Ford – WrAnTz

Goodwood Revival – Test Day

They talk about Glorious Goodwood, but when they say that typically it’s the horse racing that they mean.

However, yesterday could equaly be described as Glorious Goodwood. The sun was shining, we were at the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit as spectators for one of the Revival Weekend Test Days. We were surrounded by the sounds of hundreds, probably thousands, of horsepower. And instead of the smell of horse sweat and manure the smell of tyre smoke and racing fuel permeated the air.

Jon, my son-in-law, and I were here for the day. We really had no idea what to expect as this is not a public event. The Test Days are open, free of charge, to Goodwood Road Racing Club members. Much of the circuit is a construction site as the preparations proceed for the Revival weekend.

There were cars on the track but no schedule of events. No racing per se but tell that to a racing driver who is trying wring every last ounce of performance out of his car.

So, we arrived on circuit at around 09:45 and as there were cars already out on track we headed via the tunnel to the pit lane area where we could get an overview of the track.

We were just in time for the end of a session as we could see the red flag out and cars were being directed into the paddock area.

As we could see that cars were queuing in the pit lane for the next session we went for a closer look.

The beauty of days like these test days is that you can get up close with the cars, the drivers and their support teams.

Also, behind the pit lane area are the paddocks where the cars are prepared before heading out onto the track. This are will be filled to capacity over the revival weekend but for our visit there were only a few cars in residence.

From the paddock we headed across to the other side of the track to get a different perspective on the action.

By way of a change we were treated to a few open wheeled racers.

As this was only a test day we had been prewarned that there could be interruptions to proceedings, that certain areas of the circuit may be out of bounds due to construction activities.

And so it was that the track was shut down while a crane was brought out to lift some framework for one of the stands. Though this didn’t stop all activity as the next two pictures show. The lead car, with the hatch open, had a video film camerman sitting in the back, filming the following cars.

Once the cranework was completed the track was reopened and we were back to the action.

These remaining photos were taken from either opposite to the pit exit or from above the pit lane buildings.

Memorial To Mike Hawthorn and Lofty England

Well I hope I didn’t bore you to death with this post and all my snaps. If you got this far, thanks for sticking with me.

The thing that always amazes me is that the owners of these cars, worth millions of pounds, allow them to be raced. And believe me the drivers don’t hold back.

Classic Sunday – Breakfast Club

Last Sunday, 4th August, I visited the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit for the last Breakfast Club of 2024. I was there with my son-in-law Jon.

The Breakfast Club meetings are held on a Sunday morning and are free to attend.

All the vehicles on display are privately owned and driven or ridden to the event.

They are their owners’ pride and joy, the results of many hours of restoration and care.

And, in many cases, the expenditure of many thousands of pounds well beyond the resale value of the vehicle.

Each Breakfast Club has a theme, and this time was no different. Classic Sunday was for cars and bikes that were registered before 1st January 1984.

According to the news letter I received a few days ago, this breakfast club attracted over a thousand vehicles.

Suffice to say, Jon and I only managed to view maybe two-thirds of the vehicles on display in the time available to us. The gates opened to the public at 08:00 and we had arrived about thirty minutes after. The event closed at noon. We would have needed another couple of hours to view the remaining exhibits.

This time, breakfast club visitors were treated musical entertainment in the form of the Chichester City Band

Jaguar Kougar ? Seems like a bit of cross breeding going on here. And there certainly is with the Kougar being a “kit” car of sorts.

The Citroen DS was possibly the most beautiful car of its era and certainly its aerodynamic design and innovative suspension came the closest to the 50’s imagined transport of the future.

This is a classic example of a Rat Rod of which there were several on display. Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder.

There were a number of Corvettes on display. Most of the more usual Stingray style, unlike this example.

The 2CV was introduced to help motorise the large number of farmers still using horses and carts in 1930s France. In addition, it had been designed to cross a freshly ploughed field with a basket full of eggs on the passenger’s seat without breaking them, because of the great lack of paved roads in France at the time.

Somehow I don’t think this bright orange example would meet that criteria.

This pretty rod is at the opposite end of the spectrum from the Rat Rod above.

Beautiful, with so much chrome to catch the eye. So, so stylish.

I suspect that the front of this car would fail so many of the modern day safety rules and regulations. Style has been sacrificed for safety.

