The Hub - Renault Car Club of Australia Inc.

The Hub
The Magazine of the Renault Car Club of Australia Inc.
Number 454
July–August 2012
012
2
2— ARS
6
9
1 YE
50
Renault Car Club of Australia Inc. Established 1951
www.rcca.org.au
The Hub
No. 454
July-August 2012
The Hub is the official magazine of the Renault Car Club of Australia Inc.
Website: http://www.rcca.org.au
What is in this Hub?
WHO’S WHO IN THE RCCA............................................................................................................... 2
CLUB CALENDAR - IN BRIEF............................................................................................................ 3
JASON’S COMMENTS.......................................................................................................................... 4
EDITORIAL ............................................................................................................................................ 6
ERNST’S SOCIAL NEWS ..................................................................................................................... 7
SPORTING REPORT ............................................................................................................................ 8
BRETT’S A WINNER ............................................................................................................................ 9
SUPERSPRINTING AT ITS BEST..................................................................................................... 12
FLUENCE ZE IN SINGAPORE.......................................................................................................... 14
A110-50
A CONCEPT. ................................................................................................................... 16
DOM’S DAY IN PARIS........................................................................................................................ 18
RENAULTS AT ALL FRENCH CAR DAY....................................................................................... 19
HISTORY ON WHEELS ..................................................................................................................... 23
FITZROY FALLS RE-RUN................................................................................................................. 24
CLIO IV ................................................................................................................................................. 26
PLACES I’VE BEEN ............................................................................................................................ 29
KEVIN’S R8 RESTORATION ............................................................................................................ 30
CRS ......................................................................................................................................................... 35
CMC CALENDAR 2012 ....................................................................................................................... 38
F1 NEWS................................................................................................................................................ 39
Cover:
Andrew Collier’s R5T2 reflected on Paul Grimshaw’s RS Clio 197,
The R8 is 50 years old and the Fluence ZE and motor.
Photos: Ernst Luthi and Kevin Byron
MONTHLY MEETINGS
The RCCA meets on the first Monday of each month at 8.00p.m. at:
The Veteran Car Club Hall, 134 Queens Road, Five Dock
Hub Deadline: General Meeting each odd month
Printed by Click Print
Shop 2, 34 Campbell St.
Blacktown NSW 2148
Ph.: 02 9831 1993
Page
The opinions expressed herein are not
necessarily those of the Office Bearers,
Members or Editorial Staff of the
Renault Car Club of Australia Incorporated
WHO’S WHO IN R.C.C.A.
PATRON - MR. JAAP EMMELKAMP
PRESIDENT
Jason Emmelkamp
02 8901 0288, 0424 509 239
jason@wast3gat3.com
VICE PRESIDENTS
Kevin Byron
kb7000@tpg.com.au
Roger Copp
0417 194 707
rogerc4@bigpond.com
WEBMASTER
Denis Ryan
denis@denisryan.com
PROMOTIONS & PUBLICITY
Ted Merewether
0417 278 133
big.ted@bigpond.com
EDITOR
Bob Sprague
02 9798 3196, 0414 670 320
bsprague@westnet.com.au
SECRETARY
Alastair Browne
02 9971 8612
alastairbrowne@bigpond.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Dominic Robert
drobert@bargroup.com.au
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Sonja Luthi
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
Dom Robert, Roger Copp
TREASURER
Fran Fifield
02 4751 2214
ffifield@internode.on.net
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Clive Atkinson, Stewart Barnet, Frank
Wicks, Sonja Luthi, Dom Robert
CLUB CAPTAIN
Andrew Collier
02 9875 3719, 0414 287 790
andrew.collier@panavision.asia
SPORTING SUB-COMMITTEE
Bob Sprague, Andrew Fifield, Ernst Luthi,
James White, Denis Ryan
SOCIAL SECRETARY
Ernst Luthi
esfluthi@bigpond.com
SOCIAL SUB-COMMITTEE
Dom Robert, Bob Sprague, Ian Walker,
Sonja Luthi, Frank Wicks
CLUB REGISTRAR
Bob Sprague
02 9798 3196
bsprague@westnet.com.au
PROPERTY OFFICER, LIBRARIAN
Robert Gibson
0428 123 770
CMC DELEGATES
Bob Sprague, Alastair Browne
CAMS DELEGATE
Andrew Collier
MEMBERSHIPS
Fran Fifield
AUDITORS
Watkins Coffey Martin
02 9416 5355
PUBLIC OFFICER
Richard Watkins
Page 2
2012 RCCA COMING EVENTS
August
5th
NKC5 – Awaba, dirt WAC
Darren Green 0434 983 035
6th
General Meeting *
12th
NMC5 – Nirimba MCC
Ron Adlam 0427 043 854
19th
Shannons Eastern Creek Classic
Alastair Browne
23-26th Classic Adelaide
September
General Meeting & AGM *
3rd
9
th
15-16
NMC6 – Nirimba Need organiser
th
MG Spring Classic RCCA Challenge
Ernst Luthi 0412 273 287
(CRC event)
16th
NKC6 – Awaba, dirt WAC
Darren Green 0434 983 035
23rd
NMC3 – Awaba, dirt WAC
Darren Green 0434 983 035
Sat 29th Fish & Chips Run *
Roger Copp
October
General Meeting *
1st
13-14
th
AMC – Queensland
13-14
th
CRC Alpine Classic
Ernst Luthi 0412 273 287
19-21st
28th
Paris in the West
West Wyalong
See details elsewhere this issue
Highlands Motorfest
Chevalier College Burradoo
November
Canberra French Car Day
3rd
Telopea Park School 2:30pm-5:00pm
6
th
General Meeting *
11
th
Picnic at Warragamba Markets
11
th
NMC7 – Ansell Park, dirt Fiat
Glenn Smith 0415 345 208
COMING SOON!
Sunday August 19th
Shannons Eastern Creek Classic
Sydney’s biggest gathering of classic cars at
Eastern Creek Raceway. Sorry all tickets
sold but spectators are welcome.
Saturday Sept 15th - Sunday 16th
MG Spring Classic RCCA Challenge
See details this issue
* Saturday Sept 15th
Fish and Chip Run to
Bulli
Meet at Car Park
Heathcote Station, 10am
for 10.30am start.Drive through Royal
National Park, across Seacliff Bridge to Bulli
for lunch by the sea.
Contact Roger Copp 0417 194 707
December
3rd
General Meeting *
9th
RCCA Xmas Party
Details to be confirmed
15th
NKC8 – Hampton, dirt HDCC
Peter Batt 0400 282 911
January 2013
General Meeting *
3dr
25-27th 49th Jugiong Interstate Challenge
Jugiong Park
th
26
NRMA Motorfest, Sydney CBD
Notes:
* = Jack Mullins Trophy Pointscore Event
NMC = NSW Motorkhana Championship
NKC = NSW Khanacross Series
CRC = Classic Rally Club
(www.classicrallyclub.com.au)
Page 3
JASON’S COMMENTS
Welcome everyone to another edition of The Hub.
The AFCD has just finished and what an amazing day it
was. The largest gathering of Renaults that we have seen in
a long time with 60 vehicles on display and I have just read
an article on dailymotor.com.au where they came out and
covered the event. From old to new we had it covered, with
a big showing of R8s and 8 Gordinis that are having a 50th
birthday to the new Megane 265 that isn't even on the
showroom floors. All the vehicles looked spectacular and
Sydney winter weather was at its best. A day like that takes
some organisation so thank-you to the judges that gave up
their time on the day and for taking Josh under your wings.
He really enjoyed judging with you. Also thank-you to
those that helped set up for the day, ran the tent, organised
trophies and to Kevin for presenting. A very successful day.
The sad news I heard on the day was
that Mark Taylor lost 13 cars to a
fire in his shed, one of which he was
all ready to bring to AFCD and he
still did. The Renault 4
"Fourgonette" showed the extent of
the damage that the shed suffered
and Mark, if you need a hand in any
way, the RCCA can organise a day
to come out and help clean up. It
also had me thinking about a
restoration project for the R4.
