Crankhandle-June 2016 - Southern Peninsula Classic and Historic

The CRANKHANDLE
The
Newsletter of the Southern Peninsula Classic and Historic Car Club Inc. A00011676Y
JUNE
2016
Print Post Publication PP100002657
The Crankhandle is sponsored by the Bendigo Bank
Postal Address: S.P.C.& H.C.C. Inc., P.O. BOX 12, DROMANA, VIC., 3936
Website: www.crankhandle.com.au Email: niblockbl@bigpond.com
The aim of the Club is to cater for people who have an interest in restoring, touring and displaying all types of Veteran, Vintage and Classic cars, motorcycles, trucks and stationary engines, etc. or any piece of machinery of historical interest.
The views and/or opinions expressed in CRANKHANDLE are not necessarily those held by the Committee of the SPC&HCC .
On the Yarram to Maffra Run
What’s inside
Page 3-4
Page 5
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Page 6 &1 3
Page 7
Page 8-9
Presidents Report
Coming Events
Domain Chandon Visit
RACV Rally 2015
Behind the Scenes
Club Visit to Yarram
All at the SPC&HCC wish to
thank the Bendigo Bank for
their ongoing financial support
in the production of The
Crankhandle
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Heritage Day Mornington
Farwell to Peter Bradbury
Home for the new Library
RACV Rally 2015 cont’d
Buy, Swap or Sell
The deadline for articles and advertisements in
the next edition of The Crankhandle is 15th of
May 2016 Items received after then may be held
over till the next edition.
Please email copy or information to:
Keith Morrison: crankeyeditor@gmail.com
Motorclassica are inviting
People to enter their Veteran
Vintage or Classic cars for the
Annual show at
The Exhibition Building
9 Nicholson Street Carlton
See Brian Evans
For application information or
Phone him on 0409 639 118
The CRANKHANDLE
MEETINGS
General meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month
at Dromana Community Hall, Hodgkinson St, Dromana at 7.30
pm. Melway Ref 159 G7
NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING
The April Committee Meeting will be held at
“The Library”’ Mornington Gardens,
98 Bungower Rd, Mornington.
Tuesday June 14th at 1:30pm
Tel 0420 927 073 (Paul Lucas) .
From Oct 1st 2015 the joining fee is $35.
The Membership fee is $55 pa.
EXECUTIVE
President:
Mick Daddo mdaddo3@bigpond.com 0419 879 004
A WORD FROM YOUR PRESIDENT
Vice President:
Brian Evans evansfam@surf.net.au
0409 639 118
The Library issue_________!!
Secretary:
Brian Niblock niblockbl@bigpond.com 0476 264 726
Treasurer:
Paul Lucas
lucasp14798@gmail.com 0420 927 073
COMMITTEE
Anne Kruger membershipspc@yahoo.com.au 0417 830 755
John Marten jrmpmarten@optusnet.com.au
0418 513 774
Warwick Spinaze petandwozspin@bigpond.com
0407 016 719
Alan Turner marie.alan@11net.net.au
0407 091 932
David Doubtfire d.doubtfire@bigpond.com
0409 603 749
John Becker
johnbecker@westnet.com.au 0411 202 911
OTHER OFFICERS
Editor:
Keith Morrison crankeyeditor@gmail.com
0411 127 765
Events managers:
Brian Evans evansfam@surf.net.au
0409 639 118
John Becker johnbecker@westnet.com.au 0411 202 911
Club Permit Officer:
David Kisby
davidkisby@bigpond.com
0427 049 829
Membership Officer:
Anne Kruger membershipspc@yahoo.com.au 0417 830 755
Safety Check Officer:
Tim O’Leary
Rosebud
0437753724
Club Photographer
Anne Kruger membershipspc@yahoo.com.au 0417 830 755
Club Regalia:
Michael Hurd
michaelhurd@bigpond.com
97 873 181
AOMC Representative:
Ray Beagley
rayanven@hotmail.com
0414 598 614
Federation Representative:
Peter Greening
0408 039 311
Web Master:
David Doubtfire d.doubtfire@bigpond.com
0409 603 749
Library, Property & Dispatch:
TBA
LIFE MEMBERS
Geoff Anderson, Ray Beagley, Greg Cripps, Ray Gardini,
Tony Howard, Noel Meates, Lawrie Turner, Don Robinson,
John Watson, Max Caddy, Bill Glover
Steve Lloyd** Eric Evans** Peter Bradbury**
** Deceased
A big thank you to team who helped un-load and set up the
library at Roger Howes’ place on Thursday last week and
an even bigger thank you to Roger for kindly making space
available in his large and very well set-up workshop.
