Vintage Metal - Vintage Sports Car Club of WA inc.

Vintage Metal
April 2015
Issue No. 291
The Journal of The Vintage Sports Car Club of Western Australia (Inc.)
www.vsccwa.com.au
Next General Meeting : Monday 13th April 2015
IN THIS ISSUE
New Zealand Tour
Ice Breaker – Collie
Caversham Car
Vintage Sports Car Club of WA (Inc.)
ABN 49 845 981 838
PO Box 1127, GWELUP WA 6018
Telephone: (08) 9401 1449
Email: admin@vsccwa.com.au
Office Bearers 2014/15
President:
Ian Fry mobile 0412 898 434
Email: ianandjillfry@iinet.com.au
Treasurer:
Evan Edwards Mobile: 0419 918 196 Email: eedwards@lomvac.com
Secretary:Vacant
Recording Secretary: Vacant
Club Management Committee:
Mike Barnes
Ph: (08) 9330 1279
Email: atkinsathome@australianonline.net.au
Paul Bartlett: Mobile: 0419 907 378
Email: pkbart@bigpond.com.au
Ron Fabry:
Ph: (08) 9457 9179
Email: rfabry29@hotmail.com
Ed Farrar:
Mobile: 0409 311 366
Email: edhfarrar@gmail.com
John Janssen: Mobile: 0401 655 537
Email: jj747f@aapt.net.au
Brad Peters:
Mobile: 0427 401 513
Email: bpet1960@bigpond.net.au
Wally Phoebe: Mobile: 0414 894 673
Email: w.phoebe@y7mail.com
Club Officials 2013/14:
Competition Secretary & Committee: Paul Bartlett (Chair) - 0419 907 378
Dads Army: Ron Fabry
Regalia: Mike Barnes and Jean Atkins — (08) 9330 1279; 0411 212 309 — Email: atkinsathome@australiaonline.net.au
Bar Manager: John Janssen — Email: jj747f@aapt.net.au
Membership Registrar: Lynn Oxwell — (08) 9401 1449
Entries Registrar:
Lynn Oxwell — Email: entries@vsccwa.com.au
Vintage Metal:
Bob Campbell — Email: bob@campbellfreelance.com.au
- Ph: (08) 9279 7555
- Mobile: 0419 849 835
Web Master:
Frank Clay — Mobile: 0448 013 288 — Email: frank@tactico.com.au
Historian 1969 on:
Len Kidd — (08) 9332 3518 — Email: an.len@live.com
Historian pre-1969:
John Napier-Winch - (08) 9404 8863
- Email: johnnapierwinch@yahoo.com.au
Librarian:
Mark Jones — (08) 9387 3897
CAMSWA Sport and Club Development Comm: Paul Bartlett
0419 907 378
CAMSWA Historic Advisory Panel:
Craig Bradtke (Chair)
0408 913 926
Council of Motoring Clubs WA:
Graeme Whitehead 0412 919 370
Concessional Examiner: Boyd Kolozs — Mobile: 0404 921 679
Email: clubmanworks@msn.com
Chief Scrutineer:
Tony Brett Mobile: 0427 004 709
Max Gamble
(08) 9276 2903
VSCC Log
Group JKL
Max Gamble
(08) 9276 2903
Books:
Group MOPQR Neil McCrudden 0407 867 473
Group N
Steve Boyle
0419 904 734
Group S
Tony Brett
0427 004 709
Clubmans
Craig Bradtke 0408 913 926
2
From the President — March 2015
Well here it is, the 15th of the month, my deadline for our editor
Bob Campbell, and I am just sitting down to scratch my head and
think of something exciting, intelligent and or newsworthy to say!
As probably most of you have done, I have just heaved myself out
of my chair having watched the Grand Prix. What a very poor
show it was, Mercedes out front by a big margin, some
entertainment in the next four cars followed by mainly rabble.
Pity Renault could not deliver any where near the horsepower
required and preferably no electronic glitches resulting in our
Dan having no chance at all to shine. For me the highlight of the
event was the performance of the rookies, fantastic! Some of the old stagers will be having
to keep a good lookout in their mirrors in the future. The average age of the grid was
something over twenty-six, the youngest ever. No wonder Historic racing is and has been so
popular. Fabulous cars (that we believe we can still understand how they work), colourful
drivers and slightly smaller budgets for most entrants. What our movement needs now is to
be able to entice the younger driver, not easy I know, but it has to happen or our sport will
die on the vine! Just imagine a grid of historic cars with an average age of twenty-six, would
settle for forty-six or fifty-six.
Only two weeks to the Northam Two Day Festival Of Speed, and when we next all meet
(the 13th April) it will no doubt be the subject of much discussion and every chance of the
odd lie.
