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December 2024 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2024_december_newsletter.pdf |
October 2024 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2024_october_vauxhall_newsletter_-pdf.pdf |
August 2024 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2024_august_newsletter_pdf_a.pdf |
June 2024 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2024_vauxhall_register_june_newsletter_pdf.pdf |
April 2024 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2024_vauxhall_april_newsletter_-compressed.pdf |
February 2024 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2024_february_newsletter_pdf.pdf |
December 2023 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2023_december_newsletter_pdf.pdf |
October 2023 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2023_vauxhall_register_october_newsletter_.pdf |
August 2023 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2023_vauxhall_register_august_newsletter_-_pdf.pdf |
June 2023 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2023_june_newsletter_with_14-40_article_-_pdf.pdf |
April 2023 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2023_april_vauxhall_newsletter.pdf |
Feb 2023 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2023_february_vauxhall_newsletter__pdf_-_b.pdf |
Dec 2022 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2022_december_newsletter.pdf |
Memories of Merimbula Rally 2018
OD796 & OD1303 at speed. Turn up the volume!
With thanks to Richard Walton and Dave Stuart
With thanks to Richard Walton and Dave Stuart
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Rebirth of OD 1072.....
OD1072
Evan Quarmby has been in touch again with the latest photos of progress on OD1072 (above & right).
Trial fit of body panels, almost ready for paint now. A very high standard of finish - better than Luton ever achieved! Oct '22 |
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Oct 2022 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2022_october_vauxhall_newsletter_pdf.pdf |
Aug 2022 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2022_august_vauxhall_newsletter_-_pdf.pdf |
Jun 2022 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2022_june_newsletter_-_pdf.pdf |
Veteran and Vintage Vauxhall Rally - Victoria
May 2022
Apr 2022 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2022_april_vauxhall_newsletter_pdf.pdf |
Feb 2022 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2022_february_vauxhall_newsletter_-_pdf.pdf |
Dec 2021 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2021_december_newsletter_pdf.pdf |
Oct 2021 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2021_october_vauxhall_newsletter_pdf.pdf |
Aug 2021 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2021_august_newsletter_pdf.pdf |
June 2021 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2021_june_vauxhall_newsletter_pdf.pdf |
April 2021 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2021_april_newsletter_pdf..pdf |
Febuary 2021 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2021_february_newsletter.pdf |
Period Photos (3)
Dave Stuart has sent Seasons Greetings from NSW, with another great set of period photos. The first 3 show a 23-60 (unknown chassis number) which belonged to the Cureton family in Ashfield, a suburb of Sydney. The last photo is Gillian Bunning, the youngest daughter of Boyd Edkins, with 'The Vauxhall Boys'.
December 2020 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2020_december_newsletter_pdf.pdf |
Period Photos (2)
Here is another great selection of period photos from Australia. They were mostly collected over many years by Richard Walton and Dave Stuart. Today's photos are tomorrow's history!
November 2020
November 2020
October 2020 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2020_october_vauxhall_newsletter.pdf |
Aug 2020 Newsletter
by Dave Stuart
| 2020_august_newsletter_pdf.pdf |
June 2020 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
| 2020_june_a_-_d_vauxhall_newsletter_pdf.pdf |
April 2020 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
| 2020_april_newsletter_pdf.pdf |
February 2020 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
| february_2020_vauxhall_newsletter_pdf_version-compressed.pdf |
December 2019 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
| 2019_december_newsletter_pdf_version.pdf |
November 2019 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
| november_2019_newsletter_pdf.pdf |
September 2019 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
| 2019_september_vauxhall_newsletter.pdf |
August 2019 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
| august_2019_newsletter_no_1.pdf |
Period Photos
With many thanks to Dave Stuart and Richard Walton, here is a wonderful selection of period photos collected over many years.
July 2019
July 2019
May 2019 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
| 2019_may_newsletter_oz.pdf |
March 2019 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
| 2019_feb_mar_newsletter_pdf.pdf |
Period photos
By Dave Kirke & James Meara
I am always fascinated by period photos. They tell the story of our cars' history, their use and modifications over the years. And they are also a wonderful insight into social history, of people and places past. Most of the period Australian photos on the website have been supplied by Dave Stuart, together with Richard 'Sticky' Walton.
However, I recently received a batch of photos from James Meara in Queensland, showing cars in preservation. James previously rescued OD832, and has just passed it on to a new owner to complete the major restoration he began in the mid 1990s.
With thanks to James, please enjoy these photos.
However, I recently received a batch of photos from James Meara in Queensland, showing cars in preservation. James previously rescued OD832, and has just passed it on to a new owner to complete the major restoration he began in the mid 1990s.
With thanks to James, please enjoy these photos.
December 2018 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
OD742 and OD494 at Langford - Walcha
This year’s V.S.C.C.A.’s George Green Memorial Rally was held in Tamworth in the New England district of N.S.W. and attended by Vauxhallians Euan and Wilga Coutts in OD793, Neil Heilbrunn and Rob Merryfull in OD742, Peter and Margaret Ward in OD1107 as well as Mary and I in OD494.
On the run from Port Macquarie to Tamworth we stopped at the historic property Langford in Walcha for lunch. Amazingly this magnificent house was built in 18 months whereas our new house in Raworth which would fit into the ballroom of Langford House seems to be taking an eternity and I fear may surpass the Langford build time.
We were treated to a lovely lunch and then given a tour of the home and surrounding buildings. As usual, more time could have been spent at historic Langford however we had to press on to Tamworth which was another 100 km in above 30 degree heat.
On the Sunday the rally took us to the old mill in Uralla for lunch with the restoration of the building and artefacts on display made it well worth the visit. Following lunch we drove a further hour north through Thunderbolt Country to Armidale to the properties of Lyndon and Des Hardman to view their very large collection of cars and vintage memorabilia. Lyndon advised us that the go ahead has been given by the local council to build a car museum and their whole collection is being generously donated to the museum.
Des Hardman’s 23-60 OD677/OD647
Des’ father purchased OD677 in the 70’s from the Finlayson Brothers who had properties at both Ben Lomond and Guyra N.S.W. They also owned two 30-98’s at the time they sold the 23-60 to Des’ father. The car had been cut down with only the scuttle, bonnet and guards of the original car remaining and the restoration of the running gear was nearly complete when Mr Hardman Snr died. Des finished off the body rebuilding the back half and put the 23-60 back on the road.
Lyndon later told me that when his father went to the Finlayson’s house in Guyra he was shown the well in the back yard were two Buick engines as well as a D Type engine had been discarded. The well had large rocks at the bottom and the engines were probably badly damaged when they hit the bottom of the well. So there, you D Type owners might like to now follow this lead up and report back with an article for the newsletter on your findings...........good luck.
On the Monday the rally commenced the two day return trip to Sydney seeing us drive to Nundle for an inspection and lunch at the Nundle Woollen Mills. A group of the usual suspects were able to sample some cool refreshments at the local hotel.
All the cars with the exception of Wilga and Euan Coutts as well as Mary and I headed off from Nundle to overnight in Gloucester before returning to Sydney on Tuesday.
As our 23-60 is presently living in Orange, Mary and I together with the Coutts headed off from Nundle to overnight in Gunnedah.
Lyndon later told me that when his father went to the Finlayson’s house in Guyra he was shown the well in the back yard were two Buick engines as well as a D Type engine had been discarded. The well had large rocks at the bottom and the engines were probably badly damaged when they hit the bottom of the well. So there, you D Type owners might like to now follow this lead up and report back with an article for the newsletter on your findings...........good luck.
On the Monday the rally commenced the two day return trip to Sydney seeing us drive to Nundle for an inspection and lunch at the Nundle Woollen Mills. A group of the usual suspects were able to sample some cool refreshments at the local hotel.
All the cars with the exception of Wilga and Euan Coutts as well as Mary and I headed off from Nundle to overnight in Gloucester before returning to Sydney on Tuesday.
As our 23-60 is presently living in Orange, Mary and I together with the Coutts headed off from Nundle to overnight in Gunnedah.
Phil Virgona has recently had a win and purchased another 23-60. To justify the new addition to the family Phil advises he has bought the Vauxhall for Tracey. He’s what Phil had to say:
Recenty in N.S.W. another 23-60 has changed hands after 62 years in the same family ownership. The car is OD998/OD1004 and whilst known to the Register, has not been actively used since the 1960’s.
It carries an unusual dashboard plaque, see photograph.
It shows its make, engine number, horsepower and kilogram weight all in French. The origins of this plaque are unknown.
As the photograph shows the car is in a highly original delapidated state.
Much of the original horsehair leather seating upholstery remains whilst in extremely poor condition and an attempt will be made to conserve it. The mechanical condition is at present unknown and expected to require a full restoration.
Tracey and I (OD739) are expecting this new project will occupy most of the coming decade.
I think Phil would be most pleased if the car went back on the road looking very similar in patina to Pat Ryan’s Arundel Saloon OD1283. We wish Phil and Tracey all the best in the coming decade.
The photograph below right came from the photo album of the Vintage Motor Club in Sydney and shows the 23-60 at Warwick Farm. The owner was a regular competitor in the V.M.C. events and the Vauxhall his daily driver.
Recenty in N.S.W. another 23-60 has changed hands after 62 years in the same family ownership. The car is OD998/OD1004 and whilst known to the Register, has not been actively used since the 1960’s.
It carries an unusual dashboard plaque, see photograph.
It shows its make, engine number, horsepower and kilogram weight all in French. The origins of this plaque are unknown.
As the photograph shows the car is in a highly original delapidated state.
Much of the original horsehair leather seating upholstery remains whilst in extremely poor condition and an attempt will be made to conserve it. The mechanical condition is at present unknown and expected to require a full restoration.
Tracey and I (OD739) are expecting this new project will occupy most of the coming decade.
I think Phil would be most pleased if the car went back on the road looking very similar in patina to Pat Ryan’s Arundel Saloon OD1283. We wish Phil and Tracey all the best in the coming decade.
The photograph below right came from the photo album of the Vintage Motor Club in Sydney and shows the 23-60 at Warwick Farm. The owner was a regular competitor in the V.M.C. events and the Vauxhall his daily driver.
OD998/OD1004 (2018)
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Terry Parker with OE53
To Adelaide with OE 53
Recently Richard and Emi Walton in their 30-98 OE53 as well as Neil Heilbrunn and Rob Merryfull in Neil’s A11.487 went over to South Australia and participated in the Bay to Birdwood Rally. Below is Sticky’s report on their adventure:
OE 53 spent 58 years in Adelaide with 5 separate owners, so I took the opportunity to return and compete in the Bay to Birdwood Rally. Emi and I left Sydney and stayed in Bendigo at the Shamrock (of course) and then at Mt Gambier (of OE 297 Blue Lake fame)and on to Glenelgthe next day.The Birdwood Run of some 900 cars and bikes including Neil Heilbrunn and Rob in 1911 A11.487 and Andrew Hayes in 1913 Prince Henry.While in Adelaide we caught up with Ral Rainsford,Terry Parker E305 who made a new leather for OE 53 air pump,Peter Mussared and Gunther A12.640 and Dave Evans M1028 (ex Bob Walton 14/40)We stayed 3 days in Hahndorf (Hans Heysen country)visiting The Barossa and Fleurieu Peninsula.We returned along the coast via the Great Ocean Road, across Port Phillip Bay to the Mornington Peninsula staying at Port Fairy,Rye,Metung and last night at Ulladulla.OE 53 ran out of petrol twice,a tank of bad fuel at Port Campbell,magneto failure at Eden and flat battery. We travelled almost 3000 miles without having to put the hood up.
The Vauxhall is an ideal car for long distance touring able to keep up with modern traffic.
Recently Richard and Emi Walton in their 30-98 OE53 as well as Neil Heilbrunn and Rob Merryfull in Neil’s A11.487 went over to South Australia and participated in the Bay to Birdwood Rally. Below is Sticky’s report on their adventure:
OE 53 spent 58 years in Adelaide with 5 separate owners, so I took the opportunity to return and compete in the Bay to Birdwood Rally. Emi and I left Sydney and stayed in Bendigo at the Shamrock (of course) and then at Mt Gambier (of OE 297 Blue Lake fame)and on to Glenelgthe next day.The Birdwood Run of some 900 cars and bikes including Neil Heilbrunn and Rob in 1911 A11.487 and Andrew Hayes in 1913 Prince Henry.While in Adelaide we caught up with Ral Rainsford,Terry Parker E305 who made a new leather for OE 53 air pump,Peter Mussared and Gunther A12.640 and Dave Evans M1028 (ex Bob Walton 14/40)We stayed 3 days in Hahndorf (Hans Heysen country)visiting The Barossa and Fleurieu Peninsula.We returned along the coast via the Great Ocean Road, across Port Phillip Bay to the Mornington Peninsula staying at Port Fairy,Rye,Metung and last night at Ulladulla.OE 53 ran out of petrol twice,a tank of bad fuel at Port Campbell,magneto failure at Eden and flat battery. We travelled almost 3000 miles without having to put the hood up.
The Vauxhall is an ideal car for long distance touring able to keep up with modern traffic.
Ral Rainsford (ex Vauxhall owner) with his Sunbeam
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L to R - John Pyle, Dave Evans, Peter Mussared, Rob Merryfull, Terry Parker, Neil Heilbrunn & Gunter Tierman
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OE53 in Hans Heysen country - Hahndorf
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OD633/OD633
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Warwick Hansted’s 23-60 OD633 recently went up for sale in Melbourne at Shannons. It sold for $70,000.00 and unfortunately is now headed for the Netherlands.....so goes it, we lose another one. Greg Mackie (former owner of E366) told me he had offered that amount prior to the auction however his offer was turned down. |
LM4680/LM4668
John Kent has advised that he and Justin Coxhead will be getting together sometime early in the new year to sort out the dates for our next biennial Veteran and Vintage Vauxhall Rally in Beechworth Victoria. Once the date is set can I encourage you to enter it onto your list of must things to do for 2020 and those who were unable to make it to this year’s event in Merimbula can add to the number of cars entering the rally. You will receive an email in due course.
Ken Paton from Albury has just purchased a 1927 14-40 Vauxhall LM4680/LM4668 (right). The car belonged to a farmer just outside of Young on the road towards Binalong and had been on the property unused for about 20 years or so. The car was restored in Queensland and has a nice English body. Ken is looking forward to getting the car detailed and back on the road and will certainly be a participant in the next Veteran and Vintage Vauxhall Rally in Beechworth.
With respect to the updating of the A – D Vauxhall Register, I can advise the response to this has been quite poor. I thank the six, yes six only, members who have so far sent me the updates for their vehicle. The Committee seeks your assistance in updating the Register and it is for your information this is done. Your information will make the Register much more accurate with the information it contains, so with this in mind, as well as the fact that you are supplied with a hard copy of the Register at no cost, you might give the return of the information sheet some urgent attention in 2019. Some members may have trouble locating part numbers, so I have shown below photographs of where they are located on your car.
That’s it for 2018, wishing you all a Merry Christmas and hope to see you somewhere along the road in 2019.
Dave Stuart
Ken Paton from Albury has just purchased a 1927 14-40 Vauxhall LM4680/LM4668 (right). The car belonged to a farmer just outside of Young on the road towards Binalong and had been on the property unused for about 20 years or so. The car was restored in Queensland and has a nice English body. Ken is looking forward to getting the car detailed and back on the road and will certainly be a participant in the next Veteran and Vintage Vauxhall Rally in Beechworth.
With respect to the updating of the A – D Vauxhall Register, I can advise the response to this has been quite poor. I thank the six, yes six only, members who have so far sent me the updates for their vehicle. The Committee seeks your assistance in updating the Register and it is for your information this is done. Your information will make the Register much more accurate with the information it contains, so with this in mind, as well as the fact that you are supplied with a hard copy of the Register at no cost, you might give the return of the information sheet some urgent attention in 2019. Some members may have trouble locating part numbers, so I have shown below photographs of where they are located on your car.
That’s it for 2018, wishing you all a Merry Christmas and hope to see you somewhere along the road in 2019.
Dave Stuart
Chassis Plate
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Engine Number
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Front Axle
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Rear Axle
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Gearbox
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Steering Box
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| a_-_d_vauxhall_register_december_2018_newsletter_pdf_version.pdf |
Return to Walhallow
By Dave Stuart Nov 2018
On the Monday of the recent George Green Memorial Rally Mary and I together with the Euan and Wilga Coutts had planned to leave Nundle following lunch and head off back to Orange. We had booked accommodation in Gunnedah to catch up with Bret and Wendy Blackmore and Lester Thearle to have dinner that night at the motel.
The journey to Gunnedah took us through Wallabadah and Quirindi and then out to Caroona via the Coonabarabran Road as our 23-60 Vauxhall OD494 went there new to the property Walhallow. The car was purchased new by the manager of Walhallow, Frederick Croaker in 1923 from Boyd Edkins Motors in Wentworth Street, Sydney. The property consisted of some 400,000 acres and was made up of five properties stretching nearly to Tamworth. The NZ & Australian Pastoral Company owned Walhallow and a sister property in the Northern Territory also called Walhallow consisting of some 1.6 million acres.
The stone homestead was built in 1908 for Mr Croaker to replace the original wooden homestead that had been destroyed by fire. Mr Croaker senior died in 1920 and his son, also named Frederick, took over as manager of Walhallow. As mentioned he purchased the 23-60 new in 1923 and in 1935 took it with him to the property Petwyn Vale at Wingen that he had purchased from Sam Hordern of the Anthony Hordern stores. The car remained at Petwyn Vale and passed on to Frederick Croaker’s son David when Frederick died in 1943. David died in 1985 and the car remained on the adjoining property Coonarang with David’s wife Airlie until John Giddy purchased it at the deceased estate auction in 1991 and had the car fully restored. I purchased the car in 1996 following John’s death.
The present owners of Walhallow Tony and Jenny Todman, invited us to call in and show them the 23-60 and were pleased to add it to the history of the property they have compiled. They told us that Mr Frederick Croaker senior was held in high esteem throughout Australia as a property manager and for his services to the Caroona community a church in his honour was built in1921 at Caroona. It is still standing and built from the same stone used to build the homestead.