The library has been a headache right through the three
years of my time as President and no doubt the same for
those before me. The library is a valuable resource with an
eclectic collection of workshop manuals, motor books and
magazines but how can we make it readily available to
members? It is not as though we have our own club rooms
where we could have the books indexed and on display for
members perusal and loan.
There are dozens of workshop manuals on Austin, Morris
and most other popular English cars of the fifties and sixties along with a big range on Holden and Ford. Funnily
enough, there is practically nothing on MGs of any description, the exception being an MG J2 manual, a rarity in its
own right. I can almost hear Peter Bradbury chortling in the
distance. Would he have dared throw away anything on
“Gs” as just another bloody MG book! Amongst other
things, there are two albums of members’ cars, set up by
Peter at the point of a member applying for red plate registration. They detail the car and the member including in all
cases, a great snapshot of the car in question and now
make a great addition to history of the club and members’
cars past and present. Most of our members would get
endless enjoyment of just browsing through them and reminiscing on days and cars gone by.
If only we could acquire a large lockable cabinet at our present Club rooms. We could display the books, magazines
and manuals at our general meetings and better still, organise a half day library meeting each month whereby
members could meet and browse through the collection
while chatting and reminiscing over a cup of tea or coffee.
Sounds terrific! Only trouble is the Shire, to date, has emphatically said “NO” to all our entreaties. Perhaps it is time
to try again particularly since we have proved to be good
tenants over such a long period of time. We have the talent
amongst our members to build an excellent piece of furniture to meet our requirements and at the same time, be
sympathetic to the Shire’s requirements. Time to try again!
Our Xmas dinner venue________!!
The Rosebud Country Club have increased the cost of the
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The CRANKHANDLE
dinner again this year to the point the committee feel we would suffer
member resistance to a serious lift in the overall cost for the night. As a
result, the Xmas sub-committee has searched for an alternative venue
and after looking at three that could meet our needs at a reasonable
price, settled on the Dromana Hotel. More on this later in the year but,
suffice to say at this stage, we feel confident of providing the usual
great night out including entertainment for around $72.00 a double
against last year’s $78.00. Note: The cost is indicative only at this stage
so more later on.
Day trip to George and Pat Hetrel’s home. Thursday June 23rd______!!
Make sure you are signed up at our June meeting if you intend going.
The car museum is a must but the gardens and surrounds of this lovely
venue are worth the visit in their own right, even in early winter! We
intend taking the BBQ trailer so the usual high standard lunch time sizzle will be available to all attending but be warned, we need final numbers at the June meeting so we can put the day together.
That is it from me.
Safe motoring to all,
Mick Daddo President
On a less serious note:
An elderly couple had dinner at another couple's house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen. The two gentlemen were talking, and one said,
"Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great. I
would recommend it very highly." The other man said, "What is the
name of the restaurant?"
The first man thought and thought and finally said, "What is the name of
that flower you give to someone you love? You know... the one that's
red and has thorns." "Do you mean a rose?" "Yes, that's the one," replied the man.
He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, "Rose, what's the name
of that restaurant we went to last night?"
We wish all of our members and their
families who have not been enjoying the best
of health lately, a speedy recovery and return
to good health. Members are not named for
privacy reasons and also we do not want
to cause offense by failing to
mention someone by name.
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The CRANKHANDLE
COMING EVENTS
DOMAIN CHANDON VISIT 24TH APRIL
A GLORIOUS SUNNY AUTUMN DAY
Please advise Conveners if you are going to attend their
event. If you need further details, times, etc., please phone
the Convener. If you’ve already said you would attend and at
the last minute cannot, please advise the convenor so they
can finalize numbers
JUNE 2016
Our MG’s, complimenting the lovely display of ‘T Series’ for the MG Club, looked splendid parked on the
green grass with a backdrop of the Yarra Valley’s
colourful vineyards and the Mountains covered in
their greyish eucalyptus haze.
The venue was packed with wine tasters and Asian
tourists with their cameras. They loved our colourful
cars; taking photos of their friends standing by them.
