VVC Newsletter August 2013

AUGUST 2013 NEWSLETTER
Affiliated to SAVVA
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.vintageandveteranclub.co.za
mail: P.O. Box 651901, Benmore, 2010
clubhouse: 3 Athol Oaklands Road, Oaklands, Johannesburg
FROM THE CHAIRMAN’S DESK
I have just returned from our club Sunday gathering where a number of people came up to me and
shared various remarks and insights.
It never ceases to amaze me what a great Brains Trust we have in our membership. The amount of
skill talent and knowledge we have amongst us is an absolute treasure trove - if you only know where
to look. The sad part, of course, is that every time we lose one of our members, whether to the Reaper
or just away from the club, it diminishes the Brains Trust.
So, my message this month is about maximizing the opportunities we have to learn from each other
and getting to know one another better, so that we can exploit this collective knowledge to help each
other – and ourselves - more than we presently do. Of course I am not suggesting taking advantage but I am suggesting that we do get to know where our fellow members excel. Some are marque
specialists with expertise in certain makes of vehicles; others are skilled at recreating bits without which
our old toys would simply not work; others, again, are motoring history boffins or experts in fields not
confined to our hobby. It is this range of knowledge and skills that I believe is invaluable in our movement
and one that should be shared, because one day, suddenly, we will no longer be able to ask that
particular question that we’d been meaning to…
It is always a treat to meet someone who has a passion about a particular subject and to learn from
them, which can often even lead to a great friendship - which experience is, after all, what draws many
of us into this hobby. One just has to look at the variety of vehicles on display on the Sunday and the
constant appearance of new faces to be reminded that our organisation is alive and well and doing a
great job of preserving our motoring heritage - which is one of the main aims of the club’s constitution
- and it always feels good to be among like-minded people who share the same passion and put effort
into making our club the enjoyable place that it is.
So… get to know a new member next time, and you may be surprised to find out just who you are
talking to, and at the same time you will be strengthening our club that already gives us so much
pleasure.
Until next month, keep those wheels turning safely and don’t take the green lights for granted!
Ian Holmes
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THIS MONTH’S COVER
1927 Buick is a Standard Six Sport Touring Car with the Standard 3.4 litre engine fitted
to the 114 ½”(Wheelbase) Series. The Master cars had the bigger 4.5 litre engine fitted
to the 120” and 128” Series cars. Owned by Brian Hart
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
NEW MEMBERS
This month we say
Many Happy Returns to:
This month we say a warm hello to 3 new members. Firstly
let me introduce you to Marcin Wertz and his wife Jenny.
They live in Sunninghill with a couple of Porsche and a BMW.
The next hello is to Scott Eaton who lives in Robertsham
and shares his garage with a ’48 Chrysler, ’51 Oldsmobile,
’53 Pontiac and a ’81 Cadillac. Then the last hello goes to
Basil Vertue and his wife Tessa who live in Parkhill Gardens.
Basil has a varied collection, to many to mention here, but
have a chat to him to find out. Welcome to all of you.
Chris Baker-Duly
Alan Grant
Pat Barclay
Stan Wesselink
Nigel Stokes
Joe Gates
Robert McCutcheon
Jon Lewis
Mike O’Neil
John Okell
Dick Sheppard
Meyer Blumenau
Pierre De Villiers
Desmond Sweke
Roger Harwood
Robin Swatton
Brian Groenewald
Richard Harris
PJ Ryan
Arlindo Da Costa
Phillip Katz
David Paulin-Campbell
Steven Gamble
Ruarc Peffers
Michael Davidson
Just a bit of useless information for you to think about and
to idle away the space I have available. The Club had a good
first month of collecting the annual subscriptions. A huge
THANK YOU to all members that have already paid. Now
may I appeal to all the members that have not yet paid their
subs to PLEASE do it soon. Again we appeal to you to add
your name or membership number in the reference part of
the deposit so we can allocate the subs to the correct member.
Then I also would like to harp on about the Indemnities and
Vehicle Dating. Please think about getting these things sorted
out now. Now lastly I’d like to ask members to sign the
Register at Sunday Meetings. The register is placed to the
left as you enter the clubhouse. The register is quite self
explanatory, it’s not a complicated process where we need
a thumb print or a photo of your eye, just your name, your
vehicle and names of your guests.