I am sure there is a note elsewhere in this V.M. giving details of your Social Committees
run to the Swan Valley on Sunday the seventeenth of May which will be a great opportunity
to wheel out one of your toys, grab the bride or your latest squeeze and come along and
enjoy some fellowship with your club members.
Just a quick reminder that the plan is that the July meeting is to be a "Christmas in July"
with ladies encouraged to come along and have the opportunity to see how well their
spouses can behave at a Club General Meeting.
Enough from me. Stay healthy, drive safely and continue to support your Club and its
members.
Ian Fry
Editor's Notes
Thank you to everyone who made a special effort to get articles to me before the deadline.
Special mention must go to Lynn Oxwell, who had the minutes of the March meeting to me
the day after the meeting. Wally Phoebe and our esteemed president had the Social Notes
and From the President submitted in good time. It all makes my job so much easier.
I have a gallery of photographs from Collie by Mick Oliver. Mick has done his usual
excellent job and you can see more photographs of Collie and many other events at his web
site, mickandrayoliver.zenfolio.com.
Mike Barnes and Jean Atkins are holding a sale of VSCCWA merchandise. There are lots of
specials and ladies' polos are now available. And there's a free DVD with every purchase!
3
Bob Campbell
Vintage Sports Car Club of W.A. (Inc)
Minutes of General Meeting held at VSCC Club Rooms – 9 March 2015
1. Meeting opened: 8.00pm
2. Apologies: Bob Campbell, Ron West, Charlie Urwin, Warren Alexander, Max Gamble, Paul
Bartlett, Evan Edwards, Ross Martin, Don Hall, Ralph King, Grant Johnson, Steve Martin, Matt
Martin and Kevin Taylor.
3. New Members and Guests : Nil
4. Adoption of previous month’s minutes:
Moved: Thomas Benson
Seconded: Mike Upton
5. Business arising from Minutes: Nil
6. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer not present, but Ian Fry reported all going well
7.1 Secretary’s report: Correspondence IN
CAMS Affiliation Certificate & Manual & WA Calendar of events
Newsletters from Victoria VSCC and Queensland
Credit note from prime 7
Letter from ANZ Bank re sponsorship
Cheque from Elite Pool Covers for Northam sponsorship –
CMC emailed Northam Flyer to all clubs & Note about Berkshire Valley
Run to be held on 19 April 2015 – put on notice board
OUT – various emails
7.2 President’s report: Ian Fry reiterated what he had said in latest Vintage Metal. Again
people in Geraldton who contacted the club re 50th Anniversary of Round the Houses in
Geraldton, still not got back or confirmed anything, so now too late to proceed.
8. State-of-play Reports: Paul Bartlett not present but Ross Oxwell and Craig Bradtke
confirmed that all going well for Northam and that great feel for a great event as the community
getting behind the event. Craig Bradtke encouraged people to take the poster and display it and
that now we have 105 entrants the next and MOST important thing is to get the people/
spectators there to watch. Again the Train is running but you have to book online as you can’t
purchase on the day, so he encouraged members to get the information out to the public.
The event/trophy presentation will be at Northam Tavern, NOT Shamrock after initial clean up
is done, this will be in acceptance letter also.
ALBANY – Ross Oxwell had been down to Albany to talk with council and others and all on
track so far.
WHITEMAN PARK DISPLAY 3rd MAY 2015: Graeme Whitehead is co-ordinating this and
would like 15 cars to display and so far has 8.; They have the same spot as last year which is
great. So if anyone would like to participate please contact Graham on: 0412 919 370. Please
support and a great day to meet interesting people.
SPONSORSHIP: This is always needed for all events and Northam has done well so far this
year but could always do with that bit more. If members know of anyone who would like to
sponsor please get them to contact: admin@vsccwa.com.au and it will be passed to appropriate
Chairperson.
9. CAVERSHAM CAR: Ron Fabry reported the clubrooms all up to scratch with cleaning and
tiding and the purchase of new Fans to help keep us all cool.
4
Project car has motor in and nearly there. He wished to thank Charlie Urwin for his
connections to obtaining the services of John Auto Trimmers in Welshpool who has come on
board and doing the seats, free of charge, which is very much appreciated. So please use John
Auto Trimmers for any services that you might require to support him in the way he is
supporting the club.
27 regular workers turn up to help out with the car at various times – great team work.
10. SOCIAL: Wally Phoebe reported next event will be the presentations at the Northam
Tavern after Northam event.
Keep 10 May 2015 free as Doug Vanzetti is planning a run in the Swan Valley.**
July meeting is being planned to be a Xmas in July night. Keep posted for further events. A car
will be at the next meeting in April.
11. New Zealand: Neil McCrudden & Henry Oosterbaan gave a quick summary of their 6 week
travels and racing/competing experiences while they were in New Zealand and how club
members did while there.
