one of the main reasons why I joined COWS last year. She despairs but agrees its stops me roaming the streets or collecting stamps. I can trace this interest back to my early teenage years when I would ride pillion on the back of my dad’s 63 Triumph Bonneville to all the local shows and jumbles searching for that elusive part, although I had no idea what I was looking for! This all ended abruptly when I was about 15 and we skidded on some oil, throwing me onto the road, injuring my dad and damaging the bike. We never really carried on the outings after that. My dad still has the bike, along with a VW beetle and a 1950’s BSA and is planning to get the Triumph running again this year after 15 years off the road! We currently share a 1934 Austin 7 Opal two seater, which is currently in about a million boxes in my dad’s garage. When I started work, one of my colleagues had a healthy interest in VW beetles and campers and we would go to shows around the country. At one of these shows I saw the most beautiful car (my opinion) and knew that I would have to own one. That car was a 1963 Porsche 356 in terrible condition. So I started saving up and talking to various people about these cars and of course I saw one for sale way before I had enough money, but this was the one I had to have as it was an original UK RHD car complete with its original engine and (eventually) gearbox. I didn’t care that it had the wrong badge on the front or some of the instruments didn’t work or that it handled horribly due to it having a VW gearbox, I just had to have it. As I have found out and am still finding out you should always buy the best car you can with the money you’ve got otherwise you are just going to be chasing the rust around the body until you have spent far more time and money than the car is worth. I have to say though that it has been great fun meeting fellow obsessives, finding parts and learning about the car and I don’t think I would ever sell him.
In 2002 I took
the car back to the ‘Homeland’ and drove 1200 miles around Germany, going down
to the Austrian border, high in the mountains, fixing various oil and fuel leaks along the
way. He developed a starting problem whilst in the mountains and after investigating all
possible reasons Angela put the reason down to ‘altitude sickness’. I was even
sad enough to have Angela take a photo of the car and myself stood proudly under the
‘Porsche Strasse’ road sign in Stuttgart.
Of course my
obsession doesn’t stop there, if you buy a particular car then you must have all the
books/workshop manuals on that car and of course why have one Porsche when there are other
ones out there to be had? This leads me to the second car I have. Upa, as we call her,
came all of a sudden when I was looking on that big electronic auto-jumble, Ebay. I had
always had an interest in the early cars and had casually looked at quite a few for sale
but in November 2003 I saw the car of my dreams. Today, a UK RHD Porsche 356is very rare
as they made less than 1100 between 1951 and 1965 of which only a couple of hundred are
left, but this car was much more than that as she is the third UK RHD cabriolet to be
imported into the country (in 1953) and is 1 of possibly 3 or 4 of these early and
distinctive RHD cars left in existence. The purchase of this car took 3 months, partially
as I was greatly disappointed by her condition (the pictures that were with the advert
were a little misleading, as I am sure most of you have experienced at some point) and
also the seller wanted what I considered to be far too much money for a car that although
rare had a number of problems namely the wrong engine (which was not running), no working
electrics, no MOT and some not too tiny problems with bodywork. The spare tyre is a plant
pot in a former owner’s garden and we think the original engine is happily roaming
around Spain in another Porsche.
I
talked at great length to Angela about buying the car, the pros and cons, whether we could
afford it or not etc, etc, etc, so much so that one morning on the drive to work Angela
had finally had enough and said if it would shut me up I should just get on with it and do
the deed. Despite the numerous problems with the car, which I am sure put off most other
people, we agreed a price. I have spent the past two years cleaning her up and locating
missing parts like a suitable engine and an original radio and hope to begin using her and
bringing her to some of the COWS shows this summer.
By the time
you read this Angela and I will have driven 2,000 miles to Italy and back for the Porsche
356 International gathering at Padua, near Venice, hopefully with no major hiccups and I
hope to tell you all about it in another article soon.
Hendrick
Moulds
SCARLETT'S
2006 TOUR DE FRANCE
A Visit to Chartwell Gate Gate-vaulting by Moonlight Honfleur
,Le Mont St Michel and St Malo. The Garlic Festival
Most journeys
have a beginning, middle and an end; and in some ways this trip actually started in 2005
when the idea of a Bond Club
‘foreign’ rally was first mooted. Normandy and Brittany were an obvious
first choice - handy for the channel and noted for their quiet roads and unspoilt scenery.
The rally was to be organized for Bonds by the Bond club. Nothing to do with 007(!) -
these Bonds were lightweight aluminium threewheeled cars powered by a small Villiers
motorcycle engine. A 200 or 250 cc two stroke pulling a small family plus luggage and
camping gear? What kind of lunacy is that (I hear you say!)? Well, Bond’s did make
bigger 4- wheelers too, only none of them turned up...
Scarlett is a 1962 Mk G Bond Minicar Estate. That means she is large enough inside to have
a small rear bench seat as well as a bit of a boot, and that’s really quite roomy for
a microcar. Truthfully, there is nothing quite like her on the road today, but she does
need regular attention (maintenance) if she is to be at all reliable over long distances.
There is nothing arduous about this - it’s just checking, greasing and oiling really
- but it does need to be done regularly!
I agonized a
little bit over deciding just what spares to take - but space and weight being at a
premium these were small and light, and (like most of the tools we carried) were needed
only for peace of mind. Then, after a thorough routine service, we were ready to go.
Statistically (I told myself) with no motor home or trailer to worry about, we were three
times less likely to suffer from a breakdown
(oh, yeah!).
The rally was timed to coincide with the beginning of the school holidays, which allowed
us two days to travel from Silsden to Newhaven. We set off on the Saturday morning to
drive the first leg as far as Peterborough and by mid-day on Sunday we were well on the
way to Brighton. It was then that I spotted a sign which said ‘NT Chartwell’ and
realized that we must be close to the ancestral home of that most venerable of Englishmen
Sir Winston Churchill. Since we had plenty of time on our hands, it seemed a good idea to
pay a visit (he wasn’t there.) We left the Bond in the car park and ate our lunch on
a picnic bench while we waited for our timed entry to the house itself. According to the
blurb Mr. Churchill had acquired Chartwell for £5,000 and I guess it might fetch a
thousand times that amount
if it were seen on the market today. It’s actually the perfect
gentleman’s’ country residence. Unpretentious, nicely proportioned, comfortable
and quite manageable (with the help of a cook, a cleaner and a gardener, that is).
Other than
being a politician and winning WW2, Churchill was a keen writer and historian. His
profession had provided him with a study, an extensive library and a private cinema - now
re-converted back to a dining room, as Lady Churchill had wanted. Being an enthusiastic
painter he also had a studio, and had even won prizes for his pictures unlike a certain
Adolf Hitler, who (coincidentally) - also dabbled a bit with a paintbrush... 2
Churchill’s talents were extensive, he enjoyed practical work, had an eye for beauty
and an acerbic wit, his books are fairly readable, too. At the age of 60, when most folks
are reaching for their carpet slippers, he roused our politicians from their lethargy and
galvanized the country into taking a stand against Nazi Germany. He won the war, lost the
next election, but was then Prime Minister again - at the age of eighty! Sir Winston
Churchill was 95 years old when he passed away. There were no gilded pensions in
those days and his income proved insufficient once he stopped working. Sympathetically, a
group of friends elected to buy the property in order that he might continue to live there
until he died. Lady Churchill survived him, but she has no wish to remain at Chartwell
once he had passed away.
