Newsletter December 2015

AUTONEWS SOUTHERN AFRICAN VETERAN & VINTAGE
ASSOCIATION
1
AutoNewS
Southern
African
Veteran &
Vintage
Association
ALI VAN JAARSVELD’S MAGNIFICENT 1929 AUBURN BOATTAIL SPEEDSTER
IN THIS ISSUE – THE ANTI-MUSEUM – HOW
SAD THAT THINGS CAN GO SO FAR
Chairman’s Chat
Dear Enthusiasts,
Since the last AutoNewS, Di and I have
had a hectic time with the organization of
the 8th International Vintage Bentley
Tour. We had a total of 18 Bentleys, most
doing the entire 4500km trip starting in
Durban and ending in Cape Town. We had
13 Bentleys from overseas, mostly UK
with one each from the USA and
Australia. A broken half shaft early in the
Tour, (repaired by back-up Crew Karl
Reitz assisted by Nick Middelmann) was
the worst of the breakdowns, and all cars
completed the Tour. Thanks to coorganizers Tony and Linda McEwan of
Knysna
who
looked
after
the
accommodation and meals. These Tours
are wonderful for promoting South Africa
as a superb driving destination, and the
route chosen had very few roads which
were not up to world standards. I am sure
many of those on the Tour will be back in
the future.
I also had the opportunity of participating
in the Fairest Cape Rally in early
November at Goudini Spa near Worcester.
This was the first Rally using the new GPS
Transponders in the Cape, and SAVVA
Vice Chair Gavin Allison and his crew
(seemed to be a lot of Standers!) were
either very brave or ......, as they had no
back-up plan. The GPS Rally Program had
to work! It did, with some assistance from
Peter Vlietstra, and to see results within
moments of downloading the transponder
information, has to be the way of the
future. The major benefit of not having the
concern for Marshall safety is obviously
paramount.
Wishing you all Happy Holidays, drive
safely over the silly season, and here’s to
a fantastic 2016.
Yours in Motoring
National Council for 2015/6
-Peter Hall President
-Dave Alexander Chairman
-Gavin Allison Vice-Chairman
-Jean Gobey Secretariat
-Paul Koski Treasurer
-Pam Hall Motorsport
-Peter Hall Dating Vehicles
-Peter Vlietstra Dating Motorcycles
-Alex Duffey SAHRA and Auto news
Editor
-Sheridan Renfield Insurance
-Brian Lawlor FIVA
-Eric Mcquillian ITAC
-Rai Heinze Trophies
-Dave Alexander MSA
Dave Alexander
PLEASE SEND ANYTHING YOU
WISH TO PLACE IN THE SAVVA
AutoNewS. SEND DIRECTLY TO:
alexander.duffey@gmail.com
secretary@savva.org.za
chairman@savva.org.za
What a beauty!
PLEASE VISIT THE SAVVA WEBSITE FROM
TIME TO TIME AND KEEP YOURSELF
UPDATED OF THE CHANGES.
DECEMBER 2015
SAVVA TECHNICAL
TIPS Nos101,102 & 103
No. 101 : Changing Brake
Fluid
The experts say we should change
brake fluid on an annual or biannual basis. However we, or
should I say I, tend to ignore this
good advice and only work on
brake systems when I have to. On
my side it’s just laziness as brake
fluid has to be the cheapest
product we use in maintaining our
vehicles.
A few months ago I had a feeling
the brakes on one of my cars
weren’t quite what they used to be.
At the time I put it down to my legs
not working as well as they should
– until that is, the front right brake
locked up. A bit of forward and
backward juggling loosened it up
enough to get home. The problem
turned out to be that the pistons
and washers were so full on gunk
that the brake shoe springs
couldn’t return the shoes properly.
Admittedly, ashamedly, I don’t
recall working on this particular
car’s brakes for about 10 years – it
was a case of leave well alone – in
this case not a good policy.
Is this perhaps why the experts
keep on telling us to change fluids?
– i.e. to change the brake fluid
once a year or every couple of
years and certainly not every 10
years? Is it because our cars are
not used that often, or is it perhaps
because our brakes don’t generate
enough heat to dissipate the water
in the system? I don’t know.
Perhaps some knowledgeable
enthusiast could offer advice on
the subject.
In the meantime I’ve had the wheel
cylinders and master cylinder resleeved and the brass pistons
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cleaned up as well as fitting new
washers etc. All the other cylinders
were in a similar condition and
required rebuilding. It now takes
less pressure to activate them. The
result – it’s not my legs.
P.S. Looking at the internet I see
Castrol in the UK offer a special
brake fluid that is not as
hydroscopic as standard fluid –
somewhere in between brake fluid
and silicone - is this perhaps the
way we should be going? Does
anyone know if it’s available in
RSA?
carry a spare – they are small and
cheap enough.
Under normal
conditions with vehicles that are
used regularly these filters last a
long time but they don’t have that
much capacity and block fairly
easily if you have gunk in the tank.
Reading a US
publication they
following advice:
vintage
offered
car
the
“Very often fuel filters are fitted into
the line between the pump to the
carburetor, which could be very
dangerous. The pump is pumping
the fuel at around 3 to 6 psi and if
the rubber hose perishes – as they
seem
to
do
prematurely
nowadays, fuel is going to spray all
over the engine causing a potential
fire hazard”.
Their advice is to fit the filter before
the pump where if a rubber fuel line
perishes it will only suck air and not
cause a major catastrophe. The
fuel line from the pump to the
carburetor should be solid metal.
No. 102: Modern Fuel Filters
Many of us, very wisely fit modern
fuel filters to our early cars and
bikes.
These
filters
are
inexpensive, extremely efficient
and ideal for cars and bikes that
stand round a lot building up muck
in the tank.
Once on a National rally I ended on
the side of the road with a blocked
filter. Any speed above 30 kph the
car
shuddered
and shook.