Tue 7th
General Meeting
Tue 14th
Committee Meeting
Wed 15th
Run to point Nepean national Park
meet at old “VicRoads” rear car park
Dromana at 10.00am
(Mel Map Ref 159 J/5)
Convenor:-
Thurs 23rd
Day visit to George and Pat Hetrel's home,
79 The Basin-Olinda Rd, The Basin meet
at Bunnings Mornington at 9.15 am. Club
Bar-B-Q trailer on-site for lunch
Convenor:- Mick Daddo 0419 879 004
Our lunch of gourmet sausages and salad was very
enjoyable, however we never received our complimentary glass of wine as promised - luckily we all
had our own supply of grog.
The members who attended are as follows:
Tue 5th
General Meeting
Sue & Peter McLean
Ann & Hugh Webster
Michael & Marion Herd
Max & Lorraine Caddy
Robyn & Rob Columbia
Ewen & Nonie McPherson
Colin Pitcher
Kevin & Libby Griffiths
Chris Higgins
Mick & Ruth Daddo
John & Shirley Hartnet
Tue 12th
Committee Meeting
Max
Wed 20th
Run to Flinders Bakery for coffee
and chat with club members, meet
at the bakery from 2.00 pm onwards.
No Convenor:-
Tue 26th
Picnic at the Briars, BYO everything
meet from 11.30 am onwards
No Convenor:-
Tue 28th
Picnic at the Briars, BYO everything
meet from 11.30 am onwards
Convenor:-
JULY 2016
AUGUST 2016
Tue 2nd
General Meeting
Tue 9th
Committee Meeting
Tue 23rd
Picnic at the Briars, BYO everything
meet from 11.30 am onwards
No Convenor
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MGB GT
MGB
MGB GT
MGB GT
MGB
MGB
MG TF
MG TF
Sprite
Modern
Modern
The CRANKHANDLE
The RACV Great Australian Car Rally 2015 - Terry Opie
The 2015, RACV Great Australian Car Rally was held on Sunday 18,
January 2015.
I had been asked by the committee of the Southern Peninsula Historic
and Classic Car Club (of which I am a member) to enter my 1930 Model
A Ford “Town Sedan” in a club display of “The Working Man's Car Thru
The Years.” There were seven other cars besides mine representing our
club. i.e. Valiant AP6, Morris Minor, Holden FX, Falcon XP, Vauxhall 49,
Austin 7, Austin A40 (and my Model A).
The Rally started at the Western Port Marina, Hastings finishing at
the Mornington Race Track.
Some of the vehicles seen; Foden Steam Truck 1923 with solid rubber tyres, Bugatti open wheel racing car 1927, REO bus (Charabanc)
from the Ventura Bus Company, Cadillacs, Rolls Royce's, Packard's,
Fiats, Renaults, Stationary Engines, old push bikes, to but name a few.
To the side of my car, I noticed a number of what I thought were small
Hillman Cars. A closer look showed that they were 'Singer' Cars. I can
recall my Aunt driving an old Singer in the 1950's. This was a make of
car I knew little about, except that it was a British made vehicle and had
not been in production for many years.
My research into the Singer Car Company uncovered some very interesting facts:
The 1936 Olympic Games were held in Germany for the first time
(Germany was scheduled to hold the Olympic Games in 1916, but due to
the advent of World War 1, they were never held). Hitler was initially not
interested as he wasn't sports minded. However, Propaganda Minister,
Joseph Goebbells could see the Olympic festivities exploited for the Nazis.
The 1936 Olympic Games are widely known through the winning exploits of Jesse Owens, an African American Athlete, who won four Olympic Gold Medals; 200m Men, Long Jump, 100m Men, and the 4 X 100m
Relay Men, much to Hitler's disgust!
What is not so widely known, is that the 1936 Olympic Games also
hosted the only car race in Olympic Games history.
Of all the big racing car manufacturers who had entered in the race,
Mercedes Benz were the favourite to take the race out.
Elizabeth 'Betty' Haig, aged 30, niece of World War 1 military leader
Field Marshal Douglas Haig, had been rallying for only a year when she
took part in the 2,000 mile cross Europe 1936 Olympic Rally, driving a
“Coventry built 1.5 litre Singer Le Mans sports car.”
Betty was the only Briton among 125 entrants. Her navigator, Barbara Marshall, was also her flatmate.
After an adventure fueled drive, arriving at the Avus racing circuit,
near Berlin, they learned they were the first car to finish and that their
tally of 2,162 points had secured gold. The rally ended at the Olympic
Stadium in Berlin.
A planned presentation at the Olympic Stadium was hastily rescheduled to another venue when the authorities realised a British two seater
sports car had beaten the pride of the German automotive industry.