So that is all I have this month.
Happy Winter Vintage Motoring to you all, Noel.
Please join us on Friday evenings at the club,
in the “Milk Bar” for a few rounds!
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SAVVA Technical Tip 74 – Repairing cylinder heads
TIP
SAV V
A
C H N I CA L T
IP
TE
AL
SA
We received the following technical tip from Leo Kritzinger. He refers to this product
VV
for repairing cylinder
IC
A TECHN
Heads but it sould be ideal for gearbox casings, carburettors etc. - Many thanks Leo.
Don't let them mess up your head
This is what is left of a 1934 Ford V8 cylinder head after an ‘expert’ welder had gotten hold of it!
These cast aluminium alloy cylinder heads are fifty, sixty, seventy years old and invariably have
become brittle and prone to metal fatigue fractures and cracks. By applying high temperature
heat required by welding, to repair the already frail vintage metal, only caues more damage as
can be seen on the photograph below. But there is a safe, simple solution…
Before going this drastic welding route, why not try something that you can apply yourself?
It is a South African product called STEENVAS ST100 Cold Welding, an epoxy filler that
hardens to a steel-like consistency. Once set, it is effective up to 150°C and can withstand
pressures up to 100 bar. It is not affected by salt or fresh water, petrol, diesel, brake fluid, acids,
chlorides or UV rays. Since no heat or flame is required in the application, your aluminium
cylinder head cannot be damaged as happened to the one shown above.
As with all epoxy products, surface preparation is very important. The application area must be
dry, free of dust, dirt, oil or grease. Fine hairline cracks may have to be opened up to allow
sufficient grip surface for the epoxy. The mixing ratio is 50:50.
Available from AGRIMARK, Durbanville at around R140 for a 400 ml pack. Tel 021 976 3057.
Contact the manufacturers direct for more info or to get the name of a supplier near you.
Email address : [email protected]
Website : http://www.steenvas.co.za
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LANCIA FULVIA
50 years
"A precision motorcar, an engineering tour de force." - Road & Track, 1967.
The Lancia Fulvia was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1963. It had a staggered V4 engine
with chain driven cams, a1091cc motor, front wheel drive, disc brakes all round, and breathtaking
handling. In South Africa, the floor price of this diminutive masterpiece was just less than that of the
E-Type Jaguar. Yet, in seven years, 1133 coupes were assembled and sold in the country. The Fulvia’s
international rallying success is legendary.
Report : Lancia Fulvia 50 Anniversario in the UK 24-27 May 2013.
My wife Shelley and I participated in the Fulvia 50th weekend as members of the UK Lancia Club. We
had a wonderful stay with Robin and Margaret Lacey, whom we met on the Lancia Appia Tour in 2003.
The event started in typical UK fashion. In the rain. Robin and Margaret lent us their Lancia Fulvia
sedan (“berlina”), Series Two, made after the 1969 FIAT take over, which meant it had good brakes,
and an alternator. It had a lovely blue patina, was mechanically great, and comfortable. The wipers
struggled, of course. We heard later that they had bought the car with our visit in mind... how is that
for hospitality?!
The Friday afternoon was dedicated to a technical workshop seminar. A gearbox was dismantled,
followed by a discussion about the Fulvia motor, in particular the wonderful 1600 HF (“High Fidelity”)
engine.
The next day was sunny, still cold. This is their summer! Off to Goodwood Circuit, 40 miles away, near
Chichester, West Sussex. We had no plans to race the old lady, but would take part in the Fulvia parade
lap. I was in awe at the collection of cars. Here in SA we think a Zagato or an HF is rare. Not so in the
UK. All the Fulvias were immaculate with the exception of our blue-hued sedan. We waited for ages
for our hosts’ fabulous 1600 HF “Fanalone”(meaning big, er, headlamps) to arrive...
