Apologies to those not interested......

Just had a phone call from Chris Moore of Canberra who is seeking to sell his Humber Vogue and many parts that he has assembled for its restoration.  The Vogue is a manual transmission, Storm Grey 1965 Series III in basically good condition.  Chris has started some body restoration but my understanding is that it has not been extensively dismantled.  Parts include a 1725 motor (origin and condition unknown), overdrive (but not the transmission to go with it), spare front and rear screens, trim.  Comes with workshop manual and parts list. He also has twin carbs and manifold from a Hunter GT.

If interested please call Chris on 02  6251 2568

Cheers, Vic

A short while ago I posted a message for Norm Davis in Port Macquarie NSW who is selling a Minx Series V.  Norm has sent me a picture of the car (rather nice looking) which I have uploaded to Photobucket so that anyone can view it.  The link to the photo is http://tinyurl.com/y9lctw4

Details of the car and Norms Phone number are with the photo.  Please contact Norm direct if interested

Cheers, Vic

Hi all,

Just had a phone call about a 1965 Hillman Minx for sale in Port Macquarie on the NSW central coast.  The current owner, Norman Davis, tells me the car is in very good condition – it’s been resprayed in the original ‘Moonstone’ and has no rust, the interior is clean and tidy with re-upholstered front seats and it is a daily driver in good mechanical condition.  1725 engine with auto transmission – it has full NSW registration until 27 April 2010 and has been garaged most of its life.  Former owner was Bill Hales? of the NSW Hillman Club.

If you are interested please call Norman on 02 6582 0493

Usual disclaimer of course - I haven’t seen this car and the information provide reflects what the seller has told me.

Cheers, Vic

Hi,

I have just received details of Terribly British Day in Canberra for 2009 – the email contents are appended below.  As usual it’s on the first Sunday in December (6/12) but the venue has changed (slightly).  This year it will be held just to the north of the National Library (easily found on Google Maps) – quite close to the previous venue and just as easy to find.  If coming from the north, follow the main road right through Canberra (as in previous years) until you come to Commonwealth Avenue Bridge over Lake Burley Griffin.  As you cross the bridge, you will see the Nat Library – large classical styled building on the left on the Southern shore of the lake.  Off the bridge veer  left then turn left at the 2^nd set of lights. 

As always there will be marshals to guide people. There is space reserved for Rootes cars, and you should be directed to where we are.  As always it’s free for ‘entrants’ and spectators

Below is the text of the message I received, Cheers, Vic

“British Car Clubs and supporters

Arrangements are now well in hand for the annual bit of British car fun known as the "Terribly British Day", on Sunday 6 December 2009.  We hope to have a good roll up of 300 plus British cars for the event.  Please arrange advertising in your club newsletters or by word of mouth now, as the event is only about 6 weeks away.

TBD is to be held this year on the Patrick White Lawns, on the lake shore behind the National Library.  This is an excellent location, both for our displays and for public exposure to passing pedestrian, cycle and car traffic.  Access will be through the temporary car park immediately past the Library.  There will be signs to guide those not familiar with the area.  Please obey instructions from traffic marshalls in locating your allocated area, and anyone in a white jacket trying to get your attention!

Because of the need to limit damage to grass areas, we have planned for heavier vehicles and commercial stands, stalls and the like to be located in the temporary car park area, which is a grass and gravelled area immediately in front of the feature display area.  There is ample parking in the area for spectators. 

Because of the change in venue from recent years the organising committee has made an attempt at providing guidance to clubs as to where they should direct their members and to set up club/marque displays.  Based on previous years attendances, the Committee has prepared the attached layout.  There should be plenty of room for clubs to set up any information stalls and displays and the like within the areas indicated.  With the experience of the recent German car day in the same area we should have plenty of room for our car displays in the areas nominated. There are a couple of important British car launch anniversaries this year and hopefully we will have some "special" displays from clubs currently being approached.

Any comments on the layout should be forwarded by return email, and we will see what we can do to adjust the layout if there are particular requests (within reason) for co-location of clubs and the like.   Please don't take offence at the somewhat arbitrary grouping of makes, as this is purely for administrative convenience. Also, apologies to any marques omitted.  As in past TBDs, we hope rare makes will just use common sense and park your car in the most logical grouping!  You are still most welcome, even if not listed!

The overall ground plan and arrangements have been approved by the National Capital Authority, and there are a number of strict conditions attached to grant of the approval of the event.  Obviously, given the drought conditions, protection of the grassed areas is a priority, as is cleaning the site at the end of the day and minimising damage and risk to the public. Please ensure there are no "tripping" dangers, sharp stakes, no power cables on the ground or in dangerous positions, etc, etc. Speeds of no more than 5 kmph in the car park and the display areas please.  As in past years, there is very limited access to utilities, so please do not presume access to power or water, and bring your own water containers, gas, etc for BBQs etc.