It is recorded that Frederick Croaker junior used the 23-60 extensively in his travels both at Walhallow and Petwyn Vale and it was still being used by his son David, a member of the V.S.C.C.A. in the 60’s. The car still bears the original number plates NSW 31-801 and our visit to the property may have been the first time it had returned to Walhallow since 1935.
The journey to Gunnedah took us through Wallabadah and Quirindi and then out to Caroona via the Coonabarabran Road as our 23-60 Vauxhall OD494 went there new to the property Walhallow. The car was purchased new by the manager of Walhallow, Frederick Croaker in 1923 from Boyd Edkins Motors in Wentworth Street, Sydney. The property consisted of some 400,000 acres and was made up of five properties stretching nearly to Tamworth. The NZ & Australian Pastoral Company owned Walhallow and a sister property in the Northern Territory also called Walhallow consisting of some 1.6 million acres.
The stone homestead was built in 1908 for Mr Croaker to replace the original wooden homestead that had been destroyed by fire. Mr Croaker senior died in 1920 and his son, also named Frederick, took over as manager of Walhallow. As mentioned he purchased the 23-60 new in 1923 and in 1935 took it with him to the property Petwyn Vale at Wingen that he had purchased from Sam Hordern of the Anthony Hordern stores. The car remained at Petwyn Vale and passed on to Frederick Croaker’s son David when Frederick died in 1943. David died in 1985 and the car remained on the adjoining property Coonarang with David’s wife Airlie until John Giddy purchased it at the deceased estate auction in 1991 and had the car fully restored. I purchased the car in 1996 following John’s death.
The present owners of Walhallow Tony and Jenny Todman, invited us to call in and show them the 23-60 and were pleased to add it to the history of the property they have compiled. They told us that Mr Frederick Croaker senior was held in high esteem throughout Australia as a property manager and for his services to the Caroona community a church in his honour was built in1921 at Caroona. It is still standing and built from the same stone used to build the homestead.
It is recorded that Frederick Croaker junior used the 23-60 extensively in his travels both at Walhallow and Petwyn Vale and it was still being used by his son David, a member of the V.S.C.C.A. in the 60’s. The car still bears the original number plates NSW 31-801 and our visit to the property may have been the first time it had returned to Walhallow since 1935.
A very unusual 23-60
By Dave Kirke
Browsing the internet recently (and reflecting how small the world is these days....) I came across the pictures below on an Australian car website www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au. Reported to be a 1925 23-60, rebodied in 1933 by Motor Body Works, Forest Road, Hurstville, N.S.W. Can anyone tell us more? Does the car still exist by any chance?!
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October 2018 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
| 2018_october_newsletter_pdf_version_2.pdf |
D types never die - they're upcycled!
By Dave Kirke & Dave Stuart - Oct 2018
Mr Saville's A? D? type
Rolling chassis, engine & gearbox, Echuca
Dave Stuart has been collecting vintage Vauxhall parts around Australia for many years. He recently sent me these pictures of various D type parts he recovered some years ago. Dave commented:
"They are both the remains of D Types, the first was a complete rolling chassis we bought at Echuca in Victoria a few years ago and the other is an engine and gear box that was running the power to a property at Glen Alice in N.S.W. The Vauxhall parts were recovered from a shed on the property at Glen Alice when we bought the engine. We later purchased the D Type radiator on another property at Cudal near Orange in N.S.W. and it was in absolute pristine condition.
We spoke to Mr Saville himself and at the time of the find he was living in Mudgee N.S.W. He gave me the sales booklet that came with the D Type when he bought it, the booklet was folded in two and he recalls that it was always kept under the driver's seat of the car".
D type parts from Glen Alice
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D type engine powering a generator in Glen Alice
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And finally.......a D type found by the late John Giddy at Gosforth, N.S.W. in the 1970s. These days that would be classed a 'straightforward restoration'!
May 2018 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
| may_2018_a_-_d_vauxhall_register_newsletter_pdf_version.pdf |
2018 Veteran and Vintage Vauxhall Rally
By Richard Walton (April 2018)
The second biennial Vauxhall Rally was centred in Merimbula on the south coast of N.S.W. and was run by the V.S.C.C.A. with sponsorship by the National Trust N.S.W. Entries came from N.S.W. Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, A.C.T. as well as well as Western Australia. We also received two entries from the UK. Vauxhalls included four 14-40’s, twelve 23-60’s, fourteen 30-98’s, one 20-60 and one veteran A Type and Prince Henry. There were also ex Vauxhall owners also attending.
The group of entrants who over nighted in Goulburn on the Wednesday night travelled via Bungendore to Cooma where we were joined on the Friday morning by a group of Victorian entries who had come over through the high country and had over nighted in Jindabyne. These included Graeme and Celia Burnham in his 30-98 eating 14-40 special, John and Wendy Kent in 30-98 OE61, Steve Butler & Jan in E Type 30-98 E267 (an ex Australian car shipped over specially for the event) from the UK, Daniel and Louise Clarke and young family in their 23-60 saloon OD664 with rear luggage rack loaded with stroller and bike, Tim Fraser and Scott Terry in 23-60 OD1126, Justin Coxhead and Anne Mattar in the family E Type E370, Glyn Farrell and Brian Flynn in modern, Geoff and Helen Hood in the oldest E Type in Australia E328, Thurston and Suzanne Kent in Pat Ryan’s 30-98 OE91 as the Kent E Type was not finished due to John and Thurston working on customers Vauxhalls up until the day before the rally, Ian and Libby McNaughton in their totally original 30-98 OE265 (with previous owner Murray McDonogh and Marilyn Bradbury joining us in his Bristol 400), Damian O’Doherty in his French Embassy 30-98 OE166, Reg and Jean Rhook in their 23-60 OD857 looking very stately on BE wheels. Reg brought with him a ¼ scale 30-98 engine which was on show at the final dinner. Pat Ryan, President of the V.S.C.C. (Vict) and Kath Feehan in the “oily rag” Grosvenor saloon 23-60 OD1283 with 30-98 engine. Peter Coburn and Tony Whitlock in 30-98 ROE25.
On Friday morning we all left Cooma with Gary and Carol Rickard in their 23-60, OD30, the earliest known 23-60 to have survived, Wayne and Olwyn Merton in his 30-98 OE95, his first Vauxhall, Vic and Warwick Nicholson in the youngest 30-98 OE282 on the rally, The Weir family Jim and Valmai, Peter and David together with John Close sharing their 30-98 OE169 as Peter’s D Type D3120 overheated on the way to Goulburn, Peter and Margaret Ward in 23-60 OD1107, Phil Virgona and Tracey Selke in 23-60 OD739 on its maiden voyage after major work, David and Mary Stuart, chief rally director in their 23-60 OD494, Dave and Tracy Kirke from the UK in Alex Hayward’s 23-60 OD1303, the last production 23-60.
We headed for the coast via the Brown Mountain where the weather was foggy, wet and slow especially behind trucks and two wheel braked Vauxhalls. Peter Coburn had an argument with the Armco descending the Brown Mountain, also Ian McNaughton had a flat tyre. We all lunched at the Tathra Hotel and were there met by Ross and Ann McMurray in their 14-40 LM5001 running well after an engine rebuild. Following lunch we travelled onto Merimbula for the mandatory happy hour in the grounds of the Black Dolphin Motel which was rally headquarters.
By Saturday we had been joined by Team Latreille with Prince Henry C10.9 and 30-98 ROE23, Terry Mansbridge and his grandson in his 23-60 OD585, Ron and Ann Capil in their Grosvenor bodied coupe 20-60 R1844. Leigh and Karon Whitfield in their “oily rag” 14-40 LM2678, and Wayne Fisher and Emily Jovanovska in their 14-40 LM5065. George Cox and Tony Robinson in 23-60 OD1165.
Heading south through Pambula and Eden for lunch at The Ship Inn at Boyd Town. The afternoon was spent visiting historic sites around Twofold Bay and some entrants also visited the local Saphire Coast Car Club in Pambula.
The Sunday route travelled to Bombala through Candello and Wyndham then up the escarpment again but not via the Brown Mountain Pass. We were treated to a visit and lunch of the historic property Burnima situated about 5 miles north of Bombala. Our entry to Burnima and lunch was sponsored by the National Trust N.S.W. We were met by the former President of the National Trust N.S.W. Clive Lucas and his wife Sarah who also lunched at the property with all the entrants.
At the final dinner held in Pambula a slide show and videos were shown of the daily events of the rally.
On the Monday morning all entrants left Merimbula for home, with the N.S.W. entrants travelling up the coast road over nighting at Mollymook before returning to Sydney the following day. Euan Coutt’s 23-60 finally blew out a large piece of its head gasket coming out of Merimbula and had to be trailered home. The Walton 30-98 experienced clutch problems not far from home and arrived there by trailer. This was the first time OE53 had not arrived home under its own power.
I can say that both Emi and I enjoyed our time on the rally and we are now looking forward to the next event in 2020.
(Pictures in the attachment below).
The group of entrants who over nighted in Goulburn on the Wednesday night travelled via Bungendore to Cooma where we were joined on the Friday morning by a group of Victorian entries who had come over through the high country and had over nighted in Jindabyne. These included Graeme and Celia Burnham in his 30-98 eating 14-40 special, John and Wendy Kent in 30-98 OE61, Steve Butler & Jan in E Type 30-98 E267 (an ex Australian car shipped over specially for the event) from the UK, Daniel and Louise Clarke and young family in their 23-60 saloon OD664 with rear luggage rack loaded with stroller and bike, Tim Fraser and Scott Terry in 23-60 OD1126, Justin Coxhead and Anne Mattar in the family E Type E370, Glyn Farrell and Brian Flynn in modern, Geoff and Helen Hood in the oldest E Type in Australia E328, Thurston and Suzanne Kent in Pat Ryan’s 30-98 OE91 as the Kent E Type was not finished due to John and Thurston working on customers Vauxhalls up until the day before the rally, Ian and Libby McNaughton in their totally original 30-98 OE265 (with previous owner Murray McDonogh and Marilyn Bradbury joining us in his Bristol 400), Damian O’Doherty in his French Embassy 30-98 OE166, Reg and Jean Rhook in their 23-60 OD857 looking very stately on BE wheels. Reg brought with him a ¼ scale 30-98 engine which was on show at the final dinner. Pat Ryan, President of the V.S.C.C. (Vict) and Kath Feehan in the “oily rag” Grosvenor saloon 23-60 OD1283 with 30-98 engine. Peter Coburn and Tony Whitlock in 30-98 ROE25.
On Friday morning we all left Cooma with Gary and Carol Rickard in their 23-60, OD30, the earliest known 23-60 to have survived, Wayne and Olwyn Merton in his 30-98 OE95, his first Vauxhall, Vic and Warwick Nicholson in the youngest 30-98 OE282 on the rally, The Weir family Jim and Valmai, Peter and David together with John Close sharing their 30-98 OE169 as Peter’s D Type D3120 overheated on the way to Goulburn, Peter and Margaret Ward in 23-60 OD1107, Phil Virgona and Tracey Selke in 23-60 OD739 on its maiden voyage after major work, David and Mary Stuart, chief rally director in their 23-60 OD494, Dave and Tracy Kirke from the UK in Alex Hayward’s 23-60 OD1303, the last production 23-60.
We headed for the coast via the Brown Mountain where the weather was foggy, wet and slow especially behind trucks and two wheel braked Vauxhalls. Peter Coburn had an argument with the Armco descending the Brown Mountain, also Ian McNaughton had a flat tyre. We all lunched at the Tathra Hotel and were there met by Ross and Ann McMurray in their 14-40 LM5001 running well after an engine rebuild. Following lunch we travelled onto Merimbula for the mandatory happy hour in the grounds of the Black Dolphin Motel which was rally headquarters.
By Saturday we had been joined by Team Latreille with Prince Henry C10.9 and 30-98 ROE23, Terry Mansbridge and his grandson in his 23-60 OD585, Ron and Ann Capil in their Grosvenor bodied coupe 20-60 R1844. Leigh and Karon Whitfield in their “oily rag” 14-40 LM2678, and Wayne Fisher and Emily Jovanovska in their 14-40 LM5065. George Cox and Tony Robinson in 23-60 OD1165.
Heading south through Pambula and Eden for lunch at The Ship Inn at Boyd Town. The afternoon was spent visiting historic sites around Twofold Bay and some entrants also visited the local Saphire Coast Car Club in Pambula.
The Sunday route travelled to Bombala through Candello and Wyndham then up the escarpment again but not via the Brown Mountain Pass. We were treated to a visit and lunch of the historic property Burnima situated about 5 miles north of Bombala. Our entry to Burnima and lunch was sponsored by the National Trust N.S.W. We were met by the former President of the National Trust N.S.W. Clive Lucas and his wife Sarah who also lunched at the property with all the entrants.
At the final dinner held in Pambula a slide show and videos were shown of the daily events of the rally.
On the Monday morning all entrants left Merimbula for home, with the N.S.W. entrants travelling up the coast road over nighting at Mollymook before returning to Sydney the following day. Euan Coutt’s 23-60 finally blew out a large piece of its head gasket coming out of Merimbula and had to be trailered home. The Walton 30-98 experienced clutch problems not far from home and arrived there by trailer. This was the first time OE53 had not arrived home under its own power.
I can say that both Emi and I enjoyed our time on the rally and we are now looking forward to the next event in 2020.
(Pictures in the attachment below).
| 2018_may_newsletter_photographs_of_cars_pdf_version.pdf |
Telegraph Tourists
By Dave Stuart and Dave Kirke
In 1929, Frank Wright and his wife Win drove their 23-60 Vauxhall from Port Augusta in South Australia to Darwin in the Northern Territory. They returned home through Queensland, N.S.W. and Victoria to South Australia, an epic journey in 1929. Frank subsequently wrote a book about their adventures, entitled 'Telegraph Tourists'. You can still buy a (generally secondhand) copy today on Amazon or eBay. Here's a description:
An account of an early ambitious Australian road trip undertaken by a couple (Frank and Win Wright) from Melbourne to Darwin and back in 1929. In the Northern Territory they picked up a third person (Penryn Goldman) after his car had broken down doing a similar journey. Goldman had a movie camera and filmed his journey both when on his own and then later once he had hitched with the Wrights. The book features extensives diary entries from both the Wrights and Goldman and is an invaluable contextual and informative record of this road trip.
The first photo below was taken beside a bore gushing out what would be very strong minralised water near Winton and Longreach in Queensland. The second photo was taken when they had trouble with the gear box and the car locked in first gear. Frank drove the car over a creek bed which allowed plenty of room to get under the car and work on the gearbox. The problem was the thick oil they had put in the gear box had frozen up overnight and locked up the gears making it impossible to select.
An account of an early ambitious Australian road trip undertaken by a couple (Frank and Win Wright) from Melbourne to Darwin and back in 1929. In the Northern Territory they picked up a third person (Penryn Goldman) after his car had broken down doing a similar journey. Goldman had a movie camera and filmed his journey both when on his own and then later once he had hitched with the Wrights. The book features extensives diary entries from both the Wrights and Goldman and is an invaluable contextual and informative record of this road trip.
The first photo below was taken beside a bore gushing out what would be very strong minralised water near Winton and Longreach in Queensland. The second photo was taken when they had trouble with the gear box and the car locked in first gear. Frank drove the car over a creek bed which allowed plenty of room to get under the car and work on the gearbox. The problem was the thick oil they had put in the gear box had frozen up overnight and locked up the gears making it impossible to select.
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Vauxhalls in Minature
By Alex Hayward
If you’re interested in adding an Edwardian Vauxhall to your collection, but garage space or budget are an issue, how about considering a model? At a recent Toowoomba Autojumble here in Queensland, Australia, I was fortunate to pick up a ‘mint and boxed’ 1914 Prince Henry Vauxhall from the Models of Yesteryear series of diecast metal veteran cars. This model, to a scale of 1:47 (almost a perfect match for your 1:48 scale Gauge 0 model railway), was produced between 1970 and 1985 by Lesney in England. The box states that it is based on a four litre four seater Prince Henry ‘currently residing in the famous Beaulieu [i.e. National Motor] Museum in England’.
Much more detailed than the Lesney model is the kit of a 1911 Prince Henry Vauxhall, produced by the famous Airfix company between 1971 and 1980. This is to a scale of 1:32 (3/8 inch to the foot) so the finished model measures a little more than 5 inches (13 centimetres) long. In this scale even items as small as the radiator cap, dash lamp and accelerator pedal can be produced as individual (albeit very fiddly!) parts of the kit. It is still possible to obtain ‘new old stock’ examples of this kit from on-line dealers; mine came from a specialist model shop in Holland and was airmailed to me still in its original cellophane wrapping. Someone told me that I shouldn’t open the box, much less build the model, because to do so would reduce its collectability. But I’m glad I ignored this advice as building the model was very enjoyable (although at times challenging with around 100 parts all needing careful painting and assembly). I’m pleased with the finished result (pictured here) which I think represents the prototype well.
The Prince Henry modelled by Airfix is part of the outstanding collection of historic cars owned by Vauxhall Motors and kept at Luton. It is notable as being the first historic Vauxhall collected by the company, arriving at Luton in 1946, and it still has occasional outings on media days and at special motoring events. Vauxhall Motor’s Prince Henry is one of the three litre (engine number A11.435) examples of the design. Interestingly in the 1920s the car was updated in its appearance with new front and rear wings and the distinctive radiator was moved forward in the chassis – the model shows the car in its rebuilt guise.
Coinciding with the anniversary of the First World War two plastic kits have been released recently by Roden. These represent examples of two distinctive versions of the Vauxhall D Type (four litre engine) adopted by the British War Office in 1915. One is an open tourer staff car featuring smart disc wheels, the other is a field ambulance fitted with wire wheels. They are to a much smaller scale of 1:72, measuring around 6 centimetres long, meaning that they are not as intricate as the Airfix Prince Henry. Nonetheless both are full of character, and are definitely on my shopping list now.