Fortunately, a passing competitor
saw my plight and came to the
rescue. Unlike me, they were wise
enough to carry a spare which they
kindly gave me so I was able to get
going. The lesson learned was to
Pieter du Toit, from the Early Ford
Car Club has added the following
good advice to the Tip on fuel
filters:
“Something you also need to know
about modern fuel filter paper is
that the paper is gel impregnated,
enabling the filter paper to absorb
water in the fuel. The problem is
when the gel gets saturated with
water the filter blocks, even though
the filter looks clean.”
DECEMBER 2015
SAVVA Technical Tip 103 Points, Plugs & Condensers
We are advised by the experts to
change the points, plugs and
condenser on a fairly regular basis.
This is true to a point as older cars
invariably run a bit on the rich side
and the plugs tend to foul-up long
before they burn out. These fouled
up plugs can be the major cause of
hard starting. It’s therefore wise to
either clean the carbon off them or
replace them with nice new shinny
ones. The points also can wear out
as they are opening and closing at
a furious rate.
However, many years ago a wise
man, many years in the trade, said
we can question replacing the
condenser. When examining the
points see if they have a metal
build up on either side – if they
have, replace the points and
condenser. If they don’t show a
build-up rather keep the condenser
and replace only the points. The
build-up of metal on either of the
points indicates the condenser is
either over or under capacity. No
wear on either side indicates the
correct capacity – so why replace
it? Good quality condensers like
Lucas and Delco last for years but
unfortunately are hard to find
today. If you have any on the shelf
hang on to them. Many of the
modern replacements are of
questionable quality.
Whilst working on the distributor
check if your distributor has a little
fly lead that goes to the points. It’s
a thin very flexible woven lead
which enables the advance/retard
plate on which the points are
mounted to turn freely. If this is in
anyway worn - replace it soonest.
These leads, which have a limited
life, are often hard to find. If you
see any at flea markets we suggest
you buy a couple and keep them
as spares – you could need them
one day.
3
P.S.
I asked Len Ward the auto
electrician Guru from Cape Town
for his opinion on the above and
this was his reply and confirmation.
“Hello Eric,
The only two times I have had
trouble with condensers is when I
installed brand new ones. One
lasted 2 days and the other a
week.
I acquired my ‘39 Austin 12 in 1958
and during the 11 years I had it I
never replaced the condenser. All
automotive condensers are (or
should be) electrically identical: 0,
22 microfarad +/- 10 percent. At
0,5 mfd you will have considerable
material transfer. In a magneto
the advantage is that with every
half revolution the polarity is
reversed so transfer is virtually
eliminated.
Automotive condensers are large
in physical size in relation to their
capacitance because they must be
able to withstand about 600 volts in
both directions, which is easier to
achieve with greater physical size.
This is due to the fact that when the
points open you get a back and
forth surge of about 600 volts
through the coil primary winding
and condenser at a high radio
frequency
lasting
about
a
nanosecond which will be received
by most radios as an audible
"crack" - the spark leads acting as
transmission aerials. The biggest
car condenser I have ever seen is
on my 1928 Austin 16 - it has a
volume of about 2 cubic inches.
So, the size and shape of a
condenser depends on how "safe"
manufacturers want to make them,
or mounting arrangements.
Therefore, what the old man said
about replacing condensers and
points is quite correct.
Len Ward
SOME INTERESTING OLD
PHOTOGRAPHS:
Steffan & Alta Stander with their Ford Model A
Roadster in 1963.
Theo Hart in his 1918 Scat in the early 1970s
Jimmy Hall in his 1917 Benz in the 1960s.
DECEMBER 2015
50 years of the MERCEDESBENZ W109 Series
Basil Chassoulas
Member of BHVEC, The Piston Ring, VVC, HTA,
A7CSA, MBCSA & TLR.
basil.ecurie@gmail.com
082-851-3052
The Mercedes-Benz W109 came out
in Germany in the end of 1965 as the
300SEL. The car is identical to the
W108 280SEL which was a entry
level long-wheelbase saloon without
the extras. A detailed article about the
W108 was in the last issue of the
magazine. The W109 replaced the
W112 300SEL Fintail but using the
same 3.0L SOHC straight six cylinder
engine.
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SOHC V8 engines were introduced
into the range giving about 200 & 225
bhp DIN respectively. A number of
these cars were imported into SA
mainly the 300SEL 3.5 & 6.3.
engines. We had about 150 exhibits
on the day, much the same as last
year but a bit different this year. We
had exhibits that were not there last
year.
A very complicated and costly to run
and maintain car. But they are around
with enthusiasts. The W108 & W109
were discontinued in end 1972 and the
W116 took over in 1973.
We had nine tractors, six Fergusons,
one Massey Harris, one BMC & one
Gutbrod. We had 13 stationary
engines consisting of many Lister, a
Petter Apple Top 1915, a Southern
Cross, & a Fairbanks Morse. We also
had four trucks, two Chevrolet, one
Studebaker & one street rod. All the
other exhibits were cars consisting of
saloon and sports cars. Sports cars
were four MGAs, Fiat 124 Sport, Etype Jaguar, Sunbeam Tiger, two
Porsches, Volvo S1800, Austin
Healey, MGF, Chevrolet SS, Buick
Skylark, Triumph TR2, Triumph
Vitesse & Studebaker Hawk. Oldest
car was a Ford Model T Speedster
1915 and the newest car was a MGF.
Other makes of cars that come to mind
was Jaguar, Rover P6B, MercedesBenz, BMC, GM Products, Ford
Cortina MK1s, Renault, Ford Fairlane
& Fairmont, Jeep, Austin Seven,
Volvo, VW Beetle, Singer, Nissan, one
Formula M racing car and two street
rods. Many makes of machinery on
display.
UPDATE ON SHOWS ON THE EAST
RAND 2015
BENONI
BELVEDERE EXPO & MARKET
DAY 24 October 2015
1968 300SEL 6.3 belonging to Ziggi at the Alberton
As the W109 was the same design as
the W108 the suspension springs were
replaced by a pneumatic suspension
system driven from an engine driven
compressor with self-leveling. They
all had power steering, air-condition,
electric windows and much more solid
wood trim. All engines were petrol
injection. In the end of 1967 a new
engine was added to the range the 6.3L
SOHC V8 engine producing about
250bhp DIN.
