Roycroft 2014

[Oldfart]

Don't forget, it's this weekend.
Fields are;
Pre 1945 Sports
Pre 1960 sports and single seaters
Pre 61 saloons
Formula Junior
Pre 63 motorcycles
Pre 1970 sidecars.

Something for everyone.
See you there, don't be afraid to come and say hello and abuse me :)

[ERC]

Wasn't there long but I think Oldfart could do with more saloons to race with.


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John Ure's Jaguar now on period wheels of the correct size.
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[ERC]

Just seen that someone was killed at 1pm and the meeting cancelled. Not sure whether or not that applies to Sunday.

So sad.

[AMCO72]

Ok, just got back from the Roycroft meeting. Damn cool when I arrived at 9am this morning, but soon warmed up to be damn hot this afternoon.

The usual interesting array of machinery, with some weird and wonderful body styles created by their owners. Competitor numbers seemed to be down on last year, which seems to be the lot of motoracing these days.

Our RS mate, Oldfart managed to get a second in the first race with his 'standard' Standard!!! The Jaguar sounded and went very well, and so did the Zephyr, while it was going. Not sure if it had a Raymond Mays head head on it.....it certainly had triple carbs, and really sounded the business, and driven with some verve.

Talking of 'sound'......noise. The noisiest things on the track, to my ears, were the racing motorcycles, especially the more modified ones.

Now I have just been informed that one of the competitors died this afternoon. I think it was a crash during the Formula Junior race, but not sure for certain. I saw the rescue helicopter fly in, and everything had come to a halt but had no idea that this had happened. Racing was apparently cancelled for the day. Not good.

[ERC]

Oh heck. As most of us know most of the FJ drivers, I'm seriously concerned.

[touringcarfan]

Footage on 3 News. It looked like the sweeper heading onto the front stretch. Not what we like to hear. My thoughts are with the drivers family and friends at this time.

Anthony

[ERC]

Typical. We watched Prime & TV1 news and there was no mention on TV1 and just a mention on Prime.

Thanks for the PM Ricky. I now know who.

[AMCO72]

Has anyone got any information about the Roycroft meeting. There seems to be news blackout, and I know the serious crash unit was involved, and that they had 'shut the track down' pending an investigation.......though I cant see what a motoracing incident has got to do with them, when it is clearly not on a public highway.

A crash like this shakes up all the racing fraternity, and we have just been left in limbo, wondering and worrying who was the victim.
I can understand that next of kin need to be informed first so maybe that is the problem.

Whoever it was, there is a family somewhere whos husband, partner, dad, did not come home last night, a devastating thing to happen.

[Kiwiboss]

I heard the person? driving a FJ had a medical issue behind the wheel and then crashed, went straight in around the sweeper somewhere which as we all know is pretty damn wide, no other vehicles involved i believe!!

Still, as you say Gerald he will have family and friends somewhere that will be somewhat sad at the moment, gotta feel for them!! God Bless

Dale M

[GeebeeNZ]

Dale I have been competing there today and the general indication is as you have noted. I am also sorry to inform Gerald (AMCO72) that my completely standard MK1 850 Min was beaten by Oldfarts Twin Carb Herald Coupe powered Standard ten. We both had to deal with Anne in her 1906 Darraq. We could get her in the corners as she has hand operated two wheel brakes but 14 litres of 1906 technology is still capable of !60 kmh. Due to the small saloon entry Rhys and I ended up running with the vintage cars today. John Ures Mk 7 Jag ran with the faster group. WE desperately need more pre 1961 saloons.
Graeme Banks

[Oldfart]