Recently Sonja and Ernst organised a rerun to Fitzroy Falls and with the weather playing ball
this time. It was an enjoyable drive with a great turnout. Bec and I took out the sign post
chase. What a great navigator I have! I'll have to put her to the test in Targa, methinks!
There are a few more social events lined up before the silly season so keep the dates in your
calendar free – Shannon's Eastern Creek Classic is next month, then Ernst has something
special lined up for us with the MG Spring Classic in September. Details are in The Hub and
they sound exciting! (I would think that Shannons Eastern Creek Classic will have to be
renamed to something else, now that Eastern Creek is now called Sydney Motor Sport Park,
or similar.)
To get updates on what has happened or is happening, please come along to the next meeting
(yes I'll bring the tea and coffee and a cake) and say hi.
Stay safe
Jason
Page 4
RENAULT CAR CLUB OF AUSTRALIA INC.
NOTICE
2012 Annual General Meeting
The RCCA will hold its AGM at the Veteran Car Club Hall, 134 Queens
Road, Five Dock on Monday 3RD September 2012 immediately
following the monthly general meeting.
Agenda:Reading of the minutes of the previous AGM
Business arising
President’s report
Presentation of Financial Results for 2011/12
Election of Office bearers for the following year
Voting on any motion/s to amend the Constitution
General business
Refreshments available prior to the AGM.
Page 5
BOB’S PAGE
When putting together The Hub I feel sometimes I’m in
catch up mode. Something always seems to happen just after
the magazine is sent to the printers. So reporting it two
months later doesn’t make sense. However, Brett Raymont
reports on a car display he attended early in the year which
sounds great and supports a good cause.
Renault has been advertising on TV as well as in other
media with their ‘Renault Made For You’ campaign. The
advertising features various cars in the range. And Renault
reports that sales are improving with last May sales of 420
vehicles being the best month’s result in a decade. Yes a
decade. Renault’s promotion of attractive finance and 5-year
warranty obviously strikes a note with new car buyers. I
read an advertisement for a new Korean car the other day
and they were blabbing on about their car having this and
that fitted and I thought, but Renaults have that already. The advertisement was obviously
pitched at a market that would get excited if they were told that their cars come with rubber
pneumatic tyres as standard, across the range.
Renault Australia also reports strong sales of their light commercial range of vehicles as the
new Kangoo, Master and Trafic models roll out. But bigger news is the imminent release of
the even more powerful version of the Mégane R.S. Coupé, the 265hp model which last year
lapped the Nürburgring faster than any previous front-wheel drive car and many other highly
respected sports cars. Australia will be getting the Trophy variant with additional features.
This will surely establish the R.S. brand as the benchmark for enthusiasts.
This year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Renault promoted the 110 years of engine
expertise. Yes, in 1902 Renault started using their own engines and displayed the Type K
racing car driven by Marcel Renault that won the 1300km Paris to Vienna race. Other
significant cars from the historic collection were shown along with the camouflaged Clio IV
prior to formal presentation at the Paris salon.
Closer to home, Kevin Byron visited Singapore recently for an electrifying experience and
reports on the Fluence ZE now on sale there. Many of us when we travel can’t help but do a
bit of “Renault Spotting”. Kevin is no exception and provides some up-to-date pictures of
the Renault range available in the island state.
I assisted as service crew for Jo and Andrew Fifield on a recent daylight rally run in the
Forbes area. The recent rain had the organisers re-arranging the route the Friday night before
the Saturday morning start. There was snow on the way up Forbes and the Saturday was
coolly pleasant in the sun out of the wind. The car did finish but the trusty rotary engine was
quite a bit the worst for wear. (Andrew later described it as an air compressor!) If you’re in
the Forbes area stop by the car museum where there are 60 cars of all eras. Great to see.
I have included a number of stories to keep you up to date on what the club has been doing
so please enjoy you your Hub. Bob
Page 6
‘CHEESE, CHOCOLATE OR FONDUE’ – THE SOC SEC REPORT
14 July, Bastille Day, and the All French Car Day will
be over by the time you read this. If you were there you
would have seen a great display of R8s and a lonely
A110 celebrating 50 years of the R8 and also the A110
(which is based on the R8). 1962 also saw the first
performance of the Rolling Stones (on 12 July in
London). So R8s are in good company and, if they keep
on performing the same way as a certain Mick Jagger,
then they will be there for many more years to come.
On the theme of R8, I have come across (thanks to the
Alpine community) the Hino Contessa. Hino (now part
of Toyota and building trucks) started assembling CKD
Renault 4CVs back in 1953, and at the end of the
1950s, its own 900cc sedan. The Contessa was built in
1967 and is supposedly based on the R8 and developed with the help of Renault. To finish
off the 50th theme, 1962 was also the year the MGB and the Lotus Elan were launched.
Back to 2012, and the run to Fitzroy Falls in June. This time the weather Gods were smiling
on us with plenty of sunshine. 12 Renault
crews braved the cool weather and set out to
tackle the route and the many questions
deviously put together by Sonja and myself.
We did not lose anybody and after some
confusion and trips around the Fitzroy Falls
car park settled down in one of the shelters to
a coolish picnic lunch. Thank you all for the
great turn out.
August will be a busy month for us as we will
be heading to Adelaide on the 19 August for Classic Adelaide. The A110 has a new
accelerator cable, which was tested at the end of June with a supersprint at Wakefield Park.
Andrew Collier in the R5T, Sonja in the Cappuccino and myself in the A110 had great fun
racing around Wakefield. A good shakedown event for both the R5T and the A110. August
is also the month of the Shannons display day (19 August) and I am sure there will be plenty
of cars to look at.
We have received invitations to two events in October. On the weekend of 19-21 October,
West Wyalong is putting on ‘Paris in the West’ with garden shows, a French Banquet
Dinner, including “the Moulin Rouge” dancing girls, French Breakfast and car display.
Alastair is thinking about participating (in the car display not the dancing girls, I think), so if
you are interested in joining him, get in contact with him to organise a RCCA Tour de
Wyalong. Following this, we have the Highlands Motorfest on Sunday 28 October at
Chevalier College, Burradoo. There will be cakes and sweets, a wood-chopping competition
and car displays with trophies and prizes, including best tractor…. Anybody interested in
organising a drive and joint display?
So there is plenty of opportunity to run your Renault . Enough for now, see you out there on
one of our events.
Ernst
Page 7
SPORTING REPORT
Hi everyone,
Since last report I have had a go in a couple of super
sprints at Wakefield with varying degrees of success.
I was joined by Ted in the Megane at the Thornleigh
CC event and Team Luthi in A110 and Cappuccino
at the most recent outing. The R5 decided to develop
an occasional miss, followed by complete electric
failure! This happened on three consecutive runs
which required a tow back the pits each time. The
organizers politely asked me to put the beast back on
the trailer as I was causing too much of a delay. Fair
enough I thought. So back to the workshop it goes
(spends more time there than at home!)
The NSW Motorkhana Championship continues with
Round 3, which was rained out at Awaba, has now been moved to the 23rd September.
The Volkswagen Car Club recently indicated to me that they are unable to run September’s
Round 6 of the Championship. This was to be on the 9th September. I am currently checking
with the RCCA executive to see if we can run this event. It will be the last chance for NSW
competitors heading North to QLD for the Nationals on October 13th & 14th to practice on
tarmac. This should ensure a decent field. Plenty of your help will be required if we go ahead
with it.
Round 5 of the NSW Khanacross Series will also
be up at Awaba on Sunday 5th August. WAC will
be running this event. The Khanacross events at
this venue are very popular and usually fill to
their capacity of 70 starters. It is therefore
advisable to enter in advance of the day to avoid
disappointment.
I have decided to avail my services as a YouTube
tragic to this column. In the future I shall attempt
to give you some interesting videos to check out.
They will always be car based, not always
Renault, spectacular nonetheless! First cab off the
rank is a YouTube video titled Madman. This is
British Hillclimb Champion Simon McKinley
(year unknown) driving a Mk2 Escort to within
an inch of its life…enjoy!
Remember, for any information regarding Khanacross or Motorkhana events, go to the
website: www.motorkhana.com
STOP PRESS
See you out there!