FUEL’S GOLD: Neil Stone gave a quick summary of the product as he was a guest speaker a
few meetings back. The product Fuel’s Gold dissolves water in fuel and is a great product for
fuels, diesels and works exceptionally well on boat engines.
He can be contacted on: email: neils@ecologicaleng.com.au or website: www.fuelsgold.com.au.
12. General Business:
12.1 Library News: Mark Jones not present. Ian Fry did encourage people who had
books of value to donate if they would like and it was a great resource for the club.
12.2. Regalia/Merchandise: Mike Barnes reported new supplier and if you purchase a
new shirt you will get a free DVD. Thanks to both Mike & Jean for keeping up supplies, always a
great gift idea.
12.3 Tony Brett asked for scrutineers for Saturday 21st March and reminded people
who were entering the Autokhana to check their brakes & hydraulic steering.
PHOTOS: Bob Campbell Editor is always looking for photos of events so please if you take any
please forward to him for publication. Address in Vintage Metal
13. Next Meeting: Monday 13 April 2015 as Monday 6th is a public holiday....!!!!
Meeting closed: 9 pm
Minute taker: Lynn Oxwell
E & OE
** Swan Valley run is now scheduled for May 17.
VSCC of WA GENERAL MEETINGS
Held on the first Monday of each month, except where the first Monday is a public holiday,
when the meeting will be on the second Monday.
Meetings are held at the VSCC Club House in Caversham. Fellowship starts at 7pm and the
general meeting commences at 8pm sharp.
The Club House is located off Harrow Road, Caversham. the turn-off is about one
kilometre west along Harrow Road from West Swan Road (just past the ess-bend in Harrow
Road). Look for the VSCC sign that is at the turn-off. Note: at night this is hard to see due
to the lack of street lighting, so go slow!
For additional detail on how to find the Club House, go to the VSCC web site:
www.vsccwa.com.au.
5
Social Notes
Swan Valley Ladies' Day Out
Doug has been working hard on setting up this fun day for members and partners on May
17. Your sweet tooth will be working overtime, you can get a caffeine hit and sample the
best of Swan Valley wines. Don't miss it!
Itinerary:
10am
Show and Shine at Mondo Nougat. There
will be a talk on the Nougat making process with viewing
from the showroom. Coffee and Nougat is available to
purchase here. A local favourite in WA for many years.
11am
The House of Honey. Tour down the road
in a convoy to the House of Honey. There are a wide selection
of WA Honeys to sample, as well as morning tea, coffees and
ice-creams to purchase here. A lovely cottage industry in the
Swan Valley.
12 noon
Sittella
Winery. Convoy up Great
Northern Highway again
to enjoy a wine tasting at
the award winning
Sittella’s Winery. After
the wine tasting you can
enjoy a sit down lunch
(own expense) or a
casual cheese platter on the lawn (own expense).
House of Honey
Sittella Winery restaurant is renowned for excellent food in a lovely setting, so we
recommend that you get a group of friends together and book a table in advance to ensure
you have one for the day. The club will not be reserving tables. There may be some
provision for walk ins, but Sunday is their busiest day so by booking a table you won’t be
disappointed. Cheese platters can be purchased on the day at the cellar door to eat on the
lawn, so bring a picnic rug if that is your preference.
Four cars will be able to be displayed at the front of Sittella for the wider public to enjoy.
Members have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the many wineries, tastings and local
produce stalls in the Swan Valley at their
leisure.
Once again, these three companies are happy
to support our members on this day out.
There is no cost to the club and no entry fee.
Sittella Winery
Anything you buy or purchase is at your own
expense, so it will be a fun day out within your own budget levels and a chance to tour
about in your amazing cars.
More details to follow later! As Bob Hawke said when we won the America’s Cup – any
husband who doesn’t take his wife out on this day is a bum!
Save the date to your diary now – Sunday 17th May: Swan Valley Ladies Day Out!
Mondo Nougat
6
Wally Phoebe
VSCC of WA Calendar 2015
March
Mt Ommanney Hillclimb - Mt Ommanney
28th
Minson Ave Autokhana - Minson Ave, Northam
28th
Northam Flying 50 - Northam CBD
29th
Dad's Army31st
AprilWorkshop Saturday11th
General Meeting13th
Club Management Committee20th
Competition Group27th
Dad's Army28th
MayGeneral Meeting4th
Workshop Saturday9th
Swan Valley Ladies' Day Out
17th
Club Management Committee18th
Competition Group25th
Dad's Army26th
Mt Clarence Hillclimb30th
Albany Classic31st
JuneGeneral Meeting8th
Workshop Saturday13th
Club Management Committee15th
Competition Group22nd
Dad's Army30th
JulyGeneral Meeting6th
Workshop Saturday11th
Club Management Committee13th
Competition Group20th
Dad's Army28th
AugustGeneral Meeting3rd
Workshop Saturday8th
Targa West VSCC Sprint16th
Club Management Committee17th
Competition Group24th
Dad's Army25th
7
Dad's Army Dates – 2015
WORKSHOP
DAD’S ARMY
SATURDAYTUESDAY
March
—31/03/15
April11/04/1528/04/15
May09/05/1526/05/15
June13/06/1530/06/15
July11/07/1528/07/15
August08/08/1525/08/15
September12/09/1529/09/15
October10/10/1527/10/15
November07/11/1524/11/15
December05/12/1515/12/15
Caversham Car Progress
Progress continues on the Caversham car, with the
chassis looking good and the bodywork getting closer
to paint ready. The engine is also looking good and is
almost ready to drop into the chassis.