Dale, your comment is presumed correct, but until coroners etc unconfirmed. Len May was the person concerned.
Saturday afternoon was cancelled, but Sunday went ahead pretty much as scheduled, however the Formula Juniors withdrew in respect.
John Ure, as expected was much quicker than GeeBee and I, but a touch slower than Grant Clearwaters' Zephyr while he was running, he dropped a headgasket. No, not a Raymond Mays head, but I understand he has one hiding for the future.
The Pre 61s had a lot of interest from potential entrants. 2 more meetings each season have been offered if we can get more cars.
Attrition list was; Grant Clearwater as above
Ryan MacDonald A30, major issues on his test drive on Friday afternoon prevented his attendance
GeeBee had brake issues to resolve Saturday, so his arrival at 8.30am Sunday was good
Rob Williams V8 coupe had some unusual noises midweek which they were unable to resolve
Keith Elliot Alfa had issues at Taupo so was not able to enter, (I don't think he can stay away in the future)

[Kiwiboss]

Dale, your comment is presumed correct, but until coroners etc unconfirmed. Len May was the person concerned.
Saturday afternoon was cancelled, but Sunday went ahead pretty much as scheduled, however the Formula Juniors withdrew in respect.
John Ure, as expected was much quicker than GeeBee and I, but a touch slower than Grant Clearwaters' Zephyr while he was running, he dropped a headgasket. No, not a Raymond Mays head, but I understand he has one hiding for the future.
The Pre 61s had a lot of interest from potential entrants. 2 more meetings each season have been offered if we can get more cars.
Attrition list was; Grant Clearwater as above
Ryan MacDonald A30, major issues on his test drive on Friday afternoon prevented his attendance
GeeBee had brake issues to resolve Saturday, so his arrival at 8.30am Sunday was good
Rob Williams V8 coupe had some unusual noises midweek which they were unable to resolve
Keith Elliot Alfa had issues at Taupo so was not able to enter, (I don't think he can stay away in the future)

Was only going on speculation and a couple of txt's Oldfart, either way its still sad and im sure as you say all will come out with the coroners report!! funny how the news media report it in such a way you'rd think it was a major racing incident, EG: cars crashing into each other!! gotta get those ratings up!!!

Rhy's stick to your guns with your pre 61 Saloon group and don't let Ray(ERC) beat you around!! every grid is small compared to his series but at least proper classic cars and your proper classic racing group isn't a hotrod freak show!! im rite behind you and would rather watch your period grid any day even with less numbers, as long as the quality and correctness is there!! and yeah, yeah i know Ray, track owners and event organizers can't afford to have small grids, etc, etc, next!!

Dale M(fingers in ears, waiting for it)

[BMCBOY]

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[kiwi285]

Love the photos Ross. Any info on the D Type Jaguar ?

[Ross Hollings]

Great photos,what is car 441, single seater with wire wheels ?

[AMCO72]

It is the Begby special. A beautifully constructed little machine and a real credit to its owner/builder. Sorry cant provide any more details but someone will know.

Another machine that took my eye, not because of its beautiful construction, but because its inlet manifolds were made from house-hold plastic waste pipes!!!!!!!!!!!Have never seen such a thing, and am surprised that it passed scrutineering. It was supercharged, and had a long and convoluted inlet from the blower, through a heat exchanger [I think] and eventually to the head. There were a lot of twists and turns and no doubt easy to construct with waste pipe, but................. ............ The pipes were paint black to confuse armchair critics.

[Rod Grimwood]

Got any photos of the 'plumbing' Gerald. Sounds interesting. Maybe adult version of 'Lego'

[AMCO72]

No Rod, I haven't. Yes I know the mixture passing through the pipes was cool...ish, but the exhaust pipes were also very close. A recipe for a fire I would say. And yes 'plumbing' was a very apt description!!!!!!!!!!!

[ElCoyote]

[QUOTE=AMCO72;38886]It is the Begby special. A beautifully constructed little machine and a real credit to its owner/builder. Sorry cant provide any more details but someone will know.
Info coming Gerald. It's Bagby special

[RacerT]

Great photos,what is car 441, single seater with wire wheels ?

I thought car #44 was a supercharged Riley.

[AMCO72]

Correct........car 441 is the Bagby special. Correct name from Elcoyote.....he 'begs' to differ.