From Chartwell
it was but a pleasant afternoon’s drive down to our Travelodge at Brighton. Next
morning we had to be up at 5.45 am to get to Newhaven on time. There we joined forces with
some of the other rally goers, and it
was but a pleasant and enjoyable cruise across the channel to Dieppe. This being our
second trip abroad (we took Scarlett to Northern France, Belgium and Holland last year) I
was surprised at how quickly I adapted to driving on the right. In no time at all we had
covered the 45 miles or so to our first campsite at Caudebec-en- Caux, met with the organizers and put our
tent up. We were right on the banks of the river Seine, and it was startling to watch the
huge bulk carriers, piled high with containers slowly drifting by.
It was a good
site - the owners friendly and the facilities fine. As the sun began to set on a beautiful
summer’s evening our rally organizer suggested a walk into town in order to partake
of ice cream, coffee or beer (though not necessarily in that order). So, it was nearly
midnight when we arrived back - to find the gates locked and the whole place in total
darkness! After a moments’ hesitation we clambered over the gate, and wondered how
those less agile than us were ever going to get to bed that night. It was rather
irritating the next day to have a certain person smugly point out that we could easily
have used the side gate instead! Now why didn’t I find that funny? The next day we
had a run to the Pont Normandie and Honfleur the former is a bridge, and is immense.
It’s a huge arched affair a bit like the one at Dartford crossing and it stands well
clear of the water to give adequate clearance for shipping. We learned all about it whilst
enjoying coffee at the bridge cafe cum museum, where we stopped for a comfort break. The
Bonds weren’t exactly comfortable with the heat. It was all a bit too much for one of
the 197cc minicars, pulling, as it was a family of three in temperatures nudging 38C. A
bit of a struggle, to say the least.
We then pressed on to Honfleur, a very picturesque Olde Worlde port at the mouth of the
Seine with some rather interesting buildings.
One in particular, a church, had a ceiling, which looked like two up-turned wooden boat
hulls placed side-by-side~ - 
Clearly the local carpenters were more interested in boats than
buildings! We spent a pleasant afternoon wandering around the shops and pavement cafes. It
was an excellent drive back to camp; the route took in some lovely scenery and the roads
were quiet enough to be almost traffic-
free. No queues, no hold-ups, no hassles! Wednesday was ‘free’ so we chose to
spend it in Caudebec. It was the hottest day of the holiday so far - and shade, cool
drinks and ice cream were all that were required. Some adventurous souls decided on a
drive into Rouen, where they encountered a small tornado (leaving Raque and Rouen in
it’s wake...?) but I opted for a visit to the local Maritime Museum, and learned
about life on the Seine before the ‘Mascaret’ -a borelike tidal wave was tamed.
There was a Joble on display, too - a general flat-bottomed broad-beamed sort of boat that
ferried people and cargo across the river before the bridges were built.
On Thursday
the rally moved to a new base at Cherieux 170 miles away. Some of the party departed back
to England at this point, so we were now the only car being actually driven rather than
towed around France. We made the journey in about 4 hours of driving, and somewhat
surprisingly, arrived there before the motor homes! Friday’s run was to Le Mont Saint
Michel, which is a famous monastery built on a rock a short distance off-shore.
You’ve probably seen pictures of it. With a village and suitable fortifications it
was pretty much impregnable - a veritable symbol of French national identity. The
monastery is really quite interesting; it’s a complex labyrinth of rooms and
passages, topped by an amazing roof garden. Little wonder then that young men were queuing
at the door to sign on. They could then escape a life of drudgery and poverty, and enjoy
security, regular meals, free-hair cuts and library tickets.
The Saturday run to St Malo marked the endof the Rally Week. First stop was a small
coastal town called Cancale and we arrived there to find most visitors sitting down to
enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch. Some of those huge platefuls of crabs, lobsters and
mussels were still moving (!) - but rather too slowly to make it back to the beach... We
stopped to buy ice cream. There were lots of different flavours all cunningly labelled in
French. June chose one that looked like toffee, but tasted like Fisherman’s Friend! -
Which is handy if you happen to have a sorethroat, I suppose.
St Malo turned out to be a fortified seaport with lots of narrow and attractive pedestrianised streets. The warm sunshine was glorious and when we reached the other side of town we clambered down a set of steps onto a perfect yellow sandy beach, where we could look out on some of the ancient fortifications and watch people swimming and windsurfing in the sea. I even managed to buy an English newspaper, how much better can you get? Brittany had just one more treat left in store for us, and that was a visit to a local Garlic Festival. Forget Sunday markets and Car-boots, a French Garlic Festival combines the best of both, topped with a little bit of local ‘dressing’. There were farmers serenading their hens, painted chipboard farmyard scenes (some of which were turned by electric motors) and stalls selling everything from ladies underwear to milking equipment (for farmers, that is). And there was me thinking that ‘British’ eccentricity was dead! Not true - it’s just moved a bit further South, that’s all!
(To be
continued.)
John Johnson
December 2005- No 178
CHAIRMAN'S RAMBLES
Dear Friends
By now we will have had our final meeting for this year. We have had some very good
rallies and one or two not so good; due to rain.
The anniversary run, to places where the club have held meetings etc, was very well attended, the pie & peas were a surprise; the pie was meat and potato, peas and red cabbage, which made it more like a meal. The meal was subsidised as was the tea and coffee at both Steeton Hall and Tarn House. One surprise was the cake with our emblem in colour on the top, this was made by a friend of Sue Gardner; our thanks to them.
Thanks must go to the officers and committee for their time and effort in keeping the club a float. Special thanks must go to Sue and Andrew who are “knocking it on the head” as our editors, they have done a fine job with input from the club members. Anyone who fancies taking over as Editors will get the full backing of the committee and officers.
Don’t forget January is the
AGM where you can all have your say, then the annual meal in February; see Barbara or Alan
McCormick for details.
Finally thank you for making my position easy. Have a lovely Christmas and a better New
Year
Len Fox
EDITORIAL
Susan & Andrew
Naylor
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
1375 E Cockburn, Haworth
1376 A Quinn, Embsay
1377 R Boyle, Silsden
Don’t forget that
subs. for 2006 can now be sent to:
Mike Naylor, Membership Secretary, 2 Chatsworth Crescent, Pudsey, Leeds, LS28 8LD.
Mike Naylor
STRESSED
OUT UK DRIVERS
Chill out. It could help your motor insurance. A significant number of Brits are committing 'driving sins' as a result of being too stressed out while on the roads, new research has found.
More than 30 million motorists admit that they take unnecessary risks while driving because they are stressed out at being late or needing to get somewhere quickly, research by swiftcover.com found.
"It's worrying when people are so stressed and harassed behind the wheel that they are putting themselves and others at risk,"
"British motorists are being put under more and more pressure as congestion worsens and people continue to choose the car over other forms of transport so, in the future, incidents of bad behaviour are likely to go up."