Yet another beautiful car. Pretty sure I had some pressed steel clockwork cars that looked like this VW.

Precursor to the James Bond classic DB5

Classic american muscle car. Who can forget that ultimate movie car chase with Steve McQueen in Bullitt. Apparently the real “Bullitt” Mustang sold for $3.74 million.

More muscle …

I remember the NSU from teens. To me they looked similar from the front and back.

Another “rat” or is it a work in progress ?

Triumphs are one of my favourite sports car marques. Love the shape and style of the TR4 although the predecessor TR3 has, in my opinion, the better shape.

1969 Ford Mustang with a 1976 Lotus Espirit in the background.

My preference would be for the Lotus with its superior handling. However my height and bulk would probably prevent me from getting into the Lotus or, more likely, make my exit look like a comedy routine. So it looks like I’m stuck with the yank tank.

Austin Healey 100, so named due to its ability to reach a speed of 100 mph.

Nicknamed Mavis.

Mavis claims to be a wolf in sheeps clothing due to the higher power unit fitted which has been “breathed on”. She claims to look like a tortoise, run like a hare and roar like a lion.

This MGB is another wolf in sheeps clothing. When I asked how he managed to get that lump into the car his reply was that he used some very big shoe-horns and a few cans of WD-40.

Who knew that the manufacturers of the ubiquitous 3-wheeler manufactured such great looking cars.

The Sabre 4 had a 1,703 cc engine

The Sabre 6 had a 2,553 cc engine.

Well I hope you enjoyed browsing my photos from Classi Sunday. As I said previously there were over a thousand cars on display and I have only scratched the surface with these pictures.

Jon and I played a little game between ourselves when we arrived. Jon said, “I wonder how may E-Types we will see” So we started counting.

We stopped at 27.

Till next time. The next breakfast club will be in May of 2025.

Goodwood Road Racing Club – 81st Members Meeting

Per my recent post, on Sunday, 14th April, I had the great pleasure of attending the annual Members Meeting, held at the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit.

This was the 81st Members Meeting. It’s amazing to think that this annual event has been going for so long.

Thankfully, the weather was kind, dry with some sunshine throughout the day, although the temperatures did drop later in the afternoon.

But hey, this post isn’t about the weather. Let’s get on to the main event. It’s all about historic cars, some of which are over one hundred years old, being raced around the Goodwood circuit.

So here are some photos of some fabulous cars, oh and motorcycles.

Getting us started is a fairly modern vehicle by Goodwood standards ….

This was just one of an array of Alpines lined up to greet us as we arrived.

Close by there was this fine display of monster Bentleys.

On arrival we were just in time for the first race.

Here we are on the grid but no sign of the cars.

1954 Kieft-Climax GP, 1953 HWM-Alta F2, “Monoposto”, 1953 Connaught Type A,

These guys were all lining up to compete in the Parnell Cup, a twenty minute race for Grand Prix, Formula 2 and Voiturette cars. These cars are of a type that raced between 1935 and 1953.

Next up was the Derek Bell Cup. a twenty minute race for 1-litre Formula 3 cars that raced between 1964 and 1970.

Yes, all lined up ready for the off. Unfortunately the race start was delayed for a few minutes.

One of the many stalwart volunteers, without whom events such as this could not go ahead.

Unfortunately, due to a racing incident the race was red flagged, an ambulance was deployed and all the remaining competitors had to return to the grid for the eventual race restart.

For a totally different form of racing we move on to the Sidecar Shootout. Racing sidecars was a first for Goodwood. The shootout featured eight of the quickest pairings from the Sidecar World Championships.

The riders, or is it drivers, and their passengers have to be truly insane. One of the competitor vehicles was clocked at 144 mph.

Steven Kershaw & Ryan Charlwood, LCR-Yamaha YZF-R6

Between each racing event, the McLaren cars would come out to play.

Presumably checking that the circuit was clear of any debris prior to the next event.

Which in this case was the Surtees Trophy. The Trophy race is for unlimited sports racing prototypes that raced between 1960 and 1966. The race duration was twenty minutes.

First the formation lap …..

And then they were off.

Charging into the first corner.

Here are a few detail shots …..

