Group U Historic Sports Sedans at Mallala Easter Historics

[Topgear]

I went to the SA Historic Racing general meeting tonight and they are excited to run a category for Historic Sports Sedans!
We had a very productive meeting and even surprised myself at the level of interest.
I had two people at the meeting ask me to find them cars for the event!

These are a few points that we discussed and came up with,

- It is limited to 24cars

- Historic log books are not required, infact no log books are required at this stage (will explain later)
(to try and promote the category were not pushing for log booked vehicles, we have a preference for vehicles up to 1986 to keep within the guidelines of the GroupU rules)

- The events will be run as "spirited demonstrations" and will only require a 2LS license.
(If it was run as a "race" we can only except log booked vehicles. As it is a historic event and correct log booked vehicles will be hard to find, we can accept many more vehicles as a "spirited demonstration" and basically compete in a similar fashion. Cars will be sent out of pit lane from fastest to slowest, form up on the out lap behind the pace car "hopefully Clem Smiths Charger Sports Sedan". The pace car will pull off coming onto the front straight, then we are released to circulate!)

Obviously in years to come we would like to make it for log booked GroupU cars, but lets get some cars on the track and get the interest going.

[Topgear]

Here is a list of people who have expressed interest,

1- Simon Pfitzner, Datsun Stanza (Ex- Barry Bray)
2- Barry Bray, Nissan Gazelle
3- Damien Johnson, LJ Torana
4- Nathan Mills, Ford Escort (Ex- Mic Monteroso)
5- Dick Ward, Fiat Abarth
6- Graham Boulter, FJ Holden
7- 105angria, 6cyl Triumph powered Anglia
8- Steve Rooke, 64 Mini Cooper
9- Mark Trenoweth, XJS Jag (Ex- John McCormick)
10- Alistair, Datsun 1000



Some other cars that I am aware of but havent heard back from yet-
- Anglia
- Anglia
- FJ/FX Sports Sedan
- EH Holden
- Hillman Imp (V8)

[bry3500]

Thats GREAT news Topgear , well done - I will be making the trip for a look

[Steve Holmes]

Exciting news, best of luck with this Simon, I think you're at the start of something big.

Re the Mic Monterosso Escort, I know both Mic and Cos raced Escort Sports Sedans, one being a MkI and the other the V8 MkII with the RS2000 nose. Which one was Mic's?

[Steve Holmes]

Simon, you should look to see if you can get the Fiat 500 from this thread (http://www.theroaringseason.com/showthread.php?699-The-Bruce-Wells-Collection-Oran-Park-Part-1) along to your event. It precedes Sports Sedans, and probably even Sports Racing Closed, but is the type of vehicle that gave rise to the popularity of Sports Sedans. Just having it on display would be cool!

[Topgear]

Hi Steve, the MK2 Escort was Mics...
All the people on the top list I have spoken to and have said they would come to the event,
(Ive even got interest from people with cars that are post 1986...? But am trying to see if we can fill the grid with historic type cars?)

I have spoken to Dick and he is very keen to come!
Hes trying to work out how best to get the car over from Perth,
He is bringing over his open wheeler car anyway, but now wants to bring the Fiat as well, but its a bit hard to fit 2 cars on 1 trailer!?

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks Simon. Good to hear the Monterosso Escort is still about. Boy that was a fast car! I remember reading a brief section in a magazine from years ago when Mark Skaife was just getting his big break in Group A touring car racing. The Sports Sedans were running at the same event as Group A, and Skaife was hanging over the pit wall every time Monterosso came thundering down the straight in the Escort. "Here he comes!", he'd say, just like a kid! Gotta love the Sports Sedans.

Great to hear you've spoken with Dick about the Fiat. Even if he just had the car there on display, it'd be great to create that tie-in on where Sports Sedans roots began. Hope he can sort the logistics.

And my thoughts would be to stick to your 1986 cut-off date. For those considering bringing their cars out, they'll be more encouraged if they see you stick to your original date.

[Topgear]

I spoke with Mark Trenoweth today and he has expressed interst in being at the event,
Would be great to see the Jag running again!

[Topgear]

I have a friend who is looking for a charger sports sedan, if anyone knows of one available please let me know...

[Gary Goulding]

I spoke with Mark Trenoweth today and he has expressed interst in being at the event,
Would be great to see the Jag running again!
Mark doe use the jag quite regularly in Qld at Hillclimbs & at the Morgan park Historics.
We all competed 2 week-ends ago at the Morgan park Historic meet.
Mark ended up fast of all the Group A / C & the three (3) Group U cars.
He did have some oil problems in Qualifying which made it interesting with me having the big Jag behind my little Ford Escort (Pinto).
I hope he makes the trip down for you.