The seven deadly driving sins outlined by the company included driving while holding a mobile phone, breaking the speed limit, parking illegally, overtaking another car dangerously, changing clothes or eating and drinking at the wheel.
Time pressures of modern life are causing these stressed out car journeys, the survey creators think.
IT
HAPPENED BECAUSE...........
• Coming home, I drove
into the wrong house and hit a tree I didn't have.
• The other car collided with mine without giving warning of its intention.
• I thought my window was down, but I found it was up when I put my head through it.
• The guy was all over the road, I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him.
• I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law and headed
over the embankment
• In an attempt to kill a fly, I drove into a telephone pole.
• I had been shopping for plants all day and was on my way home. As I reached a
junction, a hedge sprang up, obscuring my vision and I did not see the other car.
• I had been driving for 40 years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an
accident.
• I was on my way to the doctor with rear end trouble when my universal joint gave
way, causing me to have an accident.
• To avoid hitting the bumper of the car in front, I struck the pedestrian.
• An invisible car came out of nowhere, struck my car and vanished.
• I told the police I was not injured, but on removing my hat, I found I had a fractured
skull
• I was sure the old fellow would never make it to the other side of the road when I
struck him.
• I saw a slow-moving, sad faced old gentleman as he bounced off the roof of my car
• I was thrown from my car as it left the road. I was later found in a ditch by some
cows.
91
MODEL T FIXED
Breakdown firm GEM Motoring Assist would have been forgiven for refusing to help motorist Mark Rand when he phoned and told them he needed some help with a transmission problem. It’s not every day the average mechanic is required to help fix a 91 year old motor after all. But, undaunted, GEM mechanic David Williams rode out to the rescue and dually sorted the 1914 Model T Ford's shattered reverse gear transmission drum. "Some organisations will not deal with a car once it reaches eight or ten years old but that would have put Mr Rand in an impossible position," said Mr Williams. The Model T, named Gladys Emmanuel after the nurse in Open All Hours, is reportedly running smoothly again. "It was the only time I have had to call for help for Gladys Emmanuel and now she is in fine fettle again and running sweetly," said Mark.
PREPARING
A CAR FOR WINTER
Whether you plan to run your classic through the winter, or lay it up away from the ravages of salty roads and sideways learner drivers, serious thought must be given to where exactly you will store your old car. Ideally it should be in a de-humidified fully weatherproof garage, but not everyone is in such a fortunate position. A damp and draughty garage is not a pleasant place at the best of times, and if possible any leaks in the roof or walls of your garage should be fixed during the summer months. A leaky garage will do your car no favours whatsoever, and makes for an unpleasant place in which day to day maintenance and repairs are to be carried out. However, some measure of ventilation is not a bad thing in a garage, as a current of air will circulate around your car helping to dry it off if its parked up while still wet, and will help keep condensation down to a minimum. It has been said that a soaking wet car may well be better off outside, than being parked up in a hermetically sealed garage for this very reason.
Now is a perfect time to investigate any leaking window seals that your classic may have - I've discovered strange fungal growths on dampened carpets before now, and whereas in summer (ha) any damp carpets can be hung out to dry after a shower, in winter the opportunity to dry out soggy carpets is minimal at best. Take a good look around all window seals, door seals and other areas where there are gaps in the bodywork, such as where the wiper spindles appear through the scuttle, where aerials and rear view mirrors are mounted, and so on. Pull off any door trims and make sure that the plastic liners usually attached to the door frame are in good order, and whip out any carpets and sound deadening to check for rust holes in the floor (a popular route for water to get in), and any seals that are fitted to pedals as they disappear through either the floor or bulkhead.
If your classic car has a sunroof, check its sealing is ok and while you're at it, test to make sure the drain pipes aren't blocked (also worth checking that any door drain holes aren't blocked either at this point). One of the killers for any classic or vintage car is mud build up underneath. Clumps of mud and crud harbour damp like nothing else, and can continue holding dampness against your cars bodywork long after warm weather returns.
To do the job properly, firstly wash underneath with a pressure washer; this removes a lot of crud. Then jack the car up, support it on stands and whip off the wheels. Take a stiff wire brush to all the nooks and crannies under the arches, either end of the sills, behind headlamp bowls and so on, and dig out all accumulated mud, leaves and other dubious substances. It’s a filthy job I can testify to this as I have just done Susan’s Disco.
Once this is done, have a quick look and check that all paint or underseal is in good order and, once it is and everything is dried out (especially if you've jet washed the underside also), apply a protective waxy substance wherever you can, something like Waxoyl or Dinitrol should do the trick. There's no need to apply it with a shovel, just a nice consistent layer should do. Likewise a light coat of a waxy mixture applied to any box
LETTERS
RECEIVED
Dear Eds,
Well the summer has been and gone, I hope you had a good one. We took the Bond abroad for
the first time and it didn’t do too badly. We thought we would just camp in northern
France, but after a few days in Amiens and then Paris we headed north through Belgium and
into Holland. We wanted to take part in the Dutch National Microcar Rally at Arnem. That
was really good, we received a prize for the furthest driven (1,300 miles) and then we
drove back to Calais and homewards. We stopped at the UK National where again we won the
distance award having travelled more than 2000 miles this time, plus we also came third
best Bond on the field! All this on a 250 cc two stroke, carrying three people, luggage
and camping gear.
The Bond was driven every day and gave faultless service over the four week period – a commendable feat by any standards.
John Johnson (Juliet & Nikki)
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL With the longest day here – and gone by the time you read this, means it is
downhill to Christmas – groan! Sorry.
We have already been on a few nice rallies this season but still have Broughton Hall, the
STAR National Rally, Newby Hall and Hebden Bridge – amongst others to look forward
to.
This year’s STAR National event (that’s the Sunbeam Talbot club) is to South
Wales. We shall be going in convoy to the rally, which runs from Friday evening to Sunday
afternoon. Having gone all that way, if the weather is kind, we shall stay around there
for a few days more.
What are you hoping to get up to with your old wheels? Please do write and let us know.
As we write this we can tell you that we have been approached by the BBC to be a feature
in a day time “magazine” show; short clips about a range of things in one
programme we gather. Our bit will be on Classic Cars – the fact that Susan is a
female owner of a rare Talbot makes an interesting feature apparently. We have managed to
rope Chris Bryant in to as his Alpine featured in a film driven by a famous film star. A
number of you have helped in films/TV before so will know the score – Susan has to be
somewhere near Castle Howard at 9.00 a.m. on a Tuesday morning and they hope to have
finished with her by 2.00 p.m. The finished item will probably only last a couple of
minutes! We’ll let you know how she got on.
Susan had a wonderful run to St Anne’s a few weeks ago – thanks to Mike and the
team. A few people got lost after trusting the car in front to be going the right way! The
number of times that happens. There is one bit of the journey where Susan convinces
herself that she is going the wrong way and poor Dulcie Gardner (her brave co-pilot) has
an agonising 5 minutes while it is proved that they are in deed going the correct way! The
Fish & Chips at St Anne’s were on form and the little café on the front does
some super homemade cake – and what portions!