Charlie Urwin one of our club members has arranged
to have John's Motor Trimmers of Welshpool upholster
the seats on our
Club Project Car at
No Charge to the
club which is a
great help to the
budget.
Charlie owns
Fibreglass & Resin
Sales Pty Ltd and
over the car's build
has helped us out in
many ways.
You'll find
advertisements for
John's Motor
Trimmers on page
20 and Fibreglass &
Resin Sales on the
back cover. Please
support these firms
who have supported
us generously.
8
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9
Collector's Book
Twice Lucky by Stuart Turner
Stuart Turner was a leading player in motor sport
from the 1960s to the 1980s. The Twice Lucky in the
title refers to his arrival at BMC as Competitions
Manager just as the Mini arrived and his move to
the same position at Ford coinciding with the rise of
the Escort.
He had a great career in rallying before joining
BMC, occupying the hot seat alongside drivers
including John Sprinzel (of the Sebring Sprites), Pat
Moss and Erik Carlsson. The cars he navigated
would make a fantastic classic car collection today
and included MGAs, Standard Vanguards, 8s, 10s
and Pennants, Austin A40s, A30s, A35s and an A40
Sports, Anglias, Hillman Minxes, Morris 8 Tourers,
Austin Healey Sprites, Fiats, Morris Minors, Riley
1.5s, sundry specials, all the variations of TR2 and
TR3 plus Mini, Auto Union DKW and Saab. It was
in the Saab that he helped Carlsson to win the 1960
RAC Rally.
By that time he was rallying correspondent for
Motoring News, where he was instrumental in
setting up the Motoring News Rally Championship, which became the premier rally
championship in the UK.
From Motoring News he went to BMC as
Competitions Manager in 1961, leaving on a high
after the 1967 Monte Carlo Rally, won by Rauno
Aaltonen in a works 1275 Cooper S, to join Castrol
for a short interlude before joining Ford in 1969.
Stuart retired from Ford at the end of 1990 and has
gone on to become one of Britain's most popular
after dinner speakers.
The style of Turner's writing makes the book hard to
put down and his self-deprecating humour will keep
the reader chuckling all the way. I can recommend it
as a great read from the "Sort of Foreword" by Sir
Jackie Stewart at the beginning to Turner's take on
Shakespeare's Seven Ages of Man at the end.
Twice Lucky is out of print, but amazon.com.au has a
Kindle edition for $20.86. The original hardback
edition is advertised by automotobookshop.com.au at
$49.95 and by AbeBooks.com for US$358.68
(AU$464.64 at time of writing). Amazon.co.uk prices
are somewhere in between. The Pitstop Bookshop
cannot supply the book and neither can Chaters in
the UK.
10
11
New Zealand tour 2015
Nine West Australian Formula Classic drivers ventured to the Land of the Long White
Cloud during January and February this year
to take part in the Howden Ganley Festival
plus a series of other events in New Zealand.
The trip started for many on the East Coast of
Australia at Eastern Creek during November
2014, Neil McCrudden, Marty Bullock, Lance
The Team lined up
Cawardine, Henry Oosterbaan, Bruce Edgar,
and Dave Watkins all taking to the track for the
Tasman event.
At the conclusion of the event the 9-car WARM (West Australian Racing Museum)
container was re-packed and shipped to Hampton Downs for the start of the 2015 New
Zealand tour.
Every second year the NZ organizers put on a historic race event to celebrate the
achievements of one of their legendary drivers, this
year’s festival was for Howden Ganley. The festival is
run over two consecutive weekends and attracts
competitors from across the world.
The opening weekend started off shakily for the
West Aussies with overheating engines and head
gasket issues for Marty’s Chevron and Lance’s Jane
Brabham and a broken crown wheel and pinion in
Watto’s newly acquired Elfin. These issues were
resolved and the following weekends’ racing for the
WA boys was largely trouble free.
Marty was rewarded for his perseverance
with the Chevron being awarded the
prestigious Denny Hulme trophy at
Hampton Downs for the Spirit of the Event.
Also worthy of note was the largest field in
recent times of Formula 5000 cars.