As we headed into the afternoon it was time for a Mustang or two, or thirty. Yep, thirty Ford Mustangs headed out onto the grid for the Ken Miles Cup. This forty-five minute race was for first generation Ford Mustangs that raced up to 1966.

Unfortunately, due to a racing incident, the safety car had to be deployed and the track cleared before racing could continue.

And then we were racing again …..

Sadly, this guy didn’t get to the finish line …..

But the Members Meeting isn’t all about racing. Some of the events are demonstration runs. On this occasion there was a real treat in store for motorsport fans, Can-Am. The Can-Am series introduced some of the wildest, most extreme race cars of all time.

Following the Can-Am demo we were treated to a real vintage display. Part 2 of the S.F. Edge Trophy. A five lap race for Edwardian racing cars, and Aero-Engined Specials, from the early 20th Century. Here are a few of my snaps …..

And now, back to the future. Here we have a Gordon Murray Automotive T.33 “Mule” supercar

Travelling back in time, just a little, we were treated to a demonstration of Niki Lauda’s McLaren MP4/2B……

And then as time was marching on, at around 17:00, we had the final of the Sidecar Shootout.

Steven Kershaw & Ryan Charlwood ready for th off, on their LCR-Yamaha YZF-R6

Finally, as we were getting ready to leave the circuit for the day, there was much activity on the grid as Goodwood prepared for the Peter Collins Trophy, a twenty minute race for sports racing cars of a type that would have raced between 1948 and 1955.

We didn’t actually see this race get underway as we were heading to the car park, but all in all we had a fabulous day. Once again Goodwood put on a spectacular event.

Thank you to Goodwood

Thank you to all the competitors and demonstration drivers.

Thank you to all the owners who allow these fabulous machines to driven as they were intended.

I’m of an age that I remember some of these vehicles racing, watching them on a Saturday afternoon, in black and white, on the BBC. Certainly I can’t get enough of them and all being well, I will definitely be back for the 82nd Members Meeting in 2025.

Goodwood Breakfast Club – Classic Cars

Sunday was the last Breakfast Club for 2023. As usual, there was a great turnout of both classic cars and spectators.

As usual, I’m posting a few photos from my visit.

First up then is this Gordon-Keeble. A British car marque with a local base, The original concept was conceived in Slough, and construction was in Eastleigh, near Southampton. Build took place between 1964 and 1967.

Oddly, the cars badge features a tortoise. The story goes that a pet tortoise walked into frame at a photo shoot and was chosen as the emblem.

And now for something completely different. Here, we have a Daimler Scout Car, known in service as the Daimler Dingo. It is a British light (3 tonnes), fast four-wheel drive reconnaissance vehicle.

Powered by a 2.5 litre 6 cylinder engine with 5 forward and 5 reverse gears, it was capable of speeds up to 55 mph. Although, speaking to the owner, this would be a noisy experience for the driver and scary, too, as stopping could be an issue. This vehicle only has drum brakes !!

No, this next one isn’t an aircraft carrier. Although it seems big enough. All I know is that it is a Ford

Oh, and 302 CI (cubic inches) equates to around 5 litres.

Next up is a rare beast. It’s a Rover P6 3500 Estoura. It was never a production car with only around 160 conversions having been completed.

Bought new in 1973 for around £2000 the conversion cost was just under £700.

I don’t really know much about this next car. I had to Google it, and this is what I believe it to be.

Austin Seven Mulliners Style Boat Tail 1938

An Austin Seven Mulliners Style Boat tail c1938. Providing a truly minimalist driving experience.

The Citroën 2CV, in French deux chevaux i.e. “two horses.” It was designed with the french farmer in mind to replace the ubiquitous horse and cart. It was literally designed to cross a freshly ploughed field with a basket full of eggs on the passenger’s seat without breaking them. Due, at that time, to a lack of paved roads in France. The 2CV was produced from 1948 to 1990.

A bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The Triumph Vitesse looked just like it’s cousin, the Triumph Herald. But under the bonnet, the Vitesse had a straight 6 with twin carburettors.

Available in either a 1600cc or 2000cc version. I was lucky enough to own a 1600 version for a couple of years until the differential failed. Sadly, at the time, I couldn’t afford to pay for it to be repaired, and with no willing buyers, I had to scrap the car.