[Topgear]

Thanks Garry,
Are you interested in bringing the Escort down for the event...?

[Steve Holmes]

Any chance we can see some photos of these cars?

[105angria]

Always happy to post a pic Ex Eric Jordan ,under 2ltr, Standard Triumph powered 105e Anglia raced from 1975 t0 1983 Calder Sandown AIR , Heathcote Hume Weir.then parked out in the open and left ,found on ebay 2yr restoration

[bry3500]

Mark Trenoweth Jaguar

[bry3500]

Dick Ward Fiat Abarth

[bry3500]

Barry Bray Gazelle

[bry3500]

Damian Johnson Torana

[Rookie]

Here's mine again. First logged booked as a sports sedan in 73, and used until 91.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/Molloy2.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa238/hot065/Molloy1.jpg

[Topgear]

9694

[Topgear]

Just a teaser...

9695

[Topgear]

9698

[Steve Holmes]

Awesome pics guys, really good stuff!

[Gary Goulding]

Thanks Garry,
Are you interested in bringing the Escort down for the event...?

Hi
I will not be able to attend unfortunately.
Would be good to get together with some other group U cars.
Sorry about that

[rogered]

9698

A really cool car\driver to watch. Saw him at oran park in the late 90s and seam to recall him being around 2 seconds quicker than the supercars.

[timbo61]

The Monterosso's Escorts,
Firstly the Mk1, at an AGP (domestic) support event at Calder Park, and then the Mk2 RS6000 at an Aust. Sports sedan C'ship event at Eastern Creek.

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/2200/scn0001z.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/36/scn0001z.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/1016/scn0002k.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/844/scn0002k.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks Timbo, nice pics. Is the MkI the Cos Monterosso car? I seem to recall some years back, one of the brothers had the MkII RS6000, the other had a Commodore. They switched cars partway through the season, as the brother with the Commodore was doing well on ASSC points, and jumped into the Escort to give him a better shot at the title as the Escort was the faster of the two.

[Topgear]

Just added another car to the list...

Had some good discussions with other competitors in QLD and looks like we may get some more cars coming on the scene soon!

[Gary Goulding]

Just added another car to the list...

Had some good discussions with other competitors in QLD and looks like we may get some more cars coming on the scene soon!

Hi
I am just wondering who it was you spoke to in Qld?
I know of 2 new guys.
Ones got an R100 & the other has an RX7.
To add to the Mini, Escort & Jag in Qld already.
Would be interested to know of others.
Cheers
Gary Goulding

[Rod Grimwood]

That Mk1 of Monterosso is what inspired me to put a wing on my car for Sports Sedan race's in NZ. Put on wing, change rear spring rate and away. Back for clubmans and off with wing, on with boot and back to old springs. Always loved the look of Monterosso Mk1.
Funny thing was, first time out with wing others walking around making suggestions that my hand was in wrong place, then bugger me next meeting they were all wankers. About the only thing I beat some of them too.

[cavvy]

I have a friend who is looking for a charger sports sedan, if anyone knows of one available please let me know...

There were two (2) in WA, Ian Diffen then Brian Smith, and Craig Marsland had one.

I understand the Diffen car is in Q.

To pursue the current whereabouts of both cars can I suggest you checkout a great WA motor sport site: http://www.speedwest.net/forums/forums/ubbthreads.php

Ask a question of the locals, they are friendly, and if you search the photo threads you will photos of both cars.

[Topgear]

Thanks Cavvy...
I think he found the Diffen car that was in WA then found out it had gone to QLD and the new owner doesnt want to sell it...
If you can help to locate another V8 car that would be appreciated...

[Topgear]

Cavy,
I tried checking out the link to the WA site but found it difficult to find any information...
If you have any contacts that may know where a V8 Charger sports sedan may be please feel free to let me know...
(Im already aware of Clems Smiths Charger, not for sale)

[cavvy]

Cavy,
I tried checking out the link to the WA site but found it difficult to find any information...
If you have any contacts that may know where a V8 Charger sports sedan may be please feel free to let me know...
(Im already aware of Clems Smiths Charger, not for sale)

Contact Ray Oliver at his Facebook page - he or his father will know if anyone does.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Olivers-Photography/2137505419823

[Steve Holmes]

Was the Ian Diffen Charger on display at an event a few years ago? I recall seeing it somewhere, might have been the Muscle Car Masters.