We hope to see you all at Broughton – let’s hope the weather is kind.
Susan & Andrew Naylor
(This arrived literally just as we were going to press, Eds)
WELCOME
(NEW MEMBERS)
1364 H Moulds, Bingley
1365 D Petty, Pudsey
1366 A Parfitt, Keighley
1367 LA Walker, Cullingworth
1368 E Horner, Cleckheaton
Welcome Back
668 F Greenway, Steeton
BROUGHTON
HALL This notable event in the COWS diary; Broughton
Hall our Annual Show, is a success simply because of the number of willing volunteers that
help – often behind the scenes. If you think you may be able to help – even in a
small way – please can you contact Barbara McCormick, our Treasurer. One of the jobs,
for example, is to man the tent for a stint during the show, if we can have many
volunteers it means that each volunteer only does a short stint. There is also field set
up duties to do (usually on the Friday before the show) as well as marshalling on the day.
Every little helps.
FANCY
THAT ! this is for all you health nuts. It puts
everything into perspective, I think. Learn from this.
Health Question & Answers
Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on
exercise, everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live
longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want
to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are
these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering
vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field
grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily
allowance of vegetable products.
Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, which means they
take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer
is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have body fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have
two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!!. Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're
permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing
sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO ...... Cocoa beans ... another vegetable!!! It's the best
feel-good food around! Q: Is swimming good for your figure? A: If swimming is good for
your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape! Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may
have had about food and diets. And remember: Life should NOT be a journey to the grave
with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather
to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - strawberries in the other - body thoroughly
used up, totally worn out, and screaming - "WOO HOO! What a Ride!"
Chris Bryant (who else! Nice one)
Eight Million Scratch Heads on Oil
Eight million motorists have no idea which oil they should use in their car, despite
almost half of all owners claiming they check their dip stick on a monthly basis.
According to new data from car care people, Comma, 61% of women didn't know if they should
top-up with a mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic oil. Men faired better, with only 1 in
5 happy to admit they were unsure what to put in their engine. For motorists still none
the wiser, Comma has compiled an online guide available at www.commaoil.com
This Smells Odd
When a man attempted to siphon petrol from a motor home parked on a Seattle street, he
got much more than he bargained for. Police arrived at the scene to find an ill man curled
up next to a motor home trying to steal petrol and plugged his hose into the motor home's
sewage tank by mistake. The owner of the vehicle declined to press charges, saying that it
was the best laugh he'd ever had.
Creative Writing
A creative writing class at Slippery Rock University was asked to write a concise
essay containing the following elements:
Religion Royalty Sex
Mystery
The prize winner wrote: "My
God," said the queen, "I am pregnant! I wonder who did it?"
Could you murder for a detective car?
Cars and TV detectives go hand-in-hand, and the private ads are a goldmine of iconic
motoring gems. A Jaguar MK11, more commonly associated with Inspector Morse, can be found
nestling in the classifieds for under £9,000.
At the other end of the scale, Chief Inspector Jack Frost gained his detective spurs
driving around in his trusty Ford Sierra Estate - yours for just £700. S
till with the Blue Oval, the dynamic Dempsey & Makepeace duo chased villains in an
Escort Cabriolet - examples of which can be snapped up for £750 according to www.ardata.co.uk
Cult 80s classic Hart to Hart featured the
luxury and opulence of a Rolls Royce Corniche to ferry Jonathan and Jennifer Hart around.
Today, a 1979 example with 130,000 miles is on the market for £16,950.
And who can forget the bright red Ferrari 308 GTS driven by Tom Selleck in Magnum PI,
another 1980’s cop star, and yours for just £27,995 (1985 45,000 miles).
Although Val Kilmer played The Saint in the 1997 remake of the 60s classic driving a Volvo
C70, Roger Moore took to the streets of London in the original behind the wheel of a Volvo
P1800 - spotted by Cardata for just £2,999 (1973 example, 25,000 miles).
Unfortunately for Chief Inspector Barnaby from Midsomer Murders, his Rover 75 has
plummeted in value by an incredible 36% over the last 12 months. And with nearly new and
used Rovers currently flooding the market, anyone wishing to follow after one of the
nations best loved detectives is ideally placed to pick up his car.
PLUGS
& POINTS
The club are trying to set up a directory of service providers and craftsmen, please keep
these coming in
… Vehicle Upholstery, Hoods, Roof-lining, Trim etc
Eddie Farrell is a COWS member and he has recently re-upholstered in leather the front
bench seat on my Jowett 'Javelin'.
I am delighted with the job he has done. Previously he did similar work for another member
of the Jowett Car Club (Northern) but dealing with both front and back seats. She was
similarly very pleased with the result. Eddie has worked on a number of cars in the care
of Geoff Tuley doing upholstery and general trim work and making replacement hoods.
Geoff has been very well satisfied and offers to let members inspect the work that Eddie
has completed for him.
Eddie Farrell's telephone number is 01274 834693
David Midgley
Car Covers I had a cover made for the bike a few months ago, and was supplied promptly.
It’s made out of a new lightweight non scratch and breathable material, has its own
carry bag and was very reasonably priced. If you want to know more, the company is
Thoroughbred Covers Ltd, based at 347 Kirkstall Road in Leeds. Tel 0113 2795079. Website
is www.throughbred-covers.co.uk
Andrew Naylor
MAIL TO THE EDITORS
If you have a vehicle, which has not been on the road pre 1988, you do not have to declare
it SORN.
But the DVLA will not send you a new V5C. So if you want to have the new V5C you will have
to send your old V5 to DVLA,
but if you require your old V5 back, for historic reasons, request them to send it back or
otherwise it will be shredded.
You won’t be made liable to declare SORN.
Len Fox
MAIL TO THE EDITORS
I am a COWS member and I am also helping to
organise the Yorkshire Rover Rally. The details for this rally and an entry form are
attached - could you please circulate this at your next meeting(s) and could you please
put it into your/our club magazine. The rally has been at Lotherton Hall for the last few
years, but a ridiculous increase in the price from Leeds Council has forced us to find a
new venue - hence "Classics on the Common". Thanks
Dave Perrins
(Sorry to hear about the spot of bother you are having with Leeds CC. We can certainly
publicise the event here in the magazine, Eds)
The event Dave is talking about is “Classics on the Common”, Heath Common
Wakefield on 21st August; see “events page” for contact.
It is organised by the Rover P4, P5 and P6 Rover Clubs in collaboration but any classic is
very welcome. Entry £4.
WEST
COAST RUN Just to say thank you to all the entrants who
took part in our 5th annual West Coast run to St Anne’s on sea, I hope an enjoyable
day was had by all with the sun shining most of the time. I think most of you will have
got caught in the rain on the way home I know we did before we left St Anne’s with
torrential rain between 5.30 and 6.00pm that left us with very wet clothes after we went
to pick up fish and chips. When we arrived back to the car, the only one left, and a
flooded promenade, we enjoyed the fish and chips even if we had a smelly car and steamed
up windows. We heard someone passing a comment outside to say, “I wonder what they
are doing in there?” Winding my window slightly down I corrected his thoughts by
telling him we were eating fish and chips!