One of the prettiest sports cars ever produced was the mid-engined Lotus Europa. Produced from the mid 60’s until the mid 70’s, nearly 10,000 cars were produced.

Just look at the beautiful flowing lines of this next example, a classic Jaguar XK120, presented here in racing trim.

Potentially worth in excess of £300,000

Back across the channel to France for another beautiful car. The Citroen Traction Avant.

The Avant was one of the first production cars to incorporate front-wheel drive, a monocoque body construction, and all-round independent suspension.

Here, putting in a rare appearance is Russian GAZ M21 Volga saloon. Produced between 1956 thru 1970

And that is it from the Goodwood Breakfast Clubs for this year. Of course, there were many more vehicles on show. I have barely scratched the surface.

The Breakfast Club events are always good value for money as they are free. Even the car parks are worth strolling around as many more classics are there to be seen

Shannon’s Classic Car Show

Shannons are an insurance company, in Australia, providing Car Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance, and Home Insurance products for motoring enthusiasts who drive imported, modified, classic, veteran or vintage cars.

Each year they host a classic car show. Somehow, despite numerous visits to Perth over the years, I have failed to hear anything about the show. Until now, that is.

Which is how I came to spend around three and a half hours of this past Sunday, being totally surrounded by some of the most amazing classic, veteran and vintage vehicles.

Well OK, I did take a break during that time. One does have to keep body and soul together and a fabulous Brisket Burger, courtesy of “Up In Smoke”, helped with that task.

The show presented a vast array of vehicles. As soon as I had paid my $10 entry fee I found myself surrounded by several Lamborghinis

…. I still think the Miura P400 is the best looking Lambo. No sign of one at this show.

But who wants to waste time looking at high tech super cars …

… when there are classic Volvos. Who remembers The Saint, starring Roger Moore as Simon Templar in his white P1800.

… or Fiats … My wife and I used to own a dark blue Fiat 128. It took us, with two daughters, all the way from Portsmouth in the UK, down to Port Grimaud in the south of France where we toured around Cannes, Nice, St Tropez and Frejus. A glorious two weeks.

… and VWs … Note the strange protuberance on the side of the Herbie lookalike. It’s not a rocket booster but a retro-fit air conditioner. Working in much the same way as the evaporative air conditioners used on many Australian homes.

… no Classic Car Show would be complete without Citroen, responsible for some of the most innovative, technologically advanced cars. And, at the same time producing some of the, mechanically, simplistic vehicles that became iconic in their own right.

… 3 Wheelers like the Messerschmitt, with its aircraft cockpit bubble and even an aircraft style yoke to steer by. The Isetta could be driven in the UK on a motorcycle license, because it was classified as a three wheel motorcycle. I did note the absence of Rodney and Del Boys vehicle of choice, the Reliant. I guess WA is a little too far from Peckham for Trotters Independent Trading Co.

… a few Rileys with their gorgeous curves.

… a few fabulous Austin Healeys. As a school boy I used to lust after a 3000 that I would see regularly in Battle High Street. It was aubergine in colour and had a roll cage, wide wheels and leather straps to hold the bonnet down. The typical “Frog Eye” Sprite was a bit girly by comparison.

… there were a few Fords … what is there to say. Cars for every man. Although not everyman wanted to have the same as everyone else. Hence the many uprated, sporty customisations. I have to say I never thought I would see a Mustang towing a trailer. Especially not a trailer made out of another Mustang. Sacrilege !!!

… Chrysler were well represented by the R & S series Valliants

Never too old to learn something new. I was informed, by a very friendly fella, that the Slant 6 Engine is really a thing. Until Sunday, I had never heard of such a thing. Apparently the Slant 6 enabled the cars designers to achieve a lover profile for the bodywork.

… There was a strong showing from the Holden camp. Many examples especially given the recent news that Holden are ceasing production . My favourite is shown below.

… no show is complete without a Cobra or two ….

Of course it is hard to tell an original, from a replica licensed as a Shelby authorised continuation of the original AC-built Cobra series. Whatever they may be, they are fabulous looking cars.

Of course I could go on throwing up image after image of classic cars but that isn’t all that was available here.