[Topgear]

Had another good meeting with the HRCC last night...
We are now looking at having a swap meet at the event, trade stands and a dinner meeting at the Sporting car club in town one night...
The final structure is still being worked on but were making some good progress,
The competitors who have expressed interest are starting to talk about the event a lot more, and I’m receiving more and more photos of cars being restored for the event...
So keep spreading the word and let’s fill the track up with some good old toys!

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks for the update Simon. Had any more car owners show interest?

[105angria]

Both the Bray A30 ,and the Monterosso Anglia are back on ebay at present ,and cheap

[bry3500]

Both the Bray A30 ,and the Monterosso Anglia are back on ebay at present ,and cheap

Links please Angria?

[Topgear]

Hi Everyone,

Its been a while since I've updated any information but have had a few more commitiments to the event, and other people have said they wont have their car ready in time but will bring them along to put on display...
I will get some more photos of the new entrants and put them up soon...
Keep the discussion going and tell everyone you know about the event,

[Steve Holmes]

Awesome, thanks for the update. Will look forward to hearing of the new entrants.

[cavvy]

Didnt the McCormack Ansett Charger end up in WA ? Parted out?

[Steve Holmes]

Thanks cavvy, yeah it did get broken up to build another Sports Sedan, but I think someone then reassembled all the parts again, although the car is a long way from complete, and requires total restoration.

[Topgear]

Ok...

Starting to get some numbers for the Mallala event,

Here are some numbers of people who have shown big interest in the event which is now full steam ahead

1- Simon Pfitzner, Datsun Stanza (Ex- Barry Bray)
2- Barry Bray, Nissan Gazelle
3- Damien Johnson, LJ Torana
4- Nathan Mills, Ford Escort (Ex- Mic Monteroso)
5- Dick Ward, Fiat Abarth
6- Graham Boulter, FJ Holden
7- 105angria, 6cyl Triumph powered Anglia
8- Steve Rooke, 64 Mini Cooper
9- Mark Trenoweth, XJS Jag (Ex- John McCormick)
10- Alistair, Datsun 1000
11- Troy Ryan, V8 Hillman Imp
12- Serge Deluca, Rotary Anglia
13- Ian Baird, Austin A30 (ex- Barry Bray)
14- Garry Roberts, LJ Torana
15- Norm Lee, LJ Torana
16- Stephen Craig, Holden Gemini (maybe)

Some other cars that I am aware of but havent heard back from yet-
- Anglia (ex- Cos Monteroso)
- Anglia (ex- Mic Monteroso)
- FJ/FX Sports Sedan
- EH Holden

[Steve Holmes]

Fantastic, and really encouraging. Keep up the good work!

[Topgear]

I found out today that the ex-Cos Monteroso Anglia was sold on ebay to someone in Victoria, can we find out who bought it and see if we can get them to go to Adelaide for the Mallala Historic weekend...

[Topgear]

Hey 105Angria,

I see your car is for sale on my105, I assume you cant make it for Mallala?

[105angria]

Hi Topgear ,put the car up on ebay ,I had a bad year business wise so as a be nice to the wife placed the add , planning on Mallala , missed out on Geelong Revival , working on weekends to get car ready ,stuffed around trying to fit a new type of oil filter ,now i have a massive leak that im struggling to fix, will keep you posted ,think it will be one of the best things to do looking forward to giving the car a run

[Topgear]

Hey Angria,
Sorry to hear work is slow... plenty of businesses are...
Good to hear your trying to make it to Mallala, the more the merrier!

Keep an ear out for who bought the ex-cos monterosso Anglia, that car went to MLB, that would be a good car to get to the event also.

[Topgear]

Ok its on!

Get your entries in as soon as you can, as mentioned earlier we are limited to 24 cars,

Here is a link to the entry form-
http://www.sportingcarclubsa.org.au/documents/Easter%20Historics%20Entry%20Form.pdf

[Steve Holmes]

Yeehaw! Awesome.

[Topgear]

I spoke with Chris Clearihan today and he is keen to bring the Edmondson Alfetta to Mallala,
Would be another great car to see circulating again...

[Steve Holmes]

Hey that is great! That car played a significant role in Aussie Sports Sedan racing.

[shaun]

wow this would have been a great event to have been at ..

any pics ?

[Steve Holmes]

Yes, I second that!