Much more detailed than the Lesney model is the kit of a 1911 Prince Henry Vauxhall, produced by the famous Airfix company between 1971 and 1980. This is to a scale of 1:32 (3/8 inch to the foot) so the finished model measures a little more than 5 inches (13 centimetres) long. In this scale even items as small as the radiator cap, dash lamp and accelerator pedal can be produced as individual (albeit very fiddly!) parts of the kit. It is still possible to obtain ‘new old stock’ examples of this kit from on-line dealers; mine came from a specialist model shop in Holland and was airmailed to me still in its original cellophane wrapping. Someone told me that I shouldn’t open the box, much less build the model, because to do so would reduce its collectability. But I’m glad I ignored this advice as building the model was very enjoyable (although at times challenging with around 100 parts all needing careful painting and assembly). I’m pleased with the finished result (pictured here) which I think represents the prototype well.
The Prince Henry modelled by Airfix is part of the outstanding collection of historic cars owned by Vauxhall Motors and kept at Luton. It is notable as being the first historic Vauxhall collected by the company, arriving at Luton in 1946, and it still has occasional outings on media days and at special motoring events. Vauxhall Motor’s Prince Henry is one of the three litre (engine number A11.435) examples of the design. Interestingly in the 1920s the car was updated in its appearance with new front and rear wings and the distinctive radiator was moved forward in the chassis – the model shows the car in its rebuilt guise.
Coinciding with the anniversary of the First World War two plastic kits have been released recently by Roden. These represent examples of two distinctive versions of the Vauxhall D Type (four litre engine) adopted by the British War Office in 1915. One is an open tourer staff car featuring smart disc wheels, the other is a field ambulance fitted with wire wheels. They are to a much smaller scale of 1:72, measuring around 6 centimetres long, meaning that they are not as intricate as the Airfix Prince Henry. Nonetheless both are full of character, and are definitely on my shopping list now.
November 2017 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
| pdf_version_of_november_2017_newsletter.pdf |
OD585/OD583
Hello Everyone.
I have been a little remiss this year with newsletters for the Register, this was mainly due to Mary retiring in July so we went to the UK in August for five weeks. We now have our home in Sydney on the market and are moving up to Raworth in the Hunter Valley. We plan to see out our twilight years in The Hunter with some lovely roads to drive the 23-60 on as well as getting out of the rat race Sydney now seems to becoming. So as you will appreciate I have been busy and had a lot on. Quite a lot of news to report and hopefully I will be able to remember all that is important to us with news of our cars in the Register as well as those who own them.
Two cars have changed hands recently and I can advise that OD585/OD583 the ex David Lloyd car from Sydney has sold again and is now owned by Terry Mansbridge in Warnambool, Victoria. This car is a nice original two wheel braked car and was restored whilst in the ownership of David. Following David’s death it passed on to Andrew Lidden of Bowral NSW, then to an investor when Andrew died. It has now, thankfully remained in Australia with Terry who is a car enthusiast and is bringing the car to the Vauxhall Rally in Merimbula in April next year.
OD1072/OD1074 owned for nearly forty years by Richard Walton has recently been purchased by Evan Quamby of Albury. Evan is a keen veteran and vintage car enthusiast and has been around the vintage scene for many years. His father Ken Quamby was also a vintage car enthusiast and well known in Sydney through the veteran and vintage car movement.
OD1072 was purchased by me in about 1961. I was about 17 and I was told about it by Vauxhall guru Ron Grant who at the time also lived in Ingleburn. It was in a paddock in Fairy Meadow on the south coast near Wollongong and was fitted with a Kington body. The car was complete and Ron Grant lent me his car trailer for me to bring the 23-60 back to Ingleburn, in return I gave Ron the 30-98 head which he knew was laying on the running board. I recall having the engine running whilst I owned it and it was fitted with a later SU carburettor. I later sold it with two other 23-60’s I had at the time (OD1107 and OD841) and with the proceeds bought a new VW, recalling at the time thinking that had done very well. OD1072 went to John Giddy, then on to John Corby before going to Richard Walton.
Whilst in the UK I was fortunate enough to be allowed to attend the V.S.C.C. Prescott Hill Climb. The vintage car scene in The Orchard Car Park was a sight to be seen with so many vintage cars of all makes on display. Lots of Vauxhalls and Bentleys with two Twin Cam Sunbeams attracting my attention. One being a narrow Weyman bodied saloon the other a sports tourer. I could have spent the whole day walking through the car park admiring the cars however seeing the participating cars revealed more. There was the Vauxhall brigade all gathered together mostly made up of 30-98’s however a couple of specials as well as one sole 23-60 OD62.
Interestingly the first car I saw on entering The Orchard Car Park was an ex Australian 23-60 OD949/E318 formerly owned by Bob Keeley of Sydney and recently sold to the UK by an owner near Brisbane. The car has been repainted and trimmed and look far better than it did whilst out here. The car has an E Type crank case and OE gear box fitted so it will be interesting to see how long those parts remain with the car. The engine and gear box were fitted by Percy Hunter of Sydney whilst the car was in his ownership. If you are in the UK in August, this event the V.S.C.C. Prescott hill climb is the event recommended to see if you are a vintage car enthusiast. I can thoroughly recommend it.
The V.S.C.C.A. recently ran the George Green Memorial Rally and this year it was centred in Forster on the mid north coast of N.S.W. Five Vauxhalls attended and below is a photograph of the cars taken at the Wingham Golf Club following lunch. All Vauxhalls performed well with no problems experienced which is not the same for Team Bentley and Team Alvis. Both teams had one of their cars return home on a tilt tray. The event this year was a five day event with an overnight in Heatherbrae on the Thursday night prior to the rally commencing after lunch on the Friday. The Friday morning took in a visit to the historic village of Morpeth a former port for loading sailing boats with produce for both Newcastle and Sydney. At Morpeth the navigators took in a little retail therapy whilst the drivers visited Argo Engineering.
This firm is currently undertaking the manufacturing of new con rods for the Navy’s Collins Class submarine. Each sub has three 18 cylinder diesel engines to power the generators and each con rod about a metre in length. A thoroughly enjoyable hour was spent at Argo and this engineering firm have made new con rods for Vauxhalls. Argo also manufacture upgraded con rods for Subaru WRX engines which are now being modified up to 800 hp and obviously the original rods are not strong enough. The photo below was taken at Wingham Golf Club on the Sunday of the rally following our lunch in the dining room of the Club. The run back to Forster for our final happy hour and dinner for the rally at Hamiltons Restaurant on the water was relatively short however took us through some scenic countryside through the towns of Tinonee and Taree.
On the subject of con rods for Vauxhalls and having mentioned Argo Engineering have previously made sets for us, I am presently having some new sets of rods made for our Vauxhalls by Sainty Engineering in Sydney. I am presently running a set of Sainty rods in my 23-60. The photo below depicts one of the new rods made by Sainty Engineering beside an original rod. They are made from high grade aluminium which is the same material they use to make the rods for the top fueler engines they produce. These engines develop up to 5000 HP so I think our engines are safe with them fitted as the old rods are now nearly 100 years old and using them would be a false economy. As you can see the new rods are built up considerably and have a four bolt big end cap with the bolts screwing into the bottom of the rod.
Lastly, Alisdaire Lockhart the President of the A – D Vauxhall Register arrives in Sydney on Friday 1st December for his annual sortie around Australia and NZ. We have arranged a run in the cars the following day to commence in West Pennant Hills and take in about an hour’s drive to The Bird in Hand Inn at Pitt Town where we are booked in for a pub lunch and some of Alisdaire’s hospitality. Word has it that he is shouting the first round of drinks at the pub, so I will report in the next newsletter what took place and how deep Alisdaire’s pockets can be stretched.
FOR SALES AND WANTED
For sale. By James Meara
1924 23-60 OD832/OD835
Owner James Meara –Queensland - Phone 0746337305
Hi Dave,
Due to health issues, common sense must prevail and I have decided to pass on OD832 to it’s next custodian as I know that I will never finish the restoration.
I the 22 years that I have had the car I have sourced a lot of missing parts world wide and locally and the car is now almost complete. Some small items missing are speedo drive and cable (Jaeger), one CAV sidelight internal reflector, taillight glass, original front seat slides, one headlight wiring connector. New D shaped hood bow irons and fittings have been made, complete new fuel tank using original fittings, remade as original.
Water pump, starter motor, F04 magneto, Zenith SF42 all have been rebuilt. Original to the car Jaeger clock and speedo rebuilt, oil gauge untouched and original, new repro dim switch, dash is now 100% complete. New windscreen brackets cast, top frame I have made, new glass is just sitting in the frames at the moment. A new 2 ¼ inch exhaust system and muffler with cast ends (ex Barry Ford) has been made.
The timber work in the body is made of silver ash, some original timber had survived to use as patterns, all steel brackets in body are original as is the offside rear door skin, recast alloy external door handles. Body panels are not nailed to the wood as yet, the tub still needs to be finished. Mudguards need some work, nearside rear is from OD730, needs repair.
I fitted a Land Rover tail shaft with Hardie Spicer uni joints with a new rear yoke made up so as to save the original yoke. Gearbox has new bearings throughout. Motor is running, yet to be rebuilt, and I have driven the car around my yard. Radiator seams need resoldering, small dents in the top.
Wheels have been sandblasted and painted. Original tyre size was 650 X 20. Tyres on the car now are used 500 x 20 from my 1928 Essex.
Anyhow I would like to advertise the car in the Vauxhall Register if that is ok with you. I have not advertised any where else as yet.
Would prefer the car to stay in Australia (has been a Queensland car from new). Don’t know what price to put on it, I though $45K perhaps and see what happens. What do you think?
A local chap has pestered me for years about buying the car, said that he will get back to me and have a look and drive, but I have not heard back from him as yet. I think he would have to sell one of his other cars to make a deal. Barry Morris has also expressed some interest.
Any questions or photos of anywhere please ask. More photos to follow.
Kind regards
James M.
Wanted by Evan Quamby OD1072 Albury. Ph mob: 0448424476
Bonnet or bonnet panels for a 23-60 either exposed or concealed rivets.
23-60 Radiator cap.
CAV Dimmer switch.
Two cam follower side plates for the block
Four Vauxhall Motors Ltd kick plates fitted to the bottom of the door opening.
Vyvian Hirron still has his 23-80 / 30-98 kit for sale as reported in the last newsletter.
That’s is for November and I guess the last newsletter for 2017.
Later this month I will be sending out a newsletter to all those who have expressed interest and entered the National Vauxhall Rally at Merimbula in April next year. I can advise the National Trust (N.S.W.) have now come forward with sponsorship for our event and this money is now sitting safely in our rally account.
All the best for the rest of the year and I wish you all a healthy and enjoyable 2018.
Cheers.
Dave Stuart.
Email : [email protected]
Mobile : 04 2828 2360
I have been a little remiss this year with newsletters for the Register, this was mainly due to Mary retiring in July so we went to the UK in August for five weeks. We now have our home in Sydney on the market and are moving up to Raworth in the Hunter Valley. We plan to see out our twilight years in The Hunter with some lovely roads to drive the 23-60 on as well as getting out of the rat race Sydney now seems to becoming. So as you will appreciate I have been busy and had a lot on. Quite a lot of news to report and hopefully I will be able to remember all that is important to us with news of our cars in the Register as well as those who own them.
Two cars have changed hands recently and I can advise that OD585/OD583 the ex David Lloyd car from Sydney has sold again and is now owned by Terry Mansbridge in Warnambool, Victoria. This car is a nice original two wheel braked car and was restored whilst in the ownership of David. Following David’s death it passed on to Andrew Lidden of Bowral NSW, then to an investor when Andrew died. It has now, thankfully remained in Australia with Terry who is a car enthusiast and is bringing the car to the Vauxhall Rally in Merimbula in April next year.
OD1072/OD1074 owned for nearly forty years by Richard Walton has recently been purchased by Evan Quamby of Albury. Evan is a keen veteran and vintage car enthusiast and has been around the vintage scene for many years. His father Ken Quamby was also a vintage car enthusiast and well known in Sydney through the veteran and vintage car movement.
OD1072 was purchased by me in about 1961. I was about 17 and I was told about it by Vauxhall guru Ron Grant who at the time also lived in Ingleburn. It was in a paddock in Fairy Meadow on the south coast near Wollongong and was fitted with a Kington body. The car was complete and Ron Grant lent me his car trailer for me to bring the 23-60 back to Ingleburn, in return I gave Ron the 30-98 head which he knew was laying on the running board. I recall having the engine running whilst I owned it and it was fitted with a later SU carburettor. I later sold it with two other 23-60’s I had at the time (OD1107 and OD841) and with the proceeds bought a new VW, recalling at the time thinking that had done very well. OD1072 went to John Giddy, then on to John Corby before going to Richard Walton.
Whilst in the UK I was fortunate enough to be allowed to attend the V.S.C.C. Prescott Hill Climb. The vintage car scene in The Orchard Car Park was a sight to be seen with so many vintage cars of all makes on display. Lots of Vauxhalls and Bentleys with two Twin Cam Sunbeams attracting my attention. One being a narrow Weyman bodied saloon the other a sports tourer. I could have spent the whole day walking through the car park admiring the cars however seeing the participating cars revealed more. There was the Vauxhall brigade all gathered together mostly made up of 30-98’s however a couple of specials as well as one sole 23-60 OD62.
Interestingly the first car I saw on entering The Orchard Car Park was an ex Australian 23-60 OD949/E318 formerly owned by Bob Keeley of Sydney and recently sold to the UK by an owner near Brisbane. The car has been repainted and trimmed and look far better than it did whilst out here. The car has an E Type crank case and OE gear box fitted so it will be interesting to see how long those parts remain with the car. The engine and gear box were fitted by Percy Hunter of Sydney whilst the car was in his ownership. If you are in the UK in August, this event the V.S.C.C. Prescott hill climb is the event recommended to see if you are a vintage car enthusiast. I can thoroughly recommend it.
The V.S.C.C.A. recently ran the George Green Memorial Rally and this year it was centred in Forster on the mid north coast of N.S.W. Five Vauxhalls attended and below is a photograph of the cars taken at the Wingham Golf Club following lunch. All Vauxhalls performed well with no problems experienced which is not the same for Team Bentley and Team Alvis. Both teams had one of their cars return home on a tilt tray. The event this year was a five day event with an overnight in Heatherbrae on the Thursday night prior to the rally commencing after lunch on the Friday. The Friday morning took in a visit to the historic village of Morpeth a former port for loading sailing boats with produce for both Newcastle and Sydney. At Morpeth the navigators took in a little retail therapy whilst the drivers visited Argo Engineering.
This firm is currently undertaking the manufacturing of new con rods for the Navy’s Collins Class submarine. Each sub has three 18 cylinder diesel engines to power the generators and each con rod about a metre in length. A thoroughly enjoyable hour was spent at Argo and this engineering firm have made new con rods for Vauxhalls. Argo also manufacture upgraded con rods for Subaru WRX engines which are now being modified up to 800 hp and obviously the original rods are not strong enough. The photo below was taken at Wingham Golf Club on the Sunday of the rally following our lunch in the dining room of the Club. The run back to Forster for our final happy hour and dinner for the rally at Hamiltons Restaurant on the water was relatively short however took us through some scenic countryside through the towns of Tinonee and Taree.
On the subject of con rods for Vauxhalls and having mentioned Argo Engineering have previously made sets for us, I am presently having some new sets of rods made for our Vauxhalls by Sainty Engineering in Sydney. I am presently running a set of Sainty rods in my 23-60. The photo below depicts one of the new rods made by Sainty Engineering beside an original rod. They are made from high grade aluminium which is the same material they use to make the rods for the top fueler engines they produce. These engines develop up to 5000 HP so I think our engines are safe with them fitted as the old rods are now nearly 100 years old and using them would be a false economy. As you can see the new rods are built up considerably and have a four bolt big end cap with the bolts screwing into the bottom of the rod.
Lastly, Alisdaire Lockhart the President of the A – D Vauxhall Register arrives in Sydney on Friday 1st December for his annual sortie around Australia and NZ. We have arranged a run in the cars the following day to commence in West Pennant Hills and take in about an hour’s drive to The Bird in Hand Inn at Pitt Town where we are booked in for a pub lunch and some of Alisdaire’s hospitality. Word has it that he is shouting the first round of drinks at the pub, so I will report in the next newsletter what took place and how deep Alisdaire’s pockets can be stretched.
FOR SALES AND WANTED
For sale. By James Meara
1924 23-60 OD832/OD835
Owner James Meara –Queensland - Phone 0746337305
Hi Dave,
Due to health issues, common sense must prevail and I have decided to pass on OD832 to it’s next custodian as I know that I will never finish the restoration.
I the 22 years that I have had the car I have sourced a lot of missing parts world wide and locally and the car is now almost complete. Some small items missing are speedo drive and cable (Jaeger), one CAV sidelight internal reflector, taillight glass, original front seat slides, one headlight wiring connector. New D shaped hood bow irons and fittings have been made, complete new fuel tank using original fittings, remade as original.
Water pump, starter motor, F04 magneto, Zenith SF42 all have been rebuilt. Original to the car Jaeger clock and speedo rebuilt, oil gauge untouched and original, new repro dim switch, dash is now 100% complete. New windscreen brackets cast, top frame I have made, new glass is just sitting in the frames at the moment. A new 2 ¼ inch exhaust system and muffler with cast ends (ex Barry Ford) has been made.
The timber work in the body is made of silver ash, some original timber had survived to use as patterns, all steel brackets in body are original as is the offside rear door skin, recast alloy external door handles. Body panels are not nailed to the wood as yet, the tub still needs to be finished. Mudguards need some work, nearside rear is from OD730, needs repair.
I fitted a Land Rover tail shaft with Hardie Spicer uni joints with a new rear yoke made up so as to save the original yoke. Gearbox has new bearings throughout. Motor is running, yet to be rebuilt, and I have driven the car around my yard. Radiator seams need resoldering, small dents in the top.