There were trucks …

… Busses … apparently the City Clipper used to offer free rides around Perth city. Interesting that Luxembourg has just announced free public transport in a bid to alleviate traffic congestion. It remains to be seen if the scheme works. Nice to know that Perth was such an innovator, back in the day.

I’ve already shown you a VW camper of sorts. Here are a couple of other campers.

And finally, something most unexpected …. Perambulators ….. Prams !!!. I remember my sisters being pushed around in something similar. No collapsible buggies back then. Definitely not car friendly.

I have many more photos. If you are interested they are available on my Flickr Photostream

Classic Car Sunday – Goodwood

Last Sunday, the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit held the latest episode of their popular Breakfast Club series. These meets, as mentioned in a previous post, are held on the first Sunday of every month. And best of all, entry is ticketed, but free.

Once again, thanks to the prolonged dry spell that the UK is experiencing, the weather was perfect. Blue cloudless skies allowing the bright sunshine to show of the varied paint finishes and, in some cases, the imperfections.

Here are just some of the photos I captured. First up a selection of vehicles, presented by the Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre.

A Pair of Leyland Titan Buses – On the left and example from 1965, the one on the right is one from 1964

Bedford – 1936

Southdown Motor Services ran bus and coach services throughout East and West Sussex. The company was formed in 1915.

I guess there may be a slight delay while the “great British workman” has a tea break.

Austin A4 – In rally trim.

1969 Morris Mini Van – In the livery of Yarty Cordials

If my memory serves me right, the Austin A40 was the first British hatchback.

One of the most iconic of British marques is the Aston Martin. To be honest, there were so many Astons on display, I became a little blasé so I chose to post just this example, because of the fabulous colour.

1966 Aston Martin DB6 Vantage

The same was to become true for the number Jaguar E-types. Don’t get me wrong, I love to see them and I am really pleased to see so many classic cars being lovingly looked after.

But ever onwards, so much more to see and not all high end or high performance. For example…

BMV 3.0 CSL

1950 Cadillac “Le Monstre” Tribute

1966 Unipower

1955 Ford Thunderbird

1950 Cadillac 61 Series – DW Racing Livery

1955 Ford Thunderbird

1986 Citroen 2CV

1950 Cadillac “Le Monstre” Tribute

1955 Ford Thunderbird

1958 Fiat Abarth 750

1950 Cadillac 61 Series – DW Racing Livery

1955 Lotus Six

1955 Ford Thunderbird

1958 Fiat Abarth 750

Austin Gypsy

As I said above, not all of the vehicles on display are of the performance variety. Many, like the Ford Anglia “danglebox” below, were the cars that youngsters of my era started out in. And just like the young of today, we were not averse to “pimping” our rides. Fat tyres, lowered suspension, flared wheel arches etc. etc.

1967 Austin Healey 3000 Mk III

1968 Triumph TR5

1961 Ford Anglia

1987 Ford GT40

1959 Austin Metropolitan

2016 Superformance GT40

1959 Austin Metropolitan

The Austin Healy 3000, was my favourite “sports car” of all time. As a teenager, living in Battle, back in the mid-sixties, I used to see an aubergine 3000 with fat tyres, roll bars and bonnet straps. I really thought it was the business. And it has stuck with me right thru to my mid-sixties.

Sometimes, when the mood, light, atmosphere is just right a car will grab you. This, for me was the car of the day although the folks that were judging todays entries thought otherwise. What do they know ?

Bentley 4.25 litre Tourer

1938 62 Bentley 4.25 litre Tourer

Bentley 4.25 litre Tourer

This car has presence, poise, curves, is simply put, just beautiful.

1929 Ford Model A ?

1965 Gordon Keeble

1962 Sunbeam Rapier

1929 Ford Model A ?

1973 Lotus Elan plus 2

1966 MG Magnette

1973 Jensen Healey

1966 MG Magnette

1948 Land Rover

1965 Gordon Keeble

2016 Superformance GT40

Who remembers Barracuda by Heart , well here is the car. And, yes, I know it is also a fish with very sharp teeth. Looking under the “hood” I’m pretty sure this car has the automotive equivalent of teeth.

1970 Plymouth Baracuda

We had arrived at around 07:30 and the number of display cars kept on growing. From a photo stand point we aren’t even half way round. It’s interesting as we stroll along, how often we are saying stuff like “my Dad had one of those” or “that was my first car” or “we had one of those in blue” etc. etc. etc. A real nostalgia trip.