Miss Haig recalled: “After many introductions and much heel clicking,
we were presented with a velvet case containing the only gold medal for
the rally.”
Foot note; The car, which originally cost £285, was bought ‘as a box
of bits’ in 1987, the year of Miss Haig’s death by businessman Gifford
Wright, editor of the Singer Owners’ Club, who had it restored to its present glory. Similar examples have sold for around £130,000.
Continued P 13
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The CRANKHANDLE
Behind the
Scenes
me that a Jaguar Club was coming down to the Hotel
for a Mothers’ Day Lunch. I wondered if this event
was arranged for the Mothers or just for the Fathers
and their Jags. Pity I wont be there for the gathering.
Long term members will remember past esteemed
member, Alan Pearce who relocated to Kalimna near
Lakes Entrance. We dropped in on Alan and wife
Wendy enjoying a pleasant chat and catching up with
their varied activities. Alan divides his attention between playing the piano, sailing his yacht or his Hobicraft, motor cycling, cycling and of course their caravan holidays. Wendy has developed a lovely garden.
Very busy but a happy couple.
with
Max Caddy
“’Ay? What did you say?” After losing my hearing aid at
the Chandon Day, our three day Club run to Yarram and
surrounds became a “what did you say?” from me, much
to Lorraine’s annoyance, subsequently, the journey was a
rather a quiet affair.
We drove in the MX5 on this trip, as the MG had been
having all of the fun of late. I moved the MG into the ‘back
paddock’ for a while. The problem with the ‘MX’ is that
storage space is at a premium and as we were continuing
on to Metung for a week or so, we required extra ‘stuff’. It
was good to meet Peter and Lorraine Greening on their
own turf and enjoy a tour of their extensive country style
property. Peter invited the boys into the shed where all
manner of his toys were stored neatly, whilst the girls were
shown around their large and lovely home. Good stuff.
Our trip to the ‘Maffra Shed’ from Yarram was a nice drive
of around 180km return. Our drive back to Yarram was
highlighted, with a few members with convertibles letting
their tops down. Chris Higgins was the real ‘braveheart’
having the Healey Sprite hood stored away for the whole
trip. Other open air heroes were Vice President Brian Evans and Wife Leonie in their XK8 Jag, Alan Turner and
Marie in their magnificent yellow Morris Minor and Lorraine
and I in the MX5.
Over a few beers, we enjoyed some laughter whilst competing for the fastest time raising our hoods. The winner
was debatable! After enjoyable days, Lorraine and I
moved on to Metung and you can imagine my delight
when I spotted a group of MG’s parked at the curb of the
Village. Naturally, we had a chat with the owners who
were from a NSW chapter of the MG Car Club. They had
driven over the mountains just to see me in Metung! We
enjoyed good conversation and bonnet up viewing etc.
Isn’t it great the camaraderie you find with fellow car enthusiasts.
Add to the MG’s was a beautiful collection of late model
Mercedes Benz cars parked at our accommodation, apparently a group staying over night after enjoying a round
of golf.
Lorraine and I enjoyed a good 10 days doing ‘bugger
all’ except for walking, eating and drinking and of
course, doing some top down motoring.
Now for a couple of practical tips
I thought I would always remember the time when I
was drilling a hole for a door stop in new carpet at a
school music centre. The pile wound around the drill
bit leaving a thread bear line in the carpet. Very embarrassing and very unsightly. You would think I
would take care when undertaking a similar activity.
Did I remember – NO! The other day I was fitting a
bracket to a carpet panel in the rear of the MG. I knew
I should punch a hole through the carpet prior to drilling, but no, it will be ok – well it wasn’t and again the
same thing happened – a long line of pulled carpet.
Remember, if drilling through carpet, always punch a
hole first prior to drilling.
Whilst on punching
I think we all know to use a centre punch prior to drilling into metal. Again, a costly lesson was learnt early
in my teenage motoring days. I decided to fit an aerial
into the mud guard of my Morris Minor Convertible. I
couldn’t afford a radio, however I did have a fox tail
from a fox that I shot which was the thing to do in the
‘50’s. I didn’t centre punch first allowing the electric
drill to wander all over the place on the shiny paint
work. BAD! Learnt later to apply masking tape to the
area, mark the spot, centre punch and only then drill
the hole, finally removing the tape – no problemo.