On our arrival in the UK on the Wednesday, we were taken to a barn where the resprayed Fanalone
stood. Sub frame, engine and gearbox fitted, brakes not working and a motor that had not run for five
years, and this was meant to be ready for Saturday to go to Goodwood... and still get an MoT. Was it
possible? We got cracking, together with the owner Robin and son Jonathan. Late into the night, and
morning (not me, folks, I still needed my beauty sleep). Thursday night at 10 we started up the motor.
Lovely sound, those gurgling 45s make. Off to bed, only to wake up and find the car on its wheels,
windows in, bonnet and bootlid fitted. Was there light at the end of the tunnel? We were due to drive
down to near Winchester for the technical discussion sessions starting at 2 p.m. Doors were still off,
only the driver’s door had some bits fitted. I decided to help fit the doors before leaving. Needless to
say we left late only to get further delayed on the world’s largest parking lot - the M25. Garmins do not
know of bank holiday weekends, so the old school map came out and so we followed our even older
school noses. Arrive late. In the rain. What a start to the Fulvia weekend...! That evening we received
a call to say the Fanalone got its MoT at 6pm. Cutting it a wee tad fine I say.
On Saturday at Goodwood we awaited the arrival of Robin who was to bring down the 1937 Lancia
Dilambda, notorious for breaking down, and Jonathan in the Fanalone. Meanwhile, I was in my element,
watching the arrival of some 90 Fulvias and other rare Lancias, which included an Aurelia convertible,
Flaminia Touring, 100 year old Theta, Betas and Montecarlos, Integrales, Thesis, Flavia Vignali and
an Augusta. Digital cameras are a win. Eventually the orange Fanalone arrived, no problems but just
in time for the parade lap of Fulvias. Some 59 Fulvias of all description took to the track (we had to pay
and pre-book for this).
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Speed limit was supposed to be 40 mph, and no overtaking. The form-up for the photo shoot took
forever. Off we went. Two glorious laps of this renowned circuit, the 40mph was soon lost. Goodwood
is a 2.4 mile flat circuit with plenty of flat-out sections and one massive chicane. After the session it was
a picnic lunch on the lush lawns.
The afternoon involved the Fanalone doing the afternoon track session, driven by Robin & Son.
Meanwhile I had been roped into help judging the concours. My section involved the all the 1.3 Fulvias.
The quality of the cars was excellent, and, surprise surprise, included two South African -assembled
cars. One a recent Series Two import, the other ex Cape Town - a Series One which had been owned
by the same little old lady for 35 years. Both cars had been assembled on the reef at the Diahatsu plant.
Back to the hotel for the gala dinner. Nice also to see that motorheads know how to dress up! The
speaker was the respected Dutch motoring writer and Lancia enthusiast, Wim Oude Weernink (his
book, La Lancia is a must for Lanciafisti). Wim spoke about the bleak future for the marque. Globalisation
the chief culprit.
Sunday and the sun is out, but still that chill. Off to the Beaulieu Motor Museum. It being such a fine
British day, it was decided to leave the berlina at the hotel and enjoy the 40 odd mile journey in the
convertible Dilambda (hood down). Nice trip, pity about the traffic. Found a nice pub for lunch while we
waited for it to simmer down. The weekend featured a James Bond theme, Truck Mania and of course
the Fulvia 50th. Uneventful yet exhilarating drive back to the hotel in the now backfiring beauty.
Monday. The end of the weekend and farewell to our newfound friends, and drive home to East Grinstead
following the ever-backfiring Dialambda on the A272.
Our Fulvia fun did not end there. We drove up north towards Leeds, yes on the highways in the rain,
to visit friends we had met on a previous trip to the Mille Miglia in 2011. We kept the berlina at 3800rpm
(peak torque) which equated to about 65mph. This was its most economical speed (with the fuel price
at R21.60 per litre) and was just faster than the trucks, which are only supposed to do 60 mph. We
were given various wonderful country routes to follow. Narrow English country lanes in a car that could
really handle was an experience. Having stayed with an excellent tour guide, we were given a scenic
trip back towards London. We returned the Fulvia back to Robin some 1000 miles later. No topping up
was needed for the tour, only a new inner tube due to an old patch coming adrift and breaking the valve
off. Not bad for a forty year-old Italian baby.
Can’t wait for the Fulvia 100th. Wait a minute. For now, let’s make that the 75th.