1957 Austin A35 – Somewhat modified !!

1967 Fiat 500

1924 Bugatti Type 35 – A Veyron prototype ?

1969 VW Karmann Ghia

1959 Porsche 356

1969 Ford Cortina Mk2

1969 VW Karmann Ghia

I should point out that Goodwood is an active airfield, so an unexpected bonus was a number of planes flying in and out. Including these …

But, hey, this post is about automobiles, so back to the main event …

1965 Austin Westminster Mk II

1935 Bentley

1974 Citroen DS

1967 Chevrolet Corvette

2003 DAX Cobra

1965 Ford Mustang

1939 Oldsmobile

1947 Bentley

1970 Morris Minor – Far from original with a Rover 3.5L fitted

1965 VW Camper

1964 Austin A40 & 1957 Austin A35

1935 Bentley

1950 Bentley

2003 DAX Cobra

1935 Bentley

1972 Jaguar E-Type

1970 Morris Minor – Far from original with a Rover 3.5L fitted

1968 Jaguar E-Type

1965 Austin Westminster Mk II

1958 Austin Healey Sprite

1974 Citroen DS

1939 Alvis Speed 25 ?

Alvis

1952 Citroen Traction Avant

1970 Morris Minor – Far from original with a Rover 3.5L fitted

1935 Bentley

1953 Riley RM

1968 Porsche 911

As you can see from the photos, the variety of vehicles on display was vast. The selection that I am posting here is just a fraction of the shots I took and is really only a taster of the caliber of this event.

1974 Morris Marina TC

Ford Capri

1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia

1965 Pontiac Bonneville

1955 Triumph TR2

1954 Jaguar XK120

1949 Dodge Pickup

1969 Triumph Herald 13/60

1973 Hillman Imp – Heavily modified

An Ageing Moddy Boy

1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia

1962 Lancia Flaminia Sport

1970 Dodge Coronet

1958 MG Magnette

1965 Pontiac Bonneville

And that is it folks. I hope I haven’t bored you with number of images. I am just amazed and the quality of the vehicles on display. The condition and finish is just a surface visual indication of the love that their owners lavish on them. We musn’t forget the mechanics underneath that classic bodywork.

I thank the owners for bringing their pride and joy along for my pleasure and I also thank the folks that organise these breakfast meets.

The next breakfast meet is Japanese Sunday, on October 7th. I hope to be there, let’s hope the weather is kind again.

Hot Rod & Custom Car Show 2017

Just spent an enjoyable couple of hours at the Hot Rod & Custom Car Show, held at Stansted House in Hampshire.

The weather did rather let us down but the cars managed to shine through even if the sun didn’t.

I’ll let the cars do the talking, take a look at the following photos. See what you think.

1960 Studebaker with 1963 Chevrolet alongside

1972 GMC

1959 Chevy Apache Truck

Ford Zephyr Mk II

1971 Volkswagen

1959 For Popular with 3.5 litres under the bonnet

1960 Morris “Moggy” Minor

1936 Ford Sedan

Vauxhall Viva HC Series

1960 Morris “Moggy” Minor with 2 litre Lancia engine

Anyone seen Garfield

How Low Can You Go ? 1948 Chevrolet

1959 Chevy Apache Truck

1936 Chrysler

1979 Ford

1936 Chrysler

1953 Ford Consul

1936 Ford

1970 Plymouth Superbird

Plymouth Road Runner

GMC 100

1949 Chevrolet 3100 Pick Up

1950 Dodge Charger

1948 Ford F 1 Pick Up

1957 Ford

1959 Chevrolet Apache Pick Up

1952 Ford Coupe

Taking Cover

Mercury Comet – 1964 ish

1959 Cadillac – Back end

1971 Volkswagen

1970 Plymouth Superbird

1933 Ford

GMC 100

1933 Ford

Ford 100 Pick Up

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

1961 Ford Taylor

1948 Morris Series Z

1951 Ford F 6

1930 Ford Model A

1959 Cadillac

1970 Plymouth Superbird

1937 Chevrolet

1961 Ford Taylor

1939 Austin

1946 Chevrolet COE (Cab Over Engine)

1936 Chrysler

Rover P5 Series

Claims to be a 1979 Reliant with a 3 litre engine !!!