From Hampton Downs on the North
Huge Formula 5000 field at Hampton Downs
Island the container was shipped to the
South Island and to a newly built race circuit near
the town of Cromwell called Highlands. The circuit
is the creation of Tony Quinn the proprietor of VIP
Pet Foods.
The Highlands circuit has numerous
configurations and includes a flyover / underpass
on the primary layout. There has been a significant
Neil, Bruce and Brian mixing it with the
investment at the venue with a museum, restaurant,
locals at Hampton Downs
12
manicured grounds and an onsite residential development.
Highlands Circuit
Ross Zampatti joined the group at this meeting driving a
Macon F2 provided by WARM.
Unfortunately at the Highlands meeting gearbox problems
struck Watto’s Elfin for a second time confining the car to
the WARM container for the remainder of the tour.
The Formula Junior Lotus 20/22 of Neil McCrudden was
running very well at the meeting and he picked up a win on
the second day.
Ruapuna Circuit
From
Highlands the
group moved
to Christchurch
and the
Ruapuna
circuit. The
circuit is
situated to the
North West of
the city.
Neil continued his winning form at Skope
Classic event picking up another first place in the Formula Junior event, Marty Bullock was
also running well in the Libre Class gathering a
win too.
Skope is a refrigeration company that has been
supporters of NZ motorsport for many years.
The Ruapuna event was the last for Henry
Oosterbaan as he had some prior commitments
in Perth.
The Enzed Southern Classic at the Levels
circuit, near Timaru was the next event.
Henry and Brian in their cars and Bruce
John Rowe joined the group for this and the
stretching at Ruapuna
final race. He had earlier bought a beautifully
restored Lotus 18 FJ in Christchurch and this was his first outing in the car. There was a
strong Formula Junior presence for the event
Timaru Circuit
with Neil picking up a further race win and
Bruce Edgar a third spot.
The Levels event was Marty Bullock’s last race
of the tour and he concluded it with a win in
the Formula Libre class.
At the Saturday evening function Ross
Zampatti was presented with 2015 Brian Dixon
Building - Formula Libre Trophy. The trophy is
presented for Spirit of the Event.
The Evolution Motorsport Classic Speed Fest at
the Teretonga circuit near Invercargill was the
final event in the NZ tour.
13
The Western Australian group was down to six
members now to ‘fly the flag’ for WA.
The circuit is fast with a very long straight and
sweeping parabolic curve at the end of it.
Once again Neil’s Formula Junior was very
competitive winning a race on the Saturday and
getting within half a second of the class lap
record. A sterling effort by Neil on Sunday to
break the lap record ended ‘in tears’ with a hole in
the side of the Richardson engine block.
Bruce Edgar continued to go well in his Elfin
Formula Junior picking up a couple of podium
spots at the meeting.
At the function dinner Neil was awarded the
Formula Junior trophy for Spirit of the event.
With the exception of Highlands event every
club and circuit put on a presentation dinner
function at the circuit that was well attended.
The atmosphere at all the events was and warm
and friendly and we were made to feel very
welcome by the local clubs and organizing
bodies.
For those that have not visited or raced in New
Zealand this tour is a definite Bucket List item.
The survivors lined up at
Teretonga Park
Caversham Days
1962 AGP
1964 6 Hours
Anti-clockwise from top left: Bruce
McLaren in his Cooper-Climax; Jack
Brabham's Brabham on the front row;
The field streams away from the start
of the 19672 AGP; Cars in the
paddock before the 1962 AGP; The
field streaming down the straight after
the start of the 1964 6 Hours Race; An
earlier shot of the field leaving the grid;
Winner Harley Pederick gets the flag.
14
The blown 1927 Austin Seven and 1955 NKD Holden
Long Service Leave Member
Long serving and spirited competitor Steve Williams has in 2015 clocked up 15 years of
competition in the JKL class without missing a single RTH meeting at Northam or Albany.
It is almost certain no other driver in JKL can make the same claim. If they can, then come
forward!
His first VSCC meeting was in year 2000 at Northam driving the memorable supercharged
Austin Seven then Albany later in the year. Steve went on to compete in hill climbs with the
Austin at various venues with much class success as well as the RTH meetings with little
regard to the longevity of the Austin mechanically. Broken axles, differential centre and split
crank cases. Some interesting battles were had with Tom Benson and his Chev. A case of the
big and the brave. Regularity wins came easy by driving flat out to a known achievable time.
By 2004 the older class of car was low in numbers so a step up was required to keep the
interest alive with the purchase of the Ex Ray Oliver Grey Motor Holden special, the NKD
Holden. Steve commenced driving the #77 NKD Holden with the same style and verve as
with the now retired Austin competing in VSCC regularity and WASCC racing events.
Success in regularity and hill climbs bought more class wins for a time until the new and
younger more motivated breed came on the scene.