Well thanks again to all who helped and to the marshals who I think you will agree did an
excellent job and to you the entrants who turned out in you splendid cars to make this a
successful day out.
Mike Naylor
webmaster@cravenoldwheels.com
http://www.cravenoldwheels.com/
February 2005 - No 173
FROM THE FLOOR (No Chair)
Dear Friends
It was great to see you at the AGM. Alan McCormick had offered to stand as Chairman if we
could find a Secretary. Unfortunately no one came forward so we have a vacant post. I
would like to take this opportunity to thank all the committee for their hard work and
contributions during 2004. It is pleasing to see so many staying on in 2005. The committee
will consider co-opting further members at their next meeting.
If I might be permitted to utilise this space to highlight a few events that we have heard about.
Neil Kershaw has contacted me about reviving the Whitby Weekend and joining forces with Whitby Car Club (you may recall Neil lives over there now). He is has found a place that entrants could possibly stay; Sneaton Castle from £25 per room B&B. Please contact Neil if you are interested (details are given on page 6). You might also like to check out Sneaton Castle on the web www.sneatoncastle.co.uk.
We have again been invited by the Whitby Lifeboat crew to put on a display of old vehicles at the annual Whitby Lifeboat weekend on 2nd & 3rd July. Please contact me about this event.
We have been invited, through Ken Swindles, to go to Gargrave show again, which is on the weekend before Malham so that will make it Saturday 20th August.
John Ogden
(NB Details of Neil’s Whitby Run may have changed since John’s note – hopefully he has not jumped the gun)
EDITORIAL
We were disappointed not to be able to make it across for the AGM; there just never seems
to be enough hours in the day and Andrew is working across the country (he is supposed to
be in the “North of England” crew but was sent to a job in Cambridge the other
day!).
For anyone that was not there, it was announced that this will be our last year as editors and we will stand down after December’s issue.
The next edition (April) we would like to be the bumper one for events so please, please do let us have any dates & contact details that you know. Please do not assume that someone else will have told us – we would rather that a dozen people tell us the date for an event than no-one. It will also make us think that there are COWS members out there reading this magazine. Particular events we would like details of are: Hebden Bridge, Grange over Sands and any local country shows like Malham.
We have a couple of trips planned already with the Sunbeam Talbot club that we are looking forward to, each one will involve an overnight stay/long weekend and we really enjoy those as you really get the opportunity to chat to fellow enthusiasts much more so than you do at a static display and if alcohol and good food are the fuel of the evening all goes well. We were interested to hear that Neil Kershaw is eager to resurrect the Whitby Weekend but with a twist – to combine it with Whitby Car club and have somewhere that will take us for just one night – it seems a very reasonable rate too. Please do get in touch with Neil soon because if the event is to go ahead there is much council red tape to plough through first; never a speedy process. (see his e-mail pg 6)
We are also desperate for photos for the front & back cover; perhaps you have a favourite from the 2004 season, if so please send it through and we will scan them into our computer and return them directly.
There is a trophy each year for the person who makes the most contributions to the magazine during the year. Please do send us your reports of any rallies you attend or items related to vehicles or snippets of news that you might pick up.
Andrew has a milestone birthday next year (40 again!) and is eying up something big and thrusting on two wheels … more on that next time!
Susan & Andrew Naylor
E -
MAIL TO THE EDITORS
Greetings dear Eds from the seaside Kath
and I have just enjoyed a lovely lunch at Steeton Hall with fellow Autobods. A great time
was had by all. During the general chit chat I discovered, though not really surprised,
that I am organising a Whitby Weekend this year.
To cut a long story short and knowing you are going to press for the mag in the next few
days thought that I would send - in the vain hope that you can still include it, the
following. The Whitby Lifeboat weekend has been brought forward to the first weekend in
July this year, to Saturday, 2nd and Sunday, 3rd July. This is due, amongst other things,
to tide conditions being more favourable at that time for the Lifeboat "events"
being planned. SO as the first weekend in June seems too close to the "full"
lifeboat event after discussing with various members at today’s dinner we decided to
go for the July weekend rather than June.
As you will appreciate as this has only
been decided today things are still in the very early stages of planning. As things are at
the moment the run will start in the Skipton area and finish at Whitby as before but exact
start place not yet known. I have tentative enquiries at a place on the outskirts of
Whitby that has both 140'ish beds plus secure parking in its grounds with night porter on
duty. I have still to sort this out but will have done so for the March meeting. The
Whitby Old Car Club members are keen to join us and I have ideas to make some slight
changes to make the event even more enjoyable. There is a possibility of an evening do at
the overnight accommodation but more later when I have had chance to talk to the premises
owners.
Hope that you can get something into the current edition.
Many thanks,
Neil Kershaw
(This arrived literally just as we were going to press, Eds)
JACK
HOOPER'S RUN Sunday 3rd April 2005
Meet as is usual at Steeton Hall where
coffee will be available at 10.00 a.m. The visit is to Thorp Perrow Arboretum woodland
gardens and the Falcons of Thorp Perrow situated in North Yorkshire near Bedale. The
suggested route is via Silsden, Silsden Moor, Addingham, Bolton Abbey, Greenhow (Stump
Cross Cavens) to Pateley Bridge. Then to Lofthouse in Nidderdale, across the moors to
Healey and Masham.
An entrance fee of £3.50 instead of the normal £5.75 and also a guided tour of the
arboretum and falconry taking one an half hours at 1.30 p.m. have been arranged Dogs are
welcome but must be on a lead at all times. There is ample parking, picnic space, a tea
room and restaurant. If you go directly to the arboretum, please wait for me in the car
park to get a pass for the reduced fee.
I hope that the weather is fine and we have a safe journey, the distance is about 50 miles. If your old car is not on the road come in your everyday car and as usual any friends are welcome. For more information please ring me on 01535 272571 or at meetings.
Jack Hooper
OTHER
EVENTS
14 Aug 2005
Pendle & District Rover Association, Pendle & District Vintage & Classic Cars and Motor Cycle show Towneley Park Burnley. All vehicles welcome. This will be the 21st Classic Car Show and family fun day held in conjunction with Burnley Rotary club and sponsored by East Lancashire Newspapers. There will be an Autojumble and stalls cost £8. There are 14 classes and entry forms can be downloaded from the website www.pdra.org.uk The entry fee is £3 per vehicle and £2 per motor bike payable by cheque or PO to P&DRA with SAE. For further details please contact Bill Heywood, 22 Deerstone Road, Nelson, Lancs BB9 9LN telephone 01282 699289.
WELCOME
(NEW MEMBERS)
1359 G Glassfield, Essex
1360 M Hyland, Grassington
1361 H Appleby, Keighley
WELCOME
(BACK)
784 C Pritchard, Cowling
MEMBERSHIP
NEWS
Mike Naylor has asked us to remind those
that have not renewed their membership (think that might include us!!!) that they must do
so straight away otherwise the February edition will be the last one they will receive.