Ford Capri

1948 Chevrolet Fleetline

1956 Ford

1962 Chevrolet Corvette

Mods

1948 Ford F 1 Pick Up

Mods

Studebaker Hawk

1940 Ford

1937 Buick Special

1950 Chevrolet 3600

Ford Consul Classic

1959 Chevrolet Impala

1964 Ford Zephyr Mk III

1957 Ford

1950 Chevrolet 3600

1955 Chevrolet

1971 Volkswagen

1949 Chevrolet 3100 Pick Up

1949 Chevrolet 3100 Pick Up

Ford Consul Classic

Ford ??

1954 Chevrolet alongside a 1941 Chevrolet

1949 Peterbilt 344 DT – Burger Bar

Grin and Bear It !!

1937 Chevrolet

GMC 100

1962 Chevrolet Corvette

Ford Consul Classic

1967 Ford Cortina with 7.5 itre V8 stuffed in

1941 Chevrolet

1936 Ford Sedan

1962 Chrysler 300

1967 Ford Cortina with 7.5 itre V8 stuffed in

1937 Chevrolet

1930 Ford Model A

1966 Ford Mustang

1953 Ford Consul

1951 Ford F 6

Mayor of Havant’s Charity Classic Vehicle Run

Last Sunday morning, under beautiful sunny skies, the Mayor of Havant’s Charity Classic Vehicle Run took place. With around 200 vehicles gathering in the car parks adjacent to the Public Service Plaza. That’s Havant Borough Councils office buildings to you and me.

Many of the drivers were making sure they were well fueled before setting off.

The queue for the burger van was never much shorter than this while I was there. However, it was moving along quite swiftly and I was sorely tempted by the delicious smells wafting my way. But I wasn’t there to eat, I was there to view some classic automobiles.

First up is a Ford Consul Capri circa 1962. My metalwork teacher at Claverham had one of these. At the time I thought they were the best looking car on the road and I still rate them very highly in the looks department. This one is in superb condition.

From Wikipedia:

A Capri was tested by the British The Motor magazine in 1962 and had a top speed of 79.0 mph (127.1 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 22.6 seconds. A fuel consumption of 36.7 miles per imperial gallon (7.7 L/100 km; 30.6 mpg_-US) was recorded. The test car cost £915 including taxes of £288

Moving on, there were several very nice camper vans, the interiors were very chinzy but the exteriors were all to a very high standard.

The black and white van looks so slick and was my favourite of the campers but the others also looked beautiful and showing the love bestowed by the owners.

Also putting in an appearance was some “heavy iron” headed up by Terry Pipers 1954 Dennis Pax flatbed truck

Ably supported by this Bedford TJ

And this alien vehicle, a Chevrolet “Advance Design” Pickup truck, circa 1940’s.

I’ve no idea what it had under the bonnet, or should I say “hood”, but it certainly was loud and proud. Apparently the engines ran from 3.5L to 4.3L !!

Everytime I visit a classic car event the one thing that amazes me is how vulnerable we all were. Many of the “family” cars were much smaller than modern day vehicles and with none of the safety features which we tend to expect.

Take a look at this wonderful Isetta ….

bubble — This 1958 BMW Isetta is owned by James Blake, Year of Manufacture1958, Cylinder Capacity (cc)298cc

I guess this was the Smart car of it’s era.

The first car that my wife and I purchased was a two tone Ford Consul Mk II, Primrose Yellow body with a white roof. Similar to the oen in the picture below. 1703 cc engine, 3 speed column change and front bench seat it handled like a round bottom boat in a heavy swell.

But we learnt a lot about car mechanics and motoring with that car and had one or two adventures. Not the least of which was driving from Winchester to Portsmouth with no foot brakes and surviving the descent from the top of Portsdown Hill using a hand brake that barely functioned. And another, complete with “duck bill” visor …

Another car with beautiful lines was the Bristol 403.

The BMW style radiator grill is hiding a BMW derived straight 6 and this car was capable of just over 100 mph.

Technology has made considerable advances over the years. Todays cars make a lot out of small packages. Small engines, 1500 cc, are to be found powering huge cars by comparison to the past. Here is an example of quite the opposite.