Tony Steiler
August 2013
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MEMBER’S MONTHLY FEATURED CAR
MY 1947 CHEVROLET FLEETLINE
For as long as I can remember I have always had a love for old cars and it was always my dream to
own one. I inherited my enthusiasm from my father, Harold, who worked for the late Harold Menkin,
also bitten by the old car bug and well known for his collection of 50s Chryslers.
In 1978 I was doing my military training and had the most amazing surprise waiting for me when I arrived
home for a weekend pass. There, standing bravely in the driveway of our Carletonville home… was a
‘47 Chev Fleetline. I could hardly believe my eyes!
My dad had found the car on a dairy farm just outside Carletonville. The owner of the farm had said
to my dad that if he could take it away he could have it. It had no wheels and was lying flat on its chassis.
In no time my dad had borrowed four wheel rims from his old friend Piet Oberholzer, who lived just
around the corner from us.
My dad and I tucked into the restoration, and I have many fond memories of the quality time we spent
on weekends working on the Chev. It was our first attempt at a rebuild, and parts were not as freely
available as they are today, from America. We made some mistakes, but within two years, by mid 1979,
the Chev was ready to be fired up, for the first time in probably three decades.
Our maiden trip to the Piston Ring Club in the Chev was an experience I will never forget. Over the
following years we forged many wonderful friendships with other motoring enthusiasts.
In 1980 we moved to Johannesburg and regularly participated in rallies, fun runs and club events. Our
first competitive event was in 1981 for the 50th anniversary of the Automobile Association. Gathered
at the Eastgate shopping centre was the most amazing range of vehicles I had ever seen.
In 1985, when the engine blew a head gasket, we decided to restore the Chev properly. Armed with
some experience, we stripped it for a second time. We gutted the interior and I found someone to redo
all the wood graining on the dashboard and the window surrounds. The brightwork was replated. By
chance I heard that Brakpan Motors - who had been the GM agency in the 40s and 50s - still had lots
of old spares in their upstairs store. Many happy hours were spent there sifting through storage bins,
and I found some amazing original parts, including a new grille.
The restoration was completed in time for the 1986 International Centenary of the Motor Car rally, here
in South Africa. Participants and their cars came from all over the world to enjoy our beautiful country.
Over two weeks we covered great distances. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and not one of the
Chev’s six cylinders ever missed a beat.
In 2000 my father passed away, and I became the sole custodian of the Chev. It was used for a PG
Auto Glass advertising campaign, and appeared in various publications and in various TV shows and
commercials.
The Chev is now part of my own family and we have had some lovely motoring experiences in it. But
most of all it brings back wonderful memories of time spent with my late dad, Harold.
I do my best to keep our car in tip-top condition.
Ronnie Suttner
July 2013
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WORLD’S MOST UNUSUAL CAR
ISSUED FOR BRITISH INFORMATION SERVICES BY THE CENTRAL OFFICE OF INFORMATION.
LONDON.
WORLD’S MOST UNUSUAL CAR
What is claimed to be the world’s most unusual car – the DB5 Aston Martin is making its debut in the
film of the Ian Fleming spy thriller, “Goldfinger” – will be seen at the International Motor Salon in Paris
this October.
The car, used in the film by Sean Connery in the role of 007 James Bond, has been fitted with a number
of “optional extras” which no up-to-the-minute secret agent can afford tobe without:
- a bullet-proof windscreen
- bullet-proof steel panel which can be raised from the boot to screen the rear window
- a smoke producing mechanism, operated from within the car, which emits a dense smokescreen to
enable Bond to make his getaway;
- a device for instantly changing both front and rear number plates;
- bumper over-riders which extend hydraulically to form ramming devices;
- two machine guns mounted for firing forward which protrude when the turning indicator lights are
hinged downwards,
- rear-light assemblies which can be lowered to allow oil or tyre-bursting nails to be sprayed in the path
of pursuers,
- a moving map display on which a radar “dot”, relayed from the wing mirror, indicates the position of
the car Bond is following, on which a homing device has previously been planted
- a nearside ejector seat for disposing of unwanted passengers plus a secret jettison panel in the roof
to aid their departure
- and a revolving cutter which extends from the rear hub caps to tear the tyres of any over-taking car.