(now there’s an interesting dilemma for us... tee hee) Seriously – get those
cheques in – think what you’ll be missing!
FANCY
THAT !
Duke of Hazard
The Duke of Gloucester has resigned as president of the Institute of Advanced Motorists
after being banned from driving for speeding. He received a six month ban last month after
accruing 12 penalty points from four speeding offences over three years. The Duke, 60, has
been president since the early 1970s.
Patrol print checks coming
Police could soon be scanning drivers' fingerprints with a tiny device fitted to the
dashboard of patrol cars. Northants officers are testing a unit, and it could be
introduced nationwide within 18 months. The scanner is linked to six million records
stored on a database. Currently, drivers must give consent before a scan takes place, but
a new law would make it mandatory.
Warden’s basket case
Residents have been barred from putting up hanging baskets outside their flats - because
traffic wardens have threatened to ticket the vans which water them. Harrogate Council's
housing department maintains the window boxes, but its parking enforcers won't allow
colleagues to pull up nearby, as they're stopping on double yellow lines.
Worst Drivers named
Motorists in Harrow, north-west London, have the worst driving record, according to new
research. A study by insurer Admiral found nearly 10% of people from the area had been in
a smash last year that was their fault. Drivers in Galashiels, Scotland, came out best in
the survey, with an accident rate of only 3.9%.
Love is … getting married on Ford's Detroit Motor Show stand beside your favourite car. Glenn and Elizabeth Stempeck, from Redford, Michigan, tied the knot next to the newly unveiled Mustang soft-top at the event's charity night. Onlookers were amazed - but delighted for the happy couple.
A Ford UK spokeswoman reckoned it would be "unlikely" that a similar ceremony would be permitted at the next British Motor Show.
Speeding excuses
Staff at the road safety scheme which administers speeding fines in mid and south Wales
say drivers go to amazing lengths to avoid fines:-
* My ex still has keys to my car and keeps taking it without asking. I haven't reported this to the police.
* My budgie was ill and I was rushing it to the vet
* I was desperate for the loo and had to speed to the nearest public toilet
* An ice-scraper fell out of a compartment in the door and jammed under the pedal.
* I picked up a hitchhiker who commented that they liked my car so I let 'this person' drive the vehicle. I don't have their name or address.
* I was in a hire car and the speedometer was in a different position - I was actually looking at the rev counter by mistake.
* As I entered onto the motorway, my car was dragged along in the slip-stream of a truck. My brakes aren't very good, so I had to keep pace with it.
VALENTINE
???
Flowers and hearts might be too much for
your passion wagon this Valentine’s Day, but if you’re looking to add that
loving touch to your vehicle, or if you’re still searching for a Valentine’s
gift, DVLA Personalised Registrations has the answer.
One in five customers now purchase a registration as a gift for a loved one and with more
than 20 million combinations available at www.dvlaregistrations.co.uk you can be sure to
find your perfect personalised plate. Whether you’re looking for a ‘LUV’
plate like VW04 LUV for someone’s favourite vehicle, or something more subtle such as
your partner’s name or initials, the DVLA choice is huge.
Louise Pierpoint, publicity manager at DVLA
Personalised Registrations, commented: "People looking for that elusive and
individual gift are increasingly opting for a personalised number. With such a huge
selection of numbers available, there are plenty of Valentine’s numbers to suit all
tastes and pockets."
DVLA Personalised Registrations start from £250 including VAT and assignment fees.
AVOID
SPEEDING FINES WITH A VAUXHALL
Owners of Vauxhall cars and vans can now enjoy the benefits of a competitively-priced Driver Safety and Information System that could save them from speeding fines, licence endorsements and even higher insurance premiums.
The award-winning Origin b2 monitor has been added to the range of accessories available through Vauxhall retailers throughout the UK. It costs £429.95.
No matter how careful you are at observing the speed limit, there is always a risk of being caught on camera if, e.g., you have failed to react quickly enough to changing speed limits on an unfamiliar road. With the number of fixed speed cameras set to triple to over 13,000 by the end of this year, the pitfalls ahead are even greater.
Using the latest GPS satellite technology, the dashboard-mounted Origin b2 device not only warns drivers of approaching speed cameras. It also offers valuable safety benefits such as alerting drivers to accident black spots, school and even congestion charging cameras.
It is the only legal system on the market that can detect all types of speed camera, from Gatso and Truvelo to DS2 Speedmaster and mobile police laser traps. It features a high resolution LCD display and a variety of alerts for impending hazards, including a spoken warning.
The system’s database can be easily and quickly updated via the internet or an optional modem and it comes with six months’ free subscription to updates. The GPS position display will also help emergency services to identify the vehicle’s location in the event of a breakdown.
The Origin b2 is powered via the cigarette lighter and is easily installed, although professional installation is an option available through Vauxhall retailers. It is portable between cars, making it even better value, and is covered by a 24 month warranty.
BRAKING
BAD HABITS
Many motorists unwittingly drive with
faulty brakes because they rely on having them checked only once a year. This is one of
the findings of a survey carried out by Green Flag Motoring Assistance and road safety
charity Brake. More than half of drivers surveyed relied on the annual service to check
brakes despite the fact brakes can deteriorate to a dangerous condition in less than a
year. Of the drivers and motorbike riders surveyed, most had not had their brakes checked
since their last service and 7 in 10 of those had no idea of the percentage wear when they
were last checked. Despite this the majority were confident their brakes were in good
working order, showing a lack of understanding about how quickly brake pads can wear down.
More than 1 in 7 admitted they were not confident their brakes were in good working
order.Brakes can be in a good enough condition to pass an MOT but may not last for a full
year and could become dangerously worn before the next service.It is, therefore, essential
that when drivers get their vehicle serviced they check with their garage how long it will
take their brake pads to wear down, warns Green Flag.
Of vehicles tested at MOT stations last year the number of failures due to brakes was 5.7%
of motorbikes, 11% of cars and small vans, 14.9% of large vans, 7.7% of buses and coaches,
29.2% of trucks and 37.6% of truck trailers. Mary Williams, chief executive of safety
group Brake, says: "It is shocking that so many drivers are relying on potentially
lethal brakes. It is so simple to make sure your brakes are working before every
journey and relatively inexpensive to have them checked by a professional and it could
save lives."
"Drivers need to realise that they have a responsibility to other road users to make sure their vehicles are in a safe condition."
As well as passing its MOT, it is essential to have your vehicle serviced at the frequency recommended by the manufacturer but be warned that you may run into trouble between services.
Only get brakes checked by an expert mechanic at a reputable garage.
When your vehicle is serviced, ask your garage about the state of safety-critical components such as brakes. For example, if your garage notices your brakes are slightly worn but not worn out they may not mention if your brakes are unlikely to last until the next service.
INTER
CAR CLUB QUIZ NIGHTS
We have been asked to put in a plug for the quiz nights at the Golden Fleece in Birkenshaw. Apparently COWS have put up teams before but a team is defined as two people plus a captain and you can just turn up – so Dave Caswell tells us.
Future dates are:
March 10th
April 7th
May 5th.