Wheels have been sandblasted and painted. Original tyre size was 650 X 20. Tyres on the car now are used 500 x 20 from my 1928 Essex.
Anyhow I would like to advertise the car in the Vauxhall Register if that is ok with you. I have not advertised any where else as yet.
Would prefer the car to stay in Australia (has been a Queensland car from new). Don’t know what price to put on it, I though $45K perhaps and see what happens. What do you think?
A local chap has pestered me for years about buying the car, said that he will get back to me and have a look and drive, but I have not heard back from him as yet. I think he would have to sell one of his other cars to make a deal. Barry Morris has also expressed some interest.
Any questions or photos of anywhere please ask. More photos to follow.
Kind regards
James M.
Wanted by Evan Quamby OD1072 Albury. Ph mob: 0448424476
Bonnet or bonnet panels for a 23-60 either exposed or concealed rivets.
23-60 Radiator cap.
CAV Dimmer switch.
Two cam follower side plates for the block
Four Vauxhall Motors Ltd kick plates fitted to the bottom of the door opening.
Vyvian Hirron still has his 23-80 / 30-98 kit for sale as reported in the last newsletter.
That’s is for November and I guess the last newsletter for 2017.
Later this month I will be sending out a newsletter to all those who have expressed interest and entered the National Vauxhall Rally at Merimbula in April next year. I can advise the National Trust (N.S.W.) have now come forward with sponsorship for our event and this money is now sitting safely in our rally account.
All the best for the rest of the year and I wish you all a healthy and enjoyable 2018.
Cheers.
Dave Stuart.
Email : [email protected]
Mobile : 04 2828 2360
June 2017 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
OE 53 – D3120 – E366 – OD494 – OE169 – A.09.1 at Wongawilli
Hello Everyone.
2018 National Vauxhall Rally matters.
As you would now be aware, the entry forms for the coming Vauxhall Rally at Merimbula in April next year have been sent out with the last newsletter and confirmed entries are now coming in. At this stage we have only had two the 67 expressions of interest let me know they are now non starters, so time will tell as to the final numbers we have for the event however it does look good so far and the number of cars will be greater than we had in 2016
I have now contacted those confirmed entrants with the motel contact and they should have now confirmed their booking details and prepaid one night’s accommodation. All rooms are now allocated and booked at the main motel, so the remainder of the entrants will be booked into the second motel which is only a five minute drive to the main motel.
There will be optional two day runs to and from Merimbula both from Sydney as well as Melbourne. Those of you who have indicated on their entry form they are interested in doing this will be contacted by either myself for the Sydney entrants and by John Kent or Justin Coxhead for the Melbourne entrants.
To give you an idea of what to expect over the weekend I am planning a shorter driving day for the Saturday with time to sight see and have a nice lunch at an historic inn. The Sunday will see a more full on driving day with longer mileage, steep climbs up to 1200 metres and faster roads to suit those so inclined. You will visit an historic home where there will be a house and property inspection as well as lunch provided. This will be followed by the run back to Merimbula again over a winding mountain road however will obviously be downhill a lot of the way to our motel at sea level. All roads both days are sealed and in good order.
I should have an update in the next newsletter as to how I am going with some sponsorship for the rally.
I am grateful that more than half the people who expressed interest in the rally have now made a commitment and entered the rally securing their accommodation. However it has been mentioned to me why I needed to have you confirm entries so early. Firstly, I can let you know that to secure all rooms in a motel, this needs to be done at least twelve months in advance. Secondly, requesting early entries to be confirmed lets me know how much there will be in our account from your entry fees to cover such things as rally set up costs, printing of rally instructions and name tags etc, entries into events, morning teas and happy hours etc. At the main motel they can provide a barbecue meal on the Friday night however their restaurant is unable to provide dinners for the total number of our entrants. So, the Saturday and Sunday nights will see you bussed to your dinner venues. Once I have the total number of entries confirmed I will be then in a position to see how much your entry fee will cover. Please be assured you will get value for money and there will be some freebies and souvenirs during the rally. Also, whilst trying to answer some further gripes, can those who think the rally too far away to commit to an entry, please be assured it does take a lot of lead up time to organise an event the size of our rally. That is, booking motels, venues and doing the rally routes and instructions for you as well as trying to lead a normal life. You should try it some time and see how you go.
So, can I please ask you again to get your entry form in to me as soon as possible as receiving them helps me tremendously in setting up the event. It will initially only cost you $80.00 to enter (this amount is refundable if you can’t make it) with the balance for meals etc to be paid next year. As importantly, if you have expressed interest in the rally and now find you can’t make it or even if you are unsure, then let me know.
I have attached a list of the confirmed entrants in blue and unconfirmed entrants in red for your information. Please ring or email me if you are in the red.
So endeth the gripe session, I hope this explains why there is an urgency to confirm your entry if others were wondering.
Mary and I have just returned from Merimbula after setting the rally route and I can let you know that I am very pleased with what has developed and I am sure you will enjoy what is planned for the Saturday and Sunday.
More about the rally in following newsletters.
NEWS FLASH.
My son who is in communications in the Navy and is obviously very computer savy, has now showed his dad how to reduce the size of the photographs I use in the newsletters. You will see the coloured ones have lost a little clarity however the ones I have included of the D and E Type are factory photographs and lost no clarity when reduced. So all photographs appearing in the newsletters will be reduced and therefore the newsletter document should have less capacity and make it more acceptable to some of those member’s computers that struggled receive my previous emails with larger amounts of data.
NSW MEMBERS MONTHLY RUN
On Saturday 13th May the Sydney members were invited to the Peter Weir’s property in Wongawilli near Dapto to view his newly acquired D Type D3120. Some of us left from Camden and enjoyed a run over Razorback Mountain as well as descending down into Wollongong on the back road from Mount Keira. Arriving at Peter’s property situated on the escarpment overlooking the picturesque Lake Illawarra we were treated to coffee and some those you can’t knock back type cakes etc and a viewing of the D Type.
The D Type was started up and Peter moved it out onto the grass area in front of the house with the other cars there on the day. When you think of it, he provided three of the cars for the photo session and the rest of us could only arrive with three. Though I must say that Gary and Carol Rickard arrived with their 23-60 OD30 on a trailer as it had broken a magneto drive on the way down.
We all left Peters and drove to the historic pub at Mount Kembla for lunch and some cheer to be followed by a return run to Sydney by way of various routes by those attending.
Peter Weir has now saved a collection of original factory photographs as well as the Vauxhall drawings I had to a thumb drive for me. John Giddy obtained the photographs many years ago on a visit to the Vauxhall Factory Museum in Luton. They include, Veteran, D Type open and closed, E Type with the clarity and detail in the photographs being exceptional. The drawings include both OE and OD parts and should be of benefit to you as there is a search option for the part you want.
I am presently looking at the entrants to the rally next year receiving one of these thumbs drives in their rally packs and in addition, the thumb drives will be loaded with video and still photographs taken on the actual event.
If you are not going on next year’s National Vauxhall Rally and would also like a copy of these period factory photographs and drawings you will be given the opportunity of also receiving one of these thumb drives. You will be required to send me a thumb drive and self addressed envelope and I will return your thumb drive loaded with both the period photographs, drawings as well as photos and video taken on the rally. More about that later following the Vauxhall Rally next year in Merimbula.
Our thanks to Peter for his effort in recording this information for us as it is very time consuming.
Below are examples of the photographs as well as a drawing.
FOR SALE
TIMING CHAIN
Michael Kenwood in Queensland has a new timing chain which doesn’t fit his D Type as it is suited for a 30-98. He will sell to someone who wants it, otherwise he is sending it back to R.M. Fowler in England. Price $468.88 is what it cost him landed in Australia. Ring Michael on mob: 0409109102
MIKE HIPKINS PARTS
Mike will take orders for another batch of bendix gears to suit the 23-60 and 30-98 CAV starter motors...they cost $210.00 ea plus postage. Ring Mike on 0412038908
PETER HOLEBEACH PARTS
Peter has starter pinion springs for 23-60 and 30-98 CAV starter motors and they are $30.00 ea. He also has 60mm wheel pullers to suit E Type and OE and they are $250.00 ea. He can also supply bronze and steel clutch plates and the price varies on these as the material comes from overseas. Contact Peter on mob :0407358190
That’s it for June.
Cheers.
Dave Stuart.
Mob: 04 2828 2360
Email: [email protected]
BELOW L-R
FACTORY PHOTOGRAPH OF OPEN D TYPE. FACTORY PHOTOGRAPH OF E TYPE 30-98. FACTORY DRAWING EARLY DASH LIGHT
2018 National Vauxhall Rally matters.
As you would now be aware, the entry forms for the coming Vauxhall Rally at Merimbula in April next year have been sent out with the last newsletter and confirmed entries are now coming in. At this stage we have only had two the 67 expressions of interest let me know they are now non starters, so time will tell as to the final numbers we have for the event however it does look good so far and the number of cars will be greater than we had in 2016
I have now contacted those confirmed entrants with the motel contact and they should have now confirmed their booking details and prepaid one night’s accommodation. All rooms are now allocated and booked at the main motel, so the remainder of the entrants will be booked into the second motel which is only a five minute drive to the main motel.
There will be optional two day runs to and from Merimbula both from Sydney as well as Melbourne. Those of you who have indicated on their entry form they are interested in doing this will be contacted by either myself for the Sydney entrants and by John Kent or Justin Coxhead for the Melbourne entrants.
To give you an idea of what to expect over the weekend I am planning a shorter driving day for the Saturday with time to sight see and have a nice lunch at an historic inn. The Sunday will see a more full on driving day with longer mileage, steep climbs up to 1200 metres and faster roads to suit those so inclined. You will visit an historic home where there will be a house and property inspection as well as lunch provided. This will be followed by the run back to Merimbula again over a winding mountain road however will obviously be downhill a lot of the way to our motel at sea level. All roads both days are sealed and in good order.
I should have an update in the next newsletter as to how I am going with some sponsorship for the rally.
I am grateful that more than half the people who expressed interest in the rally have now made a commitment and entered the rally securing their accommodation. However it has been mentioned to me why I needed to have you confirm entries so early. Firstly, I can let you know that to secure all rooms in a motel, this needs to be done at least twelve months in advance. Secondly, requesting early entries to be confirmed lets me know how much there will be in our account from your entry fees to cover such things as rally set up costs, printing of rally instructions and name tags etc, entries into events, morning teas and happy hours etc. At the main motel they can provide a barbecue meal on the Friday night however their restaurant is unable to provide dinners for the total number of our entrants. So, the Saturday and Sunday nights will see you bussed to your dinner venues. Once I have the total number of entries confirmed I will be then in a position to see how much your entry fee will cover. Please be assured you will get value for money and there will be some freebies and souvenirs during the rally. Also, whilst trying to answer some further gripes, can those who think the rally too far away to commit to an entry, please be assured it does take a lot of lead up time to organise an event the size of our rally. That is, booking motels, venues and doing the rally routes and instructions for you as well as trying to lead a normal life. You should try it some time and see how you go.
So, can I please ask you again to get your entry form in to me as soon as possible as receiving them helps me tremendously in setting up the event. It will initially only cost you $80.00 to enter (this amount is refundable if you can’t make it) with the balance for meals etc to be paid next year. As importantly, if you have expressed interest in the rally and now find you can’t make it or even if you are unsure, then let me know.
I have attached a list of the confirmed entrants in blue and unconfirmed entrants in red for your information. Please ring or email me if you are in the red.
So endeth the gripe session, I hope this explains why there is an urgency to confirm your entry if others were wondering.
Mary and I have just returned from Merimbula after setting the rally route and I can let you know that I am very pleased with what has developed and I am sure you will enjoy what is planned for the Saturday and Sunday.
More about the rally in following newsletters.
NEWS FLASH.
My son who is in communications in the Navy and is obviously very computer savy, has now showed his dad how to reduce the size of the photographs I use in the newsletters. You will see the coloured ones have lost a little clarity however the ones I have included of the D and E Type are factory photographs and lost no clarity when reduced. So all photographs appearing in the newsletters will be reduced and therefore the newsletter document should have less capacity and make it more acceptable to some of those member’s computers that struggled receive my previous emails with larger amounts of data.
NSW MEMBERS MONTHLY RUN
On Saturday 13th May the Sydney members were invited to the Peter Weir’s property in Wongawilli near Dapto to view his newly acquired D Type D3120. Some of us left from Camden and enjoyed a run over Razorback Mountain as well as descending down into Wollongong on the back road from Mount Keira. Arriving at Peter’s property situated on the escarpment overlooking the picturesque Lake Illawarra we were treated to coffee and some those you can’t knock back type cakes etc and a viewing of the D Type.
The D Type was started up and Peter moved it out onto the grass area in front of the house with the other cars there on the day. When you think of it, he provided three of the cars for the photo session and the rest of us could only arrive with three. Though I must say that Gary and Carol Rickard arrived with their 23-60 OD30 on a trailer as it had broken a magneto drive on the way down.
We all left Peters and drove to the historic pub at Mount Kembla for lunch and some cheer to be followed by a return run to Sydney by way of various routes by those attending.
Peter Weir has now saved a collection of original factory photographs as well as the Vauxhall drawings I had to a thumb drive for me. John Giddy obtained the photographs many years ago on a visit to the Vauxhall Factory Museum in Luton. They include, Veteran, D Type open and closed, E Type with the clarity and detail in the photographs being exceptional. The drawings include both OE and OD parts and should be of benefit to you as there is a search option for the part you want.
I am presently looking at the entrants to the rally next year receiving one of these thumbs drives in their rally packs and in addition, the thumb drives will be loaded with video and still photographs taken on the actual event.
If you are not going on next year’s National Vauxhall Rally and would also like a copy of these period factory photographs and drawings you will be given the opportunity of also receiving one of these thumb drives. You will be required to send me a thumb drive and self addressed envelope and I will return your thumb drive loaded with both the period photographs, drawings as well as photos and video taken on the rally. More about that later following the Vauxhall Rally next year in Merimbula.
Our thanks to Peter for his effort in recording this information for us as it is very time consuming.
Below are examples of the photographs as well as a drawing.
FOR SALE
TIMING CHAIN
Michael Kenwood in Queensland has a new timing chain which doesn’t fit his D Type as it is suited for a 30-98. He will sell to someone who wants it, otherwise he is sending it back to R.M. Fowler in England. Price $468.88 is what it cost him landed in Australia. Ring Michael on mob: 0409109102
MIKE HIPKINS PARTS
Mike will take orders for another batch of bendix gears to suit the 23-60 and 30-98 CAV starter motors...they cost $210.00 ea plus postage. Ring Mike on 0412038908
PETER HOLEBEACH PARTS
Peter has starter pinion springs for 23-60 and 30-98 CAV starter motors and they are $30.00 ea. He also has 60mm wheel pullers to suit E Type and OE and they are $250.00 ea. He can also supply bronze and steel clutch plates and the price varies on these as the material comes from overseas. Contact Peter on mob :0407358190
That’s it for June.
Cheers.
Dave Stuart.
Mob: 04 2828 2360
Email: [email protected]
BELOW L-R
FACTORY PHOTOGRAPH OF OPEN D TYPE. FACTORY PHOTOGRAPH OF E TYPE 30-98. FACTORY DRAWING EARLY DASH LIGHT
| june_2017_vauxhall_newsletter.doc |
May 2017 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
Autumn colours between Tumut and Rosewood
Hello Everyone.
I have attached to this newsletter an entry form for the coming National Vauxhall Rally to be held in Merimbula on the south coast of N.S.W. from the 6th to the 9th April 2018. The entry form gives you the opportunity of entering the rally and paying the entry fee of $80.00 as well as indicating what standard of accommodation you prefer. The main motel I have booked has 48 rooms however as we presently have 62 expressions of interest (list attached) in the rally there will be an overflow into a second motel if all expressions of interest turn into entries. As I receive the entry forms I will contact the entrant and provide them with the contact details for the motel and this will be done on a first entries received first allocated basis, so it will encourage you to get your entry to me a.s.a.p. to secure a room in the main motel with the majority of the entrants. Once the main motel fills, the overflow will go into the second motel.
The entry form will also give you the opportunity of indicating if you would prefer commencing the rally from Sydney on Thursday 6th April and overnighting at a motel in Cooma on the way to Merimbula. Similarly you will also get the opportunity of coming home to Sydney together in two days along the coast road with another stop.
John Kent and Justin Coxhead are also getting together a similar package to provide entrants travelling via Victoria to Merimbula and those entrants will have the opportunity to taking two days to and from Merimbula.
So, all to do now is get your entry form into me if you are a starter on the rally, and importantly, please let me know if you have expressed interest in attending however now find that you can’t make it.
Moving on from rally matters. Peter Weir and I recently brought his newly acquired D Type home from Maryborough in Queenland. We towed it home to Sydney on a trailer and it is now being serviced and detailed ready for an open house inspection at Peter’s property in Wongawilli near Dapto south of Sydney on Saturday 13th May. Photo of D3120 below.
For those who attended the National Vauxhall Rally at Hume Weir last year might remember Peter and his dad Jim were in Peter’s A Type A.09.1 and completed both days of the weekend without mishap. Peter intends bring the D Type to the rally in Merimbula and his brother David will be entering with Jim in his 30-98 OE169.
Mary and I recently returned home from the six day Autumn Tour run by the V.S.C.C.A. south to Merimbula, then home through Jindabyne, Tumut and Young.
On the way home from our stop in Young our group of Vauxhall enthusiasts stopped in the little village of Rugby (population not many) and met up with William (Bill) Kelly. Bill’s grandfather’s brother Richard (Rich) Kelly had an accident in his new 30-98 in 1926 and suffered life threatening injuries to his chest. He had picked up his three nephews at Frogmore and was driving the 30-98 to Boorowra to truck wethers. He went to overtake a car and clipping it lost control of the 30-98 and it overturned. The nephews received minor injuries and some broken bones however Rich Kelly died the following day in Boorowa Hospital. He is buried in Boorowa Cemetry. Following his trip to Boorowa Rich was to overnight with his mother at her property Lugano in Rugby which is the property Bill Kelly now owns. Rich Kelly owned an adjoining property Riverview and this property is still owned by the Kellys.