Could we ask each club to clean its area and adjoining areas where visitors may have left rubbish please, by 4 pm on the day.  Many thanks from the Committee, who will otherwise need to do it!!

The mailing list for this email is mainly of private addresses and the marque may not be evident.  If and when you respond to this email (over an exceptional matter only please), could you clearly indicate the club or marque you are representing.  Other than that, we hope to see you all for set up of displays from about 7.30 am on Sunday, 6 December.

Paul Sutton

Jaguar Drivers' Club of Canberra    

Hi folks,

Andrew just sent this msg direct to me instead of to the group, so I’m forwarding it on. 

Cheers, Vic

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Apologies to those with no Alpine interest....

Check out this Alpine for sale.

http://www.finecars.cc/en/detail/car/35061/index.html?no_cache=1

The sharp eyed will note that it has an early Series (1/2/3) grille with the late Series (4/5) rear end.  This is how it came from the factory.  Of course the factory was “Touring of Italy”, the same people who built the Venezia.  I’ve just been reading a book on the Venezia and apparently it was Touring who firste modified the boot (trunk) space on the Alpine, and they also pioneered the small fin rear end.

Cheers, Vic

HI folks,

The weekend of 26 / 27 September is the date for the Queanbeyan Swap meet, held at the showground. 

This year Jim Withers of JW Classic Spares in Melbourne will be there on the Saturday Morning (which I believe is the best time to go?).  Jim is very knowledgeable about Rootes cars (he grew up with them – his dad Norm used to race Imps at Bathurst and ran/runs Auto Spares Galore in Melbourne) Jim also has good contacts OS and will be just back from an OS trip which included Beaulieu in the UK. 

Also, by that time Henry Gillard should have taken delivery of Alpine number 17.  Henry is keen to meet other Alpine owners, and by happy coincidence lives in Queanbeyan, so it seems like an opportunity for a get-together – meet and talk to Jim, meet and talk to Henry, and have a look at the second oldest Alpine known to still survive.  I’m suggesting we meet Saturday morning but I’m open to suggestions as for a time and place.  I know Andrew McLean on this list will be familiar with how it runs – do you have a suggestion Andrew?

Please respond if you are interested.

Thanks, Vic

Phone 0412 800 929

Forwarded from the Hillman group, something to amuse you

Cheers, Vic

And again in Queensland.  Item 160357177146

This one makes the green one that was passed in last week at $9k without a bid look like an absolute bargain. 

Cheers, Vic

Hi All,

A couple of weeks back I mentioned that Riano (a local Rootes owner) was looking for a motor for his 3B Minx.   Well he has decided not to go ahead with restoring it and is now looking o give it away (or any parts you want)  Below is his message – Riano is now in the group so if you want to contact him you can either on the phone number he provides or by responding to the group.

Cheers, Vic

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Just further to last post, seller has got back to me really quickly with the chassis number B9101690, that makes it the 1690^th SII made, in the week ending 18 November 1960

Vic

Hi Mike,

Certainly either a SI or II, from the boot layout.  The position of the bonnet rod suggests it’s an early II combine with the fact that it doesn’t seem to have the Series I ‘window guides’ at the A Post.  Most likely to be a 1960/61 rather than a 63 (last SII made in Feb ’63).  The reference to the ‘1400’ motor is confusing because Series Is had the 1500 (1494) and SIIs had the 1600 (1592).   

Interesting ‘hybrid’ motor which has the Hunter type alloy head combined with the Solex manifold from the 1600 (III/IV) motor (I’m sure the 1725 Solex equipped engines as in Hillman Gazelle had curved inlet runners). 

Can’t say that I like the red interior with that body colour.

Cheers, Vic

Hi again,

I know this is a bit off topic for some, but if you have (or know of someone with) an Audax Minx (1956-1965) then this concerns you.

Frank Schoenberg of Qld is about to organise production of some � vent seals for these cars.� Frank has already successfully made seals for Imps and for the Audax Rapier/Minx Convertible body.� He sells them on eBay and through various clubs etc.� I have seen the Imp ones - and they look great and those who have bought the seals say they are of exceptional quality.� They are made of modern materials and he takes great care with the molding.� He has an ad on Ebay at the moment if you would like to see them – item number 190321423093

The point is this: If you have an Audax Minx with leaky / dodgy � vent seals this could be your only chance to get some really good ones.� If you need some I suggest you contact him without delay on schoen@...� If you have a friend with an Audax Minx you should really let them know.

I have no personal or financial interest in Franks projects, I’m just passing this on because I believe he produces a great product and does so from his love of Rootes cars

By the way Frank is also looking to make seals for Superminx / Humber (Singer) Vogue Mk III/IVwhich I think may also fit the later Super Snipes) – let him now if you are interested

Cheers, Vic

Another eBay find, and quite rare in Australia.  eBay item  280369611048

Possibly a IIIA because of the twin carb motor which would mean fewer than 500 sold here – I wonder how many survive?. 