In 1968 the 3.0L engine was replaced
by the 2.8L SOHC straight six of the
W108. In 1971 THE 3.5L & 4.5L
This was BHVEC annual show day
held at the Belvedere School in
Farrarmere, Benoni. It is the second
year that the school has hosted the
show for the club. Other activities of
the day was a Outdoor Expo, Craft
Stalls, Entertainment and Food Stalls.
There was inter school Rugby
Matches played as well. A full day
event something for the whole family.
Entrance for the public was R10 per
person and exhibitors a donation, all
money for school funds. The show
started at 7am and was over by 4pm.
Ferguson tractor display at Benoni.
BHVEC had a full sports field to
accommodate their display of cars,
trucks,
tractors
and
stationary
The weather was good sunny and hot
making a great show with visitors
showing much interest in the display
we had. Main attraction was the
working stationary engines. I can say
everyone enjoyed the show with much
food and drinks sold on the day.
We thank the clubs that supported us,
Just Wheels, Piston Ring, MGCC,
MMOC, Ford Cortina Fun Club, JHMT,
Shawn Tyler Transport Museum, and
the VW Beetle Club. We also thank all
the organizations that helped us with
the show, Belvedere School for
hosting the show and all the exhibitors
and visitors that came.
DECEMBER 2015
Hope to see you all next year. We will
keep you informed.
ALBERTON
ALBERTON MOTOR SHOW 2015
1933 & 1936 Chevrolets at Alberton
The show took place on 10 October
2015. The Alberton motor show was
well attended with about 50 cars,
about the same as last year but
different cars this year. The show
takes place at the Rietvlei Zoo Farm in
Alberton. The weather was very good
for a good show. Cars on show were
from the 1930s up to the 1980s. Most
of the regular show exhibitors were
there with different cars this year.
There was five Mercedes-Benz cars
from the 1960s to the 1980s, two
W108s, a W109, a W123 coupe and a
R107 500SL. Two Chevrolets from the
1930s and two Chevrolet Corvettes
from the 1980s with a 1958 Chevrolet
Rod. About six DKWs of the 1950s.
Many Ford Cortinas, a few VW
Beetles, a Porsche 928 and a Buick
Skylark with other makes of cars. Club
support came from BHVEC, Piston
Ring, Club RSA, Cortina Fun Club and
DKWOC. Let’s hope over the years
the show gets bigger.
5
in a form of a show day on 7
November 2015. Many clubs around
Gauteng were invited. Members from
Piston Ring and BHVEC attended.
The day was a success as there were
about 50 vehicles consisting of cars,
trucks, tractors and two cycle motors
(motorized bicycles). Display Vehicles
were from the 1930s to the 1990s.
Makes of vehicles were Cortinas,
Corsairs, Bel-Airs, Renaults, Alfas,
Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, BMC Mini,
VW Beetles, Ford truck, International
truck, Chevrolet truck, a Fordson
tractor, Kit car using Ford running
gear, two tricycles one being a Vespa
and a Chrysler street rod. A good
variety of vehicles to view. There was
food and drinks on sale. The
clubhouse is on a good piece of
ground that can take up to 100 cars.
This racer was built from an old Buick in October
1925 by the son of Mr. A.J. Chiappini of Cape
Town and the car attracted great interest when
it was raced for the first time. Photo taken from
the Huisgenoot of 8 October 1925.
The artist J.H. Pierneef & two friends on the
running board of a fancy 1919 Nash Touring.
A Fordson Major Tractor at Brakpan.
LATEST PHOTO
FINDS
Albert Etsebeth in his 1924 Vauxhall 20/98 at
the Union Buildings in 1971.
Eddie Dixon’s 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540K during
a rally in Pretoria in 1975.
A 1917 Oakland Touring which was used by
the artist J.H. Pierneef. Note his drawing board
on the left mudguard of the car.
Rear ends of the two 1930s Chevs at Alberton
BRAKPAN
JUST WHEELS CLUB OPENDAY
The Just wheels Club had a open day
at their clubhouse in Dalview Brakpan
O.D. Inggs’ 1909 Métallurgique at a sale in
Pretoria in 1968.
A 1919 Leyland truck in White River
DECEMBER 2015
6
A New kind of Antimuseum in Germany.
Normally when we think of a museum,
we associate preservation with it. In
Germany there is a museum which
exhibits rare motor vehicles, but
instead of preserving them, it
eventually aims to completely destroy
them. The main exhibit is a surreal
showcase of dream cars nestled in a
forest, unpolished, exposed to the
elements, some even crashed into
trees and others half buried in mud –
this was his extravagant 50th birthday
present by the owner, Michael
Fröhlich, to himself. It is a grand
artistic display of rotting automobile
history.
Such a “museum” is surely a painful
sight for any old car enthusiast. RollsRoyce,
Mercedes-Benz,
Jaguar,
Porsche, BMW – these are just a few
of the iconic names whose logos you
would never expect to find on vehicles
in such a sorry state.
He is a former fashion designer, racer,
philosopher and artist. Fröhlich is
best-known as a unique classic car
dealer and expert restorer and he has
written several reference books and
travelled the world searching for rare
automobiles and tracking down lost
collections. He is usually seen in his
hometown Düsseldorf driving around
in a charred Rolls Royce that was all
but incinerated when his dealership
burnt down in 2005.
But what might really shock you is that
these unfortunate automobiles are not
actually abandoned, and their owner is
in fact a classic car lover and old car
expert himself, who has deliberately
left these cars here at the mercy of
Mother Nature.
He calls his unusual “museum” his
“Auto Skulpturen Park”. It is a
“museum/sculpture park” of sorts in
the Neander Valley near Mettmann,
Germany.
This park, which is surrounded by a
security fence in the wooded hillside
next to Fröhlich’s house, contains fifty
classic cars, which were parked there
when Fröhlich turned 50 in the year
2000. Each and every car is from the
year he was born, 1950, and was
personally
tracked
down
and
purchased by him. Many were still
roadworthy when they were parked on
his property, never to be driven again.