RCCA is unable to run the 9th September
event due to other commitments.
Andrew
Page 8
BRETT’S A WINNER
Club member, and owner of the awesome R8G, Brett
Raymont took his car to the annual Oakville Fire
Brigade Classic Car show family day at Pitt Town last
April.
Brett reported the display attracted about 200 vehicles
and quite a few car clubs. Unfortunately, the event was
unknown to the RCCA and Brett was the sole Club
representative there. It was a great day and they are
always looking for more cars to display.
The cost to get in and display the car was $10 which
included sausage sandwich and drink. The event was
well organised and a great day out. There were 9
trophies on offer and Brett won one. Congratulations
Brett!
WELCOME TO R.C.C.A.
We would like to welcome the following New Members and wish them a happy association
with our Club.
Toni Stevenson, Balgowlah – Mike’s wife
Nick & Alice Bower, Wentworth Falls – HX Holden 1977
Thomas Gale, Claremont Meadows – EH Holden 1964
John, Raelene and daughter Chloe Gale, Springwood – Ford Falcon 1963, Beige
Paul Tomlinson, O’Connell (via Bathurst)
Aaron McNamara and daughter Kaitlin, Frenchs Forest (Amanda Emmelkamp’s partner and
daughter)
Page 9
CLUB MATTERS
Memberships
It is time to renew.
Membership forms are always at the back of
the magazine. You can download a form
from the Club website (www.rcca.org.au) or
email (enquiries@rcca.org.au) to request a
copy to be sent to you. Memberships can also
be paid at Club meetings.
The form MUST be returned either by post to
the Club PO box or scanned and emailed (as
above). Payment can be included with the
form or made by direct deposit (details on the
form).
IMPORTANT: If you have a car on the
CRS scheme your membership must be
current for your registration and insurance
to be valid.
24
22
20
18
16
16
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Club Merchandise and Clothing
The following are some of the items we
have for sale:
Renault Sport and Club polo shirts$15ea
Renault Sport Cap
$6 ea
Renault pens
$5ea
RCCA stubby holders
(brushed aluminium)
$12ea
Numberplate Covers
$15ea
Key-rings in various styles
$7ea
RCCA Car stickers
$5/$2ea
RCCA Diamond badge
$2 ea
First Jugiong DVD
$10ea
60th Anniversary Slide Show CD $10ea
60th Ann. Scotch/Wine glasses $10ea
Renault History Book
$25ea
NEW ITEMS COMING
Jack Mullins Trophy
Alastair Browne
Fran Fifield; Bob Sprague
Pointscore
Jason Emmelkamp
as at 31 July 2012
Warwick Butt
Andrew Collier
Jaap Emmelkamp
Ian Walker
Sonja Luthi
Ernst Luthi; Dom Robert
Kevin Byron
Stewart Barnet
Belinda Collier; Roger Copp; Frank Wicks; Gavin Wulff
Clive Atkinson; Julian Atkinson; Claire Emmelkamp
Brett Raymont; May Raymont; Ian White
Bob Billiards; Ron Britt; Phil East; Ben Emmelkamp (Snr)
Joshua Emmelkamp; Marg Emmelkamp; Steve Kozac; Julie Low; Murray Low; Phoebe
Low; Denis Ryan; Neil Walker
Dianne East; Uwe Huempel; Mark Taylor; James White
John Brigden; David Collier; Gregor Dickinson; Rebekah Emmelkamp; Trevor Farroll;
Robert Gibson; Bradley Low; Jeremy Low; Ted Merewether; Mike Stevenson; Rick Watkins
Ian Evans; Allana Flynn-O'Neile; Wayne Griffiths; Paul Hussey
Bill Betts; Alex Bratovic; Danielle Byron; Roz Byron; Bruce Collier; Corinne East; Amanda
Emmelkamp; Andre Grandjean; Joadie Grandjean; Leon Grandjean; Rene Grandjean;
Paul Grimshaw; Chris Hartwell; Martin Heumpel; Aaron McNamara; Kaitlin McNamara,
John Woods
Donna Collier; Lara Evans; Rebecca Evans; David Mulligan; Mullins Mary; Abby Raymont;
Bailey Raymont; Tyler Raymont; Phil Rogan; Alan Skofic; Vic Watkins
Page 10
www.classicrallyclub.com.au
www.mgcarclubsydney.com.au
Page 11
SUPERSPRINTING AT ITS BEST - SONJA LUTHI
On a coolish, wet Friday evening in June, (the 29th to be precise), Ernst and I travelled to
Mittagong to spend an early, quiet night at the Mittagong Motel. It was a quiet night, but not
an early one, as Andrew and Belinda Collier arrived later and we all had a drink together.
And when I say later, I mean later. Andrew was still at David’s workshop, when we picked
up the Alpine shortly after 5 to start our journey south.
Anyhow, Saturday morning saw us up bright and early leaving Mittagong at 6am for
breakfast at Marulan and arriving at Wakefield Park at around 7.30am. It was already busy
with cars queuing for scrutineering.
The plan was to participate in the Combined Sports Car Association’s supersprint organised
by the Austin Healy Owners Club.
We unloaded the cars, changed wheels on the Alpine, put numbers on the Alpine and the
Cappuccino and the R5T and generally got ready for paperwork and scrutineering. And we
even had garages, courtesy of Steve Perry from the MG Car Club and some friendly Sprite
drivers.
It was a sunny day, but bitterly cold with the wind just going through you.
Shortly after the drivers’ briefing and the familiarisation run for some drivers new to the
track, proceedings went under way. It was a very smoothly run day and soon, Andrew was
on his way. For a little while anyway. He was towed from the track with some cutting out
issue or another.
Ernst enjoyed the first session, despite an excursion off the black stuff, while the writer was
driving like her own grandmother (probably worse).
After a cup of tea (we learnt from last time and had our own kettle, cups and tea), we were
ready for the second session. Andrew was hopeful he would make it through the whole
Page 12
session, but…., it was not meant to be. Ernst was posting improved times, while the writer
had her own excursion into the gravel, after taking turn 2 just a bit too fast.
After all these adventures sustenance was required before hitting the track for the third
session. Let’s make it short; the R5T failed to proceed again after a couple of laps, while I
finally got the hang of the track again and posted some more acceptable times.
By that time, it was half way through the afternoon with cold and black clouds forming on
the horizon. While Ernst waited for his last session, Andrew was packing up and leaving for
Mittagong. I packed up our stuff and by the time Ernst had finished his session, all we
needed to do was load the Alpine onto the trailer and then head home.
It was a great day, smoothly run with great machinery to see and hear perform. A perfect
opportunity to shake down cars for bigger events in a safe environment.
Unfortunately, the next couple of supersprints run by CSCA have been cancelled due to the
South Circuit not being ready at Eastern Creek (and I know it has a different name now, but
you know what I am talking about).
Should you have the need for speed, let me know and I can forward you the details for the
CSCA supersprints for you to come along and have fun.
Page 13
RENAULT FLUENCE ZE IN SINGAPORE - KEVIN BYRON
The Fluence and Kangoo ZE range were launched in Singapore last month and I got the
chance to take a closer look recently. Renault sell around 500-600 cars per year in Singapore
and are hoping the ZE range will appeal given the relatively short distances Singaporeans are
able to travel within the island state.
Renault Singapore has sold
around 20 units in that last
month – mostly Kangoos to the
Singapore SGO that runs the
power supply for the island.
They have sold all their initial
allocation of Kangoos and had
two Fluence ZEs at the dealer
plus at least another on long
term loan to the English
language daily Newspaper – The
Straits Times.
The cars have a stated range of
120-130km and a maximum of 185km, and have to be recharged from a special station
designed for them by BOSCH. The buyer has to pay for this separately from the car at
around SGD4000 (at the time of writing, 1SGD=1.26AUD). Also, because this has to be
installed at the owners’ home, they have to be able to do so. Around 85% of Singaporeans
live in high rise apartments subsidized and built by the Government called HDB (Housing
Development Board) flats. They cannot install these charging stations at HDB units, so that
means only 15% of the population would be able to buy this car anyhow. There is no swap
and go scheme as is being proposed in Oz. The blue and yellow number plate, which you
may be able to see in some photos signifies an electric vehicle.