Old remedies I know, however it doesn’t hurt to remind
one another of our mistakes and offer remedies. Maybe you have a similar experience that you can relate
to us via the Crankhandle. I look forward to reading it.
… and always remember “we don’t stop playing because we get old, we grow old because we stop playing” – George Bernard Shaw
Having dinner in the Hotel, I observed the Manager wearing a black belt with a ‘Leaper’ on the buckle. Obviously a
Jag man. I got into discussion with him and he explained
that the belt was one of several gifts that came with the
purchase of his new F Type Sports Model which accompanied his XE Sedan. He was quick to show me photos on
his smart phone, a magical pair of vehicles. He informed
Health, happiness and peace be with you all.
Max
xx oo for the girls.
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The CRANKHANDLE
Club Visit to Yarram — April 2016
17 cars and 31 drivers & passengers met at the departure point on an over cast warm morning ready for a 9.00 am
start. First stop, Leongatha for morning tea with Charlie & Sandra leading the way in the Buick. The first leg completed and after a short break it was then time to head to our destination, Yarram. On arrival, we met up with Peter
Greening and the crew booked into their respective accommodation and headed off down the main drag for a bite to
eat for lunch. The afternoon was basically free time with some members strolling around the town while others found
the local historical museum interesting. Afternoon tea was put on by Peter & Lorraine at Devon North, which proved
to be a bit of a challenge to some , but in the end we all found our way and had a very enjoyable chat, a look around
the Greening's new “castle” consuming fresh scones, tea and coffee thanks to Lorraine & Peter.
The evening meal was booked at the Yarram Club Hotel and then at around 7.30 pm it was off to either the movies
or back to the rooms. The movies shown were “The Plank” and the original “The Italian Job” starring Michael Cain, a
great night to set the program for the next couple of days.
Thursday morning was still overcast but around 25º C, so it was tops down as we headed off to Maffra via the 1880 –
1883 National Trust Swing Bridge just outside of Sale. This bridge has been maintained in working order by local
enthusiasts and is actually operated a couple of times per month for visitors.
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The CRANKHANDLE
After a short break it was off to the Maffra Shed where there was a great display of farm tractors, motor bikes and
cars to view as well as memorabilia around all the walls and in nooks and crannies. Lunch was available from their
kitchen and it was enjoyed by all who were present. After lunch it was off to Rosedale for another stroll around taking in the patch work shop, the Tarra Valley Foods and of course a coffee break. Back in the cars and back to Yarram to make a nice round trip for the day with dinner arranged at the Yarram Country Club with the “Good Times
Motoring Club of Yarram” who were great company with the evening finishing off with a short thankyou speech from
the convenor and a reply by Bob Taylor, President of the Yarram group.
Friday morning pack up and time to head off to Port Albert for morning tea where we were met by a few members
from Yarram with their cars for a final chat and to say good bye until next time. On the road again, this time to Fish
Creek for lunch at the Fish Creek Hotel or any other eatery of choice. By this time the rain had settled in and after
lunch our intrepid explorers headed for home under their own steam and at a leisurely pace.
It was deemed a good trip by all, no mishaps, no break downs just plenty of safe driving and a few fuel stops over
the distance. I travelled back to Mornington via Inverloch and noted that I had travelled 650 Klms from driveway to
driveway. I must thank Peter & Lorraine Greening for all their assistance and help in planning and setting up this trip
and I wonder when and who will put their hand up and where we might be going on the next trip.
Words and Pictures - Brian Evans, Convenor
Those in attendance were as follows;
Don & Bev Robertson
Charlie & Sandra Cassar
John & Shirley Steel
Colin Pitcher
Greg & Jennifer Cripps
Laurie & Joyce Turner
Noel & Nola Meates
Roger Howes
John & Chrissy Becker
Bill & Barbara Glover
Chris Higgins
Alan & Marie Turner
Wally & Brenda Allen
Trevor & Ann Merton
Don & Rosemary Munro
Dorothy Lynn (Visitor)
Peter & Lorraine Greening
Brian & Leonie Evans
Max & Lorraine Caddy
Geoff & Pearl Anderson
Kevin Poulton
'47 Ford Mercury
'47 Buick
Mercedes Benz
MG TF
'48 PS Rover
'77 Datsun 260Z
'51 Studebaker
'64 Studebaker
Porsche 924T
'67 MGB GT
'65 Austin Healy Sprite
'50 Morris Tourer
'89 Ford Capri
T Model Ford
'52 Bently
'52 Bently
'78 Mercedes Benz
'98 Jaguar XK8 (Mod)
'05 MX5 (Mod)
Ford Fairlane (Mod)
Alfa Romeo (Mod)
Page 9
The CRANKHANDLE
HERITAGE DAY-MORNINGTON RACECOURSE 2016
Brian Evans
Blue skies and sunshine set the stage for a great get together for the SPC&HCC members who attended the Heritage Day at the Mornington Racecourse recently. We had around 20 cars on display from the club, but unfortunately we were scattered around a little, so our presentation didn't show us as a sizeable group with variety of cars.