The car’s makers, Aston Martin Lagonda Limited, give the credit for these “spies” special features” to
the film’s producers, Eon Productions Limited, contenting themselves with the fact that the late Ian
Fleming chose their product to ensure high performance for Agent 007 in his pursuit of the villainlous
“Goldfinger”.
ZZZ119933
September 1964
Photograph of
DB5 donated by
Marge Hubens:
Retired Vice Console;
British Consulate General
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2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
(Subject to amendment – see Magazine & Notice board for more current information)
JULY
28 Jul
VVC
Annual General Meeting/Post-vintage Cars & Bikes
AUGUST
4 Aug
11 Aug
25 Aug
31 Aug
PMC
VVC
VVC
VOWC
Cars in the Park (Pretoria)
Kenjara Lodge Lunch Run
Club Sunday Post-vintage Cars & Bikes & Flea market
Wheels on the Vaal (Vereeniging)
SEPTEMBER
1 Sep
VOWC
14 Sep
SAVVA
15 Sep
PR
24 Sep
SAVVA
28 Sep
COMBINED
29 Sep
VVC
Wheels on the Vaal (Vereeniging)
AGM
Piston Ring Swop Meet
National Drive it Day! SAVVA
International Ford Model A Day
Post-45 Cars & Bikes & Buick Club
OCTOBER
21 Oct
27 Oct
27Oct
Motoring Memories at Piston Ring
Studebaker Club Show Day, Smuts House
Sports Cars & Bikes& Rolls & Bentley Club & BDC
PR
STUD
VVC
NOVEMBER
10/11 Nov EC
24 Nov
VVC
Fairest Cape Motorcycle Tour CVMC
Veteran Cars & Bikes
DECEMBER
29 Dec
VVC
Christmas meeting
FUNNY
Irishman trying to learn golf and having a terrible time of it. "I'd give just about anything to get this right!"
he says aloud. Straight on the Devil appears and says "Anything?" "Well, short of selling my soul, yes."
"How about giving up sex for the rest of your life?" "Done and done!" He finishes the game in rare good
form and rumor of his deal spreads thru the clubhouse. One of the members, a reporter, see a story here
and asks him, "Sir, is it true you made a deal with the Devil to become a great golfer?" "True, enough."
"And you gave up sex as your part of the bargain?" "True again!" "And may I have your name, sir?"
"Certainly. Father Mike O'Ryan."
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2013 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of The Vintage and Veteran Club will be
held at 10:30 at the Clubhouse on Sunday 28th July 2013
AGENDA
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Welcome
Members Present and Apologies
Confirmation of the minutes of the 2012 Annual General Meeting
Chairman’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
South African Vintage and Veteran Association Report (SAVVA)
Nominations for the 2013/2014 Committee
Presentation of the Don Beatie Award
General
Tea and will be served at the conclusion of the meeting with the compliments of VVC
IMPORTANT NOTICE - SUBSCRIPTIONS DUE
All members are reminded to pay the 2013/2014
subscriptions NOW!
The subscription rates are published in the newsletter
on page 11, as well as the renewals have been posted
to all members.
BOOKS FOR SALE
1)
Rolls Royce & Bentley Chauffeurs Manual (original)
2)
Jaguar XJS 1975-1988
3)
Humber Cars 1868-1976
4)
Jaguar XJ6 1968-1972
5)
Jaguar sports cars, Bron Kowal
6)
Jaguar, Paul Skilleter)
7)
Jaguar (Complete history, Philip Porter)
8)
Mercedes-Benz workshop manual, pagodas 1968 to 1972 – Haynes
9)
Jaguar XJ6 series 1,2&3 workshop manual, 1968 to 1986 – Haynes
10)
Jaguar XJ-S – original Jaguar publication
11)
British Cars early thirties 1930-1934
12)
British Cars Late thirties 1935-1939
R350.00 (The lot)
13)
British Cars Late forties 1947-1949
Books are stored in the club library.