[ElCoyote]

[QUOTE=AMCO72;38886]It is the Begby special. A beautifully constructed little machine and a real credit to its owner/builder. Sorry cant provide any more details but someone will know.
Info coming Gerald. It's Bagby special

Was originally a factory JBS chassis with Triumph M/Cycle engine followed by a VW1200. Had a bad shunt and Bob Bagby built a new chassis with a Vic Simpkin 100E. Stan B has owned for 40 years and was brilliantly restored by himself and Tor Andreasson and is pure gold

[Steve Holmes]

Dale, your comment is presumed correct, but until coroners etc unconfirmed. Len May was the person concerned.
Saturday afternoon was cancelled, but Sunday went ahead pretty much as scheduled, however the Formula Juniors withdrew in respect.


Really sad to hear this. Condolences to Len's family and friends. RIP.

[ElCoyote]

[QUOTE=ElCoyote;38892][QUOTE=ElCoyote;38889]

Was originally a factory JBS chassis with Triumph M/Cycle engine followed by a VW1200. Had a bad shunt and Bob Bagby built a new chassis with a Vic Simpkin 100E. Stan B has owned for 40 years and was brilliantly restored by himself and Tor Andreasson and is pure gold, as is anything a Benbrook touches.

[Ross Hollings]

Thanks for that,very eye catching,as they say with aircraft design......if it looks good it flys good. First time I have seen it. Ross H

[nigel watts]

I'd like to offer my condolences to the family & friends of Len May. Very sad & we'll all miss him even if we didn't know him personally.

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[AMCO72]

To me, there is one car, and one driver who epitomises everything that is right about Classic racing, and that is Fred Courtney in the old Northland special. Just take a look at Nigels pictures, and the look on Freds face as he hussles the car along. Great.

Talking of hussling, the pilot of the RA Vangaurd was giving it a bit of welly and exploring the limits of adhesion and finding it a bit of a handful. Look at the attitude of the car, and the way the suspension is working when cornering hard. I think Mr Green needed to do some more sums on that one.

[Steve Holmes]

Brilliant photos everyone! Thanks for sharing. Some really great cars there.

[bry3500]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsZ6PWEdLPY

[Frosty5]

Talking of hussling, the pilot of the RA Vangaurd was giving it a bit of welly

Gerald, the word is now "jandal" but without the expletive that followed!!!!!

[Frosty5]

Talking of hussling, the pilot of the RA Vangaurd was giving it a bit of welly

Gerald, the word is now "jandal" but without the expletive that followed!!!!!

[Spgeti]

Great Photos guy's. What is #14 ? Condolences on the loss of Len to family, friend and the FJ group. A sad day.

[Oldfart]

Great Photos guy's. What is #14 ? Condolences on the loss of Len to family, friend and the FJ group. A sad day.

It's the "Dogs Bollox Special"

[AMCO72]

Good question...another one of the weird and wonderful creations that were racing in the weekend. Has bits of Morris and other 30's British makes in its construction, and the design is someones dream that has curdled into someone elses nightmare. Vaguely resembles a Vintage Vauxhall. The engine was interesting, and there is a better picture in Ross Cammicks photos showing the 4 SU's, but what the block is I have no idea. Oldfart will know.

No pictures yet of the machine with the 'waste-pipe' plumbing.

[ERC]

Good on the VCC for accepting these specials. Pity you can't run a collection of pre 1977 bits and get it accepted in the same spirit.

[Steve Holmes]

John Ure, as expected was much quicker than GeeBee and I, but a touch slower than Grant Clearwaters' Zephyr while he was running, he dropped a headgasket. No, not a Raymond Mays head, but I understand he has one hiding for the future.
The Pre 61s had a lot of interest from potential entrants. 2 more meetings each season have been offered if we can get more cars.
Attrition list was; Grant Clearwater as above
Ryan MacDonald A30, major issues on his test drive on Friday afternoon prevented his attendance
GeeBee had brake issues to resolve Saturday, so his arrival at 8.30am Sunday was good
Rob Williams V8 coupe had some unusual noises midweek which they were unable to resolve
Keith Elliot Alfa had issues at Taupo so was not able to enter, (I don't think he can stay away in the future)

Rhys, I am really encouraged by your new Pre 61 saloons class. Great work! I think this has so much potential. Every new class has to start somewhere. You've got over the first few hurdles, now you've got the cars out on the track. Keep at it, the class will snowball.