Cheers, Vic

..... Is about to come up for sale in Australia -   eBay item 110413738387

This car changed hands a while back and the buyer seems to have done some work but must have changed his mind. Would be nice to see this stay in Australia and be restored.

Cheers, Vic

Hi again,

It’s been brought to my attention that the ‘attach’ feature in Yahoogroups is still not working reliably so for those who may have missed out I have posted the pics at Photobucket – here is the link

http://s122.photobucket.com/albums/o262/sunalp63/SunTalbot/

You can click on any of the small pics to enlarge

Cheers, Vic

Hi Folks

I have just received an email from Adam Thomas of Merimbula NSW who has a late 1940s Sunbeam Talbot that he wants to sell.  The text of his email follows.  Adam sent me some pics of the car, I have attached one of them for your enjoyment (It does look good).  Please contact Adam directly on the mobile number listed if you are interested.

Cheers, Vic

“”Hi Vic,

Here are a few photos of the rare 1948 Sunbeam Talbot 80, 10hp 2 Ltr. There are not many of these vehicles around. This vehicle is in very good condition with everything in working order and has just been serviced. If you would like any more photos please let me know. I will be listing this in the Just Cars magazine coming out next month with an asking price of $13,900.00 negotiable. If there is anyone in the Sunbeam car club interested in this vehicle please give me a call on 0415 613 459.

Thanks Adam.””

Hi folks,

Just got this message from Ian Hallett, who has a very rare Australian Mk VIII Hillman ute (1955 I think).  The ute is in pretty good condition and Ian has been trying to sell it for a while, but apparently no takers in Australia.   He has advertised it in Unique Cars and from his email it looks like it may be going overseas – that would be a shame.

 If you bought the 2007 Rootes calendar Ian’s ute was featured in that.  If you didn’t I’m attaching (hopefully) a pic of it.   Those in Canberra may remember the ute came down here in 2007 for the Hillman Centenary rally. 

If interested you will find Ian’s email address in his message; Ian and the ute are to be found in Orange.

Cheers, Vic

Hi all,

I have just received these links from Brian Vogt, a friend of mine in Adelaide – in response to a message  sent to him about “Battle of Waterloo” day.  Follow the links to the photo albums – those of us in Canberra could only dream about getting that many Rootes cars in one place at the same time. 

Cheers, Vic

Yesterday in Canberra was Battle of Waterloo day – an annual challenge between the British and French car clubs to see who can muster the most cars at the coldest time of the year.  The weather organiser knew it was on because after one of  the driest Autumns on record and about 2 months without precipitation – Yep it rained.  Nevertheless a number of hardy souls braved the showers and coerced their cars along.    

The British contingent included the various Triumphs, Minis, Morris  Minors, MGs, an Armstrong Siddley, Lotus Europa  and two Rootes cars – Andrew MacLean’s Alpine II and my HC Hunter.  On the other side were various Pugs (mostly modern, which I feel is cheating), Citroens (including a tin snail) and  Renaults (even an Alpine – or is that “Alpeen”.

At the end of the day (or rather at 11.30 when they counted cars) the fiendish French had assembled 29 and the Battling Brits 25.  A technical win to the frog eaters, however If you had added up the collective ages of all the cars the Brits would have won hands down.  But most importantly, the Brits won the wine raffle.  Shannon’s Insurance had provided a dozen bottles of red to be distributed by a ‘free ticket on entry’ draw – the Brits took home about 8 of these bottles – so,  outnumbered but  still victorious!  No photos to show unfortunately because rain stopped play shortly after the wine draw and we all went home.

Cheers, Vic

Canberra, Australia

1963 Series III Alpine

1969 HC Hunter

For all of you British car fans it is time to gird your loins, shine you cars, get out your winter woollies, banish the prince of darkness (Lord Lucas) and otherwise prepare for the  “Battle of Waterloo”  This is the annual contest between owners of British and French Cars to see who can muster (in the middle of winter) most vehicles in one place.  According to the Council of ACT Motor Clubs website.   

“The Battle of Waterloo is on Sunday 21 June 2009.  10am to 3pm at West Lawns, Old Parliament House - the usual location. Event is again being sponsored by Shannons and there will be door prizes, coffee van and Pug Club will be running a BBQ.”

I will try to drag one of my beasts along, probably the Alpine as it is registered, although the Hunter has better heating and weather protection.  And it beat that  d***** Citroen in the London-Sydney rally, a nice irksome point to irritate the French ..... Hmmm,  I could display the diecast model on the dashboard, complete with kangaroo.....  sounds like a plan.....

Cheers, Vic.