We would be interested to know what you think of this event, which sounds like a pleasant
way to spend a winter/spring evening.
Trophy & wooden spoon up for grabs.
10
CAR INSURANCE SECRETS
SPOTTING A WRONG’UN
Looking over a used car is not a task most
buyers relish, but bad cars are not too difficult to spot. Before you set off, check what
might go wrong with that particular model. Running an internet search can throw up
results, as can visiting www.carsurvey.org
or contacting an owners’ club. Finally, ring a dealer for advice about when expensive
work might be needed. Buying a car through an Approved Used scheme will include an
inspection, but if you want to go the DIY route, the following are all worth checking:
1. Clocking is big business: digital odometers are as easy to fiddle as tumbler ones. Compare the mileage with the service history, owners, etc.
2. Check the Chassis or VIN number plate. Is it new? Have the numbers been altered? Check the engine number and cross-check with those on the car log book.
3. Look at the quality and level of the oil. Sludge in the filler neck means it has been affected by water. If the engine is warm, the seller might be disguising starter problems.
4. Scrutinise wings for filler, rust repairs and dents. Check inside the wings; buckling will indicate crash damage. Look for consistent panel gaps.
5. Check the car’s paperwork. The most important documents are the log book, old MOTs and workshop receipts. These will help to establish mileage, condition and major repairs.
6. Check the boot floor for rippling or buckling probably suffered in a severe rear end impact. Is the rear bumper straight and are there any signs the body has been repainted at the back?
7. Welding marks across the width of the car are a sure sign of a cut and shut (one car made of two). This is a potential death trap and you should walk away immediately.
8. Peel back the window rubbers to check for colour changes or over spray. Inspect the car’s paint quality, looking out for an orange peel effect, different densities of metallic flakes and paint runs.
9. Examine both posts for body filler by tapping up and down and listening for a different tone. Peel back the interior trim to check for signs of welding. An oversized sun-roof is a common trick to disguise roof cut or damage.
10. Worn tyre rubber will reduce the car’s selling price but may indicate wheel alignment trouble or suggest the car has been in a crash. Kerbed alloys are common but replaceable. Check brake disks for wear.
Useful numbers:
AA Car Data Check 0800 234 999 AA Inspections 0800 085 3007 AA Legal Helpline 0906 0101300 www.theaa.com
Citizens Advice Bureau www.adviceguide.org.uk
DVLA 01792 772 134 www.dvla.gov.uk
RAC Vehicle Examinations 0870 533 3660 RAC Legal Services 0870 5 533 533 www.rac.co.uk
Used Car Checks 08700 468602 www.usedcarchecks.com
Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association 01132 538 333 www.vbra.co.uk
Society of Motor Auctions 01788 538 301
What Car HPI Check 0845 123 2617
December 2004 - No 172
CHAIRMAN’S CHAT
Dear Friends
This is my last Chairman’s Chat. Thank you for your support over the last 3 years. I have decided to take a year out to recharge my batteries so would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing you at the AGM in January and our Annual Dinner in February.
I will not be organising my Skipton to Whitby run in June next year because we have increasing difficulty securing overnight accommodation. However, there is still the Whitby Lifeboat weekend on the 2nd and 3rd July. If you would be interested in bringing your vehicle along (the lifeboat crew would welcome your support) please do contact me; secure parking can be arranged for anyone wanting to stay for the weekend.
The most recent COWS monthly meeting was an excellent show from Paul Wooding; he always does give us an interesting evening. In January it is our AGM plus a small film show. In February we have Val Nixon from the RNLI coming to the monthly meeting which follows our Annual Dinner (which is actually lunch) on 6th February. If you would like a ticket for the Dinner please contact Alan or Barbara McCormick.
That’s it for now, once again thanks for your support during my time as Chairman, safe motoring in 2005.
John Ogden
E-MAIL TO EDITORS
Hello born again biking teenagers, please print a big thank you to all COWS members who
signed the petition objecting to the DVLA ownership tax, it has been sent to the FHBVC to
add to their ammunition against another stealth tax.
Chris Bryant
FANCY
THAT!
A 1931 eight litre Bentley Sedanca de Ville
that had been owned by a Cumbrain Lord has failed to reach its reserve at auction. It had
attracted interest from around the world, as it is the only remaining example of the
model.
Lord Brougham of Brougham Hall in Penrith first owned the car, which he paid £3,000 for.
Only 100 Sedanca de Ville's were built, but Lord Brougham owned two.
Because of the unique nature of the model, which boasts a back-seat drinks bar, it was
expected to fetch between
£240,000 and £260,000.
EDITORIAL
Hopefully you will get this magazine before Christmas. The pressure is a bit less for us
with the December issue as we are not aiming for a set publication date.
A huge thank you to Chris & Sue for providing the front cover photo – a
particularly fine seasonal one we think you will agree; spot on in fact.
We have said we will stand for re-election if necessary in 2005 but feel that we have done
a fair stint as Editors so, if there is no-one that wants to take over this January we
will only do one more year and then that will be it; we will be hanging up our mouse and
keyboard. To do the magazine you do not need a computer – obviously it can make life
easier, but it is not essential. If computer access is a problem for whoever takes over,
we will happily continue to be webmasters of the website but think a new editor would be
good for the club to inject a bit of variety – you must be sick of us and our format
by now. We have learnt that you cannot please all the people all the time and to think
that you can, can only lead to disappointment; this would be the piece of advice we would
pass on to the new editors.
We hope that you all have a happy and peaceful Christmas & New Year and look forward to hearing from you with snippets for forthcoming magazines …
Susan & Andrew
Naylor
WELCOME BACK
1271 I Dalziel, Bingley
10 CAR INSURANCE SECRETS
The car insurance market has become
increasingly competitive over the last decade. Despite this, there are still some things
your insurer won't go out of their way to tell you. Here are 10 things that could reduce
your premiums.
Could you save money on your car insurance?
1. Many insurers average yearly mileage at 12,000 miles. If you don't drive anyway near this amount, you should tell your insurer as it could reduce your premium.
2. If you don't use your car to travel to work, you could also be entitled to a discount.
3. You may find you get a higher than expected quote from some insurers. This is because they only tend to sell to certain groups of people. If you think your quote is too high, shop around, as it may well be cheaper elsewhere.
4. If your car is parked in a garage rather than on the street or on a drive, you could significantly reduce your premium.
5. If other people are going to drive your car, name them on the policy as it will be cheaper than simply opting for "any driver".
6. If your policy offers a hire car in the case of a claim, you can ask for it to be removed if you think you can manage with public transport or lifts from other people.
7. If you don't have to drive to work, consider leaving your car in the garage. This will bring your premiums down.
8. If you have an older car that is nearing the end of its useful life, it may not be worth taking out comprehensive. BUT you should be of very careful when estimating the value of your car and what insurance you require.
9. As female drivers are statistically less likely to have accidents, women may benefit from getting a quote from a firm that specialises in covering female drivers.
10. You should be wary of cancelling your car insurance halfway through a year as it is only full years that count towards your no claims bonus.