The next “gulp” moment is the price and conditions. These EVs are on trial by the
government and as such are subsided by the government and do not require a COE
(Certificate of Entitlement) required to otherwise buy a new car in Singapore. This COE can
often run to many tens of thousands of dollars and can make the cost of a Toyota Corolla
something like AUD$110,000-120,000. The Fluence is then a “Steal” at a mere
SGD$90,000. The car is purchased on a 6yr lifespan “contract” and must be scrapped for
ZERO value at the end of the 6yr period. Oh, and you can’t sell it for the six years!
Page 14
Externally, it looks like most Fluence models except when you notice the “petrol flap” just
behind the front wheel. Then you walk around the other side and see another – left hand or
right hand “fill”!
There are side skirts below the doors and a few stickers pronouncing Zero Emissions but I’m
not sure if the stickers are a dealer option or advertising of the new model and can be deleted
on customer cars. The dealer blurbs state it costs around SGD6 per charge and that this
equates to 4c per kilometre running costs. Of course there are no oil changes; parts are
minimal; and hardly any maintenance is required.
It is an all-new driving experience
with no gear changes required and
maximum torque available across the
range. There is a 5-year warranty on
the batteries (which are modular and
can be changed as such) rather than
the whole battery as one.
The Dealer brochure shows the ZE
range as being the Kangoo, Fluence,
ZOE, and Twizy. So they were
obviously expecting to carry the full
range. Alas, the Twizy seems to be a
no-show as they are having troubles getting the vehicle approved through the relevant
authorities.
Some Fluence specs:
Engine
Maximum Output
Maximum Torque
Gearbox
0-100km/h
Top Speed
Traction Battery
Nominal Voltage
Number of Modules
Number of Cells
Available Energy
Rated Capacity
Weight
Synchronous AC Motor
70kW (95 bhp) @ 3000rpm
226Nm
Reducer
13 seconds
135km/h
Lithium Ion
398V (just to keep the Renault techs on their toes!)
48
192
22kWh
65Ah
280kg
Weight of Vehicle (unladen) 1605kg
Gross weight
2023kg
The car comes with an impressive list of
features including ESP; ABS; EBD and
EBA; cruise control; 3yr/100000km factory
warranty; 3yr free roadside assistance and,
as stated, the 5yr/100000km battery
warranty.
Page 15
ALPINE A110—50 CONCEPT
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alpine Renault A110 Berlinette, Renault has created a
new concept car and named Renault Alpine A 110-50. The car was driven at the Monaco
Grand Prix at the weekend.
The car sits on the same platform as the Mégane Trophy race car and its tubular chassis has
been stiffened and developed in several ways. The roll cage and bracing in the engine bay
have been modified in the workshop of Tork Engineering to adapt them to the vehicle’s
height, which is lower than that of Mégane Trophy. To facilitate servicing, the concept car
features integral pneumatic jacks. Derived directly from the systems seen in endurance
racing, they allow the wheels to be changed extremely quickly.
At the front, a splitter hidden in the bumper generates low pressure, which results in
significant aerodynamic down-force. At the rear, a diffuser accelerates airflow beneath the
floor. Ground effect therefore accounts for more than one third of the car’s down-force, with
the rest coming from an adjustable rear wing.
Page 16
Specfications
Chassis: Tubular steel chassis with semi-load bearing engine and gearbox
Suspension: Double wishbones, adjustable two-way Sachs damper/spring assemblies, front
anti-roll bar
Front brakes: Ventilated steel discs with six-piston AP Racing calipers
Rear brakes: Steel discs with four-piston AP Racing calipers
Engine: longitudinally mid-mounted twin-turbo
Nissan’s VQ V6 engine of 295kW at 7200rpm and
422Nm at 6200rpm as used the Renault Megane
Trophy racecar and similar to that used in the
‘Godzilla’ Nissan GT-R. Air for the engine is drawn
through a roof-mounted air inlet, which Renault says
broadens the engine’s power band.
Gearbox: A twin-clutch semi-automatic six-speed
gearbox operated either with the clutch pedal or
steering wheel paddles. The car is rear wheel drive.
The 21-inch wheels are held by a single nut in the racecar style, while the body is fashioned from carbonfibre, painted in Alpine Blue – a homage to the original 1962 Alpine.
No ABS and ESC fitted.
The whole car weighs just 880kg.
Source: http://www.vehicledynamicsinternational.com/news.php?NewsID=39794
Pics http://www.caradvice.com.au/174424/renault-alpine-a110-50-celebrates-50-years-of-a-legend/
Page 17
DOM’S DAY IN PARIS
I was recently travelling overseas for work and I
found myself in the UK on a weekend. So on the
Saturday I had lunch with an old friend and his
family and on Sunday I jumped on a train and
went to Paris .... It was rude not to :-)
So one and a half hours later I find myself in
beautiful Paris. I had about a 6 hour window to
see all the things I wanted. So off I went to the
Champs-Élysées ....straight to L'Atelier Renault
.... Along the way I see my first electric Twizy
race past me. It’s small but very quick and lots of
people are wondering what It is.
Inside L'Atelier Renault everything was
ZE (zero emissions) ... Every version of
the Twizy you could imagine and the
new concept Renault Frendzy. It was
great to be amongst some of the first to
see it. I had one of the sales people give
me a low down on the car and then had
a sit and play with it. It's surprisingly
roomy and feels like it would be a heap
of fun to drive. Getting in the back was
a little more difficult but I managed to
do it.
I don't know how it would go here... But
it certainly makes sense in Europe and places like Paris!
Page 18
ALL FRENCH CAR DAY 2012 - THE RENAULTS
“Would you like something for free?” asked Ron. Well, here’s a business card. Having
established contact, Ron Britt then attacked the customer’s wallet. And very successfully.
Ron, a past president and recent “new” member, was very keen to be involved in the AFCD
but isn’t as sprightly as he used to be. So it was suggested that collecting money might be
right up his alley. Ron, ably assisted by wife Denise, ran the club shop for the day. And what
a great effort they put in with our best sales figures for any AFCD.
AFCD 2012 was a huge success in every way. About 60 Renaults from the 50s to the latest
were displayed. The roll up was just fantastic. We are just amazed at what Renaults are
hidden in the garages of Sydney. AFCD attracts some rare and lovely cars that aren’t
involved in the club but take advantage of the “come and join us” attitude that prevails at
AFCD.
This year was also the 50th anniversary of both
the R8 and Alpine A110. Special banners were
made to commemorate these vehicles and Roger
Copp organised Australian Classic Car magazine
to send a photographer to record the event.
Dom Robert organised Sydney City Renault to
display a range of new Renault cars with two
stunning yellow Renaults - a RS Megane 250
beside a RS Clio 200. All I can say is WOW!!!
But, the RS Megane 265 as well - WOW!!!
WOW!!! WOW!!!
And then to highlight Renault’s ability to build
cars that take brilliance to the next level, a RenaultSport Clio V6 Mk1 arrives and parks next
to a V6 Mk2. Another WOW! That’s how the day continued.
You could be forgiven for thinking that certain cars always appear in the winners circle at
AFCD. Well, yes, you’d be right. But also remember that each year the RCCA judges are
different and they get to see all the cars and so the winning cars are a credit to their owners.
One standout car is John Brigden’s Dauphine Gordini. John restored it 20years ago as he
proudly states. Well he seems to have done a reasonable job. As well as the RCCA judges
saying he had one of the best
Renaults on display, the
independent judging panel
from the Council of Motoring
Clubs, who inspect and rank
the best cars from the
marques displayed, awarded
him 2nd Best French Car.
John admits the Best French
Car, a rare Facel Vega, was a
stunning car that always was
going to be the “best”.
Page 19
Above: The RCCA Headquarters and Shop
Left: Presidents in Arms
Barry
(ROCC) & Jason Emmelkamp (RCCA)
Page McAdie
20
Page 21
Still, it has to be said, RCCA members consistently present cars at each AFCD that are a cut
above the rival marques and always feature high in the final rankings.