The Holden may have been stronger than the Austin but mechanical setbacks have
occurred. A broken axle, broken crankshaft and two blown clutches have resulted over the
years. The Holden generally has been a consistent and well-mannered car as long as it is not
spoilt with soft treatment.
Over the past fifteen years Steve has had a turn at winning most of the main events such as
the Northam flying 50 and the Albany Classic as well as a number of the perpetual seasons
trophies. Steve has seen many cars come and go over the fifteen years. If we could get even
some of those cars back on the track we would have some nice large fields.
The Austin Seven was recently brought out of retirement for the Lake Perkolilli reenactment. A wash, polish and a new motor and it was just like the old days with the only
problem being fitting back in the car. An Austin Seven can shrink.
Steve’s motoring competition interests are now heading back to his young days with the
purchase and now restored Formula 500 speedway car, a car that he competed against in
the1970s. Is there a career change coming with classic speedway?? Wait and see.
15
Ice Breaker – Collie Motorplex
Photographs courtesy of Mick Oliver, Olivers Photography
See more at Mick's web site, mickandrayoliver.zenfolio.com
A gallery of great photographs from Mick Oliver from the Ice Breaker meeting at Collie
Motorplex on February 21 and 22. Please show your appreciation of Mick's work by visiting
his web site and ordering shots of your car. The quality is very high and it will give you a
lasting souvenir of your motor sports career.
If you have any photographs you took at Collie, please let Len Kidd have copies for the club
archive. Len's contact details are on page 2 (inside front cover) of this newsletter.
►Dick Ward in his "grown-up" race car, the
spectacular, fire-breathing Mazda RX-7 sports
sedan
▼VSCCWA Treasurer Evan Edwards
takes a rest from the books in his
immaculate GSM Dart
►Geoff Moran (Ford Capri) pulls off the track as
the rest of the field goes through, led by Max
Farrell (BMW 2002), Lance Stannard (Cooper
S) and Ron Lally (Alfa Romeo GTV)
▼Graeme Woodhouse (Ford Mustang)
shows the way to Owen Satchell (Ford
Escort Mk 1) and Glenn Badger (Ford
Falcon XW)
▼Glenn Swarbrick vigorously exercising
the Macon AF2 car
16
Glenn Badger eases his XW Falcon through
one of Collie's many turns
Ron Lally finds his Alfa Romeo GTV under
pressure from Geoff Moran's Capri 3000GT
Max Farrell has a difference of opinion with
his BMW 2002
Leon Magistro's Reynard FF tangles with
Simon Barrett's Ralt RT4
Paul Jakovich almost drags the exhaust of his
smart 1967 Falcon XR GT
Michael Henderson was neat and fast in the
Ralt RT4
The Woodhouse Mustang waits for the RAC
while the rest of the field streams by
Lance Stannard's Cooper S feels the pressure
from Ron Lally's Alfa Romeo GTV
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Hot Start to Season 1955
Sixty years ago the Grand Prix circus didn’t wait for March and Melbourne. They had
already contested the season’s opener at the Buenos Aires Autodromo, the Argentine GP on
January 16.
Mercedes-Benz had been the dominant team in 1954 after missing the first two Grands
Prix in Argentina and Belgium and with new recruit Stirling Moss joining World
Champion Juan Fangio, it appeared that the domination would continue. Sound familiar?
The Argentine GP was run in incredible heat and Fangio won for Mercedes-Benz from a
Ferrari shared by Froilan Gonzalez, Guiseppe Farina and Maurice Trintignant. Moss,
running second in his Mercedes-Benz, succumbed to a vapour lock in the fuel injection
system. When he stopped, he was bundled into an ambulance by concerned medics who
were convinced he was suffering from heat exhaustion. Once an interpreter was found, he
escaped from the ambulance and took over Hans Hermann’s car to finish fourth. Third
place went to Farina and Trintignant in another Ferrari and Argentinian Roberto Mieres
soldiered home in fifth, solo, in his Maserati, followed home by Harry Schell and Jean Behra
sharing another 250F Maserati.
The Lancia team had a disastrous GP. Ascari led early but, probably due to the heat, he
spun and crashed. Villoresi’s D50 packed up so he took over Castellotti’s car but crashed out
of the race with it.
So the teams returned to Europe to lick their wounds and prepare for a series of nonchampionship GPs before the next round at Monaco in May.
Mercedes-Benz still held the upper hand after a successful 1954 season, although Gonzalez
managed to put the dated Ferrari 625 on pole in Argentina, so the margin of performance
was not huge. Lancia still promised much, but the money being spent on motor racing was
rapidly sending the company broke and the team was living on borrowed time.
Maserati was picking up the crumbs and was to show a remarkable turn of speed at times,
but didn’t have a leading driver of the class of Fangio and Moss at Mercedes-Benz, Gonzalez
and Farina at Ferrari or Ascari at Lancia. Behra, Schell and Mieres were very quick on their
day, but the speed and reliability of the German cars had all of the Italian teams worried.