[Oldfart]

Rhys, I am really encouraged by your new Pre 61 saloons class. Great work! I think this has so much potential. Every new class has to start somewhere. You've got over the first few hurdles, now you've got the cars out on the track. Keep at it, the class will snowball.

Hell, I have put a hell ofa lot of effort in here, built my own car when I would actually prefer to be running a sports car, spoken with 55 truckloads of people, paid to save a car or two so that some others might have access to applicable cars, I ain't giving up for at least another year.

Anybody got an action shot of Bubbles the Standard 10? It's Bubbles because the second owner (I am the 3rd) christened it Bubbles and I promised to keep it that way

[GeebeeNZ]

Gerald I believe the Dogs Bollox Special has a Sunbeam Talbot engine. Looks impressive with those 4 SUs


Good question...another one of the weird and wonderful creations that were racing in the weekend. Has bits of Morris and other 30's British makes in its construction, and the design is someones dream that has curdled into someone elses nightmare. Vaguely resembles a Vintage Vauxhall. The engine was interesting, and there is a better picture in Ross Cammicks photos showing the 4 SU's, but what the block is I have no idea. Oldfart will know.

No pictures yet of the machine with the 'waste-pipe' plumbing.

[Spgeti]

It's the "Dogs Bollox Special"

What a cool name, I did think you were taking the piss out of me but the 4 carbs and style of those front guards remind me of something else but it is certainly different. Great event Oldfart, keep it going.

[BMCBOY]

These photos taken at Taupo last year - superb restoration.

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[Oldfart]

Good question...another one of the weird and wonderful creations that were racing in the weekend. Has bits of Morris and other 30's British makes in its construction, and the design is someones dream that has curdled into someone elses nightmare. Vaguely resembles a Vintage Vauxhall. The engine was interesting, and there is a better picture in Ross Cammicks photos showing the 4 SU's, but what the block is I have no idea. Oldfart will know.

No pictures yet of the machine with the 'waste-pipe' plumbing.

I was told Morris 8 chassis and Talbot 90 engine?? in the Dogs Bollox but I can't be absolutely sure

[Oldfart]

Has anyone any photos of the Standard 10 on track?
Cheers

[nigel watts]

Has anyone any photos of the Standard 10 on track?
Cheers

Sorry Oldfart but I only got one shot of your car in the pits with the air brakes deployed.

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[ERC]

Sorry, I missed it too. It was so quiet out on the track that I waited a while after the Jag went past and thought that was it, so I headed away back to the paddock - and missed you! (Late Saturday morning.) Part of the problem with small grids and fairly quiet cars.

I hope you can generate more interest in the class though or you'll just have to run with the sports cars - which is no bad thing really. You can always split the class when numbers are viable.

The prices being asked on Trade Me for old saloons seem to be very pricey and I know that my better half would rather I spent the money on a usable MGF rather than an Austin A40.

[crunch]

Sorry Oldfart but I only got one shot of your car in the pits with the air brakes extended.

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...that's not one of the rods laying on the ground under it is it? Is the yellow thing the obligatory drip tray for English cars? :cool:

[Ellis]

English cars take some beating....
Water drips in around the windsceen etc onto the floor
but
When it runs out onto the ground it has turned into oil

Some sort of chemical reaction maybe....I've got several 1920's and 30's Austins so can speak from experience
Rovers I've heard are probably the best at it.......TIC

[Oldfart]

Love it!
The story of actually getting Bubbles there is quite lengthy, but in short at 9ish on Friday the whole front suspension, engine and gearbox were on the garage floor in the Bay of Islands while I tried to get some clutch action. I had changed out the brand new unit in case that was the issue, put it all back in, and no clutch at all. A bit later I found that while the slave was working perfectly, the pushrod was too short to do the business, so another extension was tried, then a proper version made. At 3 I loaded the trailer, left to come down for the event, and that photo shows when the gearbox was actually being given some oil. Timed, no, wheel alignment no, but I was there :)
Drip tray, of course, it's English, no oil drips = no oil.