Now you are waiting to read about what happened to the car and where is it now. Was it broken up and used as spares? was it returned to Boyd Edkins? or was it languishing in a shed on the property Lugano waiting for someone about my size to discover it? I was thinking of writing this article so as the second part appears in the next newsletter however I knew if I did that I would be bombarded with phone calls from those who could not wait to hear the result. Photo of car & Rich Kelly attached.
So, the end result is that although Bill Kelly did know that his grandfather’s brother Rich died from injuries he received in the accident he was not aware of what happened to the car. It was not on Lugano or Riverview so there is no need to hurry out there to check. As you will see from the photograph the 30-98 is not that badly damaged and may have been returned to Boyd Edkins for repair.....who knows. There is no information available to assist with the identification of the car other than it was a new 1926 high radiator model with a polished body and guards. There ends the sad tale of this car unless someone out there has some more information.
THE MYSTERY PHOTO COMPETITION.
I may have advised the outcome of the details of the photographs appearing in the last newsletter, however if you missed it, here it is again. The first photograph is of Harry Hagan and his wife on their wedding day in 1962 and the second photograph is of Harry’s 30-98 and 23-60 in the back yard of his home. Richard Walton was first in with the correct answers and won two air airline tickets for a fortnights fully paid holiday to the middle east – congratulations go to Sticky. Emi refuses to pack.
Now, who can identify the following in the photo appearing below:
If entering the rally next year please get your entries in early or let me know that you now find you cannot make it. That’s it for May.
Dave Stuart
I have attached to this newsletter an entry form for the coming National Vauxhall Rally to be held in Merimbula on the south coast of N.S.W. from the 6th to the 9th April 2018. The entry form gives you the opportunity of entering the rally and paying the entry fee of $80.00 as well as indicating what standard of accommodation you prefer. The main motel I have booked has 48 rooms however as we presently have 62 expressions of interest (list attached) in the rally there will be an overflow into a second motel if all expressions of interest turn into entries. As I receive the entry forms I will contact the entrant and provide them with the contact details for the motel and this will be done on a first entries received first allocated basis, so it will encourage you to get your entry to me a.s.a.p. to secure a room in the main motel with the majority of the entrants. Once the main motel fills, the overflow will go into the second motel.
The entry form will also give you the opportunity of indicating if you would prefer commencing the rally from Sydney on Thursday 6th April and overnighting at a motel in Cooma on the way to Merimbula. Similarly you will also get the opportunity of coming home to Sydney together in two days along the coast road with another stop.
John Kent and Justin Coxhead are also getting together a similar package to provide entrants travelling via Victoria to Merimbula and those entrants will have the opportunity to taking two days to and from Merimbula.
So, all to do now is get your entry form into me if you are a starter on the rally, and importantly, please let me know if you have expressed interest in attending however now find that you can’t make it.
Moving on from rally matters. Peter Weir and I recently brought his newly acquired D Type home from Maryborough in Queenland. We towed it home to Sydney on a trailer and it is now being serviced and detailed ready for an open house inspection at Peter’s property in Wongawilli near Dapto south of Sydney on Saturday 13th May. Photo of D3120 below.
For those who attended the National Vauxhall Rally at Hume Weir last year might remember Peter and his dad Jim were in Peter’s A Type A.09.1 and completed both days of the weekend without mishap. Peter intends bring the D Type to the rally in Merimbula and his brother David will be entering with Jim in his 30-98 OE169.
Mary and I recently returned home from the six day Autumn Tour run by the V.S.C.C.A. south to Merimbula, then home through Jindabyne, Tumut and Young.
On the way home from our stop in Young our group of Vauxhall enthusiasts stopped in the little village of Rugby (population not many) and met up with William (Bill) Kelly. Bill’s grandfather’s brother Richard (Rich) Kelly had an accident in his new 30-98 in 1926 and suffered life threatening injuries to his chest. He had picked up his three nephews at Frogmore and was driving the 30-98 to Boorowra to truck wethers. He went to overtake a car and clipping it lost control of the 30-98 and it overturned. The nephews received minor injuries and some broken bones however Rich Kelly died the following day in Boorowa Hospital. He is buried in Boorowa Cemetry. Following his trip to Boorowa Rich was to overnight with his mother at her property Lugano in Rugby which is the property Bill Kelly now owns. Rich Kelly owned an adjoining property Riverview and this property is still owned by the Kellys.
Now you are waiting to read about what happened to the car and where is it now. Was it broken up and used as spares? was it returned to Boyd Edkins? or was it languishing in a shed on the property Lugano waiting for someone about my size to discover it? I was thinking of writing this article so as the second part appears in the next newsletter however I knew if I did that I would be bombarded with phone calls from those who could not wait to hear the result. Photo of car & Rich Kelly attached.
So, the end result is that although Bill Kelly did know that his grandfather’s brother Rich died from injuries he received in the accident he was not aware of what happened to the car. It was not on Lugano or Riverview so there is no need to hurry out there to check. As you will see from the photograph the 30-98 is not that badly damaged and may have been returned to Boyd Edkins for repair.....who knows. There is no information available to assist with the identification of the car other than it was a new 1926 high radiator model with a polished body and guards. There ends the sad tale of this car unless someone out there has some more information.
THE MYSTERY PHOTO COMPETITION.
I may have advised the outcome of the details of the photographs appearing in the last newsletter, however if you missed it, here it is again. The first photograph is of Harry Hagan and his wife on their wedding day in 1962 and the second photograph is of Harry’s 30-98 and 23-60 in the back yard of his home. Richard Walton was first in with the correct answers and won two air airline tickets for a fortnights fully paid holiday to the middle east – congratulations go to Sticky. Emi refuses to pack.
Now, who can identify the following in the photo appearing below:
- Where is the photograph taken?
- Can you identify the cars?
- What are the names of the five people L to R appearing in the photograph?
If entering the rally next year please get your entries in early or let me know that you now find you cannot make it. That’s it for May.
Dave Stuart
D3120
Rich Kelly's 30-98 accident
|
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THE MYSTERY PHOTO COMPETITION
| may_2017_newsletter.doc |
April 2017 Newsletter
By Dave Stuart
| 2017_april_a_-_d_vauxhall_register_newsletter.doc |
Cathy Freeman Foundation
10years - 10,000kms in OE1078, the Presentation Vauxhall
www.cathyfreemanfoundation.org.au/10000
February 2017 Vauxhall Register Run
by Dave Stuart
23-60 , 14-40 , A Type , 30-98 , 23-60
The first organised run for February this year was cancelled due to the extreme weather changes Sydney was experiencing earlier in the month, if the temperature wasn’t in the high 30C’s then thunder storms and winds were predicted, usually with these predictions coming true. Tuesday 21st seemed to have a good feel about it so it was on again. We met at the Anglers Rest Hotel at Brooklyn overlooking the Hawkesbury River. A few stopped at the Pie in the Sky on the way from Sydney for a coffee and something sweet on the way down the old highway from Cowan to the Hawkesbury River.
Those participating were Neil and Marie Heilbrunn with Rob and Deb Merryfull in the A Type Vauxhall ex Jim Weir car. Alan Ferguson in M Type 14-40, Peter Ward in 23-60, Richard and Emi Walton in 30-98 with Mary and I in our 23-60. As well in moderns there were Euan and Wilga Coutts, Phil Virgona and Tracy in VW convertible, John Wilson, Jim Weir and running a little late due to his overheating Mark 2 Jaguar was Phil Lamrock and his riding mechanic Wayne Merton.
Quite a few had arrived before us and were enjoying something cold on the outdoor deck of the pub overlooking the Hawkesbury, the sun was shining, it was warm and it looked the perfect setting.
Following a refreshing drink out on the sundeck we moved into the restaurant and were all seated at the one table. The food came out quite quickly and mainly consisted of a mixture of various seafood dishes of either barramundi, prawns or calamari. However I did notice a senior member of the group who had arrived in his 23-60 struggling to down a large plate of grilled sausages and accompaniments.
Much was discussed over lunch with the drivers at one end of the table discussing all things Vauxhall and the navigators at the other end discussing secrete navigators business.
Around 2pm we all decided to leave on mass for the drive home as for some it was going to take a few hours as we endured the 3pm traffic jam with mothers collecting their kids from schools which seem to be everywhere you want to travel. An opportunity was not missed to take a photograph of the cars attending the lunch so we all stopped along the road from the pub back to the old highway and a group photo taken (above).
Some turned right onto the old highway with Mary and I turning left to travel back towards Sydney. To miss the anticipated school pickup time for the kids we decided to turn off at Berowra and cross on the ferry for a nice quieter drive up through Arcadia and Middle Dural. As we got to Dural is where my plans went astray, Dural Public School provided a disaster area with all the mothers in their “urban assault vehicles” more commonly know as four wheel drives, double parking and do U turns to hold up the traffic in both directions. This was a bad move to come through Dural however once clear I thought another good plan was to travel through Glenorie in order to miss more traffic on Pennant Hills Road.....another bad move with a huge line up of traffic trying to get through at a roundabout. The end result was we arrived home hot and bothered about ten to five....a little under a three hour drive.
However I presume all attending the lunch enjoyed the day out at the Anglers Rest Hotel for lunch and I think out next outing in April will see us lunch at the Mean Fiddler Hotel in Rouse Hill, so I will keep you posted.
My thanks to all those who attended.
Dave Stuart
Full report with pictures click here.
Those participating were Neil and Marie Heilbrunn with Rob and Deb Merryfull in the A Type Vauxhall ex Jim Weir car. Alan Ferguson in M Type 14-40, Peter Ward in 23-60, Richard and Emi Walton in 30-98 with Mary and I in our 23-60. As well in moderns there were Euan and Wilga Coutts, Phil Virgona and Tracy in VW convertible, John Wilson, Jim Weir and running a little late due to his overheating Mark 2 Jaguar was Phil Lamrock and his riding mechanic Wayne Merton.
Quite a few had arrived before us and were enjoying something cold on the outdoor deck of the pub overlooking the Hawkesbury, the sun was shining, it was warm and it looked the perfect setting.
Following a refreshing drink out on the sundeck we moved into the restaurant and were all seated at the one table. The food came out quite quickly and mainly consisted of a mixture of various seafood dishes of either barramundi, prawns or calamari. However I did notice a senior member of the group who had arrived in his 23-60 struggling to down a large plate of grilled sausages and accompaniments.
Much was discussed over lunch with the drivers at one end of the table discussing all things Vauxhall and the navigators at the other end discussing secrete navigators business.
Around 2pm we all decided to leave on mass for the drive home as for some it was going to take a few hours as we endured the 3pm traffic jam with mothers collecting their kids from schools which seem to be everywhere you want to travel. An opportunity was not missed to take a photograph of the cars attending the lunch so we all stopped along the road from the pub back to the old highway and a group photo taken (above).
Some turned right onto the old highway with Mary and I turning left to travel back towards Sydney. To miss the anticipated school pickup time for the kids we decided to turn off at Berowra and cross on the ferry for a nice quieter drive up through Arcadia and Middle Dural. As we got to Dural is where my plans went astray, Dural Public School provided a disaster area with all the mothers in their “urban assault vehicles” more commonly know as four wheel drives, double parking and do U turns to hold up the traffic in both directions. This was a bad move to come through Dural however once clear I thought another good plan was to travel through Glenorie in order to miss more traffic on Pennant Hills Road.....another bad move with a huge line up of traffic trying to get through at a roundabout. The end result was we arrived home hot and bothered about ten to five....a little under a three hour drive.
However I presume all attending the lunch enjoyed the day out at the Anglers Rest Hotel for lunch and I think out next outing in April will see us lunch at the Mean Fiddler Hotel in Rouse Hill, so I will keep you posted.
My thanks to all those who attended.
Dave Stuart
Full report with pictures click here.
2018 National Vauxhall Rally
by Dave Stuart
Hello Everyone.
This is a group message to all owners of vintage and veteran Vauxhalls in Australia to advise you of the coming National Vauxhall Rally in 2018.
I am hoping that I now have all owners correct email addresses included in this group mail out, however if you are aware of anyone that I have missed can you please either advise me of their current email address or forward this email to them. To see the list of names on this group mail out, click on the arrow down box located beside your name shown as the receiver of this email.
My name is Dave Stuart (N.S.W.) and together with Victorians John Kent, Justin Coxhead and Pat Ryan we are organising the second of our biennial Vauxhall Rallys and can advise that it will be held from Friday 6th April 2018 to Monday 9th April 2018 at Merimbula on the far south coast of N.S.W. This weekend is clear of the Easter weekend as well as the N.S.W. school holidays and at this time sees Merimbula and the surrounding coastal region far quieter and more suitable to our needs.
Following the success the first of these events held in May last year at Hume Weir, it was agreed that we continue on with the running of similar events every two years and initially they will alternate at a location somewhere between Sydney and Melbourne as N.S.W. and Victoria seem to have the greater number of cars in their states. Merimbula is geographically about half way in driving distance from Sydney and Melbourne, it is very scenic and will see you travelling along coastal roads as well as some serious mountain driving (all on sealed roads).
At this early stage all we request you to do is return email me expressing your interest in attending this event and later in the year you will be sent an entry form.
I would expect most N.S.W. entrants would prefer a leisurely two day run to and from Merimbula and this option will be provided. I have received an email from Adrian Garrett who lives in the Bay of Islands across the ditch in the north Isle of NZ letting me know that he had heard about the event already and is keen to participate in his 30-98.
Justin Coxhead and I intend meeting at Merimbula in the next few months to look over the area and settle the day events for both the Saturday and Sunday. We have already been offered the opportunity of visiting an historic homestead near Bombala for a lunch stop and this could see you wind your way over Mount Imlay which is some 886m above sea level and is located in the Genoa and Waalimma National Parks to the south west of Merimbula. The second day will see you travel the coast road north to Narooma for lunch and perhaps a cruise out to Montague Island. You will visit the historic township of Central Tilba on your return journey to Merimbula. I am sure you will enjoy what we have planned for you on this event as Merimbula known as the jewel of the N.S.W. Saphire Coast will provide us with the perfect location.
So, all to do now is return email me expressing you are interested in attending this event and receiving an entry form later in the year.
Cheers.
Dave Stuart.
email: direct to Dave or via [email protected]
This is a group message to all owners of vintage and veteran Vauxhalls in Australia to advise you of the coming National Vauxhall Rally in 2018.
I am hoping that I now have all owners correct email addresses included in this group mail out, however if you are aware of anyone that I have missed can you please either advise me of their current email address or forward this email to them. To see the list of names on this group mail out, click on the arrow down box located beside your name shown as the receiver of this email.
My name is Dave Stuart (N.S.W.) and together with Victorians John Kent, Justin Coxhead and Pat Ryan we are organising the second of our biennial Vauxhall Rallys and can advise that it will be held from Friday 6th April 2018 to Monday 9th April 2018 at Merimbula on the far south coast of N.S.W. This weekend is clear of the Easter weekend as well as the N.S.W. school holidays and at this time sees Merimbula and the surrounding coastal region far quieter and more suitable to our needs.
Following the success the first of these events held in May last year at Hume Weir, it was agreed that we continue on with the running of similar events every two years and initially they will alternate at a location somewhere between Sydney and Melbourne as N.S.W. and Victoria seem to have the greater number of cars in their states. Merimbula is geographically about half way in driving distance from Sydney and Melbourne, it is very scenic and will see you travelling along coastal roads as well as some serious mountain driving (all on sealed roads).
At this early stage all we request you to do is return email me expressing your interest in attending this event and later in the year you will be sent an entry form.
I would expect most N.S.W. entrants would prefer a leisurely two day run to and from Merimbula and this option will be provided. I have received an email from Adrian Garrett who lives in the Bay of Islands across the ditch in the north Isle of NZ letting me know that he had heard about the event already and is keen to participate in his 30-98.
Justin Coxhead and I intend meeting at Merimbula in the next few months to look over the area and settle the day events for both the Saturday and Sunday. We have already been offered the opportunity of visiting an historic homestead near Bombala for a lunch stop and this could see you wind your way over Mount Imlay which is some 886m above sea level and is located in the Genoa and Waalimma National Parks to the south west of Merimbula. The second day will see you travel the coast road north to Narooma for lunch and perhaps a cruise out to Montague Island. You will visit the historic township of Central Tilba on your return journey to Merimbula. I am sure you will enjoy what we have planned for you on this event as Merimbula known as the jewel of the N.S.W. Saphire Coast will provide us with the perfect location.
So, all to do now is return email me expressing you are interested in attending this event and receiving an entry form later in the year.
Cheers.
Dave Stuart.
email: direct to Dave or via [email protected]
2016 George Green Memorial Rally N.S.W.
by Dave Stuart
| article_for_vauxhall_register_on_the_2016_gg_rally.doc |
NEWSLETTER
By Dave Stuart
Hello Everyone.
On Tuesday the 4th October we had the first of our newly styled bi-monthly meetings and it was held at the historic Royal Cricketers Arms hotel in Prospect (photo attached). We had 13 members attend with three wives and four cars, John Wilson and Richard Walton's 30-98's as well as Peter Ward's and my 23-60.
I think everyone enjoyed the location as well as the atmosphere and the food was top end pub food at a reasonable price, I wish I could I could say the same for the price of the beer......I found it hard to get interested at the prices they charged.
Anyhow it was generally agreed to hold another of these types of meetings and for the next one we would try the historic Mean Fiddler at Rouse Hill.....more about that as it comes closer.
For our December meeting it will be on Saturday the 4th at Phil Lamrock's property which is located at 48 Deriwong Road, Dural Ph 9651 2250. Arrive about 11am for a viewing of Phil's 23-60 to be followed by a barbecue lunch. You will be required to bring your own meat and drinks as well as eating tools however Phil's wife Pam will supply the salads. l will send out another email in November, however please mark it now on your calendar.