“Nature is stronger than technology,
and that I will show here,” said
Michael, who has no doubt succeeded
in displaying the power of nature that
triumphs over even some of the most
revered examples of man-made
machinery.
TV crews, photographers and fans
were invited to the opening in the
summer of 2000, but this “museum”
has rarely been open to the public
since. The only way to visit this curious
place is to contact Michael himself and
request a visit. And since every car on
the property has its own unique
adventure story about its past and how
it was found, Michael is the best
person to head any guided tour.
AUTONEWS SOUTHERN AFRICAN VETERAN & VINTAGE
ASSOCIATION
PAST SAVVA EVENTS
The 8th International Vintage Bentley Tour of South Africa – 3 to 24 October 2015.
Organised by local enthusiasts Dave Alexander, Di Dugmore, Tony and Linda McEwan and Karl Reitz, the tour
began on 3 October when all the cars gathered at Umhlanga Rocks in Durban. The road trip then took in Mkuze,
Manzini, Drakensburg Champagne Castle Clarens, Kimberley, Graaff Reinet, Shamwari Game Reserve, Knysna,
Oudtshoorn, Hermanus and Stellenbosch before finishing at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on 24 October, a
journey just short of 4 500 kilometres – a grand tour by any standard.
The participants were from all over the world and made up as follows varying from year of manufacture 1922 - 1934:
UK - 8 vehicles, Australia - 2 vehicles, South Africa - 6 vehicles, USA - 1 vehicle, Ireland - 1 vehicle. Examples of
practically all of the various models produced during the 1920s/early-’30s took part – 3,0, 3,0/4,5, 4,5, 6,5, Speed
6 and 6,5/8,0 – plus the rare and glamorous 1929 ‘Blower’ Bentley of Shane and Zuzana Houlihan, which was
acknowledged as being the pick of this mind-boggling group of iconic automobiles.
On the morning of 10 October 2015 participants of the Touring Group were hosted to a luncheon and refreshments
by the Vryheid Old Car Club, which brought out no less than 20 vintage and classic cars and members to meet the
18 Bentleys. They were welcomed by the Vryheid Old Car Club chairman, Cassie Lourens and thoroughly enjoyed
the short pit stop of two and a half hours. Numerous photos included here were taken by Colin and Renay. From
there the Bentley Group went on to Champagne Castle in the Drakensberg. The tour then stopped at the
Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein on 13 October 2015 to enjoy lunch at the Terrace Restaurant. On 27
October 2015 the cars visited the Franschhoek Motor Museum for a picnic.
1
DECEMBER 2015
Houw Hoek Rally
It was time again for the much anticipated annual event, which began in 1903 as a 100 mile reliability and consumption trial.
This year was in the form of a regularity trial, or, as we normally call it, a rally. Entrants met at the Chatters Café in Somerset
West, where some enjoyed light breakfast or a coffee. There was the usual pre-rally tension as everyone awaited their route
schedules (which are only handed out 30 minutes prior to departure time). Clocks were set according to the master rally clock
and highlighters, post-its and calculators were ready.
The route took us through Somerset West and on to Stellenbosch. I think I speak for everyone, when I say the first ten minutes
were extremely stressful as there was lots of traffic and red robots which caused everyone to be late. Making up the time is
always fun and nearby motorists must wonder what on earth a Jaguar Mk II is doing flying past everyone in such a rush.
8
DECEMBER 2015
9
From Stellenbosch we headed towards Paarl and then took a turn for Franschhoek. Lunch was held at Allée Bleue, where a
delicious meal was prepared. Rallyists handed in their self-timed controls (STCs) to clerk of the course, Ross McDonald. As is
always the case, the lunch time chit chat revolved around the morning’s rally session and how everyone had found it. Most
seemed quite confident, but one only really finds out the truth when the results are revealed.
Botriver parking lot
From Franschhoek, we travelled over the pass which was out of regularity thankfully - last time John Ryall and I landed up
getting distracted eating ice creams at the petrol station and it resulted in a frightful hill climb over two passes to Grabouw. But,
I digress. We rallied around the Theewaterskloof Dam, past the golf course and over the dam wall en- route to the N2. It was
disappointing to see how low the dam is for this time of the year, water restrictions this summer are a definite reality. The rally
ended in Bot River, at a final open control. The hotel is somewhat of a local watering hole, and people were gearing up for the
Rugby World Cup final.
After a scrumptious dinner, John and I headed back to Cape Town. However, I was informed that the following morning a group
visited the Beaumont’s Companjes Drift Vitruvian watermill, restored and maintained by Andy Selfe and CHC member Noel
Greeff. For those first time visitors, it was quite an eye-opener. The group then took a scenic drive back to Cape Town via the
coast, stopping at the Harold Porter gardens in Betty’s Bay for refreshments. The timing was perfect as they arrived home just
after the devastating storm had hit the peninsula. 2015 marks eleven years since I began navigating. It came naturally when I
first started, but that was thanks to spending thirteen years in the back of my parents’ car listening to the ongoing conversation
and instructions. I understand that for those of you that have never rallied before, it can be a daunting idea. However, I really
encourage you to give it a shot. I know there are many club members, including myself, who would be only too happy to sit
down and explain the ins and outs of successful rallying.
Model T and Daimler set off. Greg Bjorkman had Brian Wallace hitching a ride.
The Daimler was driven by Wayne and ably navigated by Hazel Walton.
Viv James’ MGA and the winning Jaguar MK2 of John Ryall at
the lunch stop.
A big thanks must go to Chris Cutler for setting the morning part of the route, and then to Harvey Metcalf and Ross McDonald
for the afternoon stint. Also to all the marshals, we couldn’t do it without you. I look forward to next year!
RESULTS
In 1st place with only 65 points error were John Ryall and Megan Woodward in the 1966 Jaguar Mk 2.27 points behind in 2nd place
was the 1958 Austin Healey 100/6 with Dave Alexander at the helm and Di Dugmore in the ‘hot’ seat. In 3rd place was Roger Lewis
and Andrea Schreiber in the 1950 MG TD. Well done to all participants! A lot of fun was had by all.