However, tea, coffee, sandwiches and a chat were enjoyed in a circle of friends, in the sunshine, which always
creates a warm and friendly atmosphere. Plenty of cars on display from other clubs and I would estimate the
overall number of vehicles to be around 120 to 150.
EDITORIAL
Keith Morrison
A big thank you to all the contributors for this month, while the weather has been good there have been many
events and activities enjoyed and reported on, well done!
In early May I enjoyed a week away, based in Merimbula, for the Annual Riley Car Club National Rally. I will show
and tell you more about that later
Enjoy your reading.
Please note the email address:
crankeyeditor@gmail.com
Page 10
The CRANKHANDLE
FINAL FAREWELL TO PETER BRADBURY
On a bright sunny day, with a beautiful view around the curve of the Bay proved a most fitting scene for the scattering of Peter Bradbury 's ashes from the Rosebud pier. About 15 close Club member friends joined the Bradbury family to cast Peters ashes to the waters.
Peter's sister and brother in law came from Canada , and lots of nieces and nephews were accompanied by his
brother Ed who has been a tower of strength throughout and who added some very heart felt words as the ashes
were scattered on the small waves. The boat was also present to complete the story of a quite remarkable and much
loved man.
Words: Bill Glover, Pictures: Shirley Steel, Ray Gardini
CLUB PERMIT HANDBOOK
The AOMC Club Permit handbook is currently being updated to reflect the latest changes to the club permit
scheme.
The latest Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) can be downloaded from the AOMC website, printed off and
placed as an insert into the existing handbook (yellow cover 2011 edition).
A revised version of the handbook will be published as soon as details are confirmed. AOMC’s website is
www.aomc.asn.au
Page 11
The CRANKHANDLE
. A NEW HOME FOR THE LIBRARY
Mick Daddo
The library has now been established at Roger Howes place and all
praise to him for making space available in his magnificent workshop to house it.
Eleven members kindly volunteered to help unload packing boxes
along with the cabinet and shelves from Roger’s truck and then set
the whole thing up in the workshop. Not an easy task at the best of
times and always made slower by picking up a book and reminiscing about cars of old and the ones we should have bought that got
away or the ones we did buy and stupidly sold!
Once the hard yakka was done, out came the paper plates and
mugs and on went the sausages and in no time we were yarning
about all things car, enjoying hot coffee and well sizzled snags with
onions and coleslaw.
Amongst Roger’s many achievements, including building his own
home, he also has a pilot license and a Gypsy Tiger Moth in the
process of restoration which of course led to some great flying stories as well as some stories of nasty accidents. Right now, I bet
there is no-one else in the club with a plane sitting in their workshop
in the process of restoration! Well, I can think of one or two members expert at building and flying model planes but that is as close
as it gets.
All in all, it turned out great day of work and play and showed just
what can be accomplished with a few willing helpers. The club spirit
shines through on these occasions. Many hands make light work!
My very sincere thanks to the following:
Roger Howes; Mike Hurd; Terry Opie; Neil Kitchingman; Murray
Grierson; Ian Grierson; Bill Glover; Max Caddy; Richard Pye; Brian
Evans.
Lastly, a huge vote of thanks to Roger for helping the club out by
taking on the library storage. It is much appreciated.
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The CRANKHANDLE
Continued from p 6
Singer Motors Limited was a British motor vehicle manufacturer, founded by George Singer in 1874 as a
bicycle manufacturer in Coventry, England. From 1901 the company also manufactured cars. Singer was the first motor manufacturer to make a small economy car that was a replica of a large car, showing a small car was a practical
proposition. With a four cylinder ten horsepower engine the Singer 10 was launched at the 1912 Motor Show. William
Rootes, Singer apprentice and consummate car-salesman, contracted to buy the entire first year's supply. It became a
best-seller. Ultimately Singer's business was acquired by his Rootes Group in 1956, which continued the brand until
1970. Singer made their first four wheel car in 1905. It was designed by Alexander Craig and was a variant of a design
he had done for Lea – Francis having a 2-cylinder 1853 or 2471 cc engine.