AFCD 2012 was also a great social day out with most people enjoying the perfect weather.
To top the day off, the event organisers, Peugeot, commented on the Renault display. So,
well done to all those who made the day work so well whether as equipment transporters,
judges, sellers, members and visitors. And I should not forget the pooches in the “Gordini”
coats ably assisted by their walkers.
The Judges were Mike Stevenson, Frank Wicks, Josh Emmelkamp, Bob Durand (Adelaide).
Kevin Byron scribed and stood in when a judge’s car was judged.
Overall results
Best Renault
Runner Up
John Brigden
Steve Kozak
Dauphine Gordini
R8 Gordini R1135
Best 50's Renault
Best 60's Renault
Best 70's Renault
Best 80's Renault
Best 2000's Renault
RenaultSport
Gordini
Alpine
Bill Betts
Roger Copp
Barry & Gail Synot
Bob Sprague
Maire-Harriet Lienhart
Jeita Hartwell
Bob Billiards
Ernst Luthi
4CV
Floride
R12 wagon
R5TS
Laguna
R26 Megane
R8 Gordini R1134
A110
Furthest Travelled
Judges Award
Sonja & Ernst
Best Alpine
David McDonaugh - Renault Latitude from Adelaide
Jason Emmelkamp - Best original unrestored, unmodified Renault R8,
R8 Gordini or Alpine
Steve Kozak & John Brigden
Outright Winners
Photos - Dom Robert
Page 22
RENAULT CLASSIC
112 YEARS OF HISTORY ON WHEELS
The Renault collection, conserved by Renault Classic, consists of over 700 vehicles retracing
the history of the company back to its creation in 1898. From old to new models and massproduced vehicles to racing cars, the collection includes automobiles that have marked
generations of motoring enthusiasts, such as the Marne Taxis, NN, Juvaquatre, 4CV, Floride,
Estafette, Renault 5 Turbo and Renault 4.
The collection is conserved in a
12,000m2 warehouse at the Flins
plant near Paris, as is the technical
unit charged with maintaining and
preparing the vehicles. “Our
team’s greatest strength is
versatility – it can do bodywork,
mechanics, paint, and work on
cars with all types of engines and
from all periods,” says Hugues
Portron, head of Renault Classic.
The heritage and know-how kept
alive by Renault Classic also serve
to keep automotive memory alive.
The collection also features a number of curiosities, including concept cars from all periods,
a Metro carriage fitted with tyres, two open-platform buses, two locomotives, a panoramic
train, and an FT-17 tank from the First World War. These treasures express the
inventiveness and expertise displayed by
Renault over the last 112 years.
Renault Classic also keeps extensive
archives, with 1.5km of shelf space, more
than 3,000 miniatures and toys, 1,900
posters and some 260 scale 1:5 models.
Despite its venerable age, the prestigious
Renault Classic collection regularly goes
out to meet the public at big events.
Roughly 70% of the vehicles in the
collection are road-worthy or presentation-worthy and displayed at exhibitions, shows,
vintage races, and documentaries and reports. The public can get a look at these Renault
heritage objects at events including the World Series by Renault races, the Le Mans Classic,
Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Paris Motor Show. In all, some 5.3 million people
enjoyed a close-up view of Renault collection vehicles at the 170 operations organized in
2010.
Renault Classic organizes events year long to show the public the wonders of Renault’s
heritage and take them on a journey through the eventful history of the brand.
Source: http://www.renault.com/en/passionsport/les-vehicules-historiques/pages/renault-classic.aspx
Page 23
FITZROY FALLS TREASURE HUNT - ALASTAIR BROWNE
Brrrrr! Brrrr! Talk about brass monkey weather. It felt like it was freezing cold as we met at
Pheasants Nest servo for the rerun of the Fitzroy Falls Observation Run. Most were inclined
to have a warm cuppa and heart starter before we took off, having been given our
instructions by Sonja and Ernst. When Roger and Christine arrived with the hood down, it
made me feel even colder.
So off we went with quite a few
Renaults driving in line before some
got separated. We were soon away
from the main road, through winding
lanes, sharp ascents and descents
and, best of all, some magnificent
scenery. The views, if you dared
look, were spectacular. There’s
nothing better than driving along
some of these smaller roads and we
were lucky to encounter very little
traffic coming in the opposite
direction.
Some of us were pedaling rather hard and
managed to miss some of the instructions
but we all ended up at Fitzroy Falls
eventually. Parking was a little difficult
which meant we were spread all over the
place but we did get a shelter to ourselves. It
was even colder than at the start of the run.
Some chose to buy their food there and had
to wait ages as the only short order chef, a
pimply teenager, was rushed off his feet
with the number of orders.
Continued next page
Ben & Bob talk Renault
The Raymont-mobile
The Britts brave the cold
Page 24
Anyway, a good time was had by all and the Falls were spectacular due to the amount of rain
that had fallen in recent times. Those attending were:
Ernst & Sonja Luthi
Roger & Christine Copp
Andrew & Belinda Collier
Ben Emmelkamp
Robert & Jenny Gibson
Jason, Rebekah & Claire Emmelkamp
Brett & May Raymont
Ian & Karen Walker
Mike & Toni Stevenson
Murray, Julie, Brad, Phoebe & Jeremy Low
Bob Billiards
Ron & Denise Britt
Alastair & Micki Browne
VW Toureg
AH Sprite
RenaultSport Clio
Peugeot
Scenic
Clio Sport
R8G
R10S
R10
RenaultSport Megane
R8G
Pulsar
Fuego
Many thanks go to Sonja and Ernst for organizing such a great run which was most
enjoyable in spite of the cold.
Unit 2, 65 Macquarie
Rd
Springwood NSW 2777
Phone: (02) 4751 6620
Classic Car Repairs
Bodywork, Paint and
Mechanical Repairs
Private and Insurance Work
For all makes & models
Nat Stillone
288 Victoria Rd
Cnr Gerald St
Gladesville NSW 2111
Ph: 9817 3233
Fax: 9817 4890
Email: natstillone@hotmail.com
REGO CHECKS
WHEEL ALIGNMENTS
SERVICING
ALL MAKES & MODELS
Page 25
RENAULT NEWS - CLIO IV REVEALED
The new Clio IV was previewed at Goodwood last month and will officially be presented at
the Paris Motor Show this year.
Since the launch of the original model in 1990, some 11.5 million Clios have been sold in
more than 115 countries. The new Clio is the first production model designed by Laurens
van den Acker, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Design. The front-end design features a
prominent Renault logo first seen on the DeZir concept car. This frontal treatment is further
emphasised by the headlights and LED daytime running lights. The new Clio has a sporty
silhouette and will only be offered in five-door form. The integrated rear door handles are
concealed close to the rear quarter lights. The car will sit lower and have a wider stance. It
will be offered in a choice of eight body colours, including the launch colour (Flamme Red)
which is derived from the red used for DeZir.
Features and options include:
Reversing camera, keyless entry, Renault R-Sound app, Renault Bass Reflex system,
Six-speed EDC dual clutch automatic transmission,
Renault R-Link, an integrated internet-connected touchscreen tablet.
The two petrol engines (Energy TCe 90 and TCe 120):
The Energy TCe90 is a new three-cylinder turbocharged 899cc petrol engine that features
Stop&Start and delivers the performance of a normally-aspirated 1.4-litre engine. It produces
90hp and 135Nm at 2,000rpm (90 percent of peak torque available from 1,650rpm to
5,000rpm) through the use of an ultralow-inertia turbo. An economy-optimised version with
taller gear ratios and delivers fuel consumption of 4.3 litres/100km with CO2 emissions of
99g/km.
A Dynamic TCe 120 engine mated to six-speed EDC transmission (Efficient Dual Clutch), a
first for Renault. A four-cylinder 1.2-litre engine with the performance of a normallyaspirated 1.6 engine the direct fuel injection and turbocharging gives peak power of 120hp
and 190Nm of torque from 1,750rpm. This engine is currently in the process of being
homologated and will become available in the first half of 2013. It will be among the most
powerful, yet most economical engines in its class.