I have just picked up a set of steering arm and track rod leather boots which were copied from the original ones off Greg Robert's D Type. (see photo below of two attached to the steering rod). The saddler undid the stitching on the original ones and used the parts from each as patterns. The new ones are in dark brown heavy leather and he has used stainless steel buckles and keepers. They are hand stitched and quite time consuming to make and can be supplied at $100.00 each or $400.00 for a set of four......I am very pleased with the quality of his work. I already have orders for four sets however the catch is they only fit two wheel braked 23-60's or 30-98's. If anyone has an original set of boots for the late model four wheel braked cars let me know and these could also be remade.
I will take orders for the boots being presently made for the un-braked cars and these orders will close by Friday 14th October. So if you would like to order a set please either ring me or email me your order.
As previously advised, Julian Ghosh from the UK will be visiting Sydney from 4th November to the 9th November prior to going to the Bendigo Swap. Julian is a long time Vauxhall owner as well as an Ex President of the V.S.C.C. in the UK. His collection of cars includes the a C Type Jaguar, 30-98 known as Blue Nick, the ex Wagga Motors 30-98 as well as the Supercharged Villiers TT car. He will be staying with Wayne and Ollie Merton at Dural and will be attending the Jazz and Tiger Moths VSCCA event on Saturday the 5th November. The following day, Sunday 6th November we will have a gathering of the Vauxhalls which Julian will also attend. For this event I would be pleased if as many cars as possible could attend, that includes 14-40's, 23-60's, 30-98's as well as 20-60's. Julian put on a similar day in May last year for Richard Walton, Wayne Merton. my son in-law Ant and I when we were in the UK. On the day there were at least twelve 30-98's in attendance at his farm in Drakes Broughton near Pershore, I think we can do better and return the hospitality......please mark this one down as well on your calendar as there will be an hours drive to a Country Club were we will be booked in for lunch.......so numbers are a must for the booking. We will meet again at the bakery in Glenorie (photo attached) at 10am for coffee and a choice of delights from the cake section. Leaving about 11am there will be instructions provided to guide you to the lunch stop. Another email later will go out advising of that event.
It is important that you ring or email me that you will be coming to our day for Julian on Sunday the 6th November, so please don't forget to do this as it will keep me pleased.
Julian will also be the guest speaker at the VSCCA's AGM on the 8th November talking on the VSCC in the UK as well as how modified cars are affecting the vintage car scene in the UK.
That's about it for now, I think there are three 23-60's and two 30-98's going on the coming George Green Memorial Rally to Dubbo next week so I will see those drivers on the event.
More news when I get back from Dubbo.
Dave Stuart
On Tuesday the 4th October we had the first of our newly styled bi-monthly meetings and it was held at the historic Royal Cricketers Arms hotel in Prospect (photo attached). We had 13 members attend with three wives and four cars, John Wilson and Richard Walton's 30-98's as well as Peter Ward's and my 23-60.
I think everyone enjoyed the location as well as the atmosphere and the food was top end pub food at a reasonable price, I wish I could I could say the same for the price of the beer......I found it hard to get interested at the prices they charged.
Anyhow it was generally agreed to hold another of these types of meetings and for the next one we would try the historic Mean Fiddler at Rouse Hill.....more about that as it comes closer.
For our December meeting it will be on Saturday the 4th at Phil Lamrock's property which is located at 48 Deriwong Road, Dural Ph 9651 2250. Arrive about 11am for a viewing of Phil's 23-60 to be followed by a barbecue lunch. You will be required to bring your own meat and drinks as well as eating tools however Phil's wife Pam will supply the salads. l will send out another email in November, however please mark it now on your calendar.
I have just picked up a set of steering arm and track rod leather boots which were copied from the original ones off Greg Robert's D Type. (see photo below of two attached to the steering rod). The saddler undid the stitching on the original ones and used the parts from each as patterns. The new ones are in dark brown heavy leather and he has used stainless steel buckles and keepers. They are hand stitched and quite time consuming to make and can be supplied at $100.00 each or $400.00 for a set of four......I am very pleased with the quality of his work. I already have orders for four sets however the catch is they only fit two wheel braked 23-60's or 30-98's. If anyone has an original set of boots for the late model four wheel braked cars let me know and these could also be remade.
I will take orders for the boots being presently made for the un-braked cars and these orders will close by Friday 14th October. So if you would like to order a set please either ring me or email me your order.
As previously advised, Julian Ghosh from the UK will be visiting Sydney from 4th November to the 9th November prior to going to the Bendigo Swap. Julian is a long time Vauxhall owner as well as an Ex President of the V.S.C.C. in the UK. His collection of cars includes the a C Type Jaguar, 30-98 known as Blue Nick, the ex Wagga Motors 30-98 as well as the Supercharged Villiers TT car. He will be staying with Wayne and Ollie Merton at Dural and will be attending the Jazz and Tiger Moths VSCCA event on Saturday the 5th November. The following day, Sunday 6th November we will have a gathering of the Vauxhalls which Julian will also attend. For this event I would be pleased if as many cars as possible could attend, that includes 14-40's, 23-60's, 30-98's as well as 20-60's. Julian put on a similar day in May last year for Richard Walton, Wayne Merton. my son in-law Ant and I when we were in the UK. On the day there were at least twelve 30-98's in attendance at his farm in Drakes Broughton near Pershore, I think we can do better and return the hospitality......please mark this one down as well on your calendar as there will be an hours drive to a Country Club were we will be booked in for lunch.......so numbers are a must for the booking. We will meet again at the bakery in Glenorie (photo attached) at 10am for coffee and a choice of delights from the cake section. Leaving about 11am there will be instructions provided to guide you to the lunch stop. Another email later will go out advising of that event.
It is important that you ring or email me that you will be coming to our day for Julian on Sunday the 6th November, so please don't forget to do this as it will keep me pleased.
Julian will also be the guest speaker at the VSCCA's AGM on the 8th November talking on the VSCC in the UK as well as how modified cars are affecting the vintage car scene in the UK.
That's about it for now, I think there are three 23-60's and two 30-98's going on the coming George Green Memorial Rally to Dubbo next week so I will see those drivers on the event.
More news when I get back from Dubbo.
Dave Stuart
BENDIGO SWAP RE-VISITED
By Dave Stuart
Ivan Smith and Dave Stuart
In November last year a team of Vauxhall enthusiasts decided to revisit the Bendigo Swap Meet as it was 20 years since John Giddy (Vauxhall guru) had died. The Bendigo Swap was a favourite weekend away for John and the Vauxhall team, with a booking made each year at the famous Shamrock Hotel in Bendigo usually with a booking of the Lola Montez room which I have seen sleep 12 or so weary swappers. As you can imagine there are lots of stories to tell of our twenty or so weekends at Bendigo however I think the one to remember is when 12 of the usual team were flown to and from the swap in Laurie Ogle’s 1937 Lockheed Electra. The trip down to Bendigo in the Lockheed was a trip to remember. However the return trip has its terrifying memories of our low level flight in the Kangaroo Valley to plot Laurie’s farm on the sat nav for the pilot who was to return the following weekend for a flyover of the property whilst Laurie’s daughter was being married to a Qantas pilot.
On the way to Bendigo we took an extra day with an overnight stop in Wangaratta to catch up with Vauxhall repairman John Kent and to see all the vintage type restorations being carried out in his workshop. Dinner that night at our motel included both John and Justin Coxhead another 30-98 man from Bright. The following morning we ventured off to see Rod Warriner and Sheila Wheatcroft at Avenel. An inspection of Rod’s workshop revealed mostly vintage Bentley parts and his 4 ½ litre, however we did see his recently restored XK150 Jaguar Coupe. Sheila prepared a magnificent morning tea of scones and pikelets together with much needed coffee to clear the head of the previous night’s activities.
We then continued on to Lancefield and to the property of Malcolm Sloan who has his grandfather’s A Type Vauxhall. His grandfather purchased the A Type new and Malcolm has a long term project ahead of him to restore the car. Malcolm showed us the A Type and it was nice to hear the car is to remain in the family and not sold.
From Lancefield we travelled north towards Bendigo and at Kyneton caught up with Ivan Smith who owns a 23-60 Vauxhall which he purchased in the 60’s from the original owner. It was the first time I had met Ivan and we all found him very hospitable and interesting to talk to as he was actually born in Kyneton and being in his 80’s knew nearly everything there was to know about the town and its people. He showed us through his large collection of veteran and vintage cars as well as his Valiant collection. Ivan did own the Chrysler dealership in Kyneton for a number of years and in his collection he has the very first and the last Valiant to come off the production line. We spent about three hours at Kyneton and found it hard to leave however prior to leaving Ivan mentioned to me that he was considering having a clearing sale with his Vauxhall spares and would I be interested. Well you can guess what my answer was and it was agreed that I would return to see him in about a fortnight once he had gathered up his collection of spares and had them all together.
We left Kyneton and headed for Bendigo which was only a short drive and there enjoyed some end of day refreshments and dinner at the Shamrock Hotel. Richard Walton, Murray McDonogh and I took the Lola Montez room and Jim Weir, Lyel Murrell and Brian Boardman took to Dame Nellie Melba room. Three in each room was a novelty and a luxury compared to the old days on our visits to the swap.
The weekend at the swap went as usual, up early, a quick breakfast then out to the showground to see what treasurers could be found. It is always good to catch up with other Vauxhallians and vintage type people during the day, most are from Victoria however there are swappers who we meet up with each year who come across the ditch (a New Zealand term) from New Zealand. The Saturday night saw us at the Irish Pub not far from the Shamrock where we all enjoyed a fine dinner and shared old tales normally relating to John Giddy or Vauxhalls. The night ended up with a salute to John with a taste of the usual port or two. We made it back to Sydney in the one day and all hoped that it was not too long before we could repeat the weekend away for the Bendigo Swap.
Quite a few months went past before Ivan had collected up all his spares and advised I could come down to see what he had. As a result Murray McDonogh and I travelled down in my ute with trailer behind to carry the loot home if we were successful in our dealings with Ivan. We had a wonderful run down to Kyneton as the countryside was so green and though it was July it as though we were in springtime. Victoria had received an enormous amount of rain during the previous months and the ground was waterlogged with large tracks of water lying in the paddocks. We arrived at Ivan’s workshop mid afternoon where he had placed all the parts he wanted to sell on two pallets. There was a 23-60 crankcase, two blocks and a head still fitted with it rocker arms, braked front and rear axle, a water pump, three oils pumps, set of CAV headlights, set of front mudguards and numerous other engine and chassis parts too good not to make Ivan a serious offer. Ivan accepted our offer and the deal was done with us to return the following morning and load the ute and trailer.
This is where we came unstuck in Kyneton so to speak. It snowed during the night and we woke to find the ute and trailer covered in snow and it was bitterly cold with the wind and chill factor making it very uncomfortable. As they say in the outback, the wind would blow a dog off the chain. We called into Ivan’s workshop at 9am to announce we would have to come back as we would surely catch pneumonia being out in the cold whilst we loaded. Ivan said we were very wise and agreed to store my trailer in his workshop until we returned. We left for home soon after we had our bacon and eggs in the local eatery in the main street of the township. All the hills around Kyneton were covered in snow and we had to take care as there were reports of black ice on the road we were travelling on to Lancefield and Kilmore.
Richard Walton and I returned to Kyneton two weeks later to pick up the parts and we were again treated to some fine country hospitality by Ivan and his wife June. Ivan was able to load the heavy pallet onto my ute with his fork lift and the smaller parts were loaded into the trailer by hand. Ivan told me that he bought two 23-60 rolling chassis’ from Darlington Point on the Murray River in N.S.W. about fifty years ago and these parts we had purchased were the remains from those two cars. Some of the parts are closely numbered with a running board valance stamped 568, crank case 560, block 572 and head 565. I would have thought the valance identified the car however our A – D Type Register shows car OD568 is actually owned by Max Stephenson in Queensland and is known as “Penny” used by Max in his overseas marathons. Obviously the parts we have are from the same car however which number it was it not known.
We dined with Ivan and June that night at the local services club and were into bed fairly early for our return trip to Sydney. The trip home was an absolute nightmare, it rained from the time we left Kyneton until we reached Goulburn. When I say it rained, it bucketed down being so heavy in waves we were slowed to 40 kph on the motorway with our hazard lights on. Visibility at times was no more than 40 to 50 metres ahead and the paddocks on both sides of the road were like lakes. Without doubt it was the heaviest rain that both Richard and I had seen and to make it worse we were driving in it. We stopped at the bakery in Holbrook for lunch as the rain had eased however whilst having our lunch it came down again and no one could leave the shop for an hour until it eased. I had phoned Mary that morning to say we would be home by 6pm however it was 8.30pm when we pulled into Glenfield. Richard then had to jump into his car and drive home a further hour to Eastwood whilst I had a hot shower and dinner.
Interestingly, we found that one of the engine blocks was not 23-60 and in fact from a 30-98 being stamped 58. When Jim Cuthbert owned his 30-98 OE56 it was fitted with the E Type 30-98 crank case E370 from John Giddy’s E Type E366. OE56’s engine suffered a major and at some stage had the crankcase changed to keep the car on the road. Fortunately John Giddy had purchased the damaged OE56 crankcase in his travels and later traded it with Eric Rainsford from South Australia, as at the time Eric was restoring OE56. So in effect OE56 now has its original repaired crankcase fitted as does E366. We believe the 58 block we have is the original one fitted to OE56 although being two numbers apart. In support of this, Richard Walton’s 30-98 OE53 it fitted with OE55 block, also two numbers apart. So it may have been as these two cars are close in chassis numbers, the block numbers in the erecting shop at Vauxhall Motors may have been two numbers out of sequence at that point in time. All interesting to us Vauxhall believers however those who were around at the time are now long gone and makes it quite difficult to confirm these issues.
That ends the account of our good fortune having originally set out for the Bendigo Swap Meet to remember John Giddy and those memorable nights at the Shamrock. This last trip however provided the best results of all our times at Bendigo with the purchase of the Vauxhall spares from Ivan Smith. So I am sure the guru was still pulling the strings and looking over us somewhere from above and would be more than proud of our venture.
On the way to Bendigo we took an extra day with an overnight stop in Wangaratta to catch up with Vauxhall repairman John Kent and to see all the vintage type restorations being carried out in his workshop. Dinner that night at our motel included both John and Justin Coxhead another 30-98 man from Bright. The following morning we ventured off to see Rod Warriner and Sheila Wheatcroft at Avenel. An inspection of Rod’s workshop revealed mostly vintage Bentley parts and his 4 ½ litre, however we did see his recently restored XK150 Jaguar Coupe. Sheila prepared a magnificent morning tea of scones and pikelets together with much needed coffee to clear the head of the previous night’s activities.
We then continued on to Lancefield and to the property of Malcolm Sloan who has his grandfather’s A Type Vauxhall. His grandfather purchased the A Type new and Malcolm has a long term project ahead of him to restore the car. Malcolm showed us the A Type and it was nice to hear the car is to remain in the family and not sold.
From Lancefield we travelled north towards Bendigo and at Kyneton caught up with Ivan Smith who owns a 23-60 Vauxhall which he purchased in the 60’s from the original owner. It was the first time I had met Ivan and we all found him very hospitable and interesting to talk to as he was actually born in Kyneton and being in his 80’s knew nearly everything there was to know about the town and its people. He showed us through his large collection of veteran and vintage cars as well as his Valiant collection. Ivan did own the Chrysler dealership in Kyneton for a number of years and in his collection he has the very first and the last Valiant to come off the production line. We spent about three hours at Kyneton and found it hard to leave however prior to leaving Ivan mentioned to me that he was considering having a clearing sale with his Vauxhall spares and would I be interested. Well you can guess what my answer was and it was agreed that I would return to see him in about a fortnight once he had gathered up his collection of spares and had them all together.
We left Kyneton and headed for Bendigo which was only a short drive and there enjoyed some end of day refreshments and dinner at the Shamrock Hotel. Richard Walton, Murray McDonogh and I took the Lola Montez room and Jim Weir, Lyel Murrell and Brian Boardman took to Dame Nellie Melba room. Three in each room was a novelty and a luxury compared to the old days on our visits to the swap.
The weekend at the swap went as usual, up early, a quick breakfast then out to the showground to see what treasurers could be found. It is always good to catch up with other Vauxhallians and vintage type people during the day, most are from Victoria however there are swappers who we meet up with each year who come across the ditch (a New Zealand term) from New Zealand. The Saturday night saw us at the Irish Pub not far from the Shamrock where we all enjoyed a fine dinner and shared old tales normally relating to John Giddy or Vauxhalls. The night ended up with a salute to John with a taste of the usual port or two. We made it back to Sydney in the one day and all hoped that it was not too long before we could repeat the weekend away for the Bendigo Swap.
Quite a few months went past before Ivan had collected up all his spares and advised I could come down to see what he had. As a result Murray McDonogh and I travelled down in my ute with trailer behind to carry the loot home if we were successful in our dealings with Ivan. We had a wonderful run down to Kyneton as the countryside was so green and though it was July it as though we were in springtime. Victoria had received an enormous amount of rain during the previous months and the ground was waterlogged with large tracks of water lying in the paddocks. We arrived at Ivan’s workshop mid afternoon where he had placed all the parts he wanted to sell on two pallets. There was a 23-60 crankcase, two blocks and a head still fitted with it rocker arms, braked front and rear axle, a water pump, three oils pumps, set of CAV headlights, set of front mudguards and numerous other engine and chassis parts too good not to make Ivan a serious offer. Ivan accepted our offer and the deal was done with us to return the following morning and load the ute and trailer.
This is where we came unstuck in Kyneton so to speak. It snowed during the night and we woke to find the ute and trailer covered in snow and it was bitterly cold with the wind and chill factor making it very uncomfortable. As they say in the outback, the wind would blow a dog off the chain. We called into Ivan’s workshop at 9am to announce we would have to come back as we would surely catch pneumonia being out in the cold whilst we loaded. Ivan said we were very wise and agreed to store my trailer in his workshop until we returned. We left for home soon after we had our bacon and eggs in the local eatery in the main street of the township. All the hills around Kyneton were covered in snow and we had to take care as there were reports of black ice on the road we were travelling on to Lancefield and Kilmore.