AUTONEWS SOUTHERN AFRICAN VETERAN & VINTAGE
ASSOCIATION
BOB JOHNSTON MEMORIAL RUN
Report back by Mike Shelley
Photographs by Viv James
1
Simon’s Town to the entrance of the Nature Reserve was
absolutely glorious. This part of the road is truly one of the
Cape’s great assets.
Paul Weddepohl expressed concern at high oil consumption
on his father’s ’37 Vauxhall 12 and when he changed up after
overtaking a couple of cars in the cortège, by the Ostrich
Farm, an extensive blue cloud appeared confirming cylinder
and ring wear, the valve guides having been “done” I’m
advised.
1912 Model T Ford, 1934 Riley Lynx, 1939 Chev and in the distance, the 1928
Falcon Knight
Peter Hyslop kindly invited me to be on the run, but little did
I realise how much I was going to have to do. Firstly, I had to
navigate and, secondly I had to look for traffic on the left,
particularly on hill starts. In 1928 the Americans did not
recognise ergonomics or really accept the fact that in certain
parts of the world vehicles were driven on an alternate side
of the road. This is made evident by the hand brake not being
transposed to the right of the gearbox along with the pedals
and the steering wheel. The abandoned hand brake is
almost out of the reach of a normal person, remedied by the
passenger looking left and operating the hand brake on hill
starts. Not wanting to boast but we made a good team. This
also confirms my belief that America is mostly flat and they
don’t do hill starts.
Paul Wedderpohl, Hilton Franz, Hans Zwets and Rudy Schats take time
for a leg stretch or are they admiring the lines of the RR?
We all pulled into the Witsand parking area for a photo shoot,
chat and chill. I was peacefully expressing the need for a
telephoto lens to take a closer picture of a particularly
attractive lady’s butt when a not so gentleman loudly
announced that a wide angle lens would be more
appropriate. This brave man did, however, live to see our
next stop which was lunch at Fisherman’s Restaurant in
Kommetjie.
An excellent buffet was supplied but it’s not clear quite why
the food ran out; I really don’t think it was the greed of club
members but the poor manageress went into a flat spin,
deftly defused by Alex Stewart with a plan that satisfied all.
My table all ate from à la carte menu and it was great.
Greg Bjorkman and Wayne Bakewell make good speed ahead of
Louise Farrell in the Model A.
Thanks to Bob the weather was perfect but sadly his power
did not reach the cursed magneto on Graeme Wares’
Chummy which died, yet again, approaching Noordhoek
resulting in an interesting tow spectacle. The large ’39 Chev
of Alex Stewart pulling, with a generous length of tow rope,
something not much larger than a pram. There were a
number of occasions on the way to Simon’s Town when we
were forced to follow cyclists on narrow roads, reminding me
of London with hordes of undisciplined Chinese tourists on
“Boris” bicycles in bus lanes sporting long cigarettes and
cameras. The coffee stop worked well but for me as a
passenger at the tail of a cortège of CHC cars travelling from
At short notice, I suspect, Mike Stewart spoke very well
during lunch relating how he and Bob had made a detour
through Riversdale, revealing Bob’s strong interest in old
houses, no doubt influenced by his wife being an Architect.
The journey home from Kommetjie was uneventful, the
weather still perfect and with much rejoicing from Peter as
his ’28 Falcon Knight effortlessly climbed Ou Kaapse Weg in
top gear. Only on the last 400 metres or so was it like
Thomas the Tank Engine with Peter saying ‘you can do it,
you caaaan do it’. After all this excitement I was worried that
Peter might get carried away and have no brakes at the
bottom of the long downhill run. We lived to tell the tale, as
did Peter’s son Keith who travelled in the dickey seat for the
whole journey well covered in sun tan lotion.
So to all, the organisers, the drivers, the passengers and of
course the late Bob Johnston, well done for a safe, sociable,
fun-filled and truly memorable day.
AUTONEWS SOUTHERN AFRICAN VETERAN & VINTAGE
ASSOCIATION
1936 Cadillac, 1930 Buick & 1929 Studebaker.
1
A row of Studebaker Golden Hawks.
The staff of the Smuts house made
special arrangements to cater for the
many visitors and excellent breakfasts
and later also lunches were available
at the tables under the trees in front
of the stately old house.
1927 Chev, 1928 Ford Model A & 1929 Studebaker.
A Model A Ford, Studebaker & Model T Ford.
Sunday 25 October 2015 was a bright
and sunny day and from early in the
morning cars started arriving at the
grounds of the Smuts House in Irene.
The area directly in front of the House
had been neatly demarcated for the
older “loose light” cars and already by
8:00 a.m. a sizeable number of these
beauties had turned up. There were
Fords, Chevs, Studebakers, Buicks,
Cadillacs, Jaguars and also a lone
Packard. All these delectable vehicles
were so-called “loose light” cars from
the Vintage era.
Abe and Lucille Zeilinga and Albert
Etsebeth were have their hands full
getting all the oldies neatly parked in
rows along the main entrance road.
Further around, the various other car
stands were fast filling up – the
Studebakers at the Studebaker Club
of South Africa’s stand, the
Volkswagens at the VW Sport Beetle
& Bus Club stand, the Alfa Romeos at
the Alfa Romeo Club’s stand, the
Micro cars at the Micro Car Club’s
stand, the Datsun Club’s stand, the
Borgwards at the Borgward Club’s
stand, the Morris Minors at the
Morrris Club’s stand, the Triumphs at
the Triumph Club’s and many more
individual beautiful cars to admire.
In all this turned out to be a delightful
“old car” day with many beautiful
vehicles to admire, a great many
interesting old car related stalls to
visit and many friendly old car buffs to
speak to.
A beautiful 1947 Jaguar 3½ litre.
This annual event is without doubt a
“must visit” event for every person
interested in old cars in the Gauteng
area.
A 1937 Packard, 1936 Chevrolet & 1936 Cadillac.