Singer's part in the origin of Aston-Martin; The first Singer designed car was the 4 cylinder 2.4 litre 12/14 of 1906.
The engine was bought in from Aster. For 1907 the Lea Francis design was dropped and a range of two, three and
four cylinder models using White and Poppe engines launched. The Aster engined models were dropped in 1909 and
a new range of larger cars introduced. All cars were now White and Poppe powered. In 1911 the first big seller appeared with the four-cylinder 1100 cc Ten with Singer's own engine. The use of their own power plants spread through
the range until by the outbreak of the First World War all models except the low volume 3.3 litre 20 hp were so
equipped.
Lionel Martin made his first ascent of Aston Hill in that hill climbing competition in a tuned Singer 10 car, 4 April
1914. He repeated his success a month later and when he first registered his own car the following year he called it an
Aston Martin.
The Ten continued after the war, with a redesign in 1923 including a new overhead-valve engine. Six-cylinder models were introduced in 1922. In 1921 Singer took over another Coventry car maker Coventry Premier and continued to
sell a range of cars under that name until 1924. Calcott was purchased in 1926. For 1927 the Ten engine grew to 1300
cc and a new light car with 850 cc overhead cam (OHC) engine, the big selling Junior was announced and at the same
time the Ten became the Senior. By 1928 Singer was Britain's third largest car maker after Austin and Morris.
During the 1920s Singer, restricted by a built in site acquired other companies for factory space. In 1926 they made
9,000 cars. In 1929 with seven factories and 8,000 employees they produced 28,000 cars though having just 15% they
trailed far behind Austin and Morris which shared 60% of the market. Hampered by their new acquisitions, the cost of
new machinery and a moving assembly line in their latest acquisition Singer's offerings were eclipsed by new models
from their rivals; Austin, Morris and Hillman and then from 1932 the new Ford Model Y.
The range continued in a very complex manner using developments of the OHC Junior engine first with the Nine
(two bearing crank), the 14/6 and the sporty 1½-litre in 1933. The Nine became the Bantam in 1935. Externally the
Bantam was very similar to the Morris Eight, had a three-bearing crankshaft and it was the first Singer to be fitted with
a synchromesh gearbox, albeit with only three forward gears.
The 1935 Le Mans Tourist Trophy race was a disaster, three of the four Singer 9 cars crashed because of steering
failures before the fourth was withdrawn. In May 1936 W E Bullock who had been managing director from 1919 together with his son, general manager from 1931, resigned following criticism from the shareholders at their annual general
meeting. No longer viable Singer & Co Limited was dissolved in December 1936 and what had been its business was
transferred to a new company Singer Motors Limited.
By 1956 the business was in financial difficulties and Rootes Brothers, who had handled Singer sales since before
the First World War, bought it. The Singer brand was absorbed into the Rootes Group, whose brands largely sold
badge engineered versions of each other's cars. The next Singer car, the Gazelle was a Hillman Minx variant that retained the pre-war designed Singer OHC engine for the I and II versions but this too went in 1958 when the IIA was
given a push rod engine. The Vogue, which ran alongside the Gazelle from 1961, was a re-badged Hillman Super
Minx with more luxurious trim. By 1970, Rootes were beginning to struggle financially. They had been acquired by the
American Chrysler organisation, and founder Sir William had died in 1964. In April 1970, as part of a rationalisation
process, the last Singer rolled off the assembly line, almost 100 years after George Singer built the first cycle. The last
car to carry the Singer name was an upmarket version of the rear engined Hillman Imp called the Chamois. With the
take over of Rootes by Chrysler begun in 1964 and completed in 1967, many of the brands were to vanish and the
Singer name disappeared forever in 1970. The site of the Singer factory in Coventry is now occupied by Singer Hall, a
hall of residence for Coventry University.
Note: All Rally proceeds to 'Peter Mac.' Information taken from the Daily Mail (UK) in an article on Elizabeth Haig, by
Ray Massey, Published 6 August 2012, also from Wikipedia.
This Club is a member of the
FEDERATION of VINTAGE, VETERAN & CLASSIC VEHICLE CLUBS Inc. (Vic) and
THE ASSOCIATION OF MOTORING CLUBS Inc.
Page 13
The CRANKHANDLE
BUY, SWAP OR SELL
Members may submit notices of items they wish to BUY, SWAP or SELL at no charge (2 issues only).