A new diesel, the Energy dCi 90. This latest addition to the Energy family is a new 90hp
version of the 1.5 dCi, with 220Nm of torque available from 1,750rpm (an increase of 20Nm
over the current dCi 85) and equipped with Stop&Start. An economy-optimised version with
Page 26
taller gear ratios which also qualifies for the Renault eco2 signature with fuel consumption
of just 3.2 litres/100km, equivalent to CO2 emissions 83g/kmc.
An EDC dual clutch transmission will also be available.
Broadest-ever personalisation programme has been devised for the new Clio with a long list
of affordable options. Exterior and interior personalisation was included in the design
process at the very beginning. From launch, buyers will be able to personalise the exterior of
their vehicle with a selection of door mirror housings, grille bars, rear panel skirts, lower
door protectors and wheel finishes, as well as a choice of roof graphics. To personalise the
interior, the menu covers the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel, grab handles, gear
lever surround, air vent surrounds, upholstery materials and optional floor mats. Thanks to
attractively-priced option packs, buyers are able to choose the look and feel they prefer.
A fresh, welcoming interior features the optimally-positioned multimedia system on the
centre console, a wide range of colour options, a digital speedometer, comfortable seats and
chrome and piano-black trim highlights. A major interior feature is Renault R-Link – a
bridge between the car and the connected world outside. Using a wide seven-inch (18cm)
touchscreen, intuitive voice commands and, as a market first, a home page that can be
personalised by the user for safe and simple access to essential functions, without the driver
having to take his or her eyes off the road. The TomTom navigation system includes Live
services. A world first is Bluetooth® radios with the Renault Bass Reflex system. All radios
incorporate USB and jack sockets.
The Clio IV will be manufactured in Flins (France) and Bursa (Turkey).
WHO
CAN HELP YOU
TO AFFORD A NEW
Do you have a Facebook account? If you
do, join the group “Renault Car Club of
Australia” and keep up to date with all
things RCCA & Renault.
RENAULT
LATTITUDE
TODAY?
You need to have an account to see the
group.
We have about 89 people on it so far and
I look at it every day so I know when
people join etc. I also post things that
Renault put up like new
cars etc.
You should join up!
The answer is closer than you think!
Page 27
Page 28
PLACES I’VE BEEN ….. - KEVIN BYRON
Renaults in Singapore
Cars in Singapore are expensive. In order to buy a car you first have to bid for a Certificate
of Entitlement (COE) with the number of certificates deliberately restricted. The COE allows
holders to own a car for a period of 10 years, after which they must scrap or export their car
with financial incentives or bid for another COE at the prevailing rate if they wish to
continue using their car for a further 5 or 10 years. Typical cost for a COE for a small car is
over S$50,000. 2.0l cars are more expensive still. An RS Megane with COE is listed at
S$187,000.
Photos - Kevin Byron
Page 29
THE RESTORATION OF MY R8 - KEVIN BYRON
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the RENAULT R8
Rescued from on top of a Shipping Container in March of 1994, I
commenced a slow restoration, with the intention of taking my time,
and doing as much of the work as I could myself. The car hadn’t run for
at least 8 years, and had spent the last 5yrs out in the open on top of the container waiting to
be turned into a Variety Bash Car. The car is a 1964 model (R1132) with the 1108cc Sierra
engine.
Why a Renault R8? – I used to compete in club events in Datsun 1600’s and at one time had
a full circuit racing sports sedan. An early encounter at an Amaroo Dirt Circuit where the
Collier brothers; Ted Merewether and a few others were competing in various R8’s made me
take notice of the car and I decided I liked the shape of them, particularly the “V” shaped
bonnet and the fake “scoops” on the rear guards. A few years later I owned a hotted up
Renault 10 for around 6 months as a weekend fun car but eventually the desire to go circuit
racing in the sports sedan meant the R10 had to go. A chance encounter with Adam Billiards
(son of club member Bob) in early 1994 had us chatting about R8’s and he gave me the lead
on where to find this little R8 languishing in a business yard in Doonside.
A deal with the previous owner and the R8 was duly delivered by crane and flatbed by the
owner of the crane business who had owned the car and I spent the next 12 months
painstakingly dismantling and tagging all components for storage and gathering information
on suppliers; parts etc (and of course joining the RCCA!).
What started out as a quick repaint and put back together turned into replacing about 1/3 of
the car! Rust had to be cut out, and in some cases new panels fabricated from scratch. The
entire front floorpan (the boot) was in need of replacement, and the C pillars and boot area
needed attention.
I had the body shell grit blasted by Impact Glass Beading in Blacktown, then the car sat on
the special rotisserie for 12 months whilst I sourced a
panel beater to assist with the more major work
required. I eventually despatched it to a panel beater
in Castle Hill who was to do the main rust repairs and
paint the shell in 2pac Enamel. Interestingly, the car
now sports some Gordini DNA. The right inner rear
guard in the engine bay was cut out a rolled Yellow
R8G that Bob Billiards had acquired and welded into
place.
Page 30
Whilst the body shell sat languishing for a couple of years at a panel beaters, I pushed on and
rebuilt the engine with new pistons and sleeves; rings and bearings; head reconditioned, new
gaskets and assembled to workshop manual tolerances.
The shell was eventually cleaned up, sprayed with Etch primer, and undercoated then
sprayed in 2pac Enamel in a colour which closely resembled LeMans Green. This caused me
some angst. The original colour was Cosmic Blue with Tan interior. The decision to change
the colour to green was not taken lightly but I felt the dark green with tan interior would
come up nicely. Club member John Brigden encouraged me to “Paint it the colour you want
it” at just the right moment, so Green it was.
After getting the shell back, I barely had time to
assemble the refurbished suspension and a donor
R10 transaxle assembly to get it to the rolling
shell stage, when I packed it all up for 4 years and
went to live in Singapore in the late 90’s.
June 2000, I dragged it all out of storage, hosed it
off and recommenced where I had left off 4 years
earlier. The next two years saw the Gearbox and
axles being rebuilt by Bruce Collier and mated to
the freshly rebuilt engine (which had sat unused
for the previous 5yrs) and re-installed into the car.
I happened upon a retired panel beater who had become a specialist car restorer and was
happy to come and work Saturdays for cash in late 2002. A Saturday ritual that was to last
the next 12 months or so was established whereby he’d rock up at 06:45 every Saturday with
me having cleared the garage and driveway previously and he and I would toil away until
3pm, whereby he promptly left, and me, as the apprentice would sweep and clean up for the
next hour or so!
I had the hanging panels stripped by Redistrip in Blacktown and we set out getting them
cleaned, rust repaired; primed and ready for painting. Noel the panel beater rarely settles for
second best and we spent a lot of time redoing
the work of the first panel beater as it was
deemed not up to standard. It was during this
time that Noel casually noticed one weekend
that the motor appeared to be on a slight slant.
Closer inspection revealed a previous accident
that had been poorly repaired and a torsion bar
cut and welded to compensate for the out of
square. The motor came out again (I think we
were up to 4 times in and out by that stage) and
intense work started. Not satisfied with what
we could achieve with a portapower in the backyard, we towed the shell to a panel beater in
Penrith where he let us use the full-on chassis jig (Auto Robot) free of charge one Saturday.
The sight of the body shell being stretched and pulled and popping back is unnerving, but
measuring the datum points from the factory manual proved we got it to 1mm tolerance in
the end.
The original plan I had was to spray the shell in Enamel and the hanging panels in acryllic.
Noel suggested that any part of the shell that was visible should be in acryllic too so we
Page 31
sanded it back, re-primed. Any repairs were file
finished and skimmed with the lightest cover of
body filler possible. The deepest filler anywhere
on the car would be 1mm or less.
Even rubbing the back the car took on epic
proportions. The level used was grey undercoat
(Etch primer first if bare metal), black gloss acrylic
as a guide coat, then rubbed back with 1200 grade
wet and dry and soap. Some panels had 1500 grade
wet and dry and soap. All panels had numerous passes with 1200 grade over a number of
weekends.