A 1960s Buick surrounded by more modern
vehicles.
DECEMBER 2015
12
TIGER MOTH FROM NORWAY TO CAPE TOWN
After being arrested in Cairo for over suspicion of being a
Swedish spy, pilot Johan Wiklund continued his journey and
landed on 24 October. The adventure, titled Cape to Cape,
began in Norway’s North Cape.
But what makes this journey special? He retraced a heroic
flight from 1929 made by his hero, Gosta Andree, who flew
a similar route. The SAA airline pilot flew with minimal
navaids, no support aircraft and on his own limited budget.
Even better? He took up the challenge in a 1935 De
Havilland Moth biplane. Johan even wore Andrée’s flying
garb: a brown suit jacket and pants and was met at the
airstrip by a number of old cars from the Crankhandle Club.
THE VVC’S YEAR
NOVEMBER 2015
END
FUNCTION
–
29
The Vintage & Veteran Club in Johannesburg recently held
a Year End Event with a difference. Chairman, Paul Koski,
invited a number of one-make clubs to come and celebrate
the event with them at their club grounds in Athol-Oaklands
in Johannesburg. The clubs invited were the Buick Club of
South Africa with its Cadillac, Oldsmobile and Pontiac
Chapters, as well as the MG Club, Sunbeam Club and
Porsche Club. The event turned out to be a total delight to
all car enthusiasts that attended as morning tea was served
in the clubhouse, a German band entertained the visitors
with music and the VVC also arranged a scrumptious Kebab
braai. A very unusual customised novelty pick-up truck in
the Old McDonald style served as a mobile BBQ. This was a
unique twist to the typical South African Braai.
Model A & Model T Fords at the VVC Year End Event on 29 November 2015
Several magnificent and rare Veteran and Vintage cars were
on display, including a 1915 Paterson and some Model T
Fords. The Chairman of the VVC, Paul Koski, had his
immaculate 1913 Cadillac on display and the grounds were
graced by beautiful MG’s, Sunbeams, GM Gems and
Porsches.
.Johan Wiklund in his Tiger Moth soon after landing in Cape Town
Espatada truck at the VVC Year End Event on 29 November 2015
A row of Vintage vehicles at the airfield to meet Johan Wiklund in his Tiger Moth
Some GM Gems at the VVC’s Year End Event on 29 November.
DECEMBER 2015
13
Female Vintage Car Inventors
During the winter of 1903, before Henry Ford's Model A was
being manufactured, a woman named Mary Anderson was
touring New York in a streetcar. She watched how the
shivering driver had to get out constantly and wipe the
snow and sleet from his windshield. It is reported that later
that day, Mary Anderson scribbled a drawing of what would
become the first successful windshield wiper system. Either
way riders weren't happy with the results. So Mary came up
with a swinging arm fitted with a rubber blade that the
driver could operate via inside lever. A spindle passed
through a hole in the frame of the windshield, connecting
the external rubber wiping blade and the interior handle. A
counterweight and spring held the external blade to the
glass. Her ingenious invention pre-dated the Model T and
cars weren't yet so popular. Many of the cars being
produced did not yet have windshields and drivers could
just leave their cars covered up until the storm passed. By
1916, however, her invention was available in all U.S.-made
vehicles. Her device let the driver stay inside the streetcar
to clean the windshield by using a lever from the inside to
manually activate a swinging arm that mechanically swept
off the ice and snow. Mary never sold her idea, but the
mechanical wipers became standard features on American
cars, including Ford's Model T, by 1913.
Another female automotive pioneer, Charlotte Bridgwood,
president of the Bridgwood Manufacturing Company of
New York, patented her electric roller-based windshield
wiper called the "Storm Windshield Cleaner" in 1917. Her
product, however, was not a commercial success.
In 1923, of the 345 inventions listed under "Transportation"
in the Women's Bureau Bulletin No.28, about half were
related to automobiles and another 25 concerned traffic
signals and turn indicators. Among these inventions - a
carburettor, a clutch mechanism, an electric engine starter,
and a starting mechanism are attributed to women
inventors.
Britain's oldest petrol pumps still in service
after more than 50 years
Some days Bernard White feels as rusty as the petrol pumps
in his garage forecourt. But as the 65-year-old mechanic
points out, it takes a lot of effort to keep a little bit of
motoring history running smoothly. The petrol pumps,
thought to be the oldest working set in England, have stood
DECEMBER 2015
14
on the forecourt of the Laurel garage in Ramsbury,
Wiltshire, since the early 1950s.
nie net te praat van stofering nie - vereis aandag aan
besonderhede.
The Avery Hardoll pumps are limited to counting a
maximum of just 20 gallons at a time. After that the gallon
counter dial goes back to zero. While the pumps run off
electric motors - just like modern- day pumps - the face
resembles a clock with hands telling the motorist how much
fuel is being pumped. The nozzles have been specially
adapted to fit modern cars, while seals around the hose
have been replaced to prevent leaks. And the pumps
survived the imperial measure clampdown when the EU
tried to enforce metric- only labelling on all sellable goods.
Neem jou tyd en gee aandag daaraan om die sitplek totaal
uitmekaar te haal. Plaas die stukke in die volgorde waarin jy
hulle uitmakaar gehaal het. As dit moontlik is, hou 'n
ongerestoureerde sitplekraam en kussing, naby aan jou
projek om as 'n verwysing te gebruik. Dit is maklik om te
vergeet hoe sommige dele weer aanmekaargesit moet
word. Indien daar geen duplikaat dele beskikbaar is nie,
neem foto's van die uitmekaarhaal prosedure.
Die Sitplek Raam
Die herbou van ‘n ou sitplek begin met die metaal raam. Na
roes verwydering, bedek die raam met ‘n verfverwyderaar
sodat net die kaal metaal oorbly. Nou kan swak of
stukkende dele ingesweis en herstel word. Sodra die rame
dan stewig en vry van verf en roes is, spuit hulle met 'n roesvoorkomende onderlaag en bedek alles met 'n laag swart
verf.