The British teams were gradually emerging. Vanwall was showing speed and the ChapmanCostin team would produce the classic tear-drop shaped Vanwall by the end of the year, but
Vanwall’s time was yet to come.
BRM had gone from the astonishingly complex V16 cars to a simple, short-stroke fourcylinder engine in a compact, lightweight car.
Connaught was struggling for reliability with its fragile Alta-based engines. The team's win
at Syracuse later in the year made it the last team to win a Formula One race with a
pre-selector box and the first to win using disc brakes and centre-locking alloy wheels.
Cooper was not yet a force to reckon with in Formula One. Later in the season Jack
Brabham would debut his T40 Cooper-Bristol in the British GP. The T40 was nothing more
than a T39 Bobtail sports car modified to take a 2-litre Bristol engine in place of the 1100 cc
Coventry-Climax engine normally fitted. The first rear-engined Cooper “Formula One” car,
it took Brabham to victory in the Formula Libre Australian GP at Wakefield in South
Australia. Cooper’s success in Formula One was still well in the future.
French team Gordini was sliding back down the results sheets and the introduction of the
under-powered and overweight straight-eight Type 32 cars later in the season didn’t help.
18
19
MERCHANDISE SALE!
Many items - books, badges, shirts - all at special prices.
Ladies polo shirts now available - ideal Mother's Day gift.
Free DVD with every purchase!!
Phone Mike or Jean – 08 9330 1279 or 0411 212 309
Email: atkinsathome@australiaonline.net.au
For Sale – Commodore V8
Mark 1 Capri Shell
First car is a 1979 Commodore factory V8, Unfinished
project , very straight with no rust or crash damage,
spare 308 motor and M21 gearbox, asking price $3800.
Can deliver up to 50km on tow truck.
Second car is a 1970 Ford Capri, body shell with no motor or
gearbox, also doors are missing. The body is in very rust free
condition with no crash damage. This car can be fitted with a
Ford V8 as they were factory fitted in South Africa. I am
selling this car on behalf of freind, it is just sitting around and
I have offered to try and sell it for him, asking price $12,500.
Contact Rob Falconer ph 04 303 222 94
Email rob@relianttowing.net
John's Motor Trimmers
John’s Motor Trimmers is Perth’s number one choice for professional motor vehicle
and marine trimming and upholstery.
We are the preferred trimmer for many of Perth’s major marine and automotive
dealers – and for good reason. Our tradespeople are some of the best in the business, each with over
10 years’ experience.
From minor seat repairs and re-trims to custom fit-outs and complete overhauls, you can rely on the
team at John’s Motor Trimmers to complete your job to the very highest standards. Contact us for a
no obligation quote today.
Phone: (08) 9470 5531
7 Adrian Street, Welshpool WA 6106
FOR SALE – 1965 Mark 1 Cortina 4 door GT (genuine)
CAMS logbooked group Nb race car. Has a few minor battle scars and
interior could use a bit of TLC if used for street use.
Also street registered so can be used for regularities, round the houses,
hill climbs, speed event series, historic tarmac events like Targa West.
Has been used as a historic rally car in a past life and still qualifies with a
few minor mods.
Has been put back to street use standard i.e. race seat, half roll cage and
harness removed. But all still available. Exhaust now out the back rather than the side for racing.
Has a locked 4.1:1 diff but also an unlocked diff available.
Still has race engine fitted, approx. 145HP at rear wheels. Twin 40mm Weber carbs, Kent 254 Cam.
2000E gear box (close ratio 2nd gear). This engine has never been raced used for club events only and
probably done 2 or 3 of these only plus a couple of hours road use.
$16,000 ono Contact Adam Dunn 0407998718
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21
MERCHANDISE SALE!
Many items - books, badges, shirts - all at special prices.
Ladies polo shirts now available - ideal Mother's Day gift.
Free DVD with every purchase!!
Phone Mike or Jean – 08 9330 1279 or 0411 212 309
Email: atkinsathome@australiaonline.net.au
FOR SALE – MK I Lotus Cortina 1964
CAMS Nb Logbook, full road license (TYPE 28), very good condition, only
done one Albany since engine rebuild 2 years ago which included new valves
and cams. Burton straight cut gears,Volvo 4 pot calipers, superlight wheels
with extra set of light weight Hustlers.
Serious seller after 23 years, $37,000
Contact Ian Fry on 08 9325 6748 or 0412 898 434
FOR SALE – Miller Ford
Built 15 years ago by Robin Ferguson using specifications from the
Ford Motor Museum in Detroit. New motor and panel & paint 4
years ago. 274 cubic inch motor, Speedway Motors rotating assembly,
Scat crank, Scat H-Beam rods, Ross forged pistons, Isky Jr 400
camshaft, Isky valve springs, twin Holley 94 carbs, exhaust extractors,
3.55:1 diff with open tailshaft conversion to flat-head diff, Mallory
electronic distributor, modern type (Speedway Motors) water pumps.