When it came time to paint, we put 6 coats of colour and four coats of clear. Basically Noel
and I just kept working around the car painting until we either ran out of paint or couldn’t
hold the gun (a top feed gravity gun) anymore. We let it flash off for a few weeks, then
started rubbing it back getting it ready for final cutting. We used cutting compound, cut &
polish, medium cleaner polish, swirl remover, carnauba wax based polish and final
inspection in that order. In some cases we went back to wet and dry and started again if we
weren’t happy. I started reassembly of the doors and the bright-work getting it ready for the
next stage.
The brakes caused a few issues in the meantime. I had purchased a second-hand but rebuilt
master cylinder and installed that but we couldn’t get the brakes bled and working properly.
Turned out to be crud in the master cylinder and a sticking piston in a caliper, probably from
being rebuilt then hanging around too long waiting to be installed.
Onto the mechanicals, it was time to see if the engine would run after the rebuild (which had
now occurred some 8yrs previously). Alex Bratovic had suggested firing up the engine now,
rather than waiting until the car was finished, in case there were any problems and it had to
come out again. A quick spanner check and a jerry can of fuel into the tank and I turned the
key. To my absolute surprise it cranked over quite quickly and as soon as the carbie gulped
some petrol it fired straight up and after a few seconds of smoke settled down to a reasonable
idle. It was still up on axles stands with no wheels but at least it was running. We did a few
dry runs through the gearbox; adjusted the clutch and all looked sweet.
With the Money Well running well and truly dry, I decided to take the final push and
outsource the trimming to Hy-Tone at Riverstone. They had the car for around 5 weeks and
in that time re-trimmed it from top to bottom – new insulation throughout; new roof-lining;
new seat cushions and vinyl; carpet throughout (an R8 Major option when new although
Page 32
most Australian delivered R8’s had rubber mats)
and new door cards (using the old covers which
were re-painted in vinyl paint). I had a new
laminated front screen installed and the original
rear screen with new rubbers I had bought online
(the Internet and eBay had arrived by this time
making life much easier for the car restorer in my
opinion) than when I had first started.
I restored the Steering Wheel, dashboard and
undertray myself and had the actual dashpads
professionally restored. The rear bumper was re-chromed after Noel had panel beated it.
Originally, the front bumper was just polished by myself but has been subsequently rechromed in the “second round” of restoration. Wheels were sandblasted and powder-coated
(against popular advise who claim they should just be painted). So far they have not caused
any issues. Brand new Michelins imported from England were mounted by Bob Jane TMarts
at Mt Druitt and these remain on the car today. They have 95% plus tread but I may have to
think about changing them soon as they are coming up to 10yrs old. Brand new Hubcaps
sourced from France topped provided the finishing touch.
June 22nd 2004 marked the day the car successfully passed
its’ blue slip on the first go with no issues or problems. I
drove it home and parked it in the garage. I resisted the
temptation to rush out and re-register it straight away and
instead waited until Friday 25th June which was my
Birthday (although I am one year older than the car), to get
the plates as I thought that would be a fitting way to
celebrate the end of the restoration and officially begin its
rebirth on the same day.
July 10th 2004 and the car rolls into Silverwater Park for its maiden voyage at the Annual All
French Car Day, and the first time most club members had actually seen the car. It’s only
been around the block a few times and
over to get the Blue Slip since 1994 and
been laid up for more than 10 years prior
to that.
The car takes the club honours as “Best
Renault” in the club judging and goes into
the final judging along with multiple
winner Roger Copp’s 750. Roger is
awarded “Best Renault” and significantly,
Best French Car on the day by the
independent judging. I’m thrilled to win
the club award and satisfied that the car is finally finished.
2005 the car won Best 60’s Renault in club judging with no overall place getters announced
and a Peugeot winning Best French Car overall.
2006 I tried my luck again and it won 2nd Outright in club judging (to Rogers’ car again from
memory) but was awarded 1st Place in the Finals judging making it Best French Car and I
guess NSW champion! It was unexpected but nonetheless satisfying that all that time and
Page 33
effort resulted in such a win.
Over the next few years, I decided to go
back and re-do some things that I
wasn’t happy with and whilst in the
care of a panel beater down in Picton
the car was reversed into by a large
Ford Pickup truck, caving in the rear
end. Much to my eventual disgust, the
car was not written off as I had
expected despite a $9000 repair quote
and despatched to a local panel beater
there instead for repair. The job took ages and
although the metal bashing they did was of a high
standard reusing existing panels, I am not satisfied
with the end result. The paint preparation and final
top coat has issues and I felt Noel and I could have
done better had we got the payout and retained the
wreck. It continues to bug me to this day.
It was 2010 by the time I got the car back and come
July, I entered the All French Car day thinking the
repaired car didn’t stand a chance for outright or club honours but maybe a class trophy
might have been possible. The car goes through to the final judging once again after making
the final two in the club judging and NO ONE is more surprised than me when they
announced it had won Best French Car on the day for the second time, this time up against
Steve Kovacs’ immaculate R8 Gordini.
2011 I decided not to take the R8 and instead
took along the Baby Blue R5 that I had
purchased from Bob Sprague (and have
subsequently sold to club member Mark
Taylor).
Over the last 8 years since it has been back on
the road, the little R8 has hardly skipped a beat
(of its’ own accord) and been on club runs as
far and wide as The Bay to Birdwood in
Adelaide; the RenaultSport and Alpine Expo in
Brisbane (although admittedly it was towed to
both events before being driven over the weekend of festivities); down to Canberra a couple
of times and lots of local club drives and events. I said I would never sell it (although that
was sorely tested when the accident occurred) and I’m looking forward to taking it on a
drive to Young next year at Easter for the 4CV Muster and the gathering of R8’s to celebrate
the 50th Anniversary (of them being released in Australia in 1963).
It has had nothing done to the engine except a new water pump and general servicing. The
calipers have been rebuilt once (and are due again from lack of use and sitting around too
much) but other than that it just gets driven when the right club event comes along (and I
feel like taking the green car over one of the others).
Page 34
THE CRS REPORT
As the Club’s financial year finished on 30th June, members with cars on historic plates are
reminded that they must remain financial members of the RCCA in order for their historic
registration to remain valid, regardless of when the renewal is due.
So please, renew your club membership promptly. i.e. NOW, if you haven’t already done so.
The past few months have been very busy on the Club’s HCRS register. There are nearly 50
club members’ cars on historic plates. Obviously this is a service appreciated by our
members. It is also of interest that a number of these cars are not Renaults and that our
members have a broader interest in the automotive scene but choose Renault as their
common interest.
For those members wanting to put their cars on historic plates the process is simple.
Generally it is better to let the full registration expire, obtain an electronic “pink slip” and
then fill out the necessary papers, get the club registrar to stamp them and go to a registry
and register the car. You
will also have to hand in
the old plates. If you wish
to put the car on historic
plates immediately then
you will need a paper
“pink slip” to prove the
car’s roadworthiness.
This
is
a
club
requirement.
No
arguments about it not
being required. Then
each year you will need to
get a paper “pink slip” at
registration time as historic plates are not recognised by the RTA computer. Once registered,
inform the registrar what plate number you have been issued.
The rules of the HCRS scheme require the registrar be notified if the vehicle is being driven
more than a “reasonable” distance from its garaging area. If in doubt, tell the registrar what
you are doing. That way you are covered. Don’t forget to have your Certificate of Operation
with you. Of course if the drive is in conjunction with a club event then you don’t have to
notify the registrar. Finally, if you sell your car, the HCRS plates are not transferable and
must be hand back to the RMS (aka RTA). Also tell the registrar that you no longer own the
car so the club records can be amended.
Last February a relatively new organisation known as the Australian Confederation of Motor
Clubs Inc. (ACMC), held a conference at Eastern Creek Raceway. The meeting with the
Minister for Roads and Ports and various representatives of the NSW Roads and Maritime
Services (RMS). The ACMC, with which the CMC is affiliated, aims to foster a positive
working relationship between motoring enthusiasts and the RMS. The RMS is responsible
for setting the rules which impact what motoring enthusiasts are able to do to their cars. The
CMC is more concerned about the historic vehicle movement whereas the ACMC embraces
a wider audience which includes groups such as the hot rodders and street rodders. Of
interest is the fact that one of the organisers was Street Machine magazine. This is the
biggest selling auto magazine in Australia with sales of some 88,000 in NSW alone.