Herstel van die glyrame is baie belangrik.
Aandag moet nou gegee word aan die glyrame van die
sitplek. Haal dit af en maak dit skoon. Dit is soms raadsaam
om hulle goed met ghries te smeer sodat hulle maklik werk.
Merk die posisies van die glyrame, sodat jy hulle weer
maklik op hulle regte plekke kan terugsit.
An old petrol pump outside a general store in the village of Bray in Northern
Cape.
OM OU SITPLEKKE NUUT OOR TE MAAK
As jy jou motor se sitplekke wil stoffeer, begin verkieslik met
'n goeie sitplekraam. Die mooiste sitplek oortreksels kan
gemaak word, maar hulle sal nooit baie goed lyk nie, tensy
die sitplekraam, vere, stoffering en verstellingstelsel in
uitstekende toestand is nie. Suksesvolle sitplekherstel - om
Nou is dit die verre se beurt. Kyk goed na die ou tregter
vormige en band vere, wat oorspronklik aan die
DECEMBER 2015
metaalraam gemonteer was. Maak hulle skoon en plaas
hulle in rye soos hulle in die oorspronklike sitplek was. ‘n
Mens sien baie gou watter verre verswak het of skeef is. As
sommige van die vere nog veerkragtig en ‘n goeie vorm
vertoon, sal dit nie nodig wees om hulle te vervang nie. As
hulle skeef en swak is moet hulle vervang word. Nuwe vere
is baie redelik bekombaar by talle stofferingsverskaffers wat
in die geelblaaie gelys word. Maak seker dat die verre almal
verbind is en as ‘n geheel saamwerk.
Die verre moet nou met ‘n stuk goiing bedek word en met
2cm breë garingsteke aan die raam vasgewerk word. Werk
dit met 'n geboë naald en sterk garing al om die sitplekraam
vas. Dit is 'n reedelik vinnige proses, wat ongeveer 20
minute per raam neem.
15
leer of viniel oortreksel word dan bo-oor hierdie onderlaag
getrek en aan die raam vasgewerk. Jou sitplek behoort nou
soos nuut te lyk!
Two beautiful early MG’s at a Motor Car Show.
Sakkie van der Wat of Pretoria’s 1953 Ford Crestline Sunliner Convertible.
Nou kom die sagte deel van die sitplek. Oorspronklik het
hierdie deel van die sitplek bestaan uit ‘n laag perdehare en
later uit watte. Dit sal moontlik so verweer wees dat dit nie
weer gebruik kan word nie en dus totaal vervang moet
word. Ons gebruik tans spons in die plek van die perdehare
of watte. Gebruik slegs die beste gehalte, digte en ferm
spons. Goeie spons is duur, maar dit is die beste weg om te
volg. Die sny en vorming van die spons is nie moeilik nie.
Gebruik ‘n elektriese vleismes vir die sny van die spons en
gebruik die ou sitplekstukke as patrone. Plaas die nuutgesnyde stukke bo-op die sitplek om te sien dat hulle
presies pas. Onthou dat die ou watte moontlik met tyd
gekompakteer het en daarom moet jou nuwe stukke
ongeveer 25% tot 30% dikker wees as die oorspronklike
stukke. Bedek die sponslaag nou met ‘n laag “batting”
material wat weer aan die sitplek raam vasgewerk word. Die
Lucky Vurgarellis’s 1938 Packard 120 Coupe.
DECEMBER 2015
16
SAVVA FUTURE EVENTS
EVENTsEVENTS
13-14 FEBRUARY 2016
George Old Car Show Southern Cape Old Car Club. The 20th George Old Car Show will take place on the 13th .and
14th February 2016 at the PW Botha College in York Street, George.
The 20th George Old Car Show is a huge milestone for the Southern Cape Old Car Club so please come in your numbers and
enjoy the weekend - be a part of history!
11-12 MARCH 2016
2016 VVC Durban-Johannesburg Motorcycle Rally (The DJ Run) Vintage and Veteran Club
A Reliability and Regularity Trial over a total distance of approximately 700km. Starting at 06h00 on Friday 11th
March 2016, from the Oxford Village Shopping Centre, Old Main Road Hillcrest with an overnight stop at
Newcastle. Re-starting from Newcastle at 06h00 on Saturday 12th March 2016 and finishing at about 15h00 on
Saturday 12th March 2016 at the Classic Motor Cycle Club corner of Power and Refinery Roads in Germiston.
All relevant documentation is available for downloading on the Vintage and Veteran Club website "Upcoming
Events" page. For a comprehensive history of the DJ Run visit www.djrun.co.za
DECEMBER 2015
17
19-20 MARCH 2016 OD Inggs Memorial Run Albany Vintage and Classic Motor Club The 2016 19th
Annual O D INGGS Memorial Run will be held, under the auspices of the South African Vintage and Veteran
Association over two days.
1 MAY 2016 Knysna Motor Show and Jaguar Simola Hill Climb Garden Route Motor Club. The Knysna
Motor Show will take place on Sunday 1st May 2016. The Jaguar Simola Hill Climb will take place the following
week from Friday 6th May (Classic car Friday) and the balance of the event 7th & 8th May. Download Press
release 1 (19 September 2015).
CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE:
1976 VW Beetle 1600. Body needs attention due to rust R18000.00. Contact Margaret 031 765-2229 Hillcrest KZN.
I am a member of the VVC and Piston Ring Clubs in Johannesburg, The Crankhandle and RREC Clubs in the Cape and would like you to
place the following advert in the classified section of the SAAVA newsletter.
1 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 1, original drivers handbook, Part number TSD2494 Ch No SRH5001> R1000.00
1 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, drivers handbook Reprint 1973 part number TSD4566 R750.00
1 Rolls-Royce Wraith 25/30, drivers handbook 1938/9 Ch No WXA1> R750.00 4 New Avon tyres 255/60/R16 102W suitable for RollsRoyce, Bentley, Aston Martin, and Lagonda. R6999.00 each
2 New Avon tyres 255/55/ZR17 102W suitable for Rolls-Royce and Bentley R6999.00 each
1 Used but in perfect condition deep red lamb’s wool boot carpet suitable for Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit or Bentley equivalent. R 1500.00
1 Bentley Mk6 / Silver Dawn inspection light like new. R2000.00
Andy Wallis 0832641700
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1970 Ser. 1 Jaguar 4.2: A reluctant sale! The time has come to down-size after owning it for 32 years. A rare 1970 Ser.1 S.W.B.