Richard Walton and I returned to Kyneton two weeks later to pick up the parts and we were again treated to some fine country hospitality by Ivan and his wife June. Ivan was able to load the heavy pallet onto my ute with his fork lift and the smaller parts were loaded into the trailer by hand. Ivan told me that he bought two 23-60 rolling chassis’ from Darlington Point on the Murray River in N.S.W. about fifty years ago and these parts we had purchased were the remains from those two cars. Some of the parts are closely numbered with a running board valance stamped 568, crank case 560, block 572 and head 565. I would have thought the valance identified the car however our A – D Type Register shows car OD568 is actually owned by Max Stephenson in Queensland and is known as “Penny” used by Max in his overseas marathons. Obviously the parts we have are from the same car however which number it was it not known.
We dined with Ivan and June that night at the local services club and were into bed fairly early for our return trip to Sydney. The trip home was an absolute nightmare, it rained from the time we left Kyneton until we reached Goulburn. When I say it rained, it bucketed down being so heavy in waves we were slowed to 40 kph on the motorway with our hazard lights on. Visibility at times was no more than 40 to 50 metres ahead and the paddocks on both sides of the road were like lakes. Without doubt it was the heaviest rain that both Richard and I had seen and to make it worse we were driving in it. We stopped at the bakery in Holbrook for lunch as the rain had eased however whilst having our lunch it came down again and no one could leave the shop for an hour until it eased. I had phoned Mary that morning to say we would be home by 6pm however it was 8.30pm when we pulled into Glenfield. Richard then had to jump into his car and drive home a further hour to Eastwood whilst I had a hot shower and dinner.
Interestingly, we found that one of the engine blocks was not 23-60 and in fact from a 30-98 being stamped 58. When Jim Cuthbert owned his 30-98 OE56 it was fitted with the E Type 30-98 crank case E370 from John Giddy’s E Type E366. OE56’s engine suffered a major and at some stage had the crankcase changed to keep the car on the road. Fortunately John Giddy had purchased the damaged OE56 crankcase in his travels and later traded it with Eric Rainsford from South Australia, as at the time Eric was restoring OE56. So in effect OE56 now has its original repaired crankcase fitted as does E366. We believe the 58 block we have is the original one fitted to OE56 although being two numbers apart. In support of this, Richard Walton’s 30-98 OE53 it fitted with OE55 block, also two numbers apart. So it may have been as these two cars are close in chassis numbers, the block numbers in the erecting shop at Vauxhall Motors may have been two numbers out of sequence at that point in time. All interesting to us Vauxhall believers however those who were around at the time are now long gone and makes it quite difficult to confirm these issues.
That ends the account of our good fortune having originally set out for the Bendigo Swap Meet to remember John Giddy and those memorable nights at the Shamrock. This last trip however provided the best results of all our times at Bendigo with the purchase of the Vauxhall spares from Ivan Smith. So I am sure the guru was still pulling the strings and looking over us somewhere from above and would be more than proud of our venture.
| kyneton_and_bendigo_trip.pdf |
N.S.W. VAUXHALL REGISTER RALLY July 2016
By Dave Stuart
Vauxhall Register Rally By David Stuart (to see the pictures, download the .pdf file below)
Warwick Nicholson organised a weekend in the Southern Highlands on Saturday and Sunday 30th and 31st July for the Vauxhall Register to celebrate with them the 90th birthday of Vic’s 30-98 Vauxhall OE282.
In attendance were the following members of the Register in their respective cars:
Neil and Maria Heilbrunn 30-98 E366
Richard and Emi Walton 30-98 OE53
Peter Weir 30-98 OE169
Vic and Warwick Nicholson OE282
Gary and Carol Rickard 23-60 OD30
David and Mary Stuart 23-60 OD494
Euan and Wilga Coutts 23-60 OD793
Peter and Margaret Ward 23-60 OD1107
Reg and Annette Wade 14-40 LM4786
We left Camden for the trip to the Highlands about 9am on Saturday and travelled via back roads through Mount Hunter and Mowbray Park to stop for an hour for coffee and cakes at Thirlmere. It was here we met up with Vic and Warwick in OE282. We then continued on, still on back roads through Balmoral, Hilltop and Colo Vale to join the Old South Road via the Mittagong Air Strip to Bowral and to our lunch stop provided by Greg and Gillian Roberts at their home in rural Burradoo.
Greg’s D Type in chassis form
Prior to lunch we were invited into Greg’s workshop to inspect the progress on the restoration of Greg’s 1922 D Type Vauxhall D3688. The restoration of the chassis, front and back axles together with the engine and gear box are now complete and the car is again back up on its wheels. The radiator was restored with a new core by V.S.C.C.A. member Lester Thearle from Gunnedah and looked pride of place on the front of the car. As you can see from the photo Greg has now started on re-building the body and has so far built a new bottom platform section as the original was beyond repair. Rear guards have been repaired and the front ones are still away being redone. Greg’s plan is to have the car finished for the 2018 National Vauxhall Register Rally in Merimbula N.S.W....so we wish him well with the completion of the restoration. I am sure it will be a crowd pleaser.
Gill Roberts provided a lovely lunch of pulled pork and fresh cold slaw on a crusty bun which was preceded by a nice cup of hot pumpkin soup whilst we earlier inspected the D Type.
Following lunch it was only a short journey around the corner to Greg and Veronica Mackies house “Marlo” to view Greg’s great collection of vintage, post vintage and classic cars. Pride of place for me was Greg’s vintage Minerva tourer (ex Brian Blacker) now complete with engine rebuild and standing on 23” wheels looking more elegant than it did on the cut down wheels it was shod with when Greg bought it from Brian. Greg showed us all his cars with selected engine starts when requested.
We then travelled to Vic and Warwick’s house in Charlotte Street also at Burradoo to there be invited into their workshop for a show and tell. Warwick announced their latest project which is the fitting of a Laycock De Normanville overdrive unit to the gear box of their 30-98. Warwick and Vic both feel with the added power the engine is now developing with the recent fitting of the Irving head, the engine could now pull the overdrive unit and with a reduction in revs it will no doubt give rise to better fuel economy. We understand this will be the first fitment of an overdrive unit to a 30-98 though it is now fairly common practice with Bentleys and Rolls Royces. They will no doubt advise us in due course the results of this modification.
Vic’s 30-98 OE285 and Richard Walton’s 30-98 OE53
Vic and Warwick provided afternoon coffee and cake for us as we explored the workshop to inspect their other project being the long term restoration of a Morgan. As our navigators had decamped after lunch and were driven by Wilga Coutts and Jenny Suttie to the historic village of Berrima for some retail therapy, a phone call was made to have them return direct to Burradoo as the cold evening was setting in. Soon after we departed for our motels and warm showers.
Vauxhalls wait for their owners in Vic and Warwick’s gardens at Burradoo
That night we all met in the dining room of the Mittagong Services Club and a room had been booked for us where we enjoyed a nice dinner to be followed by more Vauxhall talk amongst the drivers and things girls talk about amongst the navigators. It was a fairly early night and on advice from those who must be obeyed, the drivers retired without the assistance of their medicinal toddy of port...You know I’ve always believed a port or two following dinner on rallies was a must, however a clear head the following morning I now enjoy more.....I am sure there is a moral to the story.
The following morning the Vauxhalls were to join the Southern Highlands members of the V.S.C.C.A. for their end of month breakfast run. This entailed driving to Moss Vale and meeting them in the car park behind the R.S.L. Club. There was a great collection of cars gathered waiting for us and in total some 83 members for the breakfast. Warwick had organised an hour’s drive through wonderful back roads of the Highlands which took us out through Sutton Forrest, Exeter, Fitzroy Falls and Wildes Meadow before we completed our run at the Don Bradman Museum in Bowral. An area had been set aside in the grounds for our cars where Winterfest was also being held.
Vauxhalls on display at the Don Bradman Museum
Inside the museum a room had been set aside for us and it seemed that in no time at all we were all seated having our scrambled eggs and bacon with an endless supply of coffee. The breakfast completed our events in the Highlands for the weekend and whilst some enjoyed the Winterfest activities being held near our cars, others went off to do other things before returning home to Sydney.
Our thanks to Wilga and Jenny for looking after the girls while the boys went on the garage crawl. Jenny also for baking a cake for OE282’s birthday. Also Greg and Gillian for providing the Saturday’s lunch and opening their house and garage to the participants. Greg Mackie as well for opening up his garage for us. And of course our thanks to Vic and Warwick who prepared the road events and instructions for the weekend as well as inviting us to their house to help celebrate OE282 reaching it 90th year with the car still on the road and doing what it was built for.
Warwick Nicholson organised a weekend in the Southern Highlands on Saturday and Sunday 30th and 31st July for the Vauxhall Register to celebrate with them the 90th birthday of Vic’s 30-98 Vauxhall OE282.
In attendance were the following members of the Register in their respective cars:
Neil and Maria Heilbrunn 30-98 E366
Richard and Emi Walton 30-98 OE53
Peter Weir 30-98 OE169
Vic and Warwick Nicholson OE282
Gary and Carol Rickard 23-60 OD30
David and Mary Stuart 23-60 OD494
Euan and Wilga Coutts 23-60 OD793
Peter and Margaret Ward 23-60 OD1107
Reg and Annette Wade 14-40 LM4786
We left Camden for the trip to the Highlands about 9am on Saturday and travelled via back roads through Mount Hunter and Mowbray Park to stop for an hour for coffee and cakes at Thirlmere. It was here we met up with Vic and Warwick in OE282. We then continued on, still on back roads through Balmoral, Hilltop and Colo Vale to join the Old South Road via the Mittagong Air Strip to Bowral and to our lunch stop provided by Greg and Gillian Roberts at their home in rural Burradoo.
Greg’s D Type in chassis form
Prior to lunch we were invited into Greg’s workshop to inspect the progress on the restoration of Greg’s 1922 D Type Vauxhall D3688. The restoration of the chassis, front and back axles together with the engine and gear box are now complete and the car is again back up on its wheels. The radiator was restored with a new core by V.S.C.C.A. member Lester Thearle from Gunnedah and looked pride of place on the front of the car. As you can see from the photo Greg has now started on re-building the body and has so far built a new bottom platform section as the original was beyond repair. Rear guards have been repaired and the front ones are still away being redone. Greg’s plan is to have the car finished for the 2018 National Vauxhall Register Rally in Merimbula N.S.W....so we wish him well with the completion of the restoration. I am sure it will be a crowd pleaser.
Gill Roberts provided a lovely lunch of pulled pork and fresh cold slaw on a crusty bun which was preceded by a nice cup of hot pumpkin soup whilst we earlier inspected the D Type.
Following lunch it was only a short journey around the corner to Greg and Veronica Mackies house “Marlo” to view Greg’s great collection of vintage, post vintage and classic cars. Pride of place for me was Greg’s vintage Minerva tourer (ex Brian Blacker) now complete with engine rebuild and standing on 23” wheels looking more elegant than it did on the cut down wheels it was shod with when Greg bought it from Brian. Greg showed us all his cars with selected engine starts when requested.
We then travelled to Vic and Warwick’s house in Charlotte Street also at Burradoo to there be invited into their workshop for a show and tell. Warwick announced their latest project which is the fitting of a Laycock De Normanville overdrive unit to the gear box of their 30-98. Warwick and Vic both feel with the added power the engine is now developing with the recent fitting of the Irving head, the engine could now pull the overdrive unit and with a reduction in revs it will no doubt give rise to better fuel economy. We understand this will be the first fitment of an overdrive unit to a 30-98 though it is now fairly common practice with Bentleys and Rolls Royces. They will no doubt advise us in due course the results of this modification.
Vic’s 30-98 OE285 and Richard Walton’s 30-98 OE53
Vic and Warwick provided afternoon coffee and cake for us as we explored the workshop to inspect their other project being the long term restoration of a Morgan. As our navigators had decamped after lunch and were driven by Wilga Coutts and Jenny Suttie to the historic village of Berrima for some retail therapy, a phone call was made to have them return direct to Burradoo as the cold evening was setting in. Soon after we departed for our motels and warm showers.
Vauxhalls wait for their owners in Vic and Warwick’s gardens at Burradoo
That night we all met in the dining room of the Mittagong Services Club and a room had been booked for us where we enjoyed a nice dinner to be followed by more Vauxhall talk amongst the drivers and things girls talk about amongst the navigators. It was a fairly early night and on advice from those who must be obeyed, the drivers retired without the assistance of their medicinal toddy of port...You know I’ve always believed a port or two following dinner on rallies was a must, however a clear head the following morning I now enjoy more.....I am sure there is a moral to the story.
The following morning the Vauxhalls were to join the Southern Highlands members of the V.S.C.C.A. for their end of month breakfast run. This entailed driving to Moss Vale and meeting them in the car park behind the R.S.L. Club. There was a great collection of cars gathered waiting for us and in total some 83 members for the breakfast. Warwick had organised an hour’s drive through wonderful back roads of the Highlands which took us out through Sutton Forrest, Exeter, Fitzroy Falls and Wildes Meadow before we completed our run at the Don Bradman Museum in Bowral. An area had been set aside in the grounds for our cars where Winterfest was also being held.
Vauxhalls on display at the Don Bradman Museum
Inside the museum a room had been set aside for us and it seemed that in no time at all we were all seated having our scrambled eggs and bacon with an endless supply of coffee. The breakfast completed our events in the Highlands for the weekend and whilst some enjoyed the Winterfest activities being held near our cars, others went off to do other things before returning home to Sydney.
Our thanks to Wilga and Jenny for looking after the girls while the boys went on the garage crawl. Jenny also for baking a cake for OE282’s birthday. Also Greg and Gillian for providing the Saturday’s lunch and opening their house and garage to the participants. Greg Mackie as well for opening up his garage for us. And of course our thanks to Vic and Warwick who prepared the road events and instructions for the weekend as well as inviting us to their house to help celebrate OE282 reaching it 90th year with the car still on the road and doing what it was built for.
| n.s.w._vauxhall_register_rally.pdf |
2016 VETERAN AND VINTAGE VAUXHALL
AUTUMN RALLY By Dave Stuart
The first of the Australian Vauxhall Register biennial rallies was organised and run from the Hume Weir Resort near Albury in N.S.W. on the weekend of the 7th and 8th May with entrants to arrive on Friday the 6th. Forty two cars were entered from Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. They were made up of A Type, D Type, 14-40’s, 20-60, 23-60’s and 30-98’s.
Entrants and cars from N.S.W. were:
Peter Weir and John Close 1909 A Type Vauxhall
Wayne and Olwyn Merton 1920 D Type Vauxhall
Gary and Carol Rickard 1922 23-60 Vauxhall
David and Mary Stuart 1923 23-60 Vauxhall
Euan and Wilga Coutts 1924 23-60 Vauxhall
Alex, Rosy and Orlando Hayward 1926 23-60 Vauxhall
Richard and Emi Walton 1923 30-98 Vauxhall
Jim and David Weir 1924 30-98 Vauxhall
Vic and Warwick Nicholson 1926 30-98 Vauxhall
To ease the journey to the rally the Weirs, Mertons, Coutts, Haywards, Waltons and Stuarts decided on a two day run to Albury with the others driving straight to the Hume Weir Resort on the Friday. We were to branch off the Hume Highway at Gundagai to overnight in Tumbarumba. We enjoyed beautiful autumn weather and those taking the two days all met at Roses Cafe in Goulburn on the Thursday at 10am. From there we rejoined the Hume to Gundagai for our lunch stop at a bakery in the main street. Following lunch we took the scenic road through Brungle to Tumut, then on to Batlow to arrive at our Motel in Tumbarumba about 4.30pm where the temperature had cooled down considerably.
The following morning we travelled south towards Tooma and stopped at the lookout where there is a well documented history of the air crash of the tri-engined aircraft Southern Cloud in 1931 in the distant mountain range towards the east. The wreckage was not found until 1958. Following lunch at Tallangatta it was a relatively short run for us into the Hume Weir Resort. After we had all booked it was time to register for the rally and we met the organisers Justin Coxhead and John Kent to receive our rally packs. The usual happy hour followed and drinks were provided for all from the Vauxhall Inn mounted on the rear of my 23-60 and this gave us time to catch up with other Vauxhallians from Victoria as well as South Australia and Queensland. Dinner followed later in the dining room then it was off to bed all very tired and glad to see the end of the day which again was superb autumn weather and most suitable for driving our vintage Vauxhalls.
Saturday’s run saw us leave at 8.15am to take a very scenic run around the northern side of the Hume Weir catchment to Old Tallangatta then on to Mount Beauty for fuel and coffee. The weather was glorious, clear blue sky and the colour of the trees magnificent. It was at Mount Beauty we visited V.S.C.C. member John Stanley and viewed his magnificent collection of Stower cars and other interesting items in his collection. Then it was off for the steep climb over Towonga Gap and down into the picturesque township of Bright for our lunch stop. The autumn colours on the trees made our stop most enjoyable as did the lunch and local beers we enjoyed at the local brewery where we lunched. Following lunch we motored on to the historic townships of Beechworth and Yackandandah, however running short on time we did not have time to appreciate what each had to offer. We arrived back at the Hume Weir resort around sunset and another happy hour and barbecue dinner followed in the outdoor area near our rooms.
We had been watching the Elders Weather forecast for a number of days as the Sunday was reported to greet us with torrential rain with some 40 to 80ml. Well they got that right, it commenced raining during the night and when we woke up there was more of it. Some of the cars were reluctant to start obviously wanting to stay at home for the day however as we had pre-booked lunch at the lovely little pub in Jingellic situated beside the Murray River we all made a concerted effort to get going. We missed the first leg of the day’s event and drove straight to the pub along the River Road through constant rain and a little fog, however when we arrived we found all the cars had arrived and everyone was tucking into a big roast dinner of either local beef or lamb.....their beer was just as good. Following lunch we drove into Walwa and had some coffee and cake which complemented our country roast lunch at the pub. The drive back to the resort back along the River Road was again fairly slow and again in rain. We caught up to a group of Vauxhalls travelling along behind a 14-40 and joined them to the resort.