[rf84]

Ellis
Don't forget the Lucas electrical system! Apparently Joseph Lucas had a theory that electrical components actually worked by smoke and that electricity was simply a means to transfer smoke from one part of the electrical system to another. This can actually be proven. When smoke pours out of a Lucas component that component stops functioning fairly soon afterwards

[ERC]

At least we Brits have a sense of humour about our heritage in the automotive industry!

Don't forget that oil changes are totally unnecessary...

At least the Joe Lucas stuff lasts longer and is more sturdy than many of the modern equivalents. The only failed electrical components on my rebuilds have NOT had Lucas on them!

Rewiring a car with Lucas colour codes (later adapted to BS-AU7a 1983 Colour Code for Vehicle Wiring) is a piece of cake too. Much more logical than any Japanese car.

[AMCO72]

I have had wiper motors that have been going since 'Auntie fell off the Tram', in other words a bloody long time. And these things are notoriously unreliable. Maybe I didn't take the car out into the rain very much.

Your right about the wiring....even a colour-blind person can sort it out, AND it was a decent weight, not the skinny stuff you find on Japanese cars........the absolute bare minimum to carry the load. Saves weight apparently!!!!!

[Allan]

Did I read somewhere the reason the British like their beer warm and their pies cold is because Joseph Lucas used to make fridges and ovens?

[ERC]

This Brit likes his food hot and his cold drinks cold! Remember that most of us oldies grew up with no fridge in the house.

Interesting that the engineer who I now trust to do the work on my car is ex Lucas!

[nigel watts]

When I owned my Triumph 2500TC we used to call Lucas "The Prince of Darkness"

[crunch]

This Brit likes his food hot and his cold drinks cold! Remember that most of us oldies grew up with no fridge in the house.




Isnt that because you grew up before electricity was discovered?? :cool:

[Oldfart]

Ellis
Don't forget the Lucas electrical system! Apparently Joseph Lucas had a theory that electrical components actually worked by smoke and that electricity was simply a means to transfer smoke from one part of the electrical system to another. This can actually be proven. When smoke pours out of a Lucas component that component stops functioning fairly soon afterwards

In my case there is the bare minimum, trailer wire to the rear and front lights. Mr Lucas has only a wiper to his credit on this car.

[Barry]

I was asked once by a fellow that worked on British cars if I knew why the British didn't make TV's, he told me it was because they couldn't get them to leak oil.

[ERC]

In my case there is the bare minimum, trailer wire to the rear and front lights. Mr Lucas has only a wiper to his credit on this car.
What? No dynamo, starter motor, voltage regulator box, lights, switches? Hey what is this Oldfart, a thinly disguised Hot Rod!!!!! Don't let Dale hear that you have lightened it by stripping out the surplus wiring. He'll go apoplectic.

Crunch - not quite, though it was penny in the meters for gas and electricity!

[Horizon]

After the shock of losing Len May, are there any updates on Vince Anderson who I believe was "triped" upside down in the ex Rob Willams elva 100. Heard he has a back injury and also there was an "event" with a Austin 7 and that Driver being hurt.

[ERC]

I wasn't aware of those incidents but it seems that this year is probably the worst we have ever had and we are only into March.

[Bryan]

Your right about the wiring....even a colour-blind person can sort it out, AND it was a decent weight, not the skinny stuff you find on Japanese cars........the absolute bare minimum to carry the load. Saves weight apparently!!!!!The spirit of Colin Chapman lives on.;)

[AMCO72]

I used to say that you could plug the National Grid into some of the wiring on my MG 1100 and it would take it........for a while.....using good old silver-paper 'fuses'.

[RogerH]

After the shock of losing Len May, are there any updates on Vince Anderson who I believe was "triped" upside down in the ex Rob Willams elva 100. Heard he has a back injury and also there was an "event" with a Austin 7 and that Driver being hurt.