This car was introduced with an 1800cc engine in 1946.

From Wikipedia:

On test by Autocar magazine in 1947 top speed was found to be 75 mph (121 km/h) and 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h) took 34.4 seconds.

In 1948 the Roadster was updated and fitted with a 2000 cc engine. Again, from Wikipedia:

On test the changes resulted in the top speed increasing marginally to 77 mph (124 km/h) but the 0-60 mph time was much better at 27.9 seconds

Still, the lack of speed ensured one had plenty of time to admire the fabulous lines of this car.

Another classic from my youth was the Ford Consul Corsair although I never understood why so many British car names had “Consul” included…. Here is a very smart example.

Reminds me of the joke that was going around at the time.

Question: How many cars can you get under a police womans skirt ?

Answer: About 50,000 Corsairs

I’m sorry !!

Another car sporting a rather snazzy visor is this very clean Volvo PV544 with the B18 engine from circa 1962.

The Renault Megane was not the first car to be showing a classy rear. There were quite a few fancy behinds on display, so here are a few prime examples.

Watch this space….. I have more to share …….

Classic cars on parade at Havant – Portsmouth News.

How Much ???

That was pretty much the response from my wife when the garage called to advise that her car had failed its MOT and, how much the repairs were going to cost.

The car is only eight years old has less than 30K on the clock and does less than 3K a year. This really is the car with a lady owner that only drives it to the hair dressers once a week.

So, how much was this going to be ?

As the mechanic described it, worst case “If we have to replace both rear brake assemblies and the brake shoes too” then £300″. “Obviously if we find that any of the parts don’t need replacing then we won’t and the price will be reduced accordingly”

So all in all it’s not actually a bad price. Given how much garages charge these days we could be considered to have “gotten off lightly”. Still a bit of a shock when the car gets so little usage.

So now we are going through the usual “get rid of it”, “the MOT is more than the car is worth” gut reactions.

All pretty much un-warranted as this car really doesn’t owe us anything. It is a Ford Ka and as you would expect for a low mileage car it hasn’t let us down. In fact most of its woes are now down to age, rather than wear and tear, hence things like brakes (probably rubbers getting tired) and the last MOT we replaced track rod ends (probably the rubbers getting tired allowing dirt into the ball joints).

I don’t get to drive the Ka very often but when I do I always enjoy the experience. Given it’s size it handles much like a go-kart. That is it is very nippy and it goes where you point it. The steering is direct making it fun to take round corners.
So although we have a black cloud hanging over us right now I’m sure the sun will break though very soon.

Update: 18:00

Good news from the garage. They didn’t have to replace any brake parts. Still charged us for the strip down, clean and adjust but the bill came in at £200.

Waterlooville Classic Car Show – 2012

Every year a Classic Car Show is staged in the Waterlooville centre.

Despite the weather letting the exhibitors down there were quite a few folks up there and I include a few snaps for your edification.

Waterlooville Classic Car Show - General View South — Waterlooville Classic Car Show – General View South

Waterlooville Classic Car Show - General View North — Waterlooville Classic Car Show – General View North

Alfa Romeo — Waterlooville Classic Car Show – A

Waterlooville Classic Car Show – Triumph Stag

Waterlooville Classic Car Show – Sunbeam Supreme

Waterlooville Classic Car Show – Model T Replica

Waterlooville Classic Car Show – Vauxhall Victor 101

Waterlooville Classic Car Show – Ford Mustang Mach 1

Waterlooville Classic Car Show – Pontiac Firebird

Waterlooville Classic Car Show – Chevrolet

Waterlooville Classic Car Show – Mercury Monterey

The pedestrianised precinct is ideal for this type of event. It is a shame that there wasn’t some music and perhaps a barbecue or hog roast to supplement the static car display. Now that the precinct has been refurbished the town has to make maximum use out of the facility. I arrived around 13:30 and all I could see aside from the cars was some kind of Face Painting and a caravan with someone bending balloons. I couldn’t see much to indicate if there was any kind of “Best in Show” competition.

The owners of the cars were not much in evidence although some had obviously taken refuge within their cars. I did wonder if the old lady, asleep in one of the cars, might have been an optional extra at the time of original purchase.

I can only wish them better luck with the weather next year.

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Update: 18:00

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