And don't forget to shop around for the best deals.
MY
MORRIS COWLEY
I saw a Morris Cowley advertised in the Vintage Advertiser (NECPWA) as my friend was looking for an open top vehicle, I phoned him and told him about this one that was advertised. We had been to look at one or two cars but as usual the adverts flatter. We decided to have a trip up to Morpeth where the car was situated; we arranged to meet in a Pub car park, as this was easier to find. To my surprise it was Tom Gatenby who drove in to the car park. My friend Michael and his wife Anne were pleased at the appearance of the Cowley, He said if it went as good as it looked, he would buy it. We followed Tom to his house and he took us for a test drive, after the test drive into the house for the negotiations. These were soon concluded, we loaded the car with the bits and pieces and I was elected to drive it home. After checking all the usual, I set off to bring to Michael’s and Anne’s home in Pudsey nr Leeds. I hadn’t gone very far when I approached downhill to a roundabout; I thought it was a little short on stopping power. I drove it most of the way in sunshine although it was cool. I nearly arrived at Michaels in daylight. I was hoping it stayed light, as the dynostart was not charging. A few days after picking up the Cowley, I took the vehicle to my garage for a full check over. Upon checking the brakes we found some of the brake linings missing totally, this accounted for the lack of stopping power. I replaced the dynostart, after finding that it was down to earth on the charging side. I replaced the clutch drive plates to alleviate clutch drag. I also fitted brake lights and flashers as Michael thought it safer for him. We recoloured and reproofed the hood. In between all this we had a trip to Beaulieu and purchased five new tyres and tubes with where fitted on our return. After the refurbishment the Cowley was taken back to Michaels home. I took Michael out on one or two occasions to familiarize him with the vehicle as he previously had driven modern vehicles. After about 12 months he hadn’t taken to the Cowley like a duck to water. Basically Michael’s too tall to fit in the cockpit comfortably. Reluctantly he said he was going to sell it again after a mad rush of blood I made a bid, which he reluctantly accepted. So the Cowley was mine when I went home and told the wife, she was not surprised as I usually keep bring home vehicles (not as expensive as this I may add) We take the Cowley to Morris Register National Rally at Thoresby Hall, In three years it has always come home with an award. This year it succumbed to the heat on the Saturday run. I tried most things at the lunch halt to start the engine, doing everything apart from totally stripping the Magneto. My friend returned in his modern to give me a tow, we gave it a tow and surprise, surprise, it started, I returned to Thoresby Hall. Next day after cleaning virtually everything it refused to start. I had failed to tell you that the replacement dynostart has failed on the way to Thoresby Hall, that had not bothered me on the run as the engine would still run being magneto ignition. On the Monday we trailored it home. On returning home I totally stripped the Magneto and cleaned it, replaced a carbon brush that was slightly worn.
After refitting it started first swing of the handle. Other things I have done since returning home I have converted the charging system to alternator making a bracket and taking the drive from the cam, this previously drove the fan being left hand rotation caused a slight problem with fans etc. I have also fitted a electric fan for the radiator cooling. I am also going to convert a old magneto to coil ignition and carry as a spare along with another good magneto. (Belt and bracers) I hopefully won’t be caught out again. The next job will be to replace the prop-shaft U/J coupling that has got play in it. I would be interested to hear if anyone has a spare or if not if they would be interested in having some reproduced at a reasonable cost. If interested ring Ken Holden on 01274-882574.
Ken Holden
FANCY
THAT!
A Rolls-Royce fitted with seats that fold
into a bed, which was specially ordered by the late Lord Mountbatten, has been sold at
auction for £69,700.
The car, reputedly the last model Henry Royce designed himself, was sold to an anonymous
bidder at Bonhams recently. Lord Mountbatten ordered the car in 1929 and it was completed
in 1930. He used it daily to drive to and from his Broadlands home in Romsey, Hampshire,
before selling it on to CG Pullin esq of Ampfield, Hampshire. The special seating in the
Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Phantom II Sedanca de Ville is referred to in a letter from Lord
Mountbatten that accompanies the car.
The vehicle has a personalised number plate - LM 3698 - with the numbers of Lord
Mountbatten's old Mayfair telephone number.
COVENTRY
MUSEUM OF TRANSPORT 10th OCT 2004
I found this trip, arranged by Michael Kavanagh & John Ogden, very interesting. The museum is dedicated to transport that was made in Coventry. The numbers of companies represented was amazing. Their products only seemed to miss out tramcars. The exhibits were all well labelled and spotless. The bicycle gallery was very interesting to me as my wife’s grandfather used to work for Mr Starley making bicycles. This company were the developers of the safety bicycle that replaced the Penny Farthing, they called it the Rover and then expanded into cars. The older motorised vehicles were arranged in date order so that we could see the cars and motorcycles of the same period and consider the choices available.
The visit to the storage depot was very interesting as many of the vehicles were in need of restoration and we often had to squeeze past to get to the ones near the walls. Of particular interest were 3 prototype Ferguson cars; the staff had to tell us what they were. I was attracted to a small grey van called an ‘Economobile’ the driver sat in the centre and had open doorways, it had front wheel drive and dated from 1930. In a coincidence ‘The Automobile’ for this November ran a short article about the van. The creator of it died in 1930, which explains why the idea was stillborn. The son of the inventor was also an engineer and became a professor of engineering. I had a most enjoyable day and wish to thank the organisers
Alan McCormick
THE
WONDERFUL WORLD OF ENGLISH
You couldn't make it up...
Tokyo Hotel: “Is forbidden to steal hotel towels please. If you are not a person to do such thing is please not to read notis”.
Bucharest Hotel: “The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time we regret that you will be unbearable.”
Belgrade Lift: “To move the cabin, push button for wishing floor. If the cabin should enter more persons, each one should press a number of wishing floor. Driving then going alphabetically by national order.”
Paris Lift: “Please leave your values at the front desk.”
Athens Hotel: “Visitors are expected to complain at the office between the hours of 9 and 11 a.m. daily.”
Japanese Hotel: “You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.”
Moscow Hotel: “You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian & Soviet composers, artists & writers are buried daily except Thursday.”
Austrian Ski Lodge: “Not to perambulate the corridors in the hours of repose in the boots of ascension.”
Hong Kong Tailor Shop: “Ladies may have a fit upstairs.”
Bangkok Dry Cleaners: “Drop your trousers here for best results.”
Paris Dress Shop: “Dresses for street walking.”
Rhodes Tailors: “Order your summers suit. Because is big rush we will execute customers in strict rotation.”
German Camp Site: “It is strictly forbidden on our Black Forest camping site that people of different sex, for instance, men and women, live together in one tent unless they are married with each other for that purpose.”
Hong Kong Ad: “Teeth extracted by the latest methodists.”
Rome Laundry: “Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon having a good time.”
Swiss Mountain Inn: “Special today - no ice cream”.
Copenhagen Airline: “We take your bags and send them in all directions.”
Moscow Hotel: “If this is your first visit to the USSR you are welcome to it.”
Norwegian Lounge: “Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar.”
Roman Doctor: “Specialist in women and other diseases.”