Vince is in the hospital bed next to Tony Sturm and although Vince has some back injuries the prognosis is that it should self heal without the need for surgery. It was a dark day for Formula Junior after so many years without any significant incidents.

The Austin 7 accident was apparently caused by oil on turn 1 and the car flipped several times throwing out the driver. He has shoulder and back injuries and is very sore but evidently they will fix in time after some surgery.

[Trevor Sheffield]

Ellis
Don't forget the Lucas electrical system! Apparently Joseph Lucas had a theory that electrical components actually worked by smoke and that electricity was simply a means to transfer smoke from one part of the electrical system to another. This can actually be proven. When smoke pours out of a Lucas component that component stops functioning fairly soon afterwards

I am 85 years old in a day or two and can prove in depth knowledge and experience in regard to all forms of electrical systems. I get very annoyed when people who do not know the basics run down English and in particular Lucas electrical systems. Never anything specific is detailed and in depth knowledge is seldom on display.

Prior to shortly after the major war, all US cars incorporated six volt electrics. The headlights were a joke in all respects. Flat batteries were the order of the day. It took British imports to show them the way. On the technical front Lucas was always ahead.

If you want smoke try a pre war Ford. Henry regarded fuses as being a nuisance. A Lucas distributer transformed the flat head Ford V8 I raced at one time. Compare the US on and off throttle sensitive vacuum operated wipers with a Lucas electrical system. I recall an incident when driving a 1938 Chev blind, I came close to death. Yes I know how the hopeless system operated and hopefully including a reserve vacuum tank.

That said, all automotive electrical system design is and always has been stupid and would not be tolerated in any industrial situation. Electronic modules distributed around like as on a daisy chain in every notch and cranny. As for the attendant tenuous loom. Design? LOL.

[ERC]

Which is why I designed and built my own loom for the project car - but wherever and whenever possible, I used the aforementioned colour coding and every item with its own fuse! Good to hear some support for Lucas.

I must call in on Tony Sturm again, but he'll no doubt be happy to have someone to talk to in the next bed.

[GeebeeNZ]

In my case there is the bare minimum, trailer wire to the rear and front lights. Mr Lucas has only a wiper to his credit on this car.

My Mk5 Buckler No 45 is road legal and the WOF inspector could almost use a trailer form for it. No Windscreen, sunvisor, wiper, washers, doors. high stop, seat belts, indicators, hydraulic brake pipes, or spare wheel, true 1950s technology with some Joseph Lucas to keep it sparking and Ford rod brakes. Although its only 1172cc and shaped like a brick it can do Hampton Downs in 1.34 and its doing over 90mph (by GPS) across the finish line. From a man who has owned a lot of Fiats, British technology in the 1950s produced some good ones

Graeme Banks

[Ross Hollings]

Re pre 61 saloon car series. Am i right in that it is run under the VCCNZ umbrella. What are the safety requirements as regards raceware,fire,harness etc.? How many meetings would you expect to get at present.....dam you guys,you have got me interested now !!!

[Oldfart]

If we have another interested we are on the road even more!
Yes VCC umbrella
Racewear, either multi layer or approved wit nomex etc underwear
Harness optional but suggested
Roll protection likewise
We have been offered 2 more Hampton events + Roycroft and Taupo 1st weekend December.
My email for further pre61saloonregister@gmail.com for the whole deal

[Oldfart]

What? No dynamo, starter motor, voltage regulator box, lights, switches? Hey what is this Oldfart, a thinly disguised Hot Rod!!!!! Don't let Dale hear that you have lightened it by stripping out the surplus wiring. He'll go apoplectic.

Crunch - not quite, though it was penny in the meters for gas and electricity!

Well, as it was in the day "as it was, so it shall be" the dynamo has the guts ripped out, the voltage reg is decoration only, switches are not lucas, and yes it does have a starter, but being as it was, the solenoid is a press button in the engine bay, pull the knob on the dash :) the lights show as Smiths. No gauges at all!