Apparently street rodders don’t like the formalities of club life but the conference showed
them that formal organisations can be beneficial to their cause. Whilst many of the issues
discussed may not have much relevance to our cars now, they may in the future and they are
affecting those who wish to modify or build cars now. The 160 plus delegates judged the
meeting a success.
Page 35
19-21 October 2012
Make this a Club weekend outing
Contact Alastair Browne for
arrangements.
Alastair.Browne@bigpond.com
or 9971 8612
Club members have been offered
incentives such as discounted
accommodation, free tickets and fuel
vouchers.
Full details and programme available
on the website or contact Gail re the
incentives.
Contact:
Gail Platz on 6972 2255
www.eventsww.com
HUBAD
For Sale
1984 Fuego GTX
White, 115,000km, very strong engine, good body but
with minor dents, good tyres, rego till 26 Sep 2012,
much recent work, $1500ono.
Contact: Alastair AlastairBrowne@bigpond.com
or 0416 230 446 for further details
For Sale
R12
White
Contact: Gavin gavclassic@people.net
Now Available
“Driving Innovations” The History of Renault by Bob Sprague
New stocks available.
Contact Bob for details.
NEW CLUB MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE AT THE NEXT MEETING
Page 36
RENAULT ENTHUSIASTS IN AUSTRALIA
Clubs
Model Registers
Renault Owners Club of Canberra
PO Box 10 CIVIC SQUARE ACT 2608
www.renaultcanberra.asn.au
President Barry McAdie
(bardot@homemail.com.au)
Renault Fuego Register
Ph: (02) 6231 4178
Leigh McEwan
(mcewanlj@netspeed.com.au)
Renault 4CV Register of Australia
4 The Ridge NARARA NSW 2250
Ph: (02) 4324 2640
www.4cvregisteraustralia.org
Frank Wicks (fwicks2@bigpond.com)
Renault Car Club of Victoria
PO Box 111 HEIDELBERG VIC 3184
www.renaultnet.org
Ph: (03) 9802 3963
Renault Car Club of Australia
PO Box 119 RYDE NSW 2112
www.rcca.org.au
Editor: bsprague@westnet.com.au
Renault 12 Register
LisaMolvig (02) 6254 2040
reno1338@hotmail.com
Renault Car Club of Qld.
PO Box 1215, MT OMMANEY QLD 4074
www.renaultclubqld.com.au
enquiry@renaultclubqld.com.au
Club Automobile Francais (S.A.)
PO Box 330 CAMPBELLTOWN SA 5074
www.clubautofrancais.com/html/home.htm
cafpres@clubautofrancais.com
Renault 16 Register
John Elliott (03) 98906108
elliotjh@optusnet.com.au
Mike Neil (taymike51@gmail.com)
Renault 25 Register
Ph: (02) 6292 2648 h
Luke Drady (luke.drady@act.gov.au)
Renault Clio Sport Register
Mark Hulskamp (mhulskamp@iprimus.com)
French Car Club of Tasmania
PO Box 193 NEW TOWN TAS 7008
Lisa Febey (febey@internode.on.net)
RENAULT NETWORK NSW
Col Crawford Motors
Cnr Cross & Pittwater Road, Brookvale
2100
P: 02 9941 1200 F: 02 9939 9883
Sydney City Renault
301 Botany Rd, Waterloo
P: 02 9398 7666
E: www.sydneycityrenault.com.au
Roger Keft Auto Repairs (Queanbeyan)
8-10 Baylon Rd, Queanbeyan 2620
P: 02 6297 5944
Peter Warren
Hume Highway, Liverpool
P: 02 9828 8888 F: 02 9828 8990
Service Telephone: 02 9828 8059
Parts Telephone: 02 9828 8999
E: Renault@peterwarren.com.au
Brian Hilton Renault
600 Pacific Highway, Gosford 2250
P: 02 4328 2888
Hunter Viking Car Centre
16 Christo Rd, Georgetown 2298
P: 02 4960 1200
Northshore Motors
60 Pacific Highway, Waitara 2077
P: 02 9473 7122 F: 02 9487 5500
Service Telephone 02 9473 7171
Page 37
CMC CALENDAR OF COMING EVENTS 2012
List of some of the events shown on the CMC website
RCCA is affiliated with the CMC.
Club members are welcome to attend all CMC events.
For the full calendar and further details, see the Coming Events page
at: www.councilofmotorclubs.org.au
July 2012
Sat 28th
th
Hunter Region All British Day, Foreshore Park, Newcastle
th
Sat 28 & Sun 29
Macquarie Towns Annual Rally, Hawkesbury Power Boast Club, Windsor
Sun 29th
All Ford Day, Eastern Creek Raceway
August 2012
Thu 2nd - Sun 5th
Volkswagen Spectacular 2012, Valla Park, Northern NSW
Sun 5th
All Holden Day, Hawkesbury Showground
th
Sun 12
Macleay Auto Spectacular, Kempsey Racecourse
Sun 12th
Tongarra Train Fest, Albion Park Rail
th
Sun 19
Council of Motor Clubs Display Day - SECC, Eastern Creek Int. Raceway
Fri 25th - Sat 26th
Shannon’s South Coast Nationals - Car, Bike & Truck Show, Moruya High School
th
Sun 26
All British Day, Kings School Parramatta
September 2012
Sat 1st - Sun 2nd
th
Tue 4
Muscle Car Masters, Eastern Creek
European Tour
Sat 15th & Sun 16th
th
MG Classic, Mooney Mooney, Muswellbrook & Wollombi
Sun 16
Orange Blossom Festival, Bull & Bush Hotel Baulkham Hills
Sun 16th
Burwood Spring Festival, Show & Shine - 10am to 5pm
Sun 16th
Marsden Park RFB Fund Raiser, Car Show & Family Fun Day, Marsden Park Public
School
Sun 30th
Bay to Birdwood, Barratt Reserve, Adelaide Shores
Sun 30th
Motorlife Museum Motoring Expo, Integral Energy Park, Darkes Road, Kembla Grange
October 2012
Sun 14th
Sutho Cops & Rodders Road Safety & Car Show, Boys' Town playing Field, Woronora
Rd, Engadine
Sun 14th
Rover Owners Club Display Day, Fagan Park, Galston
Page 38
F1 2012 NEWS
Renault continues to dominate the
results in Formula 1.
In the Bahrain F1 race, Renaultpowered vehicles filled the first four
positions an also won the subsequent
two races in Spain and Monaco. It
was most pleasing to see Mark
Webber win the Monaco race.
After the most recent race, the
German GP, Weber was penalised
for a gearbox change and started in
8th place. Where he stayed for the
entire race.
Weber maintained his second place
in the Drivers Championship on 120
points behind Alsonso on 154 points,
but ahead of team mate Vettel.
Renault powered cars are 3 of the
top 4 in the Championship.
Red Bull-Renault currently leads the
Constructors Championship.
Mark Weber has signed with Red Bull for
the 2013 season.
2012 F1 CALENDAR
Round
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Race Title
Hungarian Grand Prix
Belgian Grand Prix
Italian Grand Prix
Singapore Grand Prix
Japanese Grand Prix
Korean Grand Prix
Indian Grand Prix
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
United States Grand Prix
Brazil Grand Prix
Location
Hungaroring, Budapest
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Spa
Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza
Marina Bay Street Circuit, Marina Bay
Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka
Korean International Circuit, Yeongam
Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida
Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi
Circuit of the Americas, Austin
Autódromo José Carlos Pace, São Paulo
Page 39
Date
29 July
2 September
9 September
23 September
7 October
14 October
28 October
4 November
18 November
25 November
Page 40
THE HUB
The Magazine of the Renault Car Club of Australia Inc.
Print Post Approved PP 255003/01684
Return postage guaranteed, if unclaimed please return to:
P O Box 119
RYDE NSW 2112
PRINT
POSTAGE
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PAID
PP 255003/01684
AUSTRALIA