Jaguar 4.2 litre with Manual + o/drive. A fabulously successful XJ-6 saloon. Full history. 5 plastic boxes of spares. Engine is 100% with a
65 PSI oil pressure and has Electronic ignition. Stainless exhaust. This car is not perfect, work on the body will be necessary, but very
useable. Asking price is R50, 000.00 voetstoets. Open to offers. To view contact Bob Platt on 021 715 3884 Tokai 9.30am to 4.30pm.
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DECEMBER 2015
18
1971 MGB GT for sale. Dark green. Sunroof and chrome bumpers. Body work has no rust. Perfect for someone
wanting to do up an MG. Asking price is R60 000 negotiable. Call: Colin Cromhout on 082 576 6392 or email
colincromhout@gmail.com
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Marchal Fantastic round spotlight from a Jag Mk II with a mounting bracket. May need rechroming. Asking
R500. Contact: Jonathan - jtn.flll@gmail.com.
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Model A Ford Parts
1. Model A toolbox 1928/29 -new. R2500
2. Luggage rack/29 - new. R1400
3. Fuel sediment bowl 1930/31 - new R350
4. Emergency brake lever 1930/31 - new. R750
5. Radiator shell 1929. Old and in used condition. R75
6. Rear brake light 1928/29.Used condition for parts only. R200
7. Rear brake light bracket (Coupe/Roadster). Used but in good condition. R250
8. Spare tyre cover 21" Tan colour. New. R425
9. Spare wheel carrier. Not Model A. Could be Model T. Used but good condition. R? offer
10. Emergency brake lever 1929. Original. R350. Or nearest cash offer. Lawrence 079 746 8299
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Buicks for Sale. 1971 Buick Riviera GS Boat-Tail, 1934 Buick Model 60 Sedan, 1948 Buick Super Sedanette and 1938 Buick
Roadmaster Sedan. Prices on enquiry. Neil Marais at 0824174558 or djsandblasting@webmail.co.za.
1934 Buick Model 60 Sedan for sale
1971 Buick Riviera GS Boat-tail for sale.
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DECEMBER 2015
19
WANTED
I have just recently been given a 1936 Dodge sedan, but as you can see the car has been converted into a “bakkie”. Would you
be kind enough to place an ad in the Auto News for me for a body for the car. Of course I would love to have a 2 seater bod y
rather than the 4 seater sedan, but I will take anything that is offered. The condition of a body does not matter. I went on a 3 day
sheet metal work course with Barry Ashmole in Stellenbosch earlier this year and am confident that I could work with just about
anything irrespective of condition. I am willing to pay top dollar for a good 2 seater body, roaster or coupe.
I am also looking for a 1926 Chev radiator and spare wheel carrier. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have for swap brand
new headlight trims for a 1927 Chev and also for a 1928 Chev. I have one pair of each. I can supply photos if anyone is interested.
Richard Edkins.
PS. I am a member of both the QAC and the BVCC.
Richard Edkins. Sel / Cell: 078 247 2400. Faks / Fax: 086 511 7543 www.fedsas.org.za
Wanted - 1980 Mazda 1.4 GLC or similar
My name is Peter Hunt and I currently live in the Bahamas. I used to live in Port Elizabeth and my first car was a +\- 1980 Mazda
1.4 GLC four door hatch back, cream outside and beige cloth inside.
I am trying to find a very good condition car like this, can you or can you recommend somebody to help me. If my old car or
similar could be tracked down, that would be fantastic. All I know is that I sold it to a Port Elizabeth second hand car dealer
around 1987, I know it is a long shot.
I look forward hearing from you.
Kind regards – Peter
peter@pnhproperties.com.
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Wanted: 1912-1917 Overland differential/gearbox in any condition.
If by any chance you have seen a rear axle like the one in the photograph above, I will very much like to hear from you. I am at
present restoring a 1912 Overland Speedster and need a rear axle for the car. Please help! Alex Duffey 076 183 0107.
DECEMBER 2015
20
1926-1928 RUGBY SPARES WANTED
Any spare parts you may have for a 1926 – 1928 Rugby / Durant as well as for a 1919 – 1924 Hupmobile Series R. I am
particularly interested in sheet metal body parts in any condition. Also looking for 1922 Fiat 501 engine and gearbox. Please
contact Retief Steyn at 083 28 9057.
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I need a 5-speed gearbox for a 1600cc
Ford Kent motor. Louis van der
Merwe Tel:+27 (0) 21 658 3138.
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1. I am a collector of CAR magazines. First issue was in 1957. Any issues since then I will gladly collect.
2. I am restoring a 1963 Garelli Auto Cycle. All parts welcome.
3. I am restoring a Honda Dax 70cc from 1975 to 1980. I am looking for a carburetor and handle set.
Please contact me Clive Parkes on 083 520 2655 or clive.parkes@telkoms.net .
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Beetle Spares: 1) Speedometer gauge
2) Tachometer gauge
3) Original fuel cap
4) Solenoid for the starter. Contact Dan on denslin@rocketmail.com.
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My Husband has a 1974 Rambler Hornet which he wants to sell for R70 000. We don't know to whom we can speak to sell an old
car like this. We live in Gauteng and the suburb is Westonaria. It has a V8 Engine inside, car was resprayed and re upholstered as
you will see in the pictures attached. He is a Panel beater and did this at home. It drives, but seeing that he is unemployed the car
just stands under the garage roof and gathers dust. It's a pity that this beauty just stands there and is not driving. It is an Automatic,
has mag wheels & uses Petrol. My name is Annamarie and my husband’s name is Kallie, my tel. no. is 071 024 3131.
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