[nigel watts]

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[AMCO72]

Another neat picture of Fred and his buddies. Take time to study that photo.......it's priceless.

Talk about a 'patina of age'...........not only the car!

[crunch]

Another neat picture of Fred and his buddies. Take time to study that photo.......it's priceless.

Talk about a 'patina of age'...........not only the car!


That Northland Special is such an iconic car and part of our history. Not only for it's performances but also because it's the first car in NZ to have sponsorship from two opposing oil companies! :confused:

[Spgeti]

Another neat picture of Fred and his buddies. Take time to study that photo.......it's priceless.

Talk about a 'patina of age'...........not only the car!

Your right Gerald, how long has Fred owned that car for and how old is Fred ?
Fantastic photos Nigel.

[Bryan]

I am 85 years old in a day or two and can prove in depth knowledge and experience in regard to all forms of electrical systems. I get very annoyed when people who do not know the basics run down English and in particular Lucas electrical systems. Never anything specific is detailed and in depth knowledge is seldom on display.
Trevor, my father-in-law is about your age, and was an auto sparky in the family business (C.E. Monty Whites) in Frankton, Hamilton. He learnt his trade from his father, who had worked at Lucas (in Coventry, iirc). He held 6-volt VWs in the greatest disdain.:o

[Trevor Sheffield]

Did I read somewhere the reason the British like their beer warm and their pies cold is because Joseph Lucas used to make fridges and ovens?

LOL. Exactly when, where and why? N.B. Those who are well read in respect of facts, know full well that Joseph Lucas exclusively manufactured quite superb oil and carbide lamps for horse drawn vehicles and bicycles before electricity was in use.

[Trevor Sheffield]

That Northland Special is such an iconic car and part of our history. Not only for it's performances but also because it's the first car in NZ to have sponsorship from two opposing oil companies! :confused:

Quite a flash car in its time, but the rough and ready old GeeCeeEss had it beaten and was the true icon of the type and era.

[Oldfart]

Quite a flash car in its time, but the rough and ready old GeeCeeEss had it beaten and was the true icon of the type and era.

Really? Which one won the first NZ Grand Prix?
Both are a bit grandfathers axe like, I just asked Fred 1970 was when he got it and he's now 72, had a birthday not too long back

[Oldfart]

Quite a flash car in its time, but the rough and ready old GeeCeeEss had it beaten and was the true icon of the type and era.

Really? Which one won the first NZ Grand Prix?
Both are a bit grandfathers axe like, I just asked Fred 1970 was when he got it and he's now 72, had a birthday not too long back!

[Trevor Sheffield]

Really? Which one won the first NZ Grand Prix?
Both are a bit grandfathers axe like, I just asked Fred 1970 was when he got it and he's now 72, had a birthday not too long back!

The frst N.Z.G.P, Ohakea, 1950, was won by John Mcmillan, Jackson Special. The first N.Z.I.G.P. Ardmore, 1954, was won by Stan Jones, Mayback special.

Really, when did the Northland Special head off the GCS, anywhere and at any time? Today is my birthday.:-)

[nigel watts]

Happy Birthday Trevor

[nigel watts]

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[Oldfart]

The frst N.Z.G.P, Ohakea, 1950, was won by John Mcmillan, Jackson Special. The first N.Z.I.G.P. Ardmore, 1954, was won by Stan Jones, Mayback special.

Really, when did the Northland Special head off the GCS, anywhere and at any time? Today is my birthday.:-)

The Northland special is the Jackson.
Maybach to be totally correct too!:)
Happy birthday

[nigel watts]

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[nigel watts]

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[stubuchanan]

Really? Which one won the first NZ Grand Prix?
Both are a bit grandfathers axe like, I just asked Fred 1970 was when he got it and he's now 72, had a birthday not too long back!