Non Members (not commercial) shall be charged $10.00 for seven lines, max. two issues only. Club Permit
eligible vehicles only.
.
Commercial advertising enquiries should be addressed to: The Treasurer, S.P.C. & H.C.C., PO Box 12,
Dromana, Vic., 3936. Government regulations require that the registration, engine or chassis number of the
vehicle MUST be included in all “FOR SALE” advertisements.
NOTIFY THE EDITOR ONCE YOUR ARTICLE HAS BEEN SOLD OR THE ADVERT. IS NO LONGER REQUIRED.
FOR SALE
WANTED
1969 Honda Coupe 7. Runs needs restoration.
Workshop manual . No reg or rwc.
Chassis no. H1300C1043916.
Price: $2500 ONO
–STORAGE SPOT FOR CARAVAN
Seeking secure accessible shed or carport for caravan
storage. Van size is 2.7 m high by 6.2 m long.
Terms negotiable.
1965 Honda S600 convertible. Fitted with Datsun
1200 motor , gearbox and rear end. Has engineers certificate and was reg in Vic.
Not running needs full restoration. Part dismantled .Factory workshop manual and parts list on disc.
No reg or rwc. Chassis no. AS2851008119.
Price: $2500 ONO
1967 Honda S800 Coupe. Original motor and gearbox. Not running and needs full restoration. Dismantled
with many new parts and panels.
Factory workshop manual and parts list. No reg or rwc.
Chassis no. AS800C1001446.
Price: $3500 ONO
Contact John Hehir 0409 932 943
FOR SALE
I have a 1971 Toyota RT 81 complete motor with starter,
carb, air cleaner, fly wheel etc. out of a Corona for sale.
$100 ONO
Tony Howard 0416094193 or howard-t@bigpond.com
FOR SALE
Millard Caravan - 15 foot. Old but sound.
Ready for holidays. Registered till August 2016.
Registration Number N 41906
Price: $5,450 ONO
Contact Bob Scott-Howarth
0412 735 240
FOR SALE
Ryobi 5speed 13m/m drill Press and Machine Vice $70
Torque Wrench with 3metric sockets and short extension
in plastic case. $35
Hitachi ½ two Speed Electric Drill. $40
Contact Harry Cooper. 59759707.
Warwick Spinaze Tootgarook
Phone: 5985 1808 or 0407 016 719
FOR SALE
1 - 595x10 Olympic tyre 96% tube and mini wheel . $48.00
Air cleaner Ford XD-XE EC. $5
Car magazines - B.M.W four (4) for $1.00
Street machine four (4) for $1.00
Radiator - Hillman Super Minx or Humber Vogue GC. $35.00
Geoff Anderson
Phone: 59864929
FOR SALE
1979 Jayco Dove $5500.00 Fully enclosed annex, extended draw bar, raised suspension with off road
wheels, two way fridge,
electric brakes, very
good condition. Any
questions please
call Charlie Cassar on
59753242 or
0459235187.
The Committee wishes to advise the members of the
following permits becoming due in the next months:
JUNE:
B. Leslie, F. Pye, E. Bone(4), S. Perkins, J. Mason, K.
Buckland, P. Warren, E. Neill, T. Opie, D. Turner, B.
Niblock, D. Buchanan, B. Crocker, S. Knightley, D.
Doubtfire, C. Schwerkolt, J. Jones, R. Connell, J. Smith.
JULY:
P. Lucas, P. Greening, D. Turner, E. Bone, P. Boulton,
S.Rose(2), G. Anderson, B. Jones, k. Buckland, D Meates, S. Gillard, C Schwerkolt
Page 14
The CRANKHANDLE
Club Permit Scheme
Management Info
David Kisby is now the Club Permit Officer
and Ray Beagley is deputy officer for emergency only
Driver Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the driver of a club
red plated vehicle being driven to ensure the
vehicle is in a current roadworthy condition
See Darren Hodgson and staff for all
your auto service needs, from what
makes it go …. to what makes it
STOP
They’ll even give you a 12 month or
20,000 km guarantee on parts and labour
Call and talk to Darren:
ABS MORNINGTON
53 Tyabb Road, Mornington, Vic 3931
Phone: (03) 59736855 Fax: (03) 59736344
Email: mornington@absauto.com.au
OR check the ABS website:
www.absauto.com.au
(Club members, 10% discount on presentation of this advertisement)
Page 15