See Eric, or contact him on 083 7000 171 or 011 888 3790
R375.00
R250.00
R150.00
R150.00
R150.00
R200.00
R250.00
R350.00
R350.00
R500.00
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VVC COMMITTEE FOR 2012/2013
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Chairman/ Dating
Vice-Chairman
Clubhouse
Treasurer
Register/members
Special events
Clubhouse/General
Ex-officio Portfolio Holders:
John Hassall
[email protected]
Social breakfasts
Chris Van
[email protected] Editor
011 793 7304
011 888 3790
011 883 2054
011 442 6662
011 465 1084
011 786 1911
011 728 4172
CONTACTS
Ian Holmes
Eric McQuillian
Brian Lawlor
Paul Koski
Noel Fordred
Alan Hogg
Pierre Rousseau
011 679 2342
CORRESPONDENCE
All correspondence to the club should also be addressed to [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE
Deadline for articles for the next issue is the 7th of the previous month
Please do keep your articles coming in. Your contributions are appreciated!
When submitting photographs please ensure that they are high resolution,
to do justice to the pictures, particularly in the printed version.
VINTAGE AND VETERAN CLUB
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
2013/2014
Joining Fee: R125.00 (Including Name Badge)
Extra name badges R 25.00
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS:
Ordinary Members: R480.00 with printed Newsletter
R360.00 with e-mail Newsletter
Honorary Life Members: FREE
Country Members (outside of Gauteng):
R360.00 inclusive of printed Newsletter
Country Members (outside of Gauteng):
R240.00 if Newsletter is received by e-mail
Banking Details: Vintage and Veteran Club, Nedbank,
Benmore Gardens Branch 197305. Account No. 1973 038 617
Disclaimer: While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice, information and views given
to readers, the Editor, Club Committee and Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any
damages or inconvenience that may arise
11
OBITUARY - BRYAN HARRIS
Bryan, a club member for many years passed away on the 12th June, at the age of 72. He had
been ill for some time. He was born in Slough, England of Welsh parents and came to South Africa
as youngster with his parents who immigrated here.
His father was a motor engineer who acquired a Tiger Moth which he rebuilt and flew as a private
pilot. Unfortunately, he was killed in 1954 as the result of a mid-air collision with a Fairchild during
a pylon race. Bryan then had to leave school at 15 to get a job to support his mother, grandmother
and two sisters. He completed his matriculation and training as an industrial chemist at night school.
Together with Gordon Steward he joined the VVC in the early 60’s. For many years Bryan was the
club librarian and we still have early magazines professionally bound by him in the club library.
One of His claims to fame was his ability playing the church pipe organ. 25 years ago he organised
the installation of a beautiful pipe organ into the All Saints Church in Benoni and started a very
successful choir which has become an integral part of the Sunday services. The choir sang a
beautiful tribute to him at his funeral.
Over the years Bryan collected some very interesting cars including: Maserati Citroen, Aston Martin,
Jaguar S110, Riley Stelvio, Ford Model A, Citroen DS21, Sunbeam Alpine, Jaguar E-Type, Riley
1100 plus a number of motor cycles. Fortunately, many of these vehicles are still owned by club
members. He also used to import tyres for various vintage, veteran cars and motorcycles.
Because of his illness we haven’t seen Bryan at the club for some time, however, members will
recall him arriving on a Sunday at about 12.00, after playing the organ at his Sunday church service
and smoking “matches” at the bar – he was rarely seen without his pipe.
Our sympathy to his family.
Eric
OBITUARY - RUTH BLACKWELL
Ruth, who preferred to be called Ruthie, passed away recently. She and husband Peter, were
foundation members of the VVC. Both of them served one very common interest – motoring and
motor sport.
In their years together, they participated in virtually every branch of motoring activities, be it at
rallies, racing, or just some event that had to do with motoring – both cars and bikes.
Ruthie even drove Peter’s 3 litre Bentley. But because she was very short wooden blocks had to
be fitted to the pedals. In hindsight this was a very dangerous exercise – but she managed to drive
it.
Ruthie had a very good sense of humour. This showed in many ways from the remarks she made
or in the poetry she wrote.
We will remember her and to her family we extend our deepest sympathy and fond memories.
Brian Lawlor
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