Not sure about the Grandad's Axe description, I took this photo 51 years ago (November 1962) and most of the visible parts look the same, apart from different bonnet line to accomodate different motor. (more than I can say about myself!). Probably first ten years saw most of the changes.

http://s6.postimg.org/eea5k01dd/Harvey_Chamberlain_Rd_Nov_62001.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/68s3lud4d/full/)

(Grahame Harvey at Chamberlain Road Bombay)

Stu Buchanan

[Bryan]

Great photos, keep 'em coming!:D

[nigel watts]

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[nigel watts]

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With a little help from my friends
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[AMCO72]

The one car that I would have taken home, if I had been so lucky, was the Alfa Romeo 1750. It was parked outside the door to 'Hamptons' and I presume came from Southwards, as I saw their trailer in the park. This model, or similar, was the one that Nuvolari won the Mille Miglia with in 1930, beating his friend and rival Varzi also in an Alfa.

It sounded absolutely gorgeous when started up, with the supercharger wailing away.

I may have missed it, but I don't see it on here, and I am sure Nigel has a shot of it somewhere.

[ERC]

Your wish is my command..




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[Oldfart]

And still no pics (other than when filling the gearbox) of Bubbles :(

[BMCBOY]

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[AMCO72]

How beautifully delicate that car is. You wouldn't think that it could withstand the pounding that Nuvolari gave it for 1000 miles, 1600 kilometres round the Mille Miglia. Funnily enough at the end, his tyres were hardly worn, although the fronts had been changed as a precaution at half distance, and his brakes were like brand new. Mind you he was known to be easy on the brakes, simply because he hardly ever used them, preferring instead to throw the car into a corner sideways to scrub off speed!!!

[nigel watts]

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[nigel watts]

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[ERC]

And still no pics (other than when filling the gearbox) of Bubbles :(

Sorry, never even managed to see the car on track!

Suggestions:

1) Change the colour scheme to the same colour as your Austin...

2) If you run it at the Chelsea Hillclimb in November, I'll take an action pic

3) We'll be up at Paihia again before the end of May, so maybe a quick photo shoot on the public road?

[AMCO72]

Look at all the room in the cockpit of the Alfa Romeo compared to that of the Bugatti. It is a tight squeeze even for Terry who is not a large man. Also remember that Ron used to store all his worldly possessions in the passenger compartment, including some large trophies that he had won, when he drove to the South Island to compete in the car.

Thanks for photos Guys.

[rogered]

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Thought the ignition cap and wires came though the dash where the "clock" is ?.

[AMCO72]

On the Bugatti engine they might have, but the Jaguar has a different distributor drive to the Bugatti, which of course you already know.
Not sure what that rev counter is out of, if anything. Maybe an aftermarket item.

[nigel watts]

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[rogered]

On the Bugatti engine they might have, but the Jaguar has a different distributor drive to the Bugatti, which of course you already know
Not sure what that rev counter is out of, if anything. Maybe an aftermarket item.


:) so how come the purists, who bring up details on non original cars in other groups, dont complain and ban this bugatti HOT ROD.


(I say this tongue in cheek)


( i know also that it did run a jag in its day)

[Bryan]

Thought the ignition cap and wires came though the dash where the "clock" is ?.

Looks aftermarket - 8000rpm with a shift light...

[Oldfart]

:) so how come the purists, who bring up details on non original cars in other groups, dont complain and ban this bugatti HOT ROD.


(I say this tongue in cheek)


( i know also that it did run a jag in its day)

Always was a hot rod, like most of the cars of its' era :)

[GeebeeNZ]

Roger you say tongue in cheek but Terry moved it from the pre 1945 group up to the pre 1961 group and it ticked all the boxes as a pre 1961 vehicle. VCC and MSNZ have no problem with that.

Talking of Hot Rods we were also happy to run a 1939 Ford Coupe with a pre 1961 Chev OHV V8 in our saloon field Once again it ticked all the boxes as a genuine pre 1961 vehicle. Sadly it was not able to run due to a mechanical problem but it was certainly eligible.


:) so how come the purists, who bring up details on non original cars in other groups, dont complain and ban this bugatti HOT ROD.


(I say this tongue in cheek)


( i know also that it did run a jag in its day)