Price reduced to — $15,000.00 ono
Contact: Paul Wilkins – Mob: 0428 922 823 – Tel: 08 9387 5535
Email: paulwilkins@westnet.com.au
FOR SALE 1969 Triumph TR6
• Australian delivery with soft and hard top.
• Original Fuel Injected Motor, Overdrive Gearbox and Diff.
• New Fuel Pumps, Battery, and Michelin Tyres.
• Overhauled Fuel System, New Brakes, Rebuilt Hydraulics.
• Factory W'shop and Parts Manuals. Long licence, runs well.
• Lady owner for past 40+ years.
$23,000 ONO
Phone: Dennis Cook 08 9402 3870
FOR SALE – 1980 MKII Escort – REDUCED!
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•
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2 litre Pinto with 2-barrel Dellorto carburettor and extractors
Half roll cage, Velo Drivers seat and 6 point harness
Toyo tyres on Performance super lite wheels
VSCC log booked and road registered
Race tuned suspension with Koni shock absorbers
Diff converted to LSD via block and spring system
Reconditioned gearbox
Custom car cover, tow points, fire extinguisher
Price: $9,999 ONO
Contact David Hansen on 0431 855 506 for details
To buy contact Jenny Cameron on 0408 414902
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FOR SALE – TVR 3000M
Winner of many Class awards in SES last 3 years. Restored from ground
up for VSCC and SES events with no expense spared. Full race engine by
Racetune, 3 x 40mm dual choke Weber carbs, forged pistons, Carillo rods,
billet Kent Cam, Roller Rockers. Close ratio straight-cut gears and lsd. On
Board “Fire-Eater” extinguisher system, full CAMS ROPS, new 5 point
driver’s harness just fitted. Has CAMS Rally logbook; eligible for
competition car road reg. Ideal for Regularity/Hillclimb/Speed Events etc.
Laps Barbagallo long circuit in 67.7 driven by pensioner!
Owner retiring from Speed Event Competition to keep circuit racing.
Price $33,000 ono — MUST SELL!
Contact John Hurney on 08 9341 2860 or 0414 280 433
Workshop Clear Out
Mobile Industrial Evaporative Air Conditioner — Breezeair FM240, 18,500 m3/hour. As
new condition. $1,750
4 lightweight 17” magnesium wheels, 2 x 9.5” and 2 x 9.0”, 4 stud 114.5mm PCD — $500
ESCORT Mk. 1 — 50 litre aluminium drop tank — $500
CONTACT: Brian Searles — 0438 160 435 or email brian@melwest.net
For Sale - Ford V8 Special
Built for Ross Smith in 1947, driven by Vin Smith.
Previous owners: Syd Barker, Jack Glendenning, Norm Buckingham,
Ray Tilbrook. Comes with 90% of parts needed to complete car,
including original body and engine.
$10,000 – Call Jim Krajancich on 08 9274 3396
For Sale – 1971 Datsun 1600 Sedan Race Car
CAMS Logbook. VSCC Logbook. Two race engines, 1800 and 1600.
Race clutch and lightened flywheel. 4.6 diff. H/G sway bar and coil
suspension. 6-point harness and roll cage. New racing tyres and mags.
Laminated windscreen. Heaps of spares.
A great little race car - $13,000.00.
Plus one-car trailer with car - $2000.00.
Contact Bruce Jones – Phone 08 9378 1768
For Sale – 3-owner 1958 MG ZB Magnette
Fully road licensed and running. Interior: Excellent black leather seats with
white piping. All interior woodwork restored to high finish. Needs headlining
to be 100 point. Rewired with correct cotton braided harness. Converted to
wire wheels and front disc brakes a la MGA in early ‘60s. Now sporting 72
spoke Aston Martin wheels with 205x15 radials. Total engine rebuild by
Mike’s Garages. Engine bay painted at the time and wiring harness installed.
Gearbox rebuilt by specialist (Carvel). Differential replaced (silent). New
brake linings with new front disc rotors. Garaged from new. Genuine, 3-owner, low mileage, ZB, with
fresh running gear and a great interior. It requires attention to suspension bushes and rust spots in
A-pillars and door bottoms. Straight and undamaged. Receipts, workshop manual & service records.
Offers in the region of $10,000. Contact: Mike Sherrell 08 93676769.
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BOB CAMPBELL
Wordsmith
Need a newsletter or words for your
blog or web site?
Catch my blog at
www.campbellfreelance.com.au
Tel: 08 9279 7555 — Mob: 0419 849 835
bob@campbellfreelance.com.au
Business Address
48 Irving Street
Bayswater WA 6053
Phone (08) 9271 2177
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