The end of rally dinner that night was held in the function room of the Resort and included presentation of two hard luck trophies for a car hitting a kangarooo as well as some Penrite products donated for the event. Following the dinner we returned to our rooms to find that it was still raining.
The following morning we all had an early breakfast and said our goodbyes to everyone and the Waltons, Coutts, Mertons, Haywards as well as Mary and I had arranged a two day drive home up through the high country to Cabramurra and Kiandra to overnight in Cooma. We set off from the resort in rain and it did not let up all the way to Corryong where we fuelled up prior to the climb to Cabramurra. At the turn off near Khancoban an illuminated road sign warned of road works and to expect two hour delays so it was decided to take the longer route to Cooma through Thredbo and Jindabyne. It rained all the way to Thredbo with dense fog making the narrow road very difficult to maintain any sort of speed as visibility was very limited. It was cold and wet all the way and as passed through an area aptly named Siberia we noticed two council workers sitting in their truck having lunch, obviously with the heater going inside the cab, a luxury we were without in our Vauxhalls.
We lunched in Thredbo and continued on into Jindabyne into clearing weather to re-fuel and the girl at the service station said it had been sunny all day. So with the sun out again we had a pleasant drive from Jindabyne through Berridale and into Cooma where we all enjoyed a hot shower, happy hour and great dinner in the restaurant of the motel.
The following morning it was clear and sunny, so down went the hoods and off we set to catch up to Richard and Emi Walton who had left a little earlier however run out of fuel near Michelago. There was no sign of them along the road as we approached Michelago, so all was good and we continued on through Queanbeyan to an Olive Farm near Collector where we had lunch. The rain and wind returned whilst we were having lunch, so off again in the rain still with the hoods down and little visibility until it cleared as we approached Goulburn. The final leg into Sydney was in blue sky and sunshine and we arrived home about 5pm tired and hungry. The 23-60 was unloaded and placed in the garage still covered with six days of road grime and had used no oil or water in the 1069 miles we had travelled. I did have a little trouble with the magneto shorting on the Saturday morning at Hume Weir however this problem was overcome with some insulation tape around the connection where number four spark plug lead attaches to the distributor cap. Otherwise the 23-60 like all the other Vauxhalls from Sydney finished without experiencing any major problems.
It was a credit to Peter Weir who took his 1909 A Type Vauxhall A 09.1 and on the Saturday completed the 200 mile journey with his father Jim to Bright and Beechworth returning to the Hume Weir Resort. Believe me this would have been a long drive in the veteran which is obviously not as quick at the other cars being of 3 litre engine capacity, but never the less they completed the same route and travelled the same number of miles as the other cars. For their effort they were each rewarded with a nice bottle of red wine during the presentations at the dinner on the Sunday night, it also served as Jim’s (83) birthday gift for the following day.
Our thanks must go to the organisers of this our first of what will now be regular biannual events for the Vauxhall Register, Justin Coxhead and John Kent both of Victoria who were responsible for putting the event together. It was two years in the making and I am sure they are both very happy with the response the Vauxhall contingent gave and the way the event unfolded. All reports I have heard since the event have indicated everyone enjoyed the weekend and they are now looking forward to the next Vauxhall Register Rally to be held in Merimbula on the far south coast of N.S.W. in the Autumn of 2018.
May 2016
Entrants and cars from N.S.W. were:
Peter Weir and John Close 1909 A Type Vauxhall
Wayne and Olwyn Merton 1920 D Type Vauxhall
Gary and Carol Rickard 1922 23-60 Vauxhall
David and Mary Stuart 1923 23-60 Vauxhall
Euan and Wilga Coutts 1924 23-60 Vauxhall
Alex, Rosy and Orlando Hayward 1926 23-60 Vauxhall
Richard and Emi Walton 1923 30-98 Vauxhall
Jim and David Weir 1924 30-98 Vauxhall
Vic and Warwick Nicholson 1926 30-98 Vauxhall
To ease the journey to the rally the Weirs, Mertons, Coutts, Haywards, Waltons and Stuarts decided on a two day run to Albury with the others driving straight to the Hume Weir Resort on the Friday. We were to branch off the Hume Highway at Gundagai to overnight in Tumbarumba. We enjoyed beautiful autumn weather and those taking the two days all met at Roses Cafe in Goulburn on the Thursday at 10am. From there we rejoined the Hume to Gundagai for our lunch stop at a bakery in the main street. Following lunch we took the scenic road through Brungle to Tumut, then on to Batlow to arrive at our Motel in Tumbarumba about 4.30pm where the temperature had cooled down considerably.
The following morning we travelled south towards Tooma and stopped at the lookout where there is a well documented history of the air crash of the tri-engined aircraft Southern Cloud in 1931 in the distant mountain range towards the east. The wreckage was not found until 1958. Following lunch at Tallangatta it was a relatively short run for us into the Hume Weir Resort. After we had all booked it was time to register for the rally and we met the organisers Justin Coxhead and John Kent to receive our rally packs. The usual happy hour followed and drinks were provided for all from the Vauxhall Inn mounted on the rear of my 23-60 and this gave us time to catch up with other Vauxhallians from Victoria as well as South Australia and Queensland. Dinner followed later in the dining room then it was off to bed all very tired and glad to see the end of the day which again was superb autumn weather and most suitable for driving our vintage Vauxhalls.
Saturday’s run saw us leave at 8.15am to take a very scenic run around the northern side of the Hume Weir catchment to Old Tallangatta then on to Mount Beauty for fuel and coffee. The weather was glorious, clear blue sky and the colour of the trees magnificent. It was at Mount Beauty we visited V.S.C.C. member John Stanley and viewed his magnificent collection of Stower cars and other interesting items in his collection. Then it was off for the steep climb over Towonga Gap and down into the picturesque township of Bright for our lunch stop. The autumn colours on the trees made our stop most enjoyable as did the lunch and local beers we enjoyed at the local brewery where we lunched. Following lunch we motored on to the historic townships of Beechworth and Yackandandah, however running short on time we did not have time to appreciate what each had to offer. We arrived back at the Hume Weir resort around sunset and another happy hour and barbecue dinner followed in the outdoor area near our rooms.
We had been watching the Elders Weather forecast for a number of days as the Sunday was reported to greet us with torrential rain with some 40 to 80ml. Well they got that right, it commenced raining during the night and when we woke up there was more of it. Some of the cars were reluctant to start obviously wanting to stay at home for the day however as we had pre-booked lunch at the lovely little pub in Jingellic situated beside the Murray River we all made a concerted effort to get going. We missed the first leg of the day’s event and drove straight to the pub along the River Road through constant rain and a little fog, however when we arrived we found all the cars had arrived and everyone was tucking into a big roast dinner of either local beef or lamb.....their beer was just as good. Following lunch we drove into Walwa and had some coffee and cake which complemented our country roast lunch at the pub. The drive back to the resort back along the River Road was again fairly slow and again in rain. We caught up to a group of Vauxhalls travelling along behind a 14-40 and joined them to the resort.
The end of rally dinner that night was held in the function room of the Resort and included presentation of two hard luck trophies for a car hitting a kangarooo as well as some Penrite products donated for the event. Following the dinner we returned to our rooms to find that it was still raining.
The following morning we all had an early breakfast and said our goodbyes to everyone and the Waltons, Coutts, Mertons, Haywards as well as Mary and I had arranged a two day drive home up through the high country to Cabramurra and Kiandra to overnight in Cooma. We set off from the resort in rain and it did not let up all the way to Corryong where we fuelled up prior to the climb to Cabramurra. At the turn off near Khancoban an illuminated road sign warned of road works and to expect two hour delays so it was decided to take the longer route to Cooma through Thredbo and Jindabyne. It rained all the way to Thredbo with dense fog making the narrow road very difficult to maintain any sort of speed as visibility was very limited. It was cold and wet all the way and as passed through an area aptly named Siberia we noticed two council workers sitting in their truck having lunch, obviously with the heater going inside the cab, a luxury we were without in our Vauxhalls.
We lunched in Thredbo and continued on into Jindabyne into clearing weather to re-fuel and the girl at the service station said it had been sunny all day. So with the sun out again we had a pleasant drive from Jindabyne through Berridale and into Cooma where we all enjoyed a hot shower, happy hour and great dinner in the restaurant of the motel.
The following morning it was clear and sunny, so down went the hoods and off we set to catch up to Richard and Emi Walton who had left a little earlier however run out of fuel near Michelago. There was no sign of them along the road as we approached Michelago, so all was good and we continued on through Queanbeyan to an Olive Farm near Collector where we had lunch. The rain and wind returned whilst we were having lunch, so off again in the rain still with the hoods down and little visibility until it cleared as we approached Goulburn. The final leg into Sydney was in blue sky and sunshine and we arrived home about 5pm tired and hungry. The 23-60 was unloaded and placed in the garage still covered with six days of road grime and had used no oil or water in the 1069 miles we had travelled. I did have a little trouble with the magneto shorting on the Saturday morning at Hume Weir however this problem was overcome with some insulation tape around the connection where number four spark plug lead attaches to the distributor cap. Otherwise the 23-60 like all the other Vauxhalls from Sydney finished without experiencing any major problems.
It was a credit to Peter Weir who took his 1909 A Type Vauxhall A 09.1 and on the Saturday completed the 200 mile journey with his father Jim to Bright and Beechworth returning to the Hume Weir Resort. Believe me this would have been a long drive in the veteran which is obviously not as quick at the other cars being of 3 litre engine capacity, but never the less they completed the same route and travelled the same number of miles as the other cars. For their effort they were each rewarded with a nice bottle of red wine during the presentations at the dinner on the Sunday night, it also served as Jim’s (83) birthday gift for the following day.
Our thanks must go to the organisers of this our first of what will now be regular biannual events for the Vauxhall Register, Justin Coxhead and John Kent both of Victoria who were responsible for putting the event together. It was two years in the making and I am sure they are both very happy with the response the Vauxhall contingent gave and the way the event unfolded. All reports I have heard since the event have indicated everyone enjoyed the weekend and they are now looking forward to the next Vauxhall Register Rally to be held in Merimbula on the far south coast of N.S.W. in the Autumn of 2018.
May 2016
| 2016_veteran_and_vintage_vauxhall_article.doc |
BOYD EDKINS CENTENARY CELEBRATION
Fifty Bob with Alisdaire Lockhart, Dave Stuart and Richard Walton at Ingleburn
A HISTORIC VAUXHALL COMMEMORATION
At 5 o’clock in the morning of March 18th 1916 Boyd Edkins left the General Post Office in Melbourne and drove to Sydney, arriving at the GPO there at 9.55 in the evening of the same day. The time taken was 16 hours, 55 minutes over appalling roads and tracks, but he took 2 hours and 7 minutes off the previous three-year record and in doing so, beat the Melbourne to Sydney rail express by 5 minutes.
Boyd Edkins was the Vauxhall agent in Australia and he used his 1914 Vauxhall 16-20 hp A Type Vauxhall, chassis number 210 and forever known as Fifty Bob for this and many other inter-city record breaking runs. Edkins kept the car until his death in 1930, but added a “vintage” style two-seater body in 1925, so today the car looks more like a modest sized vintage car, until you open the bonnet. The car then passed through a number of hands and is now owned by the estate of Peter Adams of Mount Hutton near Newcastle.
In 2016 the Vintage Sports Car Club of Australia together with the Adams family, decided to commemorate the centenary of this epic run and it was decided that Richard Walton and Dave Stuart should drive the car from where it was stored near Newcastle to Dave’s factory at Ingleburn. This would give the car a 100 mile shakedown run in order to test the car as it had not been run in earnest for some time. Alisdaire was fortunate to be in Australia around the time of the commemorative run. He had arrived in Sydney the previous weekend to participate in the March Vauxhall Register Run, in the Weir family’s ex Jumbo Goddard 30-98, with Dave and Mary in his 23-60 OD494, together with other early Vauxhalls and ending up at the Wallacia Pub for lunch.
On the following day, Dave, Richard Walton (OE53) and Alisdaire drove north to Boolaroo near Newcastle to collect Fifty Bob and drive it back to Ingleburn for the commemorative run the following weekend. When the car was started, water was leaking from the engine, the fault was quickly identified as a leak through the rear core plug in the block, but all attempts to tighten the plug failed so we were despatched to a local hotel for lunch while a new plug was made and fitted. So after a pleasant lunch we returned to find the car ready for the 100 km drive back to Ingleburn, in the outskirts of Sydney. Sticky drove, I was the passenger and Dave followed in Richard’s modern The car ran well at what I estimated was around 55 to 60 mph without any further problem.
The following day Alisdaire left for home and Dave reports a team of members from the Vintage Sports Car Club of Australia including Richard Walton OE53 had trailered Fifty Bob to Melbourne for the commencement of the re-inactment of the historic run at 5am on the morning of the 18th March. Unfortunately the inclement weather forced the run to be cancelled when at Wangaratta as the twin spark magneto had failed due to torrential rain experienced for most of the journey from the G.P.O. in Melbourne to Wangaratta a distance of some 250 kms. The car was placed back on the trailer and then taken back to Dave Stuart’s factory at Ingleburn.
The team arrived at Ingleburn about 8.30pm that night to be met by a support group of 23-60 and 30-98 owners who were waiting to escort Fifty Bob on its final leg into the Sydney G.P.O. As the run had been cancelled a barbecue dinner followed and all those involved toasted the memory of Boyd Edkins and his great achievement back in 1916.
The team of some 12 Vauxhalls were to escort Fifty Bob on the final leg into Sydney and to be flagged in by the Minister for Roads and Martime Services, The Honorable Duncan Gay (himself a old car enthusiast) however this part of the event was also cancelled as Fifty Bob appearing on a trailer was not an appropriate way for this grand old lady to finish her attempt of a re-inactment of the event she successfully completed in 1916.
So ended a not so successful day commemorating a great achievement for Vauxhall in the motoring history of Australia, only tinged with sadness as Peter Adams, Fifty Bob’s custodian for so many years, passed away two weeks before the run, after a short battle with cancer.
Alisdaire Lockhart & Dave Stuart
March 2016
At 5 o’clock in the morning of March 18th 1916 Boyd Edkins left the General Post Office in Melbourne and drove to Sydney, arriving at the GPO there at 9.55 in the evening of the same day. The time taken was 16 hours, 55 minutes over appalling roads and tracks, but he took 2 hours and 7 minutes off the previous three-year record and in doing so, beat the Melbourne to Sydney rail express by 5 minutes.
Boyd Edkins was the Vauxhall agent in Australia and he used his 1914 Vauxhall 16-20 hp A Type Vauxhall, chassis number 210 and forever known as Fifty Bob for this and many other inter-city record breaking runs. Edkins kept the car until his death in 1930, but added a “vintage” style two-seater body in 1925, so today the car looks more like a modest sized vintage car, until you open the bonnet. The car then passed through a number of hands and is now owned by the estate of Peter Adams of Mount Hutton near Newcastle.
In 2016 the Vintage Sports Car Club of Australia together with the Adams family, decided to commemorate the centenary of this epic run and it was decided that Richard Walton and Dave Stuart should drive the car from where it was stored near Newcastle to Dave’s factory at Ingleburn. This would give the car a 100 mile shakedown run in order to test the car as it had not been run in earnest for some time. Alisdaire was fortunate to be in Australia around the time of the commemorative run. He had arrived in Sydney the previous weekend to participate in the March Vauxhall Register Run, in the Weir family’s ex Jumbo Goddard 30-98, with Dave and Mary in his 23-60 OD494, together with other early Vauxhalls and ending up at the Wallacia Pub for lunch.
On the following day, Dave, Richard Walton (OE53) and Alisdaire drove north to Boolaroo near Newcastle to collect Fifty Bob and drive it back to Ingleburn for the commemorative run the following weekend. When the car was started, water was leaking from the engine, the fault was quickly identified as a leak through the rear core plug in the block, but all attempts to tighten the plug failed so we were despatched to a local hotel for lunch while a new plug was made and fitted. So after a pleasant lunch we returned to find the car ready for the 100 km drive back to Ingleburn, in the outskirts of Sydney. Sticky drove, I was the passenger and Dave followed in Richard’s modern The car ran well at what I estimated was around 55 to 60 mph without any further problem.
The following day Alisdaire left for home and Dave reports a team of members from the Vintage Sports Car Club of Australia including Richard Walton OE53 had trailered Fifty Bob to Melbourne for the commencement of the re-inactment of the historic run at 5am on the morning of the 18th March. Unfortunately the inclement weather forced the run to be cancelled when at Wangaratta as the twin spark magneto had failed due to torrential rain experienced for most of the journey from the G.P.O. in Melbourne to Wangaratta a distance of some 250 kms. The car was placed back on the trailer and then taken back to Dave Stuart’s factory at Ingleburn.
The team arrived at Ingleburn about 8.30pm that night to be met by a support group of 23-60 and 30-98 owners who were waiting to escort Fifty Bob on its final leg into the Sydney G.P.O. As the run had been cancelled a barbecue dinner followed and all those involved toasted the memory of Boyd Edkins and his great achievement back in 1916.
The team of some 12 Vauxhalls were to escort Fifty Bob on the final leg into Sydney and to be flagged in by the Minister for Roads and Martime Services, The Honorable Duncan Gay (himself a old car enthusiast) however this part of the event was also cancelled as Fifty Bob appearing on a trailer was not an appropriate way for this grand old lady to finish her attempt of a re-inactment of the event she successfully completed in 1916.
So ended a not so successful day commemorating a great achievement for Vauxhall in the motoring history of Australia, only tinged with sadness as Peter Adams, Fifty Bob’s custodian for so many years, passed away two weeks before the run, after a short battle with cancer.
Alisdaire Lockhart & Dave Stuart
March 2016
Boyd Edkins Melbourne to Sydney March 1916
